https://almajlistimes.com/en/News and analysis from the UAE, the Gulf and the world, written by the Al Majlis Times team.enFri, 30 Oct 2026 18:28:38 +0000 https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/a1fc2201f783.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/a1fc2201f783.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 14:27:37 +0000UAEThe UAE and Canada have raised their relations to a Strategic Partnership in a joint statement issued at the end of the first official visit by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to Ottawa. The visit saw the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a defence cooperation memorandum, and the statement called for an end to the occupation of the UAE's three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/42fe1c1d536d.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/42fe1c1d536d.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 14:27:35 +0000SportCristiano Ronaldo scored a 15-minute hat-trick as Al Nassr beat Al Kholood 5-3 in round 12 of the Roshn Saudi League, taking his career tally to 985 goals, while Al Nassr moved up to second place on 28 points. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/26e3fb798344.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/26e3fb798344.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 14:27:33 +0000SportAbha held visitors Al Ittihad to a 1-1 draw in round 12 of the Roshn Saudi League, with Faisal Al-Subiani replying in the 87th minute to Houssem Aouar's opener, leaving Al Ittihad on 24 points in fourth place. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/c3f32131be27.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/c3f32131be27.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 14:27:33 +0000SportThe CAF Executive Committee has unanimously decided that the Africa Cup of Nations will again be held every two years, reversing last year's decision to make it a four-yearly event, with the next editions set for 2027, 2028, 2031 and 2033. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/8575dd7eaa0d.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/8575dd7eaa0d.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 14:27:33 +0000UAEDr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said Abu Dhabi's upcoming hosting of the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal renews the importance of joint international action on water security, stressing that securing water is a shared responsibility. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/c0bcb8595dfc.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/c0bcb8595dfc.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 04:09:20 +0000UAEUAE government services are entering a new phase in which AI moves from answering questions to proactively completing transactions, from automatic licence renewals in Abu Dhabi and Ajman to 76% of DEWA services, under a federal target to transform 50% of government sectors and services within two years. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/03fd9c479805.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/03fd9c479805.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 04:09:20 +0000BusinessThe third Powering Possible report from ADNOC, XRG and Microsoft finds that 62% of energy leaders now rank AI among their top two corporate priorities, up from 42% in 2025, as adoption of agentic AI more than doubles. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/6d53a74af073.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/6d53a74af073.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 04:09:20 +0000BusinessFirst Abu Dhabi Bank posted net profit of Dh16.46 billion for the first nine months of 2026, up 3% year on year, as operating income rose 7% to Dh29.71 billion and third-quarter profit before tax jumped 9%. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/5ddb72d91121.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/5ddb72d91121.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 04:09:20 +0000UAEDr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, told a UAE-Benin business roundtable in Abu Dhabi that the UAE's global reach and investment community can support Benin's logistics, manufacturing and energy sectors, days after the two countries exchanged their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/7ca8dccb3e2d.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/7ca8dccb3e2d.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2026 04:09:20 +0000SportAl Jazira overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Bahrain's Al Muharraq 4-2 at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on matchday three of the AFC Champions League Two, thanks to a hat-trick from Brazilian forward Malcom, moving top of Group B with seven points. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/e136860e25ae.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/e136860e25ae.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23:09 +0000UAEHis Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew members of flydubai flight FZ1073 in recognition of their courageous efforts to keep passengers safe during the incident on board the flight last September. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/d118886247a8.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/d118886247a8.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23:09 +0000UAEHis Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, crowned Egyptian student Mayar Mohamed Ragab Othman champion of the 10th Arab Reading Challenge, closing a record edition with more than 40 million students from 60 countries. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/57837a63d9b8.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/57837a63d9b8.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23:09 +0000WorldNew York's governor has signed a law barring chatbots from leading minors to believe they have feelings or personal relationships with them, while Australia's House of Representatives has passed a bill restricting AI systems that simulate emotional intimacy with children. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/441d70acf7ed.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/441d70acf7ed.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23:09 +0000BusinessBorouge plc reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of Dh5.3 billion ($1.4 billion), up 3% on the previous quarter, as its operating rate rose to 76% and sales volumes grew 22%, and said it expects the final quarter to be its best of the year. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/d473687a60c0.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/d473687a60c0.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23:09 +0000SportThe English League Cup produced two remarkable nights: fourth-tier Fleetwood Town knocked out league champions Arsenal 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Liverpool beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after another 1-1 draw at Anfield. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/051dfae1f523.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/051dfae1f523.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23:09 +0000WorldResults from a late-stage clinical trial show the experimental drug retatrutide produced 20.9% weight loss over 80 weeks against 9.4% with Ozempic in people with type 2 diabetes, with a bigger fall in average blood sugar, although more patients stopped treatment because of side effects. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/68b57f553273.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/68b57f553273.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23:09 +0000WorldEgypt is pressing ahead with a project to build mountain lakes in Wadi Feiran in South Sinai to harvest rain and floodwater. The plan covers 80 lakes and is expected to be completed within three years, aiming to reduce flood risk and supply water to Bedouin communities. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/d4ee5c03c4d3.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/d4ee5c03c4d3.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23:09 +0000UAEHis Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, chaired the authority's board meeting, which focused on stronger governance and transparency, diversified funding and measuring the impact of humanitarian projects. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/6f7595031fd8.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/6f7595031fd8.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 04:18:10 +0000WorldScientists using the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile have spotted an icy object, 2026 ED138, orbiting beyond Pluto. Estimated at 600 to 1,500 km across, it could join the list of dwarf planets if further observations confirm its properties. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/f449252dc23c.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/f449252dc23c.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 04:18:10 +0000SportBelgian coach Vincent Kompany has left hospital five days after falling ill and collapsing during a training session. Bayern Munich said he was diagnosed with irritation of the meninges, while assistant Danks continues to lead the team on an interim basis. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/4da6e939ee86.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/4da6e939ee86.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 04:18:10 +0000WorldThe term 'ferritin face' has spread on social media as a supposed sign of low iron stores, but doctors say pale skin, dark circles and hair loss are not enough for a diagnosis and that a blood test remains the essential way to know. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/aeb955de1a5a.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/aeb955de1a5a.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 04:18:10 +0000BusinessUAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi witnessed the signing of a package of agreements and MoUs between Emirati and Canadian institutions and companies in space, advanced technology, logistics, ports, education, housing and food security, under the two countries' investment framework. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/f2b0ab81fad1.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/f2b0ab81fad1.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 04:18:10 +0000UAEUAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has designated 7 January each year as Zayed the Founder Day, with the first celebration on 7 January 2027. Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the announcement reflects deep appreciation for the Founder's legacy. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/911cff3edf68.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/911cff3edf68.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 04:18:10 +0000BusinessUS company Villa Vie Residences has suspended its ship Villa Vie Odyssey's round-the-world voyage after a sharp jump in fuel costs, leaving about 200 passengers in the Cambodian city of Sihanoukville. The company has given itself 60 days to restructure and raise capital. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/93c9b1372c36.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/93c9b1372c36.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 04:18:10 +0000BusinessAs drone delivery expands in the United States, residents are increasingly complaining about the whine of propellers over their homes. Companies are working on quieter designs, including a British propulsion system its developer says cuts noise by at least two-thirds. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/44519f5ea447.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/44519f5ea447.htmlThu, 29 Oct 2026 04:18:10 +0000WorldAn AI-based visual comparison system helped Italian police identify a 17th-century painting of Saint Agnes, stolen in 2004, after its features had been altered to disguise it and it was put on display at an antiques fair in Parma. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/a6c44071bfc0.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/a6c44071bfc0.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000UAEThe UAE and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam held the third round of political consultations in Hanoi, co-chaired by Omran Sharaf and Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/dece6e85ecf2.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/dece6e85ecf2.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000BusinessEtisalat Group (e&) posted consolidated net profit of AED 17.2 billion for the first nine months of 2026, up 45.9% year on year, while revenue rose 10% to AED 57.6 billion. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/3dfdfd4c01fe.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/3dfdfd4c01fe.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000WorldRosatom chief Alexei Likhachev said the Russian state nuclear company will raise the number of construction workers at Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant to 200 in November despite war-related risks. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/7bf1cae396fb.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/7bf1cae396fb.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000GulfKuwait's foreign ministry summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Totonchi and handed him a protest note over a statement by his embassy that Kuwait described as blatant interference in its internal affairs and an affront to the independence of its judiciary. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/261ef2ce3f75.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/261ef2ce3f75.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000UAEOn the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Emirates Red Crescent has provided winter and medical aid worth $13.6 million to the people of Gaza. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/21d9620dbf1f.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/21d9620dbf1f.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000WorldThe UK Maritime Trade Operations agency warned of suspicious activity in the Gulf of Aden that may indicate movements by a pirate group, urging transiting vessels to exercise caution. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/24a153e80ff6.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/24a153e80ff6.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000SportThe CAF Confederation Cup group-stage draw placed Egypt's Al Ahly and Morocco's Raja Casablanca in Group A alongside Togo's ASKO Kara and Angola's Primeiro de Agosto. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/e0b318585d74.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/e0b318585d74.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000SportSpanish star Lamine Yamal responded to finishing third in the 2026 Ballon d'Or behind winner Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, saying his “time will come” if he keeps working at the same level. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/d12d5084def3.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/d12d5084def3.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000WorldIraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi arrived in Damascus on the first visit by an Iraqi head of government since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, and was received by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/c9c6e61ce3d5.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/c9c6e61ce3d5.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000WorldCounting of polling-station ballots in Israel's election is complete except for “double envelope” votes, with Likud leading on 27 seats to 22 for Yashar and neither camp reaching a governing majority. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/c5ab5abb3e7d.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/c5ab5abb3e7d.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000GulfA missile fired by the Houthis landed inside Aden International Airport before the group called on people there to evacuate immediately, according to an Aden police source, with no details on casualties. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/de1547a287a7.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/de1547a287a7.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000BusinessUAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi met Canada's Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu in Ottawa to discuss elevating the two countries' strategic trade and investment partnership, during the official visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed to Canada. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/6efb641e3d1d.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/6efb641e3d1d.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000UAEUAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a message of congratulations to President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic on his country's National Day, and the two Vice Presidents sent similar messages. https://almajlistimes.com/en/news/8d5fe5f7bb60.htmlhttps://almajlistimes.com/en/news/8d5fe5f7bb60.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2026 14:20:21 +0000WorldIran is studying a new draft agreement presented by Qatari mediators to end the war with the United States and Israel, including a seven-day timetable of reciprocal confidence-building steps, according to an official familiar with the talks.