The recent UAE-Israel peace agreement and similar agreements involving other Arab states may give rise to new aspirations for the people of the Middle East.
That’s according to Pulitzer-winning American political commentator, columnist and author, Thomas Friedman.
Speaking during the 19th edition of the Arab Media Forum, he added that it can result in a shift from old ideologies and political strategies in the region.
“The UAE paved the way and created the model,” Friedman stated.
Held under the theme ‘Arab Media: The Future is Digital’, the Forum saw more than 10,000 people tune in to the sessions. The Arab Journalism Award ceremony, which honoured 11 outstanding journalists in the Arab world, was also broadcast live.
“I think there’s a new mood in there and the UAE-Israel deal unlocked a lot of that. People on the street actually want to be part of the world. They’re tired of the old games,” Friedman added.
The US Middle East policy is likely to drift towards amplifying positive developments arising from within the region rather than resorting to intervention and regime change, he remarked.
The number of Emiratis working in the private sector has now crossed 152,000 — employed across more than 29,000 companies as of June 30, the deadline for meeting Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a new law aimed at swiftly resolving disputes in citizen housing construction contracts.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the closure of 63rd Street in both directions in front of the German International School Dubai, coinciding with the beginning of construction works on the Dubai Metro Blue Line.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has extended his condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, on the passing of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud.
The eighth UAE aid ship has set sail carrying over 7,000 tonnes of urgent relief supplies for the Palestinian people in Gaza — including 4,372 tonnes of food, 1,433 tonnes of shelter materials and 1,361 tonnes of medical aid.