U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran was likely behind the midair attack on flydubai flight FZ1073 and warned Tehran would be "hit very hard" if a link is proven — as the UAE takes custody of the accused Omani co-pilot.
Saudi Arabia will conduct the preliminary investigation into the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073 before he is handed over to UAE authorities, an Israeli official told The Times of Israel.
The UAE has formally opened an investigation into the flydubai FZ1073 cockpit attack, asserting jurisdiction over the case and preparing to take custody of the Omani co-pilot after Saudi Arabia's preliminary probe — while the stabbed hero pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was airlifted from Tabuk to Dubai following emergency surgery.
Saudi Arabia's anti-corruption authority Nazaha detained 158 citizens and residents in September after 1,758 inspection visits, sharply up from 108 detentions in August.
Saudi Arabia's Finance Ministry projects a SR191 billion ($50.9 billion) deficit — 3.6% of GDP — in its 2027 pre-budget statement, forecasting a 12.8% growth rebound after a 3.6% contraction in 2026.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday it was 'too early to say' who was behind the foiled bid to crash flydubai flight FZ1073, adding that Israel may take part in the investigation into the mid-air cockpit attack.
Flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel after the FZ1073 cockpit attack forced an emergency landing in Tabuk. The injured Indian captain is stable in hospital while the attacker remains in Saudi custody.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman vowed "decisive" responses to any threat against Saudi Arabia in his annual Shura Council address, hailing the "indivisibility of Gulf security" and highlighting the new Makkah Defense Pact with Türkiye and Pakistan.
Israeli officials say the cockpit altercation that forced Flydubai flight FZ1073 to land in Tabuk is being probed as a possible terror attack, as the airline sent rescue aircraft and Saudi Arabia declined to admit an Israeli military plane.
Dubai's 1 Billion Followers Summit returns January 8–10, 2027 under the theme "Content for Good," with a $1 million AI Film Award backed by TikTok owner ByteDance and a new $100,000 award for positive storytelling.