AGP Executive Report

UAE–Israel diplomacy: Reuters reports Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced Abu Dhabi trip on Sunday to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, with Iran reportedly a key focus; the visit comes amid renewed debate over a claimed pre–Oct 7, 2023 Hamas warning, which Netanyahu denies. Legal cooperation: UAE’s Justice Ministry officials signed an MoU on legal cooperation with Qatar on the sidelines of the 15th UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Congress in Abu Dhabi. Finance & investment: FAB and Temasek-owned Seviora signed an MoU to expand access to investment opportunities and co-investment options. Energy & infrastructure: DEWA completed $2.70bn refinancing of Noor Energy 1; Kalpataru Projects also won a major UAE gas pipeline EPC order worth over ₹4,000 crore. Business & tech: Abu Dhabi Chamber partnered with Siemens to boost industrial digital transformation and explore digital product passport pilots. Environment & research: Emirates Biotech and UAEU launched a pilot plant to valorise organic waste into biogas and compost. Dubai living costs: Dubai landlords are shifting toward short-term rentals this winter as tourism demand rises. Travel & weather: Flights faced delays/cancellations across UAE airports, while fog and heat warnings continue. Culture & events: Abu Dhabi Festival returns Oct 10–Dec 19, and CABSAT & SATExpo head to Expo City Dubai Oct 5–7.

UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi: The 15th UN Conference on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice opened in the UAE, with Day Two focusing on practical responses to cyber-enabled fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing and corruption, plus wider access to justice and responsible use of AI. Dubai Longevity push: Sheikh Hamdan approved the Dubai Longevity Authority’s strategy and budget, targeting about AED 35bn economic impact over the next decade and aiming to make Dubai a global hub for healthy longevity. Mobility and transport updates: Dubai opened Mobility Labs for self-driving car testing, with Tesla among early participants, while RTA announced rush-hour lorry bans on Sheikh Zayed Road and other routes from Oct 1. Jobs and visas: The UAE updated jobseeker visa rules, setting two categories (skilled workers and top-500 university graduates) and clarifying stay validity; Dubai also gears up for Ru’ya 2026 with 150+ employers. Markets and banking: UAE banks were described as resilient by experts, and weekly trading ended mixed as US-Iran deal hopes lifted sentiment. Sports: UAE athletes made headlines at the Asian Games, including Mariam Kareem reaching the 400m hurdles final and Sulaiman Abdulrahman winning UAE’s first athletics medal of the Games.

Fog & driving safety: Abu Dhabi Police cut speed limits to 80kph on major roads as dense fog reduced visibility, urging motorists to follow electronic signs, keep distance, avoid sudden lane changes and use low-beam headlights. UAE eases Ebola rules: The UAE lifted precautionary entry and visa restrictions for Ugandan nationals after Uganda completed its Ebola monitoring period; curbs for the DRC and South Sudan remain. UN crime congress: The UAE opened the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi and launched Pledge4Justice with an initial pledge of up to US$5m, backed by the Abu Dhabi Declaration roadmap for the next five years. Future Health at UNGA: Abu Dhabi’s Future Health convened global health leaders in New York to push a shift toward prediction, prevention and early intervention in healthcare systems. Transport & logistics: Etihad Rail launched a new Abu Dhabi–Fujairah freight link to move cargo to the capital’s industrial zone, while Dubai’s RTA is preparing for a driverless future with a new mobility testing facility. Real estate: Dubai recorded 335 sales of $10m+ homes in the first eight months of 2026, with Palm Jumeirah leading luxury demand.

Road Safety: Abu Dhabi Police urged electric scooter riders to stick to designated lanes, avoid main roads and crowded areas, and wear helmets and protective gear, while parents were told to supervise children. UAE Diplomacy: The UAE expressed condolences and solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo after a fatal plane crash. UN Crime Congress: Day 1 of the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi ended with adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, setting a five-year roadmap for action on crime prevention and rule of law. Anti-Drug Cooperation: Nigeria’s NDLEA signed an MoU with the UAE’s NDEA to boost intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement along the Nigeria–UAE corridor. Ebola Measures: NCEMA eased precautionary entry steps for Ugandan nationals after Uganda completed monitoring following its Ebola outbreak, while DRC and South Sudan precautions remain. Dubai Incidents: Dubai Police warned about the dangers of driving while extremely fatigued after a driver fainted and caused an accident on Umm Suqeim. Sports & Culture: Fans faced ugly scenes outside The Sevens as entry was denied for Real Madrid v AC Milan; in football, UAE beat Yemen 4-0 in the Gulf Cup opener.

Industrial Growth: Robo.ai and ALIF Holding broke ground on Phase I of the Alif Holding Group Industrial Park in Umm Al Quwain, refurbishing existing facilities to build local integration and manufacturing capacity, with Phase I covering 8,845 sq m. Careers & Emiratisation: Dubai Police will recruit at Ru’ya Careers UAE 2026 (Sept 28–30, Zabeel Hall 3), offering direct talks on vacancies, requirements and career pathways for Emirati jobseekers. UAE-Global Diplomacy: UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed attended the inaugural UAE Investment Majlis in New York, focused on resilient supply chains and smart logistics. Regional Security: The US has proposed technical trilateral Ukraine–Russia talks hosted in the UAE, Zelenskyy says, as strikes intensify. Travel Disruption: Iran-linked aviation disruptions continue, with the UAE suspending Iranian airline flights and travellers facing delays and cancellations. Sports & UAE Spotlight: Manchester City’s UAE ownership is in the spotlight after reports of guilty findings in Premier League financial rule breaches; the club says it will appeal. Weather: Humidity is set to surge, with fog or mist possible in Dubai and Abu Dhabi overnight.

UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi: The 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice opens in Abu Dhabi, with the “Abu Dhabi Declaration” set to map a five-year roadmap on prevention, justice, evolving threats and AI in the rule of law. UAE–Ethiopia Diplomacy: UAE officials condemned TPLF attacks and urged de-escalation, reaffirming support for Ethiopia’s sovereignty and stability. UNGA Tensions: Algeria and other states walked out during Netanyahu’s UN speech, while the UAE delegation stayed. Humanitarian Update: The UAE Floating Hospital in Al Arish fitted prosthetic limbs for 42 Palestinian amputees, bringing “Step of Hope” beneficiaries to 198. Finance & Markets: Binance launched bStocks in the UAE, adding tokenised access to select US stocks/ETFs; a new survey says 82% of UAE investors expect the local stock market to rise. Tech & Security: EDGE called on UAE students to build seamless connectivity prototypes; TKMS and EDGE explored underwater surveillance and protection cooperation. Environment Enforcement: Dubai Police arrested 18 suspects and seized 17 tankers for illegal disposal of harmful waste. Sports: Al Ain clinched the Pro League title; UAE opened Gulf Cup 27 with a 4-0 win over Yemen.

Aviation & Sanctions: The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority suspended all flights by Iranian airlines to and from the country until further notice, citing US sanctions restricting Iranian carriers’ access to airports worldwide. Crime & Justice: India’s CBI arrested Mahadev betting app kingpin Abhishek Kumar after his arrival from Dubai in Hyderabad, alleging he helped run betting operations and move proceeds into Dubai assets. Humanitarian Aid: The UAE launched a winter clothing drive under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, targeting one million people in Gaza, with 5,000 winter kits already flown. UAE-Iran Fallout: Iran’s aviation authority said flights to the UAE were halted, as new US measures tighten pressure on Iranian airlines. Sports (UAE): The UAE beat Yemen 4-0 in Gulf Cup 27, while Yemen’s coach apologised after a “collective negligence” display. Energy & Diplomacy: Sri Lanka and the UAE discussed strengthening cooperation on the Trincomalee regional energy hub. Mobility: A report by Arthur D. Little ranked the UAE first in the GCC and 22nd globally for electric mobility readiness. Business & Trade: Abu Dhabi Chamber and CCI France UAE signed an agreement to boost economic and investment cooperation.

UAE-Iran Tensions: A senior UAE official said Tehran cannot be trusted over unilateral arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz as peace talks stall, with the channel still largely closed and oil prices pressured. Sanctions & Finance: The Central Bank of the UAE barred Bank Melli Iran branches from conducting transactions to and from Iran, citing money-laundering and financing risks. Energy Push: Abu Dhabi targets 35GW of solar by 2035 and up to 15GW of energy storage, with EWEC also setting a 14GW solar goal by 2030. Abu Dhabi Industry: Tecnimont and ADNOC Gas broke ground on a $4.3bn Rich Gas Phase 3 project at Ruwais, aiming for 8 million tonnes/year by 2030. Road Safety: Motorcycle crashes in the UAE more than doubled from 2022 to 2025, driven by speeding, unsafe overtaking and rider distraction. Tech & AI for Good: Emirates Foundation partnered with the Responsible AI Future Foundation to use AI for broader societal benefit. Business & Travel: HSBC moved a Dubai board meeting to London over security concerns; Brits heading to Dubai and Abu Dhabi were warned to prepare for sudden travel disruption. Sports & Culture: Dubai Basketball kick off their EuroLeague season again against Real Madrid under coach Xavi Pascual, while Katy Perry is set to headline Atlantis’ New Year’s Eve gala in Dubai.

UAE-Iran Finance Crackdown: The UAE Central Bank barred Bank Melli Iran branches from conducting any transactions to or from Iran, including trade finance and money transfers, citing repeated compliance violations tied to money laundering and terrorism financing. Tech & AI Push: Microsoft says it will invest more than $10bn across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait by 2030, with cloud and AI infrastructure and “digital resilience” at the core. F1 Middle East Uncertainty: Lewis Hamilton said he “personally wants to go” to the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds, but acknowledged the region’s risk remains unpredictable as the US-Iran conflict continues. Diplomatic Condolences: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev sent condolences to UAE Vice President and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum over the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Health Care Upgrade: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City launched a multidisciplinary lupus clinic to speed diagnosis and coordinated treatment across multiple specialties. Road & Travel: Dubai-Sharjah traffic is building on E11 and E311, with motorists warned of slowdowns near the border.

Abu Dhabi–Saudi ties: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid sent National Day congratulations to Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. UAE diplomacy: EAM Jaishankar met UAE and France counterparts on UNGA sidelines to discuss AI, space, health sciences, energy and culture, while ministers also pushed for Gaza ceasefire compliance and aid access. Investment & business: EQT launched a Middle East platform and opened an Abu Dhabi office at ADGM, and Gulf Warehousing Company expanded UAE operations with new subsidiaries and a Quick-Commerce push. Tech & security: R/GA formally set up in Abu Dhabi to serve AI infrastructure demand, while Cyble signed an MoU with the UAE Cyber Security Council for national threat intelligence collaboration. Labour enforcement: MoHRE detected 377 “fake Emiratisation” cases across 266 private firms in H1 2026. Transport & travel: Flydubai began regular Dubai–Pokhara flights, and Etihad Rail/AD Ports launched a Fujairah–Abu Dhabi freight service. Weather: NCM recorded the UAE’s lowest temperature at 23.3°C in Jais Mountain.

Telecom Upgrade: du says it has deployed the world’s first six-carrier aggregation on a live 5G-Advanced network, combining six spectrum carriers for 420MHz capacity, in partnership with Nokia. Space & Security: A new look at the UAE’s space-economy push highlights how the country is investing in orbital infrastructure and data sovereignty after regional cyber disruptions. Healthcare Leadership: Nahyan bin Mubarak inaugurated the Forbes Middle East Healthcare Leaders Summit in Abu Dhabi, positioning the UAE as a standards-setter in healthcare excellence. Cyber Resilience: GISEC Global 2026 wrapped up in Dubai, drawing thousands and hundreds of cybersecurity brands under a theme focused on AI, digital sovereignty and critical infrastructure protection. Transport & Rail: Etihad Rail tickets for Dubai–Abu Dhabi go on sale ahead of the Sept 30 launch, while a new Fujairah–Abu Dhabi freight service links cargo to ICAD with simplified customs handling. Markets & Finance: ADX heads to New York for its Global Investor Roadshow with 14 listed companies, as UAE banks also move toward unified customer data platforms. Business & Trade: Nexture plans to acquire Dubai’s La Crema to build its first manufacturing base in the Middle East. Weather: NCM expects clear to partly cloudy conditions, with humid nights and possible light fog in parts of the UAE. Regional Diplomacy: UAE and partners again reject any forced displacement of Palestinians and urge Israel to meet Gaza commitments.

Flying Cars & Regulation: Aridge, backed by Xpeng AeroHT, is partnering with Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority to set up an air-traffic regulatory sandbox for low-altitude flying, with testing planned for hot and sandy conditions. Digital Payments: PhonePe received in-principle approval from the UAE central bank for two payment licences covering retail payments, card schemes and stored value—paving the way for locally licensed operations. UAE Business & Finance: Paymob closed a $35m pre-Series C co-led by Mubadala and EBRD to expand across the GCC, while ADIA moved again in Lenskart via a block sale. Sports & Entertainment: Real American Freestyle signed a five-year Abu Dhabi partnership, with Khamzat Chimaev set to headline RAF’s Nov. 14 debut. Economy & Energy: EWEC outlined plans to cut Abu Dhabi power-and-water emissions by over 45% by 2035 despite rising demand. Culture & Community: MBZUH and Education Interface published a book on Bedouin family life in Abu Dhabi, and Awqaf Abu Dhabi launched an endowment awareness roadshow. Dubai Life: AC Milan opened its first international retail corner in Dubai, and Dubai gold prices edged up as oil cooled.

Dubai–Malaysia Tourism Links: Malaysia is boosting air connectivity and tourism ties with the UAE and GCC, signing MoUs with Emirates and Qatar Airways after talks with airlines and travel partners in Dubai. UAE–GCC Security & Trade: UAE officials stressed that protecting supply chains, trade and energy flows is key to peace and food security, warning disruptions can hit tens of millions in the Global South. Dubai Mourning for Sheikh Ahmed: Dubai declared a 10-day mourning period after the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with flags lowered and tributes from UAE leaders and international figures including Pakistan’s PM. Abu Dhabi Labour Win: An Abu Dhabi court secured Dh7.8m for 948 workers in labour disputes, with full and partial payments and instalment plans for remaining dues. Cybersecurity Push: Meta launched Wearables Studio UAE with the UAE Cyber Security Council to train talent for AI-powered wearable tech, while Cyble signed onto the national cybersecurity strategy for threat intelligence sharing. Business & Markets: Emaar said Dubai hotel occupancy is about 60% and could return to pre-war levels within a year; Oxford Economics ranked Dubai and Abu Dhabi among the region’s top urban economies. Energy & Shipping: Diesel prices hit record highs in Europe and the US as wars disrupt refinery output and Red Sea flows; UK maritime officials reported a Hormuz tanker hit by debris. Health & Community: Abu Dhabi named three breast cancer treatment centres, and launched new Nabdh community hubs in Mohamed Bin Zayed City.

Urban Liveability: Abu Dhabi’s liveability push is being tied to the EIU Global Liveability Index, with the DMT stressing a “details-first” approach—walkable mobility, shaded public spaces and a Liveability Design Framework for major master plans. Maritime Disruption: Strait of Hormuz visible traffic plunged over the weekend, with only 12 commodity ships transiting versus 35 the prior weekend, underscoring disruption to a key energy route. Energy Transition: EWEC says power and water emissions could fall more than 45% by 2035, driven by more solar, battery storage and reverse-osmosis desalination despite rising demand. Hospitality & Tourism: MICHELIN Guide unveiled its 2026 UAE hotel selection—83 hotels total, including 25 MICHELIN Keys (one Three-Key property: Atlantis The Royal). Logistics Boost: Etihad Rail and AD Ports Group launched a direct freight rail link connecting Fujairah Terminals to Abu Dhabi’s ICAD, with customs-enabled inland gateway services. Public Health: MoHAP urged seasonal flu vaccination, saying it offers up to 90% protection against clinical illness and is available for ages six months and up. Property & Finance: Dubai Holding Real Estate teamed with ADCB to offer off-plan home financing for eligible buyers, with pre-approval up to 18 months. UAE in Diplomacy: Abdullah bin Zayed will lead the UAE delegation at UNGA81 in New York, focusing on peace, security and multilateral cooperation.

UAE–Gaza Aid: Four UAE aid convoys entered Gaza under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, carrying 781 tonnes of humanitarian supplies including food, shelter and water tankers, bringing the operation’s total to 14,290 trucks and 136,439 tonnes. Humanitarian Diplomacy: The UAE, with Paraguay, dispatched earthquake relief to Colombia as part of $10m UAE Aid Agency support. Anti-Extremism Push: In New York, UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar called for an inclusive approach to counter extremism and hate speech, backing tolerance-led roles for religious and community leaders, youth and technology. Community Policing: Dubai Police and Tarahum Charity’s “Smile in the Classroom” event brought happiness to 400 students in Hatta. Logistics Upgrade: Etihad Rail and AD Ports launched a direct rail service linking Fujairah Terminals to Abu Dhabi’s ICAD, with customs-enabled clearance at the destination. Digital Economy: Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy backed seven startups via a pitching session with Oraseya Capital for potential funding through its SANDBOX programme. Healthcare Endowment: Awqaf Dubai inaugurated Waqf Tadawi, a Dh6.5m healthcare endowment in Al Satwa to fund treatment for patients in need. Tourism & Travel: DCT Abu Dhabi signed deals targeting 75,500 additional Indian visitors. Tech & Connectivity: UAE moves 6G “Golden 6 GHz Band” closer to commercial reality with a new white paper on faster capacity using existing sites. Sports: UAE athletes competed across shooting, cycling, triathlon, swimming and football at the Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya.

UAE Travel Disruption: Around 200 Etihad passengers were left stranded at Delhi airport after flight EY217 to Abu Dhabi was cancelled late Saturday due to a Boeing 787 technical issue. Dubai Tourism Boost: Dubai Police and flydubai signed an MoU at ATM 2026 to enhance the visitor experience, including a special Esaad benefit for flydubai arrivals. Culture on the Move: Heritage Express showcased Emirati experiences at ATM 2026, including its “Moving Majlis” trolley bus and Culture on Wheels programmes. Abu Dhabi Healthcare Events: DCT Abu Dhabi signed on as headline sponsor for STR Club’s 2026 programme, while Abu Dhabi prepares for the Healthcare Leaders Summit (Sept 22-23) with about 3,000 participants. Tech for Wildlife: A UAE-developed smart feeder processes 15 million images yearly, uses AI to identify animals, and adjusts feed remotely. Aviation & Security: Saudi Arabia issued “hostile aerial threat” alerts in Riyadh amid regional tensions. Sports & Entertainment: Etihad also signed a MoU with the UAE Wrestling Federation; Real Madrid won the EuroLeague SuperCup in Abu Dhabi; and Dubai Police warned of fake Global Village websites and accounts.