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In today's episode of Trending Middle East, an Emirati ship was attacked and damaged in UAE waters on Tuesday. This is the latest in a string of attacks on commercial shipping. Israel’s new parliament was sworn in on Tuesday, with opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu having struck an early deal on four key Knesset posts. A vital border crossing between Lebanon and Syria has reopened after two years. The Abboudieh-Dabbousieh crossing was previously shut in November 2024 after Israel bombed it during its war with Hezbollah. US President Donald Trump has nominated former Kansas governor Jeffrey Colyer to be the next American ambassador to the UAE. Meanwhile, non-Muslim places of worship in the UAE can now be fined up to 750,000 dirhams and have their licences suspended under regulations that list 24 breaches. The harshest penalties are against places of worship that maintain links abroad or fund raise without authorisation. 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, high-stakes talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine are to begin in Abu Dhabi, the first time the countries have held discussions since February. The meeting will focus on efforts to end the conflict in Europe, but the prospect of a breakthrough remains uncertain. US President Donald Trump says renewed military action against Iran is "unlikely" and that there is a good chance the war could end soon. His comments come after talks with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman at the White House. Meanwhile, Iranian hackers accused of attacking supermarket refrigerators across Europe are believed to have exploited security flaws in similar equipment used in the US and UK. In Gaza, heavy rain caused a sandbank to collapse on tents sheltering displaced families, killing five Palestinians, including three children. And authorities in the UAE have closed a beach on the east coast owing to an oil spill. The source has not been confirmed, but it follows a spill in the Arabian Gulf last month. 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, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House, as efforts to mediate in the US-Iran war face renewed challenges. Mr Trump has said that further strikes on Iran are unlikely if negotiations succeed, but US forces remain on alert. Gulf countries have signed a milestone agreement to build a 2,100-kilometre railway network connecting the region from Kuwait to Oman. In Israel, President Isaac Herzog has given opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the opportunity to form a government, dealing a setback to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose coalition lost its parliamentary majority in last month's election. The US has ordered the deportation of Lebanon's consul general in Detroit, Ibrahim Charara, over controversial social media posts that appeared to celebrate the 1983 Hezbollah lorry bombing of US and French military barracks in Beirut. And the UAE's foreign trade reached a record of nearly Dh3 trillion in the first nine months of this year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said in a post on X. 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, Iran has sent the US a nuclear proposal through mediator Qatar. This follows regional calls for de-escalation and diplomacy. Asian stock markets plunge over concerns that political changes in the US could threaten the AI investment boom. Arab parties in Israel have backed opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot’s bid to become the country's next prime minister, giving him the majority of recommendations from Knesset parties. But efforts to form a government could be complicated by disagreements over Hamas. A Jordanian police officer has been killed and another injured in an attack in the capital Amman. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is preparing a major overhaul of government services through its partnership with OpenAI, with some procedures being cut from days to just minutes. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Today on Trending Middle East, US Vice President JD Vance blames the war against Iran for the Republican Party's crushing defeat in the midterm elections, echoing an earlier assessment by President Donald Trump. Syria and Saudi Arabia sign a defence agreement during President Ahmad Al Shara’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. It is Mr Al Shara's second visit to Riyadh in a month. India diversifies the sources of its oil imports to about 43 countries amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, with the UAE emerging as a major supplier. British Airways resumes flights between Heathrow and Dubai after an eight-month suspension caused by the Iran war. The airline says its Abu Dhabi services remain suspended until at least late 2027. Meanwhile, a minor earthquake is recorded off the coast of Fujairah on Wednesday evening, measuring 2.3 in magnitude. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Today on Trending Middle East, the Democratic party is projected to win control of the US Congress in the midterm elections, reports say. The result could influence the next stage of the US-Iran war. In a last-minute bid to woo voters, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington would end its nearly $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel at the end of this year. Across the Middle East, countries are intensifying emergency preparations amid uncertainty over the US-Iran conflict and stalled diplomatic talks. Cryptocurrency platform Binance says hackers used fake job interviews and a compromised AI tool to carry out a $6.3 billion theft last week. And the UAE introduces traffic regulations that will limit the number of cars each person can register to five. People will have the option to register new cars for two years instead of one. 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 military reportedly strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about renewed escalation. Oil prices rise following the reports, while President Donald Trump says a deal with Tehran could happen and denies considering further strikes after Tuesday’s midterm elections. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman tells The National at Adipec in Abu Dhabi that people must remain in control of artificial intelligence, warning of the need to prevent serious safety incidents as AI becomes more capable. Abu Dhabi is also set to host another round of US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine next week, focusing on security arrangements, de-escalation and humanitarian efforts. Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group approves the sale of all its assets and investments in Lebanon after ceasing operations and reporting losses exceeding $1.7 billion. And more than 6,500 people lose weight through a government-backed programme in Abu Dhabi, with participants losing an average of 14 per cent of their body weight in the first year. 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, Adnoc signs an agreement with OpenAI and G42 to become the first energy company to deploy OpenAI’s Frontier technology across its operations. The deal is among four agreements signed between Abu Dhabi entities and OpenAI, including an initiative to make government policies and regulations readable by AI systems. Oil prices fall more than three per cent as US President Donald Trump reportedly seeks more time for diplomacy with Iran before considering renewed military strikes. Meanwhile, the UAE says it does not want another military confrontation but remains prepared to protect its security, citizens and residents. Dr Anwar Gargash also calls for the restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Dubai launches a tourism loyalty initiative that will introduce an invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors and expand access to tourist visa applications through Visit Dubai. And Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli becomes Formula One’s youngest world champion at 20 after finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix, securing the title with four races remaining. 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, Israeli politicians begin coalition talks after final election counts leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, without a parliamentary majority. Arab parties win a record 19 seats and could play a decisive role in forming the next government. Cryptocurrency prices fall sharply after Binance faces a security breach affecting an estimated $6.3 billion in assets. The exchange says it will cover all losses, while deposits and withdrawals remain suspended. In Abu Dhabi, eight men are sentenced to life in jail for their involvement in an illegal arms trafficking network connected to Sudan's civil war. Abu Dhabi apartment prices rise 24 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter, according to ValuStrat, while villa prices increase by 10.2 per cent. And British actor Patrick Stewart, best known for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, dies at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. 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’s Arab parties seek to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after an inconclusive election increased their representation in parliament. Neither major bloc has secured a majority. Oil prices decline as traders assess renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at averting further US military action against Iran, with Brent crude trading at about $114 a barrel. The UAE calls for dialogue to prevent the regional war from restarting, as Qatar reportedly presents Iran with a new draft agreement to help end the conflict with the US. Tehran is considering the proposal and is expected to respond by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Sharjah temporarily closes all beaches as authorities work to contain an oil spill, following similar closures in Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain. And Dubai’s financial regulator fines the Middle East unit of Moody’s Investors Service $585,825 for failing to protect confidential information over more than two years. 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, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims victory in the country's election, although neither his bloc nor the opposition has secured a parliamentary majority. About 600,000 absentee ballots are still to be counted. Meanwhile, Jordan and Syria agree to form a joint security committee to examine Jordanian air strikes in southern Syria that killed at least seven people, including civilians. The Trump administration has reportedly warned Gulf countries to prepare for a possible renewed US military campaign against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections. The Wall Street Journal reports that President Donald Trump is considering a short but intense wave of strikes, although no final decision has been made. The UAE's Lana Nusseibeh calls for sweeping UN reforms and pledges to take diplomatic risks for peace if selected as the organisation's next secretary general. And Dubai approves a development plan covering 48 urban centres, with a budget exceeding Dh2 billion. The initiative is expected to increase property values in targeted areas by Dh20 billion by 2040, while improving access to metro stations and public services.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israel goes to the polls in a keenly contested election that will determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power. Former general Gadi Eisenkot is his strongest challenger, with Arab voter turnout expected to play an important role in the result. Jordan carries out strikes on southern Syria in retaliation for a deadly church attack in Karak that killed nine people. Syrian authorities say at least seven were killed in the strikes, while Damascus disputes Jordan's claim that the operation was co-ordinated between the countries. Meanwhile, Egypt's parliament authorises President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to send troops to defend Saudi Arabia, although no deployment has been announced and Cairo says it will act only if Riyadh requests assistance. In the UAE, US investment company Apollo agrees to take a minority stake in Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Capital, with other strategic investors expected to commit funds to the firm's investment strategies. And England captain Harry Kane wins his first Ballon d'Or after a record-breaking season with Bayern Munich, becoming the first Englishman to claim the award in 25 years. 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 Saudi-led coalition carries out strikes on Yemen’s capital Sanaa, saying it destroyed Houthi ballistic missile launch sites used to attack Riyadh. Meanwhile, Jordanian security forces arrest three suspects after an attack on a church in Karak governorate that killed nine people and injured 40. In the UAE, officials reject Iran’s criticism of Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh’s campaign to become the next UN secretary general. Ms Nusseibeh says she would engage with Tehran if chosen for the position. Meanwhile, Adnoc announces more than Dh60 billion ($16.3 billion) in local manufacturing opportunities until 2030, alongside changes to its procurement process aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains. And Apple faces complaints from early buyers of its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, after reports of cracked screens and display failures. 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, UAE authorities work to contain an oil spill from a supertanker in the Arabian Gulf after reports of a strong fuel smell. Beaches in Umm Al Quwain have been closed temporarily as clean-up operations continue. Yemen’s internationally recognised government warns citizens against attending Houthi-organised gatherings, accusing the group of recruiting children and young people as fighters. Oman and the UK pledge to strengthen trade and investment ties during Sultan Haitham’s historic state visit, with agreements involving more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in investment. Meanwhile, the UAE announces plans to invest a further €15 billion ($16.8 billion) in Greece during an official visit by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. And a UAE-led international crackdown on digital fraud results in more than 960 arrests and uncovers $39 billion in illicit funds and assets. The three-month operation, involving law enforcement agencies from 30 countries, has also thwarted more than 123 million online fraud attempts. 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 has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. The move follows a strike on Dammam airport late on Wednesday that killed one person and injured eight. UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh has entered the race to become the next UN secretary general. Her candidacy comes as the Security Council remains divided over who should succeed Antonio Guterres when his final term ends in December. Non-Iran Middle East oil exports have recovered to prewar levels despite continuing attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, experts say that France's deal to buy diesel from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain will not bring prices down immediately, although it could help ease fuel shortages. European diesel prices have more than doubled since the start of the year. In the West Bank, a candidate in the upcoming US midterm elections was briefly detained by Israeli troops while taking part in a Palestinian olive harvest. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.