Good morning from The National on August 7, 2026.
Here are the latest developments in the Emirates:
Abu Dhabi's highest court has heard prosecution evidence over an alleged multimillion-dollar plot to buy military equipment and weapons through the UAE's financial systems to be used by the Sudanese Armed Forces in the country's deadly civil war.
Thirteen defendants – including a former Sudanese military intelligence officer – and six companies are facing charges of illicit trafficking in military equipment, money laundering, mediation and brokerage, and forgery of official documents in the case.
In the hearing, the prosecution said the gravity of the offences was compounded by the alleged destination of the military equipment.
It noted that the plot threatened to embroil the UAE in a conflict with which it had no connection, and exposed it to allegations of financing or fuelling that conflict, and harmed its political relations and interests.
Read the full report here
President Sheikh Mohamed marks 60th anniversary of accession of Sheikh Zayed as Ruler of Abu Dhabi
President Sheikh Mohamed on Thursday marked the 60th anniversary of the accession of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The UAE leader said the historic milestone laid the foundations of the Union and marked the beginning of the country's collective journey.
Sheikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi on August 6, 1966, a pivotal moment that helped transform Abu Dhabi from a quiet coastal region to a modern, thriving international city.
And in a statement on X, Sheikh Mohamed paid tribute to his father’s vision.
“Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s leadership and vision, we will continue to advance his enduring belief that people must always be placed at the heart of efforts to build a sustainable and prosperous future for our nation,” he said.
Read more on the landmark anniversary here
Dubai's $1bn Trump tower moves forward as key contract issued
Construction on Dubai's $1 billion Trump tower is a step closer after the issuing of a key contract to build the 350-metre structure in the heart of the city.
Property developer Dar Global has awarded a contract to Gulf Asia Contracting to build the podium of Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai. The construction comes at a time of uncertainty for the Gulf states due to the Iran war.
The tower, with more than 500 homes, was unveiled last year by Dar Global, the international property arm of Saudi Arabia’s Dar Al Arkan, in partnership with the Trump Organisation. It is expected to be completed in five years.
Rising across 80 floors, the building on Sheikh Zayed Road will also have a Trump-branded hotel and an exclusive private members' club.
It will also have Dubai's highest outdoor swimming pool and two signature penthouses costing Dh75 million ($20.4 million) each. Three and four-bedroom apartments are priced between Dh4 million and Dh5 million.
Read more on the plans from Fareed Rahman here
Fact of the day
The UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority has issued fines totalling more than Dh19 million ($5.17 million) and disconnected 9,433 numbers for misuse since the launch of a clampdown on telemarketers in August 2024. Read more from Alexander Christou here
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