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United Arab Emirates

Today

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial shipping lane for the global economy.

What happens to global oil if Iran tries to close Strait of Hormuz?

Iran would have no legal authority to order a halt to traffic through the key shipping waterway, but has said it will reserve all options to defend itself.

Once consisting of a runway made from compacted sand, Dubai International is now the world’s busiest international airport.

Flights cancelled, rerouted as Middle East conflict escalates

Updated travel advice warns of the possible closure of airspace around transit hubs in the Middle East, affecting flights globally.

Yesterday

This past week, American minesweepers and other Navy vessels began dispersing to avoid attack.

US military in Middle East braces for Iran’s revenge

The strikes on the Iranian nuclear sites have ushered in a period of high alert as the Pentagon prepares for almost-certain retaliation against American forces in the region.

This Month

Unlike the capital-constrained Santos, the bidding consortium possess deep pockets to develop gas reserves, which Santos struggled with.

Is Australia selling off its energy security to the UAE?

While the government should typically avoid interfering in commercial decisions, safeguarding Australia’s future gas supplies is paramount.

President Donald Trump spruiks his gold visa card to reporters in April.

Waitlist grows for Trump’s $7.7m golden visa

Nearly 70,000 people have registered for the scheme granting foreigners legal residency in the US if they pay a hefty sum, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said.

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Additional capabilities have been deployed to US Central Command, which oversees the US military presence in the Middle East.

The vast arsenal Trump could deploy if he strikes Iran

The military assets are huge, but it’s unclear whether the president will deepen US involvement beyond helping Israel defend against Iranian air attacks.

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, head of Adnoc, was the president of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.

Market debates whether Abu Dhabi will help or hinder Santos’ ambitions

While some brokers said a well-funded backer would accelerate projects in Narrabri and Beetaloo, others are concerned they will suffer as focus drifts elsewhere.

Demonstrators wave Iranian and Hezbollah flags as one holds up a poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran’s regime is fighting for survival

Forty years after its war with Iraq, the Islamic republic faces a new existential test.

May

Nvidia boss Jensen Huang: “Global demand for Nvidia’s AI infrastructure is incredibly strong.”

Nvidia’s Huang lashes Trump’s China AI ban but spells out chip boom

The technology giant buoyed investors with a bullish outlook for the growth in artificial intelligence, but warned it was ceding markets where it cannot sell.

Nvidia co-founder and chief executive Jensen Huang has held markets in his thrall in previous earnings calls..

Middle East’s Nvidia demand could add $1trn to AI market boom

Sovereign AI deals have become key to Nvidia’s strategy to entice customers beyond Silicon Valley and reduce its reliance on big tech companies, and China. 

Why is Trump so obsessed with other men’s looks?

The US president has never made a secret of his preoccupation with looks. But what has increased is the amount of time he devotes to the appearance of men.

Jensen Huang’s tour of the Gulf last week alongside US President Donald Trump showed a strategy Nvidia wants to replicate around the world.

Nvidia seeks to build its business beyond big tech

The chipmaker is establishing ties with nation states and ‘neoclouds’ in an effort to reduce reliance on Microsoft, Amazon and Google.

President Donald J. Trump arrives for an official arrival ceremony at Qasr al Watan (Palace of the Nation) May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Trump is on the third day of his visit to the Gulf to underscore the strategic partnership between the United States and regional allies including the UAE, focusing on security and economic collaboration.

AI on the agenda as Trump visits United Arab Emirates

The two countries have finalised a technology framework agreement that was expected to be signed during the US president’s official visit to the Middle Eastern nation.

President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Trump touts $1.5trn in Saudi investment, lifts Syria sanctions

The US president and Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, announced major deals in Riyadh, but the figures don’t quite add up.

President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Trump goes for gold in the Middle East

The US president’s visit to the region is focused on the money that’s on offer. Israel and Gaza are not part of the equation for instant returns.

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Donald Trump developed a close relationship with Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman in his first term.

Trump seeks bromance and billions as he heads to Gulf

The US president expects a flurry of deals on his first official foreign trip, but he’ll still have to discuss the war in Gaza roiling the region.

Disney is set to open in the Middle East.

Disney to open new Middle East theme park in Abu Dhabi

Disney will open its first Middle East theme park on an island outside Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Arada Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi.

Arada will use builder Roberts Co to expand into Australian housing

The Dubai-headquartered developer will use its new Australian arm to help realise a planned pipeline of 5000 homes.

April

The Dubai chocolate craze has caused a shortage of pistachios.

Dubai chocolate sparks pistachio shortage as TikTokers go nuts

A TikTok craze has helped drive pistachio kernel prices from $US7.65 a pound a year ago to around $US10.30 a pound now as importers scramble for supplies.

Dean McKillip and Lizzy Rawdah.

Would you pay $900,000 to live in Valencia? This couple did

While Spain and Portugal are cancelling or tightening their golden visa schemes, expats and retirees are finding other ways to live out their lifestyle fantasies.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/united-arab-emirates-gd2