Her husband had secured an information technology job with the government in Ras Al Khaimah, a port city in the northern Emirates. The family arrived during the summer, and their two daughters, then almost 5 and 8, soon spent much of their time at the swimming pool.

The girls later joined a school with an English-language curriculum. Smulowicz also built friendships with mothers from different religions, nationalities and backgrounds. Many were people she would rarely have met in Israel.

“It was a once in a lifetime option,” she said in an interview this month. She added that the family felt welcome and safe soon after arriving.

But regional conflict and security concerns have changed the experience for some Israelis and Jewish residents in the wealthy Gulf country. A community that once felt increasingly open has become quieter and less visible.

Religious symbols have disappeared from public view in some places, while gatherings have shifted into private settings. Some residents are more careful about their online activity and less willing to speak publicly to the media.

Others are reconsidering how openly they identify as Israeli or Jewish. For some, the question is whether they can continue building a life in a country they once saw as a safe and welcoming home.

The change began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed more than 1,200 people. Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and led to accusations of genocide against Israel.

As Israel expanded its military operations across the region, international criticism grew. Israelis and Jewish communities in different countries also faced a more difficult public environment amid rising tensions.

The UAE’s own security concerns added to the uncertainty. In 2024, an Israeli rabbi was kidnapped and killed in the country. Three Uzbek nationals were initially arrested in connection with the case.

Three people were later sentenced to death, while a fourth received a prison sentence. Authorities did not disclose the identities of those sentenced.

The killing raised concerns among Israelis and Jews living in the Emirates. It also highlighted the security risks that can affect a small community whose members may be more exposed during periods of political tension.

Regional conflict intensified further in the following years. An Israeli attack on Iran in 2025, joined by the United States, was followed by renewed US-Israeli warfare in 2026.

The conflict then reached the UAE directly. Iran launched waves of missiles and drones toward the country this year. Some strikes hit sites in the Emirates, while falling debris from intercepted weapons also affected locations on the ground.

These events have challenged the sense of security that helped attract some Israelis to the UAE after the two countries established formal relations. The Emirates had offered opportunities for work, education and social connections in a diverse international setting.

For families such as the Smulowicz family, the move had once represented a chance to build a life beyond the divisions and tensions they knew elsewhere. Their early experiences included friendships across national and religious lines and a feeling of being welcomed.

Now, the wider regional climate has made daily life more complicated for parts of the Jewish community. Some residents have chosen greater privacy, while others are weighing their future in the country.

The changes do not mean that every Israeli or Jewish resident has the same experience. Individual decisions depend on personal circumstances, family needs and how each person assesses the risks.

Still, the community’s reduced public visibility points to a shift in how some people approach life in the Emirates. Activities that once felt comfortable may now be handled more discreetly, particularly when they involve religious identity or public statements about regional events.

The UAE remains a place where international residents have built careers and families. But the conflicts surrounding Israel, Iran and Gaza have added new pressures for Israelis and Jews who had hoped to make the Gulf nation their long-term home.

For those who once viewed the Emirates as a refuge from familiar tensions, the central question has become whether that sense of safety can endure as regional conflict continues.

The International Energy Agency said the UAE produced 5.3 million barrels of oil a day in September, including condensates. That was an increase of 400,000 barrels a day from the previous month.

Crude oil production also rose to more than 4.4 million barrels a day, bringing output close to the country’s maximum capacity, according to the agency. Both figures marked new highs, exceeding earlier records for total oil production in August and crude production in June.

The increase comes at a critical time for global energy markets. The Iran war has put pressure on shipping routes and raised concerns about the movement of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for energy exports from the Gulf.

The UAE has worked to keep exports moving despite the risks. It has used a fleet of tankers to transport oil through the narrow waterway and transfer cargoes to other vessels. This approach has helped the country continue shipping supplies while regional security remains uncertain.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes. Any prolonged disruption could affect oil supplies, shipping costs and prices in global markets. Gulf producers depend on the passage to deliver large volumes of crude to customers around the world.

The UAE’s recent production gains have also been supported by a major change in its oil policy. The country left the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in May, ending its participation in the group’s production limits.

For years, output restrictions had frustrated the UAE as it sought to increase production capacity. Leaving the group gave the country greater freedom to set output levels according to its own plans and market conditions.

The record figures suggest that the UAE is using that freedom to increase supply. However, producing more oil does not automatically mean that every additional barrel can be exported. Shipping conditions, storage levels and demand all affect how much crude can reach buyers.

The UAE’s rise also contributed to a broader recovery in Gulf oil flows. The International Energy Agency said exports and flows from regional producers reached more than 75% of pre-war levels in September.

Saudi Arabia led part of that recovery, according to the agency. The improvement suggests that Gulf producers have found ways to restore some shipments despite the conflict and continued risks to maritime traffic.

Still, the recovery remains fragile. A fresh wave of Iranian attacks on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz has raised questions about whether current export levels can be maintained. Growing hostilities involving Houthi rebels in Yemen have added to the risks facing ships in the region.

The attacks could disrupt tanker movements and force energy companies to change routes or delay shipments. Even when production remains high, problems with transport can limit the amount of oil that reaches international markets.

The UAE has also drawn heavily on its stored oil supplies. The International Energy Agency said the country reduced its observable above-ground inventories at a record pace in September.

The drawdown exceeded 270,000 barrels a day and pushed those inventories to an all-time low, according to the agency. Such a sharp reduction shows how the UAE has used stored oil to support supply during a period of disruption.

However, falling inventories may limit the country’s ability to keep exports high if production or shipping faces further problems. The balance between new output, domestic needs, exports and available storage will remain important in the months ahead.

The UAE’s production record offers evidence of its growing role in the global oil market. Its departure from OPEC has removed one constraint on output, while its tanker operations have helped maintain exports during the conflict.

Yet uncertainty remains over the future of Gulf energy flows. Further attacks on shipping or a wider escalation could weaken the recovery. For now, the UAE is producing more oil than ever, but the ability to move that supply safely through regional waters remains a major concern for global energy markets.

The response follows orders from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE Aid Agency will lead the effort to help people affected by the storms.

The aid aims to ease the burden on families who have lost homes or suffered damage to their property. It will include essential supplies and urgent support for people facing the effects of the severe weather.

The UAE said the move reflects its long record of humanitarian work and support for countries hit by natural disasters. The response also shows its focus on helping communities in need, regardless of where disasters occur.

Officials are working to assess the damage and identify the most urgent needs. The goal is to ensure that help reaches the hardest-hit areas and families without delay.

UAE Steps Up Emergency Relief

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, said the country remains committed to swift action after natural disasters and extreme weather events.

He said relief efforts must match the scale of the damage and the real needs of affected people. This approach helps ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.

Al Ameri added that the response in Paraguay forms part of the UAE’s wider work to reduce the harm caused by natural disasters and severe weather.

The agency aims to provide support that helps families deal with the immediate effects of the storms. Damaged homes and buildings can leave people in need of basic supplies and safe places to stay.

The relief effort will focus on the needs identified through local checks and coordination with relevant groups.

Teams Coordinate With Local Officials

The UAE Aid Agency is working with the UAE Embassy in Paraguay, local authorities, and relevant international organisations.

These teams are reviewing the situation to identify priority needs. They are also working to ensure that aid reaches the areas most affected by the storms.

Coordination is a key part of the response. It can help relief teams avoid delays, direct supplies to the right places, and support families facing the greatest hardship.

Officials have not yet shared a full list of relief items or the total value of the aid package. Further details may follow as teams assess the damage and confirm what local communities need.

The agency said its response would aim to deliver assistance quickly and efficiently. The work will depend on the needs found on the ground and the level of damage caused by the storms.

Focus on Families Affected by Severe Weather

The thunderstorms damaged homes, buildings, and other property in several parts of Paraguay. Such damage can disrupt daily life and leave families facing sudden costs and urgent needs.

Humanitarian aid can help affected people obtain basic supplies while they begin to recover. It can also support local efforts to address the immediate effects of severe weather.

The UAE’s response places special focus on families whose homes and property were damaged. Officials said the aim is to help them cope with the impact of the storms.

Al Ameri also referred to the need to respond to extreme weather events, including those linked to the El Niño phenomenon. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that can affect weather across many parts of the world. Its effects vary by region and can include changes in rainfall and temperature.

The agency’s wider work seeks to reduce the harm caused by such events and provide support when communities face emergencies.

UAE Reaffirms Humanitarian Commitment

The aid announcement highlights the UAE’s effort to provide emergency support beyond its borders. The country has presented humanitarian relief as a key part of its work with nations affected by disasters.

In Paraguay, the immediate task is to identify the most urgent needs and deliver support to families affected by the storms.

Cooperation between the UAE, Paraguayan authorities, and international organisations will help guide the response. Officials aim to ensure that aid reaches vulnerable communities as quickly as possible.

The full scale of the damage and the total assistance required have not yet been announced. However, the UAE has confirmed that its emergency response is under way to help those affected by the severe thunderstorms.

The approvals were formally communicated to Congress last week and include missile systems, air defense support and precision-guided weapon technology.

According to U.S. officials, the proposed sales are intended to support regional security, strengthen defense capabilities and advance long-term strategic partnerships with the three countries.

The largest approved package involves the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE received approval to purchase up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II kits, commonly known as APKWS-II. The package is valued at approximately $1.04 billion.

APKWS-II technology converts unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons through laser guidance systems. The equipment can be used in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

Military analysts note that the air-to-air version has become increasingly important as a lower-cost method for countering drones and other aerial threats. The air-to-ground variant is designed to improve strike accuracy while reducing unintended damage.

The approval comes after the UAE faced extensive missile and drone threats during periods of heightened regional conflict.

Egypt received the second-largest approval in the latest group of defense deals.

The package allows Cairo to acquire more than 2,000 FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles and as many as 200 launch units. The estimated value of the sale is $832 million.

The agreement also includes training equipment, simulation rounds, spare parts and technical support services.

The Javelin system is one of the most widely recognized anti-tank weapons in modern military service. Its effectiveness in recent conflicts has increased global demand for the missile platform.

U.S. officials stated that the sale will improve Egypt’s defense capabilities while supporting broader security cooperation between Washington and Cairo.

Kuwait received approval for a package valued at approximately $400 million.

The agreement covers repair services, maintenance support and replacement parts for Patriot air defense systems already operated by the Kuwaiti military.

Patriot systems play a critical role in defending against ballistic missiles, aircraft and other aerial threats. Maintaining operational readiness has become a growing priority for Gulf states facing evolving regional security challenges.

As part of the support package, five U.S. contractor representatives are expected to travel to Kuwait for up to two years. Their role will focus on technical assistance, maintenance coordination and documentation support related to the Patriot systems.

U.S. officials emphasized that the deployment will be limited and does not represent a permanent military assignment.

For Egypt and the UAE, officials said the approved sales would not require additional permanent deployment of U.S. personnel.

The State Department said the three agreements support American foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the capabilities of regional partners.

Officials also stated that the approved sales are not expected to alter the overall military balance in the Middle East.

The deals were processed through the Foreign Military Sales program, which allows countries to purchase U.S. defense equipment using their own government funds.

The program remains one of Washington’s primary tools for supporting allied military modernization and strengthening defense relationships.

Egypt also continues to receive significant military assistance through separate programs funded by the United States. Those arrangements have been in place for decades and are tied to longstanding regional security agreements.

The latest approvals arrive during a period of heightened security concerns across the Gulf region.

Several countries have faced increased threats from missile and drone attacks in recent years, prompting governments to invest heavily in air defense systems, precision weapons and military modernization efforts.

Defense experts say demand for advanced missile defense technology and precision-guided weapons is likely to remain strong as countries seek to improve readiness against evolving threats.

The newly approved sales reflect that trend and highlight the continuing role of the United States as a major supplier of military equipment to Middle Eastern partners.

With congressional notification completed, the agreements move forward as part of broader efforts to enhance regional security cooperation and strengthen defense capabilities among key U.S. allies in the region.

The announcement was made by Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, during the opening of Ai Everything Abu Dhabi, a major technology event focused on the future of artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

Speaking during a discussion on the future of government and emerging technologies, Al Olama said the UAE is investing heavily in workforce development to ensure public sector employees can effectively use AI tools in their daily work.

According to the minister, the goal is not simply to teach basic AI concepts but to create advanced users who can build AI agents, work with large language models and apply artificial intelligence across government services.

He described the initiative as part of a broader national strategy designed to help citizens and institutions adapt to a rapidly changing technological environment.

“Our playbook is simple,” Al Olama said, explaining that individuals must understand, use and benefit from artificial intelligence if they want to succeed in the next phase of digital transformation.

The large-scale training program reflects the UAE’s growing focus on AI as a key driver of economic growth, public service improvement and global competitiveness.

The announcement came during the Ai Everything Abu Dhabi summit, a two-day event that brought together technology companies, investors, policymakers and researchers from around the world.

Organizers described the gathering as one of the largest AI-focused events globally. More than 400 exhibitors participated, alongside over 180 speakers and more than 200 investors overseeing approximately $100 billion in assets.

Visitors from more than 70 countries attended the event, highlighting the increasing international interest in AI development and deployment.

During the discussion, Al Olama shared his vision for the future of business in an AI-powered world.

He predicted that artificial intelligence could enable individuals to build highly successful companies with minimal staff. According to the minister, AI agents may allow single entrepreneurs to create businesses capable of reaching multimillion-dollar or even billion-dollar valuations.

For a nation with a relatively small population, he said, such technology can dramatically expand economic opportunities and increase productivity.

The minister argued that AI can help countries compete on a much larger scale by multiplying the capabilities of workers and organizations.

He also addressed the challenge of balancing innovation with regulation.

Many governments struggle because innovators and regulators often operate separately, he said. This can slow progress and create misunderstandings between those developing technology and those responsible for overseeing it.

Al Olama explained that the UAE has adopted a different approach by encouraging greater interaction between innovators and regulators. In some cases, innovators are involved in regulatory discussions, while regulators are encouraged to think more creatively about future technologies.

He suggested that this exchange of ideas has helped the UAE move more quickly in adopting emerging technologies.

When asked how success in artificial intelligence should be measured, the minister emphasized social impact rather than financial returns.

He said the country’s goal is to improve the lives of as many people as possible through the use of AI. According to Al Olama, the true measure of success is the positive effect technology has on society.

The minister also argued that the greatest value in artificial intelligence may come from implementation rather than invention alone.

He said the UAE aims to become one of the fastest countries in the world to deploy AI solutions that improve quality of life, government services and economic performance.

The summit also featured remarks from Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement.

He outlined Abu Dhabi’s goal of becoming the world’s first AI-native government by 2027, a target that reflects the emirate’s broader digital transformation strategy.

The UAE Government AI Training initiative is expected to play a central role in achieving that vision. By preparing tens of thousands of public employees to work with advanced AI systems, the country hopes to accelerate innovation, improve government performance and strengthen its position in the global technology landscape.

The agreement was signed on Monday between Syrian authorities and Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer Eagle Hills. The deal is viewed as an important milestone in Syria’s efforts to attract investment and support long-term economic recovery after years of conflict.

The framework agreement was announced during an investment event in Damascus attended by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Emirati businessman Mohamed Alabbar. The event highlighted growing interest from regional investors in participating in reconstruction and development projects across Syria.

Eagle Hills is led by Alabbar, one of the most prominent figures in the Middle East real estate sector. He is also known as the founder of Emaar Properties, a company behind several major developments in the region.

The latest agreement focuses on urban development and tourism initiatives in Syria’s capital, Damascus, and the coastal city of Latakia. Officials said two projects are expected to move directly into the implementation stage following the signing.

According to details released during the event, the developments include Tadamon Towers in Damascus and Eco Life in Latakia. Both projects are designed as large mixed-use communities that combine residential, tourism, commercial, and public facilities.

Developers say the projects aim to create modern urban environments that support housing needs while also attracting visitors and investment. Plans include homes, hospitality facilities, services, public spaces, and infrastructure designed to support long-term growth.

The agreement marks another step in a broader investment effort that could eventually involve up to $20 billion in development spending. While the full scale and timeline of future projects have not yet been finalized, the potential investment figure has drawn attention from regional business and economic observers.

If realized, the investment program would rank among the largest private-sector commitments made toward Syria’s postwar recovery. It would also represent one of the most significant overseas investment initiatives currently under discussion in the country.

Syria has been seeking new sources of capital to rebuild infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, and improve living conditions following years of conflict that affected many sectors of the economy.

Housing remains one of the country’s major challenges. Large areas require redevelopment, while growing demand for modern residential projects has increased interest in new construction initiatives.

Tourism is another sector viewed as having long-term potential. Before the conflict, Syria attracted visitors to its historical sites, cultural landmarks, and coastal destinations. Officials hope new tourism projects can help support economic growth and create jobs in the future.

The involvement of Eagle Hills has added visibility to the development effort. The company has experience in large-scale urban projects across several countries and has focused on mixed-use communities that combine residential and commercial elements.

Alabbar said the planned developments are intended to create integrated communities that serve both residents and visitors. The projects are expected to include housing units, tourism facilities, public areas, and supporting services.

Economic analysts note that large development projects can have broader effects beyond construction activity. Such investments often generate demand for local suppliers, contractors, transportation services, and other sectors connected to the economy.

The agreement also reflects strengthening economic ties between Syria and the United Arab Emirates. Business cooperation between the two countries has expanded in recent years as regional governments and investors explore new opportunities for trade and development.

Supporters of the initiative argue that private-sector investment will play a key role in rebuilding economic activity and encouraging future growth. Major projects can also help improve infrastructure and attract additional investors.

However, analysts note that large developments typically require long implementation periods and careful planning. Financing, construction schedules, infrastructure requirements, and market demand will all influence how quickly projects move forward.

For now, the signing of the framework agreement represents a major step toward implementation. With the Tadamon Towers and Eco Life projects expected to advance first, attention will focus on how construction progresses and whether additional developments follow.

The UAE Syria investment projects agreement signals growing confidence among regional investors and could become an important part of Syria’s broader economic recovery strategy in the years ahead.

Following the successful operation of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the country is expanding its ambitions and positioning itself as one of the world’s most active civil nuclear energy markets. Officials and industry leaders see nuclear power as a key part of meeting rising electricity demand while supporting economic growth and climate goals.

The foundation of the UAE nuclear expansion strategy remains the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The facility’s four APR-1400 reactors are now fully operational and produce about 40 terawatt-hours of electricity each year.

Barakah supplies roughly one-quarter of the country’s electricity needs and has become a major source of carbon-free power. The plant has also reduced reliance on imported liquefied natural gas and helped support national efforts to cut emissions.

The project is widely viewed as a milestone for the Gulf region. It demonstrated the ability of a Middle Eastern country to develop and operate a large-scale civil nuclear program under international oversight and regulatory standards.

Attention is now shifting toward future growth. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation has launched a regulatory framework covering the coming years, creating the foundation for possible capacity expansion.

Industry forecasts suggest that electricity demand in the UAE will continue rising significantly. Growth in artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, digital services, and large data centers is expected to increase the need for stable and reliable power supplies.

To meet that demand, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, known as ENEC, is evaluating options that could increase the country’s nuclear generating capacity. Future projects may include both large reactors and advanced nuclear technologies.

One major focus is the development of small modular reactors, often known as SMRs. These reactors are designed to be smaller, more flexible, and faster to deploy than traditional nuclear plants.

ENEC has been studying the potential use of the BWRX-300 reactor developed by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy. The technology could support growing energy needs in technology centers and industrial zones while providing reliable low-carbon electricity.

Officials are also exploring the use of SMRs for hydrogen production and other industrial applications. The goal is to create new energy systems that combine electricity generation with clean fuel production.

Another area of interest involves advanced modular reactors and micro-reactors. These systems are designed to operate in remote locations and provide energy where conventional infrastructure may be limited.

One proposed technology is the KRONOS micro-modular reactor. The reactor is designed to operate without traditional water-cooling systems and could be deployed at industrial facilities, mining sites, and remote energy projects.

The UAE is also studying how nuclear technology can support maritime decarbonization. As one of the world’s leading shipping and logistics hubs, the country is seeking ways to reduce emissions from ports and maritime operations.

Advanced reactors could provide electricity directly to major ports, allowing ships to connect to clean shore-side power while docked. This approach could reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions from port activities.

Nuclear-generated heat may also help produce alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels. These products are increasingly viewed as important tools for reducing emissions in global shipping.

Another defining feature of the UAE nuclear expansion strategy is its approach to the nuclear fuel cycle. Since launching its civil nuclear program, the UAE has maintained a policy of not enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel domestically.

Instead, the country relies on international fuel suppliers and follows a model based on transparency, international cooperation, and regulatory oversight. Supporters say this approach has strengthened confidence in the UAE’s nuclear program.

The strategy stands in contrast to recent developments elsewhere in the region. Saudi Arabia’s new civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States allows for future studies related to domestic enrichment, creating a different framework for nuclear development.

As regional energy demand continues to grow, the UAE is expanding partnerships with international nuclear companies and investors. ENEC has already increased its involvement in projects across several countries, reflecting its ambition to become a global participant in the nuclear sector.

The UAE nuclear expansion strategy highlights the country’s broader effort to combine energy security, economic development, and climate goals. With advanced reactors, industrial applications, and international partnerships under consideration, the UAE is positioning nuclear energy as a central part of its long-term growth and clean energy future.

The announcement followed the 14th India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments meeting held in Mumbai. The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, managing director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Speaking after the discussions, Goyal said the UAE has already invested approximately $25 billion in India, making it one of the country’s leading foreign investors. He added that both nations are working toward a long-term goal of increasing UAE investments in India to $100 billion.

The two sides are also aiming to significantly expand bilateral trade. According to Goyal, India and the UAE want to double trade volumes and reach $200 billion by 2032, reflecting the growing importance of the economic partnership.

Trade between the two countries has continued to grow rapidly in recent years. Bilateral trade reached more than $101 billion during the 2025-26 financial year, while non-oil trade accounted for more than $76 billion. Officials said these figures demonstrate the increasing diversification of economic ties beyond the energy sector.

Discussions during the investment task force meeting focused on maximizing opportunities under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both governments believe the agreement can help attract more investment, improve supply chains, and create new business opportunities across multiple sectors.

Energy cooperation remained a major topic. India is exploring ways to secure additional supplies of liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas from the UAE as it seeks to meet rising domestic energy demand.

Officials also reviewed plans involving strategic petroleum reserves. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company have signed an agreement allowing the UAE to store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil at facilities in India. Potential storage locations include Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Chandikhol in Odisha.

In addition, both countries are examining the possibility of storing a portion of India’s strategic oil reserves in Fujairah. The UAE port is located outside the Strait of Hormuz and is considered an important energy hub with strategic value for regional energy security.

Infrastructure development was another key area of discussion. Goyal said India will need to double its port capacity over the next decade to support economic growth and expanding trade volumes.

Among the projects highlighted was the Vadhavan deep-water port in Maharashtra, which is expected to become one of India’s most important maritime facilities. Officials identified the project as a potential area for increased UAE participation and investment.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation across several maritime sectors. Areas identified for collaboration include shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship recycling. To support these efforts, a dedicated working group will be established under India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Financial cooperation was also discussed during the meeting. Officials reviewed opportunities involving local currency settlements, payment system integration, and the future use of central bank digital currencies in cross-border transactions.

Both sides also explored ways to improve aviation connectivity and support logistics infrastructure. A logistics hub in Dholera, Gujarat, was identified as another potential area for investment and cooperation.

India is expected to further expand its investment outreach in the Gulf region through the opening of an Invest India office in the UAE before the end of 2026. The new office is expected to support business partnerships and facilitate investment opportunities between companies in both countries.

Several major business deals were highlighted during the discussions. These included Emirates NBD’s acquisition of a majority stake in RBL Bank, International Holding Company’s investment in Sammaan Capital, and a large-scale plan to develop an integrated aluminium complex in Odisha.

The growing financial relationship is also visible in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, where major UAE institutions, including Mashreq Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, have established operations.

As both countries pursue ambitious investment and trade goals, the latest discussions signal continued momentum in one of the region’s most significant economic partnerships. Officials on both sides believe stronger cooperation in energy, infrastructure, finance, and logistics will help drive future growth and deepen economic integration in the years ahead.

The agreement marks an important milestone for the British premium intelligent all-terrain vehicle brand as it prepares to enter its first international market. Company executives and representatives from both distributor groups formalised the partnership during a signing ceremony attended by senior leadership from the three organisations.

The UAE has been selected as FREELANDER’s first market outside its home operations and is expected to play a central role in the company’s broader Middle East expansion plans.

Under the agreement, Al Tayer Motors will represent the brand across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, while Premier Motors will oversee operations in Abu Dhabi. Both companies are part of the Al Tayer Group and have decades of experience in the automotive industry.

The partnership provides FREELANDER with access to an established sales, service and after-sales network across the UAE. Company officials believe the collaboration will help accelerate brand awareness and support long-term growth in the region.

Preparations are already underway for FREELANDER’s Global Brand Launch, which is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on September 29. The event is expected to introduce the brand to regional customers and industry stakeholders while outlining its future plans for international markets.

Executives described the UAE as a strategic gateway for expansion because of its strong automotive sector, premium customer base and position as a regional business hub.

Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Managing Director of Al Tayer Motors and Premier Motors, said the new partnership represents an important addition to the company’s portfolio.

He noted that the distributors have extensive knowledge of the local market and significant experience serving customers in the premium vehicle segment. According to Al Tayer, those strengths will support FREELANDER’s development in the UAE and help introduce new mobility options to consumers.

Al Tayer Motors and Premier Motors collectively operate a network of 32 sales and service facilities across the UAE. Their operations include vehicle logistics, maintenance services, parts supply, warranty management and customer support.

The companies have also established a reputation for delivering customer service through both physical retail locations and digital platforms.

As part of the launch strategy, three flagship showrooms have already been secured in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These locations will serve as key centres for product displays, customer engagement and brand development.

FREELANDER executives said the distribution appointments are a major step in the company’s Middle East strategy.

Lucia Mao, Chief Executive Officer of FREELANDER International, described the agreements as a significant achievement for the brand’s global ambitions. She said the partnership with two experienced automotive distributors will help strengthen FREELANDER’s international rollout plans.

The company is placing particular attention on the launch of the FREELANDER 8, which will become the brand’s first strategic global model.

According to the company, the vehicle has been developed around three key principles: British craftsmanship, smart confidence and all-terrain freedom.

The model is designed to combine premium styling, advanced technology and off-road capability. Company representatives say it is aimed at customers seeking a balance between luxury, innovation and adventure.

FREELANDER describes the vehicle as part of its broader “Legend Reborn” vision, which focuses on blending heritage-inspired design with modern intelligent mobility solutions.

The upcoming Abu Dhabi launch will provide the first major international showcase for the FREELANDER 8 and is expected to outline the company’s long-term plans beyond the UAE market.

Industry observers view the move as part of a wider trend of automotive manufacturers targeting the Gulf region as a platform for growth. The UAE remains one of the most competitive and influential vehicle markets in the Middle East, attracting both established brands and new entrants.

With distributor partnerships now in place and showroom preparations underway, FREELANDER is positioning itself for a high-profile debut. The FREELANDER UAE expansion is expected to begin a new chapter for the brand as it pursues broader international growth and strengthens its presence across the Middle East.

According to sources familiar with the matter, ADNOC acquired millions of barrels of discounted Iraqi crude during August and September, becoming the largest buyer of Iraqi oil exports during the period. The purchases helped Iraq increase shipments after exports were heavily affected during the early months of the regional conflict.

The move highlights ADNOC’s growing influence in global oil trading as well as the changing energy landscape across the Gulf. By taking advantage of discounted supplies and its expanding transportation network, the UAE energy giant has strengthened its position in regional crude markets.

Sources said ADNOC agreed to purchase 32 million barrels of Iraqi crude in August at discounts ranging from approximately $24.90 to $27 per barrel. Additional agreements were reached in September for another 40 million barrels.

The September allocation reportedly included 10 million barrels purchased at an $18-per-barrel discount and another 30 million barrels sold at discounts reaching $25 per barrel.

One Iraqi energy source said ADNOC became the largest lifter of Iraqi crude during both August and September. However, logistical constraints affected final export volumes.

According to a second Iraqi source, Iraq’s State Oil Marketing Organization allocated ADNOC 32 million barrels in August, but only 20 million barrels were ultimately lifted because export limitations reduced available supplies.

The source added that ADNOC has already lifted approximately 14 million barrels during September as exports continue to recover.

Another industry source said the company purchased around 20 million barrels through tenders covering September and October deliveries at discounts ranging between $25 and $27 per barrel.

ADNOC was not the only company attracted by the discounted pricing. Iraqi crude offered at reduced rates also drew interest from major international energy traders and oil companies seeking opportunities created by market disruptions.

The increased demand for Iraqi oil comes after several months of export challenges. Iraq’s position at the northern end of the Gulf and its limited tanker fleet complicated shipments during the height of the regional conflict.

The situation improved after Iran permitted several tankers carrying Iraqi crude to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic efforts by Baghdad.

Those developments helped Iraq gradually restore exports after significant declines earlier in the year.

According to shipping and market data, Iraqi oil exports have averaged about 2 million barrels per day this month. While that remains below August levels of approximately 2.35 million barrels per day, it represents a substantial recovery from July, when exports averaged about 1.37 million barrels per day.

At the same time, UAE crude exports have continued rising.

Export data indicate UAE shipments reached roughly 3.24 million barrels per day this month, compared with 2.89 million barrels per day in August and 2.87 million barrels per day in July.

The increase reflects ADNOC’s ability to maintain exports despite ongoing regional security concerns.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, ADNOC has relied on an expanding fleet of tankers and strategic infrastructure investments to ensure continued market access. A key advantage has been the UAE pipeline network connecting oil fields to the port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman.

That route allows oil shipments to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, reducing exposure to potential disruptions in one of the world’s most important maritime energy corridors.

Industry observers say the infrastructure has become increasingly valuable during periods of regional instability.

The purchases also come amid signs of improving diplomatic relations between Iran and the UAE.

During the recent BRICS summit in New Delhi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Iranian officials said both sides agreed to move beyond past tensions and strengthen cooperation.

Although regional security concerns remain, the meeting was viewed as a positive signal for Gulf stability and energy markets.

Sources said ADNOC intends to process much of the Iraqi crude at its Ruwais refinery, one of the largest refining complexes in the Middle East. By refining imported crude, the company can increase exports of its own production to international buyers.

The strategy allows ADNOC to maximize trading opportunities while strengthening the UAE’s position as a major energy hub.

As Gulf oil markets continue adapting to the effects of the Iran conflict, ADNOC’s growing role in Iraqi crude trading demonstrates how regional energy companies are reshaping supply networks and taking advantage of new market opportunities created by changing geopolitical conditions.