Radio Shoma

Etihad Rail has announced that introductory operational phase of passenger rail services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will begin on June 30, cutting the journey time to just 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed maintenance and rehabilitation works on 17 kilometres of asphalt roads across nine streets and six areas of the emirate.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, conveying his condolences following the factory incident in the Ras Laffan industrial zone.

Lebanon and Israel began a new round of talks on Tuesday in Washington, with Beirut determined to press ahead with direct negotiations even as they appear to be overshadowed by Iran's decision to make Lebanon part of its talks with the US.

A delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban met on Tuesday with EU officials in Brussels for the first time.

The United States waived sanctions on Iran for 60 days from Monday after the first talks under a nascent peace deal, with US President Donald Trump saying he will "do what I have to do" if Iran does not stick to its side of the agreement.