US secretary of defense James Mattis takes questions during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Mandel Ngan / AFP Photo
US secretary of defense James Mattis takes questions during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Mandel Ngan / AFP Photo

Riyadh and Washington are growing ever closer



The continuing renovation of relations between Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab allies with Washington reached a new level this week, moving from the aspirational towards practical application.

Most significant was US defence secretary James Mattis’ svisit to Riyadh at the beginning of a five-nation Middle East tour designed to re-engage with Washington’s strategic allies.

Secretary of state Rex Tillerson also contributed to this restoration in remarks on Wednesday to a Summit of American and Saudi business leaders in Washington. Mr Tillerson gave a bear hug to both the relationship and Saudi Arabia’s domestic policies, linking them to the Trump administration’s economic and strategic priorities. Specifically, he promoted business deals as win-win opportunities and said such commercial ties could help promote US growth and Saudi Arabia’s reform agenda in its Vision 2030 plan.

The embrace was even stronger from Mr Mattis, who addressed military and strategic issues during his visit to Saudi Arabia late last week. He confirmed: “It is in our interest to see a strong Saudi Arabia,” and suggested that Mr. Trump might visit Riyadh soon.

Mr Mattis moved the United States closer to the Gulf Arab evaluation of the Iranian role in the Middle East, saying: “Everywhere you look if there is trouble in the region, you find Iran.”

His Gulf Arab audience was no doubt delighted by those words. They might also be reassured by the recent Trump administration’s finding that Tehran is indeed complying with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal, especially since Washington is nonetheless considering whether any additional suspension of sanctions is really in the American interest given Iran’s continuing support for terrorism and aggressive regional policies.

Mr Mattis also backed the Arab coalition in Yemen, insisting: “We will have to overcome Iran’s efforts to destabilise yet another country and create another militia in their image of Lebanese Hizbollah, but the bottom line is we are on the right path for it.” And, indeed, the United States has become much more active in both parts of the Yemen conflict, not only against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in the south, but also against the Houthi rebels and allied Yemeni forces in the north.

Yet the United States now seems to be of two minds on the Yemen conflict.

On the one hand, it has greatly increased its involvement, particularly through bombing attacks on Yemeni targets. And it has pledged ever-greater support for the Saudi-led intervention.

On the other hand, Washington is pushing strongly for a political solution. Mr Mattis said: “In Yemen, our goal is to push this conflict into UN-brokered negotiations to make sure it is ended as soon as possible,” suggesting that the war has gone on for too long.

A reasonable political arrangement is obviously in everybody’s interests. The conflict with the Houthis and allies loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh has plainly bogged down into a grinding stalemate that is producing few, if any, additional military or political gains at this stage.

Moreover, the humanitarian crisis that already exists, and which could well substantially deteriorate in the coming weeks, is politically and strategically dangerous, as well as highly damaging to the international reputation of the Arab coalition partners who are likely to be blamed for any civilian suffering no matter who is really at fault.

Coalition forces are preparing to try to retake the crucial Red Sea port city of Hodeidah from the Houthi militia, and the United States may be considering some level of assistance to such an offensive.

The Hodeidah operation promises significant benefits but also poses major risks. Driving the Houthis out of the strategically vital port could cripple their war efforts, finally pushing them to negotiate seriously. But since Hodeidah is one of the main entry points for food in a country that is already on the brink of famine in many places, protracted fighting over the port itself, or significant damage to it in a shorter campaign, could be devastating to the civilian population.

Moreover, even if the port itself was spared, there must be a willingness and a means to deliver essential food to the Yemeni population that urgently requires it.

American officials say Washington might get involved in the project, or at least not object, because “both sides would be more likely to compromise after one more military fight”, according to reports in The New York Times – assuming that it leaves the Houthis weakened and readier to compromise, and gives Riyadh a concluding strategic victory.

Whether this proves to be wishful thinking, the current conversation about Yemen in general, and Hodeidah in particular, is a marked contrast with the Obama administration, as is American discourse on Iran, relations with Saudi Arabia, and several other aspects of Middle East policy.

Many Arab governments hoped for improvements from the Trump team. Thus far, they’re not disappointed.

Hussein Ibish is a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States ­Institute in Washington

On Twitter: @ibishblog

Match info

Arsenal 0

Manchester City 2
Sterling (14'), Bernardo Silva (64')

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

Living in...

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.

Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

The biog

Name: Samar Frost

Born: Abu Dhabi

Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends

Favourite singer: Adele

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Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

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Profile

Company: Justmop.com

Date started: December 2015

Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan

Sector: Technology and home services

Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai

Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month

Funding:  The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups. 

The specs

Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic

Power: 375bhp

Torque: 520Nm

Price: Dh332,800

On sale: now

Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The Bio

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity

AndhaDhun

Director: Sriram Raghavan

Producer: Matchbox Pictures, Viacom18

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte, Anil Dhawan

Rating: 3.5/5

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

The specs

Engine: Turbocharged four-cylinder 2.7-litre

Power: 325hp

Torque: 500Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh189,700

On sale: now

NO OTHER LAND

Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5

Profile of MoneyFellows

Founder: Ahmed Wadi

Launched: 2016

Employees: 76

Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)

Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

PROFILE OF STARZPLAY

Date started: 2014

Founders: Maaz Sheikh, Danny Bates

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Entertainment/Streaming Video On Demand

Number of employees: 125

Investors/Investment amount: $125 million. Major investors include Starz/Lionsgate, State Street, SEQ and Delta Partners

Company%20profile
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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

MATCH INFO

Chelsea 3 (Abraham 11', 17', 74')

Luton Town 1 (Clark 30')

Man of the match Abraham (Chelsea)

Bio:

Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour

Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people 

Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite food: Fish and vegetables

Favourite place to visit: London

Intercontinental Cup

Namibia v UAE Saturday Sep 16-Tuesday Sep 19

Table 1 Ireland, 89 points; 2 Afghanistan, 81; 3 Netherlands, 52; 4 Papua New Guinea, 40; 5 Hong Kong, 39; 6 Scotland, 37; 7 UAE, 27; 8 Namibia, 27

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

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THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

While you're here
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 

The Vines - In Miracle Land
Two stars