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The UAE held an inaugural strategic dialogue with the United States on 20 October, led by foreign affairs and international co-operation minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and US secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa travelled to Mecca in early April for talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and also sat in on MBS’ meeting with the visiting Pakistani prime minister.

Ajman Ruler Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi launched the Ajman Principles document in early March, covering areas such as sustainability, inclusivity, accountability and government agility.

Output at the three-field Belbazem block is due to ramp up to 45,000 b/d, helping Abu Dhabi National Oil Company on its wat to reaching its target of 5m b/d production capacity by 2027.

The UAE president's younger brother Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed is furthering Abu Dhabi's media – and soft power – reach with investments in new digital outlets, adding to his extensive portfolio of business interests and public appointments.

Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (MBZ) is the eldest of the Bani Fatima, the six sons of Fatima Bint Mubarak Al-Kitbi, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan’s most prominent wife. It has long been a formidable group, and MBZ’s succession would seem to seal its rise. The other five full brothers are all in positions of considerable power, both in the political establishment, and also within the small group of powerful companies which dominate the economy. They are: Hamdan Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. Born in 1963, Hamdan Bin Zayed has been the ruler’s representative in the Western Region since 2009.

The recent flurry of senior appointments by Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, including the naming of his brother Sheikh Mansour as federal vice president, highlights the extent to which Abu Dhabi controls all the main levers of power in the UAE – and its competition with Dubai for commercial, as well as political, dominance.

Politics: Established in 1971, the federation of seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al-Quwain is economically liberal and progressive, but remains politically conservative. Ultimate control is held by the emirate rulers, led by oil-rich, politically savvy Abu Dhabi and regional/global commercial hub Dubai. The federal government has legislative and executive jurisdiction over sectors including foreign affairs, security, defence, education, health, currency, electricity and immigration. Each emirate retains considerable economic independence and control over mineral rights and revenues.

Considerable speculation persists about the government reshuffle announced by federal Prime Minister and Vice President, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (MBR) on 11 May.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE Armed Forces deputy supreme commander Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (MBZ) arrived in Ankara on 24 November. His official visit signalled a formal end to a discordant bilateral relationship over recent years.

Alpha Dhabi Holding (ADH), which is linked to national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (TBZ), has been increasing its investments in local property developers with at least three big deals in the last few weeks.

Seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp were killed when missiles levelled the consular office next to Iran’s embassy in the Syrian capital. While other IRGC officers have been killed by Israeli strikes in Syria in recent months, this attack appears the most serious yet.

Iranians have been asked to come out in force to vote in elections to the Majlis-e Shura-ye Eslami (parliament) and Majlis-e Khobregân-e Rahbari (Assembly of Experts) on 1 March.

Born in 1973 to President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan’s wife Sheikha Mozah Bint Suhail Bin Awaidha Al-Khaili, Sheikh Omar Bin Zayed is one of the lower-profile members of the Bin Zayed brothers.

Sheikh Theyab Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan was born in 1971 to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan’s wife Sheikha Aisha Bint Ali Al-Darmarki (of the Dhawahir tribe).