Trending Middle East

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US prepares to begin escorting foreign vessels through the Strait of Hormuz under a new initiative aimed at easing pressure on global shipping. In Tehran, Iran says it has received a US response to its 14-point peace proposal aimed at ending the war within 30 days. In Abu Dhabi, policymakers and industry leaders gather for the Make it in the Emirates summit, expected to generate billions in industrial agreements focused on supply-chain resilience. Adnoc also announces plans to award Dh200 billion ($55 billion) in contracts over the next three years, signalling a major investment push in the UAE’s energy sector following its exit from Opec. And in Dubai, tunnelling begins on the Metro Blue Line, part of a wider transport expansion that includes the planned Gold Line, as the city continues to build for long-term growth. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, UN-backed forecasts warn that almost a quarter of Lebanon's population could face acute hunger, as the conflict continues despite ceasefire efforts. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discuss the war in Iran and a possible ceasefire in Ukraine during a phone call. The US conflict with Iran is approaching a legal deadline that could determine whether the war continues without congressional approval, as efforts also continue to manage the impact of a potential long-term blockade. In the UAE, a new national strategy has been approved to strengthen supply chains and protect access to essential goods amid global disruption. And in Dubai, a major international operation has led to the arrest of 276 suspects linked to organised financial crime networks. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Dr Anwar Gargash said Gulf efforts to contain Iran have failed, warning the region must prepare for a long-term threat from Tehran. We also hear that Iranian arms supplies have continued to Islamist-aligned factions in Sudan, highlighting deeper regional links. In Bahrain, authorities revoked the citizenship of dozens of people accused of supporting Iran’s attacks, as security measures tighten. Across the Gulf, recruiters said the jobs market is recovering unevenly, with tourism and hospitality hit hardest while other sectors remain resilient. And in Dubai, a major housing plan worth 1.8 billion dirhams will deliver hundreds of homes for Emiratis as part of efforts to support families and improve living standards. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is set to be extended as talks in Washington show signs of progress. In the Strait of Hormuz, tensions remain high as the US and Iran warn of further escalation, with concerns over potential sea mines and risks to global shipping. In Tehran, Iranian officials say the country has begun collecting tolls from vessels passing through the strait, as it seeks to assert control over the key waterway. In Dubai, the UAE announces a plan to use artificial intelligence across half of all government services within two years, aiming to transform how the state operates. And in Berlin, Emirates airline says it remains confident it can withstand the impact of the Iran war, citing strong demand and secure fuel supplies. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US extends its ceasefire with Iran while maintaining the naval blockade of Iranian ports. The announcement comes as Tehran accuses Washington of breaching the truce and signals it will defend its interests. In Lebanon, the crisis escalates again as Israel reports rocket and drone attacks launched from Hezbollah-controlled areas, testing the ceasefire in the country. In Washington, the UAE’s ambassador and Minister of State, Yousef Al Otaiba, emphasises the country’s economic resilience, pointing to strong sovereign assets and continued investment ties with the US. Back in the Emirates, authorities reinforce their stance against extremism after dismantling a group accused of plotting sabotage activities, with calls for stronger international co-operation. In Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara, marking a strengthening of ties and growing Gulf support for the government in Damascus. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, tensions rise in the Gulf as Iran accuses the US of breaching the ceasefire, following the interception of an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman. Tehran has warned it will respond, while Washington says it is enforcing a naval blockade. But talks on ending the Iran war are to be held in Islamabad, with Washington offering a deal but warning of further strikes if negotiations fail. Iran says it will not engage in discussions while the blockade remains in place. Meanwhile, a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon is largely holding, despite continued Israeli strikes and a rising death toll. Lebanese displaced from their homes in the south of the country are beginning to return as key roads and crossings reopen. In Dubai, the rental market shows continued stability, with strong activity in the first quarter and fewer cancelled contracts, despite regional uncertainty. And across the UAE, a digital platform has been launched to help consumers compare prices on essential goods. The initiative is aimed at improving transparency and reducing household costs. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, diplomatic efforts intensify to revive US-Iran negotiations, as Pakistan delivers new messages to Tehran ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline. We look at growing military pressure in the Gulf, where the US is preparing a major naval operation to enforce a blockade on Iranian shipping, even as vessels continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The global economic outlook is also in focus, with the International Monetary Fund warning that prolonged disruption to energy supplies could slow growth worldwide and deepen the impact across the Middle East. In the UAE, schools and universities are set to resume in-person learning after weeks of disruption, marking a step towards normality. And in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab closes for a major restoration project aimed at preserving the landmark while enhancing the guest experience. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US begins enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports, increasing tension in the region amid efforts to protect a fragile ceasefire. Iran is set to lose a significant amount of oil revenue as a result of the move, as the cost of the war climbs for the US. We also look at rare direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, where expectations remain limited as strikes on Lebanese cities continue. Opec has also reported one of the largest supply shocks in decades, with production dropping sharply after attacks on key infrastructure. In Beijing, meanwhile, the UAE and China have strengthened economic ties with 24 new agreements and an increase in flights, as non-oil trade between the countries reaches a record level. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israel and Lebanon are set to hold rare direct talks in Washington, even as attacks are carried out on cities including Beirut. Israel says strikes against Hezbollah will continue, while the Iran-backed group has rejected negotiations without a halt to the attacks. Iran has reportedly "suspended" talks with the US until Israel stops its attacks on Lebanon, as tensions persist over whether the country is included in the two-week ceasefire. Meanwhile, Kuwait says "vital facilities" were hit by Iran, while the UAE reported no attacks for the first time since the war began. We also look at the economic effects of the crisis, with Saudi oil production capacity reduced and Egypt adjusting domestic policy as fuel prices ease. In Dubai, new support measures are being introduced to help businesses manage the impact of the regional conflict, including financial relief and initiatives to boost retail activity. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with negotiations set to begin on a broader deal. US President Donald Trump announced Washington will suspend its attacks, while Tehran said it will halt operations if strikes stop. Pakistan is to mediate talks between the sides in Islamabad on Friday. We also look at what the agreement could mean for global energy supplies, as Tehran says it will allow vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz "via co-ordination with Iran's armed forces". In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, contradicting Iran's version of the agreement.Markets have reacted to the developments, with oil prices falling and US stock futures rising on expectations that the crisis will continue to ease. In the UAE, doctors are using AI technology to help detect heart disease, as health experts work to address one of the country’s leading causes of death. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of the Trending Middle East podcast, diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war with Iran are gathering pace, with talks reported to be under way about a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a longer-term agreement. But even as negotiations continue, US President Donald Trump has renewed threats of further strikes on Iranian infrastructure. We also learn the latest statements made by diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, Dr Anwar Gargash, who says Iran’s actions will probably strengthen rather than diminish the US role in the region. He also highlights growing Israeli influence in the Gulf. Iranian attacks have continued on key energy and infrastructure sites in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain. There are also signs of normal activity in the UAE, with Dubai’s live events sector beginning to recover despite continuing disruption. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, we look at US President Donald Trump's suggestion that Washington is close to achieving its core objectives. While he pointed to a possible end to operations, questions remain over how the conflict will conclude and what comes next. We also look at the UAE’s response, as officials reject reports suggesting the country could take part in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an international meeting to address the crisis, warning that even if the war ends, risks to global shipping will persist. Elsewhere, Unesco, the UN's cultural organisation, has granted enhanced protection to dozens of cultural sites across Lebanon amid the conflict, while Nasa has launched Artemis II, the first crewed Moon mission in more than half a century. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated by humans.