this is bbc news, the headlines. president biden has told world leaders, the translatlantic alliance is back — following years of strained relations between the us and europe under donald trump. addressing the annual munich security conference, mr biden said he's seeking to re—establish the united states as, leader of the west against what he called a global assault on democracy. the us secretary of state, antony blinken has told the bbc that america is fully engaged in helping resolve global issues — including the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and iran's nuclear ambitions. in his first international interview, mr blinken stressed the importance of worldwide vaccination against covid—19. nasa has released new images sent back from mars — taken by its perseverance rover. they show the surface in detail and the robot heading down to land on the red planet. the pictures were taken by the rocket cradle that placed the vehicle on the ground.

the number of coronavirus cases is continuing to fall in all parts of the uk. the latest r number, estimated to be between 0.6 and 0.9, also suggests infection numbers are shrinking. but experts warn that with more than half a million people currently infected — there is still plenty of virus circulating for people to catch . they say any lifting of restrictions should be done slowly and cautiously. here's our health correspondent, catherine burns. the pressure is easing on the nhs, but from a very bad situation. injanuary, hospitals in england treated 100,000 covid patients, a third of all the people they had seen with coronavirus since the pandemic started. it's better now, but far from normal. there are still many hospitals around the country with intensive care units that have more covid patients than they had at the peak of the first wave back

in april, and there are still intensive care units who are at double their normal baseline capacity. on monday, we'll hear about the government's roadmap out of lockdown in england, with the promise that they'll be led by data, not dates. and that data is definitely going in the right direction. essentially, cases halved over three weeks. the office for national statistics figures suggest that in the third week injanuary, one in 55 people across the uk would have tested positive for coronavirus. by the end of that month, it was rarer. cases had fallen to under one in 65 people. and at the start of february, fewer still — one in 80 people. in the most recent figures, for last week, it was one in 115. the numbers are going down across the uk. one in 115 in england.

it's one in 125 in wales. for northern ireland, it's one in 105. and scotland has the lowest rates, at one in 180. we've been in this position before, poised on the verge of restrictions easing. 0n the 10th of may last year, the prime minister announced how we would come out of the first lockdown. ..provide the first sketch of a roadmap for reopening society. but things are different now. like then, case numbers are falling, but from a much higher level. back in may, hospitals were treating almost 12,000 covid patients. now, it's more like 19,000. 0n the other hand, though, we didn't have a vaccine then. almost 17 million people have had their first dose, and about 600,000 of them have now had their second booster jab, too. we're waiting for numbers showing what impact this is having on the virus, but the early signs are positive. it's only been two or three

months since we started vaccinating, and it takes quite a long time to collect the data needed to really get a good handle on how effective the vaccination is proving to be. whatever the roadmap out of lockdown looks like, it won't be a straight path. we can expect small steps, with pauses in between. but the hope is, in a few months�* time, life will look a lot more normal. catherine burns, bbc news. now on bbc news — the business response to the peace accords between israel and the united arab emirates and bahrain has been swift. what does the normalisation mean for economies in the region? a historic peace deal has shaken up alliances in the gulf, the middle east and the rest of the world. but what does this new warmth between the united arab emirates, bahrain, and is a real mean for business? i'm sameer hashmi in dubai, and this is talking business.

a historic deal that could be worth billions of dollars in terms of new trade and business, the so—called abraham accords signed between the united arab emirates, bahrain and israel has certainly injected new impetus in these economies as to start 2021. in a moment we will look at what does this deal mean for them, the region and it will be discussing that with my guests who havejoined me here today. we have mr thani al shirawi who is the founding member of the uae is a real business council. and he is also one of the leaders of the al shirawi group which governs 30 companies across various sectors. thanks a lot forjoining us. i have adedayo bolaji—adio, she's from the economist intelligence unit and she will be talking in detail about the region and what this deal means. thanks a lot forjoining us. and william brown, the director for crisis and resilience consulting in the

middle east at control risks. thanks a lot, will, forjoining us on this programme. so we will start the discussion in a moment, but first let's take a look at what does this deal mean for the region and business? september 15, 2020, and as the pandemic rages around the world a peace deal is signed in washington, dc. for the first time in their history, relationships between israel and the united arab emirates and bahrain are normalized. these so—called abraham accords were one of president trump's final pieces of foreign policy. today the world sees that they are - choosing cooperation over conflict. - friendship over enmity, prosperity over povertyl and hope over despair. similar agreements were quickly reached with morocco and sudan. but the response from the palestinians was swiftly seen on the streets of the west bank as well as on social media. in a tweet, the palestinian authority called it a black day in the history of palestine.

and wrote that the only way to peace is the end of israel's occupation. equally swift has been the flow of money and deals between the countries. this is the israeli arm of the water technology company fluence. it specializes in desalination, transportation and reuse of water. a dealfor business in dubai, a city in the desert, is one of the first to be signed. this is the fastest deal i've ever encountered in my professional life. it definitely makes it much easier now when we have a direct approach and welcome in a muslim country, a strong country that can be a hub to us. and this is the hub he is talking about. the port in dubai which is opened up markets in asia and africa for israeli goods. but the operator of this report, dp world, is not just transporting goods here. it's one of the many companies that has invested in

israel. and this is a load of goods in dubai arriving in the israeli port of haifa. trade is notjust in goods. deals with football clubs, finance, food technology and cybersecurity have all been quickly announced. and despite the pandemic, tourism is also increasing. in december alone, 60,000 israelis have visited dubai. fleur hassan—nahoum is one of the deputy mayors ofjerusalem, and one of the creators of the uae israel business council. israel and the uae are possibly the most advanced economies in the middle east. we have a lot in common. 0ur diversity, our entrepreneurial spirit. and so the minute the piece with an ounce, i think that people were justjumping to get to know each other. they were so curious about each other. we started creating whatsapp forums and zoom meetings. and it kind ofjust took its own, it really had its own pace and its own momentum. as the water tech

company boss at fluence says, it's not just about money. business can be the path to peace and vice ve rsa . peace is the path to business. so both as an israeli, and as a businessman i feel both excited and enthusiastic and proud for having our products, and being the path to the piece there. thani, let me begin with you. you were part of this historic deal, one of the first ones signed between the uae and an israeli company. so tell us, what was the motivation behind that? well, like any other businessman, we always aspire to grow and to find opportunities. israel was a market that we could not tap earlier. and now when we could, and being a member of the uae israeli business council, i reached out to the council to find me a counterpart in the water industry that, as a group, we are already in. and to filter

the companies and to find companies that share with us the values and the vision. and when we found fluence, and of course in the beginning we had the stereotype of each other, and we found out that to be honest i don't want to sound very romantic, but it was a match made in heaven. we spoke the same language, we had the same aspiration. and we both wanted to grow. israel had the technology, the were a few laps ahead when it comes to the water industry. and in the uae water is an issue. it's scarce, and israel has solved that issue. so we in the group tried to benefit from it. so we reached out to fluence and agreed on a memorandum of understanding to bridge this industry, and to bring the fluence products to the united arab emirates. adedayo, yes the deal has formalized relationships between the two countries, but the fact is that both of them were anyways doing business,

some sort of business unofficially, so what has changed with this deal? will one thing it reduces the cost of doing business with israelis. they can formally enter the uae without having to set up an umbrella company in the uk, or in singapore. so thatjust makes it a lot easier for them to enter the uae market. it reduces the logistics and costs of setting up a business. it also opens multiple sectors for israelis to enter in from tourism _ for israelis to enter in from tourism to attack, to health care — tourism to attack, to health care 50 _ tourism to attack, to health care 50 it_ tourism to attack, to health care. so itjust opens the market. _ care. so itjust opens the market, and finally there's the people — market, and finally there's the pe0ple to _ market, and finally there's the people to people ties as well. this is— people to people ties as well. this is soft power for both countries. and also for israelis _ countries. and also for israelis trying to meet others in the — israelis trying to meet others in the arab world this is a very— in the arab world this is a very cosmopolitan country. the uae _ very cosmopolitan country. the uae and — very cosmopolitan country. the uae. and so the soft power is a key component of this deal.

will, — key component of this deal. will, adedayo spoke a list could be a lot of opportunities for israelis in the uae, but what about the other way around? i what about the other way around?— what about the other way around? ~' ., , ., around? i think with any of these deals _ around? i think with any of these deals will— around? i think with any of these deals will seek - around? i think with any of these deals will seek this | around? i think with any of| these deals will seek this is going — these deals will seek this is going both _ these deals will seek this is going both directions. - these deals will seek this is going both directions. it - going both directions. it requires _ going both directions. it requires a _ going both directions. it requires a win _ going both directions. it requires a win win - going both directions. it. requires a win win situation and — requires a win win situation and unless— requires a win win situation and unless you _ requires a win win situation and unless you have - requires a win win situation . and unless you have business working — and unless you have business working irr— and unless you have business working in both _ and unless you have business working in both directions- working in both directions that's_ working in both directions that's not— working in both directions that's not good _ working in both directions that's not good to - working in both directions that's not good to be - working in both directions that's not good to be the i working in both directions- that's not good to be the case. we have — that's not good to be the case. we have seen— that's not good to be the case. we have seen in— that's not good to be the case. we have seen in dubai - that's not good to be the case. we have seen in dubai alreadyj we have seen in dubai already since — we have seen in dubai already since the — we have seen in dubai already since the deal— we have seen in dubai already since the deal was _ we have seen in dubai already since the deal was to - we have seen in dubai alreadyj since the deal was to establish that we — since the deal was to establish that we have _ since the deal was to establish that we have seen _ since the deal was to establish that we have seen that - since the deal was to establish that we have seen that kosher| that we have seen that kosher considerations _ that we have seen that kosher considerations around - considerations around restaurants, - considerations around restaurants, we - considerations around restaurants, we see l considerations around| restaurants, we see in considerations around - restaurants, we see in the food is being — restaurants, we see in the food is being imported _ restaurants, we see in the food is being imported into- restaurants, we see in the food is being imported into our- is being imported into our supermarkets _ is being imported into our supermarkets from - is being imported into our supermarkets from israel| is being imported into our- supermarkets from israel which is a huge — supermarkets from israel which is a huge benefit _ supermarkets from israel which is a huge benefit from - supermarkets from israel which is a huge benefit from food - is a huge benefit from food mites— is a huge benefit from food mites and _ is a huge benefit from food miles and air— is a huge benefit from food miles and air miles- is a huge benefit from food miles and air miles coming| is a huge benefit from food - miles and air miles coming from a personal— miles and air miles coming from a personal point— miles and air miles coming from a personal point of— miles and air miles coming from a personal point of view- miles and air miles coming from a personal point of view of- a personal point of view of sine — a personal point of view of sine krev— a personal point of view of sine krav maga _ a personal point of view of sine krav maga jim - a personal point of view of| sine krav maga jim opened a personal point of view of. sine krav maga jim opened in town— sine krav maga jim opened in town within _ sine krav maga jim opened in town within the _ sine krav maga jim opened in town within the weeks - sine krav maga jim opened in town within the weeks of - sine krav maga jim opened in town within the weeks of the | town within the weeks of the dent— town within the weeks of the deal settling. _ town within the weeks of the deal settling. so _ town within the weeks of the deal settling. so it's- town within the weeks of the deal settling. so it's alreadyl deal settling. so it's already going — deal settling. so it's already going both _ deal settling. so it's already going both directions. - deal settling. so it's already going both directions. adedayo, this is not the _ going both directions. adedayo, this is not the first _ going both directions. adedayo, this is not the first deal - this is not the first deal between israel and an arab country because they signed deals withjordan and egypt,

but there were not that successful in terms of business and even in terms of achieving what they were set out to. do you think that this could be challenges even for this a deal to work or is this different from the other two? n to work or is this different from the other two? i think the laraer from the other two? i think the larger deals — from the other two? i think the larger deals are _ from the other two? i think the larger deals are quite - larger deals are quite different. the logic of the dent— different. the logic of the deal of— different. the logic of the deal of the normalization with egypt — deal of the normalization with egypt was born of trying to end the war. — egypt was born of trying to end the war, it's similar with jordan _ the war, it's similar with jordan. and there have been political— jordan. and there have been political skirmishes that made those — political skirmishes that made those deals not successful. this — those deals not successful. this is _ those deals not successful. this is different because the emphasis is making sure the people — emphasis is making sure the people on the ground feel the economic benefits. so from the beginning of the deal is all atrout— beginning of the deal is all about trying to get those people flows, the financial fiows _ people flows, the financial flows going which is not unlike the deats— flows going which is not unlike the deals —— unlike the deals in the — the deals —— unlike the deals in the past. we really relate to the — in the past. we really relate to the different systems of doing _ to the different systems of doing business. i don't see the doing business. idon't see the political— doing business. i don't see the political challenges as being the same. political challenges as being the same-— political challenges as being the same. ., ., the same. thani you are quite optimistic _ the same. thani you are quite optimistic about _ the same. thani you are quite optimistic about this - the same. thani you are quite optimistic about this deal, - the same. thani you are quite | optimistic about this deal, but there's still a section at

their even within the uae were so sympathizes with the palestine cause and is a mistrust between the two communities that have existed for decades historically, do you think that will be a challenge was to live definitely. we were ever serious for a very long time. evenif serious for a very long time. even if united arab emirates has not been into war with israel directly, but definitely there will be reservation, but there will be reservation, but the uae has taken a stand that they are supporting the two state solution. they have not given up on the palestine cause, there are still palestinian sympathizers that will not be forgotten. having said that we will have to weigh the benefits to the reservations. i the benefits to the reservations. ~ reservations. i think with time that benefits _ reservations. i think with time that benefits will _ reservations. i think with time that benefits will outweigh - that benefits will outweigh these reservations. it’s that benefits will outweigh these reservations.- that benefits will outweigh these reservations. it's a big deal definitely _ these reservations. it's a big deal definitely for _ these reservations. it's a big deal definitely for the - these reservations. it's a big deal definitely for the uae . these reservations. it's a big l deal definitely for the uae and israel, we see more deals being signed, marco, bahrain. how

does that change trade and business? is does that change trade and business?— business? is could have a significant _ business? is could have a significant impact - business? is could have a significant impact on - business? is could have a significant impact on the | significant impact on the dynamics _ significant impact on the dynamics. 0ne - significant impact on the dynamics. one of- significant impact on the dynamics. one of the . significant impact on the - dynamics. one of the things dynamics. 0ne of the things that— dynamics. one of the things that you _ dynamics. one of the things that you see _ dynamics. one of the things that you see is _ dynamics. one of the things that you see is that - dynamics. one of the things that you see is that from - dynamics. one of the things| that you see is that from the arab — that you see is that from the arab nations— that you see is that from the arab nations point— that you see is that from the arab nations point of- that you see is that from the arab nations point of view. that you see is that from the . arab nations point of view they have _ arab nations point of view they have adversarial— arab nations point of view they have adversarial views - arab nations point of view they have adversarial views of- arab nations point of view they have adversarial views of the l have adversarial views of the deat — have adversarial views of the deat we _ have adversarial views of the deat we are _ have adversarial views of the deal. we are seeing - have adversarial views of the deal. we are seeing that- have adversarial views of the deal. we are seeing that in. have adversarial views of the deal. we are seeing that in a reaction _ deal. we are seeing that in a reaction in _ deal. we are seeing that in a reaction in some _ deal. we are seeing that in a reaction in some of- deal. we are seeing that in a reaction in some of the - reaction in some of the elements— reaction in some of the elements around - reaction in some of the elements around the l reaction in some of the - elements around the technology threats — elements around the technology threats that _ elements around the technology threats that we _ elements around the technology threats that we face _ elements around the technology threats that we face in _ elements around the technology threats that we face in the - threats that we face in the region. _ threats that we face in the region. and _ threats that we face in the region, and we _ threats that we face in the region, and we are - threats that we face in the region, and we are seeing| threats that we face in the - region, and we are seeing that there — region, and we are seeing that there is— region, and we are seeing that there is a _ region, and we are seeing that there is a spike _ region, and we are seeing that there is a spike in— region, and we are seeing that there is a spike in some - region, and we are seeing that there is a spike in some of- region, and we are seeing that there is a spike in some of thej there is a spike in some of the cyber— there is a spike in some of the cyber attack _ there is a spike in some of the cyber attack elements - there is a spike in some of the cyber attack elements in - there is a spike in some of the cyber attack elements in the l cyber attack elements in the uae — cyber attack elements in the uae since _ cyber attack elements in the uae since the _ cyber attack elements in the uae since the deal- cyber attack elements in the uae since the deal was - cyber attack elements in the i uae since the deal was signed in. ~ ., ., ., uae since the deal was signed in. ., ., ., ,. ,, in. we are going to discuss the challenges _ in. we are going to discuss the challenges in _ in. we are going to discuss the challenges in more _ in. we are going to discuss the challenges in more detail- in. we are going to discuss the challenges in more detail later| challenges in more detail later in the programme, but adedayo, as thani was saying, he's quite optimistic despite the history of the business will be able to drive this deal ahead. but do you think it's going to be challenging or do you think that they can bridge the gap much more easily? i that they can bridge the gap much more easily?- that they can bridge the gap much more easily? i think that these are _ much more easily? i think that these are economies, - much more easily? i think that these are economies, the - these are economies, the economies of the gulf are more economically compatible with israel~ —

economically compatible with israel. there will be some ease and reason _ israel. there will be some ease and reason the catch —— bridging _ and reason the catch —— bridging the gap and but there's so small markets so only— there's so small markets so only so— there's so small markets so only so much that can be achieved. as of the markets that— achieved. as of the markets that have _ achieved. as of the markets that have bigger markets that have — that have bigger markets that have been there for a long time _ have been there for a long time. the big deal will be showing the value added. the deal has been _ showing the value added. tie: deal has been signed, and showing the value added. ti9: deal has been signed, and you were already seeing, as you mentioned, companies signing deals. where do you see as a challenge in terms of businesses entering israel? there was a stereotype that is really economies are more of a transactional economy, and that the uae is more of a relationship, but after dealing with a few israeli companies and signing onto them myself, i felt that this is a myth. we are a lot alike, more than we thought. and in the uae, as adedayojust imagine, it's

thought. and in the uae, as adedayo just imagine, it's very cosmopolitan. we have adapted to the 200 nationals. now it's 201. y ., to the 200 nationals. now it's 201. ,. ., 201. do you expect more countries _ 201. do you expect more countries in _ 201. do you expect more countries in the - 201. do you expect more countries in the region i 201. do you expect more | countries in the region to 201. do you expect more - countries in the region to sign up? countries in the region to sign u - ? ., countries in the region to sign u? ., , : countries in the region to sign u-? ., , ~ ., countries in the region to sign u . ? ., , . ., ., , , up? for sure. we have ourselves been approached _ up? for sure. we have ourselves been approached by _ up? for sure. we have ourselves been approached by some - been approached by some companies in our neighboring countries. wanting to reach out to israeli companies. so i definitely think that more countries in the region will follow. , . ., ., countries in the region will follow. , .., ., , ., countries in the region will follow. , ., , follow. they come to you first, will, it has _ follow. they come to you first, will, it has the _ follow. they come to you first, will, it has the deal— follow. they come to you first, will, it has the deal given - follow. they come to you first, will, it has the deal given the i will, it has the deal given the confidence to say the salaries for exhibit to take the leap? i for exhibit to take the leap? i would obviously expect them to continue — would obviously expect them to continue as— would obviously expect them to continue as they _ would obviously expect them to continue as they are _ would obviously expect them to continue as they are and - would obviously expect them to continue as they are and have l continue as they are and have been — continue as they are and have been for— continue as they are and have been for a _ continue as they are and have been for a period _ continue as they are and have been for a period of— continue as they are and have been for a period of time. - continue as they are and have been for a period of time. wej been for a period of time. we don't — been for a period of time. we don't anticipate _ been for a period of time. we don't anticipate that - been for a period of time. we don't anticipate that there - don't anticipate that there will— don't anticipate that there will be _ don't anticipate that there will be any— don't anticipate that there will be any significant - don't anticipate that there i will be any significant change in the — will be any significant change in the way— will be any significant change in the way that _ will be any significant change in the way that the _ will be any significant change in the way that the saudi - will be any significant change in the way that the saudi is l in the way that the saudi is and — in the way that the saudi is and israelis _ in the way that the saudi is and israelis are _ in the way that the saudi is and israelis are conductingj and israelis are conducting business _ and israelis are conducting business at _ and israelis are conducting business at the _ and israelis are conducting business at the moment. i and israelis are conducting . business at the moment. we expect— business at the moment. we expect on— business at the moment. we expect on a _ business at the moment. we expect on a global _ business at the moment. we expect on a global basis - business at the moment. we . expect on a global basis people are going — expect on a global basis people are going to— expect on a global basis people are going to be— expect on a global basis people are going to be very— expect on a global basis people are going to be very happy- expect on a global basis people are going to be very happy to. are going to be very happy to see you — are going to be very happy to see you softening _ are going to be very happy to see you softening of - are going to be very happy to see you softening of the - see you softening of the relationship _ see you softening of the relationship and -

see you softening of the relationship and the - relationship and the environment - relationship and the environment and i relationship and the l environment and will relationship and the - environment and will help stabilize _ environment and will help stabilize the _ environment and will help stabilize the region, - environment and will help stabilize the region, and i stabilize the region, and that's— stabilize the region, and that's going _ stabilize the region, and that's going to _ stabilize the region, and that's going to be - stabilize the region, and that's going to be good. stabilize the region, and . that's going to be good for business _ that's going to be good for business across— that's going to be good for business across the - that's going to be good forj business across the board. adedayo _ business across the board. adedayo is _ business across the board. adedayo is that _ business across the board. adedayo is that mark - business across the board. i adedayo is that mark obligate for countries like saudi arabia evenif for countries like saudi arabia even if there's a risk for them to go ahead because of political reasons? definitely, under the — political reasons? definitely, under the current _ political reasons? definitely, under the current king - political reasons? definitely, under the current king it's i under the current king it's impossible. because he aligns to the — impossible. because he aligns to the old school of thought which — to the old school of thought which is _ to the old school of thought which is that you have to solve the palestinian issue before you can _ the palestinian issue before you can engage with israel. for the moment i think the deal is off the — the moment i think the deal is off the table, but they have a bit of — off the table, but they have a bit of an— off the table, but they have a bit of an experiment with bahrain _ bit of an experiment with bahrain to see how it goes and see how— bahrain to see how it goes and see how people will react to it. . ., , , ., it. the challenges, you specialize _ it. the challenges, you specialize in _ it. the challenges, you specialize in cyber - it. the challenges, you - specialize in cyber security, how big a challenge is that and how big a challenge is that and how do you see that panning out going ahead?— going ahead? there has been a sike going ahead? there has been a spike since _ going ahead? there has been a spike since the _ going ahead? there has been a spike since the accord - going ahead? there has been a spike since the accord was - spike since the accord was signed _ spike since the accord was signed with— spike since the accord was signed with about - spike since the accord was signed with about 30%. i i spike since the accord was - signed with about 30%. i think it's important— signed with about 30%. i think it's important to _ signed with about 30%. i think it's important to put _ signed with about 30%. i think it's important to put that - signed with about 30%. i think it's important to put that intoi it's important to put that into context _ it's important to put that into context we _ it's important to put that into context. we are _ it's important to put that into context. we are also - it's important to put that into context. we are also living i it's important to put that into context. we are also living inj context. we are also living in a time — context. we are also living in a time where _ context. we are also living in a time where remote - context. we are also living in| a time where remote working context. we are also living in - a time where remote working has now become _ a time where remote working has now become the _ a time where remote working has now become the norm _ a time where remote working has now become the norm when - a time where remote working has now become the norm when that| now become the norm when that has done — now become the norm when that

has done two _ now become the norm when that has done two things, _ now become the norm when that has done two things, that's - has done two things, that's meant _ has done two things, that's meant that— has done two things, that's meant that organizations i has done two things, that's i meant that organizations have very— meant that organizations have very rapidly— meant that organizations have very rapidly deployed - meant that organizations have very rapidly deployed new- very rapidly deployed new technologies— very rapidly deployed new technologies in— very rapidly deployed new technologies in their- technologies in their environments - technologies in their environments to - technologies in their. environments to enable continuity— environments to enable continuity to _ environments to enable continuity to take - environments to enable| continuity to take place, environments to enable - continuity to take place, and increases _ continuity to take place, and increases the _ continuity to take place, and increases the risk _ continuity to take place, and increases the risk and - continuity to take place, and increases the risk and the i increases the risk and the threat _ increases the risk and the threat of— increases the risk and the threat of the _ increases the risk and the j threat of the environment increases the risk and the - threat of the environment they are working _ threat of the environment they are working in. _ threat of the environment they are working in. we'll— threat of the environment they are working in. we'll an- are working in. we'llan oversimplification - are working in. we'llan oversimplification to. are working in. we'llanl oversimplification to say are working in. we'll an- oversimplification to say that there's— oversimplification to say that there's been— oversimplification to say that there's been a _ oversimplification to say that there's been a huge - oversimplification to say that there's been a huge spike . oversimplification to say that there's been a huge spike as| oversimplification to say that i there's been a huge spike as a result— there's been a huge spike as a result of— there's been a huge spike as a result of signing _ there's been a huge spike as a result of signing the _ there's been a huge spike as a result of signing the deal, - result of signing the deal, there's— result of signing the deal, there's clearly— result of signing the deal, there's clearly been - result of signing the deal, there's clearly been an . result of signing the deal, - there's clearly been an impact but we — there's clearly been an impact but we also _ there's clearly been an impact but we also working _ there's clearly been an impact but we also working in - there's clearly been an impact but we also working in quite . there's clearly been an impactl but we also working in quite an unusual— but we also working in quite an unusual context _ but we also working in quite an unusual context in _ but we also working in quite an unusual context in terms - but we also working in quite an unusual context in terms of. but we also working in quite an| unusual context in terms of the aftereffects _ unusual context in terms of the aftereffects of _ unusual context in terms of the aftereffects of 2020. _ unusual context in terms of the aftereffects of 2020. but - unusual context in terms of the aftereffects of 2020. but i - aftereffects of 2020. but i think— aftereffects of 2020. but i think as _ aftereffects of 2020. but i think as you _ aftereffects of 2020. but i think as you said, - aftereffects of 2020. but i think as you said, there'si aftereffects of 2020. but i - think as you said, there's been an increase _ think as you said, there's been an increase in _ think as you said, there's been an increase in activity. - think as you said, there's been an increase in activity. what. an increase in activity. what organizations _ an increase in activity. what organizations need - an increase in activity. what organizations need to - an increase in activity. what organizations need to do - an increase in activity. what. organizations need to do about that is— organizations need to do about that is really— organizations need to do about that is really around _ organizations need to do about that is really around three - that is really around three legs _ that is really around three legs the _ that is really around three legs. the need _ that is really around three legs. the need to- that is really around three legs. the need to make . that is really around three . legs. the need to make sure they— legs. the need to make sure they got— legs. the need to make sure they got the _ legs. the need to make sure they got the technology - legs. the need to make sure they got the technology in l they got the technology in place _ they got the technology in place can _ they got the technology in place can i— they got the technology in place can i technology - they got the technology in place can i technology is l place can i technology is absolutely _ place can i technology is absolutely useless - place can i technology is . absolutely useless without having _ absolutely useless without having effective _ absolutely useless without having effective processes| absolutely useless without . having effective processes to make — having effective processes to make sure _ having effective processes to make sure that _ having effective processes to make sure that that - having effective processes to . make sure that that technology stays _ make sure that that technology stays current _ make sure that that technology stays current and _ make sure that that technology stays current and maintained. i stays current and maintained. and _ stays current and maintained. and the — stays current and maintained. and the most— stays current and maintained. and the most important- stays current and maintained. i and the most important element is around — and the most important element is around making _ and the most important element is around making sure _ and the most important element is around making sure that- is around making sure that people _ is around making sure that people are _ is around making sure that people are aware - is around making sure that people are aware and - is around making sure that people are aware and that| people are aware and that people _ people are aware and that people don't— people are aware and that people don't expose - people are aware and that people don't expose the l people don't expose the organization— people don't expose the organization that - people don't expose the organization that they.

people don't expose the i organization that they are operating _ organization that they are operating in _ organization that they are operating in to _ organization that they are operating in to these - organization that they are i operating in to these attacks and the _ operating in to these attacks and the threats _ operating in to these attacks and the threats that - operating in to these attacks and the threats that are - operating in to these attacks i and the threats that are coming through — and the threats that are coming throu~h. :, and the threats that are coming throu~h. . , ., ., and the threats that are coming throuh. ., , ., ., ., , through. thani, is that a worry because as — through. thani, is that a worry because as he _ through. thani, is that a worry because as he was _ through. thani, is that a worry because as he was saying - through. thani, is that a worry because as he was saying that| because as he was saying that cyber attacks have gone up security people especially businesses involved with israel, is that a concern? by, israel, is that a concern? concern? no. because who is a better friend to have than israel when it comes to cyber technology. this is a variable that needs to be considered. like we do in our organization and i'm sure all of the other organizations take care of that. where israel can help us a lot in protecting our firewalls by having stronger ones. : ., ., firewalls by having stronger ones. : ., firewalls by having stronger ones. ., ones. adedayo, iran was unhappy with this deal. _ ones. adedayo, iran was unhappy with this deal. how— ones. adedayo, iran was unhappy with this deal. how does - ones. adedayo, iran was unhappy with this deal. how does that - with this deal. how does that play out in terms of the region given that the deal has already been signed and could we see more threats from that side? i more threats from that side? i

think definitely we will see more — think definitely we will see more threats from iran. what we are seeing — more threats from iran. what we are seeing is a new economic and _ are seeing is a new economic and security block with morocco now in — and security block with morocco now in the — and security block with morocco now in the deal. and sudan as well — now in the deal. and sudan as well if— now in the deal. and sudan as well if the _ now in the deal. and sudan as well. if the gulf, i'm not quite _ well. if the gulf, i'm not quite sure, one of the challenges of dealing with iran in the — challenges of dealing with iran in the gulf is every company has — in the gulf is every company has their— in the gulf is every company has their own view. 0man still has their own view. 0man still has engage with iran to have their— has engage with iran to have their own _ has engage with iran to have their own view on israel. there is now— their own view on israel. there is now more _ their own view on israel. there is now more at stake for iran as well, _ is now more at stake for iran as well, and therefore a heightened competition. the other think _ heightened competition. the other think of _ heightened competition. ti9: other think of the heightened competition. ti9 other think of the other change is that we have a new administration in the united states. how does that change things over here? the deals have been signed but what about the potential deals that could have been side, because the view here is that the trumpet ministration was able to push these deals through and there was supporting the business community. how do you see that panning out, will do you want to take that first? i panning out, will do you want to take that first?— to take that first? i think what we _

to take that first? i think what we anticipated - to take that first? i think what we anticipated that| to take that first? | think- what we anticipated that there will be — what we anticipated that there will be a — what we anticipated that there will be a softening _ what we anticipated that there will be a softening on - what we anticipated that there will be a softening on the - will be a softening on the petition _ will be a softening on the petition with— will be a softening on the petition with iran. - will be a softening on the petition with iran. over. will be a softening on the - petition with iran. overtime. however. _ petition with iran. overtime. however, that _ petition with iran. overtime. however, that is _ petition with iran. overtime. however, that is not - petition with iran. overtime. however, that is not going i petition with iran. overtime. however, that is not going to be something _ however, that is not going to be something that _ however, that is not going to be something that happens l be something that happens immediately. _ be something that happens immediately. we _ be something that happens immediately. we are - be something that happens immediately. we are not. be something that happens - immediately. we are not going to click— immediately. we are not going to click our— immediately. we are not going to click our fingers _ immediately. we are not going to click our fingers and - immediately. we are not going to click our fingers and go - to click our fingers and go back— to click our fingers and go back to _ to click our fingers and go back to 2015. _ to click our fingers and go back to 2015. and - to click our fingers and go back to 2015. and the - to click our fingers and go - back to 2015. and the reasons for that — back to 2015. and the reasons for that is— back to 2015. and the reasons for that is that _ back to 2015. and the reasons for that is that some - back to 2015. and the reasons for that is that some of- back to 2015. and the reasons for that is that some of that l for that is that some of that sanctions _ for that is that some of that sanctions put _ for that is that some of that sanctions put in _ for that is that some of that sanctions put in place - for that is that some of that sanctions put in place and l sanctions put in place and regulatory— sanctions put in place and regulatory framework- sanctions put in place and regulatory framework will| sanctions put in place and - regulatory framework will take quite _ regulatory framework will take quite a — regulatory framework will take quite a long _ regulatory framework will take quite a long time _ regulatory framework will take quite a long time to _ regulatory framework will take quite a long time to unwind. . quite a long time to unwind. very— quite a long time to unwind. very similar— quite a long time to unwind. very similarto_ quite a long time to unwind. very similar to what - quite a long time to unwind. very similar to what beastsi very similar to what beasts expect— very similar to what beasts expect to _ very similar to what beasts expect to see _ very similar to what beasts expect to see with - very similar to what beasts expect to see with the - very similar to what beasts expect to see with the us i very similar to what beasts . expect to see with the us and other— expect to see with the us and other nations _ expect to see with the us and other nations in _ expect to see with the us and other nations in the _ expect to see with the us and other nations in the world. i other nations in the world. there _ other nations in the world. there will— other nations in the world. there will be _ other nations in the world. there will be a _ other nations in the world. there will be a period - other nations in the world. there will be a period of. other nations in the world. i there will be a period of time when — there will be a period of time when we _ there will be a period of time when we start _ there will be a period of time when we start to _ there will be a period of time when we start to see - there will be a period of time when we start to see a - when we start to see a normalization, - when we start to see a - normalization, stabilization but it's— normalization, stabilization but it's not— normalization, stabilization but it's not going _ normalization, stabilization but it's not going back- normalization, stabilization but it's not going back to l but it's not going back to where _ but it's not going back to where we _ but it's not going back to where we were _ but it's not going back to where we were a - but it's not going back to where we were a few - but it's not going back to l where we were a few years but it's not going back to - where we were a few years ago. but we — where we were a few years ago. but we definitely _ where we were a few years ago. but we definitely see _ where we were a few years ago. but we definitely see that - but we definitely see that starting _ but we definitely see that starting to _ but we definitely see that starting to work— but we definitely see that starting to work in - but we definitely see that starting to work in that i starting to work in that direction. _ starting to work in that direction.— starting to work in that direction. : ., , ., , ., direction. and do you see more countries _ direction. and do you see more countries signing _ direction. and do you see more countries signing up _ direction. and do you see more countries signing up or - direction. and do you see more countries signing up or signing | countries signing up or signing deals apart from saturdays? i deals apart from saturdays? i can see 0man signing a deal. but there's really been a change _ but there's really been a change in power. i think they would — change in power. i think they would like to see both the benefits of the deals that have

already— benefits of the deals that have already been signed and the trend — already been signed and the trend in— already been signed and the trend in popular reaction around _ trend in popular reaction around the arab world to these deals — around the arab world to these deals. ., , deals. one of the things we have seen. _ deals. one of the things we have seen, thani, - deals. one of the things we have seen, thani, since - deals. one of the things we have seen, thani, since it. deals. one of the things we i have seen, thani, since it was announced is that he israelis have softened their position as far as defense goes. the uae is procuring jets from the united states. do you see opportunities in defense? is one of the marbles of it is real. if any group in the uae wants to take advantage of the marvels of israel defense it's definitely one of them. it’s definitely one of them. it's 'ust definitely one of them. it's just been _ definitely one of them. it's just been a _ definitely one of them. it's just been a few _ definitely one of them. it's just been a few months and sits with announced —— since this was announced. what you see from this deal and could we see more countries signing up? i more countries signing up? i think in three years time it will be a good time for the uae to mediate peace. i always say it negotiating with adversaries is like playing poker, and negotiating with friends you

build a partnership. so with the business community building partnerships and building to make a becoming closer to each other than the uae will be in a strong position to play the mediator role between palestine and israel. the uae has always taken the stand that they will support the two state solution, and i think with being friends israel will not play poker with the united arab emirates. i think will be more of a building of a partnership with the three parties. find building of a partnership with the three parties.— the three parties. and with trade and _ the three parties. and with trade and business - the three parties. and with trade and business radio i the three parties. and with i trade and business radio see that headed? how big a world could be the trade or business world? , :, , could be the trade or business world? , . , ,, ., ., , world? israel is known to be the start _ world? israel is known to be the start op _ world? israel is known to be the start up nation - world? israel is known to be the start up nation and - world? israel is known to be the start up nation and i - world? israel is known to be i the start up nation and i would like to call the uae the scale of nation. for israel to actually reach every nook and cranny in the world they need, there's no better partner than there's no better partner than the united arab emirates. i see the united arab emirates. i see the business growing, the

products that israel or tangible products that israel could produce if they want to reach christchurch or buenos aires the uae is the best route. 0r aires the uae is the best route. or they want to develop an app for the world dubai is the best place to test it. i see a lot of businesses where israel use to import from europe and turkey and some of these products are available here, made here. so i see that benefit as well. three years from now you have a stronger economy in the united arab emirates and a stronger economy in israel. :, emirates and a stronger economy in israel. ., , ., ., in israel. you share that view that given — in israel. you share that view that given all _ in israel. you share that view that given all the _ in israel. you share that view that given all the plates - in israel. you share that view that given all the plates and| that given all the plates and excitement to share that view that given all the plates can you partnership really scaled to that level three to four years? i to that level three to four ears? ~ , , years? i think the partnership will scale _ years? i think the partnership will scale in _ years? i think the partnership will scale in certain _ years? i think the partnership will scale in certain sectors. l will scale in certain sectors. perhaps _ will scale in certain sectors. perhaps not in all sectors. high—tech definitely is a sector— high—tech definitely is a sector where the uae's lead

meets— sector where the uae's lead meets israel's expertise. health _ meets israel's expertise. health care and logistics as well— health care and logistics as well as— health care and logistics as well as mentioned. and tourism as well — well as mentioned. and tourism as well. and so i can see the scale — as well. and so i can see the scale they— as well. and so i can see the scale they are. there's other sectors — scale they are. there's other sectors that are more mature and _ sectors that are more mature and in _ sectors that are more mature and in both countries that there _ and in both countries that there would be less room for partnership. and over all these are small— partnership. and over all these are small countries. the impact of this— are small countries. the impact of this deal, three years from now, — of this deal, three years from now. will— of this deal, three years from now, will be felt even more if we can— now, will be felt even more if we can get even more countries in the _ we can get even more countries in the middle east and even perhaps— in the middle east and even perhaps in other parts of africa _ perhaps in other parts of africa on board with this deal. final— africa on board with this deal. final word _ africa on board with this deal. final word to will, as you said you need to get more countries, can these were countries bring more countries together? i think if you look at the opportunity— think if you look at the opportunity presented| think if you look at the . opportunity presented by think if you look at the - opportunity presented by the relationship _ opportunity presented by the relationship between - opportunity presented by the relationship between israel. opportunity presented by the . relationship between israel and the uae — relationship between israel and the uae they— relationship between israel and the uae they are _ relationship between israel and the uae they are both - relationship between israel and the uae they are both very - the uae they are both very small. _ the uae they are both very small. but— the uae they are both very small, but relatively- the uae they are both veryl small, but relatively young, hugely— small, but relatively young, hugely dynamic— small, but relatively young, hugely dynamic nations. - small, but relatively young, j hugely dynamic nations. we small, but relatively young, - hugely dynamic nations. we are stronger— hugely dynamic nations. we are stronger together— hugely dynamic nations. we are stronger together and - hugely dynamic nations. we are stronger together and i- hugely dynamic nations. we are stronger together and i think. stronger together and i think with— stronger together and i think with that _ stronger together and i think with that kind _ stronger together and i think with that kind of— stronger together and i think with that kind of context - with that kind of context organizations _ with that kind of context organizations within - with that kind of context i organizations within those countries _ organizations within those countries are _ organizations within those countries are going - organizations within those countries are going to - organizations within those i countries are going to work organizations within those - countries are going to work to more — countries are going to work to more closely— countries are going to work to more closely with _ countries are going to work to more closely with israel-

countries are going to work to more closely with israel and i more closely with israel and the uae _ more closely with israel and the uae so _ more closely with israel and the uae so i _ more closely with israel and the uae so i absolutely- more closely with israel and i the uae so i absolutely think that's— the uae so i absolutely think that's the _ the uae so i absolutely think that's the case. _ the uae so i absolutely think that's the case. but - the uae so i absolutely think that's the case.— that's the case. but to your predictions _ that's the case. but to your predictions but _ that's the case. but to your predictions but we - that's the case. but to your predictions but we are - that's the case. but to your predictions but we are only| predictions but we are only know in three or four years with her the deal has worked or not and that we can come back and discuss this again. thank you a lot for your time, thani, adedayo and william. thank you for this is sameer hashmi signing off. hello again. is looking mod for all of us and pretty windy at times. for some it will turn out to be very wet on saturday. we have the slow—moving weather front with pulses of thicker cloud running along it brings owns of heavier rain. those rainfall totals will mount up, always the heaviest and most persistent rain across our western hills, and we have a number of flood warnings in force across scotland, some for southern wales and is here with

the met office have got amber weather warning for the rest of saturday. 0ne weather warning for the rest of saturday. one to 200 mm of rain off the high ground, bringing a risk of some further localized flooding problems. nice unrest across eastern england, a bright start for scotland and probably in a sunrise here as well. 0utbreaks will return to northern ireland and scotland through the day. the ring at its most persistent and heaviest across southern wales. great and right across eastern areas where we will be very mild for the time of the year, heights of 16 or so.

hello and welcome to bbc news. president biden has told world leaders the transatlantic alliance is back following years of strained relations between the us and europe under donald trump. addressing the annual munich security conference, mr biden said the world was at a pivotal moment, pitting those who thought autocracy was the way forward against those who understood that democracy was essential. in a moment, we'll hear from the us secretary of state in an exclusive international tv interview. but first, that pledge from president biden. i'm sending a clear message to the world america is back.