The UAE Today | The National

Good morning from The National on November 6, 2026. Here are the latest developments in the Emirates.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the need to advance diplomatic efforts to promote security and stability in the region during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the importance of de-escalation during the call, amid growing concerns over the prospect of renewed conflict between the US and Tehran.

The two men discussed the "overall situation in the region", state news agency Wam reported late on Thursday evening.

Mr Araghchi had earlier held phone calls with his Turkish and Kuwaiti counterparts, Hakan Fidan and Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah regarding the latest developments.

On Thursday, Iran claimed at least three tankers had caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, keeping ships in a state of peril amid frantic efforts to prevent the war reigniting.

The Iranian navy said the three ships had hit naval mines and caught fire while sailing in "prohibited areas" – Iran's term for avoiding its preferred route.

Read the full report here and get the latest developments in the Iran war in our live blog here

The operation continues to run seasonal initiatives, including the Winter Clothing campaign. Wam

The UAE has marked three years of Operation Gallant Knight 3, its largest humanitarian mission to Gaza, having delivered more than 136,000 tonnes of aid valued at $4.16 billion.

Launched on November 5, 2023, under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed, the operation has grown from an emergency relief effort into a comprehensive humanitarian system addressing food, medical, shelter and psychosocial needs across the Gaza Strip.

The UAE's contribution accounts for about 46 per cent of all international humanitarian assistance to reach the territory.

Relief and transport operations have mobilised 792 planeloads, 26 shiploads and 14,711 lorryloads of aid. And eighty-one parachute drop missions have been conducted under the Birds of Goodness initiative, ensuring assistance reaches communities where ground access is difficult.

In the healthcare sector, more than 294,000 cases have received medical treatment through the operation. Equipped health centres, field hospitals and medical convoys carrying medicine and supplies have been set up in co-operation with the World Health Organisation.

Read the full story here

Twelve-hour shifts are currently the norm for taxi drivers, but that will have to change under the new regulations. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Rules banning drivers from being behind the wheel for more than nine hours a day have been welcomed as a step forward for road safety and work-life balance.

The regulations, to take effect from January 1, could reduce fatigue and allow drivers to have more of a life outside their job, according to transport analysts.

While beneficial for safety, the rules may also cause upheaval for drivers and transport companies, as longer shifts have until now been common.

“Will it be a step forward for safety? Absolutely, because fatigue impairs reaction time, much like substances do,” said Joseph Salem, a partner and head of the travel, transport and hospitality practice at the consultancy Arthur D Little in Dubai. “Until now the UAE had general warnings about tired drivers. This gives a clear, measurable threshold.”

On a cautionary note, he indicated that the new rules would “impact the revenue generation” for drivers.

"They will be losing a significant proportion of their revenue and it will be difficult to make ends meet," he said.

Read the full story from Daniel Bardsley here

Dubai's Emirates airline posted a 66 per cent year-on-year decline in its half-year profit after tax to Dh3.3 billion ($903 million), amid regional disruption due to the Iran war and high fuel costs. Read the full story here