The UAE is planning to speed up the development of a new oil pipeline to double its export capacity through Fujairah by 2027. This move will significantly enhance the country’s ability to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The Abu Dhabi Media Office announced that Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed directed ADNOC to expedite the West-East Pipeline project during a recent executive meeting. Construction is underway, with operations projected to begin in 2027, though no details were given about the original schedule.
Currently, the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP), also called the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, can transport up to 1.8 million barrels daily. It has proven essential for increasing direct exports from the Gulf of Oman region. Among Gulf nations, only the UAE and Saudi Arabia have pipelines for exporting crude outside the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman’s long coastline borders the Gulf of Oman.
Iran’s closure of the narrow waterway separating it from Oman—initially a response to US-Israeli air and naval operations launched on February 28—has cut off about 20% of global oil supplies heading to Asia and other areas. Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain depend heavily on the Strait for their shipment routes. This disruption has driven up energy prices, prompting government rationing of fuel and stoking fears of economic slowdown amid rising inflation.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham meets UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al Shati, Abu Dhabi, on February 18, 2026. — X/@WAMNEWS_ENG
UAE president and U.S. senator discuss regional security and stability.
Meeting held at the presidential palace, Qasr Al Shati: WAM.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed and other officials attend the high-level meeting.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, met with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. The talks focused on recent regional developments and collaborative efforts to foster peace in the Middle East.
The encounter took place at Qasr Al Shati, according to WAM, the UAE’s official news agency, which shared photos and videos of Sheikh Mohammed engaging with Senator Graham and other senior Emirati officials.
The discussion highlighted the strong friendship and strategic partnership between the UAE and the United States, emphasizing their mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral relations to serve shared interests.
Regional security, stability, and joint initiatives to promote peace across the Middle East and beyond were also key topics during the meeting.
Attending the session were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, an adviser to the UAE President, as well as several ministers and senior officials.
Digital Phablet – Ana de Armas posts unforgettable picture wearing a hijab during her visit to Abu Dhabi.
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The Cuban actress Ana de Armas recently returned from her trip to Abu Dhabi. She shared photos from her visit on her official Instagram account, showcasing her experiences with sports, culture, and desert excursions.
One of her most striking photos was taken at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. In it, Ana appeared elegant yet modest, dressed simply in a scarf and a black abaya. The image resonated with the mosque’s stunning Islamic architecture—the alabaster white arches and intricate floral designs created a harmonious and tranquil mood. Many of her followers applauded her choice of attire, interpreting it as a respectful acknowledgment of local traditions. Ana described her experience in Abu Dhabi as “amazing,” expressing her love for learning about its history and natural beauty.
She also attended the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a highlight of her trip. While there, Ana encountered famed driver Lewis Hamilton at the Ferrari team’s tent. They shared a relaxed moment, exchanging smiles while chatting. Hamilton even showed her the removable steering wheel of his car, revealing her genuine interest. One of the trip’s memorable moments was when Ana was invited to wave the checkered flag at the season finale, an energetic and exhilarating scene set against the vibrant nighttime racetrack.
ANA also explored the traditional Emirati desert. Holding a falcon, a symbol of the region’s heritage, she immersed herself in cultural customs. Later, she enjoyed an evening in the desert with friends under a clear sky, capturing a breathtaking sunset that highlighted the area’s natural splendor.
Fans remarked that Ana de Armas’s journey to Abu Dhabi was a seamless mix of culture, adventure, and entertainment.
Digital Phablet – Barış Arduç Discusses Love and Career at the Bridge Summit
Barış Arduç attended the Bridge Summit, a prominent global event that gathered influential figures from the media, entertainment, and creative sectors. The event in Abu Dhabi included panels, exhibitions, and discussions aimed at transforming global communication. Arduç emerged as one of the most talked-about attendees, capturing interest from both industry experts and fans alike.
During his speech, Arduç candidly shared insights about his career, his approach to acting, and his personal life. His straightforward and sincere words resonated well with the audience. Known for his roles in Kiralık Aşk, Alparslan: Büyük Selçuklu, Kuzgun, and Çukur, he emphasized the significance of creativity, discipline, and emotional intelligence in his craft. Additionally, he discussed how international platforms and collaborations across borders are revolutionizing the Turkish entertainment industry.
One notable moment was when Arduç expressed his love and appreciation for his wife, Gupse Özay, who accompanied him to Abu Dhabi. He credited her as a vital support system and emphasized their relationship as a partnership rooted in respect, joy, and mutual support.
He also reflected on how becoming a father transformed his outlook and added more meaning to his life. Despite looking forward to future projects, family remains his top priority.
The event highlighted both his professional ambitions and his warm personality, leaving attendees with a lasting impression of an artist dedicated to achievement, honesty, and love.
Barış Arduç and Gupse Özay are among Turkey’s most renowned couples. They first met in 2014 during the filming of Deliha, written and starred in by Özay. They initially were friends, but their relationship soon deepened into a romantic partnership. The couple married in July 2020 and welcomed their daughter, Jan, in 2022—a day Arduç calls the best of his life. Although they prefer to keep their personal lives private, their close bond is evident whenever they appear together, earning admiration from fans.
In summary, Barış Arduç’s appearance at the Bridge Summit showcased his professional vision and genuine personality. He left a mark as an actor who values achievement, honesty, and love equally, while also highlighting his devotion to family and personal growth.
ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi’s new Zayed International Airport now offers all arriving international travelers a complimentary SIM card and internet access. Each visitor gets a free SIM loaded with 10GB of data, valid for 24 hours, so they can immediately connect to crucial services after landing.
Officials say this initiative will enable travelers to navigate using maps, hail taxis, make payments, message, and explore Abu Dhabi’s travel resources without delays. Zayed International Airport is rapidly expanding, serving airlines from over 30 countries, including Pakistan, with direct flights to more than 100 global destinations. By September, the airport’s new terminal has managed nearly 24 million passengers this year.
On Friday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced a blistering high of 50.4 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest May temperature ever recorded. This extreme heat follows an ongoing wave of soaring temperatures in a nation particularly at risk from climate change.
Participants of Friday prayers reported feelings of lightheadedness, and some appeared unstable on their feet, even in a country known for its extreme heat.
The peak temperature was registered in an area of Abu Dhabi, the capital of this oil-rich Gulf nation, situated in one of the hottest regions on Earth.
“The heat today was absolutely unbearable,” remarked a 26-year-old resident of Abu Dhabi, who arrived late at the mosque and had to pray outside. “I was soaked in sweat by the time the prayers ended, feeling as if I might faint,” he added, opting to remain anonymous.
The measured high of 50.4°C (122.7°F) is unprecedented for May since record-keeping began in 2003, exceeding the previous record of 50.2°C set in 2009, according to the National Center of Meteorology as reported by AFP.
The UAE, one of the largest oil exporters globally and the host of the COP28 climate talks this year, just wrapped up a record-setting April with an average daily high of 42.6 degrees Celsius.
‘Swaying Right and Left’
The NMC urged residents to take precautions, recommending they stay out of direct sunlight, stay hydrated, wear suitable clothing, and apply sunscreen.
This extreme heat was compounded by humidity levels reaching up to 80% in some parts of Abu Dhabi.
“I actually saw someone swaying back and forth before he had to stop at the side of the road,” said Muhammad Juma, a 31-year-old marketing professional based in Dubai. “Honestly, it’s a scary situation for people,” he emphasized.
Youssef, 45, who operates hot air balloons for tourists in Dubai, stated that the “stifling” conditions left him feeling “completely incapacitated”.
“The main issue is the humidity. The air feels devoid of oxygen,” he added, opting not to share his last name.
Scientists have established that frequent heatwaves serve as a clear indicator of global warming, which is predicted to become more frequent, prolonged, and severe. In the last 30 years, the count of extremely hot days has nearly doubled worldwide.
Outdoor workers in Arab nations endure some of the highest levels of heat stress globally, with a staggering 83.6% facing excessive heat exposure on the job, according to a 2024 report from the International Labour Organization, part of the United Nations.
The dangers of a warming planet were evident last June when more than 1,300 individuals died during the Hajj pilgrimage in neighboring Saudi Arabia, as per official figures, most of whom were unauthorized pilgrims subjected to prolonged outdoor exposure.
According to a 2022 Greenpeace study, the Middle East is at heightened risk for water and food shortages, as well as severe heatwaves, due to climate change. The report highlighted six countries, including the UAE, and indicated that the region is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, rendering its food and water resources “extremely vulnerable” to climate change.
