Yemeni officials are hopeful of a breakthrough as direct talks begin between the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia in a bid to negotiate an end to more than eight years of war.
The talks come after attempts to extend a UN-brokered truce broke down in October and the Houthis launched several attacks on oil ships and ports, although widespread fighting did not resume on major front lines.
"The Saudi delegation was recently in Sanaa," a Yemeni official said. "They discussed everything but didn't agree on anything yet. They both heard each other. Everyone knows the red line of the other party.
"We are expecting a breakthrough within the next few weeks."
The official source added that the Saudi team has returned to the kingdom for internal deliberation.
"They're having internal discussions and also with the Yemeni government and other partners," they said. "So wait and see is now the title of this period."
A senior US official familiar with the talks confirmed they were ongoing but said Iran needed to do more to support the path to peace.
"We appreciated that the Iranians welcomed the truce ― but what we don't see is them applying their diplomatic influence in Yemen in a way that's constructive to end the war in Yemen," they said.
The official said the continued supply of Iranian arms to the Houthis was "out of step with where the international community is and where the Houthis are in terms of their willingness to negotiate with the Saudis".
Jacob Sufyani, of the South 24 Centre for News and Studies, told The National that Oman was also playing a role in mediating between the two sides. While Muscat has not publicly commented on the matter, the sultanate has previously played a strong mediating role and has strong contacts on all sides of the conflict.
"The Saudis seem to be vying for the Houthis to stop cross-border attacks into the kingdom in return for paying military and civilian salaries in areas under Houthi control" said Mr Sufyani, who is in touch with officials close to the talks. "Riyadh is also seeking that comprehensive talks begin with the remaining local parties."
The payment of civil and public servant salaries has been a sticking point in previous negotiations with the Houthis who demand that the Yemeni government cover the expenses.
Neither Saudi Arabia nor Oman responded to a request for comment regarding the talks.
Deputy Youth Minister Hamza Al Kamay said it was natural for the Saudis to seek an understanding that secures their border with Yemen, "especially given that these areas are under Houthi control".
The Houthi movement originated in the rural, mountainous Saada Governorate of northern Yemen, bordering the Saudi Arabian province of Najran.
However, Mr Al Kamay said it was important to include Yemeni parties in the talks and that a failure to do so would be "incorrect".
The head of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Rashad Al Alimi on Sunday announced the formation of the National Shield Forces in the country's south.
The group will be a "military reserve" led by Brigadier Bashir Saif Qaid Al Subaihi, who previously headed the New Giants Brigades Force, which is separate from the Giants Brigades in Yemen's south that has been instrumental in driving out the Houthis from the key oil-rich city of Marib.
In the statement published by state media, Mr Al Alimi said he would be overseeing the group's activities personally.
Yemen has been at war since 2014, sparked by the Houthi takeover of Sanaa which forced the government into exile. The southern port city of Aden was then recaptured following a request for an international coalition led by Saudi Arabia to assist in pushing back the rebels.
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Day 3, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Just three balls remained in an exhausting day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers when they were afforded some belated cheer. Nuwan Pradeep, unrewarded in 15 overs to that point, let slip a seemingly innocuous delivery down the legside. Babar Azam feathered it behind, and Niroshan Dickwella dived to make a fine catch.
Stat of the day - 2.56 Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are the 16th opening partnership Pakistan have had in Tests in the past five years. That turnover at the top of the order – a new pair every 2.56 Test matches on average – is by far the fastest rate among the leading Test sides. Masood and Aslam put on 114 in their first alliance in Abu Dhabi.
The verdict Even by the normal standards of Test cricket in the UAE, this has been slow going. Pakistan’s run-rate of 2.38 per over is the lowest they have managed in a Test match in this country. With just 14 wickets having fallen in three days so far, it is difficult to see 26 dropping to bring about a result over the next two.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Film: Raid
Dir: Rajkumar Gupta
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'cruz and Saurabh Shukla
Verdict: Three stars
Other key dates
-
Finals draw: December 2
-
Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
-
Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
-
Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
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if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
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Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
Greatest Royal Rumble results
John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match
Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus
Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal
Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos
Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe
AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out
The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match
Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last
Janet Yellen's Firsts
- In 2014, she became the first woman to lead the US Federal Reserve
- In 1999, she became the first female chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers
Company%20Profile
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WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
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Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
Company%20Profile
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MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Fernandes pen 2') Tottenham Hotspur 6 (Ndombele 4', Son 7' & 37' Kane (30' & pen 79, Aurier 51')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
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Most F1 world titles
7 — Michael Schumacher (1994, ’95, 2000, ’01 ’02, ’03, ’04)
7 — Lewis Hamilton (2008, ’14,’15, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20)
5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)
4 — Alain Prost (1985, ’86, ’89, ’93)
4 — Sebastian Vettel (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13)
