Trending Middle East

Epizodai

• 
  Houthis condemned for Makkah attack, UAE and Syria hold talks and ransomware activity rises across region 16.09.2026 3min

  In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Saudi Arabia has warned that the security of Makkah is a “red line” after the kingdom's air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of the holy city. The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation condemned the attack, saying it breached the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and threatened civilians. In Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara have discussed plans to deepen economic ties between their countries. Meanwhile, an investigation by The National has found that one of Lebanon’s biggest fuel scandals can been traced to sanctioned Russian oil associated with a shadow maritime network. Researchers say ransomware activity is rising sharply across the Middle East, with criminal groups increasingly attacking businesses and infrastructure in the Gulf. And Abu Dhabi is planning a direct transport link between its main Etihad Rail station and Zayed International Airport. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  Saudi-Houthi attacks intensify, TotalEnergies seeks Iraq-Syria pipeline stake and Widow’s Bay wins 14 Emmys 15.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels intensifies, with strikes reported in the kingdom and Yemen. Saudi authorities on Tuesday morning issued shelter warnings across several cities, a day after 13 people were injured in Houthi attacks on civilian areas. The Houthis said Saudi warplanes carried out 54 strikes across Yemen. US President Donald Trump says Iran wants to reach a deal with Washington “quickly and badly”, adding that the US is open to engagement. Meanwhile, TotalEnergies is seeking a stake in a proposed $15 billion pipeline that would carry Iraqi oil to Syria’s Mediterranean coast and provide an alternative export route to the Strait of Hormuz. Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay makes Emmy history with 14 awards, the most for a comedy series in a single year. And Abu Dhabi and Dubai are named among the 28 “cities to watch” in Oxford Economics’ latest Global Cities Index. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  Iran talks in Oman postponed, Houthis suffer losses in Yemen and oil price nears $108 14.09.2026 2min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, a meeting between Iran and Gulf states in Oman is postponed, after the sultanate said the appropriate conditions were not in place. Tehran and Muscat jointly agreed to reschedule the talks, which had been set to take place in Salalah. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels suffer heavy losses in clashes with government forces in Taiz, after making major gains along the Red Sea coast. Meanwhile, oil prices surge towards $108 a barrel after Saudi Arabia shut its East-West pipeline following attacks, removing a key route for crude exports that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. Dubai has recorded its strongest month for international tourism since the Iran war began, welcoming 869,000 overnight visitors in August. And Abu Dhabi’s new off-plan mortgage framework is expected to make financing easier for buyers and boost confidence in the emirate’s property market. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  UAE-Germany investment deepens, AI used in Houthi weapons projects, and Brics summit to start 11.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE announces plans to invest 40 billion euros in Germany across sectors including industry, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and energy. The announcement comes as President Sheikh Mohamed meets German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. Israel says it has blown up Hezbollah tunnels under Ali Al Taher ridge, completing what it calls a security zone in southern Lebanon. The UAE says it hopes Algeria’s decision to cut diplomatic ties will be temporary, after Algiers asked the Emirati ambassador to leave. Anthropic says it disrupted the use of its AI models in missile development projects in Houthi-held Yemen, including work on a guided rocket, a long-range ballistic missile and a proposed hypersonic glide vehicle. And Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will lead the UAE delegation at the Brics Summit in New Delhi this weekend. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National, and curated and edited by humans
• 
  Sheikh Mohamed meets German President, Houthis seize Mocha, US-Iran tanker conflict escalates 10.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, President Sheikh Mohamed begins a state visit to Germany aimed at strengthening ties, with the two countries expected to sign agreements on artificial intelligence, energy and investment. Iran-backed Houthi militants seize the strategic Yemeni port city of Mocha after days of fighting with pro-government forces, as the group also escalates attacks on Saudi Arabia. US President Donald Trump says the war with Iran will end after the American midterm elections, as the conflict over oil tankers intensifies. His comments come as attacks on oil tankers and shipping around the Strait of Hormuz escalate. An AI researcher resigns from Anthropic over concerns about the development of powerful self-improving systems, and Wizz Air announces plans to return to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
• 
  US-Iran tanker conflict escalates and new arrangement for Israel-Lebanon talks 09.09.2026 2min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the tanker conflict around the Strait of Hormuz intensifies as the US and Iran trade attacks on oil vessels. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it struck two US vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 other ships, while also warning tanker crews in Bahrain and Kuwait to leave their vessels. US Central Command also said American forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers. Jordan says it intercepted 18 of 20 ballistic missiles fired from Iran towards the kingdom, while the IRGC says it attacked US military sites in Al Azraq. Israel, meanwhile, says it will close the UK consulate in East Jerusalem after Britain imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements. And US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel are expected to continue in Rome and Florida, with no breakthrough expected before Israeli elections next month. Dubai conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim reports a 25 per cent rise in first-half profit and says it remains confident about its outlook for 2026. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  Saudi Arabia hit by Houthi attacks, UAE flights disrupted, and Dubai property market faces adjustment 08.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, attacks by Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia have wounded 73 civilians, including women and children. The Saudi Energy Ministry said several energy sites in the south were struck, causing injuries and fires, and temporarily halting some operations. Qatar says the Strait of Hormuz will remain vital to international trade despite efforts to develop alternative routes. Meanwhile, flights to and from the UAE face disruption as volcanic ash from Indonesia’s Mount Anak Krakatau continues to affect air travel, with Emirates airline and Etihad Airways cancelling services to Jakarta. And Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar says Dubai’s property market could see an adjustment of 5 to 10 per cent because of the Iran war. In Sharjah, a new plan will allow senior citizens, their spouses and retired people to return to public-sector jobs on a part-time basis. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
• 
  Iran plans new Hormuz zone, deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon, and Sudan chemical weapons dossier 07.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran says it will establish a restricted zone around the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran and Oman prepare to announce a new international shipping corridor. Commercial shipping through the waterway has fallen to its lowest level since May after the latest US and Iranian strikes on tankers. Recent evidence details an alleged secret chemical weapons programme run by Sudan’s military, including the reported production of nearly 300 chemical munitions. We also look at renewed fighting in Lebanon, where at least seven people were killed and 20 injured in Israeli strikes on Sunday. Elsewhere, at least five people were killed after an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane overran a runway and crashed at Miami International Airport. Meanwhile, Emirates and Etihad have cancelled flights to Jakarta as volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forces airports across Indonesia to close. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
• 
  Israel to release detained Lebanese, EU backs economic pressure on Iran and Syria destroys chemical weapons 04.09.2026 3min

  In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Israel is to release five civilians detained in occupied areas of southern Lebanon, as part of a renewed diplomatic push between the two countries. But it comes as the Israeli military abducts three other Lebanese. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has welcomed a move by the EU to join Washington's campaign to increase economic pressure on Iran. He called for nations to offer support during a G20 meeting this week. A UN report has found that the Sudanese Armed Forces are using foreign-supplied drones in attacks that struck civilian areas. Some of the attacks may amount to war crimes. Syria has begun destroying Assad-era chemical weapon materials, marking the first such process since the downfall of the former regime and the first to be carried out on Syrian territory in more than a decade. Meanwhile, the UAE’s non-oil private sector has grown at its fastest pace in more than 18 months, showing signs of a stronger recovery despite the effects of the Iran war. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  Iran attacks Kuwait, Israel advances further into Lebanon and UAE announces AI curriculum 03.09.2026 3min

  In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Kuwait says its air defences are repelling what its military called a “heinous Iranian aggression”, involving hostile missile and drone attacks. It comes as Tehran escalates its attacks on other countries across the region. An investigation by The National has found that Israel’s army is gradually expanding its self-established security zone in southern Lebanon, crossing its “yellow line” into at least three villages. The expansion comes despite a ceasefire agreed in June. France is pushing for an international mission to monitor Palestinian elections scheduled to begin in November, the first in two decades. Elections are planned for November 28, after having been previously postponed in 2021. Egypt and China have backed each other on key political priorities following talks between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and President Xi Jinping in Cairo. They discussed Egypt's right to water security and the need to uphold the Gaza ceasefire. In the UAE, the Cabinet has approved plans to give artificial intelligence a greater role across government and the country’s education system, with a new AI curriculum to be introduced across all public and private schools. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  US-Iran war escalates again, Syria explosion kills five and Jordanian toddler arrives in Dubai for treatment 02.09.2026 2min

  Today on Trending Middle East, the US and Iran have traded another round of strikes, raising fears that a weeks-long lull in the war has come to an end. Several people were killed in US strikes on southern areas in Iran, while Jordan and Kuwait intercepted Iranian attacks early on Wednesday. In the Idlib province of Syria, five people were killed after munitions exploded while being unloaded at a warehouse. The incident reflects the dangers posed by the proliferation of weapons after almost 14 years of civil war in the country. The World Food Programme is halving the number of people receiving food assistance in the occupied West Bank because of a lack of funding. Despite the regional challenges caused by the Iran war, the UK could be ready to sign a long-awaited trade deal with the Gulf within weeks, Trade Minister Anas Sarwar told The National. And a Jordanian toddler with a rare genetic disorder has arrived in Dubai to begin $2.4 million medical treatment funded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Her family had previously launched an online fundraising campaign that went viral. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  Trump plans to hit back against Iran, Algeria seeks wildfire death penalty and UAE residents face scam alert 01.09.2026 3min

  In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump vows to retaliate after Iran launches missiles at American military bases in Jordan. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges G20 finance ministers to join Washington’s campaign to cut off Iran’s financial lifelines. The EU backs the move, while the UAE has already severed trade and financial ties with Iran. In Iraq, a court has sentenced a member of the Kataib Hezbollah militia to 15 years in prison over the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in March. Baghdad is intensifying efforts to bring Iran-backed armed groups under state control. Wildfires that killed 12 people in Algeria have prompted President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to seek the introduction of the death penalty for arsonists. Several people have been arrested over the fires. And in the UAE, Indian and Lebanese residents have been warned about scammers posing as officials and agents in an attempt to steal personal information. Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  Jordan intercepts Iranian missiles, 'co-ordinated' settler attacks in West Bank, and Iraqi officials sentenced 31.08.2026 2min

  Today on Trending Middle East, Jordan has intercepted eight Iranian missiles following a US strike on Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. The exchange marks the first direct fighting between the two countries in more than a month. In the occupied West Bank, residents told The National that a pattern of settler violence and land seizures point to a co-ordinated campaign. It comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed recent attacks on a “handful of rioters”. Iraq has sentenced a deputy oil minister and a former MP to seven years in prison in separate corruption cases and ordered them to repay millions in illicit gains. Libya’s rival political factions have signed a UN-backed agreement that paves the way for long-delayed national elections. And the UAE has sent 83 tonnes of food and shelter supplies to Nepal after devastating flash floods killed hundreds of people. Thousands remain missing but heavy rain and fears of more flooding have disrupted search efforts. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  Rifts widen in Iran, Houthis expand smuggling network to Africa and the UAE pledges Nepal flood aid 28.08.2026 2min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has been accused by a prominent ultraconservative figure of going soft over his support for negotiations with the US. The public rift highlights growing divisions in Iran over how to approach the next phase of the war. The US military says it has cleared sea mines laid by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz and helped nearly 1,500 commercial vessels pass through the waterway. A Yemeni security source tells The National that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have turned isolated smuggling operations into a sprawling network across the Horn of Africa. The Houthis have developed links with Al Shabab in Somalia and expanded into Sudan. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Syria form a joint bank to make investment and money transfers between the countries easier. And in response to the devastating floods in Nepal, the UAE has announced a $10 million humanitarian aid package, directed by President Sheikh Mohamed. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
• 
  Qatar PM to visit Tehran, US signals possible Hezbollah talks and UAE-Lebanon investment ties grow 27.08.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman heads to Tehran to push for de-escalation between Iran and the US and renewed dialogue, with talks also focusing on restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to the situation before February 28. We also examine comments from the US ambassador to Lebanon that negotiations with Hezbollah are possible if the group is serious and has something to offer, while President Joseph Aoun defends direct talks with Israel as “much better than war”. More than 160 people have died and hundreds are missing after catastrophic floods hit Nepal and Tibet. And the UAE and Lebanon are seeking to strengthen economic ties with a new business council aimed at opening up investment opportunities. Meanwhile, UAE public schools are scrapping homework for pupils from kindergarten to year 2 and cutting screen use for year 6 pupils in key subjects. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  Iran suffers from fuel shortages, Syrian Kurdish force dissolves and Dubai airport traffic expected to recover 26.08.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran struggles with fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations as motorists rush to fill their tanks following new US sanctions. We also look at the dissolution of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces as its fighters are integrated into Syria’s state institutions. Meanwhile, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi is hopeful arrangements to restore safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz will soon be announced. Tehran, however, says the arrangement would not constitute a full reopening of the strait. And Dubai International Airport expects passenger traffic to strengthen in the second half of the year after the Iran war sharply reduced travel demand, while parts of the UAE face more rain, strong winds and temperatures reaching 48°C in Al Ain. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  US expects more countries to cut Iran trade, Syria clears major economic hurdle and Parkin expands regionally 25.08.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US has announced sweeping new sanctions against Iran, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects other countries to take similar action as Washington steps up its campaign to economically isolate Tehran. We also look at the US decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, clearing a major obstacle to Damascus's economic recovery. And leading Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour has died, aged 79, after more than five decades shaping a visual language of Palestinian identity. Abu Dhabi’s Lulu Island is set for a major transformation under developer Eagle Hills Properties, while Dubai’s public parking operator Parkin is expanding its smart parking services into Bahrain and Egypt. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  US prepares ‘economic D-Day’ for Iran, Syria-Israel talks resume and Emirates airline returns to Kuwait 24.08.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Washington is preparing an “economic D-Day” against Iran, aiming at the country's oil exports, financial transactions, aviation, shipping and banking. In Iran, citizens fear further isolation and hardship as inflation exceeds 80 per cent and the rial continues to weaken. We also examine high-level talks between Syria and Israel in Jordan, brokered by the US and aimed at stopping Israeli attacks and reviving negotiations on a security agreement. Emirates airline has also resumed limited flights between Dubai and Kuwait after an extended suspension. And Formula One says it remains committed to holding its 2026 season finale in Abu Dhabi, while Dubai has introduced an AI-powered system to track productivity across 32 government departments. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
• 
  Iran war enters a new phase, Israel and Turkey clash over Syria, and UAE schools prepare to reopen 21.08.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US says economic pressure on Iran could prevent a return to large-scale fighting, with Vice President JD Vance describing the war as entering a “new phase” and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promising further measures on Monday. We also examine escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey over their military presence in Syria, after Israel accuses Ankara of planning to station troops at an airbase struck by Israeli warplanes. In Gaza, aid deliveries rise sharply, but shortages of engine oil and spare parts are putting more lorries out of service and making it increasingly difficult to get supplies to Palestinians. And investment in completed Dubai property projects jumps 52 per cent to Dh111 billion in the first half of the year, while UAE schools prepare to welcome more than a million pupils back to classrooms with existing safety measures remaining in place after this week’s missile alert. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
• 
  Trump escalates pressure on Iran, Israel opens Hind Rajab investigation, and Abu Dhabi power demand rises 20.08.2026 2min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump announces what he calls the “most crushing economic operation ever taken” against any country after Iran failed to reach a deal with Washington. He also threatens economic consequences for countries that support Tehran, while saying alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz could reduce the waterway’s importance. We also look at Israel’s decision to open a criminal investigation into the killing of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab and members of her family in Gaza, as fresh Israeli attacks kill nine people in the city. France and Iran also move to expel each other’s diplomats as relations deteriorate. And Abu Dhabi expects its power demand to double by 2050, with more than Dh300 billion planned for utility infrastructure, while new UAE tax rules are set to make some e-cigarette and vape liquids more expensive from September. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans