France’s President Emmanuel Macron met with his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih on Wednesday in the Salam Palace in Baghdad to discuss the country’s sovereignty, state news media reported.The French President had arrived in the capital earlier on Wednesday for his first official visit since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi ascended to power.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Iraq should not be a battleground for conflict between other countries, Iraqi President Salih said during a joint press conference with Macron.“We are here for and we will continue to support Iraq,” Macron said at the news conference.Macron on Twitter said that his visit to Iraq is aimed at helping guarantee Iraq’s security and economic sovereignty inside and outside of country.There are many challenges that exist when it comes to ensuring the sovereignty of Iraq within its border and in the region, he added.“Our collective security and regional stability are at stake. Our soldiers are fighting side by side to ensure the final defeat of the [extremists],” the French president said.Macron is the most senior foreign official to travel to Iraq since the head of the country’s intelligence al-Kadhimi became prime minister in May.Earlier this week, the French president had traveled to Beirut for his second visit since the deadly August 4 that killed about 190 people and spurred international outcry for political reform.Read more:France’s President Macron arrives in Baghdad on official visitBeirut explosion: Victim’s daughter gifts French President Macron a pin, gets hug
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: France’s Macron says meeting with Iraqi president to discuss country’s sovereignty
Coronavirus: UAE records 735 new COVID-19 cases as infections continue to surge
The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday recorded another surge in novel coronavirus cases with 735 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 71,540, the health ministry reported.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The country has been battling to control the recent spike in cases and has recorded over 200 new daily reported cases this past week.Three people died due to complications caused by COVID-19, which brings the total number of virus-related deaths in the country to 387.Meanwhile, the total number of recoveries in the UAE rose to 62,029 after 538 people recovered from the virus.Several schools in the country were forced to close and have been asked to transfer their classes to the distance learning system after suspected cases of the coronavirus were detected among a few employees.“As a precautionary measure, Education, Emergencies and Crises authorities announce the transfer of a group of schools to the distance learning system during the implementation of the examinations phase for teachers and administrative staff in schools and before the enrollment of students within the Ministry’s plan and to ensure public health, health and safety of students,” the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced on its official Twitter page on Tuesday.Read more:Coronavirus: UAE closes some schools after suspect cases of COVID-19Coronavirus: Around 35,000 COVID-19 tests on teachers, staff in Dubai private schools
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: UAE records 735 new COVID-19 cases as infections continue to surge
Saudi Arabia agrees to allow all countries to fly over its skies to reach the UAE
Saudi Arabia says it will allow flights “from all countries” to cross its skies to reach the United Arab Emirates.The Saudi Press Agency announcement on Wednesday comes just days after Saudi Arabia allowed the first direct Israeli commercial passenger flight to use its airspace to reach the UAE, signaling acquiescence for a breakthrough US-brokered deal by the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations with Israel.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile announced that Monday’s historic first commercial flight of an Israeli aircraft direct to the United Arab Emirates across Saudi Arabia would not be the last.“Israeli planes and those from all countries will be able to fly directly from Israel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and back,” Netanyahu said, without giving any timeline. The announcements come after a US-Israeli delegation visited Abu Dhabi on Monday, on the first direct commercial flight from Tel Aviv to mark the normalization of ties between the Jewish state and the UAE.Saudi Arabia has said it will not follow the United Arab Emirates in establishing diplomatic ties with Israel until the Jewish state has signed an internationally recognized peace accord with the Palestinians.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Read more: UAE’s Gargash meets in Abu Dhabi with Israel’s head of the National Security CouncilSaudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Jared Kushner discuss regional peace process
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia agrees to allow all countries to fly over its skies to reach the UAE
Is COVID-19 pushing women in Egypt out of workforce?
With schools reopening and many shifting to partial online learning because of the coronavirus crisis, working moms in Egypt are facing the challenging task of juggling work and supporting their children’s education.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Is COVID-19 pushing women in Egypt out of workforce?
Netanyahu calls opening of Saudi skies 'huge breakthrough’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi hailed Saudi Arabia's decision to open its airspace to "all countries" following the UAE-Israel deal.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Netanyahu calls opening of Saudi skies 'huge breakthrough’
Only passport scans as smart gates open at Dubai’s T3
Departing passengers will be able to use the smart gate by scanning their passport only, the authority added..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Only passport scans as smart gates open at Dubai’s T3
Lebanon confirms 598 virus cases, six deaths
Lebanon confirmed 598 new coronavirus cases and six deaths Wednesday, bringing the total number of registered cases in the country to 18,365..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon confirms 598 virus cases, six deaths
More than 200 migrants stuck in Gran Canaria dockside camp
Spain's coast guard rescued three boatloads of migrants from waters off Gran Canaria on Wednesday, bringing them ashore to join another 150 people forced to camp on the dockside as officials struggle to cope with a months-long migratory surge..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: More than 200 migrants stuck in Gran Canaria dockside camp
Destruction smashes Beirut art galleries, leaving deep wounds
Nearly a month on, Beirut continues to suffer from the horror and devastation of the August 4 explosion that shook the capital city. As citizens mourn the victims and fear for the missing of the horrific blast, they are also reeling from a blow to the cultural and artistic life that has always thrived in the country, even during its long civil war..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Destruction smashes Beirut art galleries, leaving deep wounds
Spurned by allies, Saudi rethinks chequebook diplomacy
Saudi Arabia is 'seeking to end the perception of being an ATM' for….
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Spurned by allies, Saudi rethinks chequebook diplomacy