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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The latest news, analysis and opinion on United Arab Emirates (UAE). In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Head of State

President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Head of Government

Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Al Marjan Island in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Ras Al Khaimah turns to Hong Kong to promote landmark UAE resort

Delegation promotes resort development – the UAE’s first casino project – to be operated under the brand of Hong Kong-listed Wynn Resorts.

7 minutes ago

International Property

Ras Al Khaimah eyes Chinese, Hong Kong investors as UAE-China ties deepen

28 Jan 2026 - 6:06PM

SCMP Highlights

Okinawa loses longevity crown, Malaysian athlete threatened: 7 Asia highlights

27 Jan 2026 - 3:27PM

US-Iran tensions

US aircraft carrier arrives in the Middle East amid Iran tensions

US President Donald Trump has not ruled out a military intervention as the US ‘armada’ reaches the region.

27 Jan 2026 - 12:24PM

India

Why India’s focus on Middle East is on trade despite defence ties with UAE

A potential defence partnership agreement between India and the UAE has fuelled speculation of more rival blocs emerging in the region.

26 Jan 2026 - 8:28PMvideocam

Saudi Arabia

‘Anything can happen’: Saudi-UAE rift risks tearing Middle East apart

The Gulf neighbours have turned from friends to foes, fighting proxy wars across the region and forcing global powers to pick a side.

25 Jan 2026 - 4:00PM

Ukraine war

US-brokered Ukraine peace talks end with no deal, as Russian strikes continue

More talks are expected, however, with a US official saying ‘I don’t think we’re so far away’ from a Putin-Zelensky meeting.

25 Jan 2026 - 4:31AM

A Ukrainian serviceman stands next to a truck equipped with a machine gun during an air raid alert in Kyiv on Saturday. Photo: AFP

China's military weapons

Why Thailand, a US treaty ally, is stocking up on Chinese weapons

Bangkok’s recent purchases of Chinese military hardware include tanks, missiles and ships, while a submarine deal is back on track.

24 Jan 2026 - 6:00PM

Ukraine war

‘Cynical’: Russia hits Ukraine in huge strike as negotiators try to end war

Ukraine’s foreign minister says Putin’s missiles ‘hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table’.

24 Jan 2026 - 8:14PMvideocam

US-China relations

Who are the owners of the new TikTok US entity?

Private equity firms, tech giants and existing ByteDance backers make up the investor group behind the newly created US venture.

24 Jan 2026 - 7:09AMvideocam

A new investor-backed US entity will operate TikTok’s American business following years of political and legal uncertainty. Photo: Kyodo

Ukraine war

Russia and Ukraine sit for tense talks on thorny territorial issue

The Abu Dhabi negotiations are the first trilateral meetings involving Ukrainian and Russian envoys and US mediators since the war began.

24 Jan 2026 - 6:02AM

The emblem of the United Arab Emirates is seen on the fence of the Qasr al-Watan presidential palace in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong transport

Air travellers are being urged to ditch power banks. Here’s why

Hong Kong tour operator says it has asked its clients to bring charging cables instead.

23 Jan 2026 - 8:43PM

Ukraine war

Putin meets US envoys for midnight talks as Ukraine hinges on key issue

US, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators to meet in UAE for security talks as territory remains a sticking point.

23 Jan 2026 - 8:08PM

South Korea

Dubai chewy cookie: K-pop post sparks viral South Korean snack frenzy

South Korea’s highly interconnected culture has fuelled a series of viral food crazes, the latest being a chocolate-loaded cookie known locally as ‘dujjonku’.

23 Jan 2026 - 2:59PMvideocam

“Dubai-style” chewy chocolate cookies have taken off in Seoul, South Korea, drawing long lines. Photo: AFP

Ukraine war

Trump sends message to Putin ‘war has to end’ after ‘good’ meeting with Zelensky

Trump’s comments come after crucial Davos talks with Ukraine’s leader, as peace efforts intensify amid fresh strikes and high-stakes diplomacy.

22 Jan 2026 - 11:03PM

US President Donald Trump attends the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday. Photo: AP

Middle East

Yemen’s leaders meet in Saudi Arabia after defeat of UAE-backed group

Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of smuggling an opposing leader to Abu Dhabi through Somalia, after the Saudi-backed government charged him with treason.

18 Jan 2026 - 11:53PM

Israel-Gaza war

Israel objects to composition of Trump-led Gaza ‘board of peace’

PM Netanyahu says the unveiling of the board was not coordinated with Israel and contradicted his government’s policy.

18 Jan 2026 - 2:05AM

Brics

Testing the waters: is Brics evolving into a security alliance?

The first naval exercises under the ‘Brics plus’ banner saw Brazil, Egypt, China, Russia and South Africa take part. India did not.

17 Jan 2026 - 12:00PM

A Russian corvette ship is seen near Cape Town, South Africa, on January 9. The Will For Peace exercise brings together navies from Brics-plus countries. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong passport ranks 15th globally, rising 3 places in visa-free access index

Hongkongers improve in travel mobility, with visa-free access to 171 destinations, but still trail leader Singapore, as well as Japan and South Korea.

17 Jan 2026 - 1:31AM

Pakistan

Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia plan defence deal to counter chaos in Middle East

Iran’s neighbours are worried that the US’ increasingly erratic behaviour may pose a risk to regional power balance and trade, analysts say.

16 Jan 2026 - 5:54PMvideocam

China trade

Opinion | From tea to TikTok: the middleman’s return is reshaping China trade

The old Canton system is re-emerging in a new guise as the likes of TikTok and Starbucks look to middlemen to navigate a divided global economy.

16 Jan 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

Customers flock to the opening of the first McDonald’s restaurant in Xining, the capital of northwest China’s Qinghai province, on December 21, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Pakistan

Pakistan’s arms deals cleared for take-off as orders soar for JF-17 jets

The jets, co-produced with China, proved their worth during the India-Pakistan tensions, when they destroyed an S-400 air defence system.

16 Jan 2026 - 11:12AMvideocam

A visitor takes a look at a JF-17 jet fighter during an air show in Dubai in 2017. Photo: Reuters

Banking & finance

Growth in sovereign investors’ China exposure slows amid political tensions

Inflows fall 58 per cent as sovereign wealth funds grow cautious, yet outlook signals selective opportunities ahead, experts say.

14 Jan 2026 - 7:30PM

Middle East

Trump urges on protesters in Iran as crackdown death toll surges

As Tehran accuses the US of inciting violence, Trump warns of ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters.

14 Jan 2026 - 3:12PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hundreds flock to Fortnum & Mason’s Hong Kong branch closing sale

Hongkongers rush to British department store’s Tsim Sha Tsui outlet in search of bargains, discounted luxury goods ahead of January 26 closure.

10 Jan 2026 - 6:33PM

Hundreds of eager shoppers queue outside of Fortnum & Mason in Tsim Sha Tsui seeking bargains before the store closes on January 26.. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong economy

Fortnum & Mason’s Hong Kong branch to close on January 25, holds clearance sale

‘We would like to express our deepest thanks to you, our customers, for your custom over the years,’ Hong Kong branch says.

9 Jan 2026 - 5:53PM

The Hong Kong branch opened in 2019. Photo: Handout

US-China relations

Chip sales to China part of US plan to build its own digital silk road: official

Jacob Helberg tells Consumer Electronics Show audience that Gulf partnerships will help to stall Chinese AI advances.

9 Jan 2026 - 2:36PMvideocam

IPO

Chinese AI start-up MiniMax shines on Hong Kong IPO debut

The shares jump as much as 113.2 per cent to HK$351.80 before ending the day 109.1 per cent higher at HK$345.

9 Jan 2026 - 5:07PM

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Ras Al Khaimah turns to Hong Kong to promote landmark UAE resort

Delegation promotes resort development – the UAE’s first casino project – to be operated under the brand of Hong Kong-listed Wynn Resorts.

Ras Al Khaimah eyes Chinese, Hong Kong investors as UAE-China ties deepen

Okinawa loses longevity crown, Malaysian athlete threatened: 7 Asia highlights

US aircraft carrier arrives in the Middle East amid Iran tensions

US President Donald Trump has not ruled out a military intervention as the US ‘armada’ reaches the region.

Why India’s focus on Middle East is on trade despite defence ties with UAE

A potential defence partnership agreement between India and the UAE has fuelled speculation of more rival blocs emerging in the region.

‘Anything can happen’: Saudi-UAE rift risks tearing Middle East apart

The Gulf neighbours have turned from friends to foes, fighting proxy wars across the region and forcing global powers to pick a side.

US-brokered Ukraine peace talks end with no deal, as Russian strikes continue

More talks are expected, however, with a US official saying ‘I don’t think we’re so far away’ from a Putin-Zelensky meeting.

Why Thailand, a US treaty ally, is stocking up on Chinese weapons

Bangkok’s recent purchases of Chinese military hardware include tanks, missiles and ships, while a submarine deal is back on track.

‘Cynical’: Russia hits Ukraine in huge strike as negotiators try to end war

Ukraine’s foreign minister says Putin’s missiles ‘hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table’.

Who are the owners of the new TikTok US entity?

Private equity firms, tech giants and existing ByteDance backers make up the investor group behind the newly created US venture.

Russia and Ukraine sit for tense talks on thorny territorial issue

The Abu Dhabi negotiations are the first trilateral meetings involving Ukrainian and Russian envoys and US mediators since the war began.

Air travellers are being urged to ditch power banks. Here’s why

Hong Kong tour operator says it has asked its clients to bring charging cables instead.

Putin meets US envoys for midnight talks as Ukraine hinges on key issue

US, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators to meet in UAE for security talks as territory remains a sticking point.

Dubai chewy cookie: K-pop post sparks viral South Korean snack frenzy

South Korea’s highly interconnected culture has fuelled a series of viral food crazes, the latest being a chocolate-loaded cookie known locally as ‘dujjonku’.

Trump sends message to Putin ‘war has to end’ after ‘good’ meeting with Zelensky

Trump’s comments come after crucial Davos talks with Ukraine’s leader, as peace efforts intensify amid fresh strikes and high-stakes diplomacy.

Yemen’s leaders meet in Saudi Arabia after defeat of UAE-backed group

Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of smuggling an opposing leader to Abu Dhabi through Somalia, after the Saudi-backed government charged him with treason.

Israel objects to composition of Trump-led Gaza ‘board of peace’

PM Netanyahu says the unveiling of the board was not coordinated with Israel and contradicted his government’s policy.

Testing the waters: is Brics evolving into a security alliance?

The first naval exercises under the ‘Brics plus’ banner saw Brazil, Egypt, China, Russia and South Africa take part. India did not.

Hong Kong passport ranks 15th globally, rising 3 places in visa-free access index

Hongkongers improve in travel mobility, with visa-free access to 171 destinations, but still trail leader Singapore, as well as Japan and South Korea.

Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia plan defence deal to counter chaos in Middle East

Iran’s neighbours are worried that the US’ increasingly erratic behaviour may pose a risk to regional power balance and trade, analysts say.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | From tea to TikTok: the middleman’s return is reshaping China trade

The old Canton system is re-emerging in a new guise as the likes of TikTok and Starbucks look to middlemen to navigate a divided global economy.

Pakistan’s arms deals cleared for take-off as orders soar for JF-17 jets

The jets, co-produced with China, proved their worth during the India-Pakistan tensions, when they destroyed an S-400 air defence system.

Growth in sovereign investors’ China exposure slows amid political tensions

Inflows fall 58 per cent as sovereign wealth funds grow cautious, yet outlook signals selective opportunities ahead, experts say.

Trump urges on protesters in Iran as crackdown death toll surges

As Tehran accuses the US of inciting violence, Trump warns of ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters.

Hundreds flock to Fortnum & Mason’s Hong Kong branch closing sale

Hongkongers rush to British department store’s Tsim Sha Tsui outlet in search of bargains, discounted luxury goods ahead of January 26 closure.

Fortnum & Mason’s Hong Kong branch to close on January 25, holds clearance sale

‘We would like to express our deepest thanks to you, our customers, for your custom over the years,’ Hong Kong branch says.

Chip sales to China part of US plan to build its own digital silk road: official

Jacob Helberg tells Consumer Electronics Show audience that Gulf partnerships will help to stall Chinese AI advances.

Chinese AI start-up MiniMax shines on Hong Kong IPO debut

The shares jump as much as 113.2 per cent to HK$351.80 before ending the day 109.1 per cent higher at HK$345.

Opinion | From tea to TikTok: the middleman’s return is reshaping China trade