UAE condemns Houthi attacks as Saudi Arabia intercepts missile near Medina

Regional tensions escalated on Thursday, 15 October, as Saudi Arabia intercepted a cruise missile targeting the Medina region, prompting the UAE to issue a strong condemnation of the Houthi-led attacks. The Saudi-led military coalition confirmed the destruction of the missile in a statement on X by spokesman Turki Al-Malki, though Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree subsequently denied involvement, calling the Saudi claims a "brazen lie." UAE expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a message of condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud following separate attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that resulted in multiple casualties. Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), affirmed the UAE’s full solidarity with the Kingdom, describing the Houthi operations against civilian and economic facilities as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. EU-GCC summit postponed amid conflict The intensifying conflict has forced a shift in diplomatic schedules. The European Council announced on Thursday that the second summit between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, originally scheduled for 24 October 2026 in Riyadh, has been postponed. Brussels stated that a new date will be announced in due course as the region grapples with the fallout of the war that began in late February. IMF warns of economic contraction The International Monetary Fund…