Israel is gearing up for its first commercial flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi. The flight, which is expected to happen next week, is further affirmation of Israel’s stance and support of the recent Israel–UAE normalization agreement

UAE becomes third Arab nation to forge ties with Israel

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday.

United Arab Emirates officials and the Emirates Palace Hotel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
Dogged by mounting corruption allegations, Juan Carlos, 82, abruptly announced his decision to leave Spain on Monday but there has been no official confirmation of his whereabouts, setting off an international guessing game.

ABC said a private plane en route from Paris to Abu Dhabi stopped off in the northwestern Spanish city of Vigo to pick up Juan Carlos, four security guards and one other person on Monday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-is-currently-in-dominican-republic-reports-318110">Also read|&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos is currently in Dominican Republic: Reports</a>

Upon arrival at Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen airport, the ex-king and his entourage were flown by helicopter to the government-owned Hotel Emirates Palace, according to ABC, a pro-monarchy Spanish daily.

A palace spokesman said he did not know where Juan Carlos was. The former king`s lawyer did not immediately reply to a request for comment. His lawyer, the royal palace and the government have all declined to say where Juan Carlos is.

Some media have speculated Juan Carlos is in a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic and others place him in Portugal, where he spent much of his youth. But officials in both countries have said they have no knowledge of him arriving.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-flees-the-country-318186">Also read:&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country</a>

In June, Spain`s Supreme Court opened a preliminary investigation into Juan Carlos` involvement in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia, after Switzerland`s La Tribune de Geneve newspaper reported he had received $100 million from the late Saudi king. Switzerland has also opened an investigation.

The former monarch is not formally under investigation and has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations. 
The lawyer said on Monday his client was at the Spanish prosecutor`s disposal despite his decision to leave.

Spain and Abu Dhabi have an extradition agreement, signed by Juan Carlos himself in 2010.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday. United Arab Emirates officials and the Emirates Palace Hotel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Dogged by mounting corruption allegations, Juan Carlos, 82, abruptly announced his decision to leave Spain on Monday but there has been no official confirmation of his whereabouts, setting off an international guessing game. ABC said a private plane en route from Paris to Abu Dhabi stopped off in the northwestern Spanish city of Vigo to pick up Juan Carlos, four security guards and one other person on Monday morning. Also read| Spain's former king Juan Carlos is currently in Dominican Republic: Reports Upon arrival at Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen airport, the ex-king and his entourage were flown by helicopter to the government-owned Hotel Emirates Palace, according to ABC, a pro-monarchy Spanish daily. A palace spokesman said he did not know where Juan Carlos was. The former king`s lawyer did not immediately reply to a request for comment. His lawyer, the royal palace and the government have all declined to say where Juan Carlos is. Some media have speculated Juan Carlos is in a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic and others place him in Portugal, where he spent much of his youth. But officials in both countries have said they have no knowledge of him arriving. Also read: Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country In June, Spain`s Supreme Court opened a preliminary investigation into Juan Carlos` involvement in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia, after Switzerland`s La Tribune de Geneve newspaper reported he had received $100 million from the late Saudi king. Switzerland has also opened an investigation. The former monarch is not formally under investigation and has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations. The lawyer said on Monday his client was at the Spanish prosecutor`s disposal despite his decision to leave. Spain and Abu Dhabi have an extradition agreement, signed by Juan Carlos himself in 2010.

Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports

An Indian couple was found dead in their flat in Abu Dhabi, where they lived for nearly 18 years.

Janardhanan Pattiery, 57, worked at a travel agency and his wife Minija, 52, at a chartered accountant and audit firm, the Khaleej Times report said. The couple maintained a "normal" lifestyle but Pattiery had recently lost his job.

The couple's only son now works in Bengaluru, India. The couple&nbsp;hails from Kozhikode, Kerala.

"On Thursday evening, their son phoned me saying his parents weren't answering calls for the past four days. I visited their building. The caretaker said he hadn't seen them for a few days. On Thursday night, police found them dead inside their flat," a friend was quoted as saying by the Khaleej Times.

A social worker is following the case for repatriation of bodies.

An Indian couple was found dead in their flat in Abu Dhabi, where they lived for nearly 18 years. Janardhanan Pattiery, 57, worked at a travel agency and his wife Minija, 52, at a chartered accountant and audit firm, the Khaleej Times report said.

An Indian couple was found dead in their flat in Abu Dhabi, where they lived for nearly 18 years. Janardhanan Pattiery, 57, worked at a travel agency and his wife Minija, 52, at a chartered accountant and audit firm, the Khaleej Times report said. The couple maintained a "normal" lifestyle but Pattiery had recently lost his job. The couple's only son now works in Bengaluru, India. The couple hails from Kozhikode, Kerala. "On Thursday evening, their son phoned me saying his parents weren't answering calls for the past four days. I visited their building. The caretaker said he hadn't seen them for a few days. On Thursday night, police found them dead inside their flat," a friend was quoted as saying by the Khaleej Times. A social worker is following the case for repatriation of bodies.

Indian couple found dead in Abu Dhabi flat

The United Arab Emirates plans to test two million people, or about 20% of the population, for the novel coronavirus over the next two months after the infection rate spiked again following the lifting of restrictions, Reuters reported quoting a government spokesperson.

The United Arab Emirates plans to test two million people, or about 20% of the population, for the novel coronavirus over the next two months after the infection rate spiked again following the lifting of restrictions, Reuters reported quoting a government spokesperson. The regional business and tourism hub lifted the lockdown restrictions on June 24 in place since mid-March. It has gradually reopened commercial businesses and public venues and the emirate, or state, of Dubai, is set reopen to foreign visitors on Tuesday. "While it is worrying to see a slight increase in cases in the past few days, it is a reminder that we all should be responsible and committed to follow health practices," government spokesperson Amna al-Shamsi said late on Monday. "UAE health authorities continue to increase testing capacity for Covid-19, with additional 2 million tests to be performed in the coming two months, across the country," she said in comments carried on the government Twitter account. The UAE recorded 528 new cases on Monday, taking its tally to 52,068 with 324 deaths. The daily infection rate had dropped from a peak of over 900 in late May to average between 300 to 400, but rose over the weekend to some 700. Dubai's move to allow foreign visitors has not been implemented on the federal level in the UAE, which does not provide a breakdown of coronavirus cases for each of its seven emirates. Abu Dhabi, the largest and richest emirate, has restricted movement into the UAE capital, with people residing outside the emirate required to obtain a permit showing a negative COVID-19 test. Neighbouring Saudi Arabia has the highest count among the six Gulf Arab states at more than 213,700 infections with 1,968 deaths as of Monday. (With inputs from Reuters)

UAE to test two million people for COVID-19 in next two months as cases rise

Abu Dhabi has imposed an inter-emirates travel ban for one week to curb further transmission of COVID-19. According to this new rule residents of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra can travel within their cities. Watch report.

COVID-19  Pandemic: Abu Dhabi imposes inter-emirates travel ban for one week

The Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Temple will participate in the "Prayers for Humanity" initiative. This initiative is being organized by&nbsp;the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity.

The prayer will be held on May 14 with the objective to&nbsp;unite&nbsp;people in the fight against coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-indian-nationals-flown-back-from-gulf-to-kerala-test-coronavirus-positive-297666">Also read:&nbsp;Two Indian nationals flown back from Gulf to Kerala test coronavirus positive</a>

The prayer meeting will commence at 9pm on Thursday and will include prayers from different cultures of India.

Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, Brahmavihari Swamiji said, "We are honoured to join the Pray for Humanity initiative organised by the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity (HCHF). It is an inspiring call to action which will unite humanity in prayer to the Almighty whose compassion, guidance and protection we all seek in these trying times."

Talking about the prayer meeting,&nbsp;Brahmavihari Swamiji urged everyone to come together and pray for the betterment of humanity. Talking about the coronavirus, he said the prayer will help people unite through heart and soul and pray that the world overcomes this deadly virus that has already claimed so many lives.

The prayer meeting will also include&nbsp;devotional songs, a video presentation, chanting and meditation.

Interested person can log onto "prayer.Mandir.Ae" to join the service.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Temple will participate in the "Prayers for Humanity" initiative. This initiative is being organized by the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity.

The Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Temple will participate in the "Prayers for Humanity" initiative. This initiative is being organized by the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity. The prayer will be held on May 14 with the objective to unite people in the fight against coronavirus. Also read: Two Indian nationals flown back from Gulf to Kerala test coronavirus positive The prayer meeting will commence at 9pm on Thursday and will include prayers from different cultures of India. Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, Brahmavihari Swamiji said, "We are honoured to join the Pray for Humanity initiative organised by the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity (HCHF). It is an inspiring call to action which will unite humanity in prayer to the Almighty whose compassion, guidance and protection we all seek in these trying times." Talking about the prayer meeting, Brahmavihari Swamiji urged everyone to come together and pray for the betterment of humanity. Talking about the coronavirus, he said the prayer will help people unite through heart and soul and pray that the world overcomes this deadly virus that has already claimed so many lives. The prayer meeting will also include devotional songs, a video presentation, chanting and meditation. Interested person can log onto "prayer.Mandir.Ae" to join the service. (With inputs from PTI)

Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi to hold prayer meeting

The first repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi landed&nbsp;in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday.&nbsp;The flight was scheduled to land around 9:30pm.&nbsp;Air India Express flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: First repatriation Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi lands at Cochin International Airport in Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/6CoZMXtJx4">pic.twitter.com/6CoZMXtJx4</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fixes-40-per-head-for-repatriation-by-sea-from-male-to-kochi-297273">Also read:&nbsp;India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Koch</a>

The second flight that took off from Dubai for Kerala around 8:30pm on Thursday landed at&nbsp;Kozhikode airport at 11:30pm,&nbsp;the original expected time of arrival was 10:30pm. The flight brought back 177 stranded Indians from Dubai.

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Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) officials had&nbsp;installed an ultra violet disinfection chamber at the Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The chamber was used to disinfect the baggage coming at the airport. The chamber has been developed by a laboratory in Cochin.

These flights are being operated under the Vande Bharat Mission. The aviation company&nbsp;is using Air India Express IX419 to bring back stranded Indian nationals.&nbsp;

While the focus remains on Gulf countries, where 3 lakh people are stranded, Air India will also be operating repatriation flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, the US and the UK.

Meanwhile, Air India's first&nbsp;repatriation flight&nbsp;to Singapore also took off from Delhi Airport around 11:20pm on Thursday with only one passenger. The flight is expected to return to India on Friday.

This is India government's biggest&nbsp;repatriation operation as&nbsp;around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights, within the first week of the operation.

The first repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi landed in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday. The flight was scheduled to land around 9:30pm. Air India Express flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi.

The first repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi landed in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday. The flight was scheduled to land around 9:30pm. Air India Express flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi. #WATCH: First repatriation Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi lands at Cochin International Airport in Kerala. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/6CoZMXtJx4 — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Also read: India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Koch The second flight that took off from Dubai for Kerala around 8:30pm on Thursday landed at Kozhikode airport at 11:30pm, the original expected time of arrival was 10:30pm. The flight brought back 177 stranded Indians from Dubai. #WATCH Kerala: An Air India Express flight, that took off from Dubai International Airport with 177 Indians on board earlier today, has landed at Kozhikode International Airport. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/SLGgPiU0za — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) officials had installed an ultra violet disinfection chamber at the Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The chamber was used to disinfect the baggage coming at the airport. The chamber has been developed by a laboratory in Cochin. These flights are being operated under the Vande Bharat Mission. The aviation company is using Air India Express IX419 to bring back stranded Indian nationals. While the focus remains on Gulf countries, where 3 lakh people are stranded, Air India will also be operating repatriation flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, the US and the UK. Meanwhile, Air India's first repatriation flight to Singapore also took off from Delhi Airport around 11:20pm on Thursday with only one passenger. The flight is expected to return to India on Friday. This is India government's biggest repatriation operation as around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights, within the first week of the operation.

Air India's first two repatriation flights arrive in Kerala with around 350 Indians from UAE

Japan's PM Shinzo Abe is in Abu Dhabi and scheduled to visit Oman next week. Japan's cabinet decided to use about 500 million yen (4.5Million USD) from this year's budget preserves for the self-defence forces. Leaders also discussed to reduce tensions in West Asia.

Japan to spend 4.6 million dollars in west asia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/motor-racing-team-by-team-analysis-of-the-singapore-grand-prix-166217">Esteban&nbsp;Ocon</a>&nbsp;started work as a&nbsp;Renault&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-aims-for-zero-carbon-footprint-by-2030-261543">Formula One</a> driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing on Tuesday,&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;year&nbsp;as a reserve for champions Mercedes, and said it was good to be back behind the wheel.

The 23-year-old Frenchman lost his drive with Racing Point at the end of 2018 but has returned to replace departed German Nico Hulkenberg for 2020.

He told France's Le Figaro newspaper he might have returned last weekend as a stand-in when Williams' British rookie George Russell reported sick at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but that did not happen.

"I couldn't get in the car. It was obviously impossible," the 1.86m driver said, reporting for duty at Yas Marina.

If the title-winning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-blames-mercedes-strategy-for-singapore-result-251434">Mercedes</a> was a squeeze, with six times world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas both shorter than&nbsp;Ocon, the Frenchman was closer to Hulkenberg's 1.84m measurement.

"My main focus was to get back up to speed," said&nbsp;Ocon.

"Trying to get a sensible position in the car too, and then once we’ve more or less done that it was also to get a first feel for the car and the new tyres. My position is a bit better in that car (the&nbsp;Renault), the seating position because there’s more space."

Teams were testing a mixture of 2019 and 2020 specification Pirelli tyres.

Bottas was fastest for Mercedes and completed 138 laps more than two full race distances on his last day at the wheel this&nbsp;year, with Russell taking over for the final day on Wednesday.

Sebastian Vettel was driving for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/2019-was-race-between-ferrari-and-cycle-akhilesh-yadav-223895">Ferrari</a>, and was second on the timesheets, with Max Verstappen testing for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-could-be-key-for-red-bulls-engine-decision-140662"> Red Bull</a>.

Williams gave former F2 driver Roy Nissany an&nbsp;outing and the 25-year-old Israeli, whose father Chanoch was a test driver for now-defunct Minardi in 2005, was slowest by more than three seconds.

Esteban Ocon started work as a Renault Formula One driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing on Tuesday, after a year as a reserve for champions Mercedes, and said it was good to be back behind the wheel.

Esteban Ocon started work as a Renault Formula One driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing on Tuesday, after a year as a reserve for champions Mercedes, and said it was good to be back behind the wheel. The 23-year-old Frenchman lost his drive with Racing Point at the end of 2018 but has returned to replace departed German Nico Hulkenberg for 2020. He told France's Le Figaro newspaper he might have returned last weekend as a stand-in when Williams' British rookie George Russell reported sick at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but that did not happen. "I couldn't get in the car. It was obviously impossible," the 1.86m driver said, reporting for duty at Yas Marina. If the title-winning Mercedes was a squeeze, with six times world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas both shorter than Ocon, the Frenchman was closer to Hulkenberg's 1.84m measurement. "My main focus was to get back up to speed," said Ocon. "Trying to get a sensible position in the car too, and then once we’ve more or less done that it was also to get a first feel for the car and the new tyres. My position is a bit better in that car (the Renault), the seating position because there’s more space." Teams were testing a mixture of 2019 and 2020 specification Pirelli tyres. Bottas was fastest for Mercedes and completed 138 laps more than two full race distances on his last day at the wheel this year, with Russell taking over for the final day on Wednesday. Sebastian Vettel was driving for Ferrari, and was second on the timesheets, with Max Verstappen testing for Red Bull. Williams gave former F2 driver Roy Nissany an outing and the 25-year-old Israeli, whose father Chanoch was a test driver for now-defunct Minardi in 2005, was slowest by more than three seconds.

Formula One: Ocon fits in at Renault after a year out

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros&nbsp;on Sunday for a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car in Formula One's season-ending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-wraps-up-season-with-master-class-in-abu-dhabi-265667">Abu Dhabi Grand Prix</a> but the Monegasque driver retained third place.

The amount of fuel the car was carrying was checked before it left the pitlane to go on to the Yas Marina starting grid.

The FIA technical delegate found a "significant difference", later revealed to be 4.88kg, between the amount in the car and that declared.

Stewards, who included former racer Derek Warwick, determined the fine for an inaccurate declaration after summoning Ferrari representatives post-race.

Leclerc had been fighting for third in the overall standings with Red Bull’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Max Verstappen</a>, who finished second to Mercedes's race winner Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen’s team boss Christian Horner had said before the start he expected Leclerc to be disqualified.

"The technical regulations are black or white... usually with a case like that it's either legal or it isn't," he told Sky Sports television.

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros on Sunday for a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car in Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but the Monegasque driver retained third place.

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros on Sunday for a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car in Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but the Monegasque driver retained third place. The amount of fuel the car was carrying was checked before it left the pitlane to go on to the Yas Marina starting grid. The FIA technical delegate found a "significant difference", later revealed to be 4.88kg, between the amount in the car and that declared. Stewards, who included former racer Derek Warwick, determined the fine for an inaccurate declaration after summoning Ferrari representatives post-race. Leclerc had been fighting for third in the overall standings with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished second to Mercedes's race winner Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen’s team boss Christian Horner had said before the start he expected Leclerc to be disqualified. "The technical regulations are black or white... usually with a case like that it's either legal or it isn't," he told Sky Sports television.

Formula One: Ferrari fined 50,000 euros for fuel irregularity

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-hit-by-pioneering-spirit-as-f1-charts-new-course-259219">Lewis Hamilton </a>delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Starting from a record 88th pole position, the 34-year-old Briton was unchallenged from lights to flag as he cruised to an untroubled triumph 16 seconds ahead of Red Bull's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Max Verstappen</a> and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who faced a post-race investigation for fuel irregularities.

The six-times world champion’s success extended his points-scoring run to a record-equalling 33 races, levelling with his own record, and brought him his 50th victory from pole position.&nbsp;

"That was an absolute master-class," Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington told him on team radio. "You didn’t even break into a sweat!"

The winner, who secured title number six with two races to go in Texas last month replied: "I can assure you, I am definitely sweating."&nbsp;

His fifth win at the Yas Marina circuit drew him level with Ayrton Senna in claiming a 19th start-to-finish triumph.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who had started from the back of the grid after taking a new engine, came home fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and Alex Albon in the second Red Bull.

It was a welcome morale boost for the competitive Finn, three days after announcing the end of his three-year marriage to Emilia.

Sergio Perez took seventh for Racing Point on the final lap, Lando Norris was eighth for McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso ninth and Carlos Sainz, in the second McLaren, took 10th.

The race was preceded by drama for Ferrari when Leclerc’s car was discovered, during a pit-lane inspection, to have a fuel irregularity that revealed "significant discrepancies" and required a planned post-race stewards investigation.

Ferrari embarrassment&nbsp;

It was embarrassing for the team, in one of Ferrari's key markets and close to the Ferrari World theme park, but this seemed to have no effect on the Monegasque who made a strong start and passed Verstappen for second at Turn Eight on the opening lap.

Hamilton made a perfect start to his 250th F1 race and was 1.6 seconds clear after one lap and 3.3 by lap six as Leclerc launched his pursuit, moving two seconds clear of the Dutchman in a bid to overhaul him and take third in the drivers’ championship.

After a typically hot day, the sun went down and the floodlights came on around the track.

Verstappen pitted on lap 26, re-joining third behind Leclerc before, a lap later, Hamilton came in to take ‘hards’ in 3.2 seconds and retained his lead.&nbsp;

He was six seconds clear of Leclerc with Verstappen adrift by 4.6 and complaining of power problems.

Bottas came in on lap 30 for an impeccable stop, returning in sixth as Hamilton, in supreme form, clocked a fastest lap in 1:41.070 to go 12 seconds clear of Leclerc.

Despite his complaints, Verstappen had great speed and he passed Leclerc with a dazzling move at Turn Eight, which he defended stoutly, to take second and delight his ‘orange army’ in the grandstands.

Bottas then broke the track lap record, set by Vettel for Red Bull in 2009, with a 1:39.715. He was sixth and chasing down Albon with 19 laps to go.

On lap 39, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-silly-crash-at-brazilian-grand-prix-leaves-team-with-big-consequences-263334">Leclerc and Vettel</a> pitted again, without problem this time, as Bottas took fourth from Albon. Verstappen, in radio conversation with his team, chuckled as he said: “Are both Ferraris on a two-stop? I can hear it behind you!”

The closing stages were punctuated by drama as Bottas closed down Leclerc to fight for third and Hamilton, on cue, clocked a new lap record in 1:39.283, setting himself up to claim another clean sweep of pole position, fastest lap and race victory.

It was the third time Hamilton had scored 11 wins in a season, equalling his records set in 2014 and last year.

Lewis Hamilton delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Starting from a record 88th pole position, the 34-year-old Briton was unchallenged from lights to flag as he cruised to an untroubled triumph 16 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who faced a post-race investigation for fuel irregularities. The six-times world champion’s success extended his points-scoring run to a record-equalling 33 races, levelling with his own record, and brought him his 50th victory from pole position. "That was an absolute master-class," Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington told him on team radio. "You didn’t even break into a sweat!" The winner, who secured title number six with two races to go in Texas last month replied: "I can assure you, I am definitely sweating." His fifth win at the Yas Marina circuit drew him level with Ayrton Senna in claiming a 19th start-to-finish triumph. Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who had started from the back of the grid after taking a new engine, came home fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and Alex Albon in the second Red Bull. It was a welcome morale boost for the competitive Finn, three days after announcing the end of his three-year marriage to Emilia. Sergio Perez took seventh for Racing Point on the final lap, Lando Norris was eighth for McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso ninth and Carlos Sainz, in the second McLaren, took 10th. The race was preceded by drama for Ferrari when Leclerc’s car was discovered, during a pit-lane inspection, to have a fuel irregularity that revealed "significant discrepancies" and required a planned post-race stewards investigation. Ferrari embarrassment It was embarrassing for the team, in one of Ferrari's key markets and close to the Ferrari World theme park, but this seemed to have no effect on the Monegasque who made a strong start and passed Verstappen for second at Turn Eight on the opening lap. Hamilton made a perfect start to his 250th F1 race and was 1.6 seconds clear after one lap and 3.3 by lap six as Leclerc launched his pursuit, moving two seconds clear of the Dutchman in a bid to overhaul him and take third in the drivers’ championship. After a typically hot day, the sun went down and the floodlights came on around the track. Verstappen pitted on lap 26, re-joining third behind Leclerc before, a lap later, Hamilton came in to take ‘hards’ in 3.2 seconds and retained his lead. He was six seconds clear of Leclerc with Verstappen adrift by 4.6 and complaining of power problems. Bottas came in on lap 30 for an impeccable stop, returning in sixth as Hamilton, in supreme form, clocked a fastest lap in 1:41.070 to go 12 seconds clear of Leclerc. Despite his complaints, Verstappen had great speed and he passed Leclerc with a dazzling move at Turn Eight, which he defended stoutly, to take second and delight his ‘orange army’ in the grandstands. Bottas then broke the track lap record, set by Vettel for Red Bull in 2009, with a 1:39.715. He was sixth and chasing down Albon with 19 laps to go. On lap 39, Leclerc and Vettel pitted again, without problem this time, as Bottas took fourth from Albon. Verstappen, in radio conversation with his team, chuckled as he said: “Are both Ferraris on a two-stop? I can hear it behind you!” The closing stages were punctuated by drama as Bottas closed down Leclerc to fight for third and Hamilton, on cue, clocked a new lap record in 1:39.283, setting himself up to claim another clean sweep of pole position, fastest lap and race victory. It was the third time Hamilton had scored 11 wins in a season, equalling his records set in 2014 and last year.

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton wraps up season with 'master-class' in Abu Dhabi

Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;will be making a milestone 250th<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chadwick-feels-formula-one-is-further-away-the-closer-she-gets-260708"> Formula One</a> start as he seeks to&nbsp;sign&nbsp;off&nbsp;his championship-winning campaign in&nbsp;style&nbsp;in Sunday's&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Dhabi&nbsp;season-ender.

The Briton, who became only the second driver to win a sixth title in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-silly-crash-at-brazilian-grand-prix-leaves-team-with-big-consequences-263334">US&nbsp;Grand Prix</a> earlier this month, is already the most successful driver at the floodlit Yas Marina track with four wins.

Another triumph in the dusk-to-night race would be a perfect&nbsp;finale&nbsp;for the 34-year-old, who&nbsp;can&nbsp;expect a more hard-fought battle next year from a younger generation hungry for the limelight.

"It's inevitable that the youngsters are going to come through,"&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;said after the last race in Brazil, where he finished third but ended up seventh after a post-race penalty for tangling with Red Bull’s Thai rookie Alexander Albon.

The average age of the top three at Interlagos&nbsp;Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Spaniard Carlos Sainz were 23 years, eight months and 23 days and the sport's youngest podium yet.

"I feel like I’m able to still kick it with these guys and so I’m excited about the future," said&nbsp;Hamilton, who&nbsp;can&nbsp;also equal his own record of 33 successive points finishes on Sunday.

"Hopefully next year we’re going to have a serious three-way, four-way battle and that’s great for Formula One."

Hamilton&nbsp;has won half of the season's 20 races so far, propelling his team to an unprecedented sixth successive title double, but Brazil was a disappointing weekend with Valtteri Bottas retiring.

"The underperformance in Brazil means we head to&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Dhabi&nbsp;with a point to prove," said team boss Toto Wolff.

Ferrari's 22-year-old Charles Leclerc has made his mark since the August break, winning twice and is set to end the season as the driver with most pole positions (seven so far).

Verstappen, also 22, took his third win of the campaign in Brazil and is fighting Leclerc for third overall.

If there is to be a challenge to Mercedes, who have won every race in&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Dhabi&nbsp;since 2014, it looks more likely to come from Ferrari.

The Italian team has already secured second in the constructors’ standings but has never won in&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Dhabi, a track located right next to their Ferrari World theme park.

Even if they have cleared the air between their drivers after Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in Brazil, there is still likely to be plenty of tension as they too seek to finish on a positive note.

Abu&nbsp;Dhabi&nbsp;is also the place for farewells.

Nico Hulkenberg is leaving, at least for a season, after losing his Renault seat to 23-year-old Frenchman Esteban Ocon and Robert Kubica will bring down the curtain on his comeback with Williams.

Canadian reserve Nicholas Latifi is favorite for the seat.

Lewis Hamilton will be making a milestone 250th Formula One start as he seeks to sign off his championship-winning campaign in style in Sunday's Abu Dhabi season-ender.

Lewis Hamilton will be making a milestone 250th Formula One start as he seeks to sign off his championship-winning campaign in style in Sunday's Abu Dhabi season-ender. The Briton, who became only the second driver to win a sixth title in the US Grand Prix earlier this month, is already the most successful driver at the floodlit Yas Marina track with four wins. Another triumph in the dusk-to-night race would be a perfect finale for the 34-year-old, who can expect a more hard-fought battle next year from a younger generation hungry for the limelight. "It's inevitable that the youngsters are going to come through," Hamilton said after the last race in Brazil, where he finished third but ended up seventh after a post-race penalty for tangling with Red Bull’s Thai rookie Alexander Albon. The average age of the top three at Interlagos Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Spaniard Carlos Sainz were 23 years, eight months and 23 days and the sport's youngest podium yet. "I feel like I’m able to still kick it with these guys and so I’m excited about the future," said Hamilton, who can also equal his own record of 33 successive points finishes on Sunday. "Hopefully next year we’re going to have a serious three-way, four-way battle and that’s great for Formula One." Hamilton has won half of the season's 20 races so far, propelling his team to an unprecedented sixth successive title double, but Brazil was a disappointing weekend with Valtteri Bottas retiring. "The underperformance in Brazil means we head to Abu Dhabi with a point to prove," said team boss Toto Wolff. Ferrari's 22-year-old Charles Leclerc has made his mark since the August break, winning twice and is set to end the season as the driver with most pole positions (seven so far). Verstappen, also 22, took his third win of the campaign in Brazil and is fighting Leclerc for third overall. If there is to be a challenge to Mercedes, who have won every race in Abu Dhabi since 2014, it looks more likely to come from Ferrari. The Italian team has already secured second in the constructors’ standings but has never won in Abu Dhabi, a track located right next to their Ferrari World theme park. Even if they have cleared the air between their drivers after Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in Brazil, there is still likely to be plenty of tension as they too seek to finish on a positive note. Abu Dhabi is also the place for farewells. Nico Hulkenberg is leaving, at least for a season, after losing his Renault seat to 23-year-old Frenchman Esteban Ocon and Robert Kubica will bring down the curtain on his comeback with Williams. Canadian reserve Nicholas Latifi is favorite for the seat.

Motor racing: Hamilton can sign off in style at Abu Dhabi finale

The owner of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-denied-comeback-win-by-late-mcburnie-equaliser-264347">English Premier League</a> champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Manchester City</a> is selling a $500 million&nbsp;stake to private equity firm Silver Lake, valuing the soccer club's owner at $4.8 billion, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people with knowledge of the deal.

Silver Lake is buying over 10 per cent&nbsp;of Abu Dhabi-controlled City Football Group (CFG), the newspaper reported, adding that an official announcement was expected as early as Wednesday.

The deal was signed on Saturday by CFG Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Silver Lake managing partner Egon Durban, according to the FT. The report added that Abu Dhabi aims to retain its majority ownership of CFG.

The US&nbsp;private equity firm aims to hold its stake for about 10 years but could also seek to cash out through an initial public offering or selling to another private investor, FT reported. Silver Lake had also approached other European and English soccer clubs, including London's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-chelsea-and-nine-man-ajax-share-spoils-in-thrilling-4-4-draw-260245">Chelsea Football Club</a>.

The English Premier League champions drew in record revenue of 535.2 million pounds ($686.66 million) in a fifth consecutive year of profitability in 2018-19, marking their 11th straight year of revenue growth under the ownership of the Abu Dhabi royal family. The club won an unprecedented domestic treble last season.

CFG and Silver Lake were not immediately available for comment outside regular business hours.

The owner of English Premier League champions Manchester City is selling a $500 million stake to private equity firm Silver Lake, valuing the soccer club's owner at $4.

The owner of English Premier League champions Manchester City is selling a $500 million stake to private equity firm Silver Lake, valuing the soccer club's owner at $4.8 billion, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people with knowledge of the deal. Silver Lake is buying over 10 per cent of Abu Dhabi-controlled City Football Group (CFG), the newspaper reported, adding that an official announcement was expected as early as Wednesday. The deal was signed on Saturday by CFG Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Silver Lake managing partner Egon Durban, according to the FT. The report added that Abu Dhabi aims to retain its majority ownership of CFG. The US private equity firm aims to hold its stake for about 10 years but could also seek to cash out through an initial public offering or selling to another private investor, FT reported. Silver Lake had also approached other European and English soccer clubs, including London's Chelsea Football Club. The English Premier League champions drew in record revenue of 535.2 million pounds ($686.66 million) in a fifth consecutive year of profitability in 2018-19, marking their 11th straight year of revenue growth under the ownership of the Abu Dhabi royal family. The club won an unprecedented domestic treble last season. CFG and Silver Lake were not immediately available for comment outside regular business hours.

Manchester City owner to sell $500 million stake valuing itself at $4.8 billion: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-visit-showcases-vladimir-putins-growing-middle-east-influence-255779">President Vladimir Putin visited Abu Dhabi on Tuesday</a>, seeking to attract over $1.3 billion worth of investments in Russia's economy.

Putin, who came to the United Arab Emirates a day after signing a key oil deal with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, was greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.&nbsp;

A dozen agreements worth more than $1.3 billion, notably in the energy, advanced technology and sectors, are expected to be sealed during the visit, according to the Russian sovereign wealth fund.&nbsp;

As Putin made his way to the presidential palace, jets painted the sky white, blue and red,&nbsp;the colours of the Russian flag, and ceremonial cannon salutes were fired.

The streets of Abu Dhabi were lined with Emirati and Russian flags, while road signs typically displaying warnings for motorists greeted Putin in Arabic and Russian.

"The United Arab Emirates welcomes the visit of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-nothing-compromising-in-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253325">the Russian president</a>," read the signs.&nbsp;

"Among the Gulf countries, the UAE is the leader in terms of trade with Russia," Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov told the press a few days ahead of the visit.

In 2018, trade between the two countries had reached up to $1.7 billion.

"Relations with the Emirates are very advanced, and they are constantly improving," Russian Economy Minister Maxim Oreshkin told reporters in Riyadh on Monday.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin visited Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, seeking to attract over $1.3 billion worth of investments in Russia's economy. Putin, who came to the United Arab Emirates a day after signing a key oil deal with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, was greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

President Vladimir Putin visited Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, seeking to attract over $1.3 billion worth of investments in Russia's economy. Putin, who came to the United Arab Emirates a day after signing a key oil deal with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, was greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. A dozen agreements worth more than $1.3 billion, notably in the energy, advanced technology and sectors, are expected to be sealed during the visit, according to the Russian sovereign wealth fund. As Putin made his way to the presidential palace, jets painted the sky white, blue and red, the colours of the Russian flag, and ceremonial cannon salutes were fired. The streets of Abu Dhabi were lined with Emirati and Russian flags, while road signs typically displaying warnings for motorists greeted Putin in Arabic and Russian. "The United Arab Emirates welcomes the visit of the Russian president," read the signs. "Among the Gulf countries, the UAE is the leader in terms of trade with Russia," Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov told the press a few days ahead of the visit. In 2018, trade between the two countries had reached up to $1.7 billion. "Relations with the Emirates are very advanced, and they are constantly improving," Russian Economy Minister Maxim Oreshkin told reporters in Riyadh on Monday.

Putin in Abu Dhabi seeking $1.3 billion in investments

National Security Advisory NSA Ajit Doval on Thursday was in UAE and met Crown Prince of Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed with focus on energy ties.&nbsp;

NSA also met Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairman of the UAE's state-owned oil company — the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company or ADNOC.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's Aramco and UAE's ADNOC are planning a refinery in India's west coast at the cost of $44 billion &amp; will have a capacity of 60 million metric tonnes. India has also got oil from ADNOC for its Strategic Petroleum Reserve at Mangalore.&nbsp;

UAE accounts for 8 per cent of India’s oil imports and is the fifth-largest supplier of crude oil to India.

A govt release said,"UAE and India have strong bonds and there have regular interactions on various issues at the highest levels. NSA’s visit will further strengthen the understanding and cooperation between the two nations."

NSA Doval offered his condolences on the death of his uncle, Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, on behalf of PM Modi to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

PM Modi had tweeted about the passing of Mubarak Al Ketbi on Wednesday. PM tweeted, "I am deeply anguished by the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, the uncle of Crown Prince Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed. He served his nation with utmost dedication and diligence. My condolences to the family of the Crown Prince in this hour of grief."

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I am deeply anguished by the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, the uncle of Crown Prince Sheikh <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MohamedBinZayed</a>. He served his nation with utmost dedication and diligence. My condolences to the family of the Crown Prince in this hour of grief.
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The visit to the UAE comes a day after his visit to Saudi Arabia where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for 2 hours.

India is increasing its engagement with the Islamic world. Earlier this year, PM Modi visited UAE and was conferred the highest civilian award of the country--the Zayed Medal.&nbsp;

PM Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016. The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's republic day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. 2019 he again visited the west asian country.

National Security Advisory NSA Ajit Doval on Thursday was in UAE and met Crown Prince of Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed with focus on energy ties.

National Security Advisory NSA Ajit Doval on Thursday was in UAE and met Crown Prince of Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed with focus on energy ties. NSA also met Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairman of the UAE's state-owned oil company — the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company or ADNOC. Saudi Arabia's Aramco and UAE's ADNOC are planning a refinery in India's west coast at the cost of $44 billion & will have a capacity of 60 million metric tonnes. India has also got oil from ADNOC for its Strategic Petroleum Reserve at Mangalore. UAE accounts for 8 per cent of India’s oil imports and is the fifth-largest supplier of crude oil to India. A govt release said,"UAE and India have strong bonds and there have regular interactions on various issues at the highest levels. NSA’s visit will further strengthen the understanding and cooperation between the two nations." NSA Doval offered his condolences on the death of his uncle, Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, on behalf of PM Modi to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. PM Modi had tweeted about the passing of Mubarak Al Ketbi on Wednesday. PM tweeted, "I am deeply anguished by the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, the uncle of Crown Prince Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed. He served his nation with utmost dedication and diligence. My condolences to the family of the Crown Prince in this hour of grief." I am deeply anguished by the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, the uncle of Crown Prince Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed. He served his nation with utmost dedication and diligence. My condolences to the family of the Crown Prince in this hour of grief. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2019 × The visit to the UAE comes a day after his visit to Saudi Arabia where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for 2 hours. India is increasing its engagement with the Islamic world. Earlier this year, PM Modi visited UAE and was conferred the highest civilian award of the country--the Zayed Medal. PM Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016. The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's republic day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. 2019 he again visited the west asian country.

NSA Ajit Doval meets Abu Dhabi crown prince; focus on energy ties

Germany's foreign minister has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, as part of a concerted European effort to preserve Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and defuse rising US-Iranian tensions.

A cautious thaw in relations between Tehran and Washington set in in 2015 when Iran struck a deal with six big powers limiting its nuclear activity. But tensions with the United States have mounted again since President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the accord in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions.

West European signatories, including Germany, want to try to keep the nuclear accord alive although they share the Trump administration's disquiet about Iran's ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around in the Middle East.

Germany, France and Britain maintain that the nuclear pact remains the best way to limit Iran's enrichment of uranium, a potential pathway to the development of nuclear weapons.

A German diplomatic source confirmed that Foreign Minister Heiko Maas would meet his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and Rouhani on Monday.

Maas warned during a weekend stopover in Iraq en route to Tehran about the dangers of any conflict with Iran for the entire Middle East and said the Europeans were convinced it was worth trying to keep the nuclear agreement with Iran.

In Abu Dhabi, he also sounded a warning to Iran.

"We are not prepared to have a discussion on 'less for less'," Maas told reporters, referring to Iran's decision to reciprocate for the reimposition of sanctions.

Last month, Iran scaled back some commitments under the 2015 deal and warned that in 60 days it would resume refining uranium to a higher fissile degree than that permitted by the accord if Europe failed to shield its trade from US sanctions.

Maas also said that, in his talks, he would stress his concerns about Iranian activity in Syria and Yemen.

"However, we think that this should take place as part of a dialogue," he said, adding he did not think a strategy of maximum pressure and threats was helpful.

Washington has sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what US officials call Iranian threats to US troops and interests in the region.

Iran has always said its nuclear activity is peaceful and refuses to put its missile and military capabilities on the negotiating table, as the Trump administration has demanded.

Zarif was quoted by Fars news agency on Sunday as saying Maas's visit showed Germany was trying to "keep the (nuclear deal) alive".

But, suggesting Iran did not view Maas as a mediator with Washington, he added: "It is unlikely that the German foreign minister is travelling to Tehran to carry a special message.”

Maas coordinated his trip with France and Britain, and also discussed it with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Germany's foreign minister has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, as part of a concerted European effort to preserve Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and defuse rising US-Iranian tensions.

Germany's foreign minister has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, as part of a concerted European effort to preserve Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and defuse rising US-Iranian tensions. A cautious thaw in relations between Tehran and Washington set in in 2015 when Iran struck a deal with six big powers limiting its nuclear activity. But tensions with the United States have mounted again since President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the accord in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions. West European signatories, including Germany, want to try to keep the nuclear accord alive although they share the Trump administration's disquiet about Iran's ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around in the Middle East. Germany, France and Britain maintain that the nuclear pact remains the best way to limit Iran's enrichment of uranium, a potential pathway to the development of nuclear weapons. A German diplomatic source confirmed that Foreign Minister Heiko Maas would meet his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and Rouhani on Monday. Maas warned during a weekend stopover in Iraq en route to Tehran about the dangers of any conflict with Iran for the entire Middle East and said the Europeans were convinced it was worth trying to keep the nuclear agreement with Iran. In Abu Dhabi, he also sounded a warning to Iran. "We are not prepared to have a discussion on 'less for less'," Maas told reporters, referring to Iran's decision to reciprocate for the reimposition of sanctions. Last month, Iran scaled back some commitments under the 2015 deal and warned that in 60 days it would resume refining uranium to a higher fissile degree than that permitted by the accord if Europe failed to shield its trade from US sanctions. Maas also said that, in his talks, he would stress his concerns about Iranian activity in Syria and Yemen. "However, we think that this should take place as part of a dialogue," he said, adding he did not think a strategy of maximum pressure and threats was helpful. Washington has sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what US officials call Iranian threats to US troops and interests in the region. Iran has always said its nuclear activity is peaceful and refuses to put its missile and military capabilities on the negotiating table, as the Trump administration has demanded. Zarif was quoted by Fars news agency on Sunday as saying Maas's visit showed Germany was trying to "keep the (nuclear deal) alive". But, suggesting Iran did not view Maas as a mediator with Washington, he added: "It is unlikely that the German foreign minister is travelling to Tehran to carry a special message.” Maas coordinated his trip with France and Britain, and also discussed it with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

German minister Heiko Maas lands in Iran in bid to save nuclear pact

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-urges-libya-peace-return-of-refugees-to-syria-212319">Pope Francis</a> said Monday he wants to visit Iraq as early as next year in spite of the security conditions.

"An insistent thought accompanies me when I think about Iraq, where I want to go next year so that it can look to the future through peaceful and shared participation in the construction of the common good," Francis told a Vatican audience.

The pope voiced hope that Iraq "does not return to the tensions which come from the never-ending conflicts between regional powers."

Iraq has been a battleground for competing forces, including the jihadist Islamic State group, since the US-led ouster of president Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Vatican number two Cardinal Pietro Parolin warned in January that a papal trip to Iraq imposed a "minimum of conditions" that "are not currently met".

Discussing terrorism, the Vatican secretary of state said the Iraqi authorities confirmed that "the roots of this phenomenon are still present".

Francis has made boosting ties between Christianity and Islam a cornerstone of his papacy.

He has this year visited Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.

The pope has already visited several Muslim countries, including Turkey in 2014, Azerbaijan in 2016 and Egypt in 2017.

Pope Francis moved quickly after his election in 2013 to make overtures to Jews and Muslims, inviting two old friends from Buenos Aires, a rabbi and a Muslim professor on a trip to the Middle East where he condemned religious hatred.

Pope Francis said Monday he wants to visit Iraq as early as next year in spite of the security conditions. "An insistent thought accompanies me when I think about Iraq, where I want to go next year so that it can look to the future through peaceful and shared participation in the construction of the common good," Francis told a Vatican audience.

Pope Francis said Monday he wants to visit Iraq as early as next year in spite of the security conditions. "An insistent thought accompanies me when I think about Iraq, where I want to go next year so that it can look to the future through peaceful and shared participation in the construction of the common good," Francis told a Vatican audience. The pope voiced hope that Iraq "does not return to the tensions which come from the never-ending conflicts between regional powers." Iraq has been a battleground for competing forces, including the jihadist Islamic State group, since the US-led ouster of president Saddam Hussein in 2003. Vatican number two Cardinal Pietro Parolin warned in January that a papal trip to Iraq imposed a "minimum of conditions" that "are not currently met". Discussing terrorism, the Vatican secretary of state said the Iraqi authorities confirmed that "the roots of this phenomenon are still present". Francis has made boosting ties between Christianity and Islam a cornerstone of his papacy. He has this year visited Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. The pope has already visited several Muslim countries, including Turkey in 2014, Azerbaijan in 2016 and Egypt in 2017. Pope Francis moved quickly after his election in 2013 to make overtures to Jews and Muslims, inviting two old friends from Buenos Aires, a rabbi and a Muslim professor on a trip to the Middle East where he condemned religious hatred.

Pope Francis says wants to visit Iraq in 2020

In probably the first, the UAE government has given a birth certificate to a nine-month-old girl who was born to an Indian Hindu father and a Muslim mother, setting aside the country's marriage rules for expatriates during the Year of Tolerance, according to a media report.

As per the marriage rules for expatriates in UAE, a Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim woman but a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man.

Sharjah-based expat Kiran Babu and Sanam Saboo Siddique, who got married in Kerala in 2016, faced an unusual situation when their daughter was born in July 2018, the Khaleej Times reported.

"I have an Abu Dhabi visa. I get my insurance coverage there and got my wife admitted to Medeor 24X7 Hospital in the emirate. But after the baby's delivery, the birth certificate was rejected as I am a Hindu," Babu said.

"I then applied for a no-objection certificate through the court. The trial went on for four months but my case was rejected," he added.

Babu said that since his daughter had no legal documents, he pinned his hopes on the amnesty period.&nbsp;

The UAE has declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance to highlight UAE as an exemplary example of a tolerant nation, bridging the communication gap between different cultures and build an environment where people accept each other as they are.

"Those days were stressful and the amnesty was a window of hope. The Indian Embassy helped with the provision of an out pass. But the baby was denied immigration clearance as there was no data or registration number to prove her birth," he said.

Babu said that Indian Embassy counsellor M. Rajamurugan supported them throughout the process.&nbsp;

"The judicial department made my case an exception. I was told that from now on, in such cases, we have to put together a request letter, get it approved by the chief justice, and take it to the health authority for the issuance of a birth certificate," he said.

Babu again went to court and, this time, his case was approved.&nbsp;

The couple was given the birth certificate of their daughter Anamta Aceline Kiran on April 14, a day before the Hindu festival of Vishu.

"I am told that this is the first case where the rule has been amended," he said.&nbsp;

Rajamurugan said the ground-breaking ruling from the court will serve as a precedent for future cases.&nbsp;

In probably the first, the UAE government has given a birth certificate to a nine-month-old girl who was born to an Indian Hindu father and a Muslim mother, setting aside the country's marriage rules for expatriates during the Year of Tolerance, according to a media report.

In probably the first, the UAE government has given a birth certificate to a nine-month-old girl who was born to an Indian Hindu father and a Muslim mother, setting aside the country's marriage rules for expatriates during the Year of Tolerance, according to a media report. As per the marriage rules for expatriates in UAE, a Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim woman but a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man. Sharjah-based expat Kiran Babu and Sanam Saboo Siddique, who got married in Kerala in 2016, faced an unusual situation when their daughter was born in July 2018, the Khaleej Times reported. "I have an Abu Dhabi visa. I get my insurance coverage there and got my wife admitted to Medeor 24X7 Hospital in the emirate. But after the baby's delivery, the birth certificate was rejected as I am a Hindu," Babu said. "I then applied for a no-objection certificate through the court. The trial went on for four months but my case was rejected," he added. Babu said that since his daughter had no legal documents, he pinned his hopes on the amnesty period. The UAE has declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance to highlight UAE as an exemplary example of a tolerant nation, bridging the communication gap between different cultures and build an environment where people accept each other as they are. "Those days were stressful and the amnesty was a window of hope. The Indian Embassy helped with the provision of an out pass. But the baby was denied immigration clearance as there was no data or registration number to prove her birth," he said. Babu said that Indian Embassy counsellor M. Rajamurugan supported them throughout the process. "The judicial department made my case an exception. I was told that from now on, in such cases, we have to put together a request letter, get it approved by the chief justice, and take it to the health authority for the issuance of a birth certificate," he said. Babu again went to court and, this time, his case was approved. The couple was given the birth certificate of their daughter Anamta Aceline Kiran on April 14, a day before the Hindu festival of Vishu. "I am told that this is the first case where the rule has been amended," he said. Rajamurugan said the ground-breaking ruling from the court will serve as a precedent for future cases.

UAE gives birth certificate to girl born to Hindu father and Muslim mother

Foundation stone laying ceremony of a Hindu temple will be taking place today in Abu Dhabi. Watch full video to know more.

Foundation stone of First Hindu temple to be laid in Abu Dhabi today

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Thursday with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, the White House said in a statement.

The two leaders discussed Washington`s "continued support for the United Arab Emirates` national defense, strengthening alliances in the region, and the impact of the Administration’s crippling sanctions on Iran," the statement said.

"They also spoke about UAE’s contributions to the global energy markets as a reliable supplier of oil," it said.

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Thursday with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, the White House said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Thursday with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, the White House said in a statement. The two leaders discussed Washington`s "continued support for the United Arab Emirates` national defense, strengthening alliances in the region, and the impact of the Administration’s crippling sanctions on Iran," the statement said. "They also spoke about UAE’s contributions to the global energy markets as a reliable supplier of oil," it said.

Trump spoke with Abu Dhabi crown prince on Thursday: White House

Yemen's Houthis say ready to strike Riyadh, Abu Dhabi if coalition moves on Hodeidah

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the participation of India as the guest of honour at the Abu Dhabi foreign ministers'&nbsp;meet and, it said, hopes to embrace India one day.&nbsp;

Speaking at a press conference at the end of the meet, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "OIC has sent a very clear and positive sign to India and its people, that the OIC appreciates the relationship with India."

Al Nahyan added that the organisation&nbsp;"looks forward to strengthening such a relationship with India to the point where we can embrace India one day in the OIC."

It was for the first time India was invited at the OIC meeting.

India was invited by UAE as a "Guest of Honour" and this was backed by Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.

Calling India's presence historic, the UAE foreign minister said, "I know we are not there yet for obvious reasons but what I can say is that having India as a guest of honour was a historic moment for the both OIC and India."

Replying to a question on OIC's strong statement on Kashmir which it has been doing since many years, Al Nahyan said, "The language you are referring to has been in our previous statements but I think the most important change is that the OIC is having India as the guest of honour."

Calling the speech made by External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj as "positive, strong, dedicated" the UAE foreign minister said, it was "very well received" by all. EAM's speech focused on India's diversity as an example and its linkages with the members of the grouping. She also slammed Pakistan without taking any name, "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps."

India's presence at the meet is being considered as big diplomatic coup since the grouping once was considered a supporter of Islamabad.

Pakistan boycotted the plenary session of OIC at the Foreign Minister level due to Indian presence. Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to India but the plea did not receive any response.

Meanwhile, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Ahmad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Saturday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders noted the "historic significance" of participation of India’s as Guest of Honour in the OIC FMs meets in UAE.

During the conversation, Modi underscored that "terrorism continues to pose a serious risk to peace and security in the region" and stressed the importance of "demonstrable and immediate" action by the "concerned" for putting an end to all forms of terrorism, according to a statement by the government.&nbsp;

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the participation of India as the guest of honour at the Abu Dhabi foreign ministers' meet and, it said, hopes to embrace India one day.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the participation of India as the guest of honour at the Abu Dhabi foreign ministers' meet and, it said, hopes to embrace India one day. Speaking at a press conference at the end of the meet, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "OIC has sent a very clear and positive sign to India and its people, that the OIC appreciates the relationship with India." Al Nahyan added that the organisation "looks forward to strengthening such a relationship with India to the point where we can embrace India one day in the OIC." It was for the first time India was invited at the OIC meeting. India was invited by UAE as a "Guest of Honour" and this was backed by Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. Calling India's presence historic, the UAE foreign minister said, "I know we are not there yet for obvious reasons but what I can say is that having India as a guest of honour was a historic moment for the both OIC and India." Replying to a question on OIC's strong statement on Kashmir which it has been doing since many years, Al Nahyan said, "The language you are referring to has been in our previous statements but I think the most important change is that the OIC is having India as the guest of honour." Calling the speech made by External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj as "positive, strong, dedicated" the UAE foreign minister said, it was "very well received" by all. EAM's speech focused on India's diversity as an example and its linkages with the members of the grouping. She also slammed Pakistan without taking any name, "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps." India's presence at the meet is being considered as big diplomatic coup since the grouping once was considered a supporter of Islamabad. Pakistan boycotted the plenary session of OIC at the Foreign Minister level due to Indian presence. Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to India but the plea did not receive any response. Meanwhile, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Ahmad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Saturday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders noted the "historic significance" of participation of India’s as Guest of Honour in the OIC FMs meets in UAE. During the conversation, Modi underscored that "terrorism continues to pose a serious risk to peace and security in the region" and stressed the importance of "demonstrable and immediate" action by the "concerned" for putting an end to all forms of terrorism, according to a statement by the government.

Hope to one day embrace India in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation: UAE foreign affairs minister

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-reaches-abu-dhabi-to-address-oic-conclave-200373">reached Abu Dhabi</a>, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting will be held from on March 1 and 2 and, in a first, will have the Indian foreign minister as its chief guest.

Swaraj will speak during the plenary session&nbsp;during which she will underscore the long historical ties that India enjoys with the OIC members.&nbsp;

Pakistan earlier threatened to boycott the OIC meet in the wake of India's participation. Pak foreign minister on Friday confirmed that he will give the conclave a skip due to India's presence.

"I will not attend Council of Foreign Ministers as a matter of principle for having extended invitation as a Guest of Honour to Sushma Swaraj," Qureshi was quoted by media reports on Friday.

Pak foreign ministry spokesperson has earlier stated that if Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj goes, Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi won't be going to the OIC meeting.&nbsp;

Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi.

It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan.

UAE had invited India for the OIC Meet saying that it will open the session of March 1, "with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its International political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour"

Welcoming the invitation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said," We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world."

India's presence can be seen as a big diplomatic coup in the backdrop of New Delhi's hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, which was being criticised. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last 4 years.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting will be held from on March 1 and 2 and, in a first, will have the Indian foreign minister as its chief guest. Swaraj will speak during the plenary session during which she will underscore the long historical ties that India enjoys with the OIC members. Pakistan earlier threatened to boycott the OIC meet in the wake of India's participation. Pak foreign minister on Friday confirmed that he will give the conclave a skip due to India's presence. "I will not attend Council of Foreign Ministers as a matter of principle for having extended invitation as a Guest of Honour to Sushma Swaraj," Qureshi was quoted by media reports on Friday. Pak foreign ministry spokesperson has earlier stated that if Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj goes, Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi won't be going to the OIC meeting. Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi. It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan. UAE had invited India for the OIC Meet saying that it will open the session of March 1, "with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its International political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour" Welcoming the invitation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said," We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world." India's presence can be seen as a big diplomatic coup in the backdrop of New Delhi's hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, which was being criticised. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last 4 years.

India attends Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meet as 'guest of honour', Pakistan boycotts

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-be-guest-of-honour-at-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic-meet-in-dubai-199141">conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a> (OIC) as a Guest of Honour.

"Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world. EAM SushmaSwaraj arrives in Abu Dhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs.

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Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> arrives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabi</a> for the Ministerial Meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/OIC_OCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIC_OCI</a>. India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'. <a href="https://t.co/wzQbVOGczN">pic.twitter.com/wzQbVOGczN</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1101225141428736000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj will address the plenary of the two-day 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the 57-member body. She has been invited by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the OIC meeting.

Swaraj, who will be attending as a 'Guest of Honour' despite Pakistan's objections, will underscore India's long and historical relationship with the OIC member countries, sources said on Thursday.

India considers its bilateral ties with the UAE as vital, the sources said.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has threatened to boycott the OIC meet if Swaraj participated.

Before Swaraj's departure, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the recent developments and urged the need for resumption of dialogue between the two countries.

"Mohamed bin Zayed makes telephone calls to Indian and Pakistani prime ministers, stresses importance of dealing wisely with recent developments and giving priority to dialogue and communication," read a tweet.

The Indian Air Force strike on Tuesday in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa&nbsp;province&nbsp;destroyed a major terrorist training camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and eliminated a "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders.

On Wednesday morning, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was “missing in action”.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a Guest of Honour. "Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a Guest of Honour. "Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world. EAM SushmaSwaraj arrives in Abu Dhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs. Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #AbuDhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of @OIC_OCI. India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'. pic.twitter.com/wzQbVOGczN — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 28, 2019 × Swaraj will address the plenary of the two-day 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the 57-member body. She has been invited by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the OIC meeting. Swaraj, who will be attending as a 'Guest of Honour' despite Pakistan's objections, will underscore India's long and historical relationship with the OIC member countries, sources said on Thursday. India considers its bilateral ties with the UAE as vital, the sources said. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has threatened to boycott the OIC meet if Swaraj participated. Before Swaraj's departure, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the recent developments and urged the need for resumption of dialogue between the two countries. "Mohamed bin Zayed makes telephone calls to Indian and Pakistani prime ministers, stresses importance of dealing wisely with recent developments and giving priority to dialogue and communication," read a tweet. The Indian Air Force strike on Tuesday in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province destroyed a major terrorist training camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and eliminated a "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders. On Wednesday morning, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was “missing in action”.

Sushma Swaraj reaches Abu Dhabi to address OIC conclave

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be attending OIC's 46th foreign minister meet as the 'Guest of Honour'. The session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers will take place from March 1 to 2 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai.

India has been invited by UAE's foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said, "We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world".

India also thanked UAE for its invitation saying New Delhi sees the "invitation as the desire of the enlightened leadership of the UAE to go beyond our rapidly growing close bilateral ties" and "forge a true multifaceted partnership at the multilateral and international level". Adding further, New Delhi said, the invitation is a "milestone in our comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE".

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First time as Guest of Honour! 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> will attend 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as 'Guest of Honour' to attend the Inaugural Plenary at the invitation of UAE Foreign Minister. 
<a href="https://t.co/CgYRBbEfp2">https://t.co/CgYRBbEfp2</a> 1/2
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1099215814064930818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Statement from the UAE foreign ministry said, "Will open session next Friday... with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its international political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour".

This is a major development since OIC has not been very pro-India and has been issuing statements on Kashmir over Pakistan's insistence. This also shows New Delhi's 'Look West Policy' which has seen a number of high-level engagements between India and West Asia. This, despite a hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, is something that was criticised since it was seen as a policy that could alienate New Delhi in many Arab capitals.

Interestingly, Fakrudin Ali Ahmed as an Indian representative was not allowed to attend the final session of OIC meet in 1969 in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of the then Pak President Yahya Khan.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be attending OIC's 46th foreign minister meet as the 'Guest of Honour'. The session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers will take place from March 1 to 2 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be attending OIC's 46th foreign minister meet as the 'Guest of Honour'. The session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers will take place from March 1 to 2 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai. India has been invited by UAE's foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said, "We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world". India also thanked UAE for its invitation saying New Delhi sees the "invitation as the desire of the enlightened leadership of the UAE to go beyond our rapidly growing close bilateral ties" and "forge a true multifaceted partnership at the multilateral and international level". Adding further, New Delhi said, the invitation is a "milestone in our comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE". First time as Guest of Honour! EAM @SushmaSwaraj will attend 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as 'Guest of Honour' to attend the Inaugural Plenary at the invitation of UAE Foreign Minister. https://t.co/CgYRBbEfp2 1/2 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 23, 2019 × Statement from the UAE foreign ministry said, "Will open session next Friday... with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its international political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour". This is a major development since OIC has not been very pro-India and has been issuing statements on Kashmir over Pakistan's insistence. This also shows New Delhi's 'Look West Policy' which has seen a number of high-level engagements between India and West Asia. This, despite a hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, is something that was criticised since it was seen as a policy that could alienate New Delhi in many Arab capitals. Interestingly, Fakrudin Ali Ahmed as an Indian representative was not allowed to attend the final session of OIC meet in 1969 in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of the then Pak President Yahya Khan.

In a first, India invited at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation session as 'Guest of Honour'

In a landmark decision, Abu Dhabi has included Hindi as the third official language used in its courts, alongside Arabic and English, as part of a move designed to improve access to justice.

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department on Saturday said it has extended the adoption of interactive forms of statement of claims filed before courts by including the Hindi language alongside Arabic and English in labour cases.

This is aimed at helping Hindi speakers to learn about litigation procedures, their rights and duties without a language barrier, in addition to facilitating registration procedures via unified forms available through the ADJD website, the judicial body said.

According to official figures, the UAE population is estimated to be around five million of which 2/3rd are immigrants from foreign countries.

The Indian community in the UAE, numbering 2.6 million, constitutes 30 per cent of the total population and is the largest expatriate community in the country.

Yousef Saeed Al Abri, the undersecretary of the ADJD, said the adoption of multilingual interactive forms for claim sheets, grievances, and requests, aims to promote judicial services in line with the plan Tomorrow 2021 and increase the transparency of litigation procedures.

"This is in addition to facilitating registration procedures to the public through simplified and easy forms and raising litigants' legal awareness via interactive forms of the statements of claims, to ensure access to the legal materials related to the subject of the dispute," Al Abri was quoted as saying by the Khaleej Times.

He indicated that the extension of the adoption of interactive forms in several languages comes under the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and ADJD Chairman.

Al Abri explained that the adoption of new languages comes as part of the bilingual litigation system, the first phase of which was launched in November 2018, through the adoption of procedures requiring the plaintiffs to translate the case documents in civil and commercial lawsuits into English, if the defendant is a foreigner.&nbsp;

"The foreign investor receives the case files translated, thus contributing to the provision of a global judicial service that meets the requirements of residents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi," he added.&nbsp;

In a landmark decision, Abu Dhabi has included Hindi as the third official language used in its courts, alongside Arabic and English, as part of a move designed to improve access to justice.

In a landmark decision, Abu Dhabi has included Hindi as the third official language used in its courts, alongside Arabic and English, as part of a move designed to improve access to justice. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department on Saturday said it has extended the adoption of interactive forms of statement of claims filed before courts by including the Hindi language alongside Arabic and English in labour cases. This is aimed at helping Hindi speakers to learn about litigation procedures, their rights and duties without a language barrier, in addition to facilitating registration procedures via unified forms available through the ADJD website, the judicial body said. According to official figures, the UAE population is estimated to be around five million of which 2/3rd are immigrants from foreign countries. The Indian community in the UAE, numbering 2.6 million, constitutes 30 per cent of the total population and is the largest expatriate community in the country. Yousef Saeed Al Abri, the undersecretary of the ADJD, said the adoption of multilingual interactive forms for claim sheets, grievances, and requests, aims to promote judicial services in line with the plan Tomorrow 2021 and increase the transparency of litigation procedures. "This is in addition to facilitating registration procedures to the public through simplified and easy forms and raising litigants' legal awareness via interactive forms of the statements of claims, to ensure access to the legal materials related to the subject of the dispute," Al Abri was quoted as saying by the Khaleej Times. He indicated that the extension of the adoption of interactive forms in several languages comes under the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and ADJD Chairman. Al Abri explained that the adoption of new languages comes as part of the bilingual litigation system, the first phase of which was launched in November 2018, through the adoption of procedures requiring the plaintiffs to translate the case documents in civil and commercial lawsuits into English, if the defendant is a foreigner. "The foreign investor receives the case files translated, thus contributing to the provision of a global judicial service that meets the requirements of residents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi," he added.

Abu Dhabi to use Hindi as third official language in its courts alongside Arabic and English

Pope Francis held a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-makes-history-with-muslim-dialogue-in-uae-195068">historic public mass</a> for an estimated 170,000 Catholics at a stadium in the capital of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pope-visit-boosts-uae-efforts-to-redefine-concepts-of-tolerance-195001">United Arab Emirates</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, capping the first ever papal visit to the Gulf where Islam was born.

The pontiff waved at the enthusiastic crowd carrying yellow Vatican flags and banners as he rode in an open-top Popemobile into Zayed Sports City Stadium, where an altar with a large cross was set up for the unprecedented open-air service in a country that normally restricts worship to inside churches.

The UAE borders Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, but unlike its larger neighbour, which outlaws all non-Muslim places of worship, Abu Dhabi allows Christians among its large migrant workforce to practise their faith discreetly.

Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim communities a cornerstone of his papacy, wrapped up his historic three-day visit with the mass.

The pope's public comments in Abu Dhabi have centred on calls to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-arrives-in-uae-for-historic-gulf-visit-condemns-yemen-war-194933">end wars across the Middle East</a>&nbsp;and protect the rights of all citizens. In a homily on Tuesday, he turned to the tens of thousands of migrant workers living in the Emirates.&nbsp;

"It is most certainly not easy for you to live far from home, missing the affection of your loved ones, and perhaps also feeling uncertainty about the future," the pope said. "But the Lord is faithful and does not abandon his people."

More than 135,000 &nbsp;

Pope Francis' trip has been warmly welcomed by Filipino and Indian Catholics among the UAE's huge migrant workforce. About one million Catholics live in the country, or about one in 10 of UAE residents.

Asian nationals make up some 65 per cent of the population and are crucial to all sectors in the oil-rich Gulf state, from construction to services and hotels.

The son of Italian immigrants who was raised in Argentina, Jorge Bergoglio — or Pope Francis — has paid particular attention to migrants and refugees during his papacy.

Inside the stadium on Tuesday, 50,000 Catholics with tickets to the mass cheered the pope on, with one small group hoisting a pink posterboard which read, "We the Catholics of Yemen love you".

Another 120,000 gathered outside, watching via video link on large screens.&nbsp;

Parishes across the UAE said 135,000 tickets to the pope's mass were distributed to parishioners. Some 4,000 tickets had been given to Muslims to attend the mass, according to the local churches.&nbsp;

A choir sang hymns as the pope, joined by priests of different nationalities, began the service at around 10:30 (0630 GMT), broadcast live on Emirati television.

The UAE invited the pope to visit as part of its 2019 "Year of Tolerance" which has its own designated ministry. Tolerance Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak greeted the crowd at the stadium.&nbsp;

Yemen war&nbsp;

On Monday, the pope called for an end to wars in the turbulent Middle East, including in Yemen and Syria, at a meeting with a top sheikh and rabbi in the UAE.

All religious leaders had a "duty to reject every nuance of approval from the world war", he told the interfaith meeting.

"I am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," he said.

Yemen is in the grip of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a civil war between the government and Shiite Muslim rebels.

While the pope did not openly discuss politics, he called for "the full recognition" of the rights of people across the Middle East, a potential reference to Christian minorities and communities including Shiites in Saudi Arabia, refugees, migrants and stateless peoples.

"I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship and where only in the case of violence in any of its forms is that right removed," he said.

At their meeting, Monday, the pope and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning, signed a document on "human fraternity for world peace", hailed by the Vatican as an "important step forward in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims".

It called for "freedom of belief", the "promotion of a culture of tolerance", the "protection of places of worship" and "full citizenship" rights for minorities.

Pope Francis held a historic public mass for an estimated 170,000 Catholics at a stadium in the capital of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, capping the first ever papal visit to the Gulf where Islam was born.

Pope Francis held a historic public mass for an estimated 170,000 Catholics at a stadium in the capital of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, capping the first ever papal visit to the Gulf where Islam was born. The pontiff waved at the enthusiastic crowd carrying yellow Vatican flags and banners as he rode in an open-top Popemobile into Zayed Sports City Stadium, where an altar with a large cross was set up for the unprecedented open-air service in a country that normally restricts worship to inside churches. The UAE borders Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, but unlike its larger neighbour, which outlaws all non-Muslim places of worship, Abu Dhabi allows Christians among its large migrant workforce to practise their faith discreetly. Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim communities a cornerstone of his papacy, wrapped up his historic three-day visit with the mass. The pope's public comments in Abu Dhabi have centred on calls to end wars across the Middle East and protect the rights of all citizens. In a homily on Tuesday, he turned to the tens of thousands of migrant workers living in the Emirates. "It is most certainly not easy for you to live far from home, missing the affection of your loved ones, and perhaps also feeling uncertainty about the future," the pope said. "But the Lord is faithful and does not abandon his people." More than 135,000 Pope Francis' trip has been warmly welcomed by Filipino and Indian Catholics among the UAE's huge migrant workforce. About one million Catholics live in the country, or about one in 10 of UAE residents. Asian nationals make up some 65 per cent of the population and are crucial to all sectors in the oil-rich Gulf state, from construction to services and hotels. The son of Italian immigrants who was raised in Argentina, Jorge Bergoglio — or Pope Francis — has paid particular attention to migrants and refugees during his papacy. Inside the stadium on Tuesday, 50,000 Catholics with tickets to the mass cheered the pope on, with one small group hoisting a pink posterboard which read, "We the Catholics of Yemen love you". Another 120,000 gathered outside, watching via video link on large screens. Parishes across the UAE said 135,000 tickets to the pope's mass were distributed to parishioners. Some 4,000 tickets had been given to Muslims to attend the mass, according to the local churches. A choir sang hymns as the pope, joined by priests of different nationalities, began the service at around 10:30 (0630 GMT), broadcast live on Emirati television. The UAE invited the pope to visit as part of its 2019 "Year of Tolerance" which has its own designated ministry. Tolerance Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak greeted the crowd at the stadium. Yemen war On Monday, the pope called for an end to wars in the turbulent Middle East, including in Yemen and Syria, at a meeting with a top sheikh and rabbi in the UAE. All religious leaders had a "duty to reject every nuance of approval from the world war", he told the interfaith meeting. "I am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," he said. Yemen is in the grip of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a civil war between the government and Shiite Muslim rebels. While the pope did not openly discuss politics, he called for "the full recognition" of the rights of people across the Middle East, a potential reference to Christian minorities and communities including Shiites in Saudi Arabia, refugees, migrants and stateless peoples. "I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship and where only in the case of violence in any of its forms is that right removed," he said. At their meeting, Monday, the pope and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning, signed a document on "human fraternity for world peace", hailed by the Vatican as an "important step forward in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims". It called for "freedom of belief", the "promotion of a culture of tolerance", the "protection of places of worship" and "full citizenship" rights for minorities.

Francis holds first mass by pope on Arabian peninsula

A Saudi-led coalition launched several air strikes on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa overnight, stoking tensions among Yemen's warring parties as the United Nations struggles to implement a peace deal reached last month.

Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television said coalition warplanes attacked several military targets, including al-Dulaimi Air Base, a drones operations network and military training camps.

Houthi-run al-Masirah TV said on Sunday that the Western-backed coalition had conducted 24 air strikes on Sanaa since Saturday evening, including four on the air base. It said non-military targets such as a plastics factory were hit.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The escalation in fighting, which follows a deadly Houthi drone attack last week on a Yemeni government military parade, raises doubts about holding a second round of U.N.-sponsored talks this month aimed at ending the nearly four-year war that has killed tens of thousands of people.

The war pits the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement against the Saudi-backed government of Abd-Rabu Mansour Hadi, which was ousted from Sanaa in 2014, prompting the Sunni Muslim coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to intervene.

The United Nations is trying to implement a ceasefire and troop withdrawal agreement in the main port city of Hodeidah, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis facing severe hunger.

The deal was reached at U.N.-sponsored talks in Sweden last month, the first significant breakthrough in peace efforts in five years, to avert a full-scale assault on the port, the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's commercial imports and aid.

The truce has largely held in Hodeidah, controlled by the Houthis with thousands of coalition-backed forces massed on the outskirts. But the withdrawal of forces by both sides has stalled over disagreement on who would control the Red Sea city.

Western nations, including some which supply the coalition with arms and intelligence, have pressed Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to end the conflict that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

Rights groups have criticised the coalition for air strikes that have killed thousands of civilians at hospitals, schools and markets since 2015. They also criticise the Houthis for missile attacks on Saudi cities, including the capital Riyadh.

The conflict is largely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Muslim Iran. The Houthis deny receiving any help from Iran and say their revolution is against corruption.

Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television said coalition warplanes attacked several military targets, including al-Dulaimi Air Base, a drones operations network and military training camps.

A Saudi-led coalition launched several air strikes on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa overnight, stoking tensions among Yemen's warring parties as the United Nations struggles to implement a peace deal reached last month. Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television said coalition warplanes attacked several military targets, including al-Dulaimi Air Base, a drones operations network and military training camps. Houthi-run al-Masirah TV said on Sunday that the Western-backed coalition had conducted 24 air strikes on Sanaa since Saturday evening, including four on the air base. It said non-military targets such as a plastics factory were hit. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The escalation in fighting, which follows a deadly Houthi drone attack last week on a Yemeni government military parade, raises doubts about holding a second round of U.N.-sponsored talks this month aimed at ending the nearly four-year war that has killed tens of thousands of people. The war pits the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement against the Saudi-backed government of Abd-Rabu Mansour Hadi, which was ousted from Sanaa in 2014, prompting the Sunni Muslim coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to intervene. The United Nations is trying to implement a ceasefire and troop withdrawal agreement in the main port city of Hodeidah, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis facing severe hunger. The deal was reached at U.N.-sponsored talks in Sweden last month, the first significant breakthrough in peace efforts in five years, to avert a full-scale assault on the port, the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's commercial imports and aid. The truce has largely held in Hodeidah, controlled by the Houthis with thousands of coalition-backed forces massed on the outskirts. But the withdrawal of forces by both sides has stalled over disagreement on who would control the Red Sea city. Western nations, including some which supply the coalition with arms and intelligence, have pressed Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to end the conflict that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. Rights groups have criticised the coalition for air strikes that have killed thousands of civilians at hospitals, schools and markets since 2015. They also criticise the Houthis for missile attacks on Saudi cities, including the capital Riyadh. The conflict is largely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Muslim Iran. The Houthis deny receiving any help from Iran and say their revolution is against corruption.

Saudi-led coalition launches air strikes on Yemen capital

Gaganjeet Bhullar made a solid start to his year, finishing tied 27th in the USD 7 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the first Rolex Series event of the season on the European Tour, on Saturday.

The 30-year-old from Kapurthala shot an even-par 72 in his final round to tally seven-under par 281 for the tournament, which was won by Ireland's Shane Lowry (71) after an epic battle with Richard Sterne of South Africa.

Sterne (69) started the day three shots behind Lowry, but birdied four of his first five holes to get off to a hot start. He led by four shots after 12 holes, but closed with two bogeys while Lowry made three birdies coming in.&nbsp;

The 31-year-old Irishman finished on 18-under par 270 and is expected to rise to No. 40 in the world ranking.

Bhullar had played in the leader group in the tournament with Phil Mickelson back in 2014. He had shot a final-round three-over 75 to drop down to a share of 10th place that year. He could not match the finish Saturday, but was delighted nevertheless with his efforts over the demanding National Course of Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

"I have not played any competitive golf for more than a month now, so to come out here on a very tough golf course and play solid golf all four rounds was very pleasing," said Bhullar, who bogeyed the 14th and 16th holes coming in.

"I hit the ball really well on all four days and the only disappointment was that I made a couple of loose putts today on the back nine. This is a big prize-money Rolex Series event and there is some pressure to make sure we play well in these. I have two more events in Dubai and Saudi Arabia after that and this start is going to be a good confidence boost ahead of them."

On Saturday, Bhullar started with a par from the greenside bunker on the opening hole, and then got a birdie from another greenside bunker on the par-5 second. He made the turn at even par after making bogeys on the fourth and sixth holes from the bunker, before a peach of a third shot to one feet on the par-5 18th gave him another birdie.

Back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th holes got him going again, before the late bogeys on the 14th and 16th holes.

The most successful Indian on the Asian Tour (nine titles) regained his European Tour card last year by winning the co-sanctioned Fiji International.&nbsp;

Gaganjeet Bhullar made a solid start to his year, finishing tied 27th in the USD 7 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the first Rolex Series event of the season on the European Tour, on Saturday.

Gaganjeet Bhullar made a solid start to his year, finishing tied 27th in the USD 7 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the first Rolex Series event of the season on the European Tour, on Saturday. The 30-year-old from Kapurthala shot an even-par 72 in his final round to tally seven-under par 281 for the tournament, which was won by Ireland's Shane Lowry (71) after an epic battle with Richard Sterne of South Africa. Sterne (69) started the day three shots behind Lowry, but birdied four of his first five holes to get off to a hot start. He led by four shots after 12 holes, but closed with two bogeys while Lowry made three birdies coming in. The 31-year-old Irishman finished on 18-under par 270 and is expected to rise to No. 40 in the world ranking. Bhullar had played in the leader group in the tournament with Phil Mickelson back in 2014. He had shot a final-round three-over 75 to drop down to a share of 10th place that year. He could not match the finish Saturday, but was delighted nevertheless with his efforts over the demanding National Course of Abu Dhabi Golf Club. "I have not played any competitive golf for more than a month now, so to come out here on a very tough golf course and play solid golf all four rounds was very pleasing," said Bhullar, who bogeyed the 14th and 16th holes coming in. "I hit the ball really well on all four days and the only disappointment was that I made a couple of loose putts today on the back nine. This is a big prize-money Rolex Series event and there is some pressure to make sure we play well in these. I have two more events in Dubai and Saudi Arabia after that and this start is going to be a good confidence boost ahead of them." On Saturday, Bhullar started with a par from the greenside bunker on the opening hole, and then got a birdie from another greenside bunker on the par-5 second. He made the turn at even par after making bogeys on the fourth and sixth holes from the bunker, before a peach of a third shot to one feet on the par-5 18th gave him another birdie. Back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th holes got him going again, before the late bogeys on the 14th and 16th holes. The most successful Indian on the Asian Tour (nine titles) regained his European Tour card last year by winning the co-sanctioned Fiji International.

Golf: Gaganjeet Bhullar finishes 27th in Abu Dhabi

Saudi Arabia is planning to set up a $10 billion oil refinery in Pakistan's deepwater port of Gwadar, the Saudi energy minister said on Saturday.

"Saudi Arabia wants to make Pakistan's economic development stable through establishing an oil refinery and partnership with Pakistan in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor," Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih told reporters in Gwadar.

Responding to Saudi Arabia's aid, Pakistan's Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said, "With setting up of an oil refinery in Gwadar, Saudi Arabia will become an important partner in CPEC".

Pakistan which is suffering from a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-trying-to-deflect-attention-from-financial-crisis-by-mainstreaming-terrorists-india-189631">major financial crisis</a> has been making efforts to attract investment and other financial support.

Since the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan came to power in August, Pakistan has secured economic assistance packages from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and China.

In November, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-not-approaching-imf-for-new-bailout-programme-considers-alternative-options-finance-minister-189892">Pakistan extended talks with the International Monetary Fund</a> as it seeks its 13th bailout since the late 1980s to deal with a looming balance of payments crisis.

Saudi Arabia had earlier offered a $6 billion package to Pakistan including aid to finance crude imports.

Khalid al-Falih&nbsp;also said that Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman would visit Pakistan in February to sign the agreement adding that Saudi Arabia would also invest in other sectors.

Besides Saudi Arabia, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-is-stepping-up-investments-in-west-asia-189455">China</a>&nbsp;extended $60 billion as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that involves building power stations, major highways, new and upgraded railways and higher capacity ports.

Beijing's support would help Pakistan to emerge as a major overland route linking western China to the world.

Last month, the UAE said it will soon give $3 billion to Islamabad.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Saudi Arabia is planning to set up a $10 billion oil refinery in Pakistan's deepwater port of Gwadar, the Saudi energy minister said on Saturday. "Saudi Arabia wants to make Pakistan's economic development stable through establishing an oil refinery and partnership with Pakistan in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor," Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih told reporters in Gwadar.

Saudi Arabia is planning to set up a $10 billion oil refinery in Pakistan's deepwater port of Gwadar, the Saudi energy minister said on Saturday. "Saudi Arabia wants to make Pakistan's economic development stable through establishing an oil refinery and partnership with Pakistan in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor," Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih told reporters in Gwadar. Responding to Saudi Arabia's aid, Pakistan's Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said, "With setting up of an oil refinery in Gwadar, Saudi Arabia will become an important partner in CPEC". Pakistan which is suffering from a major financial crisis has been making efforts to attract investment and other financial support. Since the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan came to power in August, Pakistan has secured economic assistance packages from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and China. In November, Pakistan extended talks with the International Monetary Fund as it seeks its 13th bailout since the late 1980s to deal with a looming balance of payments crisis. Saudi Arabia had earlier offered a $6 billion package to Pakistan including aid to finance crude imports. Khalid al-Falih also said that Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman would visit Pakistan in February to sign the agreement adding that Saudi Arabia would also invest in other sectors. Besides Saudi Arabia, China extended $60 billion as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that involves building power stations, major highways, new and upgraded railways and higher capacity ports. Beijing's support would help Pakistan to emerge as a major overland route linking western China to the world. Last month, the UAE said it will soon give $3 billion to Islamabad. (With inputs from Reuters)

Saudi Arabia to set up $10 billion oil refinery in Pakistan

US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Saturday Washington was not looking to grant any more waivers for Iranian oil after the reimposition of US sanctions.

Hook told a news conference in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi that the reason for the earlier waivers was to prevent a spike in oil prices. He declined to say what the administration in Washington would do when the current waivers end in May.

Washington gave waivers to eight traditional Iranian oil buyers - including China, India, Japan and South Korea -- after reimposing sanctions on Iranian oil in November.

US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Saturday Washington was not looking to grant any more waivers for Iranian oil after the reimposition of US sanctions.

US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Saturday Washington was not looking to grant any more waivers for Iranian oil after the reimposition of US sanctions. Hook told a news conference in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi that the reason for the earlier waivers was to prevent a spike in oil prices. He declined to say what the administration in Washington would do when the current waivers end in May. Washington gave waivers to eight traditional Iranian oil buyers - including China, India, Japan and South Korea -- after reimposing sanctions on Iranian oil in November.

US official says not to grant more waivers on Iran oil sanctions

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