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United Arab Emirates

September 2, 2026

Abu Dhabi 9:44 pm

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Ongoing construction work is pictured at a site in Marota City, a new mixed-use development project near the Umayyad Square in Damascus on July 22, 2026. Syria's new leaders, who inherited a dilapidated economy, are trying to attract capital without waiting for the full lifting of international sanctions. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP via Getty Images)

UAE investment fuels Syria's postwar economic recovery with $7B property deal

The deal would see UAE-based Arada develop a major real estate project in Damascus.

JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

UAE gauges new Lebanon deals amid Levant economic stabilization push

Beirut welcomed a high-level business delegation from the UAE in late August as Abu Dhabi pursues new regional economic engagement amid Iran's waning influence.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Chinese President Xi Jinping and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Analysis

UAE-China air drills deepen with fourth Falcon Shield exercise

The United Arab Emirates and China are preparing for their fourth joint air force exercise in as many years, extending a military relationship that has moved steadily beyond arms sales into increasingly regular operational training.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Latest News

Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties on Emirati Beirut visit

UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi (L) and Lebanese Economy Minister Amr al-Bisat after signing a memorandum of understanding, Beirut, Aug. 27, 2026.

Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push

Lebanese Presidency

Samuel Wendel

Senior Analyst, Middle East Business & Tech

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Vanessa Ghanem

In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics

Mohammed Soliman

In Washington, DC, reporting on Gulf politics

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Cruise ship terminal opens in Jordan’s port of Aqaba

The agreement with Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group could help bolster Jordan’s tourism sector.

FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

UAE defends crypto push at World Economic Forum amid FTX fallout

Emirati Minister Omar Sultan Al Olama discussed Samuel Bankman-Fried’s infamous trip to Dubai, cryptocurrency regulation, decentralized finance and more in Davos.

HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP via Getty Images

UAE to store carbon dioxide in rocks

The carbon mineralization project is part of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's $15 billion investment in decarbonization initiatives.

Stock Market Exchange on a skyscraper in dubai background - Getty / stock photo

UAE announces new guidance to control money laundering

The United Arab Emirates has been working to counter money laundering since being added to the Financial Action Task Force’s “grey list” in 2022.

Libya migrants

Explainer: Interpol nabs alleged Libya-based trafficker

The UAE assisted in the task force to arrest Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam, who allegedly extorted migrants through a camp in Libya. The North African country is a major embarking point for irregular sea voyages to Europe.

Burj Khalifa

UAE offers corporate tax orientation as implementation nears

The Gulf state decided last year to start taxing business profits and the new tax will go into effect this June.

KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Uber Travel now available in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt

The American ride-hailing giant faces significant competition in the Middle East and North Africa, but continues to expand in the region.

Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, Emirati minister of state and CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, speaks during the opening ceremony of the 24th World Energy Congress, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 9, 2019.

Abu Dhabi to invest $15 billion in decarbonization

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s interest in carbon capture and hydrogen is not new, and is part of a wider shift in the United Arab Emirates.

This picture taken on May 9, 2021 shows a view of the Dubai city skyline as seen from the Burj Khalifa, currently the world's tallest building at 828 meter.

Dubai unveils $8 trillion economic plan

Dubai's plan includes measures to boost its foreign trade, sustainability and position as a tech hub.

Employees walk past solar panels at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Solar Park, Dubai, March 20, 2017.

Dubai’s use of solar power increased in 2022

Dubai is playing a large role in the UAE’s move toward solar energy.

This picture taken from the Mount of Olives shows a view of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and its Dome of the Rock, Old City, Jerusalem, Jan. 2, 2023.

UAE, Saudi, others condemn Israeli minister’s visit to Jerusalem holy site

Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif could hurt the new far-right Israeli government's relations with Arab states and Turkey.

Cedric Ribeiro/Getty Images for Sotheby's Dubai

Abu Dhabi bank launches tokenized payment system using wearables

There have been numerous fintech developments in the United Arab Emirates this year.