The UAE and Bahrain jointly launched two Earth-monitoring satellites on Saturday, advancing their space exploration efforts.
Etihad-SAT: UAE’s Advanced Radar Satellite
Developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the UAE’s Etihad-SAT was launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 10:39 a.m. UAE time. Equipped with advanced radar technology, it can capture high-precision images in any weather, aiding environmental monitoring, oil leak detection, maritime tracking, and smart agriculture.
The launch coincides with a decade since the UAE’s formal space sector entry in 2014.
Al-Munther: Bahrain’s First Satellite
Bahrain’s Al-Munther, launched at 9:39 a.m. Bahrain time via the same Falcon 9 under the Transporter-13 mission, marks the country’s debut in space. With onboard AI capabilities, it processes space images without relying on ground stations, enhancing efficiency.
The satellite supports environmental monitoring, desertification studies, urban planning, and food security. Operating at 550 km above Earth, it has a five-year mission lifespan.
National Space Science Agency CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Aseeri highlighted this as a milestone for Bahrain’s space ambitions.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi amid efforts to strengthen regional ties.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement. Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will soon visit the UAE to take the talks forward.
As the world adjusts to the trade shockwaves triggered by U.S. tariffs, Brussels and Abu Dhabi are forging a new path. On Thursday, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates confirmed they will launch formal negotiations on a free trade agreement.
The UAE has welcomed a new agreement between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to form a shared border point and sign the Khujand Declaration, expressing hope it will boost peace, cooperation, and development in Central Asia.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged a $1.4 trillion, 10-year investment framework in the United States, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the economic ties between the two nations following a key meeting with former President Donald Trump.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Hamas has proposed a deal to exchange all hostages for a set number of Palestinians jailed by Israel, rejecting an interim truce and calling for broader negotiations to end the war in Gaza.
A yellow fever outbreak in Colombia has prompted a nationwide health emergency, with 74 confirmed cases and 34 deaths since last year. The central-western Tolima region is facing the highest number of cases.
Following the U.S. tariff impositions, President Donald Trump revealed that China has sought discussions, but he will delay any agreement on TikTok until the trade issues with China are addressed.
Cambodia welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit, as the two countries explored opportunities for expanded cooperation against the backdrop of shifting global trade conditions.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran and Armenia conducted joint military exercises on April 9–10 along their shared border, focusing on counterterrorism reinforcing regional stability. The exercises involved high-level military personnel and were aimed at neutralising simulated terrorist threats targeting border checkpoints.
Cambodia welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit, as the two countries explored opportunities for expanded cooperation against the backdrop of shifting global trade conditions.
Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest offer of a temporary truce in Gaza, instead demanding a comprehensive agreement that would end the war and include a full prisoner exchange.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has accepted an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Ankara next month. The visit will coincide with the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, which will be held in May.
On April 17th, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Slovenia’s Deputy PM Tanja Fajon to discuss expanding political and economic ties, energy cooperation, the Middle Corridor’s potential, and strengthening links between business communities.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have denied reports of talks with the U.S. over a potential ground offensive in Yemen, dismissing the claims as false and unsubstantiated amid ongoing tensions with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Hamas has proposed a deal to exchange all hostages for a set number of Palestinians jailed by Israel, rejecting an interim truce and calling for broader negotiations to end the war in Gaza.
A yellow fever outbreak in Colombia has prompted a nationwide health emergency, with 74 confirmed cases and 34 deaths since last year. The central-western Tolima region is facing the highest number of cases.
Following the U.S. tariff impositions, President Donald Trump revealed that China has sought discussions, but he will delay any agreement on TikTok until the trade issues with China are addressed.
Cambodia welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit, as the two countries explored opportunities for expanded cooperation against the backdrop of shifting global trade conditions.
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