Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of his diplomatic tour, following his visit to France for the Bastille Day Parade.

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Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari have reportedly met in the UAE to consult and decide on the timing of the next general elections in the country and "their respective share" in the future set-up, a media report said on June 27.

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, PPP's Asif Zardari meet in UAE over Pak election

<p>A massive broke out at a high-rise residential building in UAE’s Ajman city. The incident occurred on Monday night in Tower 02 of the Ajman One complex.</p>

<p>Civil defence and police teams were rushed to the spot and successfully tamed the spiralling blaze. No injuries have been reported so far, Khaleej Times newspaper reported.</p>

<p>Brigadier Abdullah Saif Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Police Operations at Ajman Police, told the newspaper that a mobile police station was dispatched to the site of the accident, which provided certificates and other measures for residents to be able to report the loss of items. The mobile station also helped secure the site.</p>

<p>The officials successfully evacuated thousands of residents, who were unharmed, from the building and were given accommodation in Ajman and Sharjah hotels.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Residential high-rise building in Ajman, the United Arab Emirates is currently on fire.<a href="https://t.co/QK8vubiKHZ">pic.twitter.com/QK8vubiKHZ</a></p>
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1673457986625482752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Seven buses were provided by the emirate's Transport Authority, in cooperation with the Red Crescent, to transport residents from Tower 02 to hotels in Ajman and Sharjah, Khaleej Times reported.</p>

<p>The videos shared on social media show the firefighters struggling to bring the fire under control as it spreads to several floors of the high-rise complex.</p>

<p>Monday’s incident was reported days after UAE’s Ministry of Interior released data on the significant rise in the number of building fires. According to the official figures, more than 3,000 incidents were reported in 2022, 2,090 in 2021 and 1,968 in 2020.</p>

<p>According to the data, most of the fires were reported from residential areas. Homes and apartments accounted for 1,385 incidents, 256 fires in commercial buildings, 153 on farms, and 122 at public service facilities.</p>

<p>The ministry's figures had no account of the fatalities or injuries caused during the incident. This year in April, sixteen people died and at least nine were injured after a massive engulfed the fourth floor of a residential building in Dubai, Khaleej Times reported.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A massive broke out at a high-rise residential building in UAE’s Ajman city. The incident occurred on Monday night in Tower 02 of the Ajman One complex. Civil defence and police teams were rushed to the spot and successfully tamed the spiralling blaze.

A massive broke out at a high-rise residential building in UAE’s Ajman city. The incident occurred on Monday night in Tower 02 of the Ajman One complex. Civil defence and police teams were rushed to the spot and successfully tamed the spiralling blaze. No injuries have been reported so far, Khaleej Times newspaper reported. Brigadier Abdullah Saif Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Police Operations at Ajman Police, told the newspaper that a mobile police station was dispatched to the site of the accident, which provided certificates and other measures for residents to be able to report the loss of items. The mobile station also helped secure the site. The officials successfully evacuated thousands of residents, who were unharmed, from the building and were given accommodation in Ajman and Sharjah hotels. View this post on Instagram A post shared by شرطة عجمان (@ajmanpoliceghq) × BREAKING: Residential high-rise building in Ajman, the United Arab Emirates is currently on fire.pic.twitter.com/QK8vubiKHZ — The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) June 26, 2023 × Seven buses were provided by the emirate's Transport Authority, in cooperation with the Red Crescent, to transport residents from Tower 02 to hotels in Ajman and Sharjah, Khaleej Times reported. The videos shared on social media show the firefighters struggling to bring the fire under control as it spreads to several floors of the high-rise complex. Monday’s incident was reported days after UAE’s Ministry of Interior released data on the significant rise in the number of building fires. According to the official figures, more than 3,000 incidents were reported in 2022, 2,090 in 2021 and 1,968 in 2020. According to the data, most of the fires were reported from residential areas. Homes and apartments accounted for 1,385 incidents, 256 fires in commercial buildings, 153 on farms, and 122 at public service facilities. The ministry's figures had no account of the fatalities or injuries caused during the incident. This year in April, sixteen people died and at least nine were injured after a massive engulfed the fourth floor of a residential building in Dubai, Khaleej Times reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch: Massive fire engulfs high-rise building in UAE

<p>Pakistan is apparently planning to hand over the Karachi port terminals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pakistan-based <em>The Express Tribune</em> reported that a committee was set up on Monday to finalise the&nbsp;deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The South Asian nation is grappling with record inflation, fiscal imbalances and critical levels of reserves and the move to hand over Karachi port appears to be the first intergovernmental transaction under a law enacted last year to raise emergency funds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions was chaired by finance minister Ishaq Dar on Monday to discuss the details of the deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the meeting, it was decided to set up a committee to negotiate a commercial agreement between the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the UAE government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by local media outlets, the decision taken by the officials noted that the committee will finalise a draft operation, maintenance, investment, and development agreement under the government-to-government arrangements, with a nominated agency of the UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-publicly-executes-murder-suspect-second-since-takeover-606443">Taliban publicly execute murder suspect, second since takeover</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Faisal Sabzwari, who is the Minister for Maritime Affairs, will head the negotiation committee, that will finalise a framework agreement. The additional secretaries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, the special assistant to PM Jehanzeb Khan, the Chairman and the general managers of the KPT are members of the committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan wants to finalise the deal with Abu Dhabi Ports (ADP), which is a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group. The UAE-based group showed interest in KPT recently, media reports suggest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group said that Abu Dhabi Ports owns and operates 10 ports and terminals in the UAE. It says that each facility is strategically located, harnessing sea, air, road and rail connectivity to provide gateways to global markets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacts with WION&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Intergovernmental Commercial Transactions Act&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Intergovernmental Commercial Transactions Act was enacted by Pakistan's coalition government last year. It aims at selling state assets on a fast-track basis to raise funds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Pakistan's finance minister said that the nation is working on the possibility of restructuring its bilateral debt regardless of whether it successfully completes its IMF review.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-to-stop-involvement-of-international-organisations-in-education-projects-report-606304">Taliban to stop involvement of international organisations in education projects: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>After releasing the budget for the 2023-24 financial year, Ishaq Dar told reporters that "We'll see how things go". He referred to whether to restructure or reprofile debt as Pakistan continues to speak with the IMF about its stalled bailout funds.</p>

<p>Dar added, "In either case, we will talk to bilateral creditors."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan is struggling to finalise an agreement with the lender as its IMF programme runs out this month with about $2.5 billion in funds yet to be released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with the ambassadors of key countries to get support for the revival of the deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Pakistan is apparently planning to hand over the Karachi port terminals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pakistan-based The Express Tribune reported that a committee was set up on Monday to finalise the deal.

Pakistan is apparently planning to hand over the Karachi port terminals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pakistan-based The Express Tribune reported that a committee was set up on Monday to finalise the deal. The South Asian nation is grappling with record inflation, fiscal imbalances and critical levels of reserves and the move to hand over Karachi port appears to be the first intergovernmental transaction under a law enacted last year to raise emergency funds. A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions was chaired by finance minister Ishaq Dar on Monday to discuss the details of the deal. In the meeting, it was decided to set up a committee to negotiate a commercial agreement between the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the UAE government. As reported by local media outlets, the decision taken by the officials noted that the committee will finalise a draft operation, maintenance, investment, and development agreement under the government-to-government arrangements, with a nominated agency of the UAE. Also read: Taliban publicly execute murder suspect, second since takeover Faisal Sabzwari, who is the Minister for Maritime Affairs, will head the negotiation committee, that will finalise a framework agreement. The additional secretaries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, the special assistant to PM Jehanzeb Khan, the Chairman and the general managers of the KPT are members of the committee. Pakistan wants to finalise the deal with Abu Dhabi Ports (ADP), which is a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group. The UAE-based group showed interest in KPT recently, media reports suggest. The group said that Abu Dhabi Ports owns and operates 10 ports and terminals in the UAE. It says that each facility is strategically located, harnessing sea, air, road and rail connectivity to provide gateways to global markets. Watch: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacts with WION × Intergovernmental Commercial Transactions Act The Intergovernmental Commercial Transactions Act was enacted by Pakistan's coalition government last year. It aims at selling state assets on a fast-track basis to raise funds. Earlier this month, Pakistan's finance minister said that the nation is working on the possibility of restructuring its bilateral debt regardless of whether it successfully completes its IMF review. Also read: Taliban to stop involvement of international organisations in education projects: Report After releasing the budget for the 2023-24 financial year, Ishaq Dar told reporters that "We'll see how things go". He referred to whether to restructure or reprofile debt as Pakistan continues to speak with the IMF about its stalled bailout funds. Dar added, "In either case, we will talk to bilateral creditors." Pakistan is struggling to finalise an agreement with the lender as its IMF programme runs out this month with about $2.5 billion in funds yet to be released. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with the ambassadors of key countries to get support for the revival of the deal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan to hand over Karachi port to UAE to raise emergency funds

<p>Qatar and United Arab Emirates' respective embassies reopened and resumed work on Monday after both the Gulf states agreed on restoring their diplomatic relationship, Qatar's foreign ministry released a statement as saying.</p>

<p>The Gulf states decided to restore the ties amid a comprehensive regional push for resolution. Also, this comes two years after Arab states ended a boycott of Doha that had completely broken the Western-allied Gulf Arab bloc.</p>

<p>The Qatari ministry in a statement said that the two foreign ministers, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed spoke to each other telephonically on Monday after the embassies reopened.</p>

<p>As per a Reuters report published in the month of April, the two Gulf states were in the process of restoring diplomatic relations.</p>

<p>The rift between Abu Dhabi and Doha emerged over regional influence, the role of Islam in politics and also over support for pro-democracy movements across the Middle East.</p>

<h2><strong>Rift between UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt versus Qatar</strong></h2>

<p>In the year 2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed all ties with Qatar over allegations that it backed terrorism and also that it minted closer ties with Iran.</p>

<p>After a Saudi-led deal, Riyadh and Cairo were the first ones to reappoint ambassadors to Doha in the year 2021 in order to put an end to the vendetta.</p>

<p>However, Bahrain has yet to reopen its embassy in Doha.</p>

<p>The restoration of ties also came post Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish ties after years of animosity, which had jeopardised flux in the Gulf and fuelled the war in Yemen.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Qatar and United Arab Emirates' respective embassies reopened and resumed work on Monday after both the Gulf states agreed on restoring their diplomatic relationship, Qatar's foreign ministry released a statement as saying.

Qatar and United Arab Emirates' respective embassies reopened and resumed work on Monday after both the Gulf states agreed on restoring their diplomatic relationship, Qatar's foreign ministry released a statement as saying. The Gulf states decided to restore the ties amid a comprehensive regional push for resolution. Also, this comes two years after Arab states ended a boycott of Doha that had completely broken the Western-allied Gulf Arab bloc. The Qatari ministry in a statement said that the two foreign ministers, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed spoke to each other telephonically on Monday after the embassies reopened. As per a Reuters report published in the month of April, the two Gulf states were in the process of restoring diplomatic relations. The rift between Abu Dhabi and Doha emerged over regional influence, the role of Islam in politics and also over support for pro-democracy movements across the Middle East. Rift between UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt versus Qatar In the year 2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed all ties with Qatar over allegations that it backed terrorism and also that it minted closer ties with Iran. After a Saudi-led deal, Riyadh and Cairo were the first ones to reappoint ambassadors to Doha in the year 2021 in order to put an end to the vendetta. However, Bahrain has yet to reopen its embassy in Doha. The restoration of ties also came post Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish ties after years of animosity, which had jeopardised flux in the Gulf and fuelled the war in Yemen. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Qatar and United Arab Emirates' respective embassies reopen, resume work

<p>Dubai's Port Rashid is set to host the annual mega Yoga celebrations as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues its tradition of observing the International Day of Yoga. This year, the celebrations will take place at Port Rashid, a location that holds historical significance due to its long-standing trade connections with India's Kerala.</p>

<p>The UAE has embraced Yoga's universal appeal, and the event will feature various activities, including Yoga sessions onboard INS Brahmaputra, in which Indian Navy Sailors will participate. The presence of INS Brahmaputra, an Indian naval ship, further strengthens the maritime bond between India and the UAE. Leading the celebrations will be Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance in the UAE, and Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the UAE, both of whom have been actively involved in promoting Yoga.</p>

<p>Last year, the Yoga celebrations in the UAE took place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, highlighting the growing popularity of this ancient practice in the region. Yoga has garnered significant interest in West Asia, with neighbouring Saudi Arabia even establishing its own national yoga team. Impressively, the Saudi Yoga Team achieved commendable success at the 2nd Mt. Everest International Yoga Championship, securing five medals, including a gold, three silver, and a bronze.</p>

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<p>Originating in India, Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that emphasizes the union of body and consciousness. The word "yoga" derives from Sanskrit and signifies the act of joining or uniting. Recognizing its numerous benefits, the United Nations proclaimed June 21st as the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014, through resolution 69/131. The proposal for this day was put forth by India and gained the endorsement of an unprecedented 175 member states.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-in-saudi-arabia-heres-what-happened-605046"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse banned in Saudi Arabia and UAE</strong></a></p>

<p>The International Day of Yoga serves to raise global awareness about the transformative power of practising Yoga. As people worldwide come together to celebrate this occasion, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the holistic benefits that Yoga brings to individuals and communities alike.</p>

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Dubai's Port Rashid is set to host the annual mega Yoga celebrations as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues its tradition of observing the International Day of Yoga.

Dubai's Port Rashid is set to host the annual mega Yoga celebrations as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues its tradition of observing the International Day of Yoga. This year, the celebrations will take place at Port Rashid, a location that holds historical significance due to its long-standing trade connections with India's Kerala. The UAE has embraced Yoga's universal appeal, and the event will feature various activities, including Yoga sessions onboard INS Brahmaputra, in which Indian Navy Sailors will participate. The presence of INS Brahmaputra, an Indian naval ship, further strengthens the maritime bond between India and the UAE. Leading the celebrations will be Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance in the UAE, and Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the UAE, both of whom have been actively involved in promoting Yoga. Last year, the Yoga celebrations in the UAE took place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, highlighting the growing popularity of this ancient practice in the region. Yoga has garnered significant interest in West Asia, with neighbouring Saudi Arabia even establishing its own national yoga team. Impressively, the Saudi Yoga Team achieved commendable success at the 2nd Mt. Everest International Yoga Championship, securing five medals, including a gold, three silver, and a bronze. × Originating in India, Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that emphasizes the union of body and consciousness. The word "yoga" derives from Sanskrit and signifies the act of joining or uniting. Recognizing its numerous benefits, the United Nations proclaimed June 21st as the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014, through resolution 69/131. The proposal for this day was put forth by India and gained the endorsement of an unprecedented 175 member states. Also read: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse banned in Saudi Arabia and UAE The International Day of Yoga serves to raise global awareness about the transformative power of practising Yoga. As people worldwide come together to celebrate this occasion, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the holistic benefits that Yoga brings to individuals and communities alike. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UAE to celebrate International Yoga Day at Dubai's Port Rashid

<p>A year after India signed a major free trade deal with the United Arab Emirates, latest Indian government data shows that the Gulf nation has emerged as India's fourth-largest investor.</p>

<p>In 2022-23, foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UAE to India stood at $3.35 billion. This was a three-fold increase from 1.03 billion dollars in 2021-22. The three-fold jump has also helped the UAE to rise from the seventh position it held in 2021-22.</p>

<p>As per reports, the UAE majorly invests in services, sea transport, power, and construction activities across India.</p>

<p>In the fiscal year 2022-23, Singapore was the largest investor in india, with investments worth $17.2 billion. The Southeast Asian city-state was followed by the island nation of Mauritius, which sent $6.1 billion in investments. The third place was taken by the United States with $6 billion worth of investments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The West Asian country accounts for about 2.5 percent of the total FDI that India received in the last 23 years (April 2000 and March 2023). During this period, India has attracted $15.6 billion worth of investment&nbsp;from the UAE, the data showed.</p>

<p>Experts say that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, which was came into effect in May last year, has played a key role in boosting UAE's investments in India.</p>

<p>Under the bilateral deal, a number of goods from both countries are getting zero-duty access to each other's markets. Besides that, norms for promoting investments have been eased.</p>

<p>"Apart from CEPA, another growth engine of FDI from UAE in India is the investment commitment from UAE. UAE has committed to invest $75 billion in the Indian infrastructure sector over a period of time. It has also committed to partner with India in the renewable energy sector," Rudra Kumar Pandey, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas &amp; Co, told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>


A year after India signed a major free trade deal with the United Arab Emirates, latest Indian government data shows that the Gulf nation has emerged as India's fourth-largest investor.

A year after India signed a major free trade deal with the United Arab Emirates, latest Indian government data shows that the Gulf nation has emerged as India's fourth-largest investor. In 2022-23, foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UAE to India stood at $3.35 billion. This was a three-fold increase from 1.03 billion dollars in 2021-22. The three-fold jump has also helped the UAE to rise from the seventh position it held in 2021-22. As per reports, the UAE majorly invests in services, sea transport, power, and construction activities across India. In the fiscal year 2022-23, Singapore was the largest investor in india, with investments worth $17.2 billion. The Southeast Asian city-state was followed by the island nation of Mauritius, which sent $6.1 billion in investments. The third place was taken by the United States with $6 billion worth of investments. The West Asian country accounts for about 2.5 percent of the total FDI that India received in the last 23 years (April 2000 and March 2023). During this period, India has attracted $15.6 billion worth of investment from the UAE, the data showed. Experts say that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, which was came into effect in May last year, has played a key role in boosting UAE's investments in India. Under the bilateral deal, a number of goods from both countries are getting zero-duty access to each other's markets. Besides that, norms for promoting investments have been eased. "Apart from CEPA, another growth engine of FDI from UAE in India is the investment commitment from UAE. UAE has committed to invest $75 billion in the Indian infrastructure sector over a period of time. It has also committed to partner with India in the renewable energy sector," Rudra Kumar Pandey, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, told PTI. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE emerges as India's fourth largest source of foreign investment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and thanked him for his country's "excellent support" during evacuation of Indians from Sudan in April, while also conveying best wishes for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage.

Indian PM speaks with Saudi Prince, thanks him for support during evacuation of Indians from Sudan

The phasedown of fossil fuels is inevitable, the United Arab Emirates incoming COP28 president said on Thursday, in stronger remarks than previous comments he where called for the phasedown of fossil fuel emissions rather than the fuels themselves.

COP28: Climate activists cheer COP28's fossil fuel phasedown call

<p>The upcoming United Nations COP28 climate summit has yet again come under fire after a report by the British newspaper,&nbsp;The Guardian, on Wednesday (June 7), revealed that an Emirati state oil firm was able to read email exchanges between organisers and was also “consulted” on how to respond to the media inquires. The climate summit host country, United Arab Emirates (UAE), had already garnered criticism from multiple environmental organisations as well as lawmakers over their pick to lead the negotiations in Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the British media report find?</strong></h2>

<p>The UAE, which is hosting COP28 in November, recently chose Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), to lead the upcoming UN climate summit. The decision has since sparked multiple calls for him to step down citing a conflict of interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report comes after the COP28 previously claimed that its email system was a “standalone” and “separate” from that of the state oil company. However, The Guardian’s “expert technical analysis” showed that the COP28’s office shared email servers with Adnoc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The British media report also claimed that it was not until their inquiries that the COP28’s office switched to a different server&nbsp;last week. The investigation first began in mid-May when the UK-based newspaper found links between UAE’s COP28 office and Adnoc after their inquiries into&nbsp;UN climate chief Christiana Figueres’ criticism who called the Emirati oil chief’s approach “dangerous".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-world-environment-day-5-international-deals-that-would-affect-environment-in-the-years-to-come-600963">Explained | World Environment Day: 5 international agreements that would affect the planet in years to come</a></strong></p>

<p>The email response that The Guardian received contained the text, “Adnoc classification: internal.” When the COP28 office was asked about it, they said it “sought input from several subject matter experts regarding emissions, including Adnoc".&nbsp;The report added, “internal classification mark had become part of the email chain as a result.”</p>

<p>In response to a different inquiry, the COP28 office also assured that their content, including emails, was “on a standalone, firewall-protected network, supported by a separate COP28 IT team,” as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was not until the previously mentioned “expert technical analysis” that they found that the oil company’s servers were used for both sending and receiving emails from the COP28 office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French Member of the European Parliament, Manon Aubry, has called the findings presented by The Guardian “an absolute scandal".</p>

<p>"An oil and gas company has found its way to the core of the organisation in charge of coordinating the phasing out of oil and gas," Aubry said.</p>

<p>She added, “It is like having a tobacco multinational overseeing the internal work of the World Health Organization,” as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Al-Jaber’s reported stance on the environment</strong></h2>

<p>As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy, he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. However in a supposed change of stance, Al-Jaber urged countries to focus on “phasing out fossil fuel emissions,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/arctic-could-be-ice-free-in-summer-by-2030s-expert-says-it-was-not-expected-601453">Arctic could be ice-free in summer by 2030s. Previous models underestimated trends, say experts</a></strong></p>

<p>After a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday (June 7) both the EU and UAE have also pledged to support renewables in the upcoming climate summit. A&nbsp;joint statement by the EU and COP28 host said that both sides would “ensure maximum support on global 2030 targets for the tripling of renewable energy and doubling of energy efficiency.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “These targets would support the transition towards energy systems free of unabated fossil fuels.” This also comes a month after over 100 members of the US Congress and European Parliament called for Al-Jaber’s removal as it would threaten the integrity of negotiations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The upcoming United Nations COP28 climate summit has yet again come under fire after a report by the British newspaper, The Guardian, on Wednesday (June 7), revealed that an Emirati state oil firm was able to read email exchanges between organisers and was also “consulted” on how to respond to the media inquires.

The upcoming United Nations COP28 climate summit has yet again come under fire after a report by the British newspaper, The Guardian, on Wednesday (June 7), revealed that an Emirati state oil firm was able to read email exchanges between organisers and was also “consulted” on how to respond to the media inquires. The climate summit host country, United Arab Emirates (UAE), had already garnered criticism from multiple environmental organisations as well as lawmakers over their pick to lead the negotiations in Dubai. What did the British media report find? The UAE, which is hosting COP28 in November, recently chose Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), to lead the upcoming UN climate summit. The decision has since sparked multiple calls for him to step down citing a conflict of interest. The report comes after the COP28 previously claimed that its email system was a “standalone” and “separate” from that of the state oil company. However, The Guardian’s “expert technical analysis” showed that the COP28’s office shared email servers with Adnoc. The British media report also claimed that it was not until their inquiries that the COP28’s office switched to a different server last week. The investigation first began in mid-May when the UK-based newspaper found links between UAE’s COP28 office and Adnoc after their inquiries into UN climate chief Christiana Figueres’ criticism who called the Emirati oil chief’s approach “dangerous". ALSO READ | Explained | World Environment Day: 5 international agreements that would affect the planet in years to come The email response that The Guardian received contained the text, “Adnoc classification: internal.” When the COP28 office was asked about it, they said it “sought input from several subject matter experts regarding emissions, including Adnoc". The report added, “internal classification mark had become part of the email chain as a result.” In response to a different inquiry, the COP28 office also assured that their content, including emails, was “on a standalone, firewall-protected network, supported by a separate COP28 IT team,” as quoted by The Guardian. It was not until the previously mentioned “expert technical analysis” that they found that the oil company’s servers were used for both sending and receiving emails from the COP28 office. The French Member of the European Parliament, Manon Aubry, has called the findings presented by The Guardian “an absolute scandal". "An oil and gas company has found its way to the core of the organisation in charge of coordinating the phasing out of oil and gas," Aubry said. She added, “It is like having a tobacco multinational overseeing the internal work of the World Health Organization,” as quoted by The Guardian. Al-Jaber’s reported stance on the environment As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy, he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. However in a supposed change of stance, Al-Jaber urged countries to focus on “phasing out fossil fuel emissions,” reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Arctic could be ice-free in summer by 2030s. Previous models underestimated trends, say experts After a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday (June 7) both the EU and UAE have also pledged to support renewables in the upcoming climate summit. A joint statement by the EU and COP28 host said that both sides would “ensure maximum support on global 2030 targets for the tripling of renewable energy and doubling of energy efficiency.” It added, “These targets would support the transition towards energy systems free of unabated fossil fuels.” This also comes a month after over 100 members of the US Congress and European Parliament called for Al-Jaber’s removal as it would threaten the integrity of negotiations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UAE state oil firm was able to read email exchanges about COP28 climate summit: Report

India's import of cheap Russian oil reached a new high in may, surpassing the combined purchases from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab emirates, and the United States. According to data from energy cargo tracker Vortexa, India took 1.96 million barrels per day from Russia in may, 15% more than the previous high in April.

India's imports of Russian oil hits new high | World Business Watch

The Iranian Navy Commander declared the plan to join a naval Alliance during a televised program, albeit the specifics of the alliance are unknown. Iran is reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, and Qatar as well as on the formation of a naval alliance. India and Pakistan will also be part of the alliance.

Iran floats new regional naval alliance in West Asia

Iran: New naval alliance will include India & Pakistan

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidA6zSXV2mFBy0" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The UAE Space Agency on Sunday expanded upon its mission to explore an asteroid belt situated between Mars and Jupiter. Buoyed by the success of the Hope Mars orbiter, the agency said the mission will be named Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) and launched on a spacecraft named MBR Explorer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ambitious mission was first announced in October 2021 and according to the latest update, it is scheduled for launch in 2028. The mission will attempt to visit seven different asteroids and even land on one of them called (269) Justitia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"EMA takes a pioneering leap as the first mission to embark on the most extensive tour of the main asteroid belt nestled between Mars and Jupiter, culminating in a historic landing on (269) Justitia the mysterious spectrally red asteroid," read a statement by the space agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking after unveiling the name, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai, said his country will continue to expand its horizons in space.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will never cease to look ahead; we will never cease our efforts to develop a brighter future for our young generations," said Al Maktoum whose name inspired the explorer's nomenclature.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from UAE Space Agency, the mission will have participating entities from YahSat, UAE University, TII, Khalifa University and NYUAD.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uae-spacecraft-captures-most-detailed-photos-of-mars-little-moon-585996" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | UAE spacecraft captures most detailed photos of Mars' little moon</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Visting different asteroids&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the launch in 2028, the MRB Explorer will visit its first asteroid in 2030 and then pass by six asteroids viz. (10254) Westerwald, (623) Chimaera, (13294) Rockox; (88055) 2000 VA28, (23871) 1998 RC76 and (59980) 1999 SG6. The purpose of visiting the asteroids is that all of them represent "different classes of asteroid with varied compositional types,"</p>

<p>Notably, the MRB Explorer will have four scientific instruments to probe the geology, composition and structure of the asteroids: a high-resolution camera, a thermal infrared camera, a mid-wavelength spectrometer and an infrared spectrometer.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-india-story-how-the-uae-and-india-built-up-their-special-relationship-570033"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;The India Story | How the UAE and India built up their special relationship</strong></a></p>

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<p>After the flybys, the mission will undertake its most challenging part and that is landing upon Justitia, also known as the red asteroid in 2034. Apart from Justitia and Chimaera which are 50 kilometres in diameter, the rest of the asteroids are relatively small with less than 10 km across.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A school of astrophysicists believe that life came into existence via a rogue asteroid that crashed on Earth billions of years ago. Some believe that Justitia may have the building blocks required to sustain life and thus, a decade from now, UAE will be landing on the asteroid to put the theory to the test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite being founded nearly a decade only, the UAE Space Agency has made tremendous strides. In 2020, the Hope Mars orbiter became the first Arab spacecraft to reach the Red Planet, making it the first agency to achieve success in the first attempt.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The UAE Space Agency on Sunday expanded upon its mission to explore an asteroid belt situated between Mars and Jupiter. Buoyed by the success of the Hope Mars orbiter, the agency said the mission will be named Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) and launched on a spacecraft named MBR Explorer.

The UAE Space Agency on Sunday expanded upon its mission to explore an asteroid belt situated between Mars and Jupiter. Buoyed by the success of the Hope Mars orbiter, the agency said the mission will be named Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) and launched on a spacecraft named MBR Explorer. The ambitious mission was first announced in October 2021 and according to the latest update, it is scheduled for launch in 2028. The mission will attempt to visit seven different asteroids and even land on one of them called (269) Justitia. "EMA takes a pioneering leap as the first mission to embark on the most extensive tour of the main asteroid belt nestled between Mars and Jupiter, culminating in a historic landing on (269) Justitia the mysterious spectrally red asteroid," read a statement by the space agency. Speaking after unveiling the name, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai, said his country will continue to expand its horizons in space. "We will never cease to look ahead; we will never cease our efforts to develop a brighter future for our young generations," said Al Maktoum whose name inspired the explorer's nomenclature. Apart from UAE Space Agency, the mission will have participating entities from YahSat, UAE University, TII, Khalifa University and NYUAD. ALSO READ | UAE spacecraft captures most detailed photos of Mars' little moon Visting different asteroids After the launch in 2028, the MRB Explorer will visit its first asteroid in 2030 and then pass by six asteroids viz. (10254) Westerwald, (623) Chimaera, (13294) Rockox; (88055) 2000 VA28, (23871) 1998 RC76 and (59980) 1999 SG6. The purpose of visiting the asteroids is that all of them represent "different classes of asteroid with varied compositional types," Notably, the MRB Explorer will have four scientific instruments to probe the geology, composition and structure of the asteroids: a high-resolution camera, a thermal infrared camera, a mid-wavelength spectrometer and an infrared spectrometer. WATCH | The India Story | How the UAE and India built up their special relationship × After the flybys, the mission will undertake its most challenging part and that is landing upon Justitia, also known as the red asteroid in 2034. Apart from Justitia and Chimaera which are 50 kilometres in diameter, the rest of the asteroids are relatively small with less than 10 km across. A school of astrophysicists believe that life came into existence via a rogue asteroid that crashed on Earth billions of years ago. Some believe that Justitia may have the building blocks required to sustain life and thus, a decade from now, UAE will be landing on the asteroid to put the theory to the test. Despite being founded nearly a decade only, the UAE Space Agency has made tremendous strides. In 2020, the Hope Mars orbiter became the first Arab spacecraft to reach the Red Planet, making it the first agency to achieve success in the first attempt. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UAE set to land spacecraft on asteroid between Mars and Jupiter in 2034

<p>Japan's foreign ministry announced late on Thursday (May 25) that the country has signed a deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for defence equipment and technology transfer. The move is likely to enhance cooperation in joint research, development and production.</p>

<p>Japan has already signed similar deals with UK, US and Australia. Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is seeking to ease limits on the country's arms exports. Japan is working to develop next-gen fighter aircraft with UK and Italy. The fighter jet is likely to be marketed beyond these three nations.</p>

<p>According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, UAE is the world's 11th largest importer of arms.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Japan: Man arrested after four people killed in a rare gun and knife attack</strong></p>

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<p>The accord was signed by Isomata Akio, Japan's Ambassador to UAE and Dr Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Major General Staff of Assistant Undersecretary for Support and Defence Industries of the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates</p>

<p>This deal has provided legal framework for both countries and will facilitate transfer of defence equipment and tech and will also enhance co-operation in security and defence.</p>

<p>Japanese foreign ministry said that the provisions in the deal will come into effect after necessary procedures between the governments of the two countries are carried out.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/62-quake-jolts-eastern-coast-near-japans-tokyo-596778">6.2 earthquake jolts Japan’s eastern coast, shakes buildings in Tokyo</a></strong></p>

<p>“It is expected that this agreement will contribute to closer bilateral defense equipment and technology cooperation and maintaining and improving the production and technological bases for Japan’s defence industry, thereby contributing to the security of Japan,” said the ministry.</p>

<h2><strong>Fresh sanctions on Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Japan had on Friday slapped fresh sanctions on Russia in connection with Ukraine war. The sanctions are targetted at its military as well as its construction and engineering sectors.</p>

<p>Russia was hit with a wave of sanctions after it sent forces into Ukraine in February last year, but calls have grown from Kyiv and its allies for tougher action against Moscow.</p>

<p>The latest embargo by Tokyo follows the Group of Seven summit Japan hosted last week in Hiroshima, where the bloc's leaders agreed to "starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Japan's foreign ministry announced late on Thursday (May 25) that the country has signed a deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for defence equipment and technology transfer.

Japan's foreign ministry announced late on Thursday (May 25) that the country has signed a deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for defence equipment and technology transfer. The move is likely to enhance cooperation in joint research, development and production. Japan has already signed similar deals with UK, US and Australia. Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is seeking to ease limits on the country's arms exports. Japan is working to develop next-gen fighter aircraft with UK and Italy. The fighter jet is likely to be marketed beyond these three nations. According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, UAE is the world's 11th largest importer of arms. Watch | Japan: Man arrested after four people killed in a rare gun and knife attack × The accord was signed by Isomata Akio, Japan's Ambassador to UAE and Dr Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Major General Staff of Assistant Undersecretary for Support and Defence Industries of the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates This deal has provided legal framework for both countries and will facilitate transfer of defence equipment and tech and will also enhance co-operation in security and defence. Japanese foreign ministry said that the provisions in the deal will come into effect after necessary procedures between the governments of the two countries are carried out. Also Read | 6.2 earthquake jolts Japan’s eastern coast, shakes buildings in Tokyo “It is expected that this agreement will contribute to closer bilateral defense equipment and technology cooperation and maintaining and improving the production and technological bases for Japan’s defence industry, thereby contributing to the security of Japan,” said the ministry. Fresh sanctions on Russia Japan had on Friday slapped fresh sanctions on Russia in connection with Ukraine war. The sanctions are targetted at its military as well as its construction and engineering sectors. Russia was hit with a wave of sanctions after it sent forces into Ukraine in February last year, but calls have grown from Kyiv and its allies for tougher action against Moscow. The latest embargo by Tokyo follows the Group of Seven summit Japan hosted last week in Hiroshima, where the bloc's leaders agreed to "starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Japan inks pact with UAE for defence equipment, tech transfer

<p>In a significant development for India's diplomatic ties, three Islamic countries — Indonesia, UAE, and Bangladesh — attended the G20 tourism meeting held in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir union territory.</p>

<p>This gathering marked&nbsp;the first international meeting in the union territory since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories in August 2019.</p>

<p>Representing Bangladesh at the meeting was its High Commissioner Mustafizur Rahman, while the UAE sent two officials from its capital.</p>

<p>The presence of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country and a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as well as the G20, was particularly noteworthy. All three countries are members of OIC.</p>

<p>The development highlights the strengthening ties between India and these three nations, as evidenced by a series of high-level visits and engagements between them.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indonesia's Bali last year to attend the G20 meet. Bangladesh and India have been emphasising the "golden phase" of ties, and the relationship with the UAE has grown leaps and bounds—from economy to food security.</p>

<p>The G20 Srinagar meet provided an opportunity for the participants to discuss and exchange ideas on tourism and related sectors. This engagement can contribute to the growth and development of the tourism industry in the region and facilitate the sharing of best practices among countries.</p>

<p>However, it is worth noting that some G20 member countries and invited guests decided not to attend the meeting.</p>

<p>Three G20 member countries—China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey—and two guests who were invited by India —Egypt, and Oman—were among those who did not send their delegations.&nbsp;Though there were some unofficial representations from Saudi Arian and Egypt.</p>

<p>Pakistan in a statement welcomed this decision, reflecting the complex regional dynamics at play.</p>

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In a significant development for India's diplomatic ties, three Islamic countries — Indonesia, UAE, and Bangladesh — attended the G20 tourism meeting held in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir union territory.

In a significant development for India's diplomatic ties, three Islamic countries — Indonesia, UAE, and Bangladesh — attended the G20 tourism meeting held in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir union territory. This gathering marked the first international meeting in the union territory since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories in August 2019. Representing Bangladesh at the meeting was its High Commissioner Mustafizur Rahman, while the UAE sent two officials from its capital. The presence of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country and a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as well as the G20, was particularly noteworthy. All three countries are members of OIC. The development highlights the strengthening ties between India and these three nations, as evidenced by a series of high-level visits and engagements between them. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indonesia's Bali last year to attend the G20 meet. Bangladesh and India have been emphasising the "golden phase" of ties, and the relationship with the UAE has grown leaps and bounds—from economy to food security. The G20 Srinagar meet provided an opportunity for the participants to discuss and exchange ideas on tourism and related sectors. This engagement can contribute to the growth and development of the tourism industry in the region and facilitate the sharing of best practices among countries. However, it is worth noting that some G20 member countries and invited guests decided not to attend the meeting. Three G20 member countries—China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey—and two guests who were invited by India —Egypt, and Oman—were among those who did not send their delegations. Though there were some unofficial representations from Saudi Arian and Egypt. Pakistan in a statement welcomed this decision, reflecting the complex regional dynamics at play.

Three Islamic countries attended India-hosted G20 meet in Jammu and Kashmir

<p>The United Arab Emirates has become a key trade hub for Russian gold since Western sanctions over Ukraine cut Russia's more traditional export routes, Russian customs records show.</p>

<p>The records, which contain details of nearly a thousand gold shipments in the year since the Ukraine war started, show the Gulf state imported 75.7 tonnes of Russian gold worth $4.3 billion - up from just 1.3 tonnes during 2021.</p>

<p>China and Turkey were the next biggest destinations, importing about 20 tonnes each between Feb. 24, 2022 and March 3, 2023. With the UAE, the three countries accounted for 99.8% of the Russian gold exports in the customs data for this period.</p>

<p>In the days after the Ukraine conflict started, many multinational banks, logistics providers and precious metal refiners stopped handling Russian gold, which had typically been shipped to London, a gold trading and storage hub.</p>

<p>The London Bullion Market Association banned Russian bars made from March 7, 2022, and by the end of August, Britain, the European Union, Switzerland, the United States, Canada and Japan had all banned imports of Russian bullion.</p>

<p>The export records show, however, that Russian gold producers quickly found new markets in countries that had not imposed sanctions on Moscow, such as the UAE, Turkey and China.</p>

<p>Louis Marechal, a gold sourcing expert at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said there was a risk Russian gold could be melted down and recast and then find its way back into U.S. and European markets with its origin masked.</p>

<p>"If the Russian gold comes in, is recast by a local refiner, sourced by a local bank or trader and then sold on into the market, there you have a risk," he said. "This is why carrying out due diligence is instrumental to end buyers wishing to ensure they respect sanctions regimes."</p>

<p>The UAE government's Gold Bullion Committee said the state operated with clear and robust processes against illicit goods, money laundering and sanctioned entities.</p>

<p>"The UAE will continue to trade openly and honestly, with its international partners, in compliance with all current international norms as set down by the United Nations," it said.</p>

<h2>Thriving gold hub</h2>

<p><span style="font-size: 15px;">In a bid to further isolate Russia, Washington has warned countries, including the UAE and Turkey, they could lose access to G7 markets if they do business with entities subject to U.S. sanctions.</span></p>

<p>The data reviewed by Reuters does not suggest there has been any violation of U.S. sanctions by those countries.</p>

<p>The U.S. Treasury, whose Office of Foreign Assets Control enforces sanctions, did not respond to requests for comment.</p>

<p>The shipments in the customs data, supplied to Reuters by a commercial provider, show exports of 116.3 tonnes between Feb. 24, 2022 and March 3 this year, although consultant Metals Focus estimates Russia produced 325 tonnes of gold in 2022.</p>

<p>The rest of the gold dug in Russia likely either stayed in the country or was exported in transactions not included in the records. Reuters was unable to determine what proportion of Russia's total gold exports were covered by the data.</p>

<p>Most of the Russian gold shipments to China went to Hong Kong. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country's cooperation with Russia "shall be free from disruption or coercion from any third party".</p>

<p>Turkey's finance ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Russian government, customs authority and central bank did not respond to requests for comment about gold exports.</p>

<p>The shift in Russian exports away from London is not seen as a major blow as the hub is not reliant on Russia. In 2021, for example, gold from Russia accounted for 29% of London's imports but in 2018 it made up just 2%, British trade data shows.</p>

<p>The UAE, meanwhile, has long had a thriving gold industry. Trade data show it imported about 750 tonnes of pure gold a year on average between 2016 and 2021 - meaning the shipments in the Russian records would only account for about 10% of its imports.</p>

<p>The UAE is a major exporter of bullion and jewellery.</p>

<h2><strong>DISCOUNT PRICES</strong></h2>

<p>The manager of one company that shipped large amounts of Russian gold to the UAE told Reuters that Russian firms had been selling bullion there at a discount of about 1% to global benchmark prices, offering an incentive to trade.</p>

<p>The manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said most of the gold his firm shipped to the UAE was destined for refineries, where it would be melted down and recast.</p>

<p>Reuters asked four of Russia's largest gold miners for comment. Nordgold and Norilsk Nickel declined to comment. Polyus and Polymetal did not respond.</p>

<p>In many cases, the customs records show only shippers or traders involved in the transactions, not the end buyer, which could be a refiner, jeweller or investor.</p>

<p>The records show the biggest handler of Russian gold exported to the UAE was Temis Luxury Middle East, a Dubai subsidiary of French logistics firm Temis Luxury involved in the shipment of 15.6 tonnes valued at $863 million from April 2022 to March 3.</p>

<p>Broca Houy, head of compliance at Temis Luxury Group, said the company "fully complies with the laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates for freight forwarder business".</p>

<p>He said Temis did not buy Russian gold and only accepted transport orders from operators not subject to U.S. sanctions.</p>

<p>Asked about the shipments, France's finance ministry said it would not comment on individual cases but it was very committed to the application of sanctions.</p>

<p>European sanctions do not typically apply to overseas subsidiaries, so European firms whose subsidiaries were involved in shipments of Russian gold to the UAE, Turkey or Hong Kong would not have necessarily broken any laws, said Tan Albayrak, a sanctions lawyer at Reed Smith in London.</p>

<p>The second-largest handler of Russian bullion in the UAE, with involvement in shipments of 14.6 tonnes worth $820 million, was logistics firm Transguard, part of the Emirates Group, the airline-to-hotels company owned by the Gulf state's wealth fund.</p>

<p>Emirates said it had not bought any Russian gold, operated in full compliance with applicable laws and had now stopped transporting it.</p>

<p>"Due to recent regulatory developments, Transguard is no longer providing logistics services pertaining to shipments of gold to or from Russia," it said.</p>

<p>In Hong Kong, most Russian gold shipments were handled by Vpower Finance Security Hong Kong Ltd, a Chinese logistics company. It was involved in the import of 20.5 tonnes of gold worth $1.2 billion between May 2022 and March 3, the records show.</p>

<p>Vpower Finance Security did not respond to requests for comment.</p>

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The United Arab Emirates has become a key trade hub for Russian gold since Western sanctions over Ukraine cut Russia's more traditional export routes, Russian customs records show.

The United Arab Emirates has become a key trade hub for Russian gold since Western sanctions over Ukraine cut Russia's more traditional export routes, Russian customs records show. The records, which contain details of nearly a thousand gold shipments in the year since the Ukraine war started, show the Gulf state imported 75.7 tonnes of Russian gold worth $4.3 billion - up from just 1.3 tonnes during 2021. China and Turkey were the next biggest destinations, importing about 20 tonnes each between Feb. 24, 2022 and March 3, 2023. With the UAE, the three countries accounted for 99.8% of the Russian gold exports in the customs data for this period. In the days after the Ukraine conflict started, many multinational banks, logistics providers and precious metal refiners stopped handling Russian gold, which had typically been shipped to London, a gold trading and storage hub. The London Bullion Market Association banned Russian bars made from March 7, 2022, and by the end of August, Britain, the European Union, Switzerland, the United States, Canada and Japan had all banned imports of Russian bullion. The export records show, however, that Russian gold producers quickly found new markets in countries that had not imposed sanctions on Moscow, such as the UAE, Turkey and China. Louis Marechal, a gold sourcing expert at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said there was a risk Russian gold could be melted down and recast and then find its way back into U.S. and European markets with its origin masked. "If the Russian gold comes in, is recast by a local refiner, sourced by a local bank or trader and then sold on into the market, there you have a risk," he said. "This is why carrying out due diligence is instrumental to end buyers wishing to ensure they respect sanctions regimes." The UAE government's Gold Bullion Committee said the state operated with clear and robust processes against illicit goods, money laundering and sanctioned entities. "The UAE will continue to trade openly and honestly, with its international partners, in compliance with all current international norms as set down by the United Nations," it said. Thriving gold hub In a bid to further isolate Russia, Washington has warned countries, including the UAE and Turkey, they could lose access to G7 markets if they do business with entities subject to U.S. sanctions. The data reviewed by Reuters does not suggest there has been any violation of U.S. sanctions by those countries. The U.S. Treasury, whose Office of Foreign Assets Control enforces sanctions, did not respond to requests for comment. The shipments in the customs data, supplied to Reuters by a commercial provider, show exports of 116.3 tonnes between Feb. 24, 2022 and March 3 this year, although consultant Metals Focus estimates Russia produced 325 tonnes of gold in 2022. The rest of the gold dug in Russia likely either stayed in the country or was exported in transactions not included in the records. Reuters was unable to determine what proportion of Russia's total gold exports were covered by the data. Most of the Russian gold shipments to China went to Hong Kong. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country's cooperation with Russia "shall be free from disruption or coercion from any third party". Turkey's finance ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Russian government, customs authority and central bank did not respond to requests for comment about gold exports. The shift in Russian exports away from London is not seen as a major blow as the hub is not reliant on Russia. In 2021, for example, gold from Russia accounted for 29% of London's imports but in 2018 it made up just 2%, British trade data shows. The UAE, meanwhile, has long had a thriving gold industry. Trade data show it imported about 750 tonnes of pure gold a year on average between 2016 and 2021 - meaning the shipments in the Russian records would only account for about 10% of its imports. The UAE is a major exporter of bullion and jewellery. DISCOUNT PRICES The manager of one company that shipped large amounts of Russian gold to the UAE told Reuters that Russian firms had been selling bullion there at a discount of about 1% to global benchmark prices, offering an incentive to trade. The manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said most of the gold his firm shipped to the UAE was destined for refineries, where it would be melted down and recast. Reuters asked four of Russia's largest gold miners for comment. Nordgold and Norilsk Nickel declined to comment. Polyus and Polymetal did not respond. In many cases, the customs records show only shippers or traders involved in the transactions, not the end buyer, which could be a refiner, jeweller or investor. The records show the biggest handler of Russian gold exported to the UAE was Temis Luxury Middle East, a Dubai subsidiary of French logistics firm Temis Luxury involved in the shipment of 15.6 tonnes valued at $863 million from April 2022 to March 3. Broca Houy, head of compliance at Temis Luxury Group, said the company "fully complies with the laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates for freight forwarder business". He said Temis did not buy Russian gold and only accepted transport orders from operators not subject to U.S. sanctions. Asked about the shipments, France's finance ministry said it would not comment on individual cases but it was very committed to the application of sanctions. European sanctions do not typically apply to overseas subsidiaries, so European firms whose subsidiaries were involved in shipments of Russian gold to the UAE, Turkey or Hong Kong would not have necessarily broken any laws, said Tan Albayrak, a sanctions lawyer at Reed Smith in London. The second-largest handler of Russian bullion in the UAE, with involvement in shipments of 14.6 tonnes worth $820 million, was logistics firm Transguard, part of the Emirates Group, the airline-to-hotels company owned by the Gulf state's wealth fund. Emirates said it had not bought any Russian gold, operated in full compliance with applicable laws and had now stopped transporting it. "Due to recent regulatory developments, Transguard is no longer providing logistics services pertaining to shipments of gold to or from Russia," it said. In Hong Kong, most Russian gold shipments were handled by Vpower Finance Security Hong Kong Ltd, a Chinese logistics company. It was involved in the import of 20.5 tonnes of gold worth $1.2 billion between May 2022 and March 3, the records show. Vpower Finance Security did not respond to requests for comment. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

From Russia with gold: UAE cashes in as sanctions bite

Seven Indians rescued from drowning off the UAE coast, this happened after two boats in which they were travelling were capsized. The incident comes just a few days after the country's coast guard had rescued seven other people in international waters.

UAE: Two tourist boats capsize in Khorfakkan | Seven Indians rescued from drowning

<p>In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who are the Maasai people?</strong></h2>

<p>The pastoralist Maasai is said to be among one of the most vibrant indigenous societies on the continent who have lived and managed alongside other native communities for more than two centuries now in the Great Rift Valley located in Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The herders are known for their beaded jewellery and plaid shawls draped over their shoulders and wrapped around their waists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They live in the Ngorongoro district after British colonial authorities in 1951 declared the Serengeti area a national park and relocated the communities within its borders. Since then, living in small clusters of bomas (traditional Maasai houses), the nearly 7,000 semi-nomadic pastoralist ethnic group of people are being forced to relive the woeful echoes of their colonial past.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous attempts at ‘forced’ evictions</strong></h2>

<p>The Tanzanian government plans to displace about 150,000 pastoralists for its conservation initiatives in two areas in the Ngorongoro district &nbsp;– Loliondo Game Controlled Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), reported Human Rights Watch (HRW). However, it was not even close to the first time that it has moved to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Joseph Oleshangay, a lawyer with the Tanzania-based Legal and Human Rights Centre,&nbsp;the government has made multiple attempts to push the Maasai people out of their lands since 2003. In 2017, government security forces allegedly burned 185 Maasai houses, a move which has been dubbed as a forced act of eviction by rights groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, the government had claimed that the houses in question had been built inside the park, a claim which was also upheld in an East African court. Another incident of violence took place last year when the people from the Maasai community in Loliondo protested against the police&nbsp;demarcating 1,500 square kilometres for the “game reserve”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by The Guardian, citing eyewitnesses, said that the police opened fire, stole cattle, and destroyed property.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the HRW, security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained 10 community leaders and even fired teargas and rubber bullets. This clash also led to the death of one police officer and left over 30 Maasai, women, children, and older people&nbsp;injured, while thousands fled to Kenya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the incident to Bloomberg, a man who was only referred to as ‘K’, recalled that some 200 police, military and park rangers faced off against around 500 locals at the village office. According to K, while officials were trying to push past the crowd, shots were fired. Meanwhile, the local men pulled out their wooden bows from their backs and unleashed a number&nbsp;of arrows which hit an officer in the eye, who later died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>K said the officials had responded by firing into the crowd when he suddenly fell and was wounded by a gunshot before he passed out into the nearby forest. He has since fled Ololosokwan and had been living across the border in Kenya.</p>

<h2><strong>So-called quieter approach</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>This also came after the government opted for a quieter approach to the relocation, as per rights groups. In 2021, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, which manages the land, issued a 30-day eviction notice to 45 people in the area, which was in addition to 166 others who were identified as illegal “immigrants”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agency also ordered the destruction of over 100 homes, churches, schools, medical dispensaries, police stations, and administrative offices within the 30-day period claiming that they had been built without permits, reported The Guardian. The orders were suspended following protests from locals who say that the structures had been there for decades now.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
A report by HRW,&nbsp;citing residents, said that since February 2022, the government had begun downsizing essential services in the area. This included health, education, and emergency services after the officials had grounded Flying Medical Services, while the area’s main hospital was downsized to a dispensary from a staff of 64 to two.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Ngorongoro district authorities, in March 2022, sent two notices seen by The Guardian to six public schools ordering them to transfer some 200 million Tanzanian shillings ($ 84,744) in COVID-19 relief funds to the Handeni resettlement site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, the local media reported that some 500 residents and 2,000 livestock have been moved to Msomera village in Handeni district, which is hundreds of kilometres away, since the beginning of the relocation back on June 16, 2022. Rights groups have alleged that this downsizing directly hinders the community’s ability to live there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was after the land demarcation exercise which&nbsp;restricted people’s access to water sources, and grazing sites, and even cut through some of the houses, reported HRW. “The government is trying to suffocate the communities and make the situation uncomfortable for them,” said human rights lawyer, Denis Moses Oleshangai, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, William Ole Seki, a Maasai elder spoke to the United Kingdom-based newspaper and spoke about how the government has banned imports of building materials into the area, the region’s only hospital was under threat of closure, and two villages to the north which had no water for weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts from the United Nations have called on the Tanzania government to halt forced evictions and relocation and urged them to work towards conservation with the local community. It is not just the locals, as officials from the European Union, UN, and international non-governmental organisations have also accused the government of pushing the Maasai off their lands.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is all of this for?</strong></h2>

<p>Last year, Tanzania’s tourism ministry decided to convert 1,500 square kilometres around Ololosokwan from a “game-controlled area,” where residents are permitted to live, farm and graze livestock, to a “game reserve,” reported Bloomberg. The so-called game reserve would be turned into a wildlife habitat as well as used for safari tourism and people with the right licence can also hunt.</p>

<p>The price of the game reserve is being paid by the Maasai who as per the locals, UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament,&nbsp;have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture and beatings, in addition to the aforementioned hindrances to their livelihoods. Notably, the plans for the so-called game reserve have been in the works for three decades now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the UN, 82,000 Maasai risk being pushed out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo reported Bloomberg. However, Tanzania’s Natural Resources and tourism ministry has asserted that Ololosokwan “has no settlements.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing the conservation efforts the government has alleged that the Maasai and their herds are expanding and now represent a threat to conservation in Ngorongoro and the wider Serengeti ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The national park is home to several endangered species including the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog and cheetah. However, the Maasai assert that they live harmoniously with wildlife, which scientists have agreed with as nearly 300 researchers from around the world signed an open letter and called for a halt to eviction efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, rights groups have said Tanzania is pushing Maasai out of the region in a bid to expand its lucrative tourism sector supposedly under the guise of conservation efforts. “It’s all about money. Dirty money,” Ole Seki told The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2019, the tourism sector brought in $6.6 billion and made up 11 per cent of the country’s GDP. According to an analysis by HRW, satellite images of the region show in July 2022 about 90 homesteads and animal enclosures were burned within the demarcated area.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The UAE connection</strong></h2>

<p>A report by Bloomberg alleges that in 1992, the Ngorongoro district council granted a 10-year hunting permit to a man named Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Ali for areas including Ololosokwan and five other villages. He is currently said to be the chairman and owner of the Al Ali Group, a major property developer in the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p>Citing the findings of a Tanzanian investigative reporter who has since been arrested, the media report says that millions of dollars in donations were also made from Dubai’s royal family to Tanzania’s ruling party. However, the UAE government has since denied these allegations and said it was “committed to preserving the rights of indigenous peoples”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Maasai delegation to meet European leaders</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) said that a high-profile delegation of Maasai representatives will meet European governments, EU institutions and NGOs like Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), in May, for what they have described as the government’s “brutal campaign against Maasai in Tanzania.”&nbsp;<br />
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In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment.

In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment. Who are the Maasai people? The pastoralist Maasai is said to be among one of the most vibrant indigenous societies on the continent who have lived and managed alongside other native communities for more than two centuries now in the Great Rift Valley located in Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The herders are known for their beaded jewellery and plaid shawls draped over their shoulders and wrapped around their waists. They live in the Ngorongoro district after British colonial authorities in 1951 declared the Serengeti area a national park and relocated the communities within its borders. Since then, living in small clusters of bomas (traditional Maasai houses), the nearly 7,000 semi-nomadic pastoralist ethnic group of people are being forced to relive the woeful echoes of their colonial past. Previous attempts at ‘forced’ evictions The Tanzanian government plans to displace about 150,000 pastoralists for its conservation initiatives in two areas in the Ngorongoro district – Loliondo Game Controlled Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), reported Human Rights Watch (HRW). However, it was not even close to the first time that it has moved to do so. According to Joseph Oleshangay, a lawyer with the Tanzania-based Legal and Human Rights Centre, the government has made multiple attempts to push the Maasai people out of their lands since 2003. In 2017, government security forces allegedly burned 185 Maasai houses, a move which has been dubbed as a forced act of eviction by rights groups. At the time, the government had claimed that the houses in question had been built inside the park, a claim which was also upheld in an East African court. Another incident of violence took place last year when the people from the Maasai community in Loliondo protested against the police demarcating 1,500 square kilometres for the “game reserve”. A report by The Guardian, citing eyewitnesses, said that the police opened fire, stole cattle, and destroyed property. As per the HRW, security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained 10 community leaders and even fired teargas and rubber bullets. This clash also led to the death of one police officer and left over 30 Maasai, women, children, and older people injured, while thousands fled to Kenya. Speaking about the incident to Bloomberg, a man who was only referred to as ‘K’, recalled that some 200 police, military and park rangers faced off against around 500 locals at the village office. According to K, while officials were trying to push past the crowd, shots were fired. Meanwhile, the local men pulled out their wooden bows from their backs and unleashed a number of arrows which hit an officer in the eye, who later died. K said the officials had responded by firing into the crowd when he suddenly fell and was wounded by a gunshot before he passed out into the nearby forest. He has since fled Ololosokwan and had been living across the border in Kenya. So-called quieter approach This also came after the government opted for a quieter approach to the relocation, as per rights groups. In 2021, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, which manages the land, issued a 30-day eviction notice to 45 people in the area, which was in addition to 166 others who were identified as illegal “immigrants”. The agency also ordered the destruction of over 100 homes, churches, schools, medical dispensaries, police stations, and administrative offices within the 30-day period claiming that they had been built without permits, reported The Guardian. The orders were suspended following protests from locals who say that the structures had been there for decades now. A report by HRW, citing residents, said that since February 2022, the government had begun downsizing essential services in the area. This included health, education, and emergency services after the officials had grounded Flying Medical Services, while the area’s main hospital was downsized to a dispensary from a staff of 64 to two. The Ngorongoro district authorities, in March 2022, sent two notices seen by The Guardian to six public schools ordering them to transfer some 200 million Tanzanian shillings ($ 84,744) in COVID-19 relief funds to the Handeni resettlement site. Earlier this year, the local media reported that some 500 residents and 2,000 livestock have been moved to Msomera village in Handeni district, which is hundreds of kilometres away, since the beginning of the relocation back on June 16, 2022. Rights groups have alleged that this downsizing directly hinders the community’s ability to live there. This was after the land demarcation exercise which restricted people’s access to water sources, and grazing sites, and even cut through some of the houses, reported HRW. “The government is trying to suffocate the communities and make the situation uncomfortable for them,” said human rights lawyer, Denis Moses Oleshangai, as quoted by The Guardian. Earlier this year, William Ole Seki, a Maasai elder spoke to the United Kingdom-based newspaper and spoke about how the government has banned imports of building materials into the area, the region’s only hospital was under threat of closure, and two villages to the north which had no water for weeks. Experts from the United Nations have called on the Tanzania government to halt forced evictions and relocation and urged them to work towards conservation with the local community. It is not just the locals, as officials from the European Union, UN, and international non-governmental organisations have also accused the government of pushing the Maasai off their lands. What is all of this for? Last year, Tanzania’s tourism ministry decided to convert 1,500 square kilometres around Ololosokwan from a “game-controlled area,” where residents are permitted to live, farm and graze livestock, to a “game reserve,” reported Bloomberg. The so-called game reserve would be turned into a wildlife habitat as well as used for safari tourism and people with the right licence can also hunt. The price of the game reserve is being paid by the Maasai who as per the locals, UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament, have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture and beatings, in addition to the aforementioned hindrances to their livelihoods. Notably, the plans for the so-called game reserve have been in the works for three decades now. According to the UN, 82,000 Maasai risk being pushed out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo reported Bloomberg. However, Tanzania’s Natural Resources and tourism ministry has asserted that Ololosokwan “has no settlements.” Addressing the conservation efforts the government has alleged that the Maasai and their herds are expanding and now represent a threat to conservation in Ngorongoro and the wider Serengeti ecosystem. The national park is home to several endangered species including the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog and cheetah. However, the Maasai assert that they live harmoniously with wildlife, which scientists have agreed with as nearly 300 researchers from around the world signed an open letter and called for a halt to eviction efforts. Meanwhile, rights groups have said Tanzania is pushing Maasai out of the region in a bid to expand its lucrative tourism sector supposedly under the guise of conservation efforts. “It’s all about money. Dirty money,” Ole Seki told The Guardian. In 2019, the tourism sector brought in $6.6 billion and made up 11 per cent of the country’s GDP. According to an analysis by HRW, satellite images of the region show in July 2022 about 90 homesteads and animal enclosures were burned within the demarcated area. The UAE connection A report by Bloomberg alleges that in 1992, the Ngorongoro district council granted a 10-year hunting permit to a man named Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Ali for areas including Ololosokwan and five other villages. He is currently said to be the chairman and owner of the Al Ali Group, a major property developer in the United Arab Emirates. Citing the findings of a Tanzanian investigative reporter who has since been arrested, the media report says that millions of dollars in donations were also made from Dubai’s royal family to Tanzania’s ruling party. However, the UAE government has since denied these allegations and said it was “committed to preserving the rights of indigenous peoples”. Maasai delegation to meet European leaders Earlier this week, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) said that a high-profile delegation of Maasai representatives will meet European governments, EU institutions and NGOs like Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), in May, for what they have described as the government’s “brutal campaign against Maasai in Tanzania.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How Tanzania’s Maasai are being 'forcefully relocated' for a 'game reserve'

A 2000-kilometer-long energy corridor is on its way between UAE and India. What exactly is this project ? What are its benefits? It is a $5-billion undersea project that has been proposed by South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE). Will it strategically deter China's dreams of global expansion? These significant developments come as China tries to get closer to the West Asian region. But west Asia's ties with India definitely remain intact... Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: India- UAE undersea gas pipeline

In a major diplomatic win for Syria, the country's leaders attend the first Arab League meeting in 11 years on Monday. The senior officials were present at the session ahead of Friday's summit in Saudi Arabia.

Syria's 10-year-long dry spell finally ends, UAE invites the country to COP28 climate summit

UAE has been declared as the social media capital of the world. In a recent report, it was found that UAE tops the list when it comes to global social media usage. What is this report? What are the parameters it considers? Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: UAE becomes global leader in social media usage

UAE COP28 president designates Sultan al-Jaber says that the oil and gas industry should phase out its methane emissions by 2030 and that investment in technology was needed to develop carbon alternatives. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

World not ready yet to 'switch off' fossil fuels: Jaber

The ties between India and UAE are growing stronger by the day. This is largely due to last year's Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement. The non-oil trade between the two countries has reached 45 Billion Dollars since May last year. This is good news for both the regions, and if this momentum continues, the agreement will cross the non-oil trade target of 100 Billion Dollars by the end of 2030.

2022 Trade Deal is a win-win for India & UAE

<p>A recent study has shown that United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the social capital of the world. The country nearly scored the perfect score as almost all residents have a Facebook account.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study published by Proxyrack noted the average number of social platforms used in the country and the percentage of the population that uses Facebook.</p>

<p>“With an almost perfect score of 9.55 out of 10, the UAE takes the top spot as the social media capital of the world. People in the UAE have an average of 8.2 social media platforms, the third highest in the world, joint with the Philippines. UAE also has the highest percentage of people with Facebook at over 100 per cent,” said Proxyrack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"UAE’s estimated percentage is over 100 per cent as there are more Facebook users registered in the UAE than the population," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/its-raining-in-uae-social-media-deluged-with-beautiful-images-videos-536505"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;It's raining in UAE ! Social media deluged with BEAUTIFUL images, videos</strong></a></p>

<p>According to the report, on average, the people of UAE spent&nbsp;seven and a half hours daily using the internet.&nbsp;The UAE is followed by Malaysia/the Philippines with both countries scoring 8.75, Saudi Arabia (8.41), Singapore (7.96), Vietnam (7.62), Brazil (7.62), Thailand (7.61), Indonesia (7.5) and Hong Kong (7.27).</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India stood on the 19th spot with only 29 per cent of the population using Facebook but spending nearly nine hours on the internet every day.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UAE emerges as the most connected country</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from leading the 'social media capitals' chart, UAE also topped the "most connected countries" list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The UAE is the most connected country in the world, with a connected score of 7.53/10. The UAE ranks highly in all but one of our categories. UAE has the highest percentage of its population connected to the internet and using Facebook. However, it’s also got the most expensive internet at just over $100," read the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-india-story-how-the-uae-and-india-built-up-their-special-relationship-570033"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;The India Story | How the UAE and India built up their special relationship</strong></a></p>

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<p>However, when it comes to best internet access, UAE was dethroned by South Korea which received a score of 8.52 out of 10. Almost 98 per cent population of S Korea used the internet which costs $21 on average. The Arab country occupied the fourth spot with a 6.59 score.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"South Korea also has 140 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people," the report noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, the UAE, akin to the rest of the globe has witnessed an increase in internet usage after the coronavirus pandemic. After the pandemic struck, most individuals and entrepreneurs&nbsp;were forced to take their business online and the habit has since stuck, even in their personal lives - as the rising share of social media suggested.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A recent study has shown that United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the social capital of the world. The country nearly scored the perfect score as almost all residents have a Facebook account.

A recent study has shown that United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the social capital of the world. The country nearly scored the perfect score as almost all residents have a Facebook account. The study published by Proxyrack noted the average number of social platforms used in the country and the percentage of the population that uses Facebook. “With an almost perfect score of 9.55 out of 10, the UAE takes the top spot as the social media capital of the world. People in the UAE have an average of 8.2 social media platforms, the third highest in the world, joint with the Philippines. UAE also has the highest percentage of people with Facebook at over 100 per cent,” said Proxyrack. "UAE’s estimated percentage is over 100 per cent as there are more Facebook users registered in the UAE than the population," it added. ALSO READ | It's raining in UAE ! Social media deluged with BEAUTIFUL images, videos According to the report, on average, the people of UAE spent seven and a half hours daily using the internet. The UAE is followed by Malaysia/the Philippines with both countries scoring 8.75, Saudi Arabia (8.41), Singapore (7.96), Vietnam (7.62), Brazil (7.62), Thailand (7.61), Indonesia (7.5) and Hong Kong (7.27). Meanwhile, India stood on the 19th spot with only 29 per cent of the population using Facebook but spending nearly nine hours on the internet every day. UAE emerges as the most connected country Apart from leading the 'social media capitals' chart, UAE also topped the "most connected countries" list. "The UAE is the most connected country in the world, with a connected score of 7.53/10. The UAE ranks highly in all but one of our categories. UAE has the highest percentage of its population connected to the internet and using Facebook. However, it’s also got the most expensive internet at just over $100," read the report. WATCH | The India Story | How the UAE and India built up their special relationship × However, when it comes to best internet access, UAE was dethroned by South Korea which received a score of 8.52 out of 10. Almost 98 per cent population of S Korea used the internet which costs $21 on average. The Arab country occupied the fourth spot with a 6.59 score. "South Korea also has 140 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people," the report noted. According to experts, the UAE, akin to the rest of the globe has witnessed an increase in internet usage after the coronavirus pandemic. After the pandemic struck, most individuals and entrepreneurs were forced to take their business online and the habit has since stuck, even in their personal lives - as the rising share of social media suggested. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UAE emerges as social media capital of world, India comes 19th: Report

India, US, Saudi Arabia and UAE are discussing a sea and railway connectivity project - a project ambitious enough to compete with China's Belt and Road initiative. The project intends to connect to Global Economic Hotspots that is West Asia and South Asia.

India, US, Saudi Arabia, UAE discuss mega connectivity project

US, India & UAE NSA's meet Saudi Arabia | Meeting to counter China's expansionism | WION

To connect or to contain China? New project to connect West & South Asia via rail, ports | WION

<p>If reports are to be believed, the&nbsp;USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India may soon develop a&nbsp; joint infrastructure that connects Gulf and Arab countries via a railway network and also extends to India via shipping lanes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposal for the infrastructure could be discussed on Sunday as the&nbsp;national security advisers (NSAs) of these&nbsp;countries meet in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Axios.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The initiative would include connecting Arab countries in the Levant and the Gulf via a network of railways that will also connect to India through seaports in the Gulf," the publication noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has reportedly planned the meeting of&nbsp;Saudi-UAE-India NSAs and is expected to push forward the idea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the seeds of such a joint infrastructure programme were first laid out over 18 months ago in another forum called I2U2 which comprises the likes of the India, Israel, US and UAE. The forum established in late 2021 discussed strategic infrastructure projects in the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sullivan hinted at picking up from where the discussion was left, during his speech earlier this week at the&nbsp;Washington Institute for Near East Policy.</p>

<p>“If you remember nothing else from my speech, remember I2U2, because you will be hearing more about it as we go forward," he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/i2u2-virtual-summit-during-bidens-west-asia-trip-496822"><strong>WATCH | I2U2 virtual summit during Biden's West Asia trip</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>India to be the glue?</strong></h2>

<p>According to experts, India can be the glue which binds the grouping. New Delhi has steady ties with Washington and the latter sees it as a natural ally to counter the threat of China on the global map. The Middle East is a key part of China's Belt and Road vision and the US believes that the joint initiative is the best way to counter Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, India is a significant energy consumer from the region. Prior to pivoting towards Russia in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion, India was heavily dependent on the region for its energy needs.</p>

<p>According to industry data,&nbsp;OPEC's (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)&nbsp;share in India's oil imports fell to an all-time low of 46 per cent in April as purchase&nbsp;of cheaper Russian oil peaked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>OPEC made up for as much as 90 per cent of all crude oil India imported at one point in time but this has been sliding since Russian oil became available at a discount.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, despite the change, India remains a significant exporter of consumer goods and labour to West Asia. Not to forget, New Delhi enjoys friendly relations with both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-what-netanyahus-comeback-in-israel-means-for-india-531268"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties</strong></a></p>

<p>Though Israel is not part of the new grouping,&nbsp;it could be added in the future given the normalisation of ties due to the signing of the Abraham Accords.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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If reports are to be believed, the USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India may soon develop a joint infrastructure that connects Gulf and Arab countries via a railway network and also extends to India via shipping lanes.

If reports are to be believed, the USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India may soon develop a joint infrastructure that connects Gulf and Arab countries via a railway network and also extends to India via shipping lanes. The proposal for the infrastructure could be discussed on Sunday as the national security advisers (NSAs) of these countries meet in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Axios. "The initiative would include connecting Arab countries in the Levant and the Gulf via a network of railways that will also connect to India through seaports in the Gulf," the publication noted. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has reportedly planned the meeting of Saudi-UAE-India NSAs and is expected to push forward the idea. Notably, the seeds of such a joint infrastructure programme were first laid out over 18 months ago in another forum called I2U2 which comprises the likes of the India, Israel, US and UAE. The forum established in late 2021 discussed strategic infrastructure projects in the Middle East. Sullivan hinted at picking up from where the discussion was left, during his speech earlier this week at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “If you remember nothing else from my speech, remember I2U2, because you will be hearing more about it as we go forward," he said. WATCH | I2U2 virtual summit during Biden's West Asia trip × India to be the glue? According to experts, India can be the glue which binds the grouping. New Delhi has steady ties with Washington and the latter sees it as a natural ally to counter the threat of China on the global map. The Middle East is a key part of China's Belt and Road vision and the US believes that the joint initiative is the best way to counter Beijing. As for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, India is a significant energy consumer from the region. Prior to pivoting towards Russia in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion, India was heavily dependent on the region for its energy needs. According to industry data, OPEC's (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) share in India's oil imports fell to an all-time low of 46 per cent in April as purchase of cheaper Russian oil peaked. OPEC made up for as much as 90 per cent of all crude oil India imported at one point in time but this has been sliding since Russian oil became available at a discount. However, despite the change, India remains a significant exporter of consumer goods and labour to West Asia. Not to forget, New Delhi enjoys friendly relations with both countries. ALSO READ | Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties Though Israel is not part of the new grouping, it could be added in the future given the normalisation of ties due to the signing of the Abraham Accords. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India, US, Saudi Arabia and UAE to develop joint railway infrastructure: Report

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