> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://middlepowers.fyi/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Near East and South Asia

> Week of February 16, 2026

## Regional Summary

**The Hedging Powers**

Middle powers from Asia to the Gulf built alliances this week that work against each other. India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE each deepened ties with the West while defying or undercutting Western partners. Their diplomatic positions look less like strategic ambiguity than strategic incoherence.

Narendra Modi used Emmanuel Macron's visit to Mumbai to sign over 20 defence and technology agreements, making France a "Special Global Strategic Partner" — giving New Delhi leverage against Washington's demands that it stop buying Russian oil. Yet India also courted American goodwill by hosting an AI summit where the Adani Group pledged \$100bn in renewable-energy-powered data centres, a commitment meant to appeal to both Silicon Valley and the White House. Mr Modi cannot tell Marco Rubio that Indian energy choices are none of America's business and ask American capital to bankroll his digital ambitions. The contradiction works until one patron forces a choice.

Turkey stretched the logic further. Ankara celebrated 74 years in NATO by showing off its TB3 drones in the alliance's biggest exercise, then jailed a Deutsche Welle journalist for insulting the president, daring Germany to do something about it. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered troops for a Gaza peacekeeping force in Washington as his courts prepared espionage proceedings against Istanbul's opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu — the man Western capitals regard as Turkey's democratic hope. The Kurdish peace process, meanwhile, is hostage to the constitutional arithmetic that could extend presidential rule beyond 2028. Every outward gesture of alliance loyalty serves an inward consolidation of power, and Western partners, needing Turkish drones and Turkish geography, swallow the affront.

Saudi Arabia's hedging crossed into open confrontation with another middle power. Mohammed bin Salman ordered airstrikes against UAE-backed forces in Yemen and sent a formal complaint to Abu Dhabi listing grievances from Sudan to the southern coast — an escalation between two states that once presented a united front. Yet the crown prince simultaneously decorated a retired American general with the King Abdulaziz Medal, reinforcing the security guarantee that underpins his entire modernisation programme. The kingdom is also paring back Vision 2030's grandiose projects in favour of manufacturing and mining, an implicit admission that spectacle without returns cannot survive a world of tighter capital. Saudi Arabia wants American protection, Chinese investment and regional dominance; the Yemen strikes suggest that juggling all three is growing harder.

The UAE denied this week that Mohammed bin Zayed, its president, was unwell, a sign of how much its web of global bets depends on a single decision-maker. His government posted record oil revenues, expanded Bitcoin holdings through BlackRock, committed to an AI supercomputer in India and met American officials on Gaza — all as a senior adviser attacked Wahhabism, Saudi Arabia's founding creed. Abu Dhabi is betting against its own closest ally even as it bets against the West.

This is not balance-of-power diplomacy in any classical sense. It is something messier: middle powers accumulating options faster than they can reconcile them, betting that no partner will call the bluff because each needs something in return. That bet holds until a crisis — a forced choice on Russian oil, a Yemen escalation, a leadership vacuum — reveals that overlapping alliances are not the same as reliable ones. Hedging, pursued to excess, becomes its own vulnerability.

## Country Summaries

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/in.svg" alt="India flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> India

India struck back at American pressure this week by deepening ties with France and offering its military new options for weapons, while its foreign minister again rejected Washington's demands to stop buying Russian oil.

Emmanuel Macron's visit to Mumbai produced more than 20 agreements that elevated India-France ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership' status. The deals include setting up Hammer missile manufacturing and H125 helicopter assembly lines in India, giving Modi's government new options as it faces continued American pressure over the February trade deal's Russian oil commitments. At the Munich Security Conference, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's external affairs minister, again told Marco Rubio, America's secretary of state, that India's energy decisions are based on market forces and national interests, not Washington's preferences.

Even as it pushed back against America, India worked to repair damage elsewhere. Modi sent an invitation through the Lok Sabha speaker for Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh's new prime minister, to visit New Delhi. The move marks India's bid to reset ties after losing Sheikh Hasina, a friendly neighbour, to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) election victory.

At home, Amit Shah, India's home minister, said the government will eliminate left-wing extremism by March 31, sticking to a deadline that would cap security operations launched after the Sindoor incident. He credited the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) forces with cutting Maoist presence from 12 states to scattered pockets.

Modi also used an AI summit in New Delhi to cast India as a technology leader for the Global South, promoting a 'Design and develop in India. Deliver to the world' plan. The Adani Group announced plans to invest \$100 billion in renewable energy-powered AI data centres by 2035, likely to draw another \$150 billion across related sectors, though the commitment comes amid legal challenges facing the conglomerate.

Bhupen Borah, former Assam Congress chief, defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of state elections, continuing the ruling party's campaign to weaken opposition parties. Indian Youth Congress workers disrupted the AI summit with a shirtless protest wearing T-shirts showing Modi and Donald Trump, triggering the usual political row but representing routine opposition rather than serious breakdown.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Modi inaugurates Delhi-Meerut RRTS and development projects worth Rs 12,930 crore** — Modi inaugurated the remaining sections of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System and Meerut Metro, along with development projects worth Rs 12,930 crore. The 82-km corridor enables travel between Delhi and Meerut in 55 minutes. *([indiatoday.in](https://indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-namo-bharat-delhi-meerut-rrts-meerut-metro-yogi-adityanath-inauguration-2872326-2026-02-22))*
  * **India and Brazil sign mining partnership targeting \$20 billion trade by 2031** — Modi and Brazilian President Lula da Silva signed mining agreements and set an ambitious target of \$20 billion bilateral trade within five years. The partnership includes cooperation in critical minerals and green energy sectors. *([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/india-brazil-sign-mining-pact-modi-targets-20-billion-trade-five-years-2026-02-21/))*
  * **Indian Navy hosts International Fleet Review with global participation** — India's International Fleet Review 2026 commenced in Visakhapatnam with participation from 74 countries, featuring naval ships and delegations. Droupadi Murmu, the president, reviewed the fleet as supreme commander of the armed forces, showcasing India's growing maritime influence in the Indo-Pacific. *([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/ifr-milan-2026-global-warships-make-port-calls-off-vizag/articleshow/128432519.cms))*
  * **RBI announces recruitment drives and policy reforms across multiple sectors** — The Reserve Bank of India released notifications for 650 Assistant positions and various Grade B officer recruitments, while implementing new foreign exchange management regulations and risk-based premium frameworks for deposit insurance. *([adda247.com](https://www.adda247.com/jobs/rbi-assistant/))*
  * **Congress stages shirtless protest at AI Summit, sparks political row** — Indian Youth Congress workers disrupted the AI Impact Summit by staging a topless protest wearing T-shirts with images of Modi and Trump. The protest against the India-US trade deal triggered strong criticism from Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to counter-protests and political clashes. *([ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-workers-wave-black-flags-at-rahul-gandhi-day-after-congresss-shirtless-protest-11116707))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Modi inaugurates Delhi-Meerut RRTS and development projects worth Rs 12,930 crore" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Delhi-Meerut RRTS: PM Modi inaugurates Indias fastest metro in Meerut, entire Namo Bharat corridor — indiatoday.in](https://indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-namo-bharat-delhi-meerut-rrts-meerut-metro-yogi-adityanath-inauguration-2872326-2026-02-22)
      * [PM Modi flags off India's fastest metro and Namo Bharat train in Meerut — routes, speed and benefits explained — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/pm-modi-flags-off-indias-fastest-metro-and-namo-bharat-train-in-meerut-routes-speed-and-benefits-explained/articleshow/128668464.cms)
      * [PM Modi inaugurates full Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor — thehindu.com](https://thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-flags-off-meerut-metro-namo-bharat-train/article70662765.ece)
      * [PM Modi inaugurates projects worth Rs 12,930 crore in Meerut — tribuneindia.com](https://tribuneindia.com/news/india/pm-modi-inaugurates-projects-worth-rs-12930-crore-in-meerut)
      * [PM Modi Inaugurates Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, Travel Time Cut To 55 Minutes — news.abplive.com](https://news.abplive.com/news/india/namo-bharat-meerut-metro-inauguration-live-updates-pm-modi-cm-yogi-adityanath-rapid-rail-fare-speed-stopage-1828224)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="India and France elevate ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership with Macron visit" type="February 17–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron sign 20 deals to boost defence partnership, AI collaboration, free trade — indiatoday.in](https://indiatoday.in/india/story/prime-minister-narendra-modi-french-president-emmanuel-macron-deals-defence-partnership-ai-collaboration-free-trade-2869731-2026-02-17)
      * [Macron and Modi seek a 'no-boundaries' partnership — lemonde.fr](https://lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2026/02/18/macron-and-modi-seek-a-no-boundaries-partnership_6750605_5.html)
      * [L'Inde de Modi, partenaire privilégié de la France et de l'Europe malgré sa dérive autoritaire — radiofrance.fr](https://radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/geopolitique/geopolitique-du-mercredi-18-fevrier-2026-3247140)
      * [Narendra Modi et Emmanuel Macron consolident le projet d'une « autoroute commerciale » entre l'Europe et l'Inde — lopinion.fr](https://lopinion.fr/international/narendra-modi-et-emmanuel-macron-consolident-le-projet-dune-autoroute-commerciale-entre-leurope-et-linde)
      * ['India-France Bond Knows No Boundaries': PM Modi Hails Ties After Meeting Macron, Rafale Deal On Cards — news.abplive.com](https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pm-modi-emmanuel-macron-india-france-ties-rafale-deal-1827562)
      * [Depuis Bombay, Emmanuel Macron salue une "accélération remarquable" de la relation avec l'Inde, Narendra Modi loue un partenariat sans "limites" — franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/politique/emmanuel-macron/depuis-bombay-emmanuel-macron-salue-une-acceleration-remarquable-de-la-relation-avec-l-inde-narendra-modi-loue-un-partenariat-sans-limites_7811519.html)
      * [Inde : Emmanuel Macron retrouve le premier ministre Narendra Modi, entre vente d'avions Rafale et IA — lanouvellerepublique.fr](https://lanouvellerepublique.fr/a-la-une/emmanuel-macron-retrouve-modi-en-inde-entre-vente-d-avions-rafale-et-ia-1771315992)
      * [EXCLU - Emmanuel Macron en Inde : découvrez le cadeau élégant qu'il va offrir à Narendra Modi — gala.fr](https://gala.fr/l_actu/news_de_stars/exclu-emmanuel-macron-en-inde-decouvrez-le-cadeau-qu-il-va-offrir-au-premier-ministre-narendra-modi-20260217)
      * [En Inde, Emmanuel Macron détourne le regard de la répression de son « ami » Narendra Modi — mediapart.fr](https://mediapart.fr/journal/international/170226/en-inde-emmanuel-macron-detourne-le-regard-de-la-repression-de-son-ami-narendra-modi)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Modi positions India as global AI hub at New Delhi AI Impact Summit" type="February 19–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Modi Positions India as Global Hub for Affordable AI at New Delhi Summit — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-19/modi-touts-india-as-hub-for-affordable-ai-at-new-delhi-summit)
      * [Modi pitches India as global artificial intelligence hub at AI conference — washingtontimes.com](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/19/modi-pitches-india-global-artificial-intelligence-hub-ai-conference)
      * [India AI-Linked Plays Surge as Modi Hobnobs With Altman, Amodei — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-20/india-ai-linked-plays-surge-as-modi-hobnobs-with-altman-amodei)
      * [India's Modi calls for open, inclusive AI for Global South — asia.nikkei.com](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/technology/artificial-intelligence/india-s-modi-calls-for-open-inclusive-ai-for-global-south)
      * [86 países firman el mayor acuerdo de la historia sobre IA — dw.com](https://www.dw.com/es/86-pa%C3%ADses-firman-el-mayor-acuerdo-de-la-historia-sobre-ia/a-76072582)
      * [Congress has become a liability for the country says Modi — thehindu.com](https://thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-in-meerut-rally-ai-impact-summit-congress-protest-development-projects/article70662886.ece)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Amit Shah promises to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, launches programs in Assam" type="February 21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Naxalism will be out by March 31, infiltrators in 5 years, says Amit Shah — thefederal.com](https://thefederal.com/category/news/amit-shah-in-assam-says-naxalism-to-end-by-march-31-infiltrators-out-in-5-years-231012)
      * [BJP will deport infiltrators in 5 yrs if it returns to power: Amit Shah — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjp-will-deport-infiltrators-in-5-yrs-if-it-returns-to-power-amit-shah/articleshow/128655754.cms)
      * [Maoism to be eliminated from India by March 31: Home Minister Amit Shah — thehindu.com](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maoism-to-be-eliminated-from-india-by-march-31-home-minister-amit-shah/article70659465.ece)
      * [Amit Shah hails CRPF's role in combating Naxalism — tribuneindia.com](https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/amit-shah-hails-crpfs-role-in-combating-naxalism/)
      * [Stone-Pelting In Kashmir Down To Zero: Amit Shah — kashmirobserver.net](https://kashmirobserver.net/2026/02/21/stone-pelting-in-kashmir-down-to-zero-amit-shah)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Adani Group announces \$100 billion investment in AI data centers by 2035" type="February 17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Adani to Invest \$100 Billion in AI Data Centers Across India by 2035 — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-17/adani-plans-to-invest-100-billion-in-ai-data-centers-by-2035)
      * [Adani pledges \$100B to build AI data centers as India seeks bigger role in the global AI race — techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/17/adani-pledges-100b-for-ai-data-centers-as-india-seeks-bigger-role-in-global-ai/)
      * [Adani bets \$100 billion on data centres to power India's AI ambitions — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/business/energy/indias-adani-invest-100-billion-ai-data-centres-by-2035-2026-02-17)
      * [Adani bets big on AI data centres, to invest \$100bn — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/adani-bets-big-on-ai-data-centres-to-invest-100bn/articleshow/128485473.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Jaishankar asserts India's strategic autonomy amid US pressure on Russia ties" type="February 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Jaishankar on Russia ties: Firmly wedded to strategic autonomy — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jaishankar-on-russia-ties-firmly-wedded-to-strategic-autonomy/articleshow/128368198.cms)
      * [US secy Rubio pushes 'no Russian oil', Jaishankar says 'strategic autonomy' again, amid Trump's tariff condition — hindustantimes.com](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rubio-says-no-russian-oil-again-jaishankar-stresses-strategic-autonomy-question-remains-over-trumps-tariff-order-101771136261889.html)
      * [UPSC Key: S Jaishankar at Munich Security Conference, Indian Railway's Reform Push, and Urban Challenge Fund — indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-key-jaishankar-munich-security-conference-railways-reform-urban-challenge-fund-10533383)
      * ["India Very Much Wedded To Strategic Autonomy": S Jaishankar — idrw.org](https://idrw.org/india-very-much-wedded-to-strategic-autonomy-s-jaishankar)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP ahead of state elections" type="February 19–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Bhupen Borah's BJP switch: Ghosts of past rifts haunt Congress before Assam elections — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bhupen-borahs-bjp-switch-ghosts-of-past-rifts-haunt-congress-before-assam-elections/articleshow/128677463.cms)
      * [After 32 years with Congress, former Assam party chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP — indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/former-congress-chief-bhupen-borah-joins-bjp-ahead-of-assam-assembly-elections-10546411)
      * [Northeast Narrative OPINION: Poll Season's A Good Time For Party Hopping — news.abplive.com](https://news.abplive.com/blog/northeast-narrative-bhupen-borah-to-join-bjp-from-congress-assam-polls-party-hopping-1827892)
      * [Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP — thehindu.com](https://thehindu.com/news/national/assam/former-assam-congress-chief-bhupen-borah-joins-bjp/article70662542.ece)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="India invites new Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman for diplomatic reset" type="February 15–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [India Invites New Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Visit New Delhi — newsletter.tf](https://newsletter.tf/india-invites-tarique-rahman-to-visit-new-delhi-2026)
      * [India Reset: PM Modi Invites Tarique Rahman to New Delhi — deccanherald.com](https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi-to-invite-tarique-rahman-for-early-visit-to-india-after-taking-over-as-pm-of-bangladesh-3899906)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="India and Brazil sign mining partnership targeting \$20 billion trade by 2031" type="February 21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [India, Brazil sign mining pact as Modi targets \$20 billion trade in five years — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/india-brazil-sign-mining-pact-modi-targets-20-billion-trade-five-years-2026-02-21/)
      * [PM Modi Sets 20 Billion Dollar Trade Target As India And Brazil Call Ties A Win Win Partnership — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/pm-modi-sets-20-billion-dollar-trade-target-as-india-and-brazil-call-ties-a-win-win-partnership/videoshow/128640198.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Indian Navy hosts International Fleet Review with global participation" type="February 16–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [IFR & MILAN-2026: Global warships make port calls off Vizag — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/ifr-milan-2026-global-warships-make-port-calls-off-vizag/articleshow/128432519.cms)
      * [India showcases naval strength with int'l fleet review — jpost.com](https://jpost.com/international/article-887393)
      * [India's Fleet Review Begins, With Iran Present But Not the U.S. Navy — maritime-executive.com](https://maritime-executive.com/article/india-s-fleet-review-begins-with-iran-present-but-not-the-u-s-navy)
      * [International Fleet Review 2026 and the Indian Navy's Great Ambitions — fw-mag.com](https://fw-mag.com/shownews/925/international-fleet-review-2026-and-the-indian-navy-rsquo-s-great-ambitions)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="RBI announces recruitment drives and policy reforms across multiple sectors" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [RBI Assistant Recruitment 2026 Notification Out @rbi.org.in For 650 Vacancies, Check Official PDF — adda247.com](https://www.adda247.com/jobs/rbi-assistant/)
      * [Reserve Bank of India RBI Assistant Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 650 Posts — freejobalert.com](https://freejobalert.com/articles/rbi-assistant-recruitment-2026-apply-online-for-650-posts-3037404)
      * [RBI builds secured data centre away from potential enemy strikes, seismic risk — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/rbi-builds-secured-data-centre-away-from-potential-enemy-strikes-seismic-risk/articleshow/128670387.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Congress stages shirtless protest at AI Summit, sparks political row" type="February 21–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [BJP Workers Wave Black Flags At Rahul Gandhi Day After Congress's Shirtless Protest — ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-workers-wave-black-flags-at-rahul-gandhi-day-after-congresss-shirtless-protest-11116707)
      * ['Shirtless' protest row: BJP & Congress workers clash in Indore, pelt stones - watch — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shirtless-protest-row-bjp-congress-workers-clash-in-indore-pelt-stones-watch/articleshow/128646167.cms)
      * [Congress has become a liability for the country says Modi — thehindu.com](https://thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-in-meerut-rally-ai-impact-summit-congress-protest-development-projects/article70662886.ece)
      * [Akhilesh Yadav: BJP became 'laughing stock' over AI Summit row — deccanherald.com](https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/akhilesh-yadav-says-bjp-govt-became-laughing-stock-did-not-gain-from-ai-summit-3907148)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Modi to address Knesset during Israel visit, Netanyahu announces — jpost.com](https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887519)
      * [Indian-origin UK doctor barred from leaving Mumbai over PM Modi social media post — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/scandalous-content-indian-origin-uk-doctor-barred-from-leaving-mumbai-over-post-on-pm-modi/articleshow/128679046.cms)
      * [Grand Mufti of India meets PM Modi, says Muslims safe in country — news18.com](https://www.news18.com/india/muslims-safe-in-country-grand-mufti-of-india-meets-pm-modi-says-no-concerns-raised-9906781.html)
      * [Shaurya Doval calls for India to develop sovereign AI at Pune event — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/india-needs-to-develop-its-own-ai-says-shaurya-doval-of-india-foundation/articleshow/128359625.cms)
      * [India-Israel defense MoU signed ahead of Modi's visit — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ahead-of-modis-visit-india-and-israel-sign-another-mou-deepening-defence-ties/articleshow/128549978.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/tr.svg" alt="Turkey flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Turkey

Turkish courts ordered the arrest of a German broadcaster's journalist this week, putting Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's war on press freedom in direct conflict with European allies as his domestic crackdown expands.

Alican Uludağ of Deutsche Welle was detained over 22 social media posts that insulted Mr Erdoğan. Germany's culture minister called the arrest unacceptable, but Turkish courts ignored the outcry. The case fits the pattern: use any excuse to jail critics, let international allies complain, carry on. Even as Mr Uludağ was being arrested, another court accepted espionage charges against Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul's opposition mayor, and set his first hearing for May. The court ordered him held in jail.

The Kurdish peace talks continue along transactional lines. Parliament approved a commission report on democracy with 47 votes. DEM Party delegates kept visiting Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı island, and the party is considering a name change to include "Democratic Republic" in its new structure. The talks remain tied to constitutional arithmetic — DEM's 56 parliamentary seats are needed to reach the 360-vote threshold for a referendum on extending presidential rule beyond 2028.

Abroad, Mr Erdoğan flew to Ethiopia for his first visit in 11 years, meeting Abiy Ahmed and signing deals. On the flight home, he called for Turkey to be included in European defence systems, saying "Our voice is much stronger now." Hakan Fidan, the foreign minister, represented Turkey at the first Gaza Peace Council meeting in Washington, announcing that Ankara is ready to contribute troops to an international force for Gaza and help train police and rebuild health and education systems.

Turkey marked 74 years in NATO by playing a major role in the alliance's biggest 2026 exercise. Turkish TB3 drones flying from the TCG Anadolu impressed observers, with NATO describing Turkish forces as "Ready. Capable. Strong." The display showed Turkey's continued alliance ties even as it pursues its own regional agenda.

But cracks are showing in the economic stabilisation program. Mehmet Şimşek, the finance minister, defended his orthodox policies against growing criticism from within the ruling party. Pro-government media published proposals for economic reform that challenge his approach. Mr Şimşek claimed strong foreign investor interest and ruled out big tax increases, but the internal pressure suggests his tight monetary and fiscal policies may not survive long if they remain politically costly.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Erdoğan signs major government appointments including Justice and Interior Ministry reshuffles** — President Erdoğan signed decrees appointing new deputy ministers to Justice and Interior ministries, including Turkey's first headscarf-wearing governor as Interior deputy minister. The appointments included 17 deputy governors and 135 district governors. *([haber7.com](https://www.haber7.com/guncel/haber/3605802-ilk-basortulu-vali-olarak-tarihe-gecmisti-erdoganin-imzasiyla-yeni-gorevi-belli-oldu))*
  * **Celebrity drug investigation leads to detention of actor İsmail Hacıoğlu and others** — Istanbul prosecutor's office conducted drug investigation targeting celebrities, detaining actor İsmail Hacıoğlu and others including musicians. Hacıoğlu admitted to ordering drugs via Telegram. Several were released after questioning while some were remanded in custody. *([cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/yasam/gozaltina-alinmisti-ismail-hacioglu-nun-trt-deki-dizisi-cennetin-cocuklari-setine-ara-verildi-2480188))*
  * **CHP continues opposition rallies with 91st meeting in Kocaeli and plans new regional rallies** — CHP held its 91st 'Standing with People's Will' rally in Kocaeli, completing coverage of all 39 Istanbul districts. The party announced the first regional rally will be held in Bakırköy on February 25. Party also dealt with internal issues including disciplinary actions. *([halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/siyaset/chp-lideri-ozgur-ozel-91inci-kez-davet-etti-1009912h))*
  * **MHP leader Bahçeli calls TV series actor to praise anti-drug message, sparks unusual political-cultural exchange** — MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli called actor Uraz Kaygılaroğlu from the 'Yeraltı' TV series to praise the show's anti-drug messaging for Turkish youth. Bahçeli offered to send a bozkurt painting as a gift. The actor later responded through the series with a scene referencing the call. *([sozcu.com.tr](https://sozcu.com.tr/bahceli-izledigi-bu-diziye-hayran-kaldi-hemen-basrol-oyuncusunu-aradi-p294208))*
  * **Finance Minister Şimşek faces criticism from AKP circles while defending economic policies and foreign investor interest** — Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek defended economic policies amid growing criticism from within AKP ranks. Pro-government media published critical economic reform proposals. Şimşek claimed unprecedented foreign investor interest and ruled out major tax increases. *([halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/mehmet-simsek-ozellestirmelerde-topu-sonunda-erdogana-atti-1009725h))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Erdoğan makes official visit to Ethiopia, signs agreements and calls for European defense cooperation" type="February 16–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan'dan Avrupa ülkelerine uyarı: Mantıklı olmadığını artık kabul etmeleri gerekir — hurriyet.com.tr](https://hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/cumhurbaskani-erdogandan-onemli-aciklamalar-43110836)
      * [Son dakika... Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: Afrika'da çatışma istemiyoruz — hurriyet.com.tr](https://hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-etiyopyada-konusuyor-43110493)
      * [Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Etiyopya Başbakanı Ahmed ile ortak basın toplantısında konuştu — iletisim.gov.tr](https://iletisim.gov.tr/turkce/haberler/detay/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-etiyopya-basbakani-ahmed-ile-ortak-basin-toplantisinda-konustu)
      * [Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Etiyopya'da — iletisim.gov.tr](https://iletisim.gov.tr/turkce/haberler/detay/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-etiyopya-da)
      * [Son dakika... Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: Avrupa'nın savunma mekanizmalarına Türkiye'yi dahil etmesinin vakti çoktan geldi — milliyet.com.tr](https://milliyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-avrupanin-savunma-mekanizmalarina-turkiyeyi-dahil-etmesinin-vakti-coktan-geldi-7540480)
      * [Erdoğan kicks off Ethiopia visit for growing engagement — dailysabah.com](https://dailysabah.com/politics/erdogan-kicks-off-ethiopia-visit-for-growing-engagement/news)
      * [Time for EU to include Türkiye in security mechanisms: Erdoğan — hurriyetdailynews.com](https://hurriyetdailynews.com/time-for-eu-to-include-turkiye-in-security-mechanisms-erdogan-219068)
      * [TRT World - Europe's security architecture 'falls short' without Türkiye: Erdogan — trtworld.com](https://trtworld.com/article/1e09e6b0704c)
      * [Erdoğan'dan Etiyopya Başbakanı Ahmed'e Togg hediyesi — dogruhaber.com.tr](https://dogruhaber.com.tr/erdogandan-etiyopya-basbakani-ahmede-togg-hediyesi)
      * [Erdoğan: CHP'ye meydanı bırakmayacağız — babaocagi.com.tr](https://www.babaocagi.com.tr/erdogan-chpye-meydani-birakmayacagiz)
      * [Turkey's Erdogan says Israel's recognition of Somaliland benefits nobody — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-erdogan-says-israels-recognition-somaliland-benefits-nobody-2026-02-17)
      * [Erdoğan sounds alarm on climate crisis, urges stronger action — dailysabah.com](https://dailysabah.com/politics/erdogan-sounds-alarm-on-climate-crisis-urges-stronger-action/news)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Erdoğan signs major government appointments including Justice and Interior Ministry reshuffles" type="February 19–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [İlk başörtülü vali olarak tarihe geçmişti! Erdoğan'ın imzasıyla yeni görevi belli oldu... — haber7.com](https://www.haber7.com/guncel/haber/3605802-ilk-basortulu-vali-olarak-tarihe-gecmisti-erdoganin-imzasiyla-yeni-gorevi-belli-oldu)
      * [Erdoğan'dan Adalet ve İçişleri bakanlıklarına yeni görevlendirme: İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcıvekilleri, Bakan Yardımcısı oldu — t24.com.tr](https://t24.com.tr/gundem/istanbul-bassavcivekili-can-tuncay-adalet-bakan-yardimcisi-oldu,1300976)
      * [Erdoğan imzaladı: Atama ve görevden alma kararları Resmi Gazete'de — birgun.net](https://www.birgun.net/haber/erdogan-imzaladi-atama-ve-gorevden-alma-kararlari-resmi-gazete-de-694336)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="'Terror-Free Turkey' process advances as TBMM commission report approved and DEM Party continues İmralı visits" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Türkiye taking bold responsibility with terror-free process: President Erdogan — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkiye-taking-bold-responsibility-with-terror-free-process-president-erdogan/3833841)
      * [Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: Terörsüz Türkiye çalışmalarında kayda değer mesafe alındı — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/politika/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-terorsuz-turkiye-calismalarinda-kayda-deger-mesafe-alindi/3834873)
      * [Türkiye eliminates threats outside its borders, Erdoğan says — dailysabah.com](https://dailysabah.com/politics/war-on-terror/turkiye-eliminates-threats-outside-its-borders-erdogan-says)
      * [How Erdoğan/AKP View the Peace Commission Report: Vague Support, Many Unknows — paturkey.com](https://paturkey.com/news/2026/how-erdogan-akp-view-the-peace-commission-report-vague-support-many-unknows-27919)
      * [DEM Parti heyeti İmralı'ya gidecek — ntv.com.tr](https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/dem-parti-heyeti-yarin-imraliya-gidecek-1712090)
      * [DEM Parti İmralı Heyeti, Abdullah Öcalan ile görüşecek — birgun.net](https://www.birgun.net/haber/dem-parti-imrali-heyeti-abdullah-ocalan-ile-gorusecek-693155)
      * [DEM Parti yeni döneme hazırlanıyor: İsmi değişecek — sozcu.com.tr](https://sozcu.com.tr/dem-parti-den-yenilenme-karari-ismi-ve-baskani-degisecek-p296283)
      * [DEM Parti heyeti yeniden İmralı'ya Gidiyor — milligazete.com.tr](https://milligazete.com.tr/dem-parti-heyeti-imraliya-gidiyor)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="İmamoğlu faces multiple legal proceedings as espionage case moves forward and prison access issues emerge" type="February 18–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [İmamoğlu 'siyasal casusluk' davasında ilk duruşma tarihi belli oldu — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/imamoglu-siyasal-casusluk-davasinda-ilk-durusma-tarihi-belli-oldu-p295028)
      * [Akın Gürlek'ten 'İmamoğlu'na ziyaret engeli'ne ilişkin açıklama — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/akin-gurlek-ekrem-imamoglu-ziyaret-aciklamasi-p295667)
      * [İmamoğlu'ndan muhalefete kritik çağrı! — cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/siyaset/imamoglu-ndan-muhalefete-kritik-cagri-tarihi-sorumluluk-diyerek-seslendi-ortak-akil-uretmemiz-artik-kacinilmaz-2480518)
      * ["Casusluk" soruşturmasında İmamoğlu ve 3 sanık hakkındaki iddianame kabul edildi — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/casusluk-sorusturmasinda-imamoglu-ve-3-sanik-hakkindaki-iddianame-kabul-edildi/3833668)
      * [Son dakika... Ekrem İmamoğlu'nun yargılandığı 'siyasal casusluk' davasında iddianame kabul edildi — milliyet.com.tr](https://milliyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-ekrem-imamoglunun-yargilandigi-siyasal-casusluk-davasinda-iddianame-kabul-edildi-7540553)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Deutsche Welle journalist Alican Uludağ arrested for alleged insult of President Erdoğan" type="February 20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Turkish journalist arrested over alleged insult of Erdoğan in social media posts — stockholmcf.org](https://stockholmcf.org/turkish-journalist-arrested-over-alleged-insult-of-erdogan-in-social-media-posts)
      * [Turkish authorities arrest Deutsche Welle journalist for alleged Erdogan insult — washingtonpost.com](https://washingtonpost.com/world/2026/02/20/turkey-journalist-detained-insulting-erdogan/a0cac3ea-0e44-11f1-8e91-6e1451aab67e_story.html)
      * [Turkey detains Germany's DW's journalist for 'insulting' Erdogan — firstpost.com](https://firstpost.com/world/turkey-detains-germanys-dws-journalist-for-insulting-erdogan-13981966.html)
      * [Turkish Court Orders Arrest of Reporter Accused of Insulting Erdogan — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-20/deutsche-welle-reporter-arrested-for-insulting-turkish-president)
      * [Alman Lobisi, Alican Uludağ İçin Devreye Girdi — istiklal.com.tr](https://istiklal.com.tr/gundem/alman-lobisi-alican-uludag-icin-devreye-girdi-1085180h)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Celebrity drug investigation leads to detention of actor İsmail Hacıoğlu and others" type="February 17–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Gözaltına alınmıştı... İsmail Hacıoğlu'nun TRT'deki dizisi 'Cennetin Çocukları' setine ara verildi — cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/yasam/gozaltina-alinmisti-ismail-hacioglu-nun-trt-deki-dizisi-cennetin-cocuklari-setine-ara-verildi-2480188)
      * [Uyuşturucu soruşturmasında serbest bırakılan ünlü isimlerin ifadeleri ortaya çıktı — haberler.com](https://haberler.com/magazin/ismail-hacioglu-nun-savcilik-ifadesi-ortaya-cikti-19584737-haberi)
      * [İsmail Hacıoğlu kimdir? İsmail Hacıoğlu nereli kaç yaşında hayatı oynadığı diziler hangileri? — yenisafak.com](https://yenisafak.com/foto-galeri/ozgun/ismail-hacioglu-kimdir-ismail-hacioglu-nereli-kac-yasinda-hayati-oynadigi-diziler-hangileri-4798083)
      * [İsmail Hacıoğlu'ndan uyuşturucu itirafı: Telegram'dan sipariş ettim — haber7.com](https://haber7.com/guncel/haber/3606210-ismail-hacioglundan-uyusturucu-itirafi-telegramdan-siparis-ettim)
      * [İsmail Hacıoğlu'nun savcılık ifadesi ortaya çıktı — sozcu.com.tr](https://sozcu.com.tr/ismail-hacioglu-nun-savcilik-ifadesi-ortaya-cikti-p295395)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="CHP continues opposition rallies with 91st meeting in Kocaeli and plans new regional rallies" type="February 17–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [CHP Lideri Özgür Özel 91'inci kez davet etti! — halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/siyaset/chp-lideri-ozgur-ozel-91inci-kez-davet-etti-1009912h)
      * [CHP'nin son ilçe mitingi Ataşehir'de başladı! — sozcu.com.tr](https://sozcu.com.tr/chp-nin-son-ilce-mitingi-atasehir-de-basladi-p295061)
      * [39 ilçe tamamlandı: CHP'nin İstanbul'daki ilk bölge mitinginin adresi belli oldu — halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/siyaset/39-ilce-tamamlandi-chpnin-istanbuldaki-ilk-bolge-mitinginin-adresi-belli-oldu-1010072h)
      * [CHP mitingine nasıl gidilir? İşte tüm ilçelerin servis listesi! — kocaeligazetesi.com.tr](https://kocaeligazetesi.com.tr/haber/27501307/chp-mitingine-nasil-gidilir-iste-tum-ilcelerin-servis-listesi)
      * [CHP'de miting günü! Vatandaşlar alana gelmeye başladı — kocaeligazetesi.com.tr](https://kocaeligazetesi.com.tr/haber/27502680/chpde-miting-gunu-vatandaslar-alana-gelmeye-basladi)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="MHP leader Bahçeli calls TV series actor to praise anti-drug message, sparks unusual political-cultural exchange" type="February 15–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Bahçeli izlediği bu diziye hayran kaldı, hemen başrol oyuncusunu aradı — sozcu.com.tr](https://sozcu.com.tr/bahceli-izledigi-bu-diziye-hayran-kaldi-hemen-basrol-oyuncusunu-aradi-p294208)
      * [Bahçeli, oyuncu Uraz Kaygılaroğlu'nu aradı. "Yeraltı" dizisine övgü — ntv.com.tr](https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/bahceli-oyuncu-uraz-kaygilaroglunu-aradi-1712104)
      * [Türk televizyon tarihine geçecek sahne! Uraz Kaygılaroğlu, diziden Bahçeli'ye mesaj gönderdi — haberler.com](https://haberler.com/magazin/uraz-kaygilaroglu-kendisini-oven-bahceli-ye-19581866-haberi)
      * [Bahçeli telefon açmıştı: Uraz Kaygılaroğlu'nun repliği gündem oldu! — bursahakimiyet.com.tr](https://bursahakimiyet.com.tr/gundem/bahceli-telefon-acmisti-uraz-kaygilaroglu-nun-repligi-gundem-oldu-1579187)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Finance Minister Şimşek faces criticism from AKP circles while defending economic policies and foreign investor interest" type="February 18–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Mehmet Şimşek özelleştirmelerde topu sonunda Erdoğan'a attı! — halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/mehmet-simsek-ozellestirmelerde-topu-sonunda-erdogana-atti-1009725h)
      * [Şimşek halka Mehmet Bey'i şikayet etti — sozcu.com.tr](https://sozcu.com.tr/simsek-halka-mehmet-bey-i-sikayet-etti-p295128)
      * [Bakan Şimşek yanıtladı. Vergiler artacak mı, iddialara yanıt verdi — ntv.com.tr](https://ntv.com.tr/ntvpara/bakan-simsek-spekulasyonlar-karsilik-bulmuyor-kkmden-basarili-cikis-sagladik-1712771)
      * [Yeni Şafak'tan ekonomi manifestosu! 'Mehmet Şimşek'i günah keçisi göstermenin zeminini hazırlıyorlar' — halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/ekonomi/yeni-safaktan-ekonomi-manifestosu-mehmet-simseki-gunah-kecisi-gostermenin-1009773h)
      * [Hazine ve Maliye Bakanı Şimşek: Yabancı yatırımda ilk defa bu kadar yoğun ilgi görüyorum — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/hazine-ve-maliye-bakani-simsek-yabanci-yatirimda-ilk-defa-bu-kadar-yogun-ilgi-goruyorum/3835667)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan represents Turkey at Gaza Peace Council in Washington" type="February 18–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Hakan Fidan'dan Gazze'ye asker gönderme açıklaması — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/hakan-fidan-dan-gazze-ye-asker-gonderme-aciklamasi-p295389)
      * [Hakan Fidan'dan Gazze mesajı: Türkiye asker göndermeye hazır — turkiyegazetesi.com.tr](https://turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/dunya/hakan-fidandan-gazze-mesaji-turkiye-asker-gondermeye-hazir-1771982)
      * [Hakan Fidan Barış Kurulu'na Erdoğan'ın vekili olarak katılacak — halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/hakan-fidan-baris-kuruluna-erdoganin-vekili-olarak-katilacak-1009289h)
      * [Fidan: Türkiye, Gazze'deki Uluslararası İstikrar Gücü'ne Asker Göndermeye Hazır — istiklal.com.tr](https://istiklal.com.tr/gundem/fidan-turkiye-gazzedeki-uluslararasi-istikrar-gucune-asker-gondermeye-hazir-1085070h)
      * [Dışişleri Bakanı Fidan, Washington'daki Gazze diplomasisini ve ABD-İran gerilimini değerlendirdi — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/disisleri-bakani-fidan-washingtondaki-gazze-diplomasisini-ve-abd-iran-gerilimini-degerlendirdi/3835221)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Turkey marks 74th anniversary of NATO membership with major role in alliance exercises" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [TCG Anadolu'dan kalktı hedefi 12'den vurdu! Bayraktar TB3 Baltık açıklarında şov yaptı — takvim.com.tr](https://www.takvim.com.tr/guncel/2026/02/15/tcg-anadoludan-kalkti-hedefi-12den-vurdu-bayraktar-tb3-baltik-aciklarinda-sov-yapti-almanyadaki-nato-tatbikatina-tsk-damgasi)
      * [Member for 74 years, Türkiye stands out in NATO with its contributions — dailysabah.com](https://dailysabah.com/politics/member-for-74-years-turkiye-stands-out-in-nato-with-its-contributions/news)
      * [Türkiye a staunch ally, valued contributor to shared security: NATO — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/en/world/turkiye-a-staunch-ally-valued-contributor-to-shared-security-nato/3833054)
      * [Türkiye, 74 yıldır üyesi olduğu NATO'da hem sağladığı katkılar hem de savunma sanayisiyle öne çıkıyor — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/turkiye-74-yildir-uyesi-oldugu-natoda-hem-sagladigi-katkilar-hem-de-savunma-sanayisiyle-one-cikiyor/3832355)
      * [NATO tatbikatına damga vuran ikili, milli yazılımla birbirine bağlandı — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/tr/bilim-teknoloji/nato-tatbikatina-damga-vuran-ikili-milli-yazilimla-birbirine-baglandi/3836987)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Erdoğan prank call incident on live TV creates stir — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/canli-yayinda-erdogan-baglaniyor-panigi-sunucular-ne-yapacagini-sasirdi-p295460)
      * [TCMB cancels operating licenses of three payment institutions — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/tcmb-3-odeme-kurulusunun-faaliyet-iznini-iptal-etti/3836491)
      * [UN officials thank Haluk Levent for Gaza aid fund support — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/birlesmis-milletler-den-haluk-levent-paylasimi-p295790)
      * [AKP MP decorates parliament office with Ramadan lights amid poor legislative record — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/tbmm-karnesi-sifir-0-cikti-ama-meclis-odasini-suslemeyi-unutmadi-p295323)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/sa.svg" alt="Saudi Arabia flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia bombed UAE-backed forces in Yemen this week and sent formal complaints to Abu Dhabi, escalating their rivalry from business disputes to military confrontation.

Mohammed bin Salman ordered airstrikes against Southern Transitional Council positions after UAE-backed forces moved into eastern Yemen in December. The crown prince sent a complaint letter to Tahnoon bin Zayed, the UAE's national security adviser, listing Saudi grievances over UAE activities in Sudan and Yemen. Saudi forces bombed a UAE weapons shipment in Mukalla port and provided air support to evict STC forces. Mr bin Salman called UAE military aid to the STC without Saudi approval a "red line."

Yet even as it clashed with its Gulf neighbour, Saudi Arabia reinforced ties with Washington. Prince Khalid bin Salman, the defence minister, awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal to retired General Michael Kurilla on King Salman's orders. The ceremony reflected Saudi-US military cooperation despite the kingdom's broader strategy of hedging between rival powers.

The kingdom also continued scaling back its grandiose economic plans. The Public Investment Fund transferred its \$3 billion stake in Take-Two Interactive to its gaming subsidiary, Savvy Games Group, as part of a broader shift toward established sectors. Saudi Arabia is cutting back grand projects to focus on manufacturing, mining and artificial intelligence — areas with clearer returns than the original Vision 2030 fantasies.

At home, the crown prince maintained his grip through routine governance. King Salman ordered more than 3 billion riyals in Ramadan aid on Mr bin Salman's recommendation, providing 1,000 riyals for household heads and 500 riyals for dependents. Fahad Al-Saif replaced Khalid Al-Falih as investment minister, bringing banking expertise to attract foreign investment toward the \$100 billion target by 2030.

<Accordion title="Minor stories">
  * King Salman orders SAR 3 billion Ramadan aid disbursement
  * Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day 2026 marking 300 years of statehood
  * Aramco expands partnerships with Microsoft on AI and global energy deals
  * NEOM scales back megaprojects amid funding realities
  * Saudi Foreign Minister conducts diplomatic meetings at Munich Security Conference
  * PIF continues major funding of LIV Golf reaching \$5.3 billion investment
  * King Salman Park first phase opening scheduled for late 2026
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **King Salman orders SAR 3 billion Ramadan aid disbursement** — King Salman directed the release of more than 3 billion riyals in Ramadan assistance to social security beneficiaries, following a recommendation from Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince. The aid includes 1,000 riyals for household heads and 500 riyals for dependents. *([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2633703/saudi-arabia))*
  * **Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day 2026 marking 300 years of statehood** — Saudi Arabia commemorated Founding Day on February 22, celebrating the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727. King Salman praised the nation's achievements, while the Cabinet reviewed preparations and Arab leaders sent congratulations. *([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2634025/saudi-arabia))*
  * **Aramco expands partnerships with Microsoft on AI and global energy deals** — Saudi Aramco signed agreements with Microsoft to advance industrial AI and digital talent development. Separately, Aramco's trading arm secured a 20-year liquefied natural gas deal with Houston-based Caturus and expressed interest in an \$11 billion Indian refinery project. *([technologyrecord.com](https://technologyrecord.com/article/aramco-and-microsoft-sign-mou-to-advance-industrial-ai))*
  * **NEOM scales back megaprojects amid funding realities** — Saudi Arabia's NEOM project is undergoing significant scaling back, with The Line city reduced in scope and the Trojena ski resort losing Olympic hosting rights. New partnerships like the \$5 billion DataVolt data centre project continue, but overall ambitions are being adjusted. *([computerweekly.com](https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639122/Neom-partners-with-DataVolt-on-5bn-hyperscale-datacentre-project-for-digital-infrastructure))*
  * **Saudi Foreign Minister conducts diplomatic meetings at Munich Security Conference** — Prince Faisal bin Farhan held meetings with US officials including the antisemitism envoy and senior adviser for Arab affairs at the Munich Security Conference. He also met with his Kazakh counterpart to deepen strategic partnerships. *([english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5240958-saudi-fm-meets-us-senior-advisor-syrian-counterpart-munich-security-conference))*
  * **PIF continues major funding of LIV Golf reaching \$5.3 billion investment** — Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund approved an additional \$267 million for LIV Golf, bringing total investment to \$5.3 billion with projections to exceed \$6 billion by year-end. Monthly spending averages \$100 million. *([golfweek.usatoday.com](https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/liv/2026/02/22/liv-golf-funding-tops-5-billion-dollars-new-capital-injection/88812853007/))*
  * **King Salman Park first phase opening scheduled for late 2026** — The massive 16.9-square-kilometre King Salman Park in Riyadh, being developed on the site of the former airport, is advancing toward its first phase opening in late 2026. The project includes the Royal Arts Complex and residential districts. *([archdaily.com](https://www.archdaily.com/1038859/king-salman-park-advances-toward-2026-opening-on-former-riyadh-airbase))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="King Salman orders SAR 3 billion Ramadan aid disbursement" type="February 19–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Saudi Arabia: King Salman orders disbursement of SAR3 billion in Ramadan aid for households — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-king-salman-orders-disbursement-of-sar3-billion-in-ramadan-aid-for-households/articleshow/128601965.cms)
      * [King Salman directs disbursement of more than SR3 billion in Ramadan aid — arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2633703/saudi-arabia)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day 2026 marking 300 years of statehood" type="February 18–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Saudi Arabia Founding Day 2026: KSA Cabinet reviews celebration, rejects Israeli land laws — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-founding-day-2026-ksa-cabinet-reviews-celebration-rejects-israeli-land-laws/articleshow/128544565.cms)
      * [Saudi Arabia Founding Day 2026: Date, history, significance and celebration of 300 years of statehood — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-founding-day-2026-date-history-significance-and-celebration-of-300-years-of-statehood/articleshow/128505240.cms)
      * [King Salman celebrates Saudi Arabia's security, prosperity on Founding Day — arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2634025/saudi-arabia)
      * [King Mohammed VI Extends Congratulations to Saudi Leadership on Founding Day — moroccoworldnews.com](https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/02/279779/king-mohammed-vi-extends-congratulations-to-saudi-leadership-on-founding-day/)
      * [Arab Leaders Congratulate Saudi Leadership on Founding Day — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5243523-arab-leaders-congratulate-saudi-leadership-founding-day)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi-UAE relations deteriorate amid regional policy disputes" type="February 17–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [The Growing Rift Between Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. — newyorker.com](https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-growing-rift-between-saudi-arabia-and-the-uae)
      * [The real story behind the Saudi–UAE rift — arabnews.com](https://arabnews.com/node/2633812)
      * [Saudi crown prince sends complaint letter to UAE over Yemen, Sudan — turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/saudi-crown-prince-sends-complaint-letter-to-uae-over-yemen-sudan-3214909)
      * [How Saudi Arabia plans to reshape the Middle East — middleeasteye.net](https://middleeasteye.net/opinion/what-was-behind-ahmed-altuwaijris-unprecedented-scolding-uae)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi PIF transfers \$3 billion Take-Two gaming stake to Savvy Games subsidiary" type="February 17–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Saudi's Public Investment Fund transfers stake in Take-Two Interactive — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/saudis-public-investment-fund-dissolves-stake-take-two-interactive-2026-02-17/)
      * [GTA 6 Momentum Builds: Saudi PIF Moves Take-Two Stake To Gaming Subsidiary Ahead Of 2026 Launch — benzinga.com](https://benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/26/02/50675198/gta-6-momentum-builds-saudi-pif-moves-take-two-stake-to-gaming-subsidiary-ahead-of-2026-launch)
      * [Saudi PIF Moves Take-Two Stakes to Savvy Games — respawn.outlookindia.com](https://respawn.outlookindia.com/gaming/gaming-news/saudi-pif-transfers-3b-take-two-stakes-to-savvy-games-group)
      * [Saudi Arabia PIF transfers stake in Take-Two (TTWO) to Savvy Games Group — shacknews.com](https://shacknews.com/article/147916/saudi-arabia-pif-take-two-ttwo-savvy-gaming-group-investment)
      * [Saudi Arabia's PIF transfers \$3bn Take-Two Stake to Savvy Games Group — pocketgamer.biz](https://www.pocketgamer.biz/saudi-arabias-pif-transfers-3bn-take-two-stake-to-savvy-games-group/)
      * [The Saudi PIF transferred its \$3 billion worth of Take-Two shares to Savvy Games Group — news.instant-gaming.com](https://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/18027-the-saudi-pif-transferred-its-3-billion-worth-of-take-two-shares-to-savvy-games-group)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Aramco expands partnerships with Microsoft on AI and global energy deals" type="February 16–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Aramco and Microsoft sign MoU to advance industrial AI — technologyrecord.com](https://technologyrecord.com/article/aramco-and-microsoft-sign-mou-to-advance-industrial-ai)
      * [Aramco and Microsoft partner to accelerate industrial AI and digital talent in Saudi Arabia — healthandsafetyinternational.com](https://healthandsafetyinternational.com/article/1948823/aramco-microsoft-partner-accelerate-industrial-ai-digital-talent-saudi-arabia)
      * [Houston-based company signs 20-year agreement with world's largest oil company — khou.com](https://khou.com/article/money/business/houston-business-journal/caturus-natural-gas-offtake-agreement-aramco/285-e494cb02-cc0b-43f3-9ff4-6b153e9b80e5)
      * [Saudi Aramco 'interested' in \$11bn Indian refinery — agbi.com](https://agbi.com/oil-and-gas/2026/02/saudi-aramco-interested-in-11bn-indian-refinery)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="NEOM scales back megaprojects amid funding realities" type="February 17–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Neom partners with DataVolt on \$5bn hyperscale datacentre project for digital infrastructure — computerweekly.com](https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639122/Neom-partners-with-DataVolt-on-5bn-hyperscale-datacentre-project-for-digital-infrastructure)
      * [FEATURE: How the Saudi slowdown became a BIG issue — architectsjournal.co.uk](https://architectsjournal.co.uk/news/saudi-slowdown-becomes-a-big-issue)
      * [Satellite images reveal what's really happening at NEOM — neom.directory](https://neom.directory/neom-news/satellite-images-reveal-what-s-really-happening-at-neom)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi Foreign Minister conducts diplomatic meetings at Munich Security Conference" type="February 15–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Saudi FM Meets US Senior Advisor, Syrian Counterpart at Munich Security Conference — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5240958-saudi-fm-meets-us-senior-advisor-syrian-counterpart-munich-security-conference)
      * [Saudi FM, US antisemitism envoy meet in Munich — worldisraelnews.com](https://worldisraelnews.com/saudi-fm-us-antisemitism-envoy-meet-in-munich/)
      * [Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia Deepen Strategic Partnership During Official Visit to Riyadh — astanatimes.com](https://astanatimes.com/2026/02/kazakhstan-saudi-arabia-deepen-strategic-partnership-during-official-visit-to-riyadh/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi defense minister honors former US CENTCOM commander" type="February 18–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Saudi Arabia honors former CENTCOM commander with King Abdulaziz Medal — arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2633725/saudi-arabia)
      * [World Defense Show 2026 Concludes with Record International Participation, Advancing Saudi Vision 2030 — asianmilitaryreview.com](https://asianmilitaryreview.com/2026/02/world-defense-show-2026-concludes-with-record-international-participation-advancing-saudi-vision-2030)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="PIF continues major funding of LIV Golf reaching \$5.3 billion investment" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [LIV Golf's Saudi PIF investment reaches \$5.3 billion — golfweek.usatoday.com](https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/liv/2026/02/22/liv-golf-funding-tops-5-billion-dollars-new-capital-injection/88812853007/)
      * [PIF approves \$267 million of fresh capital for LIV Golf — moneyinsport.substack.com](https://moneyinsport.substack.com/p/pif-approves-267-million-of-fresh)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Salman Park first phase opening scheduled for late 2026" type="February 18–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [King Salman Park Advances Toward 2026 Opening on Former Riyadh Airbase — archdaily.com](https://www.archdaily.com/1038859/king-salman-park-advances-toward-2026-opening-on-former-riyadh-airbase)
      * [First Phase of Riyadh's King Salman Park to Open in 2026 — parametric-architecture.com](https://parametric-architecture.com/riyadh-king-salman-park-open-in-2026/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Vision 2030 projects undergo strategic scaling and prioritization" type="February 16–17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Back to reality: Why Saudi Arabia is downsizing its Vision 2030 plans — monocle.com](https://monocle.com/affairs/saudia-arabia-downsizing-vision-2030)
      * [Constraint and Competition: Saudi Arabia's Regional Policy in a Shifting Middle East — arabcenterdc.org](https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/constraint-and-competition-saudi-arabias-regional-policy-in-a-shifting-middle-east)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Crown Prince performs prayers at Prophet's Mosque in Madinah during Ramadan — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5242801-saudi-crown-prince-performs-prayers-prophets-mosque-madinah%C2%A0)
      * [Sheikh Saleh Al-Maghamsi appointed as new Imam of Prophet's Mosque — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/who-is-sheikh-saleh-al-maghamsi-saudi-religious-leader-appointed-imam-of-prophets-mosque/articleshow/128669266.cms)
      * [Saudi Arabia appoints Fahad Al-Saif as new investment minister — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-16/banker-who-helped-lead-saudi-debt-boom-will-now-drive-fdi-push)
      * [Saudi Arabia plans to acquire submarines for naval capabilities — tacticalreport.com](https://www.tacticalreport.com/in-depth/64262-saudi-plans-to-acquire-submarines-options-status-and-officials-involved)
      * [King Salman travels from Riyadh to Jeddah — saudigazette.com.sa](https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/658998/saudi-arabia/king-salman-arrives-in-jeddah-from-riyadh)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/ae.svg" alt="United Arab Emirates flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> United Arab Emirates

Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had to appear in public with an American senator this week to deny rumours that he was ill.

Speculation about the UAE president appeared in 28 news sources after the Turkish president and Greek prime minister cancelled visits. Lindsey Graham's response — the senator called the rumours "false narratives" and said the UAE president was "alive, well and as sharp as I've ever seen him" — revealed how sensitive Abu Dhabi has become to questions about leadership continuity.

Even as it managed this crisis, the UAE deployed the oil wealth that fuels its global strategy. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's six listed companies posted record results: \$51.8bn in revenue, \$16.7bn in earnings, and \$9.7bn in profit. That performance bankrolled expansion across technology and finance.

Abu Dhabi's Mubadala increased its Bitcoin holdings by 46%, adding \$630m through BlackRock's Bitcoin exchange-traded fund. Combined with other UAE funds, total exposure exceeded \$1bn. The country also committed to an 8-exaflop AI supercomputer in India — a project by G42, the UAE technology firm, that will serve India's national AI mission under Indian governance, addressing sovereignty concerns while expanding UAE technological influence.

Regional tensions sharpened. A senior adviser to Mr Mohammed bin Zayed criticised Wahhabism, the Saudi religious doctrine — an escalation from proxy competition in Yemen and Sudan to ideological confrontation. But the UAE kept its American partnership intact. Abdullah bin Zayed, the foreign minister, met Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, and Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, on Board of Peace initiatives and crisis management in Gaza and Sudan.

The week also brought new security challenges. Officials said they had thwarted AI-enhanced cyber-attacks on vital infrastructure, warning of a "qualitative shift" in terrorist methods.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Abdullah bin Zayed conducts diplomatic tour meeting US and regional counterparts** — Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAE foreign minister, held meetings with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, and various regional foreign ministers. The meetings focused on Board of Peace initiatives, strategic cooperation, and regional developments. *([state.gov](https://state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/secretary-rubios-meeting-with-uae-deputy-prime-minister-and-foreign-minister-sheikh-abdullah-bin-zayed-al-nahyan-2))*
  * **UAE Central Bank issues AI framework for financial sector** — The Central Bank of the UAE published guidance on responsible AI adoption for financial institutions, emphasising consumer protection and ethical use. The bank also approved new stablecoin regulations and signed memorandums of understanding to enhance financial supervision. *([economymiddleeast.com](https://economymiddleeast.com/news/uae-central-bank-establishes-framework-for-responsible-use-of-ai-in-the-financial-sector/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="MBZ health rumors spark international concern before public appearance with US senator" type="February 16–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (27)">
      * [After health rumours, UAE President MBZ seen meeting with US lawmaker — aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/18/after-health-rumours-uae-president-mbz-seen-meeting-with-us-lawmaker)
      * [UAE president met US senator Graham in Abu Dhabi — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/uae-president-met-us-senator-graham-abu-dhabi-2026-02-18)
      * [UAE's MBZ appears with Lindsey Graham, dismissing health rumors — al-monitor.com](https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/uaes-mbz-appears-lindsey-graham-dismissing-health-rumors)
      * [Erdogan postpones UAE visit over Al Nahyan's health — tribune.com.pk](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2593032/erdogan-postpones-uae-visit-over-al-nahyans-health)
      * [Mystery deepens over MBZ's health as foreign visits get abruptly cancelled — hindustantimes.com](https://hindustantimes.com/videos/world-news/mystery-deepens-over-mbz-s-health-as-foreign-visits-get-abruptly-cancelled-uae-101771390335664.html)
      * [Mohamed bin Zayed makes first appearance after health rumors — albawaba.com](https://albawaba.com/news/mohamed-bin-zayed-makes-first-appearance-1622481)
      * [MBZ Health Rumors Debunked: UAE Stability Assured — theasianaffairs.com](https://theasianaffairs.com/mbz-health-rumors-uae-stability)
      * [UAE President MBZ Death Rumors Spark Concern — news.imudconnections.net](https://news.imudconnections.net/uae-president-mbz-death-rumors-unconfirmed/)
      * [MBZ welcomes US Senator Lindsey Graham to Abu Dhabi — europeantimes.news](https://europeantimes.news/2026/02/mbz-welcomes-us-senator-lindsey-graham-to-abu-dhabi-strategic-dialogue-and-the-international-role-of-the-emirates/)
      * [Warhawk US senator meets UAE leader as Trump builds 'armada' in region — rt.com](https://www.rt.com/news/632748-graham-meets-mbz-as-us-armada-builds-middle-east/)
      * [Lindsey Graham meets MBZ as US 'armada' builds in Middle East — azerbaycan24.com](https://www.azerbaycan24.com/en/lindsey-graham-meets-mbz-as-us-armada-builds-in-middle-east/)
      * [Senator Lindsey Graham visits UAE President — jpost.com](https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-887119)
      * [Quién es 'MBZ', el heredero que no estaba destinado a gobernar — lanacion.com.ar](https://www.lanacion.com.ar/lifestyle/quien-es-mbz-el-heredero-que-no-estaba-destinado-a-gobernar-y-hoy-lidera-una-de-las-naciones-mas-nid18022026/)
      * [UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Meets US Senator Lindsey Graham — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/uae-president-receives-us-senator-lindsey-graham-1.500447580)
      * [UAE President receives US Senator Lindsey Graham — zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/gcc/uae-president-receives-us-senator-lindsey-graham-vjnq84fv)
      * [UAE president seen in meeting with US senator after rumors spread over health issues — timesofisrael.com](https://timesofisrael.com/uae-president-seen-in-meeting-with-us-senator-after-rumors-spread-over-health-issues)
      * [UAE president reemerges in video with US senator after rumours about health — dawn.com](https://dawn.com/news/1974182/uae-president-reemerges-in-video-with-us-senator-after-rumours-about-health)
      * [UAE president met U.S. senator Lindsay Graham in Abu Dhabi after health concerns — nbcnews.com](https://nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/uae-president-met-us-senator-graham-abu-dhabi-health-concerns-rcna259547)
      * [Abu Dhabi Ruler bin Zayed meets US senator amid health speculation — turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/abu-dhabi-ruler-bin-zayed-meets-us-senator-amid-health-speculation-3214761)
      * [UAE president met US senator Graham in Abu Dhabi — thestar.com.my](https://thestar.com.my/news/world/2026/02/18/uae-president-met-us-senator-graham-in-abu-dhabi)
      * [BREAKING: UAE leader Bin Zayed hospitalized — newsrael.com](https://newsrael.com/posts/31f6r4yqjan)
      * [Erdogan sparks alarm in UAE with statement on Emir's health — israelhayom.com](https://israelhayom.com/2026/02/17/erdogan-sparks-alarm-in-uae-with-statement-on-emirs-health)
      * [Game of Thrones in the Middle East: Dangerous rumors swirl around the UAE president — news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/02/20/2085806.html)
      * [Where Is President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan? — newsx.com](https://www.newsx.com/world/where-is-president-mohamed-bin-zayed-al-nahyan-turkish-president-erdogan-greek-pm-cancel-uae-trips-amid-wild-rumors-conspiracy-theories-health-coup-death-tahnoun-bin-zayed-168190/)
      * [Mohammed Ben Zayed, président émirati, réapparaît après des rumeurs sur son état de santé — lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/02/18/mohammed-ben-zayed-president-emirati-reapparait-apres-des-rumeurs-sur-son-etat-de-sante_6667263_3210.html)
      * [UAE denies rumors about President Mohamed bin Zayed death — mansoorqureshi.pk](https://mansoorqureshi.pk/uae-denies-president-mohamed-bin-zayed-death/)
      * ['UAE did everything we asked for and more': Netanyahu praises Israeli–Emirati ties — thecradle.co](https://thecradle.co/articles-id/36012)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Growing Saudi-UAE rift emerges over regional policies and religious ideology" type="February 15–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [MbZ 'adviser' attacks Wahhabism as Saudi-UAE rift deepens — newarab.com](https://newarab.com/news/mbz-adviser-attacks-wahhabism-saudi-uae-rift-deepens)
      * [The Growing Rift Between Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. — newyorker.com](https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-growing-rift-between-saudi-arabia-and-the-uae)
      * [The real story behind the Saudi–UAE rift — arabnews.com](https://arabnews.com/node/2633812)
      * [Saudi Arabia vs UAE: The Power Struggle Reshaping the Middle East — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-vs-uae-inside-the-rift-shaking-the-gulf/articleshow/128546705.cms)
      * [African Union summit clouded by Saudi-UAE rivalry in Horn of Africa — tbsnews.net](https://tbsnews.net/worldbiz/africa/african-union-summit-clouded-saudi-uae-rivalry-horn-africa-1362041)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Abdullah bin Zayed conducts diplomatic tour meeting US and regional counterparts" type="February 15–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Secretary Rubio's Meeting with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan — state.gov](https://state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/secretary-rubios-meeting-with-uae-deputy-prime-minister-and-foreign-minister-sheikh-abdullah-bin-zayed-al-nahyan-2)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed meets US Treasury Secretary in Washington — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/20/UAE-US-Treasury-Secretary)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed, Rubio discuss strategic ties, regional situation in Washington — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2026/2/20/uae-rubio-regional-situation-washington)
      * [Joint statement by Foreign Ministers of UAE, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/17/UAE-Joint-statement)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed, New Zealand FM discuss strengthening cooperation, partnership ties — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/19/bin-zayed-New-Zealand)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed, UK Foreign Secretary discuss relations — mofa.gov.ae](https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/19/19-2-2026-UAE-United-Kingdom)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed, Egyptian FM discuss fraternal ties, regional developments — news.webindia123.com](https://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/World/20260215/4416625.html)
      * [Joint Statement by Islamic and Arab countries and organizations condemning the remarks of the U.S. ambassador — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/22/UAE-Arab-countries-US)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="ADNOC reports record 2025 financial results across subsidiaries" type="February 15–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [ADNOC companies announce record 2025 results — oilreviewmiddleeast.com](https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/industry/adnoc-companies-announce-record-2025-results)
      * [Adnoc's listed companies post combined \$9.7bn in net profit — thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2026/02/15/adnocs-listed-companies-post-aggregate-97bn-in-net-profit/)
      * [ADNOC Group's listed companies report \$51.8bln in revenues for 2025 — zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/capital-markets/equities/adnoc-groups-listed-companies-report-518bln-in-revenues-for-2025-vqiqrwjs)
      * [ADNOC Drilling Eyes Market Expansion in Oman and Kuwait with Tech-Driven Growth — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/business/energy/adnoc-drilling-targets-market-share-gains-in-oman-and-kuwait-1.500442423)
      * [ADNOC Gas Processing Plants: Powering UAE Energy 2026 — farmonaut.com](https://farmonaut.com/mining/adnoc-gas-processing-plants-powering-uae-energy-2026)
      * [RAISE Summit 2026 Spotlights AI–Energy Convergence With ADNOC Technology Leader — tipranks.com](https://www.tipranks.com/news/private-companies/raise-summit-2026-spotlights-ai-energy-convergence-with-adnoc-technology-leader-2)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mubadala increases Bitcoin ETF holdings to over \$630 million" type="February 17–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Abu Dhabi Funds' Bitcoin ETF Bets Top \$1 Billion as Crypto Prices Slide — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-18/abu-dhabi-funds-add-to-bitcoin-bets-despite-crypto-rout)
      * [Bitcoin (BTC) 13F news: Mubadala Investment Company and Al Warda boosted IBIT stakes in Q4 — coindesk.com](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/17/abu-dhabi-funds-bought-the-bitcoin-dip-as-they-increased-exposure-to-blackrock-s-ibit)
      * [Abu Dhabi Funds Boosted BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Exposure to \$1 Billion by End of 2025: Filings — finance.yahoo.com](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/abu-dhabi-funds-boosted-blackrock-211246221.html)
      * [Abu Dhabi, Jane Street Buy Billions In Bitcoin ETFs — bitcoinmagazine.com](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/news/abu-dhabis-boosts-bitcoin-holdings-to-630)
      * [Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund boosts Bitcoin ETF stake by 46% — cryptobriefing.com](https://cryptobriefing.com/mubadala-bitcoin-investment-increase/)
      * [Abu Dhabi funds held over \$1 billion of BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF at end of last year — theblock.co](https://theblock.co/post/390218/abu-dhabi-held-over-1-billion-of-blackrocks-bitcoin-etf-at-end-of-last-year)
      * [Abu Dhabi's Mubadala boosts Bitcoin holdings amid crypto slump — investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/abu-dhabis-mubadala-boosts-bitcoin-holdings-amid-crypto-slump-4511145)
      * [Abu Dhabi's Mubadala wealth fund reports \$630.6M stake in BlackRock's spot Bitcoin ETF — cryptopolitan.com](https://www.cryptopolitan.com/abu-dhabi-stake-in-blackrock-bitcoin-etf/)
      * [Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Adds \$630M to BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF Portfolio — coincentral.com](https://coincentral.com/abu-dhabis-mubadala-adds-630m-to-blackrocks-bitcoin-etf-portfolio/)
      * [Jane Street and Abu Dhabi Wealth Fund Mubadala Increase Holdings In BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF — coingape.com](https://coingape.com/jane-street-and-abu-dhabi-wealth-fund-mubadala-increase-holdings-in-blackrocks-bitcoin-etf)
      * [Bitcoin Price Prediction: Abu Dhabi Gov Funds Buy \$1 Billion in BTC – What Do They Know? — cryptonews.com](https://cryptonews.com/news/bitcoin-price-prediction-abu-dhabi-gov-funds-buy-1-billion-in-btc-what-do-they-know)
      * [UAE Royal Group's Bitcoin Mining Activity Brings Them 6,782 BTC So Far — cryptotimes.io](https://cryptotimes.io/2026/02/19/uae-royal-groups-bitcoin-mining-activity-brings-them-6782-btc-so-far)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="G42 partners with Cerebras to build 8-exaflop AI supercomputer in India" type="February 20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [Abu Dhabi's G42 and MBZUAI join US firm Cerebras to build AI supercomputer in India — thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/future/technology/2026/02/20/abu-dhabis-g42-and-mbzuai-join-us-firm-cerebras-to-build-india-ai-supercomputer/)
      * [G42 Joins Forces with Credo AI To Advance Responsible AI Adoption Across Global South — businesswire.com](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260220104426/en/G42-Joins-Forces-with-Credo-AI-To-Advance-Responsible-AI-Adoption-Across-Global-South)
      * [G42 And Cerebras Deploy 8 Exaflops In India — findarticles.com](https://www.findarticles.com/g42-and-cerebras-deploy-8-exaflops-in-india/)
      * [Cerebras plans UAE-backed AI supercomputer in India — theregister.com](https://www.theregister.com/2026/02/20/india_ai_supercomputer_cerebras_uae/)
      * [G42, MBZUAI and Cerebras partner with C-DAC to establish AI supercomputer in India — marketscreener.com](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/g42-mbzuai-and-cerebras-partner-with-c-dac-to-establish-ai-supercomputer-in-india-ad-media-offic-ce7e5ddddb8df42d)
      * [G42, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and Cerebras partner with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing to establish AI supercomputer in India — mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/technology/g42-mohamed-bin-zayed-university-of-artificial-intelligence-and-cerebras-partner-with-centre-for-development-of-advanced-computing-to-establish-ai-supercomputer-in-india/)
      * [Sovereign AI Infrastructure: G42 and Cerebras Launch Monumental 8 Exaflops Supercomputer in India — bitcoinworld.co.in](https://bitcoinworld.co.in/g42-cerebras-india-ai-supercomputer)
      * [G42, Cerebras to deploy 8 exaflop AI supercomputer in India to boost sovereign AI — businesstoday.in](https://businesstoday.in/technology/story/g42-cerebras-to-deploy-8-exaflop-ai-supercomputer-in-india-to-boost-sovereign-ai-517183-2026-02-20)
      * [UAE's G42 To Build 8 Exoflop AI Supercomputer In India — inc42.com](https://inc42.com/buzz/uaes-g42-to-build-8-exoflop-ai-supercomputer-in-india/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="UAE Central Bank issues AI framework for financial sector" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [UAE central bank establishes framework for responsible use of AI in the financial sector — economymiddleeast.com](https://economymiddleeast.com/news/uae-central-bank-establishes-framework-for-responsible-use-of-ai-in-the-financial-sector/)
      * [CBUAE approves UAE dirham stablecoin DDSC launch on ADI Chain — thepaypers.com](https://thepaypers.com/crypto-web3-and-cbdc/news/cbuae-approves-uae-dirham-backed-stablecoin-ddsc-launch-on-adi-chain)
      * [UAE Payment Service Provider Regulation: CBUAE RPSCS Licensing, Capital And Compliance — mondaq.com](https://www.mondaq.com/financial-services/1747336/uae-payment-service-provider-regulation-cbuae-rpscs-licensing-capital-and-compliance)
      * [UAE's stablecoin push shifts from pilots to point‑of‑sale as CBUAE rulebook takes hold — khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/uaes-stablecoin-push-shifts-from-pilots-to-pointofsale-as-cbuae-rulebook-takes-hold)
      * [CBUAE, UAE Internal Auditors Association sign MoU for better financial supervision — zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/business/banking-and-insurance/cbuae-uae-internal-auditors-association-sign-mou-for-better-financial-supervision-vzabwhzo)
      * [ZAWYA-PRESSR: CBUAE and UAE Internal Auditors Association sign MoU to enhance financial supervision and governance — tradingview.com](https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2026-02-19:newsml_Zaw6N748d:0-zawya-pressr-cbuae-and-uae-internal-auditors-association-sign-mou-to-enhance-financial-supervision-and-governance/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="UAE reports foiling AI-backed cyberattacks on vital sectors" type="February 21–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [UAE foils cyber attacks, state news agency says — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/uae-foils-cyber-attacks-state-news-agency-says-2026-02-21)
      * [UAE Says It Foiled a Wave of Cyberattacks on Vital Sectors — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-22/uae-says-it-foiled-a-wave-of-cyberattacks-on-vital-sectors)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Mubadala faces \$700 million lawsuit from Getir founders over asset transfer dispute — ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/64729378-9a91-4c4f-bd4c-f51fd9b78b1f)
      * [Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque announces Ramadan 2026 programming — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/ramadan/sheikh-zayed-grand-mosque-in-abu-dhabi-enhances-ramadan-experience-1.500448802)
      * [Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed visits India for AI Impact Summit — mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/crown-prince-news/crown-prince-of-abu-dhabi-concludes-visit-to-india/)
      * [Mansour bin Zayed reviews future labor system plans during ministry visit — emirates247.com](https://emirates247.com/uae/mansour-bin-zayed-reviews-future-labour-system-plans-during-mohre-visit-2026-02-18-1.744158)
      * [Sheikh Zayed Book Award announces 20th edition shortlist — publishingperspectives.com](https://publishingperspectives.com/2026/02/shortlists-announced-for-20th-edition-of-the-sheikh-zayed-book-award)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>