With multicoloured lights and jets of water blasting into the night sky, the UAE's newest attraction on Thursday (October 22) secured the Guinness World Record for the world's largest fountain.

World's largest fountain unveiled in Dubai

A group of United Arab Emirates officials became the first Gulf Arab delegation ever to visit in Israel on Tuesday, cementing a normalisation deal in an occasion that Israel and US&nbsp;officials described as historic but the Palestinians called "shameful".

The UAE and Gulf neighbour Bahrain became the first Arab states in a quarter of a century to establish formal ties with Israel despite ongoing differences over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The deals, forged largely over shared fears of Iran, were brokered by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump ahead of next month's US&nbsp;presidential election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-bahrain-formalise-diplomatic-ties-336286" hreflang="en">Israel, Bahrain formalise diplomatic ties</a>

"We are making history in a way that will stand for generations," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in welcoming Emirati Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq al-Mari and Minister of State for Financial Affairs Obaid Humaid al-Tayer.

They were accompanied by US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other American officials on the flight from Abu Dhabi to Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. The visiting party was restricted to the airport because of concerns over COVID-19.

"I think that the visit of such a high level delegation from the UAE... will show our peoples, the region and the entire world the benefit of having friendly, peaceful and normal exchanges," Netanyahu said.

Four agreements were signed - on the promotion and protection of investments, cooperation in science and innovation, civil aviation and visa exemptions.

Tayer said the deals offered "great opportunities" to "achieve prosperity for both our economies, and our people".

Citing discussions on taxation and financial relations, he said there had already been significant progress and added: "We look forward to welcoming you to the UAE in the near future."

PALESTINIAN ANGER

Washington and its allies have said the deals would foster regional peace and stability. But they have prompted anger from the Palestinians.

Wasel Abu Youssef, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization said Tuesday's UAE visit came amid Israeli settlement expansion and was "shameful".

"The bilateral agreements that were announced today and the delegations that come and go, all of that offers the occupation strength to escalate its aggression and its crimes against the Palestinian people and increases its intransigence and arrogance," he said in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

In Gaza, Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for the Islamist group Hamas, said: "Such a visit will only encourage the occupation to pursue the gradual annexation of West Bank lands."

Mnuchin, the most senior US&nbsp;official to attend, called it an "historic occasion," adding: "With greater economic prosperity comes stronger security."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uae-government-delegation-heads-to-israel-for-first-official-visit-336627" hreflang="en">UAE government delegation heads to Israel for first official visit</a>

Reflecting a realignment of regional powers concerned about Iran, he added that Israel, the UAE and USA "share a similar outlook regarding threats and opportunities in the region."

Another US&nbsp;official in attendance, International Development Finance Corporation head Adam Boehler, said the three countries would set up a fund, initially projected to raise $3 billion, to encourage private-sector investment and regional cooperation.

He said he envisaged funding to enable the modernisation of Israeli-operated checkpoints for Palestinians. Israel says the checkpoints are vital for its security, while Palestinians complain that they hamper their ability to live and work.

The US officials had on Sunday joined an Israeli delegation to Bahrain for a signing ceremony to formalise ties.

The agreements signed on Tuesday followed several commercial deals signed by Israel and the UAE since mid-August.

"These agreements are of strategic and regional importance, will increase investment, trade and strengthen economic ties between the countries," said Israeli Finance Minister Israel Katz.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said the Emirati delegation had submitted a request to open an embassy in Tel Aviv and said it expected Israel to open an embassy in Abu Dhabi soon.

A group of United Arab Emirates officials became the first Gulf Arab delegation ever to visit in Israel on Tuesday, cementing a normalisation deal in an occasion that Israel and US officials described as historic but the Palestinians called "shameful".

A group of United Arab Emirates officials became the first Gulf Arab delegation ever to visit in Israel on Tuesday, cementing a normalisation deal in an occasion that Israel and US officials described as historic but the Palestinians called "shameful". The UAE and Gulf neighbour Bahrain became the first Arab states in a quarter of a century to establish formal ties with Israel despite ongoing differences over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The deals, forged largely over shared fears of Iran, were brokered by US President Donald Trump ahead of next month's US presidential election. Also read: Israel, Bahrain formalise diplomatic ties "We are making history in a way that will stand for generations," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in welcoming Emirati Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq al-Mari and Minister of State for Financial Affairs Obaid Humaid al-Tayer. They were accompanied by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other American officials on the flight from Abu Dhabi to Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. The visiting party was restricted to the airport because of concerns over COVID-19. "I think that the visit of such a high level delegation from the UAE... will show our peoples, the region and the entire world the benefit of having friendly, peaceful and normal exchanges," Netanyahu said. Four agreements were signed - on the promotion and protection of investments, cooperation in science and innovation, civil aviation and visa exemptions. Tayer said the deals offered "great opportunities" to "achieve prosperity for both our economies, and our people". Citing discussions on taxation and financial relations, he said there had already been significant progress and added: "We look forward to welcoming you to the UAE in the near future." PALESTINIAN ANGER Washington and its allies have said the deals would foster regional peace and stability. But they have prompted anger from the Palestinians. Wasel Abu Youssef, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization said Tuesday's UAE visit came amid Israeli settlement expansion and was "shameful". "The bilateral agreements that were announced today and the delegations that come and go, all of that offers the occupation strength to escalate its aggression and its crimes against the Palestinian people and increases its intransigence and arrogance," he said in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In Gaza, Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for the Islamist group Hamas, said: "Such a visit will only encourage the occupation to pursue the gradual annexation of West Bank lands." Mnuchin, the most senior US official to attend, called it an "historic occasion," adding: "With greater economic prosperity comes stronger security." Also read: UAE government delegation heads to Israel for first official visit Reflecting a realignment of regional powers concerned about Iran, he added that Israel, the UAE and USA "share a similar outlook regarding threats and opportunities in the region." Another US official in attendance, International Development Finance Corporation head Adam Boehler, said the three countries would set up a fund, initially projected to raise $3 billion, to encourage private-sector investment and regional cooperation. He said he envisaged funding to enable the modernisation of Israeli-operated checkpoints for Palestinians. Israel says the checkpoints are vital for its security, while Palestinians complain that they hamper their ability to live and work. The US officials had on Sunday joined an Israeli delegation to Bahrain for a signing ceremony to formalise ties. The agreements signed on Tuesday followed several commercial deals signed by Israel and the UAE since mid-August. "These agreements are of strategic and regional importance, will increase investment, trade and strengthen economic ties between the countries," said Israeli Finance Minister Israel Katz. Israel's Foreign Ministry said the Emirati delegation had submitted a request to open an embassy in Tel Aviv and said it expected Israel to open an embassy in Abu Dhabi soon.

Israel says UAE visit 'making history' - Palestinians call it 'shameful'

This week, a cargo from Dubai arrived at Israel's Haifa, making headlines across the world. A few months, this journey by the MSC Paris would have been impossible. Are winds of change finally blowing in West Asia with the Abraham Accords?

The West Asia Post: New Dawn of Israeli-UAE Relations

UAE and Israel signs trade deal of diamonds as both countries recently normalized their ties. Before Abraham Accords, brokered by the US President Trump, trade between Israel and Arab world was very minimal.

UAE and Israel signs diamond deal as both countries recently normalized their ties

The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Israel will visit the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin when they hold their "historic" first meeting in the German capital on Tuesday.

Israel's Gabi Ashkenazi and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan will hold their first face-to-face talks after their countries, once long-time foes, signed in mid-September a US-brokered deal to normalise relations.

"It is a great honour that the Israeli and Emirati foreign ministers picked Berlin as the site for their historic first meeting," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

"The most important currency in diplomacy is trust and I am personally thankful to both my colleagues that they are placing this trust in Germany."

Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab nations to establish relations with Israel since Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

For the Mideast, the deals dubbed the Abraham Accords mark a distinct shift in a decades-old status quo where Arab countries have tried to maintain unity against Israel over its treatment of the stateless Palestinians.

The visit by Sheikh Abdullah to the Holocaust Memorial would also be a highly symbolic step, marking the shift in attitudes in the Arab world towards Israel and Jews.

The monument is a vast undulating labyrinth of more than 2,700 grey concrete blocks spread over an area equivalent to three football fields. It commemorates the slaughter of six million Jews by Adolf Hitler's Nazi&nbsp;regime.

Political conflicts have led to fierce tensions between Islam and Judaism and Holocaust denial is rampant in many Arab countries.

Maas called the agreement between Israel and the UAE as the "first good news in the Middle East for a long time -- and a chance for new movement in the dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians".

"This opportunity must be seized," he said, voicing the readiness of the European Union to help.

The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Israel will visit the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin when they hold their "historic" first meeting in the German capital on Tuesday.

The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Israel will visit the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin when they hold their "historic" first meeting in the German capital on Tuesday. Israel's Gabi Ashkenazi and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan will hold their first face-to-face talks after their countries, once long-time foes, signed in mid-September a US-brokered deal to normalise relations. "It is a great honour that the Israeli and Emirati foreign ministers picked Berlin as the site for their historic first meeting," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. "The most important currency in diplomacy is trust and I am personally thankful to both my colleagues that they are placing this trust in Germany." Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab nations to establish relations with Israel since Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. For the Mideast, the deals dubbed the Abraham Accords mark a distinct shift in a decades-old status quo where Arab countries have tried to maintain unity against Israel over its treatment of the stateless Palestinians. The visit by Sheikh Abdullah to the Holocaust Memorial would also be a highly symbolic step, marking the shift in attitudes in the Arab world towards Israel and Jews. The monument is a vast undulating labyrinth of more than 2,700 grey concrete blocks spread over an area equivalent to three football fields. It commemorates the slaughter of six million Jews by Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime. Political conflicts have led to fierce tensions between Islam and Judaism and Holocaust denial is rampant in many Arab countries. Maas called the agreement between Israel and the UAE as the "first good news in the Middle East for a long time -- and a chance for new movement in the dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians". "This opportunity must be seized," he said, voicing the readiness of the European Union to help.

UAE, Israel foreign ministers to hold first talks in Berlin

A UAE-based club has become the first Arab club to sign an Israeli footballer, Diaa Sabia. This signing comes two weeks of UAE-Israel's peace treaty.

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Sabia is an attacking midfielder with China's Guangzhou R&amp;F, signed a two-year contract with Dubai's Al-Nasr, the club said in a statement Sunday. The deal for the Israeli cost more than 2.5 million euros ($2.9 million).

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"Al-Nasr has completed the procedures with Diaa Saba ... in a contract that extends for two seasons after he successfully passed medical examinations this morning," it said in a statement.

Al-Nasr took to Twitter to share the footage of the footballer wearing the number 9 jersey, dribbling and shooting in the emirate's Al-Maktoum Stadium.&nbsp;

The club is known for its links to the Israeli far-right, and it has never fielded an Arab player. It has been fined several times for its fans' racist chants such as "death to Arabs".

Sabia is of Palestinian origin. He was born in northern Israel and rose through the ranks of a youth club before moving to Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2012.

He played for several Israeli clubs until signing in 2014 with Maccabi Netanya, where he stayed for four years.&nbsp;

Sabia has scored 50 goals in 111 games in various competitions, including 24 in the 2018 season, and has 10 caps in the Israeli national team.

He was sold to Guangzhou R&amp;F for more than four million euros.

(Inputs from AFP)

A UAE-based club has become the first Arab club to sign an Israeli footballer, Diaa Sabia. This signing comes two weeks of UAE-Israel's peace treaty. Also read: East Bengal enter Indian Super League Sabia is an attacking midfielder with China's Guangzhou R&F, signed a two-year contract with Dubai's Al-Nasr, the club said in a statement Sunday.

A UAE-based club has become the first Arab club to sign an Israeli footballer, Diaa Sabia. This signing comes two weeks of UAE-Israel's peace treaty. Also read: East Bengal enter Indian Super League Sabia is an attacking midfielder with China's Guangzhou R&F, signed a two-year contract with Dubai's Al-Nasr, the club said in a statement Sunday. The deal for the Israeli cost more than 2.5 million euros ($2.9 million). Also read: Suarez can take Atletico to a different level, says Simeone "Al-Nasr has completed the procedures with Diaa Saba ... in a contract that extends for two seasons after he successfully passed medical examinations this morning," it said in a statement. Al-Nasr took to Twitter to share the footage of the footballer wearing the number 9 jersey, dribbling and shooting in the emirate's Al-Maktoum Stadium. The club is known for its links to the Israeli far-right, and it has never fielded an Arab player. It has been fined several times for its fans' racist chants such as "death to Arabs". Sabia is of Palestinian origin. He was born in northern Israel and rose through the ranks of a youth club before moving to Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2012. He played for several Israeli clubs until signing in 2014 with Maccabi Netanya, where he stayed for four years. Sabia has scored 50 goals in 111 games in various competitions, including 24 in the 2018 season, and has 10 caps in the Israeli national team. He was sold to Guangzhou R&F for more than four million euros. (Inputs from AFP)

UAE's Al Nasr becomes first Arab club to sign Israeli footballer

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may have the upper hand in its competition with Turkey in efforts to shape Palestinian politics. Similarly, the UAE’s recognition of the Jewish state gives it a leg up in ensuring that its voice is heard in Israel and Washington irrespective of who wins the November US election.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan didn’t miss a beat during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, insisting that he, unlike the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, would not accept a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that is not endorsed by the Palestinians.

Mr Erdogan’s solemn pledge may earn him brownie points with large segments of Middle Eastern and Muslim public opinion critical of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the two Gulf states but does not strengthen his weak hand.

The UAE, with whom Mr Erdogan is at loggerheads over Libya, Syria, and the future of political Islam, may have less clout than it thinks in bringing Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, but has, for now, more cards to play.

What those cards are worth will only emerge over time.

The UAE is betting that a combination of soft power garnered through recognition of Israel and close security, economic and technological cooperation will enable it to convince the Israeli government that an independent Palestinian state is in Israel’s interest.

While there is little reason to believe that the UAE will succeed where others have failed in recent decades, Emirati leaders, in contrast to Turkey, potentially could in cooperation with Israel also try to impose an unpopular Palestinian figure who has close ties to the US, Emirati and Israeli leadership.

The move would be designed to install a leader who would be &nbsp;more conducive to engaging in peace talks on terms that hold out little hope of meeting long-standing Palestinian aspirations.

It is a scenario that 84-year-old Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appears to be taking seriously and appears to be trying to pre-empt.

The Democratic Reform Bloc, a political group headed by Mohammed Dahlan, a controversial Abu Dhabi-based former Palestinian security chief believed to be close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the UAE’s de facto ruler, said dozens of his supporters had been arrested or summoned for questioning by Palestinian security forces in recent days.

Mr Dahlan appeared to be walking a fine line when he recently denied any role in mediating relations between the UAE and Israel.

Mr Abbas’ suspicions stem from an unsuccessful effort last year by the UAE to engineer a deal in which Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, would share power with Mr Dahlan.

Mr Dahlan went into exile in the UAE in 2007 after Hamas defeated his US-backed efforts to thwart the group’s control of Gaza. US President George W Bush described Mr Dahlan at the time as “our boy.”

He has since been indicted by Mr Abbas’ Palestine Authority on corruption charges.

UAE recognition of Israel constituted an acknowledgment that the 18-year old Arab peace plan that offered Israel diplomatic relations in exchange for land and a Palestinian state had produced naught.

In its rivalry with Turkey, whose assertive support for the Palestinian cause has likewise failed to produce results so far, the UAE is banking on the expectation that it has the upper hand in getting not only Israeli but also the attention of Washington that under US President Donald J Trump has disregarded Palestinian rights.

The UAE assumes that it will be able to capitalize on the fact that Emirati recognition of Israel has further complicated Turkey’s relations with its NATO ally, the United States.

Turkey’s relations with the US are already troubled by US support for Syrian Kurds; Turkish military backing of the Libyan government in Tripoli; tensions between Turkey and Greece, another NATO ally, in the Eastern Mediterranean; and Turkey’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile defense system.

The Trump administration hopes to finalize by December the sale of F-35 fighter planes to the UAE in the wake of the deal with Israel. &nbsp;Earlier, it cancelled Turkey’s acquisition of the same plane in response to the country’s S-400 deal with Russia.&nbsp;

For now, Turkey can look at appreciation by important segments of Arab and Muslim public opinion as an upside of its strident support for the Palestinians.

Seeking to capitalize on its Palestinian goodwill, Turkey has been attempting to end the rift between Mr Abbas’ Al Fatah movement and Hamas in a bid to get the Palestinians to agree on elections and the formation of a joint government.

The two groups, agreed during talks in Istanbul this week to work together and hold long overdue elections in the next six months.

The joker in Turkish-Emirati differences over Israel and Palestine is the upcoming US presidential election in November.

Irrespective of who wins, Turkey has lost to the UAE the beneficial mantle of being Israel’s best Muslim friend.

Nonetheless, an electoral victory by Democratic challenger Joe Biden, who is expected to be more critical of arms purchases by the UAE and other Gulf states and take them to task on human rights issues, could put both Turkey and the Emirates on the back foot.

A Biden victory would be for Turkey a lost opportunity. The very issues that are at the core of its strained relations with the UAE are likely to complicate its relations with a Democratic administration.

Recent media reports reminded Mr. Erdogan that Mr. Biden had described him in a conversation with The New York Times early this year as an “autocrat.” The Democratic candidate suggested that the US. should “embolden” his opponents to defeat him in elections.

In the conversation, Mr. Biden mentioned other issues, including the Kurds, Syria, and tension in the Eastern Mediterranean that do not bode well for US-Turkish relations should the Democrat occupy the White House. Mr. Biden is expected to be also critical of the UAE’s interventions in Yemen and Libya.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, the UAE, despite its own issues with the US, is likely to still find itself in a better place in Washington no matter who emerges victorious from the November election.

A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox.

Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is also a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg’s Institute of Fan Culture in Germany.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may have the upper hand in its competition with Turkey in efforts to shape Palestinian politics. Similarly, the UAE’s recognition of the Jewish state gives it a leg up in ensuring that its voice is heard in Israel and Washington irrespective of who wins the November US election.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may have the upper hand in its competition with Turkey in efforts to shape Palestinian politics. Similarly, the UAE’s recognition of the Jewish state gives it a leg up in ensuring that its voice is heard in Israel and Washington irrespective of who wins the November US election. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan didn’t miss a beat during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, insisting that he, unlike the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, would not accept a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that is not endorsed by the Palestinians. Mr Erdogan’s solemn pledge may earn him brownie points with large segments of Middle Eastern and Muslim public opinion critical of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the two Gulf states but does not strengthen his weak hand. The UAE, with whom Mr Erdogan is at loggerheads over Libya, Syria, and the future of political Islam, may have less clout than it thinks in bringing Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, but has, for now, more cards to play. What those cards are worth will only emerge over time. The UAE is betting that a combination of soft power garnered through recognition of Israel and close security, economic and technological cooperation will enable it to convince the Israeli government that an independent Palestinian state is in Israel’s interest. While there is little reason to believe that the UAE will succeed where others have failed in recent decades, Emirati leaders, in contrast to Turkey, potentially could in cooperation with Israel also try to impose an unpopular Palestinian figure who has close ties to the US, Emirati and Israeli leadership. The move would be designed to install a leader who would be more conducive to engaging in peace talks on terms that hold out little hope of meeting long-standing Palestinian aspirations. It is a scenario that 84-year-old Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appears to be taking seriously and appears to be trying to pre-empt. The Democratic Reform Bloc, a political group headed by Mohammed Dahlan, a controversial Abu Dhabi-based former Palestinian security chief believed to be close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the UAE’s de facto ruler, said dozens of his supporters had been arrested or summoned for questioning by Palestinian security forces in recent days. Mr Dahlan appeared to be walking a fine line when he recently denied any role in mediating relations between the UAE and Israel. Mr Abbas’ suspicions stem from an unsuccessful effort last year by the UAE to engineer a deal in which Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, would share power with Mr Dahlan. Mr Dahlan went into exile in the UAE in 2007 after Hamas defeated his US-backed efforts to thwart the group’s control of Gaza. US President George W Bush described Mr Dahlan at the time as “our boy.” He has since been indicted by Mr Abbas’ Palestine Authority on corruption charges. UAE recognition of Israel constituted an acknowledgment that the 18-year old Arab peace plan that offered Israel diplomatic relations in exchange for land and a Palestinian state had produced naught. In its rivalry with Turkey, whose assertive support for the Palestinian cause has likewise failed to produce results so far, the UAE is banking on the expectation that it has the upper hand in getting not only Israeli but also the attention of Washington that under US President Donald J Trump has disregarded Palestinian rights. The UAE assumes that it will be able to capitalize on the fact that Emirati recognition of Israel has further complicated Turkey’s relations with its NATO ally, the United States. Turkey’s relations with the US are already troubled by US support for Syrian Kurds; Turkish military backing of the Libyan government in Tripoli; tensions between Turkey and Greece, another NATO ally, in the Eastern Mediterranean; and Turkey’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile defense system. The Trump administration hopes to finalize by December the sale of F-35 fighter planes to the UAE in the wake of the deal with Israel. Earlier, it cancelled Turkey’s acquisition of the same plane in response to the country’s S-400 deal with Russia. For now, Turkey can look at appreciation by important segments of Arab and Muslim public opinion as an upside of its strident support for the Palestinians. Seeking to capitalize on its Palestinian goodwill, Turkey has been attempting to end the rift between Mr Abbas’ Al Fatah movement and Hamas in a bid to get the Palestinians to agree on elections and the formation of a joint government. The two groups, agreed during talks in Istanbul this week to work together and hold long overdue elections in the next six months. The joker in Turkish-Emirati differences over Israel and Palestine is the upcoming US presidential election in November. Irrespective of who wins, Turkey has lost to the UAE the beneficial mantle of being Israel’s best Muslim friend. Nonetheless, an electoral victory by Democratic challenger Joe Biden, who is expected to be more critical of arms purchases by the UAE and other Gulf states and take them to task on human rights issues, could put both Turkey and the Emirates on the back foot. A Biden victory would be for Turkey a lost opportunity. The very issues that are at the core of its strained relations with the UAE are likely to complicate its relations with a Democratic administration. Recent media reports reminded Mr. Erdogan that Mr. Biden had described him in a conversation with The New York Times early this year as an “autocrat.” The Democratic candidate suggested that the US. should “embolden” his opponents to defeat him in elections. In the conversation, Mr. Biden mentioned other issues, including the Kurds, Syria, and tension in the Eastern Mediterranean that do not bode well for US-Turkish relations should the Democrat occupy the White House. Mr. Biden is expected to be also critical of the UAE’s interventions in Yemen and Libya. Nonetheless, the UAE, despite its own issues with the US, is likely to still find itself in a better place in Washington no matter who emerges victorious from the November election. A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox. Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is also a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg’s Institute of Fan Culture in Germany. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Shaping Palestinian politics: The UAE has a leg up on Turkey

A close read of the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel suggests that the Jewish state has won far more than diplomatic recognition. It won acknowledgement of its claim to historic Jewish rights. By the same token, the UAE has received a significant boost to project itself as a leader in inter-faith dialogue.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed walked away from this month’s White House signing ceremony with more than just an agreement to establish diplomatic relations.

Included in the agreement are references that are key to foundational Israeli arguments asserting the right of the Jewish people to a state on what was once predominantly Arab land rather than simple recognition of the fact that the Jewish state exists.

Recognition of Jewish rights has long been a demand put forward by Mr. Netanyahu.

In talks with the Palestinians as well as the building of relations with Arab states over the years, the Israeli leader asserted that mere diplomatic acceptance of Israel’s existence was not good enough. And yet, that was the basis of earlier peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan as well as Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Yasser Arafat’s 1988 recognition of Israel and the subsequent 1993 Oslo accords.

From the outset, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been as much a dispute about control of land as one of perceived rights.

Recognition of Jewish rights in Palestine bolsters Israeli assertions that its claims to territory occupied during the 1967 Middle East are legitimate rather than a land grab resulting from military conquest.

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To be clear, it does not by definition endorse annexation, but it constitutes Arab acceptance of Israel’s position that any compromise between Israelis and Palestinians, a sine qua non for a resolution of their dispute, would involve mediation of claims that are historically and morally on par.

Arabs in the past have projected solutions as the need to address Palestinian rights while accepting Israel’s existence.

The agreement did not explicitly recognize Jewish rights, but enabled Israel to interpret the deal as doing so by stating that “Arab and Jewish peoples are descendants of a common ancestor, Abraham.”

The text of the agreement suggests that the reference was primarily related to allow the UAE to boost its efforts to project itself as a leader of inter-faith dialogue and a moderate interpretation of Islam – a pillar of the country’s well-funded soft power campaign that paints the Emirates as a militarily capable, forward-looking, religiously tolerant and technologically savvy, cutting edge state.

The interpretation of the phrasing as recognition of Jewish rights may have been an unintended consequence or icing on Israel’s cake.

It was a bonus that David Makovsky of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy -- widely viewed as leaning towards Israel -- was quick to point out. Mr. Makovsky noted that the reference implied that “both (Arabs and Jews are) indigenous to the Middle East.”

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Mr. Makovsky suggested that the phrasing “is important because it clearly refutes longstanding allegations in the Arab world that Zionism is alien to the region.”

It puts past to Arab and Palestinian arguments that the long-touted two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was one of dividing up land claimed by two parties driven by facts on the ground rather than consideration of legal and moral claims.

This is not just of esoteric significance. It bolsters Israel’s long-standing rejection of Palestinian insistence on the right of refugees, including those who left during the 1948 war, to return to their homes and lands in what is now Israel.

Israel’s reading of the agreement as endorsement of its assertion that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is about equally valid rights is likely to be interpreted differently on both sides of Israel’s right-left divide.

The country’s weakened left will see it as highlighting the need for territorial compromise. Significant segments of the Israeli right will view it as validation of its belief dating back to the period prior to the 1948 creation of Israel that the clash of Jewish and Palestinian rights is irreconcilable. That is a view that has historically also resonated among elements of the labor movement.

That may be what makes the UAE-Israel deal truly historic.

The icing on the UAE’s cake, beyond the significant geopolitical, military, security, technological and economic benefits of the agreement, is the stress on inter-faith dialogue.

Under the agreement, the UAE and Israel “undertake to foster mutual understanding, respect, co-existence, and a culture of peace between their societies in the spirit of their common ancestor, Abraham, and the new era of peace and friendly relations ushered in by this Treaty, including by cultivating people-to-people programs, (and) interfaith dialogue…”

The UAE, like Saudi Arabia, one of its multiple autocratic religious soft power rivals, has gone in recent years to great lengths to cultivate ties to Jewish and Evangelist communities and to position itself as a sponsor of an inter-faith dialogue in which Islam is represented by Muslim scholars who preach absolute obedience to the ruler and reject endorsement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its an interpretation of the faith intended to ensure regime survival and counter-allegations of violations of human rights in the UAE.

The signing of a Document on Human Fraternity by the imam of the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque in Cairo, Ahmed El-Tayeb, and Pope Francis I during his 2019 visit to the UAE, the first by a head of the Vatican to the Gulf, served to offer an alternative to the Universal Declaration that allows the Emirates to pick and choose which rights it accepts.

The emphasis on inter-faith dialogue is bolstered and conditioned by the agreement’s implicit condemnation of political Islam, a key driver of UAE policy that is shared by Israel.

The agreement rejects “political manipulation of religions and…interpretations made by religious groups who, in the course of history, have taken advantage of the power of religious sentiment…in a way that has nothing to do with the truth of religion.”

Omar Ghobash, UAE Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy, speaking in a US-UAE Council webinar, noted that one driver for the conclusion of the agreement was “what happened around the so-called Arab Spring and then the rise of vicious groups like ISIS, let alone Al Qaeda.”

Mr. Ghobash was referring to the 2011 popular Arab revolts that toppled the autocratic leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen as well as the rise of the Islamic State in the aftermath of the uprisings, which was a product of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq rather than the rebellions.

He projected the agreement as part of the UAE’s institutionalization of its values.

“There is a distortion that has taken place over the last few decades…represented by groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS … There is a recurring theme in conversations with my leaders and that is that Islam has been hijacked by these groups. The reality is that in taking Islam back, you need to free it from those constraints. You free it by presenting a different expression of Islam,” Mr. Ghobash said.

Critics suggest that the agreement’s formalization of Israeli support for the UAE’s propagation of a state-controlled Islam fails to tackle a core issue: the need to address religious concepts that are either outdated or outmoded or require reconceptualization and reinterpretation.

Those concepts legitimized decades of Muslim demonization of Israel as well as Jews, Christians, and other non-Muslims.

The UAE took a first major step to address the issue by distributing to schools barely two weeks after the announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations textbooks that cite the agreement with Israel as an expression of fundamental Islamic and Emirati values.

However, the ultimate litmus test of the UAE’s effort to shape moderate Islam will be if and when it loosens the state’s grip on religion and allows for free-flowing, credible theological debate in which scholars tackle problematic religious concepts that have served their purpose but are out of place in a modern, forward-looking society.

(Dr James M Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is also a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg’s Institute of Fan Culture.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

A close read of the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel suggests that the Jewish state has won far more than diplomatic recognition. It won acknowledgement of its claim to historic Jewish rights.

A close read of the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel suggests that the Jewish state has won far more than diplomatic recognition. It won acknowledgement of its claim to historic Jewish rights. By the same token, the UAE has received a significant boost to project itself as a leader in inter-faith dialogue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed walked away from this month’s White House signing ceremony with more than just an agreement to establish diplomatic relations. Included in the agreement are references that are key to foundational Israeli arguments asserting the right of the Jewish people to a state on what was once predominantly Arab land rather than simple recognition of the fact that the Jewish state exists. Recognition of Jewish rights has long been a demand put forward by Mr. Netanyahu. In talks with the Palestinians as well as the building of relations with Arab states over the years, the Israeli leader asserted that mere diplomatic acceptance of Israel’s existence was not good enough. And yet, that was the basis of earlier peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan as well as Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Yasser Arafat’s 1988 recognition of Israel and the subsequent 1993 Oslo accords. From the outset, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been as much a dispute about control of land as one of perceived rights. Recognition of Jewish rights in Palestine bolsters Israeli assertions that its claims to territory occupied during the 1967 Middle East are legitimate rather than a land grab resulting from military conquest. Also Read | Controversial Israeli soccer club may be litmus test for UAE soft power ploy To be clear, it does not by definition endorse annexation, but it constitutes Arab acceptance of Israel’s position that any compromise between Israelis and Palestinians, a sine qua non for a resolution of their dispute, would involve mediation of claims that are historically and morally on par. Arabs in the past have projected solutions as the need to address Palestinian rights while accepting Israel’s existence. The agreement did not explicitly recognize Jewish rights, but enabled Israel to interpret the deal as doing so by stating that “Arab and Jewish peoples are descendants of a common ancestor, Abraham.” The text of the agreement suggests that the reference was primarily related to allow the UAE to boost its efforts to project itself as a leader of inter-faith dialogue and a moderate interpretation of Islam – a pillar of the country’s well-funded soft power campaign that paints the Emirates as a militarily capable, forward-looking, religiously tolerant and technologically savvy, cutting edge state. The interpretation of the phrasing as recognition of Jewish rights may have been an unintended consequence or icing on Israel’s cake. It was a bonus that David Makovsky of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy -- widely viewed as leaning towards Israel -- was quick to point out. Mr. Makovsky noted that the reference implied that “both (Arabs and Jews are) indigenous to the Middle East.” Also Read | Credit where it is due: Trump deserves praise for West Asia peace deal Mr. Makovsky suggested that the phrasing “is important because it clearly refutes longstanding allegations in the Arab world that Zionism is alien to the region.” It puts past to Arab and Palestinian arguments that the long-touted two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was one of dividing up land claimed by two parties driven by facts on the ground rather than consideration of legal and moral claims. This is not just of esoteric significance. It bolsters Israel’s long-standing rejection of Palestinian insistence on the right of refugees, including those who left during the 1948 war, to return to their homes and lands in what is now Israel. Israel’s reading of the agreement as endorsement of its assertion that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is about equally valid rights is likely to be interpreted differently on both sides of Israel’s right-left divide. The country’s weakened left will see it as highlighting the need for territorial compromise. Significant segments of the Israeli right will view it as validation of its belief dating back to the period prior to the 1948 creation of Israel that the clash of Jewish and Palestinian rights is irreconcilable. That is a view that has historically also resonated among elements of the labor movement. That may be what makes the UAE-Israel deal truly historic. The icing on the UAE’s cake, beyond the significant geopolitical, military, security, technological and economic benefits of the agreement, is the stress on inter-faith dialogue. Under the agreement, the UAE and Israel “undertake to foster mutual understanding, respect, co-existence, and a culture of peace between their societies in the spirit of their common ancestor, Abraham, and the new era of peace and friendly relations ushered in by this Treaty, including by cultivating people-to-people programs, (and) interfaith dialogue…” The UAE, like Saudi Arabia, one of its multiple autocratic religious soft power rivals, has gone in recent years to great lengths to cultivate ties to Jewish and Evangelist communities and to position itself as a sponsor of an inter-faith dialogue in which Islam is represented by Muslim scholars who preach absolute obedience to the ruler and reject endorsement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its an interpretation of the faith intended to ensure regime survival and counter-allegations of violations of human rights in the UAE. The signing of a Document on Human Fraternity by the imam of the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque in Cairo, Ahmed El-Tayeb, and Pope Francis I during his 2019 visit to the UAE, the first by a head of the Vatican to the Gulf, served to offer an alternative to the Universal Declaration that allows the Emirates to pick and choose which rights it accepts. The emphasis on inter-faith dialogue is bolstered and conditioned by the agreement’s implicit condemnation of political Islam, a key driver of UAE policy that is shared by Israel. The agreement rejects “political manipulation of religions and…interpretations made by religious groups who, in the course of history, have taken advantage of the power of religious sentiment…in a way that has nothing to do with the truth of religion.” Omar Ghobash, UAE Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy, speaking in a US-UAE Council webinar, noted that one driver for the conclusion of the agreement was “what happened around the so-called Arab Spring and then the rise of vicious groups like ISIS, let alone Al Qaeda.” Mr. Ghobash was referring to the 2011 popular Arab revolts that toppled the autocratic leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen as well as the rise of the Islamic State in the aftermath of the uprisings, which was a product of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq rather than the rebellions. He projected the agreement as part of the UAE’s institutionalization of its values. “There is a distortion that has taken place over the last few decades…represented by groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS … There is a recurring theme in conversations with my leaders and that is that Islam has been hijacked by these groups. The reality is that in taking Islam back, you need to free it from those constraints. You free it by presenting a different expression of Islam,” Mr. Ghobash said. Critics suggest that the agreement’s formalization of Israeli support for the UAE’s propagation of a state-controlled Islam fails to tackle a core issue: the need to address religious concepts that are either outdated or outmoded or require reconceptualization and reinterpretation. Those concepts legitimized decades of Muslim demonization of Israel as well as Jews, Christians, and other non-Muslims. The UAE took a first major step to address the issue by distributing to schools barely two weeks after the announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations textbooks that cite the agreement with Israel as an expression of fundamental Islamic and Emirati values. However, the ultimate litmus test of the UAE’s effort to shape moderate Islam will be if and when it loosens the state’s grip on religion and allows for free-flowing, credible theological debate in which scholars tackle problematic religious concepts that have served their purpose but are out of place in a modern, forward-looking society. (Dr James M Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is also a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg’s Institute of Fan Culture.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The UAE-Israel deal’s historicity is in the fine print

IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE

The&nbsp;US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> said during a campaign rally in North Carolina that he could qualify for the Nobel Peace Prize, for which he, in fact, was nominated this year, for brokering a termination of decades-long "mass killings" between Serbia and Kosovo.

"Next story I`m sure it`s a Nobel Prize for peace. We are stopping mass killings between Kosovo and Serbia. They have been killing each other for so many [years]. They are going to stop killing. I said `fellas, let`s get together.` You know, they`ve been doing it for hundreds of years frankly under different names," Trump said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-nominate-a-woman-to-replace-ginsburg-stating-he-likes-women-more-328748">Also read:&nbsp;Trump to nominate a woman to replace Ginsburg stating he likes 'women more'</a>

Trump was nominated for Nobel earlier this month by a Norwegian lawmaker for his efforts brokering a landmark peace deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. A similar agreement was signed shortly later between Israel and Bahrain under Washington`s mediation.

In mid-September, Trump hosted talks between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, but no particular breakthrough was achieved to resolve their strife.

Formerly a province of Serbia, Kosovo shook to an armed confrontation between Serbian security forces and the Albanian-led Kosovo Liberation Army, seeking the status of a constituent republic for Kosovo in what was then Yugoslavia. The conflict triggered unauthorized NATO airstrikes in the region from March 1999 to June 1999 on the grounds that the Yugoslav authorities were allegedly committing ethnic cleansing against Kosovar Albanians.

Kosovo unilaterally proclaimed independence from Serbia in February 2008 and has since been seeking to gain recognition. Serbia has not recognised Kosovo`s independence and launched a campaign to convince other countries to not recognise it either.&nbsp;

The US President Donald Trump said during a campaign rally in North Carolina that he could qualify for the Nobel Peace Prize, for which he, in fact, was nominated this year, for brokering a termination of decades-long "mass killings" between Serbia and Kosovo.

The US President Donald Trump said during a campaign rally in North Carolina that he could qualify for the Nobel Peace Prize, for which he, in fact, was nominated this year, for brokering a termination of decades-long "mass killings" between Serbia and Kosovo. "Next story I`m sure it`s a Nobel Prize for peace. We are stopping mass killings between Kosovo and Serbia. They have been killing each other for so many [years]. They are going to stop killing. I said `fellas, let`s get together.` You know, they`ve been doing it for hundreds of years frankly under different names," Trump said. Also read: Trump to nominate a woman to replace Ginsburg stating he likes 'women more' Trump was nominated for Nobel earlier this month by a Norwegian lawmaker for his efforts brokering a landmark peace deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. A similar agreement was signed shortly later between Israel and Bahrain under Washington`s mediation. In mid-September, Trump hosted talks between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, but no particular breakthrough was achieved to resolve their strife. Formerly a province of Serbia, Kosovo shook to an armed confrontation between Serbian security forces and the Albanian-led Kosovo Liberation Army, seeking the status of a constituent republic for Kosovo in what was then Yugoslavia. The conflict triggered unauthorized NATO airstrikes in the region from March 1999 to June 1999 on the grounds that the Yugoslav authorities were allegedly committing ethnic cleansing against Kosovar Albanians. Kosovo unilaterally proclaimed independence from Serbia in February 2008 and has since been seeking to gain recognition. Serbia has not recognised Kosovo`s independence and launched a campaign to convince other countries to not recognise it either.

Trump claims stopped ''mass killings'' between Serbia, Kosovo

Hundreds of Moroccan protesters expressed their displeasure&nbsp;against the peace deal that established ties between Israel and UAE, Bahrain. The protesters held demonstrations outside Moroccan Parliament in capital Rabat and even burnt a mock Israeli flag. They decried the "Arab normalisation" of ties with Israel.

Though UAE and Bahrain's peace deal (Abraham Accords) with Israel is believed to have been struck with Iran in mind, many in the Arab world have taken it to be a step against Palestinian interests.

Protesters in Morocco on Saturday criticised the "treacherous countries" and "their American and Zionist allies".

"We demand the criminalisation of any normalisation" with Israel, demonstrators shouted.

The step taken by UAE and Bahrain broke decades-long consensus among Arab countries that they would not establish relation with Israel until it had made peace with Palestinians.

Before the deals, the only Arab countries to establish relations with Israel were Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Interestingly, Morocco itself is widely believed to be the country next in line to normalise ties with Israel. Morocco is a strong US ally and already has trade and tourism relations with Israel. Morocco soldiers never fought on ground with Israel during the Arab-Isreali wars between 1948 and 1973. In fact, it is said that Moroccan intelligence aided Israel during 1967 war. 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of Moroccan protesters expressed their displeasure against the peace deal that established ties between Israel and UAE, Bahrain. The protesters held demonstrations outside Moroccan Parliament in capital Rabat and even burnt a mock Israeli flag.

Hundreds of Moroccan protesters expressed their displeasure against the peace deal that established ties between Israel and UAE, Bahrain. The protesters held demonstrations outside Moroccan Parliament in capital Rabat and even burnt a mock Israeli flag. They decried the "Arab normalisation" of ties with Israel. Though UAE and Bahrain's peace deal (Abraham Accords) with Israel is believed to have been struck with Iran in mind, many in the Arab world have taken it to be a step against Palestinian interests. Protesters in Morocco on Saturday criticised the "treacherous countries" and "their American and Zionist allies". "We demand the criminalisation of any normalisation" with Israel, demonstrators shouted. The step taken by UAE and Bahrain broke decades-long consensus among Arab countries that they would not establish relation with Israel until it had made peace with Palestinians. Before the deals, the only Arab countries to establish relations with Israel were Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. Interestingly, Morocco itself is widely believed to be the country next in line to normalise ties with Israel. Morocco is a strong US ally and already has trade and tourism relations with Israel. Morocco soldiers never fought on ground with Israel during the Arab-Isreali wars between 1948 and 1973. In fact, it is said that Moroccan intelligence aided Israel during 1967 war.

Protest in Morocco against UAE and Bahrain's peace deal with Israel

A historic deal was signed between Israel, UAE and Bahrain. The deal was more than 70 years in the making. Abraham Accords, the peace deal signed by Israel, Bahrain and UAE changes West Asian politics completely. The deal was sealed&nbsp;in August and signed yesterday.

US President Donald Trump has pulled off a big foreign policy win just weeks before US Presidential Elections. UAE and Bahrain, two Arab countries are now allies of Israel.

Arabs and Israel have fought for decades. Arabs backed Palestine and insisted that Israel-Palestine issue should be settled. This was their condition to give recognition to Israel as a country. The dispute has not been settled but Abraham Accords have been signed nonetheless.

More Arab countries are expected to normalise relations with Israel soon. Until now only Egypt and Jordan had ties with Israel.

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Trump is calling Abraham Accords 'The dawn of the new Middle East'. This peace deal is the most significant diplomatic achievement of Trump.

The Abraham Accords, named after the common patriarch of Jews, Muslims and Christians, is the beginning of Israel's rapprochement with Arab world.

Palestinians have called this a betrayal. In reality, support to Palestine has long been reduced to political symbolism. Arab countries have had covert dealings with Israel in past. 
&nbsp; 
The Abraham Accords paves the way&nbsp;for Israel and other signatories to set up embassies, open travel routes and sign business deals.

It's a big win for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu too. Israel celebrated the deal by projecting flags of all four countries on the old city walls in Jerusalem. Netanyahu called the deal 'A Path to Peace'

Big Shift in West Asia

US is orchestrating a big shift in West Asia. Both UAE and Bahrain are allies of Saudi Arabia. Both countries will benefit a lot from the deal. UAE, while projecting an image that it has taken care of Palestinian interests while signing the deal, can now access advanced American weaponry like F-35 jets. Similarly, Bahrain can now have access to high tech Israeli weapons.&nbsp;

But here's the real deal.

By signing Abraham Accords, a stronger alliance against Iran is taking shape in West Asia. Trump has even said that five more countries may recognise Israel.

What does this mean?

It means that Israel-Palestine conflict no longer dictates terms of engagement in West Asia. It's not about Jews versus Arab anymore. It's now sectarian, Shia versus Sunni. 
&nbsp; 
Iran is on one side, and Sunni states in the gulf alongside Israel are on the other side.

Iran can count on Turkey for support. Pakistan does not back the deal but it is indebted to the Saudis.

What will happen next?

Israel is now recognised by Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and UAE. Next in line are these countries.

Saudi Arabia:&nbsp;This is a strong possibility. Saudi Arabia is already co-operating with Israel against Iran. It is also said that Bahrain signed the deal only after nod from the Saudis. But Saudi Arabia itself signing the deal would be a major development.

Oman: Oman congratulated Israel and UAE on their agreement. It has often played the role of interlocutor between Israel and Arab world.

Beyond West Asia, names of countries like Sudan and Morocco are also doing rounds.

&nbsp; 
What happens to Palestine?

Palestinians are angry and they are protesting. They say that agreement should not be called a peace deal as it has no representation from Palestine.

A historic deal was signed between Israel, UAE and Bahrain. The deal was more than 70 years in the making. Abraham Accords, the peace deal signed by Israel, Bahrain and UAE changes West Asian politics completely.

A historic deal was signed between Israel, UAE and Bahrain. The deal was more than 70 years in the making. Abraham Accords, the peace deal signed by Israel, Bahrain and UAE changes West Asian politics completely. The deal was sealed in August and signed yesterday. US President Donald Trump has pulled off a big foreign policy win just weeks before US Presidential Elections. UAE and Bahrain, two Arab countries are now allies of Israel. Arabs and Israel have fought for decades. Arabs backed Palestine and insisted that Israel-Palestine issue should be settled. This was their condition to give recognition to Israel as a country. The dispute has not been settled but Abraham Accords have been signed nonetheless. More Arab countries are expected to normalise relations with Israel soon. Until now only Egypt and Jordan had ties with Israel. × Trump is calling Abraham Accords 'The dawn of the new Middle East'. This peace deal is the most significant diplomatic achievement of Trump. The Abraham Accords, named after the common patriarch of Jews, Muslims and Christians, is the beginning of Israel's rapprochement with Arab world. Palestinians have called this a betrayal. In reality, support to Palestine has long been reduced to political symbolism. Arab countries have had covert dealings with Israel in past. The Abraham Accords paves the way for Israel and other signatories to set up embassies, open travel routes and sign business deals. It's a big win for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu too. Israel celebrated the deal by projecting flags of all four countries on the old city walls in Jerusalem. Netanyahu called the deal 'A Path to Peace' Big Shift in West Asia US is orchestrating a big shift in West Asia. Both UAE and Bahrain are allies of Saudi Arabia. Both countries will benefit a lot from the deal. UAE, while projecting an image that it has taken care of Palestinian interests while signing the deal, can now access advanced American weaponry like F-35 jets. Similarly, Bahrain can now have access to high tech Israeli weapons. But here's the real deal. By signing Abraham Accords, a stronger alliance against Iran is taking shape in West Asia. Trump has even said that five more countries may recognise Israel. What does this mean? It means that Israel-Palestine conflict no longer dictates terms of engagement in West Asia. It's not about Jews versus Arab anymore. It's now sectarian, Shia versus Sunni. Iran is on one side, and Sunni states in the gulf alongside Israel are on the other side. Iran can count on Turkey for support. Pakistan does not back the deal but it is indebted to the Saudis. What will happen next? Israel is now recognised by Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and UAE. Next in line are these countries. Saudi Arabia: This is a strong possibility. Saudi Arabia is already co-operating with Israel against Iran. It is also said that Bahrain signed the deal only after nod from the Saudis. But Saudi Arabia itself signing the deal would be a major development. Oman: Oman congratulated Israel and UAE on their agreement. It has often played the role of interlocutor between Israel and Arab world. Beyond West Asia, names of countries like Sudan and Morocco are also doing rounds. What happens to Palestine? Palestinians are angry and they are protesting. They say that agreement should not be called a peace deal as it has no representation from Palestine.

Abraham Accords: USA orchestrates huge change in West Asia

There is no doubt that the peace accord between the UAE and Israel became a reality due to efforts of US President Donald Trump. Following the footsteps of UAE, Bahrain also restored its relations withe Israel and both these countries gave recognition to Israel. This is a creditable achievement of Trump as it was not an easy peace exercise.

Four Arab countries namely Egypt, Jordan, UAE and Bahrain now recognise Israel as a sovereign country. Reports say that Saudi Arabia may also opt for friendly relations with Israel though it may not immediately recognise Israel as a sovereign country.

Not surprisingly, Palestinians have protested against UAE and Bahrain.

There is increasing realisation among Arab countries in Middle East about fruitlessness of conflict with Israel. This cnflict has not helped Palestinians in any way so far. On the other hand it created hardships. Palestinians are virtually living in isolation without any hope for future.

Success of Trump's peace initiative in Middle East can certainly change the face of the region.

It will be good for Palestinians to see the writing on the wall about existence of Israel and come up with peaceful resolution. This will enable Palestinians to live in peace and realise their potential for growth and development.

Apart from Trump's peace initiative in Middle East, another remarkable initiative is his attempts to have peaceful relations with North Korea.&nbsp;

US is the most powerful county in the world while North Korea is an impoverished nation. But yet Trump went all the way to Singapore for a summit with Kim Jong-Un. The fact that the initiative did not succeed in establishing peace between two nations does not minimise importance of his initiative.

President Trump's efforts to bring Taliban to the negotiating table has not received due appreciation in the US or in other countries.

It is true that Trump has initiated trade war with China. But many believe that this was a necessary step as China has been exhibiting aggressive behaviour. It should be noted that Trump limited his conflict with China and the trade dispute did not spiral into outright military conflict.

Though ritics and section of media in the US appear to be doing everything possible to denigrate Trump in the run up to US Presidential elections, fairness demands that Trump should be given due credit by American people for his remarkable peace initiative Middle East and similar strategies with repect to North Korea and Afghanistan.

Trump even offered to mediate between India and Pakistan. He was ridiculed and criticised. India and China rejected his offer of mediation. Nevertheless, Trump offered his service towards the cause of peace which is laudable.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

There is no doubt that the peace accord between the UAE and Israel became a reality due to efforts of US President Donald Trump. Following the footsteps of UAE, Bahrain also restored its relations withe Israel and both these countries gave recognition to Israel.

There is no doubt that the peace accord between the UAE and Israel became a reality due to efforts of US President Donald Trump. Following the footsteps of UAE, Bahrain also restored its relations withe Israel and both these countries gave recognition to Israel. This is a creditable achievement of Trump as it was not an easy peace exercise. Four Arab countries namely Egypt, Jordan, UAE and Bahrain now recognise Israel as a sovereign country. Reports say that Saudi Arabia may also opt for friendly relations with Israel though it may not immediately recognise Israel as a sovereign country. Not surprisingly, Palestinians have protested against UAE and Bahrain. There is increasing realisation among Arab countries in Middle East about fruitlessness of conflict with Israel. This cnflict has not helped Palestinians in any way so far. On the other hand it created hardships. Palestinians are virtually living in isolation without any hope for future. Success of Trump's peace initiative in Middle East can certainly change the face of the region. It will be good for Palestinians to see the writing on the wall about existence of Israel and come up with peaceful resolution. This will enable Palestinians to live in peace and realise their potential for growth and development. Apart from Trump's peace initiative in Middle East, another remarkable initiative is his attempts to have peaceful relations with North Korea. US is the most powerful county in the world while North Korea is an impoverished nation. But yet Trump went all the way to Singapore for a summit with Kim Jong-Un. The fact that the initiative did not succeed in establishing peace between two nations does not minimise importance of his initiative. President Trump's efforts to bring Taliban to the negotiating table has not received due appreciation in the US or in other countries. It is true that Trump has initiated trade war with China. But many believe that this was a necessary step as China has been exhibiting aggressive behaviour. It should be noted that Trump limited his conflict with China and the trade dispute did not spiral into outright military conflict. Though ritics and section of media in the US appear to be doing everything possible to denigrate Trump in the run up to US Presidential elections, fairness demands that Trump should be given due credit by American people for his remarkable peace initiative Middle East and similar strategies with repect to North Korea and Afghanistan. Trump even offered to mediate between India and Pakistan. He was ridiculed and criticised. India and China rejected his offer of mediation. Nevertheless, Trump offered his service towards the cause of peace which is laudable. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Credit where it is due: Trump deserves praise for West Asia peace deal

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on September 15 became the latest Arab states to break a long-standing taboo when they signed the agreements towards normalising relations with Israel in a strategic realignment of Middle Eastern countries against Iran. US President Donald Trump hosted a White House ceremony. Watch report.

Israel-UAE Deal: Trump hosts the leaders of West Asia

The odds are that Saudi Arabia is not about to formalize relations with Israel. But the kingdom, its image tarnished by multiple missteps, is seeking to ensure that it is not perceived as the odd man out as smaller Gulf States establish diplomatic relations with the Jewish state.

Bahrain’s announcement that it would follow in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates was as much a Bahraini move as it was a Saudi signal that it is not opposed to normalization with Israel.

Largely dependent on the kingdom since Saudi troops helped squash mass anti-government protests in 2011, Bahrain, a majority Shia Muslim nation, would not have agreed to establish diplomatic relations with Israel without Saudi consent.

The Bahraini move followed several other Saudi gestures intended to signal the kingdom’s endorsement of Arab normalization of Israel even if it was not going to lead the pack.

The gestures included the opening of Saudi air space to Israeli commercial flights, and publication of a Saudi think tank report praising Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s stewardship in modernizing the kingdom’s religious education system and encouraging the religious establishment to replace“extremist narratives” in school textbooks with “a moderate interpretation of Islamic rhetoric.”

They also involved a sermon by Abdulrahman al-Sudais, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca – the world’s largest mosque that surrounds the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site that highlighted Prophet Mohammed’s friendly relations with Jews.

Mr. al-Sudais noted that the prophet had “performed ablution from a polytheistic water bottle and died while his shield was mortgaged to a Jew,” forged a peace agreement with Jewish inhabitants of the Khaybar region, and dealt so well with a Jewish neighbor that he eventually converted to Islam.&nbsp;

The imam’s comments, a day before US President Donald J. Trump was believed to have failed to persuade King Salman to follow the UAE’s example, were widely seen as part of an effort to prepare Saudi public opinion for eventual recognition of Israel.

Criticism on social media of the comments constituted one indication that public opinion in Gulf states is divided.

Expression of Emirati dissent was restricted to Emirati exiles given that the UAE does not tolerate expression of dissenting views.

However, small scale protests erupted in Bahrain, another country that curtails freedom of expression and assembly. Bahraini political and civil society associations, including the Bahrain Bar Association, issued a statement rejecting the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel.

“What results from normalization will not enjoy popular backing, in line with what generations of Bahrainis have been brought up on in terms of adherence to the Palestinian cause,” the statement said.

Bahrain has long been home to a Jewish community and was the first and, so far, only Arab state to appoint a Jew as its ambassador to the United States.

The criticism echoes recent polls in various Gulf States that suggest that Palestine remains a major public foreign policy concern.

Polling by David Pollock of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy found that Palestine ranked second to Iran.

Earlier polls by James Zogby, a Washington-based pollster with a track record that goes back more than a decade, showed Palestine ranking in 2018 as the foremost foreign policy issue followed by Iran in Emirati and Saudi public opinion.

The same year’s Arab Opinion Index suggested that 80 percent of Saudis see Palestine as an Arab rather than a purely Palestinian issue.

Mr. Pollock said in an interview that with regard to Palestine, Saudi officials “believe that they have to be a little cautious. They want to move bit by bit in the direction of normalizing at least the existence of Israel or the discussion of Israel, the possibility of peace, but they don’t think that the public is ready for the full embrace or anything like that.”

Gulf scholar Giorgio Cafiero noted in a tweet that “Israel formalizing relations (with) unelected Arab (governments) is not the same as Israel making ‘peace’ (with) Arab people. Look at, for example, what Egypt’s citizenry thinks of Israel. Iran and Turkey will capitalize on this reality as more US-friendly Arab [governments] sign accords [with] Israel.”

This year’s Arab Opinion Index suggest that in Kuwait, the one country that has not engaged with Israel publicly, Turkey—the Muslim country that has taken a lead in supporting the Palestinians—ranked highest in public esteem compared to China, Russia, and Iran.

A rift in a UAE-backed Muslim group created to counter Qatari support of political Islam and promote a state-controlled version of Islam that preaches absolute obedience to the ruler serves as a further indication that Palestine remains an emotive public issue.

In Mr. Al-Sudais’ case, analysts suggest that the criticism is as much about Palestine as it is a signal that religious leaders who become subservient to the whims of government may be losing credibility.

Mr. Al-Sudais’ sermon contrasted starkly with past talks in which he described Jews as “killers of prophets and the scum of the earth” as well as “monkeys and pigs” and defended Saudi Arabia’s conflict with Iran as a war between Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

The criticism coupled with indications earlier this year that Saudi Arabia’s religious establishment was not happy with Prince Mohammed’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic may be one reason why Saudi Arabia is gesturing rather than formalizing already existing relations with Israel.

Authorities reportedly arrested in March Sheikh Abdullah al-Saad, an Islamic scholar, after he posted online an audio clip criticizing the government for banning Friday prayers. Mr. al-Saad argued that worshippers should be able to ask God for mercy.

An imam in Mecca was fired shortly after he expressed concern about the spread of the coronavirus in Saudi prisons.

Scholars Genevieve Abdo and Nourhan Elnahla reported that the kingdom’s Council of Senior Clerics had initially drafted a fatwa, or religious opinion, describing the closing of mosques as a violation of Islamic principles. They said that government pressure had persuaded the council not to issue the opinion.

Concern among the kingdom’s ultra-conservative religious scholars that the ruling Al-Saud family may break the power-sharing agreement with the clergy, concluded at the birth of the kingdom, predates the rise of King Salman and Prince Mohammed.

Indeed, the clerics’ concern stretches back to the reign of King Abdullah and has focused on attitudes expressed both by senior members of the ruling family who have since been sidelined or detained by Prince Mohammed and princes that continue to wield influence.

The scholars feared that the ruling family contemplated separating state and religion. This is a concern that has likely been reinforced since Prince Mohammed whipped the kingdom’s religious establishment into submission and downplayed religion by emphasizing nationalism.

Ultra-conservative Saudi religious scholars are also certain to have taken note of post-revolt Sudan’s recent decision to legally remove religion from the realm of the state.

Ultra-conservative sentiment does not pose an imminent threat to Prince Mohammed’s iron grip rule of a country in which many welcomed social reforms that have lifted some of the debilitating restrictions on women, liberalized gender segregation, and the as yet unfulfilled promise of greater opportunity for a majority youthful population.

It does however suggest one reason why Prince Mohammed, who is believed to favor formal relations with Israel, may want to tread carefully on an issue that potentially continues to evoke passions. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The odds are that Saudi Arabia is not about to formalize relations with Israel. But the kingdom, its image tarnished by multiple missteps, is seeking to ensure that it is not perceived as the odd man out as smaller Gulf States establish diplomatic relations with the Jewish state.

The odds are that Saudi Arabia is not about to formalize relations with Israel. But the kingdom, its image tarnished by multiple missteps, is seeking to ensure that it is not perceived as the odd man out as smaller Gulf States establish diplomatic relations with the Jewish state. Bahrain’s announcement that it would follow in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates was as much a Bahraini move as it was a Saudi signal that it is not opposed to normalization with Israel. Largely dependent on the kingdom since Saudi troops helped squash mass anti-government protests in 2011, Bahrain, a majority Shia Muslim nation, would not have agreed to establish diplomatic relations with Israel without Saudi consent. The Bahraini move followed several other Saudi gestures intended to signal the kingdom’s endorsement of Arab normalization of Israel even if it was not going to lead the pack. The gestures included the opening of Saudi air space to Israeli commercial flights, and publication of a Saudi think tank report praising Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s stewardship in modernizing the kingdom’s religious education system and encouraging the religious establishment to replace“extremist narratives” in school textbooks with “a moderate interpretation of Islamic rhetoric.” They also involved a sermon by Abdulrahman al-Sudais, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca – the world’s largest mosque that surrounds the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site that highlighted Prophet Mohammed’s friendly relations with Jews. Mr. al-Sudais noted that the prophet had “performed ablution from a polytheistic water bottle and died while his shield was mortgaged to a Jew,” forged a peace agreement with Jewish inhabitants of the Khaybar region, and dealt so well with a Jewish neighbor that he eventually converted to Islam. The imam’s comments, a day before US President Donald J. Trump was believed to have failed to persuade King Salman to follow the UAE’s example, were widely seen as part of an effort to prepare Saudi public opinion for eventual recognition of Israel. Criticism on social media of the comments constituted one indication that public opinion in Gulf states is divided. Expression of Emirati dissent was restricted to Emirati exiles given that the UAE does not tolerate expression of dissenting views. However, small scale protests erupted in Bahrain, another country that curtails freedom of expression and assembly. Bahraini political and civil society associations, including the Bahrain Bar Association, issued a statement rejecting the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel. “What results from normalization will not enjoy popular backing, in line with what generations of Bahrainis have been brought up on in terms of adherence to the Palestinian cause,” the statement said. Bahrain has long been home to a Jewish community and was the first and, so far, only Arab state to appoint a Jew as its ambassador to the United States. The criticism echoes recent polls in various Gulf States that suggest that Palestine remains a major public foreign policy concern. Polling by David Pollock of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy found that Palestine ranked second to Iran. Earlier polls by James Zogby, a Washington-based pollster with a track record that goes back more than a decade, showed Palestine ranking in 2018 as the foremost foreign policy issue followed by Iran in Emirati and Saudi public opinion. The same year’s Arab Opinion Index suggested that 80 percent of Saudis see Palestine as an Arab rather than a purely Palestinian issue. Mr. Pollock said in an interview that with regard to Palestine, Saudi officials “believe that they have to be a little cautious. They want to move bit by bit in the direction of normalizing at least the existence of Israel or the discussion of Israel, the possibility of peace, but they don’t think that the public is ready for the full embrace or anything like that.” Gulf scholar Giorgio Cafiero noted in a tweet that “Israel formalizing relations (with) unelected Arab (governments) is not the same as Israel making ‘peace’ (with) Arab people. Look at, for example, what Egypt’s citizenry thinks of Israel. Iran and Turkey will capitalize on this reality as more US-friendly Arab [governments] sign accords [with] Israel.” This year’s Arab Opinion Index suggest that in Kuwait, the one country that has not engaged with Israel publicly, Turkey—the Muslim country that has taken a lead in supporting the Palestinians—ranked highest in public esteem compared to China, Russia, and Iran. A rift in a UAE-backed Muslim group created to counter Qatari support of political Islam and promote a state-controlled version of Islam that preaches absolute obedience to the ruler serves as a further indication that Palestine remains an emotive public issue. In Mr. Al-Sudais’ case, analysts suggest that the criticism is as much about Palestine as it is a signal that religious leaders who become subservient to the whims of government may be losing credibility. Mr. Al-Sudais’ sermon contrasted starkly with past talks in which he described Jews as “killers of prophets and the scum of the earth” as well as “monkeys and pigs” and defended Saudi Arabia’s conflict with Iran as a war between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. The criticism coupled with indications earlier this year that Saudi Arabia’s religious establishment was not happy with Prince Mohammed’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic may be one reason why Saudi Arabia is gesturing rather than formalizing already existing relations with Israel. Authorities reportedly arrested in March Sheikh Abdullah al-Saad, an Islamic scholar, after he posted online an audio clip criticizing the government for banning Friday prayers. Mr. al-Saad argued that worshippers should be able to ask God for mercy. An imam in Mecca was fired shortly after he expressed concern about the spread of the coronavirus in Saudi prisons. Scholars Genevieve Abdo and Nourhan Elnahla reported that the kingdom’s Council of Senior Clerics had initially drafted a fatwa, or religious opinion, describing the closing of mosques as a violation of Islamic principles. They said that government pressure had persuaded the council not to issue the opinion. Concern among the kingdom’s ultra-conservative religious scholars that the ruling Al-Saud family may break the power-sharing agreement with the clergy, concluded at the birth of the kingdom, predates the rise of King Salman and Prince Mohammed. Indeed, the clerics’ concern stretches back to the reign of King Abdullah and has focused on attitudes expressed both by senior members of the ruling family who have since been sidelined or detained by Prince Mohammed and princes that continue to wield influence. The scholars feared that the ruling family contemplated separating state and religion. This is a concern that has likely been reinforced since Prince Mohammed whipped the kingdom’s religious establishment into submission and downplayed religion by emphasizing nationalism. Ultra-conservative Saudi religious scholars are also certain to have taken note of post-revolt Sudan’s recent decision to legally remove religion from the realm of the state. Ultra-conservative sentiment does not pose an imminent threat to Prince Mohammed’s iron grip rule of a country in which many welcomed social reforms that have lifted some of the debilitating restrictions on women, liberalized gender segregation, and the as yet unfulfilled promise of greater opportunity for a majority youthful population. It does however suggest one reason why Prince Mohammed, who is believed to favor formal relations with Israel, may want to tread carefully on an issue that potentially continues to evoke passions. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Will they or won’t they? Saudi recognition of Israel is the $64,000 question

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli delegation landed in the United States on September 15, ahead of a ceremony to sign agreements normalizing ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Fineprint: Netanyahu lands in Washington DC for UAE, Bahrain Deals

The United Arab Emirates on Monday granted emergency approval for use of a coronavirus vaccine, six weeks after human trials in the Gulf Arab state started.

A phase III trial of a COVID-19 inactivated vaccine developed by Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical company Sinopham began in the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;in July and is yet to be completed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-russia-these-covid-19-vaccines-set-to-unveil-soon-319760">After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon!</a>

"The vaccine will be available to our first line of defense heroes who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus," said the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority in a tweet.

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The vaccine will be available to our first line of defense heroes who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus, in order to protect them from any dangers and provide safety precautions.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommitToWin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommitToWin</a>
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCEMAUAE/status/1305522427724795906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The announcement comes amid a surge in new COVID-19 cases in the&nbsp;UAE, which reported 1,007 cases on Saturday, its highest since the start of the pandemic. There were 777 new cases on Monday.

Emergency use of the vaccine, which is still being tested, was granted after a set criteria and after it had been tested on 31,000 volunteers, it said.

Mild and expected side effects occurred but there have been no severe side effects, the agency said without specifying. It added a thousand people suffering from chronic diseases who took part saw no complications.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uaes-largest-banking-group-signs-first-deal-with-israel-327595" hreflang="en">UAE's largest banking group signs first deal with Israel</a>

Sinopharm secured approval for the trial in late June. The experimental vaccine passed Phases I and II of clinical trials with 100% of volunteers generating antibodies after two doses in 28 days, an Abu Dhabi government statement said in July.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, inactivated vaccines - made with either inactivated (killed) viruses or with a protein from the virus - are well known and have been used against diseases such as influenza and measles.

Russia in August become the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval to a coronavirus vaccine, after less than two months of human testing.

The United Arab Emirates on Monday granted emergency approval for use of a coronavirus vaccine, six weeks after human trials in the Gulf Arab state started. A phase III trial of a COVID-19 inactivated vaccine developed by Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical company Sinopham began in the UAE in July and is yet to be completed.

The United Arab Emirates on Monday granted emergency approval for use of a coronavirus vaccine, six weeks after human trials in the Gulf Arab state started. A phase III trial of a COVID-19 inactivated vaccine developed by Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical company Sinopham began in the UAE in July and is yet to be completed. Also read: After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon! "The vaccine will be available to our first line of defense heroes who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus," said the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority in a tweet. The vaccine will be available to our first line of defense heroes who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus, in order to protect them from any dangers and provide safety precautions.#CommitToWin — NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) September 14, 2020 × The announcement comes amid a surge in new COVID-19 cases in the UAE, which reported 1,007 cases on Saturday, its highest since the start of the pandemic. There were 777 new cases on Monday. Emergency use of the vaccine, which is still being tested, was granted after a set criteria and after it had been tested on 31,000 volunteers, it said. Mild and expected side effects occurred but there have been no severe side effects, the agency said without specifying. It added a thousand people suffering from chronic diseases who took part saw no complications. Also read: UAE's largest banking group signs first deal with Israel Sinopharm secured approval for the trial in late June. The experimental vaccine passed Phases I and II of clinical trials with 100% of volunteers generating antibodies after two doses in 28 days, an Abu Dhabi government statement said in July. According to the Centers for Disease Control, inactivated vaccines - made with either inactivated (killed) viruses or with a protein from the virus - are well known and have been used against diseases such as influenza and measles. Russia in August become the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval to a coronavirus vaccine, after less than two months of human testing.

UAE announces emergency approval for use of COVID-19 vaccine

The United Arab Emirates’ bold recognition of Israel, earning it valuable brownie points in the West, has come at a cost: a blow to its efforts to earn religious soft power in the Muslim world.

The setback raises questions about the UAE’s strategy of co-opting prominent Muslim scholars with financial incentives to project the Gulf state as a model of tolerance that seeks to promote a moderate interpretation of Islam in a global competition for religious soft power with Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.

The UAE attempt to reap religious support for its opening to Israel encountered blowback when a statement by the Abu Dhabi-based Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies — one of several UAE-backed groups created to counter similar Qatari institutions and give the UAE effort religious cachet — sparked protests and resignations.

Members of the Forum’s board complained that the statement had been issued without a discussion in the Forum’s board of trustees. The board includes former Jordanian Islamic chief justice and minister of endowments Ahmad Hilayel and Abdullah Al-Maatouq, a Kuwaiti royal court advisor and former religious affairs minister and United Nations envoy.

Hamza Yusuf, the Forum’s vice president and a popular American Islamic scholar who heads Zaytuna College — the United States’ first accredited Muslim undergraduate college — distanced himself from the statement, asserting that he did “not engage in or endorse geopolitical strategies or treaties” and that his “allegiance is and has always been with the oppressed peoples of Palestine, whether Muslim, Christian or otherwise.”

Similarly, while announcing her resignation from the Forum’s board, prominent American Muslim activist Aisha al-Adawiya, founder of the human rights group Women in Islam, said that there had been “no agreement on any kind of support for the UAE’s deal with Israel.”

So did Muhammad Hussein, the grand mufti of Jerusalem. Mr Hussein banned Muslims from the UAE from visiting and praying at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site.

However, the statement issued by Abdullah Bin Bayyah, a Mauritanian politician, religious scholar, and the head of the Forum and president of the Emirati Fatwa Council, took a different tone.

Praising “the wisdom of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces,” the statement asserted that normalization of relations with the Jewish state had “stopped Israel from extending its sovereignty over Palestinian lands” and as a means to “promote peace and stability across the world.”

Mr Bin Bayyah’s defence of the statement reflected the UAE’s definition of moderate Islam as one that is state-controlled and preaches absolute obedience to the ruler. He insisted that “international relations and treaties are among the initiatives that fall within the policy-making purview of the ruler.”

Despite longstanding relations with Abu Dhabi’s ruling Al-Nahyan family, Mr Bin Bayyah was long aligned with their nemesis as vice president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) and the European Council for Fatwa and Research, that was established to provide guidance to European Muslims through the dissemination of religious opinions.

The two groups were headed and founded by Qatar-based Yusuf al-Qaradawi, one of the world’s most prominent living Islamic scholars who is widely viewed as a spiritual guide of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Qatari support of the Brotherhood is the main driver of the more than three-year-old UAE-Saudi-led diplomatic and economic boycott of the Gulf state. The Emirates and the kingdom earlier designated the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.

Members of the Abu Dhabi ruling family, including Crown Prince Mohammed and his foreign minister, Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, began courting Mr Bin Bayyah in early 2013.

They invited the cleric to the Emirates the same month that Egyptian President and Muslim Brother Mohammed Morsi – the post-2011 revolt democratically elected head of state -- was toppled by a UAE-backed military coup.

In a letter Mr Bin Bayyah sent three months later to the IUMS, he announced that he was resigning from the group. He wrote: “the humble role I am attempting to undertake towards reform and reconciliation (among Muslims) requires a discourse that does not sit well with my position at the International Union of Muslim Scholars.”

Mr Bin Bayyah wrote his letter after the IUMS had bitterly denounced the Egyptian coup and condemned the subsequent brutal repression of the Brotherhood and he published it to demonstrate to Emirati leaders that he had ended his association with Qatari-supported Islamic groups.

The courting of Mr Bin Bayyah emanated from Prince Mohammed’s realisation that he needed religious soft power to justify the UAE’s wielding of hard power that started with the Egyptian coup and expanded with military interventions in Yemen and Libya.

The emergence in recent years of Mr Bin Bayyah – a celebrated Islamic jurist whom Islam scholar Usamaa Al-Azami dubbed “counter‐revolutionary Islam’s most important scholar” – as the religious face of the UAE coincided with the 93-year-old Mr Qaradawi’s withdrawal from public life.

The backlash sparked by Mr Bin Bayyah’s statement highlights the Achilles heel, at least in the Muslim world, of the UAE’s religious soft power ploy.

“The counter‐revolutionary Islamic political thought that is being developed and promoted by Bin Bayyah and the UAE suffers from certain fundamental structural problems that mean its very existence is precariously predicated on the persistence of autocratic patronage,” Mr Al-Azami asserted.&nbsp;

“Its lack of independence means that it is not the organic product of a relatively unencumbered engagement with political modernity that might be possible in freer societies than counter‐revolutionary Gulf autocracies,” he added.

Mr Al Azami’s criticism goes to the heart of the debate, particularly in Turkey and Indonesia, on Islam’s ability to recontextualize itself and break away from the shackles of outdated concepts and traditions without being freed from control by states that seek to impose a self-serving vision of the faith.

Expressed more bluntly, Yahya Birt, a scholar of British Islam and a convert to the faith, who has researched UAE-backed clerics, argued that there is a discrepancy between how they project their sponsors abroad and the reality on the ground.

“The extracted price of government patronage is high for ulema (religious scholars) in the Middle East. Generally speaking, they have to openly support or maintain silence about autocracy at home, while speaking of democracy, pluralism, and minority rights to Western audiences,” Mr Birt said.

The backlash to the support of the UAE recognition of Israel by the Forum and Mr. Bin Bayyah suggests a serious flaw in the Gulf state’s approach to religious soft power: It targets first and foremost Western corridors of power rather than the Muslim community at large.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The United Arab Emirates’ bold recognition of Israel, earning it valuable brownie points in the West, has come at a cost: a blow to its efforts to earn religious soft power in the Muslim world.

The United Arab Emirates’ bold recognition of Israel, earning it valuable brownie points in the West, has come at a cost: a blow to its efforts to earn religious soft power in the Muslim world. The setback raises questions about the UAE’s strategy of co-opting prominent Muslim scholars with financial incentives to project the Gulf state as a model of tolerance that seeks to promote a moderate interpretation of Islam in a global competition for religious soft power with Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. The UAE attempt to reap religious support for its opening to Israel encountered blowback when a statement by the Abu Dhabi-based Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies — one of several UAE-backed groups created to counter similar Qatari institutions and give the UAE effort religious cachet — sparked protests and resignations. Members of the Forum’s board complained that the statement had been issued without a discussion in the Forum’s board of trustees. The board includes former Jordanian Islamic chief justice and minister of endowments Ahmad Hilayel and Abdullah Al-Maatouq, a Kuwaiti royal court advisor and former religious affairs minister and United Nations envoy. Hamza Yusuf, the Forum’s vice president and a popular American Islamic scholar who heads Zaytuna College — the United States’ first accredited Muslim undergraduate college — distanced himself from the statement, asserting that he did “not engage in or endorse geopolitical strategies or treaties” and that his “allegiance is and has always been with the oppressed peoples of Palestine, whether Muslim, Christian or otherwise.” Similarly, while announcing her resignation from the Forum’s board, prominent American Muslim activist Aisha al-Adawiya, founder of the human rights group Women in Islam, said that there had been “no agreement on any kind of support for the UAE’s deal with Israel.” So did Muhammad Hussein, the grand mufti of Jerusalem. Mr Hussein banned Muslims from the UAE from visiting and praying at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site. However, the statement issued by Abdullah Bin Bayyah, a Mauritanian politician, religious scholar, and the head of the Forum and president of the Emirati Fatwa Council, took a different tone. Praising “the wisdom of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces,” the statement asserted that normalization of relations with the Jewish state had “stopped Israel from extending its sovereignty over Palestinian lands” and as a means to “promote peace and stability across the world.” Mr Bin Bayyah’s defence of the statement reflected the UAE’s definition of moderate Islam as one that is state-controlled and preaches absolute obedience to the ruler. He insisted that “international relations and treaties are among the initiatives that fall within the policy-making purview of the ruler.” Despite longstanding relations with Abu Dhabi’s ruling Al-Nahyan family, Mr Bin Bayyah was long aligned with their nemesis as vice president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) and the European Council for Fatwa and Research, that was established to provide guidance to European Muslims through the dissemination of religious opinions. The two groups were headed and founded by Qatar-based Yusuf al-Qaradawi, one of the world’s most prominent living Islamic scholars who is widely viewed as a spiritual guide of the Muslim Brotherhood. Qatari support of the Brotherhood is the main driver of the more than three-year-old UAE-Saudi-led diplomatic and economic boycott of the Gulf state. The Emirates and the kingdom earlier designated the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Members of the Abu Dhabi ruling family, including Crown Prince Mohammed and his foreign minister, Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, began courting Mr Bin Bayyah in early 2013. They invited the cleric to the Emirates the same month that Egyptian President and Muslim Brother Mohammed Morsi – the post-2011 revolt democratically elected head of state -- was toppled by a UAE-backed military coup. In a letter Mr Bin Bayyah sent three months later to the IUMS, he announced that he was resigning from the group. He wrote: “the humble role I am attempting to undertake towards reform and reconciliation (among Muslims) requires a discourse that does not sit well with my position at the International Union of Muslim Scholars.” Mr Bin Bayyah wrote his letter after the IUMS had bitterly denounced the Egyptian coup and condemned the subsequent brutal repression of the Brotherhood and he published it to demonstrate to Emirati leaders that he had ended his association with Qatari-supported Islamic groups. The courting of Mr Bin Bayyah emanated from Prince Mohammed’s realisation that he needed religious soft power to justify the UAE’s wielding of hard power that started with the Egyptian coup and expanded with military interventions in Yemen and Libya. The emergence in recent years of Mr Bin Bayyah – a celebrated Islamic jurist whom Islam scholar Usamaa Al-Azami dubbed “counter‐revolutionary Islam’s most important scholar” – as the religious face of the UAE coincided with the 93-year-old Mr Qaradawi’s withdrawal from public life. The backlash sparked by Mr Bin Bayyah’s statement highlights the Achilles heel, at least in the Muslim world, of the UAE’s religious soft power ploy. “The counter‐revolutionary Islamic political thought that is being developed and promoted by Bin Bayyah and the UAE suffers from certain fundamental structural problems that mean its very existence is precariously predicated on the persistence of autocratic patronage,” Mr Al-Azami asserted. “Its lack of independence means that it is not the organic product of a relatively unencumbered engagement with political modernity that might be possible in freer societies than counter‐revolutionary Gulf autocracies,” he added. Mr Al Azami’s criticism goes to the heart of the debate, particularly in Turkey and Indonesia, on Islam’s ability to recontextualize itself and break away from the shackles of outdated concepts and traditions without being freed from control by states that seek to impose a self-serving vision of the faith. Expressed more bluntly, Yahya Birt, a scholar of British Islam and a convert to the faith, who has researched UAE-backed clerics, argued that there is a discrepancy between how they project their sponsors abroad and the reality on the ground. “The extracted price of government patronage is high for ulema (religious scholars) in the Middle East. Generally speaking, they have to openly support or maintain silence about autocracy at home, while speaking of democracy, pluralism, and minority rights to Western audiences,” Mr Birt said. The backlash to the support of the UAE recognition of Israel by the Forum and Mr. Bin Bayyah suggests a serious flaw in the Gulf state’s approach to religious soft power: It targets first and foremost Western corridors of power rather than the Muslim community at large. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

UAE recognition of Israel dents Emirati religious soft power

Dubai has started a program that makes foreigners over the age of 55 eligible for a five-year renewable visa if they meet certain criteria, according to the Dubai Media Office. The business hub of the Middle East has started the program to attract wealthy retirees as the city a flight of expatriates amid an economic downfall.

The initial phase of the program will focus on UAE residents working in Dubai.

The candidates will be eligible only if they meet one of the following requirements like Monthly income of 20,000 dirhams ($5,445), Savings of 1 million dirhams, Own property in Dubai worth 2 million dirhams.&nbsp;

In 2018, expatriates to stay beyond retirement age. People of foreign nationalities constitute 90 per cent of the city's population, but the residency is tied to employment, discouraging many from setting roots, and in turn investments, in the city.

Dubai has started a program that makes foreigners over the age of 55 eligible for a five-year renewable visa if they meet certain criteria, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Dubai has started a program that makes foreigners over the age of 55 eligible for a five-year renewable visa if they meet certain criteria, according to the Dubai Media Office. The business hub of the Middle East has started the program to attract wealthy retirees as the city a flight of expatriates amid an economic downfall. The initial phase of the program will focus on UAE residents working in Dubai. The candidates will be eligible only if they meet one of the following requirements like Monthly income of 20,000 dirhams ($5,445), Savings of 1 million dirhams, Own property in Dubai worth 2 million dirhams. In 2018, expatriates to stay beyond retirement age. People of foreign nationalities constitute 90 per cent of the city's population, but the residency is tied to employment, discouraging many from setting roots, and in turn investments, in the city.

Dubai starts program to attract wealthy retirees as economy shrinks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Monday's historic first commercial flight of an Israeli aircraft direct to the United Arab Emirates across Saudi Arabia will not be the last.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spurned-by-allies-saudi-arabia-rethinks-chequebook-diplomacy-324698" hreflang="en">Spurned by allies, Saudi Arabia rethinks chequebook diplomacy</a>

"Now there is another tremendous breakthrough," he wrote in a statement shortly after Saudi Arabia said it would allow UAE flights to "all countries" to overfly the kingdom.

"Israeli planes and those from all countries will be able to fly directly from Israel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and back," Netanyahu said, without giving any timeline.&nbsp;

"Flights will be cheaper and shorter, and it will lead to robust tourism and develop our economy," he said.

Monday's groundbreaking flight on an aircraft of Israeli national carrier El Al carried a US-Israeli delegation headed by White House adviser Jared Kushner.

The visit was aimed at charting the relationship between the Emirates and the Jewish state after their landmark deal to normalise relations.

Two weeks earlier, Netanyahu said that he was "working with maximum energy, and we have already begun to work on opening an air route over Saudi Arabia, which will simply shorten flights between Israel and the UAE."

In March 2018, Air India launched the first scheduled service to Israel allowed to cross Saudi airspace.

It was seen at the time as a sign of a behind-the-scenes improvement in ties between the Arab kingdom and the Jewish state.

During a May 2017 Middle East tour, US President Donald Trump flew from Riyadh to Tel Aviv on Air Force One, in a first known direct flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Monday's historic first commercial flight of an Israeli aircraft direct to the United Arab Emirates across Saudi Arabia will not be the last.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Monday's historic first commercial flight of an Israeli aircraft direct to the United Arab Emirates across Saudi Arabia will not be the last. Also read: Spurned by allies, Saudi Arabia rethinks chequebook diplomacy "Now there is another tremendous breakthrough," he wrote in a statement shortly after Saudi Arabia said it would allow UAE flights to "all countries" to overfly the kingdom. "Israeli planes and those from all countries will be able to fly directly from Israel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and back," Netanyahu said, without giving any timeline. "Flights will be cheaper and shorter, and it will lead to robust tourism and develop our economy," he said. Monday's groundbreaking flight on an aircraft of Israeli national carrier El Al carried a US-Israeli delegation headed by White House adviser Jared Kushner. The visit was aimed at charting the relationship between the Emirates and the Jewish state after their landmark deal to normalise relations. Two weeks earlier, Netanyahu said that he was "working with maximum energy, and we have already begun to work on opening an air route over Saudi Arabia, which will simply shorten flights between Israel and the UAE." In March 2018, Air India launched the first scheduled service to Israel allowed to cross Saudi airspace. It was seen at the time as a sign of a behind-the-scenes improvement in ties between the Arab kingdom and the Jewish state. During a May 2017 Middle East tour, US President Donald Trump flew from Riyadh to Tel Aviv on Air Force One, in a first known direct flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel.

Direct flights between Israel and UAE will continue, says Prime Minister Netanyahu

During his visit to the United Arab Emirates, the White House Adviser Jared Kushner said that he is hoping other Arab nations would normalise their relations with Israel. So far no Arab country other than UAE has discussed any measures to normalise ties with Israel.

White House Adviser Kushner visited UAE on a diplomatic tour

On August 30 in Jerusalem, US President Donald Trump's top adviser Jared Kushner held a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Together, they promised to pursue peace with the Arab world.&nbsp;“We will continue to pursue peace between Israel, the biblical homeland of the Jewish people and its Arab and muslim neighbours and i have never been more hopeful about peace”, said Jared Kushner

“We're all thrilled by the pace, the swift pace of normalisation between Israel and the UAE”, announced Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

On August 31, the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv began preparations for some high profile check-ins and to make history.

"Today we are making history, today we are living history. Today is the first direct flight from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi ever”, said Ofir Gendelman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesperson to the Arab media.

First major step

Marking the first major step after the announcement of a peace deal, delegates from Israel and the US reached Abu Dhabi today.

After landing, Kushner said, “I prayed yesterday at the (western) wall that Muslims and Arabs from throughout the world will be watching this flight, recognising that we are all children of god, and that the future does not have to be pre-determined by the past”.

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The captain&nbsp;of an "Israeli el al airlines"&nbsp;greeted the passengers on this historic flight in three different languages.

“Ladies and gentleman shalom and welcome on board el al flight 971 from tel aviv to abu dhabi. This is captain Tal Becker speaking”, the captain announced.

“For the very first time Israeli registered, an Israeli registered aircraft, overflies (flies over) Saudi Arabia”, Becker added.

At around 4 pm Gulf Standard Time, the flight landed in Abu Dhabi. The delegates received a warm welcome from Emirati officials.

Jared Kushner made another statement calling for peace.&nbsp;“This three-hour flight has taken more than 70 years to make, it marks a new turning point in Israel's relations with the Arab world. There are big prizes for all three players”, he said.

“For Israel, this may lead to regional recognition of the Jewish state by other Arab countries. For the UAE, the sheikhdom's glittering finance hubs stand to benefit from west Asia's most prominent security superpower. And for America, Donald Trump a president under pressure will showcase a historic peace deal in West Asia”, he added.

On August 30 in Jerusalem, US President Donald Trump's top adviser Jared Kushner held a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Together, they promised to pursue peace with the Arab world.

On August 30 in Jerusalem, US President Donald Trump's top adviser Jared Kushner held a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Together, they promised to pursue peace with the Arab world. “We will continue to pursue peace between Israel, the biblical homeland of the Jewish people and its Arab and muslim neighbours and i have never been more hopeful about peace”, said Jared Kushner “We're all thrilled by the pace, the swift pace of normalisation between Israel and the UAE”, announced Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. On August 31, the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv began preparations for some high profile check-ins and to make history. "Today we are making history, today we are living history. Today is the first direct flight from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi ever”, said Ofir Gendelman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesperson to the Arab media. First major step Marking the first major step after the announcement of a peace deal, delegates from Israel and the US reached Abu Dhabi today. After landing, Kushner said, “I prayed yesterday at the (western) wall that Muslims and Arabs from throughout the world will be watching this flight, recognising that we are all children of god, and that the future does not have to be pre-determined by the past”. × The captain of an "Israeli el al airlines" greeted the passengers on this historic flight in three different languages. “Ladies and gentleman shalom and welcome on board el al flight 971 from tel aviv to abu dhabi. This is captain Tal Becker speaking”, the captain announced. “For the very first time Israeli registered, an Israeli registered aircraft, overflies (flies over) Saudi Arabia”, Becker added. At around 4 pm Gulf Standard Time, the flight landed in Abu Dhabi. The delegates received a warm welcome from Emirati officials. Jared Kushner made another statement calling for peace. “This three-hour flight has taken more than 70 years to make, it marks a new turning point in Israel's relations with the Arab world. There are big prizes for all three players”, he said. “For Israel, this may lead to regional recognition of the Jewish state by other Arab countries. For the UAE, the sheikhdom's glittering finance hubs stand to benefit from west Asia's most prominent security superpower. And for America, Donald Trump a president under pressure will showcase a historic peace deal in West Asia”, he added.

First direct commercial flight from Israel to UAE makes history

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday said that the United Arab Emirates had betrayed the Islamic world along with the Palestinians by making a deal with Israel, which would effectively normalise ties.

"Of course, the UAE's betrayal will not last long, but this stigma will always be remembered. They allowed the Zionist regime to have a foothold in the region and forgot Palestine," Khamenei said.

"The Emiratis will be disgraced forever for this treachery against the Islamic world, Arab nations and Palestine”, he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/first-direct-commercial-flight-from-israel-to-uae-makes-history-324336" hreflang="en">First direct commercial flight from Israel to UAE makes history</a>

A delegation of senior Israeli and US officials recently concluded a trip to Abu Dhabi, where they finalised the pacy. In attendance was also Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, and his senior advisor.

"The UAE along with Israelis and evil Americans like the Jewish member of Trump's family are working together against the interests of the Islamic world," Khamenei said, while referring to Kushner.

"I hope Emiratis wake up and compensate for what they did”, he added.

On August 31, the delegation arrived in Abu Dhabi on an El Al plane, which marked the first direct commercial passenger flight between Israel and the UAE.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/israeli-and-us-officials-to-fly-to-uae-to-cement-normalisation-deal-324228" hreflang="en">Israeli and US officials to fly to UAE to cement 'normalisation' deal</a>

Owing to growing fears surrounding Iran, the deal marked first such correspondence between an Arab country and Israel in&nbsp;over 20 years.

Palestinian leaders and activists believe the deal with negatively impact their struggle for an independent state.

Under the Trump administration, Sunni Muslim Arab countries have been encouraged to engage with Israel, as opposed to Shiite Iran.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday said that the United Arab Emirates had betrayed the Islamic world along with the Palestinians by making a deal with Israel, which would effectively normalise ties.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday said that the United Arab Emirates had betrayed the Islamic world along with the Palestinians by making a deal with Israel, which would effectively normalise ties. "Of course, the UAE's betrayal will not last long, but this stigma will always be remembered. They allowed the Zionist regime to have a foothold in the region and forgot Palestine," Khamenei said. "The Emiratis will be disgraced forever for this treachery against the Islamic world, Arab nations and Palestine”, he added. Also read: First direct commercial flight from Israel to UAE makes history A delegation of senior Israeli and US officials recently concluded a trip to Abu Dhabi, where they finalised the pacy. In attendance was also Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, and his senior advisor. "The UAE along with Israelis and evil Americans like the Jewish member of Trump's family are working together against the interests of the Islamic world," Khamenei said, while referring to Kushner. "I hope Emiratis wake up and compensate for what they did”, he added. On August 31, the delegation arrived in Abu Dhabi on an El Al plane, which marked the first direct commercial passenger flight between Israel and the UAE. Also read: Israeli and US officials to fly to UAE to cement 'normalisation' deal Owing to growing fears surrounding Iran, the deal marked first such correspondence between an Arab country and Israel in over 20 years. Palestinian leaders and activists believe the deal with negatively impact their struggle for an independent state. Under the Trump administration, Sunni Muslim Arab countries have been encouraged to engage with Israel, as opposed to Shiite Iran.

UAE 'disgraced forever' by making a deal with Israel: Iran's Khamenei

The Israeli flag carrier’s flight marked the implementation of the historic U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the two nations

First direct Israel-UAE flight lands in Abu Dhabi

The UAE has sent medical aid to Syria to battle the novel coronavirus, Syrian Red Crescent said Monday. This is the first delivery since their leaders broke a nine-year silence.

The UAE has sent medical aid to Syria to battle the novel coronavirus, Syrian Red Crescent said Monday. This is the first delivery since their leaders broke a nine-year silence. Also read: US-Israeli delegation lands in Abu Dhabi on historic flight According to the Red Crescent and state news agency SANA, the delivery included medicine, ventilators and disinfectant. The medical aid comes after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke on the phone in March for the first time since Syria's war erupted in 2011. Prince Mohammed took to Twitter and assured Assad of "the support of the UAE and its willingness to help the Syrian people" combat COVID-19. In 2018, the Arab country reopened its embassy in Damascus after severing ties seven years ago. Syria has been coronavirus in the areas under its control. The country reported 2,703 cases of COVID-19 and 109 deaths until now. However, medics and residents say the real number of cases in the war-battered country is likely to be much higher. (Inputs from AFP)

UAE sends medical aid to war-torn Syria battling coronavirus

One person was killed and several people were injured on Monday in two separate explosions in the United Arab Emirates` capital Abu Dhabi and its tourism hub Dubai, the police and local media said.

A gas cylinder exploded in a Dubai restaurant early on Monday and killed one person, local media reported.

Abu Dhabi-owned The National newspaper, quoting a Dubai Civil Defence spokesperson, said the blast had caused a blaze that damaged the ground floor of the building. The fire was controlled within 33 minutes, it added.

In Abu Dhabi, the blast hit KFC and Hardees restaurants on the city`s Rashid bin Saeed Street, the National reported, adding that other retail outlets were also damaged.

Abu Dhabi police said the explosion caused several minor and moderate injuries, and residents of the building and surrounding areas were evacuated.

Photos published on social and local media showed extensive damage to the two restaurants with a white plume of smoke rising from the ground floor of the building.

Rashid Saeed Street is also known as the airport road, where top aides to U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to land later on Monday, in a historic trip between Israel and another Arab country.

One person was killed and several people were injured on Monday in two separate explosions in the United Arab Emirates` capital Abu Dhabi and its tourism hub Dubai, the police and local media said.

One person was killed and several people were injured on Monday in two separate explosions in the United Arab Emirates` capital Abu Dhabi and its tourism hub Dubai, the police and local media said. A gas cylinder exploded in a Dubai restaurant early on Monday and killed one person, local media reported. Abu Dhabi-owned The National newspaper, quoting a Dubai Civil Defence spokesperson, said the blast had caused a blaze that damaged the ground floor of the building. The fire was controlled within 33 minutes, it added. In Abu Dhabi, the blast hit KFC and Hardees restaurants on the city`s Rashid bin Saeed Street, the National reported, adding that other retail outlets were also damaged. Abu Dhabi police said the explosion caused several minor and moderate injuries, and residents of the building and surrounding areas were evacuated. Photos published on social and local media showed extensive damage to the two restaurants with a white plume of smoke rising from the ground floor of the building. Rashid Saeed Street is also known as the airport road, where top aides to U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to land later on Monday, in a historic trip between Israel and another Arab country.

One killed, several hurt in two UAE restaurant blasts

The president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) scrapped an economic boycott against Israel. He allowed trade and financial agreements between the countries in another key step towards normalising ties.

UAE opens gates for Israeli citizens & firms to trade

Turkey has launched a military drill in eastern Mediterranean a day after it intercepted six F-16 Greek fighters. Turkey says it will carry out the exercises till 11th September.

Turkey launched a military drill in eastern Mediterranean Sea

Greece & UAE held the military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece has called Turkey's 2019 Libya agreement illegal. Turkey said deal with Egypt overlaps with maritime zone.

Video: Greece and UAE hold military exercises

Tensions continue to escalate between Nato allies. Turkish Air Forces intercepted six F-16 Greek fighters over the Mediterranean Sea. Greece media reported the news as 'Turkey harassed the jets'.

Greece-Turkey Dispute: Turkish intercepts six F-16 Greek fighters over Mediterranean Sea

El Al Airlines is scheduled to fly Israel's first flight to the United Arab Emirates by a commercial carrier, as the countries forge ahead with a deal to normalise ties.

The direct flight between Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and the UAE's political capital of Abu Dhabi is expected to carry an Israeli delegation and accompanying officials from the United States, which brokered the August 13 accord.

A timetable on the Israel Airports Authority's website showed the flight will set off on Monday. A return flight from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, the online timetable showed.

The flight number for the outbound leg is listed as "LY 971" and the return leg as "LY 972", a nod to the UAE and Israel's country codes, respectively.

El Al and smaller Israeli rival Israir had submitted bids for the flight.

A US government official confirmed that officials including Jared Kushner, senior advisor to President Donald Trump, would be on the El Al flight departing from Tel Aviv on Aug. 31 at 10 am.

In May, an Etihad Airways plane flew from the UAE to Tel Aviv to deliver coronavirus supplies to the Palestinians, marking the first known flight by a UAE carrier to Israel.

The Israel-UAE deal awaits negotiations on details such as opening embassies, trade and travel links before it is officially signed. 
&nbsp;

El Al Airlines is scheduled to fly Israel's first flight to the United Arab Emirates by a commercial carrier, as the countries forge ahead with a deal to normalise ties.

El Al Airlines is scheduled to fly Israel's first flight to the United Arab Emirates by a commercial carrier, as the countries forge ahead with a deal to normalise ties. The direct flight between Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and the UAE's political capital of Abu Dhabi is expected to carry an Israeli delegation and accompanying officials from the United States, which brokered the August 13 accord. A timetable on the Israel Airports Authority's website showed the flight will set off on Monday. A return flight from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, the online timetable showed. The flight number for the outbound leg is listed as "LY 971" and the return leg as "LY 972", a nod to the UAE and Israel's country codes, respectively. El Al and smaller Israeli rival Israir had submitted bids for the flight. A US government official confirmed that officials including Jared Kushner, senior advisor to President Donald Trump, would be on the El Al flight departing from Tel Aviv on Aug. 31 at 10 am. In May, an Etihad Airways plane flew from the UAE to Tel Aviv to deliver coronavirus supplies to the Palestinians, marking the first known flight by a UAE carrier to Israel. The Israel-UAE deal awaits negotiations on details such as opening embassies, trade and travel links before it is officially signed.

El Al to fly Israel's first flight to UAE by commercial carrier

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