The recent UAE-Israel peace agreement and similar agreements involving other Arab states may give rise to new aspirations for the people of the Middle East.
That’s according to Pulitzer-winning American political commentator, columnist and author, Thomas Friedman.
Speaking during the 19th edition of the Arab Media Forum, he added that it can result in a shift from old ideologies and political strategies in the region.
“The UAE paved the way and created the model,” Friedman stated.
Held under the theme ‘Arab Media: The Future is Digital’, the Forum saw more than 10,000 people tune in to the sessions. The Arab Journalism Award ceremony, which honoured 11 outstanding journalists in the Arab world, was also broadcast live.
“I think there’s a new mood in there and the UAE-Israel deal unlocked a lot of that. People on the street actually want to be part of the world. They’re tired of the old games,” Friedman added.
The US Middle East policy is likely to drift towards amplifying positive developments arising from within the region rather than resorting to intervention and regime change, he remarked.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a virtual meeting with US Senator Joni Ernst to discuss UAE–US strategic cooperation and their shared commitment to strengthening ties.
A cabinet meeting, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday approved a series of national strategies and international agreements, to strengthen the country's resilience and global position.
Higher education institutions in the UAE will begin a phased return to on-campus learning from Monday, under guidance issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The UAE announced it is continuing to respond to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, with a further alert issued by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA) on its official channel on Sunday at 3:23 p.m.
UAE air defences intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 42 drones launched from Iran on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said, adding they've engaged 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,914 UAVs since the start of the attacks.