Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, right, and Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman. AFP
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, right, and Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman. AFP
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, right, and Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman. AFP
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, right, and Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman. AFP

Saudi and Qatari defence ministers discuss co-operation after US security pledge to Doha


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Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said on Thursday that he spoke by phone with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman.

Prince Khalid wrote in a post on X that the two discussed the “fraternal relations between our two brotherly countries in the defence field and ways to strengthen them” and reviewed regional and international developments of common concern.

The call came one day after US President Donald Trump gave Qatar an unprecedented security guarantee, with conditions similar to Nato's Article 5. Under the order, Washington pledged to defend Qatar, including through military action, if the country was attacked.

“The United States shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States,” the order said.

“In the event of such an attack, the United States shall take all lawful and appropriate measures – including diplomatic, economic and, if necessary, military – to defend the interests of the United States and of the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability.”

The move followed an Israeli strike on Doha last month that targeted Hamas leaders. The attack, condemned by all Gulf states, sparked alarm over US security commitments in the region. Gulf nations said they viewed the strike on Doha as an attack on the region. A Qatari security officer was killed in the strike. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later affirmed his "support for Qatar in all measures it will take".

It was the second time Qatar came under attack this year. In June, during the 12-day Israel-Iran war, Tehran struck Al Udeid Air Base – which hosts thousands of US personnel – in retaliation for American attacks on its nuclear sites.

The upgraded US guarantee was seen as reinforcing American credibility in the Gulf. Observers described it as a historic shift in US-Gulf security relations.

Al Udeid Air Base is the largest US military facility in the Middle East and serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command, making Doha a key partner for defence and regional mediation.

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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

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Price: From Dh650,000

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2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

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The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

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SPECS
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Essentials

The flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours. 

The package

Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.

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Dos

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  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

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RESULTS

5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
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6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: Almahroosa, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: AF Sumoud, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m
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7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Adventurous, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

Updated: October 03, 2025, 12:32 PM