UAE–Albania Diplomacy: President Bajram Begaj met UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi, discussing deeper cooperation in economy, trade, renewables, tech, infrastructure and water issues ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Courtroom Update: Albania’s Court of Appeal allowed former president Ilir Meta to sit beside his lawyer during hearings; a separate detention request is due later. Tirana Mayor Detention: The B40 network urged Albania’s Supreme Court to consider alternatives to jail for Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj, detained for 19 months; review set for Sept. 15. Justice & Media Access: Albania’s journalists’ association asked the Constitutional Court to suspend new anti-corruption court rules that restrict phones, recordings, cameras and access. Education Start: More than 340,000 students returned for the 2026–27 year, including about 25,000 first-graders; free primary textbooks and expanded after-school programmes were highlighted. Security Incident: A bomb threat at Tirana’s “Emin Duraku” school was ruled a false alarm; police detained the caller. Economy & Investment: Albanian residents invested about €80m abroad in Q2, down 11% year-on-year, according to the Bank of Albania. Cyber Defense: The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation University wrapped a cyber defense advising engagement supporting Albania’s cyber and signal command and defense readiness. Tourism Payments: The Hotel and Tourism Association wants POS transaction fees cut to boost card payments, citing costs nearly 10 times the regional average. Aviation Record: Eurocontrol says Albania hit its highest-ever daily air traffic this summer, as Europe set new flight records despite regional disruptions.