President Donald Trump on Thursday said the US would not attack Iran before the midterm elections and that Washington was engaged in “productive discussions” with Tehran.In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said Iran was in a “very bad condition” economically and militarily and the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz would remain in “full force”.“We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections to be held in the United States on November 3,” he wrote. “We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”The announcement comes a day after reports in US media that Washington was preparing to launch renewed military action against Iran before the midterm elections.Last month, Mr Trump said the war with Iran would end “immediately” after the midterm elections. He has also previously said the US was no longer seeking a negotiated end to the war.Shortly afterwards, he said fuel prices and the cost of living would go down. But polls show the war Mr Trump started alongside Israel in February is unpopular among US voters. A major issue has been the rise in fuel and everyday prices, which has followed disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply typically flows, has emerged as a major sticking point for Mr Trump.The Republican President had campaigned on promises of lower c...
Read briefing The body of a Jordanian-American flight attendant who disappeared a year ago has been identified after being pulled out of a Texas river. Rana Nofal Soluri's body was found in June by a fisherman under a bridge in Montague County, about 40km from Fort Worth, local media reported. Her remains were taken to the University of North Texas Health Centre for Human Identification, where DNA testing confirmed her identity, police told NBC News.Ms Soluri, 47, worked for a subsidiary of American Airlines and was reported missing in March last year after she failed to return to work following time off for a medical procedure. Her roommate, Dennis William Day, 67, was arrested and charged with murder in June after he confessed to killing her and throwing her body off a bridge.Police said Mr Day admitted he had “snapped” during a dispute with Ms Soluri and strangled her, according to an arrest warrant quoted in media reports.Law enforcement agents said home video from Mr Day’s property showed him dragging what appeared to be a body from the house into the backyard on March 21, 2025. Mr Day is currently awaiting trial.An “inadvertent call” and voice mail on another woman’s phone appeared to capture Mr Day asking for help with moving the body. The woman, Joni Thomas, was arrested on charges of tampering with evidence.Ms Soluri's sister, Nez, told NBC the months after the disappearance were “t...
Read briefing A major issue in the coming US midterm elections is data centre construction – and according to polls, that's good news for Democrats and bad news for Republicans. President Donald Trump has continued to say that data centre and AI fears are a hoax, but recent polling shows that his decision to double down on unregulated artificial intelligence might cost his party the House and Senate. Recent surveys show that in the US, concerns about AI causing widespread labour disruption and data centres' high energy needs are growing. In some parts of the US, data centres have popped up in once-tranquil residential neighbourhoods, causing audible and visual nuisances. Critics have alleged that data centres also have a negative impact on the environment.These issues have led to protests, anger at town halls and, in some cases, new laws.Democrats, seen by many voters as being more likely to regulate the private sector, have benefited from the current climate. About 73 per cent of voters, regardless of party, oppose the building of AI data centres in their community, a recent Quinnipiac University poll indicated. Other surveys have essentially told the same story. Though most polls have indicated the economy and the cost of living are top concerns as the midterm elections near, that, too, plays into AI and data centre fears, experts say, with the general public seeing technology companies as...
Read briefing Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arachghi on Wednesday defended his efforts to end the war with the US amid criticism from within political circles. Mr Araghchi fielded three hours of questions from members of Iran's parliament, the Islamic Consultative Assembly, which could in theory hear a motion on his impeachment after it was filed by a critical MP. The case relates to claims that Mr Araghchi overstepped by holding a meeting with US officials in New York without the permission of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. MPs also informed Mr Araghchi of "public concern" about Iran's unity and cohesion, state media said. It is the latest hint of division within Iran's political circles, which have been reshaped by the war and the killing of senior figures such as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mr Araghchi said the delegation he led at the UN General Assembly in New York had "explained Iran's positions in the most eloquent and authoritative manner possible". He said his team had followed the instructions of "competent authorities" in Iran. "Iran showed in New York that it is tough in defending itself and serious in using diplomacy to ensure national security," state media quoted Mr Araghchi as saying. Mr Araghchi is proposing a "seven-day plan" that would count down to reopening the Strait of Hormuz in a week if the US accepts Iran's conditions. US President Donald Trump has re...
Read briefing Four companies offering Umrah pilgrimages to Makkah have been suspended after visitors were provided with unlicensed housing, Saudi authorities said. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the companies, as well as four agents, were disciplined for violations that “affected a number of pilgrims”. It said the breaches “involved the accommodation of pilgrims in unlicensed facilities”. The companies have been referred to a Committee for Reviewing Pilgrims' Complaints, which could issue penalties. The ministry warned companies providing Umrah services they are subject to “field and digital monitoring” to check they meet requirements. The so-called Pilgrim Experience Programme to improve services for religious visitors is one plank of Saudi Arabia's economic modernisation plan as it aims to become a tourism centre.Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific window in the Islamic calendar. Although not mandatory like Hajj, Umrah holds great spiritual significance for Muslims around the world.The ministry this year introduced a new Umrah visa allowing pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia several times in one year, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days. Hajj packages usually include accommodation and transport as part of wider pilgrimage arrangements, while Umrah travellers have more flexibility to bo...
Read briefing The UAE is seeking to boost industrial integration with Gulf states, as the region explores ways to strengthen supply chain resilience at high-level meetings in Bahrain. A UAE delegation led by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, is participating at the GCC Industrial Co-operation Committee and the Ministerial Committee for Standardisation Affairs meeting being held in Bahrain. The UAE’s participation focuses on “strengthening industrial integration among GCC countries, building more resilient and competitive Gulf supply chains, accelerating the deployment of advanced technology and artificial intelligence in the industrial sector, and enhancing the role of the private sector in building partnerships and joint industrial opportunities”, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology said in a statement on Wednesday.The meetings, which began Tuesday and will continue until Thursday, highlighted the need for co-ordination in standards. Dr Al Jaber emphasised the importance of advancing joint efforts to develop a more advanced industrial sector that supports the diversification of national economies and strengthens the GCC's position as a global hub for industry and innovation. “Industrial integration is a cornerstone of Gulf competitiveness,” he added. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the inaugural Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026 b...
Read briefing The UAE had their hopes of a third Arabian Gulf Cup title extinguished as they were soundly beaten by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.Early goals from Hammam Al Hammami, the outstanding young winger, and Feras Albrikan in the final were enough to give the hosts the trophy. It was a first defeat for Zlatko Dalic as coach of the UAE.For a tournament that is nominally about local bragging rights, the Gulf Cup final almost always creates a major frenzy.The King Abdullah Sport City Stadium was rocking way ahead of kickoff. The 12,000 or so travelling UAE fans were in their seats hours before the start.When the players arrived and took their acclimatisation walk around the pitch, they looked spellbound by the away support. Most whipped out their phones to video the scene for posterity.Saudi fans send the stands into a frenzy as the Green Falcons take a two-goal lead against the UAE! 🇸🇦🔥#AlkassEnglish #Shoof #Khaleeji27 #GulfCup27 #AGCFF #GulfF #SaudiArabiaUAEootball #ArabianGulfCuppic.twitter.com/M7kjK9XdUJ— Alkass English (@alkassenglish) October 6, 2026By the time of kick-off, all the stands were teeming, packed to their 60,000 capacity, and the home faithful were by then drowning out their counterparts.It was hostile stuff. Khalid Essa, the UAE captain, was visibly agitated by the cacophony of jeers overpowering the national anthem.Despite that, it was the national team who settled fastes...
Read briefing Google has said that its data centre growth, fuelled by the artificial intelligence boom, led the company to reach a power-purchase agreement involving the upgrade of six nuclear plants in the US. An essay posted to Google's corporate news detailed the agreement made with Constellation, which operates the "largest fleet of nuclear facilities in the US".Through the PPA, Google says it is essentially enabling more than "1.5GW of new nuclear capacity for the US energy system from increasing the power output of existing reactors and bringing dormant facilities back online". Technology companies continue to come under criticism in the US over the rise in data centre construction. The centres cause energy demand to surge in some areas and lead to an increase in electricity prices for consumers. "As our data centre investments in the US continue, so does our commitment to revitalise the nation’s energy supply, support local jobs and economic opportunity, and bring new reliable electricity capacity to strengthen US grids at no cost to other ratepayers," Google said.The company said that as part of the PPA, Constellation had agreed to use the technology company's agentic AI "workflows across its core operations to accelerate uprate planning, streamline construction and optimise plant output". Nuclear criticismGoogle is the latest among Big Tech firms to support nuclear reactors in the U...
Read briefing Less than three months before UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres's term expires, the Security Council has not decided who will succeed him, and the rules offer little guidance on what happens if the panel cannot agree on an applicant.Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica led the fourth straw poll last month with 10 “encourage” votes, three “discourage” votes and two “no opinions", but she remains short of a clear consensus. A candidate needs at least nine votes in the 15-member Council and must avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members.The Security Council is expected to conduct a fifth secret straw poll on Wednesday morning. The Council has not yet moved to a colour-coded ballot, which would reveal whether any of the five veto-wielding members had voted against a candidate.Ben Cohen, who focuses on international organisations at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies, said Ms Grynspan was unlikely to be Washington’s first choice. But she could emerge as a compromise candidate if the five permanent members of the Security Council reject the other leading contenders and agree that they could accept her, he said.The selection carries particular significance this year. In its 81-year history, the UN has never been led by a woman, and several women are among the candidates seeking the post.Should none of the publicly named contenders have a veto-proof way forward in the...
Read briefing California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump's comments about a possible Iranian attack on Los Angeles or San Diego were "disgusting and disqualifying".Clips have spread on social media of Mr Trump at a rally in Nebraska on Monday night, in which he appeared to encourage Iran to "take out" the major cities in the Democratic-leaning state."Donald Trump’s remarks were dangerous – if not treasonous – putting a target on two of our biggest cities and one of America’s largest naval hubs," Mr Newsom said in a post on X. "I am directing the State Threat Assessment Centre to actively monitor the situation in the event that foreign actors interpret the President’s remarks as an invitation to target California."The FBI warned this year that Iran could attempt to strike California in a drone attack."The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X. Trump on Iran: Let 'em take out Los Angeles and San Diego, it's a small price to pay pic.twitter.com/Fc4BcjVDKj— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) October 6, 2026But the White House said that Mr Trump's comments were taken out of context, and were actually about petrol prices. "The media freak-out over President Trump’s comments is not rooted in reality," White House spokesman Steven Cheung said. "He was cle...
Read briefing Democratic US Senator Chris Murphy on Tuesday said the Pentagon stopped him from visiting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on his visit to the Middle East, describing it as an attempt to conceal the effects of the Iran war.Al Udeid is the largest US base in the region and has repeatedly been attacked by Iran during the war launched by the US and Israel in February.“This trip confirmed for me that there is an active, unprecedented, unconstitutional effort under way to hide the costs of this war and the implications of this war from Congress and the American people,” Mr Murphy told journalists in Riyadh, the second stop on his trip, according to Reuters.The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr Murphy also said that the Pentagon refused to set up a briefing for him on the war while he was in the region.“I've never encountered anything like this in my time in the Senate and it's part of a deliberate campaign of obfuscation that my Republican colleagues in Congress should demand an end to,” he said.The Connecticut senator has posted several updates on his trip to the Middle East and said he is the first Democrat to visit the region since the war began. Mr Murphy said that while he was in Riyadh, he heard alerts set off by incoming Houthi missiles. “This is now a full-blown regional war – just as every expert predicted if the US attacked Iran,” he...
Read briefing The Polish embassy in Washington on Monday expressed outrage over media personality Tucker Carlson's comments about Poland, Adolf Hitler and the Second World War.Bogdan Klich, charge d'affaires for the embassy, called Carlson's comments at the weekend "false" and "deeply troubling", and demanded he retract them. "As an American journalist who enjoys the democratic right to the freedom of speech, you have now become an apologist for Adolf Hitler," Mr Klich said of the comments, which came in an interview with a British politician. "In doing so, you resort to lies, completely falsifying the documented historical record."He said in the statement, which was posted on X, that Carlson had justified Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939 – which caused France and the UK to declare war on the Third Reich – by saying it was "German territory with Germans in it"."This statement constitutes a colossal insult to the millions of victims of Nazism, including hundreds of thousands of American soldiers who had been killed or wounded while liberating Europe from the occupation of the Third Reich," Mr Klich said.During the interview with Jacob Rees-Mogg, released at the weekend, Carlson asked why the UK been involved in the Second World War, as Hitler had had no quarrel with England."Otherwise, we’d be speaking German,” Mr Rees-Mogg answered.Carlson replied: “Who cares? There are a lot of peo...
Read briefing UAE companies and organisations have some of the highest rates of agentic artificial intelligence adoption in the world, a survey has shown. The report – 2026 Global AI Confessions Report, CIO Edition – was commissioned by data science and AI platform company Dataiku and is based on the responses from 685 chief information officers in the UAE, US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. It found that 62 per cent of UAE chief information officers say their companies have more than 50 AI agents working in the organisation, while 15 per cent say they operate more than 500 agents. "That's the highest proportion across the eight markets surveyed, and substantially higher than the 9 per cent global average," the report said. In recent years, AI agents – digital personal assistants powered by artificial intelligence to carry out repetitive tasks – have become increasingly prevalent across various sectors. Technology companies have claimed that AI agents can match and often outperform humans in many functions, freeing employees to do other tasks.Dataiku's analysis also showed that businesses and organisations in the UAE were continuing to embrace agentic AI. "Among CIOs whose organisations are creating or planning embedded roles for AI experts or forward engineers, 22 per cent expect to recruit more than 10 people over the coming year, the highest compared to other count...
Read briefing The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority has completed the transfer of nearly 7,500 stranded passengers to Tel Aviv after the temporary suspension of flydubai flights to the Israeli city.The UAE's Attorney General, Hamad Al Shamsi, said investigations were continuing to establish the full circumstances, motives and any links related to flight FZ1073 last Wednesday, which was forced to land in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the pilot was attacked by his co-pilot in an "attempted terrorist attack".The GCAA said 37 flights were operated from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport between Friday, October 2, and Monday, October 5, carrying 7,479 passengers.As part of measures to ease the disruption caused by the suspension of flydubai's scheduled services, authorities granted permits to Israeli carriers to operate flights to Dubai. These flights operated alongside services run by Etihad Airways, which continued to fly to Tel Aviv on its regular schedule throughout the period.The GCAA confirmed that co-ordination for the return of passengers whose flights were disrupted and who had been left stranded had been completed, with all affected travellers returned to their destinations.The authority said Etihad Airways would continue to operate its scheduled flights to Tel Aviv, increasing the travel options available to passengers in the absence of flydubai's regular services on t...
Read briefing An exhibition exploring Frank Gehry’s design for Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will form part of the inaugural programme at the museum, which opens on December 11.Original sketches, early hand-built models and archival materials will trace the development of the late architect’s vision, showing how the building took shape in response to Abu Dhabi’s landscape, culture and ambitions for the arts, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.“Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is an expression of Frank Gehry’s love for Abu Dhabi and his deep respect for its vision, courage and patience,” said Meaghan Lloyd, a partner at Gehry Partners. “From the first, he was inspired by the scale of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District and by Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment in culture as a way to drive progress and shape the future of the country. “Frank was always mindful of the faith Abu Dhabi’s leaders had placed in him, and of the responsibility that came with a project of this importance.”A design shaped by Abu Dhabi’s coastlineGehry and his team undertook extensive site visits and research into how people gather, move around and experience Abu Dhabi. That work informed a design connecting galleries with shaded courtyards, terraces and outdoor spaces for art.The museum’s position beside the sea influenced the orientation of the building, the routes through it and the arrangement of public space...
Read briefing Hundreds of educators across private schools and universities in Dubai are benefiting from a Golden Visa drive recognising exceptional teaching.The annual programme, which was launched under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, grants long-term residency to high-performing teachers and educators working in private early-childhood centres, schools and higher-education institutions.Since its launch on October 5, 2024, to coincide with World Teachers' Day, the visa initiative has attracted more than 835 applicants. Candidates are assessed through a comprehensive professional evaluation that considers academic qualifications, outstanding achievements, contributions to the education sector and wider community, and positive feedback from parents, pupils and students.The scheme forms part of Dubai's Education 33 strategy, which aims to attract and retain skilled teachers, tutors and lecturers whose expertise strengthens students and pupils' learning experiences and bolsters the emirate's regional and international competitiveness. To be eligible, applicants must work in a private educational institution and demonstrate outstanding academic achievements or creative contributions to education, a proven record of improving educational quality and a tangible positive effect within learning. Significant contribut...
Read briefing Egypt remains committed to a diplomatic and political solution to its dispute with Ethiopia over a controversial Nile dam, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has said.In an interview with CNN Business Arabic, Mr Madbouly said the Nile is a matter of “national security and existential importance” for Egypt. The country depends on the river for about 95 per cent of its water resources.Egypt and Ethiopia last week announced they were expelling diplomats in a new escalation in their already tense relations. The leaders of Egypt, Eritrea and Sudan – three nations accused by Ethiopia of aiding an anti-government rebellion there – plus Somalia, were meeting on Sunday to shore up their loose alliance.Mr Madbouly rejected what he described as Ethiopian efforts to portray Egypt as an obstacle to the development of African countries. He said Cairo supports development in all nations as long as it does not harm other states, particularly in the case of rivers.“These rivers are governed by international law, which establishes that all riparian states are partners in the river and its water resources,” Mr Madbouly said.Egypt has maintained this position since the beginning of the dispute and will continue to pursue a diplomatic and political solution, he said, adding that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi had reaffirmed that approach days earlier.At the same time, Mr Madbouly said Egypt had “clear...
Read briefing The Trump administration is pursuing both diplomatic and military options in the Iran conflict, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday, refusing to rule out further escalation in the region following the deployment of a third US aircraft carrier to the regionAsked on CBS News whether the expected arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Middle East next month indicates that President Donald Trump had decided to escalate after the US mid-term elections, Mr Wright declined to discuss the President's plans.“He's always planning for contingencies and he's always negotiating,” Mr Wright said. “He's got both tracks still going, diplomatic and military.”Mr Wright said there were no guarantees that Iran would not launch further attacks against Gulf energy infrastructure, which could push already elevated fuel prices higher.“There's no guarantees in conflict,” he said.The Trump administration is preparing for possible disruption by increasing US production and refining capacity while seeking to boost fuel supplies from allies, he added.Earlier on Sunday, a tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing damage to its engine room, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations.Diesel prices have been particularly affected by the disruption to global energy supplies, with China also reducing exports of diesel and other refined fuels, Mr Wright sa...
Read briefing President Sheikh Mohamed and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have discussed strengthening ties between their nations.During a call on Sunday, the two leaders reviewed the state of UAE-Italian relations and identified opportunities to deepen co-operation, with a particular focus on economic and development initiatives. The talks demonstrated the importance the nations place on their strategic partnership.Sheikh Mohamed and Ms Meloni reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing collaboration under the framework of the UAE-Italy strategic partnership, which the leaders described as a vehicle for driving mutual growth and prosperity. The conversation reflected the strong diplomatic foundations built between the Emirates and Italy in recent years.The two leaders also discussed a range of regional and international issues, with developments in the Middle East featuring prominently on the agenda. Sheikh Mohamed and Ms Meloni expressed support for efforts to promote security and stability across the region, and emphasised the importance of such initiatives to the benefit of countries and peoples throughout the Middle East.
Read briefing The UAE Football Association has chartered six aircraft to fly supporters to Jeddah for Tuesday's Arabian Gulf Cup final against Saudi Arabia.The initiative, announced on Sunday, is aimed at bolstering the presence of UAE fans at what will be one of the most keenly awaited fixtures in the regional football calendar. Fans wishing to take advantage of the chartered flights can register through a dedicated link made available on Sunday.The UAE will face Saudi Arabia in the final of the Gulf Cup 27 at Alinma Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah. The match is scheduled to kick off at 10pm UAE time on Tuesday, October 6.The UAEFA said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to support the national team ahead of the final. Chartered flights offer supporters a convenient and organised means of travelling to the Saudi port city to attend the match.King Abdullah Sports City, which houses Alinma Stadium, is one of Saudi Arabia's best sporting venues and is expected to host a capacity crowd for the Gulf Cup showpiece. The match will be a hotly contested derby between two of the region's strongest footballing nations.The Arabian Gulf Cup, one of the oldest and most prestigious football tournaments in the Gulf region, has historically been a platform for intense competition between neighbouring nations.
Read briefing President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had chosen Jay Clayton, currently Director of National Intelligence, to head up his newly established “Super Intelligence Force” to guide AI policy in the US.Mr Trump first floated the idea of a new AI chief and steering committee back in September, amid continuing debate over safety and oversight.Mr Clayton was sworn in as the ninth director of national intelligence in August, following the departure of Tulsi Gabbard.In his current role, he is responsible for overseeing and directing the implementation of the National Intelligence Programme and integrates intelligence activities across the intelligence community, according to his biography on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence website.Mr Clayton previously served as chairman of the Security Exchange Commission, from 2017 to 2020.“The Super Intelligence Force is tasked with co-ordinating the effort of the federal government to ensure that America continues to lead the world in Super Intelligence, which many say is bigger than the Industrial Revolution, and the internet, and will protect the interests, and improve the lives, of all Americans,” Mr Trump said on Truth Social.Speculation over who would lead the task force has swirled for weeks as the topic of AI has consumed increasing amounts of the White House’s time amid an unprecedented investment boom for the techn...
Read briefing Motorists in Dubai have been urged to plan ahead after a series of rolling road closures were announced along the 80 kilometre route of a major cycling race taking place on Sunday morning.The emirate's Roads and Transport Authority said delays were expected during the Proud of UAE event, which gets under way at 6am from Nad Al Sheba Police Station.The RTA said traffic would be suspended for between 10 to 30 minutes on Al Ain-Dubai Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, Ras Al Khor Road and Al Meydan Road while riders travel through each area.Each road will be reopened once all cyclists have passed through, the RTA said in a social media post on Saturday afternoon.The transport authority said the disruption was expected to last from 6am until 8.30am.تعلمك #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات بتأخيرات مرورية متوقعة على عدد من الطرق يوم الأحد 4 أكتوبر، بالتزامن مع سباق "فخورون بالإمارات" للدراجات الهوائية، وذلك خلال الفترة من الساعة 6:00 إلى 8:30 صباحاً.خطط لرحلتك مسبقاً واتبع اللوحات الإرشادية لضمان التنقل براحة وسلاسة. #راحتكم_تهمنا pic.twitter.com/2hfIa7pGDO— RTA (@rta_dubai) October 3, 2026"Plan your trip in advance and follow the directional signs to ensure smooth and comfortable travel," the RTA said on social media platform, X.The second annual race - organised by Dubai Police - will see large parts of the emirate transformed into a cycling track as professional and amateur rid...
Read briefing World champion Lando Norris fears his McLaren will struggle on Malaysia's track after a challenging qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix.Norris qualified sixth fastest and was sixth tenths of a second slower than pole sitter Max Verstappen in Sepang, which is hosting an F1 race after nine years.However, Norris will start fifth after Red Bull's Isack Hadjar received a grid penalty that drops him from third to eighth.The McLaren driver, who is fourth in the championship, was not pleased with his car's performance on the Sepang tarmac.“We are just slow. The car's not good enough here,” Norris said.“This tarmac is very different to a lot of other tracks we have been to this year and therefore I think you see Mercedes struggle a lot more today especially, you see Red Bull quicker than they usually are.“So I think the order has shaken up a little bit and I think we struggle a little bit more than what we were expecting because of the surface.”Fabulous final lap from Lewis, and a fantastic reaction 🥳#F1 #BahrainGP @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/dv4i78xNrU— Formula 1 (@F1) October 3, 2026Meanwhile, Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the season.Verstappen clocked one minute and 35.130 seconds to edge out Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who snatched second place in the dying moments of qualifying despite struggling with tyre degradation in the brutal Malaysian heat.Verst...
Read briefing A Lebanese judge has indicted former Economy Minister Amin Salam on financial charges, in a move that a senior MP said marked an important step on the "path of accountability".Mr Salam, who served as Minister of Economy and Trade from 2021-2025, is under investigation over claims of embezzlement, forgery, blackmail, bribery, and illicit enrichment.He is accused alongside his brother Karim, and Elie Abboud, who previously headed the syndicate of certified accountants. All deny the charges, with Mr Salam saying they were “attacks” against him. Their case was referred by Beirut judge Roula Osman to a criminal court.Farid Al Bustani, who heads the Lebanese Parliament's Economy, Trade, Industry and Planning Committee, said it was an important development "on the path of accountability and strengthening the state of institutions".Mr Salam was arrested last year following a complaint filed by Mr Bustani's committee amid allegations of “embezzlement, extortion and waste of public funds”.The committee alleged that Mr Salam awarded overpriced contracts to foreign companies for services that did not justify the costs, and misappropriated funds from the Insurance Companies Contribution Fund, which is overseen by the Economy Ministry.He was arrested last summer, then released in December on a bail of nine billion Lebanese lira (about $100,000) and imposed a travel ban on him.Mr Salam served...
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