Entertainment
UAE reviewing multilateral ties after Opec exit but rules out more departures, says official
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates is reassessing its role and contributions across multilateral organisations but is not considering any further withdrawals at this time, a UAE official told Reuters on Wednesday, a day after Abu Dhabi announced its withdrawal from Opec.
The Emirati official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the country is reviewing the utility of its membership in multilateral organisations broadly.
The statement comes amid intense speculation that Abu Dhabi could exit other regional bodies, including the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), following its surprise decision to leave the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Opec+ effective May 1.
The comments add to a broader reassessment of alliances underway in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Iran war, with the GCC facing some criticism for what Abu Dhabi has called an inadequate response to the conflict.
“It is true that, logistically, the GCC countries supported each other, but politically and militarily, I think their position was the weakest in history,” senior UAE official Anwar Gargash told a conference in the UAE on Monday.
“I expected such a weak position from the Arab League, and I am not surprised by it, but I have not expected it from the GCC, and I am surprised by it.”
Gargash had earlier signalled that the UAE would “scrutinise” its regional and international relations to “determine who can be relied upon”, pairing that review with measures to strengthen the UAE’s economic and financial position.
“Strategic autonomy remains the UAE’s enduring choice,” Gargash has said.
The UAE is a regional business and financial hub and one of Washington’s most important allies. It has pursued an assertive foreign policy and carved out its own sphere of influence across the Middle East and Africa.
Entertainment
Taylor Swift reveals favourite part of working with pal Jack Antonoff
Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff’s friendship is well and thriving – despite the speculations about an alleged feud when they did not work on her latest release, The Life of a Showgirl together.
The 36-year-old pop superstar mentioned the Bleachers frontman, 42, as one of her best friends in a new interview, and shared her favourite detail about them working together.
“Jack Antonoff is a collaborator of mine and one of my best friends,” the Anti-Hero hitmaker told the New York Times.
Swift continued, “We established this thing that we love to do, and we call it the rant bridge. It’s basically like stream of consciousness, endless pouring-out of emotion, intrusive thoughts, blended with metaphor, with discussion, with shouting.”
The 14-time-Grammy winner then explained how they come up with the “rant bridge,” saying, “You want this rant bridge to feel the most intense of what that feeling is that you’re trying to establish over the course of the song, and you want it to be kind of a crescendo.”
Swift’s most prominent examples for her rant bridges, as she named, are Out of the Woods, Cruel Summer and Is It Over Now?
The duo have been working together for years, with over ten albums they have collaborated on, and despite working with separate musicians last year, their friendship remains untainted.
Entertainment
Prince William, Kate Middleton anniversary picture includes surprise guests
Prince William and Princess Kate delighted their well-wishers by including two special members of the Wales team.
April 29 is the day when William and Catherine exchanged vows. Today, the powerful royal couple is celebrating 15 years of their beautiful chapter, their marriage.
Kensington Palace released an adorable photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales to celebrate a significant milestone. The image also included their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
But it is not the only highlight of the Waleses’ new post. The future King and Queen added their dogs, beloved cocker spaniel Orla and another unnamed dog was there.
William and Kate’s team penned alongside the new image, “Celebrating 15 years of marriage.”
One fan wrote in the comments section, “Congratulations and wishing you many years of happiness!”
“O, my God! This photo is perfection!” another social media user expressed excitement.
Entertainment
Wales rugby star George North drops major career update that shocks fans
Wales rugby icon George North has shared a major career update that has left fans shocked.
The 34-year-old North drops the bombshell announcement in a video message on X (formerly Twitter) on April 29, 2026.
Wales star North announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) North said, “Hi guys, I just want to come on here and let you know at the end of the season I’ll be retiring.”
George then went on to explain his retirement decision: “For me, it’s the right time. I’ve been able to live out my childhood dream for many seasons playing with some of the best players, coaches and the staff behind.”
George North started his career with Scarlets and joined Northampton Saints in 2013, where he was instrumental in winning the Premiership.
The wing-turned-center switched to Ospreys in 2018, where he stayed for five years before moving to French side Provence.
Reflecting on his rugby career, North added, “I can’t thank my family, my friends and you guys enough for the support you’ve shown me over the years. Honestly it’s meant the world to me.”
While hinting at life’s next move, he said, “The next chapter? Still working on that one, but I’m excited to see where that journey takes me.
“So again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Diolch.”
North won 121 caps and scored 47 tries for his country, as well as helping Wales win the Six Nations and two Grand Slams.
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