UAE rejects Sudan's allegations, calls them 'baseless PR stunts'
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The National
4 hours ago
- The National
Egypt calls Israel's war in Gaza 'systematic genocide'
Egypt has ratcheted up its criticism of Israel, branding its 22-month war in Gaza 'systematic genocide' and calling out the international community for not doing more to stop the conflict. The comments by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, made separately, constituted Egypt's most scathing reprimand of Israel over the Gaza war. They are likely to accelerate the steady deterioration of relations between the two neighbours bound by a 1979 peace treaty. 'The war that's going on in Gaza is no longer waged to realise political objectives or free hostages, but rather a war for starvation, genocide and the liquidation of the Palestinian cause,' Mr El Sisi said on Tuesday after talks in Cairo with his Vietnamese counterpart. He accused Israel of attempting to hollow out the Palestinian cause and added: 'History will reflect for a long time before it holds to account and bring to justice many nations for their position on this war. 'The world's conscience will not be silent for much longer,' said Mr El Sisi, who spoke again on Gaza on Wednesday. On a visit to Greece on Wednesday, Mr Abdelatty said the world's response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza was shameful and he urged western powers to increase pressure on Israel. 'The international community should be ashamed of the tragic situation unfolding in Gaza and the devastating actions carried out by Israel,' he told reporters in Athens. 'What is unfolding is a human tragedy, and the suffering witnessed is a stain on the conscience of the international community.' Widespread reports of hunger in Gaza have heightened international concern over the devastating consequences of Israeli military operations launched on October 7, 2023, following a deadly attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israeli communities. At least 61,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to authorities in Gaza. Most of the enclave's 2.2 million residents have been displaced, many more than once, and large swathes of its built-up areas razed. Echoing President El Sisi's comments, Mr Abdelatty described Israel's military action in Gaza as 'systematic genocide'. Egypt has been trying, along with the United States and Qatar, to broker a pause in the Gaza war and secure the release of the estimated 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas, in return for the freedom of hundreds of Palestinians jailed in Israel. Egypt, which neighbours both Gaza and Israel, has criticised Israel's actions while repeatedly warning that it will not stand idly by if difficult living conditions created by Israel in the enclave force Palestinians to move into its Sinai Peninsula. Such action, Mr El Sisi has said, would undermine Egypt's national security and hollow out the Palestinian cause. While a traditional champion of Palestinian rights, Egypt has in recent weeks come under criticism from activists at home and abroad for not doing more to allow humanitarian supplies in through its border with Gaza. Mr El Sisi has sought to discredit these charges on at least three recent occasions, in a televised address to the nation, his comments on Tuesday and again on Wednesday when he spoke to cadets at the military academy. Israel, he argued, has occupied the Palestinian side of the border with Gaza, including the Rafah crossing, the only point of entry and exit for Gaza that is not controlled by the Israelis. Sending aid through the crossing requires advance co-ordination with Israel, he said. Egypt has, alongside other nations, taken part in air drops of supplies into Gaza, but the method has been described by UN experts as insufficient. Pro-government pundits suspect the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group banned in Egypt since 2013, is behind the campaign over Egypt's perceived inaction to alleviate Gazans' suffering. Scores of Palestinians have died from famine or malnutrition-related ailments. 'Egypt is continuing to work towards pausing the war, the entry of humanitarian aid [into Gaza] and the release of the hostages … despite the campaigns of defamation and misinformation that target its vital role,' Mr El Sisi told the military cadets on Wednesday.
The National
5 hours ago
- The National
Syria to expand main airport and build subway in $14 billion deal with foreign partners
The new Syrian government has announced the country's largest foreign investment deal in years, with a massive $14 billion to modernise infrastructure. The funding will go towards modernising Damascus airport and the revival of a long abandoned plan to construct a metro system in the capital, among other projects. "We are announcing a group of 12 major strategic projects for a total of $14 billion," Talal Al Hilali, the head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said at the ceremony at the presidential palace on Wednesday. The plans include a $4 billion investment project for Damascus airport with Qatar's UCC Holding, a deal worth more than $2 billion for a mall and two towers developments, signed with the Italy-based construction firm Ubako, and a $2 billion investment for a Damascus metro system. The metro deal follows talks between a delegation from the UAE's National Investment Corporation, Syrian Minister of Transport Yarub Badr and Damascus Governor Maher Marwan earlier this week. The projects "will extend across Syria and represent a qualitative shift in infrastructure and economic life", Mr Al Hilali said. President Ahmad Al Shara and US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack were present at the signing ceremony. Mr Barrack congratulated Syrian authorities on "another great accomplishment", saying they will witness the rise of a "new hub" in "trade and prosperity". Foreign investment in Syria was enabled by US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions imposed during Mr Al Assad's rule. The EU followed suit soon afterwards. "The future of a prosperous and peaceful Syria is in the hands of Syria and its regional partners, like Qatar's UCC and Turkey's Cengiz and Kalyon groups who were awarded the Build-Operate-Transfer for the new Damascus International Airport," Mr Barrack said in a post on social media. "The path to recovery must begin with the fits and starts of building a foundation of security and stability, then followed by government systems and ultimately enterprise and prosperity." The UN has estimated that Syria's postwar reconstruction will cost more than $400 billion. Several agreements have already been announced. Last month, Saudi Arabia signed major investment and partnership deals with Syria, valued at $6.4 billion. Also in July, Syria signed an $800 million deal with UAE-based company DP World to develop the port of Tartus, state media reported. In May, Syria signed a $7 billion energy deal with a consortium of Qatari, Turkish and US companies as it seeks to revive its crippled power sector. Mr Al Hilali said the signing ceremony on Wednesday was "a clear declaration that Syria is open to investment, determined to build a prosperous future, and ready to work side by side with our trusted partners to write a new chapter of progress and development', Syrian state news agency Sana reported. promote trade ties.
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Zawya
Mohammed bin Rashid meets with local dignitaries, investors, senior officials
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today met with a number of local dignitaries, investors, ministers and heads of public, semi-government, and private sector entities at Al Mudaif Majlis in Union House in Dubai. The gathering reflects his commitment to direct community engageme, open dialogue, and spirit of collaboration across society, supporting development, business growth, and public-private partnerships. During the gathering, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid highlighted the UAE's continued progress in building a distinctive development model based on openness, competitiveness, and support for entrepreneurship. He noted that the country's success stems from ambitious goals, a people-centred approach, and strong public-private partnerships. The achievements of recent decades, he added, reflect a clear vision driven by planning, determination, and collaboration. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added that the UAE remains committed to being a land of opportunity, a hub for prosperity, and a welcoming home for all who contribute to its growth. He emphasised that the country's economy is built on trust, and its success is driven by collaboration and a bold, forward-looking vision. He also said that at every stage, the UAE has set new benchmarks for progress and established a model economy rooted in innovation. The outcomes of this journey are evident today in the country's stability, social cohesion, and the resilience and growth of its economy. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also highlighted Dubai's vital role in the UAE's broader development journey, as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading global economic centre. This progress is underpinned by a forward-looking strategy, strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, and world-class infrastructure and legislation. Driven by investor confidence, market maturity, and its ability to attract top talent and opportunities, the emirate continues to advance the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda D33. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also attended a lecture titled 'The UAE as a Destination for the World's Wealthy,' delivered by Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing. The lecture highlighted the UAE, especially Dubai, as a top destination for investors and entrepreneurs, thanks to its safety, infrastructure, quality of life, and open economy. He noted that over 131,000 wealthy individuals settled in the UAE by 2024, up from 116,000 in 2023, with a further rise expected this year. He added that, driven by visionary leadership, Dubai welcomed 9.88 million visitors in the first half of 2025 and is now seen as the world's top destination to live, work, and visit. Issam Kazim also explained how the tourism strategy supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and strengthens Dubai's global standing. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also attended a live demonstration of the Unitree G1 robot by Dubai Future Labs. The lightweight, highly balanced robot mimics human movement and represents the latest in robotics and AI. It will be featured in the Museum of the Future's interactive displays, welcoming visitors and showcasing advanced technology, reflecting Dubai's commitment to innovation and technology for human benefit.
