AGP Executive Report

BRICS Diplomacy: Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan in New Delhi, backing de-escalation as BRICS adopted the New Delhi Declaration calling for “maximum restraint” amid West Asia tensions. UAE Foreign Policy: The UAE urged the UN Security Council to expand the Sudan arms embargo to cover all of Sudan and all warring parties, saying it would help protect civilians and curb weapons flows. Energy Security: The UAE condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline launched from Iraqi territory, calling it a violation of Saudi sovereignty and pledging solidarity with Riyadh. Humanitarian Aid: Under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s directives, the UAE allocated $10 million via the Emirates Red Crescent to support Haiti’s humanitarian needs, including food, shelter, health and water services. Disaster Response: UAE Search and Rescue teams in Nepal located 10 more missing people, bringing the total found to 18, as a fifth UAE aid aircraft delivered rescue equipment. Regional Fallout: Algeria’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with the UAE and restrict UAE-registered aircraft drew heavy international attention. Public Safety: The US issued a security alert to Americans in the UAE to be cautious at sites linked to Jewish and Israeli communities.

BRICS Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Hyderabad House on the BRICS sidelines, focusing on strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially trade and energy security. UAE in BRICS: Coverage highlights how Abu Dhabi’s BRICS role is tied to expanding global trade, investment and logistics links as the summit navigates tough consensus-building. BRICS Declaration Tensions: India faces a headache over the wording of the joint statement as Iran and the UAE take opposing lines on the West Asian conflict. UAE-Germany Business Push: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed urged deeper private-sector cooperation with Germany after a Munich forum that secured 30 deals worth about €9.66bn, with an additional €40bn investment plan also in focus. Humanitarian Relief: UAE Search and Rescue teams in Nepal located 10 more missing people, bringing the total found to 18, alongside a fifth aid flight supporting rescue operations. Odisha Investment Drive: Odisha’s UAE outreach concluded with proposed investments of about ₹2.43 lakh crore and employment potential of 6.18 lakh jobs, spanning green energy, AI/data centres, logistics and LNG storage.

UAE–Germany Economic Push: In Munich, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi and Germany’s Katherina Reiche co-chaired the 12th UAE–Germany Joint Economic Committee, agreeing practical steps across energy, renewables, AI, industry, logistics, healthcare and more, with signed agreed minutes. Big Investment Signal: Germany’s leaders hailed the UAE’s €40bn Germany pledge as a jobs-and-innovation boost, while officials linked the move to supply-chain and energy disruptions. Energy Deals: Germany and the UAE backed deeper cooperation on LNG and renewables, with agreements involving RWE, Masdar, ADNOC and SEFE. BRICS Tensions: Negotiators in New Delhi worked late to shape the “Delhi Declaration,” with Iran–UAE differences still unresolved, as Iran urged BRICS to stop obstructing legitimate trade. Regional Security Watch: Algeria announced it will close its airspace to UAE-registered civil and military aircraft from Friday, after severing ties. Border Crackdown: UAE authorities foiled two people-smuggling attempts, including an illegal entry plot and a bid to help a wanted person evade arrest. Humanitarian/Trade Routes: With Yemen’s Houthis advancing near Bab al-Mandeb, shipping risks for a key Red Sea choke point are back in focus. Business & Tech: Unico signed to acquire Argentina biometric firm Valida to expand in Latin America. Health Innovation: UAE students won top spots with AI tools aimed at improving hospital triage and reducing empty operating rooms.

UAE–Algeria Rift: Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the UAE and banned UAE civilian and military aircraft from its airspace, while allowing commercial flights to Algiers to continue until end-2026. UAE–Germany Push: During President Mohamed bin Zayed’s state visit, the UAE pledged €40bn investment in Germany across industry, AI, digital infrastructure and energy, with €10bn earmarked for Bavaria, as leaders also backed a strategic dialogue and condemned regional attacks. BRICS in Focus: Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled will lead the UAE delegation at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, where leaders including Putin and Xi are set to meet amid wars and economic strain. Health & People-to-People: An Emirati patient, Nouf Al Naqbi, shared her gratitude after 20 years of UAE-funded critical care in Germany for scoliosis. Travel Watch: UAE flight updates and delays were reported amid wider Middle East tensions. Business & Finance: NEOPAY and Deem Finance partnered to offer regulated SME lending in the UAE using merchant payment data.

UAE-Germany Deal Push: President Mohamed bin Zayed’s Berlin visit secured a €40 billion UAE investment package for Germany, including data centres (up to ~1GW) and a new Investment Council to deepen ties. BRICS Summit Focus: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled leads the UAE delegation at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where leaders are trying to bridge West Asia language differences for a joint statement. Diplomatic Shock: Algeria severed diplomatic relations with the UAE, citing “provocative or hostile” actions and giving the UAE ambassador 48 hours; UAE adviser Anwar Gargash urged diplomacy based on clarity, not ambiguity. Crypto Rules Watch: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said U.S. crypto firms are moving toward federal clarity even if the Senate CLARITY Act vote fails. Regional Solidarity: The UAE sent condolences to the Philippines after a ferry fire and backed humanitarian response efforts. Business Outreach: Odisha’s UAE investor outreach added Rs 8,417 crore in proposals and 14,310 jobs potential, with talks spanning IT, logistics, steel and circular economy.

UAE–Germany ties: President Mohamed bin Zayed is set to arrive in Germany for a two-day state visit, with officials flagging major new cooperation in the economy, defence, cyber and data-centre expansion, as non-oil trade continues to climb. Space & AI: Marlan Space and Loft Orbital signed a $1bn deal in Paris to build Altair-Next Gen, aiming to deploy 50 AI-enabled satellites that can send near-instant alerts from orbit. Airshow buzz in Abu Dhabi: The UAE National Pavilion at El Alamein International Airshow drew 1,875 visitors on day two, with dozens of meetings between UAE firms and international delegations. Crypto & regulation: The UAE was ranked second globally for crypto adoption, while Dubai’s virtual asset regulator and tax clarity remain key factors in attracting digital-asset investors. Labour market: MoHRE says private-sector labour violations fell 15% in H1 2026, with fewer cases referred to prosecution. Regional security: South Korea sent a military inspection team to UAE bases to assess Strait of Hormuz conditions amid possible deployment discussions. Humanitarian focus: UAE search-and-rescue and aid operations continue for flood-hit Nepal, as workers and families struggle to reach loved ones.

UAE-Germany Ties: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed arrived in Berlin for a state visit, with talks expected to focus on investment, drone defence and AI-linked cooperation. Middle East Trade & Settlements: UAE and seven Muslim-majority countries welcomed the UK’s move to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements and restrict related services, urging wider international action under UN resolutions. Maritime Security & Oil: US-Iran tensions escalated after CENTCOM said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers; Iran retaliated with claims of attacks near the Strait of Hormuz as oil prices pushed above $100, keeping UAE residents watching shipping and fuel-price risks. UAE Economy & Banking: UAE banks led GCC peers in Q2 performance, with stronger loan growth and efficiency, while UAE credit and deposits continued to rise in July. Labour Market Watch: MoHRE reported fewer private-sector labour violations in H1 2026 after more inspections and smarter monitoring. Digital Payments: Network International launched a UAE pilot for AED-backed DDSC stablecoin payments via QR codes at select Marks & Spencer and LuLu outlets. Public Safety: UAE authorities investigated a tanker incident near Port Rashid after it was reported tilting following an apparent projectile strike. Sports & Culture: The Zayed Charity Run and Huairou Great Wall Marathon in Beijing are set for Sept 27 with 15,000 participants, including 50 Emirati runners.

Humanitarian Aid to Nepal: The UAE sent a fourth relief plane to Nepal carrying 38 tonnes of aid, including tents and relief kits, as search-and-rescue teams continue operations after deadly floods and landslides. UAE Space Push: Abu Dhabi’s IHC is set to buy an 80% stake in Marlan Holding, backing Marlan Space and Orbitworks to expand UAE space and satellite capabilities. Airshow Spotlight: The UAE National Pavilion at El Alamein Airshow drew strong interest on opening day, with officials and industry leaders visiting and an MoU signed to spur aviation partnerships. Regional Security & Hormuz: South Korea dispatched an assessment team to the UAE to review Strait of Hormuz conditions, while Seoul says no troop-deployment decision has been made. Israel-Hamas Warning Claims: Israeli media reports say UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed warned Netanyahu about a major Hamas offensive days before Oct. 7, which Netanyahu’s office denies. Business & Trade: UAE-developed aluminium smelting tech is headed to India under a Nalco expansion deal, and Keeta (Meituan) is accelerating Middle East delivery growth after launching in the UAE.

UAE Diplomacy & Israel: The UAE Foreign Ministry says it won’t comment on media speculation about talks between leaders, while reiterating that intelligence is shared with Israeli authorities. Gaza/Oct 7 Fallout: Israeli opposition leaders renewed calls for Netanyahu to face scrutiny after Haaretz reports claiming the UAE warned him about a major Hamas operation before Oct. 7. VAT Update: The UAE Ministry of Finance announced amendments to VAT Executive Regulation, aiming to clarify procedures and tighten input tax recovery rules. Health Milestone: Abu Dhabi dermatologists hailed the EDE approval of the first licensed oral treatment for non-segmental vitiligo needing systemic therapy. Business & Trade: LuLu Group International is exploring the Armenian market, and UAE-Armenia talks also cover joint production and logistics hubs. Regional Sports: UAE women face Bangladesh in a must-win Women’s Asia Cup match in Dubai, with a slow, low pitch expected. International Pressure on Iran: US sanctions target Iran’s aviation sector, including all remaining Iranian airlines, with UAE-linked intermediaries named.

Diplomacy & Regional Security: UAE officials used Abu Dhabi’s Hili Forum to warn that Gulf instability is spilling into energy, trade and maritime routes, with calls for tighter collective action and less reliance on any single security partner. UAE-Lebanon Ties: President Sheikh Mohamed spoke with Lebanese leader Joseph Aoun, reaffirming support and discussing steps to strengthen security and stability. Middle East Tensions & Oil: Brent climbed to six-week highs as Iran-US escalation fears returned, while the Strait of Hormuz remained a key concern for shipping and supply. Water & Finance: First Abu Dhabi Bank joined UN blue-economy finance principles, setting an AED100bn blue finance target aligned with the UAE’s water security push ahead of the UN Water Conference in December. Local Governance & Travel Tech: Dubai GDRFA launched “Click & Travel,” a mobile passport-control service to speed arrivals and departures during peak periods. Capital Markets: Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Colombo Stock Exchange signed an MoU to boost trading connectivity and knowledge exchange. Culture: Abu Dhabi Book Fair returns with 1,500+ events across literature, music, art and space diplomacy. Appointments: UAE President received newly appointed ambassadors after they took the oath of office.

Culture & Heritage: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid visited the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat, calling museum investment “an investment in humanity’s future” and highlighting the UAE’s growing museum sector. UAE–Lebanon Ties: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received a call from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, discussing bilateral cooperation and regional security, with Aoun thanking the UAE for its support. Trade & Investment: The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade hit AED1.9tn ($517bn) in H1 2026, as AIM Investment Summit 2026 opened in Dubai with 25,000 participants from 191 countries. Regional Security: UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said rebuilding trust with Iran will take “decades,” while the UAE is building alternative routes so energy exports and trade won’t be “held hostage.” Markets & Business: DMCC launched the world’s largest tokenized silver bar—1,971kg—under the DMCC-VARA framework, enabling fractional ownership. Dubai Transport: RTA granted Garmin 10-year naming rights for the ONPASSIVE Metro Station, renaming it Garmin Metro Station.

UAE–Germany Diplomacy: President Mohamed bin Zayed will begin a state visit to Germany on Sept 9, meeting President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz to deepen economic and development cooperation. Regional Security: Iran says it has launched new attacks targeting US bases in the UAE and Kuwait, while Israel’s Netanyahu says toppling Iran’s regime is “within reach,” as tensions keep rattling the region. Aviation Disruptions: Emirates cancelled multiple Dubai–Jakarta flights and Etihad delayed Abu Dhabi–Jakarta services after volcanic ash forced Jakarta airport closures; travellers are urged to check flight status. Humanitarian Aid: UAE convoys carrying 533 tonnes of aid have entered Gaza, with additional relief flights and search-and-rescue support continuing for Nepal flood victims. Markets & Trade: ADX and CSE signed an MoU to boost capital market connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Sri Lanka. Business & Lifestyle: Azizi Developments is showcasing its UAE portfolio at the International Property Show with a 4% discount and a 20/80 plan during Sept 7–9. Sports & Culture: A rare white falcon sold at ADIHEX 2026 for 1.5m dirhams, while S’hail 2026 in Qatar opens Tuesday with 14 countries including the UAE.

UAE Humanitarian Push: Five UAE aid convoys entered Gaza this week carrying 533 tonnes of food, shelter and other essentials under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, with supplies prepared through the UAE Humanitarian Aid Logistics Centre in Al Arish. Gaza Solidarity: Make-A-Wish UAE marked International Day of Charity by fulfilling wishes for 18 children from Gaza at Emirates Humanitarian City, continuing a 2024 collaboration that has now reached 110 wishes. Regional Diplomacy: The UAE joined eight countries in strongly condemning Israeli ministers’ remarks calling for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, warning of grave consequences and violations of international law. Financial Cooperation: The Central Bank of the UAE took part in GCC talks on strengthening monetary and banking cooperation, including plans to link payment systems and work on cybersecurity and anti-money laundering. Abu Dhabi Events: ADNEC Group, a Modon company, is set for a record second half of 2026, with 297 events across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Travel Disruption: Airlines serving the UAE are adjusting schedules and rerouting due to renewed US-Iran tensions, with regulators extending Gulf airspace advisories. Energy Watch: OPEC+ kept October oil output policy unchanged after pausing recent hikes amid uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz risks.

Humanitarian Response: The UAE sent its third aid plane to Nepal, bringing a search-and-rescue team as floods and landslides leave dozens dead, injured or missing. Accessibility in Culture: Dubai Culture rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme at Al Shindagha and Etihad museums, training staff to support visitors with non-visible disabilities. Crypto & VAT: The Federal Tax Authority issued new VAT rules for crypto payments, requiring businesses to convert digital currency to dirhams via approved exchanges and keep strict records. Finance & Crypto Markets: Standard Chartered launched institutional spot Bitcoin and Ether trading in the UAE via its DIFC arm. UAE-Bahrain Ties: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met Bahrain’s King Hamad in Abu Dhabi, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid present, to review cooperation and regional issues. Travel & Trade: Air Arabia added a fourth daily Sharjah–Bangkok flight from Oct 25, while the UAE and Sri Lanka discussed deeper investment and tourism links. Sports: Abu Dhabi hosted day two of the AJP Tour Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with the UAE leading the country standings.

UAE–Kuwait Diplomacy: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed sent Kuwait’s Amir a written message inviting him to the UAE-hosted 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi (8–10 Dec). UAE–Turkey/Regional Talks: UAE and Turkish leaders discussed ties and regional developments, including efforts to de-escalate US-Iran tensions. Iran–US Escalation Impacting the Gulf: The US said it destroyed three Iranian oil tankers after missile attacks on US Navy ships, while Iran’s IRGC claimed it smashed a US-Israeli-linked “terror” team in southeast Iran. UAE Sports & Culture: Nahyan bin Mubarak visited ADIHEX; Abu Dhabi hosted the AJP Tour Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship with 2,000+ athletes from 90 countries. Local Court Ruling: An Abu Dhabi court ordered Dh51,000 compensation to a husband assaulted after he found his wife in another man’s car. Consumer/Business: UAE banks urged customers to update banking data via mobile apps using Emirates ID and passport details, warning of possible service suspension.

UAE–Global Investment: Armenia’s economy minister Gevorg Papoyan will travel to Dubai for AIM Congress 2026 (Sept 7–9), as the UAE remains a major export destination for Armenia. UAE–Senegal Trade: UAE foreign trade chief Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi met Senegal’s president in Dakar to push wider trade and investment in mining, renewables, infrastructure, food security and logistics. Humanitarian Response (Nepal): UAE search-and-rescue teams and a third relief plane are supporting flood-hit Nepal, with urgent aid and coordination with local authorities under a $10m package. Regional Security & Travel Disruption: Iran claims missile and drone strikes on US bases in Kuwait and the UAE, while international travel advisories warn of flight delays and airspace changes; airlines are restoring some UAE services but schedules remain mixed. US Sanctions Watch: The US Treasury sanctioned Turkish bank Golden Global and subsidiaries over alleged Iran/IRGC-linked transactions, adding pressure to Iran’s financial lifelines. Markets & Weather: UAE stocks rose for a second straight session, while NCM reported the weekend’s lowest UAE temperature at 24.7°C and forecasts hot, humid conditions with possible rain in parts.