US President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Florida senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state, signalling that the next administration will pursue a hardline approach in the Middle East.
Media reports say Mr Trump will choose Mr Rubio as Antony Blinken’s successor although a decision has yet to be announced officially. Mr Rubio, who was once in the running to be Mr Trump's running mate in the election campaign, has extensive foreign policy experience, sitting as vice chairman on the US Senate intelligence committee and the foreign relations committee.
In the past few years, he has softened some of his views to align more closely with Mr Trump. He would face a volatile world during Mr Trump's second term, with wars in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan.
Middle East strategy
Mr Rubio’s staunch support for Israel has been a defining feature of his political career. He has consistently backed military and economic aid to the country while endorsing policies that address Israel’s security concerns. He supported the decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 during Mr Trump’s first spell as president. Mr Rubio has also said Israel's security is the key to solving many issues in the region, including the crisis in Palestine.
At the same time, he has advocated fostering strong ties with Gulf nations. He views relationships with those countries as essential for regional stability and efforts to counter the influence of Iran. A vocal critic of the Tehran regime, Mr Rubio was one of the strongest opponents of the 2015 nuclear deal, negotiated while Barack Obama was president. He supports a policy of maximum economic pressure on Tehran and has said Washington cannot afford to let Iran expand its influence in the region unchecked.
Nadim Houry, executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative think tank, said appointing Mr Rubio would cement a more hawkish stance in Washington. Mr Rubio would probably toe the line on Mr Trump's policies, as he does not have much interest or expertise in the Middle East, Mr Houry added.
“What is most critical to watch would be how he will balance the two crucial US allies in the region – Israel and the Gulf states,” he told The National. “Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it wants the US to do more on the two-state solution for Palestine. But the current Israeli administration clearly does not want that.
“Rubio will be more hawkish on Iran. But we have to wait and see what new leverage he will have to end the war in Gaza.”
Dr Kristian Alexander, a senior fellow at the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute in Abu Dhabi, said Mr Rubio’s selection reflects confidence from the president-elect that the senator will be loyal and willingly align with his agenda.
“One can expect the State Department to potentially take a more assertive stance than in Trump’s first term, focusing on a mix of diplomacy backed by military strength and economic sanctions,” Dr Alexander told The National.
Trump nominations
On Iran, he said Mr Rubio's "appointment could mean a continuation or even an intensification of Trump’s 'maximum pressure' campaign, with the potential for tighter sanctions or military posturing aimed at curtailing Iran’s regional activities".
"Rubio has been a staunch critic of Iran’s government and has frequently advocated for tough sanctions and measures to limit Iran’s influence in the region," Dr Alexander said. "Given Rubio’s past rhetoric, he might push for a stricter line in engaging Iran, limiting diplomacy and prioritising containment strategies."
Hardline stance on China
Mr Rubio’s appointment would also suggest that Mr Trump intends to double down on his confrontational approach towards China, with intensified economic and diplomatic pressure. Mr Rubio is one of the most vocal critics of Beijing in the Senate and has been at the forefront of efforts to curb China's global influence, describing the country as America’s "biggest adversary”. His hardline stance includes championing legislation to restrict the operations of Chinese companies in the US, particularly in sectors deemed critical to national security.
His criticism extends to human rights, notably the treatment of the Uighurs. Mr Rubio led congressional efforts to impose sanctions on Chinese officials and was himself the subject of sanctions from Beijing in 2020 over his support for protesters in Hong Kong. In 2022, he introduced bipartisan legislation to ban the Chinese social media app TikTok in the US over espionage concerns.
Cautious support for Ukraine
Mr Rubio has been one of the strongest supporters of military aid to Kyiv since Russia's invasion in 2022 and views the issue as vital to US national interests. He has condemned Russia’s incursions into Ukrainian territory and the annexation of Crimea.
But Mr Rubio has also been cautious about long-term financial commitments to Ukraine. “Our goal should be to support Ukraine in a manner that does not drain our resources or harm our alliances,” he told the Senate this year. He has also suggested that a negotiated settlement may be the most realistic way to end the conflict.
National security and defence
Mr Rubio has consistently advocated increased military spending to confront perceived threats from China, Russia and Iran. He believes in maintaining a strong defence posture to protect US interests around the world.
He also wants the US to continue to pursue its counter-terrorism goals abroad and tackle threats from ISIS and Al Qaeda, while forging stronger international partnerships and intelligence co-operation to dismantle terrorist networks.
Dr Alexander said Mr Rubio’s history in Congress has been marked by a “willingness to support military intervention” and a forward-deployed US presence to counter threats from extremist groups.
“Rubio’s influence might steer US policy in the Middle East towards continued support for allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE in counter-terrorism efforts, while also discouraging any moves to withdraw US forces from critical bases," he said. "This could mean a commitment to maintaining a robust American presence to support regional stability from a US-centric perspective.”
Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Premier League results
Saturday
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Arsenal 1
Bournemouth 0 Manchester City 1
Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Huddersfield Town 0
Burnley 1 Crystal Palace 3
Manchester United 3 Southampton 2
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Cardiff City 0
West Ham United 2 Newcastle United 0
Sunday
Watford 2 Leicester City 1
Fulham 1 Chelsea 2
Everton 0 Liverpool 0
Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
RESULTS
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: from Dh155,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
UAE v Zimbabwe A
Results
Match 1 – UAE won by 4 wickets
Match 2 – UAE won by 5 wickets
Match 3 – UAE won by 25 runs
Match 4 – UAE won by 77 runs
Fixture
Match 5, Saturday, 9.30am start, ICC Academy, Dubai
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The Rub of Time: Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump and Other Pieces 1986-2016
Martin Amis,
Jonathan Cape
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Fixture: Liechtenstein v Italy, Tuesday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match is shown on BeIN Sports
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
ANALYSTS’ TOP PICKS OF SAUDI BANKS IN 2019
Analyst: Aqib Mehboob of Saudi Fransi Capital
Top pick: National Commercial Bank
Reason: It will be at the forefront of project financing for government-led projects
Analyst: Shabbir Malik of EFG-Hermes
Top pick: Al Rajhi Bank
Reason: Defensive balance sheet, well positioned in retail segment and positively geared for rising rates
Analyst: Chiradeep Ghosh of Sico Bank
Top pick: Arab National Bank
Reason: Attractive valuation and good growth potential in terms of both balance sheet and dividends
57%20Seconds
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Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fasset%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mohammad%20Raafi%20Hossain%2C%20Daniel%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.45%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2086%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-series%20B%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Investcorp%2C%20Liberty%20City%20Ventures%2C%20Fatima%20Gobi%20Ventures%2C%20Primal%20Capital%2C%20Wealthwell%20Ventures%2C%20FHS%20Capital%2C%20VN2%20Capital%2C%20local%20family%20offices%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sam Smith
Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday November 24
Rating: 4/5
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The drill
Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.
Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”
Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”
Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.”
more from Janine di Giovanni
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: Dh146,999
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
