Sheikh Khaled and Narendra Modi review growing UAE-India economic and strategic ties. The discussions between Sheikh Khaled and Modi centered on the progress made under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, which now serves as a vital framework for boosting trade relations. They also covered political engagement, energy partnership, cultural ties, and exchanges involving populations from both countries. The leaders explored how existing bilateral mechanisms could facilitate further commercial and institutional cooperation under agreements already in place between the UAE and India. Representing the UAE at the BRICS Summit, Sheikh Khaled attended on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi welcomed the UAE delegation in light of India’s upcoming 2026 BRICS chairmanship. Both parties agreed to maintain coordination through BRICS on shared interests. They also acknowledged recent high-level interactions, including Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2026 and Modi’s trip to the UAE in May. Economic cooperation expands through new investment initiatives Investment was a key topic during the talks, especially concerning India’s industrial sector projects. The leaders expressed support for International Holding Company’s recent announcement of an $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, which India considers its largest integrated aluminium investment. They also discussed L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign investment fund, and its potential to support existing bilateral investment channels connecting Emirati capital to projects and economic activities across India. Additional areas covered included defence, space, nuclear energy, technology
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The number of international visitors arriving in South Korea reached 2,093,223 in July 2026, reflecting a significant rebound in global tourism. This figure represents a 20.8% increase compared to the 1,733,199 arrivals recorded in July 2025. Furthermore, it is 44.6% higher than the pre-pandemic July 2019 level. The Korea Tourism Organization announced these latest monthly tourism statistics on August 25.
The new route to Gdansk introduces a Baltic coast destination to Air Arabia’s European network from Sharjah. The airline also services prominent European cities including Athens, Vienna, Prague, Milan, Munich, Rome, and London Gatwick. Gdansk Airport serves the broader Tri-City region—comprising Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot—as well as other parts of northern Poland, offering both domestic and international connections for leisure and business travelers across the area. Air Arabia Group CEO Adel Al Ali remarked that Gdansk would broaden the airline’s footprint in Poland. Tomasz Kloskowski, President of Gdansk Airport, emphasized the direct link between the Pomeranian region and the UAE. The airport has identified Sharjah as a transfer hub for onward travel to destinations including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and East Africa. Consequently, the new flights will connect Gdansk passengers to Air Arabia’s wider network via its Sharjah hub. Scheduled Launch in December with Five Flights Weekly Air Arabia’s fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will operate the Gdansk route, and bookings are now open. The schedule features flight G9 0628 from Sharjah on Mondays and Saturdays, with the return segments operated by G9 0629. Flights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays will use G9 0626 from Sharjah and G9 0627 from Gdansk. All timings listed are local, and the route
New seasonal flights will connect Abu Dhabi directly with Gothenburg from December. The Gothenburg route will mark western Sweden’s first direct air link with the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Etihad describes this as Gothenburg’s inaugural nonstop connection with the Middle East and Asia. Travelers will have the option to connect through Abu Dhabi to numerous destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline’s listed onward flights include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. For UAE residents, this route also offers direct access to western Sweden. The airline plans to operate these flights using an Airbus A321LR, which can seat up to 160 passengers. The aircraft’s cabin configuration comprises two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business Class seats convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy travelers benefit from 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft. The long-range narrow-body aircraft enables Etihad to offer three cabin classes on the Gothenburg route. Enhanced international connectivity for Gothenburg through direct service This schedule allows passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi to access Etihad’s extensive connecting network. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the carrier’s Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers qualifying guests hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For
Sports
Spain sent Portugal out of the FIFA World Cup with a late 1-0 win, ending Ronaldo’s sixth tournament and long pursuit of the title.
Norway reached the FIFA World Cup last eight after a 2-1 win over Brazil, with Haaland scoring twice and Neymar netting late.
Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Egypt won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw in Arlington at Dallas Stadium.
Spain kept a clean sheet and advanced from the World Cup Round of 32 after goals by Oyarzabal and Porro ended Austria’s run in Los Angeles.
Congo DR led early through Brian Cipenga before Harry Kane scored twice to lift England into the World Cup round of 16.
Mexico reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, keeping its unbeaten run and clean-sheet record intact.