Arabian Gulf region major events in 2022

Saudi Arabia:

Jan. 3: Saudi-led coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen announced interception of booby-trapped drones heading to Saudi Arabia

Jan. 6: Al-Hilal FC won Saudi Super-Cup for third time its history beating Al-Faisali via a penalty shootout. Full-time ended with a 2-2 draw.

Jan. 9: Saudi Health and Educational authorities announced the resumption of schools for the kindergarten and elementary levels as of January 23rd.

Jan. 21: The Saudi-led Coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen intercepted ballistic missile targeting Khamis Mushait, in southern Saudi Arabia.

Jan. 23: The Saudi-led Coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen said two residents were slightly injured in a ballistic projectile attack on an industrial area south of Saudi Arabia.

Jan. 24: The Saudi and Romanian governments signed a memo of cooperation to bolster defense cooperation.

Jan. 25: The Saudi cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concerning direct investment ventures.

Jan. 26: The GCC health Council issued a document focusing on the manufacturing of medicine.

Jan. 26: The Saudi investments fund announced the launch of the Savvy Gaming Group.

Jan. 27: Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz signed a decree declaring that February 22nd would be marked as the Founding Day, an official holiday.

Feb. 2: Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had chosen Saudi Arabia as a major sponsor for the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 (IYAFA 2022).

Feb. 3: The Saudi Interior Ministry said that nationals needed to a third booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to be able to travel abroad.

Feb. 7: The Ministry of Hajj and Umra made it a requirement for pilgrimage from abroad to obtain a certified negative PCR or antigen test 48 hours from arrival to holy sites in Saudi Arabia regardless of vaccination status.

Feb. 10: The Saudi Ministry of Interior launched Saudi electronic passport in line with the latest international standards.

Feb. 10: The Saudi-led Coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen intercepted an explosive laden drone launched by the Houthi militia towards Abha international airport south of Saudi Arabia. However, the drone’s debris caused the injury of 12 people.

Feb. 21 : The Saudi-led Coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen announced the injury of 16 people due to debris from an intercepted drone launched by the Houthi militias against Jazan governorate south of Saudi Arabia.

March 5: Saudi Interior Ministry lifted all COVID19 restrictions throughout the Kingdom.

March 7: Saudi General Authority for Military Industries announced the signing of 22 deals with international companies worth USD 2.1 billion.

March 7: Saudi General Authority for Military Industries agreed to nationalize the manufacturing of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in cooperation with the Saudi-branch of Lockheed Martin limited.

March 8: The Ministry of Defense signed 10 contracts worth USD 1.8 billion with local and international companies to boost the Saudi Arabia’s combat capabilities.

March 9: The Saudi authorities lifted the ban on nationals from traveling to the Kingdom of Thailand. It also allowed Thai citizens to enter Saudi Arabia.

March 10: The Saudi Ministry of Energy revealed that a drone targeted an oil refinery in Riyadh. The attack caused a minor fire without loss in human life.

March 10: Saudi ARAMCO announced an investment partnership to develop a main refinery and petrochemical complex in northeast of China.

March 12: The Interior Ministry executed 73 Saudis, seven Yemenis, and a Syria for spread false ideologies and corruption.

March 14: Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman launched a strategy for the Saudi national fund in line with the Kingdom’s 2030 development vision.

March 19 : The Saudi-led Coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen intercepted several attacks by the Houthi militia against targets in southern Saudi Arabia.

March 20: The Saudi-led Coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen revealed that ARAMCO’s petrochemical facility in Jeddah city was attacked.

March 20: The Saudi-led Coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen intercepted a ballistic missile and nine booby-trapped drones launched by the Houthi militias against Saudi Arabia.

March 20: ARAMCO announced its fiscal results for 2021, revealing USD 110 billion in net profit year-on-year.

March 22: Saudi Arabia signed an agreement allowing the Riyadh region to host the 2025 Asian sports indoor and martial arts games.

March 25: The Saudi Energy Ministry said that an oil-products distributing facility and station in Jeddah and Jazan regions were targets of a missile projectile attack.

March 25: Saudi Arabia announced that it reopened its visa program scheme for arrivals from the US, UK and Schengen area valid visa holders.

March 29: The Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (Dussur) signed four agreements with international partners to develop a variety of products.

March 30: Saudi Arabia deposited USD five billion in the Central Bank of Egypt.

April 7: Saudi Foreign Ministry announced the return of its Ambassador to Lebanon.

April 7: GCC Ministerial Council held its 51 session, headed by the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud (chairman of the current session) in Riyadh.

April 9: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced increasing the number of pilgrims in 2022 to one million from inside and outside of Saudi Arabia, taking in consideration each country’s share as well as the health requirements.

April 28: Saudi Authorities announced lifting the suspension on using national civil ID to travel in and out of Sadia Arabia for Saudi and GCC civilians.

May 13: GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf mourned the late UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

May 16: Saudi Arabia and Thailand signed seven MoUs aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two countries, through joint cooperation in the fields of petrochemicals, oil, gas, tourism and hospitality.

May 31: Saudi Arabia and Greece signed a data transmission agreement that links Europe with Asia through the two countries, making them the data corridor from the East to the Mediterranean.

June 2: Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation informed airlines working in the kingdom’s airports, including private carriers, regarding health requirements for Hajj pilgrims for this year.

June 2: Saudi Arabia Mining Company Ma’aden and GlassPoint Company signed an MoU to develop the world’s largest solar steam production plant at Ma’aden Alumina Refinery.

June 9: Saudi Arabia announced offering USD 30 million grant to support Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF), which operates under the umbrella of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), to help alleviate the suffering of Afghanistan people.

June 12: King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) announced that the Kingdom is providing USD 10 million to face the threat posed by any oil spills from ‘Safer’ Tanker anchored in the Red Sea coast north off Al-Hudaydah in Yemen.

June 13: Saudi Arabia decided to lift the health measures set to counter COVID-19.

June 19: Saudi companies Aramco and Cognite have launched a joint venture (CNTXT), based in Riyadh.

June 27: Al-Hilal Team won the Prince Mohammad bin Salman League’s Cup for football 2021-22, after beating Al-Faisali Team by two goals to one in the 30th final round of Prince Mohammad bin Salman League.

July 8: Saudi General Authority for Statistics stated total number of pilgrims this year topped 899,353 including 779,919 pilgrims from abroad and 119,434 were citizens and residents.

July 12: Saudi Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman, inaugurated the 2nd phase of Prince Mohammad bin Salman project for developing historical mosques, aimed at rehabilitating and restoring 130 historical mosques in various areas of the Kingdom.

July 14: Saudi Arabia reported its first case of monkeypox, of an incoming traveler who arrived in Riyadh.

July 14: Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced receiving requests for issuing visas for pilgrims from abroad from all countries to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque for next year 1444 AH.

July 15: Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation announced opening Saudi’s airspace to all carriers that meet overflights requirements.

July 15: GCC power Interconnection Authority and Iraq Ministry of Electricity signed the linking contract between Gulf interconnection network and the electricity network of southern Iraq.

July 16: Saudi Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman inaugurated Jeddah Security and Development Summit with the attendance of the leaders of GCC states, the US, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan.

July 16: The closing statement of Jeddah Summit for Security and Development for GCC, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq and the US affirms the leaders’ common vision for peaceful prosperous region, and importance of taking all necessary measures to preserve the region’s security and stability. They called for achieving energy security and stability of energy markets, while working to enhance investment and support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

July 30: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque replaced the holy Kaaba “Kiswa” with a new one, in an annual procedure.

Aug 11: Saudi Electricity Company announced signing an agreement to obtain joint international financial facilities with a financing value of USD 3.5 billion, from 15 regional and international financing Agencies.

Aug 12: Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that it will allow visitors holding tourist visas to perform Umrah, in addition to those coming with visas from the US, UK and the Schengen countries.

Aug 12: One resident was killed and three security men were injured, when a wanted man blew himself up in Jeddah, as an arrest procedure was initiated to capture him.

Aug 16: Saudi Aviation Investigations Bureau announced that it had received information that a (Tecnam) light sports plane had an accident after taking off from Al-Thumama Airport in Riyadh, leading to the death of its pilot.

Aug 17: International Monetary Fund said that Saudi Arabia made a strong recovery from the recession caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and achieved an overall growth rate of 3.2 percent in 2021.

Aug 23: Saudi Cabinet approved the Kingdom’s new tourism plan, that comes within improving the regulatory and legislative environment of the tourism sector and continuing to develop it to contribute in the national tourism growth and attracting investments.

Aug 25: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz directed investing USD one billion in Pakistan, affirming the Kingdom’s stand in supporting Pakistan’s economy and its people.

Aug 29: The Federation of Saudi Chambers announced establishing a joint business council with Thailand, during a business forum between the two countries, which was attended by more than 350 senior officials and entrepreneurs from both sides.

Aug 30: Saudi Cabinet approved anMoU between the Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority and the Kuwaiti Anti-Corruption Authority, regarding strengthening and coordinating bilateral cooperation to prevent and fight corruption.

Aug 31: Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control announced that it thwarted an attempt to smuggle 46.916 million amphetamine pills and referred the people accused to the Public Prosecution.

Sept 1: Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced amending its tourist visa policy, to include more eligible categories and options for those wishing to visit the Kingdom.

Sept 4: Saudi Arabia donated USD 3.5 million to the International Atomic Energy Agency two initiatives, (ReNuAL-2) and (ZODIAC), to ensure the safe use of nuclear techniques.

Sept 5: Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah AlSuwaha and Singaporean Minister of Communications and Information Josephine Teo signed a memorandum of cooperation in the areas of digital economy, emerging technologies and egovernment.

Sept 6: Saudi Cabinet approved establishing duty-free markets in all border crossings, to allow travelers coming to and departing from the Kingdom to purchase from them.

Sept 12: Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khrayef announced the ministry is working on developing several investment opportunities in the iron and steel sector in the Kingdom with local and international investors.

Sept 13: Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence announced an investment of USD 206 million in a joint venture with SenseTime, world’s leading artificial company, to establish a new company in the Kingdom.

Sept 13: Counselor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of the Saudi King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabiah, inaugurated the Saudi air bridge to help people affected by floods in Pakistan, on directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Sept 15: Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs Mohammad bin Salman launched a national strategy to boost the country’s gaming and e-sports sectors, aimed at making Saudi Arabia “the global hub” in this sector by 2030.

Sept 15: Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and Google Cloud Company announced a new cooperation aimed at enabling women in the artificial intelligence world, by training more than 25,000 women over the next five years.

Sept 21: Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its success in helping in the release of 10 prisoners from Morocco, the US, UK, Sweden and Croatia, in the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine mediated by Saudi Arabia.

Sept 25: The Saudi Energy Procurement Company (the Principal Buyer) announced the launch of five new projects to produce electricity using renewable energy, as part of the fourth phase of the National Renewable Energy Program, supervised by the Saudi Ministry of Energy.

Sept 26: Saudi Arabia launched the unified government platform (NUSUK) to be the new portal for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, aimed at facilitating procedures for pilgrims’ arrival from all over the world.

Sept 27: Saudi Cabinet approved granting long-term visa to students, researchers and experts for the purposes of academic study and research visit in the Kingdom.

Sept 29: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman unveiled the Strategy of the Savvy Games Group.

Oct 3: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammad Al-Jadaan and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing a regional office in the Kingdom.

Oct 4: The Olympic Council of Asia announced that Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games for the first time, since the hosting previously was restricted to Central and East Asia.

Oct 5: Saudi Arabia and Bahrain signed a cooperation agreement in the security field.

Oct 6: Saudi Public Investment Fund announced the completion of issuing its first international green bonds, at a value of USD three billion, as part of the Public Investment Fund International Debt Instruments Issuance program.

Oct 12: Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority Turki Al Al-Sheikh announced the launch of the Riyadh Season 2022 under the slogan (Beyond Imagination), on the 21 of October.

Oct 15: Saudi Arabia and the Republic of South Africa signed 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding in the public and private sectors in areas of energy, water, green hydrogen, waste diversion, logistics and aerial survey services.

Oct 16: Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the launch of an electronic service that enables holders of Hayya card for the FIFA World Cup 2022 to obtain visa to enter the Kingdom for free.

Oct 18: Saudi Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud launched the national strategy for industry, which aims to reach an industrial economy that attracts investment.

Oct 20: Governor of Madinah Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Region Development Authority Prince Faisal bin Salman launched projects to rehabilitate Islamic history sites in the region.

Oct 23: Saudi Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud announced the launch of the Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.

Oct 24: Saudi Public Investment Fund announced the establishment of the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company, with 80 percent ownership of the Fund, and 20 percent of the Saudi Tadawul Holding Group

Oct 24: Saudi Public Health Authority affirmed that it is continuing to monitor variants of Covid19, as it detected the XBB variant in a limited number of positive samples.

Oct 24: Aramco announced establishing USD 1.5 billion Sustainability Fund to invest in technology that can support a stable and inclusive energy transition.

Oct 27: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and State Councilor and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signed an executive work program of the Political Affairs Committee.

Nov 1: Saudi General Authority for Competition has issued the Competition Law, which is the first of its kind in the Arab world.

Nov 1: Saudi Council of Ministers approved establishing a Supreme Judicial Council, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Nov 3: Saudi Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund Mohammad bin Salman, announced the launch of Ceer, the first Saudi electric vehicle brand.

Nov 3: General Directorate of Passports urged GCC citizens wishing to travel to attend FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, to enter the Kingdom through its international borders with passports registered at Hayya platform.

Nov 16: Saudi Arabia and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the field of energy, aiming to boost bilateral relations.

Nov 19: Saudi Arabia and Thailand signed several memorandums of understanding to boost cooperation in the field of energy and tourism.

Nov 22: Saudi Arabia surprised everyone by beating Argentina 2-1 in the first match of the third group in the 2022 World Cup.

Nov 24: Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz accredited a development approach for the Darin and Tarout Island and future initiatives of the island, and establishing a development corporation for the island.

Nov 27: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammad Al-Jadaan and his Swiss counterpart, Uel Maurer signed a letter of intent citing the enhancement of cooperation in areas related to the financial sector including banking services, financial technology, sustainable finance and insurance.

Nov 27: Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and Egyptian counterpart Major General Mahmoud Tareq signed a cooperation agreement in the field of combating crime.

Nov 28: Saudi announced the masterplan for King Salman International Airport which will boost Riyadh’s position as a global logistics hub, stimulate transport, trade and tourism, and act as a bridge linking the East with the West.

Nov 30: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced the discovery of two new unconventional natural gas fields in the eastern region.

Dec 1: Public Investment Fund announced establishing Aseer Investment Company,  operate and stimulate direct local and international investments to develop and transform the Aseer region into a global tourist destination throughout the year.

Dec 1: Saudi Defense Ministry and Saudi General Authority for Military Industries signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish Navantia Company to build multi-mission combat ships for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.

Dec 4: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced allowing registration of bio-signature for those coming from five countries including Kuwait, to complete the procedures for issuing Umrah visas electronically prior to their arrival in Makkah and Madina.

Dec 5: Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, also Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors announced the development of Sindalah, the first luxury island destination in NEOM for marine tourism.

Dec 7: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced establishing a regional center in the Kingdom for Chinese factories, as part of enhancing cooperation in the energy sector.

Dec 7: Saudi Cabinet issued a decision regarding the state’s general budget for the fiscal year 2023, with an estimated surplus of 16 billion Saudi riyals (USD 4.266 billion).

Dec 8: UAE and Saudi Foreign Ministries announced the success of the Emirati-Saudi mediation in the release and exchange of two prisoners between the US and Russia.

Dec 8: Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman.

Dec 8: Saudi Arabia and China signed a strategic partnership agreement for cooperation in digital economy, as part of the Chinese President Xi Jinping official visit to the Kingdom.

Dec 9: Saudi Arabia’s Aramco company and China’s Shandong Energy Group announced signing a memorandum of understanding on a possible agreement that includes supplying crude oil and chemical products, to support Aramco’s role in developing the downstream sector in Shandong Province.

Dec 9: GCC-Chinese Summit for Cooperation and Development launched in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, aimed at boosting cooperation between the two sides.

Dec 12: British Defense Minister Ben Wallace and his Saudi counterpart Prince Khaled bin Salman Al Saud signed a working plan for defense cooperation between the two countries

State of Qatar:

Jan. 14: Qatari driver Nasser Al-Atiyah of Toyota racing team won the Saudi Dakar rally of 2022.

Jan. 24: The Health Ministry lower quarantine and sick leave for COVID-19 patients from 10 to seven days.

Jan. 30: The Education and Higher Education Ministry announced the full resumption of schools and Kindergartens.

Jan. 30: The Health Ministry approved voluntary COVID-19 vaccination for children age 5 11.

Jan. 31: Boeing announced that Qatar Airways would launch its 777 Freighter after purchasing 34 aircrafts with the option of buying 16 others.

Feb. 7: Qatar and Morocco signed agreements to boost cooperation in various fields.

Feb. 12: Qatari cabinet enforced mask-wearing in closed public places and making that optional in open spaces.

Feb. 21: Qatar and the EU signed in Brussels an agreement to open an EU mission in Doha.

Feb. 21: Iran and Qatar signed a number of agreements to boost bilateral ties.

March 15 : Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani inaugurated the Barzan natural gas project which produced around 1.4 billion cubic feet of Methane gas daily for power consumption in Qatar.

March 16 : Qatari Health authorities updated applications of its traveling policies during COVID-19 for nationals and residents introducing more options of health applications.

March 22 : Qatar and Switzerland signed an MoU on financing and economy.

March 30 : Qatari Amir Tamim Al-Thani inaugurated the Qatar Olympic and sports museum at Khalifa international stadium.

May 17: Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim announced that Qatar will increase its investments in Spain by USD five billion in the upcoming years.

May 23: Qatar and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) signed an agreement to extend cooperation for (Project Stadia) for two years.

May 24: Qatar and Britain signed a partnership agreement, which will allow Qatar to invest up to 10 billion pounds (USD 12.5 billion) over the next five years in British sectors.

June 7: The GCC Criminal Information Centre for Drug Control signed a memorandum of understanding with Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCI) to boost bilateral cooperation in combating narcotics.

June 12: Qatar signed a partnership agreement with Total Energies Company to expand the northeast field, which will raise Qatar’s liquid Natural gas (LNG) production capacity from 77 to 110 million tons per year.

July 7: Cabinet of Qatar announced that citizens, residents and visitors are obligated to wear masks in closed public spaces.

Oct 5: Qatar Interior Ministry and Europol signed a Working Arrangement to prevent and combat serious crime and terrorism.

Oct 14: Turkiye and Qatar signed 11 new agreements to boost cooperation in several areas, at the conclusion of the 8th Supreme Strategic Committee meeting in Istanbul, co chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Al Thani.

Nov 9: Qatar unveiled commemorative banknotes for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, an endeavor to ensure the success of this historic event, the first of its kind in the Middle East and the region.

Nov 20: Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani inaugurated the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament, lasting until December 18, with the participation of 32 teams.

Nov 21: Qatar Energy Company signed a sale and purchase agreement with China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) to supply China with four million tons per annum of liquefied natural gas, starting 2026 for 27 years.

Nov 29: Qatar Energy Company signed two long-term sale and purchase agreement with American ConocoPhillips Company to sell two million tons per annum of liquefied natural gas, exported from Qatar to Germany, starting 2026 for 15 years.

Dec 6: Qatar Interior Ministry allowed GCC citizens and residents to enter Qatar without the need to register for the Hayya card for non-match ticket holders, through the country’s various borders.

The United Arab Emirates:

Jan. 14 : Abu Dhabi police said that a blaze at a fuel station near Abu Dhabi international airport led to the death of three people and the injury of six others. There was a possibility of booby-trapped drone causing the unfortunate incident.

Jan. 24 : The Emirates Defense Ministry announced the targeting of a Houthi militia ballistic missile launching pad used in attacks against the UAE.

Jan. 30 : The Defense Ministry intercepted a ballistic missile attack by Houthis against targets in the UAE.

Feb. 2 : The Defense Ministry intercepted an explosive-laden drone launched by Houthis against targets in the UAE.

Feb. 2 : The UAE and Spain signed agreements to bolster cooperation on various domains.

Feb. 14 : The UAE and Turkey signed agreements to bolster cooperation on various domains.

Feb. 26 : The UAE announced it would loosen COVID-19 restrictions, which included the cancelation of quarantine travelers from abroad. Those vaccinated were required to show their cards to concerned authorities and the unvaccinated needed a PCR test 48 hours prior to arrival.

March 1 : The UAE launched the united railway project : a railway linking Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

March 4 : Tunisia approved operation of a solar power project to a UAE-led company worth USD 100 million. The two sides also signed an agreement where Tunisia would be purchasing electricity from the said project for a period of 20 years.

March 7 : The UAE and Austria signed an MoU within the hydrogen technology industry.

March 23 : Abu Dhabi’s ADQ and Turkey Wealth Fund (TWF) sign a USD 300 million deal to launch the Turkish technology fund.

May 14: Emirates News Agency announced that the Federal Supreme Council unanimously elected Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan as the President of the Emirates.

May 24: Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention recorded the first case of monkeypox in the country.

May 29: UAE, Egypt and Jordan signed an industrial partnership to achieve sustainable economic development in five industrial fields.

May 29: Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention recorded three new cases of monkeypox in the country.
May 30: The Emirates and Turkey signed two MoUs to boost cooperation in the field of defense industry.

July 29: Emirates Ministry of Interior announced the death of seven Asian residents following the heavy rains that hit Fujairah, Al-Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah Emirates.

Sept 25: President Sheikh Mohamad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership agreement in the field of energy security and industrial growth.

Nov 1: UAE and the US signed a strategic partnership for investing USD 100 billion in clear energy projects with a production capacity of 100 gigawatts in the US, UAE and around the world by 2035.

Sultanate of Oman:

June 28: Oman and Egypt signed several MoUs, agreements and programs in different fields, as part of the Egyptian President Abdulfattah Al-Sisi’s visit to the Sultanate.

Sept 28: Oman and the UAE signed 16 agreements and MoUs for cooperation in diverse field, as part of President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed visit to Oman.

Sept 28: Oman and the UAE signed an agreement on establishing the Oman and Etihad Rail Company, co-owned by the two sides, for designing, building, and operating the railway network that connects the Sohar Port with the UAE National Rail Network.

Oct 24: Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tareq and Bahrain King Hamad bin Essa Al Khalifa announced signing 10 memorandums of understanding and seven executive programs and agreements.

Yemen:

Jan. 1 : Shabwa governor Awadh Al-Ouqali announced that government-loyal troops took control of Aseelan area east of Yemen from the Houthi militias.

Jan. 2 : A missile attack targeting a bazaar east of Shabwa governorate in Yemen leads to the death of four civilians and the injury of six others.

Jan. 3 : Saudi-led coalition in support of the legitimate government in Yemen affirmed that a cargo ship carrying the UAE flag faced an act of piracy leading to the abduction of the crewmembers near the shores of Hudaida governorate

Jan. 6 : SABA news agency reported that Houthi militia missile assault on a fuel station in Aseelan town in Shabwa led to the death of four civilians and in the injury of others.

Jan. 7 : Shabwa governor Awadh Al-Ouqali announced that government-backed troops took control of Al-Aliya city east of Yemen from the Houthi militias.

Jan. 15 : Legitimate government forces, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, took control of some areas in Huraib city in Mareb governorate.

Jan. 19 : Houthi militia attacks in Shabwa, Mareb, Taez governorates left nine civilian dead.

Jan. 24 : Legitimate government forces, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, took control of Huraib city in Mareb governorate after heavy fighting against Houthi militia forces.

Jan. 25 : Legitimate government forces took control of several areas from the Houthi militias in Taez and Mareb governorates.

Jan. 26 : SABA news agency announced the death of five people and the injury of 23 others in a Houthi militia ballistic missile attack in a Mareb governorate residential neighborhood.

Feb. 4 : Legitimate Yemeni government forces announced the liberation of several areas in Saada governorate northern Yemen from the control of the Houthi militias.

Feb. 4 : Yemen Airways announced the addition of Airbus 330 to its fleet owned by the Saudi and Yemeni governments.

Feb. 16 : The Yemeni army said that its forces liberated several areas in Saada northern of Yemen and near the borders with Saudi Arabia.

Feb. 19 : A Houthi militia drone attack on a school in Mareb governorate, northeast of Yemen, led to the injury of three children.

Feb. 28 : The Yemen Foreign Ministry announced that it facilitated repatriation of 22 Yemenis from the Ukraine and neighboring countries.

April 1: Yemen Foreign Minister Ahmad bin Mubarak announced the launch of two fuel vessels through Al-Hudaydah port, which is controlled by Houthi Militias, at presidential directives, to alleviate Yemeni’s suffering.

April 7: Former Yemen President Abdrubbah Mansour Hadi announced transferring his authorities and those of his deputies to a Presidential Leadership Council headed by his advisor Rashad Al-Alimi and the membership of seven leaders, each with the rank of vice president.

April 7: Foreign Ministry announced the return of its ambassador to Beirut, who was summoned more than five months due to the remarks of Former Minister of Information George Qordahi on the war in Yemen.

April 19: Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi and his deputies took constitutional oath before the House of Representatives in its session, held in Yemen temporary Capital Aden.

April 21: Yemen House of Representatives voted in favor of the program of Maeen Abdulmalek’s government after a year and half of its formation, in line with the Riyadh Agreement signed between Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council, sponsored by Saudi Arabia in 2019.

May 4: Eight people injured due to Houthi militia drone attack aimed at Security Administration of Taez Governorate southeast of Yemen.

May 6: Saudi-led coalition supporting legitimacy in Yemen announced the release and transfer of 163 Houthi prisoners from Saudi to Yemen as a part of the Saudi humanitarian initiative.

May 26: Four Yemini civilians killed and 34 injured in an initial toll of an explosive device explosion in public market in Sheikh Othman area in Yemen temporary capita Aden.

May 30: Yemen Presidency announced forming a joint security and military committee to maintain peace, and restructuring the Yemeni armed and security forces, headed by Major General Haitham Qassem.

June 2: UN Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg announced extending the truce in Yemen for
two more months, following the consent of both sides.

June 10: Yemen Minister of Planning and International Corporation Waed Badheb affirmed that the World Bank agreed on funding the sustainable development program of the fisheries in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with a grant worth USD 41.15 million.

June 23: The Yemeni Army announced that 10 servicemen were killed in two “terrorist” operations by Al-Qaeda against army forces in southern and eastern Yemen provinces Abyan and Shabwa.

July 2: Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Waad Badheb, confirmed that the World Bank agreed to provide an additional grant of USD 100 million to support the provision of electricity in Yemen.

July 5: Governor of Abyan in Yemen Major General Abu Baker Hussain said that six people died and 37 others injured in an armory explosion in southern Abyan governorate, Lawdar District.

July 16: Yemeni army announced that eight soldiers were killed and 9 others injured due to the violations of the UN-sponsored truce, committed by the Houthi militia.

July 23: Minister of Information Mammar Al-Aryani affirmed that 11children were injured by Houthi shelling targeting a civilian area in southern city of Taez.

July 26: World Bank approved an additional USD 150 million grant for the second phase of the Yemeni Emergency Human Capital Project.

July 26: Yemen Foreign Minister Ahmad bin Mubarak said that the average violation by Houthi militia to UN-sponsored truce, since its beginning has reached 50 a day, which resulted in killing 81 people and injuring 331 others, in a blatant violation to the international law.

July 31: Head of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen Rashad Al-Alimi appointed Mabkhot bin Mubarak bin Madhi Governor of Hadhramaut.

July 31: Yemeni Ministry of Defense said that four members of the army forces were killed and six others injured due to violations to the UN-sponsored truce, committed by the Houthi militias in the past 48 hours.

Aug 2: UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg announced that the parties to the Yemeni conflict had agreed to extend the UN-sponsored truce, under the same terms, for an additional two months, ending 2nd October 2022.

Aug 8: Al-Alimi appointed Brigadier General Adel Hadi as commander of the (Ataq) military axis and the 30th Armored Brigade, and Brigadier General Fouad Al-Nassi as Director General of Shabwa Police and Colonel Muoheem Nasser as commander of the (Shabwa) branch Special Security Forces.

Aug 19: Yemen Ministry of Defense confirmed 13 soldiers were killed and 27 injured due to Houthi militias violations of the UN truce over the past five days.

Aug 23: Yemen Ministry of Defense confirmed five soldiers were killed and eight others injured in new Houthi violations of the UN-sponsored truce over the past two days.

Aug 31: Yemen Ministry of Defense confirmed that 12 soldiers were killed and 19 were injured in 115 new Houthi violations of the UN-sponsored truce over the past two days.

Sept 6: Yemen Interior Ministry confirmed that 21 soldiers were killed and seven others wounded in a “terrorist” operation targeted the Security Belt Forces in Abyan Governorate, south Yemen.

Sept 8: Yemeni government announced its approval to allow several fuel ships to enter the ports of Hodaydah, based on a UN request, provided that legal procedures are completed simultaneously under the UN mechanism.

Oct 16: Three killed and 44 others injured due a mass transport bus overturning on a mountain slope as they were heading to the temporary Yemen capital Aden.

Oct 21: Governor of Hadhramaut Mabkhoot bin Madhi announced that the Al-Dhaba port for exporting Yemeni crude oil was attacked with two drones launched by Houthi militia while a Greek transport ship was in the port, but no damage was reported.

Oct 23: Police forces of Taez governorate announced arresting two “terrorist” cells of six individuals linked to the Houthi militia, as they work for it and carry out bombing crimes in the besieged city.

Nov 8: Unidentified gunmen assassinated advisor of the Yemeni Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Jaradi, and his driver east of Mareb city under mysterious conditions.

Nov 8: Four displaced civilians killed and eight others injured during the Houthi Militia’s missiles attack on Yemen’s Mareb city.

Nov 14: Yemen government decided to update the blacklist of the Houthi militia political and field leaders to include those impersonating officials and those involved in violations, targeting and threatening economic interests and international navigation and circulate the blacklist to prosecute them.

Nov 27: Arab Monetary Fund signed USD one billion agreement with Yemen’s government aiming to support a comprehensive economic, financial and monetary reform program, sponsored by Saudi Arabia.

Dec 7: Yemen Oil Minister Saeed Al-Shamasi stated that Houthi militia’s attacks threatens the oil revenues, which is 75 percent of the state budget.

Source: KUNA