The United Arab Emirates' central bank is investigating Pakistan's largest bank to ascertain if it violated anti-money- laundering and terrorism-financing laws, the regulator said on Wednesday.

The inquiry comes as Pakistan is under examination by a Paris unit of the Financial Action Task Force, a global financial watchdog, for not adequately complying with global regulations on money laundering and terrorism financing.

The FATF will decide this week whether to put Pakistan on a list of countries on non-compliant with global financial regulations, which would carry significant sanctions.

The Central Bank of UAE (CBAUE) said in a statement on Wednesday that it was in "close contact" with Pakistan's banking regulator to verify reported irregularities of a Pakistani bank in UAE.

A spokeswoman of the CBAUE confirmed to Reuters that the statement referred to Habib Bank Ltd (HBL), Pakistan's largest bank.

The bank, which is largely owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Pakistan government, had total assets of 3.1 trillion Pakistani rupees ($20.1 billion) at the end of September 2019.

The statement by the UAE banking regulator added it "will take appropriate regulatory action once we have verified the findings reported in the media to confirm if there was any violation to UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combat of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws and procedures."

In a report last week, Bloomberg said that Pakistan's banking regulator in 2018 had found irregularities in HBL's UAE operations and dealings with politically exposed clients.

HBL responded to that report by admitting that a "few weaknesses" were identified in 2017 in its UAE operations that contravened its processes and standards.

"We have transformed our control and compliance process to ensure that they are in line with international standards," an HBL statement said.

The State Bank of Pakistan, the country's banking regulator, did not immediately respond to queries by Reuters on its communication with UAE's regulator.

HBL also faced action in the United States in 2017 when the New York State Department of Financial Services said it was seeking to fine HBL up to $630 million for "grave" compliance failures on anti-money laundering and sanctions rules. The bank agreed to pay $225 million to settle enforcement action. [D-REUTERSNEWS-T004/I15592cf0945b11e783dfe5c720cc2544]

In a filing to Pakistan Stock Exchange on Monday the bank said it would complete a "voluntary closure" of its U.S. operations in coordination with the New York State banking regulator on or before March 31.

(1 USD = 154 Pakistani rupees) 
 
&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates' central bank is investigating Pakistan's largest bank to ascertain if it violated anti-money- laundering and terrorism-financing laws, the regulator said on Wednesday.

The United Arab Emirates' central bank is investigating Pakistan's largest bank to ascertain if it violated anti-money- laundering and terrorism-financing laws, the regulator said on Wednesday. The inquiry comes as Pakistan is under examination by a Paris unit of the Financial Action Task Force, a global financial watchdog, for not adequately complying with global regulations on money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF will decide this week whether to put Pakistan on a list of countries on non-compliant with global financial regulations, which would carry significant sanctions. The Central Bank of UAE (CBAUE) said in a statement on Wednesday that it was in "close contact" with Pakistan's banking regulator to verify reported irregularities of a Pakistani bank in UAE. A spokeswoman of the CBAUE confirmed to Reuters that the statement referred to Habib Bank Ltd (HBL), Pakistan's largest bank. The bank, which is largely owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Pakistan government, had total assets of 3.1 trillion Pakistani rupees ($20.1 billion) at the end of September 2019. The statement by the UAE banking regulator added it "will take appropriate regulatory action once we have verified the findings reported in the media to confirm if there was any violation to UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combat of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws and procedures." In a report last week, Bloomberg said that Pakistan's banking regulator in 2018 had found irregularities in HBL's UAE operations and dealings with politically exposed clients. HBL responded to that report by admitting that a "few weaknesses" were identified in 2017 in its UAE operations that contravened its processes and standards. "We have transformed our control and compliance process to ensure that they are in line with international standards," an HBL statement said. The State Bank of Pakistan, the country's banking regulator, did not immediately respond to queries by Reuters on its communication with UAE's regulator. HBL also faced action in the United States in 2017 when the New York State Department of Financial Services said it was seeking to fine HBL up to $630 million for "grave" compliance failures on anti-money laundering and sanctions rules. The bank agreed to pay $225 million to settle enforcement action. [D-REUTERSNEWS-T004/I15592cf0945b11e783dfe5c720cc2544] In a filing to Pakistan Stock Exchange on Monday the bank said it would complete a "voluntary closure" of its U.S. operations in coordination with the New York State banking regulator on or before March 31. (1 USD = 154 Pakistani rupees)

UAE regulator to investigate Pakistan bank for money laundering

Trouble continues to haunt Pakistan as the UAE central bank is investigating the countries largest bank over allegations of violations of anti-money laundering and terrorism financing loans. Watch report:

Your Story: UAE regulator to probe Habib bank, Bank accused of terror funding

The UAE is all set to become the Arab world's first nuclear power in a matter of weeks. The Barakah nuclear power plant is under construction since 2012 and will finally become functioning as the first of its four nuclear reactors will start operations.

UAE becomes first Arab nuclear power

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/united-arab-emirates-military-drawdown-raises-stakes-in-south-yemen-240889#attacks-on%C2%A0yemeni-forces-240880">United Arab Emirates</a> has issued an operating licence for the Arab world's first nuclear power plant, a senior official at the nuclear regulator said on Monday, paving the way for it to start production later this year.

The multi-billion-dollar Barakah nuclear power plant in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-nuclear-programme-edges-toward-2018-launch-19266">Abu Dhabi</a>, which is being built by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), was originally due to open in 2017, but the start-up of its first reactor has been delayed several times.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-nuclear-programme-edges-toward-2018-launch-19266">UAE nuclear programme edges toward launch</a>

The&nbsp;UAE, a key <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-nuclear-programme-edges-toward-2018-launch-19266">OPEC</a> oil producer, wants to diversify its energy mix, adding nuclear power to meet the rising demand for electricity and to help free up more crude for export. The country wants nuclear energy to provide 6 per cent&nbsp;of its total energy needs by 2050.

The licence granted to the plant's operator Nawah Energy Company will be for 60 years, Hamad al-Kaabi, deputy chairman of Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) told a news conference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-denies-yemens-houthis-fired-missile-at-abu-dhabi-nuclear-reactor-25768">UAE denies Yemen's Houthis fired missile at Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor</a>

Nawah can now start preparing for commercial operations as trials will last for a few months, Kaabi said.

When completed Barakah will have four reactors with a total capacity of 5,600 megawatts (MW), and all with the same capacity. The&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;has not disclosed the total final investment in the project.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542">Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed</a> wrote on his official Twitter account:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today marks a new chapter in our journey for the development of peaceful nuclear energy with the issuing of the operating license for the first Barakah plant. As we prepare for the next 50 years to safeguard our needs, our biggest strength is national talent.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/1229307015442423809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Christer Viktorsson, director-general of FANR, told Reuters that the license would allow Nawah to start loading the nuclear fuel into the reactor which would take between 2-3 weeks.

After that, the operator would need to perform tests and can start initial power production by May or June of this year. Reaching the first reactor's full production capacity would take between 8-12 months if all the tests went well, he added.

Kaabi said that construction of the second reactor was "95 per cent&nbsp;finished" and that FANR has started looking into an operating license for it.

Last month, state news agency WAM reported that an operational readiness assessment performed by the Atlanta Center of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) concluded that the first of the four planned reactors was fit for its start-up phase.

The United Arab Emirates has issued an operating licence for the Arab world's first nuclear power plant, a senior official at the nuclear regulator said on Monday, paving the way for it to start production later this year.

The United Arab Emirates has issued an operating licence for the Arab world's first nuclear power plant, a senior official at the nuclear regulator said on Monday, paving the way for it to start production later this year. The multi-billion-dollar Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, which is being built by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), was originally due to open in 2017, but the start-up of its first reactor has been delayed several times. Also read: UAE nuclear programme edges toward launch The UAE, a key OPEC oil producer, wants to diversify its energy mix, adding nuclear power to meet the rising demand for electricity and to help free up more crude for export. The country wants nuclear energy to provide 6 per cent of its total energy needs by 2050. The licence granted to the plant's operator Nawah Energy Company will be for 60 years, Hamad al-Kaabi, deputy chairman of Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) told a news conference. Also read: UAE denies Yemen's Houthis fired missile at Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor Nawah can now start preparing for commercial operations as trials will last for a few months, Kaabi said. When completed Barakah will have four reactors with a total capacity of 5,600 megawatts (MW), and all with the same capacity. The UAE has not disclosed the total final investment in the project. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed wrote on his official Twitter account: Today marks a new chapter in our journey for the development of peaceful nuclear energy with the issuing of the operating license for the first Barakah plant. As we prepare for the next 50 years to safeguard our needs, our biggest strength is national talent. — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) February 17, 2020 × Christer Viktorsson, director-general of FANR, told Reuters that the license would allow Nawah to start loading the nuclear fuel into the reactor which would take between 2-3 weeks. After that, the operator would need to perform tests and can start initial power production by May or June of this year. Reaching the first reactor's full production capacity would take between 8-12 months if all the tests went well, he added. Kaabi said that construction of the second reactor was "95 per cent finished" and that FANR has started looking into an operating license for it. Last month, state news agency WAM reported that an operational readiness assessment performed by the Atlanta Center of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) concluded that the first of the four planned reactors was fit for its start-up phase.

United Arab Emirates issues operating licence for Arab world's first nuclear plant

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-battle-for-libya-uae-calls-the-shots-275421">United Arab Emirates </a>announced Wednesday its first case of the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-confident-of-slaying-devil-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-132-277186">coronavirus</a>, in a family from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-plane-to-virus-hit-wuhan-to-evacuate-citizens-277129">Wuhan</a>, in what is thought to be the first confirmed case in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-unveils-middle-east-peace-plan-draws-flak-from-palestinians-277189"> Middle East.&nbsp;</a>

"The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention announced a case of the new coronavirus affecting people from one family coming from the city of <a href="Wuhan">Wuhan</a> in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-beijing-drug-store-fined-434530-for-hiking-price-of-masks-277178">China</a>," the state news agency WAM reported, without saying how many were infected.&nbsp;

"It added in a statement that the health condition of those affected was stable and under medical monitoring."

The United Arab Emirates announced Wednesday its first case of the new coronavirus, in a family from Wuhan, in what is thought to be the first confirmed case in the Middle East.

The United Arab Emirates announced Wednesday its first case of the new coronavirus, in a family from Wuhan, in what is thought to be the first confirmed case in the Middle East. "The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention announced a case of the new coronavirus affecting people from one family coming from the city of Wuhan in China," the state news agency WAM reported, without saying how many were infected. "It added in a statement that the health condition of those affected was stable and under medical monitoring."

Coronavirus outbreak: UAE announces first case of new coronavirus, in family from Wuhan

United Arab Emirates announced first confirmed case of Chinese coronavirus in the Middle East. This is thought to be the first confirmed case in the Middle East.

UAE confirms first case of coronavirus

AFC Champions League has decided to move the venues for&nbsp;two Iranian clubs' preliminary round matches from Iran to UAE as a neutral venue due to security fears. The announcement was made by Asia Football's governing body on Wednesday.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaers-man-utd-scrap-plans-to-set-training-camps-in-middle-east-amidst-high-tensions-274342">Manchester United scrap plans to set training camps in Middle East amid tensions</a>

Shahr Khodro FC (Iran) vs Riffa (Bahrain) and Esteghlal FC (Iran) vs Kuwait SC will now be played in the United Arab Emirates. The matches will take place on January 25, Saturday.&nbsp;

Also see-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-one-of-the-most-controversial-world-cups-in-football-history-274367">FIFA World Cup 2022: One of the most controversial world cups in football history</a>

Matches were supposed to be played on Tuesday. But they were postponed by the management as they wanted to shift the match to a neutral venue (UAE).&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
AFC Statement!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ACL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ACL2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/cGa9ETIDIT">pic.twitter.com/cGa9ETIDIT</a>
— #ACL2020 (@TheAFCCL) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAFCCL/status/1219834015114563585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The decision has come after several governments have issued Iran travel advisories after the heightened tensions post the killing of Qassem Soleimani by a drone strike conducted by the US. Iran retaliated by attacking two US airbases in Iraq and shooting down Ukraine's Boeing 737, killing all 176 people on board. Iran came out in open and said that they mistook it for a hostile aircraft.

All four Iranian clubs (Esteghlal, Persepolis, Sepahan and Shahr Khodro) in AFC Champions League have threatened to boycott the tournament if the matches are shifted from their home grounds.

International football has also been affected by the heightened tensions in the Middle East. Manchester United and US national foot team had decided to skip their plans to train in Qatar amid such tensions.&nbsp;

AFC Champions League has decided to move the venues for two Iranian clubs' preliminary round matches from Iran to UAE as a neutral venue due to security fears. The announcement was made by Asia Football's governing body on Wednesday.

AFC Champions League has decided to move the venues for two Iranian clubs' preliminary round matches from Iran to UAE as a neutral venue due to security fears. The announcement was made by Asia Football's governing body on Wednesday. Also read- Manchester United scrap plans to set training camps in Middle East amid tensions Shahr Khodro FC (Iran) vs Riffa (Bahrain) and Esteghlal FC (Iran) vs Kuwait SC will now be played in the United Arab Emirates. The matches will take place on January 25, Saturday. Also see- FIFA World Cup 2022: One of the most controversial world cups in football history Matches were supposed to be played on Tuesday. But they were postponed by the management as they wanted to shift the match to a neutral venue (UAE). AFC Statement!#ACL2020 pic.twitter.com/cGa9ETIDIT — #ACL2020 (@TheAFCCL) January 22, 2020 × The decision has come after several governments have issued Iran travel advisories after the heightened tensions post the killing of Qassem Soleimani by a drone strike conducted by the US. Iran retaliated by attacking two US airbases in Iraq and shooting down Ukraine's Boeing 737, killing all 176 people on board. Iran came out in open and said that they mistook it for a hostile aircraft. All four Iranian clubs (Esteghlal, Persepolis, Sepahan and Shahr Khodro) in AFC Champions League have threatened to boycott the tournament if the matches are shifted from their home grounds. International football has also been affected by the heightened tensions in the Middle East. Manchester United and US national foot team had decided to skip their plans to train in Qatar amid such tensions.

AFC Champions League management decides to shift matches for Iranian teams to UAE

Lighting struck the top of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, on Friday as the United Arab Emirates dealt with severe rainfall. #Dubai #BurjKhalifa #UAE #WION

UAE: Lightning strikes the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa

Bangladesh on Saturday rebuffed the "misleading" reports regarding the cancellation of the visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-deputy-foreign-minister-cancelled-his-india-visit-273654">Shariar Alam</a> to participate in the Raisina Dialogue to be held here.

Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said: "We have noticed few misleading news items published in different media regarding the supposed visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs to participate in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/norways-pm-erna-solberg-to-visit-new-delhi-as-years-1st-foreign-leader-187985">Raisina Dialogue</a> in New Delhi organised by Overseas Research Foundation (ORF)."

The Ministry further clarified that Alam's visit coincides with his visit to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uae-entities-to-invest-up-to-7-billion-in-india-uae-food-corridor-piyush-goyal-256334">UAE</a> to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

"Ministry would like to convey that State Minister Shahriar Alam was invited as a speaker in Raisina Dialogue, which coincides with his visit to UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. As such State Minister Alam could not avail the participation," it stated.

Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry stated that a regret letter, in this regard, has already been sent to the ORF.

"It may be noted that there was no bilateral engagement scheduled during the visit. The inability of his participation has no other connection," it said.

Earlier in the day, diplomatic sources had said that Bangladesh Deputy Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam will not take part in the Raisina Dialogue 2020 slated to be held from January 14 to 16 in New Delhi.

Sources had said that Alam cancelled his participation in the conference as he would be accompanying Bangladeshi Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grateful-to-india-for-its-role-in-liberation-war-bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-263955">Sheikh Hasina</a> on her visit to Abu Dhabi. 
The Raisina Dialogue is India's annual flagship platform on the geo-politics and geo-economics. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.

Alam is the third Bangladesh leader from Dhaka in recent weeks to cancel a visit to India. Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-minister-has-given-explanation-for-cancelling-his-india-visit-mea-267936">A K Abdul Momen</a> and Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-rajnath-singh-reaches-dhaka-hopes-to-strengthen-bilateral-relation-151531">Asaduzzaman Khan</a> had cancelled their scheduled visits to India.

After Momen cancelled his visit, the MEA had said that any speculation that the development was connected with the passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill was "unwarranted."

Bangladesh on Saturday rebuffed the "misleading" reports regarding the cancellation of the visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shariar Alam to participate in the Raisina Dialogue to be held here.

Bangladesh on Saturday rebuffed the "misleading" reports regarding the cancellation of the visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shariar Alam to participate in the Raisina Dialogue to be held here. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said: "We have noticed few misleading news items published in different media regarding the supposed visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs to participate in Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi organised by Overseas Research Foundation (ORF)." The Ministry further clarified that Alam's visit coincides with his visit to the UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. "Ministry would like to convey that State Minister Shahriar Alam was invited as a speaker in Raisina Dialogue, which coincides with his visit to UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. As such State Minister Alam could not avail the participation," it stated. Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry stated that a regret letter, in this regard, has already been sent to the ORF. "It may be noted that there was no bilateral engagement scheduled during the visit. The inability of his participation has no other connection," it said. Earlier in the day, diplomatic sources had said that Bangladesh Deputy Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam will not take part in the Raisina Dialogue 2020 slated to be held from January 14 to 16 in New Delhi. Sources had said that Alam cancelled his participation in the conference as he would be accompanying Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her visit to Abu Dhabi. The Raisina Dialogue is India's annual flagship platform on the geo-politics and geo-economics. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. Alam is the third Bangladesh leader from Dhaka in recent weeks to cancel a visit to India. Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan had cancelled their scheduled visits to India. After Momen cancelled his visit, the MEA had said that any speculation that the development was connected with the passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill was "unwarranted."

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry rebuffs misleading reports regarding cancellation of Minister's participation in Raisina Dialogue

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday upped the ante on its efforts to boost tourism in the country by introducing a multiple-entry visa scheme for all nationalities. The visa will be valid for five years.

"#UAE Cabinet chaired by @HHShkMohd, approves new amendment for tourist visas in #UAE," the government of Dubai Media Office tweeted, referring to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uae-entities-to-invest-up-to-7-billion-in-india-uae-food-corridor-piyush-goyal-256334">UAE</a> prime minister and ruler of Dubai.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a> Cabinet chaired by <a href="https://twitter.com/HHShkMohd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HHShkMohd</a>, approves new amendment for tourist visas in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a>. The new tourist visa will be valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple entries and is open for all nationalities. <a href="https://t.co/T2gZolAkjy">pic.twitter.com/T2gZolAkjy</a>
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1214178579514372096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to Sheikh Maktoum's Twitter handle, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-crown-prince-arrives-in-pakistan-to-boost-bilateral-ties-271674">the UAE</a> currently attracts 21 million tourists a year.

"The new tourist visa will be valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple entries and is open for all nationalities," the Dubai Media Office wrote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-crown-prince-arrives-in-pakistan-to-boost-bilateral-ties-271674">UAE Crown Prince arrives in Pakistan to boost bilateral ties</a>

Before this provision was introduced, travellers from Africa, a few South American countries, many Arab states, and non-European Union European countries needed visas.

The deliberation and decision-making on the process happened during the cabinet's first meeting of the year which was chaired by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.&nbsp;

No details regarding the visa application fee have been released yet.

(With inputs from AFP)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday upped the ante on its efforts to boost tourism in the country by introducing a multiple-entry visa scheme for all nationalities.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday upped the ante on its efforts to boost tourism in the country by introducing a multiple-entry visa scheme for all nationalities. The visa will be valid for five years. "#UAE Cabinet chaired by @HHShkMohd, approves new amendment for tourist visas in #UAE," the government of Dubai Media Office tweeted, referring to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE prime minister and ruler of Dubai. #UAE Cabinet chaired by @HHShkMohd, approves new amendment for tourist visas in #UAE. The new tourist visa will be valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple entries and is open for all nationalities. pic.twitter.com/T2gZolAkjy — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 6, 2020 × According to Sheikh Maktoum's Twitter handle, the UAE currently attracts 21 million tourists a year. "The new tourist visa will be valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple entries and is open for all nationalities," the Dubai Media Office wrote. Also read: UAE Crown Prince arrives in Pakistan to boost bilateral ties Before this provision was introduced, travellers from Africa, a few South American countries, many Arab states, and non-European Union European countries needed visas. The deliberation and decision-making on the process happened during the cabinet's first meeting of the year which was chaired by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. No details regarding the visa application fee have been released yet. (With inputs from AFP)

In a bid to boost tourism, UAE launches multiple-entry visas for all

Is Pakistan Making A Dangerous Turn Towards Wahhabism? #WION #Gravitas #Pakistan #UAE

Gravitas: Pak rolls out the red carpet for UAE crown prince

The Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates arrived on Thursday in Islamabad for a day-long visit.&nbsp;

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan was received by PM Imran Khan at Nur Khan airbase, on the outskirts of Rawalpindi.

Khan personally drove the Crown Prince to the Prime Minister's Residence, where the two held a one-on-one meet, presumably to discuss ways of further enhancing cooperation among the two Islamic nations.

The Emirates are a very important player for the Pakistani market. Pakistan imports a large proportion of its goods from the UAE, second only to China. However, the Emirates are the fifth largest destination for Pakistani exports.

The visit by the crown prince comes amidst a controversy wherein Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan skipped the Muslim summit in Kuala Lumpur, after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE stressed against it. The two Arab monarchies are among the largest suppliers of funds and investment for the crumbling country.

The Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates arrived on Thursday in Islamabad for a day-long visit. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan was received by PM Imran Khan at Nur Khan airbase, on the outskirts of Rawalpindi.

The Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates arrived on Thursday in Islamabad for a day-long visit. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan was received by PM Imran Khan at Nur Khan airbase, on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. Khan personally drove the Crown Prince to the Prime Minister's Residence, where the two held a one-on-one meet, presumably to discuss ways of further enhancing cooperation among the two Islamic nations. The Emirates are a very important player for the Pakistani market. Pakistan imports a large proportion of its goods from the UAE, second only to China. However, the Emirates are the fifth largest destination for Pakistani exports. The visit by the crown prince comes amidst a controversy wherein Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan skipped the Muslim summit in Kuala Lumpur, after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE stressed against it. The two Arab monarchies are among the largest suppliers of funds and investment for the crumbling country.

UAE Crown Prince arrives in Pakistan to boost bilateral ties

For the last Solar eclipse of 2019 on Thursday (December 26) people gathered at parks and observation centres in India to view the annular solar spectacle which is visible in several parts of the country. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet on Wednesday, "Unfortunately, I could not see the Sun due to cloud cover but I did catch glimpses of the eclipse in Kozhikode and other parts on the live stream. Also enriched my knowledge on the subject by interacting with experts." #WION #SolarEclipse2019 #RingOfFire

Solar eclipse 2019: Sun turns into 'Ring Of Fire'

As the world gears up for the last Solar eclipse of 2019 on Thursday, people gathered at parks and observation centres in India to view the annular solar spectacle which is visible in several parts of the country. #WION #SolarEclipse2019 #RingOfFire

Last Solar Eclipse of the decade begins, to create a 'ring of fire'

A chat app that quickly became popular in the United Arab Emirates for communicating with friends and family is actually a spying tool used by the government to track its users. #Totok #UAE #WION

United Arab Emirates Chat App ToTok Actually a Spying Tool?

88,000 Saudi-backed accounts have been banned by Twitter over peddling propaganda. These accounts were aimed to boost the Saudi government's popularity. #SaudiArabia #UAE #Twitter #WION

88,000 Saudi-backed accounts banned by Twitter over peddling propaganda

While the world may know UAE for the city of Dubai or the country’s oil boom and riches, but many may not know about its ancient history of pearl diving. Although diving for treasures is no longer a necessity for many, some traders are keeping the tradition alive.

The history of pearl diving in the UAE goes back to more than 7,000 years ago. A time when UAE pearls travelled to Rome, Venice, Sri Lanka and even to India. United Arab emirate's pearls were one of the most sought-after accessories of the time.

Abdullah al-Suwaidi recalls how his family's fortune depended on pearling much before the discovery of oil in the gulf.

"I lived and grew up around my grandfather, who lived off of pearl diving. He taught me a lot about pearl diving because of my continuous stream of questions and requests for more information and stories of adventure. It inspired my imagination.", said Abdullah al Suwaidi, owner of a pearl farm.

With UAE's petroleum exports reaching sixty-six point two billion dollars this year. Commercial pearl trading has become a dying tradition and Suwaidi's farm is the only commercial pearl farm in the United Arab Emirates.

Abdullah al Suwaidi, also added that "It is regrettable that nations that didn't even exist in 1906 (when it came to pearling) are now the biggest producers of pearls in the world, and the Gulf states, including the UAE, do not contribute (to the trade)."

Back in the hay days, pearl diving offered seasonally if not full-time work for many local Emiratis. Suwaidi managed to keep the tradition alive and still thrills curious tourists by demonstrating how his ancestors would pick oysters off the seabed.

Legend has it that once the owner of luxury jewellery brand, Jaques Cartier had travelled to the gulf in pursuit of the world's most precious and exquisite pearls.

With the advent of artificial pearls and the discovery of oil in the Arabian peninsula. UAE's pearl trade took a back seat but it still maintains it's cultural significance.

While the world may know UAE for the city of Dubai or the country’s oil boom and riches, but many may not know about its ancient history of pearl diving. Although diving for treasures is no longer a necessity for many, some traders are keeping the tradition alive.

While the world may know UAE for the city of Dubai or the country’s oil boom and riches, but many may not know about its ancient history of pearl diving. Although diving for treasures is no longer a necessity for many, some traders are keeping the tradition alive. The history of pearl diving in the UAE goes back to more than 7,000 years ago. A time when UAE pearls travelled to Rome, Venice, Sri Lanka and even to India. United Arab emirate's pearls were one of the most sought-after accessories of the time. Abdullah al-Suwaidi recalls how his family's fortune depended on pearling much before the discovery of oil in the gulf. "I lived and grew up around my grandfather, who lived off of pearl diving. He taught me a lot about pearl diving because of my continuous stream of questions and requests for more information and stories of adventure. It inspired my imagination.", said Abdullah al Suwaidi, owner of a pearl farm. With UAE's petroleum exports reaching sixty-six point two billion dollars this year. Commercial pearl trading has become a dying tradition and Suwaidi's farm is the only commercial pearl farm in the United Arab Emirates. Abdullah al Suwaidi, also added that "It is regrettable that nations that didn't even exist in 1906 (when it came to pearling) are now the biggest producers of pearls in the world, and the Gulf states, including the UAE, do not contribute (to the trade)." Back in the hay days, pearl diving offered seasonally if not full-time work for many local Emiratis. Suwaidi managed to keep the tradition alive and still thrills curious tourists by demonstrating how his ancestors would pick oysters off the seabed. Legend has it that once the owner of luxury jewellery brand, Jaques Cartier had travelled to the gulf in pursuit of the world's most precious and exquisite pearls. With the advent of artificial pearls and the discovery of oil in the Arabian peninsula. UAE's pearl trade took a back seat but it still maintains it's cultural significance.

Pearl diving: How some traders are keeping the timeless tradition alive in UAE

Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey have repeatedly violated an arms embargo on Libya and it is "highly probable" that a foreign attack aircraft is responsible for a deadly strike on a migrant detention centre, according to U.N. experts monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Libya.

A report to the U.N. Security Council Libya sanctions committee, seen by Reuters on Monday, also accused Sudan and the head of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo - known by his nickname Hemeti - of violating U.N. sanctions by deploying 1,000 Sudanese troops to Libya.

The U.N. missions of Jordan, Turkey and Sudan did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the accusations in the confidential report, which is due to be made public next month.

"The transfers (of military material) to Libya were repeated and sometimes blatant with scant regard being paid to compliance with the sanctions measures," the independent U.N. experts wrote.

The United Arab Emirates ambassador to the U.N., Lana Nusseibeh, said she could not comment on the findings of the report as she has not seen it, but said that the UAE was "firmly committed to complying with its obligations under the Libya sanctions regime and all relevant Security Council resolutions."

The U.N. Security Council issued a statement in July urging other countries not to intervene or exacerbate the conflict in Libya, but any action over the sanctions violations reported by the U.N. experts is unlikely.

Libya descended into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising that overthrew leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Thousands of people have been killed in sporadic fighting since 2014 between factions in the east and west. The violence has allowed militants and migrant smugglers to flourish, hit Libya's oil industry and divided the country's key institutions.

Seven months ago commander Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive against the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and its forces in Tripoli. But the war has reached an impasse.

"The frontline of the fighting has remained fluid but constrained within narrow bounds since April. Neither side has the military capability to effectively decide the outcome to their advantage," the U.N. experts wrote in their report.

The U.N. experts accuse Jordan and the United Arab Emirates of supplying military material to Haftar's forces, which they said then prompted Libya's Government of National Accord to ask Turkey for help.

"Both parties to the conflict received weapons, military equipment, technical support and non-Libyan fighters in non-compliance with the sanctions measures related to arms," the experts wrote.

"Jordan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates routinely and sometimes blatantly supplied weapons with little effort to disguise the source," they said. "The panel also identified the presence of Chadian and Sudanese armed groups in support of forces affiliated to the GNA and LNA."

The report accuses Sudan and Hemeti of deploying 1,000 Sudanese troops to Libya in July to guard critical national infrastructure so Haftar's forces could focus on their offensive on Tripoli.

Libya has been one of the main departure points for migrants trying to reach Europe and has an estimated migrant population of 640,000. Boatloads of migrants leave frequently from Libya's north-western coast, though the number attempting the crossing has dropped sharply since mid-2017.

More than 50 people were killed and 130 more injured when a July airstrike hit a migrant detention centre in Tripoli.

The U.N. experts found that it was "highly probable" that the attack was conducted by a modern attack aircraft using precision-guided munitions "owned and operated by a member state acting in direct support" of Haftar.

"The panel reserves identification of this member state until further physical evidence or imagery emerges to increase attribution confidence levels and continues to investigate the circumstances of the airstrikes," the report said.

Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey have repeatedly violated an arms embargo on Libya and it is "highly probable" that a foreign attack aircraft is responsible for a deadly strike on a migrant detention centre, according to U.

Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey have repeatedly violated an arms embargo on Libya and it is "highly probable" that a foreign attack aircraft is responsible for a deadly strike on a migrant detention centre, according to U.N. experts monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Libya. A report to the U.N. Security Council Libya sanctions committee, seen by Reuters on Monday, also accused Sudan and the head of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo - known by his nickname Hemeti - of violating U.N. sanctions by deploying 1,000 Sudanese troops to Libya. The U.N. missions of Jordan, Turkey and Sudan did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the accusations in the confidential report, which is due to be made public next month. "The transfers (of military material) to Libya were repeated and sometimes blatant with scant regard being paid to compliance with the sanctions measures," the independent U.N. experts wrote. The United Arab Emirates ambassador to the U.N., Lana Nusseibeh, said she could not comment on the findings of the report as she has not seen it, but said that the UAE was "firmly committed to complying with its obligations under the Libya sanctions regime and all relevant Security Council resolutions." The U.N. Security Council issued a statement in July urging other countries not to intervene or exacerbate the conflict in Libya, but any action over the sanctions violations reported by the U.N. experts is unlikely. Libya descended into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising that overthrew leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Thousands of people have been killed in sporadic fighting since 2014 between factions in the east and west. The violence has allowed militants and migrant smugglers to flourish, hit Libya's oil industry and divided the country's key institutions. Seven months ago commander Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive against the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and its forces in Tripoli. But the war has reached an impasse. "The frontline of the fighting has remained fluid but constrained within narrow bounds since April. Neither side has the military capability to effectively decide the outcome to their advantage," the U.N. experts wrote in their report. The U.N. experts accuse Jordan and the United Arab Emirates of supplying military material to Haftar's forces, which they said then prompted Libya's Government of National Accord to ask Turkey for help. "Both parties to the conflict received weapons, military equipment, technical support and non-Libyan fighters in non-compliance with the sanctions measures related to arms," the experts wrote. "Jordan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates routinely and sometimes blatantly supplied weapons with little effort to disguise the source," they said. "The panel also identified the presence of Chadian and Sudanese armed groups in support of forces affiliated to the GNA and LNA." The report accuses Sudan and Hemeti of deploying 1,000 Sudanese troops to Libya in July to guard critical national infrastructure so Haftar's forces could focus on their offensive on Tripoli. Libya has been one of the main departure points for migrants trying to reach Europe and has an estimated migrant population of 640,000. Boatloads of migrants leave frequently from Libya's north-western coast, though the number attempting the crossing has dropped sharply since mid-2017. More than 50 people were killed and 130 more injured when a July airstrike hit a migrant detention centre in Tripoli. The U.N. experts found that it was "highly probable" that the attack was conducted by a modern attack aircraft using precision-guided munitions "owned and operated by a member state acting in direct support" of Haftar. "The panel reserves identification of this member state until further physical evidence or imagery emerges to increase attribution confidence levels and continues to investigate the circumstances of the airstrikes," the report said.

Jordan, UAE, Turkey, Sudan repeatedly violated Libya arms embargo: U.N. report

Yemen's rebels will have a role in their country's future, a UAE minister said Sunday, voicing optimism that a recent peace deal between the government and southern separatists could lead to a wider solution.

The comments were the latest conciliatory move in the long-running Yemen conflict after the Iran-backed Huthis offered in September to halt attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Anwar Gargash, minister of state for foreign affairs&nbsp;in the United Arab Emirates,&nbsp;a key member in the Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's government against the Huthis,&nbsp;urged all sides to maintain momentum for a political solution.

"Such an agreement must take account of the legitimate aspirations of all parts of Yemeni society. That includes the Huthis," Gargash said at a political conference in Abu Dhabi.

"Huthi militias have wreaked havoc on the country, but they are a part of Yemeni society and they will have a role in its future."

The Huthi rebels have been fighting the internationally recognised government and its allies for more than four years in a war that has pushed the country to the brink of famine.&nbsp;

But Gargash said he was hopeful that a power-sharing deal between the government and the secessionist Southern Transitional Council, inked in Riyadh last week, could pave the way for a wider peace deal.

"The agreement solidifies the anti-Huthi coalition and provides a more robust basis for reaching a political solution," he said. "Now we need to build on the momentum this has given us."&nbsp;

The so-called Riyadh agreement would see Yemen's government return to Aden,&nbsp;the interim capital seized by separatists in August, and place the forces from both sides under the authority of the defence and interior ministries.

Gargash's comments came after a rally organised by the Huthi insurgents to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed on Saturday drew hundreds of thousands in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, a much larger crowd than last year.

Rebel chief Abdulmalik al-Huthi addressed the crowd via a video message played on a large screen, while many chanted slogans in support of the insurgent leader.

The Iran-backed rebels took Sanaa in 2015, after which Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies intervened in the conflict in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

Since then, tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, have been killed in a conflict that has triggered what the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen's rebels will have a role in their country's future, a UAE minister said Sunday, voicing optimism that a recent peace deal between the government and southern separatists could lead to a wider solution.

Yemen's rebels will have a role in their country's future, a UAE minister said Sunday, voicing optimism that a recent peace deal between the government and southern separatists could lead to a wider solution. The comments were the latest conciliatory move in the long-running Yemen conflict after the Iran-backed Huthis offered in September to halt attacks on Saudi Arabia. Anwar Gargash, minister of state for foreign affairs in the United Arab Emirates, a key member in the Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's government against the Huthis, urged all sides to maintain momentum for a political solution. "Such an agreement must take account of the legitimate aspirations of all parts of Yemeni society. That includes the Huthis," Gargash said at a political conference in Abu Dhabi. "Huthi militias have wreaked havoc on the country, but they are a part of Yemeni society and they will have a role in its future." The Huthi rebels have been fighting the internationally recognised government and its allies for more than four years in a war that has pushed the country to the brink of famine. But Gargash said he was hopeful that a power-sharing deal between the government and the secessionist Southern Transitional Council, inked in Riyadh last week, could pave the way for a wider peace deal. "The agreement solidifies the anti-Huthi coalition and provides a more robust basis for reaching a political solution," he said. "Now we need to build on the momentum this has given us." The so-called Riyadh agreement would see Yemen's government return to Aden, the interim capital seized by separatists in August, and place the forces from both sides under the authority of the defence and interior ministries. Gargash's comments came after a rally organised by the Huthi insurgents to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed on Saturday drew hundreds of thousands in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, a much larger crowd than last year. Rebel chief Abdulmalik al-Huthi addressed the crowd via a video message played on a large screen, while many chanted slogans in support of the insurgent leader. The Iran-backed rebels took Sanaa in 2015, after which Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies intervened in the conflict in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. Since then, tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, have been killed in a conflict that has triggered what the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Huthi rebels will have role in Yemen's future: UAE

Iran should come to the negotiating table with world powers and Gulf countries to seek a new deal that would deescalate regional tensions and revive its economy, a senior United Arab Emirates official said on Sunday.

Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers in a vital global shipping lane this summer, including off the UAE coast, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Iran said it had resumed uranium enrichment at its Fordow nuclear site, stepping further away from its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers after the United States pulled out of it.

"Further escalation at this point serves no one and we strongly believe that there is room for collective diplomacy to succeed," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a speech in Abu Dhabi.

He warned against a "false choice" between war and the "flawed" atomic deal.

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran since pulling out of the pact as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran.

Gargash said new talks with Iran should not just deal with the nuclear issue but also address concerns over its ballistic missile programme and regional interventions through proxy groups.

These topics mean regional countries would need to be involved in the discussions, he said at an annual strategic debate in the UAE capital.

The UAE, which says Iran is a destabilising force in the region, backed US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Tehran but called for de-escalation after the attacks.

"I believe there could be a path to a deal with Iran that all parties might soon be ready to embark on. It will be long, and patience and courage will be required," Gargash said.

It was important that the international community be on the same page, especially the United States and European Union countries, as well as regional states, he added.

Washington says it hopes the sanctions, which are aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, will force Iran into negotiations to reach a wider deal.

But Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has banned Iranian officials from holding such talks unless the United States returns to the nuclear deal and lifts all sanctions.

Iran should come to the negotiating table with world powers and Gulf countries to seek a new deal that would deescalate regional tensions and revive its economy, a senior United Arab Emirates official said on Sunday.

Iran should come to the negotiating table with world powers and Gulf countries to seek a new deal that would deescalate regional tensions and revive its economy, a senior United Arab Emirates official said on Sunday. Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers in a vital global shipping lane this summer, including off the UAE coast, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure. On Thursday, Iran said it had resumed uranium enrichment at its Fordow nuclear site, stepping further away from its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers after the United States pulled out of it. "Further escalation at this point serves no one and we strongly believe that there is room for collective diplomacy to succeed," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a speech in Abu Dhabi. He warned against a "false choice" between war and the "flawed" atomic deal. The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran since pulling out of the pact as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran. Gargash said new talks with Iran should not just deal with the nuclear issue but also address concerns over its ballistic missile programme and regional interventions through proxy groups. These topics mean regional countries would need to be involved in the discussions, he said at an annual strategic debate in the UAE capital. The UAE, which says Iran is a destabilising force in the region, backed US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Tehran but called for de-escalation after the attacks. "I believe there could be a path to a deal with Iran that all parties might soon be ready to embark on. It will be long, and patience and courage will be required," Gargash said. It was important that the international community be on the same page, especially the United States and European Union countries, as well as regional states, he added. Washington says it hopes the sanctions, which are aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, will force Iran into negotiations to reach a wider deal. But Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has banned Iranian officials from holding such talks unless the United States returns to the nuclear deal and lifts all sanctions.

UAE calls for Iran talks with world powers, region

The United Arab Emirates' top legislative body on Wednesday approved a&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;term in office for reclusive&nbsp;President&nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, state media reported.

"The Supreme Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates renewed its confidence in His Highness&nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;bin Zayed Al-Nahyan... for the&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;of five years, in accordance with the constitution," official news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;took over as the&nbsp;UAE's second&nbsp;president&nbsp;in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of &nbsp;Abu Dhabi, the federation's richest emirate.

The 71-year-old has rarely been seen in public since 2014, when he had surgery following a stroke, although he has continued to issue rulings.

His brother, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-in-abu-dhabi-seeking-13-billion-in-investments-256090">Abu Dhabi</a> Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, has been seen as the de facto ruler of the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;in recent years.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;was at the helm of the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;as it began its global rise, with services-oriented Dubai emerging as a global tourism and trade hub and Abu Dhabi pumping around 90 per cent of the OPEC member's crude.

His rule has also seen the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;extend its regional influence as far as Yemen, the Horn of Africa and Libya while taking a particularly hostile stance on the Arab Spring uprisings.

He was ranked by Forbes as 37th on its list of "the world's most powerful people" in 2015.

The United Arab Emirates' top legislative body on Wednesday approved a fourth term in office for reclusive President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, state media reported.

The United Arab Emirates' top legislative body on Wednesday approved a fourth term in office for reclusive President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, state media reported. "The Supreme Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates renewed its confidence in His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan... for the fourth mandate of five years, in accordance with the constitution," official news agency WAM reported. Sheikh Khalifa took over as the UAE's second president in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi, the federation's richest emirate. The 71-year-old has rarely been seen in public since 2014, when he had surgery following a stroke, although he has continued to issue rulings. His brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, has been seen as the de facto ruler of the UAE in recent years. But Sheikh Khalifa was at the helm of the UAE as it began its global rise, with services-oriented Dubai emerging as a global tourism and trade hub and Abu Dhabi pumping around 90 per cent of the OPEC member's crude. His rule has also seen the UAE extend its regional influence as far as Yemen, the Horn of Africa and Libya while taking a particularly hostile stance on the Arab Spring uprisings. He was ranked by Forbes as 37th on its list of "the world's most powerful people" in 2015.

UAE approves fourth mandate for President Sheikh Khalifa

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces.

The protestors said that a large number of political activists and intellectuals were being abducted illegally by security forces from various parts of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan.

Relatives of Rashid Hussain, who was abducted from UAE and later deported to Pakistan also joined the protest. His mother along with other missing person <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-women-protest-against-enforced-disappearances-in-quetta-253945">families protested in Quetta</a> for his safe return and release of other Baloch missing persons.

Hussain was handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year.

He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being.

An online campaign has also been launched to demand the release of Hussain. Social media users are raising their voice using hashtag #SaveRashidHussain and #SaveBalochMissingPersons.

The protesters were also joined by Mama Qadir Baloch, of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons', who has been running a campaign for thousands of missing Baloch people.

Similar protests against enforced disappearances were held in Quetta earlier this month.

Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces.

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces. The protestors said that a large number of political activists and intellectuals were being abducted illegally by security forces from various parts of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan. Relatives of Rashid Hussain, who was abducted from UAE and later deported to Pakistan also joined the protest. His mother along with other missing person families protested in Quetta for his safe return and release of other Baloch missing persons. Hussain was handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year. He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being. An online campaign has also been launched to demand the release of Hussain. Social media users are raising their voice using hashtag #SaveRashidHussain and #SaveBalochMissingPersons. The protesters were also joined by Mama Qadir Baloch, of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons', who has been running a campaign for thousands of missing Baloch people. Similar protests against enforced disappearances were held in Quetta earlier this month. Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Baloch women, children hold protest against enforced disappearances

UAE entities are expected to invest up to USD 7 billion in India's food sector in the next three years as part of the UAE-India food corridor project that aims to secure the UAE's food security, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Emirates News Agency, WAM.

These entities, coordinated by Dubai-based Emaar Group, plan to invest up to US$5 billion in mega food parks and similar facilities in various Indian cities, and up to US$2 billion in contract farming, sourcing of agro commodities and related infrastructure, Piyush Goyal had said on September 24.

Emaar in a statement issued to WAM on Tuesday said, "Emaar Group is coordinating with the Government of India in respect of the investment relating to food security in the UAE. The investment will be made by other UAE entities, the details of which will be declared at a later stage."

It was reported earlier that the idea of the joint food corridor for the UAE's food security was inspired by India's strategic petroleum reserve in Padur in south India, in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC. Likewise, the UAE could have a food reserve in India.

"They [UAE entities] have expressed their interest to invest up to USD 5 billion in mega food parks, logistics and warehouse hubs, fruits and vegetable hubs in various Indian cities, which would create 200,000 jobs across India," said the minister who was in the UAE earlier this week on an official visit.

The proposed projects are in various cities, such as mega food parks in Kutch in the western state of Gujarat and Aurangabad in the western state of Maharashtra, Goyal said.

A food park in Pawarkheda in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, logistics and warehouse hub in Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh, fruits and vegetable hub in Nashik and warehousing hub in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra are other projects, he explained.

The UAE entities plan to make an indicative investment up to USD2 billion in contract farming, sourcing of several agro commodities, setting up of food parks and other related infrastructure for food processing, the minister said.

They are considering western Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra for the proposed projects and the possibility of eight food parks is being currently evaluated, Goyal revealed.

The food export possibilities to the UAE and wider region are explored, which will turn into a win-win situation for both India and UAE, he said.

Reports in 2018 said that India had suggested to the UAE leadership it could be a partner in the UAE's food security.

Although India grows enough food for its 1.3 billion people, 30 per cent of that food is wasted for lack of appropriate infrastructure for storage, processing and transportation, which could be built by the UAE's investments.

The UAE can buy the food produced by the project at a cheaper price while Indian farmers will get a comparatively better price for their crops.

UAE entities are expected to invest up to USD 7 billion in India's food sector in the next three years as part of the UAE-India food corridor project that aims to secure the UAE's food security, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Emirates News Agency, WAM.

UAE entities are expected to invest up to USD 7 billion in India's food sector in the next three years as part of the UAE-India food corridor project that aims to secure the UAE's food security, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Emirates News Agency, WAM. These entities, coordinated by Dubai-based Emaar Group, plan to invest up to US$5 billion in mega food parks and similar facilities in various Indian cities, and up to US$2 billion in contract farming, sourcing of agro commodities and related infrastructure, Piyush Goyal had said on September 24. Emaar in a statement issued to WAM on Tuesday said, "Emaar Group is coordinating with the Government of India in respect of the investment relating to food security in the UAE. The investment will be made by other UAE entities, the details of which will be declared at a later stage." It was reported earlier that the idea of the joint food corridor for the UAE's food security was inspired by India's strategic petroleum reserve in Padur in south India, in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC. Likewise, the UAE could have a food reserve in India. "They [UAE entities] have expressed their interest to invest up to USD 5 billion in mega food parks, logistics and warehouse hubs, fruits and vegetable hubs in various Indian cities, which would create 200,000 jobs across India," said the minister who was in the UAE earlier this week on an official visit. The proposed projects are in various cities, such as mega food parks in Kutch in the western state of Gujarat and Aurangabad in the western state of Maharashtra, Goyal said. A food park in Pawarkheda in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, logistics and warehouse hub in Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh, fruits and vegetable hub in Nashik and warehousing hub in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra are other projects, he explained. The UAE entities plan to make an indicative investment up to USD2 billion in contract farming, sourcing of several agro commodities, setting up of food parks and other related infrastructure for food processing, the minister said. They are considering western Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra for the proposed projects and the possibility of eight food parks is being currently evaluated, Goyal revealed. The food export possibilities to the UAE and wider region are explored, which will turn into a win-win situation for both India and UAE, he said. Reports in 2018 said that India had suggested to the UAE leadership it could be a partner in the UAE's food security. Although India grows enough food for its 1.3 billion people, 30 per cent of that food is wasted for lack of appropriate infrastructure for storage, processing and transportation, which could be built by the UAE's investments. The UAE can buy the food produced by the project at a cheaper price while Indian farmers will get a comparatively better price for their crops.

UAE entities to invest up to $7 billion in India-UAE food corridor: Piyush Goyal

As French, Pakistani and other leaders seek to engineer a meeting between the US and Iranian Presidents on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, big power rivalry could rack up tension in the waters of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

With prospects for a face-to-face encounter between presidents Donald J Trump and Hassan Rouhani slim at best, attention is likely to focus on beefing up the security of key Saudi oil facilities after drone and missile attacks, blamed by the kingdom and the United States on Iran, and identifying an appropriate response that minimizes the risk of a full-fledged military confrontation.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, days after the attacks severely damaged oil installations, joined a US-led coalition to secure the Middle East’s waterways. Earlier, Britain, Bahrain and Australia pledged to participate in the coalition.

Japan declined to join but said it was considering sending its Maritime Self-Defense Force (SDF) on information-gathering missions in the region. It said it would coordinate with the US-led coalition and would include the Strait of Hormuz in its operations if Iran agreed. Japan has unsuccessfully sought to mediate between the United States and Iran.

The US Defense Department, meanwhile, in response to a request from Saudi Arabia and the UAE and in an effort to reassure Gulf allies said last week that it was sending an unspecified number of troops and equipment to the two countries to bolster their defences.

Iranian Brigadier General Ghadir Nezami, head of international and diplomatic affairs of his country’s armed forces, raised the stakes by saying that the Iranian navy would be holding joint exercises with Russia and China in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman.

General Nezami, who is believed to have recently accompanied chairman of the Iranian Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Mohammad Baqeri on a visit to China, gave no date for the exercises. Chinese and Russian media have yet to report the planned exercise while spokesmen in the two countries declined to confirm or deny the Iranian announcement.

Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said in July that the Russian and Iranian navies would be conducting a joint exercise within a matter of months to boost military cooperation.

Russian and Chinese hesitancy to confirm the exercise may be designed to avoid hiking tensions as efforts at the United Nations to mediate between the United States and Iran proceed.

Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to want to avoid a shadow being cast over his planned visit to Saudi Arabia in October. Putin has urged the kingdom to proceed with the acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile system that was agreed in principle two years ago.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov met this week with his Saudi counterpart Ibrahim Assaf at the United Nations to discuss the visit.

Russia and China may also not want to undermine a Chinese-backed Russian proposal for a collective security agreement in the Gulf that would replace the US defence umbrella at a time that Saudi Arabia, uncertain about American reliability, may reach out to other countries for support in protecting its oil assets.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency last week reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had requested South Korean assistance in the strengthening of the kingdom’s air defence system.

Gulf concern about US reliability, dating back to US President Barak Obama’s negotiation of an international nuclear agreement with Iran and reinforced by Trump’s transactional response to the recent attacks on Saudi oil fields, leaves the Saudis and the Americans with no good choices.

Middle East scholar and former advisor to the US Defence Department Bilal YSaab argues, against the backdrop of a widespread feeling in Gulf states that the United States is gradually reducing its commitment to their defence as Washington focuses on Asia and the Indo-Pacific, that the United States, in particular, is caught in a Catch-22.

Its options of reducing commitment without surrendering its umbilical defense cord and making way for America’s rivals are limited.

Saab believes that the United States should focus its security cooperation less single-mindedly on arms sales and more on building the Gulf states’ institutional national defense infrastructure. Failure to do so, would risk regional tensions repeatedly spiralling out of control and ultimately prevent a gradual US drawdown.

The problem is, in Saab’s words, that what the United States should be doing to “responsibly reduce its security burden and footprint in the region” while safeguarding opportunities for lucrative arms sales would likely reinforce perceptions of America as unreliable and willing to sacrifice its friends – a perception that dates from the 2011 popular Arab revolts when Washington ultimately backed the toppling of Egyptian president and US ally Hosni Mubarak.

He is the first person to admit that his proposition may be pie in the sky.

“It would mean building and empowering institutions that have the guns, and thus the ability, to conduct coups. Only a foolish Arab autocrat would be interested in that. It would also mean liberalising or professionalising national-security ministries and intelligence agencies. Few Arab leaders would voluntarily undermine the favourable clientelistic networks that are run by their governments. In short, defense reform requires political reform,” he says.

Moreover, institution building would bring the different threat perceptions of the Gulf states and the US into sharp relief and force Gulf states to rethink their arms acquisition policies and grant the United States access to their jealousy guarded most secret data and programs.

Said Saab: “There is no shortage of problems on the US end or on its partners’ end when it comes to security cooperation. But it will be impossible to address any of those without making a total switch on how the United States thinks about security cooperation.”

That would require a US president who thinks in strategic rather than transactional terms. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

As French, Pakistani and other leaders seek to engineer a meeting between the US and Iranian Presidents on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, big power rivalry could rack up tension in the waters of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

As French, Pakistani and other leaders seek to engineer a meeting between the US and Iranian Presidents on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, big power rivalry could rack up tension in the waters of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. With prospects for a face-to-face encounter between presidents Donald J Trump and Hassan Rouhani slim at best, attention is likely to focus on beefing up the security of key Saudi oil facilities after drone and missile attacks, blamed by the kingdom and the United States on Iran, and identifying an appropriate response that minimizes the risk of a full-fledged military confrontation. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, days after the attacks severely damaged oil installations, joined a US-led coalition to secure the Middle East’s waterways. Earlier, Britain, Bahrain and Australia pledged to participate in the coalition. Japan declined to join but said it was considering sending its Maritime Self-Defense Force (SDF) on information-gathering missions in the region. It said it would coordinate with the US-led coalition and would include the Strait of Hormuz in its operations if Iran agreed. Japan has unsuccessfully sought to mediate between the United States and Iran. The US Defense Department, meanwhile, in response to a request from Saudi Arabia and the UAE and in an effort to reassure Gulf allies said last week that it was sending an unspecified number of troops and equipment to the two countries to bolster their defences. Iranian Brigadier General Ghadir Nezami, head of international and diplomatic affairs of his country’s armed forces, raised the stakes by saying that the Iranian navy would be holding joint exercises with Russia and China in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman. General Nezami, who is believed to have recently accompanied chairman of the Iranian Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Mohammad Baqeri on a visit to China, gave no date for the exercises. Chinese and Russian media have yet to report the planned exercise while spokesmen in the two countries declined to confirm or deny the Iranian announcement. Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said in July that the Russian and Iranian navies would be conducting a joint exercise within a matter of months to boost military cooperation. Russian and Chinese hesitancy to confirm the exercise may be designed to avoid hiking tensions as efforts at the United Nations to mediate between the United States and Iran proceed. Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to want to avoid a shadow being cast over his planned visit to Saudi Arabia in October. Putin has urged the kingdom to proceed with the acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile system that was agreed in principle two years ago. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov met this week with his Saudi counterpart Ibrahim Assaf at the United Nations to discuss the visit. Russia and China may also not want to undermine a Chinese-backed Russian proposal for a collective security agreement in the Gulf that would replace the US defence umbrella at a time that Saudi Arabia, uncertain about American reliability, may reach out to other countries for support in protecting its oil assets. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency last week reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had requested South Korean assistance in the strengthening of the kingdom’s air defence system. Gulf concern about US reliability, dating back to US President Barak Obama’s negotiation of an international nuclear agreement with Iran and reinforced by Trump’s transactional response to the recent attacks on Saudi oil fields, leaves the Saudis and the Americans with no good choices. Middle East scholar and former advisor to the US Defence Department Bilal YSaab argues, against the backdrop of a widespread feeling in Gulf states that the United States is gradually reducing its commitment to their defence as Washington focuses on Asia and the Indo-Pacific, that the United States, in particular, is caught in a Catch-22. Its options of reducing commitment without surrendering its umbilical defense cord and making way for America’s rivals are limited. Saab believes that the United States should focus its security cooperation less single-mindedly on arms sales and more on building the Gulf states’ institutional national defense infrastructure. Failure to do so, would risk regional tensions repeatedly spiralling out of control and ultimately prevent a gradual US drawdown. The problem is, in Saab’s words, that what the United States should be doing to “responsibly reduce its security burden and footprint in the region” while safeguarding opportunities for lucrative arms sales would likely reinforce perceptions of America as unreliable and willing to sacrifice its friends – a perception that dates from the 2011 popular Arab revolts when Washington ultimately backed the toppling of Egyptian president and US ally Hosni Mubarak. He is the first person to admit that his proposition may be pie in the sky. “It would mean building and empowering institutions that have the guns, and thus the ability, to conduct coups. Only a foolish Arab autocrat would be interested in that. It would also mean liberalising or professionalising national-security ministries and intelligence agencies. Few Arab leaders would voluntarily undermine the favourable clientelistic networks that are run by their governments. In short, defense reform requires political reform,” he says. Moreover, institution building would bring the different threat perceptions of the Gulf states and the US into sharp relief and force Gulf states to rethink their arms acquisition policies and grant the United States access to their jealousy guarded most secret data and programs. Said Saab: “There is no shortage of problems on the US end or on its partners’ end when it comes to security cooperation. But it will be impossible to address any of those without making a total switch on how the United States thinks about security cooperation.” That would require a US president who thinks in strategic rather than transactional terms. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Big power rivalry in the Gulf requires a US strategy rethink

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has requested Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri to start a direct flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai at the earliest.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Pradhan said that while Bhubaneswar is connected internationally, via direct flight to only Bangkok, more than 15,000 Odia people residing in different parts of United Arab Emirates (UAE) are forced to undertake an indirect route for travelling to Odisha.

"At present Bhubaneswar is connected internationally, via direct flight, to only one destination i.e. Bangkok, Thailand. Three has been a long pending request from various quarters for introducing a direct flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai, UAE," read the letter.

"I am made to understand that there are more than 15,000 Odia people residing in different parts of UAE who are forced to undertake an indirect route for travelling to Odisha. I also understand the Odia society of UAE had a meeting with GM Air India Middle-east and Africa regarding the viability of a direct Air India flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai based on a favourable traffic data between these two destinations," Pradhan stated in his letter.

"Keeping in mind the welfare of commuters to and from Bhubaneswar-Dubai and larger potential for the development of Odisha. I request your personal intervention in launching a direct flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai at the earliest," requested Pradhan.

Underlining the importance of a direct flight, Pradhan mentioned that Bhubaneswar is an educational, healthcare, cultural and tourist hub with rich potential for medical tourism, cultural tourism, and educational exchange programmes.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has requested Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri to start a direct flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai at the earliest.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has requested Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri to start a direct flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai at the earliest. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Pradhan said that while Bhubaneswar is connected internationally, via direct flight to only Bangkok, more than 15,000 Odia people residing in different parts of United Arab Emirates (UAE) are forced to undertake an indirect route for travelling to Odisha. "At present Bhubaneswar is connected internationally, via direct flight, to only one destination i.e. Bangkok, Thailand. Three has been a long pending request from various quarters for introducing a direct flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai, UAE," read the letter. "I am made to understand that there are more than 15,000 Odia people residing in different parts of UAE who are forced to undertake an indirect route for travelling to Odisha. I also understand the Odia society of UAE had a meeting with GM Air India Middle-east and Africa regarding the viability of a direct Air India flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai based on a favourable traffic data between these two destinations," Pradhan stated in his letter. "Keeping in mind the welfare of commuters to and from Bhubaneswar-Dubai and larger potential for the development of Odisha. I request your personal intervention in launching a direct flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai at the earliest," requested Pradhan. Underlining the importance of a direct flight, Pradhan mentioned that Bhubaneswar is an educational, healthcare, cultural and tourist hub with rich potential for medical tourism, cultural tourism, and educational exchange programmes.

Dharmendra Pradhan requests for a direct flight connecting Bhubaneswar to Dubai

For a developing country like India, oil is the lifeline. So will the decision to stop buying Iranian oil hurt India?

On WION Edit, let's look at what this development means for India's policymaking.

One, India did not dump Iran just like that, Saudi Arabia had assured India of steady oil supply before the government decided to stop relying on Iranian crude.

Two, India has found other countries to buy crude oil from. The US itself is just one of the many countries India buys oil from. Crude imports from Nigeria as well as UAE have increased significantly in the last year.

So, is this a test of strategic autonomy?

It is. India has chosen to diversify its partners. This was aimed at achieving autonomy.

Watch: Saudi Aramco oil attacks: Impact on Indian economy

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-saudi-aramco-oil-attacks-impact-on-indian-economy-250063/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While some critics view the decision to side with the US as a mistake, it's important to remember that the Narendra Modi government had a few alternative choices.

The crude-exporting countries look at their profit margins and that impacts importers like India. That's why India chose to increase its imports from the US.

The tensions between the US And Iran did not help matters too. It would have been difficult for New Delhi to transact with Tehran and Washington simultaneously.

While India views its bilateral relationships with other countries independent of the regional conflicts in West Asia, New Delhi cannot afford to jeopardise ties with the US.

So will this decision prove right or will it land the economy in trouble?&nbsp;

If the remarks of the Oil Minister is anything to go by, India will not be affected in the immediate future.

But if tensions escalate, the Indian government would be forced to increase imports from other countries.&nbsp;

And that's where the US could come in handy.&nbsp;

But the timing of the drone strikes is a cause for concern. Global oil prices surged the most on record after a drone strike on a Saudi Arabian oil facility removed about 5 per cent of global supplies.

The whole global economy is going through a rough phase. India is also seeing the repercussions. A significant rise in crude oil prices may exacerbate the pain on the supply side as well.

New Delhi will need to watch out for the developments over the next few weeks and take immediate measures to compensate for any supply shortage.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

For a developing country like India, oil is the lifeline. So will the decision to stop buying Iranian oil hurt India? On WION Edit, let's look at what this development means for India's policymaking.

For a developing country like India, oil is the lifeline. So will the decision to stop buying Iranian oil hurt India? On WION Edit, let's look at what this development means for India's policymaking. One, India did not dump Iran just like that, Saudi Arabia had assured India of steady oil supply before the government decided to stop relying on Iranian crude. Two, India has found other countries to buy crude oil from. The US itself is just one of the many countries India buys oil from. Crude imports from Nigeria as well as UAE have increased significantly in the last year. So, is this a test of strategic autonomy? It is. India has chosen to diversify its partners. This was aimed at achieving autonomy. Watch: Saudi Aramco oil attacks: Impact on Indian economy × While some critics view the decision to side with the US as a mistake, it's important to remember that the Narendra Modi government had a few alternative choices. The crude-exporting countries look at their profit margins and that impacts importers like India. That's why India chose to increase its imports from the US. The tensions between the US And Iran did not help matters too. It would have been difficult for New Delhi to transact with Tehran and Washington simultaneously. While India views its bilateral relationships with other countries independent of the regional conflicts in West Asia, New Delhi cannot afford to jeopardise ties with the US. So will this decision prove right or will it land the economy in trouble? If the remarks of the Oil Minister is anything to go by, India will not be affected in the immediate future. But if tensions escalate, the Indian government would be forced to increase imports from other countries. And that's where the US could come in handy. But the timing of the drone strikes is a cause for concern. Global oil prices surged the most on record after a drone strike on a Saudi Arabian oil facility removed about 5 per cent of global supplies. The whole global economy is going through a rough phase. India is also seeing the repercussions. A significant rise in crude oil prices may exacerbate the pain on the supply side as well. New Delhi will need to watch out for the developments over the next few weeks and take immediate measures to compensate for any supply shortage. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

WION Edit: Oil's not well

Former President Pranab Mukherjee here on Tuesday said that the bilateral relationship between India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) has matured and transformed into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"Relationship between India and UAE are expanding in various aspects of the business. It would not be incorrect to say that the bilateral relationship has matured and transformed into a comprehensive strategic partnership," said Pranab Mukherjee while speaking at the launch ceremony of India International Excellence Award 2019.

"In the 1970s and 1980`s Indian migration to UAE drastically increased with the expansion of the oil industry and growth of free trade. At present Indian population in UAE is about 3.3 million making it highest concentration of Indian nationals outside India," said Mukherjee.

"Indian forms the largest expatriate community UAE and UAE have generously embraced our people and encourage them to flourish and prosper," he said.

"I am indeed very happy to know that the Indian community has played a major role in the economic development of UAE which has been acknowledged and appreciated by the host nation. Remittances rose to 13.8 billion US Dollar with majority NRI owned business. Significant investment has been made into healthcare, retail, hospitality, real estate, construction and other sectors of Indian economy," said former President.He said that many of the awardees have been recognised for their work in UAE.&nbsp;

Former President Pranab Mukherjee here on Tuesday said that the bilateral relationship between India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) has matured and transformed into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee here on Tuesday said that the bilateral relationship between India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) has matured and transformed into a comprehensive strategic partnership. "Relationship between India and UAE are expanding in various aspects of the business. It would not be incorrect to say that the bilateral relationship has matured and transformed into a comprehensive strategic partnership," said Pranab Mukherjee while speaking at the launch ceremony of India International Excellence Award 2019. "In the 1970s and 1980`s Indian migration to UAE drastically increased with the expansion of the oil industry and growth of free trade. At present Indian population in UAE is about 3.3 million making it highest concentration of Indian nationals outside India," said Mukherjee. "Indian forms the largest expatriate community UAE and UAE have generously embraced our people and encourage them to flourish and prosper," he said. "I am indeed very happy to know that the Indian community has played a major role in the economic development of UAE which has been acknowledged and appreciated by the host nation. Remittances rose to 13.8 billion US Dollar with majority NRI owned business. Significant investment has been made into healthcare, retail, hospitality, real estate, construction and other sectors of Indian economy," said former President.He said that many of the awardees have been recognised for their work in UAE.

India-UAE have transformed and matured into strategic partnership: Pranab Mukherjee

In a bid to secure its plunging economy, Pakistan has been desperately trying to garner more investments and bailout packages from various entities.

The huge debt pile-up, however, would gradually force a slowdown in new projects that may push the country into a deeper economic crisis.

Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has decided to send its team this month for suggesting ways and means curtail the yawning budget deficit being faced by cash-strapped Pakistan.

Earlier in July, the global money-lender had approved a six billion US dollars&nbsp;loan to Pakistan, which is facing significant economic challenges in the backdrop of the country's large fiscal deficits and loose monetary policies.

The IMF team will discuss fiscal issues with special focus to restrict the target of primary deficit within the desired limits, according to Pakistani media reports.

In addition, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, has also reportedly announced that Beijing is planning to invest one billion US dollars in development projects in Pakistan, especially the CPEC that connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province.

"Pakistan borrowed $16B from abroad in the 2018-19 fiscal year to avoid running out of foreign currency. 42 per cent&nbsp;of that, or $6.7B, came from China. The government also approached IMF, which in July approved a $6B bailout," Jeff M. Smith, a research scholar from South Asia-Heritage Foundation, said on Twitter.

"The huge debt pile is forcing a slowdown in new projects," Smith added. Previously, the IMF had pointed out that dull progress in structural progress continued to hamper investment and allowed "inefficient state-owned entities (SOEs) to linger and a large informal economy to expand".

Citing Pakistan's finance ministry's documents, Express Tribune reported that foreign loan disbursements between July 2018 and April 2019 of the current financial year showed loans for the Karachi Nuclear Power Plants, known as K2 and K3, and China SAFE deposits as part of federal debt obligations.

Also, countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have given bailout packages to the cash-strapped country in a bid to tackle its ballooning balance-of-payments crisis.

The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between the revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected on an anti-corruption plank and a pledge to end austerity measures, had vowed to improve the depleting economic situation of the cash-strapped country.

In fact, the opposite has happened. In reality, prices of gas and oil products and electricity in Pakistan have risen considerably, burning a hole in the common man's pocket. Pakistan had received the first tranche of the loan worth $991.4 million from the IMF in May.

In a bid to secure its plunging economy, Pakistan has been desperately trying to garner more investments and bailout packages from various entities. The huge debt pile-up, however, would gradually force a slowdown in new projects that may push the country into a deeper economic crisis.

In a bid to secure its plunging economy, Pakistan has been desperately trying to garner more investments and bailout packages from various entities. The huge debt pile-up, however, would gradually force a slowdown in new projects that may push the country into a deeper economic crisis. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has decided to send its team this month for suggesting ways and means curtail the yawning budget deficit being faced by cash-strapped Pakistan. Earlier in July, the global money-lender had approved a six billion US dollars loan to Pakistan, which is facing significant economic challenges in the backdrop of the country's large fiscal deficits and loose monetary policies. The IMF team will discuss fiscal issues with special focus to restrict the target of primary deficit within the desired limits, according to Pakistani media reports. In addition, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, has also reportedly announced that Beijing is planning to invest one billion US dollars in development projects in Pakistan, especially the CPEC that connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province. "Pakistan borrowed $16B from abroad in the 2018-19 fiscal year to avoid running out of foreign currency. 42 per cent of that, or $6.7B, came from China. The government also approached IMF, which in July approved a $6B bailout," Jeff M. Smith, a research scholar from South Asia-Heritage Foundation, said on Twitter. "The huge debt pile is forcing a slowdown in new projects," Smith added. Previously, the IMF had pointed out that dull progress in structural progress continued to hamper investment and allowed "inefficient state-owned entities (SOEs) to linger and a large informal economy to expand". Citing Pakistan's finance ministry's documents, Express Tribune reported that foreign loan disbursements between July 2018 and April 2019 of the current financial year showed loans for the Karachi Nuclear Power Plants, known as K2 and K3, and China SAFE deposits as part of federal debt obligations. Also, countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have given bailout packages to the cash-strapped country in a bid to tackle its ballooning balance-of-payments crisis. The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between the revenues and expenditures of the federal government. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected on an anti-corruption plank and a pledge to end austerity measures, had vowed to improve the depleting economic situation of the cash-strapped country. In fact, the opposite has happened. In reality, prices of gas and oil products and electricity in Pakistan have risen considerably, burning a hole in the common man's pocket. Pakistan had received the first tranche of the loan worth $991.4 million from the IMF in May.

More loans may lead to slowdown of Pakistan's crumbling economy

Oil rose on Monday on expectations that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-arabia-replaces-aramco-chairman-ahead-of-potential-ipo-247313">Saudi Arabia</a>, the world's largest oil exporter, will continue to support output cuts by OPEC and other producers to prop up prices under new Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Prices climbed for a fourth day and were also supported by comments from the United Arab Emirates energy minister that OPEC and its allies are committed to balancing the crude market.

Global benchmark Brent was up 61 cents, or 1 per cent, at $62.15 a barrel by 0649 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate was up 65 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at $57.17 a barrel.

Salman, a long-time member of the Saudi delegation to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, was named minister on Sunday, replacing Khalid al-Falih. He is the son of Saudi King Salman. It is the first time the energy portfolio has been handed to a member of the royal family.

He helped to negotiate the current global agreement on supply cuts between OPEC and non-OPEC countries including Russia, a group known as OPEC+.

 
A Saudi official said on Sunday there would be no shift in Saudi and OPEC policy.

"The change at the top doesn't necessarily mean a shift in policy as much as it's being viewed as a move to improve relations within OPEC and with non-OPEC producers in the wake of the latest Russian compliance fissures," said Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at Axi Trader.

Russia's oil output in August exceeded its quota under the OPEC+ agreements.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/aramco-ipo-how-saudi-arabia-caught-between-united-states-and-china-245687">UAE</a> Energy and Industry Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said on Sunday that members of OPEC and non-OPEC producers were "committed" to achieving oil market balance.

Trade and geopolitical tensions are affecting the market more than demand and supply, Mazrouei said, but he was quick to rule out hasty steps influenced by the trade war between the United States and China.

"The fear of slower (oil) demand is only going to happen if that tension is escalating and I am personally hopeful that is not the case," Mazrouei told Reuters on Sunday.

Prices on Monday were also supported by a rise in oil imports in China in August, with shipments to the world's biggest importer up 3 per cent from July and nearly 10 per cent higher in the first eight months of 2019 from a year earlier.

In the United States, drilling companies cut the number of operating oil rigs for a third week in a row last week

Oil rose on Monday on expectations that Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, will continue to support output cuts by OPEC and other producers to prop up prices under new Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Oil rose on Monday on expectations that Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, will continue to support output cuts by OPEC and other producers to prop up prices under new Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Prices climbed for a fourth day and were also supported by comments from the United Arab Emirates energy minister that OPEC and its allies are committed to balancing the crude market. Global benchmark Brent was up 61 cents, or 1 per cent, at $62.15 a barrel by 0649 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate was up 65 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at $57.17 a barrel. Salman, a long-time member of the Saudi delegation to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, was named minister on Sunday, replacing Khalid al-Falih. He is the son of Saudi King Salman. It is the first time the energy portfolio has been handed to a member of the royal family. He helped to negotiate the current global agreement on supply cuts between OPEC and non-OPEC countries including Russia, a group known as OPEC+. A Saudi official said on Sunday there would be no shift in Saudi and OPEC policy. "The change at the top doesn't necessarily mean a shift in policy as much as it's being viewed as a move to improve relations within OPEC and with non-OPEC producers in the wake of the latest Russian compliance fissures," said Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at Axi Trader. Russia's oil output in August exceeded its quota under the OPEC+ agreements. UAE Energy and Industry Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said on Sunday that members of OPEC and non-OPEC producers were "committed" to achieving oil market balance. Trade and geopolitical tensions are affecting the market more than demand and supply, Mazrouei said, but he was quick to rule out hasty steps influenced by the trade war between the United States and China. "The fear of slower (oil) demand is only going to happen if that tension is escalating and I am personally hopeful that is not the case," Mazrouei told Reuters on Sunday. Prices on Monday were also supported by a rise in oil imports in China in August, with shipments to the world's biggest importer up 3 per cent from July and nearly 10 per cent higher in the first eight months of 2019 from a year earlier. In the United States, drilling companies cut the number of operating oil rigs for a third week in a row last week

Oil rises as Saudi signals OPEC cuts to continue under new minister

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates called on Yemen’s separatists and the internationally-recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to halt all military actions in south Yemen.&nbsp;

A joint statement by the two Gulf states, leaders of an Arab coalition that is battling Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, called on the UAE-backed separatists and the Saudi-backed government to prepare for “constructive dialogue” to end the crisis between the two nominal allies.

Talks to end the power struggle, in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, reached a dead-end and both sides were gathering troops to prepare for further battle, officials said on Friday, an indication that a rift between Saudi Arabia and ally UAE had deepened.

The war for the south has opened a new battlefront that risks further fragmenting Yemen and threatens to complicate U.N. efforts to end the multi-tiered war, which contains conflicts within conflicts.

“They (the two countries) also called for an immediate end to all military operations as well as violations against any public and private property,” the joint statement carried by state news agencies SPA and WAM, said.

“They have been preparing for a constructive dialogue to end the dispute and address its effects,” it added.

The breakaway movement is part of the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to restore Hadi’s government which was ousted from power by the Houthis in the capital Sanaa in late 2014.

But they have clashed often with the government and seized Aden, its interim base, last month.

The UAE, which has been hostile to Hadi’s government because it includes Islamists, intervened last week to support the separatists by launching airstrikes on government forces as they tried to recapture Aden, forcing them to withdraw.

Saudi Arabia called on the separatists, who seek to revive the former South Yemen republic, to cede control of Aden and voiced its support for President Hadi on Thursday, threatening “to react decisively”.

However, Sunday’s statement said the two Gulf states reiterated their support of Yemen’s “legitimate government”.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates called on Yemen’s separatists and the internationally-recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to halt all military actions in south Yemen.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates called on Yemen’s separatists and the internationally-recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to halt all military actions in south Yemen. A joint statement by the two Gulf states, leaders of an Arab coalition that is battling Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, called on the UAE-backed separatists and the Saudi-backed government to prepare for “constructive dialogue” to end the crisis between the two nominal allies. Talks to end the power struggle, in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, reached a dead-end and both sides were gathering troops to prepare for further battle, officials said on Friday, an indication that a rift between Saudi Arabia and ally UAE had deepened. The war for the south has opened a new battlefront that risks further fragmenting Yemen and threatens to complicate U.N. efforts to end the multi-tiered war, which contains conflicts within conflicts. “They (the two countries) also called for an immediate end to all military operations as well as violations against any public and private property,” the joint statement carried by state news agencies SPA and WAM, said. “They have been preparing for a constructive dialogue to end the dispute and address its effects,” it added. The breakaway movement is part of the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to restore Hadi’s government which was ousted from power by the Houthis in the capital Sanaa in late 2014. But they have clashed often with the government and seized Aden, its interim base, last month. The UAE, which has been hostile to Hadi’s government because it includes Islamists, intervened last week to support the separatists by launching airstrikes on government forces as they tried to recapture Aden, forcing them to withdraw. Saudi Arabia called on the separatists, who seek to revive the former South Yemen republic, to cede control of Aden and voiced its support for President Hadi on Thursday, threatening “to react decisively”. However, Sunday’s statement said the two Gulf states reiterated their support of Yemen’s “legitimate government”.

Saudi Arabia, UAE urge Yemen government and separatists to halt fighting

Oil producers will do "whatever necessary" to rebalance a crude market depressed by trade tensions and an uncertain global outlook, the United Arab Emirates' energy minister said Sunday.

Suheil al-Mazrouei warned however that with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-conflict-lack-of-trust-hobbling-the-ability-to-reach-a-deal-198533">US-China trade row</a> hanging over the world economy, additional output cuts may not be the best way to boost sagging prices.

Deeper production cuts are "not a decision that we take easily," the minister said ahead of the four-day World Energy Congress starting Monday in Abu Dhabi, where a key meeting of oil ministers will also be held on Thursday.

Mazrouei told a press conference that oil producers were affected by "other concerns" apart from supply and demand.

"Anything that the group sees that will balance the market, we are committed to discuss it and hopefully go and do whatever necessary," he said.

"But I wouldn't suggest to jump to cuts every time that we have an issue on trade tensions."

The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC), created by an alliance of OPEC oil cartel members and other crude exporters, is scheduled to meet on Thursday to assess the oil market.

European benchmark Brent was selling at $61.54 per barrel on Friday, down from more than $75 this time last year.

OPEC+, dominated by the cartel's kingpin Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC production giant Russia, has resorted to massive production cuts to lift prices since the oil market crash in mid-2014.

In June, the group extended by nine months an earlier reduction of 1.2 million barrels per day, but the move has failed to arrest the price decline in light of a faltering global economy.

The one-day JMMC meeting is not set to make decisions but will assess the market and make recommendations to the next full ministerial meeting, to be held in December.

Mazrouei noted that the usual levers to control prices seemed to be having little effect.

The oil market is being affected by factors beyond "supply and demand... which is the main thing that we can control," he said.

Oil producers will do "whatever necessary" to rebalance a crude market depressed by trade tensions and an uncertain global outlook, the United Arab Emirates' energy minister said Sunday.

Oil producers will do "whatever necessary" to rebalance a crude market depressed by trade tensions and an uncertain global outlook, the United Arab Emirates' energy minister said Sunday. Suheil al-Mazrouei warned however that with the US-China trade row hanging over the world economy, additional output cuts may not be the best way to boost sagging prices. Deeper production cuts are "not a decision that we take easily," the minister said ahead of the four-day World Energy Congress starting Monday in Abu Dhabi, where a key meeting of oil ministers will also be held on Thursday. Mazrouei told a press conference that oil producers were affected by "other concerns" apart from supply and demand. "Anything that the group sees that will balance the market, we are committed to discuss it and hopefully go and do whatever necessary," he said. "But I wouldn't suggest to jump to cuts every time that we have an issue on trade tensions." The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC), created by an alliance of OPEC oil cartel members and other crude exporters, is scheduled to meet on Thursday to assess the oil market. European benchmark Brent was selling at $61.54 per barrel on Friday, down from more than $75 this time last year. OPEC+, dominated by the cartel's kingpin Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC production giant Russia, has resorted to massive production cuts to lift prices since the oil market crash in mid-2014. In June, the group extended by nine months an earlier reduction of 1.2 million barrels per day, but the move has failed to arrest the price decline in light of a faltering global economy. The one-day JMMC meeting is not set to make decisions but will assess the market and make recommendations to the next full ministerial meeting, to be held in December. Mazrouei noted that the usual levers to control prices seemed to be having little effect. The oil market is being affected by factors beyond "supply and demand... which is the main thing that we can control," he said.

Oil nations to do 'whatever necessary' to balance market: UAE

Uae, News on Uae, stories on Uae, articles on Uae, Uae stories at Wion, Uae news, Uae latest news