The breakthrough achieved at the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was limited to trade. It involved behind-the-scenes concessions from both sides so that each could secure what it wanted at this juncture.
However, the leaders didn’t address the political issues that might have otherwise obstructed the trade negotiations – including Taiwan’s future, competition in the Pacific, Sino-Russian relations and Washington’s insistence that Beijing reduce its nuclear arsenal. Mr Trump’s relatively calm demeanour signalled a readiness to postpone discussions on the thornier issues and settle for what’s possible.
This approach is likely to guide his upcoming meetings as well, especially with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who is expected in Washington this month, and possibly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr Trump’s strategy is seeping into the second component of his plan for Gaza, namely, his broader vision for the Middle East, which revolves around the Abraham Accords. He has repeatedly said that the key to Arab engagement with these accords lies in Saudi Arabia. His team also views Syria as a critical piece, given its geographical proximity to Israel, and is working hard to secure a breakthrough on this front.
At the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh last week, key features of Saudi relations with the world came to the fore particularly with American investment leaders, who were present in large numbers, including chief executives of the largest firms ranging from banking to AI. The primary focus was to attract US and global investment into Saudi Arabia.
AI was one of the two stars at the conference, with the other being Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara, who made it clear that the key to his country’s resurgence lies with the kingdom.
Riyadh supports Syria’s path to recovery, something that aligns with the Trump administration’s investment in the country and its efforts to persuade the US Congress to lift sanctions completely. Saudi Arabia wants Syria brought back into the Arab fold so that it doesn’t fall exclusively into Turkey’s orbit. Damascus also matters to all Gulf states as a counterweight to Iran’s regional project.
Thus, Syria represents a strategic investment for the Arab world, as it does for Turkey, the US and Europe. Washington is trying to pave the way for security agreements between Syria and Israel that could lead to border normalisation. It also seeks to normalise the border between Lebanon and Israel, even as a return to war appears looming.
Washington and Riyadh don’t disagree on many points related to these issues. So when Prince Mohammed visits the US, discussions are expected to focus on ways to enhance co-operation and mutual understanding, especially on Syria and Lebanon. However, disagreements will surface regarding Washington’s push for Arab and Islamic countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, to normalise with Israel.
US-Saudi relations, especially in investment and security, will take precedence during the leaders’ meeting this month. It is no secret that Riyadh seeks to deepen its bilateral ties with Washington, while the US insists on being Saudi Arabia’s sole security partner among the world’s major powers.
The main stumbling block to deepening US-Saudi security ties is Washington’s insistence that Riyadh join the Abraham Accords. But the latter has insisted on the establishment of a Palestinian state as a condition to join the accords.
The problem is that many in Washington’s political and policymaking circles appear to believe that this hurdle can be sidestepped with creative ideas. But during my visit to Riyadh for the FII conference, it became clear to me that Saudi Arabia is clear-eyed on the issue of Palestinian statehood.
The main stumbling block to deepening US-Saudi security ties is Washington’s insistence that Riyadh join the Abraham Accords
This position might frustrate American policymakers, but they must understand that both the Saudi government and its people are not willing to overlook what the Netanyahu government has done to Palestinians in Gaza – massacres, starvation and annihilation – no matter the level of anger towards Hamas and its actions on October 7, 2023.
Mr Trump would, therefore, be wise to distinguish between the vital bilateral relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, and the issue of Riyadh’s position on Israel. If the US President can persuade Mr Netanyahu to agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state, he will have carved out an unprecedented path.
What does the “art of the possible” mean for Mr Trump when it comes to the Middle East?
The US President is an exceptional figure with unconventional abilities – ones he has applied in the past and could apply again, if he chooses, with both friends and adversaries. The “possible” lies in exerting serious pressure on Israel to accept the two-state solution and the creation of a Palestinian state, something that was for decades US policy, and one the Trump administration must commit to seriously.
The possible is in Mr Trump’s hands: to deliver justice to Palestinians through a demilitarised state, while continuing to guarantee Israel’s security in what remains an unparalleled relationship. The possible lies in real pressure on Israel to let it know that America will no longer indulge it unconditionally and without accountability.
The possible lies in the US President’s ability to forge unconventional paths because he has the vision to grasp the future. If only he would act on it.
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Results
2.30pm: Park Avenue – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Rb Seqondtonone, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
3.05pm: Al Furjan – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bosphorus, Dane O’Neill, Bhupat Seemar
3.40pm: Mina – Rated Condition (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Royal Mews, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar
4.15pm: Aliyah – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,900m; Winner: Ursa Minor, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash
4.50pm: Riviera Beach – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 2,200m; Winner: Woodditton, Saif Al Balushi, Ahmad bin Harmash
5.25pm: Riviera – Handicap (TB) Dh2,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Al Madhar, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
6pm: Creek Views – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Al Salt, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Teenage%20Mutant%20Ninja%20Turtles%3A%20Shredder's%20Revenge
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Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Superliminal%20
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Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
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
McIlroy's recent struggles
Last six stroke-play events (First round score in brackets)
Arnold Palmer Invitational Tied for 4th (74)
The US Masters Tied for 7th (72)
The Players Championship Tied for 35th (73)
US Open Missed the cut (78)
Travellers Championship Tied for 17th (67)
Irish Open Missed the cut (72)
The specs: 2018 Bentley Bentayga V8
Price, base: Dh853,226
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 550hp @ 6,000pm
Torque: 770Nm @ 1,960rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.4L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica
Best Agent: Jorge Mendes
Best Club : Liverpool
Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP
Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart
Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)
Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)
Best Women's Player: Lucy Bronze
Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi
Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)
Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Company%20profile
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Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars
Company%20Profile
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UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Left Bank: Art, Passion and Rebirth of Paris 1940-1950
Agnes Poirer, Bloomsbury
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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.
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Company%20profile
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