Alarmed by Israel's expansionism, Egypt has moved to bolster its standing in a turbulent Middle East, forging close ties with two regional, non-Arab powerhouses – Israel's archenemy Iran, and US ally and Nato member Turkey.
It appears unlikely that Egypt's outreach to Turkey and Iran will yield a three-nation military alliance, given long-standing differences between Ankara and Tehran as well as the inhibitions Cairo would face if it seeks a full alliance with the Iranians.
However, Egypt's endeavours to strengthen bilateral relations with the two countries carry a potential menace for Israel, which since the Gaza war broke out in October 2023 has struck Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Yemen and Qatar and sowed tension with Egypt and Jordan.
In recent weeks Egypt has scheduled joint war games with Turkey in the Mediterranean, and brokered a deal between Iran and UN nuclear inspectors, which could help Tehran avoid a future attack by Israel and the US. Egypt is also said to be interested in producing drones separately with Turkey and Iran.
“I see the entire situation as bilateral rather than as signs of the emergence of an axis made up of Egypt, Turkey and Iran,” said Middle East expert Michael Hanna of the International Crisis Group.
“Egypt and Turkey are achieving a deeper rapprochement that has tangible output,” he said, citing the naval exercises scheduled for this month. “Taking Iran as a partner seems not to be such a good idea for Egypt. Iran, after all, is a theocratic regime that's difficult for Egypt to be comfortable with.”
But other analysts have different views. “Historically, Turkey and Iran have experienced tension over various regional issues, particularly concerning the conflict in Syria,” said Ismail Numan Telci, an international relations professor at Turkey's Sakarya University.
But he said developments since the Gaza war broke out “have introduced a new regional dynamic, prompting all three countries to reassess their positions and policies”.
“In the event of a military escalation [with Israel], Egypt is likely to regard Turkey and Iran as dependable regional allies, given their shared perception of Israel as a common threat,” he said.
However, sources familiar with the inner workings of Cairo's relations with mainly Shiite Iran also acknowledge that mostly Sunni Egypt has been treading carefully as it seeks closer ties with Iran, wary that being too close could alarm traditional Arab allies suspicious of Tehran's clerical regime.
Egypt's caution, according to the sources, is also prompted by Iran's track record of supporting sectarian activities in countries such as Iraq, Syria and Lebanon as well as its meddling in the domestic affairs of Arab states.
Still, the sources say Egypt is looking to co-operate separately with Iran and Turkey on the joint production of drones, an area in which both potential allies are believed to have made considerable advances.
Egypt had for years been sharply at odds with Iran and Turkey before relations began to thaw around 2021 and 2022. But the process only gained momentum after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023.
Relations with Iran were ruptured when Egypt gave refuge to the late Shah of Iran in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the monarchy. Those with Turkey became fraught when Islamist Mohammed Morsi, Egypt's president at the time, was removed in 2013 by the military.
However, as Mr Hanna explained, while Egypt's rift with Iran lasted more than four decades, its quarrel with Turkey only lasted one, making relations with Tehran difficult to quickly normalise.
Turkey, on the other hand, is a mostly Sunni nation, like Egypt, and both have been bound by close economic and social ties dating back as far as five centuries.
Iran, according to Mr Hanna and the sources who spoke to The National, has been keener than Egypt on fostering closer ties, a sentiment they say is rooted in Tehran's relative isolation following defeat at the hands of Israel of some of its regional proxies, such as Lebanon's Hezbollah, and the fall of the Iranian-backed regime of Bashar Al Assad in Syria.
While Egypt and Turkey exchanged ambassadors in 2023, Egypt and Iran have yet to do the same, a state of play that the sources believe is reflective of the wide range of unresolved issues between the two countries.
But Mohammad Ali Sayedhanaee of Nations Diplomacy, a think tank in Tehran, believes Iran has shown sufficient willingness to turn the page with Arab players it has been at odds with.
“Iran has the intention of reconsidering its previous disputes and enmity and problems it used to have with regional countries,” he said.
A strong indication of Iran's “good intentions” towards the region, he explained, came this month when it signed an Egyptian-brokered deal to resume inspections of its nuclear sites by experts from the UN unclear oversight agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency.
In theory, the deal could potentially deprive Israel and the US of the justification for attacking Iran's nuclear sites as they did in June.
But these are trying times for Egypt, whose vigorous pursuit of alliances is motivated by the vast challenges it faces in a region that has been upended by the Gaza war and Israel's conduct in the region.
Besides the Gaza war, which rages on Egypt's eastern border and threatens to force hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge on its territory, it's alarmed by the seemingly intractable political divisions in Libya, its neighbour to the west, which frequently erupt into violence.
It's much more alarmed by the civil war in Sudan, its southern neighbour, another conflict that has sent more than one million refugees fleeing to Egypt since the conflict began in April 2023.
Egypt is also at loggerheads with Ethiopia over the latter's construction of a major Nile dam that Cairo believes could affect its share of the Nile water, on which it depends for almost all its fresh water needs.
Faced with this multitude of challenges, said the sources, Egypt is spreading the net wider and beyond the pursuit of closer ties with Iran and Turkey to prevent Israel from using its military might and seemingly unfettered US support to reshape the Middle East as it pleases.
Last week, the sources said Egypt invited fellow Arab nations to rally behind a plan it first floated in 2015 for a joint, Nato-style Arab force. It is also reaching out to Sunni Muslim nations, including nuclear-armed Pakistan, to forge alliances that pool military resources to serve as a deterrence to Israel, according to the sources.
It's also looking to China to procure cutting-edge weapons, like air defence systems and stealth fighter jets, which the US is denying it.
For now, however, the combined military capabilities of Egypt, Turkey and Iran are a force to be reckoned with. The three have large and well-equipped armies that, especially in the case of Iran and Turkey, are supported by vast and fast developing military industries.
The three also control key waterways; the Suez Canal in Egypt, Iran's Strait of Hormuz and Turkey's straits of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles and boast a combined population of nearly 300 million, compared to Israel's 10 million.
Speaking to The National, former Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu said he could see the benefits of Egypt, Turkey and Iran forging a regional alliance.
“I think this is something that is needed,” he said. “I am saying that the big triangle in the region … is Turkey, Iran and Egypt because these three countries have a long diplomatic experience and long state traditions. And the potential is very high – population wise, geography, etc.”
Lizzie Porter reported from Istanbul.
Afghanistan fixtures
- v Australia, today
- v Sri Lanka, Tuesday
- v New Zealand, Saturday,
- v South Africa, June 15
- v England, June 18
- v India, June 22
- v Bangladesh, June 24
- v Pakistan, June 29
- v West Indies, July 4
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Race card:
6.30pm: Maiden; Dh165,000; 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap; Dh165,000; 2,200m
7.40pm: Conditions; Dh240,000; 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 2,000m
8.50pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed; Dh265,000; 1,200m
9.25pm: Handicap; Dh170,000; 1,600m
10pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 1,400m
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Ukraine
Capital: Kiev
Population: 44.13 million
Armed conflict in Donbass
Russia-backed fighters control territory
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling
Match info
Australia 580
Pakistan 240 and 335
Result: Australia win by an innings and five runs
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
