Dubai hosted the UN climate summit COP28, aiming to encourage countries to accelerate their energy transitions. The choice of a petroleum-rich emirate as the event's location has led to boycotts by many activists. Despite its reputation for artificial islands and desert ski slopes, Dubai is striving to enhance its green credentials, leveraging startups to achieve this goal.

Trade between the United Arab Emirates and Iran has reached $24 billion over a twelve-month period as of last March, marking a significant recovery to levels not seen since 2012. This resurgence in trade follows a more relaxed geopolitical climate in the region, with the UAE sending its ambassador back to Tehran in August 2022 after a hiatus since 2016. Economic ties have historically been strong, with a substantial Iranian community in the UAE. Both countries are aiming to increase trade to $30 billion in the next two years, and high-level official visits are anticipated to further strengthen relations. This development coincides with Saudi Arabia's normalization of relations with Iran, facilitated by China.

Trade exchanges between the United Arab Emirates and Iran have reached levels not seen since 2012, driven by a more relaxed geopolitical climate. Despite past tensions, including the recall of the UAE ambassador from Tehran in 2016, economic ties have remained strong. The UAE has facilitated the return of Iranian businesses, easing visa and banking processes. Iran aims to achieve $30 billion in trade with the UAE within two years, with potential high-level visits anticipated. The regional context, including Saudi Arabia's normalization of relations with Iran, is expected to further support these exchanges.

Andrea Mounecif, a 34-year-old Italian and founding member of the ecotourism association FuoriVia, leads a journey along the Danube to promote responsible tourism. Inspired by the concept of 'convivenza' and the teachings of Virginio Bettini, the group engages with local communities to foster ecotourism projects. Mounecif's dedication to ecotourism stems from witnessing the negative impacts of mass tourism in his hometown, Venice. The group's efforts have previously led to successful ecotourism initiatives along historical routes in Europe. Mounecif's philosophy is influenced by David Le Breton's views on the liberating nature of walking.

Pope Francis's first visit to Bahrain, an island in the heart of the Persian Gulf, includes participation in a global interfaith forum aimed at promoting human coexistence. The event, under the patronage of Bahraini King Hamed Ben Issa Al Khalifa and attended by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and other religious dignitaries, highlights Bahrain's use of religious tolerance as a diplomatic tool. Despite being a state with Islam as its official religion and Sharia law in effect, Bahrain's constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and worship. The country has a diverse religious landscape, including a synagogue, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and several Christian churches. Bahrain's strategy of interfaith dialogue, which began in earnest in 2017, has led to the normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. However, human rights organizations have criticized Bahrain for religious discrimination, particularly against the Shiite majority, which is seen by authorities as aligned with Iran. Bahrain distinguishes between the freedom to practice religion and the politicization of religious identity, the latter of which it opposes.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's tour in the Gulf yielded mixed results, securing only one new energy agreement with the United Arab Emirates to export a shipment of liquefied natural gas to Germany by the end of 2022 and additional quantities in 2023. The UAE's oil company ADNOC will also supply Germany with up to 250,000 tonnes of diesel per month in 2023. However, no gas export agreement was reached with Qatar, despite ongoing discussions for several months, as Germany appears hesitant to commit to the long-term contracts desired by the emirate.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is visiting Qatar, the last country on his Gulf tour, to discuss energy as Germany seeks to diversify its gas supply sources away from Russia. Qatar, a leading producer of liquefied natural gas, has primarily exported to Asian countries, but a partnership signed in May could change this dynamic. No public announcement on a gas agreement has been made, and European countries have historically opposed the long-term contracts favored by Qatar.

Al-Ula, a historic region in Saudi Arabia, is being transformed into a major international tourism destination under the Vision 2030 plan led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The region, rich in Nabatean and pre-Islamic heritage, aims to attract millions of visitors and diversify the national economy. Key projects include archaeological research, luxury hotels, and cultural festivals. The Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU) and international partnerships, such as with France's Afalula, play crucial roles in this development. The initiative also seeks to improve the local economy and global image of Saudi Arabia.

Two weeks ago, on May 1st, Deliveroo delivery workers in the UAE went on strike to protest reduced delivery fees and increased work hours. Their demands were met the next day. Inspired by this, Talabat workers also went on strike last week, demanding higher delivery fees, but their demands remain unmet. The strikes, driven by inflation partly due to the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the financial struggles of these workers, many of whom are from the Indian subcontinent. Despite significant media coverage and social media amplification, local authorities have remained silent.

In October, Sheikh Hamad Jaber al-Ali al-Sabah announced that women could join the Kuwaiti army, but only in medical and support roles. This decision, which opened applications on December 19, faced opposition in Parliament, leading to a motion of censure against the Defense Minister that ultimately failed. The Defense Minister adhered to the fatwa authority's recommendations, imposing conditions such as a ban on carrying weapons, requiring approval from a husband or legal guardian, and mandating the hijab. Reactions are mixed, with conservatives satisfied and others deeming the conditions discriminatory. The Association sociale et culturelle des femmes au Koweït plans to challenge the decision legally.

Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, are experiencing unusual heavy rainfall, causing significant disruptions. In the UAE, cloud seeding has amplified the precipitation, leading to flooding and infrastructure challenges. Oman has reported fatalities due to the severe weather, while other Gulf nations like Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar are also affected but without casualties. The adverse weather is expected to continue until the end of the week.

The United Arab Emirates is threatening to cancel its purchase of F-35 aircraft from the United States, a deal initially approved under Donald Trump's administration but stalled under Joe Biden. The UAE's growing cooperation with China and recent arms purchases from France, including Rafale jets and helicopters, indicate a shift in regional dynamics. Despite these developments, the UAE still prioritizes its relationship with the US, seeking to strengthen its military capabilities.

Rejimon Kuttappan, an Indian journalist, highlights the plight of Indian migrant workers in the Arab Gulf countries in his new book. Despite the historical and economic ties that drive migration, many workers face exploitation, poor working conditions, and lack of basic human rights. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, leading to significant job losses and a lack of social protection for returning migrants. The article calls for greater attention to the challenges faced by these workers.

The normalization agreement between the UAE and Israel, known as the Abraham Accords, is facing a test due to recent violence between Israel and Palestine. Despite this, the UAE sees direct economic benefits from the agreement, with trade reaching nearly 300 million euros. The UAE has potential new leverage over Israel due to their official relations, but their diplomatic influence on the Palestinian side is limited, with distrust towards Hamas and cold relations with the Palestinian Authority. Public opinion in the UAE is generally discreet, with citizens expressing support for Palestinians but no public protests like in Bahrain. The UAE's political decisions are widely trusted by its citizens, who make up only 10% of the population, and dissent can lead to imprisonment.

In Dubai, life appears normal with bustling promenades and full café terraces despite the global pandemic. The emirate remains a popular tourist destination, with security personnel ensuring compliance with health measures. The article highlights the contrast between Dubai's open environment and the restrictions seen elsewhere.

Dubai Expo 2020, set to begin on October 20, 2020, is expected to contribute $33.4 billion to the UAE economy and create around 50,000 jobs annually until 2031. Significant investments have been made in infrastructure, including metro extensions and airport expansions. However, the real estate crisis poses a risk to these economic benefits. The 'District 2020' project aims to repurpose Expo infrastructure into residential and commercial spaces.

Dubai is preparing for the Expo 2020 amidst the global coronavirus threat. Despite the pandemic, the event is set to start on October 20, 2020, with 192 countries confirming participation, surpassing initial estimates. The expo aims to bolster Dubai's reputation as an economic hub, although it is not expected to break visitor records set by previous expos like Shanghai 2010. The UAE authorities are taking extensive health and safety measures to ensure the event's success.

Issad Rebrab, Algeria's wealthiest individual, positions himself as a significant victim of the Bouteflika era and is one of the few industrialists supporting the ongoing popular uprising. He is often nicknamed the 'Algerian Berlusconi'.

A new government was formed in Algeria on Sunday evening, with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is still officially in office until April 28, appointing a government led by Noureddine Bedoui, designated as Prime Minister on March 11. The new government includes only eight members from the previous team, with significant figures such as the army chief of staff, General Ahmed Gaïd Salah, retaining his position, while others like Ramtane Lamamra were dismissed. Despite the government reshuffle, the public's demand for a complete political transition remains strong, with a million protesters in Algiers calling for the fall of the regime. The protesters also criticize foreign powers for interference and are skeptical about the proposed use of constitutional mechanisms to remove Bouteflika, seeing it as a way for the current power to maintain control. The article also mentions the arrest of Ali Haddad, the president of the FCE and a supporter of Bouteflika, at the Algeria-Tunisia border.

In the heart of Algiers, massive peaceful protests continue as citizens demand the end of the current political system. Despite the army chief's proposal to implement Article 102 of the constitution, protesters remain resolute in their call for change. The demonstrations, marked by a festive and determined atmosphere, see participation from diverse groups, including families and students. While some express skepticism about achieving systemic change, the overall sentiment is one of persistence and hope for a new era. The protests are expected to continue until the demands are met.

The article discusses the Yangtze River, known for its various names and significant role in China's agriculture and commerce. The river, stretching from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea, has been tamed by the Chinese through projects like the Three Gorges Dam, which was completed in 2006 to control flooding and provide sustainable energy. However, the dam's construction led to ecological disruptions and the displacement of thousands of farmers. The river's pollution has worsened due to industrial development, with thousands of petrochemical factories along its banks contributing to toxic waste. In 2012, the river even turned red near Chongqing, with no explanation provided. Despite the river's importance for irrigation and supporting over 400 million Chinese, it is a significant source of plastic pollution in the oceans. The Chinese government has prioritized the river's conservation since 2015, with reports of decreasing pollution and factories moving away from the riverbanks. The latest five-year plans aim to integrate the river basin's development with the nation's unity through infrastructure like canals and the Silk Road.

Outgoing Liberian President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is accused of interfering in the ongoing electoral process, a claim made by her own party, including key power figure and Vice President Joseph Boakai, the Unity Party's candidate. Boakai, set to face George Weah in the presidential runoff, is supported by third-place finisher Charles Brumskine and two other parties in contesting the election results before the Supreme Court. Sirleaf is also accused of nepotism and favoring her sons, with one suspected of corruption. Amidst these tensions, Sirleaf appears to be discreetly supporting Weah, with speculation that she is preparing for Amara Konneh's candidacy in 2023. Weah, a football legend turned politician, is seen as the likely winner of the election.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, outgoing president of Liberia, faces accusations of electoral interference, particularly from her own party and Vice President Joseph Boakai. Boakai, a candidate in the presidential runoff against George Weah, is supported by Charles Brumskine, who has raised fraud allegations with the Supreme Court. Sirleaf is accused of undermining Boakai's campaign and favoring other candidates, including Weah, possibly to pave the way for Amara Konneh in future elections. The article highlights ongoing political tensions and the legacy of Sirleaf's presidency, marked by both achievements and controversies.

The Basque community in Spain is increasingly advocating for the right to self-determination, similar to the Catalan independence movement. This sentiment is shared by various political groups and civil society, despite opposition from the central Spanish government. Key figures and organizations like Podemos and Gure Esku Dago support the Basques' right to decide their future, while the Spanish government remains firmly against such referendums. The article highlights the cultural resurgence among Basques and the differing opinions within the community regarding independence.

The article details the experiences of journalists, including the author, participating in a War Reporter Awareness Training Programme organized by the French Ministry of Defence. The training aims to equip journalists with essential skills for working in conflict zones, covering first aid and survival techniques. The program highlights the physical and mental challenges faced by journalists and the mutual respect developed between them and military officers. The article underscores the importance of such training for journalists, especially freelancers who often bear the costs themselves.