In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US military reportedly strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about renewed escalation. Oil prices rise following the reports, while President Donald Trump says a deal with Tehran could happen and denies considering further strikes after Tuesday’s midterm elections.
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman tells The National at Adipec in Abu Dhabi that people must remain in control of artificial intelligence, warning of the need to prevent serious safety incidents as AI becomes more capable.
Abu Dhabi is also set to host another round of US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine next week, focusing on security arrangements, de-escalation and humanitarian efforts.
Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group approves the sale of all its assets and investments in Lebanon after ceasing operations and reporting losses exceeding $1.7 billion.
And more than 6,500 people lose weight through a government-backed programme in Abu Dhabi, with participants losing an average of 14 per cent of their body weight in the first year.
Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US military reportedly strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about renewed escalation. Oil prices rise following the reports, while President Donald Trump says a deal with Tehran could happen and denies considering further strikes after Tuesday’s midterm elections. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman tells The National at Adipec in Abu Dhabi that people must remain in control of artificial intelligence, warning of the need to prevent serious safety incidents as AI becomes more capable. Abu Dhabi is also set to host another round of US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine next week, focusing on security arrangements, de-escalation and humanitarian efforts. Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group approves the sale of all its assets and investments in Lebanon after ceasing operations and reporting losses exceeding $1.7 billion. And more than 6,500 people lose weight through a government-backed programme in Abu Dhabi, with participants losing an average of 14 per cent of their body weight in the first year. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

US reportedly strikes Iran's Qeshm Island, Altman warns on AI and Al Habtoor exits Lebanon

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Adnoc signs an agreement with OpenAI and G42 to become the first energy company to deploy OpenAI’s Frontier technology across its operations. The deal is among four agreements signed between Abu Dhabi entities and OpenAI, including an initiative to make government policies and regulations readable by AI systems.
Oil prices fall more than three per cent as US President Donald Trump reportedly seeks more time for diplomacy with Iran before considering renewed military strikes.
Meanwhile, the UAE says it does not want another military confrontation but remains prepared to protect its security, citizens and residents. Dr Anwar Gargash also calls for the restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Dubai launches a tourism loyalty initiative that will introduce an invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors and expand access to tourist visa applications through Visit Dubai.
And Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli becomes Formula One’s youngest world champion at 20 after finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix, securing the title with four races remaining.
Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Adnoc signs an agreement with OpenAI and G42 to become the first energy company to deploy OpenAI’s Frontier technology across its operations. The deal is among four agreements signed between Abu Dhabi entities and OpenAI, including an initiative to make government policies and regulations readable by AI systems. Oil prices fall more than three per cent as US President Donald Trump reportedly seeks more time for diplomacy with Iran before considering renewed military strikes. Meanwhile, the UAE says it does not want another military confrontation but remains prepared to protect its security, citizens and residents. Dr Anwar Gargash also calls for the restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Dubai launches a tourism loyalty initiative that will introduce an invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors and expand access to tourist visa applications through Visit Dubai. And Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli becomes Formula One’s youngest world champion at 20 after finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix, securing the title with four races remaining. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Adnoc signs OpenAI deal, UAE prepares for worst and Dubai unveils tourism loyalty programme

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israeli politicians begin coalition talks after final election counts leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, without a parliamentary majority. Arab parties win a record 19 seats and could play a decisive role in forming the next government.
Cryptocurrency prices fall sharply after Binance faces a security breach affecting an estimated $6.3 billion in assets. The exchange says it will cover all losses, while deposits and withdrawals remain suspended.
In Abu Dhabi, eight men are sentenced to life in jail for their involvement in an illegal arms trafficking network connected to Sudan's civil war.
Abu Dhabi apartment prices rise 24 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter, according to ValuStrat, while villa prices increase by 10.2 per cent.
And British actor Patrick Stewart, best known for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, dies at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israeli politicians begin coalition talks after final election counts leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, without a parliamentary majority. Arab parties win a record 19 seats and could play a decisive role in forming the next government. Cryptocurrency prices fall sharply after Binance faces a security breach affecting an estimated $6.3 billion in assets. The exchange says it will cover all losses, while deposits and withdrawals remain suspended. In Abu Dhabi, eight men are sentenced to life in jail for their involvement in an illegal arms trafficking network connected to Sudan's civil war. Abu Dhabi apartment prices rise 24 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter, according to ValuStrat, while villa prices increase by 10.2 per cent. And British actor Patrick Stewart, best known for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, dies at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Israel begins coalition talks, Binance hit by $6.3bn breach and Abu Dhabi jails Sudan arms traffickers

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israel’s Arab parties seek to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after an inconclusive election increased their representation in parliament. Neither major bloc has secured a majority.
Oil prices decline as traders assess renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at averting further US military action against Iran, with Brent crude trading at about $114 a barrel.
The UAE calls for dialogue to prevent the regional war from restarting, as Qatar reportedly presents Iran with a new draft agreement to help end the conflict with the US. Tehran is considering the proposal and is expected to respond by the end of the week.
Meanwhile, Sharjah temporarily closes all beaches as authorities work to contain an oil spill, following similar closures in Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.
And Dubai’s financial regulator fines the Middle East unit of Moody’s Investors Service $585,825 for failing to protect confidential information over more than two years.
Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israel’s Arab parties seek to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after an inconclusive election increased their representation in parliament. Neither major bloc has secured a majority. Oil prices decline as traders assess renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at averting further US military action against Iran, with Brent crude trading at about $114 a barrel. The UAE calls for dialogue to prevent the regional war from restarting, as Qatar reportedly presents Iran with a new draft agreement to help end the conflict with the US. Tehran is considering the proposal and is expected to respond by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Sharjah temporarily closes all beaches as authorities work to contain an oil spill, following similar closures in Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain. And Dubai’s financial regulator fines the Middle East unit of Moody’s Investors Service $585,825 for failing to protect confidential information over more than two years. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Arab parties challenge Netanyahu and Sharjah closes beaches over oil spill

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims victory in the country's election, although neither his bloc nor the opposition has secured a parliamentary majority. About 600,000 absentee ballots are still to be counted.
Meanwhile, Jordan and Syria agree to form a joint security committee to examine Jordanian air strikes in southern Syria that killed at least seven people, including civilians.
The Trump administration has reportedly warned Gulf countries to prepare for a possible renewed US military campaign against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections. The Wall Street Journal reports that President Donald Trump is considering a short but intense wave of strikes, although no final decision has been made.
The UAE's Lana Nusseibeh calls for sweeping UN reforms and pledges to take diplomatic risks for peace if selected as the organisation's next secretary general.
And Dubai approves a development plan covering 48 urban centres, with a budget exceeding Dh2 billion. The initiative is expected to increase property values in targeted areas by Dh20 billion by 2040, while improving access to metro stations and public services.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims victory in the country's election, although neither his bloc nor the opposition has secured a parliamentary majority. About 600,000 absentee ballots are still to be counted. Meanwhile, Jordan and Syria agree to form a joint security committee to examine Jordanian air strikes in southern Syria that killed at least seven people, including civilians. The Trump administration has reportedly warned Gulf countries to prepare for a possible renewed US military campaign against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections. The Wall Street Journal reports that President Donald Trump is considering a short but intense wave of strikes, although no final decision has been made. The UAE's Lana Nusseibeh calls for sweeping UN reforms and pledges to take diplomatic risks for peace if selected as the organisation's next secretary general. And Dubai approves a development plan covering 48 urban centres, with a budget exceeding Dh2 billion. The initiative is expected to increase property values in targeted areas by Dh20 billion by 2040, while improving access to metro stations and public services.

Netanyahu claims victory, Jordan and Syria agree on security committee and Dubai approves Dh2bn urban plan

Trump plans to “take over” Gaza. Aid barely reaches Gaza’s north. Syria’s Ahmed Al Shara plans to reshuffle his new government.
Listen to this morning’s headlines on Trending Middle East.

Trump plans to “take over” Gaza. Aid barely reaches Gaza’s north. Syria’s Ahmed Al Shara plans to reshuffle his new government. Listen to this morning’s headlines on Trending Middle East.

Trump plans to “take over” Gaza. Aid barely reaches Gaza’s north. Syria’s Ahmed Al Shara plans to reshuffle his new government.
Listen to this morning’s headlines on Trending Middle East.

Trump’s Gaza 'takeover' and scarce aid to northern Gaza despite ceasefire

Talks have started on the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza. A report reveals new failures in Israel’s Iron Dome system. Oil prices fall as the US delayed tariffs on Mexico and Canada.

Talks have started on the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza. A report reveals new failures in Israel’s Iron Dome system. Oil prices fall as the US delayed tariffs on Mexico and Canada.

Talks have started on the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza. A report reveals new failures in Israel’s Iron Dome system. Oil prices fall as the US delayed tariffs on Mexico and Canada.

Ceasefire talks and how Israel’s Iron Dome failed on October 7

Yasmeen Altaji gives a round-up of today’s trends

Yasmeen Altaji gives a round-up of today’s trends

What Netanyahu’s US visit means for occupied West Bank, and Bill Gates talks tech and politics

Yasmeen Altaji gives a round-up of today's trends

Yasmeen Altaji gives a round-up of today's trends

Al Shara in Saudi Arabia and Netanyahu in the US

Trump repeats call to move Gazans to Egypt and Jordan and doctors warn children are in urgent need

Ahmed Al Shara declared Syrian President and Gaza hostage release set for Thursday

Yasmeen Altaji rounds up today’s trends

Yasmeen Altaji rounds up today’s trends

Egypt to receive Gaza wounded and Israel strikes Lebanon

Gazans return to north and Smotrich withdraws resignation threat

Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire extended, while Egypt and Jordan reject ‘emptying’ of Gaza

Gaza ceasefire ‘not lasting peace solution’ and Etihad Rail plans Abu Dhabi-Dubai service

We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond

Share Trending Middle East

Sign up to save your podcasts

Trending Middle East

Trending Middle East episodes

About Trending Middle East

Best of Trending Middle East

More shows like Trending Middle East

Business Extra

Beyond the Headlines

Books of My Life

Pocketful of Dirhams

Recorded

Seera

My 2020

Year of Elections

Culture Bites

PCR : Post Covid-19 Recovery

Iraq: 20 Years On

Abtal

The Inside Brief