politics

UAE, Cyprus Presidents discuss boosting strategic partnership

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, held discussions today focused on enhancing cooperation as part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

During talks at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia – held during His Highness’ official visit to Cyprus – President Christodoulides welcomed the UAE President, expressing confidence that the visit would help advance bilateral ties across various domains, and praising His Highness’ commitment to deepening these relations.

The two sides explored opportunities to boost collaboration across key sectors, including the economy, trade, technology, renewable energy, education, culture, tourism, and other areas that support mutual development. They reaffirmed that the UAE-Cyprus Comprehensive Strategic Partnership provides a strong platform for further advancing bilateral relations.

They noted Cyprus’ forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union and expressed confidence that it would provide additional opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between the UAE and the European Union.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed noted the strength of the two countries’ partnership and its steady development. He highlighted the launch of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the UAE and the European Union as a significant step towards unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation, noting its potential to strengthen the UAE’s ties with Cyprus as both countries work more closely together within the wider EU framework.

The discussions also addressed a range of regional and international issues of shared interest, notably developments in the Middle East and the importance of fostering peace and regional stability. Both sides stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation in delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, reflecting their shared commitment to alleviating the humanitarian impact of conflicts and crises.

They affirmed that the UAE and Cyprus would continue working with partners to provide further assistance to the people of Gaza through all available channels. Both leaders also emphasised the need to expand opportunities for dialogue and diplomatic solutions to resolve conflicts in the region and around the world.

The talks were attended by the delegation accompanying His Highness during the visit, as well as a number of Cypriot ministers and senior officials.

At the conclusion of his official visit, His Highness departed Cyprus.

Story by WAM

world

Macron wearing shades during Davos

During his address to global bigwigs at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, French President Emmanuel Macron came rocking sunglasses like a secret agent at a ski resort — and international media lost their minds over it.

Global headlines exploded: “Macron’s mystery shades!”

From CNN to BBC to The Hill, everyone zoomed in on the eyewear enigma while he roasted protectionism.

‘Harmless’

Media reports stated that he was first spotted January 15 at a French airbase with a bloodshot eye, he downplayed it as “completely harmless” and “l’oeil du tigre” (eye of the tiger), a Rocky III nod symbolising determination.

The aviator shades were likely Louis Vuitton Pilot Attitude with blue-tinted, mirrored lenses.

Macron stayed on indoors during his WEF speech on Tuesday (January 20), amid critiques of Trump’s tariffs and Greenland threats.

In his speech, the French head of state assailed Trump’s policies, accusing the US leader of actions that “openly aim to weaken and subordinate Europe.”

Meanwhile, Macron’s office confirmed the accessory necessity “for a while,” painless and vision-unaffected, resolving in 1-2 weeks. It has no impact on vision, and is common from strain/sneezing.

Business

Japan tourist arrivals hit record 42.7 million in 2025

Tourists to Japan hit a record 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time, Japan’s Tourism Minister, Yasushi Kaneko, told a press conference.

Total spending by inbound tourists reached 9.5 trillion yen ($60 billion) over the year, also ‌a record high.

WAM

People

UAE Urges Public to Improve Online Safety

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has urged the public to begin the new year by adopting smarter cybersecurity habits.

In an official post on its social media channels, the council highlighted the importance of following simple guidelines to stay safe online. These include securing home Wi-Fi networks, keeping devices and software up to date, verifying the safety of websites and applications before use, regularly reviewing app permissions, and deleting old or unused accounts.

The council also stressed the need to encrypt emails, use secure digital networks when connecting to public Wi-Fi, and back up important data.

It added that adopting these measures can help individuals better protect themselves and their information as the new year begins.

Story by Gulf News