Germany, who had already qualified as group winners, took an early lead at MetLife Stadium through Leroy Sane before Nilson Angulo fired Ecuador level after just nine minutes.

Germany had a penalty at the start of the second half overturned following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up before Gonzalo Plata stabbed home the winner with 13 minutes remaining, leaving the South Americans on four points and top of the third-place rankings.

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece, who had been under pressure following his side's disappointing first two results, reflected on the achievement.

“It is not about what it means to me, this is for the people,” he told Fifa's official website. “The players have given them this qualification. Let them celebrate and enjoy it.”

Match-winner Plata added: “It is a learning experience for us, and now we will go into the next round even more hungry for glory. This team believes strongly in itself. We have 26 players who will give their all for Ecuador.”

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann felt his side had made things difficult for themselves.

“We have to learn that after a good start and an early lead, we can play with more composure instead of suddenly switching positions too much. There was too much freestyle,” he told German broadcaster ARD.

🎬 ملخص مباراة الإكوادور وألمانيا | دور المجموعات - كأس العالم FIFA 2026™#كأس_العالم2026 | #مونديال2026 | #كأس_العالم#beINWC26 | #FIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7rEljUdRpP

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 25, 2026

“We just need to be more patient and stay a bit more structured in our positions, and if, on top of that, we are giving the ball away too often, at some point it becomes difficult.”

Germany will play a third-place team next, while Ecuador will face a group winner. The games will be confirmed once the eight best third-placed teams have been finalised.

Ivory Coast into knockouts for first time

Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time ever thanks to a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Curacao.

Arsenal's former record signing gave his country a seventh-minute lead in Philadelphia, slotting home from close range following Yan Diomande's cutback from the left.

Pepe, who plays for Spanish side Villarreal, collected a pass from Ibrahim Sangare to double his tally in the 64th minute.

Ivory Coast progress as Group E runners-up behind Germany and will face either France or Norway in the last 32.

Best of the World Cup - in pictures

USA beaten by Turkey

The Group D finale had less riding on it, but still produced one surprising and one very unsurprising result.

Group winners USA saw their momentum checked as they lost 3-2 to already-eliminated Turkey.

Austin Trusty gave the US an early lead, but Arda Guler and Burak Yilmaz struck to put Turkey 2-1 ahead.

Sebastian Berhalter looked to have earned the US a point, only for Kaan Ayhan to score in injury time and seal a 3-2 victory for the Turks.

Elsewhere, Australia and Paraguay knew a draw would likely see both teams progress, and they played out a goalless stalemate at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

The US will face Bosnia in the last 32 on July 2. Australia and Paraguay will have to wait to find out their opposition.

The Dutch wrapped up top spot in Group F with a 3-1 win over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City. That means they now take on Morocco, the Group C runners-up, in a knockout tie in Mexico.

Koeman immediately looked to put pressure on the North Africans by suggesting his side will be the underdogs at the Monterrey Stadium next Tuesday.

"I'm not sure if we are the favourite in the match against Morocco," Koeman told reporters after the win over Tunisia.

"We need to prepare for Morocco, because it'll be a big game. It's a good team with a lot of quality, and they can score easily."

Koeman, 63, played down questions of any ambitions beyond the last 32, saying: "I don't think we're in a situation yet to think about that. We're going towards our real test, and that's what we're going to prepare for."

Brobbey on target again

The Netherlands boast a 100 per cent record so far after they chalked up a comfortable 3-1 victory over Tunisia in Kansas City.

The Dutch started at a red-hot pace, taking just seven minutes to establish a 2-0 lead. Koeman’s side went ahead in the third minute courtesy of an Ellyes Skhiri own goal, after he lashed out at a cross and inadvertently tipped the ball into the back of his own net.

GOAL!

Brian Brobbey doubles the Netherlands' advantage with an early finish from a free-kick! ⚽

🇹🇳 Tunisia 0-2 Netherlands 🇳🇱#FIFAWorldCup | #beINWC26 | #Netherlands pic.twitter.com/BnHEuoIZxo

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) June 25, 2026

Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage minutes later, turning home Virgil van Dijk’s headed knockdown from a free-kick. The Dutch looked comfortable holding on to their advantage, but were snapped awake early in the second half when a Tunisia corner found Hazem Mastouri, who headed into the bottom-left corner.

The response from the Dutch was almost immediate, Jan Paul van Hecke restoring their advantage with a headed goal of his own.

Tunisia had some sporadic chances from there, but were ultimately unable to trouble the Dutch any further as they headed out without a point and the Oranje cruised into the last 32.

Japan set up clash against Brazil

Brazil might be World Cup royalty, but Japan will not be pushovers when the sides meet in Houston on June 29 in a last-32 clash, said coach Hajime Moriyasu after his side finished runners-up in Group F.

Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden on Thursday night to finish behind the Netherlands in their qualifying section. Daizen Maeda gave them the lead before Anthony Elanga claimed a point for the Swedes.

Moriyasu argued that a 3-2 comeback win over Brazil in Tokyo last October showed that his side are capable of causing an upset.

"Last time we proved to Brazil that we aren’t a pushover," Moriyasu said. "That is great progress for us. The Brazilian team is a top team in the world and we greatly respect them.

"In the match we don’t know what is going to happen. We will have a chance to win as well."

Sweden went through as a best third-placed team. Their last-32 opponents are not yet known, but as it stands, they will play France on Tuesday.

Best of 2026 World Cup - in pictures

“For a major chokepoint used for oil, gas and container traffic, even a modest charge could increase freight, insurance and compliance costs, which may eventually make goods and oil more expensive for end users,” said Ana Subasic, trade risk analyst at Kpler. “The larger concern is that such a fee could create uncertainty and encourage similar charges in other strategic waterways.”

Iran has not yet specified what fees it plans to impose on ships, but a Foreign Ministry official said last month that vessels would be required to pay for navigation, security and environmental services under a planned Iran-Oman mechanism governing the strait.

Tehran also set up an authority to regulate shipping traffic in the waterway, with a requirement for vessels to obtain permission from the authority before transiting.

The strait, between Iran and Oman, was key for the transport of more than 20 per cent of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies before the war began in February. Gulf states also depend heavily on the waterway for imports of food and other goods to support their economies.

The narrow channel was closed by Iran after the conflict broke out, with only a few vessels transiting it each day, compared with more than 100 before the regional war began.

Shipping traffic surged after a preliminary agreement was announced between Iran and the US. Oil prices subsided from record highs in March as more vessels exited the strait carrying crude and other refined products to global markets.

Any imposition of tolls or fees in international waters is illegal under UN regulations and no country has the authority to levy charges, analysts said. Other global chokepoints, such as the Suez and Panama canals, collect fees from ships as they are built for navigation and are not international waters like the Strait of Hormuz. The Suez and Panama canals also cross directly through their countries' territories, justifying the imposition of fees, analysts added.

“The closest might be the Dardanelles [Strait] in Turkey, where Turkey imposes fees,” said Ryan Bohl, senior Middle East and North Africa analyst at RANE. But that waterway is entirely in Turkish territorial waters, he added. “It also has the Montreux Treaty, which governs its wartime usage.”

The Dardanelles is a narrow strait in north-western Turkey that connects the Sea of Marmara with the Aegean and the Mediterranean. Turkey charges $6.70 per net tonne for ships crossing the Dardanelles, while Suez and Panama canal collect fees based on the size of the vessel.

Are shipping firms willing to pay?

Shipping companies are expected to resist paying service fees or tolls across the Strait of Hormuz, but might pay if it becomes unavoidable. They are then likely to pass the cost on to cargo owners.

Companies might instead choose to use Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports or the UAE’s eastern ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan for loading and unloading cargo. “Some would pay, particularly if the fee is not onerous and if there is clarity that paying such a fee would not result in US sanctions or penalties,” Mr Bohl said. “Some companies might route around Hormuz permanently if the fee is more costly than routing through Saudi Arabia's Red Sea ports or around Africa.”

The UAE has opened new trade corridors with Oman as it looks to bypass the strait to carry out trade. The Emirates is also planning a major expansion of its Dibba, Fujairah and Khor Fakkan ports, all of which are on the Gulf of Oman, to boost its logistics sector and reduce its dependence on the strait to "zero", Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, told Bloomberg this month.

Farzin Nadimi, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, also said shipping companies would strongly oppose the imposition of a fee and would look into taking an alternative route if demand is not met.

“Many likely to resist, reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, or reduce volumes rather than comply – though short-term payments by some operators remain possible due to security pressures,” he said. Such a move would raise transport costs as well as prices of energy and goods, leading to broader inflationary and supply-chain effects as rerouting adds time, fuel, and emissions, he added.

Shipping risks

Although shipping traffic has increased across the strait following the US-Iran deal, vessels still face the risk of renewed hostilities while they are in transit, said Andrew Cook, of the International Federation of Shipmaster’s Association.

Kpler shows 70 ship crossings on June 24, the highest recorded daily total since March 1.

“I think everybody's going to look at this very closely over the next couple of days and see what happens,” he said. “If I was on board a ship, if I was responsible, if I worked in a shipping company and was responsible for a ship, I would be nervous that things would go downhill very quickly during your ship's transit.”

He added that ships needed to return to the internationally recognised route through the strait for safety reasons. “We’re hopeful that we can get back to normal," he said. "We support what’s happening but we’re also watching it very carefully.”

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Thursday that only Tehran-approved routes were valid for commercial shipping through the strait, defying an Omani-backed plan to establish a safe corridor for vessels.

However, another diplomatic track has been quietly unfolding in Washington, and it is one that deserves more attention than it has received. Weeks of direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials have often been viewed with scepticism for their limited ability to halt the violence sparked by Israel’s invasion. Nevertheless, some modest but tangible progress may be taking shape in the form of a so-called pilot withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanon, to be replaced by Lebanese troops.

This is not a sweeping breakthrough, nor does it resolve deeper tensions. In an interview with The National this week, former Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Herzog struck a worrying tone when he said the restraint forced on his country by the terms of America’s agreement with Iran was “very painful”. Nevertheless, the Washington talks represent something significant – elected Lebanese representatives acting on behalf of their people. Progress that is rooted Lebanon’s national institutions, even if incremental, should not be discounted.

This stands in contrast to a parallel dynamic that threatens to undercut this fragile process. Tehran’s approach, which treats Beirut as a lever in its dealings with Washington and Israel, reflects a long-standing pattern of proxy politics that has repeatedly undercut Lebanese sovereignty. Iran’s claim to represent Lebanese interests in negotiations with the US risks reducing Beirut to a bargaining chip in a broader geopolitical contest.

Negotiations about Lebanon without Lebanese representatives are diplomatically unsound and strategically flawed. They ignore the harsh realities facing Lebanon, such as a deepening displacement crisis, an economy in freefall, aggressive foreign forces on its soil and the state-within-a-state presence of Iran-backed Hezbollah. These are not abstract concerns about sovereignty but urgent, practical challenges that require accountable governance and locally grounded solutions. Stability imposed from outside has rarely proven sustainable in modern Lebanon.

If there is to be meaningful progress, it must come through Lebanon's government

This is not to suggest that international actors do not have a role to play. Countries such as France, along with other regional stakeholders, can contribute constructively to Lebanon’s search for stability. But support and substitution are not the same thing. External engagement must reinforce, not replace, Lebanese agency.

Critically, those who maintain armed proxies within Lebanon cannot credibly position themselves as neutral brokers of peace. Any framework that overlooks this reality risks perpetuating the dynamics it seeks to resolve.

If there is to be meaningful progress, it must come through Lebanon's government. The current talks, limited as they may be, should remind us that even in this fractured political landscape, Lebanese institutions retain a role that cannot be outsourced and should not be ignored. The challenge for the international community is not to speak for Lebanon, but to ensure it is heard.

I write in reference to the article Etihad Rail’s first passenger journeys in huge demand as tickets sell out fast (June 24): a heartfelt appreciation to the President of the UAE for the successful launching of Etihad Rail. This remarkable achievement reflects innovation, partnership and the continued growth and progress of the UAE. Congratulations on this great milestone, and thank you for your leadership and vision in supporting initiatives that bring global recognition and opportunities. – Alimamy Kamara, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Greater crowd awareness needed

I write in reference to the article One dead and eight injured in crush in Amman after Jordan’s World Cup loss to Algeria (June 23): this news item was very sad to read. Large crowds at sports events can sometimes become dangerous when people panic or rush without caution. It is important for spectators to remain calm, follow safety instructions and move carefully in crowded areas. This unfortunate incident is a reminder of the need for greater crowd awareness and responsible behaviour. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, and I wish a speedy recovery to all those who were injured. – K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

The UAE is bouncing back

I write in reference to Sarmad Khan’s article UAE oil exports rebound to 85% of prewar levels despite Strait of Hormuz closure, IEA says (June 24): I’m glad I never left. The pipeline to Fujairah and the Mandous storage complex are ready when it mattered. The UAE always bounces back harder. – Ryan Fuller, Dubai

The US has conceded to Iran

I write in reference to David Vujanovic’s article Vance says Iran nuclear talks to start this week after ‘good progress’ in opening negotiations (June 22): negotiations are still ongoing, yet on day one a blanket licence was issued covering Iranian-origin crude oil, petrochemicals and petroleum products across production, sale, transport and unloading. This is not a win – it’s a concession. – Name withheld upon request

Trump’s biggest failure

I write in reference to the video of Donald Trump warning Iran to stop ‘proxies’ in Lebanon from ‘causing trouble’ (June 22): this deal is Trump’s biggest failure yet. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are playing him, and now they’re much stronger than before. The US’s Central Intelligence Agency knows Iran won’t abandon nuclear weapons. This is a complete humiliation and a dangerous gift to Iran’s clerics. Only regime change works. – Baharan B, Australia

Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District was already well advanced on its own path when the Canada-born American architect was announced as the designer of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2006.

Expected to open later this year, the venue will be located near an enviable cluster of cultural institutions that include the already operational Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

Gehry, who died in December 2025, aged 96, will leave a mark extending beyond the museum’s walls and into live performance through Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi, which translates to house of the arts, another of his Saadiyat Island cultural landmarks, which is due to open in 2030.

Developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the complex will host opera, ballet, theatre, orchestral concerts, musicals, festivals and cultural events.

Viewed as one of Gehry's final works, it could provide a fitting sign-off from an architect who changed how cultural institutions could look and be experienced, from museums to concert halls, through the curved forms and gleaming metal exteriors that make his structures instantly recognisable.

Here are six of Gehry’s notable cultural buildings that could offer hints of what may emerge on Saadiyat Island.

1. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Expected to open later in the year, the modern art museum in Saadiyat Island is designed as a cluster of galleries, courtyards and distinctive cones already visible on the skyline.

More than a visual feature, the large cones will contain entrances and spaces for art installations, while shaded courtyards will sit between the waterfront and air-conditioned galleries.

2. Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles

The permanent home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the concert hall opened in 2003 and quickly became a cultural landmark in an area of the city undergoing redevelopment at the time.

Its curved stainless steel panels rise above the street like sails, reflecting the changing Los Angeles light across the building and the surfaces below.

The hall is slightly larger than the planned main venue at Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi, with 2,265 seats surrounding the musicians and the orchestra placed near the centre.

3. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Chicago

The open-air amphitheatre opened in Chicago’s Millennium Park in 2004 with 4,000 fixed seats and space for thousands more on the lawn.

The curved stainless steel ribbons framing the stage are both a signature of Gehry’s work and a hallmark of the outdoor performance space. Speakers are placed on an overhead steel framework so listeners lounging at the back can also hear the eclectic programme, ranging from classical music to jazz.

With Dar Al Funoon also boasting an outdoor amphitheatre, it will be interesting to see how Gehry’s Abu Dhabi design develops ideas from this venue.

4. Richard B Fisher Centre for the Performing Arts, New York

Opened in 2003, the venue has two theatres serving productions of different sizes.

Its curved steel exterior is covered in thousands of stainless steel shingles that make the building glimmer from a distance.

The Fisher Centre became the home of the annual Bard Music Festival and SummerScape programme, bringing ambitious opera and performing arts productions to the college.

5. New World Centre, Miami Beach

Home to the New World Symphony, an academy that prepares young musicians for orchestral careers, the New World Centre brought Gehry on to the project through his personal connection with the orchestral academy's co-founder and artistic director, Michael Tilson Thomas.

They worked together on a building where musicians could rehearse, perform, record and test new concert formats.

The 756-seat main hall is adaptable for different programmes, with performances staged on platforms around the audience.

Some concerts are also projected on to a large wall facing SoundScape Park, allowing thousands of people to watch free “Wallcast performances” from the lawn.

6. Pierre Boulez Saal, Berlin

The concert hall opened in 2017 inside the Barenboim-Said Akademie, an institution founded by conductor Daniel Barenboim in the spirit of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. Barenboim established the orchestra with Palestinian academic Edward Said to bring together young Arab and Israeli musicians.

Gehry donated his design work to the project.

Seats surround the central performance area on two levels, with curved balconies bringing listeners close to the musicians below.

The hall presents chamber music, contemporary composition, jazz and programmes exploring musical traditions from the Arab world.

A total of 328 minors have been reported, the youngest aged only 14, since Sharjah Police launched a campaign to encourage families to seek support for loved ones struggling with addiction, Brig Majid Al Assam, director of the anti-narcotics prevention and control department at the force, said on Thursday.

The numbers represent a significant shift from previous years, when parents were reluctant to report their own children in drug-related cases, he added.

A major reason for the change of attitude is that families have been reassured that their children will receive help, rather than punishment, Brig Al Assam said.

“[Young addicts] are not punished by law, and help will be provided by offering a treatment plan in rehabilitation centres across the UAE,” he added.

“Until a couple of years ago, there were very few parents who reported their addicted children, but today more parents are calling us asking for help. It is important for parents to take the lead for the good of their children.”

Raising awareness

On Wednesday, a nationwide campaign titled “United as One to Eradicate the Threat” was launched to raise public awareness about the threat illegal drugs pose to children.

Under UAE law, people struggling with addiction can avoid criminal prosecution entirely if they or their family members seek help.

Brig Al Assam said some parents think they can treat their children themselves, but in reality, addiction often requires special care.

“It is better to report your addicted family member earlier, when they are in the first steps of addiction and treatment is easier than later,” he added.

“Parents should monitor specific signs showed by their children, like sudden behavioural changes, sleep habits, staying alone, where they go and a decline in academic marks. These signs can tell them if their teenager has started abusing narcotics.”

He urged parents to contact the police helpline at 800 4654.

Tackling crime

Brig Al Assam said Sharjah Police had blocked 3,160 websites and accounts promoting drugs between 2022 and the end of last year.

“We have our officers checking websites round the clock and using AI to identify websites selling drugs inside the country. We won’t stand still and will foil any attempt to ruin our youth and society,” he added.

Sharjah Police said they had recorded 3,632 drug cases in the past three years, and arrested 4,757 suspects. Officers seized 3.3 tonnes of drugs and more than 11.5 million illegal painkillers, with a total value of Dh392.8 million ($107 million).

The latest case was in April this year, when officers arrested a suspected drug dealer accused of selling vape cartridges filled with illegal substances. The suspect was caught in possession of 481 cartridges, and was allegedly planning to sell them in industrial areas of the emirate.

While large wall-mounted screens display maritime traffic and naval movements around the globe, particular attention is focused on the Strait of Hormuz, where two Italian vessels could soon be deployed to clear mines laid by Iran.

The Crotone and Rimini are currently stationed in Djibouti, about 6,000km from their home base in La Spezia and roughly 3,000km from the Strait of Hormuz, awaiting orders for what could become one of the Italian Navy's most significant operations in decades.

“We are confident in our ability to complete the mission,” said one commander inside the operations room, which is accessible only through multiple heavily fortified doors and coded entry systems. The National was granted exclusive access to the base to gain a deeper understanding of the Italian Navy's readiness and the mission details.

The operation carries significance far beyond the region, with the Strait of Hormuz being one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. By effectively holding the narrow passage hostage, Iran unsettled economies stretching to Italy and beyond.

However, the mission holds major risks, from Iran reportedly losing track of some of the mines it had planted to the vast area that must be searched. The shipping corridor is about 167km long and 10km wide, with depths ranging from 60 to 100 metres and reaching 200 metres near some Iranian islands.

The minehunters, in service for more than 30 years, left La Spezia in mid-May and reached Djibouti via the Suez Canal. Italy has eight minehunters, all belonging to the 5th Naval Squadron, which comprises around 800 personnel.

Weather-dependent

The two vessels are currently part of the EU's Aspides mission, which monitors security in the Red Sea and could have its mandate extended to the Strait of Hormuz. Germany has also moved its minesweeper Fulda and support ship Mosel towards Djibouti.

Once the US-Iran truce has been consolidated, the international mission has been formally established, and parliamentary approval has been secured, the Italian vessels will sail for Hormuz. They are expected to be joined by the logistical support ship ITS Atlante and the multi-role air-defence escort ITS Raimondo Montecuccoli.

It would take the vessels between one and two weeks to reach the strait. One commander explained that even if the green light is given, sailors must first assess the conditions, as the monsoon season has begun in the area.

There is also the challenge of gathering sufficient intelligence about the security situation, first in the Red Sea – where Yemen's Houthi rebels remain a threat – and then near Iranian waters, to ensure the Italian vessels do not become targets.

“It is primarily an intelligence-driven and weather-dependent mission,” the Italian commander said during a briefing.

After arrival, it could take one to two weeks to locate the mines, followed by several months of work to neutralise them. By contrast, mines are relatively easy to deploy using small vessels, roughly the size of fishing boats, each capable of carrying two to four mines.

Delicate operation

Commanders at the Rome naval base said the Crotone and Rimini are minehunters rather than minesweepers.

Instead of blindly sweeping an area, they first locate and identify each mine individually using sonar, underwater cameras and other sensors. These systems are often deployed via remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles or towed sonar arrays. Once a mine is identified and confirmed, the vessel deploys the ROV or explosive charge to neutralise it.

“It's a very delicate operation,” said a commander.

Mines are equipped with pressure, magnetic or acoustic triggers. The most common are influence mines, which are often invisible to the naked eye and may rest on the seabed or remain anchored at depths of around 50 to 60 metres.

Admiral Cristiano Salvatore Traetta, head of the naval division responsible for the deployment, said the Italian vessels possess unique characteristics against the mines. “Our vessels are built from resin rather than steel, unlike most other naval units, making them effectively invisible to magnetic mines. They are also designed to minimise vibration and underwater noise,” he told local media.

Even the smallest magnetic signature generated by metallic components is cancelled through a degaussing system, which creates an opposing magnetic field. The ships also feature auxiliary propulsion systems, allowing them to maintain position against wind and currents while analysing potentially dangerous objects.

As they await further instructions, the crews, all trained to operate in mine fields, have continued exercises in the Red Sea, while naval personnel near Rome continue monitoring maritime activity across the globe.

“Everything we do is to protect Italy's interests,” one commander said.

One of his first moves was to arrest the deputy oil minister for alleged embezzlement, and to seize millions of dollars in cash as part of the investigation.

Iraq’s political institutions have been plagued by allegations of bribery and kickbacks, with oil sector contracts often the targets of corruption investigations. The country has reportedly lost billions of dollars to embezzlement since the American invasion of 2003.

The new government has responded to increasing US pressure to tackle corruption. The other demand is to disarm militant groups. Mr Al Zaidi has prioritised both, but will also have to balance his relationship with Iran, Iraq’s other key ally.

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher discusses the significance of Mr Al Zaidi's actions and the challenges he faces. We hear from Renad Mansour, director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House, and Sinan Mahmoud, The National’s Iraq correspondent.

The consortium began with only a handful of countries several months ago, but membership has grown to include Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, the EU, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, Sweden, the Philippines, the UAE, the US and the UK.

Jacob Helberg, US undersecretary of state for economic affairs, described it as a shared commitment on AI for the years ahead.

"The declaration reflects a simple but important idea that governments should not approach AI primarily through the lens of restriction. We should approach it through the lens of opportunity," he said.

The endeavour has been described by some as a way to blunt China’s potential dominance of the technology supply chain amid the race for AI dominance.

Although large language models often receive the most attention from users when it comes to AI, the sector has been made possible by increasingly powerful semiconductors, critical minerals and high levels of energy.

The importance of all of those elements have increased focus on global suppliers in recent years.

In tandem with that focus, Mr Trump has sought to distance himself from his predecessor, Joe Biden, by taking a less regulatory approach and placing more trust in the private sector.

"Innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and technological leadership remain the surest path to broad-based prosperity," Mr Helberg said at the Pax Silica event.

Pax Pass

He said the consortium would soon be starting a new project for "Pax partners that ship high-value AI supply chain products through Panama", called Pax Pass.

Mr Helberg described it as a platform that will "transform how trusted partners move critical goods that power the AI economy" by using pre-approved expedited processing, cargo verification and AI risk assessment to "reduce friction" in shipping tech goods.

The Iran war resulted in ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz coming to a halt for several weeks, putting supply chains all over the world at risk.

In March, when announcing another Pax Silica endeavour, the Pax Silica Investor Consortium, Mr Helberg addressed the issues in the Strait of Hormuz and said that it had provided a learning moment for AI.

“It's about what happens when the physical infrastructure of civilisation, the chokepoints, corridors, cables and ports, become the battlefield,” he said.

More specifically, he highlighted that the US was working closely with the UAE for what has been called the AI Acceleration Partnership.

“In light of current events, the work of that group is even more meaningful,” Mr Helberg said in response to a question from The National. “We are going to reaffirm how much we value our bilateral relationship with the UAE and the courage that they've demonstrated throughout this incredibly trying time.”

The US first announced Pax Silica in 2025 with officials describing it as a way to unite nations that are home to the world’s most advanced technology companies, and help to “unleash the economic potential of the new AI age”.

These include ensuring “reliable” supply chains for economic security, developing trustworthy systems and driving economic value.

According to the US State Department, Pax Silica also seeks to harness the “historic” opportunity and demand for energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, technological hardware, infrastructure and markets not yet invented.

Anthropic woes

Despite its avowed commitment to deregulation, the White House under US President Donald Trump has not hesitated to take a regulatory approach to AI company Anthropic.

The company refused to bow to pressure to remove protection on its technology. In response, Mr Trump called the AI firm, which is led by chief executive Dario Amodei, a “radical left” and “woke” company, and ordered its use to be banned by federal agencies.

This month, the Department of Commerce forced Anthropic to disable access to its latest AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, for "any foreign national, whether inside the US or outside".

Anthropic, which had claimed that those models were finely tuned to reduce the risk of misuse that the company had warned about for several months, said the Commerce Department had spoken of a risk that the models could be compromised and fall into the wrong hands.

On the Anthropic restrictions, a State Department representative said that "ensuring American technology dominance and protecting critical technologies are not mutually exclusive", adding that the Pax Silica coalition is "built exactly on that understanding".

Mr Helberg did not respond to The National's inquiries about Anthropic during Thursday's Pax Silica event, although he touched on the potential dangers of AI briefly.

"We view danger in a practical way, through the prism of threats to our critical infrastructure and cyber security," he said.

Those worries led the US to have a "very careful, deliberate approach to managing the release of our most advanced models to make sure that we didn't have friends and partners around the world get attacked or compromised in unintended ways".

"We will not be making any decisions or commitments that in any way undermine the prosperity, stability or security of our Gulf partners," Mr Rubio told reporters after a meeting with Gulf foreign ministers in Bahrain.

"So every step of the way, we'll create a system where we are always in communication with them and they're not reading about it in the media.

"They really should be hearing directly from us and engaged as much as possible in this process as we move forward. And that was something that we talked about today."

The meeting in Bahrain was the culmination of Mr Rubio's three-day trip to the region to reassure allies, days after the US and Iran held their first round of talks under a 14-point framework they signed last week.

The Gulf foreign ministers welcomed the signing of the preliminary agreement in a joint statement issued after the meeting, but also stressed the need to "maintain the momentum and unity of the negotiations in order to achieve a lasting end to hostilities and the shared objective of preventing Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon in any form".

Ensuring a lasting peace in the region "requires addressing all forms of Iranian threats, including its ballistic missiles, drones and support for proxies in the region", they said.

Curtailing Iran's missile programme and its use of armed proxies to exert influence in the region was among the objectives listed by US President Donald Trump when the US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28. However, they were not mentioned in the agreement signed by Washington and Tehran last week.

The ministers also stressed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation was essential for regional and global security, while rejecting "the imposition of any fees, taxes or attempts to exert control over the strait".

Marine traffic through the strait, effectively blockaded by Iranian attacks on shipping after the war began, has increased since last week but uncertainty remains over its operation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy on Thursday appeared to reject Oman's opening of a navigation channel for the evacuation of more than 11,000 seafarers stranded by the blockade.

The IRGC navy said vessels could safely transit the Strait of Hormuz only through routes it has announced, according to a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.

A vessel off the coast of Oman was struck by a projectile on Thursday evening, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre said. No casualties were reported.

The ship ​hit ‌was the Singapore-flagged container Ever Lovely, Reuters reported, quoting the British maritime risk management ⁠group Vanguard and security sources.

The incident was deemed to be an attack ⁠based on initial assessments, British maritime security company Ambrey said.

The UN's International Maritime Organisation said the evacuation effort, which it announced on Wednesday, had been suspended after the attack.

Since the start of Mr Rubio's tour in the UAE on Tuesday, he has repeatedly voiced US opposition to any tolls or charges being imposed in the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. In Bahrain, he also addressed Iran's repeated warnings to ships to follow its directives to ensure safe passage.

"They’re going to have people going on their TV, on their official media and making all kinds of pronouncements. But what we're interested in is not their press conferences. What we're interested in is whether or not ships are moving," he said.

"If ships are moving as they should be moving, then that's what we're going to judge and that's what we're going to react to. If, on the other hand, this rhetoric is backed up by actual ships being threatened and ships are not moving, that's a violation of the agreement. And we're going to have a problem with it."

“We will not be making any decisions or commitments that in any way undermine the prosperity, stability or security of our Gulf partners,” Mr Rubio said after meeting Gulf officials and foreign ministers in Bahrain on Thursday.

“At every step of the way, we’ll create a system where we are always in communication with them and they are not reading about it in the media. They really should be hearing directly from us and engaged as much as possible in this process as we move forwards.”

The meeting came at the end of Mr Rubio’s three-day tour of the region, which began days after the first round of US-Iran talks in Switzerland under a 14-point framework agreement.

The Gulf ministers welcomed the signing of the framework agreement, but stressed the need to “maintain the momentum and unity of the negotiations in order to achieve a lasting end to hostilities and the shared objective of preventing Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon”.

Ensuring a lasting peace in the region “requires addressing all forms of Iranian threats, including its ballistic missiles, drones and support for proxies in the region”, they added.

The ministers also emphasised the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and said unrestricted freedom of navigation was essential for regional and global security. They voiced strong opposition to “any fees, taxes or attempts to exert control over the strait”.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Thursday rejected Oman’s move to open a corridor to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors trapped in the Arabian Gulf. It said ships could safely cross the strait only through IRGC-approved routes.

A ship was struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman on Thursday evening, the UK Maritime Trade Organisation said. No casualties were reported.

The station is in Mohamed bin Zayed City, about 30km from Abu Dhabi city centre. Passengers can expect a seamless experience from the moment they set foot inside.

From the outside, the station looks futuristic, with a white-panelled facade. On entering the atrium, one of the first things passengers will see is Emirates Sands, a stylised 3D map of the planned rail network made up of sand from each of the seven emirates.

The station's design makes perfect use of natural light, while guiding lines on the floor ensure first-time visitors know where to find their platforms.

The atrium hosts restaurants, cafes and shops, as well as a dedicated lounge for holders of premium class tickets. WH Smith, Chicking, Shot and Starbucks are among the retailers confirmed to be opening branches inside the station.

Rail tickets can be purchased from conveniently placed machines, as can Hafilat bus passes, with the station having been integrated into Abu Dhabi's bus network. Etihad Rail has also set up a shuttle service to ferry passengers to and from Reem Mall, Adnoc headquarters and Adnec, with tickets available for Dh10.

The station's two platforms are connected by an underpass. Ample parking spaces are available, and cyclists can make use of dedicated bike lanes to travel between the station and the nearby Shabiya district.

Soaring demand

Adhraa Almansoori, executive director at Etihad Rail Mobility, said demand for tickets had been even higher than anticipated, with more than 5,000 bookings recorded within two days.

Tickets can be booked on Etihad Rail's website and app, which has become the UAE's most-downloaded free app since it was launched.

“I want people to make the train a part of their daily life,” Ms Almansoori said. “Passenger rail represents the moment when the railway stops being something people see in the distance and becomes something they experience for themselves through everyday journeys, family visits and new opportunities.”

The Mohamed bin Zayed City station, as well as the one in Al Hilal City in Fujairah, begin operations on Tuesday. They will be followed on September 30 by stations at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and Al Dhaid in Sharjah.

Five stations in Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi – in Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Mirfa, Madinat Zayed and Liwa – will open on December 30, and Sharjah's University City station will begin operations on March 30 next year.

Ready for launch

Abu Dhabi-Fujairah was chosen as the initial route for its operational and engineering complexity. Etihad Rail's trains carry passengers from the sands around the capital through the mountains of the Northern Emirates using a series of bridges and tunnels.

Etihad Rail emphasised that those who want a quick, safe and convenient way to travel should not hesitate to board the train.

“The biggest value a train can give you is to give you back your time,” Ms Almansoori said.

In terms of future network expansion, she said Etihad Rail would monitor passenger demand before determining where new routes are most needed.

Etihad Rail anticipates that the passenger rail network will generate economic and social benefits worth about Dh91 billion ($24.7 billion) over the next 50 years, out of the Dh200 billion it forecasts will be created by the UAE railway system as a whole.

“The possibilities are endless – this is just a start,” Ms Almansoori said. “We are ready. I think it is going to be a celebration.”

In the UAE, the latest MacBook Air with the M5 chip now starts at Dh5,499, up from Dh4,599.

The M5 MacBook Pro, which at launch had a starting price of Dh6,899, is now at Dh8,499.

The recently launched MacBook Neo now starts at Dh2,999, up from the launch offering of Dh2,599.

Apple's M4 iPad Air, which was introduced at Dh2,499, is now going for Dh2,999, while the starting price of the M5 iPad Pro has been increased from Dh4,199 to Dh4,999.

Apple indicated to The National on Thursday that it was left with no choice, saying it "reached a point where we need to begin raising prices on a number of products".

It added that the consumer electronics industry "is facing an unprecedented challenge", pointing to the spectacular rise of artificial intelligence, its infrastructure demands and the seemingly endless applications the technology is being used for.

“The rapid expansion of AI data centres has created an extraordinary surge in demand for memory and storage. We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly,” Apple said.

"We know this is not welcome news, and we are working tirelessly to find solutions.”

Apple has, for the most part, been able to maintain the prices of its products in recent years, despite adding new features.

The rise of AI applications, however, has created unprecedented demand for chips, causing shortages and raising their costs.

The development and building of data centres, which house these AI-intensive operations, also adds to the pressure.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook, who is stepping down on September 1, earlier this month hinted at the California-based company's plans to raise prices, the Wall Street Journal reported.

At the time, he did not disclose which products would be affected and when the price increases would be implemented.

“There's less ​supply at a time when consumers want devices and the ​memory guys ‌are passing along huge price increases,” Mr Cook said.

“We definitely need memory pricing and ⁠supply to return to reasonable levels for consumer products. That's the ⁠bottom line.”

Shares of Apple retreated by as much as 5 per cent after the announcement.

The company is expected to unveil its new iPhones in September, with the industry anticipating the company's first foldable flagship device.

In a 6-3 ruling, the conservative-leaning court overturned decisions by federal judges in New York and Washington that had halted the termination of TPS for more than 6,100 people from Syria and 350,000 people from Haiti.

TPS provides protection from deportation, as well as the ability to work in the US, to citizens of countries facing conflict or other crises. It is possible for a person to have more than one status that could allow them to stay in the US.

The Trump administration has pushed to end the designation for several countries, including Afghanistan and Yemen. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito, who ‌wrote the ruling, said that courts cannot review the administration's decisions concerning TPS, a decision that could doom legal challenges going forward.

The US first provided TPS to Syrians when the country was plunged into civil war in 2011. The Trump administration announced its intent to end the programme in September last year, with the Department of Homeland Security saying “conditions in Syria no longer prevent their nationals from returning home ... it is contrary to our national interest to allow Syrians to remain in our country".

Groups of Syrian and Haitian TPS holders filed class-action lawsuits separately to challenge the administration's moves. They said the actions and the pattern of ending humanitarian designations for various countries show that the decisions were a preordained effort to eliminate the TPS programme.

Mr Trump has sought to end temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants in the US, including some who have lived and worked in the country legally for decades.

The dispute has carried potentially wide implications, affecting 1.3 million immigrants from all 17 countries currently designated for TPS. The ​Trump administration has said such protections were always meant to be temporary.

Critics of the Trump administration slammed the decision.

“It’s horrific and lawless," said Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren. “The Supreme Court is letting the president ignore the laws set by Congress and terminate protections for up to 1.3 million TPS workers and their families across the country.”

Krikor Der-Hagopian, 49, was an adviser on international relations to former prime minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani and has close ties with current Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi.

He will replace veteran diplomat Nizar Al Khairallah, who served as deputy foreign minister before being posted to Washington. Baghdad has submitted Mr Der-Hagopian's papers to Washington and “we are awaiting the response from the American side”, an Iraqi official told The National.

Mr Der-Hagopian served as head of the Directorate of International Relations under Mr Al Sudani’s government from 2022 to 2026. He has built relationships with the majority of Iraq’s political actors and has extensive knowledge of the country's diverse groups.

He is a “competent and able person, and the new prime minister has no prejudices and has Iraq’s interest in mind”, the Iraqi official said.

It is not clear when the new ambassador will assume his post. “It is in the hands of the American side now as to how soon they give him the go-ahead,” the official said.

Iraq is facing mounting pressure from the US to strengthen ties with Washington while distancing itself from Iran and acting against Tehran-aligned Iraqi armed factions.

Renad Mansour, director of the Iraq Initiative at London's Chatham House, told The National that Mr Der-Hagopian is seen as a key interlocutor between Baghdad and Washington.

Iraq-US relations are at a particularly fragile moment, with recent sanctions and threats contributing to what officials fear could be one of its lowest points. Mr Al Zaidi's choice of ambassador could be seen as a way to “please the US”, Mr Mansour said.

Mr Der-Hagopian has held senior roles in Iraq’s presidency and prime minister’s office and worked on US relations during Mr Al Sudani's administration, providing continuity as the new Prime Minister navigates complex external pressures, he said.

The Armenian community is one of the smallest in Iraq. Armenians began arriving from Iran several centuries ago and settled between Baghdad and Mosul.

There are no reliable statistics, but about 25,000 Armenians were believed to be living in Iraq before the US-led invasion of 2003. Since then, many have sought safety in Europe, with some returning to Armenia.

Iraq's Armenian community tends to keep a low profile. Culturally, they consider themselves part of Iraq but maintain ties with Armenia.

“With the withdrawal of the final US troops from Iraq on September 30, the relationship with the US will transition from military to economic,” Mr Al Zaidi said. Under a 2024 deal between Baghdad and Washington, coalition forces exited federal Iraq by September last year, relocating to the Kurdistan region, and are supposed to fully withdraw from the country by September this year.

However, the role of US troops is expected to continue in an advisory capacity, especially to help fight against ISIS in neighbouring Syria. Most US troops from Syria relocated to Erbil earlier this year.

Iran-aligned militia groups inside Iraq have also tied their own disarmament process to the September withdrawal date. Rather than a permanent exit, the transition is expected to lead to bilateral security partnerships between Washington and Baghdad.

“In the future, US companies will receive top priority if they want to do business in Iraq," the official said, while the country's ministries of oil, electricity and communications have all been directed to prioritise reputable US companies, focusing heavily on energy, telecoms, technology and development.

“The Ministerial Council for the Economy has approved major oil projects with international companies, including Chevron, Halliburton and HKN,” he told The National. Iraq’s telecoms sector is in talks with Starlink.

Speaking from his office in Baghdad, Mr Al Zaidi detailed plans for a joint energy and development fund with the US, financed through the equivalent of 500,000 barrels per day, with funds to be deployed across a range of investments, including electricity and infrastructure projects. He also said that 500,000 bpd would go towards helping to refill the US strategic petroleum reserve.

“We will discuss with the US side the energy and development project, beginning with 500,000 barrels per day and potentially expanding to two million barrels per day,” Mr Al Zaidi explained, with the numbers dependent on "economic and production conditions, and possibly going beyond the Opec quota" limitations.

“We are working to secure a fair production quota for Iraq that reflects the country’s capabilities,” Mr Al Zaidi stated. “Over the next three years, we aim to increase Iraq’s oil production to seven million barrels per day and we have communicated this vision to American companies."

While he denied Iraq has any plans to leave Opec, he raised the possibility of suspending Iraq’s membership if the country is blocked from increasing capacity. “Our pursuit of a strong economic partnership with the US is driven exclusively by Iraq’s national interests and is not directed against any other country,” Mr Al Zaidi said. “We are preparing an international sovereignty conference reaffirming that Iraq’s decisions belong solely to Iraqis and promoting an Iraq free of foreign forces and armed groups operating outside state authority.”

Iraq's Oil Ministry also said on Thursday that the country does not intend to leave Opec, but it will consider doing so if demands for a higher production quota are not met. Iraq, which relies on oil for the bulk of its income, has a quota of 4.3 million bpd for July. It pumped 1.48 million bpd in May, according to Opec data, down from almost 4.2 million bpd in February before Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz.

The new government has already begun the process of disarming militias inside Iraq, with the Prime Minister emphasising that the deadline for doing so will coincide with the planned departure of American forces in September.

Armed groups in Iraq grew out of a spirit of resistance, Mr Al Zaidi said. But after September 30, the country will enter a new phase. “Once US troops withdraw, there will be no justification for any resistance or armed factions."

While investigations have found "no evidence" that recent attacks against Saudi Arabia during the Iran war originated from Iraq, Mr Al Zaidi also told The National that he plans to hold state security forces responsible for any attacks launched from Iraqi soil going forward.

The divide between factions backing integration and those aligned with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is the main sticking point, given Baghdad's limited influence over them.

In recent weeks, two powerful militias announced their willingness to integrate into the state. One group, Saraya Al Salam, is led by Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr. The other, Asaib Ahl Al Haq, is led by Qais Al Khazali, a long-time Tehran supporter. He has shifted his focus to domestic politics with an eye on a cabinet position.

Meanwhile, the government has begun confronting corruption. Mr Al Zaidi described it as a "systemic phenomenon" that he plans to suffocate.

On Tuesday, Iraq’s Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court announced the arrest of a former official and said a detained senior oil official confessed in a graft case. Total funds recovered in the case now exceed 98 billion dinars ($74 million) and $11 million, the court said.

Iraq ranks 136th out of 181 on Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, with oil sector contracts a frequent target of graft investigations. Corruption has been rife under successive governments elected after the US-led invasion of 2003, which toppled Saddam Hussein. Billions of dollars given to the government for reconstruction were misused by authorities.

The widespread corruption has crippled the country’s efforts to overcome the effects of war and UN-imposed economic sanctions. In 2021, Iraq's president at the time, Barham Salih, estimated that the country had lost $150 billion to embezzlement since 2003.

“I’ve begun measures in every ministry and directorate to choke off any avenue for it,” Mr Al Zaidi said, adding that future government contracts would be posted online in an open and transparent way.

GDP was upwardly revised to a 2.1 per cent annualised rate last quarter, ⁠the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis said. Growth was previously reported to have advanced at a 1.6 per cent pace, according to Reuters.

The personal consumption expenditures price index rose 4.1 per cent from a year earlier, the most since April 2023, Bureau of Economic Analysis data showed. Excluding food and energy, prices were up 3.4 per cent from a year earlier.

Inflation-adjusted consumer spending rose 0.3 per cent last month after stalling in April.

A closely watched metric of services inflation that excludes energy and housing advanced 0.5 per cent, the most since January. Financial services prices rose by the most in almost a year, while transportation services and health care also posted strong increases.

When measured from the income side, the economy grew at a 1.2 per cent rate in the January-March quarter. Gross domestic income was previously estimated to have increased at a 0.9 per cent rate. It grew at a 1.6 per cent pace in the fourth quarter.

The numbers are likely to keep pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this year. Despite the recent peace negotiations between the US and Iran that have sent oil prices tumbling, economists expect the costs of an array of products to continue rising as the initial energy shock works its way through supply chains.

Looking ahead, the recent pullback in petrol prices could offer consumers some reprieve, though prices at the pump are still almost $1 a gallon higher on average than before the war started.

Higher-than-usual tax refunds have helped bolster consumers in recent months, while a reaccelerating labour market and rising stock prices are also supporting spending. Even so, workers across sectors have seen pay gains fail to keep up with inflation, which has many saving less or turning to credit cards to maintain consumption habits.

There was good news on that front in Thursday’s figures: personal income, a metric which is not adjusted for inflation, rose 0.7 per cent, while wages and salaries advanced 0.4 per cent.

Beyond the war’s direct impact on energy prices, categories in both goods and services saw firm price increases in the May report.

Overall economic activity is mostly being driven by artificial intelligence-related spending, with business investment in equipment increasing at a 15.8 per cent rate. Prices of computer software and accessories rose a record 14.5 per cent from a year earlier, in part reflecting strong demand from the data centre buildout.

-With agencies

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Al Shibani discussed regional developments in the Middle East and reviewed co-operation in sectors including development and the economy, state news agency Wam reported.

They also looked at ways to boost the prosperity and well-being of their countries' citizens.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, adviser to the President.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, also received Mr Al Shibani on Thursday. During the meeting they discussed developments in Syria and Lebanon.

The evacuation plan announced by Oman yesterday proposes two new corridors for crossing the channel: a northern route along the Iranian coast, and the southern route flanking Oman.

About 11,000 seafarers who remain stranded in the Gulf are expected to use these routes to return home.

This temporarily replaces the internationally recognised corridor through the strait, established as a traffic separation scheme in 1968, which is now deemed too dangerous to cross due to the risk of sea mines.

The TSS was chosen as the safest route for large ships because of its depth, and sailors will expect to go back to it, according to Capt Andrew Cook, secretary general of the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations.

“The co-ordinates of the TSS are not political co-ordinates, they are there for safety of navigation. The TSS was put in place where the water is deep enough for the bigger ships to get through,” he said.

Earlier US reports have suggested it could take six months to clear the strait of reported mines, and that this can only be done once the threat of war is cleared.

Risk of attack

Ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz under the new evacuation framework still face a “residual risk” of Iranian attack, as it seeks to impose a toll system on the strip.

Insiders believe that shipping companies whose governments are friendly to Iran will be able to cross that northern route – but that the majority will proceed along the coast of Oman.

But Iran’s aim to have ships pay to cross the strait means it still has incentives to block the alternatives.

“There is a residual risk that because Iran wants you to pay them to use their route, Iran could attack shipping using this southern route,” said Capt Chris O’Flaherty, a naval mines expert from the Nautical Institute.

“If you’ve co-ordinated to go through the Iranian route, then you’ve co-ordinated with Iran. There is a very high probability Iran is going to leave you alone,” he told The National.

Whether or not decides to prevent ships from crossing the southern route will be a "huge test of international politics and diplomacy".

“That is why the navigation area [notice to seafarers] makes it crystal clear that it's up to every ship and every master to do their own risk assessment before they transit,” he said.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ navy - which is seperate from Iran's conventional navy - has already begun pushing back against the southern corridor, warning on Thursday that ships would need to continue co-ordinating with the force to pass through the waterway. “Safe passage is only possible via routes announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement carried by the Tasnim state news agency said.

A representative of the IMO said the “evacuation is being implemented as planned” and that the guidance on its website has not changed, in response to the IRGC statement.

Two ships operated by the shipping giant Maersk sailed through the strait overnight on Wednesday, the company said. The Maersk Baltimore and a vessel time-chartered to Maersk exited the Arabian Gulf in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The transits were completed in “close co-ordination with our security partners and followed thorough security assessments”, with no issues reported, Maersk said.

Fundamental changes

There are concerns that the corridor in and out of the strait has been fundamentally changed by the conflict - with Iran emboldened by the knowledge that it can blockade the corridor again in the future.

While the Omani-issued notice to ships states that no tolls will be imposed for the duration of the evacuation, Iran is expected to proceed with its plans to charge ships for crossing the strait once that phase is complete.

The routes outlined by Oman are likely to be based on the emergency corridors that emerged in April in response to the crisis.

To reduce the risk of mines, the Omani route was likely to follow a road paved by the US navy’s silent convoys, that has escorted dozens of ships out of the strait since April. “Every ship is a mine sweeper once. Every single time a ship safely transits along that track, then realistically you are proving that there are no mines there,” Capt O’Flaherty said.

“The Omanis will most definitely have coordinated with those partners, if the US have had multiple ships going along a set track."

The route flanking Oman could turn it to a “single track country lane”, requiring ships to request slot transits that resemble those in the Suez Canal.

“There will be a single-track country lane and the Omanis have said we're quite happy to coordinate traffic along it. Very soon I think you'll probably shift to a model where you ask I have a slot transit?” he said.

“I've been through the Suez Canal quite a few times, and as soon as you know when you want to transit, you then contact the Egyptian Suez Canal Authority, and you literally book your slot. The more notice you give them, the higher your probability of getting your day of choice."

The conference aims to attract investment in the country's economy and businesses. For the first time, several billion euros are expected to be raised for Ukraine's security and defence sectors. European leaders and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte are expected to attend.

Ukraine ⁠expects to ⁠sign more than ​160 agreements ⁠worth more than €10 billion euros ($11.3 billion), Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said. She added that ​the ‌first €⁠3.2 ​billion ​tranche from ‌the EU's €90 billion loan ⁠would be announced today.

In a speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Ukraine's outlook had improved from last year's conference. “One year ago … the situation for Ukraine was dark,” Ms von der Leyen said.

“Today, the outlook is different. Ukraine has made progress on the battlefield, we have strengthened Ukraine’s economic foundations, we have advanced its European path and we have created new opportunities for investment and growth.”

The EU will also be transferring a €6 billion support package for drone production in the coming days. European states stepped up their aid to Ukraine last year as the US halted its own support under President Donald Trump.

But Mr Zelenskyy's absence shifted the focus away from helping Polish businesses to win contracts in Ukraine to smoothing over bilateral relations.

Ms Svyrydenko stood in for Mr Zelenskyy in an effort to avert tensions in Poland after the Ukrainian President named a Ukrainian military unit after a nationalist unit that is said to have massacred Poles during the Second World War.

Ms Svyrydenko laid out her intentions before the conference. “Our delegation has a clear mission: to secure concrete agreements that ​will strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities and resilience while expanding economic co-operation with our partners,” she said.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki last week stripped Mr Zelenskyy of the order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state honour. This was described as a “strategic error” by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Poland represents Ukraine's biggest ally in the EU as well as a being in a strategic position for humanitarian and military support.

Speaking before the conference, Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Bildt compared Ukraine's economic potential to Poland's. “If you look at the long-term potential of Ukraine, it is clearly to be another Poland in terms of the economic development. In certain areas, Ukraine has even better potential than Poland had,” he said.

Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute released its quarterly Global AI Diffusion Report – the first of this year – tracking how widely generative AI has penetrated societies and economies worldwide. The UAE ranked first globally, with 70.1 per cent of its working-age population actively using generative AI – up from 64 per cent just a quarter earlier, which was also the first globally, and from 59.4 per cent a year ago.

Not only did the UAE top the table, the 6.1 percentage-point quarterly gain was among the largest of any leading nation. For context, second-placed Singapore sits at 63.4 per cent, Norway, Ireland and France – third, fourth and fifth – cluster about 48 per cent, while the US, widely assumed to be an AI superpower, languishes at 31.3 per cent and in 21st place, having crept up only three spots in a quarter. The global average is 17.8 per cent.

Reaching the top of a league table is one thing. Widening the gap once you are there is another. This did not happen by accident, nor by infrastructure alone.

Everyone knows that the UAE was ahead of the curve and appointed the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017 – before most governments had started grappling with the question of how AI could affect all aspects of life. Soon after that, a comprehensive national strategy followed, and we started seeing eye-watering investments in digital infrastructure, cloud capacity, data ecosystems and research institutions sustained over nearly a decade. The difference between the UAE and most of its peers is not resources – it is sequencing, speed and a clear vision of the future.

In the new age of competitive advantage of nations, the UAE is now in prime position as history offers a useful lesson. Technological revolutions rarely reward those who invent a technology first. They reward those who diffuse it fastest. Britain invented the railway; America built a continent with it. Europe shaped the internet’s architecture; Silicon Valley colonised its economics. The country that leads in AI adoption – not merely AI research – will compound advantages across productivity, health care, education, government efficiency and economic growth. The UAE has grasped this with unusual clarity.

Elsewhere, the report reveals a story with two distinct subplots.

The first is Asia’s emergence as a new growth engine. Twelve of the 15 fastest-growing economies since last June are Asian. South Korea leads the surge with a 43 per cent increase in AI users over that period, now at 37.1 per cent adoption – a jump that lifted it from 18th to 16th in the global rankings. Thailand is up 36 per cent, Japan 34 per cent.

The driver is not demographics or wealth alone, but something more specific: rapidly improving multilingual AI capability. As models close the gap between English and local-language performance – Japanese professional exam accuracy has risen from about 51 per cent on early GPT models to more than 90 per cent on recent systems – adoption follows almost mechanically. Language was the lock; better models are the key.

The second subplot is less encouraging. The gap between the Global North and Global South is not merely persisting – it is accelerating. In the first quarter of this year, the Global North reached 27.5 per cent AI adoption; the Global South, 15.4 per cent. A year ago, the gap was 9.8 percentage points. It is now 12.1.

The culprits are familiar: unreliable electricity, limited internet penetration, weak digital skills. The Global South has 88.9 per cent electricity access compared to 98.1 per cent in the North; internet access stands at 65.7 per cent versus 90.1 per cent. Until those foundations are addressed, AI’s gains will remain as unevenly distributed as the infrastructure that carries them.

The report also illuminates something happening at the productive frontier of the AI economy: a step-change in how software gets built. Git pushes – the measure of code uploaded to GitHub – rose 78 per cent year over year globally in the first quarter of this year, reaching 380 million. New repositories grew 45 per cent. More striking still, GitHub pull requests associated with AI coding agents grew 28-fold in just 10 months.

The alarm about AI destroying software jobs has, for now, proved premature: American software developer employment hit a record 2.2 million last year, up 8.5 per cent year on year, with early data from this year showing a further 4 per cent gain. When AI cuts the cost of building software, it appears organisations respond by building vastly more of it, and hiring more people to do that.

There is a caveat worth noting. Diffusion statistics measure usage, not sophistication. A population using generative AI to draft emails and summarise documents is meaningfully different from one producing AI-enabled medical breakthroughs or sovereign foundation models. The UAE remains a buyer and deployer of frontier technology. Turning adoption into indigenous innovation – closing the implementation-invention gap – is the critical challenge ahead.

Most economic value over the next decade will accrue not from building models but from deploying them at scale across industries and governments. On that measure, Abu Dhabi is lapping the field.

For policymakers elsewhere, the data should prompt discomfort rather than dismissal. Countries that continue to debate AI while others embed it are not being prudent, they are falling behind – and the gap, as this report makes plain, will get harder to close.

Major debuts include Michael Rider's first menswear collection for Celine and Sarah Burton's inaugural menswear outing for Givenchy.

There have also been notable departures from the traditional runway format. Zegna unveiled its collection weeks ahead of schedule on a pier in Malibu, while Gucci presented its latest menswear looks as part of its co-ed Cruise show in New York's Times Square in May.

Kenzo went further still, abandoning the runway entirely in favour of La Fete de Kenzo, a week-long programme running until June 28 across Paris, in venues including a flower shop, showroom, pop-up, market and coffee shop.

Still, there are plenty of design cues to be taken from the runway shows. Here are the highlights.

Dior

Blending 18th-century aristocratic bohemia with the hedonism of Studio 54, creative director Jonathan Anderson created something exquisitely elegant yet artfully dishevelled.

Loose shirts with oversized cuffs, sweeping tailored coats, shredded knitwear, flamboyant brooches and metallic trousers combined to evoke a vision of elegantly wasted glamour for the modern age.

Louis Vuitton

On one of Paris' hottest day on record, Louis Vuitton menswear creative director Pharrell Williams transformed the campus of the Cite Internationale Universitaire into a sand-covered beach, complete with a towering curved wave from behind which models emerged in surf-inspired looks.

Monogrammed wetsuits, Hawaiian-print shirts and LV-branded surfboards signalled a wardrobe that can carry the Vuitton man effortlessly from office to beach.

Saint Laurent

With a front row that included Rami Malek, Austin Butler and Queen of Pop Madonna, this was never going to be an ordinary show.

Walking along a smoke-filled runway punctuated by artist Fujiko Nakaya's Cloud #07156 installation, models wore slim-cut suits, second-skin V-neck knits and neon, broad-shouldered tops that felt both rakish and sensual. The standout piece? Elongated, transparent shoes.

Thom Browne

For his Milan Fashion Week debut, New York designer Thom Browne turned to an unlikely source of inspiration: the 1998 Disney film A Bugs Life.

The brand's signature tailoring came scattered with insects crawling across torsos and legs, while dotted patterns resembled an army of ants. As his models walked in veiled beekeeper hats, Browne donned an insect mask for his own bow.

Prada

With newly appointed brand ambassador Saint Levant seated front row, Prada's spring/summer 2027 menswear show was, in the words of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, “an exercise in clarity”.

Stripped of anything superfluous, it centred on a pared-back, almost shrunken silhouette that refined menswear essentials such as the T-shirt, jacket and jeans. Lifted by flashes of vivid colour, the result was disciplined, confident and quietly compelling.

Dolce & Gabbana

Showing in Milan, Dolce & Gabbana looked to the homeland of Domenico Dolce for a collection titled Vacanze Siciliane (Sicilian Holidays), celebrating the island's history and traditions.

Silk swimwear, lightweight cotton and crochet knitwear set an effortless tone, while woven suede and deconstructed tailoring elevated a relaxed new elegance. Prints and embellishments nodded to Sicily's layered past – from the Ancient Greeks and Romans to the Byzantines, Arabs, French and Spaniards – through citrus motifs, cutwork, coral details and glossy charms. The collection closed with a series of all-white looks, a tribute to la dolce vita.

The UAE Medical Centre, opened as part of the Emirates' Operation Gallant Knight 3 aid campaign, is designed to strengthen the capacity of Gaza's healthcare system, providing both primary and therapeutic care to patients amid the severe challenges facing the sector, state news agency Wam reported.

A number of clinics and medical specialities will be available, helping to meet patients' needs, added Wam.

The centre's opening reflects the broader humanitarian objectives of the UAE's humanitarian campaign in Gaza, established after the start of the war on October 7, 2023.

The centre is the second to be established in Gaza under Gallant Knight 3, after December's launch of one in Khan Younis. Together, the two centres form part of a wider plan to ensure that medical care reaches as many people as possible across the enclave.

The UAE has offered steadfast support to Gaza, even when the Emirates was under attack by Iran.

It has provided billions of dirhams' worth of aid, set up a field hospital in the enclave and established another in Egypt. Thousands of Gazans have also been flown to the Emirates to receive urgent medical care.

Reports emerged on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia is expected to host Gulf-Iran reconciliation talks in Riyadh, although no date was specified. However, Gulf diplomats, speaking to The National on condition of anonymity, said reports of such discussions were premature.

“Gulf states have shown good faith in pursuing peace and continue to rely on diplomacy to resolve the conflict,” said one diplomat. Rebuilding trust with Iran remains a key challenge, the diplomat added.

Many Gulf countries are wary of Tehran despite the framework agreement reached between the US and Iran. Several officials have publicly stressed that confidence must be restored after a war in which countries across the region came under a barrage of Iranian missile attacks that resulted in civilian deaths.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure Gulf partners on Thursday that any agreement with Iran would take their interests into account, as he concluded a regional tour aimed at building support for the administration of US President Donald Trump’s preliminary accord with Tehran.

At a meeting of Gulf foreign ministers and officials in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, Mr Rubio said Washington was pursuing a durable peace with Iran that would not come at the expense of the security or prosperity of its regional allies.

“The message that I come with is that we want to ensure that in any decisions that are made throughout this negotiating process, the interests of our partners and our allies in the region are always taken into account,” he said.

Some Gulf states remain concerned that the agreement may be too accommodating towards Iran.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, said on Thursday that “new geopolitical realities” cannot be imposed on Gulf states through aggression.

“Imposing a fait accompli born out of aggression does not create stability; rather, it plants new seeds of discord and conflict for the future. This applies particularly to the Strait of Hormuz,” Dr Gargash wrote on X.

A former Gulf official told The National last week that trust could not be rebuilt through political declarations alone.

“Trust is earned through actions,” said the former official. “For countries in the region, that means sustained commitments, respect for sovereignty and clear evidence that the aggression witnessed during the war will not be repeated.”

While the airline has yet to reveal further details, including flight timings, it said Abu Dhabi will become its 49th destination and its 10th within the GCC.

“Abu Dhabi is a natural addition to our network, not only because of its importance as a regional business and travel hub, but also because it strengthens the connectivity ecosystem that supports both Oman and the wider GCC,” said Con Korfiatis, chief executive of Oman Air.

Oman Air already operates flights between Muscat and Dubai. On July 3, it will also launch a direct route between Dubai and Salalah, known for its pristine beaches and lush green valleys especially during khareef season.

The seasonal Salalah-Dubai route will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Abu Dhabi is the latest in a series of new destinations announced by Oman Air this year. The state-owned airline launched flights from Muscat to Taif in Saudi Arabia in January and has since added Singapore, Tashkent in Uzbekistan and Sochi in Russia to its route map.

Recent conflict in the Middle East prompted some airlines to suspend flights and adjust schedules. But as airspace restrictions ease and operations return to normal, many carriers are once again expanding their networks.

Oman Air is one of two scheduled passenger airlines in the Sultanate, alongside low-cost carrier SalamAir. Both airlines have been expanding their regional networks in response to growing demand for travel within the Gulf and beyond.

In an exclusive interview with The National, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, said the Frank Gehry-designed venue would be “a centre of excellence”.

Dar Al Funoon, which translates to house of the arts, is the latest major cultural project to be announced in Abu Dhabi and one of Gehry’s final works before his death in December, aged 96.

“Dar Al Funoon is a place, really, for all,” Al Mubarak says. “It’s a place where we celebrate all art forms of performance, whether it’s music, whether it’s concerts, whether it’s dance, ballet, recitals, and the list goes on.”

The project brings together several strands of Abu Dhabi’s cultural strategy, from entertainment and education to job creation and the wider creative economy. Al Mubarak says the centre will not only host performances, but also help build the ecosystem around them.

“It’s a place where people will get to see themselves and get to learn the world,” he says. “So it is not just an institution that will house some of the most beautiful performances, but it’s really an educational institution that’s going to connect us as human beings with ourselves and with the rest of the world.”

Dar Al Funoon will sit alongside Abu Dhabi’s expanding cultural landscape on and around Saadiyat Island, which includes Louvre Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and the coming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

Al Mubarak says the institutions are part of a connected vision.

“They’re all a network of understanding, of accepting and of learning,” he says. “And for us here in the United Arab Emirates and in Abu Dhabi, it’s critical to make sure that these insightful, intellectual thoughts are in every single child living in the UAE. Not just Emiratis, everybody.”

Asked what message he hoped Dar Al Funoon would send to audiences, Al Mubarak’s answer is brief: “Welcome home.

“This is home. Whether you live here or you’re visiting here, this is home, and that’s our job.”

The welcoming sentiment echoes a message UAE leaders have articulated for years, and particularly during periods of regional uncertainty: everyone living in the country, regardless of citizenship, is seen as part of its future.

“We want everybody that’s living here to be truly global, to be truly understanding and to truly take on the world,” Al Mubarak says.

He says that openness is part of the “DNA” of the country, where more than 200 nationalities live alongside one another.

“Everybody comes with their different music forms, different cultures, different heritages, and what we do here, we actually celebrate that,” he says. “It becomes a part of our DNA. So in Dar Al Funoon, you will hear some of the best Emirati voices, some of the best Arabic voices. It will create opportunities for some of the young voices.

“At the same time, you’ll see Ludovico play the piano here. You’ll see Max Richter play the piano here. You’ll see the likes of Hamilton and the Wizard of Oz play theatre there. You will have some of the best comedians from around the world here, local comedians and someone like Dave Chappelle.”

Al Mubarak did not disclose the investment figure behind the new performing arts centre, but said the project would add value to the cultural and economic life of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

“When we think of our cultural institutions, we think what value does it add to the people of the UAE?” he says. “How does it create opportunities for them? Job opportunities, intellectual opportunities, opportunities where the creative mind can flourish, because we truly believe in the creative identity of every mind.”

The UAE has set a federal goal for the creative economy to contribute 5 per cent of the country’s GDP by 2031. Al Mubarak says institutions such as Dar Al Funoon are part of that broader shift.

“Creativity and imagination are very critical to our socioeconomic growth,” he says.

He says the purpose is “to create these spaces where people can imagine, where people can be creative, and they can then make it their own”.

The announcement is also a signal to artists and those working across the performing arts that a new institution is being built around their fields. Al Mubarak reiterates the importance of education and the need for “future creators, artists, musicians, performers, curators, museographers, conservators and the list goes on”.

“Some of these jobs weren’t even in the discussion 10 years ago,” he says.

The period between now and the 2030 opening will also create work across construction, design and technical fields.

“You can imagine the number of people who are going to be working on this colossal, highly technical project from now until 2030,” Al Mubarak says. “Every single person within the workforce, this is what makes this place special, because it’s a celebration of human capabilities.”

Gehry’s name gives the project added significance. Al Mubarak speaks of the architect with warmth, having worked closely with him on Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Dar Al Funoon.

“Frank Gehry is an unbelievable architect and, God rest his soul, he left us with some mesmerising masterpieces here in Abu Dhabi,” he says. “The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which inshallah will bring in visitors from all over the world very, very soon, and now you’ll have Dar Al Funoon – two of his last masterpieces.”

Al Mubarak says the Abu Dhabi projects brought energy to Gehry late in his career.

“I truly believe the projects he worked on here for Abu Dhabi made him, at the time, even younger, full of energy, full of spark,” he says.

That spark, Al Mubarak adds, led to “this glorious design that we all fell in love with”.

Gehry won the project after a design competition involving several architects. During his last visit to the capital, he saw Guggenheim Abu Dhabi near completion and presented the model of Dar Al Funoon to President Sheikh Mohamed and the project team.

Al Mubarak says the centre has been designed to elevate the experience of the performing arts and to share it beyond those seated inside the venue.

“Frank was a lover of music. He understood how music touches everybody’s soul,” Al Mubarak says. “And that’s the beauty of music and performances – they’re universal in their nature. And he spent quite a lot of time understanding what it means for us.”

The building’s glass exterior will allow performances to be projected outward. Al Mubarak says the idea is that people nearby, whether on the waterfront, on the beach or in surrounding homes, will also feel connected to what is happening within.

“We’re not just going to be sharing it with the visitors who are entering this beautiful Dar Al Funoon. The way it's designed, you’re going to have the acts that are happening inside being projected for all to see and for all to celebrate.

“It is truly sharing the beauty of performing arts with everybody in the city.”

The announcement comes almost two decades after Saadiyat Cultural District was unveiled. Al Mubarak says Abu Dhabi’s cultural development has shown that its long-term projects are not announcements without follow-through.

“One thing that Abu Dhabi does, and the UAE, is when we say we’re going to do something, we’re going to do something,” he says. “It’s not a gimmick on a piece of paper. It’s not a nice marketing play.”

When the district was first announced, some questioned whether its major projects would be realised. Louvre Abu Dhabi is now open, as are Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is expected to open soon.

“There were cynics all over the world,” Al Mubarak says. “Nobody thought that this was going to happen.”

Instead, he says, the district “set the stage of a cultural strategy that continuously evolves and revolutionised the way we think of culture”.

That approach, he says, is rooted in future generations and how they will understand, use and shape culture themselves.

“We’re not worried about the 30, 40 years that happened,” he says. “What we care about is the 30, 40 years that are coming, because who are going to be our visitors? Who is going to be playing in Dar Al Funoon? Yes, we’ll have the big stars, both locally and internationally, but it’s really a place for the young generation to say: ‘This is another place of opportunity.’”

Al Mubarak says the future is positive because the UAE has a young population and one that is eager to absorb culture from across the world.

“That in itself gives everybody a superpower,” he says.

Several parts of that ecosystem are already in place. Abu Dhabi’s partnership with Berklee College of Music led to the opening of Berklee Abu Dhabi in 2020 and scholarship opportunities for students from the region. The UAE National Orchestra has also completed its first season.

“The dots connect very, very quickly,” Al Mubarak says. “We really all dance together.”

DCT Abu Dhabi is already working with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture and local stakeholders, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, on cultural curricula that include theatre, music and other art forms.

“If we all work together, which we are, the impact is far greater than a singular project,” he says.

The operating model is being developed as the project moves through construction. Groundworks have started, bringing opportunities for contractors, subcontractors and consultants before the venue opens.

DCT Abu Dhabi will operate the centre directly, similar to the way it runs its museums and other major cultural institutions. It will also work with partners across programming, technology and education.

“We will basically partner with who we feel is fit and who wants to also create a greater impact for the future,” Al Mubarak says.

Technology will be part of the venue’s development. Al Mubarak says artificial intelligence will be used to better understand visitors and improve the audience journey, from seating and parking to how families use the building.

“We’re using not just technology, but we’re also using our human common sense to understand how we cater for all that,” he says.

Another example of Dar Al Funoon’s ambitions is its work with Nagata Acoustics, the Japanese company behind some of the world’s most acclaimed concert halls. Al Mubarak says DCT Abu Dhabi convinced Dr Yasuhisa Toyota, founder of Nagata Acoustics International, to work on the project even after he had retired.

“We went with the best,” Al Mubarak says. “Unfortunately, at the time, the best was retired.”

Al Mubarak says the team’s pitch to Toyota was centred on building a venue for the future. “We want to work with you to change the game,” he says. “We’re here to build something for the future.”

Rockstar Games’ next open-world blockbuster is set to be one of the biggest entertainment releases of 2026, not only because of the scale of the series but also because of how long players have been waiting for it. Grand Theft Auto 5 was released in 2013 and has since become one of the best-selling games to date, with nearly 230 million copies sold.

Its follow-up will take players back to Vice City, Rockstar’s fictionalised version of Miami, and expand beyond it into the wider state of Leonida. The game will follow two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, in what Rockstar describes as its “biggest, most immersive evolution” of the Grand Theft Auto series yet.

Here is everything we know so far.

When is GTA 6 being released?

Grand Theft Auto 6 will be released on November 19, 2026.

The game is coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro and Xbox Series X and S. A PC version has not yet been announced. This follows Rockstar’s usual pattern of launching Grand Theft Auto games on consoles before bringing them to PC.

Orders opened globally on June 25, through the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Rockstar Games Store and major retailers.

Players who order the digital version will be able to preload the game from November 12, one week before launch. Physical versions will also be available from November 12 to support preloading.

How much will GTA 6 cost?

The standard edition of Grand Theft Auto 6 is $79.99 (Dh295). The Ultimate Edition is $99.99.

That puts GTA 6 above the long-standing $69.99 price point for major blockbuster games, although fan reaction so far is more focused on the contents of the physical edition than the cost.

Will the physical edition include a disc?

No. The physical version of GTA 6 will come as a code in a box rather than on a disc.

That means players who buy a boxed copy will still need to download the game digitally. The decision has already caused some frustration among collectors, particularly those who prefer owning games on disc or reselling physical copies after playing them.

From Rockstar’s perspective, the move is more practical. A code-in-box release makes preloading easier, reduces the risk of early leaks and limits second-hand sales. It also reflects the wider direction of the gaming industry, where even many physical releases now require large downloads and online activation.

Is GTA 6 single-player only?

At launch, Rockstar described GTA 6 as a single-player experience.

The company has not announced an online-style multiplayer mode for November. That does not mean multiplayer will not come later. Grand Theft Auto Online became a major part of GTA 5’s long life, generating years of updates and revenue, and it would be surprising if Rockstar did not eventually build an online world around GTA 6.

What comes with the early-order bonus?

All orders and purchases made before November 20 will include the Vintage Vice City Pack.

The bonus leans heavily into nostalgia for the series’ past, particularly the style and excess of Vice City. It includes a 1955 Vapid Stanier sedan, which can be stored in the Shore Court personal garage near Ocean Beach. The garage includes a weapon locker and a secure place to deposit stolen goods to be fenced.

The pack also includes outfits and hairstyles for Jason and Lucia. Jason gets a pastel linen suit and vintage hairdo, while Lucia receives a red sequinned minidress and curls.

There is also a weapon pattern inspired by Tommy Vercetti’s famed palm tree shirt from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, allowing players to apply a tropical design to most guns.

What is in the Ultimate Edition?

The Ultimate Edition adds a range of exclusive in-game content spread across Jason and Lucia’s story.

The bonuses include premium vehicles such as the Grotti Cheetah, a mid-1990s sports car with retro-futuristic livery, and Jason’s safehouse vehicles, including a Dinka Enduro motorcycle and a Crest kayak.

There is also a Shitzu Squalo watercraft docked at Washington Beach, fitted with an explosives-laden weapons crate, and a 1967 Vapid Dominator Buggy designed for off-road driving around Mount Kalaga and beyond. That buggy comes with access to Paradise Garage in Watson Bay, which includes a weapon locker and a secure place to deposit stolen goods.

For weapons, the Ultimate Edition includes his-and-hers Hawk & Little Morgan revolvers with Vice City-inspired details, as well as personalised variants of Jason’s Girardi ES9 pistol and Lucia’s Klose K17 pistol.

It also includes exclusive outfits, tattoos and cosmetics, including the Vice City Style collection and Goodtime Gear, a capsule collection inspired by Macca the Gator, a character from a hit TV show within the game world.

Some shops and services appear to be exclusive to the Ultimate Edition, including Rideout Customs, Sara’s Unisex Salon, Stock 305, Electric Fang Tattoo and One-Eyed Willie’s mod shop. Electric Fang Tattoo features more than 50 designs for Jason and Lucia by artist collective Faile.

There are additional activities, including a gang-compound raid on the PTT Youngin$ Illegal Goods Store and a Classic Car Collection commission, where players track down abandoned vehicles and restore them for eccentric collector Wyman.

Will GTA 6 be available in the UAE and wider Gulf?

In the UAE, there is currently no indication that GTA 6 will face restrictions. Orders are expected to be available through major digital storefronts.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, the situation is less clear. Reports and social media posts have suggested the game may face restrictions in some GCC countries, but no official ban has been announced by Rockstar, Take-Two or regulators in those countries.

The speculation appears to come from a PlayStation FAQ for a GTA+ promotional offer, which excludes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. However, exclusion from a promotional offer is not the same as a ban on the game itself.

Still, there is context behind the concern. Previous Grand Theft Auto titles have faced restrictions or delayed releases in parts of the region because of mature content, including violence, criminal activity, drug use and explicit themes. GTA 6 has not yet received its final age rating.

Nationals from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa and family members will be able to apply for 14-day and 60-day visas.

They must hold a residence permit issued by the US, the UK, an EU member state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, forging closer economic ties with the nations and expanding opportunities for their citizens to visit the Emirates.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move for its citizens. “The visa-on-arrival privilege extended to Filipino citizens by the UAE is in view of the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE,” the department said.

The UAE is home to one of the world's largest overseas Filipino communities, with an estimated 660,000 Filipinos living and working across the country.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship and Ports Security (ICP) said the 14-day visas could be extended once the visitor has arrived in the UAE.

The 60-day visa covers a single stay and is not extendable. Once the visas expire, the permit holder is required to leave the country. Overstayers face fines of Dh50 per day.

The 14-day visa costs Dh100 and the 60-day visa costs Dh250.

The letter, seen by The National, is dated June 17 and signed by senior Israelis from the security, political and cultural worlds. They include two former prime ministers, ex-heads of Israeli security agencies and a Nobel laureate. The signatories said they would go to Israel’s Supreme Court if the government did not act.

Settler violence has surged during the tenure of the current government, which contains many ministers who are themselves radical settlers. The rate of crimes against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank accelerated after the Gaza war began in October 2023. The attacks, which take place daily, include murder, sexual assault and destruction of property.

The signatories warned that the violence in the West Bank, which some activists have described as “anarchy”, has broken international law, increased anti-Semitism abroad and damaged Israel’s international standing.

“The crimes of Jewish terrorism in the [Palestinian] territories are reminiscent of similar crimes and pogroms committed against our people by other nations in Eastern Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries,” they said.

“The [Israeli military] has a clear policy of ignoring the crimes of Jewish terrorism, and in many incidents soldiers from the regional defence units and security squads are themselves involved in the crimes of Jewish terrorism.”

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a high-profile settler, declared more than 46 hectares as state land for an Israeli outpost in the West Bank.

The current built-up area of Haroeh, near the major settlements of Eli and Shlio, covers a small part of the total land allotted, raising fears that significantly more construction is planned.

Anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now said almost all of the West Bank territory declared state land since the Oslo Accords in the 1990s had been declared since the current government took office in December 2022.

Mr Netanyahu and Mr Smotrich are “exploiting every moment in power to create more and more facts on the ground that will make it harder for Israel to reach peace”, the group said in a statement.

“Today it is clear to everyone that this conflict cannot be resolved without a political agreement that includes the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, yet the Israeli government is choosing instead to make this possibility more difficult and move us further away from peace and from ending the bloodshed.”

Israeli rights group Bimkom revealed on Wednesday that Israel issued as many “settlement jurisdiction orders” since October 2023 as in the past 22 years combined. The once “relatively obscure administrative tool [is now] a central mechanism for settlement expansions and territorial control”, it said.

When the orders take effect, making the land part of a settlement’s jurisdiction, it becomes “available for planning, infrastructure, and expansion”.

“In practice, jurisdiction orders often precede the establishment of new settlements and can shape future patterns of land use long before construction begins,” Bimkom added.

Western politicians have tried, with little success, to ban trade with Israeli settlements. On Tuesday, three prominent French MPs unveiled a draft law to prevent such trade that they hope will be adopted this year.

A move by France to sever ties with Israeli settlements would be a political bombshell in a country that has tried to take a middle line by supporting Palestinian rights while maintaining close ties with the Israeli government, which it regards as an ally.

The draft French law increases pressure on the European Union, Israel’s largest trading partner, to advance similar moves. Despite a push in recent months led by France and Sweden, the European Commission has yet to table proposals for member states to restrict trade with settlements.

Some EU states are moving forward on their own. Spain and Slovenia banned trade with settlements last year. They are set to be followed by Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands in the coming months. However, Slovenia's recently elected President Janez Jansa has said he would reverse his predecessor's pro-Palestinian decisions.

The Kansas City Star reported that the US National Weather Service (NWS) in Kansas City has issued a flood watch that begins at 1pm local time on Thursday and ends at 7am on Friday.

The forecast calls for a possible two to three inches of rain “with excessive rainfall in thunderstorms enhancing flooding concerns”.

“There's a lot we can do. There's a lot we can prepare for. But the weather isn't one of those things,” said Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman.

“Let's hope it doesn't turn out too badly – that the remaining matches can be played under good conditions and actually be completed. But then again, we can't know that for sure.”

His opposite number, Herve Renard, joked that the weather may help his side after they were thrashed in their first two games. “Maybe it won't be bad for us, because at least we will be able to wake up,” he said.

What are the rules if there is a storm?

The World Cup faced its first weather delay of the tournament on Monday when thunderstorms interrupted France's match against Iraq causing a delay of more than two hours.

Heavy downpours started in the 35th minute and France reached half-time with a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Kylian Mbappe. Officials then announced a half-hour delay due to storms. A tornado warning was also issued shortly after kick-off.

“A severe thunderstorm is approaching,” Lincoln Financial Field's scoreboard read, while advising fans to seek shelter.

Fans at the 2026 World Cup - in pictures

The match eventually resumed at 8pm local time, two hours and 10 minutes after the first half had ended. France went on to win 3-0.

Fifa follows the advice of the local authority – which, in that case, was the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. According to the rules, matches must be delayed for 30 minutes if lightning is detected within a 13km radius of a stadium. Any subsequent lightning strike resets the timer.

Which matches could be affected by weather?

Thursday's game between Germany and Ecuador at MetLife Stadium kicks off at 4pm local time (midnight Friday, UAE) and could get under way as stormy weather moves in. A thunderstorm is forecast for Thursday evening and fans will be hoping it arrives after the Group E finale is completed.

As mentioned above, heavy rain is expected around the time of the Netherlands versus Tunisia clash in Kansas City.

On Friday, France's game against Norway in Boston could also be affected. The match kicks off at 3pm local time (11pm, UAE), with rain and thunderstorms anticipated.

Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi, which translates to house of the arts, will be next to Saadiyat Cultural District and is being developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism as a major addition to the emirate’s cultural infrastructure.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, witnessed the launch of the project and reviewed its plans, development phases, construction progress and technical capabilities.

The venue is designed to support a wide variety of disciplines, from opera, ballet and theatre to orchestral concerts, musicals, festivals, cultural events and more intimate performances.

It will feature a multipurpose performance hall with more than 2,000 seats, acoustics designed for major productions and an orchestra pit capable of holding up to 120 musicians. The hall will be adaptable for opera, ballet, theatre, orchestral concerts, musicals, cultural events and awards shows.

The development will also include a 3,500-seat outdoor amphitheatre for large-scale events and festivals, a 400-seat studio theatre for experimental and community productions, and a 250-seat jazz venue for intimate, genre-focused performances. Supporting facilities will include about 5,000 square metres of food and beverage and retail space, as well as a rooftop terrace for special events.

The venue will offer year-round programming and is planned as a permanent home for major live productions. It will also support long-term artistic residencies, international touring partnerships and co-productions with performing arts institutions around the world.

Authorities said the venue was intended to strengthen the emirate’s position as a centre for the performing arts and provide permanent infrastructure for its wider cultural ambitions. The project is also aligned with Abu Dhabi’s status as a Unesco Creative City of Music, which the emirate has held since 2021.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, said the project reflected Abu Dhabi’s long-term investment in artistic expression and cultural development.

“Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi will be a permanent home for performance, bringing together leading artists, companies and creative talent from the UAE, the region and across the world,” he said.

The building was designed by Gehry, one of the world’s most influential architects. Its design is inspired by the rhythms of the local landscape and the movement of wind and water.

Gehry, who died in December 2025 aged 96, is also the architect behind Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, another major cultural project on Saadiyat Island. His other designs include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris.

Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi will add a dedicated performance venue to the broader cultural landscape developing on and around Saadiyat. Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are already open, while Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is expected to welcome visitors later this year.

The performing arts project is expected to broaden Abu Dhabi’s capacity to host major international productions while supporting the development of local and regional talent across the performing arts.

With those games taking place across the US, Canada and Mexico, some careful planning might be required to make sure you can watch all the games you intend to.

See below for a full World Cup fixture guide, complete with UAE kick-off times, venues and TV information for the region.

2026 World Cup fixture guide

Friday, June 26

Group E: Curacao vs Ivory Coast, kick-off midnight - Philadelphia, USA

Group E: Ecuador vs Germany, kick-off midnight - New Jersey, USA

Group F: Tunisia vs Netherlands, kick-off 3am - Kansas City, USA

Group F: Japan vs Sweden, kick-off 3am - Arlington, USA

Group D: Turkey vs USA, kick-off 6am - Los Angeles, USA

Group D: Paraguay vs Australia, kick-off 6am - Santa Clara, USA

Group I: Norway vs France, kick-off 11pm - Foxborough, USA

Group I: Senegal vs Iraq, kick-off 11pm - Toronto, Canada

App users: Click here to download the World Cup wall chart

Saturday, June 27

Group H: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia, kick-off 4am - Houston, USA

Group H: Uruguay vs Spain, kick-off 4am - Zapopan, Mexico

Group G: New Zealand vs Belgium, kick-off 7am - Vancouver, Canada

Group G: Egypt vs Iran, kick-off 7am - Seattle, USA

Sunday, June 28

Group L: Panama vs England, kick-off 1am - New Jersey, USA

Group L: Croatia vs Ghana, kick-off 1am - Philadelphia, USA

Group K: Colombia vs Portugal, kick-off 3.30am - Miami, USA

Group K: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, kick-off 3.30am - Atlanta, USA

Group J: Algeria vs Austria, kick-off 6am - Kansas City, USA

Group J: Jordan vs Argentina, kick-off 6am - Arlington, USA

Round of 32 - Match 73: Group A runners-up vs Group B runners-up, kick-off 11pm - Los Angeles, USA

Monday, June 29

Round of 32 - Match 76: Group C winners vs Group F runners-up, kick-off 9pm - Houston, USA

Tuesday, June 30

Round of 32 - Match 74: Group E winners vs Group A/B/C/D/F third place, kick-off 12.30am - Foxborough, USA

Round of 32 - Match 75: Group F winners vs Group C runners-up, kick-off 5am - Guadalupe, Mexico

Round of 32 - Match 78: Group E runners-up vs Group I runners-up, kick-off 9pm - Arlington, USA

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒄𝒖𝒏 𝒂 𝒖𝒏 𝒓𝒐̂𝒍𝒆 𝒂̀ 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒓 🇫🇷🌎

Voici nos 26 Bleus qui représenteront la France à la 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐞 𝐝𝐮 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ! 🔥#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/CqKUzJpSK0

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) May 14, 2026

Wednesday, July 1

Round of 32 - Match 77: Group I winners vs Group C/D/F/G/H third place, kick-off 1am - New Jersey, USA

Round of 32 - Match 79: Group A winners vs Group C/E/F/H/I third place, kick-off 5am - Mexico City, Mexico

Round of 32 - Match 80: Group L winners vs Group E/H/I/J/K third place, kick-off 8pm - Atlanta, USA

Thursday, July 2

Round of 32 - Match 82: Group G winners vs Group A/E/H/I/J third place, kick-off midnight - Seattle, USA

Round of 32 - Match 81: Group D winners vs Group B/E/F/I/J third place, kick-off 4am - Santa Clara, USA

Round of 32 - Match 84: Group H winners vs Group J runners-up, kick-off 11pm - Los Angeles, USA

Friday, July 3

Round of 32 - Match 83: Group K runners-up vs Group L runners-up, kick-off 3am - Toronto, Canada

Round of 32 - Match 85: Group B winners vs Group E/F/G/I/J third place, kick-off 7am - Vancouver, Canada

Round of 32 - Match 88: Group D runners-up vs Group G runners-up, kick-off 10pm - Arlington, USA

Saturday, July 4

Round of 32 - Match 86: Group J winners vs Group H runners-up, kick-off 2am - Miami, USA

Round of 32 - Match 87: Group K winners vs Group D/E/I/J/L third place, kick-off 5.30am - Kansas City, USA

Round of 16 - Match 90: Match 73 winners vs Match 75 winners, kick-off 9pm - Houston, USA

Sunday, July 5

Round of 16 - Match 89: Match 74 winners vs Match 77 winners, kick-off 1am - Philadelphia, USA

Monday, July 6

Round of 16 - Match 91: Match 76 winners vs Match 78 winners, kick-off midnight - New Jersey, USA

Round of 16 - Match 92: Match 79 winners vs Match 80 winners, kick-off 4am - Mexico City, Mexico

Round of 16 - Match 93: Match 83 winners vs Match 84 winners, kick-off 11pm - Arlington, USA

🚨🇩🇪 OFFICIAL: Germany release full World Cup squad by Julian Nagelsmann. pic.twitter.com/qAXJ8RpL93

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2026

Tuesday, July 7

Round of 16 - Match 94: Match 81 winners vs Match 82 winners, kick-off 4am - Seattle, USA

Round of 16 - Match 95: Match 86 winners vs Match 88 winners, kick-off 8pm - Atlanta, USA

Thursday, July 9

Round of 16 - Match 96: Match 85 winners vs Match 87 winners, kick-off midnight - Vancouver, Canada

Quarter-final - Match 97: Match 89 winners vs Match 90 winners, kick-off midnight - Foxborough, USA

Friday, July 10

Quarter-final - Match 98: Match 93 winners vs Match 94 winners, kick-off 11pm - Los Angeles, USA

Sunday, July 12

Quarter-final - Match 99: Match 91 winners vs Match 92 winners, kick-off 1am - Miami, USA

Quarter-final - Match 100: Match 95 winners vs Match 96 winners, kick-off 5am - Kansas City, USA

Tuesday, July 14

Semi-final - Match 101: Match 97 winners vs Match 98 winners, kick-off 11pm - Arlington, USA

Wednesday, July 15

Semi-final - Match 102: Match 99 winners vs Match 100 winners, kick-off 11pm - Atlanta, USA

Sunday, July 19

Third Place Playoff - Match 103: Match 101 losers vs Match 102 losers, kick-off 1am - Miami, USA

Final - Match 104: Match 101 winners vs Match 102 winners, kick-off 11pm - New Jersey, USA

How to watch the 2026 World Cup in the UAE

The official broadcast rights for the Fifa World Cup in the UAE and the wider Middle East and North Africa region belong to beIN SPORTS. This network is the only place for watching every match of the tournament live, providing extensive coverage in both Arabic and English.

The two sides are far apart over the creation of pilot zones in south Lebanon, Lebanese officials said on Thursday.

"There are significant differences between the Lebanese and Israeli military delegations in the Washington talks over proposals related to the pilot zones, as the official Lebanese position rejects the conditions being put forward by Israel," said a Lebanese official.

Several officials also swiftly rejected US claims that the Israeli military had already begun withdrawing from parts of southern Lebanon.

“No one withdrew,” the senior security official told The National, referring to the swathes of territory up to 10km inside Lebanese territory that the Israeli military has occupied and largely destroyed. They were rebutting earlier US claims of a partial withdrawal, which Israel also rejected.

“They come and go,” added the source, giving the example of the village of Ain Arab in south Lebanon on Wednesday.

Continuing direct negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli delegations – including senior military figures from each side – over the pilot scheme in Washington have, however, been frosty. This is the fifth round of negotiations between the two countries in the US capital.

Israel and Lebanon have been discussing the US-backed proposal for Israeli forces to transfer some of the Lebanese territory invaded during their war with Hezbollah to Lebanon’s military through a “pilot zone scheme”.

A Lebanese political source said a number of areas had been suggested as starting points for the pilot zones. These included Kfar Tebnit near Nabatieh, which is not occupied although it has been subjected to Israeli incursions and forced displacement.

Others are the villages and areas neighbouring Beaufort castle, or the structure itself. This could include part of the Ali Al Taher ridge that Israel was unable to capture despite intense fighting with Hezbollah.

Illustrating the precariousness of the situation, at least three people were killed in an Israeli drone strike on Maifadoun, south of Nabatieh city, on Thursday afternoon.

A US State Department official earlier said the pilot zone process was aimed at ensuring the complete and verifiable destruction of Hezbollah’s weapons and infrastructure and the dismantling of non-state armed groups. The Lebanese government has also taken steps to enforce the process, starting in August 2025.

“Israel has already taken a concrete step by pulling back from a part of its buffer zone. This is a significant demonstration of good faith towards Lebanon’s legitimate government,” the State Department official told Reuters.

“The Lebanese Armed Forces ​should now move in and verifiably clear out ‌terrorist weapons and infrastructure. ⁠This model will be repeated across south Lebanon, enabling the safe return of displaced families, reconstruction ​of the ‌south, and the restoration of full Lebanese sovereignty,” the official added.

A senior Israeli ⁠defence official told Reuters that Israel's policy was clear and that ⁠the military would not be withdrawing from its “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah and its main patron, Iran, have fiercely rejected any calls for it to hand over its weapons.

"Israel wants the pilot-zone concept to subject Lebanon and its army to field tests and to create friction between the Lebanese Army, the resistance, and residents of the villages," a Hezbollah source said.

"We fear the Israeli objective is to use the Lebanese army to serve Israel's security concerns and pretexts, thereby prolonging the occupation of other areas beyond the 60-day period agreed between Iran and the United States."

Lebanese officials have insisted that direct negotiations with Israel are the only way to secure an end to the conflict, in which more than 4,000 people have been killed since early March. However, four rounds of talks have been held since April, and so far, no durable ceasefire has materialised.

President Joseph Aoun said at a cabinet meeting on Thursday that "unity and solidarity" was Lebanon's potent weapon.

This week's prayers will feature a sermon titled The Scourge of Drugs that will highlight the threat posed to the public.

The message comes after the UAE unveiled a nationwide drive to protect young people from the deadly dangers of drug addiction.

The campaign, United as One to Eradicate the Threat, was launched on Wednesday by the National Drug Enforcement Authority.

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan, chairman of the authority, said the initiative underlined the need for a united effort to combat drug misuse.

“The fight against drugs is not the responsibility of a single entity, but rather a shared national and civic duty that requires public awareness, solidarity and collaboration. Safeguarding our people is the foundation for any nation’s progress and stability,” Sheikh Zayed said.

His Excellency Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan: The UAE remains resolute in its efforts to combat drugs through a comprehensive framework of prevention, public awareness, legislation, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation support. pic.twitter.com/nJ3dCFf8St

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 24, 2026

The new campaign will focus on raising awareness among families and young people while using schools as a “key partner in educating and nurturing children, and the environment that shapes their awareness, values and behaviours”.

The address at mosques will stress that illegal drugs are a “deadly poison and a devastating affliction” and among the “gravest threats” facing the world.

“Drugs are among the most dangerous forms of poison. How astonishing it is that a person may withhold his wealth from his family and children, yet willingly spend it on that which destroys and ruins him,” the sermon will state.

“They burden his family with hardship and misery, replacing happiness with anxiety, and love with hostility and resentment.”

The sermon will be delivered as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed around the globe.

UAE's fight against drugs

The UAE established the National Strategy for Combatting Drugs in November 2024, in a major drive to step up enforcement action against criminals and to keep the public safe.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, described drugs as a “societal cancer” and a “scourge” when he announced the anti-drugs strategy.

In 2023, the UAE Cabinet announced a plan to tackle the importation and distribution of drugs.

The project included the National Council Against Drugs, headed by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

The council was created to enhance co-operation between international drug enforcement agencies, as well as strengthen ties between local authorities and federal ministries.

Providing earlier means of detection and improving the treatment of addicts were key goals.

Police across the UAE play a critical role in preventing drugs from hitting the streets and by bringing criminals to justice.

Authorities this month made a series of arrests and seized large quantities of illicit drugs after uncovering a criminal network operating across the country.

The National Anti-Narcotics Authority and Ras Al Khaimah Police took action after being alerted to a haul of drugs stored at an unspecified location in the Emirates.

The new AD-300 machinery, part of a $1.54 billion programme awarded by Adnoc Offshore in 2024 and 2025 comprising six such rigs, is aimed at boosting output capacity and automation, the biggest drilling company by rig count in the Middle East said on Thursday.

A walking rig does not need disassembly, is self-propelled and can move short distances without hydraulic systems or other moving equipment such as lorries, enabling it to drill several wells from one location. It helps cut operational costs and efforts.

AD‑300 brings together robotics, AI monitoring and automation in a next-generation platform designed for island drilling. pic.twitter.com/p5kvhUnYxL

— ADNOC Drilling (@ADNOCDrilling) June 25, 2026

The 50-metre-tall AD-300 combines advanced automation, digital systems and hybrid power capability, with the option to connect to the grid, enabling more efficient and lower-emission operations. It has systems such as automated pipe handling and AI-enabled monitoring, helping minimise personnel exposure in complex operating environments.

The first AD-300 demonstrates Adnoc's position in reinforcing the UAE's leadership in advanced energy solutions, said Abdulla Al Messabi, chief executive of Adnoc Drilling.

“The delivery of AD-300 marks a step-change in how we execute large-scale, technology-enabled energy development,” he said.

“By integrating automation, artificial intelligence and robotics at scale, we are enhancing safety, improving efficiency and delivering more consistent, predictable performance.”

The UAE has been a leader in energy and has continued to expand its reach across the globe.

Adnoc Drilling has been continually expanding its geographical footprint. The company's rig fleet stood at 170 at the end of the first quarter, including 140 rigs in Abu Dhabi.

Last year, it signed a joint venture agreement with global oilfield services company SLB for its land drilling rigs business in Kuwait and Oman.

Adnoc Drilling also teamed up with Alpha Dhabi Holding to launch Enersol, a technology-focused venture that plans to invest $1.5 billion in technology-driven companies in the oilfield services sector.

In May, the company also said it was buying an 80 per cent stake in Oman’s MB Petroleum Services, ahead of its mid-year schedule.

Adnoc Drilling's acquired business includes 22 drilling and workover rigs, production service units, and operations across the four Gulf states, in a deal valued at $204 million.

“At a time when the world needs reliable energy at scale, the UAE stands ready to supply global customers,” said Tayba Al Hashmi, chief executive of Adnoc Offshore, said on Thursday.

“AD-300 and our next-generation island rigs are accelerating our growth, expanding Adnoc's production capacity and delivering long-term value for our stakeholders and the nation.”

Last month, Adnoc Drilling reported its strongest first-quarter performance on record as the UAE's departure from Opec and a boost in domestic production drive fresh demand across both onshore and offshore drilling.

The company reported $344.8 million in net profit attributable to shareholders for the January to March period, as revenue grew by nearly 5 per cent annually to more than $1.2 billion.

There is little evidence the restrictions are working, researchers said.

Eight in 10 Australian young people reported still accessing social media in the months after a ban for under-16s took effect, the research found.

The findings from a small study of the initial impacts of the world-first ban suggested “insufficient evidence of any substantive early effects”, the University of Newcastle study said.

In response to growing concerns about the potential harm of social media use to adolescent health and well-being, governments internationally are considering or implementing age-based restrictions.

In December 2025, Australia implemented a world-first national policy requiring specific social media platforms including Tiktok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts.

The UAE government will introduce a law in 12 months banning children under 15 from using social media platforms, in a move to boost online safety. A UAE Cabinet resolution will come into force after a one-year grace period during which social media companies must bring their services in line with the protocols.

The UK is set to have a ban in place on certain social media for under-16s by early 2027, after an announcement by outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this month. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has also insisted that the UK’s use of “highly effective age-verification measures” would make the ban stronger than the Australian system.

She also acknowledged the ban will not be a “complete silver bullet”, saying it is about providing clarity for parents and children and resetting expectations and social norms when it comes to young people’s use of social media.

In January, French MPs passed a bill banning under-15s from accessing social media.

The study, published by The BMJ, acknowledged the ban is still relatively new and suggested it could be a decade before the full impact of it is known.

It said 408 children aged 12 to 17 were asked about their social media habits just before restrictions were introduced in December and then surveyed again three months later.

Researchers found some 85 per cent of participants aged under 16 reported still using social media platforms covered by the ban, mainly under their own accounts.

Of these, two thirds reported encountering some form of age verification, most commonly self-declared age, or uploading of a picture.

Almost a fifth reported using a fake account to get around restrictions, while around 10 per cent said they used a private browser.

“The findings suggest that the period immediately after introduction of the act was characterised by limited implementation, incomplete compliance and substantial circumvention of social media restrictions," the paper said.

“In this context, overall, we found insufficient evidence to conclude that exposure to the Act had any early substantial effects on social media use among adolescents aged under 16 years.”

Researchers said while there was “insufficient evidence of any substantive early effects” of the ban, the “potential benefits of the legislative change take time to manifest and often require investment in accountability and education mechanisms to encourage compliance and uptake”.

They described their findings as giving “key early insights that can guide government refinement and future actions to promote health and wellbeing”.

In an accompanying editorial, Dr Amrit Kaur Purba said it was vital to distinguish policy effectiveness from implementation, noting that widespread circumvention and low compliance make it difficult to judge a policy's true potential.

Prof Dennis Ougrin, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at Queen Mary University of London, said the findings “should be interpreted cautiously” given the sample was “relatively small, drawn from a single Australian state, and relied on self-reported social media use, which may affect both accuracy and generalisability” – and added that it was “too early to conclude that the policy has failed”.

“Nevertheless, it provides useful early evidence that implementation challenges, particularly around age verification and circumvention, may limit the immediate impact of age-based restrictions and underscores the need for longer-term, larger-scale evaluations," he said.

“These findings provide an important early reality check for policymakers. Three months after implementation, there is little evidence that Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions have substantially reduced social media use, largely because many young people continue to access platforms despite the ban and age-verification systems appear easy to circumvent.”

Previously, polling commissioned by the Molly Rose Foundation suggested about six in 10 12 to 15-year-olds who previously had accounts on restricted platforms continued to have access to one or more active accounts in March this year.

Seven in 10 children still using restricted sites said it was “easy” to get around the ban, the polling by YouthInsight of 1,050 Australians aged 12 to 15 found.

The foundation, set up in memory of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who took her own life in 2017 after viewing harmful content online, has argued a ban might fail to address what it describes as “fundamental product safety issues” such as harmful and distressing content being pushed to people through personalised algorithms.

But many campaigners including bereaved parents have welcomed the ban, hailing it a “watershed moment for child protection”.

Meanwhile some big tech firms have voiced their opposition, saying a blanket ban on social media for under-16s could drive them into unregulated online spaces.

The NSPCC said the latest study shows “a ban alone will not keep all children safe from harm online” and called for a “safety by design approach on social media and wider online spaces like online gaming and private messaging”.

The charity’s chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “Any child who slips past restrictions or accesses unrestricted sites must land in online environments that are safe, healthy and don’t leave them at risk of harm.”

The Nineveh Department of Antiquities and Heritage said on Wednesday that the monument was uncovered at Shamash Gate on June 6 by a joint Iraqi–American archaeological mission. The gate is a strategically important entrance in the eastern fortifications of old Nineveh that suffered damage during ISIS occupation between 2014 and 2017.

It is currently the focus of conservation and restoration efforts by the University of Chicago's Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures in partnership with Iraqi and international researchers.

Archaeologist Ruwaid Muwaffaq said the stele commemorates the construction projects carried out in Nineveh during Ashurbanipal’s rule from 668BC to 627BC.

“This discovery is a significant addition to the record of archaeological finds that highlight the greatness of Assyrian civilisation and its urban development,” Mr Muwaffaq.

He described the stele as “one of the most important artefacts that chronicles the achievements of one of the Assyrian Empire’s greatest kings”.

The stele is two metres high and 1.55 metres wide, bearing relief carvings and cuneiform inscriptions on two faces. The front depicts King Ashurbanipal, while the reverse shows two smaller friezes of Assyrian kings. The back also carries cuneiform text believed to document the king’s building works in Nineveh and across the empire.

The artefact has been transferred to the department’s headquarters for initial conservation, ahead of detailed study and publication of the findings.

Mosul’s scarred heritage

The discovery comes nearly a decade after Mosul, the capital of Nineveh, was liberated from ISIS. During its occupation, the group systematically attacked cultural heritage across northern Iraq as part of its ideological campaign.

ISIS militants bulldozed parts of the ancient city of Nimrud, including the Palace of Ashurnasirpal II, and blew up sections of Nineveh’s ancient walls, including the Mashki and Adad Gates. In February 2015, the group released a video showing the destruction of original Assyrian artefacts in the Mosul Museum with sledgehammers and drills. The group also looted archaeological sites across Nineveh and sold artefacts on the black market to fund operations.

The destruction was not only physical but symbolic – an attempt to erase the pre-Islamic history of the region and sever Iraqis from their Mesopotamian roots.

Return of archaeology after liberation

Since Mosul’s liberation in 2017, Iraqi authorities and international partners have worked to document damage, recover looted items, and restart excavations. Restoration projects have focused on the Old City, the Mosul Museum and key gates of Nineveh, including the Shamash Gate.

The current Iraqi–American mission operates under this framework, combining restoration of war-damaged sites with active archaeological work. Officials say the stele was found during restoration works at sites affected by the 2016-2017 battles.

Authorities could display the stele either at its original location or in the planned Mosul Civilisation Museum, which is intended to show the city’s layered history from Assyrian times through to the Islamic period.

Assyria’s legacy in Nineveh

Nineveh was the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and one of the largest cities of the ancient world. Under kings like Sennacherib and Ashurbanipal, it became a centre of administration, military power and scholarship. Ashurbanipal is famed for establishing one of the earliest known libraries, amassing over 20,000 cuneiform tablets covering history, literature, science and religion.

The stele’s inscriptions could provide further evidence of Ashurbanipal’s building programmes, which included expanding city walls, temples and palaces. Such monuments served both practical and propagandistic purposes, broadcasting royal authority to subjects and foreign envoys.

For modern Iraq, the find is more than an archaeological milestone. It is a reminder of Nineveh’s role as a cradle of civilisation and of Mosul’s continuity as a cultural crossroads on the Tigris River.

“This discovery highlights the civilisational and urban prosperity that Nineveh witnessed in the Assyrian era,” Mr Muwaffaq said. It strengthens evidence that many of the city’s gates and historical sites contain royal monuments and important constructions, he added.

“There is currently no intention for the ministry to withdraw from Opec, and we remain committed to working within the organisation’s mechanisms,” the ministry's spokesman Salim Al Rikabi said on Thursday.

Mr Al Rikabi added that Iraq is moving ahead with plans to raise its oil production to match its capacity and national needs. He said the ministry expects Opec to increase Iraq’s production quota accordingly.

“If that does not happen, there will be a decision regarding staying in or exiting the organisation,” he said.

Iraq is Opec’s second-largest producer and has repeatedly pushed for a higher quota, arguing that its output potential and postwar reconstruction needs justify an increase above current limits.

The country depends on oil for at least 90 per cent of its income, which has been slashed since the Iran ⁠war effectively blocked exports via the Strait of Hormuz. That has put the government in a tight financial spot.

No timeline was given for a potential decision on membership.

Later on Thursday, the Iraqi Oil Ministry issued a clarification, stating that reports suggesting Baghdad was planning to leave Opec “do not reflect the government’s official position”.

“Iraq has consistently emphasised the need to reassess production ceilings to align with the sustainable production capacities of member states, in line with agreement endorsed by all parties and understandings of Iraq’s security and economic circumstances,” it said.

The ministry noted that Opec and its allies had already responded by launching a process to reassess the maximum sustainable production capacity of member countries.

That review is “under way in co-ordination with an independent international consultancy, with Iraq participating actively according to the agreed timeline”, the statement added.

Opec+ has also begun gradually returning previously cut volumes, with all voluntary reductions scheduled to be unwound in the coming months – a step expected to raise Iraq’s effective production ceiling, it said.

The statement stressed that any issues related to production ceilings or capacity levels should be handled through the technical and consensus-based mechanisms within Opec+.

“The member states have shown a high-level understanding of Iraq’s situation, acknowledging more than four decades of wars, sanctions, and attacks that have damaged its oil infrastructure,” it said.

It said this context “would be taken into account to ensure Iraq’s output reaches a fair level, allowing it to regain its position as the bloc’s second-largest producer and to advance projects critical to the oil sector, which remains the main source of state revenue”.

Iraq pumped 1.48 million bpd in May, according to Opec data, down from almost 4.2 million bpd in February before ⁠the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq's quota for July is 4.378 million bpd though current output is significantly below this because of the Hormuz disruption.

The prospect ​of Iraq leaving would be a serious blow to the Opec, which saw the UAE walk ⁠away less than two months ago. Iraq is one of its five founding members. Opec was formed in the Iraqi capital in 1960.

The UAE left the group on May 1, citing a growing mismatch between its rising production capacity and its quotas.

As part of the Opec+ supergroup, the UAE had been producing close to 30 per cent below its capacity of 4.85 million barrels per day.

Manus Cranny, The National's geo-economics editor, cuts through the noise and presents insights from the stories making headlines around the world.

Born Marwan Abdelhamid in Jerusalem, to a Palestinian-Serbian father and an Algerian-French mother, the artist has emerged as one of global music’s most distinctive voices. His multilingual blend of Arabic, English and French, fused with rap, R&B and Middle Eastern musical traditions, has earned him an international following, including a performance at Coachella in 2024.

The announcement comes days after the singer-songwriter attended Prada’s runway show in Milan on Sunday, where he sat front row.

On Thursday, the Italian luxury house confirmed the partnership in a joint social media post, sharing images of Saint Levant dressed in Prada with the caption: “Prada ambassador Saint Levant attends the Prada spring/summer 2027 menswear fashion show in Milan, at Fondazione Prada’s Deposito.”

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A post shared by Prada (@prada)

The appointment comes just months after Saint Levant attended the brand’s autumn/winter 2026 menswear show in Milan in January.

Fashion is hardly new territory for the musician. In 2023, he became Dior’s first fragrance ambassador for the Middle East, before attending Saint Laurent’s autumn/winter 2025 menswear show in Paris and appearing in the house’s Sushi Park Paris campaign by creative director Anthony Vaccarello.

Saint Levant rose to international prominence in 2022 with his viral hit Very Few Friends, a multilingual track that blends traditional Arabic music with R&B and hip-hop, performed in English, Arabic and French.

His appointment sees him join Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid, who became Prada’s first global beauty ambassador in March. While Hadid was born in Washington, Saint Levant – born in Jerusalem and raised partly in Gaza before his family moved to Jordan – is the first Palestinian-born ambassador for the Italian house.

He joins a roster of Prada ambassadors who include K-pop stars Karina, Sana and Enhypen, alongside actors Maya Hawke, Letitia Wright, Carey Mulligan, Louis Partridge and Damson Idris.

The diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed made the comment in a post on X as Gulf foreign ministers met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manama.

“New geopolitical realities cannot be imposed on the Arab Gulf states as a result of a treacherous act of aggression,” Dr Gargash wrote.

“Imposing a fait accompli born out of aggression does not create stability; rather, it plants new seeds of discord and conflict for the future. This applies particularly to the Strait of Hormuz.”

Mr Rubio met Gulf foreign ministers on Thursday to discuss the US-Iran framework agreement and negotiations with Tehran over a permanent peace deal, as he wrapped up a Middle East trip aimed at selling ⁠the preliminary accord to regional partners.

Before heading to Bahrain, he visited the UAE, where he held talks with Sheikh Mohamed. The two stressed the need to focus on security, stability and lasting peace in the region.

Mr Rubio also visited Kuwait on Wednesday, where he reassured Gulf allies that his country “won't do anything” to undermine their security.

Iran launched drones and missiles at all six Gulf Co-operation Council states in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes against it in February. The UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain were among the Gulf countries most heavily attacked by Iran during the war. Tehran also effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global trade and energy supplies.

Security of Gulf allies

During the Manama meeting, Mr Rubio said that Washington would ensure any agreement reached with Iran protects the interests of its Gulf partners and does not undermine regional security or stability.

“The message that I come with is that we want to ensure that in any decisions that are made throughout this negotiating process, the interests of our partners and our allies in the region are always taken into account,” he said.

“There is no part of this deal that's undertaken that in any way undermines the security, the stability or the prosperity of any of our partners in the Gulf region.”

While Gulf states have broadly welcomed the end of the war, Mr Rubio may face a more difficult task persuading some regional partners of the merits of the US-Iran agreement. Many of those countries view elements of US President Donald Trump’s deal with Tehran – including a $300 billion reconstruction fund – as overly generous to a regional rival.

Mr Rubio said the reconstruction fund was not discussed with Gulf countries during a press conference after the meeting in Manama. “Fund for reconstruction was not discussed. I mean, the reconstruction, that's way down the road. And that's something, you know, that'll be dealt with at the appropriate time in this process,” he said.

The interim agreement does not address Iran's ballistic missile programme or its network of regional proxies, issues that remain among the chief security concerns of Gulf states.

The framework also leaves many important details for later, including the future of Iran's nuclear programme. It does, however, promise significant economic benefits for Tehran, including sanctions relief that would allow Iran to sell oil freely on international markets, as well as access to frozen assets and the reconstruction fund.

At odds on Hormuz

Mr Rubio insisted that any deal must prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and preserve free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

“No country on earth has a right to charge for the use of international waterways. And that will never be an acceptable condition of any deal,” he added.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said on Thursday that vessels could safely transit the Strait of Hormuz only through routes it has announced, according to a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.

The statement came after Oman and the International Maritime Organisation announced on Wednesday a temporary shipping corridor to facilitate transit and evacuate stranded seafarers.

The IRGC said that co-ordination with its navy was required for all vessels passing through the waterway.

The move puts the powerful military force at odds with Oman. It also signals deepening divisions within Iran's own postwar establishment.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, who chaired the gathering in Manama, welcomed Oman's announcement of a corridor for the safe passage of vessels through the strait.

Oman told ⁠Mr ​Rubio ‌and Gulf ministers ⁠at the meeting ⁠that future arrangements for Hormuz would not ​involve transit tolls.

Diplomatic push

With diplomacy in full swing, Oman's Sultan Haitham held talks in Muscat on Wednesday with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman on the US-Iran negotiations and the latest developments. Qatar, along with Pakistani mediators, played a key role in brokering the framework agreement.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, meanwhile, held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi before arriving in Manama.

Prince Faisal said last week that Iran's recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states had caused a “significant loss of trust” in Tehran and that confidence would need to be rebuilt before economic co-operation could proceed.

Media reports emerged on Wednesday that talks on reconciliation between Gulf countries and Iran are expected to take place in Saudi Arabia. However, two Gulf diplomats told The National this is unlikely to happen soon, saying it is still too early for such talks.

“Gulf states have shown good faith in pursuing peace and continue to rely on diplomacy to resolve the conflict,” said one diplomat. Rebuilding trust with Iran remains a key challenge, the diplomat added.

Ethara, which owns the venue, announced the new identity on Wednesday, saying it reflects the next phase in the development of the 42,000-capacity open-air site. A multimillion-dirham revamp is also planned for 2027, with upgrades expected to focus on infrastructure, hospitality, crowd movement, viewing areas and the wider audience experience.

The venue opened in 2009 and has become one of the region’s most recognisable concert destinations. It has hosted major international artists, including Madonna, Coldplay, Guns N’ Roses, The Weeknd, Rihanna, The Rolling Stones, Post Malone and Eminem, as well as large-scale events such as Creamfields, Ultra Music Festival and KCON.

It is also home to the Yasalam After-Race Concerts during the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, one of the busiest periods on Abu Dhabi’s events calendar.

“Etihad Live reflects the next phase of a venue that has been central to Abu Dhabi’s live entertainment growth for more than 17 years,” said David Powell, chief portfolio and strategy officer at Ethara.

“As the demands of global touring continue to evolve, the venue has committed significant investment in strengthening the infrastructure, experience and operational capability required to bring more ambitious productions to the emirate.”

The new name is the latest identity for the venue, which was previously known as du Arena before becoming Etihad Park in 2021. That first renaming formed part of a wider naming-rights partnership involving Etihad Airways and Flash Entertainment, which also included the 18,000-capacity Etihad Arena.

Ethara says Etihad Live will continue to support concerts, festivals, sporting events, corporate functions and community programming. The venue offers more than 22,000 square metres of flexible event space, with a performance area spanning 24 metres by 18 metres, plus premium and general-admission areas, private suites, VIP hospitality zones and viewing platforms for people of determination.

This year’s programme includes the Offlimits festival, featuring the Jonas Brothers and Shakira, while Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson and Imagine Dragons are scheduled to perform at the venue during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts.

In the clip, which has been viewed more than six million times, what appears to be an ordinary economy-class seat conceals a surprise. With a quick adjustment, the headrest unfolds into winged side panels that wrap around the passenger's head, creating a more private and comfortable space.

Rajji tells The National she was on a flight from Dubai to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and initially mistook the cabin for premium economy.

“After we passed business class, I genuinely thought we were walking into premium economy because the seats looked so much nicer. I even checked my boarding pass and asked my dad: 'Why are we in premium economy?' He just laughed and said: 'No, this is normal economy.'”

View this post on Instagram

Rajji, a frequent flyer, says the headrest made a noticeable difference.

“I always end up with neck pain after sleeping on flights and I hate using those portable travel pillows, so I was really excited to try this seat,” she says. “The headrest was extremely comfortable and I used it for the entire flight.”

She also dismissed suggestions from some social media users that the headrest has limited movement.

“Contrary to some of the comments, it's completely adjustable. You can move it up and down, and the side wings can be bent into different positions, so there are lots of ways to use it.”

While Emirates has yet to formally unveil the seat or release detailed specifications, passengers flying on some of the airline's newest Airbus A350 aircraft have reported seeing the product onboard.

Many believe it is the Safran Z400, a next-generation economy seat made by French manufacturer Safran Seats. Emirates has previously referenced the Z400 in announcements relating to its fleet retrofit programme.

The National asked Safran Seats if the seat featured in the viral video was the Z400 model, but the manufacturer referred questions to Emirates, saying the airline was best placed to comment on its cabin products. Emirates has not responded to requests for comment.

The airline first revealed last year that it would introduce the Safran Z400 as part of its multibillion-dollar retrofit programme, the largest of its kind in aviation history. Originally covering 120 aircraft, the project has since been expanded to 219 Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

Emirates said the lightweight seats would feature “an adjustable eight-way headrest for enhanced neck and head support”.

What is the Safran Z400?

French manufacturer Safran Seats is one of the world's largest aircraft seat manufacturers. The Z400 has been designed around modern passenger habits, particularly the growing use of personal devices during flights.

Among its features are an eight-way adjustable headrest with privacy wings, integrated holders for smartphones and tablets, multiple charging options and improved ergonomics intended to make long-haul journeys more comfortable.

The seat also incorporates lighter materials than previous generations, helping airlines reduce overall aircraft weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Images released by Safran show a slimline design intended to create additional living space for passengers without reducing seat pitch.

US President Donald Trump says Iran has agreed to the key American demands in negotiations on a permanent peace agreement, but the deal is coming under growing scrutiny. Republican legislators are questioning the administration’s approach, while a new poll suggests most Americans remain unconvinced the conflict was worth fighting or that the agreement will ultimately succeed.

Lebanon says it is awaiting Israeli approval for the first phase of a military withdrawal from the south under a US-backed process, although the sides remain divided over the future of the border area and Hezbollah.

In Gaza, residents tell The National that Israeli military surveillance cranes mounted with automatic machineguns overlooking the territory have transformed daily life, with many avoiding open spaces despite the ceasefire.

And in the UAE, Abu Dhabi approves the Bab Gas Cap project, the world's largest development of its kind, as Adnoc and international partners move forward with plans to boost gas production and strengthen the country's path towards gas self-sufficiency.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

The move puts the powerful military force at odds with Oman. It also indicates deepening divisions within Iran's post-war establishment.

The IRGC has emerged as the leading voice against concessions in talks with the US. Its unilateral assertion of control over routes appears designed to undercut any agreement that does not preserve Iranian leverage over the waterway.

The IRGC Navy's rejection came only a day after Oman and the International Maritime Organisation said they had secured the necessary guarantees to begin evacuating more than 11,000 stranded seafarers from the Gulf.

Oman portrayed the plan as having been developed “in line with outcomes and efforts reached by the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran” – making the IRGC's opposition all the more striking.

“Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only possible via routes announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the IRGC Navy was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency. Co-ordination through the marine radio frequency VHF Channel 16 was mandatory, it added, warning that “action will be taken against violating vessels”.

The threat directly contradicts assurances given by IMO secretary general Arsenio Dominguez, who said the evacuation would be carried out in co-operation with Iran, Oman, other coastal states and the US.

“We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade,” he said.

The conflicting instructions create further uncertainty for the estimated 600 vessels considering ways to leave the Gulf safely.

Maritime officials have begun contacting trapped ships, instructing them to proceed to designated waiting areas before entering the strait in phased sequences. Vessels may choose either a northern route through Iranian waters or a southern route through parts co-ordinated by Oman and the US.

Peace begins in the Strait of Hormuz and reaches all the world. ⁦#Government_Communication pic.twitter.com/xaTAjLBfby

— التواصل الحكومي (@Oman_GC) June 25, 2026

For the Oman-authorised eastbound corridor, ships had been told to contact radio station “A4N”, also on VHF Channel 16, before reaching the first waypoint. The two temporary routes were introduced after the central channel was considered unsafe, with reports of naval mines making it impassable.

An IMO spokeswoman stressed the humanitarian dimension of the operation. “They're not military, they're not trained for these things. They're seafarers from India, the Philippines – it's been quite a challenge,” she said.

Oman and Iran have also agreed to establish a joint working group to discuss the future management of navigation in the strait – an arrangement the IRGC's announcement now appears to complicate.

Hormuz traffic surge

Lloyd's List Intelligence said traceable traffic through the Strait of Hormuz surged 270 per cent to 119 transits last week after a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran partially reopened the waterway. That figure is still far below the 700 recorded during the same period last year.

The increase masks a confused, two-tier system split between the Iran-controlled northern route and US-protected southern corridor. Security consultancy Marisks warned that while the immediate risk of an outright closure had “substantially” decreased, this should not be read as a return to unrestricted commercial navigation.

The IRGC has reportedly stopped issuing new transit permits for the northern corridor entirely, with only vessels already holding permission or directly selected by Iranian authorities being allowed to pass.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, warned that “new geopolitical facts cannot be imposed on the Arab Gulf states as a result of a treacherous aggression against them”. He was referring to Iranian attacks on the UAE and its neighbours during the conflict sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran between February 28 and an April 8 ceasefire.

“Imposing a fait accompli from the womb of aggression does not establish stability; rather, it sows new seeds of discord and conflict for the future,” he added.

Earlier this week, Oman and Iran had suggested they would impose costs for services provided to ships traversing the strait. The proposal drew an immediate riposte from Washington.

US President Donald Trump said tolls on vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz would be a red line in negotiations with Tehran. “It would be unacceptable for me,” he said.

While meeting Gulf officials in Manama on Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected any attempt to impose charges on vessels using the waterway.

“The Strait of Hormuz is a waterway that no country owns,” he said. “No country has the right to impose transit fees."

He added that any agreement reached with Tehran would guarantee the interests of Washington's regional allies.

At the same meeting, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi said: "Future arrangements related to the strait do not entail the imposition of any transit fees." The comment posted on X did not refer to the service costs mentioned in the joint statement issued with Iran on Tuesday.

The Strait of Hormuz carries more than 20 per cent of the world's liquefied natural gas and crude oil, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.

Football’s scheduling was changed forever after what German television called “the most shameful day in the history of our Football Federation”. It was match-fixing in its most unedifying form. Others in Germany referred to it as 'The Anschluss'.

This is what happened. In the opening round of matches at the 1982 finals in the northern city of Gijon, novices Algeria shocked European champions West Germany with a 2-1 win.

West Germany had won all eight qualifiers en route to the finals with a goals-for-against record of 33-3. They boasted stars like Paul Breitner, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Felix Magath and Uli Stielike. One player boasted before the game that: “We will dedicate our seventh goal to our wives, and the eighth to our dogs.”

Manager Jupp Derwall declared that if his team lost against Algeria then he would “jump on the first train back to Munich”. He had clearly not given that much thought because even today, Gijon to Munich by train requires seven changes and takes 51 hours.

The Algerians, about to play in their first World Cup, were watching.

“One player even said that he would play against us with a cigar in his mouth,” recalled Algeria full-back Chaabane Merzekane.

“Some of us wondered if this was just a psychological ploy, whether they were only saying these things to lull us into thinking that they weren’t going to take us seriously. After all, who has ever heard of a German team that doesn’t do its homework?”

But West Germany did lose. Lakhdar Belloumi, father of Hull City winger Mohamed, and Rabah Madjer scored. Belloumi was part of an attacking quartet with Madjer, Salah Assad and Mustapha Dahleb. All would play in the World Cup finals again; all would progress in European football.

Germany was stunned. Derwall, who hadn’t rushed to the station, admitted that he had been provided with a video of Algeria before the game but didn’t ask his players to watch it as they would have laughed at him.

Yet Algeria had quality. They had impressed in qualifying, during friendly wins over the Republic of Ireland, Real Madrid and Benfica. With Algerian players not allowed to move abroad until the age of 28, the team had played together for years.

Algeria lost their next match 2-0 to an Austria team which had prepared far better than the Germans. After two games, the four-team group standings read Austria on four points. West Germany and Algeria on two each, with Chile bottom of the table, having lost twice. The West Germans held a superior goal difference. Two teams would progress.

It was the scheduling that was ominous. On June 24, Algeria were to play Chile in Oviedo. Austria v West Germany was to be on the Friday afternoon in nearby Gijon. The two European neighbours would know what results would guarantee their progress. Algeria and Chile, who still had a small chance of qualifying if they won by a large scoreline, were both at a disadvantage.

Algeria went for it against Chile and led 3-0 after 34 minutes. Alarmingly, Algeria showed their inexperience by losing their nerve and authority in the second half as Chile pulled back two. The 3-2 win meant Algeria had a goal difference of zero, worse than Austria.

'What is happening here is disgraceful'

What happened in Gijon the following afternoon stank. Algeria would have become the first African team to reach the second round unless the game between West Germany and Austria ended in a one- or two-goal win for the Germans.

Austria could thus afford to lose by up to two goals and still join the Germans in the next phase at Algeria’s expense.

After 10 minutes, West Germany’s Horst Hrubesch scored from a Pierre Littbarski cross. From that point, the game slowed. Pace and urgency were reduced from both sides. So much for the Austrians being extra motivated against their neighbours.

At half-time, a German player approached an Austrian and put an arm around his shoulder. Was he reaffirming that both would go through if nothing changed?

The crowd became restless; they had not paid good money to see this. Some Algerians in the crowd waved banknotes through the pitchside fence of Gijon’s El Molinon stadium to show their suspicion of corruption of this mutually agreeable result.

There were only three shots – none on target – in the second half in which West Germany made only eight tackles. The last 10 minutes of the game have remained an affront to football, a ceasefire in football terms.

On British TV, commentator Hugh Johns concluded: “This is one of the most disgraceful international matches I’ve ever seen.” On one German channel, Eberhard Stanjek, said: “What is happening here is disgraceful and has nothing to do with football. You can say what you like, but not every end justifies the means.”

🔝 🇦🇷 Argentina won Group J and claimed J1 spot in the knockouts bracket!

❌ 🇯🇴 Jordan are eliminated now!

📈 🇦🇹 Austria at 96% to secure R32.
📈 🇩🇿 Algeria at 83% to secure R32.

🤨 Both 🇦🇹 🇩🇿 going through with R3 draw! pic.twitter.com/WsAqA6Z3Fk

— Football Rankings (@FootRankings) June 23, 2026

German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung wrote that it “felt like the sinking of the Titanic”.

Spanish newspapers called it the ‘The Anschluss’ – the 1938 annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, cosying up to form a greater Germany.

Suggesting a sinister plot, the Algerian Federation lodged a complaint with Fifa for what would become known as ‘The Disgrace of Gijon’. To no avail. The German players were unashamed. They threw water bombs at fans who protested outside their team hotel.

Fifa did change the rules for future tournaments as a result. Matches deciding final league positions from then on started to take place simultaneously. But that was too late for the robbed Algerian team.

And the injustice still rankles as they face Austria 44 years later.

Yet history could come close to repeating itself. Both Algeria and Austria face a similar situation this week.

The teams are in second and third position – both on three points each – in Group J behind leaders Argentina. The team that finishes second is set to face Spain in the next round while the side that finishes third in the table will play against either Belgium or Egypt.

So, there could be a strong incentive for both teams to avoid victory in Kansas.

Within two minutes, Kuwait’s deputy air defence chief had rushed into the operations centre.

“I found my friend, the air defence operations chief, and I told him the same. I'll never forget the look he had on his face,” the officer said, recounting the events at a London defence conference. “It was of a man not receiving new information.”

“We’re already there,” the officer replied. The sky was filling with Iran’s first wave of almost 100 ballistic missiles.

“The first salvo of Iranian ballistic missiles took flight, and that air defence operation centre became a different kind of place,” Col Al Sabah said. “Every screen aligned, every frequency occupied, every fire unit in the network snapping into a terrible choreography it was designed for.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, the officer said the professionalism of Kuwait’s air defenders stood out. “The voices over the network [were] controlled. I remember them being precise, almost musical in their economy. Co-ordinates, confirmations, release authorities granted in seconds.”

As missiles closed in, Kuwait’s layered air-defence network, including Patriot interceptors, responded.

“I saw the Kuwait air defence system – years of acquisition, training, labour and prayer – doing exactly what it was designed to do,” Col Al Sabah said.

“Then came that word that we have all heard so many times, and I have become so fond of: splash. Splash one, splash two,” he said, referring to the term used when an interceptor takes out an incoming missile.

“Every ballistic missile, every single one intercepted, killed, turned to debris over a sky Kuwait did not yet know was being fought over on its behalf.” he told the Royal United Services Institute Land Warfare conference.

“This all happened in the space of five minutes,” he said. But the danger was far from over.

“I looked at the defence chief, and neither of us had a word, because the screens were already updating, and there was another wave coming, this time with newer tracks that were lower, slower and smaller.” Kuwait, like the other Gulf states was facing a swarm attack of 283 Shahed-136 kamikaze drones.

The shift reflected a tactic increasingly seen in modern warfare of combining high-speed ballistic missiles with large numbers of drones designed to overwhelm air defence systems through mass and persistence.

During 40 days of near-constant attack the nightly waves “found the gaps”, Col Al Sabah said, and key Kuwaiti industrial and military targets were hit.

Tehran's strategy

The intensity of the campaign, he added, was a test of unexpected scale.

“The scale is not what we trained for,” Col Al Sabah told senior British and Nato officers at the conference. “In the first month alone, our forces engaged 354 TBM [tactical ballistic missiles] and 852 one-way attack drone salvos designed to saturate our sensors and exhaust our magazines.”

He called for a Gulf-wide integrated air and missile-defence system, saying that the region should adopt a model similar to Nato’s Sky Shield initiative, which seeks to co-ordinate air defence capabilities across the alliance.

Col Al Sabah suggested that GCC countries should pool sensors, command-and-control networks and interceptor inventories into a common defensive shield capable of responding collectively to missile and drone attacks.

Military analysts have argued that this would allow Gulf states to share radar coverage, distribute targeting information in real time and make more efficient use of costly interceptor missiles during sustained attacks.

Six civilians and six US military personnel died in Kuwait during the Iranian onslaught that also struck its airport, military bases and fuel storage sites.

Qatar are out after a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, finishing bottom of Group B with one point. Fifa also confirmed a five-match ban for Qatar's Assim Madibo for the tackle that broke Ismael Kone's leg against Canada. The decision has sparked debate about whether the punishment reflected intent or outcome.

Canada qualified but lost top spot to Switzerland after losing 2-1 to the Swiss. Mexico completed a perfect group stage with three wins and no goals conceded, while South Africa reached the knockouts for the first time in their history.

Tonight, six matches across three groups kick off simultaneously. In Group E at midnight, Germany face Ecuador while Curaçao play Ivory Coast, with both Ecuador and Curaçao needing wins to stay alive. In Group F at 3am, Tunisia face the Netherlands while Japan play Sweden. In Group D at 6am, Paraguay and Australia meet with second place on the line behind the already-qualified United States.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

The agreement was awarded by Abu ​Dhabi's ​Supreme ​Council for Financial ⁠and Economic ⁠Affairs.

Adnoc will hold a 60 per cent participating interest in the mega hydrocarbons project, with expected production capacity of 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, Abu Dhabi Media Office said.

France’s TotalEnergies and Britain's BP will each hold 10 per cent interest. China’s CNPC ⁠International will retain an 8 per cent interest while Jodco ⁠Onshore, China ZhenHua Oil, and Korea GS E&P will hold 5 per cent, 4 per cent and 3 per cent interest, respectively.

"The Bab Gas Cap project is well in line with TotalEnergies' upstream strategy by adding low-cost, low-emissions resources with significant potential for production growth," said Patrick Pouyanne, chairman and chief executive of TotalEnergies.

It is the largest gas cap development project of its kind in the world, which reinforces the UAE’s role as a “trusted destination for long-term global investment and a reliable energy supplier”, the media office said.

A gas cap is a natural accumulation of pressurised gas that sits on top of an oil deposit within a reservoir.

The Bab Gas Cap accounts for about 15 per cent of Adnoc Gas’s total operational processing capacity.

“This underscores the strategic significance of the project, which is expected to contribute to the UAE's gas self-sufficiency, support the continued development of the country's petrochemicals sector and advance Adnoc’s plans to expand its liquefied natural gas export capacity,” the media office said.

Adnoc Gas, which has access to 95 per cent of the UAE's natural gas reserves, is looking to boost exports of products including LNG, liquefied petroleum gas and naphtha.

Its customers in the Emirates include utilities and industrial companies, which are supplied commercial quantities through an extensive network of pipelines.

The UAE is accelerating efforts to achieve total natural gas self-sufficiency by 2030, as part of efforts to cut its reliance on pipeline imports.

Global demand for gas is growing, with the Middle East, which has 40 per cent of the world’s gas resources, experiencing the highest growth in output of any region, according to a Wood Mackenzie report.

The consultancy expects natural gas production across the Middle East to more than double to 98 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, from about 45 bcfd in 2010.

The UAE, which exited from Opec earlier this year to pursue its ambition to raise its production capacity, is investing heavily in the hydrocarbons sector.

In November, Adnoc's board approved capital investments of Dh551 billion ($150 billion) for the 2026-2030 period to maintain the company's growth and operational process.

In May, Adnoc said it will award Dh200 billion in project contracts over the next three years, accelerating a construction push across upstream and downstream operations.

With the brace, Vinicius ​pulled even with Norway's Erling Haaland and France's Kylian Mbappe, one behind Argentina's ⁠Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

Matheus Cunha added his third goal of these finals late on.

The victory sealed the five-time World Cup champions' 15th consecutive advancement from ​the group stage.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius is the fifth Brazil player to score in all three games of a World Cup group stage, following in the footsteps of Jairzinho (1970), Romario (1994), and Ronaldo and Rivaldo (both 2002). On each occasion, Brazil went on to win the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival at the 2026 World Cup with two goals as Portugal ignited their campaign with a 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan.

Ronaldo is one of a host of players on two goals. However, he lags three goals behind his great rival Messi, who has five goals from two games - a hat-trick against Algeria and a double against Austria.

Messi is now the all-time leading scorer at the World Cup with 18 goals. Ronaldo's two goals against Uzbekistan took him to 10 goals overall.

Ronaldo does have one record all to himself though: he is the only player in history to score at six World Cups.

Golden Boot 2026

1). Lionel Messi (Argentina) - Goals: 5, assists: 0

2). Vinicius Jr (Brazil) - Goals: 4, assists: 1

3). Kylian Mbappe (France) - Goals: 4, assists: 0

4). Erling Haaland (Norway) - Goals: 4, assists: 0

5). Denis Undav (Germany) - Goals: 3, assists: 2

6). Johan Manzambi (Switzerland) Goals: 3, assists: 1

7). Matheus Cunha (Brazil) - Goals: 3, assists: 0

8). Ismael Saibari (Morocco) - Goals: 3, assists: 0

9). Jonathan David (Canada) - Goals: 3, assists: 0

10). Bryan Brobbey (Netherlands) - Goals: 3, assists: 0

10). Crysencio Summervile (Netherlands) - Goals: 2, assists: 1

11). Mike Oyarzabal (Spain) - Goals: 2, assists: 1

12). Maxi Araujo (Uruguay) - Goals: 2, assists: 1

13). Ayase Ueda (Japan) - Goals: 2, assists: 1

14). Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) - Goals: 2, assists: 1

Best photos of the 2026 World Cup - in pictures

15). Ruben Vargas (Switzerland) - Goals: 2, assists: 1

16). Ermin Mahmic (Bosnia) - Goals 2, assists: 0

18). Daichi Kamada (Japan) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

19). Folarin Balogun (US) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

20). Yasin Ayari (Sweden) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

21). Ismailia Sarr (Senegal) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

22). Cyle Larin (Canada) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

23). Elijah Just (New Zealand) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

24). Kai Havertz (Germany) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

25). Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

26). Harry Kane (England) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

27). Daniel Munoz (Colombia) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

28). Julian Quinones (Mexico) - Goals: 2, assists: 0

Previous Golden Boot winners

2022 - Kylian Mbappe (France) - Goals: 8

2018 - Harry Kane (England) - Goals: 6

2014 - James Rodriguez (Colombia) - Goals: 6

2010 - Thomas Muller (Germany) - Goals: 5

2006 - Miroslav Klose (Germany) - Goals: 5

2002 - Ronaldo (Brazil) - Goals: 8

1998 - Davor Suker (Croatia) - Goals: 6

1994 - Oleg Salenko (Russia), Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria) - Goals: 6

1990 - Salvatore Schillaci (Italy) - Goals: 6

1986 - Gary Lineker (England) - Goals: 6

1982 - Paolo Rossi (Italy) - Goals: 6

App users: Click here to download the World Cup wall chart

For many people elsewhere, cranes come with construction and development, but for residents of Gaza, they represent something different. “They are like a ticking bomb,” Mr Ayyad told The National.

According to Gaza's Government Media Office, Israeli forces have installed 23 cranes across different locations east of the yellow line that separates Israeli-controlled areas from civilian population centres. The cranes are equipped with machineguns and advanced surveillance systems, the media office said.

Families living in parts of Gaza far from the border and even further from active battlefields describe a constant sense of vulnerability because of the cranes.

Mr Ayyad, 35, has rearranged his family's entire life around the threat of these mounted guns. His apartment's living room and a bedroom facing east are no longer used by his wife and children. Bullets have struck the walls of the fifth-floor home more than once.

“We only enter them with extreme caution,” he said.

For many residents, the sight of the cranes has become part of their daily psychological pressure. They can be seen from certain rooftops, upper floors of apartment buildings and open areas throughout much of western Gaza.

Prof Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the INSS and the Misgav Institute in Jerusalem, said that the Israeli army's goal is to increase its visibility. “On the ground, there are so many demolished houses that it is hard to see far. To see, you need to go higher up. This is a tactical issue the Israeli army is dealing with; you need better monitoring in this area to prevent Hamas from rearming itself,” he told The National.

In northern neighbourhoods such as Al Rimal, where residents once gathered in coffee shops, parks and on seaside promenades, many now weigh simple decisions such as where to sit, which room to use and whether to walk outside, with concerns about potential gunfire and surveillance.

“We modify our routines, avoid rooftops, limit movement in open areas and keep children indoors whenever possible,” said one resident.

On June 13, Khalil Al Masri, 42, a resident of Gaza city, was with friends at a coffee shop on Al Thawra Street in the central Al Rimal neighbourhood when he was shot. It was an ordinary afternoon until he was critically injured by a bullet that entered his chest and exited through his back. He was rushed to a hospital where, hours later, he died.

Al Thawra Street is far from the eastern part of the city, where the cranes are located, and from any military confrontation. “He left behind his family,” his cousin, Mohammed Al Masri, told The National.

Local investigators informed the family that no drones were operating overhead at the time of the shooting and no nearby source of gunfire was identified. The shot most likely originated from one of the cranes positioned east of Gaza city, according to the investigators. The Israeli army has not commented on the incident.

Since the latest ceasefire took effect in October 2025, about 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and 3,152 injured, according to local health authorities.

Rahimi had only been on as a substitute eight minutes when he controlled a flick on from Chadi Riad and drilled home via the aid of a deflection off a Haitian defender.

He then capitalised on a mistake by Jean-Kevin Duverne to cross for fellow sub Gessime Yassine to slot home in the 89th minute to seal a 4-2 victory for Morocco.

Victory ensured second spot in Group C for Morocco behind Brazil, who swept aside Scotland 3-0 to finish on seven points and with a better goal difference than Morocco.

Morocco are set to face the winner of Group F, who could be either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden, in the Round of 32 on June 29 in Guadalupe, Mexico.

It was the second successive World Cup that Morocco have gone through the group phase unbeaten, following their historic run to the semi-finals at Qatar 2022.

"It was a tricky game, a difficult one. We didn't start well, but we changed our mindset and worked hard to get ourselves back into it," said Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi.

"We managed to win thanks to the way we attacked. At half-time, the message was to stay focused on winning the second balls. We couldn't let them grow in confidence. We're proud of what we did, but now we need to recover well and get ourselves ready for what's next."

Haiti, who were already eliminated before the match kicked off in Atlanta, threatened a shock when they led through a Yassine Bounou own goal after only 10 minutes.

Duverne cut the ball back across the penalty area, and Lenny Joseph gave it an audacious back heel flick. The ball ricocheted in off Bounou to give Haiti their first goal of the 2026 finals and their first at any World Cup in 52 years.

Hakimi levelled when he bundled the ball over the line after Haiti goalkeeper Johnny Placide could only parry a Bilal El Khannouss shot, but Wilson Isidor restored Haiti's lead with a thunderous strike from 25 yards just before the break.

Morocco went into half-time on level terms, though, when Ismael Saibari arrived in the box to finish a low Hakimi cross.

It was a third goal in as many games for Saibari, who is set to join German giants Bayern Munich after this tournament.

Midfielder El Khannouss admitted Morocco were guilty of underestimating their opponents in the first half.

"At times, we lacked humility and paid the price for it. We weren't fully committed in the duels, we gave them confidence and allowed them to grow into the game and score twice.

"At half-time, the coach told us we needed to be more aggressive, win the second balls and bring greater intensity to our attacking play."

Vinicius at the double as Brazil top group

Vinicius Jr scored his third and fourth goals of the tournament as Brazil cruised ​into ​the last 32 ​with a 3-0 victory over Scotland at ⁠Miami Gardens, Florida, to finish top of Group C.

The Real Madrid forward became the fifth Brazil player to score in all three games of a World Cup group stage, following in the footsteps of Jairzinho (1970), Romario (1994), and Ronaldo and Rivaldo (both 2002). On each occasion, Brazil went on to win the tournament.

With the brace, Vinicius ​pulled even with Norway's Erling Haaland and France's Kylian Mbappe, and one behind Argentina's ⁠Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

Matheus Cunha added his third goal of the competition for Brazil as victory sealed the five-time world champions' 15th consecutive advancement from ​the group stage. They will face the runner-up from Group F.

The introduction of Neymar as a late substitute – the veteran forward appearing in his fourth successive World Cup – gave the vast Brazilian contingent in the crowd something else to celebrate too.

"We've achieved our first objective, but we have to keep going. It was a difficult group," said Brazil captain Marquinhos.

"Now the real competition begins. It's like the Champions League – there's no point finishing top of your group if you're not ready afterwards. The small details are going to make all the difference."

Best photos of the 2026 World Cup - in pictures

Scotland, appearing at their first World Cup in 28 years, were already guaranteed to finish third in the group on three points following last week's win over Haiti.

But with a minus-three goal difference, it remains to be seen if that will be enough to secure them a place in the next round as one of the eight-best third-placed sides.

They fell behind after seven minutes when Vinicius capitalised on a horror mistake by Scots defender Scott McKenna and he added a second at the end of the first half before Cunha sealed victory just after the hour mark.

Steve Clarke admitted Brazil were well worth their victory and was pessimistic on Scotland's chances of remaining at the World Cup.

"You see their quality in the final third of the pitch, we didn't have that tonight. We created chances but it wasn't enough," said Clarke.

"Let's be honest, the best team won ... In the first four or five minutes, we passed the ball well and then made a mistake. You cannot do that at this level because it puts you on the back foot and it becomes a long night. For sure, I think we're going home."

App users: Click here to download the World Cup wall chart

The earthquakes damaged buildings in Caracas, trapping people under the rubble and prompting the government to declare a state of emergency as rescue teams searched for survivors.

The first quake, with a magnitude of 7.2, struck about 160km west of the capital. It was followed less than a minute later by a 7.5-magnitude tremor, said the US Geological Survey, which warned the disaster was probably widespread.

Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly, said that nearly 140 aftershocks have occurred in the hours since. Mr Rodriguez said planes carrying aid and search-and-rescue personnel were on the way from the US, Mexico, Qatar and the UN.

Acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodriguez earlier described dozens of buildings collapsing in La Guaira, north of Caracas, as a “true tragedy”. An initial fund of $200 million is to be created ​using ‌resources ⁠from the ​International ​Monetary ‌Fund to rebuild ⁠infrastructure, hospitals ⁠and housing, she added.

In an earlier televised address, Ms Rodriguez said the government was declaring a state of emergency and seeking funds from international organisations to support recovery work. “We extend our condolences to those who have unfortunately suffered the loss of a family member,” she said.

On social media, President Donald Trump said the US was ready to help and that he had instructed government agencies to prepare to move quickly. US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau said Washington was in contact with Venezuelan authorities and “mobilising assistance”.

The US Geological Survey's initial estimate of up to 100,000 deaths is subject to revision as information emerges from affected areas.

Officials reported collapsed buildings and rescue operations in several areas. Emergency crews worked through the evening in Caracas, where footage showed rescuers searching through the remains of damaged buildings while relatives waited for news of missing family members.

“We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security and civil assistance,” Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television.

Gustavo Duque, mayor of the Chacao district of Caracas, said several buildings had collapsed and that 18 people had been rescued from one structure. He urged residents to stay in open areas because of the risk of aftershocks. “We're going to do everything we can to rescue the most people possible,” he said.

In Falcon state, governor Victor Clark said 22 people had been injured and that authorities were searching for 15 missing adults.

The earthquakes struck on a public holiday, sending residents rushing into the streets as buildings shook across the capital.

“As soon as it started, we began hearing people screaming,” Astrid Ramirez, 41, a publicist in western Caracas, told Reuters. “Everyone was running down the stairs.”

Another resident, Coro Martinez, said objects inside her home began to fall as the tremors hit. “There was a very loud crash. Things fell in the house,” she said. “I've never experienced anything like it.”

Hospitals in Caracas have called in additional staff to help treat the injured. Authorities closed the country's main airport at Maiquetia because of damage. Lessons were cancelled for the rest of the week as officials assessed the impact of the disaster.

The US State Department said it had already mobilised a disaster assistance team and task force to co-ordinate support for Venezuela. Senior official Jeremy Lewin said the US would send search-and-rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other resources “in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster”.

A tsunami warning issued after the earthquakes for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands was later withdrawn.

Venezuela lies in a seismically active zone where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet.

Like many devoted pet owners, the Emirati illustrator and multimedia designer has accumulated thousands of photos of her feline companions over the years. There are pictures of them sleeping, eating, staring out of windows, squabbling with one another and striking adorable poses.

Most people leave such images buried on their phones, but Al Hamrani has chosen to turn them into art instead.

Her upcoming mini solo exhibition, Minor Events Involving Cats, places her beloved pets at the centre of an imaginary world filled with shifting alliances, territorial disputes and even some household drama.

“It started off as a collection of photos that I have on my phone of little moments that I think are paintable,” Al Hamrani tells The National. “Surprisingly, or not surprisingly, a lot of them were of my cats.”

The two-day exhibition, taking place at Jebal Al Balad Cafeteria in Sharjah on Saturday and Sunday, features a series of paintings inspired by the everyday lives of Memao, Pimpao and Batboot. But rather than straightforward pet portraits, Al Hamrani has constructed a world where the cats become characters with distinct personalities, ambitions and even histories.

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Al Hamrani says that when visitors enter the exhibition, they will first be introduced to the cats and the fictional lore surrounding them. Next they will encounter scenes depicting the animals interacting with one another and with members of the artist's family.

“I've given it a bit of a cat politics tone,” she says. “Little conquests of the living room and other spaces, the fight for food, that sort of thing.”

The concept emerged from years of storytelling between Al Hamrani and her brother, Ahmed, who developed increasingly elaborate backstories for the felines.

“My brother and I create a lot of ridiculous lore surrounding the cats,” she says. “Two of our cats were fighting and it looked like it could be a scene from a Greek tragedy; another looked very Renaissance-like. And we thought it would be funny to give it that sort of depiction.”

One cat, she says, was imagined as “an accidental royal family member that was lost and brought to the UAE”. The stories stem from what Al Hamrani describes as a desire to impose human narratives on to animals that are completely unaware of them, creating scenarios she finds amusingly absurd.

Humour has long been an important part of her artistic practice. While she works professionally in the arts through her role at Sharjah Art Foundation, and has previously created interactive digital installations, Al Hamrani says she has increasingly found herself drawn towards lighter and more playful forms of storytelling.

“I try to keep it comedic and light-hearted,” she says. After spending nearly a year focused on digital work, Al Hamrani shifted away from the medium and returned to painting.

“I was taking a break because I was doing strictly digital work for almost a year,” she says. “So I went on a painting rampage to kind of detox from that.”

As the collection grew, so did the idea behind it, eventually becoming Minor Events Involving Cats. “I don't want to think, I just want to illustrate the moment and give it the attention that it deserves,” she says.

Nine paintings later, she realised the collection had become substantial enough to warrant a mini exhibition.

At a time when many contemporary art exhibitions tackle serious social, political or environmental themes, Al Hamrani acknowledges that her latest project is quite different.

“I'm entirely giving it the seriousness of an institutional show, but it's a bunch of cats,” she says.

The exhibition will also include a booklet introducing visitors to the feline cast and their fictional world, providing additional context for the paintings and preserving the project beyond its brief two-day run.

“I love a little bit of ridiculous art every once in a while,” says the artist. That desire for escapism is one of the exhibition's guiding principles.

“I enjoy all forms of art, but every once in a while I do need what I call a 'smoke break' to enjoy something a bit absurd before I come back to the serious stuff,” she says.

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“People in general should allow a bit more play and unnecessary fantastical narratives in their day-to-day lives.”

For Al Hamrani, the stories surrounding the cats also serve a deeper purpose.

Like many pet owners, she credits her animals with providing comfort during difficult times. The ongoing jokes and fictional narratives she creates with her brother have become a source of connection and relief amid the pressures of everyday life.

“Even though he's going through stuff and I'm going through stuff, this keeps us connected,” she says. “So this is a celebration of that.”

The exhibition's themes are likely to resonate with fellow cat owners, who will undoubtedly recognise many of the behaviours depicted in the paintings. Yet Al Hamrani hopes the appeal extends beyond those who share their homes with felines.

“Whether or not you enjoy cats, I feel like there's something for you,” she says.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to commission portraits of their own cats, something Al Hamrani says she rarely offers. The offer will be first-come, first-served.

The event will feature another cat-inspired creative voice, too. Al Hamrani has invited artist Azim Al Ghussein, illustrator of the graphic novel Becoming Kimmy, which tells the first-person tale of a Sharjah street cat, to discuss his work and contribute to the wider celebration of feline-inspired storytelling.

Al Hamrani says she would like to continue the project, potentially collaborating with cat rescue organisations. “I would love to expand this project further and hopefully get to collaborate with some foster collectives, maybe try to collect donations at some point,” she says.

For Al Hamrani, the project began with a desire to capture the small moments that make up everyday life, which just happened to involve a lot of cats. However, any broader impact it might have is an added bonus.

“If it gives people the incentive to be kinder to cats around, that would be great,” she says.

Minor Events Involving Cats is on June 27 and 28 at Jebal Al Balad Cafeteria in Sharjah

Not because it's failing. Because life feels out of control in other ways, and the portfolio is the one thing they can actually touch.

That impulse, the urge to do something with the plan when everything else feels chaotic, is the single most common way I've watched long-term financial independence get quietly undermined. Not through bad investments or poor planning. Through well-intentioned intervention at exactly the wrong moment.

The messy middle

Working life has three phases. The early stretch, when the structure gets built. The long middle, where most of life actually happens. And the final stretch, when retirement becomes real.

The middle stretch is when the pressure is highest. Careers are at full intensity. Children are at their most expensive. Parents are starting to need support they didn't before. Financial decisions get made in the gaps between everything else, quickly and under pressure.

None of that is controllable. The investment portfolio, however, is always there. Accessible. Adjustable. It responds when you touch it. And so that's where the energy goes.

It shows up in different forms, but the underlying drive is consistent.

Sometimes it's pausing contributions. Money is tight, something has to give, and the investment contribution feels like the most flexible line in the budget. The intention is always to catch up later. In practice, the gap compounds permanently. What felt like a temporary adjustment becomes a structural shortfall.

Sometimes it's the pull towards complexity. A contact describes a tax-efficient structure. An alternative investment has been performing well. Suddenly the straightforward approach chosen years ago feels unsophisticated. Layering in something newer feels like progress. It rarely is. The strategy chosen when there was clarity and time to think was almost certainly better than whatever's being considered now, under pressure, on someone else's recommendation.

Sometimes it's drawing down long-term investments for lifestyle expenses. A renovation, an upgrade, something for the children. Each decision is defensible on its own terms. The consequences tend to arrive quietly, years later, and sometimes feel disproportionate to the decision that caused them.

The common thread isn't financial naivety. The people I'm describing are intelligent, successful and capable of reasoning clearly. The common thread is that the urge to act on the plan is strongest precisely when the rest of life feels most unmanageable. That's not a coincidence. It's displacement activity dressed up as financial sophistication.

What actually builds wealth

The people I've worked with who reach financial independence in good shape share something worth noting. It's rarely exceptional investment returns. It's rarely clever structures or well-timed decisions. It's the compounding effect of not interfering with something that was working.

Restraint during the messy middle isn't passive. It's an active choice, made repeatedly, against perfectly reasonable justifications for doing something different. Treating contributions as fixed rather than adjustable. Asking whether a new idea is genuinely better or just newer. Pricing a lifestyle decision in decades rather than months.

If you're in the middle phase and a plan is already in place, the most useful question to ask before changing anything is not: "Is there a better option?" It is: "Why do I feel the need to act right now?"

The answer to that question is usually more revealing than whatever opportunity is in front of you.

The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal or financial advice and is provided for your information only. Readers should seek appropriate independent legal and financial advice from a regulated professional

These networks were less about moving people from A to B, however, than they were about trade routes, imperial control and industrialisation. Rail travel as a daily, integrated public transport system linking cities and countries is becoming much more of a critical demand. This week in the UAE, rail travel well and truly arrived.

Tickets have gone on sale for Etihad Rail's long-awaited launch of its passenger services. Yesterday, the national train operator's website showed only limited seats available for the inaugural cross-emirate trips on Tuesday, June 30. The service will take passengers from Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City station to the Fujairah station in Al Hilal City.

For a country long associated with car culture and world-class aviation, rail is a carefully calculated evolution in the transport network. The demand for tickets may partly be fuelled by the novelty of a new way of seeing the country but, with the right approach and execution, rail travel is set to become as routine as road trips between emirates. In time, rail could become as practical as short-haul flights once regional passenger connections across with other GCC rail networks are established.

In a commercial sense, it's a bold and novel step, long in the making. Etihad Rail’s design, comfort and digital-first ticketing point to some high expectations. People in the UAE want comprehensive public transport but still seek a seamless experience. So, although ticket sales are positive, this new beginning is also something of a stress test for the new system. It is vital that service delivery and reliability is carefully managed in the network’s early phases.

For a country long associated with car culture and world-class aviation, rail is a carefully calculated evolution

But the start of passenger rail in the UAE has some wider implications. Etihad Rail looks set to redefine how the country’s economy functions, linking different regions, spreading opportunity and reducing environmental impact of travel. It will also have consequences for labour mobility, the country’s tourism sector and development outside the Emirates’ main population centres. Freight rail is also an important part of national supply chains and economic resilience, especially at this moment of infrastructure investment and diversification.

From this promising start, the challenge ahead will be to maintain operational excellence. The initial excitement of today is a platform on which to build long-term trust tomorrow. Once that is established, hopping on a train from one coast of the UAE to the other may well become as routine as hopping in one’s car

The Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department hailed the announcement as a “significant milestone”.

“Early indicators suggest growing interest in Fujairah, and improved accessibility is expected to support hotel occupancy, restaurants, tourism attractions, local businesses and the wider hospitality sector,” a representative told The National.

The Fujairah station is in Al Hilal City, just west of the emirate's port. Passengers arriving in Fujairah will be offered local bus services to key areas, Etihad Rail confirmed. Timetables and destinations are yet to be announced. In Abu Dhabi, an Etihad Rail shuttle service will be on offer from three locations in the city.

A senior figure from the emirate's airport said the new rail service would boost the number of travellers coming to the city.

"We anticipate a surge in rail-to-air travel, particularly within the leisure and business travel segments, as the rail service enhances connectivity and makes Fujairah more accessible from other emirates," said Mark Govender, head of the business development department at Fujairah International Airport.

"This improved accessibility is expected to support passenger growth and drive increased tourism flows, especially for weekend getaways and business travel.

"For cargo operations, rail will complement air freight services by strengthening multimodal logistics connectivity across rail, road, sea and air networks."

Easy connections

The rail connection will bring easier access to resorts along Fujairah's sandy coast for people seeking a getaway.

“It's a long way and by train it's very easy,” said Chitu Devadiga, a front office worker at Sandy Beach Resort.

Staff at Holiday Beach Resort, in the north of the emirate, are excited about shorter commutes to and from work and new opportunities to travel across the UAE.

“The staff are very excited about Etihad Rail, because some of our friends are living in Abu Dhabi. We can easily meet them there now,” Jovy de Jesus, front office supervisor, told The National.

Employees currently travel by bus from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, which takes significantly longer than train journey of one hour and 45 minutes.

“There will be more tourism in Fujairah because those living in Abu Dhabi who don't drive, they want to come here to Fujairah to see the sea, to see the beach,” Ms de Jesus said.

Managers at both hotels agree that shuttle services would be good for passenger connectivity.

“A dedicated shuttle service from the new station to our resort – and potentially in collaboration with neighbouring hotels – would make a lot of sense,” Nicolas Chammaa, general manager of Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa in Al Aqah, previously told The National. “If it enhances the guest experience and brings added value, we’re on board.” No firm plans have been announced.

Etihad Rail station in Fujairah - in pictures

Tourism growth

Authorities anticipate higher tourist numbers and a broader range of visitors, including international arrivals who want to see more than Dubai.

“The [Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities] Department expects the new rail service to contribute positively to visitor numbers by encouraging more domestic tourism, family travel and day trips, while making it easier for residents and visitors alike to experience Fujairah's diverse tourism offerings,” said the spokesperson.

“Etihad Rail is expected to encourage additional investment in hotels, tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences.”

The series will be set between Saint Tropez and Cannes. The Hotel Martinez, on Cannes’ famous palm-lined Croisette, will star as the White Lotus Cannes.

The hotel has a long association with the big – and small – screen. Since it opened in 1929, it has been the place to stay in Cannes for Hollywood stars, music moguls and international dignitaries.

For the past 30 years, the hotel has also been the setting for the Cannes Film Festival jury dinner, which takes place the day before the festival begins.

But the Hotel Martinez has not simply relied on its star status for bookings. In 2017, the hotel closed for refurbishment, and reopened in March 2018 with 409 reimagined rooms and new dining options as part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection.

The welcome

The hotel's instantly recognisable white facade comes into view as my husband and I drive on to the Croisette, with the sparkling Bay of Cannes directly opposite.

As we approach the entrance, it's a hive of activity. A dozen people are lingering at the doorway, taking photographs with the Bugatti Chiron and Ferrari 458 parked outside. A few dozen more are loaded with luggage and filing on to a coach. We jump to the conclusion that we’re checking in at the same time as an A-lister, but after passing the grand chandelier and ornate display of fresh flowers in the lobby to reach the check-in desk, we’re quickly told that this is just a regular day at the Hotel Martinez.

The room

Our Prestige Suite has instant wow factor. We step into a bright lounge with views out to the Croisette and the water beyond, immediately recognising the two balconies' blue wrought-iron geometric patterns from many a celebrity snap. A central seating area, writing desk and dining table are dressed in a palette of soft blue, white and neutral shades, mirroring the hues of the Cote d’Azur.

In the bedroom, a king-size bed has some of the plumpest pillows we’ve ever slept on, and the walk-in dressing room feels like the right touch for a hotel synonymous with Cannes’ most fashionable events. There’s a third balcony off the bedroom, and opening the double doors and taking in the view with a coffee from the room's Nespresso machine feels like a suitably glamorous way to start the day.

A special mention should be given to the turndown service, which includes a chocolate truffle and a sachet of night cream infused with 24-karat gold that has me waking up with wonderfully hydrated skin.

The food

A must-try is La Plage, directly opposite the hotel on its private beachfront. We sit under a canopy on Hollywood-style chairs with the names of famous actors on the back (mine is Denzel Washington, my husband’s Sean Connery), the hum of the beach club providing a relaxing soundtrack. An off-menu beef tartare is delicious: diced beef is tossed with capers, shallots and a powerful scoop of mustard, made tableside for added theatre. The wood-fired pizza (€25 or $28) has a light and crispy base, topped with burrata and roasted tomato. For dessert, the prettily plated rhubarb and cherry creme brulee (€18) is the perfect balance of fruity and creamy.

Elsewhere, a grand breakfast buffet takes place at Le Sud, offering a supreme selection of hot and cold classics, towering bowls of fresh fruit and a decadent display of pastries. There’s a separate menu for cooked-to-order eggs, but it feels unnecessary given the sheer variety on the buffet.

The sultry Martinez Bar, opened in 2025, is an Art Deco drinking den that is a wonderful spot for a pre-dinner drink. It's a rare destination where the seats inside feel more atmospheric than out on the terrace. One Michelin-starred La Palme d'Or completes the culinary line-up.

Hotel facilities

L’Oasis on the first floor is a welcome green retreat from the vibrant buzz below, a serene escape encased by the three hotel buildings. Sun loungers are dotted around a swimming pool, and there’s a small but well-equipped fitness centre. Both are nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens, where speakers playing melodic music add to the Zen-like feel.

The sun loungers around the pool quickly fill up, and there isn’t a single one free by 3pm on the day we check in. There are more loungers at La Plage beach club, where the well-Instagrammed pier is also located, but these are booked weeks in advance. If you manage to snag one, there’s an additional charge for hotel guests. Full-day rates start at €57, depending on the row you pick.

Spa and wellness

The L’Oasis du Martinez spa is a collaboration with the Parisian skincare brand Carita. I have a consultation in the reception area, which is laden with make-up products and feels more like a high-end beauty salon. Then I try a signature facial using the brand’s Lagon Hypertonic range (€185), which is recommended for my skin. The facial combines rhythmic motions with a hydrating balm, serum and mask combination, producing an instantly glowing result.

Value for money

The price of a Prestige Suite with a sea view starts from €4,800 ($5,400) per night, excluding taxes and fees. Check-in is from 4pm and checkout is at 11am.

The price of a deluxe room (standard) starts from €836 ($956 per night), excluding taxes and fees.

This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time. Services may change in the future

The Trump administration is asking for the amount to address "urgent needs" related to the Iran war, the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa and support for American farmers. About $70 billion is for the Pentagon.

Several Republicans in the meeting said Mr Trump was in a shouting match with Senator Bill Cassidy, who said the administration needs to explain a preliminary agreement ⁠signed last week that provides financial incentives for Iran but does not accomplish any of the goals he laid out at the start of the war.

The deal sets up 60 days of talks to tackle thornier details, including Iran's nuclear programme.

Mr Cassidy, whose Senate career Mr Trump helped to end, repeatedly criticised him over the Middle East conflict, while Senate majority leader John Thune tried to make peace, a source told Bloomberg.

"The American people need to know more than we are being told," Mr Cassidy told reporters later. "It does not appear, although I don't know for sure, that the course of this is going the way that we were told.

“I make no apologies for standing up to the President, trying to demand that more information be shared with the Senate and more information be shared with the American people.”

The loud exchange ⁠with a member of Mr Trump's own party was another example of how the war has weighed on the administration before November elections that will determine control of ​Congress.

Only one ⁠in four Americans believes the war was worth its ‌costs, a Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests, and a Quinnipiac University survey found 45 per cent of respondents see the US as being in a weaker global position as a result of it. Mr Trump's approval rating is at its lowest level since he returned to office last year.

Despite the flare-up, Republicans in Congress remain largely behind the president. Senator Rick Scott, a Trump loyalist, said he was right to be frustrated with the war-powers vote.

“Well, I think if I was the president, I was in the middle of a negotiation to try to protect American lives, I would be frustrated too,” Mr Scott said.

On Tuesday, the Republican-controlled ​Senate voted to direct Mr Trump to end the war, with Mr Cassidy being one of four members of his party to back the resolution.

The Gulf side delivered their best performance of the competition, yet it was not enough to secure a win that could have extended their involvement in the tournament.

The two sides kicked off knowing that victory could, in all likelihood, lead to a place in the Round of 32 as one of the best eight third-placed teams.

Having been routed by the co-hosts Canada last time out, in which they lost two players to red cards - Assim Madibo was handed a five-match ban for breaking the leg of Ismael Kone - Qatar were up against it.

They fell behind to one of the goals of the tournament. Kerim Alajbegovic, the highly-rated 18-year-old star of Bosnian football, scored it.

The teen winger jinked past several would-be tacklers and arrowed in a shot from distance to give his side the lead.

Alajbegovic was just six years old when Bosnia had played at a World Cup, in Brazil in 2014.

Edin Dzeko had scored a goal when they claimed their first World Cup win back then, against Iran.

The 40-year-old striker, making his 150th international appearance, helped put them on their way to their second when he contributed to their second goal.

The former Manchester City centre-forward found himself free at the back post, and volleyed the ball back across goal.

It was deflected off Sultan Al Brake, the Qatar defender, past Mahmud Abana as Bosnia doubled their advantage.

At that stage, it felt like Qatar might be heading towards a similar sort of hammering that they suffered last time out, when they lost 6-0 to Canada.

They battled back pluckily, though. Akram Afif started to carve out some holes in the Bosnia defence, and then Hassan Al Haydos pulled a goal back.

Kerim Alajbegović becomes the eighth-youngest goalscorer in #FIFAWorldCup history 🇧🇦 pic.twitter.com/tWSnOqT8SV

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 24, 2026

The 35-year-old forward retired from international football two years ago. He was coaxed out of retirement to join Julen Lopetegui’s push for the World Cup, and he was rewarded with his 40th international goal, just before half-time.

Haydos saw his tournament, and potentially career, end in tears when he limped off early in the second half with an injury.

It feels likely the Al Sadd and Qatar great will now edge back into retirement, and this time stay there.

Even after his departure, Qatar kept pushing, but their challenge was killed off when Ermin Mahmic restored Bosnia’s two-goal buffer.

The Austria-born midfielder pounced from close range in a crowded box to notch his side’s third goal.

They held on to that scoreline, meaning they will now wait and see if they have done enough to advance.

"We wanted to make history, but we didn’t know we’d get this far," said Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez.

"It goes without saying that we always aim to do our best, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far. I’ve received so many messages from people in Bosnia – it’s wonderful.

"It’ll be brilliant to celebrate with the fans when we get back. We’ll realise it very soon – there are no words to describe how happy I am right now."

Qatar, though, are heading home.

Mr Trump has spent weeks criticising Nato allies after several members declined to support US efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war.

Despite his displeasure with the UK, Germany, Spain, France and Italy for refusing military assistance, he reaffirmed that he would attend the summit, scheduled to take place July 7-8.

“The United States has to be there, and so I'm going out of respect to [Turkish] President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan,” Mr Trump said. “I just want their loyalty. We don't need their money, we don't need anything.”

He has struggled to end the war with Iran, which he started alongside Israel on February 28. The conflict has rattled markets and hurt his popularity at home.

A long-time critic of Nato, Mr Trump has repeatedly accused allies of relying too heavily on US military power and has previously described the alliance as a “paper tiger”.

Despite the tension, Mr Rutte has maintained a cordial relationship with the US President, earning the nickname “Trump whisperer” among diplomats.

On Wednesday, he praised Mr Trump's handling of the Iran conflict and showed charts highlighting increases in European defence spending and investment in the US.

Nato members expressed reluctance to support the US in the Iran campaign due to a lack of prior consultation. They said Nato is meant as a defensive alliance.

“There is reason for this disappointment, absolutely,” Mr Rutte said in the Oval Office. “But my argument is this: These are isolated instances.”

He said said 4,000 to 5,000 American planes had taken off from ​US bases across Europe throughout the war with Iran.

"This is the leader of the free world, taking responsibility beyond the shores of the United States for the rest of the world," Mr Rutte said.

But Mr Trump's stance has exposed deeper concerns about the future of the alliance as he repeatedly threatened to withdraw the US from the bloc.

His "America First" foreign policy has also fuelled concerns among allies about Washington's long-term role in European security.

The Trump administration has reduced support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, while Mr Trump's past threats to take control of the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland further strained relations with some European governments.

Mr Rutte is expected to meet members of the US Congress on Thursday before returning to Europe before the Ankara summit.

Forty-eight per cent of more than 1,100 respondents, all of whom were registered voters, said there was too much support – the highest percentage since Quinnipiac started asking the question in 2017.

The polling company said in a statement on Wednesday that 38 per cent think the "US support of Israel is about right", while about 7 per cent "think the US is not supportive enough".

And only 20 per cent of those surveyed had a positive opinion of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, compared to 48 per cent who had negative feelings.

"Netanyahu gets poor marks from American voters as their appetite for supporting Israel wanes, with the share of voters who think the US is too supportive of Israel hitting a new high," Quinnipiac polling analyst Tim Malloy said.

The polling results echo those of New York's primary election on Tuesday, where three congressional candidates seen as critics of Israel's policy emerged victorious.

They received endorsements from New York City's first Muslim Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been critical of the Israeli government and Mr Netanyahu over Gaza and other issues.

Quinnipiac's survey showed that Democratic and independent voters were more likely to have negative feelings about US support for Israel.

That is in contrast to 20 per cent of Republicans surveyed who disapproved of the level of US support for Israel, while 69 per cent described the level of US support as "about right".

Quinnipiac polling also asked US voters about President Donald Trump, the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and social media bans.

Only 38 per cent of those polled told Quinnipiac they approved of Mr Trump's performance during his second term in the White House.

And 60 per cent said the US-Israel war with Iran had not been "worth it".

The UN's independent scientific AI panel consists of 40 members from around the world and has been charged by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres with providing "independent and impartial assessments of AI’s opportunities, risks and impacts". It will report its findings on July 6 and 7 during the UN's Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

"We actually needed the panel yesterday," Loreto Bravo, a member from Chile said in a video posted to a UN social media account. "It's not something that we need now; we're late already."

Yutaka Matsuo, a prominent computer scientist from Japan and panel member was also in the video.

AI is moving fast. Evidence must keep pace. That's why 40 experts are working together on the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.

Hear from the members on why this Panel is needed right now.

🔗 https://t.co/zAPUgwHTeK#DigitalCooperation #AIGovernance pic.twitter.com/8o6txkgrdK

— UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (@ODET_UN) June 24, 2026

"AI is developing so much for all of us," Mr Matsuo said. "We have to make it proceed in a very good way for society."

The global conference in Geneva is being promoted by the UN as way to make sure that AI "governance reflects the priorities of all nations, not just the most technologically advanced".

Among those attending with Mr Guterres are Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary general of the International Telecommunication Union, and Microsoft president Brad Smith.

Despite optimism over AI's influence on society, concern has grown over the past year about the potential for it to disrupt the job market and create environmental problems, among other issues.

In January, Mr Guterres addressed those fears as he talked about the newly announced AI body.

"In a world where AI is racing ahead, this panel will provide what’s been missing – rigorous, independent scientific insight that enables all member states, regardless of their technological capacity, to engage on an equal footing," he said.

Yoshua Bengio, a Canadian computer scientist, and Maria Ressa, a 2021 Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist from the Philippines, are co-chairing the UN's panel.

More than 2,600 from around the world were submitted as candidates to take part in the AI group.

Computer, philosophy, AI and digital rights experts are among those chosen for the 40-member independent body.

Tuka Alhanai, an assistant professor of computer engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi, was nominated to the panel in January and confirmed shortly after.

Mr Rubio was speaking in Kuwait after visiting the UAE, where he met President Sheikh Mohamed, and before a meeting with Gulf foreign ministers in Bahrain on Thursday.

“We're going to be completely aligned with our partners on the Gulf. That's why we're meeting with all of them tomorrow,” he told reporters.

“That's why I've taken this trip now. And it's the reason why I'm here. Apart from thanking them for the incredible support they gave us throughout this process, we want them to know and we want to reiterate and begin to talk to them and engage them in conversations about every decision that's made with regards to this negotiation,” he said.

“We're not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies, our long-standing allies in the region,” Mr Rubio said. “So I think that that's something that our partners believe when we say, because we're doing it and we're going to continue to do it. And we're doing it with them now.”

The US Secretary of State's visit came after a memorandum of understanding was reached between Iran and the US. The deal ended almost four months of conflict in the region but did not address thorny issues such as Iran's ballistic missile programme and its support for militias in the Middle East.

In Kuwait, Mr Rubio said his country does not support tolls or fees in the Strait of Hormuz and that he will convey this message to Gulf officials.

“I think the whole world will be against any mechanism that charges money to use an international waterway. It's that simple. The president already said it. That's not going to happen. When we mean open the strait, we mean open the strait, free. So we'll express that tomorrow,” he clarified.

“I am certain that not only will every country in the Gulf region be supportive, probably with the exception of Iran, but all the GCC members will be supportive and the whole world will be supportive,” added Mr Rubio.

“I know of no country on the planet that supports tolling or a fee for the use of the straits. That's just not, that's not going to happen. The president has been abundantly clear.”

Mr Rubio said that during his talks in the UAE and Kuwait, he didn’t “sense any doubts about our security assurances because they're real. They're not promises. They're actual. They exist”.

He called ties with Gulf partners “long-standing relationships” and added that US and Gulf officials “speak very frankly, very openly, very honestly. We get their input. And that's what we're here to do, to get their input. They are partners.

“I'm not here to tell them. I'm here to hear as well. And so I thought that we're very frank and honest. I think we're very strongly aligned.”

He also warned that President Donald Trump could reverse the decision to lift some sanctions on Iran if Tehran does not honour its commitments.

“Anytime you enter into a negotiation, it's a process of give and take. This is a temporary measure. It's for 60 days. And as a result, we expect them to live up to the commitments they made in Switzerland,” he told reporters.

“If they don't live up to those commitments, the president has a lot of options at his disposal, including … reversing these sanctions.”

Asked if he believed the Iranians were unified in their negotiation strategy, he said “it doesn't matter”, adding that “what matters is what they do or they don't do”.

“They either do the things they claim and agreed to do or they don't. And if they do it, then great. We'll keep moving forward. And if they don't, the president's been clear about what's going to happen and what could happen. But let's hope they do. Let's hope they mean it.”

Government employees will be able to either work seven-hour days from Monday to Thursday, and four and half hours on Fridays, or work eight-hour days from Monday to Thursday and take Friday as an additional day off.

The scheme, Our Flexible Summer, runs from June 29 until September 10.

“The Our Flexible Summer initiative has demonstrated that employee well-being and quality of life do not come at the expense of performance,” said Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, director general of Dubai Government Human Resources Department.

“On the contrary, they are among the key enablers of institutional success and long-term sustainability. Through this initiative, we continue to develop more flexible and people-centric government work environments that enhance the employee experience and strengthen the future-readiness of government entities.”

Mr Al Falasi added that the initiative reflects Dubai's government model, which recognises that investing in talent and quality of life is fundamental to enhancing productivity, innovation and sustainable performance.

A similar scheme ran last summer for government staff in the emirate.

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan was speaking at the launch of a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about the threat illegal drugs pose to children.

The campaign, United as One to Eradicate the Threat, was launched in Dubai on Wednesday afternoon.

“The fight against drugs is not the responsibility of a single entity, but rather a shared national and civic duty that requires public awareness, solidarity and collaboration. Safeguarding our people is the foundation for any nation’s progress and stability,” Sheikh Zayed said.

While authorities are vigilant against the threat posed by illegal drugs, he said, the evolving methods used by criminals are creating new challenges for law enforcement agencies.

These emerging threats require increased awareness and readiness, and a shift from mere reaction to proactive prevention, he added.

The new campaign will focus on raising awareness among families and young people while using schools as a “key partner in educating and nurturing children, and the environment that shapes their awareness, values and behaviours”.

Evolution of smuggling

Brig Taher Al Dhaheri, director of the anti narcotic directorate at Abu Dhabi Police, told The National that criminal gangs constantly devise new techniques to move drugs.

His Excellency Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan: The UAE remains resolute in its efforts to combat drugs through a comprehensive framework of prevention, public awareness, legislation, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation support. pic.twitter.com/nJ3dCFf8St

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 24, 2026

“We encountered a wide range of concealment methods over the years, including hiding narcotics inside fish and other animals, marble and paintings,” he said.

“Regardless of how innovative criminals become, anti-narcotic agencies are now several steps ahead of them.”

Previous campaigns have achieved positive results, Brig Al Dhaheri added, with the average age of people caught using illegal drugs rising from 16 to 21 since the initiatives began.

“Most cases recorded are linked to family problems or unstable home environments. It is because a parent or close relatives was already using drugs,” he added.

Sending a message

At the campaign launch, Fahad Abdullah Haikal, spokesperson for the National Drug Enforcement Authority, presented data on the global drug-related risk, citing the World Drug Report 2025 from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Major Haikal said more than 316 million people, roughly 6 per cent of the world’s working-age population, used drugs, representing a 28 per cent increase over the past decade.

The new campaign, which will use social media to reach young people, also encourages those in need to seek help, treatment and rehabilitation support through the Hosn service (80044).

“Our responsibility today is to draw closer to our children, to foster communication and build their trust, while equipping them with the awareness, confidence and capacity to make the right decisions,” said Maj Haikal.

“This is why the core message we must convey to the younger generation is that true strength does not lie in conforming to or copying others. It lies in self-awareness, confidence and the courage to say ‘No’ to anything that threatens your health and future.”

All three congressional candidates he endorsed won their Democratic primaries on Tuesday, defeating incumbents and establishment-backed rivals. The three candidates are also expected to win their Democrat-leaning districts, which would also place three Mamdani allies in Congress come January.

Their campaigns, in a city that hosts an annual Israel Day parade, were marked by strong opposition to US military support for the Israeli government amid the war in Gaza, and their victories could signal a broader shift within the Democratic Party.

Brad Lander, a former city comptroller and self-described “liberal Zionist”, defeated Representative Dan Goldman after turning their contest into a referendum on Israel.

Mr Lander criticised Mr Goldman for opposing legislation to block arms sales to Israel and for refusing to call its military campaign in Gaza a genocide.

Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated Representative Adriano Espaillat, relentlessly attacking him for accepting donations from the powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac).

A third democratic socialist, Claire Valdez, a first-term New York state lawmaker, also secured the Democratic nomination for an open House seat covering parts of Brooklyn and Queens.

At her victory celebration, chants of “Free Palestine” broke out as Mr Mamdani made his way through the crowd, greeting supporters.

Ms Valdez used her victory speech to highlight her progressive platform, asking supporters: “Are we ready to free Palestine? Are we ready to abolish ICE? Are we ready to win Medicare for All, housing for all and unions for all?”

🇵🇸🗽”Free Palestine” chants erupt at Claire Valdez’s victory party as Mayor Mamdani walks through the crowd, greeting supporters.@claireforny pic.twitter.com/CEUUhBtbA0

— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) June 24, 2026

Reacting to the results, US President Donald Trump told reporters: "Every election is important. They want a lot of communists to come in. The people they are pushing are communists and this country is not gonna be run by communists."

Senior Democrats made little effort to hide their opposition to Mr Mamdani.

Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, argued that the New York primaries showed voters were rewarding authenticity and conviction over establishment politics.

"If you want to lead a party you have to be willing to fight inside it. Mamdani didn't ask permission. He took the field," Mr Biden wrote in a post on X.

Rep. Marc Veasey of Texas, a vice chair of the New Democrat Coalition, was similarly dismissive, saying progressives were playing checkers while moderates were playing chess.

The results nonetheless underscore a significant shift within New York City's Democratic Party.

Positions that were once considered politically risky – particularly strong criticism of Israel in a city with a large Jewish population – no longer appear to be a liability. Instead, the victories of several progressive candidates suggest the party's stance on Israel is evolving rapidly, reflecting changing priorities among young Democratic voters.

Last week, voters in Washington gave a primary win to Democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George in the mayor's race, making her almost certain to become the US capital's next leader.

Republicans in the Make America Great Again movement and moderate Democrats reacted sharply to the New York election results.

Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik wrote on X: “Gotham has fallen. The mass exodus out of New York will continue apace. I call it the Blue Exodus.”

She argued that the victories of what she called “Marxist Socialist candidates” would further damage New York City and warned that the “virulent anti-Semitism” in some campaigns was “dangerous not only to Jews, but to every American”.

Democratic Senator John Fetterman slammed the results of Tuesday's elections, telling Fox News, “This has become the dancing days of the dirtbag left.”

Mr Fetterman, whose growing support for President Donald Trump has put him at the more conservative end of the Democratic spectrum, said some of the winning candidates hold views he considers extreme. “Some of these candidates are outrageous. You have candidates that want to abolish ICE, abolish police, abolish the border,” he said.

He also criticised Mr Mamdani, accusing him of mourning Al Jazeera journalist Ahmed Wishah, who Israel said was a Hamas sniper killed in an air strike. Mr Fetterman argued that the candidates who won represent the party's “full pro-Hamas wing” and said they have declared “war on regular Democrats”.

Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James criticised Mr Mamdani and some of the candidates he endorsed, telling CNN that some of them do not fully understand the communities they seek to represent and are disconnected from the history and struggles of many city districts.

Ms James said she and other Democratic leaders were “disappointed” in Mr Mamdani.

“All of us are a little frustrated with the Democratic Party. But you don't blow it up. That's what Maga has done,” she said.

An international team studying endangered sperm whales in the Mediterranean Sea have captured how those dialects evolve using 20 years of recordings.

The researchers, led by the University of St Andrews in Scotland, found that whales living around the Hellenic Trench in Greece had developed a new form of the dialect used by the sea mammals closer to the Balearic Islands.

It is thought sperm whales first entered the Mediterranean about 20,000 years ago, spreading from Gibraltar and establishing themselves throughout the region. They were discovered living near Greece three decades ago.

They are genetically isolated from other oceans and have a population of a few thousand. They are considered endangered due to their limited numbers and serious threats from entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes.

Sperm whales communicate using short, stereotyped patterns of clicks to identify themselves as belonging to larger cultural groups called vocal clans.

Previously it was thought all the whales in the Mediterranean belonged to the same clan, identified by a single predominant vocal type consisting of three clicks and then a pause before the fourth and final one. The pattern is called the “3+1" type.

The new results, published in Proceedings of Roal Society B, showed that whales around the Hellenic Trench, a deep-water feature centred off Crete, produced a distinct, faster version than those of animals in the western basin between Gibraltar and Italy.

The scientists found that these whales would switch between the two dialects.

“The Mediterranean has been the cradle of significant aspects of human cultural evolution from ancient Greece onwards,” said Dr Luke Rendell, reader at the University of St Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit, who co-ordinated the study.

“Over that entire period, sperm whale culture has also been evolving – we now have a much better idea of just how slow that process is. It also helps us understand the origins of dialect diversity in sperm whales globally. But there are still many unanswered questions, like why that new dialect evolved at all and in that particular location.”

Lead author Dr Taylor Hersh, from the University of Bristol, highlighted how the whales switch between dialects.

“These findings paint a picture of the history of sperm whales living in the Mediterranean, consistent with a progressive occupation from west to east, ending with the development of a distinctive dialect in the animals living in the east, starting in the Hellenic Trench,” Dr Hersh said. “What’s interesting is that the new dialect is clearly modified version of the presumably ancestral slow 3+1 and that groups in the east also clearly remember that dialect as they have these ‘throwback’ days.”

The researchers said that studying these dialects provides important new information about the population structure and social dynamics of the endangered whales.

Dr Txema Brotons, of Asociacion Tursiops, the Spanish team involved in the study, said the findings were a reminder that the cultural history of the Mediterranean does not belong exclusively to humans.

“The Mediterranean is therefore a space of shared cultural diversity, where the evolution of human culture and animal culture has coexisted for thousands of years,” he said.

Last week, a separate study found an Arabian Sea humpback whale, which usually hugs the coastline of Oman, had journeyed to Goa in search of food or a mate.

This is the first direct evidence that the species crossed the Arabian Sea, and scientists consider the species a behavioural anomaly because its members are so uniquely adapted to their habitat.

The announcement was made by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, which said the arrangement applies to holders of Philippine passports who possess the requisite documents issued by the US, European Union member states, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada and New Zealand.

Eligible travellers will be able to obtain a visa on arrival at UAE entry points without applying for one in advance.

Under the new rules, travellers can choose between a 14-day visa on arrival costing Dh100 or a 60-day visa costing Dh250. The 14-day visa may be extended once for an additional 14 days for a fee of Dh250, while the 60-day visa is not extendable.

“The visa-on-arrival privilege extended to Filipino citizens by the UAE is in view of the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE,” the Department of Foreign Affair said in a statement.

The UAE is home to one of the world's largest overseas Filipino communities, with an estimated 660,000 Filipinos living and working across the country.

Tehran and its proxies largely stayed away from attacking Syria because the US had evacuated most of its bases in the country before the war. The US military largely left Syria after Washington admitted the new government to the international coalition against ISIS at the end of last year.

Washington also expanded a normalisation with Damascus, lessening the need for troops, which were mostly geared for anti-insurgency operations.

The US still retains enormous influence in Syria, and President Donald Trump projects himself as a benefactor of the former Al Qaeda operatives now in power. Mr Trump even boasted that he had almost installed President Ahmad Al Shara, whose rise to power in December 2024 was supported by Turkey and helped by Israel's pounding of Hezbollah, the most powerful militia backer of the former regime.

However, when Mr Trump recently signalled that Syria could “finish the job” against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Israel slow to advance on the group's pockets in the country’s south, Mr Al Shara distanced himself from the prospect. On Sunday, Mr Al Shara said he wanted Syria to do business with Lebanon, not to attack it, despite what he described as Hezbollah’s complicity in Assad-era crimes.

“We are still searching for the bones of our children in the streets and in mass graves,” Mr Al Shara said.

On Monday, a passenger ferry service between Lebanon and Syria restarted after a two-decade halt. Lebanon has acted as a business springboard for Syria, whose economy was relatively closed off, and Lebanese banks held billions of dollars of Syrian deposits. An undetermined portion of these deposits evaporated after Lebanon’s 2019 financial meltdown.

The Syrian leader has opened channels to Russia and China and even said he would talk with Hezbollah if it was in Syria’s interest. However, as many leaders have learnt, it could be costly to say no to Mr Trump, whose confidant and envoy, Tom Barrack, regularly meets Mr Al Shara.

At the same time, Syria is licking its wounds from the civil war, and a confrontation with Hezbollah would be costly. Turkey, Mr Al Shara’s most powerful regional backer, is also keen for Lebanon to turn into a quagmire for Israel. The two countries have been competing in Syria and have troops in the north and south of the country.

“Al Shara knows that he could be looking at a resounding defeat if he attacks Hezbollah” without better equipment and a bigger build-up and preparation, said a Syrian source in contact with several of the country’s military commanders.

The dilemma facing Mr Al Shara emanates from the competing interests of his outside backers and his tendency, since succeeding Bashar Al Assad, to try to accommodate all of them, especially since the state coffers are empty. For the foreseeable future, he will remain in need of outside support even to keep the machine of the state operational.

An added factor is the unpredictability of Mr Trump, who one day appears like a hawk on Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies, then complains that Israel has been too aggressive in its quest to destroy the group. Mr Trump has also acquiesced to Iran, which has tied the survival of Hezbollah to the outcome of the current talks with the US. However, Mr Trump has been presenting Mr Al Shara as a possible weapon in the drive to neutralise the group and strip it of its weapons.

The Syrian source said that Mr Al Shara did not rule out acting against Hezbollah during meetings with Mr Barrack, the most recent of which was last week in Damascus, according to the source.

However, Mr Al Shara has pointed out to Mr Barrack that it will require billions of dollars in equipment, particularly drones, and training to bring the Syrian military to the level that could damage Hezbollah significantly, the source said. They added that the rear supply lines of Hezbollah in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, near the border with Syria, were discussed in meetings between US and Syrian military officials.

These lines are mostly in Shiite areas seen as supportive of the group and particularly averse to intervention, especially by the Sunni troops of Mr Al Shara.

At the beginning of the Iran war, Mr Al Shara deployed elite forces across the border from Hezbollah strongholds to curb the smuggling of weapons to the group. Contrary to reports, there has not been any significant additional deployment since, according to Lebanese and Syrian sources.

Lebanon was under Syrian control from the end of the civil war in 1990 until the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.

Hezbollah, together with Tehran, has had a near-monopoly on Lebanon’s foreign policy for decades. The intervention of Iran, Hezbollah and other Tehran proxies was crucial to Bashar Al Assad’s survival in the Syrian civil war from 2011 to 2024.

A Lebanese security source said that Mr Trump “said it casually that Syrians can take care of Hezbollah. There are no indications on the ground that any movement is imminent, but nothing is guaranteed” given the “very bad” security situation in Lebanon.

The source predicted “an even worse situation” if the US-Iran talks do not solve “the question” of Hezbollah, with the coming weeks “critical for Lebanon's internal security”.

The US is also mediating peace talks between Lebanon and Israel and wants to launch a similar process between Syria and Israel, a prospect that has received little support from Turkey

Another Syrian source who was briefed by Turkish officials said that Mr Trump could also be swayed by Turkey and Arab countries, who “are presenting Al Shara as a factor for regional stabilisation” who could curb “not just the ambitions of Israel, but also its enemies”.

“The Americans have become convinced that there can be no winner in the Middle East,” the source said. “If Al Shara can discipline his men and make the transformation [away from extremist political Islam], then there is a better chance for the perpetual wars in the region to stop.”

He added that “this is the moment for peace” and that “the problem is that America is relying on strongmen to achieve it, without regard to popular demands for freedoms and democracy, and the internal volcanoes these could cause”.

As fans descend in their thousands and players are pushed to their limits, here are some of the tournament’s standout style moments so far.

Pink boots

In one of those curious moments when several brands seem to arrive at the same conclusion at once, this World Cup has become awash with bright pink football boots.

Adidas, Nike, New Balance and Puma have all released styles in that shade, presumably drawn to the way the colour pops against a green pitch. The result is that bubblegum boots have become one of the tournament’s defining visual signatures, worn by Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.

Puma has taken the idea further with mismatched designs. Neymar Jr has been wearing his signature Puma Future 9 boots with yellow and orange graphics reversed on each foot, while Netherlands players Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo have appeared in Showtime boots, with a pink base offset by orange on one shoe and blue on the other.

Leopard suits

There have been plenty of sharp team looks at this World Cup, but when Parisian-Congolese designer Alvin Junior Mak was asked to dress the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for its first World Cup appearance in 52 years, he knew it called for something special.

Drawing on the national team's nickname, Les Leopards, and the country's tradition of sapeurs – impeccably dressed, often working-class dandies – Mak created tailored suits featuring a bold leopard-print panel across the lapel, paired with oversized matching bags. The result was both a celebration of Congolese style and one of the tournament's most memorable fashion moments, deservedly going viral.

Birkin bags

Since the start of the tournament, Norway's Erling Haaland has earned a reputation not only for his performances on the pitch, but also for his fondness for Hermes bags. He arrived carrying an HAC Birkin 50 “Endless Road” in the exceptionally rare Gris Perle finish. Coveted for its intricate leatherwork, the bag typically commands between $45,000 and $60,000 on the resale market.

Haaland is not alone. Originally designed to carry equestrian equipment, the oversized Birkin 50 has emerged as a favourite among footballers, with France's Ousmane Dembele and Portugal's Pedro Neto both spotted carrying more accessible versions.

Elsewhere, France's Rayan Cherki has been seen with an Hermes Kelly Maxi 42, while teammate Ibrahima Konate has opted for the Birkin Cargo.

Hermes does not have a monopoly on the players' affections, however. Spain's Lamine Yamal arrived with a Chanel Metiers d'Art tote, while France's Marcus Thuram was spotted carrying a Chanel x Pharrell Williams XXL flap bag.

Scottish kilts

Scotland’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence has sparked a surge in demand for kilts.

Sales of kilts and related merchandise rose sharply as fans stocked up ahead of the tournament, and with the Tartan Army continuing its charm offensive in Miami after winning over Boston, retailers expect demand to climb even higher.

Specialist makers such as Kilts 4 U and Slanj Kilts are now bracing for a wave of international orders as the world embraces all things Scottish.

Vibrant colours

A global tournament inevitably becomes a showcase for national identity, and this World Cup has been no exception.

Cape Verde’s 2026 home kit features an ocean blue base with a geometric pattern representing the nation’s 10 islands, while Cote d'Ivoire was channelled in jackets by Ivorian designer Ibrahim Fernandez, inspired by traditional tapa (bark) cloth, reimagined in sunset orange and finished with an elephant motif across the back.

Haiti, meanwhile, was forced to redesign its kit on the eve of its first World Cup appearance since 1974 after Fifa rejected the original design for being too political. Both the home and away versions featured imagery on the hip referencing the Haitian Revolution. Undeterred, designer Stella Jean responded with a fan collection built around the national jersey and Haiti’s vibrant textile traditions.

Retro collars

While the French team’s off-field wardrobe has been created by Jacquemus, its match kit looks to football’s past for inspiration.

At a time when most shirts feature crew or V-necks, France’s dark blue home strip is finished with a tailored white collar – a nod to the late 19th century, when footballers played in collared shirts that reflected the fashions of the time.

The detail adds a touch of historical elegance and, alongside Haiti, makes France one of only two teams at this tournament to wear a collared jersey.

Goalkeeper strips

American designer Salehe Bembury, known for his disruptive approach to fashion, has brought his distinctive aesthetic to the World Cup’s goalkeepers.

As the only players on the pitch permitted to wear a different kit from their teammates, goalkeepers offered Puma the perfect canvas. Bembury was tasked with creating designs that reflected his love of colour and streetwear while drawing on each nation’s identity. The resulting kits, worn by the goalkeepers of Portugal, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt, New Zealand and Paraguay among others, are among the tournament’s most striking and individual looks.

Blokecore

Sporting events inevitably inspire fan fashion, and this World Cup has accelerated the rise of blokecore – the trend that blends streetwear with vintage football jerseys.

Rooted in British football culture and coined in 2021, blokecore centres on wearing a football shirt as an everyday staple: paired with baggy jorts, cargo trousers or wide-leg tailoring for men, and with long shorts or sequinned skirts for women. Popularised on TikTok and Instagram, it has been embraced by everyone from Pharrell Williams to Rihanna, who has long incorporated sportswear into her wardrobe.

Give your blokecore look a luxury upgrade with the Wales Bonner x Adidas Predator. Designed by menswear designer Grace Wales Bonner, the boot combines a faux snakeskin upper in muted gold and brown with a highly polished silver soleplate, creating a shoe that feels too elegant to be confined to the pitch.

Brent, the benchmark for two thirds of the world's oil, was down by 4.03 per cent to $73.97 a barrel at 7.56pm UAE time. West Texas Intermediate, the gauge that tracks US crude, was trading 3.89 per cent lower at $70.36 a barrel, after briefly being in the $69 level.

“A 60-day period of a memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran on June 17 has offered the oil market hope that the supply crisis triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is ending,” said Sasha Foss, energy analyst at CSC Commodities, a division of Marex.

US and Iran held talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock at the weekend, with mediators Qatar and Pakistan unveiling a roadmap towards a final agreement.

US Vice President JD Vance reported that "good progress" had been made in an opening round of negotiations for a durable peace and a full reopening of Strait of Hormuz. More than 20 per cent of the global supply of crude and liquefied natural gas normally transits through the waterway.

Among the outcomes of the Swiss talks was an agreement to establish a direct communications line between the parties to prevent incidents in the strait.

Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased following the talks, with 31 verified crossings involving a broad range of vessels, including crude, chemicals, container, bulk and general cargo carriers on Tuesday, Kpler data shows.

West-to-east movements accounted for 20 of the 31 transits, while three sanctioned vessels were observed moving east to west.

“Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to increase as the US Treasury Department granted a temporary waiver on Iranian crude export sanctions from June 22," Mr Foss said. "This even includes US imports of Iranian crude, [which are] unlikely but a symbolic end to over 40 years of sanctions, and allowance of US dollar-denominated transactions.”

Iranian crude shipments had collapsed to 329,000 barrels per day in May, down 78 per cent from April and 85 per cent below February's 2.2 million bpd, as the US naval blockade in the strait choked loadings, according to Kpler. May was the weakest month for exports since the peak of the US maximum-pressure policy in 2020.

Tehran’s exports are expected to surge with the latest reprieve from the US Treasury, which could put further downward pressure on oil prices.

Oman on Wednesday also announced the setting up of a temporary shipping transit corridor in the Strait of Hormuz in co-ordination with the UN’s International Maritime Organisation, without imposing any fees.

The UAE, the world’s seventh-largest oil producer, is boosting supply in global markets. Oil exports in early June recovered to nearly 85 per cent of prewar levels, the International Energy Agency said.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced last week that he was cancelling an official trip to the US after a row over whether his Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, had “begged” American President Donald Trump for a photo at the G7 meeting. Ms Meloni said Mr Trump’s claim was “completely fabricated”.

The same week, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he would suspend contact with the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, after reports that she had compared his country’s treatment of Palestinians to the former apartheid system in South Africa. In a further almost simultaneous development, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim accused Norway’s government of treating his country “like a banana republic” after it cancelled the export licence for a naval missile system for which Malaysia had already paid 95 per cent of the contract value.

Many have described the US Department of State as having been hollowed out under the current administration. Reuters reported last month that “at least half of America’s 195 ambassadorial posts worldwide are now vacant”. In the broader background, Confucius Institutes, which promote Chinese language and culture, have been closed at universities in America, Australia and Europe, while scores of pro-democracy NGOs that were funded by the US abroad have had to close after sweeping cuts were made during Elon Musk’s tenure at the Department of Government Efficiency.

Accusations of propaganda and undue influence were made in both cases; nevertheless, opportunities for different peoples to learn more about each other have been reduced.

And all this comes at a time when the need for diplomacy and dialogue could not be more obvious. Both are vital for talks between the US and Iran to have any chance of being successful.

This is not just about hammering out details. It is, to an extent, gaining the ability – which comes from dialogue – to put yourself in the other’s shoes, even if you disagree strongly with their position. As former UN under secretary general Martin Griffiths put it: “If you don’t prioritise an understanding of your friends, enemies or people you don’t yet even know – if you don’t try to empathise – then frankly you have failed to give it your best shot.”

So to take the current negotiations: whatever your views of the Islamic Republic of Iran, no one can understand its focus on the nuclear programme without being aware of the programme’s history as a matter of patriotic identity (quite apart from the irony of the US having helped set it up in 1957). Similarly, no one can appreciate the degree of restraint China has shown towards European countries and the US since its rise to great power status, if they don’t know about the “century of humiliation”, when “unequal treaties” and humiliating extra-territoriality were forced on Beijing by Britain, France, the US, Japan and others.

Reducing other countries to crude caricatures, however, and then carelessly cutting down opportunities for dialogue, does not encourage the acquisition of such knowledge.

In this age of information overload, we hear constant demands for transparency. Yet diplomacy cannot be conducted under a spotlight, and its gains must sometimes remain unheralded. The Cuban missile crisis, for example, was solved partially by US withdrawal of nuclear missiles from Turkey, but this was kept secret.

It is highly likely that both Iran and the US have to make compromises that will never be publicly spoken of; if that leads to a durable peace, it will be worth it, and further prove diplomacy’s merit. I like the approach of Mr Anwar of Malaysia, where I live. He calls China’s leaders his “friends”, but he concedes that they sometimes disagree. They do so, however, in private. The diplomatic approach is far more harmonious. Moreover, saving face can often save lives.

We need the space for such channels, and for the norms around diplomacy to be respected and protected – which is why the Israeli attacks on Hamas negotiators in Doha, and the starting of the current war by Israel and the US in the middle of talks with Iran, were both so damaging. The inviolability of emissaries and diplomats is a tradition that goes back thousands of years.

It is likely that both Iran and the US have to make compromises that will never be publicly spoken of; if that leads to a durable peace, it will be worth it

This principle has been broken on occasion. In the 15th century, legend has it that Vlad the Impaler of Wallachia was so offended by Ottoman emissaries refusing to take off their turbans in his presence that he had them nailed to their heads. But such incidents are shocking because they offend what is deemed to be such a sacrosanct norm.

Similarly, we need the space for dialogue. Those who criticise Russia’s Valdai Discussion Club, for instance, as being a tool to “whitewash” behaviour they don’t like, are missing the value that comes from interaction. Over four years as a senior fellow at Malaysia’s national think tank from 2015-19, I was fortunate to attend numerous discussions with think tanks and diplomats (current and retired) from China, Japan, North Korea, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and numerous others, as well as, yes, a delegation from the Valdai club.

These meetings didn’t all change my mind, but they enriched my perspective – even with the trio from the North Korean embassy who, I thought, could not possibly believe all the stories they were telling about their socialist paradise back home.

So please get on that plane to the US, Mr Tajani. Israel’s Mr Saar and the EU’s Ms Kallas should set up a phone call. The government of Norway might want to consider keeping to its agreement with Malaysia after all. Let’s encourage, not disparage, cultural centres and the learning of each other’s languages, and reinforce norms about the sanctity of diplomacy and the safety of negotiators.

Then-British prime minister Harold Macmillan’s famous paraphrase of Winston Churchill's words in 1958 may have become well-worn, but it’s as true today as it was then. “Jaw-jaw,” he said, “is better than war-war.”

Mr Herzog, whose younger brother is Israeli President Isaac Herzog, said Israel had been restraining itself since the US signed a pact with Iran on June 17 that laid out the terms of negotiation for a lasting peace agreement.

The first of 14 points in the document calls for “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon”, where Israel and the Tehran-backed Hezbollah group have been fighting since early March, while the US and Iran negotiate a peace deal over a 60-day window.

“[US President Donald] Trump asked Israel to restrain itself and not proactively take action in Lebanon, and Israel abided by that. We're really restraining ourselves,” Mr Herzog told The National.

Despite this, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 300 people in Lebanon since the agreement was signed, according to figures from the Lebanese Health Ministry, raising the overall death toll since Israel launched a bombing campaign and invaded southern Lebanon to 4,192 on Wednesday.

Last week, Mr Trump criticised Israel for its approach in Lebanon. “You don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody,” he said at the G7 summit in France.

Mr Herzog, a retired brigadier general who served as ambassador to the US from 2021 until January last year, said Israel was holding back from bombing Beirut, weeks after its most recent attack this month. “Our hands are tied – we cannot bring the full weight of our forces because it might undermine a US-Iran deal, and this is very problematic for Israelis and puts us into a kind of straitjacket in Lebanon.”

Peace deal mediators Pakistan and Qatar announced that the US and Iran have agreed to establish a “deconfliction cell” for Lebanon after their first round of talks in Switzerland over the weekend. It would include the US, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar, but not Israel.

In parallel, the US is hosting direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, with the latest round held in Washington on Tuesday. Mr Herzog said he believes this is the path forward, not the one involving Iran.

“Decisions on the direction of things in Lebanon should be decided in the diplomatic channel between Israel and Lebanon and not through an Iranian dictate in Switzerland or elsewhere.”

Nuclear ambitions

Mr Herzog was sceptical about whether a US-Iran peace deal could curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions, despite Israel's greatest ally expressing optimism about achieving this. Mr Trump said on Tuesday that the deal would leave Iran with “no nuclear capacity”.

Stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons was one of the key declared goals of the war that the US and Israel launched on Iran on February 28, along with curbing its missile programme and proxy forces across the region, such as Hezbollah.

Mr Herzog expressed doubt that Iran would agree to the US demands and did not believe the Americans would attack Iran again if an agreement was not reached.

“Let's say the parties now have a dialogue for 60 days and don’t agree, and extend by 60 more days. What happens if there’s no deal? Would you believe that the US will resume the war with Iran? I’m sceptical. I don’t believe they’ll do so.”

Although the US and Israel began their war on Iran in lockstep, they are now at odds over how to proceed. The US push for a peace deal and curtailing Israeli military operations in Lebanon has been widely criticised in Israel by both political parties and the general public. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government insist there will be no Israeli withdrawal from the “security zone” it has occupied in southern Lebanon until the threat from Hezbollah is eliminated.

Much of the blame for the deterioration in Israel's relationship with the US, its greatest ally, has been directed at Mr Netanyahu and the wars he has launched in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Syria and Yemen over the past three years.

Far-right members of his government, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called for the “burning” of Lebanon, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said it was time to “open the gates of hell”, are also seen as part of the problem.

With an election due by October, many Israelis are hoping to see his far-right coalition removed from power.

“Israeli society is traumatised after three years of incessant wars on numerous fronts. I hope that the new government won't include far-right figures like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich,” Mr Herzog said.

“I believe that any prime minister after the elections will prioritise a reset in the relations with the US and I think it’s critical for Israel to come to terms with the US,” he said.

The priority would be to “convince the US that Israel isn’t against a diplomatic outcome in and of itself, but what we care about is the critical national security challenged by Hezbollah and Iran”, he said. “That’s what bothers us, and I hope that after the elections any leadership in Israel will have a freer hand to broker a deal with the government of Lebanon.

In fact, Mr Herzog believes that after elections, Israel would be freer to “redeploy” in Lebanon, potentially relinquishing some control to the Lebanese army, particularly if a deal is struck with the Lebanese government.

Below is the list of teams that have qualified for the Round of 32 and the sides already out of contention.

Several teams have already secured third place in their groups and look good for qualification - Ecuador and Sweden for example - but the final list of best third-placed teams will only be known when all group games have finished.

Teams that have qualified for knockouts

Mexico

Mexico were the first team to qualify for the knockouts following a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Korea in Group A. They had kicked off the tournament with a 2-0 win over the unimpressive South Africa and ended it with a comfortable 3-0 win over Czech Republic to finish with maximum points in Group A. Mexico also secured home advantage for the Round of 32.

South Africa

South Africa played the opening game of the 2026 finals, falling to a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico. A draw against Czech Republic and a win over South Korea saw them finish as runners-up in Group A.

Switzerland

Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 to qualify for the knockouts as Group B winners. The Swiss were held to a 1-1 draw against Qatar in their first game and then defeated Bosnia 4-1.

Canada

Co-hosts Canada also qualified for the next round despite defeat to Switzerland on Wednesday as the runners-up of Group B. They had started the tournament with a draw against Bosnia before crushing Qatar 6-0.

Brazil

Brazil's win over Scotland, following a draw with Morocco and victory over Haiti, sealed the five-time world champions' 15th consecutive advancement from ​the group stage. They will face the runner-up from Group F.

Morocco

The Atlas Lions made it two successive World Cups of going through the group phase unbeaten. After opening with a draw against Brazil, Morocco then beat Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2 to finish second in Group C. They face the winner of Group F.

USA

The co-hosts are locked in for the home finals. Despite missing talisman Christian Pulisic, the US overpowered Australia 2-0 to reach the knockouts, following their commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Group D.

Australia

The Aussies are through to the last 32 after a 0-0 draw against Paraguay confirmed them as runners-up to the US in Group D.

Germany

The Germans started with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao but required a brace from substitute Deniz Undav to clinch a last-gasp 2-1 win over Ivory Coast and secure their place in the Round of 32 from Group E.

🇨🇮 Côte d'Ivoire have qualified for the Round of 32!#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2026

Ivory Coast

The Africans finished second in Group E behind Germany after beating Curacao in their final match.

Netherlands

The Dutch won all three group games to top Group F. They face Morocco in the last 32.

Japan

Japan finished second in Group F and will face Brazil in the next round.

Argentina

Defending champions Argentina stormed into the Round of 32 as the tireless Lionel Messi became the tournament's all-time leading ⁠scorer during the 2-0 win over Austria. They had started the tournament with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J.

France

Kylian Mbappe has been on fire in the tournament, with his second brace in as many matches powering France into the knockouts with a 3-0 victory over Iraq following a 3-1 triumph over Senegal in Group I.

Norway

Erling Haaland has hit the ground running. The Manchester City star struck twice in their 3-2 win over Senegal that secured entry into the knockout rounds, following an impressive 4-1 triumph over Iraq.

Colombia

Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 in Guadalajara to qualify for the Round of ⁠32 with a match to spare, following their opening 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in Group K.

Teams that are out of World Cup 2026

Haiti

Became the first side to be officially eliminated from the tournament after five-time champions Brazil defeated them 3-0, to go with a 1-0 loss to Scotland in their opener.

Jordan

Coach Jamal Sellami bemoaned his team’s inexperience as a 2-1 defeat to ⁠Algeria ended their campaign, following a 3-1 loss ⁠to Austria in their Group J opener.

Turkey

An incredible end to Turkey’s World Cup journey. Turkey fell to a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Paraguay, ending their campaign which had started with a 2-0 loss to Australia. Turkey failed to score despite attempting a staggering 62 shots in the two matches.

Tunisia

A shocking tournament for Tunisia, who first sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi after their opening 5-1 loss to Sweden in Group F. New manager Herve Renard could not save their campaign as they slipped to a 4-0 defeat to Japan.

Panama

Croatia defeated Panama ⁠1-0 in their crucial Group L match that sent the ⁠central American side out of the tournament. Panama had lost their opening game to Ghana 1-0.

Qatar

Last tournament's hosts bowed out of the tournament after losing to Bosnia. The Arab team put in a much better effort but still lost 3-1 on Wednesday, finishing bottom of Group B. Did pick up their first World Cup point in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland but were then hammered 6-0 by Canada.

Czech Republic

The Czechs never recovered from a crushing defeat to South Korea despite taking the lead in their opening match. After drawing with South Africa, they bowed out with a defeat to Mexico.

Curacao

The minnows bowed out after finishing bottom of Group E with one point.

Regional and international issues of mutual concern featured prominently in their discussions, with developments across the Middle East taking centre stage, state news agency Wam reported on Wednesday.

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Rubio both stressed the need to focus on security, stability and lasting peace throughout the region, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing ongoing challenges.

The US Secretary of State's visit came after an initial agreement was reached between Iran and the US, which ended almost four months of conflict in the region.

Mr Rubio arrived in the UAE at the start of a Gulf tour on Tuesday, during which he is expected to speak to allies about the merits of the interim agreement and a final deal that could follow.

“[I] met with UAE’s President Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, where we discussed President Trump’s MoU with Iran, efforts to secure full and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and regional stability,” Mr Rubio posted on X. “I thanked the UAE leadership for their unparalleled support, praised their courage and resilience in the face of Iran’s attacks, and reaffirmed our commitment to Emirati security and to our strong bilateral partnership.”

Met with UAE’s President @MohamedBinZayed in Abu Dhabi, where we discussed President Trump’s MOU with Iran, efforts to secure full and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and regional stability. I thanked the UAE leadership for their unparalleled support, praised their… pic.twitter.com/J3u6bAKR2W

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) June 24, 2026

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser to the UAE President.

After leaving the UAE, Mr Rubio travelled to Kuwait, where the US Embassy resumed operations during his visit and he attended a flag-raising ceremony, Reuters reported.

“The American flag: a symbol of liberty, unity, and freedom now flies proudly once again over Kuwait City,” Mr Rubio wrote on X.

“Kuwait is an indispensable partner for regional security and stability. The United States looks forward to strengthening our partnership across all areas of co-operation.”

The UAE Central Bank said the branch was found to have committed "significant, repeated failures" under its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) and Illegal Organisations and Sanctions framework.

In a statement, the central bank said it also imposed a Dh300,000 fine on the branch's head of compliance and money laundering reporting office, due to his "failure to fulfil his responsibilities and position functions".

The fine is among the highest issued by UAE regulators on financial entities breaching the country's regulations, especially those related to anti-money laundering rules. In May 2025, an exchange house and two foreign bank branches were fined Dh200 million and Dh18.1 million, respectively.

The banking regulator has also taken action, such as revoking financial institutions' licences and suspending their ability to bring in new customers.

The penalties are "based on the results of the findings of examinations conducted by the UAE Central Bank", it said.

The UAE has introduced initiatives to regulate the country’s financial sector and passed strict laws to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism. In 2024, the country announced a nationwide action plan aimed at boosting its fight against illicit financial activity by introducing the 2024-2027 National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing.

The government had amended its laws against money laundering and the financing of terrorism and criminal groups, and formed a national committee on such crimes.

A year earlier, the central bank unveiled AML/CFT guidelines for licensed financial institutions, including banks, finance companies, exchange houses, insurance companies, agents and brokers. The guidelines focus on the use of digital identification systems by licensed financial institutions to address customers' due diligence obligations.

The central bank, through its supervisory and regulatory mandates, "endeavours to ensure that all banks, its authorised decision makers and its staff abide by the UAE laws, regulations and standards", the regulator said.

In 2021, the UAE established the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing, an agency to deal with money launderers, as well as organisations and people suspected of financing terrorists and organised crime. Those have been established to "safeguard transparency and integrity of the banking sector and the UAE financial system", it added.

In the early weeks of the US-Iran war, the central bank approved a resilience package to reinforce the stability of the banking sector against the backdrop of the conflict.

Iran's crude exports have traced one of the more dramatic arcs in oil markets. This week's chart maps that journey from the promise of the 2015 nuclear deal to the collapse that followed and the tentative signs of recovery now emerging in the latest data from June 2026.

The high point came in 2017, when Iran was pumping close to 2.5 million barrels per day under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

That changed suddenly in May 2018, when the US withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sweeping sanctions. Exports fell sharply. When Washington designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in April 2019, the pressure intensified further. By mid-2019, shipments had collapsed to a fraction of their peak.

A partial recovery followed as Iranian oil found its way to Chinese refiners. By 2025, exports had climbed back to an average of 1.68 million barrels per day. Then, in October 2025, Iran ended the JCPOA. And in February 2026, war began.

The impact was immediate and severe. Exports dropped from around 2.2 million barrels per day in late February to 1.84 million bpd by March, before bottoming out at about 1.47 million bpd in April – a steep fall in a matter of weeks.

June has brought the first signs of stabilisation and a significant policy shift. On June 22, the US Treasury issued General Licence X, a 60-day waiver running through August 21 that authorises the production, delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil and petrochemical products, including transactions settled in US dollars for the first time in more than four decades. The licence could unlock a floating inventory of around 67 million barrels of Iranian crude stranded in the Gulf, worth an estimated $8 billion to $9 billion. It is contingent on Iran maintaining free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and permitting IAEA inspectors back into the country.

Iran can probably restore a substantial portion of its lost exports within 60 days but is unlikely to reach maximum capacity, with more than 80 energy-related sites damaged during the conflict and now requiring repair and testing. “Even if technical production capacity exists, restoring market confidence takes time,” Neil Quilliam, associate fellow at Chatham House, said.

Iran's production base and inventories can support a ramp-up, Sumit Ritolia, senior oil refining analyst at Kpler, said, with refining runs around 2.3 to 2.4 million barrels per day. However, damage to wells complicates a swift return to prior highs.

Additional reporting: Jennifer Gnana

The patient has ⁠been placed in isolation and health authorities are ​tracing ⁠contacts, the ministry ‌said in a statement. It added that the risk ​to the wider European population was low.

The DRC's Ebola outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which has no approved vaccines or treatments. It has infected more than 1,000 people and killed 267 – generating the largest number of confirmed cases within the first month of any episode of the disease, the World Health Organisation said this week.

Experts say the disease was probably circulating for months before the outbreak was ​officially declared on May 15. ‌Early cases were ⁠identified in urban ​areas, and infections have since been reported ​in ‌at least three densely populated displacement camps.

The two largest ⁠previous Ebola outbreaks occurred in West Africa – in ⁠Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia between 2014 and 2016 – and in the DRC in 2018.

A US citizen treated for Ebola in Germany was discharged earlier ​this month after no virus had been detected in the patient since May 30.

Experimental treatment

The US has provided doses of an experimental antibody drug developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical for use in clinical tests to fight the outbreak in the DRC, a Health Department representative said, a shift from its former ​position that the drug should be available only to Americans.

The representative said that the drug is being made available for compassionate use in the DRC as well as to advance a clinical test in the outbreak region.

Mapp's MBP134 will be tested on its own as a treatment for Bundibugyo and ‌alongside Gilead's antiviral remdesivir, also known as Veklury, which was widely ⁠used during the Covid-19 pandemic, the WHO told Reuters.

The Mapp test is sponsored by ​the WHO and led by the University of Oxford in the UK, alongside the DRC and Ugandan governments.

Doses of the Mapp ⁠drug and other therapeutics intended for tests are being shipped now, the WHO said on Monday. The agency is working with health partners to prepare to enrol clinics ⁠in the tests.

Another Gilead antiviral, obeldesivir, will be tested as a potential preventive option, probably starting this month, the ‌WHO and scientists have said. This test will be led by the DRC, Uganda and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and co-sponsored by the DRC's National Institute for Biomedical Research and France's ANRS Emerging ⁠Infectious Diseases agency.

The force will also introduce live facial recognition (LFR) across the UK's capital to find and arrest people wanted for serious crimes including rape, as well as increasing the use of AI processing as part of investigations.

The Met has been experimenting with drones to combat street crime, in particular mobile phone thefts, which have in recent years soared to what has been described as “epidemic” levels. That has dented London’s reputation as a safe city.

The drone plan comes after the Met launched a pilot initiative in which they used drones to deal with incidents in real time in the West End, Hyde Park and Islington areas of London.

They provided live information and intelligence, tracked suspects and helped officers to make faster, safer decisions, the force said. There are now three drone sites across London, with nine drones being sent to 200 incidents every week – on average two minutes after a call is received. Drones are increasingly the first police presence at a crime scene.

Met Commissioner Mark Rowley described the expansion of technology as a “turning point for policing in London”. By this time next year, the force will have drone coverage in every borough, he added.

“Drones are already transforming how we respond to incidents – getting visuals from the scene in minutes, giving officers critical intelligence and helping us act faster and more safely,” he said.

“Now we are scaling that capability across London and working with partners to create a truly integrated, city-wide drone network.”

Mr Rowley will introduce LFR with static cameras in areas such as the West End, building on the success of a pilot initiative in the south London borough of Croydon. Since the start of 2024, LFR has helped officers to locate and arrest more than 2,000 dangerous offenders.

The Met will also use AI-powered video analytics to analyse the large amount of CCTV footage captured across London, helping investigators find evidence faster. The use of AI in 23 major cases, including homicide investigations, and covering more than 16,000 hours of CCTV has been analysed by the Met.

The force found that has resulted in a reduction in the time need to review footage that is equal to 454 officer days, which it says has freed up resources and allowed faster progress in investigations.

Mr Rowley emphasised that police forces are in a race to stay ahead of criminals who are “already using technology to become more organised, more connected and harder to catch”.

“Right now, policing is trying to keep up using systems that are too slow and too restrictive. If that does not change, we won’t succeed,” he said.

The Met have said the increased use of drones will pave the way for their use across all emergency services in London.

Residents told The National the RSF had surrounded Al Obeid from three directions and intensified attacks in recent weeks. This has raised concerns that the city faces the same fate as El Fasher, the army's last stronghold in Darfur, which fell to the paramilitary group last year following a long siege.

Al Obeid has been under partial siege by the RSF for more than two years, but the paramilitary force, which has been fighting the national army since 2023 for control of the vast Afro-Arab nation, has recently stepped up its campaign to capture the strategic city.

The RSF, led by Gen Mohamed Dagalo, has been reinforcing its positions on the outskirts of the city to tighten the siege and cut supply lines to the army garrison inside.

Videos circulating online purport to show a column of RSF all-terrain fighting vehicles heading toward the city. They also show fighters warning residents to stay away from army installations inside the city.

A UN report published this week said that between last Thursday and Sunday, drone attacks reportedly targeted several sites in Al Obeid, including a power substation and a fuel station.

'Same starvation tactic'

Residents told The National on Wednesday that the city was being attacked daily by RSF drones that target military and civilian installations.

“The pressure on Al Obeid has impacted services, especially after petrol and power stations have been hit along with supply routes,” said one resident who, like others in this article, spoke on condition of anonymity over fears of reprisals.

“This is the same starvation tactic the Rapid Support Forces used in El Fasher and which facilitated its eventual capture,” he said.

Darfur, a region roughly the size of France, is now completely under RSF control.

“There is an acute shortage of drinking water and the price of almost everything has skyrocketed because drones are targeting services every day,” said another resident of Al Obeid. “But hospitals are still operating and the markets are adequately supplied, but everything is expensive.”

The city, home to about 500,000 people, was plunged into darkness last week when RSF drones struck its main power station, residents said at the time. The attacks also cut the water supply to thousands of homes and halted work in several hospitals.

Al Obeid is about 400km south-west of the capital, Khartoum. It is home to the army's 5th Infantry Division, an outfit with vast combat experience in past civil wars. Militias aligned with the army are also stationed in the city, a major commercial hub.

Losing Al Obeid would be a major blow to the army, similar to the loss of El Fasher, which was followed by a wave of atrocities by the RSF, some ethnically motivated, prompting an international outcry and a stream of condemnations.

Gen Dagalo had pledged to investigate the incidents and prosecute the perpetrators.

Controlling Al Obeid could also be a threat to Khartoum, which was under RSF control for about two years before the army drove the paramilitary out. However, the RSF is believed to hold small positions in the desert outside Omdurman, one of three Nile-side cities that make up the capital's greater region.

Global concern

The battle for Al Obeid is part of the intensifying fighting in Kordofan, where the RSF and its powerful allies already control large swathes of territory. They also control parts of Blue Nile state in the country's south.

Dozens of countries, including Britain, France and ​Germany, raised the alarm last week at the UN Human Rights Council that the RSF could escalate ⁠an assault on Al Obeid.

“We are deeply concerned at the risk of imminent escalation on the ground, leaving approximately 500,000 civilians at risk of falling victim to large-scale atrocities, including more than 100,000 internally displaced persons,” Norway's envoy to the UN, Tormod ⁠Endresen, told the council in Geneva.

On Monday, the US joined those warnings, with the State Department expressing concern over reports that the RSF was massing forces around the city, potentially setting the stage for a major offensive.

Like the RSF, the army is also accused of war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons and indiscriminate bombing that has killed thousands.

Sudan’s military leadership has also been facing mounting scrutiny after announcing plans to integrate Islamist militias into the SAF. The Islamist movement, ousted in Sudan’s 2018-19 uprising, appears to be backing prolonged military rule as it seeks a political comeback, having deployed fighters in the country's war on the army's side.

As well as the capital, the army controls the nation's eastern, northern and central regions. The army-backed Sudanese government is based in Port Sudan on the Red Sea, while a parallel government formed by the RSF last year has its headquarters in Nyala, Darfur.

Since the war broke out in April 2023, tens of thousands of people are believed to have been killed and about 14 million displaced. The war has also created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 25 million people – almost half the country's population – facing hunger.

The incident at a restaurant in Doha's Dafna area constituted an "assault on the safety of individuals and property, as well as a breach of public security and order", the ministry said on Wednesday.

The arrests were made "with reference to what has circulated on social media showing an altercation involving a number of individuals", it said. Footage had started to circulate online before the arrests were announced by the ministry.

Qatar's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 25 Arab nationals on Wednesday after videos of a violent restaurant brawl went viral on social media.

The fight occurred at an establishment in the Dafna area, as emotions ran high following Jordan's 1-2 defeat to Algeria on… pic.twitter.com/1x8KaCkNbR

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Videos shared online showed people shouting and throwing chairs. Some appeared to be wearing football shirts, but it was not confirmed whether the altercation was related to a match. The ministry did not specify which Arab countries the individuals were from.

Those arrested were referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action, the ministry said.

It also called on people to abide by laws and regulations and said that it would "not tolerate any acts that violate the law and will take strict legal action against anyone found to have engaged in conduct that threatens the safety and security of society".

Experts have warned that a hold-up in housing policy risks stalling the market in the same way as the much-delayed autumn budget put a brake on sales before introducing a mansion tax on homes worth more than £2 million ($2.6 million).

There have already been reports of buyers demanding a 'Burnham discount' as they seek to negotiate better deals to reflect potential changes in the market.

Mr Starmer’s resignation as Labour leader and Prime Minister on Monday means developers must wait to see which policies will remain or be ripped up.

Matthew Robertson, co-founder and chief financial officer of developer Valouran, said Mr Starmer's resignation brings yet another period of political uncertainty. Mr Burnham would be the country's seventh Prime Minister in the decade since the Brexit vote. “Uncertainty has a direct and immediate cost to the property market,” he told The National. “When people don't know what's coming, they wait. We saw this play out ahead of the Autumn Budget last year, when the market effectively stalled in the run-up to it. Buyers pause, deals are deferred, and the Treasury loses out too because there is no tax intake when no one is buying or selling.”

House prices in the most upmarket parts of London dropped significantly in 2025 as speculation about what property taxes Chancellor Rachel Reeves would introduce weighed heavily on homeowners.

Mr Starmer’s imminent departure, which could come as soon as mid-July if no one steps forward to take on Andy Burnham, has paved the way for the new Makerfield MP to enter Downing Street, but little is known about his policies.

Becky Fatemi, Executive Partner at UK Sotheby’s International Realty UK, said as soon as the lectern was dragged out on to the street in front of 10 Downing Street for Mr Starmer’s resignation speech, the market immediately began assessing what it meant for wealth, property and investment.

Tinkering with taxes is dangerous as no-one invests in tax-uncertainty

Charles Curran, Maskells

“Buyers and investors can cope with almost anything if they know what they're dealing with. What they dislike is uncertainty,” she said. “We saw this ahead of last year's Budget, when transactions slowed and many buyers chose to wait for clarity.

“A prolonged handover risks putting the market into a holding pattern once again. At the top end, where purchases are often discretionary, confidence is everything.”

It’s not just the delay but what comes next that concerns her.

“There is also the prospect of a double whammy: uncertainty over future policy, followed by concern about the policies themselves. If Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, many buyers will question what his long-standing support for property tax reform means for higher-value homes. The concern is simple: higher costs make the UK less competitive, reducing investment and encouraging globally mobile wealth to look elsewhere.”

Jamie Freeman, director at property buying adviser Haringtons UK, said the market has already spent the better part of two years in a “holding pattern” because of elections, budgets, policy leaks and constant speculation.

“Buyers, sellers and investors simply want to know where they stand, what the rules are and what the likely direction of travel is over the next few years,” he said.

“Every time confidence starts to return and people feel there is finally a clear runway ahead, something else arrives to create hesitation again.

“Property decisions, particularly at the upper end of the market, are often delayed simply because buyers become nervous about making long-term commitments during periods of political instability.”

Property reform

However, it’s possible that a change in the hand on the tiller could be an opportunity.

Mr Robertson said: “Any incoming administration serious about driving transaction volume and real growth across the wider economy needs to treat reform of property taxation as a priority from day one. Any reforms to council tax or indeed the introduction of a land value tax must be accompanied by the abolition of stamp duty.”

Across the board, experts have been sifting through Mr Burnham’s past policies and statements for clues about what he may do, and the property is no different.

Trevor Abrahmsohn, founder of estate agency Glentree International, cautioned against the new leadership continuing the plan to outlaw gazumping and gazundering – a seller accepting a higher offer or a buyer dropping an offer at the last moment – without holding on to useful protections.

He said that while the practices were the property market’s “best-known villains” the devil was in the detail.

Any ‘instant contract’ system would “still be riddled with legal exits large enough to drive a removal lorry through” unless, for example, buyers were still able to switch course if they discovered problems with the property. He proposes a system where if either party pulls out without proper cause, they pay the other side’s abortive costs.

Stamp duty scrapped?

Martin Bikhit, CEO of UK Forbes Global Properties, said that stamp duty, annual property taxes and wider housing reform will be under the spotlight.

He said that if stamp duty is scrapped or reformed, “homeowners who have already paid substantial stamp duty should not be penalised again by being rolled into an annual tax model overnight”.

He said: “A sensible transition would be to apply any new annual system only on future transactions. Existing owners keep the system they bought into. New buyers enter under the new framework. That creates fairness, certainty, and a cleaner long-term model.

"For prime central London, the principle matters. Buyers can absorb tax, but they need clarity. Any major reform must encourage movement, not punish those who have already invested heavily under the current rules.”

Charles Curran, principal and market data analyst at Maskells Estate Agents, sees Mr Burnham as a negative for the prime central London property market for second-home owners, foreign owners and landlords. “Mr Burnham has been vocal about property tax, notably that land is undertaxed and he has vowed to change this,” he said. “Originally, he spoke about a Land Value Tax in 2010 and this position seems to have now shifted to a more aggressive Proportional Property Tax which would replace Stamp Duty and Council Tax.

“The current suggestion from campaign group Fairer Share is that property is taxed annually at 0.48 per cent of its market value for owner-occupiers and 0.96 per cent for second home or foreign owners. The initial phase would have a transition period for existing homeowners and would be capped at £1,200 per year above current council tax rates. There is no transition or cap for second home or foreign owned homes.”

Mr Curran calculates that the taxes would be the equivalent of £9,600 a year for a £2m Chelsea home or £24,000 a year for a £5m home. For second-home or foreign owners, they would work out at £19,200 and £48,000 respectively.

However, that should be offset against the fact that stamp duty would not be charged when a house was bought. Over 10 years, the tax on the more expensive property could amount to almost £90,000 more than under the current system. However, if you own the home for longer, then the benefit disappears and homeowners would pay more.

Mr Curran said that, as the tax is not part of the Labour manifesto, it is unlikely to be implemented before the next election, should Labour win, but it gives some flavour as to where Mr Burnham is likely to focus his policies.

“We believe that lower taxes are essential to stimulate the economy and the removal of Stamp duty and council tax to be replaced with a 0.48 per cent annual tax is probably not a bad idea. It will however create a real incentive not to sell for those who would benefit from the transition period which may well cause an initial spike in property prices as domestic vendors, if unable to meet the higher charge, may well end up sitting in their properties even if they are no longer appropriate.

“However, we would also expect to see a large number of foreign owners sell to avoid this tax, which may well counter the lack of sales from domestic vendors. If foreign vendors sell in droves, this will outweigh the domestic vendors, then prices will fall, and potentially quite significantly. A £10 million home owned by a foreign or second homeowner would attract £92,832 in annual taxes under this regime or a 2,930 per cent increase over today with no transition period.”

He said that if the scheme were to be introduced, it would lead to many legal challenges as the valuation of a home would become all-important.

“Tinkering with taxes is dangerous as no one invests in tax uncertainty. May we encourage Mr Burnham to consider not only the vast resources foreign buyers bring to the UK and the benefit that brings to the economy, but also the benefits of a strong private rental market, where landlords are not penalised by further tax increases. and the benefit that this brings to the economy but also the benefit of a strong private rental market where landlords are not penalised via further increased taxation.”

Who will be Chancellor?

Michael Connolly, director of research at The Super Prime, a market intelligence platform for wealthy people, said the focus must be on who is appointed chancellor and what economic changes will be made. Markets can usually absorb the turmoil of leadership change when the transition path is clear or long enough, he pointed out.

“As Andy Burnham prepares to move into Westminster, investors are now trying to assess whether he brings a new approach to spending, taxation and borrowing,” he said.

A degree of uncertainty appeared to have been priced in by markets with the reaction being measured rather than dramatic, because Mr Starmer’s resignation had not come entirely out of the blue.

“The prospect of a left-leaning government placing greater emphasis on welfare and public spending, and therefore borrowing, will be at the forefront of investors' minds,” he said.

“The key question is whether the incoming administration maintains the current economic framework or signals a different direction. At a time when the UK continues to face sluggish growth, elevated debt levels and ongoing pressure on public finances, investors are likely to place even greater importance on the credibility of a new government.”

The museum has announced its 2026–2027 programme, with four exhibitions running between July and April. Together, they trace how people, objects and ideas have moved across cultures, whether through play, maritime exchange, artistic practice or the preservation of heritage in fragile environments.

The season will bring together archaeological objects, international loans, contemporary commissions and immersive displays. It also continues the museum’s wider focus on universal histories and cultural exchange.

Guilhem Andre, Director of Scientific, Curatorial and Collections Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said the programme continues the museum’s mission “to create bridges between cultures”.

“Our 2026-27 programme delves deep into expansive histories of diversity and exchange,” he said. “Each exhibition offers a fresh angle on the connections and universal languages that define our world, shaped in close collaboration with our fantastic partners and for visitors of all ages.”

A season built around exchange

The new season reflects the museum's ambition to tell interconnected stories of humanity through objects, histories and contemporary artistic voices, according to a statement.

The exhibitions will move from early board games and Indian Ocean trade routes to present-day artistic practice and efforts to protect cultural heritage in places affected by conflict, instability or environmental risk.

Lamya Al Nuaimi, director of development, marketing and communications at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said the season invites audiences “to move across cultures, histories and ideas”.

“The museum continues to develop a cultural platform that sparks dialogue, exchange and discovery on a global scale,” she said.

A Board Game Adventure

The season opens with A Board Game Adventure at the Children’s Museum, running from July 18, 2026, to April 2027.

The exhibition explores the role of board games as tools for learning, imagination and social connection across cultures and centuries. It traces the journeys of games, including chess, carrom, ludo and mancala, showing how they travelled, evolved and connected societies over time.

About 30 objects from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection will be shown alongside regional and international loans, including early examples from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

The exhibition is curated by Amine Kharchach, Interpretation and Creative Content Section Head at Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Orlane Lefeuvre, Interpretation and Creative Content Officer.

Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean

From October 14, to February 14, 2027, Louvre Abu Dhabi will present Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean, in partnership with the Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts in France.

The exhibition examines the maritime routes that connected Africa, the Middle East and Europe with South and South-East Asia through the Indian Ocean. Spanning from Antiquity to the 17th century, it explores trade, movement and cultural exchange through spices, textiles, ceramics and other goods that crossed the ocean.

It is curated by DAndre and Claire Delery, curator of the Chinese Ceramics collection at the Guimet in Paris, with support from Andrea Rozsavolgyi, senior curatorial assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Lucie Chopard, curatorial assistant at France Museums, and Fakhera Alkindi, Senior Curatorial Assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

A second edition of the touring exhibition will be presented at the Guimet from May 12 to September 6, 2027.

Art Here 2026 and the Richard Mille Art Prize

The sixth edition of Art Here and the Richard Mille Art Prize will run from November 11, to February 28, 2027.

Organised in partnership with Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille, the exhibition will invite proposals from contemporary artists from the GCC, including citizens and residents, as well as Indian nationals. It is the first time India has been included in the annual exhibition.

The edition is curated by Kamini Sawhney, founding director of the Museum of Art and Photography in Bengaluru. Its theme, Confluences, reflects on how intertwined histories, cultures and migrations, particularly across the Indian Ocean, continue to shape identities, communities and everyday life.

The inclusion of India also links Art Here to the wider season’s focus on maritime exchange. Andre said the expansion is a “natural evolution” for a platform shaped by connections between artists, places and shared histories.

“The ties between the Gulf and India are long-standing and multidimensional, rooted in centuries of exchange, movement and coexistence across the Indian Ocean,” he said.

The theme reaches beyond contemporary geopolitics and into older networks of trade, scholarship, astronomy, mathematics and migration between the Arab world and India.

“That history long predates the modern era,” Sawhney said. “It is reflected in the exchange of material goods, ideas and scholarship, from mathematical systems and numerical knowledge such as the introduction of the zero and developments in algebra, to advances in navigation.”

Confluences is about recognising networks that are “complex, sophisticated and deeply interconnected”.

Shortlisted works will be displayed across Louvre Abu Dhabi’s spaces, including areas beneath Jean Nouvel’s dome and the museum’s outdoor settings. The winner of the Richard Mille Art Prize will be announced at a later stage.

Living Legacies. Protecting Heritage. Building Hope

Also opening in November is Living Legacies. Protecting Heritage. Building Hope, which will run from November 23, to April 25, 2027.

Organised in partnership with the Aliph Foundation, the exhibition will tell the stories of people working to protect and restore cultural heritage in some of the world’s most complex environments.

It will feature artefacts on loan from international cultural institutions and Aliph grantee partners, alongside projections and testimonies presented through a multisensory immersive experience.

The exhibition is curated by Magdalena Ruiz, Senior Curator at Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Amaryllis Maria Georges, Senior Curatorial Assistant, with support from Sandra Bialystok and Bastien Varoutsikos from Aliph.

Talks, tours and workshops

The season will also include curator-led talks, a symposium, film screenings, performances and educational events.

Each exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue in three languages, guided tours, a podcast episode and learning material for children and families. Weekly workshops for adults will also be held.

Existing programmes, including Book and Easel, Drawing at the Museum, the Quantum Dome Project, and Art in Scents, will continue alongside We Are Not Alone, an audio tour beneath the museum’s dome created with international artists and available in several languages.

The IMO is working to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Gulf due to the war caused by US and Israeli strikes against Iran. A ceasefire has been in place since April 8.

Maritime officials have begun contacting some of the 500 to 600 stranded vessels and instructing them to prepare to transit. The Royal Navy of Oman said the “gradual and controlled evacuation” was negotiated by Oman, Iran and the US with the IMO.

The first vessels could begin moving through the strait “pretty soon”, the IMO said. Ships are being assigned phased departure dates and directed to waiting areas in international waters, before being cleared to transit. The IMO said it would publish daily figures showing how many vessels have left the Gulf.

An IMO spokeswoman said the operation was intended to relieve the pressure on thousands of seafarers who had spent months trapped in a conflict zone.

“They're not military, they're not trained for these things. They're seafarers from India, the Philippines – it's been quite a challenge. That's why we're trying to evacuate them as soon as possible,” she told The National.

The Omani Maritime Security Centre said the move to open a corridor aimed to ensure freedom of navigation through the waterway and to support the global economy.

Two temporary maritime routes have been established, one north and one south of the existing Traffic Separation Scheme, the main shipping lane through the strait. The IMO said the original route could not be used due to security concerns. Reports indicate that dozens of mines remain in the centre of the waterway.

The initiative conforms to the initial agreement for further peace talks that the US and Iran signed on June 17. The temporary maritime corridor is defined by co-ordinates issued by the IMO and Omani authorities.

“Ships wishing to transit through the corridor must co-ordinate with the IMO,” the statement said. Oman would allow them to transit “without imposing any tolls”, it added, citing the agreement.

Oman's navy said the sultanate was committed to maintaining freedom of navigation through the strait without levying fees on vessels using the temporary route.

The two sides [Oman and Iran] agreed to continue dialogue on this matter through a joint working group ... to reach an agreement on the future management of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the services to be provided in this regard, and the associated costs, in accordance with international standards

Oman and Iran, in a joint statement

“Each shipowner and master remains responsible for conducting an independent risk assessment prior to voyage,” Sub Lt Muadh Al Harrasi of the Royal Navy of Oman said in guidance issued to mariners through the IMO.

Under the pact, the US and Iran agreed to lift blockades they imposed during the war, with the American navy intercepting ships using Iranian ports in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the waterway.

One obstacle preventing some vessels from departing has been uncertainty over insurance coverage. The IMO said the agreement and safe-passage arrangement “does give a little bit more certainty for the insurance companies”, potentially allowing more operators to authorise departures.

On Wednesday, Oman's Sultan Haitham held talks with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman on the US-Iran talks and the latest developments, state television reported.

During their meeting, Sultan Haitham stressed the need to advance these efforts to achieve security and stability in the region.

Their talks came a day after Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Sultan Haitham in Muscat.

During that meeting, Oman and Iran agreed to establish a joint working group to reach an agreement on the future management of navigation in the strait, they said in a joint statement.

Oman and Iran affirmed “their commitment to ensuring safe passage through the Strait in accordance with the relevant provisions of international law,” the statement said. They also emphasised “their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz”.

“The two sides agreed to continue dialogue on this matter through a joint working group between the two countries' foreign ministries to reach an agreement on the future management of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the services to be provided in this regard, and the associated costs, in accordance with international standards,” it said.

“All arrangements related to the strait must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights” of the two countries, it added.

The IMO said months of negotiations had been required before the operation could go ahead. The co-operation of all parties was “fundamental” to the agreement, the organisation said.

“We could only proceed when there were safety and security guarantees in place and it was safe to proceed,” the spokeswoman said. “When that was received from the main states, we were able to initiate it.”

IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez, who paid tribute to 14 seafarers killed during the conflict, said the evacuation would be carried out “in close co-operation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal states in the region, the United States and the maritime industry”.

“We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations,” he said.

The strait is vital to energy exports from the Arabian Gulf. More than 20 per cent of global liquefied natural gas and crude oil passed through the waterway each day before the war between the US and Iran broke out on February 28.

But some aspects of football still work the old way. At the 2026 World Cup, several players have been seen playing with holes in the back of their socks.

Supremely fit athletes playing in space-age arenas while wearing 'torn' socks does not make sense at first glance - but there is a reason behind the it.

Why do football players cut holes in their socks?

At the ongoing World Cup, England players Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka have been pictured with holes in their socks. Iranian players also follow this practice, with Mehdi Taremi, Hossein Kanani, Algeria's Anis Hadj Moussa and others also playing with altered apparel.

The reason behind it is quite simple. Cutting holes in the back of football socks releases tension in the calf muscles by improving circulation.

Also, there is a belief that elastic tension in socks can play a role in developing cramps during matches and cutting holes can dissipate some of the pressure on muscles.

Former Manchester City defender Kyle Walker played with such altered socks in the latter part of his career.

"The socks were actually too tight so it was causing pressure on my calves. It was just to release the tension. I just cut holes in them and all of a sudden I had a few alright games, and I was like, 'Ok, I'm keeping this now'," Walker explained at the time.

Athletes in other sports also resort to such DIY tactics. In cricket, fast bowlers routinely cut holes at the toe end of their shoes. A fast bowler transfers force many times more than his bodyweight through his knees and foot while bowling. An 'open toe' bowling shoe reduces pressure on the digits and nails.

In baseball, gloves are never used when in mint condition. Special creams and mallets are used to soften the glove and make it more usable during matches.

Cricket bats are also not used straight out of the wrapper. Bats are 'knocked in' with the help of linseed oil and a special mallet, binding the grain of the wood properly.

The low-cost carrier will operate three weekly flights between Zayed International Airport and Aleppo International Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Flight 3L456 will depart Abu Dhabi at 9am local time and arrive in Aleppo at 11.30am local time. The return service, flight 3L457, will leave Aleppo at 12.30pm local time and land in Abu Dhabi at 4.50pm local time.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will also increase its four weekly flights to the Syrian capital Damascus to a daily service from July 1.

“The launch of our new service to Aleppo and the increased frequency to Damascus reaffirm Air Arabia Abu Dhabi's commitment to enhancing connectivity and offering greater travel convenience and value to our customers,” said Adel Al Ali, group chief executive of Air Arabia.

“These expanded services reflect the growing demand for travel between the UAE and Syria, and underscore our continued efforts to support business, tourism and cultural ties between the two countries.”

Earlier this month, Air Arabia announced the launch of daily flights between Sharjah and Aleppo from July 4. The airline already operates 21 weekly flights between Sharjah and Damascus.

Flights between the UAE and Syria resumed in January last year following the removal of Bashar Al Assad from the Syrian presidency in December 2024, ending more than a decade of civil war.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is a joint venture between Sharjah-owned Air Arabia and Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways.

Etihad currently operates four weekly flights to Damascus – one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Israeli officials told Reuters that the two countries ⁠are in talks over a ⁠US-backed process for parts of southern Lebanon to be handed back to Beirut's forces.

The officials said the Lebanese troops involved would undergo US training and vetting ​to ‌ensure ⁠they are ​not ​linked to ‌Hezbollah, and that ⁠Israel would maintain ⁠a military presence in what it calls a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon.

Which areas will be handed over “remains under discussion pending approval from the Israeli side”, Mr Aoun told a delegation of British MPs. Lebanon has placed the withdrawal of Israeli troops as among its top priorities in the talks.

It came as two people were killed in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in Kfar Roummane in Nabatieh district in the first such attack in recent days.

Earlier in the morning the Israeli military had opened fired on a passing car, although no one was injured.

Iran has insisted that an end to hostilities in Lebanon be part of any final peace agreement with the US, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was excluded from talks that led to the framework agreement between the two countries. He has voiced opposition to it and vowed not to withdraw from Lebanon.

On Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said “200,000 [displaced Lebanese] residents will not return" to their homes. “The infrastructure is destroyed, the houses are dangerous and ruined. We are not withdrawing”, even if the US requests that, he added.

The US has been putting pressure on the Israeli government to stop its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon and agree to concessions. Last week, mediators in the US-Iran talks announced the formation of a “deconfliction cell”, including representatives from Iran, giving the country direct influence over developments in Lebanon.

The cell was announced days before the latest round of US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel on Tuesday, with deep division remaining between the two sides' expectations for the next steps. The Lebanese government has no control of Hezbollah, Iran's main proxy militia in the Middle East.

Mr Aoun condemned Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon, as well as foreign influence in his country. He voiced hope the negotiations in Washington would be “decisive” in restoring Lebanon's “full sovereignty over every inch of soil and extending the state's authority over all our land”, his office said.

But Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Leiter warned that the talks were at risk of collapse. Israel has repeatedly said that its troops would remain in Lebanon until Hezbollah is defeated. “This is the fifth round of talks, and I must say – we are heading towards a train wreck,” Mr Leiter said.

Despite his remarks, the situation in southern Lebanon continues to develop, with the Lebanese army having been cleared to increase its presence in several areas. Lebanese state media reported that army units had entered Ain Arab on Wednesday and begun reopening a road between the town and nearby Al Mari. The route was previously blocked by the Israeli military.

Lebanese officials have insisted that direct negotiations with Israel are the only way to secure an end to the conflict, in which more than 4,000 people have been killed since early March. However, four rounds of talks have been held since April, and so far no durable ceasefire has materialised.

A Lebanese official told Reuters he was sceptical that the current round of negotiations would make any progress. “There remains a fundamental problem of trust between us and the Israelis in these talks. We cannot fulfil their demands, and they reject all of ours,” the official said.

A 2024 ceasefire led to the creation of a US-led mechanism involving France, UN peacekeepers Unifil, Israel and Lebanon, which was intended to serve as a channel for de-escalation along the border. It was repeatedly violated by Israel, which remained in southern Lebanon and carried out daily strikes across the country.

Hezbollah did not respond to those attacks until the conflict flared up again on March 2, when the militant group fired rockets at Israel for the first time since 2024 in support of its backer, Iran.

Lebanese political and security sources told The National the new mechanism could tie Lebanon's fate to the broader regional negotiations between Washington and Tehran. But many questions remain about the proposed mechanism, which includes Qatari mediators.

“This means we now have two mechanisms: one that includes Israelis and Americans, and one that includes Iranians and Americans. Will the two mechanisms co-ordinate? It is likely to happen through the Americans,” a Lebanese security official said.

A source close to Hezbollah had said the group remains committed to the ceasefire – if Israel withdraws its troops. However, the source stressed that any failure by the Lebanese delegation to secure an Israeli withdrawal would “contradict the provisions” of the US-Iran understanding.

Mr Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam both reiterated their call for an international peacekeeper force to take over when Unifil's troops withdraw in January 2027.

The units are part of the next phase of Palm Central Private Residences, Nakheel said in a statement on Wednesday. They include three buildings with one to four-bedroom apartments and four to five-bedroom townhouses.

Prices start from Dh2.7 million ($730,000) for a one-bedroom unit, Dh4.3 million for a two-bedroom, Dh7.5 million for a three-bedroom, and Dh12.4 million for a four-bedroom unit, according to Nakheel's website. Townhouses are priced from Dh14.9 million.

Construction is scheduled for completion by September 2030.

The launch follows “the strong market response to the initial release in October 2025, reinforcing Palm Jebel Ali’s position as a highly sought-after new waterfront address in the region”, Nakheel said.

“Dubai continues to demonstrate resilience and stability, underpinned by strong fundamentals and a long-term vision,” said Khalid Al Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate – the parent company of Nakheel Properties.

Spanning 13.4km, Palm Jebel Ali will be twice as big as Palm Jumeirah when completed. It will feature seven islands and 16 fronds, adding more than 90km of beachfront. It is expected to provide 35,000 families with beachside residences, green spaces and other amenities, as well as 80 hotels and resorts.

The project is part of a new growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area, underlining the expansion of the emirate, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Work on Palm Jebel Ali started in 2002, but was paused in 2008 due to the financial crisis that swept the world. The project was relaunched in 2023 and has been attracting strong buyer interest.

Amenities at the Palm Central Private Residences project include a fitness centre, game room, children’s club, as well as infinity pools and sports courts.

The wider master plan will feature a 9,000-square-metre retail centre and the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque.

In April, Nakheel said it awarded contracts worth more than Dh3.5 billion for the construction of 544 villas at Palm Jebel Ali. Ginco General Contracting is set to build 354 villas across Fronds A to D, while United Engineering Construction will construct 190 on Fronds E and F.

Al Taweelah recycling plant, established by Emirates Global Aluminium, began producing recycled aluminium in February, but final commissioning work was put on hold following the strike on Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Economic Zone on March 28.

EGA confirmed at the time that Al Taweelah site sustained "significant damage" with a number of its employees injured.

Work on the recycling plant at the complex resumed in April, with recycled cast metal production getting back under way in early May.

The build-up to full production is expected to take up to six months, in line with the original timeline, depending on scrap availability.

Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, attended the inauguration of the plant on Wednesday.

She heralded its launch as a significant step in a journey to transform the nation into a "global hub for green development".

She said the plant will play a crucial role in boosting energy efficiency, driving down emissions and reducing waste.

“Recycling is the cornerstone of the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy which aims to transform the nation into a global hub for green development by shifting from linear to circular production and consumption, enhancing resource efficiency, and minimising waste," the minister said.

"Aluminium represents one of our greatest opportunities to drive this transition from linear to circular model of production.

"Recycling aluminium waste requires up to 95 per cent less energy compared to producing new primary aluminium from raw ore, saving significant energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Emirates Global Aluminium has been a pioneer of our nation’s industry for decades, and today, they are leading the charge as our national champion in aluminium recycling."

The opening of the plant is a major boost for EGA, among the largest UAE non-oil industrial conglomerates.

It declared force majeure for certain products in April after damage to Al Taweelah plant.

Force majeure clauses allow suppliers to suspend contractual obligations without penalty when events beyond their control prevent delivery.

EGA said at the time that the damage to the Abu Dhabi production centres will take up to a year to repair.

Dr Al Dahak was joined at the opening event by Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, EGA chairman Homaid Al Shimmari and vice chairman Saeed Al Tayer, and members of its board and senior management team.

“The inauguration of Al Taweelah recycling plant is a major milestone in EGA’s development of a global aluminium recycling business," said its chief executive Abdulnasser bin Kalban.

"This new plant turns aluminium waste generated in the UAE and elsewhere into new aluminium that makes modern life possible around the world.

"With this project, we have added a new industrial activity to EGA’s operations in the UAE, in line with Make it in the Emirates and the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy.”

Mammoth construction drive

The construction of Al Taweelah recycling plant - which begun in November, 2023 - was completed following four million work hours.

The project requiring more than 26,300 cubic metres of concrete, more than the volume of 10 Olympic-size swimming pools, as well as over 4,600 tonnes of structural steel, almost two-thirds of the iron weight of the Eiffel Tower.

The plant has a production capacity of 185,000 tonnes per year. It processes post-consumer aluminium scrap, and some pre-consumer aluminium scrap, into low-carbon, high-quality "premium aluminium" billets and T-bars, marketed by EGA under the product name RevivAL.

EGA also blends recycled metal with primary aluminium produced using solar power, marketed as CelestiAL-R, and with nuclear power, sold as MinimAL-R.

Most aluminium scrap generated in the UAE has historically been exported for processing outside the country and was therefore lost to the national economy.

According to the court, former deputy oil minister for refining affairs Adnan Al Jumaili’s statements during interrogation led to the arrest of former Salaheddin governor Raed Al Jubouri, who is currently serving as the province’s health director. The case centres on financial waste and embezzlement in projects executed by the suspects and others.

The court said continued investigations and tracking of funds linked to the case resulted in the seizure of more than 67 billion Iraqi dinars ($51 million) and $1 million on Monday. Part of the money was found hidden in homes, while another portion was buried four metres underground and recovered using specialised equipment.

With Monday’s seizure, total funds recovered in the case now exceed 98 billion dinars and $11 million, the statement added.

Mr Al Jumaili was arrested last month. Communications Minister Mustafa Sanad publicly described him as the “whale” of the Oil Ministry, accusing him of siphoning funds from refineries in Baiji, Doura, Maysan and Shuaiba.

Earlier raids linked to the investigation seized about $10 million in cash, three billion dinars, 40 properties, 1.5kg of gold and large quantities of weapons.

Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has made the case a centrepiece of his anti-corruption drive since taking office last month.

The judiciary said investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals and entities connected to the case.

Iraq’s anti-corruption drive drew renewed attention following an announcement earlier this month of large-scale attempted embezzlement. The Integrity Commission announced it had thwarted a scheme to embezzle nearly 1.5 trillion dinars from two state banks in Baghdad.

Iraq ranks 136 out of 181 on Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, with oil sector contracts a frequent target of graft investigations.

Corruption has been rife in Iraq under successive governments elected after the US-led invasion of 2003, which toppled the dictator Saddam Hussein. Billions of dollars given to the government for reconstruction were misused by authorities.

The widespread corruption has crippled the country’s efforts to overcome the effects of war and UN-imposed economic sanctions. In 2021, former president Barham Salih estimated that Iraq had lost $150 billion to embezzlement since 2003.

Mr Netanyahu made his comments last Thursday while meeting with officers, according to a statement released by his office on Tuesday.

“I greatly appreciate the support we received from our American friends, but we need to free ourselves from dependence and build our own independent armaments system,” he was quoted as saying.

The statement was published shortly after Iran and the US finished their first round of talks in Switzerland, with mediators Qatar and Pakistan saying “encouraging progress” had been made and unveiling a road map towards a final agreement.

Despite reports that Iranian negotiators had walked out on Sunday over threats made by US President Donald Trump, the mediators said the talks had been conducted in a “positive and encouraging atmosphere”.

While Israel has developed an advanced weapons industry, US military and diplomatic support are vital pillars of the country's security. Many experts say Israel would struggle to defend itself if it did not have US support, often recalling last year's 12-day war with Iran, during which the US used large numbers of expensive interceptor missiles to shoot down Iranian projectiles fired at Israel.

Progress in talks between Iran and the US will worry those Israeli politicians who say the terms being discussed threaten their country’s security. Iran's demand that Israel end its campaign against Hezbollah and withdraw from southern Lebanon is an immediate concern, with Mr Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz having stressed that this will not happen.

Mr Netanyahu's office published two separate Hebrew-language statements on Monday insisting that there would be no withdrawal and that Israeli soldiers continue to operate freely in Lebanon.

In one statement, Mr Netanyahu, Mr Katz and military chief of staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir said the army “will continue to act with determination to thwart threats to our soldiers and citizens, to destroy terrorist infrastructure and to continue to maintain the security zone in southern Lebanon”.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reaffirmed his previous pledge to maintain what Israeli leaders call a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.

“We don’t have territorial ambitions in Lebanon, but we will not withdraw from the security zone and expose our citizens to Hezbollah’s attacks and possible invasion,” Mr Saar wrote on social media.

According to a report in The New York Times, Israel's military has limited its troops' activities to mostly defensive actions. Soldiers may now fire only in response to immediate threats, while any other actions would need Lt Gen Zamir's approval.

Mr Trump on Monday said that “we are going to take a look at” Israel's insistence that it stays in Lebanon.

“I am a problem solver. I can solve problems fast, including with Bibi,” he added, referring to Mr Netanyahu.

On Tuesday, senior Israeli officials continued to insist no withdrawal would take place, with far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich telling Army Radio that it “simply will not happen”.

“We are standing firm on this position. We have made it clear to the Americans,” he added.

Addressing a media briefing in Jerusalem, President Isaac Herzog said that “Iran cannot dictate the future of Lebanon”. However, he also condemned “derogatory statements” made by Israeli politicians against US officials.

Despite statements from Israeli officials that relations with the US remain strong, Israeli media reported on progress in the Iran talks with alarm.

Guy Azriel of i24 News described the creation of a “deconfliction cell” in Lebanon, which was announced by mediators on Monday, as an “outrageous development”.

“Israel – the country expected to bear the security consequences of violations – is not even listed as a party,” he said.

“The Lebanese government is a party to it. Israel and Hezbollah not even mentioned. With Iran now officially involved in the decision-making over Lebanon, it's unclear what is left for Israel and Lebanon to negotiate in the fifth round of talks at the State Department tomorrow,” he later wrote on social media.

CBS News reported on Monday that the US military had established a process to monitor the conflict in Lebanon, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Mr Netanyahu on Friday.

Israeli opposition politician Naftali Bennett, considered among the favourites to replace Mr Netanyahu as Prime Minister in elections due to take place by October, wrote on social media that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Katz were lying about Israel's military having freedom of action in southern Lebanon.

“This is abandonment … release now, at this very moment, the hands of our soldiers,” he wrote on Tuesday.

“The soldiers see with their own eyes Hezbollah terrorists re-establishing themselves, repairing infrastructure, arming up and returning to activity, and our soldiers are forbidden from opening fire on them.”

The true test of diplomacy is not during state visits, international summits, or carefully choreographed negotiations. It is during moments of crisis, when uncertainty is high, decisions must be made quickly and governments are called upon to protect national interests while maintaining stability and international engagement.

During one of the most challenging periods in the UAE’s history, women diplomats were not observing events from the sidelines. They were helping shape the response.

Like millions across the UAE, I vividly remember the first emergency missile alert warning of the unprovoked Iranian attack on the UAE. In the weeks that followed, I worked intensively with my team in the Strategic Communications Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside colleagues across government.

From the earliest moments of the unprovoked aggression, I was proud to serve as part of the National Joint Media Cell, operating around the clock within the national emergency and crisis management system activated under the highest standards of preparedness.

What followed was a highly sophisticated whole-of-government response that reflected the strength and professionalism of UAE institutions. Government entities worked in close co-ordination, decisions were taken with speed and discipline and national capabilities were mobilised with exceptional preparedness and efficiency.

Over the course of the conflict, the UAE faced more than 3,000 missile and drone attacks, the vast majority of which were successfully intercepted. Despite the scale of the challenge, the country’s institutions continued to function effectively, public services remained uninterrupted and the UAE continued to advance its national interests and international priorities.

In moments such as these, success depends on institutions that can perform – and excel – under pressure. The war demonstrated the UAE’s ability to respond effectively to uncertainty while maintaining confidence, stability and strategic focus.

What I witnessed during those weeks reinforced a reality that often receives too little attention: Emirati women’s contributions during such times are not exceptional. It is the natural outcome of a leadership vision that has invested for decades in developing talent and building capability.

At every stage of the response, female Emirati diplomats played important roles. While I helped lead the communications response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior diplomats under the guidance and directives of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs – including Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State, and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State – advanced the UAE’s interests and helped navigate a challenging and rapidly evolving environment.

Their role was significant not because they were women, but because it reflected the strength of a diplomatic service built on capability and a commitment to excellence. This progress did not happen by chance.

Under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed, empowering women has remained a defining pillar of the UAE’s development journey and a strategic priority in building a resilient, future-ready nation. Supported by the longstanding efforts of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, the UAE has created an environment in which women are empowered to contribute and lead across every sector of national importance.

Female Emirati diplomats' role was significant not because they were women, but because it reflected the strength of a diplomatic service built on capability and a commitment to excellence

Today, women account for nearly half of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ workforce and serve across UAE embassies and missions around the world. At the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, women have represented about 60 per cent of graduates in recent years, reflecting a strong and growing pipeline of diplomatic talent.

Emirati women today serve in leadership positions across government, security, innovation, public service and many other strategic sectors, reflecting a national approach that views empowering women not simply as a social objective, but as a strategic investment in the nation’s future.

The recent crisis offered a powerful reminder of that principle. It reflected what the UAE has worked to build over many years: institutions that draw strength from the full potential of their people. Long before the international community established a day to recognise women in diplomacy, the UAE had already made their advancement a pillar of national development.

The result can be seen today in the strength of its entities, the resilience of its diplomacy and its ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence, purpose and strategic clarity.

The women who helped shape the UAE’s response during one of the most challenging periods in our history are not exceptions to the UAE’s story. They are among the clearest expressions of a national vision that has invested in unlocking the full potential of its people and, in doing so, built institutions capable of meeting any challenge.

The pact was signed a week ago, but as officials from both sides sell it at home and reassure regional allies, a gap has emerged between their public positions and the text itself.

Here are four of the biggest points of contention:

1. Will Iran charge ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz?

This is one of the most contested elements of the agreement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday, after arriving in Abu Dhabi, that no country can charge for passage through the waterway.

“That's the law. It's an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees,” he said on the tarmac at Al Bateen Executive Airport.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran had agreed to keep the strait open, that no naval blockade would proceed and American vessels would remain positioned if needed.

The agreement, however, is more ambiguous.

It says that Iran committed to ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels, with “no charge for 60 days only”. That leaves open the question of what happens after the period expires.

It also says Iran will hold talks with Oman on the “future administration and maritime services” in the strait “in line with applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states”.

In a joint statement after meeting on Tuesday, Iran and Oman said they had agreed to maintain talks to reach agreement on future administration of navigation in the strait and the “services that will be provided in this regard and the costs associated with them”.

So while Iran and Oman may not charge tolls or fees to ships navigating the strait, it appears they are going ahead with plans to impose expenses for services.

2. Did Iran agree to nuclear inspections?

Mr Trump said Iran had “completely agreed” to inspections. Iranian officials deny this.

The US President said Iran agreed to “highest-level nuclear inspections long into the future”, warning that without them there would be no further negotiations.

The memorandum sits between the two positions.

It states Iran “shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons” and says decisions on enriched material will be made later through a negotiated mechanism. Any down-blending would be done under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision.

So while the agreement indicates IAEA officials could visit Iran to oversee those efforts, it does not explicitly commit to new inspections, expanded access or a defined verification regime beyond existing arrangements.

Instead, nuclear verification is left for future talks.

In effect, the pact suggests an IAEA role but avoids committing to expanded inspections at this stage.

3. What about Iran’s ballistic missile programme?

There has been an assumption that missiles are central to the deal, but the text suggests otherwise.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said ballistic missiles were never part of the agenda, were excluded from the agreement and were not discussed.

That aligns with earlier comments by Mr Trump, who said it would be unfair to deny Iran missiles if other regional states possessed them.

The deal itself contains no requirement for Iran to limit, freeze or dismantle its missile programme.

The only binding military restriction concerns nuclear weapons, which Iran reaffirms it will not develop. Both sides also commit to ending hostilities and maintaining the status quo during negotiations.

Mr Rubio indicated missiles and Iran-backed groups may still be raised later, but described them as issues “outside” the agreement.

For now, the absence of missile restrictions appears intentional and reflects the narrower scope of the framework agreement.

4. Does the agreement require Israel to leave Lebanon?

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has insisted Israel must withdraw from Lebanese territory and restore full sovereignty.

The agreement provides broad language but no such requirement.

It states that the US, Iran and their allies will end military operations “on all fronts, including in Lebanon” and commits to respecting Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

What it does not do is set a withdrawal requirement, timeline or enforcement mechanism.

That gap is increasingly significant as separate US-mediated Israeli-Lebanese discussions continue in Washington.

Mr Rubio has stressed Lebanon’s future will be handled directly with Beirut, not through the US-Iran track, saying it belongs to “the Lebanese people through their sovereign elected government”.

The result is a divergence between broad de-escalation language and Lebanon’s specific demand for Israeli withdrawal.

The bottom line

The agreement, signed on June 17, established a 60-day window for negotiating a final deal that can be extended by mutual consent. It was designed to end hostilities and create a structure for talks, not resolve all disputes immediately.

Many core issues are either left vague or explicitly deferred to later negotiations.

In some cases, sequencing matters as much as content, like the Hormuz provisions requiring Iran to consult Oman and Gulf states on future maritime arrangements.

The same applies to nuclear and regional security questions. The pact sets out broad principles – no nuclear weapons, cessation of hostilities and respect for sovereignty – while postponing enforcement mechanisms and verification details.

As a result, apparent contradictions between US and Iranian statements often reflect not only political messaging for domestic audiences, but the deliberate incompleteness of the agreement itself.

The next 60 days are therefore not about clarifying misunderstandings, but about deciding what the vague provisions of the deal will ultimately become.

Manus Cranny, The National's geo-economics editor, cuts through the noise and presents insights from the stories making headlines around the world.

The platform would seek to combine Hines’ global real estate investment, development and operating standards with Arcapita’s regional investment, structuring and asset management expertise, supported by Lintara, Arcapita’s local operating platform.

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