AGP Executive Report

Yemen Conflict: UN envoy Hans Grundberg warns the country has returned to “full-scale war,” with at least 46 civilians killed and more than 130 injured since August. Renewed attacks on airports and shipping threaten civilians and vital trade routes. Maritime Security: Reports of mine-clearing in Bab al-Mandeb and a possible Houthi presence in Somalia raise concerns about risks to shipping and the spread of drone expertise; the Somalia claims remain unconfirmed. Digital Learning: Research on Yemeni students finds they are more likely to use ChatGPT when it fits their academic tasks, suggesting practical classroom needs shape adoption. Health Research: A case report documents a rare, very severe form of aplastic anemia after hepatitis A in a 24-year-old Yemeni woman, adding clinical insight into the uncommon complication.

Conflict Alert: The UN envoy says Yemen has returned to “full-scale war,” with civilians bearing the brunt of escalating violence. Digital Infrastructure: Red Sea conflict is pushing cloud giants to seek alternate internet routes, spotlighting risks to subsea links near Yemen. AI in Education: A study finds Yemeni students are more willing to use ChatGPT when it fits their academic tasks. Local Medical Research: Studies in Sana’a examine scleral-lens practice and dental professionals’ approaches to jaw disorders. Mine Safety: The Masam project is clearing mines and unexploded ordnance to help communities safely reach homes and farmland.

Digital Connectivity: Conflict in the Red Sea is pushing cloud providers to seek new routes for internet traffic, underscoring the vulnerability of the cables and links that connect Yemen to global networks. Health Research: A study from a tertiary eye center in Sana’a examines challenges in scleral-lens care, adding local insight into specialist eye treatment. AI in Education: Yemeni students are more willing to use ChatGPT when it fits their academic tasks, pointing to a practical, selective approach to AI in learning. Hospital Infrastructure: Yemeni hospitals continue to struggle with power outages, a constraint on reliable care and the use of medical technology.

AI in Yemeni Classrooms: A study finds Yemeni students are more likely to use ChatGPT when it suits their academic tasks, suggesting practical uses are shaping adoption. Medical Research: Studies from Sana’a examine scleral lens care at a tertiary eye centre and dental professionals’ knowledge of treatments for jaw disorders. Digital Infrastructure: Red Sea conflict is pushing cloud companies to seek alternate internet routes, highlighting the risks to regional connectivity. Drone Technology: Reporting on Yemen’s conflict describes both sides using increasingly accessible attack drones, as Houthi footage showcases missiles the group says it manufactures locally. Health Technology: Yemeni hospitals continue to struggle with power outages, a basic infrastructure problem that can limit medical services.

Drone Technology: Cheap attack drones are now in use by rival forces in Yemen, marking a shift from systems once dominated by powerful militaries to weapons accessible to armed groups. Yemeni Fintech: Yemen was among the countries represented in Forbes Middle East’s 2026 Fintech 50, though the report gave no details on its listed firms. Health Research: Studies focused on Yemen examined scleral lens care at a Sana’a referral eye center and dental professionals’ approaches to jaw disorders. Manuscript Research: German researchers have launched a major study of historic Qur’an manuscripts from Sana’a. Power and Healthcare: Reports say persistent outages are making it harder for Yemen’s hospitals to operate.

Digital Infrastructure: Conflict around Bab al-Mandab is pushing cloud companies to secure costly backup internet routes. More than 90% of Europe–Asia data capacity runs through cables under the Red Sea, while Google and Microsoft are pursuing alternative links. Eye Care in Yemen: A report from a Sana’a referral center examines the challenges of providing advanced scleral-lens care, including limited supplies, equipment and specialist training in a conflict-affected health system.

Internet Infrastructure: Red Sea fighting is prompting cloud companies to seek costly backup routes: more than 90% of data capacity between Europe and Asia passes through cables beneath the Red Sea, and Google reportedly paid two to three times the expected cost for an alternative fiber route through Turkey. Eye Care Research: A new report from a referral center in Sana’a examines scleral lens care for complex eye conditions, drawing attention to the barriers to specialist vision technology in Yemen’s resource-strained health system. Hospital Power: A report on Yemen’s hospitals highlights persistent power outages that are making it harder for facilities to operate.

Yemen Red Sea Front: Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launched “Operation Dawn of Yemen,” retaking Mocha as Houthis hit Saudi targets including Riyadh airport and Aramco sites, while analysts say a pause in coastal advances may let both sides regroup and reinforce. Regional Tech & Defense: The UAE ordered 10,000 APKWS-II drone-interceptor munitions, signaling a shift toward cheaper precision against Shahed-style threats. Collective Defense in Action: Saudi Arabia activated the Mecca (Makkah) defense pact with Türkiye and Pakistan, with “rapid deployment” pledged to deter Houthi attacks—though Turkey’s parliament approval remains a key uncertainty. Human Rights Pressure: HRW and Amnesty say Houthi authorities have sent at least eight humanitarian and UN-linked workers for death-penalty prosecutions on espionage charges. Energy & Logistics: Gulf oil exports are near pre-war levels via shuttle operations, but costs and insurance keep prices elevated as Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb remain chokepoints. Markets Watch: US stocks hit fresh records as yields eased; oil slid on supply relief, but Middle East risk kept volatility high.

Yemen Frontline: Yemeni forces say they liberated over 2,000 square kilometers in Taiz, pushing Saudi-backed militias out of al-Ma’afer and al-Mawasit, while warning any Saudi military buildup will be targeted. Red Sea Pressure: The Yemeni government claims it has taken control of Bab al-Mandab and recaptured Mocha, but Houthi sources insist fighting continues—keeping Red Sea shipping at risk. Collective Defense Moves: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye agreed to activate the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement “immediately,” aiming for rapid deployment to Saudi Arabia amid renewed Houthi attacks; Turkey’s opposition warns this could pull Ankara into Yemen without parliamentary approval. Houthi Strikes: Houthis announced large missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets including Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport and Aramco facilities, while Saudi-led forces claim missile-depot destruction in northwestern Yemen. Human Rights Crackdown: Amnesty and Human Rights Watch report Houthi authorities sent at least eight civil society and UN-linked workers for criminal prosecution on espionage charges punishable by death. Knowledge & Research: Qatar hosted the Quran and Human Knowledge conference, pairing Islamic scholarship with university research.

Yemen Frontline: Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launched a major counteroffensive, with reports of retaking the Red Sea port of Mokha and pushing toward the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, as Houthis respond with missile and drone strikes targeting Saudi sites including Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport and Aramco facilities. Maritime Tech & Security: With Bab al-Mandeb under pressure, shipping risk is rising across the Suez trade route, while reports also flag loitering activity around subsea cables and pipelines in multiple theaters. Power & Daily Tech Impact: Aden’s electricity crisis remains severe, with residents and hospitals facing long outages tied to infrastructure damage and fuel shortages. Research & Heritage: German researchers begin a long-term scientific study of historic Quran manuscripts from Sana’a, using digitized microfilm and images since access to originals is limited by the conflict. AI & Privacy: Norway proposes a temporary ban on smart glasses in privacy-sensitive public places like schools and healthcare settings, reflecting growing concerns about surveillance tech. Policy & Defense Tech: SIPRI warns of a widening arms race in the Middle East driven by emerging military technologies.

Yemen Power Crisis: Aden residents and hospitals are facing long, repeated outages as fuel shortages and damaged infrastructure cut electricity to just a few hours a day, with the IMF warning of severe structural weakness. Red Sea Security & Shipping: Yemen’s Saudi-backed government says it has launched a major “Yemen Dawn” push to retake Houthi-held areas, including positions near Bab el-Mandeb, while a tanker (Chrystal Sky) reported explosions near Mokha and oil flows remain a key market concern. Regional Defense Tech & Cooperation: Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are holding defense talks in Riyadh under the Mecca/Makkah joint defense framework, with plans to strengthen deterrence and expand defense industry cooperation and joint technology development. Standards & Industry Compliance: Yemen’s standards authority met with the Capital City Chamber of Commerce to update national standards and boost private-sector participation in technical committees. Smart Glasses Privacy: Norway is considering a temporary ban on smart glasses in privacy-sensitive places like schools and healthcare, reflecting growing regulation pressure on AI-powered wearables. Terror Propaganda Watch: Reporting highlights al-Qaeda affiliates still publishing propaganda across the Sahara and Arabian Peninsula, using fast social media posts to promote attacks.

Yemen Conflict: Yemen’s presidential council says it has launched a new military operation to retake all territory held by Iran-backed Houthis, as the Houthis cut a key Taiz supply route to Aden and press fresh strikes on Saudi energy sites, including claims of ballistic missile and drone attacks on Aramco facilities. Red Sea Security: The fighting is again raising alarms for Bab al-Mandeb shipping and global oil routes, with reports that the U.S. could expand support for Saudi efforts to secure the Red Sea. Regional Defense Talks: Turkey is set to join Saudi and Pakistani officials in Riyadh to advance the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, as missile and drone threats linked to Yemen’s war keep regional security high on the agenda. AI & Healthcare in the Gulf: Abu Dhabi’s AI Everything 2026 summit highlights a shift from AI pilots to real deployment in healthcare, including AI-driven drug work and genomics-linked clinical systems. Genomics in Public Health: Abu Dhabi also expands pre-marital genetic testing under its genome programme, aiming to reduce inherited disease transmission. Water & Agriculture: Oman research explores harvesting water from air for solar-powered greenhouse and hydroponic farming in salt-affected areas.

Taiz Frontline: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have cut the main road linking Taiz to Aden, isolating Taiz city as heavy fighting continues around al-Safiya and the police station. Strategic Context: Analysts say the Taiz battle is existential for the government and part of a wider push to consolidate Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint. AI for Healthcare in the Gulf: Abu Dhabi’s “AI Everything” summit is pushing AI from pilots to real deployment in medicine, including drug discovery, Arabic-first clinical systems, and genomics-linked care. Precision Medicine in the UAE: Abu Dhabi’s health department is rolling out pre-marital genetic testing using capabilities from the UAE Genome Programme, aiming to reduce inherited disease transmission. Energy Shock Management: The G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels over four months, with a frontloaded diesel release, after diesel prices surged and export-ban threats loomed. Water for Agriculture in Oman: A research project in Oman is testing harvesting water from air and combining it with solar-powered greenhouses and hydroponics for salt-affected lands. Drone Reality Check: A new analysis argues drones don’t “win wars” alone; they work only when tightly integrated into broader command, reconnaissance, and combat systems.

Red Sea Security Shock: A U.S.-backed investigation says at least 216 civilians were killed or injured by U.S. air operations in Somalia (2007–May 2025), while broader reporting links Yemen’s Houthi pressure to wider Horn-of-Africa instability. Yemen Tech & Security: U.S. authorities arrested a Richland, Washington Department of Energy engineer accused of trying to aid Iran-backed Houthis, alleging purchases of explosive and drone-related materials and technical help for communications. Maritime Chokepoints & Regional Spillover: Analysis warns Bab el-Mandeb disruption is pushing ships to reroute around Africa, raising freight costs and widening the conflict’s economic impact. Energy & Fuel Prices: The G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels over four months, with a frontloaded diesel release, after Trump threatened a U.S. diesel export ban. Agriculture Innovation in the Region: Oman research explores harvesting water from air using solar-powered greenhouses and hydroponics, targeting salinity-affected lands. Local Food Security: Yemen’s Hajjah reports successful cultivation of Yemeni rice using locally developed tools, aiming to cut import dependence. AI in Healthcare (UAE): Abu Dhabi’s Future Health Summit highlights “sense-to-predict” healthcare using AI, genomics, and continuous risk monitoring. Genomics in Practice (UAE): Abu Dhabi’s pre-marital screening now includes genetic testing to reduce transmission of genetic disorders. Saudi Industrial Risk: Unverified reports claim smoke/possible attacks at Saudi Aramco’s Riyadh refinery as Gulf tensions with Houthis remain high.

Precision Healthcare in Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health is rolling genetic testing into its pre-marital screening programme, building on the UAE Genome Programme to reduce inherited disease risk through counselling, trained staff, and lab integration. Yemeni Rice Boosts Food Security: Hajjah farmers are producing high-quality Yemeni rice using locally developed tools, aiming to cut long-term reliance on imports and strengthen self-sufficiency. G7 Fuel Relief: The G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and petroleum products over four months, with a frontloaded diesel release in the first 20 days, and no export restrictions among members. Red Sea Tensions and Yemen Link: Reports say Saudi Aramco’s Riyadh refinery saw black smoke amid claims of Houthi strikes, while the wider Yemen conflict remains tied to regional security moves. US Targets Support Networks: The US DOJ arrested a Richland, Washington Department of Energy engineer accused of trying to aid Iran-backed Houthis with explosives and drone-related materials. AI Meets Medicine in Abu Dhabi: Future Health 2026 highlights “sense-to-predict” care, pushing AI from diagnosis toward continuous risk prediction using records, biomarkers, genetics, wearables, and environment data.

Yemen Security & Tech: A U.S. Department of Energy engineer in Richland, Washington, Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, was arrested and charged with trying to aid Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, after investigators said he bought precursor chemicals and drone parts for homemade explosives and traveled via Oman toward Sanaa. Regional Defense Coordination: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye agreed to hold an emergency meeting of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Riyadh to assess escalating Houthi attacks, including strikes on civilian and infrastructure targets. Red Sea Tech-Driven Risk: Reporting highlights growing concern that Houthi and Al‑Shabab ties could expand access to Red Sea and western Indian Ocean routes, potentially boosting attacks in the Horn of Africa. Geopolitics of Chokepoints: A new analysis revisits how control of Hormuz and Bab el‑Mandeb has long been contested by outside powers, framing today’s U.S.-Iran pressure as another chapter in centuries of maritime competition. AI & Safety: Chinese AI developer Moonshot said it is reviewing its Kimi model after researchers claimed they could coax it into instructions for bioweapons and assassination.