Middle East News Live: Survey finds 80% of UAE executives trust AI for recruitment and pay decisions

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the operating hours for the Dubai Metro will be extended on July 20, as per a report in Khaleej Times. This operational adjustment is intended to accommodate the needs of commuters and visitors within the emirate on that day.

A significant majority of business leaders in the UAE, 80 percent, express confidence in using Artificial Intelligence for key operational decisions, as per a report in Arabian Business. This trust extends to sensitive human resources functions such as recruitment, determining employee pay rises, and even decisions concerning personal health. The finding highlights a strong trend of AI adoption within the UAE's corporate sector for critical and traditionally human-led responsibilities.

A man has been charged following a plane hijack incident that caused the shutdown of a major airport in the Gulf region, Gulf News says in a report. The event caused significant disruptions to air travel and has initiated a review of both airport and airline security measures. Authorities are investigating the individual's motive and any potential breaches in security protocols.

Sharjah Police have dismantled an international drug trafficking ring that operated between Canada, Spain, and the UAE, according to a report in Gulf News. The major crackdown is part of wider efforts by authorities in the UAE to combat transnational organized crime and illicit financial flows. The operation highlights the growing security cooperation and intelligence sharing between the UAE and international partners to disrupt global narcotics networks.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has issued an administrative closure order against the 'Cocobona Cafeteria' for violating food safety laws and posing a risk to public health, according to a report in Gulf Today. The authority's report cited repeated violations and a failure by the establishment to implement effective corrective measures. ADAFSA stated the closure will remain in effect until all issues are rectified and the cafeteria fully complies with food safety requirements. The authority also encouraged the public to report any food safety concerns using the Abu Dhabi Government's toll-free number.

The Dubai Court of Appeal has upheld a verdict against 18 people for embezzling around Dhs185 million from a law firm through a sophisticated fraud network, according to a report in Gulf Today. The individuals were convicted of money laundering, leaking commercial data, and using it to create fake companies. The fraud, which took place between 2014 and 2020, involved a former manager and employees who forged documents and used a fake email address to deceive clients and divert funds. The court also found they used advanced software to hack the firm's systems. Sentences ranged from one to three years in jail followed by deportation, with fines also issued to individuals and the three companies they established. The ruling included the confiscation of Dhs113.65 million in laundered funds.

The chief of the US State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs testified that his office regularly evaluates criticism of Israel by foreign students when determining whether to deny or revoke their visas, The New York Times said in a report. This testimony highlights a specific governmental action amid ongoing debates on US university campuses regarding free speech and antisemitism. The official's statement confirms that speech critical of the Israeli government can have direct consequences on the visa status of international students in the United States.

Saudi Arabia has doubled its investments allocated for mining exploration, a move aimed at developing the sector as a key pillar of its economy, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This increased funding is a direct component of the kingdom's 'Vision 2030' plan, which seeks to diversify the national economy away from its long-standing dependence on oil revenues. The investment targets the identification and assessment of untapped mineral resources, including gold, copper, and phosphates, positioning the country to potentially become a significant supplier in the global market for critical minerals.

Sharjah Police have launched an investigation after a video depicting a man torturing a cat went viral on social media, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The incident has caused public outrage and prompted animal rescuers in the UAE to call for decisive action against the perpetrator and the implementation of stricter animal welfare laws to prevent future cruelty.

Riyadh Season has sponsored a new partnership that brings together Spain's premier football league, La Liga, and the Saudi digital media firm Thmanyah, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The collaboration is part of the annual Riyadh Season festival, a major component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy. This initiative aims to expand the Kingdom's entertainment and tourism sectors by forming alliances with major international brands and developing local media content.

A second Saudi relief plane carrying humanitarian aid has arrived in Syria to assist people affected by recent fires in the Latakia region, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This delivery is part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing aid efforts in the country and follows a previous shipment. The aid is specifically designated for victims of the fires in the coastal area of Latakia, which has been significantly impacted.

Israeli settlers have been accused of killing 117 sheep belonging to Palestinians during an attack in the West Bank, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The incident occurs amid what human rights organizations have described as a significant increase in attacks by settlers against Palestinians and their property. These attacks, which often target livestock, olive trees, and homes, contribute to the economic hardship of Palestinian farming and herding communities in the region.

A baby has died after being left inside a hot car in a tragic incident in the Gulf region, according to a report in Gulf News. The event serves as a critical reminder of the dangers posed by the area's extreme summer temperatures. Authorities in the region often conduct public awareness campaigns about the risks of leaving children unattended in vehicles, where temperatures can rapidly climb to fatal levels.

Saudi Global Ports is undertaking a major expansion to enhance logistics integration across the Kingdom, connecting its maritime facilities with road, rail, and air freight networks, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This development is a core component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the nation's economy away from oil and establish it as a primary logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The initiative seeks to improve supply chain efficiency and increase Saudi Arabia's competitiveness against other established regional logistics centers.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad held a phone call on July 17, representing a significant step towards normalizing relations, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The call is the highest-level direct contact between the two leaders since Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Syria in 2012. This development follows Syria's readmission to the Arab League in May 2023 and is part of a broader trend of regional re-engagement with Damascus. The discussion reportedly covered regional stability, efforts to counter drug trafficking, and the potential return of Syrian refugees.

A restart of northern Iraqi oil exports, halted since March 2023, is not expected soon due to persistent disputes between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Erbil, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The core of the issue stems from a 2023 International Chamber of Commerce ruling that affirmed Baghdad's authority over all national oil exports, invalidating the KRG's previous independent sales via a pipeline through Turkey. Subsequent negotiations have failed to produce an agreement on crucial issues like revenue sharing, production costs, and ultimate control over the oil resources. This prolonged halt has triggered a severe financial crisis in the Kurdistan region, impacting public sector salaries and essential services, while also affecting international oil companies operating there and causing a loss of transit fees for Turkey.

Recent legal reforms in the UAE provide non-Muslim expatriates with new options for inheritance, according to a report in Gulf News. While Sharia law continues to govern inheritance for Muslims, non-Muslims can now formally opt for their home country's laws to be applied, typically through a registered will. These changes, part of a broader strategy to attract foreign talent and investment, offer greater legal certainty for the large expatriate community by establishing a distinct legal framework for their personal status matters.

A Russian crew member from a Greek cargo ship sunk by Houthi militants is undergoing treatment for his injuries in Yemen, according to a report in Al-Monitor. Russia's state news agency identified the mariner as Aleksei Galaktionov and reported he was one of several crew members picked up by the Yemeni navy following the attack. The report, citing a source, stated that the sailor's condition has markedly improved.

An Air India Express flight scheduled to depart from Dubai for Kozhikode, India, was ultimately cancelled after passengers were reportedly confined to the aircraft for approximately four hours without functioning air conditioning, according to a report in Khaleej Times. Passengers on board the flight described being "locked in" during the extended delay on the tarmac. The disruption caused significant inconvenience, with at least one traveler stating they had to take emergency leave from work and miss a pre-planned important function as a result of the cancellation.

Surgeries have been suspended in Gaza because patients, particularly children, are too malnourished to undergo procedures, and there is a severe shortage of necessary medical equipment, Al Jazeera says in a report. Dr. Victoria Rose, a surgeon with experience in the region, explained that the critical lack of supplies and the poor physical condition of patients have made it impossible to continue performing operations safely. The situation highlights the deepening humanitarian crisis in the territory, where a combination of conflict, blockades, and aid restrictions has led to catastrophic shortages of food and medical resources.

Israel's stock market has demonstrated significant outperformance compared to other markets in the Middle East over the last year, despite the country being engaged in multi-front conflicts, according to a report in CNBC. This economic resilience is largely attributed to the nation's robust high-tech sector, as technology-related products and services account for 20% of Israel's GDP. The report also notes the Israeli assessment that it has managed to significantly degrade the capabilities of its adversaries during this period.

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned an Israeli plan to transfer the administration and supervision of the Ibrahimi Mosque from Palestinian authorities to a Jewish religious council in the Kiryat Arba settlement, according to a report in Gulf Today. In a statement, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the move as a dangerous violation of the site's historical and legal status quo. The ministry emphasized the need to respect holy sites and halt unilateral actions that could destabilize the occupied Palestinian territories. The UAE also urged the international community to protect holy sites and support regional and international efforts to advance the peace process and a two-state solution.

A court in Dubai has sentenced five men to prison for the robbery of a private villa, Khaleej Times said in a report. The men reportedly carried out the theft while the family residing in the home was on vacation.

Two UK-based charities, the Kasner Charitable Trust (KCT) and UK Toremet, transferred approximately £5.7 million to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school in the Susya settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to a report in The Guardian. The donations, made by KCT through the conduit charity UK Toremet, have led to criticism of the UK's Charity Commission, which endorsed the transfer of funds to the school located in territory considered illegal under international law.

At least eight civilians were killed after shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hit a camp for displaced persons in Sudan's Darfur region, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. Rescuers on the ground confirmed the casualties from the attack, which is part of the ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The incident highlights the continued violence and humanitarian crisis in Darfur, where civilian areas and displacement camps have been frequently targeted since the broader conflict began in April 2023.

Turkish authorities have arrested 153 individuals suspected of being members of or associated with ISIS, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The arrests are part of the country's continuous domestic and cross-border counter-terrorism operations aimed at disrupting the group's networks and preventing potential attacks. The individuals are currently considered suspects and are subject to legal proceedings.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the Israeli bombing of the Latin Patriarchate Church in Gaza, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The official statement from Riyadh criticized the targeting of a significant Christian religious site amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The incident adds to international pressure on Israel regarding its military conduct and the protection of civilians and non-military sites.

A Saudi artist is showcasing their hometown's culture in a new exhibition in Dubai, AP said in a report. The event is an example of the growing cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This exhibition aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which promotes cultural development, and supports the UAE's ambition to be a leading regional cultural hub.

Saudi Arabia's leadership has formally extended condolences to the Iraqi president following a deadly fire in the city of Kut, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The diplomatic gesture expresses sympathy for the victims of the fire in the eastern Iraqi city. This act of diplomacy occurs amid a broader trend of improving bilateral relations and de-escalation efforts between the two neighboring countries.

Children in war-torn Sudan are facing increasing vulnerability to deadly infectious diseases as vaccination rates have plummeted to 48%, the lowest in the world, The Guardian says in a report. Citing the World Health Organization, the article notes this is a sharp decline from 2022, when over 90% of young children in the country received their routine vaccinations. The collapse in immunizations is attributed to the ongoing war, which aid organizations have described as the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

Yemen's internationally recognized government has claimed to have thwarted a plot by Houthi militants to assassinate Hans Grundberg, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. Grundberg is the lead mediator attempting to broker a lasting political solution to the country's long-running civil war. The alleged plot comes at a critical time, with UN-led peace efforts largely stalled and regional tensions heightened by recent Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Iran has officially renamed a street in its capital, Tehran, that was previously named for Khaled al-Islambouli, the Egyptian army officer who assassinated President Anwar Sadat in 1981, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The street's name has been a major point of contention and a barrier to normalizing diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have been at a very low level since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Egypt has welcomed the move as a significant gesture, viewing it as a critical step toward mending ties that removes a long-standing symbolic insult. This development is seen as part of a broader regional de-escalation trend, following recent rapprochement between Iran and other Arab nations.

Kenya-based Equity Group will establish a new representative office in the United Arab Emirates, according to a report in Arabian Business. The new office is intended to facilitate business, trade, and investment opportunities between Kenya and the UAE. The move also aims to leverage the UAE's position as a hub to connect with the wider Middle East, India, and Central and South Asia regions.

The United Arab Emirates is attending the 47th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Milan, marking its first participation since it formally joined the Antarctic Treaty in December 2024, Emirates 24/7 says in a report. This engagement is part of the UAE's broader foreign policy of expanding its diplomatic footprint into global forums concerning science and environmental governance. The Antarctic Treaty designates the continent for peaceful and scientific purposes while prohibiting military activities and resource exploitation.

In Cairo's Manshiyet Nasr, known as 'Garbage City', a new generation of educated youth is turning to the informal recycling industry due to a lack of formal employment opportunities, as per a report in The Guardian. The story highlights individuals like Mina Nedi, a 25-year-old nursing graduate, who has joined his family's business to sort and process plastic waste collected by the city's informal collectors, known as the Zabbaleen. This trend reflects broader issues in Egypt, including high unemployment among university graduates and the persistent failure of formal municipal waste management systems, which has led to a reliance on these informal networks to manage pollution.

UAE-based logistics company DP World has halved shipment times on the key Romania-Turkey trade route following a $151 million investment to upgrade its facilities at the Port of Constanta, according to a report in Arabian Business. The investment has doubled the port's capacity and includes the installation of a new scanner that drastically reduces truck inspection times from as long as seven hours to just two minutes. This upgrade aims to improve the efficiency of the crucial Black Sea trade corridor.

The United Arab Emirates has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the Republic of Korea over the victims of recent torrential rains and floods, according to a report in Gulf Today. In an official statement, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) extended its sympathy to the government, the people of South Korea, and the families of the victims of the tragedy, which resulted in multiple deaths, the displacement of hundreds, and significant damage.

Saudi Aramco is reportedly close to a deal worth approximately $10 billion with a consortium led by BlackRock to fund infrastructure for the Jafurah gas field, as per a report in Arabian Business. The deal is said to be backed by assets including pipelines and a gas processing plant. This arrangement is similar to a previous transaction Aramco completed in 2021, where it monetized its pipeline assets to raise capital. Developing the Jafurah field, Saudi Arabia's largest unconventional gas field, is a key component of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy to increase domestic gas supply and diversify its economy.

A partnership between Johnson Controls-Hitachi and the local firm Elsewedy Machinery has won the contract to supply and install the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for Egypt's new high-speed rail project, according to a report in Arabian Business. The agreement includes the provision of 3,000 Hitachi air conditioning units to cool 21 stations along the major new transport line, which is a significant part of Egypt's ongoing infrastructure development.

A Dubai-based expatriate has written a book about the case of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse on death row in Yemen for the murder of a Yemeni national, according to a report in Gulf News. The book is part of a wider community and advocacy effort supporting Priya, whose case has been ongoing for several years. Diplomatic efforts by the Indian government and fundraising by the Indian diaspora are underway to secure her release, with a primary focus on arranging a 'blood money' payment to the victim's family, which is a permissible path to a pardon under Yemeni law.

Residents in the UAE could have a long weekend in September as the public holiday for the Prophet Muhammad's birthday is anticipated to fall on Thursday, September 25, as per a report in Arabian Business. If the date is confirmed, this would create a three-day weekend for both public and private sector employees. The final, official announcement of the public holiday is pending and will be made closer to the date, as the exact day is dependent on lunar observations, which is standard practice for Islamic holidays in the nation.

The discovery of a deceased Turkish student found inside a suitcase in an unspecified Middle Eastern country has sparked significant outrage, according to a report in Gulf News. The incident is drawing attention to the safety of foreign nationals in the region and is placing diplomatic pressure on the host country to conduct a swift and transparent investigation. The Turkish government is also facing domestic calls to ensure justice for the victim and protect its citizens abroad.

The family of Rezgar Beigzadeh Babamiri, an Iranian man sentenced to death, is publicly pleading for his life, asserting he was tortured and forced to confess after being arrested in 2023, according to a report in The Guardian. His daughter states that during the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests in late 2022, her father helped by delivering medical supplies to secret clinics treating injured demonstrators in the city of Bukan. The family maintains his actions were humanitarian, as many protestors feared arrest if they sought treatment at state hospitals.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister held a meeting with US Senator Marco Rubio to review recent developments in Syria, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The discussion between the two officials centered on the current situation in the country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Türkiye will not allow the division of Syria, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This position reaffirms Türkiye's policy of preventing the establishment of a contiguous, self-governing Kurdish region along its border, which it considers a primary national security threat. The statement comes as Türkiye continues to maintain a military presence and influence over several areas in northern Syria, established through military operations that began in 2016.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received a phone call from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss bilateral relations and recent regional developments, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This high-level communication follows the Arab League's decision in May 2023 to reinstate Syria's membership, a move that Saudi Arabia supported.

Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf and Arab nations, has formally stressed its support for the security and territorial unity of Syria, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This declaration reinforces a regional trend of diplomatic re-engagement with Damascus, aimed at reintegrating Syria into the Arab world. The support focuses on the integrity of the Syrian state and its ability to control its borders, driven by a pragmatic approach to manage regional challenges. Key motivations behind this engagement include collaborative efforts to counter cross-border security threats, notably the widespread trade of the illicit drug Captagon originating from Syria.

A Syrian official has claimed that Israeli airstrikes on Damascus are hindering international efforts to search for the country's chemical weapons, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The statement suggests that the attacks are disrupting the work of inspectors from bodies like the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The claim is made in the context of ongoing international efforts to verify the complete dismantlement of Syria's chemical arsenal, which the government agreed to in 2013, though international bodies have since cited a lack of full cooperation and investigated alleged undeclared stockpiles.

A court in Belgium has issued a binding order for the government of the Walloon Region to cease all military exports to Israel, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The ruling, reported by the Belgian news agency Belga, legally obligates the sub-national government, which has autonomous jurisdiction over its arms export licenses, to suspend them. This decision comes amid heightened international scrutiny of arms sales to Israel related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

A group of musicians, including Massive Attack, Brian Eno, Fontaines DC, and Kneecap, has announced the formation of an alliance to support artists who speak out on the military conflict in Gaza, according to a report in The Guardian. The stated aim of the syndicate is to protect other artists, particularly those in the early stages of their careers, from what they term "aggressive, vexatious campaigns" and being "threatened into silence or career cancellation" by pro-Israel advocates and organizations such as UK Lawyers for Israel.

An 80-year-old Druze elder, Merhej Shahin, whose moustache was forcibly shaved in a viral video, has been found alive, his granddaughter confirmed, according to a report in Gulf Today. The incident, a grave insult in the Druze community, occurred as Syrian government forces entered the southern city of Sweida this week, leading his family to fear he had been killed. Although the government's stated aim was to oversee a ceasefire, witnesses reported its forces joined Bedouin tribes in attacking Druze civilians. The government announced its withdrawal on Wednesday after reaching a ceasefire agreement, and Shahin was subsequently found safe by local Druze fighters.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Budapest on Thursday for an official visit to Hungary, according to a report in Gulf Today. Upon entering Hungarian airspace, the President's aircraft was met by an escort of military jets. He is accompanied by a large delegation of senior officials, including ministers and advisors for investment, industry, foreign trade, national security, and strategic affairs, indicating a broad agenda for the visit.

The United Arab Emirates, along with other Arab countries, has issued a joint statement condemning recent Israeli attacks within Syria and rejecting all forms of foreign interference in the nation's affairs, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The statement underscores a unified Arab position that prioritizes Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. This collective stance reflects a regional effort to manage the Syrian file and promote stability, following Syria's diplomatic reintegration with other Arab states.

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President, and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has appointed Lieutenant General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi as the new Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Civil Defence, Gulf Today said in a report. Major General Jamal bin Aded Al Muhairi was also appointed as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief. The appointments coincide with the promotion of 6,247 personnel serving in Dubai's key security entities, including the State Security Department, Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, and the Civil Defence. The decrees are effective from the date of their issuance.