US envoy to Yemen in Gulf to push forward efforts to end war

US Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking began a visit to Saudi Arabia and Oman to push forward diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving the country's stalled peace process.

The American official's trip to the Gulf on Wednesday comes as Yemen's warring sides are negotiating a prisoner release deal in Switzerland that is intended to end the brutal war Yemen has endured.

Mr Lenderking's visit to Saudi Arabia and Oman is intended to "continue intensive US efforts to build on the UN-mediated truce that has brought nearly one year of calm to Yemen".

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A historic truce, which began last April and was extended twice, expired in early October, with the Iran-backed Houthis rejecting efforts by the UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to extend the truce for a further six months.

"The truce and the ensuing period of calm enabled through US diplomacy since 2021 have saved thousands of lives, brought tangible relief to millions of Yemenis, and created the best opportunity for peace Yemen has had in years," said a statement by the US department of State.

Mr Lenderking will "urge all parties to seize this opportunity to reach a new agreement and move towards an inclusive Yemeni-led political process, under UN auspices", the statement said.

The visit comes as Mr Grundberg began a visit to Iran where he met Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other top officials in Tehran.

The top UN official is pushing for further inclusive negotiations between Yemen’s warring groups to put an end to the war.

“Discussions tackled the need for regional support for the start of an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices to sustainably end the conflict," said a statement by Mr Grundberg's office.

Mr Grundberg "stressed that ending the conflict in Yemen is important for enhancing regional security.”

The developments come as Iran announced a deal to re-establish diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.

The agreement was brokered by China, Iraq and Oman, and will see Riyadh and Tehran reopen embassies and consulates within the next two months.

Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers will meet to begin arranging the exchange of ambassadors and discuss ways to strengthen the renewed relations.

The countries also agreed to reactivate a 2001 security co-operation agreement and 1998 deals on the economy, trade, investment, technology, science, culture, sports and youth.

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If you go

The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.

While you're here

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HA Hellyer: With dialogue, Islamophobia can be beaten

2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush

Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”

A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.

“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”