Latest from Jon Gambrell
U.A.E. hit with heaviest rain ever recorded in the country
The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain ever recorded there after a deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, disrupting flights through the world's busiest airfield for international travel.
Draft climate deal a 'monstrosity' that falls far short of what's needed, vulnerable countries say
A draft version of a potential climate agreement at the COP28 climate summit on Monday offered only a range of options countries "could" take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, rather than heeding demands to phase out fossil fuels completely.
Cameras are everywhere at UN climate talks. Many belong to a company facing spying allegations
At the United Nations COP28 climate summit in Dubai, surveillance cameras seem to be everywhere you turn. And that has some worried.
Oil company CEO to lead United Nations climate talks in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates has nominated the leader of a state oil company to be the president of the upcoming United Nations climate summit, COP28, in Dubai, sparking concerns of a conflict of interest.
Iranian forces continue deadly crackdown on protests more than 40 days after Mahsa Amini's death
Iranian security forces opened fire Friday on demonstrators in a southeastern city that has seen weeks of unrest amid nationwide protests, activists said. They said the shooting in Zahedan killed at least two people, threatening to ignite further tensions.
Saudi Arabia puts 81 people to death in kingdom's largest mass execution in decades
Saudi Arabia executed 81 people on Saturday convicted of crimes ranging from killings to belonging to militant groups, the largest known mass execution carried out in the kingdom in its modern history.
Iranian female soccer fan dies after setting herself on fire
An Iranian woman detained for dressing as a man to sneak into a soccer stadium to watch a match has died after setting herself on fire upon learning she could spend six months in prison, semi-official news outlets reported Tuesday.
Analysis
Saudi crown prince likely to survive diplomatic crisis spawned by Khashoggi killing
The killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul is unlikely to halt Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's rise to power, but could cause irreparable harm to relations with Western governments and businesses, potentially endangering his ambitious reform plans.
Qatar says its hosting of World Cup 'not up for discussion'
Qatar has come out strongly against criticisms of it hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, saying the tournament "is not up for discussion or negotiation" following comments this week by Emirati officials.
Qatar blockade could end if it gives up World Cup, says UAE official
A top Emirati security official has said the only way for "Qatar's crisis" to end is if Doha gave up hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his comments coming amid the ongoing diplomatic dispute between the energy-rich nation and four Arab countries.