The United Arab Emirates is planning to build a new port and container terminal on the opposite side of the Strait of Hormuz, in a push to bypass the Iranian closure of the waterway, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

According to the report, the new port would be built in the city of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, which already has an existing harbor, but it lacks the necessary infrastructure to serve as a major export hub for the UAE.

The initiative will be led by DP World, the UAE’s main port authority, and will also aim to reduce Dubai’s dependence on its flagship Jebel Ali hub in the Persian Gulf.

According to the UAE’s Arabian Business, the Emirates also plans to improve infrastructure at other ports in the Gulf of Oman, with the main plans centered on Dibba, Khor Fakkan, and the already mentioned Fujairah.

The push comes as conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has complicated navigation in the Strait, with attacks against ships, marine mines, and fighting in the area stopping the transit in the waterway almost completely.

Replacing Strait of Hormuz with Mediterranean route

The Emirati decision to bypass the strait was also recommended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the beginning of the war with Iran, when he told Newsmax that the only long-term solution to the crisis in the Strait was to build pipelines to carry the Gulf state’s oil and gas to the Mediterranean.

“Long-term solutions include rerouting energy pipelines westward, across Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea and Mediterranean, bypassing Iran’s geographic choke point,” Netanyahu explained in an interview with conservative US media outlet Newsmax.

The project, which could be part of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) initiative, would transform Haifa into a key oil and gas exportation hub.

IMEC, unveiled by former US president Joe Biden during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, was conceived as a transformative infrastructure and trade project to link India with Europe through the Persian Gulf and the Eastern Mediterranean.

But even if there is political capital in Israel for the project to take place, sources told The Jerusalem Post last week that Saudi Arabia was pushing to take Israel out of the IMEC initiative.

One of the leading options under discussion would redirect the railway through Syria, creating a land bridge from the Gulf to the Mediterranean without passing through Israeli territory, they said.

At the same time, reports from Iran point out that the ruling elite is showing growing concern over the rapid progress of IMEC, according to sources familiar with the matter.

War didn’t give IMEC momentum

Samantha Sutton, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and former Director at the US National Security Council, told the Post last week that the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is not pushing the Gulf States towards Israel’s inclusion in the initiative, with her saying that a peace agreement with the Palestinians and normalization plans would be actually useful.

“I think that after the war, these countries now view Israel more like a liability than a partner. And while in other regions involved in the initiative there are great relations with Israel, like in India, I don’t think the last war helped to improve the image of Israel in the Middle East,” she explained.

“What would be supportive is integrating the Jordanians and the Palestinians in the initiative. I believe that if IMEC helps establish normalization with Palestinians, and includes in some way the West Bank and Gaza, then the project and Israel’s participation would have much more support. And there are political actors in Israel who plan to run in the upcoming elections, interested in making this happen,” she added. (Jerusalem Post)

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The United Arab Emirates expanded its visa-on-arrival program to include nationals of six countries and their accompanying family members.

Under the new decision, nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa holding ordinary passports, along with their accompanying family members, are eligible to obtain a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival, provided they hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. 

The initiative reflects the UAE’s flexible entry and residency framework and its commitment to facilitating travel while providing visitors with a seamless travel experience.

In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that expanding eligibility for the visa-on-arrival program reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with friendly countries and fostering closer economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. 

The initiative also creates greater opportunities for nationals of these countries to experience the UAE’s unique cultural landscape, world-class tourism offerings, dynamic economy, attractive business environment, and globally recognized infrastructure. 

The Ministry further emphasized that it will continue to work in close coordination with the relevant national authorities to facilitate the movement of travelers, streamline consular procedures, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for business, investment, entrepreneurship, and exceptional talent. 

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) stated that the new amendments reflect the Authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance the UAE’s visa framework, expand the scope of beneficiaries, and align its services with global best practices in travel, tourism, and mobility. The Authority added that the decision also strengthens cooperation with partner countries while supporting the UAE’s leading position in global competitiveness indicators related to residency, tourism, and travel.

The ICP explained that eligibility for the new visa-on-arrival scheme requires applicants and their accompanying family members to be nationals of one of the six eligible countries and to hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. The Authority further clarified that the visa is available for either 14 days or 60 days, depending on the type of visa issued.

The Authority noted that the 14-day visa may be extended once while the holder is in the UAE, whereas the 60-day visa is issued for a single stay and is not extendable. Upon the expiry of either visa, holders are required to depart the country. An overstay fine of Dh50 per day will apply to those who remain beyond the permitted period.

The total issuance fee for the 14-day visa is Dh100, while the total issuance fee for the 60-day visa is Dh250. (Gulf News)

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A 43-year-old Indian expat in the UAE died of a cardiac arrest in Ajman after a routine badminton session on Wednesday night, just days after another compatriot collapsed and died while playing cricket in Dubai, his family has confirmed.

Anwar Sadiq, a father of two from Kerala who had lived in the UAE for around 15 years, had gone for his regular game of badminton with a group of friends on the night of June 17, his brother-in-law told Gulf News over the phone from Kerala.

During the session at a court in Ajman, he complained of pain in his left hand and stepped away from the court. Apparently, his blood pressure was normal, the brother-in-law said.

“He then rested for a while and had a lemon soda before deciding to head home. But he reportedly collapsed in his car in the parking area,” he added.

Fellow players, who rushed to help, called an ambulance and attempted first aid while waiting for emergency services, but Anwar could not be revived, said Anas M, one of his neighbours back home, living in the UAE. 

He said the death notification cited cardiac arrest as the cause of death at 9.51pm.

Anas said Anwar had grown up close to his home. “His house back in Kerala is just three houses away from mine and we had carried that same sense of closeness into our lives in the UAE.

He said Anwar was a regular at badminton sessions. Though soft-spoken, he was known to be active within his own circle.

Quiet, yet cherished

“He was like an elderly brother to me,” Anas said while paying his tribute. “He was a quiet person but active in his own circle. Anyone would like him when they meet him first,” he recalled.

Anas said the turnout at Anwar’s embalming and final prayers on Thursday night, and at his funeral back home on Friday afternoon after the Juma prayer, reflected the affection people had for him.

Young family shattered

Anwar worked as a procurement manager at a company in Sharjah while he lived with his family including his wife and two school-going children in Ajman.

His mother and two younger sisters live back in Kerala. The loss carries a particular ache for the family: his father had also died of a heart attack while he was in Kuwait, more than ten years ago.

Community volunteers supported the family in repatriating his mortal remains to Kerala, where he was laid to rest in his hometown, the brother-in-law said. Apart from Anwar’s family, some relatives based in the UAE also flew home for the funeral.

Second death in three days

Anwar’s death came days after Safwan Shanu, a 38-year-old expat from Karnataka, died of a heart attack while playing cricket at a parking lot in Al Garhoud, Dubai, on Sunday morning.

As reported by Gulf News, Safwan had scored 46 runs and hit six sixes that morning before collapsing at the non-striker’s end without any prior warning. He is survived by his wife and four young children, including a baby daughter who is just four months old. (Gulf News)

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The UAE Cabinet on Thursday issued a new resolution banning children under 15 from accessing social media platforms. Those between the ages of 15 and 16 will be permitted to access social media with restrictions.

According to a survey from 2024, children in the UAE spend around three hours daily on these platforms. Experts have noted that prolonged social media usage among children heightens challenges, including anxiety, attention difficulties, academic struggles, and, in certain instances, speech delays.

The Cabinet has announced several provisions of this new resolution, under which children under the age of 15 will not be permitted to create or use personal accounts on social media platforms, or access their full features. Even if parents consent to their child accessing social media platforms, this will not be constituted as a valid exemption. 

Children between the ages of 15 and 16 will be allowed regulated access to these platforms, subject to enhanced protective measures applied to their accounts. These measures include age-appropriate content classification and restriction, disabling high-risk features, regulating the duration of use, and providing parental control tools.

Social media platforms in the UAE will be given up to 12 months to progressively implement the new standards, in coordination with relevant authorities.

The UAE follows a host of other nations implementing similar laws regulating access to social media for children under the age of 16, including the UK, Australia and Malaysia. Experts have earlier noted that social media platforms stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain, encouraging repeated engagement.

Shares, likes, and comments on these platforms activate the brain’s reward centre, creating a sensation similar to the pleasure experienced during gambling or substance use, leading to continued user return. (Khaleej Times)

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The United Arab Emirates has denied reports claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or any Israeli military delegation visited the country.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said relations with Israel are conducted transparently under the Abraham Accords framework and that allegations of unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are unfounded.

The ministry urged media outlets to ensure accuracy and avoid spreading unverified or misleading information, stressing that UAE–Israel ties remain open and clear. (Newswire)

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Aspiring Sri Lankan cricketers began their international dream under the mentorship of national legends Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa, as the Karwan CC UAE Talent Search officially got underway on Tuesday (12).

The opening day of trials at the SLLDC Grounds, Kirimandala Mawatha saw the two former fast bowlers bring their wealth of experience to the field, offering guidance and inspiration to the next generation of talent. 

The program is spearheaded by Karwan Cricket Club Founder Mr. Babar Iqbal, alongside Principal Partner Mr. Furqan Khalil. 

Operations in Sri Lanka are being managed by Diversity Management Pvt Ltd and Impact Strategy Labs, ensuring the project’s smooth execution.

From village grounds to bigger stages, the journey for these young hopefuls has begun, with cricketing greats lighting the path forward. (Newswire)

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been secretly carrying out a series of attacks against Iran amid the ongoing US-Israeli war, according to a report published Monday.

One of the targets has been a refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island, anonymous sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal newspaper. 

That refinery was struck in early April around the time US President Donald Trump was about to announce a ceasefire with Iran, causing a large fire and knocking the facility offline, according to the Journal.

Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at the UAE and Kuwait. One of the sources said the US quietly welcomed the Emirates’ entry into the war.

The Journal said Iran has targeted the UAE more than any other country, including Israel, carrying out over 2,800 missile and drone attacks on the Gulf nation.

The attacks have wrought significant damage to the UAE’s economy, prompting layoffs and furloughs, and have “prompted a fundamental shift in the country’s strategic outlook to one that now sees Iran as a rogue actor bent on undermining the country’s economic and social model based on expatriate talent and a reputation for safety and stability,” anonymous Gulf officials told the Journal.

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not comment on the strikes when pressed for comment by the newspaper. It did, however, point to a previously-issued statement that emphasized Abu Dhabi’s right to respond to hostile acts.

“It’s significant to have a Gulf Arab country as a warring party that struck Iran directly,” Dina Esfandiary, a Middle East analyst, told the Journal. “Tehran will now aim to further drive a wedge between the U.A.E. and other Gulf Arabs who are trying to mediate an end to the war.” (Anadolu Agency)

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Under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates has unveiled a new government model that will see half of all government sectors, services, and operations powered by Agentic AI within two years.

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the initiative on ‘X’, stating that this makes the UAE the first nation globally to operate at such a scale through autonomous systems.

“AI is no longer a tool. It analyses, decides, executes, and improves in real time. It will become our executive partner to enhance services, accelerate decisions, and raise efficiency,” he said. 

The UAE Prime Minister further said the transformation will be measured by the speed of adoption, the quality of implementation, and the mastery of AI in redesigning government work.

“This transformation has a clear timeline. Two years. We are investing in our people. Every federal employee will be trained to master AI, building one of the world’s strongest capabilities in AI-driven government.

“The world is changing. Technology is accelerating. Our principle remains constant. People come first. Our goal is a government that is faster, more responsive, and more impactful,” he added. 

Oversight of the rollout will be led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, with a dedicated task force chaired by Mohammad Al Gergawi driving execution. (Newswire)

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Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where the two leaders exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East and Gulf region.

During the talks held recently (14), President Xi reiterated China’s principled stance of promoting peace and facilitating dialogue, stressing Beijing’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in regional stability. 

He outlined four key propositions for safeguarding and promoting peace in the Middle East:

• Peaceful Co-existence: Xi emphasized that Gulf states are close neighbors who must coexist, urging support for improved ties and the creation of a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security framework for the region.
• National Sovereignty: He underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Gulf states, calling for stronger protection of their personnel, facilities, and institutions.
• International Rule of Law: Xi called for upholding the authority of international law, rejecting selective application, and reinforcing the UN-centered international system and norms under the UN Charter.
• Balanced Development and Security: Stressing that security and development are interlinked, Xi encouraged efforts to foster a stable environment for growth. He noted China’s willingness to share opportunities through its modernization and collaborate with Gulf countries to nurture regional development and security.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, the meeting highlighted China’s growing diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, with President Xi positioning Beijing as a partner committed to dialogue, sovereignty, and balanced development in the region. (Newswire)

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Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock markets have lost around $120 billion in value since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran, according to multiple reports, as the conflict continues to rattle Gulf economies.

Reports indicate that the Dubai and Abu Dhabi benchmark indexes have dropped sharply since the conflict began on February 28, with Dubai’s index falling about 16 per cent and Abu Dhabi declining around 9 per cent. The losses have placed UAE markets among the hardest-hit financial markets globally during the ongoing crisis. 

More than $120 billion has been wiped from market capitalization across the two exchanges in just over a month, with Dubai taking the larger hit due to its greater exposure to tourism, real estate, and global capital flows, which are particularly sensitive to geopolitical tensions. 

The downturn comes as the broader Middle East conflict fuels investor uncertainty, rising oil prices, and fears of disruptions to regional trade and travel. UAE markets have also faced pressure from attacks and security concerns linked to the conflict, which have further shaken investor confidence. 

Meanwhile, Gulf markets more broadly have seen volatility, with Dubai among the worst performers globally in recent weeks, while some other regional markets have shown mixed performance depending on exposure to the conflict. 

The ongoing war has triggered wider global market turbulence, with oil prices surging and equities falling across multiple regions as investors brace for prolonged instability in the Middle East. 

The situation remains fluid, with analysts warning that continued escalation could lead to further losses across Gulf financial markets. (Newswire)

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The United Arab Emirates air defences intercepted five ballistic missiles and 17 drones on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Since the start of Iran’s attacks, the UAE have now intercepted 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,806 drones.

These attacks resulted in the deaths of two members of the armed forces while performing national duty, as well as six civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities.

There have also been injuries to 161 individuals, ranging from minor to moderate to severe of Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, Swedish, and Tunisian nationalities.

The MoD affirmed that it is on high alert and readiness to deal with any threats and to firmly counter all attempts to undermine the security of the state, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security, and stability, and safeguards its interests and national capabilities. (ARN News)

UAE air defences engaged 5 ballistic missiles, 17 UAVs

The UAE air defence systems on 24th March 2026 engaged 5 ballistic missiles and 17 UAVs launched from Iran.

Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise… pic.twitter.com/qudki57oTz

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 24, 2026

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The United Arab Emirates reopened its airspace on Tuesday after a brief shutdown, as Iran continued missile and drone attacks in a conflict with the U.S. and Israel now in its third week.

The UAE’s Defence Ministry said Monday that air defences have intercepted more than 300 ballistic missiles and 1,600 drones so far.

The General Civil Aviation Authority said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions and was made in coordination with relevant authorities. It added that real-time monitoring of the situation remains in place to ensure the highest levels of aviation safety.

The temporary but full closure of its airspace lasted nearly two hours, which the regulator said was an “exceptional precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and air crews, and safeguarding the UAE’s territory, amid rapidly evolving regional security developments.”

The move followed disruptions at Dubai International Airport, which resumed a limited flight schedule on Monday after a drone strike hit a fuel depot and triggered a fire. Authorities said no injuries were reported from the strike, the fourth drone-related incident to occur at the airport.

The disruption comes amid broader flight cancellations and rerouting across the Middle East, as airlines reassess operations through the region’s increasingly volatile airspace.

British Airways said Monday it extended a temporary reduction to its Middle East flight schedule due to ongoing uncertainty, affecting flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv.

The airline said it is keeping the situation under constant review and is in direct contact with affected customers to offer travel options.

The IAG-owned airline has operated eight relief flights from Muscat, Oman, and added flights to and from Singapore and Bangkok to support travellers impacted by the situation. (CNBC)

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UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received a phone call from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who condemned the blatant Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and several Arab countries.

UAE media WAM reported that President Dissanayake had further affirmed Sri Lanka’s solidarity with the UAE in the measures it is taking to safeguard its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and the safety of its people.

In response, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked President Dissanayake for Sri Lanka’s supportive stance towards the UAE.

Both sides stressed the need for an immediate halt to military escalation to prevent the widening of the conflict and address its serious implications for regional and global security, the report said. 

Also commenting on the telephone conversation, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said he had conveyed his condolences and solidarity to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following recent attacks against the country.

“I telephoned His Highness @MohamedBinZayed, President of the UAE, to express my sadness over the recent attacks suffered by the UAE. I assured him of Sri Lanka’s solidarity while condemning all forms of violence and terrorism. Sri Lanka stands firmly with the UAE and is ready to assist in any way it can,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in a statement on ‘X’.

His remarks come amidst Iran’s retaliatory attacks on US assets in the Middle East region. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police has extended its appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its relevant authorities for their cooperation in the successful deportation of three wanted suspects to Sri Lanka on 15 January 2026. 

Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Police said the deportation was made possible through close coordination and effective collaboration between the Sri Lanka Police and the UAE authorities.

This operation reflects the strong and longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the UAE and underscores the shared commitment of both nations to upholding the rule of law and enhancing regional and international security, the Police Department said.

Sri Lanka Police also acknowledged the continued support of the UAE in previous years, noting that in 2024 and 2025, the UAE facilitated the deportation of eleven wanted suspects to Sri Lanka, further demonstrating its steadfast commitment to addressing transnational crimes.

Commending the professionalism, efficiency, and proactive assistance of the UAE Government and its authorities, the Sri Lanka Police expressed deep gratitude and reaffirmed its intention to further strengthen this collaboration in the collective effort to combat transnational crime and ensure justice and public safety. (Newswire)

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Somalia has severed all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, annulling deals spanning key port operations, security cooperation and defence, citing “harmful actions” that undermine the country’s unity and sovereignty.

After the Council of Ministers announced the decision on Monday, Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said in a post on X that the move was based on “reliable reports and evidence indicating practices linked to the United Arab Emirates that undermine the sovereignty of the Somali Republic, its national unity and political independence”.

There was no immediate comment from the UAE.

Somalia’s announcement appears to be linked to Israel’s recognition in December of Somaliland, a self-declared independent region in northwestern Somalia that broke away in 1991 but lacks international recognition, said Abdinor Dahir, an independent Somalia analyst.

“Many Somalis believe the UAE facilitated Israel’s recognition of Somaliland,” Dahir told Al Jazeera.

“The Somali cabinet’s decision [to cancel agreements] is therefore widely seen as a pushback against the UAE, which is accused of backing non-state actors and separatist forces in Africa, including the [paramilitary] RSF in Sudan,” Dahir said.

Abu Dhabi has long denied accusations that it is arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in its war with Sudan’s military rulers.

While the UAE declined to sign a joint Arab-Islamic statement in December condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, on January 7 it released a joint statement with the African Union pledging “support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability”.

Somaliland, which has declared independence from Somalia, has over the past decade emerged as a key hub for Emirati commercial and security investment, including a 30-year concession at the strategic Berbera port held by the UAE company DP World.

A government source close to the decision told Al Jazeera there was anger in Mogadishu at the UAE consolidating influence in Somalia’s breakaway and autonomous regions.

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies, a US-based think tank, estimates UAE investments across East Africa at roughly $47bn, representing 60 percent of all Gulf capital inflows into the region.

Somalia’s move also comes days after reports that Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of the south Yemeni separatist group the Southern Transitional Council, travelled to the UAE via Berbera port in Somaliland on January 8 after rejecting Saudi calls to attend talks in Riyadh.

Somalia’s immigration authority subsequently announced an investigation into what it described as the “unauthorised use of Somalia’s national airspace and airports”.

Somalia operates a federal system that grants member states significant autonomy, so it is not clear if they will abide by Monday’s decision.

Two states, Puntland and Jubaland, which have close ties to the UAE, have recently been in a dispute with the federal government over constitutional changes they oppose and issues surrounding the conduct of Somalia’s upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Somaliland’s Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi dismissed Mogadishu’s authority.

“Somalia’s daydreaming changes nothing,” he said.

“The UAE is a trusted friend of Somaliland. They invested in Berbera when others doubted us. We are a nation of principles, and we stand by our friends.” (Al Jazeera)

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The seventh humanitarian aid plane dispatched by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support those affected by floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has arrived in the country.

The UAE Embassy in Colombo said the UAE continues its support for the friendly people of Sri Lanka through its air bridge and on-ground field operations, committed to helping the nation overcome the aftermath of this disaster. 

​The humanitarian aid provided includes food supplies and shelter materials, bringing the total volume of relief aid delivered to date to 89 tons.

​The UAE has deployed an integrated relief team comprising the Joint Operations Command, the UAE International Aid Agency, the Emirates Red Crescent, and the UAE Search and Rescue Team affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.

​Operational updates confirm that the UAE Search and Rescue Team has successfully recovered 18 bodies of flood victims within its designated operational zone and provided field medical treatment to 8 affected individuals. (Newswire)

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dispatched another humanitarian relief consignment to Sri Lanka as part of its ongoing support for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. 

According to the President’s Office, the aid shipment arrived this afternoon 903 Dec) aboard a UAE Air Force C-17A aircraft.

The cargo consisted of food packets, relief bags, rescue vehicles and utility vehicles, all intended to strengthen the ongoing search, rescue and recovery operations in cyclone-affected areas. 

The consignment was officially received by Brigadier Sachindra Wijesiriwardhane of the Sri Lanka Army, who conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the UAE’s swift assistance.

The relief was provided by the UAE’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, and they reaffirmed their continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s emergency response efforts. 

This latest delivery adds to the growing international support mobilised to aid Sri Lanka’s recovery from the disaster. (Newswire)

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A flight carrying humanitarian assistance from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for those affected by the recent disaster situation in Sri Lanka arrived in the country early this morning (02). 

According to the President’s Office, the consignment includes a range of essential humanitarian supplies, including essential food items, safety kits and tents, to communities impacted by the disaster. 

The relief items were officially handed over by Mr. Rashed Ali Al Mazrouei, Second Secretary, Embassy of the UAE in Colombo, to Ms. Sewwandi de Silva, Director (Middle East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Major General Sumedha Wijekoon, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, and Captain Daminda Rambukwella. (Newswire)

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Authorities have confirmed that 15 out of 82 Sri Lankan fugitives wanted under INTERPOL Red Notices, including for murder and other serious crimes, are currently residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it was reported. 

State newspaper Dinamina reported, citing a senior police official, that UAE security agencies have notified INTERPOL of the presence of these individuals and are reportedly monitoring them closely.

Among them is Lalith Kannangara, a notorious drug trafficker linked to organized crime, who was arrested by Dubai Police in October. Although efforts were made to extradite him to Sri Lanka, he has since filed an appeal with the UAE Supreme Court, delaying the process.

A senior police official stated that the legal proceedings could take at least four months to conclude. A Sri Lankan legal representative has already traveled to Dubai to assist with the case, he added. (Newswire)

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The second session of the Sri Lanka – United Arab Emirates Joint Commission, co-chaired by the visiting Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, has concluded. 

State Minister Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri co-chaired the event together with Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra last afternoon. 

During his visit, State Minister Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri also paid a courtesy call on Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath. 

A discussion between the two officials on Tuesday focused on boosting economic cooperation between the two nations. 

The UAE is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant trading partners in the Middle East, ranking as Sri Lanka’s 7th largest export destination in 2024. It also hosts the largest number of Sri Lankans in a single country in the Middle East. (Newswire)

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