Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani convened on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi to deliberate on enhancing efforts towards achieving a cease-fire and comprehensive de-escalation in the Middle East. The meeting took place at Qasr Al Shati Palace. According to Anadolu Agency, the UAE's state news agency WAM reported on the meeting, highlighting the leaders' focus on the strong fraternal ties and cooperation between the UAE and Qatar, aiming to serve the interests of both peoples. The discussions included exploring ways to enhance mutual interests and reinforce security and stability in the region. The report further noted that the two sides exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues of shared concern. They emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve a cease-fire and de-escalation in the Middle East, while preventing the expansion of conflict to safeguard regional securit y and stability. The Qatari Prime Minister arrived in Abu Dhabi earlier on Tuesday with an accompanying delegation at Al Bateen Airport. However, the duration of the visit was not disclosed. Regional tension has heightened due to Israel's offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 44,000 people, mostly women and children, since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in October last year. The conflict has extended to Lebanon, with Israel launching airstrikes on the country, killing more than 3,540 people amid cross-border warfare with the Hezbollah group. Additionally, Yemen's Houthi group has begun attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea as a show of solidarity with Gaza.