Overview
- Southern government forces said they will not withdraw from positions in Hadramout, reporting stable conditions and readiness, as pro‑STC rallies gathered in Mahra and a large turnout in Shabwa’s Ataq backed recent measures.
- The STC’s administrative body blamed Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad Al‑Alimi and the Islah party for the Mukalla port incident and rejected what it called unilateral decisions taken outside consensus.
- STC sources denied any pullback from Hadramout positions, accused Islah‑linked actors of spreading withdrawal rumors, and warned they would repel any attempt to alter the status quo by force.
- The UAE’s ‘Mohammed bin Rashid’ aid ship arrived at Egypt’s Al‑Arish port carrying more than 7,300 tons of food, shelter supplies and winter clothing for Gaza under Operation Gallant Knight 3, with unloading underway for delivery.
- Abu Dhabi’s new government human resources law takes effect on January 1, 2026, introducing merit‑based hiring and promotions and expanded flexibility for employees, as cities finalize extensive New Year’s fireworks and drone shows.