https://www.sahilonline.net/en/gulf-news SahilOnline, Leading news portal from Coastal Karnataka, bringing you latest updates from the Coast, State, Nation and the World, in Kannada, Urdu and English. Gulf News https://www.sahilonline.net/en/sahilonline-is-now-available-on-new-address-site-is-still-under-construction SahilOnline's new news portal is in final stages of development, readers are requested to access SahilOnline's new website at this address. www.sahilonline.org https://www.sahilonline.net/en/cop-28-president-appreciates-indias-goal-of-achieving-500-gw-clean-energy-by-2030 UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber attended the Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable meeting in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Al Jaber noted the significant rise in investment in renewable energy in recent years and India’s drive to add 500 GW of clean energy in its energy output by 2030. He also highlighted that UAE is keen to partner with India and the world on advancing clean energies. In his first international visit as the UAE COP 28 President Designate, Al Jaber made the case of COP 28 of a pro-growth and a pro-climate agenda to support an all-inclusive energy transition that leaves no one behind. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/ajman-union-minister-of-state-v-muraleedharan-visits-thumbay-medicity Thumbay Medicity was honored by the visit of V Muraleedharan, union minister of state for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs of India, Dr AmanPuri, consul general of India and Vipul, joint secretary, Minister of External Affairs (India) on Saturday, January 21, which aimed to strengthen ties between Thumbay Group and the government of India in areas of higher education, healthcare and research. President and founder, Dr Thumbay Moideen received the delegation in his office. The meeting was further graced with senior officials from the group. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/jan-bros-bpl-2023-mega-cricket-tournament-all-set-to-begin-tomorrow-in-sharjah The wait is about to be over for cricket fans as the thrilling tenth edition of the 'Bhatkal Premier League' is all set to commence on Sunday, 22nd January (tomorrow) at the JMR Oval Ground in Sharjah. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/dk-shivakumar-invites-suggestions-from-kannadiga-nris-for-global-karnataka-better-karnataka As part of assembly poll preparations, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief D K Shivakumar on Tuesday released a video on social media inviting Kannadiga NRIs to share their suggestions for the party manifesto, ‘Global Karnataka, Better Karnataka.’ https://www.sahilonline.net/en/thumbay-labs-launch-19-short-term-online-programs-thumbay-university-hospital-inaugurates-the-centre-of-excellence-for-bone-and-joint In a bid to strengthen UAE’s national healthcare system, Thumbay Group’s two business divisions, Thumbay Labs and Thumbay University hospital, launched 19 short–term online programs and the Centre of Excellence for Bone and Joint, respectively, on December 6th 2022. Shri D. K. Shivakumar, President-Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, India, visited the Thumbay Medicity, gracing the inaugural event as the chief guest along with Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President, Thumbay Group, Dr. Nasir Pervez, Director of Thumbay Labs and Professor Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/ajman-ruler-awards-439-degrees-to-health-professionals-at-the-biggest-convocation-ceremony-held-at-gulf-medical-university-for-students-from-43-nationalities Students totaling up to the tune of 154 from College of Medicine, 68 belonging to College of Dentistry, 42 from the Pharmacy, 125 from the College of Health Sciences, 38 from the College of Nursing and 12 from the College of Healthcare Management and Economics were conferred this year; the graduates belong to 43 different nationalities https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-flights-indian-consulate-issues-revised-guidelines-for-passengers-with-single-name-in-passport The guidelines for Indian passengers with a single name on their passports have been updated. Earlier this week, Air India Express said in a circular to travel agents that “any passport holder with a single name (word) either in surname or given name will not be accepted by UAE immigration and the passenger will be considered as INAD" — a term which stands for inadmissible passenger. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-arabia-declares-public-holiday-after-historic-fifa-world-cup-win Tomorrow, November 23, will be a public holiday in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom announced on Tuesday, in celebration of its historic win in the Fifa World Cup. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/jebel-ali-free-zone-will-get-uaes-first-shrimp-farm-using-latest-sustainability-practices The first shrimp farm in the region to be built on updated sustainability practices will come up in Jebel Ali Free Zone. This follows agreement between Prime Aquaculture, a subsidiary of Emirates National Aquaculture, with JAFZA for a ‘shrimp RAS farm’. It should ready to launch operations by first quarter 2023. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/qatar-emir-calls-for-civilized-communication-at-world-cup Qatar's emir launched the 2022 World Cup on Sunday with a call for the tournament to be a forum for "civilised communication" after more than a decade of controversy. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani took centre stage after an elaborate display of dancing in a scene involving swirling desert sands, scimitar swords and 21st century pop stars, all taking place in a stadium styled on a Bedouin tent. The emir did not mention the attacks made on his Gulf state's rights record or corruption allegations. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/vp-dhankhar-visit-to-attend-fifa-wc-is-strong-message-of-close-india-qatar-ties-envoy Doha [Qatar]:  Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's trip to Doha to attend the FIFA World Cup is a strong message of the close ties enjoyed between India and Qatar, said Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the state of Qatar. Speaking to ANI, Mittal said the Indian community there is happy and proud that the Vice President of India has arrived in Doha to represent India at the inauguration of the FIFA World Cup here in Qatar. On Sunday, Dhankhar is on a two-day visit to the country at the invitation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. "It is a remarkable moment for the region and in Qatar. This is the first time that the World Cup is being held in this part of the World and so close to India. India being represented and the Vice President's visit is a very strong message of very close ties enjoyed between India and Qatar," he said. The Indian envoy said Dhankhar's visit reflects the age-old civilizational connect and the strong bond between the people of India and Qatar from ages. "The strong community of 8,00,000 who have made Qatar their second home," he said. Ambassador Mittal said that the Indian community have been involved FIFA World Cup organisation in one way or other. "Whether contributing to the building of the infrastructure related to FIFA or in terms of supporting, or India being one of the largest fans who are coming to watch this FIFA World Cup." The Vice President's visit would be an opportunity to join a close and friendly country Qatar as it hosts a major sporting event and also to acknowledge the role played and support extended by Indians in this World Cup. During his visit, besides attending the inaugural ceremony on November 20, the Vice President will also interact with the members of the Indian community. Further underlining the importance of Dhankhar's visit, Mittal said this is a historic moment and the visit of the Vice President to Qatar to attend the inaugural ceremony today. "It will be an important milestone in the India-Qatar partnership and relationship. We are also going to celebrate the 50th year of the establishment of full diplomatic relations between India and Qatar next year," he said. On the bilateral, the Indian envoy said, the two countries have a strong multifaceted bilateral cooperation which encompasses so many years, like trade, investment, energy, people-to-people (ties), culture and education. "This visit certainly deepens the bond of friendship and will be very important for strengthening the bilateral relationship. His presence at this juncture also is the source of the Indian community in Qatar," he said.  https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-crown-prince-pledges-support-for-qatar-during-fifa-world-cup Riyadh [Saudi Arabia]: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has ordered his government to provide support for Qatar in the course of the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Saudi Sports Ministry said on Sunday. The month-long international football tournament is taking place from November 20-December 18 in Qatar. "Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has instructed the ministries and government bodies to provide additional support or funding for the Qatari counterparts to endorse their efforts in holding the FIFA World Cup 2022," the ministry said in a statement. In 2017, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of meddling and sponsoring terrorism, according to Sputnik. Doha has consistently denied the accusations, insisting that the neighbors' discontent with its economic successes was behind their hostile policies. The impasse was overcome in January when the Saudi-hosted 41st summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council adopted a declaration on restoring unity among the Gulf countries. The first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world is expected to be the most expensive in football competitions. The Qatari authorities have previously said that hosting the World Cup would cost the country about USD 200 billion, considering the construction of stadiums, subways, new roads, hotels, and large-scale reconstruction of the entire infrastructure in the country.  https://www.sahilonline.net/en/oil-war-saudi-crown-prince-courts-asia-amid-row-with-washington RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince has embarked on a multi-stop Asian tour, shoring up the Gulf nation's ties with its biggest energy market and signalling growing independence from Washington amid a bitter row over oil supply. Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's 37-year-old de facto ruler, left Monday for the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. The official Saudi Press Agency said the trip would include "a number of Asian countries", though officials have not yet confirmed details of the itinerary. A likely stop is South Korea, where local media reported the crown prince will meet business leaders. He is then expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, starting Friday in Bangkok. The trip comes as Riyadh feuds with Washington over the OPEC+ oil cartel's October decision to cut production by two million barrels per day. Amid spiralling inflation and high energy prices, the White House worked hard to prevent cuts in oil production. In July, US President Joe Biden visited Jeddah, reversing a 2019 pledge to make Saudi Arabia a "pariah" over its human rights abuses, notably the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. The US blasted OPEC+'s cuts as akin to "aligning with Russia" in the Ukraine war, and warned of unspecified "consequences." Though both Biden and Prince Mohammed are in Bali for the G20 summit, the White House says the president has no plans for a bilateral meeting. Despite announcing record profits from oil sales in recent months, Saudi officials vigorously defend their policies as driven purely by economics. The standoff has done little to curb speculation about the kingdom's shift away from its longtime security and energy partner. Prince Mohammed's latest trip makes that shift seem even more plausible, said Umar Karim, an expert on Saudi politics at the University of Birmingham. "This is a trip to further instil coordination with energy markets in Asia, but also to show to the wider Western world, and essentially to the United States, that Saudi Arabia is not lacking in options in terms of partnerships," he said. Energy ties Sealed at the end of World War II, Saudi-US ties are often described as an oil-for-security arrangement. Yet for the past decade, Saudi crude's top export markets have been in Asia: China, Japan, South Korea and India. Saudi officials, therefore, began placing special emphasis on cultivating ties in the region well before Prince Mohammed became heir to the throne five years ago, explained Aziz Alghashian, an analyst of Saudi foreign policy. "But what I would say is the market- and economic-driven foreign policy of Saudi Arabia now has amplified this and expedited these kinds of trips and this focus on Asia," he said. Prince Mohammed's meetings with Asian leaders are likely to touch on a number of initiatives to facilitate further exports to the region, including possible refinery and storage facility projects, said Kaho Yu, an Asia energy specialist at risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft. "It is not just about buying the oil from Saudi Arabia. It is more about trying to expand cooperation along the supply chain," he said. Saudi Arabia could also partner with Asian countries on crude alternatives. On Monday, energy giant Saudi Aramco and Indonesia's state-owned company, Pertamina announced plans to explore "collaboration across the hydrogen and ammonia" sectors. The timing of energy talks with Asian partners is key, coming just weeks before the next OPEC+ meeting on December 4, which will likely put global disputes over energy supplies back in the headlines. Nobody's 'sidekick' Prince Mohammed's Asia tour also precedes a trip to Saudi Arabia by Chinese President Xi Jinping planned for December. Though no date is confirmed, Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said last month the kingdom was "finalising preparations" for talks with Xi that would also involve other Arab countries. Developing stronger ties with China sends the strongest possible signal of Riyadh's move to balance its relations with global powers, pursuing a "Saudi first" oriented foreign policy. "They are still very much reliant on the US when it comes to security, but they are showing that they are exploring other strategic relations, maybe gradually trying to become less dependent on the US," said Torbjorn Soltvedt of Verisk Maplecroft. "I think it's very important for the Saudis to project that they are not taking sides in this," said Karim, of the University of Birmingham. "The current trend in Saudi foreign policy is that of a player on its own, not some sort of a lackey or a sidekick of a bigger power." https://www.sahilonline.net/en/bhatkal-premier-league-t20-cricket-tournament-to-kick-off-on-jan-22-in-sharjah Bhatkal Premier League (BPL's) Xth edition is scheduled to begin on Jan 22, 2023 at JMR Ground ( Dhaid Road, Sharjah) and will last until Feb 12, 2023. The tournament will be participated by 8 teams split into two groups and top two teams from each group will Qualify to play Semifinals. This Year BPL tournament Title sponsored by Dubai Based Company Jan Bros. briefed by Newly Elected BPL Commissioner Mr Taha Muallim in a press release https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-sovereign-wealth-fund-invested-over-usd-10-billion-in-last-5-years-in-india-ambassador-of-india-to-uae UAE believes in India’s growth story and its sovereign wealth funds have invested more than USD 10 billion in India, said Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAE. Addressing realtors’ apex body C https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-uae-back-cuts-to-oil-production-as-us-warns-of-uncertainty Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates defended on Monday a decision by OPEC and its allies to cut oil production, even as an American envoy warned of "economic uncertainty" ahead for the world. While cordial, the comments at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference showed the stark divide between the United States and Gulf Arab countries it supports militarily in the wider Middle East. Already, American politicians have threatened arms deals with the kingdom and described it as siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid his war on Ukraine. Saudi Arabia's energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, hinted at that in brief remarks at the event. "We don't owe it to anybody but us," the prince said to applause, noting that upcoming U.N. climate change summits will be held in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. "It was done for us, by us, for our future, and we need to commit ourselves to that." https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-flags-key-agri-sector-issues-rice-export-in-meet-with-uae-minister India on Friday flagged to the UAE some of the issues faced by its agriculture sector, including problems faced by rice exporters, during a meeting here. S Vikramjit Singh, MP, Chair, India-Arab Council, and Member of the India-UAE Joint Task Force, met Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of UAE and discussed various areas of bilateral cooperation. Singh said that trade with the UAE would take new dimensions with two major bilateral agreements already in place. He also flagged issues faced by the Indian agriculture exporters to the Gulf nation. Major discussions took place between both sides regarding trade between India and the UAE after the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Singh said in a statement. Singh, a member of the India-UAE Joint Task Force, flagged the key issues faced by the agriculture sector regarding the rejection of rice exports from India due to the presence of pesticide residue. He emphasised on having accredited labs of mutually-acceptable standards together with fast-track approval for Pharma products from India, said the statement. Singh also requested the minister to reduce the minimum threshold for investment, for 100 per cent ownership in health and other sectors, which is currently pegged at AED 100 million. Singh requested the minister for early conclusion of the UAE-India Bilateral Investment Treaty, to streamline the working of India and UAE joint ventures, the statement said. Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE expressed his satisfaction on deeper engagement with India in trade and investment and assured UAE's investment in India, it said. Singh also stressed on bilateral trade and the key areas between Punjab and the UAE. On behalf of Punjab's Chief Minister, Singh also discussed investment in the infrastructure sector, basmati export and agri-processing sectors by the UAE in Punjab. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-arabia-announces-400-million-humanitarian-aid-to-ukraine Saudi Arabia will provide $400 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Saudi state news agency SPA said, adding that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-arabias-powerful-crown-prince-appointed-prime-minister-by-royal-decree Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was appointed prime minister on Tuesday by royal decree. The crown prince, who is heir to the throne held by King Salman, already wields wide powers and is seen as the kingdom's day-to-day leader. The royal decree appointing him as prime minister was carried by the Saudi Press Agency. It said King Salman will continue to chair the Cabinet meetings that he attends. The 37-year-old crown prince, widely known by the acronym MBS, has taken the lead on Vision 2030, the kingdom's wide-ranging plan to transform its economy and end its dependency on oil. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/brotherhood-spiritual-leader-yusuf-al-qaradawi-dies-at-age-96 Great Islamic scholar and Muslim Brotherhood spiritual leader Yusuf Al Qarazawi  has died at the age of 96, his official website and Twitter account announced on Monday. The cause of death was not immediately clear but he has faced years of poor health recently. His son, Abdul Rahman Yusuf al-Qaradawi, confirmed the news on his Twitter account. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/fire-in-ai-express-planes-engine-at-muscat-airport-151-people-evacuated-on-taxiway As many as 151 people were evacuated from an Air India Express plane at the Muscat airport on Wednesday after fire and smoke were noticed in one of the engines and aviation regulator DGCA is probing the incident, according to officials. The incident happened when the Kochi-bound Boeing 737-800 aircraft was taxiing at the airport. Some passengers suffered minor bruises at the time of evacuation, the officials said. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-saudi-collaboration-holds-promise-of-shared-growth-prosperity-eam-jaishankar Underlining the importance of the strategic relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday that the collaboration holds the promise of shared growth, prosperity, stability, security and development. Jaishankar, who arrived here on Saturday on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss ways to further strengthen relations between the two countries, addressed diplomats at the Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh this morning. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/pm-modi-writes-to-uae-president-sheikh-mohamed-to-further-cement-bilateral-strategic-ties Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to further strengthen the strategic relations between the two countries and the prospects of developing them to serve their common interests, the official media here reported. Prime Minister Modi's letter was delivered by the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the UAE President Mohamed when he called on him here on Friday during his just-concluded visit to the Gulf nation. Jaishankar was in the UAE this week to attend the meetings of the 14th session of the UAE-India Joint Committee and the 3rd session of the UAE-India Strategic Dialogue. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/dubai-bound-flight-receives-hoax-bomb-threat-call A bomb threat call received to a Dubai-bound private carrier on Saturday turned out to be a hoax, authorities said. Following the anonymous call received at the police control room, a thorough check was undertaken by the security agencies to ascertain if any explosive items were planted in the Indigo aircraft, airport officials said. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-leader-in-france-to-discuss-russian-energy-alternatives French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the leader of the United Arab Emirates on Monday to ensure energy supplies from the oil-rich Gulf country as Europe prepares for the possibility of a total cutoff of Russian natural gas in retaliation for sanctions over the war in Ukraine. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in Paris on the first state visit to France since he was appointed president of the Western-allied nation of seven sheikhdoms in May. Sheikh Mohammed has been the nation's de facto leader since 2014 and has built new alliances across the Middle East and Europe. He met with US President Joe Biden over the weekend. France has deep ties to the UAE, and the two leaders have developed a personal relationship. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-warns-against-unrealistic-policies-to-curb-emissions Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned Saturday that "unrealistic policies" to curb emissions could fuel inflation, as he chaired a summit bringing together Arab leaders and US President Joe Biden. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/us-will-not-walk-away-from-middle-east-joe-biden-tells-arab-leaders President Joe Biden assured Arab leaders the United States would remain fully engaged in the Middle East on Saturday, as he wrapped up his first tour of the region since taking office. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-to-invest-usd-2-billion-to-develop-integrated-food-parks-across-india NEW DELHI: The United Arab Emirates will invest USD 2 billion to develop a series of integrated food parks across India under the framework of the four-nation grouping 'I2U2'. The decision was announced after the leaders of the grouping -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan -- held the first virtual summit. A joint statement said the I2U2 leaders' meeting focused on food security crisis and clean energy and that they discussed innovative ways to ensure longer-term, more diversified food production and food delivery systems. The grouping is known as 'I2U2' with "I" standing for India and Israel and "U" for the US and the UAE. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/arafat-the-day-of-the-greatest-pilgrimage The crowds of pilgrims flocked to Arafat on Friday 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1443 AH, which marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, seeking from God Almighty to grant them forgiveness and mercy. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/one-million-pilgrims-begin-standing-at-arafat-marking-climax-of-hajj Marking the climax of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, around one million pilgrims ascended on Friday the vast plains of Arafat. Pilgrims in seamless white clothes - resembling a white sea of humanity -started their ritual of standing at Arafat, the most important pillar of Hajj, this afternoon. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-arabia-broadcasts-arafat-sermon-in-10-international-languages Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gathered on Friday at the sacred hill of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for an intense day of worship and reflection on what is considered the climax of the Islamic hajj pilgrimage. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/hajj-pilgrims-arrive-safely-at-mount-arafat Security authorities have confirmed that all this year's Hajj pilgrims were transported from Mina to Arafat early Friday morning in ease and comfort, adding the security cordon around the holy sites will continue for one more day to prevent entry of violations. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/dubai-implements-green-tariff-on-single-use-plastic-bags Dubai has started imposing a 25-fils (6 US cents) tariff for each single-use plastic bag, which is part of the UAE’s plan to gradually ban the use of some single-use plastic products by 2024. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/in-a-special-gesture-uae-president-receives-pm-modi-at-airport In a special gesture, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan came to the airport here to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. “I am touched by the special gesture of my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of coming to welcome me at Abu Dhabi airport. My gratitude to him,” the Prime Minister said in a tweet. PM Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi today on a special visit to pay personal condolences on the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former UAE President and Abu Dhabi Ruler. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/iraq-libya-join-over-a-dozen-muslim-countries-in-condemning-controversial-remarks-against-prophet Iraq and Libya have joined over a dozen Muslim countries in condemning the controversial remarks made by now-suspended and expelled BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammad. In response to a statement issued by the Parliamentary Committee on Awqaf and Tribals of Iraq on the controversial tweets, the Spokesperson of the Embassy of India in Iraq on Monday clarified that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. The Iraqi statement said that "these abuses, malicious and disgraceful acts will have serious repercussions and, if not contained, may lead to dire consequences that will have unimaginable consequences for the peaceful coexistence, as well as increase strife and tensions between peoples," according to the official Iraqi News Agency - INA. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-arabia-joins-other-nations-in-condemning-suspended-bjp-leaders-remarks-against-prophet-mohammed Saudi Arabia on Monday joined Qatar, Iran and Kuwait to express its condemnation of the controversial remarks of a BJP leader against Prophet Mohammed and called for “respect for beliefs and religions.” In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its condemnation and denunciation of the statements made by the BJP spokesperson, saying it insulted Prophet Mohammed. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/qatar-kuwait-iran-summon-indian-envoys-over-controversial-remarks-of-bjp-leader-against-prophet Weeks ahead of its Foreign Minister's India visit, Tehran has summoned the Indian envoy to its Foreign Ministry over the comments of now expelled and suspended BJP leaders on Prophet Mohammad. Prior to Iran, Qatar and Kuwait on Sunday summoned India's Ambassadors and handed over to them protest notes on what the Gulf countries called categorical "rejection and condemnation" of the controversial remarks of a BJP leader against Prophet Mohammed. Seeking to defuse a diplomatic row, a spokesperson of the Indian Embassy in Qatar said that the "Ambassador conveyed that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. These are the views of fringe elements." https://www.sahilonline.net/en/world-leaders-descend-on-uae-to-pay-respects-to-late-ruler An array of presidents and prime ministers continued to descend on the United Arab Emirates from around the world on Sunday to pay their respects to the federation's late ruler. They also came to praise his successor, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a vivid sign of Abu Dhabi's influence in Western and Arab capitals. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/vp-naidu-in-uae-to-convey-indias-condolences-over-death-of-sheikh-khalifa Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the UAE on Sunday to offer India's condolences over the demise of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/pm-modi-extends-best-wishes-to-new-uae-president  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his best wishes to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after he was appointed as the new president of the United Arab Emirates. Modi expressed confidence that under his dynamic and visionary leadership, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries will continue to deepen. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-president-sheikh-khalifa-bin-zayed-passes-away UAE President and ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away on Friday, local media reports quoting the Ministry of Presidential Affairs said. He was 73. "The Ministry of Presidential Affairs condoles the people of the UAE, the Arab and Islamic nation and the world over the demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE,” the WAM news agency said in a statement. Sheikh Khalifa served as the President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/putin-bin-salman-discuss-bilateral-ties-oil Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Saturday, their second call since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/boris-johnson-in-uae-saudi-arabia-to-press-for-more-oil British Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrived in the Gulf on Wednesday for meetings in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia aimed at easing skyrocketing gasoline prices, as the West grapples with economic headwinds from Russia's war in Ukraine. Johnson will be seeking greater investments in the UK's renewable energy transition and ways to secure more oil to lessen British dependence on Russian energy supplies. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/dubai-does-away-with-rapid-pcr-test-at-airport-for-travellors-from-india Dubai on Tuesday removed the requirements for Indian travellers to undergo rapid RTPCR at Indian airports before departing to UAE. An advisory issued by the Dubai Airport updated the travel requirements for passengers from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The fresh advisory requires Indian nationals to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate taken up to 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight, from an approved health service provider. The passengers will require to undergo a PCR test upon their arrival in Dubai. For transit passengers, the rules governing entry at the final destination will be applicable. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-uae-will-stand-shoulder-to-shoulder-against-terrorism-narendra-modi India and the UAE will stand shoulder to shoulder against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday at a virtual summit with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-uae-entering-golden-era-of-economic-trade-cooperation-piyush-goyal Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday held a bilateral meeting with the UAE delegation led by Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. He said that both the countries are entering a golden era of economic and trade cooperation with the signing of India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-uae-issue-joint-vision-statement-after-pm-modi-abu-dhabi-crown-prince-virtual-summit India and UAE issued a joint vision statement after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a virtual summit on Friday. The Prime Minister's Office said both leaders expressed deep satisfaction at the continuous growth in bilateral relations in all sectors. The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince issued a Joint Vision Statement "Advancing the India and UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: New Frontiers, New Milestone". https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-uae-to-sign-comprehensive-trade-pact-on-friday  India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will firm up a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Friday during a virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, people familiar with the development said. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/kerala-cm-inaugurates-kerala-pavilion-at-dubai-expo-2020  Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday inaugurated the Kerala pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 and welcomed the companies and businesses in the UAE to take advantage of the present business friendly environment in the southern state. Vijayan, while addressing a gathering at the Expo, said over the years, Kerala has invested heavily in connectivity, communication networks, skill development and infrastructure, giving the State an intrinsic advantage for growth in industry. Making it clear that Kerala aims to attract investment in Healthcare, Life Sciences, Petrochemical, Aviation, Defence, Food Processing sectors, Vijayan said about 52 per cent of the existing industrial units in the State were established in the last six years. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/sheikh-mohamed-bin-rashid-receives-kerala-cm-in-dubai Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, currently touring the UAE, on Wednesday visited the Dubai Expo 2020 venue where he was received by Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. During the meeting, the Chief Minister thanked Sheik Mohamed bin Rashid for his country's support in the development of Kerala, a CMO release said. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-oman-to-identify-new-avenues-to-enhance-defence-industry-cooperation Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday met Oman's Defence Ministry's Secretary-General Dr Mohammed Bin Nasser Bin Ali Al-Zaabi and decided to identify new avenues and examine areas of mutual interest to enhance defence industry cooperation. According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, Oman's Defence Ministry's Secretary-General briefed Rajnath Singh about the 11th India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee Meeting (JMCC) on bilateral defence cooperation which was held yesterday in New Delhi. The JMCC meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Secretary General at the Ministry of Defence, Oman. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/kerala-cm-meets-with-uae-minister-in-dubai Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on a visit to the UAE, said he had met with the Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri in Dubai on Monday and held talks on industrial investment. "Had a fruitful interaction with Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy. Discussed the welfare of NRKs and the prospects of fresh investments in Kerala's industrial sector", the Chief Minister tweeted after the talks. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/kuwait-suspends-iraq-flights-after-baghdad-airport-attack Kuwait suspended flights to Iraq for a week starting Sunday citing security fears after a rocket attack targeted Baghdad international airport. Iraqi authorities, meanwhile, announced an attacker had been apprehended. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/israel-president-on-1st-visit-to-uae-amid-regional-tension Israel's figurehead president met the powerful crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Sunday on the first official visit to the United Arab Emirates by the country's head of state, the latest sign of deepening ties between the two nations as tensions rise in the region. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-us-intercept-houthi-missile-attack-targeting-abu-dhabi The United Arab Emirates and the U.S. military intercepted two ballistic missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels over the skies of Abu Dhabi early Monday, authorities said, the second attack in a week that targeted the Emirati capital. The missile fire further escalates tensions across the Persian Gulf, which previously had seen a series of assaults near — but never indisputably on — Emirati soil. It comes during Yemen's yearslong war and the collapse of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers. The 2,000 American troops at Al-Dhafra Air Base in the capital took shelter in bunkers during the attack and launched Patriot missiles, a rare return of fire. The attacks threaten the business-friendly, tourism-focused efforts of the Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula also home to Dubai. For years, the country has marketed itself as a safe corner of an otherwise-dangerous neighborhood. Videos on social media showed the sky over Abu Dhabi light up before dawn Monday, with what appeared to be interceptor missiles racing into the clouds to target the incoming fire. Two explosions later thundered through the city. The videos corresponded to known features of Abu Dhabi. The state-run WAM news agency said that missile fragments fell harmlessly over Abu Dhabi. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/bhatkal-premier-league-2022-asjad-hyder-emerges-as-the-costliest-player-in-the-auction-tournament-set-to-begin-from-6th-feb-in-uae Asjad Hyder, an all-rounder performer from Asadullah Bhatkal, was the biggest buy in the Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) players' auction, which was organized by the tournament's governing council here on Saturday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Asjad Hyder, who began with a base point of one, was finally bought by 'Galaxy Titans' for a whopping 113 points. Safwan Shanu from YMSA, who is also an all-rounder performer, emerged as the second highest bid player with 110 points for 'DVS United'. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/suspected-drone-attack-in-abu-dhabi-kills-2-indians-and-1-pakistani-wounds-6 A possible drone attack may have sparked an explosion that struck three oil tankers in Abu Dhabi and another fire at an extension of Abu Dhabi International Airport on Monday that killed three people and wounded six, police said. Abu Dhabi police identified the dead as two Indian nationals and one Pakistani. It did not identify the wounded, who police said suffered minor or moderate wounds. Police said an investigation was underway. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/fire-at-kuwait-refinery-kills-two-and-critically-injures-five A fire erupted in Kuwait during maintenance work at a major oil refinery on Friday, killing two workers and critically injuring five others, the Kuwait National Petroleum Company said. This is the second fire to erupt at the Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery in as little as three months. In October, the state-owned oil company reported a fire had erupted at the facility, with some workers suffering from smoke inhalation and others being treated for light burns. In this latest fire, the company said, two Asian contract workers died. Their bodies were discovered on site. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/dubai-hundreds-of-lives-saved-after-collision-between-two-india-bound-flights-averted Hundreds of lives were saved on Sunday after a major collision between two Emirates planes was averted during take-off at Dubai airport. EK-524 Dubai to Hyderabad was scheduled for take-off at 9:45 PM and EK-568 Dubai to Bengaluru Emirates flight was also scheduled to take off for its destination. Unfortunately, the two aircraft that were scheduled for take-off came on one runway. According to the Emirates flight schedule, there is a five-minute gap between the departure times of both flights. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-princess-freed-after-nearly-three-years-in-jail Saudi authorities have released a princess detained in the kingdom under mysterious circumstances for nearly three years, her supporters said on Sunday. The princess, Basmah bint Saud, a daughter of Saudi Arabia’s second king, disappeared in March 2019 and landed in a notorious Saudi prison without charge, she wrote on social media at the time. The reason for her arrest along with her daughter was not clear, as she never wielded significant influence. But it marked the latest case against a royal family member as the headstrong Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman consolidated power as the kingdom’s de factor leader. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/no-international-travel-for-non-vaccinated-citizens-from-jan-10-uae CAIRO: The United Arab Emirates will ban non-vaccinated citizens from traveling abroad from Jan. 10, the state news agency WAM reported on Saturday, citing the foreign ministry and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority. The report said that fully vaccinated citizens would also require a booster shot to be eligible to travel. The ban would not apply to those with medical or humanitarian exemptions. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/pm-modis-planned-visit-to-uae-postponed  Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first half of next month has been postponed, people familiar with the development said on Wednesday. The prime minister was scheduled to visit the strategically important Gulf nation around January 6, they said. The people cited above said the visit has been postponed in view of the rising cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant and that it could take place in February. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/pm-likely-to-visit-uae-by-first-half-of-next-month Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first half of next month which would be his first trip abroad in 2022, people familiar with the development said on Monday. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/highly-vaccinated-uae-reports-most-coronavirus-cases-in-months The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday recorded its highest daily virus caseload in months, a spike that comes as the omicron variant races across the globe and the Mideast tourist hub prepares to welcome hordes of tourists for the holidays. The UAE reported 452 infections in the past 24 hours, including two deaths - an increase not seen in the highly vaccinated Gulf Arab state since mid-September. Infections had plummeted to record lows, around 50 a day, just over a week ago, contributing to a sense in the freewheeling entrepot of Dubai that the worst of the pandemic was over and life could return to normal. A nationwide mask mandate remains in place outdoors, but Dubai's bars and restaurants have been teeming with mask-less revelers. Most luxury hotels report that they're booked through the December holidays. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/mansukh-mandaviya-uae-counterpart-focus-on-increasing-cooperation-in-medical-tourism-pharma-sector Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday met with his UAE counterpart Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais and discussed strengthening bilateral relations in the health sector between the two countries. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-seeking-to-deepen-historical-trade-ties-with-uae-in-new-sectors-like-fintech-foreign-secy-shringla Terming India and the United Arab Emirates as historical trading partners across the Gulf, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Monday said that New Delhi is looking to further this partnership in terms of cutting edge technology and financing, among other areas of cooperation. Speaking at India Global Forum 2021 in Dubai, Shringla highlighted the significant relationship between India and the UAE and Dubai. "India and UAE and Dubai are amongst most important partners. It is a multipolar, multi alliance world. There are significant and rapidly growing conferences of interest between India and UAE based on proximity, common interest and other," he said. "India and UAE have traded for centuries. Historically we are national trading partners across the Gulf," the Foreign Secretary added. Speaking about the energy sector, he said: "In the energy sector we found a new partnership that has done very well for itself and we are seeing that UAE investing in our strategic petroleum reserves, and an investment of many of the major oil companies of India into UAE and visa versa." https://www.sahilonline.net/en/5-lakh-visitors-in-70-days-india-at-dubai-expo-stands-tall The India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai has achieved another milestone by recording half a million visitors' mark since its inauguration on 1st October 2021 by the Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-govt-announces-four-and-half-day-working-week Abu Dhabi [UAE]: The UAE Government is to adopt a new four and a half-day working week, effective from January 1, 2022. The move applies to Federal government entities and comes alongside new working hours, with Monday to Thursday workdays now starting at 7:30 am and ending at 3:30 pm, and Friday working hours from 7.30 am - 12 pm. Alongside the move, Friday sermons and prayers across the UAE will be held from 1:15 pm. Government staff will have the flexibility to make arrangements to work from home on Fridays, as well as to arrange their working hours on a flexi-time basis. The UAE is the first nation in the world to introduce a national working week shorter than the global five-day week. The extended weekend comes as part of the UAE government's efforts to boost work-life balance and enhance social wellbeing, while increasing performance to advance the UAE's economic competitiveness. Adopting an agile working system will enable the UAE to rapidly respond to emerging changes and enhance wellbeing in the workplace. From an economic perspective, the new working week will better align the UAE with global markets, reflecting the country's strategic status on the global economic map. It will ensure smooth financial, trade and economic transactions with countries that follow a Saturday/Sunday weekend, facilitating stronger international business links and opportunities for thousands of UAE-based and multinational companies. The new working week will also bring the UAE's financial sector into closer alignment with global real-time trading and communications-based transactions such as those driving global stock markets, banks and financial institutions. The move is expected to boost not only trading opportunities but also add to the flexible, secure and enjoyable lifestyle the UAE offers to its citizens and residents. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources proposed the new workweek following comprehensive benchmarking and feasibility studies reflecting potential impacts of the move on the economy, social and family ties and the overall wellbeing of people in the UAE.  https://www.sahilonline.net/en/jaishankar-flags-sharpening-of-tensions-on-territorial-issues-across-asia-amidst-chinas-rise The consequences of China's rise and its growing capabilities are "particularly profound", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said as he flagged the "sharpening of tensions" on territorial issues across Asia with Beijing's actions raising a question mark on the agreements of yesteryears. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-arabia-detect-first-case-of-new-coronavirus-variant-omicron audi Arabia said Wednesday it detected its first case of the new coronavirus variant omicron. The kingdom’s state-run Saudi Press Agency said the case came from a citizen coming from what it described as a “North African country.” The report said the infected individual and his close contacts had been quarantined. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-looking-at-visit-to-uae-by-pm-modi-in-january Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January that could be his first trip abroad in 2022, people familiar with the development said on Monday. Both sides are having talks to firm up the visit which is likely to be focussed largely around the ongoing Dubai Expo. The India pavilion at the Expo has drawn a huge crowd. The people cited above said the dates for the proposed visit are yet to be finalised. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/dubai-9th-edition-of-bhatkal-premier-league-to-kickstart-in-feb-2022 The much awaited cricket vaganza for Bhatkal residents and cricket players in UAE, Bhatkal Premier League’s ninth edition is scheduled to begin on Feb 4, 2022 and will last until Feb 25, 2022. The tournament which will be participated by 6 teams will be played at Ajman Oval Ground in Ajman, informed BPL Commissioner Mr Zia Jukaku in a press release. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/jaishankar-discusses-resumption-of-travel-developments-in-afghanistan-with-saudi-arabian-counterpart External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held a conversation with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Faisal bin Farhan and discussed the resumption of travel and developments in Afghanistan. "Good to talk to Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia @FaisalbinFarhan. Discussed resumption of travel and developments on Afghanistan," he said in a tweet. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/energy-summit-in-uae-after-cop26-stresses-fossil-fuel-demand Energy ministers from across the developing world gathered in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on Monday and stressed the need for continued investment in fossil fuel production — a message just days after these same nations joined around 200 countries in accepting a compromise deal aimed at limiting rising global temperatures and curbing greenhouse emissions. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/iaf-contingent-to-participate-in-dubai-air-show  An aircraft contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including its Sarang and Suryakiran aerobatics team, will participate in the Dubai Air Show that will be held from November 14 to November 18, a government official said on Wednesday. The IAF has been invited by the UAE government to perform along with some of the best aerobatics and display teams in the world, including the Saudi Hawks, Russian Knights, and the UAE's Al Fursan, they said. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/diplomat-sunjay-sudhir-appointed-indias-ambassador-to-uae Indian Ambassador in the Maldives, Sunjay Sudhir, has been appointed as the country's next envoy to the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of External Affairs informed on Monday. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/dubai-expo-2020-india-pavilion-announces-agenda-for-space-week The India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday announced the agenda for the upcoming 'Space Week' which has been scheduled to take place from October 17 to October 23. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-arabia-to-ease-coronavirus-related-restrictions-on-sunday Saudi Arabia has announced on Friday that it will start easing coronavirus-curbing restrictions and health precautions from Sunday, Oct. 17. The Kingdom will allow the Grand Mosque in Makkah to operate at full capacity, but workers and visitors must continue wearing face masks at all times, an official source at the Ministry of Interior said. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/qatar-refuses-responsibility-of-kabul-airport-without-clear-agreements Qatar has said it will not take responsibility for Kabul Airport without "clear" agreements with all parties involved, including the Taliban, about its operations. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said his country cannot take responsibility for the airport's operations if all issues are not clearly addressed, Al Jazeera reported. "Right now the status is still [under] negotiation," he said https://www.sahilonline.net/en/10-of-uae-private-sector-workers-should-be-emiratis-in-5-years-govt Private sector companies in the UAE will have to fill 10 per cent of their positions with Emirati nationals in five years time, the UAE said on Sunday in its latest tranche of economic reforms. The Gulf state also said it plans to spend 24 billion dirhams ($6.53 billion) to create 75,000 private sector jobs for its citizens over five years. The target for 10 per cent of private sector workers to be Emiratis will start with a 2 per cent target in the first year, the UAE government said on its Twitter account. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/covid-19-uae-lifts-entry-ban-from-india-other-nations-for-vaccinated The United Arab Emirates said on Friday residents who had been fully vaccinated with a shot approved by the World Health Organization could return as of September 12 from a list of previously suspended countries. Dubai, one of the UAE's seven emirates, is due to open the Expo 2020 world fair on October 1 after a year-long delay due to the pandemic. The regional business and tourism hub is relying on the fair to give its economy a boost. Organisers had previously said they expect remaining UAE flight restrictions imposed to curb coronavirus infections to be lifted in time for Expo 2020. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/vfs-global-resumes-uae-tourist-visa-services-for-indian-travellers VFS Global has resumed United Arab Emirates' tourist visa services for Indians from August 30 as the UAE announced the reopening of borders for the Indian travellers ahead of the Expo 2020 trade fair.  “The reopening of borders to the UAE is a reassuring move for the travel industry, with the United Arab Emirates being among the most popular destinations for Indians, especially with the Expo 2020 Dubai around the corner. We wish all our customers, safe travels,” said Noel Swain, business head – Schengen, eVisa and passport services, VFS Global. Services are available for Emirates Airlines and Fly Dubai customers only, VFS Global said in a press release on Tuesday. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/8-injured-in-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabias-abha-airport A bomb-laden drone on Tuesday targeted Abha airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia injuring eight persons. This is the second such strike on Abha Airport over the past 24 hours. The earlier attack caused no casualties. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the incident, reported Sputnik. Saudi state TV reported that a civilian plane too was damaged in the drone strike. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-to-resume-visas-for-tourists-vaccinated-against-covid The United Arab Emirates announced it will resume issuing visas to all tourists fully vaccinated against Covid from Monday, a month before Dubai hosts the delayed Expo 2020 trade fair. The move comes amid a drop in coronavirus infections in the oil-rich Gulf country, after it reported less than 1,000 cases per day last week for the first time in months. The UAE's decision to reopen its doors to tourists from all countries was taken in order "to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth", the official WAM news agency reported on Saturday. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/covid-19-saudi-arabia-lifts-quarantine-for-indians-vaccinated Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued directives to allow direct entry of fully vaccinated expatriates from countries facing travel ban, Saudi Gazette has learnt from diplomatic sources. The diplomatic missions of the concerned countries have received the directive in this regard. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-temporarily-suspends-visa-on-arrival-for-passengers-arriving-from-india Authorities in the UAE have temporarily suspended the visa-on-arrival facility for passengers who are arriving from or have been in India in the past 14 days, according to Etihad Airways. The Abu Dhabi-headquartered airline, which is the second flag carrier of the UAE, said in a tweet that it is working to update its website with the latest information. “The UAE authorities have decided to temporarily suspend the Visa-on-arrival facility for passengers who are arriving from or been in India in the past 14 days,” Etihad said on Twitter. The tweet was in response to a query by a passenger whether an Indian citizen holding a US visa can fly to Abu Dhabi and get visa-on-arrival and travel to Dubai without quarantine. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-to-grant-tourist-visas-to-indian-passport-holders-with-14-day-rider Indian passport holders, who have not been to the country in the last 14 days, can get tourist visas to the UAE, according to a media report on Sunday. The facility has been extended to Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda, other than India, the Gulf News reported. Presently, only UAE citizens and transit passengers are allowed to fly to the UAE, due to the coronavirus outbreak. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/ghani-says-in-talks-to-return-to-afghanistan-terms-cash-allegation-baseless Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who has taken refuge in the UAE, said that he is in talks to return to Afghanistan and denied the allegation that he left Kabul with suitcases full of cash, a media report said. Ghani, who left Kabul on Sunday as the Taliban entered Kabul, said that he is in talks to return to Afghanistan, a media report said. He also said the allegations that he escaped with suitcases of cash were "completely baseless", saying it was all "political and personality assassination", Al Jazeera reported. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/dubai-travel-expired-residency-visas-of-some-expats-automatically-extended-until-dec-9 Many residents whose visas had expired have been granted the automatic visa renewal. Dubai: Some expatriates in Dubai, whose residency visas expired while they were stranded abroad amid Covid-19 travel restrictions, have been granted automatic visa extensions until December 9, 2021, Khaleej Times has learnt. Many residents whose visas expired after the UAE put in place a suspension on inbound travellers from several countries, including India, have been granted the automatic visa renewal for three months, including the one-month grace period for reapplication, according to an Amer centre call employee. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/india-leads-dubai-airports-passenger-traffic-recovery-after-covid-19-pandemic “We have already witnessed some of our busiest weekends of the year in July, and with major international events such as the Dubai Expo 2020 and Dubai Airshow 2021 lined up for the months ahead, the outlook for 2021 in terms of passenger numbers looks very promising,” Griffiths said. He said the UK’s recent decision to move the UAE to the ‘Amber list’ and the UAE’s conditional lifting of travel restrictions for passengers arriving from four countries in the Indian subcontinent as well as Nigeria and Uganda will significantly boost DXB’s traffic. According to the latest figures issued by Airports Council International (ACI), DXB remains the world’s busiest airport for international passengers after retaining the title for the seventh consecutive year for annual traffic in 2020. The airport holds a significant lead over other international airports and has nearly twice the passenger traffic of the next busiest global hub in the Middle East, the press release said. Dubai Airports data showed Dubai airports passenger volumes in the second quarter totalled 4.9 million, taking the half-yearly figure for the year to 10.6 million, a year on year contraction of 40.9 per cent, it said. DXB is currently serving 68 per cent of the destinations in 94 per cent of the countries on 70 per cent of the airlines compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. Cargo continued to outshine the passenger segment in terms of recovery with cargo volumes nearing 2019 levels in the second quarter. DXB recorded 571,568 tonnes of freight in the second quarter, propelling the first half volumes to 1.1 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 27.7 per cent. It recorded a total of 99,392 flight movements during the first half, a marginal year on year increase of 0.9 per cent due to a low base resulting from the impact of the partial suspension of operations from March 25 to July 7 in 2020. Dubai International Airport will see a massive spike in passenger traffic in the coming days as more than a million passengers will travel between August 12 and 22, with daily peaks averaging 100,000 passengers during weekends, The Khaleej Times reported. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dubai Airports said this could be the hub’s busiest weekend so far this year. It urged travellers to stay abreast of the latest travel regulations and plan their journeys for a smooth travel experience. The increase in passenger traffic is attributed to summer holidays when families travel back to the UAE as well as easing of travel restrictions for certain countries by the UAE government, the report said. The UAE recently eased travel regulations for inbound and transit passengers from some Asian and African countries, including India. "We are prepared, and we are doing everything we can to make sure that passengers have a safe and smooth experience at DXB," said Essa Al Shamsi, vice-president of terminal operations at Dubai Airports. "Considering that volume of passengers will be significantly higher in the arrivals area during this period, it is important that those meeting and greeting arriving passengers do not congest the road in the terminal forecourt and that they pick up their friends and family in comfort by using the car park or valet service," Shamsi said. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/navodesk-a-bhatkali-brand-of-furnitures-unveiled-in-uae Renowned business organization of Bhatkal, 'Eastland Group of Companies' launched its first exclusive furnitures showroom 'Navodesk' in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-lifts-ban-on-transit-flights-from-india-other-countries Dubai: The United Arab Emirates will lift a ban on transit passenger traffic from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and other countries from Aug. 5, the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA) said on Tuesday. The UAE, a major international travel hub, has banned passengers from many South Asian and African countries for several months due to the coronavirus pandemic. NCEMA said on Twitter that passengers travelling from countries where flights had been suspended would be able to transit through its airports from Thursday as long as they present negative PCR tests taken 72 hours prior to departure. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/iaf-chief-meets-his-uae-counterpart-discusses-measures-to-strengthen-ties-between-two-forces Indian Air Force (IAF) chief RKS Bhadauria met his UAE counterpart Ibrahim Nasser M Al Alawi and held wide-ranging talks to identify avenues and measures for further strengthening the robust relationship between the two forces, according to an official statement on Monday. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/neet-ug-will-be-conducted-for-the-first-time-in-dubai-and-kuwait The Ministry of Education has announced new centers for the Gulf region in Dubai and Kuwait to conduct the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test smoothly. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/covid-19-emirates-etihad-extend-flight-suspension-from-south-asian-countries Two major UAE airlines, Etihad and Emirates have further extended the suspension on flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to Dubai due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emirates has suspended flight operations till August 7 while Etihad has extended the suspension till August 2, Geo News reported citing travel advisories from the carriers. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/covid-19-uae-extends-ban-on-passenger-flights-from-india-till-august-2 National carrier Etihad Airways on Monday informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2. The date could be extended, depending on directions by the UAE authorities, Khaleej Times reported citing Etihad Airways Guest Relations. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/pilgrims-ascend-on-arafat-for-climax-of-hajj At the high point of spirituality, around 60,000 pilgrims ascended on Monday on the vast plains of Arafat at the climax of the Hajj, which is being held in downsized form and under coronavirus restrictions for the second year running. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/saudi-arabia-suspends-entry-from-uae-ethiopia-vietnam-over-covid-19 Saudi Arabia has suspended entry for citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and Vietnam over the spread of the coronavirus and its strains in these countries, media reported. https://www.sahilonline.net/en/uae-flag-carrier-emirates-likely-to-resume-dubai-india-flights-from-july-7-report Dubai's flag carrier Emirates may resume its flights from India to Dubai from July 7, over two months after the UAE suspended its operations owing to the surge in coronavirus cases in India, according to a media report. However, the airline is awaiting exact travel protocols and guidelines from the government regarding the resumption of the flight operations, the Khaleej Times reported on Sunday. "We're expecting to resume our flights from India to Dubai from 7th of July 2021. We're waiting for the exact travel protocols and relevant permits from the government authorities. We hope to have more details soon," the report said, quoting the airline in response to a query from a passenger on its Twitter account.