AGP Executive Report

UAE-Israel Tensions: The UAE Foreign Ministry says it won’t comment on media speculation about whether President Mohamed bin Zayed warned Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu before Oct 7, while reiterating open communication and intelligence sharing when needed. Politics & Accountability: Netanyahu’s office denies any UAE warning, as Israeli opposition leaders face renewed pressure over the Haaretz report. Humanitarian Response: Dubai Humanitarian says its fourth Nepal relief flight has arrived, bringing total UAE air aid to about 186 tonnes, including tents, medical and winter supplies. Business & Trade: Dubai’s Hatta crossing trade value jumped 175% in H1 2026 to about $10.1bn, with loaded trucks up sharply as routes shift. Energy & Aviation: Etihad launches year-round flights from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast from Oct 4. Space & Industry: IHC moves to buy an 80% stake in Abu Dhabi space firm Marlan, expanding into satellite and deep-tech. Culture & Lifestyle: Miral and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi confirm three new Harry Potter lands, targeting 2029 completion.

UAE Air Travel Disruptions: Delays and cancellations hit Abu Dhabi and Dubai as regional tensions persist, with Air Arabia cancelling Kuwait and Bahrain services and Air France extending its Dubai suspension through Sept 10; travel to Indonesia remains disrupted by volcanic ash. ADGM Growth: Abu Dhabi’s ADGM reported AUM up 54% in H1, workforce nearing 50,000, and active licences close to 14,000 as fund and asset managers expand. Gulf Security at Hili Forum: UAE officials warned that closing the Strait of Hormuz would ripple into energy, commerce and supply chains, urging collective Gulf action. Oil and Shipping Pressure: Brent rose to $97.34 as Hormuz risks keep a risk premium; shipping through the strait slowed sharply. Dubai Tech Push: Dubai Chambers’ agentic AI training targets 14,000 private firms, aiming to move from AI experiments to practical business use. Sports in Dubai: PFL heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov will defend his title at PFL Dubai on Nov 14 against Sergei Bilostenniy. Culture and Tourism: Abu Dhabi launched Emirati Dhiyafa hospitality standards to embed local traditions across hotels and visitor journeys.

AIM Investment Summit 2026: UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi opened the 15th AIM Investment Summit at Dubai World Trade Centre, saying the country’s open, agile economy and business-friendly rules help turn global shifts into new growth. The summit brings 25,000 participants from 191 countries and 540 speakers across 103 sessions. Trade & stability: Al Zeyoudi also stressed that trade and investment are key tools for stability, as UAE non-oil foreign trade topped Dh1.9 trillion in H1 2026. Dubai leadership milestone: Dubai marked 20 years under Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s Executive Council chairmanship, highlighting major gains in safety, services and global competitiveness. Abu Dhabi digital credentials: Abu Dhabi launched a Digital Skills Card letting employers verify professional qualifications instantly via QR scanning and blockchain-linked certification. Education tech drive: Over 1,500 restored laptops and tablets were donated to underprivileged pupils for the new school year. Marine protection push: Dubai Police showcased drones and satellite-connected tools to detect and respond faster to marine oil spills. Regional diplomacy: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed spoke by phone with Lebanon’s Joseph Aoun on bilateral ties and regional developments.

Immigration & Airports: Dubai rolled out “Click and Travel,” a biometric immigration system using facial recognition and e-passport reading to speed entry and exit checks to about 12–15 seconds, after processing 31,373 passengers in a May–August pilot. Aviation Skills: Etihad Airways and Khalifa University completed an eight-week internship programme for 10 Emirati students, with projects spanning fleet health, crew planning and guest experience. UAE Economy & Jobs: The UAE launched a jobseeker visit visa (60/90/120 days) letting foreigners enter to search for work via seven official government job portals. Gulf Security: UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said energy exports and trade won’t be “held hostage” over Strait of Hormuz tensions, as Iran plans a maritime “prohibited zone” and new shipping corridors. Business & Tech: Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is offering free Canva Business access with AI tools for eligible SMEs via its “Business in Dubai” platform. Entertainment: Miral and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi confirmed three new Harry Potter lands—Diagon Alley, Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest—targeted for completion in 2029. Humanitarian Response: UAE relief operations in Nepal are ramping up to support flood-affected communities and locate missing people.

Humanitarian Aid: Five UAE convoys carrying 533 tonnes of supplies entered Gaza this week under “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3,” with food and shelter materials prepared through the UAE Humanitarian Aid Logistics Centre in Al Arish. Community Support in Dubai: Furjan Dubai’s “Al Fareej Fridge” campaign wrapped its third cycle, distributing 2 million bottles of cold drinks and ice creams to outdoor workers across 54 Dubai areas. Abu Dhabi Events Boom: ADNEC Group (Modon) says it will host 297 events in H2 2026 across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, spanning AI, defence, healthcare, education and more. Trade Links: The UAE says non-oil trade with Senegal hit about $1.3bn in 2025, while UAE-Gabon ties also rose, with talks in Dakar and Libreville focused on mining, renewables, logistics and investment. Regional Diplomacy: Eight Arab and Muslim countries, including the UAE, condemned Israeli ministers’ Gaza displacement remarks, stressing Palestinians cannot be removed and backing a two-state solution. Sports & Culture: Abu Dhabi topped the AJP Asia Jiu-Jitsu Championship standings as the event concluded, while Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi confirmed its Harry Potter expansion will add three themed lands.

UAE Humanitarian Response: The UAE Search and Rescue team has started field operations in Nepal’s Rasuwa area, working with local authorities and using drones plus 3D mapping to speed up searches after deadly floods and landslides. Mobility & Payments: Salik renews its technology partnership with TransCore for another five years, keeping costs steady while expanding upgrades and exploring AI for smoother toll and mobility services. Energy Cooperation: Three UAE-backed solar plants (about 20MW) have been inaugurated in Comoros, with battery storage added to cut diesel dependence and support cleaner power for thousands of households. UAE-Crypto VAT Rule: The Federal Tax Authority sets new VAT requirements for crypto payments, forcing firms to convert digital currency to dirhams using approved exchanges and strict record-keeping. Travel Disruption: Emirates says Dubai–Jakarta flights on Sept 5-6 were delayed or cancelled after volcanic ash temporarily shut Jakarta’s main airport. Dubai Courts: A driver was fined Dh5,000 for hitting a pedestrian at a crossing and fleeing, while the vehicle owner was fined Dh1,000 for letting an unlicensed driver use the car. Sports (Dubai): India crushed Pakistan by seven wickets in the Women’s Asia Cup, chasing 56 after Pakistan were bowled out for a record-low 55. Abu Dhabi Culture: Dubai Culture rolls out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme at Al Shindagha and Etihad museums to help visitors with non-visible disabilities get discreet support.

UAE Banking Compliance: UAE banks are urging customers to update their personal banking data promptly via mobile apps, warning that failure could lead to service suspension; residents need a valid Emirates ID and passport copy, and US-linked customers must submit Form W9. UAE Politics & Diplomacy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met Bahrain’s King Hamad to review bilateral ties and regional issues, while UAE foreign ministry officials also held a phone call on de-escalation and security. Pardon Update: The UAE President pardoned Egyptian opposition poet Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, sentenced to 10 years in a cybercrime case. National Day Participation: Organisers of Eid Al Etihad workshops are inviting residents across all emirates to share stories and help shape the 55th National Day celebrations. Sports (Dubai): India crushed Pakistan 7 wickets in the Women’s Asia Cup after Pakistan were bowled out for 55; Shafali Verma also became the fastest and youngest to reach 3,000 Women’s T20I runs. Public Safety (Dubai): Dubai Police reunited a six-year-old girl with her family within 30 minutes after she went missing. Heritage & Events (Abu Dhabi): ADIHEX continues under a heritage-focused theme, with officials highlighting falconry, equestrianism and sustainable hunting. Regional Tensions: US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers after IRGC ballistic missile attacks on US Navy ships, escalating risks to energy routes.

UAE Flood Response: A UAE search-and-rescue task force has joined Nepali authorities after flash floods and mudslides, with the death toll now above 1,300 and thousands still missing. Gulf Security Tensions: Explosions were reported near Iran’s Kharg Island, while Iran claims missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait and the UAE, as Kuwait says it intercepted the attacks. UAE Foreign Policy: The UAE denies any role in Sudan’s war, calling for an extended arms embargo, a ceasefire, and an end to foreign military support. Presidential Pardon: President Mohamed bin Zayed pardoned Egyptian dissident-poet Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, sentenced to 10 years in prison for cybercrime. Abu Dhabi Finance & Housing: S&P reaffirmed AA/A-1+ ratings for Abu Dhabi and the UAE with a stable outlook; Aldar also completed Abu Dhabi’s first off-plan mortgage under the new ADREC framework. Dubai Business & Tech: DIFC Innovation Hub expands its Global South network via a new partnership, while UAE schools roll out a four-stage grade review system. Sports: India and Pakistan meet in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai.

UAE–Iran Tensions: Dubai was again in the firing line during recent Iranian attacks, with the UAE condemning strikes as violations of sovereignty and a threat to residents’ safety. Diplomacy Call: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told UAE President Sheikh Mohamed that Türkiye is working to end US-Iran tensions through diplomacy. Humanitarian Aid to Nepal: A third UAE relief plane reached Kathmandu with a search-and-rescue team and 20 tonnes of aid, as part of a $10m UAE response to Nepal floods and landslides. Anti-Fraud Enforcement: UAE suppliers must pull counterfeit or adulterated goods from markets and warehouses within 24 hours after notification under new anti-commercial fraud executive rules. Work Permits: The UAE outlined three situations that can trigger a one-year ban on new work permits for private-sector workers. Abu Dhabi Real Estate: Aldar completed Abu Dhabi’s first off-plan mortgage under the new ADREC framework, allowing the financing bank to be named before handover. Sports: UAE kept Women’s Asia Cup semi-final hopes alive with a six-wicket win over Indonesia; they now face Bangladesh. Business & Tech: Space42 launched its Future Spacers Program to build UAE STEM/AI talent, while Google AI Plus is free for UAE university students for one year.

UAE Disaster Response: The UAE has sent a rescue team to help with Nepal flood relief, adding disaster-response and medical evacuation experts after earlier aid shipments and a $10m allocation as the death toll in northern Nepal tops 1,200. Regional Security & Travel: Renewed US-Iran tensions are again disrupting flights, with Dubai seeing about 100 fewer daily flights this week and multiple airlines adjusting schedules; Cathay Pacific has extended suspensions to Dubai and Riyadh until at least late November. Abu Dhabi Diplomacy & Peacekeeping: A UN peacekeeping chiefs workshop wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, focusing on boosting police readiness and coordination for security and humanitarian challenges. Dubai Real Estate Watch: Dubai Land Department data shows August property deals down 37% and values down 44% year-on-year, with buyers shifting toward earlier, more selective off-plan purchases. Culture & Tourism: Abu Dhabi’s “Doorway to Abu Dhabi” festival in Moscow drew 580,000+ visitors, showcasing Emirati crafts, gahwa and performances. Sports & Community: Women’s Asia Cup action in Dubai continues as India’s Smriti Mandhana powers into the semis, while UAE badminton highlights rising junior stars Malhan and Prakriti Bharath. Weather: NCM reports cooler early-morning readings, with the lowest at 23.1°C in Fujairah’s Al Heben Mountain.

UAE–US Tensions: The UAE President spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump as the region stays on edge after renewed US-Iran exchanges, with a US defense official denying Iran’s claim that US bases in Kuwait and the UAE were hit. Regional Travel Disruptions: Airlines again adjusted schedules, with delays and cancellations affecting flights to India and Gulf routes, as security concerns keep air corridors under pressure. UAE Condemns Iran Attack on Kuwait: The UAE strongly condemned the missile and drone assault on Kuwait, calling it a direct threat to sovereignty and stability. Women’s Asia Cup (Dubai): UAE captain Esha Oza backed her young side to bounce back after a tough opening loss to Sri Lanka, with India’s Smriti Mandhana smashing a record 124 to power India to a 137-run win over Hong Kong. Consumer Protection: The UAE moved to tighten enforcement under the Anti-Commercial Fraud rules, requiring counterfeit or adulterated goods to be withdrawn from markets and warehouses within 24 hours of notification. Dubai Tech & Finance: VARA and Securitize signed an MoU to push tokenization, while Dubai courts rejected a bid to overturn a ruling ordering payment of about €35m. Humanitarian Aid: UAE relief missions continued to Nepal after deadly floods and landslides, with aid aircraft carrying food, supplies and generators.

UAE-US Diplomacy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump, discussing cooperation and Middle East developments. Regional Security: Iran’s Army says it carried out retaliatory missile and drone strikes on US facilities in Kuwait and the UAE, targeting communications, radar and hangars—while the UAE continues to face travel and flight disruption warnings as tensions rise. Energy & Trade: UAE crude exports in August returned to near pre-war levels, and the non-oil private sector hit its fastest improvement in business conditions since Dec 2024, with the PMI rising to 55.3. Economy & Jobs: MoHRE launched a digital work permit service to streamline overseas hiring for employers, aimed at faster processing for foreign recruitment. Finance & Business: Paris asset manager Carmignac opened a new DIFC office and senior hire, signaling continued investor interest in Dubai’s financial hub. Sports & Culture: Abu Dhabi announced its first international professional sumo competition at Space42 Arena, and the UAE Olympic Committee reviewed preparations for the Asian Games in Japan. Health & Inclusion: PureHealth hired 100 People of Determination into roles across its Care & Cover network.

UAE Foreign Policy: The UAE condemned “hostile Iranian attacks” targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq’s Kurdistan region and the Saudi carrier “Sidr” in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a grave threat to navigation and a violation of UN rules on freedom of shipping. Government & AI: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the UAE will not wait for “perfect conditions” as the Cabinet backs a major Agentic AI push for government services and approves an AI curriculum for all UAE schools. Abu Dhabi Culture: DCT Abu Dhabi launched the Ajyal Poetry Lab for UAE nationals aged 14–18 to nurture Nabati poetry talent, ending with a performance at Al Ain Book Festival’s “Poetry Nights.” Air Travel: Abu Dhabi airports reported flight disruptions as regional tensions rose, with multiple Etihad and Air Arabia delays. Economy & Trade: BlackRock says GCC investment could reach $2.1tn by 2030, shifting toward resilient trade routes, digital infrastructure and critical services. Business & Tech: Swiss ADAPT opened its fourth global office in Abu Dhabi. Dubai Lifestyle/Health: Dubai gold prices fell again, while a Dubai wellness trend story highlighted NAD IV therapy’s growing popularity. Humanitarian: The Ahmed bin Zayed Foundation pledged Dh3m to support Gaza amputees via the UAE’s Step of Hope programme.

ESG Update (Abu Dhabi): Mubadala Energy says its 2025 Sustainability Report shows a 30.9% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions across operated assets, with emissions intensity down 12.4% and flared gas intensity down 33.9%, alongside “zero spills” and “zero fatalities” and AED 2.3m+ in community programmes. Climate Warning: UNEP’s Overshoot report urges an “overshoot, peak and decline” path as warming nears 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, warning biodiversity loss is accelerating. Regional Security (UAE): Iran’s army claims drone attacks on US bases including Al Dhafra and Al Minhad in the UAE, as tensions keep disrupting travel and operations. Business Calendar (Dubai): DWTC/DEC set a busy September with 14 major events, including Middle East Energy and the International Property Show. Energy Infrastructure (Dubai): DEWA developed a standardised, digitally optimised design for 132kV substations to speed delivery and cut costs. Travel & Tourism (Abu Dhabi/Dubai): DCT Abu Dhabi backs demand with a visa subsidy for eligible Indian visitors, while Wingie highlights autumn travel trends across the region. Real Estate (Abu Dhabi): ADREC’s Rental Index lets renters check official estimated rent ranges by community. Aviation Relief (UAE): National Airlines deployed a Boeing 747 freighter from Dubai to Kathmandu with emergency supplies for Nepal flood response. Tech/Robotics (Dubai): MBRAH says its Suppliers Complex is on track for end-2028 completion, and Infinity Gaming signs a deal for up to 10,000 humanoid robots a year.

UAE-Iraq Ties: President Mohamed bin Zayed met Kurdistan Region PM Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi, with both sides condemning recent attacks and stressing security, stability and deeper cooperation. Middle East Security: As US-Iran tensions flare, Iran-linked reports claim drone and missile activity in response to US strikes, while the UAE says it intercepted an Iranian drone over its territorial waters and warns of “dangerous escalation.” Energy Push: Abu Dhabi says it will invest over Dh300 billion in energy and water infrastructure over the next decade to meet AI-driven demand, while the UAE also targets 35% clean energy by 2030-2031. Tech & Connectivity: Starlink subscriptions in the UAE are on hold for many residents due to capacity limits, even after a 10-year licence; meanwhile, Binance starts offering US stock options to eligible UAE traders via Abu Dhabi Global Market. Humanitarian Aid: The UAE sent another 45 tonnes of supplies and power generators to flood-hit Nepal as the death toll passes 1,000. Local Life & Safety: Abu Dhabi Police remind drivers of strict school-bus rules as the school year resumes. Culture & Events: BREDx returns to Abu Dhabi on Nov 13-14 with Bryson Tiller and Central Cee.

UAE Hospitality Push: The Emirates Environmental Group launched the Emirates Hospitality Sustainability Alliance at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, aiming to move sustainability from isolated efforts to measurable, industry-wide action on energy, water, waste and food waste. Middle East Tensions: Iran’s president said Tehran will “immediately reciprocate” if the US returns to an interim deal, as fresh US-Iran strikes raise fears of renewed conflict and keep the Strait of Hormuz in focus. Shipping Watch: Strait of Hormuz traffic stayed extremely low, with only five commodity vessels transiting, underscoring potential risks to global oil supply. Travel & Business: dnata Travel opened its 15th UAE retail store at One Central, Dubai, adding in-person planning for flights, hotels and tailor-made itineraries. Dubai Real Estate: Infinity Developments says it’s strengthening its Dubai footprint with a Business Bay office push, citing the city’s undervalued commercial market. Tech & Education: Minerva Virtual Academy will host a Dubai parent event on the future of education, while GEMS expands AI use with guardrails. Cyber & Safety: Circularo returns as a gold sponsor for the School of Cyber Defence 2026 in Dubai. Property & Lifestyle: Flow, backed by WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann, begins UAE operations planning first communities in 2027, and Careem launches 20% food cashback in Abu Dhabi/Al Ain even via other delivery apps.