Riyadh flights pause after Houthi attacks, US claims Hormuz is open and UAE calls for rain prayers

Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport experienced flight disruptions today due to a Houthi claim of a ballistic missile strike. This follows three fatalities from earlier assaults on Riyadh and Abha airports, as confirmed by Saudi authorities. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserts that Iran has relinquished control of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that oil exports from the Gulf have resumed near prewar levels.

Iran, however, challenges this claim. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has faced criticism for distributing pins resembling a noose to high school students in Herzliya, as part of his push for implementing the death penalty against Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks. UAE is launching an extensive training program for 20,000 government employees to enhance their AI skills, aiming to make Abu Dhabi the world's first AI-powered government by 2027.

Additionally, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed has urged the holding of special rain prayers, called Salaat Al Istisqaa, at mosques throughout the UAE on Friday. This report is AI-assisted, utilizing original reporting from The National and curated and edited by human journalists.