Middle East News Highlights, 31 July 2025: Abu Dhabi secures exclusive rights to develop Sphere venues across the Middle East and North Africa

Abu Dhabi has secured exclusive rights from Sphere Entertainment to build and operate all future Sphere venues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as per a report in Skift. Based on a recent SEC filing, the agreement grants Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) this exclusivity for a period of at least 10 years, which will begin after the opening of the first Sphere venue in the emirate. This deal effectively positions the Abu Dhabi entity as Sphere's sole development partner for the entire MENA region.

The United Arab Emirates is preparing to launch its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the 'Digital Dirham', which will allow residents to make digital payments in stores and transfer funds online, Khaleej Times said in a report. As a digital version of the nation's fiat currency, the Digital Dirham is issued and backed directly by the UAE's central bank, distinguishing it from private cryptocurrencies or existing digital payment systems that rely on commercial banks. The initiative is part of the UAE's broader strategy to diversify its economy, advance its digital transformation goals, and solidify its position as a modern global financial hub.

An official has stated that Israel and the United States now support a comprehensive plan to end the war, a move that marks a significant policy shift for Jerusalem, according to a report in The Times of Israel. This new stance moves away from the previous approach of partial or phased deals, which Israel had favored to maintain the flexibility to resume fighting if necessary and to preserve the stability of its governing coalition.

The United States government announced it will deny visas to officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Administration, BBC says in a report. The US administration stated the reason for the decision is its view that both organizations continue to support "terrorism." This policy is an extension of previous measures aimed at pressuring Palestinian leadership, which include significant aid cuts and the closure of the PLO's diplomatic mission in Washington D.C. in 2018. The primary justification cited by the US is the Palestinian Authority's policy of providing stipends to the families of Palestinians who have been killed or are imprisoned in Israeli jails.

A group of senior UK lawyers has warned that a pledge by Labour leader Keir Starmer to recognize a Palestinian state could breach international law, according to a report in The Guardian. In a letter to the government's top legal adviser, Lord Hermer, the lawyers argue that such recognition is questionable under the Montevideo Convention of 1933. They cite the convention's four criteria for statehood—a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity for foreign relations—as potential legal obstacles to recognizing Palestine at this time.

Jordanian authorities are summoning suspects accused of holding assets for the Muslim Brotherhood, a move that follows the official dissolution of the Islamist organization in April, according to a report in Al-Monitor. This legal action is part of an ongoing crackdown targeting the group's financial and institutional networks. The assets in question reportedly include not only financial accounts but also properties such as schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations that were historically managed by or affiliated with the Brotherhood's society. The summons represents a significant escalation in the government's measures against the long-standing organization.

Israel has conducted bombing raids on several areas within Lebanon, specifically targeting the Bekaa Valley and the city of Baalbek, which are known as Hezbollah strongholds, Al Jazeera says in a report. Following the attacks, Lebanon's former President Michel Aoun has reiterated calls for the militant group Hezbollah to disarm. The group has reportedly refused to do so while under attack from Israel.

A high-profile boxing match between British fighters Dillian Whyte and Moses Itauma, scheduled for August 16 in Riyadh, is being framed as a key part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, according to a report in The Guardian. The event is representative of the kingdom's broader strategy to use major sporting events to boost its global image, attract tourism, and diversify its economy away from oil. However, this investment has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations, who label it 'sportswashing'—an attempt to distract from the country's human rights record.

The US State Department, under the Trump administration, has imposed sanctions on the Palestinian Authority (PA) for what it terms efforts to "internationalise" its conflict with Israel, Al Jazeera reports. The action is a direct response to the PA's strategy of engaging with international legal bodies, particularly the International Criminal Court (ICC), to pursue investigations into Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories. The US administration views this move as an attempt to bypass direct negotiations and undermine the peace process.

Syria's new transitional government, which took power after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, is conducting its first official visit to Moscow, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The visit is being framed as a pragmatic move by the new leadership to engage with Russia, acknowledging its significant and continuing military and diplomatic presence in the country. The new Syrian authority is seeking cooperation with Moscow despite Russia's extensive past support for the former president.

A team representing Saudi Arabia recently took part in the International Nuclear Science Olympiad hosted in Malaysia, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The participation in the academic competition, which focuses on nuclear physics, chemistry, and engineering, is part of the kingdom's efforts to develop national talent in advanced scientific fields. This involvement aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader goals of investing in science and technology education to build a skilled workforce.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has developed a comprehensive platform for its new central bank digital currency (CBDC), the Digital Dirham, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The platform is designed to manage the issuance, trading, and use of the new digital currency. It includes a digital wallet feature that will allow both individuals and businesses to conduct various financial transactions, such as making digital payments in stores and transferring funds online.

The family of a US teenager, Mohammed Ibrahim, is publicly pleading for his release from Israeli detention, Al Jazeera says in a report. They state he is suffering from severe weight loss and scabies. The detention comes amid heightened Israeli military operations and settler violence in the West Bank. The case is reportedly adding to concerns within the Trump administration regarding the treatment of American citizens by Israeli authorities, and Ibrahim's cousin was reportedly killed by Israeli settlers prior to his detention.

Israeli Member of Knesset (MK) Sharren Haskel recently visited Hungary to enhance diplomatic relations between the two nations, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. During the visit, Hungary's European Union Affairs Minister, Janos Boka, stated that "Hungary and Israel are building a strategic partnership based on shared values, mutual interests and deep ties." The visit underscores ongoing efforts by both countries to foster closer political and strategic alignment.

Johann Wadephul, Deputy Chairman of Germany's opposition CDU/CSU parliamentary group, has called for the immediate start of a process toward recognizing a Palestinian state, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. Wadephul clarified that for Germany, formal recognition should come at the end of this process, not at the beginning. The statement was misattributed to the German Foreign Minister in the article's original headline; Wadephul is a prominent foreign policy voice for the opposition, not a member of the current government.

Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana rejected the idea of a Palestinian state in the region, suggesting it should be built in London or Paris instead, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. During his speech, Ohana also displayed a video from Iran's parliament in which members were shown chanting "Death to Israel, Death to America" to underscore regional threats.

Israel's Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology presented an AI-powered strategic foresight tool, dubbed the 'Horizon Scan' mechanism, during a conference at Expo 2025 in Osaka, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. The presentation was conducted by the ministry's Senior 'Horizon Line' Division at the world's fair. The 'Horizon Scan' is described as a state-backed initiative that uses artificial intelligence to systematically analyze data for emerging trends, threats, and opportunities to support governmental strategic planning.

The United Arab Emirates was Japan's largest crude oil supplier in June, providing over 31 million barrels, which accounted for 52.1% of the country's total imports for the month, according to a report in Gulf Today. Based on data from Japan's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Japan's total crude oil imports reached 59.6 million barrels in June. Arab countries collectively supplied 97.7% of this total, amounting to 58.2 million barrels.

Hotel establishments in Abu Dhabi generated Dhs682 million in total revenues in May 2025, with occupancy rates reaching 80%, according to a report in Gulf Today. Data from the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi shows that the 172 hotels in the emirate welcomed approximately 481,000 guests, leading to over 1.345 million guest nights. Room revenues accounted for Dhs408 million, while food and beverage services brought in Dhs224 million. Guests from non-Arab Asian countries were the largest group, followed by Europeans and UAE nationals.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has released a comprehensive report on its 'Digital Dirham' project, detailing progress towards launching the national central bank digital currency, according to a report in Gulf Today. The report reviews key achievements and outlines the design principles and policy frameworks, ensuring the digital currency is secure and aligned with IMF and BIS standards. The CBUAE highlighted its collaboration with the financial sector and noted the Digital Dirham's potential to enhance financial inclusion for the unbanked, accelerate transactions through features like offline use and smart contracts, and improve cross-border payments. CBUAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama stated the initiative is a key part of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) programme launched in 2023 and will support the UAE's financial infrastructure and monetary stability.

Civilians in Gaza are facing prohibitively expensive prices for essential goods at local markets as obtaining humanitarian aid remains a difficult and dangerous process, according to a report in The New York Times. The soaring costs are driven by severe scarcity resulting from the ongoing conflict and tight restrictions on the entry of goods. While some essential items can be found for sale, their prices are unaffordable for much of the population. This forces a reliance on a humanitarian aid system that is itself struggling with major challenges, including security risks and logistical hurdles that impede the effective distribution of supplies to those in need.

Saudi Arabia's Fashion Commission recently hosted a virtual session aimed at promoting the nation's designers and talent on a global platform, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The event is part of a broader government strategy, aligned with the Vision 2030 reform plan, to develop the country's cultural and creative sectors. The session discussed methods and opportunities for showcasing Saudi fashion internationally, reflecting the kingdom's efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its cultural presence.

Airfares for flights bound for the United Arab Emirates are set to rise sharply after August 15 as families and students return at the end of school holidays, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The significant price increase is attributed to the seasonal rush, with travelers potentially saving up to Dh2,200 by planning their return before the mid-August peak. This surge in demand highlights the cycle of expatriate travel tied to the academic calendar in the country.

Türkiye is set to begin providing Syria with natural gas on August 2, a Turkish minister announced, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The deal marks a significant step in energy cooperation and comes as Syria continues to face a severe energy crisis. This development occurs amid a broader regional trend of re-engagement with the Syrian government.

A man has received a successful lung transplant in the United Arab Emirates after reportedly being unable to secure the life-saving procedure elsewhere, according to a report in Gulf News. The complex surgery was made possible by the country's medical infrastructure and updated laws that now permit deceased organ donation, increasing the availability of organs for transplants.

The UAE's Fuel Price Follow-up Committee has approved new fuel prices for August 2024, with petrol prices decreasing slightly and diesel prices rising, according to a report in Gulf Today. The price of Super 98 petrol will fall by 1 fils to Dhs2.69 per litre and Special 95 will drop by 1 fils to Dhs2.57 per litre. Similarly, E-Plus 91 will decrease by 1 fils to Dhs2.50 per litre. In contrast, the price of diesel will increase by 15 fils, rising to Dhs2.78 per litre for August.

Emirates airline and authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a joint warning to the public regarding a rise in fraudulent online ticket scams, Gulf News says in a report. The alert advises consumers to be vigilant against fake websites and social media offers that imitate the airline to steal personal and financial information. The warning details how to identify these scams and emphasizes purchasing tickets only through official channels to protect against financial loss and ensure the security of the UAE's vital tourism sector.

The UK government's plan to recognize a Palestinian state is compliant with international law, UK business minister Gareth Thomas has stated in response to a challenge from 40 members of the House of Lords, according to a report in The Guardian. Thomas described the move as a "political judgment" and said the government believes its plan is compatible with the criteria for statehood outlined in the 1933 Montevideo Convention, despite peers raising concerns that the legal bar had not been met.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new project aimed at reducing travel time by as much as 50% on several key roads within the emirate, according to a report in Gulf News. The plan involves significant infrastructure enhancements as part of the government's broader strategy to improve urban mobility and support economic growth. This initiative aligns with Dubai's ongoing efforts to upgrade its transport network to enhance quality of life for residents and maintain its competitiveness as a regional business hub.

An international warning has been issued concerning severe water shortages across Yemen, a crisis that has been drastically worsened by the ongoing civil war, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The conflict has devastated critical infrastructure, displaced millions, and crippled water management and distribution systems. Compounding the issue, blockades have severely restricted the import of essential goods, including fuel and spare parts needed to operate water pumps and treatment facilities. This water crisis is a central component of Yemen's broader humanitarian catastrophe, fueling the spread of diseases like cholera and intensifying the threat of famine. While the war is the immediate cause, the report notes that Yemen has historically been one of the world's most water-scarce nations due to pre-existing issues like climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices, which the conflict has accelerated.

Morocco's King has publicly expressed readiness for a "frank and responsible dialogue" with Algeria, aiming to resolve the diplomatic crisis that has persisted between the two North African neighbors, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The offer is a direct attempt to address the current diplomatic rupture, which began after Algeria unilaterally severed ties with Morocco in August 2021. The deep-seated tensions between the two countries are historically rooted in the ongoing dispute over the Western Sahara territory and the closure of their shared land border since 1994.

Consumer demand for jewellery in the United Arab Emirates declined by 16% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The volume of jewellery purchased fell to 7.7 tonnes, down from 9.2 tonnes during the same period in the previous year. This trend suggests that shoppers are increasingly prioritizing investment-grade gold, such as coins and bars, over discretionary luxury purchases like jewellery.

A delegation from the UAE's Federal National Council (FNC), led by Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior, and Foreign Affairs Committee, held meetings with various parliamentary delegations at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, as per a report in Emirates 24/7. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the FNC and other national parliaments as part of the UAE's engagement in the global conference.

The cost of fuel in the UAE will rise for the month of August, a development attributed to both external and domestic factors, Gulf News says in a report. The price adjustment is linked to changes in global crude oil benchmarks and decisions by OPEC+. It also aligns with the UAE's long-term fiscal strategy of gradually reducing fuel subsidies to diversify the economy, increase non-oil revenue, and move towards market-reflective pricing. This increase is part of a broader trend of rising living costs in the region and is expected to impact household expenses as well as operational costs for businesses in sectors like transport and logistics.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has approved 1,578 new undergraduate scholarships for the academic year 2025-2026, according to a report in Gulf Today. The scholarships include 1,400 for students at the University of Sharjah and 178 for the American University of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan also directed that the application deadline be extended to August 10, 2025. The announcement was made by Amna Al Owais, Director of the Scholarship Programme at the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA), which is continuing to accept applications via its website.

Dubai has introduced a policy providing free public parking in designated zones near mosques during the five daily prayer times, according to a report in Gulf News. The initiative, managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), applies to RTA-managed public parking areas. This policy is part of a wider government effort in the UAE to enhance resident quality of life and integrate religious needs into urban planning.

The Central Bank of the UAE has decided against an interest rate cut, prolonging the period of higher borrowing costs for individuals and businesses, according to a report in Gulf News. This decision aligns with the monetary policy of the US Federal Reserve, a necessary step due to the UAE Dirham's long-standing peg to the US Dollar. As a result, costs for mortgages, personal loans, and business financing will remain elevated, potentially impacting consumer spending and investment in key sectors like real estate.

Saudi Arabia's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.9 percent in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report in Gulf Today. Flash estimates from the General Authority for Statistics showed that non-oil activities led the annual growth at 4.7 percent, followed by oil activities at 3.8 percent and government activities at 0.6 percent. On a quarterly basis, seasonally adjusted real GDP increased by 2.1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025, driven by a 5.6 percent rise in oil activities and a 1.6 percent increase in non-oil activities, while government activities saw a 0.8 percent decline.

Building approval has been granted for a luxury hotel project at the Herzliya Marina in Israel, in which actor Leonardo DiCaprio is an investor, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The project, which was first announced in 2018, involves a 14-floor, 365-room hotel described as environmentally friendly. DiCaprio is slated to own a 10% stake in the development.

Far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir reportedly urged the razing of Gaza City during a cabinet meeting, a proposal to which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not object. The plan was met with opposition from the military, with a top general, identified as Zamir, reportedly telling the cabinet that destroying the city and its tunnel network would endanger Israeli hostages. The general is said to have argued that such a move would require acknowledging that the return of the hostages has become a secondary war goal.

Israel is launching initiatives to rebuild its southern and northern regions following billions of dollars in damages from ongoing conflicts, The Times of Israel says in a report. The reconstruction focuses on southern areas affected by the war with Hamas and northern areas damaged by cross-border attacks from Hezbollah. The damages are also attributed to a period that included a direct military exchange with Iran.

The UAE's Fuel Price Committee has approved the new retail fuel prices for August 2025, as per a report in Emirates 24/7. Under the new pricing structure, the cost of diesel will be AED 2.78 per litre. The committee also set revised prices for other fuel grades, including Super petrol, as part of its monthly review which aligns domestic costs with global market trends.

Internal divisions are emerging within the Republican party regarding its stance on Israel, a notable shift from its long-standing unity on the issue, according to a report in The Hill. For years, the GOP has maintained a virtually united front in its support for Israel, often using the topic as a political wedge to highlight divisions within the Democratic party. This new infighting on Capitol Hill marks a significant change from the party's historical position and strategy.

France and 14 other Western nations have issued a joint call for countries to recognize a Palestinian state, following a conference in New York co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, Gulf Today said in a report. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the collective appeal, which follows President Emmanuel Macron's plan to formally recognize Palestinian statehood in September. Similarly, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the UK will also recognize Palestine in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and other steps. The initiative has drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump and Israel, who argue it rewards Hamas. A British official countered this, stating the move is intended to support the Palestinian people and pressure Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, where Jordan's King Abdullah II has described the situation as a "humanitarian catastrophe."

US President Donald Trump has threatened Canada with a 35% tariff in response to the Canadian government's move towards recognizing a Palestinian state, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The threat comes as the two nations are in the process of negotiating a trade deal with a deadline of August 1. This action directly links US trade policy with its allies' foreign policy positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a tactic consistent with President Trump's 'America First' approach.

A collapse of an amusement park ride in Saudi Arabia has left 23 people injured, Gulf News says in a report. The incident occurred on July 31, 2025, prompting an immediate response to the scene.

UAE-based steel manufacturer EMSTEEL announced increased revenue and profits for the first half of the year, according to a report in Arabian Business. The company's revenue grew by 9% to $1.17 billion, while its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 6% to $147 million. EMSTEEL's profit after tax for the period was reported at $51.2 million.

The Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), a part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has signed an agreement with China's e-commerce firm Zhuanzhuan Group, according to a report in Emirates 24/7. This partnership facilitates the establishment of the Chinese company's first presence in the region, which will be located within the Dubai free zone.

A new UN report indicates that while the threat from Islamic State and al-Qaida is most intense in Africa, risks from the groups are growing in Syria, which they view as a strategic base for external operations, according to a report in The Independent. The findings from the UN's expert monitoring team highlight that persistent instability in Syria allows these groups to maintain clandestine networks and sleeper cells to plan attacks abroad. The report clarifies this threat is concentrated in specific African regions, such as the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, alongside the persistent risk emanating from Syria.

A growing number of individuals in Lebanon are using AI chatbots as a substitute for traditional therapy due to the country's protracted economic collapse and the breakdown of its public healthcare system, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The severe financial hardship has made professional mental health services inaccessible and unaffordable for many. This trend highlights the significant psychological toll on the population, which is exacerbated by ongoing regional instability and the lingering trauma from past conflicts, forcing people to seek alternative, unregulated solutions.

Asian buyers are expected to significantly increase their imports of U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude during the fourth quarter, as per a report in Reuters. This shift is driven by a strengthening of Middle East crude prices, which has created a profitable arbitrage window for importing American oil. According to trade sources, Middle East benchmarks like Dubai and Murban have seen price gains this month, fueled by robust demand for high-sulphur oil within Asia, making the relatively cheaper WTI an attractive alternative for regional refiners.

Officials from the UAE's Federal National Council (FNC) met with Ukrainian and Paraguayan counterparts on the sidelines of a parliamentary conference in Geneva to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, Gulf Today said in a report. In a meeting between Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, an FNC committee chairman, and Ukraine's Vice Speaker Olena Kondratiuk, both sides discussed enhancing parliamentary cooperation and coordinating on issues of mutual interest. A separate meeting between Dr. Al Nuaimi and Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies President, Raúl Luis Latorre Martínez, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and activating parliamentary friendship groups to exchange legislative expertise.

The Central Bank of the UAE has revoked the license of Gomti Exchange due to serious regulatory misconduct and failures in its anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) compliance frameworks, according to a report in Gulf News. The regulatory body's decision came after a supervisory examination revealed significant weaknesses and non-compliance with the UAE's financial regulations. This action aligns with the UAE's ongoing efforts to enhance its regulatory oversight and address strategic deficiencies previously identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which placed the country on its 'grey list' in 2022.

Doctors in the United Arab Emirates are reporting an alarming increase in cardiac arrests among the nation's young adult population, according to a report in Khaleej Times. Medical professionals are explaining the concerning trend, pointing towards various contributing factors that are leading to a higher incidence of severe cardiac events in a demographic typically considered low-risk.

Dubai's parking operator, Parkin, will manage around 2,100 parking spaces across 59 mosque sites as a 24-hour paid service starting in August, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The initiative, a collaboration with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), will see parking fees waived for worshippers during designated prayer times. This policy change is part of a broader effort to manage urban spaces and traffic in the emirate.

Universities in Dubai are introducing new academic programs in artificial intelligence and robotics for the 2025 academic year, according to a report in Arabian Business. The initiative is part of the Dubai Education 33 Strategy, which aims to develop a skilled workforce to support the country's strategic goals. This move aligns with the UAE's National AI Strategy 2031 and its broader economic diversification efforts to build a knowledge-based economy.

Dubai Municipality has completed 34,700 food safety inspections in the first six months of 2025, utilizing smart tools and technologies to regulate the sector, Arabian Business said in a report. This initiative is part of a wider strategy to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure the integrity of food throughout the supply chain in the emirate. The use of advanced technology is a key component of the municipality's approach to upholding public health and safety standards.

Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr secured a 2-1 win against French side Toulouse, with Cristiano Ronaldo contributing a goal to the victory, Gulf News said in a report. The match is the latest result for the Riyadh-based club, which features several international players.

The threat from Islamic State and al-Qaida extremists is most intense in parts of Africa, with growing risks in Syria, which both groups view as a strategic base for external operations, according to a report in AP. A new report from U.N. experts circulated to the Security Council states that al-Qaida-linked affiliates in West and East Africa have continued to increase the territory under their control, underscoring the expanding influence of these extremist organizations.

A record number of Senate Democrats, representing more than half of the party's caucus, voted on Wednesday to block U.S. military sales to Israel, according to a report in The Hill. Despite the unprecedented level of Democratic support for the two resolutions, they ultimately failed to pass. The vote is seen as a significant demonstration of the fracturing of historically bipartisan support in Congress for Israel, driven by concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

An Australian minister has declared that the country's recognition of a Palestinian state is "a matter of when, not if," signaling a potential policy shift, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The development comes as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas praised what he called Canada's "historic" move toward recognition in a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In contrast, the White House has articulated the U.S. position, stating that President Donald Trump does not believe Hamas should be rewarded with the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Thousands of carpets are being 'sunbathed' at a Turkish resort, a traditional practice for cleaning and preserving the valuable cultural items, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The process involves laying the hand-knotted rugs and kilims in direct sunlight, which helps to clean, air, dry, and maintain them. This cultural display at a tourist location highlights a method used to care for Turkish carpets, which are renowned for their craftsmanship and historical significance.

US Senator John Fetterman has publicly rejected the claim that the conflict in Gaza constitutes a 'genocide', The Hill said in a report. Fetterman's statement was a direct response to a reporter's question regarding Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene's use of the term to describe the situation. While refuting the 'genocide' label, Fetterman also referred to the Georgia Republican with the insult 'crazy pants'.

The Israeli government has provided 29 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), drones, night-vision goggles, and generators to illegal farming outposts in the West Bank, according to a report in The Times of Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated the move is intended to "deepen control" of the territory and referred to the outposts as the "spearhead of Zionist settlement."

An Israeli policeman shot and wounded a masked Israeli teenager on Route 60 in the West Bank after the youth was allegedly part of a group stoning cars in a traffic jam, The Times of Israel said in a report. The officer reportedly fired a warning shot, after which the suspects pelted him with rocks, prompting the officer to fire directly at them and wound the teen.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that Canada will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly, Al Jazeera says in a report. The announcement came with the condition that the Hamas group cannot have any role in the future governance of Palestine. Carney also specified that Hamas would be excluded from participating in any potential elections, which could be held in 2026.

Moideenabba Ummer Beary, who was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued in 2013, has been convicted of fraud in a fake currency case in the United Arab Emirates and is now facing deportation to India, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The conviction and subsequent deportation highlight the judicial cooperation between the UAE and India in combating transnational financial crime. The case's resolution comes more than a decade after the international alert was first issued.