Houthis condemned for Makkah attack and rising ransomware activity in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia has warned that the security of Makkah is a red line after the kingdom's air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of the holy city. The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation condemned the attack, stating it breached the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and threatened civilians. In Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara discussed plans to deepen economic ties between their countries. Meanwhile, an investigation by The National has found that one of Lebanon’s biggest fuel scandals can be traced to sanctioned Russian oil associated with a shadow maritime network. Researchers report that ransomware activity is rising sharply across the Middle East, with criminal groups increasingly targeting businesses and infrastructure in the Gulf. Additionally, Abu Dhabi is planning a direct transport link between its main Etihad Rail station and Zayed International Airport.