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Nepal has estimated that restoring areas affected by the August 26 Bhote Koshi floods will cost approximately $4.78 billion. The government’s Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment estimates direct physical damages at around $1.8 billion, while economic losses are projected at roughly $883 million. This assessment covers social services, productive sectors, and critical infrastructure. Floodwaters impacted Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and other regions along the river basin, damaging homes, roads, bridges, and energy facilities.

Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah review UAE-Jordan relations and regional stability. Economic collaboration formed a key element of the dialogue. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah discussed cooperation in trade, investment, and development under the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement provides both nations with an expanded framework for commercial and investment interactions. Leaders also examined broader cooperation areas aligned with their national development goals. The UAE and Jordan continue to maintain strong political relations, holding regular consultations on economic and regional issues. Jordan’s delegation featured Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. Senior officials from the UAE also participated, including Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their presence facilitated high-level discussions involving key figures responsible for political, economic, and foreign affairs in both countries.

During a visit to Berlin, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held discussions with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The conversations primarily focused on strengthening bilateral relations, boosting economic collaboration, and fostering development. Participants also examined regional and global issues, emphasizing diplomacy, peace, and security at the international level. These talks coincided with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to Germany from September 9 to 11.

The UAE and Germany deepen bilateral ties during a landmark presidential state visit. During his visit, Sheikh Mohamed also signed the official VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig. He emphasized the enduring relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Germany, along with their growing collaboration. Steinmeier welcomed members of the UAE delegation accompanying Sheikh Mohamed to Berlin, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, other ministers, senior officials from the Presidential Court, and representatives from the government participating in the state visit. This trip represented the first-ever state visit to Germany by an Emirati president. Following the formal reception, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier engaged in discussions at Villa Borsig. Their talks focused on the UAE-Germany partnership and significant regional and global issues. They also examined areas of mutual interest, including diplomatic efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. Leaders explore growth of UAE-Germany collaboration As the official program advanced, Sheikh Mohamed met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. Their conversations covered economic, technological, cultural, and security cooperation. Germany and the UAE announced a new Strategic Dialogue to formalize their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, encompassing trade, investment, defense, energy, climate initiatives, transportation, education, digital innovation, and emerging technologies. Both governments also endorsed plans to establish a German-UAE Investment Council aimed at bolstering economic ties. In conjunction with these diplomatic talks, business and investment agreements were signed

UAE-Germany relations take focus during Sheikh Mohamed’s state visit and leadership meetings. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972, the UAE and Germany forged a strategic partnership in 2004. This alliance promotes political dialogue, investment, trade, and collaboration across numerous sectors. Pre-visit estimates indicate bilateral trade reached approximately 13.6 billion euros in 2025, representing a roughly 15% increase from the previous year. Energy and technology are also critical components of the bilateral relationship. Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company Masdar owns a 49% stake in Germany’s Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm. Fully operational since July 2025, the 476-megawatt project supplies electricity to approximately 475,000 homes. Additionally, ADNOC and German energy provider RWE agreed in February to explore liquefied natural gas supply possibilities for Germany and other European markets.

The Malaysian federal government has announced a state of emergency in Sarawak’s Serian district after a rapid decline in air quality caused by intense transboundary haze from forest and land fires in Indonesia. Environmental monitoring stations reported the local Air Pollutant Index hitting 519, well above the national emergency threshold of 500. Malaysia declares emergency in Sarawak over air pollution as public health authorities order the immediate closure of 647 primary and secondary schools across the affected region starting Monday.

The UAE Search and Rescue Team is actively conducting field operations in Nepal’s Rasuwa district following severe flooding that impacted the area. Their team is aiding Nepali authorities in inspecting damaged communities and challenging terrains. Utilizing drones, aerial imagery, and three-dimensional mapping, they assess affected zones. These tools allow search teams to obtain comprehensive visuals of locations where floodwaters have compromised roads, buildings, and other critical infrastructure.

Nepal mobilizes emergency response to assist six districts and 84,270 individuals. The United Nations is requesting $49.6 million to fund a four-month emergency operation addressing the August floods in Nepal. This flash appeal aims to support 84,270 people, including nearly 40% children. It encompasses aid for 19,284 households across 17 municipalities in six districts: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Tanahu. Relief efforts focus on providing shelter, food, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, protection, and winter assistance.

UN Moves to Correct Map Distortions by Supporting Equal Earth Projection NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly passed an international resolution advocating for more accurate and equitable portrayals of continental landmasses on world maps. In a recorded vote that garnered backing from 107 member states, the global assembly addressed cartographic distortions that tend to diminish the perceived size of Africa and other equatorial regions in the Global South. UN adopts resolution to correct world map representation as diplomatic delegations take formal action to resolve historical biases embedded within traditional cartographic standards.

Emirati houbara breeders gain structured training and technical guidance through IFHC. A formal registration and evaluation process has been implemented for breeders wishing to join the initiative. Applicants are required to undergo an assessment before receiving final approval. Registration alone does not guarantee participation, as breeders must satisfy the initiative’s criteria beforehand. This process enables specialists to evaluate each applicant’s readiness and identify areas needing further training or technical support. Ekthar Wildlife Development will manage the program, overseeing its scientific and technical aspects. The company acts as a strategic operational partner for IFHC’s projects, centers, and programs both within the UAE and internationally. Its responsibilities include supporting the effective implementation of the initiative and coordinating services for participating breeders. The launch took place during the 23rd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Structured training enhances breeding practices Breeders accepted into the program and their teams will benefit from expert instruction provided by Abu Dhabi Nature Academy. Training sessions and workshops will focus on responsible houbara breeding, animal welfare, biosecurity measures, and facility management. The curriculum will also include operational techniques used in managed breeding programs. Participants who complete the necessary courses can earn certificates, while specialists will continue offering technical guidance throughout their involvement. Participants meeting the criteria may also qualify to receive breeding birds under a right to use agreement after passing assessments and training. This support complements the program’s educational and technical assistance elements. The IFHC designed the initiative to