UAE President meets Saudi defence minister, flydubai pilot recounts attack and Macron begins Gulf visit
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East , UAE President Sheikh Mohamed meets Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss regional security and stability amid continuing Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar speaks exclusively to The National about how he thwarted a mid-air cockpit attack by his co-pilot, who struck him with an axe and sent the aircraft…
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman convened to discuss regional security and stability amid ongoing Houthi attacks on the kingdom. In a recent exclusive interview with The National, Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar recounted how his co-pilot attacked him with an axe, causing the aircraft to plummet sharply before passengers and crew stepped in, saving all 172 people on board.
Egypt’s National Defence Council pledged to offer any support Saudi Arabia might need, though the decision on a potential defensive military mission remains to be made. Meanwhile, Egypt’s parliament delayed a vote on authorising assistance. French President Emmanuel Macron began a four-nation Gulf visit, which will encompass talks on the Strait of Hormuz, energy security, and regional stability.
In the UAE, Dubai's economy contracted by 2.3% in the first half of 2026 as the Iran war disrupted travel and trade, while financial services and healthcare sectors experienced growth.
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