The National
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TechnologyDubai Airports CEO Predicts Passports Obsolete in Five Years Thanks to Biometrics
The chief executive of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, suggests that paper passports could become obsolete within five years due to advancements in biometric technology. He believes that digital identities, verified through biometrics, could replace the need for physical passports, streamlining travel processes.
TechnologyEtisalat UAE Launches Meta Smart Glasses to Expand Wearable Tech Offerings
Etisalat UAE is expanding its wearable technology offerings by launching Meta's AI-powered smart glasses, aiming to enhance user interaction with technology. The company is also investing in digital infrastructure and 6G advancements.
PoliticsPentagon Chief Pete Hegseth Denounces Impeachment Effort as 'Farce' Targeting Trump
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has called an impeachment effort against him a "farce" designed to harm President Donald Trump. He criticized the move by Representative Thomas Massie as a political stunt driven by ego and resentment.
PoliticsEuropean Leaders Optimistic Following Qatar PM's Diplomatic Update on US-Iran Relations and Trump Meeting
Qatar's Prime Minister met with European and Saudi counterparts in Paris, providing an update on US-Iran peace talks following his meeting with President Trump. The discussions aimed to de-escalate tensions and address the security and economic repercussions of the Iran crisis.
PoliticsTurkey Excludes Israel from COP31 Climate Summit Over Gaza Conflict
Turkey has excluded Israel from the COP31 climate summit, with the host nation citing the mass killings of Palestinians in Gaza as the reason for not sending an invitation. This decision highlights the deep political tensions impacting international climate negotiations.
SportsManchester United Eyes Pochettino and Howe as Carrick Era Nears End Amidst Club Turmoil
Manchester United is reportedly considering Mauricio Pochettino and Eddie Howe as potential replacements for Michael Carrick, whose managerial reign is nearing its end amidst the club's worst start to a season in 40 years. The club is facing significant pressure from supporters and exploring options among high-profile managers.
PoliticsNetanyahu's Rivals Secure Initial Deal as Israel's New Parliament Convenes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rivals have secured an initial deal on key appointments as the new parliament prepares to be sworn in. Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming a coalition, announced that opposition leaders have agreed on nominations for four major roles, though forming a full coalition remains a challenge.
MiscellaneousGCC Boosts Military Integration with New Advanced Command in Kuwait
GCC defence ministers have approved the establishment of an advanced military command in Kuwait to deepen military integration among member states. This decision comes amid heightened regional security concerns and aims to enhance collective defense capabilities.
CultureSheikh Mansour Honors Cultural Trailblazers at UAE Government Annual Meetings
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed honored recipients of the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026. The awards recognize pioneers in culture and the creative arts, highlighting their importance to the nation's development and global dialogue.
MiscellaneousAbu Dhabi Boosts Emirati Families: Sheikh Khaled Approves Next Phase of Growth Initiative
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed has approved the latest phase of Abu Dhabi's Emirati Family Growth Programme, which aims to strengthen families and invest in the nation's human capital. The Executive Council also reviewed progress in organ donation and water security initiatives.
SportsLalit Modi's Bold Proposal: Can the IPL Shift Seasons for a Brighter Future?
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has proposed shifting the tournament away from the summer months to improve playing conditions and commercial viability, a suggestion supported by Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Juhi Chawla. While the idea faces scheduling and logistical challenges, particularly with a January or October-April window, it prompts a crucial discussion about the IPL's future.
HealthNew Covid Variant PJ.2.1 Spreads Globally, Underscoring Persistent Viral Threat
A new Covid-19 variant, PJ.2.1, is spreading globally, highlighting the virus's ongoing threat. While not causing more severe illness, it is becoming more prevalent and poses risks to vulnerable individuals.
MiscellaneousUAE's Resilience and Unity Highlighted by President Sheikh Mohamed Amidst Global Challenges
President Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to unity and resilience, highlighting the nation's preparedness and determination in overcoming challenges. The 'Emerging Stronger' session at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026 focused on national cohesion and proactive planning for the future.
PoliticsIraq Reopens Key Al Sheeb Border Crossing with Iran, Temporarily Closes Mandali Amid US Pressure
Iraq is reopening the Al Sheeb border crossing with Iran while temporarily closing the Mandali crossing for technical upgrades. The move comes amid US pressure on Baghdad to curb Iranian influence and follows a previous closure of Al Sheeb due to security concerns.
MiscellaneousUkraine Peace Talks Launch in UAE Amid Skepticism Over Security Guarantees
High-level talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine have begun in Abu Dhabi, focusing on security guarantees and de-escalation, though a breakthrough remains uncertain due to ongoing territorial disputes and differing demands.
MiscellaneousNakheel Launches 'Palm Springs' Mega-Development in Dubai, Housing 50,000 Residents
Nakheel has unveiled 'Palm Springs,' a new residential master development in Dubai designed for 50,000 residents, featuring a mix of housing, essential facilities, and extensive green spaces. The project highlights Nakheel's commitment to southern Dubai's growth despite market uncertainties.
MiscellaneousHigh-Stakes Security Talks Between Russia, Ukraine, and US Commence in Abu Dhabi
High-level security talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US have begun in Abu Dhabi, focusing on security guarantees and de-escalation. Despite US optimism, significant hurdles remain due to ongoing attacks and territorial disputes.
SportsKhamzat Chimaev: UAE Citizen, UFC Star, and Ready for His Next Fight in Abu Dhabi
Khamzat Chimaev, now a UAE citizen, discusses his future in the UFC and his participation in RAF Abu Dhabi. He expresses his readiness to fight and his commitment to reclaiming his middleweight title.
EconomyGlobal Markets Find Relief as Trump Hints at De-escalation in Iran Conflict
Global financial markets are experiencing volatility, but pressure has eased following Donald Trump's comments suggesting a potential end to the Iran conflict. Meanwhile, global leaders gather in Turkey for Cop31, focusing on solutions.
MiscellaneousUS Military Relocates Aircraft from Second UK Airbase Amid Iran Threat Concerns
The US military has moved aircraft from a second UK airbase, RAF Mildenhall, due to an Iran-related threat, raising the security status to the second-highest level. This follows a similar incident at RAF Fairford involving suspected Iranian intelligence links.
MiscellaneousDubai Ruler Directs Urgent Winter Aid: 50,000 Gaza Residents to Receive Protective Tents
Dubai's Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, has ordered the urgent dispatch of tents to Gaza, aiming to provide shelter for 50,000 people against the winter weather. This initiative, coordinated by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, is part of the UAE's broader humanitarian efforts in the region.
SportsEtihad Airways Drapes Boeing 787 in McLaren's Fiery Orange Ahead of 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Etihad Airways has revealed a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with McLaren Racing livery ahead of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the first time a Formula One team's branding appears on a wide-body aircraft. The unveiling ceremony also set a Guinness World Record.
TechnologyAI's Struggle to Capture the Rich Tapestry of Gulf Music Highlights a Digital Divide
Artificial intelligence struggles to recognize diverse musical traditions like those from the Gulf due to a lack of data and training bias towards Western music, highlighting a digital divide in music discovery.
MiscellaneousUFC CEO Dana White Declines Political Role, Trump Clarifies 'Kidding' About Press Secretary Offer
UFC CEO Dana White has publicly stated he has no interest in becoming President Donald Trump's press secretary, clarifying that Trump's offer was made in jest. The exchange occurred during a press conference at the White House.