<p>The holy month of Ramadan brought good tidings for hundreds of Muslim workers in the UAE.</p>

<p>Saji Cheriyan, a businessman from Kerala, build a mosque for Muslim worshippers in the UAE at the cost of whopping Rs 2.4 crores (Dh 1.3 million).</p>

<p>Cheriyan, who hails from a small town in Kerala called Kayamkulam, is a practising Christian who moved to the Arab country over a decade ago in the year 2003.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He once noticed that Muslim workers, who lived in a worker accommodation, travelled for long to visit a mosque and offer prayers, Cheriyan was resolved to gift them a mosque near to their area of living, a dream which came true recently. As many as 250 worshippers can easily be accommodated in the building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mariam, Umm Eisa mosque stands at East Ville Real Estate complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area, UAE.</p>

<p>Cheriyan "opted for the name Mariam, Umm Eisa (Mary, the Mother of Jesus) for the mosque after an Abu Dhabi mosque was renamed so in 2017," a Facebook post described.</p>


Mariam, Umm Eisa mosque stands at East Ville Real Estate complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area, UAE

The holy month of Ramadan brought good tidings for hundreds of Muslim workers in the UAE. Saji Cheriyan, a businessman from Kerala, build a mosque for Muslim worshippers in the UAE at the cost of whopping Rs 2.4 crores (Dh 1.3 million). Cheriyan, who hails from a small town in Kerala called Kayamkulam, is a practising Christian who moved to the Arab country over a decade ago in the year 2003. He once noticed that Muslim workers, who lived in a worker accommodation, travelled for long to visit a mosque and offer prayers, Cheriyan was resolved to gift them a mosque near to their area of living, a dream which came true recently. As many as 250 worshippers can easily be accommodated in the building. Mariam, Umm Eisa mosque stands at East Ville Real Estate complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area, UAE. Cheriyan "opted for the name Mariam, Umm Eisa (Mary, the Mother of Jesus) for the mosque after an Abu Dhabi mosque was renamed so in 2017," a Facebook post described.

For Ramadan, Christian expat gifts mosque worth Rs 2.4 crore to Muslim workers in UAE

<p>Human Rights Watch (HRW) has demanded United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities to reveal the whereabouts pf Sheikha Latifa bin Mohammad al-Maktoum, the 32-year-old daughter of the ruler of the Dubai and give details about her legal status.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Failure to disclose the whereabouts and status of the princess could qualify as an enforced disappearance, given the evidence suggesting that she was last seen as UAE authorities were detaining her, it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;A source close to the government of Dubai told Reuters that "Latifa is safe and sound with her family" but declined further comment, citing legal considerations.</p>

<p>The UAE has also yet to comment on recent media reports that Sheikha Latifa, a daughter of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, announced in a video that she was fleeing the emirate due to restrictions imposed on her by her family.</p>

<p>As per HRW website, UAE intercepted Latifa on March 4, 2018, when she was attempting to flee to a third country by sea and returned her to the UAE. Sheikha Latifa, who told friends that she wished to flee restrictions imposed by her family, has not been seen or heard from for two months, raising serious concerns about her safety and well-being, two friends said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HRW quoted two friends of Sheikha Latifa as saying she had not been seen or heard from for two months. "If she is detained she needs to be given the rights all detainees should have, including being taken before an independent judge," it said.</p>

<p>The rights group quoted Finnish national Tiina Jauhiainen, described as a friend of Sheikha Latifa who was one of several foreigners on the boat, as saying the Indian Coast Guard participated in the raid on the vessel in coordination with UAE authorities.</p>

<p>Jauhiainen said that on March 22 UAE authorities allowed her to return to Finland, and they allowed the yacht's owner Herve Jaubert, who holds French and American citizenship, to leave the UAE along with the boat's crew around the same time.</p>


The group, Human Rights Watch, says failure to disclose her status could "qualify as an enforced disappearance

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has demanded United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities to reveal the whereabouts pf Sheikha Latifa bin Mohammad al-Maktoum, the 32-year-old daughter of the ruler of the Dubai and give details about her legal status. Failure to disclose the whereabouts and status of the princess could qualify as an enforced disappearance, given the evidence suggesting that she was last seen as UAE authorities were detaining her, it said. A source close to the government of Dubai told Reuters that "Latifa is safe and sound with her family" but declined further comment, citing legal considerations. The UAE has also yet to comment on recent media reports that Sheikha Latifa, a daughter of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, announced in a video that she was fleeing the emirate due to restrictions imposed on her by her family. As per HRW website, UAE intercepted Latifa on March 4, 2018, when she was attempting to flee to a third country by sea and returned her to the UAE. Sheikha Latifa, who told friends that she wished to flee restrictions imposed by her family, has not been seen or heard from for two months, raising serious concerns about her safety and well-being, two friends said. HRW quoted two friends of Sheikha Latifa as saying she had not been seen or heard from for two months. "If she is detained she needs to be given the rights all detainees should have, including being taken before an independent judge," it said. The rights group quoted Finnish national Tiina Jauhiainen, described as a friend of Sheikha Latifa who was one of several foreigners on the boat, as saying the Indian Coast Guard participated in the raid on the vessel in coordination with UAE authorities. Jauhiainen said that on March 22 UAE authorities allowed her to return to Finland, and they allowed the yacht's owner Herve Jaubert, who holds French and American citizenship, to leave the UAE along with the boat's crew around the same time.

Rights group demands whereabouts of Dubai princess missing for 2 months

<p>The Gulf crisis that pits a United Arab Emirates-Saudi-led alliance against Qatar is escalating in discreet but no less worrisome ways that effect major third-party commercial interests and could increase international pressure for a resolution of the dispute.</p>

<p>In a major shift away from Saudi and UAE restraint in attempting to force the international community and multi-nationals from taking sides in the 11-month dispute, prominent financial institutions are being sucked into the dispute that erupted last June when the alliance declared a diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar.</p>

<p>Executives of JPMorgan and HSBC advised Qatar last month, according to The Wall Street Journal, that they would not be involved in the Gulf state's $12 billion bond issuance because it could jeopardise their relationship with Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>The kingdom in April rushed a $11 billion bond sale of its own, its fourth international offering, to ensure that it went to market before Qatar did.</p>

<p>Qatar has responded to efforts to persuade financial institutions to reduce, if not halt, dealings with the Gulf state by refusing do business with some Dubai-based bankers and consultants. The Qatari response has forced several Western institutions to do business with the Gulf state through their London offices, according to the Journal.</p>

<p>Some bankers and financial executives have, moreover, reportedly been detained at UAE airports because they had Qatari visas in their passports before ultimately being granted entry into the country.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia, in an unusual move, took the market by surprise when it launched its bond without embarking on a traditional roadshow to market the offering and sought to complete the transaction in one day. The issuance was oversubscribed almost five times.</p>

<p>The Saudi attempt to undermine Qatar failed given that the Gulf state's sale was similarly oversubscribed.</p>

<p>"This reflects the strength of the Qatari economy and the confidence of international investors," a Qatari official gloated.</p>

<p>HSBC was one of the Saudi bond's global coordinators while JPMorgan was one its lead managers. The two banks helped arrange Qatar's last sale in 2016 of a $9 billion bond. Neither was involved in the most recent Qatari sale which was arranged among others by Deutsche Bank, Barclays and Credit Suisse, banks in which Qatar has significant stakes.</p>

<p>In January, Doha Bank, Qatar's fifth-biggest lender, was forced to reduce the size of a two-year, $575 million bank loan that it had raised in December 2015 to $400 million, when it sought a one-year extension of the facility because Chinese, Hong Kong and Japanese banks opted not to participate.</p>

<p>The financial reverberations of the Gulf crisis contrast with failed attempts by the UAE-Saudi alliance in the immediate aftermath of the declaration of the boycott to strongarm African nations into supporting their punitive measures against Qatar.</p>

<p>Omar Ghobash, the UAE's ambassador to Russia, suggested at the time that the anti-Qatar alliance could "impose conditions on our own trading partners and say you want to work with us then you have got to make a commercial choice."</p>

<p>The quiet tit-for-tat between Qatar and international banks suggests that Saudi Arabia and the UAE, frustrated that Doha has proven to be resilient enough to resist surrendering to the alliance's demands, have decided to step up the pressure.</p>

<p>The UAE and Saudi Arabia accuse Qatar of supporting militants and political violence, maintaining close ties with Iran, and interfering in the domestic affairs of its neighbours - accusations Qatar denies. Accepting the alliance’s demands would effectively amount to Qatar compromising its sovereignty and ability to chart its own, independent course.</p>

<p>The Wall Street Journal's disclosure of the tit-for-tat with financial institutions comes days after newly appointed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on his first overseas trip in his new job told Saudi leaders in Riyadh that "enough is enough" and that the Gulf crisis must be brought to an end.</p>

<p>Stopping the rot in its tracks and averting the potential impact of the crisis on multi-nationals is certainly not the only reason for Pompeo's stepped-up pressure on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The United States wants to see a united front among its Middle Eastern allies as President Donald Trump gears up for a possible withdrawal on May 12 from the 2015 international agreement that curbs Iran's nuclear program.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, forcing financial institutions to take sides in the Gulf crisis challenges Trump's 'America First' approach to policy and the interests of major US corporations - a move the president is unlikely to view kindly.</p>

<p>If financial institutions are continuously forced to take sides, Saudi Arabia and the UAE could decide to target other economic sectors as well as Asian nations that depend on the export of labour to the Gulf.</p>

<p>Countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, two of the most populous Muslim states, as well as India, home to the world's fourth largest Muslim population, fear that Saudi Arabia could threaten to expel millions of migrant workers and expatriates in a bid to force them to join the boycott of Qatar.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia has a history of using as leverage migrant workers, whose remittances constitute the backbone of foreign currency liquidity of many supplier countries and whose Gulf jobs reduce pressure on domestic labour markets.</p>

<p>Thousands of foreign workers in the kingdom have in recent years already lost their jobs as a result of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to replace them with Saudi nationals and financial difficulties encountered by major corporations like the Saudi Bin Laden Group and Saudi Oger.</p>

<p>Speaking to the BBC last June, former Bangladesh ambassador to Saudi Arabia Abdul Momen Chowdhury warned that "nothing is impossible" in how the kingdom might seek to build support for its campaign against Qatar. "If anyone obstructs what they want or does not agree with their opinions, they are never hesitant to act," Chowdhury said.</p>

<p>Potential Saudi and UAE efforts to increase pressure on Qatar would reflect the fact that the two countries have boxed themselves into a corner by refusing to negotiate with the Gulf state unless it first accepts their demands.</p>

<p>The Gulf stalemate is reinforced by the fact that the international community has by and large refused to back the Saudi-UAE position and repeatedly called for a negotiated solution.</p>

<p>So far, the tit-for-tat with financial institutions has not forced any of the banks and financial majors to close offices on one side or the other of the Gulf divide.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, in a sign of the times, JP Morgan remains the region's top merger and acquisition advisor, but no longer ranks among the top five banks in Qatar in terms of revenue. For the first time in nearly a decade, it doesn't even rank among the Gulf state's top 10.</p>

<p>Said a private equity firm executive in the Gulf: "If this continues, international banks will increasingly be forced to choose sides. That would take the Gulf crisis to a new and dangerous level."</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Some bankers and financial executives have, moreover, reportedly been detained at UAE airports because they had Qatari visas.

The Gulf crisis that pits a United Arab Emirates-Saudi-led alliance against Qatar is escalating in discreet but no less worrisome ways that effect major third-party commercial interests and could increase international pressure for a resolution of the dispute. In a major shift away from Saudi and UAE restraint in attempting to force the international community and multi-nationals from taking sides in the 11-month dispute, prominent financial institutions are being sucked into the dispute that erupted last June when the alliance declared a diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar. Executives of JPMorgan and HSBC advised Qatar last month, according to The Wall Street Journal, that they would not be involved in the Gulf state's $12 billion bond issuance because it could jeopardise their relationship with Saudi Arabia. The kingdom in April rushed a $11 billion bond sale of its own, its fourth international offering, to ensure that it went to market before Qatar did. Qatar has responded to efforts to persuade financial institutions to reduce, if not halt, dealings with the Gulf state by refusing do business with some Dubai-based bankers and consultants. The Qatari response has forced several Western institutions to do business with the Gulf state through their London offices, according to the Journal. Some bankers and financial executives have, moreover, reportedly been detained at UAE airports because they had Qatari visas in their passports before ultimately being granted entry into the country. Saudi Arabia, in an unusual move, took the market by surprise when it launched its bond without embarking on a traditional roadshow to market the offering and sought to complete the transaction in one day. The issuance was oversubscribed almost five times. The Saudi attempt to undermine Qatar failed given that the Gulf state's sale was similarly oversubscribed. "This reflects the strength of the Qatari economy and the confidence of international investors," a Qatari official gloated. HSBC was one of the Saudi bond's global coordinators while JPMorgan was one its lead managers. The two banks helped arrange Qatar's last sale in 2016 of a $9 billion bond. Neither was involved in the most recent Qatari sale which was arranged among others by Deutsche Bank, Barclays and Credit Suisse, banks in which Qatar has significant stakes. In January, Doha Bank, Qatar's fifth-biggest lender, was forced to reduce the size of a two-year, $575 million bank loan that it had raised in December 2015 to $400 million, when it sought a one-year extension of the facility because Chinese, Hong Kong and Japanese banks opted not to participate. The financial reverberations of the Gulf crisis contrast with failed attempts by the UAE-Saudi alliance in the immediate aftermath of the declaration of the boycott to strongarm African nations into supporting their punitive measures against Qatar. Omar Ghobash, the UAE's ambassador to Russia, suggested at the time that the anti-Qatar alliance could "impose conditions on our own trading partners and say you want to work with us then you have got to make a commercial choice." The quiet tit-for-tat between Qatar and international banks suggests that Saudi Arabia and the UAE, frustrated that Doha has proven to be resilient enough to resist surrendering to the alliance's demands, have decided to step up the pressure. The UAE and Saudi Arabia accuse Qatar of supporting militants and political violence, maintaining close ties with Iran, and interfering in the domestic affairs of its neighbours - accusations Qatar denies. Accepting the alliance’s demands would effectively amount to Qatar compromising its sovereignty and ability to chart its own, independent course. The Wall Street Journal's disclosure of the tit-for-tat with financial institutions comes days after newly appointed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on his first overseas trip in his new job told Saudi leaders in Riyadh that "enough is enough" and that the Gulf crisis must be brought to an end. Stopping the rot in its tracks and averting the potential impact of the crisis on multi-nationals is certainly not the only reason for Pompeo's stepped-up pressure on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The United States wants to see a united front among its Middle Eastern allies as President Donald Trump gears up for a possible withdrawal on May 12 from the 2015 international agreement that curbs Iran's nuclear program. Nevertheless, forcing financial institutions to take sides in the Gulf crisis challenges Trump's 'America First' approach to policy and the interests of major US corporations - a move the president is unlikely to view kindly. If financial institutions are continuously forced to take sides, Saudi Arabia and the UAE could decide to target other economic sectors as well as Asian nations that depend on the export of labour to the Gulf. Countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, two of the most populous Muslim states, as well as India, home to the world's fourth largest Muslim population, fear that Saudi Arabia could threaten to expel millions of migrant workers and expatriates in a bid to force them to join the boycott of Qatar. Saudi Arabia has a history of using as leverage migrant workers, whose remittances constitute the backbone of foreign currency liquidity of many supplier countries and whose Gulf jobs reduce pressure on domestic labour markets. Thousands of foreign workers in the kingdom have in recent years already lost their jobs as a result of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to replace them with Saudi nationals and financial difficulties encountered by major corporations like the Saudi Bin Laden Group and Saudi Oger. Speaking to the BBC last June, former Bangladesh ambassador to Saudi Arabia Abdul Momen Chowdhury warned that "nothing is impossible" in how the kingdom might seek to build support for its campaign against Qatar. "If anyone obstructs what they want or does not agree with their opinions, they are never hesitant to act," Chowdhury said. Potential Saudi and UAE efforts to increase pressure on Qatar would reflect the fact that the two countries have boxed themselves into a corner by refusing to negotiate with the Gulf state unless it first accepts their demands. The Gulf stalemate is reinforced by the fact that the international community has by and large refused to back the Saudi-UAE position and repeatedly called for a negotiated solution. So far, the tit-for-tat with financial institutions has not forced any of the banks and financial majors to close offices on one side or the other of the Gulf divide. Nonetheless, in a sign of the times, JP Morgan remains the region's top merger and acquisition advisor, but no longer ranks among the top five banks in Qatar in terms of revenue. For the first time in nearly a decade, it doesn't even rank among the Gulf state's top 10. Said a private equity firm executive in the Gulf: "If this continues, international banks will increasingly be forced to choose sides. That would take the Gulf crisis to a new and dangerous level." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Gulf crisis escalates as major corporations are forced to take sides

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced that all its 104 member nations - both men and women's team - will be granted T20I status.</p>

<p>The news was confirmed by ICC CEO David Richardson in a press conference in Kolkata.</p>

<p>He also said that a global ranking system will be launched for the format.</p>

<p>At present, there are 18 members with T20I status - 12 full members plus Scotland, Netherlands, Hong Kong, UAE, Oman and Nepal.</p>

<p>"All Women's team matches will be awarded T20 International status on July 1st 2018. All the men's team matches will be given T20 International status on January 1st 2019," Richardson said.</p>

<p>ICC said the move is a part of the wider strategic aim of using the T20 format to globalise the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said that the new minimum standards will be introduced making it as easy as possible for members to play international cricket in a sustainable and affordable way.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, there were reports doing the rounds that from the year 2020, there won’t be any international cricket played during the IPL – paving the way for a separate window for the T20 league.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All ICC member nations are to receive T20I status and the 2021 Champions Trophy is to be replaced with a World T20 in the approved 2019-23 Future Tours Programme.<br />
<br />
Details ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/Z9sOtqEVVA">https://t.co/Z9sOtqEVVA</a> <a href="https://t.co/DUbpqtQ0ds">pic.twitter.com/DUbpqtQ0ds</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/989465649998192643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Talking about the cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, Richardson said that it will take more than both the boards to agree.</p>

<p>“There is a common desire that it will be great if India and Pakistan can play each other, specifically in bilateral series. The issue is quite complicated I am afraid, it is going to take a lot more than just two boards agreeing,” he added.</p>


The news was confirmed by ICC CEO David Richardson

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced that all its 104 member nations - both men and women's team - will be granted T20I status. The news was confirmed by ICC CEO David Richardson in a press conference in Kolkata. He also said that a global ranking system will be launched for the format. At present, there are 18 members with T20I status - 12 full members plus Scotland, Netherlands, Hong Kong, UAE, Oman and Nepal. "All Women's team matches will be awarded T20 International status on July 1st 2018. All the men's team matches will be given T20 International status on January 1st 2019," Richardson said. ICC said the move is a part of the wider strategic aim of using the T20 format to globalise the game. It said that the new minimum standards will be introduced making it as easy as possible for members to play international cricket in a sustainable and affordable way. Earlier this year, there were reports doing the rounds that from the year 2020, there won’t be any international cricket played during the IPL – paving the way for a separate window for the T20 league. All ICC member nations are to receive T20I status and the 2021 Champions Trophy is to be replaced with a World T20 in the approved 2019-23 Future Tours Programme. Details ➡️ https://t.co/Z9sOtqEVVA pic.twitter.com/DUbpqtQ0ds — ICC (@ICC) April 26, 2018 × Talking about the cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, Richardson said that it will take more than both the boards to agree. “There is a common desire that it will be great if India and Pakistan can play each other, specifically in bilateral series. The issue is quite complicated I am afraid, it is going to take a lot more than just two boards agreeing,” he added.

ICC grants T20 International status to all 104 member countries

<p>The Islamabad High Court on Thursday disqualified Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif for holding an Iqama (work permit) of the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p>On April 10, an IHC larger bench had reserved its judgment in a matter where a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar sought disqualification of the federal minister on the basis of work permit, the Pakistani media reported.</p>

<p>The court announced its verdict on a petition stating that Asif did not mention his foreign employment in his nomination papers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, The Supreme Court of Pakistan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-unseated-by-supreme-court-army-notches-up-another-victory-in-pakist-18416">disqualified Nawaz Sharif </a>as Member National Assembly and the prime minister for concealing the salary he was supposed to draw as chairman of his son’s Dubai-based company, Capital FZE. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>A three-member bench headed by Justice Minallah announced the verdict and ruled that Asif is not 'honest' and 'truthful' as per the Constitution.</p>

<p>The three bench members unanimously ruled that Asif has been disqualified as per Article 62 (1) (f) of the Constitution. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Pakistan media reports, Asif has been hired as a full-time employee of IMECO since at least July 2, 2011, and has held various positions, including those of the legal adviser and special adviser, the petition states.</p>

<p>The contract signed between the foreign minister of Pakistan and the company claim that Asif was to receive a monthly basic salary of AED35,000 along with a monthly allowance of AED15,000.</p>

<p>He is receiving the same while serving as the foreign minister at the same time, it is alleged.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em></p>


The court announced its verdict on a petition stating that Asif did not mention his foreign employment in his nomination papers.

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday disqualified Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif for holding an Iqama (work permit) of the United Arab Emirates. On April 10, an IHC larger bench had reserved its judgment in a matter where a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar sought disqualification of the federal minister on the basis of work permit, the Pakistani media reported. The court announced its verdict on a petition stating that Asif did not mention his foreign employment in his nomination papers. Last year, The Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified Nawaz Sharif as Member National Assembly and the prime minister for concealing the salary he was supposed to draw as chairman of his son’s Dubai-based company, Capital FZE. A three-member bench headed by Justice Minallah announced the verdict and ruled that Asif is not 'honest' and 'truthful' as per the Constitution. The three bench members unanimously ruled that Asif has been disqualified as per Article 62 (1) (f) of the Constitution. According to the Pakistan media reports, Asif has been hired as a full-time employee of IMECO since at least July 2, 2011, and has held various positions, including those of the legal adviser and special adviser, the petition states. The contract signed between the foreign minister of Pakistan and the company claim that Asif was to receive a monthly basic salary of AED35,000 along with a monthly allowance of AED15,000. He is receiving the same while serving as the foreign minister at the same time, it is alleged. (With inputs from Agencies)

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif disqualified as member of Parliament for life

<p>The United Arab Emirates said two Qatar&nbspfighter jets "dangerously approached" an Emirati passenger flight and a civilian helicopter on Monday, sparking a swift denial by Doha in the latest such incident between the Gulf rivals.</p>

<p>The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority condemned the "reckless manner" in which the Qatari fighter jets purportedly harassed its planes.&nbsp</p>

<p>"The distance was so close that the traffic collision avoidance system was triggered," said Ismail al-Blooshi, assistant director of the aviation authority`s safety affairs division.</p>

<p>In the case of the commercial passenger plane, he said the aircrafts came within 700 feet of one another at high speed -- with the Emirati plane taking an emergency climb in altitude.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Any wrong manoeuvre at this stage by either aircraft would have been a catastrophe," Blooshi told AFP by phone.</p>

<p>The Qatari jets "were not on scheduled routes", he added.&nbsp</p>

<p>Blooshi declined to specify to which company the passenger plane belonged, but aviation is a key sector in the UAE economy.&nbsp</p>

<p>Its metropolis Dubai, situated on transcontinental air routes, was the busiest airport for international passengers for the fourth year running -- hosting more than 88 million travellers in 2017.&nbsp</p>

<p>The UAE and Qatar, a rival air transit hub, have rowed repeatedly over alleged airspace violations this year, as a diplomatic crisis in the Gulf enters its 10th month.</p>

<p>Abu Dhabi in January said it would re-route flight routes to pass over its ally Bahrain to avoid Qatari airspace.&nbsp</p>

<p>The latest incidents -- according to Blooshi -- occurred over Bahrain.&nbsp</p>

<p>He said the UAE would be filing a fresh complaint to the International Civil Aviation Organization.</p>

<p>"We were one of the first countries to ban (our planes) flying over areas of conflict when there is a risk to civil aviation," he told AFP.&nbsp</p>

<p>"These are declared international routes and this is unacceptable."</p>

<p>Doha denied the accusation in a statement released by its civil aviation authority.&nbsp</p>

<p>Qatar -- under boycott by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt over alleged support for Islamist extremist groups -- is banned from using its rivals` airspace.&nbsp</p>


The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority condemned the 'reckless manner' in which the Qatari fighter jets purportedly harassed its planes.

The United Arab Emirates said two Qatar&nbspfighter jets "dangerously approached" an Emirati passenger flight and a civilian helicopter on Monday, sparking a swift denial by Doha in the latest such incident between the Gulf rivals. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority condemned the "reckless manner" in which the Qatari fighter jets purportedly harassed its planes. "The distance was so close that the traffic collision avoidance system was triggered," said Ismail al-Blooshi, assistant director of the aviation authority`s safety affairs division. In the case of the commercial passenger plane, he said the aircrafts came within 700 feet of one another at high speed -- with the Emirati plane taking an emergency climb in altitude. "Any wrong manoeuvre at this stage by either aircraft would have been a catastrophe," Blooshi told AFP by phone. The Qatari jets "were not on scheduled routes", he added. Blooshi declined to specify to which company the passenger plane belonged, but aviation is a key sector in the UAE economy. Its metropolis Dubai, situated on transcontinental air routes, was the busiest airport for international passengers for the fourth year running -- hosting more than 88 million travellers in 2017. The UAE and Qatar, a rival air transit hub, have rowed repeatedly over alleged airspace violations this year, as a diplomatic crisis in the Gulf enters its 10th month. Abu Dhabi in January said it would re-route flight routes to pass over its ally Bahrain to avoid Qatari airspace. The latest incidents -- according to Blooshi -- occurred over Bahrain. He said the UAE would be filing a fresh complaint to the International Civil Aviation Organization. "We were one of the first countries to ban (our planes) flying over areas of conflict when there is a risk to civil aviation," he told AFP. "These are declared international routes and this is unacceptable." Doha denied the accusation in a statement released by its civil aviation authority. Qatar -- under boycott by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt over alleged support for Islamist extremist groups -- is banned from using its rivals` airspace.

Transport hub UAE says Qatar fighter jets harassing civil aviation

<p>Afghanistan have kept their hopes alive in the ICC World Cup Qualifier by defeating UAE in the Match 6 of the Super Sixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UAE, which opted to bat first, were bowled out for 177 in 43 overs.</p>

<p>Afghanistan lost their way in the middle but eventually managed to chase down the total within 35 overs.</p>

<p>Naveen and Qadeer Ahmed shared 4 wickets between them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UAE gave away 10 extras, an unpardonable sin when you are set out to defend a low target.</p>

<p>Earlier, UAE never seemed settle in the middle as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Shaiman Anwar got a responsible 64 and Naveed smashed a 20-ball 45.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan will need to win their next match against Ireland and hope Zimbabwe to lose against UAE to qualify for ICC World Cup 2019.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


UAE, which opted to bat first, were bowled out for 177 in 43 overs.

Afghanistan have kept their hopes alive in the ICC World Cup Qualifier by defeating UAE in the Match 6 of the Super Sixes. UAE, which opted to bat first, were bowled out for 177 in 43 overs. Afghanistan lost their way in the middle but eventually managed to chase down the total within 35 overs. Naveen and Qadeer Ahmed shared 4 wickets between them. UAE gave away 10 extras, an unpardonable sin when you are set out to defend a low target. Earlier, UAE never seemed settle in the middle as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Shaiman Anwar got a responsible 64 and Naveed smashed a 20-ball 45. Afghanistan will need to win their next match against Ireland and hope Zimbabwe to lose against UAE to qualify for ICC World Cup 2019.

ICC WCQ 2018: Afghanistan stay alive, beat UAE by 5 wickets

<p>When Sridevi died last Saturday, the Indian high commission in Dubai got in touch with Ashraf Thamarassery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashraf, 44, from Kerala&#39;s Kozhikode, owns a garage in Ajman, 40 km out of Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his other avatar, he has helped transport back home to over 38 countries the bodies of 4,700 men and women who have over the years died in the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News reports Wednesday quoted Ashraf as saying he had spent three days getting all the clearances for Sridevi, and that he was at the embalming centre as well. Embalming is compulsory in the UAE if the body is not to cremated or buried there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sridevi-funeral-cremation-last-rites-body-brought-to-celebration-sports-club-34289" target="_blank">Bollywood, fans bid their Chandni final goodbye</a></p>

<p>There were not too many people at the embalming centre, Ashraf said. Only family, friends, and about 40 expat Malayalis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not the way it would have been in India, Ashraf added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sridevi&#39;s embalming certificate -- which declares a body fit to be transported by air or sea -- bears Ashraf&#39;s name and mobile phone number. .</p>

<p>The reports quoted Ashraf as saying he had even transported some of those 4,7000 bodies to their various homes at his own cost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports said Ashraf did it to &quot;earn blessings&quot;, and also because people don&#39;t understand the &quot;procedure&quot;.</p>

<p>That&#39;s why he does it.&nbsp;</p>


Ashraf Thamarassery, 44, from Kerala's Kozhikode, owns a garage in Ajman, 40 km out of Dubai. In his other avatar, he has helped transport back home to over 38 countries the bodies of 4,700 men and women who have over the years died in the UAE

When Sridevi died last Saturday, the Indian high commission in Dubai got in touch with Ashraf Thamarassery. Ashraf, 44, from Kerala's Kozhikode, owns a garage in Ajman, 40 km out of Dubai. In his other avatar, he has helped transport back home to over 38 countries the bodies of 4,700 men and women who have over the years died in the United Arab Emirates. News reports Wednesday quoted Ashraf as saying he had spent three days getting all the clearances for Sridevi, and that he was at the embalming centre as well. Embalming is compulsory in the UAE if the body is not to cremated or buried there. Also read: Bollywood, fans bid their Chandni final goodbye There were not too many people at the embalming centre, Ashraf said. Only family, friends, and about 40 expat Malayalis. Not the way it would have been in India, Ashraf added. Sridevi's embalming certificate -- which declares a body fit to be transported by air or sea -- bears Ashraf's name and mobile phone number. . The reports quoted Ashraf as saying he had even transported some of those 4,7000 bodies to their various homes at his own cost. The reports said Ashraf did it to "earn blessings", and also because people don't understand the "procedure". That's why he does it.

This man from Kerala helped bring Sridevi back home

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a four-day visit to three West Asian countries, addressed the World Government Summit in Dubai on Sunday.</p>

<p>The PM began his address by thanking the Gulf countries, which he said provide&nbsp;almost 30 lakh people from India a home-like environment away from home.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is my speech at the <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldGovSummit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WorldGovSummit</a> in Dubai. <a href="https://t.co/mz4RREwi4J">https://t.co/mz4RREwi4J</a> <a href="https://t.co/to0gNn8fwI">pic.twitter.com/to0gNn8fwI</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/962640483913580544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Asserting that the 21st century was India&rsquo;s millennium, the PM said, &ldquo;India&rsquo;s leap in World Bank&rsquo;s Ease of Doing Business rankings from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied at this, we want to do better. We will do whatever it takes to make it possible.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Here are the key points of his speech at the&nbsp;World Government Summit:</p>

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<h5>&ldquo;India&rsquo;s Mars mission has been a greater success than what movies from Hollywood show.&rdquo;</h5>
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<h5>&ldquo;I feel that the next technology revolution will be linked to solar energy. In the last three years, we have generated 62 gigawatts of renewable energy&rdquo;.</h5>
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<h5>&ldquo;India&rsquo;s unique identity programme (Aadhaar) is the largest in the world. My government&rsquo;s motto is &lsquo;Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas&rsquo;. With Aadhaar, we have stopped leakage worth $8 billion.&rdquo;</h5>
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<h5>&ldquo;We need to follow the six Rs that stand for reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, redesign and remanufacture, this will lead to rejoice meaning &lsquo;anand&rsquo;.&quot;</h5>
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<h5>&ldquo;Despite these immense strides, we have not ended poverty or malnutrition. On the other hand, a huge amount of time and money is going to into making better missiles and bombs. We must remain vigilant that technology is used for mankind&rsquo;s development and doesn&rsquo;t destroy it.&rdquo;</h5>
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<h5>India&#39;s jump in World Bank&#39;s Ease of Doing Business Rankings from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied with this, we want to improve even more. We will do whatever it takes to achieve it.</h5>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text= India's jump in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Rankings from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied with this, we want to improve even more. We will do whatever it takes to achieve it." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
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<h5>It took us 1000 years to reach from stone age to industrial revolution but only 200 years to reach telecom revolution. It took only a few years for Digital revolution.</h5>
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<h5>&ldquo;Technology is changing at the speed of thought. Necessity is not the mother of invention anymore. Inventions are creating necessity.&rdquo;</h5>
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<h5>&ldquo;In last 25 years the maternal mortality went down by 1/3rd in India and 1/2 across the world.&rdquo;</h5>
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<h5>&ldquo;It is a matter of pride for not only me but also the 125 crore people of India that I have been called as the Chief Guest at the 6th edition of World Government Summit.&rdquo;</h5>
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Modi's two-day visit to the UAE comes to an end today, after which he will head to Oman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a four-day visit to three West Asian countries, addressed the World Government Summit in Dubai on Sunday. The PM began his address by thanking the Gulf countries, which he said provide almost 30 lakh people from India a home-like environment away from home. Here is my speech at the @WorldGovSummit in Dubai. https://t.co/mz4RREwi4J pic.twitter.com/to0gNn8fwI — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2018 × Asserting that the 21st century was India’s millennium, the PM said, “India’s leap in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied at this, we want to do better. We will do whatever it takes to make it possible.” Here are the key points of his speech at the World Government Summit: “India’s Mars mission has been a greater success than what movies from Hollywood show.” × “I feel that the next technology revolution will be linked to solar energy. In the last three years, we have generated 62 gigawatts of renewable energy”. × “India’s unique identity programme (Aadhaar) is the largest in the world. My government’s motto is ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas’. With Aadhaar, we have stopped leakage worth $8 billion.” × “We need to follow the six Rs that stand for reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, redesign and remanufacture, this will lead to rejoice meaning ‘anand’." × “Despite these immense strides, we have not ended poverty or malnutrition. On the other hand, a huge amount of time and money is going to into making better missiles and bombs. We must remain vigilant that technology is used for mankind’s development and doesn’t destroy it.” × India's jump in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Rankings from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied with this, we want to improve even more. We will do whatever it takes to achieve it. × It took us 1000 years to reach from stone age to industrial revolution but only 200 years to reach telecom revolution. It took only a few years for Digital revolution. × “Technology is changing at the speed of thought. Necessity is not the mother of invention anymore. Inventions are creating necessity.” × “In last 25 years the maternal mortality went down by 1/3rd in India and 1/2 across the world.” × “It is a matter of pride for not only me but also the 125 crore people of India that I have been called as the Chief Guest at the 6th edition of World Government Summit.” ×

Technology should be used for development, not destruction: PM Modi at World Government Summit in Dubai

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wahat Al Karama memorial and paid homage to martyrs after he arrived&nbsp;United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi on the second leg of his three-nation tour earlier today.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister Narendra Modi was&nbsp;received by the Prince and the members of the royal family as he landed in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Abu Dhabi: PM Modi pays tribute to Emirati soldiers at Wahat Al Karama memorial. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInUAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInUAE</a> <a href="https://t.co/lwJIlUYHSj">pic.twitter.com/lwJIlUYHSj</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962547842677198848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two countries signed a crucial series of MoUs yesterday with an aim o boost key areas like the railways, energy, manpower and financial services between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi visited the Wahat Al Karama memorial in Abu Dhabi and paid homage to the martyrs. The prime minister will take part in the groundbreaking ceremony where he will lay the stone foundation of the UAE&#39;s first Hindu temple.</p>

<p>At the Dubai Opera, he will address close to 1800 people of the Indian diaspora.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Wahat Al Karama memorial. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInUAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInUAE</a> <a href="https://t.co/fPoCJrGuo3">pic.twitter.com/fPoCJrGuo3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962549965150216192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi will engage in a bilateral meeting with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai later today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He will also present a keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai today.</p>

<p>Prime Minister&#39;s a two-day official visit to UAE will end today after which he will be headed to Oman.&nbsp;</p>


The prime minister will also lay the stone foundation of the UAE's first Hindu temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wahat Al Karama memorial and paid homage to martyrs after he arrived United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi on the second leg of his three-nation tour earlier today. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by the Prince and the members of the royal family as he landed in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi: PM Modi pays tribute to Emirati soldiers at Wahat Al Karama memorial. #ModiInUAE pic.twitter.com/lwJIlUYHSj — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2018 × The two countries signed a crucial series of MoUs yesterday with an aim o boost key areas like the railways, energy, manpower and financial services between the two nations. PM Modi visited the Wahat Al Karama memorial in Abu Dhabi and paid homage to the martyrs. The prime minister will take part in the groundbreaking ceremony where he will lay the stone foundation of the UAE's first Hindu temple. At the Dubai Opera, he will address close to 1800 people of the Indian diaspora. #WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Wahat Al Karama memorial. #ModiInUAE pic.twitter.com/fPoCJrGuo3 — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2018 × PM Modi will engage in a bilateral meeting with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai later today. He will also present a keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai today. Prime Minister's a two-day official visit to UAE will end today after which he will be headed to Oman.

PM Modi visits Wahat Al Karama memorial in UAE, pays homage to martyrs

<p>Narendra Modi will be the addressing Indian community in Abu Dhabi after he laying&nbsp;the foundation stone of a Hindu temple on Sunday. The event assumes significance as this will be the first Hindu temple in Gulf country.</p>

<p>The temple will be spread across the 55,00 of square meters of land.</p>

<p>After laying the foundation stone, Modi will address the live gathering&nbsp;of over 1500 Indians from Dubai Opera within &#39;The Opera District&#39;&nbsp;within Downtown Dubai. The event will live streamed at Dubai Opera auditorium.</p>

<p>Representatives of all major organizations and a number of Indian professionals have been invited to the ceremony.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi from Palestine on Saturday evening. He earlier visited Abu Dhabi in&nbsp; 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Expected to be completed by 2020, the temple will be hand-carved by Indian temple artisans and assembled in the UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The temple will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu temple as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex.</p>

<p>Modi on his two-day state visit in Abu Dhabi is expected to sign as many as 14 agreements related to strategic partnership, space technology, skills development, finance and defence cooperation and investments with his counterpart.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The temple will be spread across 55,00 of square meters of land

Narendra Modi will be the addressing Indian community in Abu Dhabi after he laying the foundation stone of a Hindu temple on Sunday. The event assumes significance as this will be the first Hindu temple in Gulf country. The temple will be spread across the 55,00 of square meters of land. After laying the foundation stone, Modi will address the live gathering of over 1500 Indians from Dubai Opera within 'The Opera District' within Downtown Dubai. The event will live streamed at Dubai Opera auditorium. Representatives of all major organizations and a number of Indian professionals have been invited to the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi from Palestine on Saturday evening. He earlier visited Abu Dhabi in 2015. Expected to be completed by 2020, the temple will be hand-carved by Indian temple artisans and assembled in the UAE. The temple will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu temple as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex. Modi on his two-day state visit in Abu Dhabi is expected to sign as many as 14 agreements related to strategic partnership, space technology, skills development, finance and defence cooperation and investments with his counterpart.

Narendra Modi to lay foundation stone for first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

<p>Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, in a media briefing in Abu Dhabi, told reporters that Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend.</p>

<p>According to Gokhale, the prince also stated that Abu Dhabi is PM Modi&#39;s second home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prince also noted that &quot;the contribution of Indians in building the UAE is what every citizen of Abu Dhabi appreciates&quot;.</p>

<p>Prince Al Nahyan also shared that the &quot;Indians with their hard work and trustworthiness have built this country. The Indian community can be trusted. Trust was the word used&quot;.</p>

<p>PM Modi was received by the Prince and the members of the royal family at the Abu Dhabi airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The Prince of Abu Dhabi along with the members of the royal family were present at the airport to receive Prime Minister Modi. This is an exceptional honour, &quot; noted Gokhale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and the UAE have also signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s in total.&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi was received by the Prince and the members of the royal family at the Abu Dhabi airport

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, in a media briefing in Abu Dhabi, told reporters that Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend. According to Gokhale, the prince also stated that Abu Dhabi is PM Modi's second home. The Prince also noted that "the contribution of Indians in building the UAE is what every citizen of Abu Dhabi appreciates". Prince Al Nahyan also shared that the "Indians with their hard work and trustworthiness have built this country. The Indian community can be trusted. Trust was the word used". PM Modi was received by the Prince and the members of the royal family at the Abu Dhabi airport. "The Prince of Abu Dhabi along with the members of the royal family were present at the airport to receive Prime Minister Modi. This is an exceptional honour, " noted Gokhale. India and the UAE have also signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s in total.

'PM Modi is a friend,' says Abu Dhabi Prince Mohammed bin Zayed

<p>India on Saturday signed the first concessional agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the oil sector.</p>

<p>&quot;The single most important agreement that was signed and which reflects a change in our energy relationship with the UAE was the one signed between a consortium of the Indian oil companies and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for the acquisition of 10% participating interest in the offshore Lower Zakum Concession,&quot; said Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri in a media briefing.</p>

<p>The Ambassador underscored that this is the first time ever that the Indian Consortium has received concession in the Gulf.</p>

<p>&quot;It is the first concessional agreement which has been signed between ADNOC and India which will be for 40 years from 2018 to 2057,&quot; Ambassador Suri said.</p>

<p>The Ambassador also used the occasion to emphasise that the UAE&#39;s Etihad Railways is looking for a major expansion plan and that they are looking forward to India as their partner.</p>

<p>In a bid to consolidate the financial architecture, India and the UAE will sign two more agreements in upcoming days.Ambassador Suri explained the currency agreement, according to which the businesses between the two countries will be executed directly in the Indian rupee and Emirati dirham (AED).</p>

<p>Furthermore, the Ambassador underscored another agreement wherein the Financial Intelligence Units of the two countries will function in cooperation to prevent money laundering.</p>

<p>In terms of education, Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad will expand its campus overseas in the UAE and Manipal University has announced Manipal Insitute announced to open its first medical college in Dubai.</p>

<p>Briefing the press about the migration to the UAE, the Ambassador stated that, &quot;We want to integrate our e-migrate system with the UAE. People visit here on a tourist visa and then take up a job. If they come by e-migrate we&#39;ll have their details. We&#39;re trying to integrate with their labor laws so that contract is acceptable to them too.&quot; In total, India and the UAE have signed five MoUs.</p>


The Ambassador underscored that this is the first time ever that the Indian Consortium has received concession in the Gulf

India on Saturday signed the first concessional agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the oil sector. "The single most important agreement that was signed and which reflects a change in our energy relationship with the UAE was the one signed between a consortium of the Indian oil companies and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for the acquisition of 10% participating interest in the offshore Lower Zakum Concession," said Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri in a media briefing. The Ambassador underscored that this is the first time ever that the Indian Consortium has received concession in the Gulf. "It is the first concessional agreement which has been signed between ADNOC and India which will be for 40 years from 2018 to 2057," Ambassador Suri said. The Ambassador also used the occasion to emphasise that the UAE's Etihad Railways is looking for a major expansion plan and that they are looking forward to India as their partner. In a bid to consolidate the financial architecture, India and the UAE will sign two more agreements in upcoming days.Ambassador Suri explained the currency agreement, according to which the businesses between the two countries will be executed directly in the Indian rupee and Emirati dirham (AED). Furthermore, the Ambassador underscored another agreement wherein the Financial Intelligence Units of the two countries will function in cooperation to prevent money laundering. In terms of education, Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad will expand its campus overseas in the UAE and Manipal University has announced Manipal Insitute announced to open its first medical college in Dubai. Briefing the press about the migration to the UAE, the Ambassador stated that, "We want to integrate our e-migrate system with the UAE. People visit here on a tourist visa and then take up a job. If they come by e-migrate we'll have their details. We're trying to integrate with their labor laws so that contract is acceptable to them too." In total, India and the UAE have signed five MoUs.

India signs first concessional agreement with UAE in oil sector

<p>The UAE&nbsp;is all set to get its first Hindu temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his second visit to the UAE, will lay the foundation of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi had sought land for the purpose during his last to the country in the year 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crown prince of UAE allotted 13.6 acres of land for the construction of the temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The temple will be designed, constructed and managed by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The temple will not just be a place to worship, its premises will also have a visitors&rsquo; centre, prayer halls, learning areas, sports area, thematic gardens, water features, food court and other facilities to celebrate various festivals.</p>

<p>&quot;It will be built at Abu Mureikhah, off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Highway, and will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu temple as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex. The stones will be carved by temple artisans in India and assembled in the UAE,&quot; noted the official release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The temple is likely to get completed by 2020.</p>

<p>PM Modi will reach UAE tomorrow from Palestine and will engage in bilateral engagements in Abu Dhabi followed by a banquet.&nbsp;</p>


The temple is likely to get completed by 2020.

The UAE is all set to get its first Hindu temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his second visit to the UAE, will lay the foundation of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. PM Modi had sought land for the purpose during his last to the country in the year 2015. The crown prince of UAE allotted 13.6 acres of land for the construction of the temple. The temple will be designed, constructed and managed by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The temple will not just be a place to worship, its premises will also have a visitors’ centre, prayer halls, learning areas, sports area, thematic gardens, water features, food court and other facilities to celebrate various festivals. "It will be built at Abu Mureikhah, off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Highway, and will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu temple as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex. The stones will be carved by temple artisans in India and assembled in the UAE," noted the official release. The temple is likely to get completed by 2020. PM Modi will reach UAE tomorrow from Palestine and will engage in bilateral engagements in Abu Dhabi followed by a banquet.

Abu Dhabi to get a taste of PM Modi's 'temple diplomacy'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India&#39;s energy security and infrastructural investments from the UAE will be the key topics of his discussions with the Gulf nation&#39;s top leadership this week.</p>

<p>In an interview to a press ahead of his two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates from Saturday, Modi said that he will meet Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.</p>

<p>Modi said energy security and infrastructural investments in India will be the key topics that he will discuss with the UAE&#39;s leadership.</p>

<p>The investment from UAE to India exceeds $11 billion.</p>

<p>A number of initiatives taken during his earlier visit to the UAE in August 2015 and during the visit of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed last year when he was the Chief Guest at India&#39;s Republic Day celebrations have come to fruition, he said.</p>

<p>&quot;It is a matter of even greater happiness that new Government-to-Government and business-to-business initiatives promise to add even more strength and depth to the bilateral cooperation in various areas of economic activity,&quot; Modi said.</p>

<p>The prime minister noted that the UAE was home to over three million people of Indian origin. &quot;The Indian community has acted as a bridge between the two countries and I hope my visit will further strengthen these ties,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>When asked whether he has had a holiday, Modi told the paper: &quot;I have not been on a holiday either as Chief Minister or now as Prime Minister. However, my work does require me to travel across India and interact with people, learn about their joys, sorrows and aspirations. This is refreshing and rejuvenating for me.&quot;</p>

<p>On a question about his sleep habits and daily routine, the 67-year-old prime minister said, &quot;My sleep cycle varies from four to six hours, depending on the workload. But I get a sound sleep every night. In fact, I fall asleep minutes after hitting the bed.</p>

<p>&quot;I do not take any worry with me and wake up fresh every morning and welcome the new day in my life,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Modi said his day begins with yoga.</p>

<p>&quot;It refreshes me and keeps me agile through the day,&quot; he said, adding that he scans the newspapers, checks e-mails and makes a round of phone calls.</p>

<p>&quot;I also spend time reading some comments and feedback shared by citizens on the &#39;Narendra Modi Mobile App&#39; which he said was &quot;a wonderful way to remain connected with people across India.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Before hitting the bed, I read the documents sent to me during the day. I also prepare for the next day meetings and engagements,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Asked about his favourite dish, Modi said, &quot;I am not much of a foodie. I enjoy a simple vegetarian meal every day.&quot;</p>

<p>On his favourite day of the week, he said, &quot;Today is my favourite day of the week! I believe in a simple tenet, make the most of today, live life to the fullest. Today is the only day on our hands to work hard and make things happen.&quot;</p>

<p>He said he was a firm believer in the power of technology as it empowers people.</p>

<p>When asked the one person who inspires him the most, the prime minister replied that several people inspired him and listed Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar as well as Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States.</p>


A number of initiatives taken during his earlier visit to the UAE in August 2015 and during the visit of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed last year when he was the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations have come to fruition, he said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India's energy security and infrastructural investments from the UAE will be the key topics of his discussions with the Gulf nation's top leadership this week. In an interview to a press ahead of his two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates from Saturday, Modi said that he will meet Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Modi said energy security and infrastructural investments in India will be the key topics that he will discuss with the UAE's leadership. The investment from UAE to India exceeds $11 billion. A number of initiatives taken during his earlier visit to the UAE in August 2015 and during the visit of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed last year when he was the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations have come to fruition, he said. "It is a matter of even greater happiness that new Government-to-Government and business-to-business initiatives promise to add even more strength and depth to the bilateral cooperation in various areas of economic activity," Modi said. The prime minister noted that the UAE was home to over three million people of Indian origin. "The Indian community has acted as a bridge between the two countries and I hope my visit will further strengthen these ties," he said. When asked whether he has had a holiday, Modi told the paper: "I have not been on a holiday either as Chief Minister or now as Prime Minister. However, my work does require me to travel across India and interact with people, learn about their joys, sorrows and aspirations. This is refreshing and rejuvenating for me." On a question about his sleep habits and daily routine, the 67-year-old prime minister said, "My sleep cycle varies from four to six hours, depending on the workload. But I get a sound sleep every night. In fact, I fall asleep minutes after hitting the bed. "I do not take any worry with me and wake up fresh every morning and welcome the new day in my life," he said. Modi said his day begins with yoga. "It refreshes me and keeps me agile through the day," he said, adding that he scans the newspapers, checks e-mails and makes a round of phone calls. "I also spend time reading some comments and feedback shared by citizens on the 'Narendra Modi Mobile App' which he said was "a wonderful way to remain connected with people across India." "Before hitting the bed, I read the documents sent to me during the day. I also prepare for the next day meetings and engagements," he said. Asked about his favourite dish, Modi said, "I am not much of a foodie. I enjoy a simple vegetarian meal every day." On his favourite day of the week, he said, "Today is my favourite day of the week! I believe in a simple tenet, make the most of today, live life to the fullest. Today is the only day on our hands to work hard and make things happen." He said he was a firm believer in the power of technology as it empowers people. When asked the one person who inspires him the most, the prime minister replied that several people inspired him and listed Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar as well as Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States.

Modi to leave for UAE tomorrow; energy security, infrastructure investments top of agenda

<p>Fourteen soldiers were killed on Tuesday in a suicide attack by suspected Islamist extremists in southern Yemen, a senior military official said.</p>

<p>The bombing struck a checkpoint manned by UAE-trained special operations forces in Ataq, capital of the oil-rich province of Shabwa, a high-ranking source in the Yemeni army said.</p>

<p>The source, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to brief the press, said the attack was likely the work of Islamist extremists, but declined to give further details.</p>

<p>Another military source in Shabwa said at least 10 people had been killed.</p>

<p>Shabwa is controlled by Yemen&#39;s Saudi-backed government, which has been locked in a fight against the country&#39;s Shiite Huthi rebels since 2014, and is also now battling separatists in the southern port city of Aden.</p>

<p>Islamist networks, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the Islamic State group, have exploited the war to expand their presence in southern Yemen.</p>

<p>The UAE is a key member of a military alliance, led by Saudi Arabia, that for three years has provided crucial support for the government&#39;s fight for territorial control.</p>

<p>In August, Yemen&#39;s Emirati-trained special forces launched a US-backed operation against AQAP, also the target of a long-running US drone campaign.</p>

<p>The Yemen war has claimed more than 9,200 lives since Saudi Arabia and its military allies joined the conflict in March 2015, triggering what the United Nations has called the world&#39;s worst humanitarian crisis.</p>


Fourteen soldiers were killed on Tuesday in a suicide attack by suspected Islamist extremists in southern Yemen, a senior military official said

Fourteen soldiers were killed on Tuesday in a suicide attack by suspected Islamist extremists in southern Yemen, a senior military official said. The bombing struck a checkpoint manned by UAE-trained special operations forces in Ataq, capital of the oil-rich province of Shabwa, a high-ranking source in the Yemeni army said. The source, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to brief the press, said the attack was likely the work of Islamist extremists, but declined to give further details. Another military source in Shabwa said at least 10 people had been killed. Shabwa is controlled by Yemen's Saudi-backed government, which has been locked in a fight against the country's Shiite Huthi rebels since 2014, and is also now battling separatists in the southern port city of Aden. Islamist networks, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the Islamic State group, have exploited the war to expand their presence in southern Yemen. The UAE is a key member of a military alliance, led by Saudi Arabia, that for three years has provided crucial support for the government's fight for territorial control. In August, Yemen's Emirati-trained special forces launched a US-backed operation against AQAP, also the target of a long-running US drone campaign. The Yemen war has claimed more than 9,200 lives since Saudi Arabia and its military allies joined the conflict in March 2015, triggering what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

14 soldiers killed in Yemen suicide attack

<p>A canadian national was arrested at Benazir Bhutto International Airport on Monday for trying to smuggle herion outside of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Pakistan Today, the canadian national identified as Brian had smuggled herion worth Rs 15 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He tried to hide the drug inside his shoes and was attempting to smuggle it to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p>A case has been registered against the suspect, officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Investigations are still underway and more details are awaited.&nbsp;</p>


He tried to hide the drug inside his shoes and was attempting to smuggle it to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

A canadian national was arrested at Benazir Bhutto International Airport on Monday for trying to smuggle herion outside of the country. According to Pakistan Today, the canadian national identified as Brian had smuggled herion worth Rs 15 million. He tried to hide the drug inside his shoes and was attempting to smuggle it to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. A case has been registered against the suspect, officials said. Investigations are still underway and more details are awaited.

Pakistan: Candian national arrested for smuggling drugs worth Rs 15 million

<p>A Qatar&#39;s royal family<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-dialogue-with-qatar-until-it-revises-policies-uae-18192"> member in a video has accused</a> the UAE government of detaining him after being &quot;invited&quot; as a guest of UAE crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, reports said.</p>

<p>UAE officials, however, denied the sheikh was detained. State news agency WAM reported that he was in the country &quot;at his own behest&quot;.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar last year and imposed economic blockade accusing it of financing extremists groups and supporting terrorism.</p>

<p>Qatar&#39;s government and officials have been trying to broker peace while steadfastly denying the allegations of links to terror groups.</p>

<p>Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani in a video said he was &quot;afraid something could happen to me that will be blamed on Qatar&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I am now in Abu Dhabi, where I was a guest of (UAE crown prince) Sheikh Mohammed&quot; bin Zayed al-Nahyan, said Sheikh Abdullah.</p>

<p>&quot;That is no longer the case. I am now detained.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;I want to make clear that the people of Qatar are innocent,&quot; the sheikh said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Sheikh Mohammed bears full responsibility for anything that happens to me,&quot; he added in the video.</p>

<p>Qatar&#39;s foreign ministry spokeswoman said Doha was monitoring the situation.</p>

<p>In August, Sheikh Abdullah had met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to meditate on reopening the land border to allow Qatari pilgrims to perform the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.</p>

<p>It was the first diplomatic meeting with since the row began with Qatar last year.</p>

<p><br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8_WafHZO8U" width="560"></iframe><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani in a video said he was "afraid something could happen to me that will be blamed on Qatar".

A Qatar's royal family member in a video has accused the UAE government of detaining him after being "invited" as a guest of UAE crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, reports said. UAE officials, however, denied the sheikh was detained. State news agency WAM reported that he was in the country "at his own behest". Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar last year and imposed economic blockade accusing it of financing extremists groups and supporting terrorism. Qatar's government and officials have been trying to broker peace while steadfastly denying the allegations of links to terror groups. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani in a video said he was "afraid something could happen to me that will be blamed on Qatar". "I am now in Abu Dhabi, where I was a guest of (UAE crown prince) Sheikh Mohammed" bin Zayed al-Nahyan, said Sheikh Abdullah. "That is no longer the case. I am now detained." "I want to make clear that the people of Qatar are innocent," the sheikh said. "Sheikh Mohammed bears full responsibility for anything that happens to me," he added in the video. Qatar's foreign ministry spokeswoman said Doha was monitoring the situation. In August, Sheikh Abdullah had met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to meditate on reopening the land border to allow Qatari pilgrims to perform the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. It was the first diplomatic meeting with since the row began with Qatar last year.

'I am now detained,' says Qatari royal family member in UAE

<p>Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates introduced value-added tax from Monday, a first for the Gulf which has long prided itself on its tax-free, cradle-to-grave welfare system.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia compounded the New Year blow for motorists with an unannounced hike of up to 127 per cent in petrol prices with immediate effect from midnight.</p>

<p>They are the latest in series of measures introduced by Gulf oil producers over the past two years to boost revenues and cut spending as a persistent slump in world prices has led to ballooning budget deficits.</p>

<p>The five per cent sales tax applies to most goods and services and analysts project that the two governments could raise as much as $21 billion in 2018, equivalent to 2.0 per cent of GDP.</p>

<p>But it marks a major change for two super-rich countries where the mall is king. Dubai has long held an annual shopping festival to draw bargain hunters from around the world to its glitzy retail palaces.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia has deposited billions of dollars in special accounts to help needy citizens face the resulting rise in retail prices.</p>

<p>The other four Gulf states -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar -- are also committed to introducing VAT but have decided to delay the move until early in 2019.</p>

<p>The hike in fuel duty in Saudi Arabia was the second in two years.</p>

<p>But it still leaves petrol prices as some of the lowest in the world.</p>

<p>High-grade petrol rose 127 per cent from 24 cents a litre ($1.09 a gallon) to 54 ($2.46), while low-grade petrol rose 83 per cent from 20 cents a litre (91 cents a gallon) to 36.5 ($1.66).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duty on diesel and kerosene remained unchanged.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia has introduced a raft of measures to raise revenue and cut spending as it bids to balance its books.</p>

<p>Last month, it slashed the government subsidy on electricity supply, leading to a sharp rise in bills.</p>

<p>Riyadh posted budget deficits totalling $260 billion over the past four fiscal years and does not expect to balance its books before 2023.</p>

<p>To finance its mounting public debt, the kingdom has withdrawn around $250 billion from its reserves over the past four years, reducing them to $490 billion.</p>

<p>It has also borrowed around $100 billion from the international and domestic markets.</p>


Saudi Arabia compounded the New Year blow for motorists with an unannounced hike of up to 127 per cent in petrol prices with immediate effect from midnight

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates introduced value-added tax from Monday, a first for the Gulf which has long prided itself on its tax-free, cradle-to-grave welfare system. Saudi Arabia compounded the New Year blow for motorists with an unannounced hike of up to 127 per cent in petrol prices with immediate effect from midnight. They are the latest in series of measures introduced by Gulf oil producers over the past two years to boost revenues and cut spending as a persistent slump in world prices has led to ballooning budget deficits. The five per cent sales tax applies to most goods and services and analysts project that the two governments could raise as much as $21 billion in 2018, equivalent to 2.0 per cent of GDP. But it marks a major change for two super-rich countries where the mall is king. Dubai has long held an annual shopping festival to draw bargain hunters from around the world to its glitzy retail palaces. Saudi Arabia has deposited billions of dollars in special accounts to help needy citizens face the resulting rise in retail prices. The other four Gulf states -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar -- are also committed to introducing VAT but have decided to delay the move until early in 2019. The hike in fuel duty in Saudi Arabia was the second in two years. But it still leaves petrol prices as some of the lowest in the world. High-grade petrol rose 127 per cent from 24 cents a litre ($1.09 a gallon) to 54 ($2.46), while low-grade petrol rose 83 per cent from 20 cents a litre (91 cents a gallon) to 36.5 ($1.66). Duty on diesel and kerosene remained unchanged. Saudi Arabia has introduced a raft of measures to raise revenue and cut spending as it bids to balance its books. Last month, it slashed the government subsidy on electricity supply, leading to a sharp rise in bills. Riyadh posted budget deficits totalling $260 billion over the past four fiscal years and does not expect to balance its books before 2023. To finance its mounting public debt, the kingdom has withdrawn around $250 billion from its reserves over the past four years, reducing them to $490 billion. It has also borrowed around $100 billion from the international and domestic markets.

Saudi, UAE introduce VAT in first for Gulf

<p>Tunisia on Sunday suspended Emirates Airlines flights after a public outcry over security measures in the United Arab Emirates targeting women from the North African country.</p>

<p>The transport ministry said it had &quot;decided to suspend&quot; Emirates flights to Tunis &quot;until the airline is able to find the appropriate solution to operate its flights in accordance with international law and agreements&quot;.</p>

<p>An Emirates Airlines spokesperson confirmed to AFP: &quot;Emirates will stop services between Tunis and Dubai, as instructed by the Tunisian authorities, with effect from December 25, 2017.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A number of Tunisian women had said their travel to the Gulf state on UAE airlines had been delayed and some had been forced to undergo additional examination of their visas.</p>

<p>That triggered angry reactions on social media and media outlets in Tunisia.</p>

<p>The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that &quot;security information&quot; had caused the delays.</p>

<p>&quot;We contacted our Tunisian brothers about security information that necessitated taking specific procedures,&quot; UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter.</p>

<p>&quot;We should avoid misleading attempts... We highly value Tunisian women and respect them,&quot; he said, without elaborating.</p>

<p>The Tunisian government said Friday it had asked the UAE ambassador for clarification, adding the envoy said the decision was for only a short period and the restrictions had been lifted.</p>

<p>Despite the clarification, Tunisian rights groups issued a statement on Saturday condemning the UAE measures as &quot;discriminatory and racist&quot;.</p>

<p>Tunisia has been trying to repair diplomatic ties with the UAE damaged by its 2011 revolution and after the Islamic party Al-Nahda, which has strong links with Qatar, came to power in the North African country.</p>

<p>Relations between Qatar on the one hand and Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on the other have been severed since June after the four Arab countries accused Doha of backing &quot;terror&quot; groups in the region, a charge denied by Qatar.</p>


A number of Tunisian women had said their travel to the Gulf state on UAE airlines had been delayed and some had been forced to undergo additional examination of their visas

Tunisia on Sunday suspended Emirates Airlines flights after a public outcry over security measures in the United Arab Emirates targeting women from the North African country. The transport ministry said it had "decided to suspend" Emirates flights to Tunis "until the airline is able to find the appropriate solution to operate its flights in accordance with international law and agreements". An Emirates Airlines spokesperson confirmed to AFP: "Emirates will stop services between Tunis and Dubai, as instructed by the Tunisian authorities, with effect from December 25, 2017." A number of Tunisian women had said their travel to the Gulf state on UAE airlines had been delayed and some had been forced to undergo additional examination of their visas. That triggered angry reactions on social media and media outlets in Tunisia. The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that "security information" had caused the delays. "We contacted our Tunisian brothers about security information that necessitated taking specific procedures," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter. "We should avoid misleading attempts... We highly value Tunisian women and respect them," he said, without elaborating. The Tunisian government said Friday it had asked the UAE ambassador for clarification, adding the envoy said the decision was for only a short period and the restrictions had been lifted. Despite the clarification, Tunisian rights groups issued a statement on Saturday condemning the UAE measures as "discriminatory and racist". Tunisia has been trying to repair diplomatic ties with the UAE damaged by its 2011 revolution and after the Islamic party Al-Nahda, which has strong links with Qatar, came to power in the North African country. Relations between Qatar on the one hand and Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on the other have been severed since June after the four Arab countries accused Doha of backing "terror" groups in the region, a charge denied by Qatar.

Tunisia suspends Emirates flights after outcry over women security measures

<p>Yemen&#39;s Houthi group has fired a cruise missile towards a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the group&#39;s television service reported on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence.</p>

<p>There were no reports of any missiles reaching the UAE.</p>

<p>The Iran-aligned Houthis control much of northern Yemen and had said Abu Dhabi, a member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting against them since 2015, was a target for their missiles.</p>

<p>&quot;The missile force announces the launching of a winged cruise missile ... towards the al-Barakah nuclear reactor in Abu Dhabi,&quot; the website said. It gave no further details.</p>

<p>The Barakah project, which is being built by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), is expected to be completed and become operational in 2018, the UAE energy minister has said.</p>

<p>It is the second time this year the Houthis have said they have fired missiles towards the UAE. A few months ago they said they had &quot;successfully&quot; test fired a missile towards Abu Dhabi.</p>


The Houthi rebels' television service reported the news on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence

Yemen's Houthi group has fired a cruise missile towards a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the group's television service reported on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence. There were no reports of any missiles reaching the UAE. The Iran-aligned Houthis control much of northern Yemen and had said Abu Dhabi, a member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting against them since 2015, was a target for their missiles. "The missile force announces the launching of a winged cruise missile ... towards the al-Barakah nuclear reactor in Abu Dhabi," the website said. It gave no further details. The Barakah project, which is being built by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), is expected to be completed and become operational in 2018, the UAE energy minister has said. It is the second time this year the Houthis have said they have fired missiles towards the UAE. A few months ago they said they had "successfully" test fired a missile towards Abu Dhabi.

Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen's Houthi rebels

<p>The United Arab Emirates on Sunday denied a report that Yemen&#39;s Houthi group had fired a missile towards a nuclear plant in the UAE, state news agency WAM reported on its Twitter account.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-group-says-fires-missile-toward-abu-dhabi-nuclear-reactor-25754" target="_blank">Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen&#39;s Houthi rebels</a></p>

<p>It quoted the UAE&#39;s emergency and crisis management department as saying the UAE possessed a missile defence system that could deal with any such threats and adding the al-Barakah nuclear plant was secure against all eventualities.</p>


The UAE said it possessed a missile defence system that could deal with any such threats

The United Arab Emirates on Sunday denied a report that Yemen's Houthi group had fired a missile towards a nuclear plant in the UAE, state news agency WAM reported on its Twitter account. Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen's Houthi rebels It quoted the UAE's emergency and crisis management department as saying the UAE possessed a missile defence system that could deal with any such threats and adding the al-Barakah nuclear plant was secure against all eventualities.

UAE denies Yemen's Houthis fired missile at Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor

<p>&nbsp;The United Arab Emirates on Thursday announced it had stopped issuing visas to North Korean nationals and downgraded diplomatic relations with Pyongyang, following similar moves by Kuwait and Qatar.</p>

<p>The UAE government ended the mission of its non-resident ambassador to North Korea as well as that of Pyongyang&#39;s non-resident ambassador to the UAE, the government-run WAM news agency said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abu Dhabi will also no longer grant North Korean companies authorisation to work in any of the seven emirates, WAM said.</p>

<p>Tensions over North Korea&#39;s weapons programme have soared in recent months, with Pyongyang launching a flurry of missiles and conducting its sixth and most powerful nuclear test last month.</p>

<p>UN sanctions against North Korea were last month expanded to include North Korean guest workers, along with textiles and a cap on oil exports.</p>

<p>South Korea and Japan have pressured Gulf states to stop employing North Korean workers, whose income goes towards remittances that benefit the regime in Pyongyang, according to Asian diplomatic sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In September, Kuwait gave the North Korean ambassador one month to leave the country and stopped issuing visas to all North Koreans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qatar has also said it would not renew visas for North Korean labourers, with the last work permits set to expire at the end of 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Between 2,000 and 2,500 North Koreans currently work in Kuwait, and another estimated 1,000 in Qatar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UAE is home to some 1,300 North Korean workers, according to a South Korean diplomat.&nbsp;</p>


Tensions over North Korea's weapons programme have soared in recent months, with Pyongyang launching a flurry of missiles and conducting its sixth and most powerful nuclear test last month

The United Arab Emirates on Thursday announced it had stopped issuing visas to North Korean nationals and downgraded diplomatic relations with Pyongyang, following similar moves by Kuwait and Qatar. The UAE government ended the mission of its non-resident ambassador to North Korea as well as that of Pyongyang's non-resident ambassador to the UAE, the government-run WAM news agency said. Abu Dhabi will also no longer grant North Korean companies authorisation to work in any of the seven emirates, WAM said. Tensions over North Korea's weapons programme have soared in recent months, with Pyongyang launching a flurry of missiles and conducting its sixth and most powerful nuclear test last month. UN sanctions against North Korea were last month expanded to include North Korean guest workers, along with textiles and a cap on oil exports. South Korea and Japan have pressured Gulf states to stop employing North Korean workers, whose income goes towards remittances that benefit the regime in Pyongyang, according to Asian diplomatic sources. In September, Kuwait gave the North Korean ambassador one month to leave the country and stopped issuing visas to all North Koreans. Qatar has also said it would not renew visas for North Korean labourers, with the last work permits set to expire at the end of 2018. Between 2,000 and 2,500 North Koreans currently work in Kuwait, and another estimated 1,000 in Qatar. The UAE is home to some 1,300 North Korean workers, according to a South Korean diplomat.

UAE stops issuing visas to North Koreans

<p>At first glance, the long hallway seems abandoned. But behind glass walls, in soundproof offices, engineers and physicists are putting the final touches to the Arab world&#39;s first nuclear programme.</p>

<p>At the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in Abu Dhabi, dozens of employees are reviewing the 15,000-page application for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, scheduled to launch next year.</p>

<p>Located just across the Gulf from Iran, which is home to a controversial nuclear programme of its own, the Barakah plant will make the UAE the first Gulf state to have a peaceful nuclear energy programme.</p>

<p>By 2020, the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program will be in full gear, with four nuclear reactors providing nearly 25 percent of the UAE&#39;s electricity needs, according to the state-run Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).</p>

<p>The first reactor was initially set to start generating power in 2017, but ENEC recently announced its inauguration would be delayed until 2018 for technical reasons.<br />
&quot;We received the application for reactor one in March 2015 and since then we have been studying it,&quot; said Christer Viktorsson, director general at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation which oversees regulation and licensing for the UAE&#39;s nuclear programme.</p>

<p>Viktorsson says the federal authority has sent ENEC more than 1,000 questions seeking documented answers since 2015 -- and the licensing process is not yet over.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a massive application,&quot; he told AFP. &quot;There are a few areas where we still have questions.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We have to verify... that they have security plans, like emergency plans, and if an accident happens they can deal with it.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Concerns in volatile Gulf&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In the FANR offices, 300 kilometres (185 miles) west of the Barakah plant, Emirati and foreign employees are buried in licensing paperwork in a bid to meet next year&#39;s deadline.</p>

<p>ENEC in April reported construction of the plant&#39;s four units had been 80 per cent completed, with reactor one at 95 per cent completion.</p>

<p>Operations teams and contingency plans are also in place, according to ENEC, and Viktorsson says he has &quot;no doubt&quot; that the company will meet the 2018 launch date.</p>

<p>Much of the construction of the $25-billion (21.2-billion-euro) Barakah plant has been outsourced to the Korea Electric Power Corporation, the largest electric utility in South Korea, which won the project over French multinational group AREVA.</p>

<p>&quot;We don&#39;t think the nuclear power plant will cause any problems in the region,&quot; said a South Korean diplomat in the UAE, requesting anonymity.</p>

<p>&quot;The Barakah nuclear power plant will play an important role for the UAE&#39;s economic development and will be a role model for the other Arab countries, proving that nuclear power can be used for peaceful purposes.&quot;<br />
While the peaceful use of nuclear energy is far from new, the UAE nuclear programme has raised some concerns in the Gulf, a region that has long been gripped by war and political crises.</p>

<p>But officials in the UAE, which sits on seven percent of the world&#39;s oil reserves, say their programme will not add fuel to fire in the region, where the latest diplomatic crisis has seen gas-rich Qatar isolated from the UAE and Saudi Arabia over allegations that the emirate is too close to Iran and harbours Islamist extremists.</p>

<p>&quot;Our country is and will remain a forerunner,&quot; a UAE official said on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UAE ally Saudi Arabia has also said it aims to develop a peaceful nuclear energy programme.</p>

<p><strong>No uranium enrichment&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Civilian safety remains a concern, and residents living inside a 50-kilometre (30-mile) radius of the Barakah plant have been instructed on procedure in case of an accident.</p>

<p>But concerns about safety reach far beyond the UAE&#39;s borders: the Barakah plant is about 50 kilometres east of the border with Saudi Arabia, some 320 kilometres west of Oman and 350 kilometres south of Iran.</p>

<p>In addition to evacuation drills for residents, Viktorsson says, FANR has held seminars joining representatives of the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>And amid a war of words between Iran and the United States over Tehran&#39;s nuclear programme, the UAE has said it will not be developing a uranium enrichment programme or nuclear reprocessing technologies.</p>

<p>&quot;I know that nuclear for many means the non-peaceful parts, but in this country, the nuclear law, for example, talks about peaceful purposes and we have a programme which checks all nuclear activities,&quot; said Viktorsson.</p>

<p>&quot;If there are suspicions, we interfere immediately.&quot;</p>


At the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in Abu Dhabi, dozens of employees are reviewing the 15,000-page application for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, scheduled to launch next year

At first glance, the long hallway seems abandoned. But behind glass walls, in soundproof offices, engineers and physicists are putting the final touches to the Arab world's first nuclear programme. At the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in Abu Dhabi, dozens of employees are reviewing the 15,000-page application for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, scheduled to launch next year. Located just across the Gulf from Iran, which is home to a controversial nuclear programme of its own, the Barakah plant will make the UAE the first Gulf state to have a peaceful nuclear energy programme. By 2020, the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program will be in full gear, with four nuclear reactors providing nearly 25 percent of the UAE's electricity needs, according to the state-run Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). The first reactor was initially set to start generating power in 2017, but ENEC recently announced its inauguration would be delayed until 2018 for technical reasons. "We received the application for reactor one in March 2015 and since then we have been studying it," said Christer Viktorsson, director general at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation which oversees regulation and licensing for the UAE's nuclear programme. Viktorsson says the federal authority has sent ENEC more than 1,000 questions seeking documented answers since 2015 -- and the licensing process is not yet over. "It's a massive application," he told AFP. "There are a few areas where we still have questions." "We have to verify... that they have security plans, like emergency plans, and if an accident happens they can deal with it." Concerns in volatile Gulf In the FANR offices, 300 kilometres (185 miles) west of the Barakah plant, Emirati and foreign employees are buried in licensing paperwork in a bid to meet next year's deadline. ENEC in April reported construction of the plant's four units had been 80 per cent completed, with reactor one at 95 per cent completion. Operations teams and contingency plans are also in place, according to ENEC, and Viktorsson says he has "no doubt" that the company will meet the 2018 launch date. Much of the construction of the $25-billion (21.2-billion-euro) Barakah plant has been outsourced to the Korea Electric Power Corporation, the largest electric utility in South Korea, which won the project over French multinational group AREVA. "We don't think the nuclear power plant will cause any problems in the region," said a South Korean diplomat in the UAE, requesting anonymity. "The Barakah nuclear power plant will play an important role for the UAE's economic development and will be a role model for the other Arab countries, proving that nuclear power can be used for peaceful purposes." While the peaceful use of nuclear energy is far from new, the UAE nuclear programme has raised some concerns in the Gulf, a region that has long been gripped by war and political crises. But officials in the UAE, which sits on seven percent of the world's oil reserves, say their programme will not add fuel to fire in the region, where the latest diplomatic crisis has seen gas-rich Qatar isolated from the UAE and Saudi Arabia over allegations that the emirate is too close to Iran and harbours Islamist extremists. "Our country is and will remain a forerunner," a UAE official said on condition of anonymity. UAE ally Saudi Arabia has also said it aims to develop a peaceful nuclear energy programme. No uranium enrichment Civilian safety remains a concern, and residents living inside a 50-kilometre (30-mile) radius of the Barakah plant have been instructed on procedure in case of an accident. But concerns about safety reach far beyond the UAE's borders: the Barakah plant is about 50 kilometres east of the border with Saudi Arabia, some 320 kilometres west of Oman and 350 kilometres south of Iran. In addition to evacuation drills for residents, Viktorsson says, FANR has held seminars joining representatives of the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia. And amid a war of words between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear programme, the UAE has said it will not be developing a uranium enrichment programme or nuclear reprocessing technologies. "I know that nuclear for many means the non-peaceful parts, but in this country, the nuclear law, for example, talks about peaceful purposes and we have a programme which checks all nuclear activities," said Viktorsson. "If there are suspicions, we interfere immediately."

UAE nuclear programme edges toward 2018 launch

<p>The United Arab Emirates, one of four Arab countries that have imposed sanctions on Qatar, said on Saturday that Doha needed to change its policies before a dialogue could take place.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar and imposed an economic boycott last month, accusing it of financing extremist groups and supporting terrorism, charges Doha has repeatedly denied.</p>

<p>UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said a call for dialogue by Qatar&#39;s emir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani was welcome, but this could only happen after Doha had made changes.</p>

<p>He did not specify these, but the four countries involved have issued more than a dozen demands, telling Qatar to close down Al Jazeera television, curb relations with Iran and shut down a Turkish military base.</p>

<p>&quot;Dialogue is necessary and needed but its backbone has to be revision,&quot; Gargash said on his Twitter account.</p>

<p>He expressed disappointment with a speech by Sheikh Tamim on Friday, the first the emir had given since the start of the crisis.</p>

<p>&quot;I had hoped that the speech of Sheikh Tamim would be an initiative for revision,&quot; Gargash said.</p>

<p>Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, an ally of Qatar, will visit Saudia Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar during a two-day mediation trip that begins on Sunday.</p>


UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said a call for dialogue by Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani was welcome, but this could only happen after Doha had made changes

The United Arab Emirates, one of four Arab countries that have imposed sanctions on Qatar, said on Saturday that Doha needed to change its policies before a dialogue could take place. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar and imposed an economic boycott last month, accusing it of financing extremist groups and supporting terrorism, charges Doha has repeatedly denied. UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said a call for dialogue by Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani was welcome, but this could only happen after Doha had made changes. He did not specify these, but the four countries involved have issued more than a dozen demands, telling Qatar to close down Al Jazeera television, curb relations with Iran and shut down a Turkish military base. "Dialogue is necessary and needed but its backbone has to be revision," Gargash said on his Twitter account. He expressed disappointment with a speech by Sheikh Tamim on Friday, the first the emir had given since the start of the crisis. "I had hoped that the speech of Sheikh Tamim would be an initiative for revision," Gargash said. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, an ally of Qatar, will visit Saudia Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar during a two-day mediation trip that begins on Sunday.

No dialogue with Qatar until it revises policies: UAE

<p>The United Arab Emirates arranged for Qatari government social media and news sites to be hacked in late May in order to post fiery but false quotes linked to Qatar&#39;s emir, prompting a diplomatic crisis, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/uae-hacked-qatari-government-sites-sparking-regional-upheaval-according-to-us-intelligence-officials/2017/07/16/00c46e54-698f-11e7-8eb5-cbccc2e7bfbf_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_usqatar-640pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&amp;utm_term=.8eb6d0263976" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> reported on Sunday, citing US&nbsp;intelligence officials, Reuters reports.</p>

<p>The emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, had been quoted in May as praising Hamas and saying that Iran was an &quot;Islamic power,&quot; the Post reported. In response, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism.</p>

<p>Qatar said in late May that hackers had posted fake remarks by the emir, an explanation rejected by Gulf states.</p>

<h3 style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;</h3>

<h3 style="font-style: italic;">Related:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/website-says-report-of-plot-to-strip-qatar-of-world-cup-was-fake-17986" target="_blank">Website says report of plot to strip Qatar of World Cup was &#39;fake&#39;</a></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Post reported that US intelligence officials learned last week of newly analyzed information that showed that top UAE government officials discussed the planned hacks on May 23, the day before they occurred.</p>

<p>The officials said it was unclear if the UAE hacked the websites or paid for them to be carried out, the newspaper reported. The Post did not identify the intelligence officials it spoke to for the report.</p>

<p>The hacks and posting took place on May 24, shortly after President Trump completed a lengthy counterterrorism meeting with Persian Gulf leaders in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and declared them unified, the Washington Post reports.</p>

<p>UAE Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba denied the report in a statement, saying it was &quot;false,&quot; the Post said.</p>

<p>&quot;What is true is Qatar&rsquo;s behavior. Funding, supporting, and enabling extremists from the Taliban to Hamas and Qadafi. Inciting violence, encouraging radicalization, and undermining the stability of its neighbors,&quot; the statement said.</p>

<p>The US&nbsp;State Department declined comment in response to a Reuters query. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was previously known to be working with Qatar to probe the hacking.</p>


US intelligence says United Arab Emirates arranged for Qatar's site to be hacked and orchestrated fake quotes, which launched the whole crisis

The United Arab Emirates arranged for Qatari government social media and news sites to be hacked in late May in order to post fiery but false quotes linked to Qatar's emir, prompting a diplomatic crisis, the Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing US intelligence officials, Reuters reports. The emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, had been quoted in May as praising Hamas and saying that Iran was an "Islamic power," the Post reported. In response, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Qatar said in late May that hackers had posted fake remarks by the emir, an explanation rejected by Gulf states. Related: Website says report of plot to strip Qatar of World Cup was 'fake' The Post reported that US intelligence officials learned last week of newly analyzed information that showed that top UAE government officials discussed the planned hacks on May 23, the day before they occurred. The officials said it was unclear if the UAE hacked the websites or paid for them to be carried out, the newspaper reported. The Post did not identify the intelligence officials it spoke to for the report. The hacks and posting took place on May 24, shortly after President Trump completed a lengthy counterterrorism meeting with Persian Gulf leaders in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and declared them unified, the Washington Post reports. UAE Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba denied the report in a statement, saying it was "false," the Post said. "What is true is Qatar’s behavior. Funding, supporting, and enabling extremists from the Taliban to Hamas and Qadafi. Inciting violence, encouraging radicalization, and undermining the stability of its neighbors," the statement said. The US State Department declined comment in response to a Reuters query. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was previously known to be working with Qatar to probe the hacking.

UAE arranged hacking of Qatar gov sites, causing diplomatic row: Washington Post

<p>US&nbsp;Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed developments in Syria and in the row between Qatar and its fellow Arab states on a phone call late on Saturday, Turkish foreign ministry sources said.</p>

<p>The call, held at Tillerson&#39;s request, came after Tillerson on Friday urged Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to ease their blockade of Qatar, saying it was causing unintended humanitarian consequences and affecting the US-led fight against Islamic State.</p>

<p>No further details of the call were immediately available.</p>

<p>Referring to Tillerson&#39;s comments on the blockade, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner in Istanbul on Friday: &quot;I say it should be lifted completely&quot;.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt severed relations with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting Islamist militants and their adversary Iran - allegations Qatar says are baseless. Several countries followed suit.</p>

<p>Erdogan vowed to keep supporting Qatar after his rapid approval of legislation on deploying Turkish troops there. On Saturday, he told Bahrain&#39;s foreign minister that the dispute should be resolved by the end of the holy month of Ramadan.</p>

<p>Erdogan on Thursday also approved an accord between Turkey and Qatar on military training cooperation. Both bills were drawn up before the dispute between Qatar and others erupted. Turkey has also pledged to provide food and water supplies to Qatar.</p>

<p>Turkey has maintained good relations with Qatar as well as several of its Gulf Arab neighbours. Turkey and Qatar have both provided support for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and backed rebels fighting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.</p>

<p>Turkey and fellow NATO member the United States have also been at loggerheads regarding US&nbsp;support the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in the fight against Islamic State in Syria. Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade-long insurgency on its soil.</p>

<p>The United States said last week it had started supplying arms to the YPG for an assault on the Syrian town of Raqqa, deepening Turkey&#39;s anger. The YPG&#39;s role in the Raqqa campaign has strained ties between the United States and Turkey, which fears growing Kurdish ascendancy along its border.</p>

<p>(Reuters)</p>


The call, held at Tillerson's request, came after he on Friday urged Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to ease their blockade of Qatar

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed developments in Syria and in the row between Qatar and its fellow Arab states on a phone call late on Saturday, Turkish foreign ministry sources said. The call, held at Tillerson's request, came after Tillerson on Friday urged Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to ease their blockade of Qatar, saying it was causing unintended humanitarian consequences and affecting the US-led fight against Islamic State. No further details of the call were immediately available. Referring to Tillerson's comments on the blockade, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner in Istanbul on Friday: "I say it should be lifted completely". Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt severed relations with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting Islamist militants and their adversary Iran - allegations Qatar says are baseless. Several countries followed suit. Erdogan vowed to keep supporting Qatar after his rapid approval of legislation on deploying Turkish troops there. On Saturday, he told Bahrain's foreign minister that the dispute should be resolved by the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Erdogan on Thursday also approved an accord between Turkey and Qatar on military training cooperation. Both bills were drawn up before the dispute between Qatar and others erupted. Turkey has also pledged to provide food and water supplies to Qatar. Turkey has maintained good relations with Qatar as well as several of its Gulf Arab neighbours. Turkey and Qatar have both provided support for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and backed rebels fighting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey and fellow NATO member the United States have also been at loggerheads regarding US support the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in the fight against Islamic State in Syria. Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade-long insurgency on its soil. The United States said last week it had started supplying arms to the YPG for an assault on the Syrian town of Raqqa, deepening Turkey's anger. The YPG's role in the Raqqa campaign has strained ties between the United States and Turkey, which fears growing Kurdish ascendancy along its border. (Reuters)

US, Turkey discuss Qatar row, Syria on phone call: Sources

<p>US President Donald Trump offered on Wednesday to help resolve a worsening diplomatic crisis between Qatar and other Arab powers as the United Arab Emirates invoked the possibility of an economic embargo on Doha over its alleged support of terrorism.</p>

<p>In his second intervention in the row in as many days, Trump urged action against terrorism in a call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, a White House statement said.</p>

<p>&quot;The President offered to help the parties resolve their differences, including through a meeting at the White House if necessary,&quot; it said.</p>

<p>The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday over long-standing allegations that Doha is courting Iran, which they deem the region&#39;s biggest external threat, and supporting Islamist groups, seen as the biggest internal danger.</p>

<p>The four countries also cut transport links to tiny gas-rich Qatar, disrupting food and other supplies and deepening uncertainty about the future of trade and investment ties.</p>

<p>In a sign of economic damage from the dispute, Standard &amp; Poor&#39;s downgraded Qatar&#39;s&nbsp;debt on Wednesday as the country&#39;s riyal currency fell to an 11-year low amid signs that portfolio investment funds were flowing out because of the rift.</p>

<p>S&amp;P cut its long-term rating of Qatar by one notch to AA- from AA and put the rating on CreditWatch with negative implications, meaning there was a significant chance of a further downgrade.</p>

<p>UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash told Reuters there would be more economic curbs on Qatar if necessary and said Doha needed to make ironclad commitments to change what critics say is a policy on funding Islamist militants.</p>

<p>He later told France 24 television that any further steps could take the form of &quot;a sort of embargo on Qatar&quot;.</p>

<p><strong>Regional tensions</strong></p>

<p>Reiterating comments by Gulf officials, Gargash told Reuters there was no plan to seek a change in Qatar&#39;s leadership, only a change in its policies.</p>

<p>Regional tensions, already high following the diplomatic dispute, ratcheted up further after militants attacked targets in Tehran on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people.</p>

<p>Iran blamed arch-foe Saudi Arabia for the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State militant group. Riyadh denied any involvement.</p>

<p>Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Gulf states could resolve a row with Qatar among themselves without outside help.</p>

<p>&quot;We have not asked for mediation, we believe this issue can be dealt with among the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council,&quot; he told a news conference with his German counterpart during a visit to Berlin that was broadcast on Saudi state television.</p>

<p>Jubeir declined to confirm a list of 10 demands published by Al Jazeera, which included shutting down the Doha-based news channel, but added that Qatar knew what it needed to do to restore normal relations.</p>

<p>Meanwhile Kuwait&#39;s ruler Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah continued a regional effort to mediate the crisis, shuttling from the UAE en route to Qatar on Wednesday evening, a Kuwaiti diplomat told Reuters.</p>

<p>But efforts to defuse the worst crisis among Gulf Arabs for two decades showed no immediate progress.</p>

<p>The UAE threatened anyone publishing expressions of sympathy towards Doha with up to 15 years in prison and barring entry to Qataris.</p>

<p><strong>Turkish support</strong></p>

<p>Qatar has backed Islamist movements but vehemently denies supporting terrorism. It drew some support on&nbsp;Wednesday when Turkey&#39;s parliament approved a draft bill allowing its troops to be deployed to a military base in Qatar. Turkish exporters have also pledged to provide food and water to Qatar if needed.</p>

<p>Trump&#39;s defence secretary, James Mattis, spoke to his Qatari counterpart to express commitment to the Gulf region&#39;s security. Qatar hosts 8,000 U.S. military personnel at al Udeid, the largest U.S. air base in the Middle East and a launchpad for U.S.-led strikes on Islamic State jihadists.</p>

<p>The sudden isolation has spurred Qatar to hold talks with Turkey, Iran and others to secure food and water supplies, said a Qatari official. He said there were enough grain supplies for four weeks and Qatar also had large strategic food reserves.</p>

<p>Abu Dhabi port authorities in the UAE have eased curbs on non-Qatari oil tankers going to and from Qatar, according to industry sources and shipping circulars seen by Reuters on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Bans on Doha&#39;s fleet using regional ports and anchorages are threatening to halt some of its exports and disrupt those of liquefied natural gas (LNG).</p>

<p>UAE-based newspaper Gulf News and pan-Arab channel Al-Arabiya reported the crackdown on expressions of sympathy with Qatar.</p>

<p>&quot;Strict and firm action will be taken against anyone who shows sympathy or any form of bias towards Qatar, or against anyone who objects to the position of the United Arab Emirates, whether it be through the means of social media, or any type of written, visual or verbal form,&quot; Gulf News quoted UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi as saying.</p>

<p>On top of a possible jail term, offenders could also be hit with a fine of at least 500,000 dirhams ($136,000), the newspaper said, citing a statement to Arabic-language media.</p>

<p>Slogans against and in support of Qatar have dominated Twitter in Arabic. Newspapers and television channels in the region have also been engaged in a war of words.</p>

<p>UAE airlines Etihad and Emirates said all travellers holding Qatari passports were currently prohibited from travelling to or transiting through the emirates.</p>

<p>They announced details of the restrictions after Australian carrier and Emirates partner Qantas Airways &lt;QAN.AX&gt; said it would not fly Qataris to Dubai because of the bans.</p>

<p>Foreigners residing in Qatar in possession of a Qatari residence visa would also not be eligible for visas on arrival in the UAE, an Etihad spokesman said in an email.</p>

<p>Gargash, the UAE minister, told Reuters in an interview it would be very complex to disentangle the &quot;very diverse&quot; business ties between Qatar and its neighbours but suggested this might be necessary.</p>

<p>&quot;You cannot rule out further measures. We hope that cooler heads will prevail, that wiser heads will prevail and we will not get to that.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Tensions are still high and mediation efforts by fellow Gulf Cooperation Council state Kuwait have yet to lead to a concrete solution, so investors will likely remain on edge,&quot; said one Dubai-based trader.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)</p>


Trump urged action against terrorism in a call with Qatari Emir Sheikh QHamad al Thani

US President Donald Trump offered on Wednesday to help resolve a worsening diplomatic crisis between Qatar and other Arab powers as the United Arab Emirates invoked the possibility of an economic embargo on Doha over its alleged support of terrorism. In his second intervention in the row in as many days, Trump urged action against terrorism in a call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, a White House statement said. "The President offered to help the parties resolve their differences, including through a meeting at the White House if necessary," it said. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday over long-standing allegations that Doha is courting Iran, which they deem the region's biggest external threat, and supporting Islamist groups, seen as the biggest internal danger. The four countries also cut transport links to tiny gas-rich Qatar, disrupting food and other supplies and deepening uncertainty about the future of trade and investment ties. In a sign of economic damage from the dispute, Standard & Poor's downgraded Qatar's debt on Wednesday as the country's riyal currency fell to an 11-year low amid signs that portfolio investment funds were flowing out because of the rift. S&P cut its long-term rating of Qatar by one notch to AA- from AA and put the rating on CreditWatch with negative implications, meaning there was a significant chance of a further downgrade. UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash told Reuters there would be more economic curbs on Qatar if necessary and said Doha needed to make ironclad commitments to change what critics say is a policy on funding Islamist militants. He later told France 24 television that any further steps could take the form of "a sort of embargo on Qatar". Regional tensions Reiterating comments by Gulf officials, Gargash told Reuters there was no plan to seek a change in Qatar's leadership, only a change in its policies. Regional tensions, already high following the diplomatic dispute, ratcheted up further after militants attacked targets in Tehran on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people. Iran blamed arch-foe Saudi Arabia for the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State militant group. Riyadh denied any involvement. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Gulf states could resolve a row with Qatar among themselves without outside help. "We have not asked for mediation, we believe this issue can be dealt with among the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council," he told a news conference with his German counterpart during a visit to Berlin that was broadcast on Saudi state television. Jubeir declined to confirm a list of 10 demands published by Al Jazeera, which included shutting down the Doha-based news channel, but added that Qatar knew what it needed to do to restore normal relations. Meanwhile Kuwait's ruler Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah continued a regional effort to mediate the crisis, shuttling from the UAE en route to Qatar on Wednesday evening, a Kuwaiti diplomat told Reuters. But efforts to defuse the worst crisis among Gulf Arabs for two decades showed no immediate progress. The UAE threatened anyone publishing expressions of sympathy towards Doha with up to 15 years in prison and barring entry to Qataris. Turkish support Qatar has backed Islamist movements but vehemently denies supporting terrorism. It drew some support on Wednesday when Turkey's parliament approved a draft bill allowing its troops to be deployed to a military base in Qatar. Turkish exporters have also pledged to provide food and water to Qatar if needed. Trump's defence secretary, James Mattis, spoke to his Qatari counterpart to express commitment to the Gulf region's security. Qatar hosts 8,000 U.S. military personnel at al Udeid, the largest U.S. air base in the Middle East and a launchpad for U.S.-led strikes on Islamic State jihadists. The sudden isolation has spurred Qatar to hold talks with Turkey, Iran and others to secure food and water supplies, said a Qatari official. He said there were enough grain supplies for four weeks and Qatar also had large strategic food reserves. Abu Dhabi port authorities in the UAE have eased curbs on non-Qatari oil tankers going to and from Qatar, according to industry sources and shipping circulars seen by Reuters on Wednesday. Bans on Doha's fleet using regional ports and anchorages are threatening to halt some of its exports and disrupt those of liquefied natural gas (LNG). UAE-based newspaper Gulf News and pan-Arab channel Al-Arabiya reported the crackdown on expressions of sympathy with Qatar. "Strict and firm action will be taken against anyone who shows sympathy or any form of bias towards Qatar, or against anyone who objects to the position of the United Arab Emirates, whether it be through the means of social media, or any type of written, visual or verbal form," Gulf News quoted UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi as saying. On top of a possible jail term, offenders could also be hit with a fine of at least 500,000 dirhams ($136,000), the newspaper said, citing a statement to Arabic-language media. Slogans against and in support of Qatar have dominated Twitter in Arabic. Newspapers and television channels in the region have also been engaged in a war of words. UAE airlines Etihad and Emirates said all travellers holding Qatari passports were currently prohibited from travelling to or transiting through the emirates. They announced details of the restrictions after Australian carrier and Emirates partner Qantas Airways <QAN.AX> said it would not fly Qataris to Dubai because of the bans. Foreigners residing in Qatar in possession of a Qatari residence visa would also not be eligible for visas on arrival in the UAE, an Etihad spokesman said in an email. Gargash, the UAE minister, told Reuters in an interview it would be very complex to disentangle the "very diverse" business ties between Qatar and its neighbours but suggested this might be necessary. "You cannot rule out further measures. We hope that cooler heads will prevail, that wiser heads will prevail and we will not get to that." "Tensions are still high and mediation efforts by fellow Gulf Cooperation Council state Kuwait have yet to lead to a concrete solution, so investors will likely remain on edge," said one Dubai-based trader. (Reuters)

Trump offers to help resolve Gulf crisis, UAE tightens squeeze on Qatar

<p>Abu Dhabi&#39;s Etihad Airways said on Monday it would suspend flights to Qatar after the United Arab Emirates was among major Gulf states to sever ties with Doha in an unprecedented regional crisis.</p>

<p>Etihad said flights would stop on Tuesday, after the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours.</p>

<p>Etihad, which operates four return flights to Doha daily, said the measure will be in place &quot;until further notice&quot;.</p>

<p>Qatar Airways also announced&nbsp;that it has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia with immediate affect.</p>

<p>&quot;Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia&quot; until 1159 GMT the same day, a statement from the Doha-based carrier said.</p>

<p>A spokeswoman added that it was unclear if the suspension would be extended.</p>

<p>Other carriers from the three Gulf countries, including Dubai&#39;s Emirates, are likely to announce similar measures.</p>

<p>The unprecedented measures against Doha include ordering Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days and banning citizens of the three Gulf states from travelling to Qatar.</p>

<p>Doha airport, along with airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become major hubs after Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways seized a significant chunk of transcontinental travel on routes linking Western countries with Asia and Australasia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(AFP)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways said it would suspend flights to Qatar, while Qatar Airways has temporarily stopped its flights heading to Saudi Arabia

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways said on Monday it would suspend flights to Qatar after the United Arab Emirates was among major Gulf states to sever ties with Doha in an unprecedented regional crisis. Etihad said flights would stop on Tuesday, after the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours. Etihad, which operates four return flights to Doha daily, said the measure will be in place "until further notice". Qatar Airways also announced that it has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia with immediate affect. "Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" until 1159 GMT the same day, a statement from the Doha-based carrier said. A spokeswoman added that it was unclear if the suspension would be extended. Other carriers from the three Gulf countries, including Dubai's Emirates, are likely to announce similar measures. The unprecedented measures against Doha include ordering Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days and banning citizens of the three Gulf states from travelling to Qatar. Doha airport, along with airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become major hubs after Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways seized a significant chunk of transcontinental travel on routes linking Western countries with Asia and Australasia. (AFP)

Etihad, Qatar Airways suspend flight ops to deepen regional ban rift

<p>The foundation stone was <a href="http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/Hilton-kicks-off-second-Nairobi-high-end-hotel/539550-3939084-10rcyg7/">laid this week</a>&nbsp;in Nairobi, Kenya for what could be Africa&#39;s tallest building. The Pinnacle Towers, when completed, will stand 300 metres tall, 77 metres more than the current record holder -- the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="244" id="datawrapper-chart-FN22w" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" msallowfullscreen="msallowfullscreen" oallowfullscreen="oallowfullscreen" scrolling="no" src="//datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FN22w/1/" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">if("undefined"==typeof window.datawrapper)window.datawrapper={};window.datawrapper["FN22w"]={},window.datawrapper["FN22w"].embedDeltas={"100":433,"200":304,"300":270,"400":244,"500":244,"600":227,"700":227,"800":227,"900":227,"1000":227},window.datawrapper["FN22w"].iframe=document.getElementById("datawrapper-chart-FN22w"),window.datawrapper["FN22w"].iframe.style.height=window.datawrapper["FN22w"].embedDeltas[Math.min(1e3,Math.max(100*Math.floor(window.datawrapper["FN22w"].iframe.offsetWidth/100),100))]+"px",window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if("undefined"!=typeof a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var b in a.data["datawrapper-height"])if("FN22w"==b)window.datawrapper["FN22w"].iframe.style.height=a.data["datawrapper-height"][b]+"px"});</script></p>

<p>But how will the Pinnacle Towers compare to the world&#39;s tallest buildings?</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="388" id="datawrapper-chart-0TWdi" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" msallowfullscreen="msallowfullscreen" oallowfullscreen="oallowfullscreen" scrolling="no" src="//datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0TWdi/1/" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">if("undefined"==typeof window.datawrapper)window.datawrapper={};window.datawrapper["0TWdi"]={},window.datawrapper["0TWdi"].embedDeltas={"100":543,"200":457,"300":431,"400":388,"500":388,"600":388,"700":388,"800":388,"900":388,"1000":388},window.datawrapper["0TWdi"].iframe=document.getElementById("datawrapper-chart-0TWdi"),window.datawrapper["0TWdi"].iframe.style.height=window.datawrapper["0TWdi"].embedDeltas[Math.min(1e3,Math.max(100*Math.floor(window.datawrapper["0TWdi"].iframe.offsetWidth/100),100))]+"px",window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if("undefined"!=typeof a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var b in a.data["datawrapper-height"])if("0TWdi"==b)window.datawrapper["0TWdi"].iframe.style.height=a.data["datawrapper-height"][b]+"px"});</script></p>

<p>From the chart above, we see that the Pinnacle Towers will be just a third of the height of the world&#39;s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. There is an even taller building under construction in the Persian Gulf, the 1000-metre-tall Jeddah Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which will be completed by 2020.</p>

<p>And what do the tallest buildings in South Asia compare to the world&#39;s tallest?</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="220" id="datawrapper-chart-NqFvF" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" msallowfullscreen="msallowfullscreen" oallowfullscreen="oallowfullscreen" scrolling="no" src="//datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NqFvF/1/" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">if("undefined"==typeof window.datawrapper)window.datawrapper={};window.datawrapper["NqFvF"]={},window.datawrapper["NqFvF"].embedDeltas={"100":444,"200":286,"300":260,"400":246,"500":246,"600":220,"700":220,"800":220,"900":220,"1000":220},window.datawrapper["NqFvF"].iframe=document.getElementById("datawrapper-chart-NqFvF"),window.datawrapper["NqFvF"].iframe.style.height=window.datawrapper["NqFvF"].embedDeltas[Math.min(1e3,Math.max(100*Math.floor(window.datawrapper["NqFvF"].iframe.offsetWidth/100),100))]+"px",window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if("undefined"!=typeof a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var b in a.data["datawrapper-height"])if("NqFvF"==b)window.datawrapper["NqFvF"].iframe.style.height=a.data["datawrapper-height"][b]+"px"});</script></p>

<p>The tallest building in South Asia at present is the 256-metre-tall Imperial 1 building in Mumbai, India. This will soon be&nbsp;displaced&nbsp;by the 442-metre-tall World One building under construction in the same city.</p>


The 300-metre-tall Pinnacle Towers, when completed, will still be hundreds of metres shorter than the world's tallest buildings

The foundation stone was laid this week in Nairobi, Kenya for what could be Africa's tallest building. The Pinnacle Towers, when completed, will stand 300 metres tall, 77 metres more than the current record holder -- the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. But how will the Pinnacle Towers compare to the world's tallest buildings? From the chart above, we see that the Pinnacle Towers will be just a third of the height of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. There is an even taller building under construction in the Persian Gulf, the 1000-metre-tall Jeddah Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which will be completed by 2020. And what do the tallest buildings in South Asia compare to the world's tallest? The tallest building in South Asia at present is the 256-metre-tall Imperial 1 building in Mumbai, India. This will soon be displaced by the 442-metre-tall World One building under construction in the same city.

Africa's tallest building is coming up in Kenya. How does it compare to the world's tallest?

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