All articles tagged with #abu dhabi
Prince Andrew is reportedly plotting to flee to the Middle East, potentially Abu Dhabi, to avoid prison as he faces a possible life sentence for misconduct in public office tied to his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein; authorities view him as a flight risk while the royal family backs due process.
Trilateral talks among the US, Ukraine, and Russia continued in Abu Dhabi on February 5, with Kyiv calling the discussions constructive as Moscow resists Western security guarantees and presses for Ukrainian neutrality to shape a pro‑Russian outcome. ISW notes Moscow is crafting new narratives to deter Western guarantees and to push back on minority-rights concessions tied to peace plans, while discussions on extending New START surface with backchannel talks about a six-month extension. On the wartime side, Ukraine reportedly struck Kapustin Yar with Flamingo missiles, while Starlink terminals are expanding Ukrainian battlefield communications; a 314-person POW/exchange was mediated by the US and UAE. Putin framed 2026 as the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia, even as fighting persists across Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson fronts with mixed claims of advances. ISW maintains that Russia seeks a neutral or puppet Ukraine and remains opposed to Western security guarantees, signaling ongoing tension and limited near-term prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough.
Ukraine and Russia exchanged 314 prisoners of war (157 from each side) after two days of US‑mediated talks in Abu Dhabi, with civilians among those released. Zelenskyy praised the deal and thanked negotiators, while Moscow reiterated broader demands (including recognition of Donbas as Russian territory). The exchange signals continued diplomatic engagement and likely follow-up discussions in coming weeks.
US-led talks in Abu Dhabi produced a concrete step—a reciprocal 157-prisoner exchange—but failed to deliver a breakthrough toward ending the war, with Kyiv and Moscow signaling cautious progress yet clear divergence over terms as senior delegations continue discussions amid ongoing fighting and attacks on energy infrastructure.
Disney appoints Josh D’Amaro as CEO, with Bob Iger transitioning out, and D’Amaro outlines a future focused on bold risk-taking, continued legacy, and AI-enabled creativity. He cites rapid expansion in Abu Dhabi, a Middle East growth opportunity within reach of a large population, and a commitment to protect actors while embracing AI. Dana Walden is elevated to president and chief creative officer as the company pivots toward this next era.
U.S. officials say Ukraine and Russia will hold another round of peace talks next Sunday in Abu Dhabi after this week’s face-to-face discussions failed to yield a breakthrough, with negotiators focusing on de-escalation, Western security guarantees for Ukraine, and economic issues around the Zaporizhzhia plant; Washington signals support for a diplomatic settlement while Europe debates security commitments, even as Russia continues attacks and Kyiv resists concessions on Donbas.
The second day of US-led trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi among Ukraine, Russia, and the United States produced constructive discussions on possible parameters and security guarantees for ending the war, with plans to report back to capitals and potentially hold follow-up meetings, even as Russia renewed heavy strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Russia launched its largest overnight aerial attack on Ukraine this year, hitting Kyiv and other cities with drones and missiles just as Kyiv, Moscow and Washington opened trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. Ukraine said more than 370 drones and 21 missiles were fired, targeting energy infrastructure and leaving fires and outages; at least one person was killed and multiple others wounded. The strikes came amid negotiations aimed at a dignified, lasting peace, with Donbas remaining the main sticking point as a second day of talks unfolded.
Hours after Ukraine, Russia, and the US began trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone assault on Kyiv and other cities, triggering air-defence alarms, fires and outages as diplomats pursue a path to end the war.
Ukraine, Russia and the United States convene in Abu Dhabi for their first trilateral discussions since Russia’s invasion, aiming to craft a peace framework but facing stubborn stalls—especially over Donbas and U.S. security guarantees—while Kyiv seeks continued Western support and Moscow signals tough terms and limited optimism for a breakthrough.
Ubisoft reportedly laid off staff at its Abu Dhabi development studio as part of a broader wave of company-wide layoffs, following earlier cuts at Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm; the Abu Dhabi hub isn’t shutting down, and the shake-up occurs as Ubisoft and Tencent form Vantage Studios to house major franchises.
Ubisoft confirmed 29 layoffs at its Abu Dhabi mobile studio as part of a late-2025 restructuring to focus on Growtopia; the studio, opened in 2011, primarily develops Growtopia and other mobile titles, and Ubisoft says it will support affected staff during the transition, as the company continues restructuring into Creative Houses including a Tencent-backed Vantage Studios.
The 2025 F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi features a rare three-way battle for the Drivers' Championship among Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri, with predictions varying but many experts favor Norris to secure his first title, while Verstappen is expected to challenge strongly and Piastri remains an outsider. The race promises to be highly competitive and historic.
Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix, moving closer to the F1 title, with Piastri finishing second and Norris fourth; the championship will be decided in Abu Dhabi next week.
Tom Aspinall defends his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, with the event also featuring a strawweight title fight between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern. Aspinall, on a three-fight winning streak, aims to make a significant impact, while Gane seeks his third title challenge. The event is closely followed by ESPN analysts.