BP and UAE suspend gas deal with Israel

Fearing secondary sanctions, banks in the United Arab Emirates decided to limit financial transactions with Russia and began closing the accounts of both companies and individuals.

The UAE government introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of Uzbekistan for up to 30 days from February 16.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to the UAE to pay unemployment benefits to Palestinians in the West Bank, who have been barred from entering Israel since October 7. The head of the UAE advised him to ask Zelensky for the money.

248 prisoners returned to Russia, and 230 prisoners returned to Ukraine. Russia recognized the humanitarian role of the UAE in this exchange of prisoners.

UAE astronomers have calculated the approximate start date of Ramadan in 2024.