# UAE
This week
26th November 2023 - 2nd December 2023
'I think it's not going to be an easy COP' - world prepares for UN summit
Here’s everything you need to know about the COP28 conference starting in Dubai this week.
This year
2023
Garda Commissioner to discuss possible Kinahan cartel extraditions during trip to Dubai
Drew Harris and Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly have travelled to Dubai this week.
Dozens of Afghan women blocked from leaving to study on scholarships in the UAE
Around 30 women had been sponsored to study in the UAE but were prevented from taking their flights.
Dubai two may appeal refusal to halt prosecution for alleged quarantine breaches
The pair were arrested in 2021 on their return from the UAE, where they intended to but did not undergo cosmetic surgery.
UAE unveils plans to send spaceship to explore solar system’s main asteroid belt
The UAE became the first Arab country and the second country ever to successfully enter Mars’ orbit on its first try.
Focus must be on lower emissions, says heavily criticised UAE's climate talks leader
Sultan Al Jaber’s appointment earlier this week to head COP28 drew fierce criticism from environmental activists.
Last year
2022
United Arab Emirates agrees to supply Germany with gas and diesel
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is on a visit to the UAE as part of a Gulf tour that also includes stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Australia beat UAE to claim place in World Cup playoff against Peru
Australia are trying to qualify for a fifth straight finals.
UAE becomes first Gulf country to announce monkeypox case, further cases in Europe and UK
Transmission of monkeypox occurs through close, sustained skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an active rash.
Taoiseach welcomes move by United Arab Emirates to freeze assets of Kinahan gang members
Dubai said it will continue to work with Irish, US, UK and Spanish authorities to investigate the gang.
UAE cargo ship with 30 crew members sinks off Iran
All but one of the crew members have been rescued, with searches continuing for the final missing crew member.
Harrington four off the lead after strong rally in UAE
The Dubliner finished on three-under par 69 to stay in the mix heading into the second round.
All time
Tanker ‘safe’ after hijack reported in Gulf of Oman
The Royal Navy’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the incident was ‘complete’
Oil prices look set to rise sharply. Why and what does it mean for Irish motorists?
The collapse of OPEC talks this week could turbo-charge price increases.
UN group is yet to receive proof that Dubai princess is still alive
Sheikha Latifa said in a video that she was being help captive and feared for her life.
Taoiseach says government will 'engage' with Mary Robinson over case of Dubai princess
Mary Robinson says she was ‘horribly tricked’ by Dubai princess’ family.
Dubai royal family says princess being 'cared for at home' after UN demands proof of life
The princess has not been seen in public since she attempted to escape from the emirate by sea in 2018.
Next stop Mars: Three spacecraft arriving at Red Planet in quick succession
Both the UAE and China are newcomers to Mars, where more than half of Earth’s emissaries have failed.
Dubai closes pubs and bars following spike in Covid-19 cases
Crowd limits are being imposed in cinemas, hotels, shopping centres and other locations.
Ireland crush UAE to square series, with Singh on song
A remarkable all-round display from the Leinster all-rounder helped Ireland beat the UAE by 112 runs in Abu Dhabi.
Stirling stars with unbeaten century but Ireland suffer first-ever ODI defeat to UAE
Ireland lost out by six wickets in Abu Dhabi today.
Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos confirmed to be in UAE after going into exile earlier this month
Juan Carlos announced on 3 August that he was leaving Spain.
Trump hails 'historic' deal as Israel pledges to halt annexation of land in West Bank
Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said on Twitter that the deal perpetuates Israel’s occupation of the West Bank.
Bad weather delays launch as UAE races China and US to Mars
Earth and Mars are unusually close at the moment, a mere hop of 55 million kilometres.
Aldo suffers at the hands of Yan, Usman grinds win over Masvidal at UFC 'fight island'
Usman’s professional display brings his record to 12-0.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked that €7,700 Rolex watch gifted by UAE be donated
The Rolex had been given to the Ceann Comhairle by the President of the Federal National Council of the UAE, Dr Amal Al Qubaisi.
Estranged wife of Dubai ruler asks UK court for forced marriage protection order
The couple are locked in a legal battle in London over the welfare of their two children.
Education minister's UAE 'fact-finding mission' on what will bring Irish teachers back home
More than 2,000 Irish people are employed in the education sector in the UAE.
Ceann Comhairle likely unable to keep Rolex given to him by UAE official
The watch, believed to be worth close to €8,000, may be sold and the money used for charitable purposes.
Pope Francis makes historic visit to United Arab Emirates
His trip culminates tomorrow with the first-ever papal Mass on the Arabian Peninsula.
Qatar book first-ever Asian Cup final berth but win marred by sandal-throwing UAE fans
The 2022 World Cup hosts will meet Japan after an ill-tempered semi-final against the tournament hosts.
'I was working at a chocolate factory in Carlow. Two years later I’m at the Fifa Club World Cup alongside Real Madrid'
Former Wexford Youths winger Eric Molloy discusses moving to New Zealand and playing at last month’s Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
Princess who flew Mary Robinson to Dubai says the Latifa saga is 'a private family matter'
Princess Haya says she wanted counself from the former Irish president.
'Missing' Dubai princess not seen since March reappears in photos with Mary Robinson
She failed in her attempt to flee the UAE in March.
Carlow's Eric Molloy set to become first Irish player since 2008 to play in Fifa Club World Cup
Molloy moved to New Zealand in 2016 from Wexford Youths and currently plays for Team Wellington.
British man arrives home from UAE after having spy conviction pardoned
Matthew Hedges had been sentenced to life in prison.
UK 'grateful' after UAE issues pardon to British man it had sentenced to life in prison
Hedges had been sentenced to life in prison just last week for spying.
Wife of British researcher jailed for life in UAE 'remains hopeful' he'll be released
“Until I have him safe, back home with me, I will not rest,” Daniela Tejada said.
India rejects UAE govt's $100 million flood disaster fund offer
India has a record of refusing foreign aid after disasters, turning down foreign help after the 2004 tsunami.
