Latest updates: Follow our full coverage on the UN General Assembly
US President Joe Biden on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that the war in Gaza should end immediately and that he holds out hope for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In his final speech to the United Nations before his term expires in January, Mr Biden also criticised Israeli violence in the occupied West Bank in the months following the Hamas-led October 7 attacks.
Mr Biden appeared to express frustration that a US-led ceasefire and hostage release deal that has been endorsed by the Security Council remains unsigned by Hamas or Israel.
“I put forward with Qatar and Egypt a ceasefire and hostage deal. It's been endorsed by the UN Security Council. Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home and secure security for Israel and Gaza,” he said.
Since October 7, Israel and Hezbollah have been trading fire across the border with Lebanon in a series of strikes that has entered a perilous phase, with successive waves of Israeli attacks that have killed hundreds and pushed Israel and Hezbollah to the brink of all-out war.
“Even as the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible,” Mr Biden said. “In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes and the border safely.”
Mr Biden also emphasised his desire for a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian people while stressing the need to address West Bank violence.
“As we look ahead, we must also address the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank and set the conditions for a better future, including a two-state solution, where the world and Israel enjoys security and peace, and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity and self-determination in a state of their own,” he said.
Mr Biden, who entered politics more than 50 years ago as a 29-year-old senator from Delaware, highlighted the similarities in today's wars and challenges to those he observed when first embarking on his political journey.
“Things can get better,” he said. “We should never forget that. I've seen that throughout my career.”
Mr Biden also sought to highlight his foreign policy achievements, most notably the way he rallied Nato in support of Ukraine and helped to re-establish America's place on the world stage.
“When Russia invaded Ukraine, it could have stood by and merely protested. Vice President [Kamala] Harris and I understood that that was an assault on everything this institution supposed to stand for,” he said. “And so [under] my direction, America stepped into the breach, providing massive security and economic and humanitarian assistance our Nato allies and partners in 50-plus nations stood up as well. Most importantly, the Ukrainian people stood up.”
He added that Washington would continue to support Ukraine until it triumphed.
In his speech, he acknowledged his advanced age and implored other world leaders to listen to their people.
“We must never forget who we're here to represent: We the people,” he said.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres opened the event and condemned what he described as a growing level of impunity worldwide, calling it both “politically indefensible” and “morally intolerable”.
Speaking at the UN Assembly Hall, Mr Guterres called out a “growing number of governments and others” who feel entitled to a “get out of jail free” card.
“They can trample international law. They can violate the United Nations Charter,” he said. “They can turn a blind eye to international human rights conventions or the decisions of international courts.”
He emphasised that this culture of impunity has allowed countries to “invade another country, lay waste to whole societies, or utterly disregard the welfare of their own people,” without facing consequences.
The UN chief quoted instances of the trend across the world, stating, “We see this age of impunity everywhere – in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.”
The International Criminal Court has issued warrants for several Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, over the war in Ukraine. The court has also announced it is seeking warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders, as well as Hamas figures for their role in the Gaza war. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
He described Gaza as a “non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it,” adding, “Look no further than Lebanon.”
Mr Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, warning that “Lebanon is at the brink”.
“The people of Lebanon – the people of Israel – and the people of the world – cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.”
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also addressed Gaza, calling it the world’s largest cemetery for women and children. Mr Erdogan also criticised the UN for failing to uphold its founding mission, calling its structure dysfunctional. He also questioned countries offering unconditional support to Israel. “How long will you bear the shame of witnessing this massacre?” he asked.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II told the General Assembly that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza amounts to an attack on the UN, saying the presence of its flag has been unable to ensure protection for civilians from Israeli attacks.
“The attacks of October 7 on Israeli civilians last year were condemned by countries all over the world, including Jordan, but the unprecedented scale of terror unleashed on Gaza since that day is beyond any justification,” he said.
“The Israeli government’s assault has resulted in one of the fastest death rates in recent conflicts, one of the fastest rates of starvation caused by war, the largest cohort of child amputees and unprecedented levels of destruction this Israeli government has killed more children, more journalists, more aid workers and more medical personnel than any other war in recent memory.”
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 2 (Heaton (og) 42', Lindelof 64')
Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 11', Mings 66')
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
Fight card
1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)
2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)
3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)
4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)
5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)
6. Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) v Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)
7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)
8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)
9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)
10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)
11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)
12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)
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
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
The biog
Name: Salvador Toriano Jr
Age: 59
From: Laguna, The Philippines
Favourite dish: Seabass or Fish and Chips
Hobbies: When he’s not in the restaurant, he still likes to cook, along with walking and meeting up with friends.
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
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
SUZUME
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More coverage from the Future Forum
The view from The National
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
'Hocus%20Pocus%202'
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