Region

Gulf and Red Sea Regions

Stories under this heading cover the Gulf and the Red Sea regions, including the Arabian Peninsula, Iran and the countries bordering the Red Sea.

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Fragile Israel – Iran truce brokered by Trump comes into effect but Israel claims Iran violated ceasefire

Fragile Israel – Iran truce brokered by Trump comes into effect but Israel claims Iran violated ceasefire

Hours after US President Donald Trump said his ceasefire had taken effect, Israel said it intercepted two Iranian missiles, with Defence Minister Israel Katz vowing that the military would "respond forcefully". Israel had stated on Tuesday it agreed to Trump's declaration of a ceasefire with Iran, adding that it had achieved all its objectives in the 12-day war with its arch-enemy. According to AFP, Iran denied launching missiles at Israel after the ceasefire announcement, and said it had "compelled" Israel to "unilaterally halt its aggression", while stopping short of officially accepting the ceasefire plan.

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Dubai marches ahead despite pandemic setbacks

Dubai marches ahead despite pandemic setbacks

Emphasising its resilience as the leading economic hub in the Gulf, the Emirate of Dubai on Sunday (27 December) unveiled a growth-oriented 2021 budget that seeks to accelerate the pace of economic recovery, strengthen social benefits and enhance infrastructure. Dubai seeks a quick bounce back in 2021 after the setbacks due to the coronavirus pandemic
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Saudi Arabia reflects on its role as "elder sister" within GCC

Saudi Arabia reflects on its role as "elder sister" within GCC

The next summit of the leaders of the six GCC countries is expected to be held in Saudi Arabia in the first week of January 2021. The GCC has been in crisis since a rift emerged between Qatar and three other members - Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain. Thanks to Kuwait mediation it is hoped the rift can be healed ahead of the summit, allowing the GCC to resume its work.
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Al-Azhar proscribes membership in the Muslim Brotherhood

Al-Azhar proscribes membership in the Muslim Brotherhood

“It is clear to the public what these groups have done in distorting some texts, cutting them out of their context, and using them to achieve personal goals or interests and corrupting the land,” al-Azhar said in a fatwa. “Membership in these extremist groups is considered forbidden by Shariah.”