John Dennehy

John Dennehy

Assistant National Editor
John is an Irish writer for The National who has lived and worked in the UAE for more than six years. He is interested in stories that document the heritage of the UAE, going beyond the headlines to delve into the untold stories across the seven emirates. He has written features on abandoned Soviet planes, life in Abu Dhabi’s old town, historic hotels, and how the sacrifices of early Emirati and expatriate pioneers made the UAE what it is today. John is also the author of a book on the First World War.
Follow on

Articles

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee says the landmark deals between her country and the UAE send 'a very clear message' to criminals. Antonie Robertson / The National
'Net is tightening' on international criminals, says Irish minister in the UAE

Helen McEntee said cooperation between the UAE and Ireland 'a really positive experience’ as extradition deal signed

October 21, 2024
Volunteers filled the halls of Expo Centre Sharjah on Saturday morning to pack up to 10,000 boxes of essential aid. Photo: Ahmed Ramzan/ The National
Huge response in Sharjah for UAE's aid drive for Lebanon

Crowds filled Expo Centre Sharjah in show of solidarity with beleaguered country

October 19, 2024
The Volcano Fountain in Abu Dhabi. The landmark was removed in October 2004 but its memory lives on. Photo: Al Ittihad
Why Abu Dhabi's lost 'volcano' is burnt into the memory 20 years on

The beloved Volcano Fountain has built a lasting legacy, even as the emirate rapidly evolves

October 06, 2024
Liam Fox, former UK minister and now chairman of the UK Abraham Accords Group, in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
Liam Fox: Abraham Accords still best path for peace in Middle East

Former British cabinet minister says that, despite the 'horrible conflict' of the past year, the agreement offers young people a chance of a brighter future

September 27, 2024
Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan's president, reviews Cop29 venue preparations at Baku Stadium. Photo: @presidentaz / X
Cop29 talks on key finance goal deadlocked as summit approaches

Presidency warns risk of 'falling short' after days of technical negotiations in Azerbaijan

September 13, 2024
UAE map on display during the 200 Years of UAE Charts exhibition between UK Hydrographic Office and Abu Dhabi Police held at Al Murabaa Police Museum in Al Ain. Pawan Singh / The National
'Abu-Thabi': centuries-old charts are a journey through time

Al Ain exhibition displays sea, shores and land in country between 1761 and 2014

September 11, 2024
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - SEPTEMBER 10: A general view from on board a Dubai Metro train near the Jumeriah Lakes Towers in Dubai on September 10, 2009. Ten metro stations on the Red Line officially opened to the public this morning. (Randi Sokoloff / The National) For News/Stock- Dubai Metro *** Local Caption *** RS034-091009-METRO.jpg
Dubai Metro at 15: How trains transformed a city

Driverless trains confounded the doubters to make Dubai a more cosmopolitan destination

September 09, 2024
Severe flooding caused by heavy rain hit Spain in September. Scientists believe climate change is leading to more severe and extreme weather events. Reuters
'This will save lives': UAE's early weather system to address climate threat

System aims to warn population of extreme weather while abroad

September 04, 2024
The result of coral bleaching off the coast of the UAE. Photo: Rebekka Pentii / NYUAD
Concern over major coral bleaching off UAE coast

Researchers on a 'knife-edge' over vulnerable reefs amid anxious wait for cooler temperatures or return of winds to alleviate the situation

September 03, 2024
Cop29 takes place from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Pawan Singh / The National
Pressure builds on Cop29 climate talks to deliver

Questions over climate finance and the prospect of Donald Trump being re-elected as US president raise the stakes ahead of November's summit in Azerbaijan

August 23, 2024
The latest legal amendments in the UAE come amid a broader push to tackle financial crimes. Reuters
Amended laws show UAE commitment to tackling financial crime

Legislation can help to counter the 'pervasive challenge' of illegal financial flows around the world

August 13, 2024
The distinctive pointed nose of Concorde Delta Golf at Bahrain in 1974. Photo: Michael Stokes
When the sonic boom of Concorde echoed across the Gulf

In 1974, when Michael Stokes was 17 and living in Bahrain, he volunteered to board a test flight that turned out to be 'supremely surreal' - despite the unprecedented speed

August 09, 2024
Ras Al Khaimah is attracting not only tourists but new residents who appreciate outdoor pursuits, its scenic beauty and growing leisure offerings. Photo: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
Beauty of the great outdoors provides Ras Al Khaimah's greatest pulling power

More residents are moving to an emirate offering much more than just a quiet life

August 02, 2024
Hurricane Beryl hit Barbados in July. Scientists say man-made climate change is making extreme weather more common. AP
Countries entrenched on climate finance as Cop29 nears

No breakthrough despite high-level retreat, as small island states say they are paying 'ultimate price' amid climate crisis

August 02, 2024
Baku's old city with the 'Flame Towers' in the background. Azerbaijan has used its fossil fuel revenue to build striking towers. Pawan Singh / The National
Inside Azerbaijan's plans for crucial Cop29 climate talks

Can Baku, one of the birthplaces of oil, confound doubters and deliver an ambitious climate outcome for the world?

July 25, 2024