The Qatari foreign minister also warned against any rise of “terrorism” after the US withdrawal and called for an inclusive government…reports Asian Lite News
Qatar’s foreign minister has warned that isolating the Taliban could lead to further instability and urged countries to engage with the movement to address security and socioeconomic concerns in Afghanistan.
“If we are starting to put conditions and stopping this engagement, we are going to leave a vacuum, and the question is, who is going to fill this vacuum?,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said in Doha on Tuesday, alongside his German counterpart, Heiko Maas, Al Jazeera reported.
The US-allied Gulf Arab state has emerged as a key interlocutor to the Taliban, having hosted the group’s political office since 2013.
“We believe that without engagement we cannot reach … real progress on the security front or on the socioeconomic front,” Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that recognising the Taliban as the government was not a priority.
(Image Source ANI)
The Qatari foreign minister also warned against any rise of “terrorism” after the US withdrawal and called for an inclusive government, the report said.
“It is our role to always urge them (the Taliban) to have an expanded government that includes all parties and not to exclude any party.
“During our talks with the Taliban, there was no positive or negative response,” al-Thani said, referring to recent talks between Qatar and Afghanistan’s new rulers.
the Middle Eastern star met his wax figure for the very first time inside the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai
A wax figure of the celebrated performer, recording artist, and humanitarian Mohammed Assaf will join the star-studded ensemble at Madame Tussauds Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
The excitement surrounding the opening of the globally renowned attraction Madame Tussauds Dubai has increased further with the news that a wax figure of the celebrated performer, recording artist, and humanitarian Mohammed Assaf will join the star-studded ensemble.
He was introduced to his wax figure during a truly memorable ‘side by side’ unveiling held in partnership between Madame Tussauds and Ain Dubai. The singing sensation was also given the honour of being the first celebrity to step foot inside one of Ain Dubai’s 48 uber-luxurious cabins. Ain Dubai is the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel standing at over 250 metres located right next door to Madame Tussauds Dubai.
Mohammed has captured hearts and enthralled fans ever since the Palestinian singer famously won the second series of Arab Idol in 2013 – an event watched by millions around the world and celebrated in unprecedented fashion across Gaza. His incredible rags-to-riches story was later turned into the 2015 biopic The Idol, directed by the renowned filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad.
The Middle Eastern star met his wax figure for the very first time inside the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai
Born Mohammad Jaber Abdul Rahman Assaf on the 1st September 1989 in Misrata, Libya, from the age of four Mohammad grew up in the overcrowded Khan Yunis refugee camp on the Gaza Strip. A true champion of the region and its people, the star has never forgotten his roots and has continually used his success as a force for good and a means for raising awareness about the Palestinian cause. His ongoing hard work and commitment to his home country have been well recognised; in 2013 Mohammad was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for Peace by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the Palestinian government also named him an Ambassador of Arts and Culture.
Reflecting on his career and the role that his heritage has played Mohammed has said: “I do feel that I have a responsibility towards my people to carry their voices, their dreams, their hopes to the world so they can be heard”. His most recent album ‘Stories about Palestine’ is described as a message of love to his home country and loyal fans and now that his figure will appear at Madame Tussauds Dubai, visitors will be able to share his journey like never before.
Mohammed Assaf singer comments, “Today marks a very special occasion as I got to uncover my wax figure. I am very happy to be featured among some of the biggest names in the world at Madame Tussauds when it opens later this year in the beautiful city of Dubai. I am very impressed with the resemblance the figure holds to me and I cannot wait for everyone to visit the attraction and see it.”
The striking likeness between Mohammed and his figure is the result of a huge amount of time and hard work and began when an expert team of Madame Tussauds’ sculptors travelled to Dubai to observe him, documenting over 500 of his precisely detailed movements. Armed with this information and insights, they then set to work in London, spending three months intricately crafting the figure by hand, even inserting real hair, strand by strand.
Decked out in one of his very own exquisite suits, which he donated to Madame Tussauds, Mohammed’s figure will have a permanent spot in what will be one of the most extravagant – and exclusive – A-list party rooms in the world. Styled as a glamorous desert oasis, visitors will have the chance to first rub shoulders (and take selfies) with wax figures of an array of internationally adored movie stars and musicians – including of course Mohammed – before strutting their stuff on the dance floor, as the DJ plays all the latest hits.
Sanaz Kollsrud, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Dubai comments, “It’s an honour to reveal our second side-by-side figure and offer a glimpse into the magic that is Madame Tussauds. Mohammed is a true star of the Arab world, and we can’t wait to welcome his fans to the attraction when it opens. Thank you to our location partner and neighbour on Bluewaters, Ain Dubai, for giving us the opportunity to host this special event at your exceptional attraction.”
the Middle Eastern star met his wax figure for the very first time inside the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai
Quite literally an all-star destination, the world-famous wax attraction located within sophisticated, must-visit island destination Bluewaters, will be the first of its kind in the GCC. Excitement levels surrounding the opening have been growing for some time now and the wait is nearly over; the attraction will welcome its first visitors later this year and promises to provide a star-studded experience like no other in the UAE, with wax figures of over 60 global celebrities, including 16 brand-new figures from the Middle East, notably Balqees Fathi, Maya Diab, and Nancy Ajram.
Thanks to the seven themed rooms, a visit to Madame Tussauds Dubai will be an immersive, interactive one that will thrill all ages and offer something for every taste and interest – from football fans to fashion fiends, aspiring actors, and artists looking to meet their heroes and those keen to encounter an esteemed political or historical figure.
Madame Tussauds Dubai will be located next to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, and will further enhance the area’s reputation as one of Dubai’s most attractive and vibrant spots.
VOX Cinemas announces partnership with Akira Back, world-renowned Michelin star chef…reports Asian Lite News
VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and Africa, is proud to announce a partnership with Akira Back, world-renowned Michelin star chef. The highly-anticipated culinary collaboration, which launches in the United Arab Emirates in September, will see the global restauranteur curate a special menu for THEATRE, VOX Cinemas’ luxury cinema concept, so moviegoers can enjoy an unparalleled dining experience.
Perfect Storm
Guests at THEATRE can expect a modern Japanese menu that features a dynamic combination of Akira Back’s signature dishes as well as culinary creations exclusive to VOX Cinemas. Famed for his sense of adventure and creativity, Akira Back has enjoyed an illustrious career bringing his culinary expertise and artistry across the globe, with a portfolio of critically acclaimed restaurants and lounges in destinations like Beverly Hills, San Diego, Seychelles North Island, Toronto, Singapore, Seoul, Dubai and more.
VOX Cinemas’ THEATRE combines film with fine food and provides guests with the option of dining in an exclusive private lounge area or having their food delivered straight to their seat through the in-theatre waiter service. Redefining the luxury cinema experience, THEATRE boasts reclining leather seats, plush blankets, and pillows, and cutting-edge audiovisual technology in a stylish and intimate setting.
Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas said, “Cinemagoers in the region are becoming increasingly discerning and we are extremely excited about collaborating with Chef Akira Back to introduce a new era in fine dining and film in response to rising expectations. At VOX Cinemas, we offer more than just movies and, are continuously diversifying our offering so guests can enjoy an all-encompassing cinematic experience. We believe that F&B plays a major part in enhancing the moviegoing experience and, with Chef Akira Back at the helm, THEATRE is sure to set a new benchmark in cinema dining.”
Creamy Spinach Salad 2
Chef Akira Back added, “THEATRE has revolutionised the luxury cinema experience and, I’m extremely proud to join forces with VOX Cinemas given our shared commitment to innovation. Together we believe that F&B is a complementary component of going to the movies and we have designed a menu that is sure to appeal to the most discerning guests and movie lovers.”
Akira Back’s menu will be available at VOX Cinemas across the United Arab Emirates in September before being rolled-out across Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait later in the year. The official launch dates will be announced closer to the time.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued the updated ‘Green List’ of countries…reports Asian Lite News
All travellers arriving from these destinations will be exempt from mandatory quarantine measures after landing in Abu Dhabi.
Travellers will be required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test valid for a maximum of 48 hours before departure and undergo a PCR test upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Vaccinated passengers from the updated Green List will take another PCR test on day 6 (day of arrival counts as day 1). Unvaccinated travellers arriving from these Green List countries will also take a PCR test on days 6 and 9.
Countries, regions, and territories included on the ‘Green List’ will be regularly updated based on international developments. Inclusion on the list is subject to strict criteria of health and safety to ensure the well-being of the UAE community. The list also only applies to countries that travellers are arriving from, rather than citizenship.
Below is the updated ‘Green List’ as of 1st September, 2021 at 12:01am: Albania; Armenia; Australia; Austria; Bahrain; Belgium; Bhutan; Brunei; Bulgaria; Canada; China; Comoros; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Finland; Germany; Greece; Hong Kong (SAR); Hungary; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Jordan; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Luxembourg; Maldives; Malta; Mauritius; Moldova; Monaco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Oman; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; Romania; San Marino; Saudi Arabia; Serbia; Seychelles ; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Korea; Sweden; Switzerland; Taiwan, Province of China; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan, and Ukraine.
Sharjah Sustainable City is the first community to demonstrate energy storage solutions in the region
Sharjah Sustainable City (SSC) has taken an initiative for a global movement towards sustainable living, promoting a lifestyle that is compatible with the future…reports Asian Lite News
Sharjah Sustainable City, a fully sustainable community by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Diamond Developers, will be the first community in the region to give residents access to a renewable energy storage solution. The move comes after SEE Institute, the research and development arm in The Sustainable City entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hager Group, an international company specialised in renewable energy storage. The agreement, of which Sharjah Sustainable City is the first beneficiary, formalizes an ongoing relationship with the German-based company to test and deploy the latest technologies and innovations in demand management and smart energy solutions.
Sharjah Sustainable City is the first community to demonstrate energy storage solutions in the region
The partnership with Hager Group is aligned with the wider brand -The Sustainable City, which supports innovation through pilot programmes, prototype testing as well as helping to present complex solutions in a real-life context. Sharjah Sustainable City retains an agile and ever evolving outlook towards a low carbon future and is committed to promoting the transfer of sustainability know-how. Hager Group offers varied energy solutions such as battery storage, EV charging stations (EEBUS) as well as energy management systems that allow users to control and balance different energy sources and loads.
Yousef Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Sustainable City said: “We prioritise innovation and leverage the smartest technologies to drive efficiencies across all our sustainability targets. Renewable energy is one of the biggest contributors towards achieving net zero carbon and this partnership with Hager Group will allow us to reach the highest possible energy efficiencies and the lowest energy intensities in our development. Sharjah Sustainable City is proud to be the first beneficiaries of this MoU signed by SEE Institute, our invaluable knowledge hub.”
Torsten Hager, Future Energy Solutions International Corporate Strategy Director Hager Group said: “To reach the global targets of carbon neutrality and to realise a sustainable renewable energy supply, we need to integrate energy storage systems and management to control devices.
Our partnership with Sharjah Sustainable City will allow us to demonstrate together new innovative solutions, which will shape the future of sustainable buildings.”
Sharjah Sustainable City aims to be a leader in shaping the way towards a cleaner and greener world. Partnerships and knowledge sharing are key components towards this goal as well as piloting prototypes and testing new ideas. The MoU with Hager Group is only one example of the many ways The Sustainable City projects are building ties all over the world, therefore creating a ripple effect of climate actions, leading the way towards sustainable living.
Houthi military officials have repeatedly claimed responsibility for drone attacks on facilities belonging to Saudi Arabia…reports Asian Lite News
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.
Houthi military officials have repeatedly claimed responsibility for drone attacks on facilities belonging to Saudi Arabia, reported Sputnik.
Over the past several months, Saudi territory has been the target of multiple attacks by Houthi rebels from neighbouring Yemen, where an internal conflict between government forces and rebels continues to rage on.
Riyadh has been supporting the Yemeni government since 2015, conducting air, land, and sea operations against the Houthis, who, in turn, often strike back with retaliatory attacks.
Meanwhile, A missile and drone attack hit the Al-Anad airbase in Lahj province on Sunday killing at least 30 troops, in one of the deadliest attacks in Yemen’s civil war in recent years.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned and denounced an attack launched by the Houthi militia on a key military base in Yemen’s south, which killed and injured dozens of people, reported Arab News. (ANI)
Minister of State for External Affaira V. Muraleedharan met with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa….reports Asian Lite News
India and Bahrain are celebrating this year the golden jubilee of their diplomatic relations, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.
Coinciding with this important occasion, V Muraleedharan, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, began on Monday a three-day visit to Bahrain. On the first day of his visit, Muraleedharan met with Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Later during the day, he visited Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
“Called on Crown Prince and Prime Minister, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Conveyed greetings on behalf of PM Shri @narendramodi ji. Thanked him for Bahrain’s constant support to Indian community including during Covid-19,” the minister tweeted.
He also interacted with representatives of Indian schools in Bahrain. “Commended them for their contributions in providing quality education as well as educating Indian and Bahraini students about our glorious culture and tradition,” Muraleedharan said.
He also briefed the representatives about the initiatives and reform measures taken by the government of India in education sector including the National Education Policy.
Earlier in the day, the minister had visited Indian Embassy in Bahrain and offered floral tribute to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.
According to the press release, Muraleedharan will hold discussions with Bahraini ministers and dignitaries during his visit. He will also meet a wide cross-section of the Indian community in Bahrain, including those in health, education, business and social service.
This is Muraleedharan’s first visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain. About 350,000 Indians live in the Kingdom and India-Bahrain bilateral trade is around one billion dollars. The visit is part of India’s continuing engagement of countries in the Gulf region.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced a historic exploration concession agreement to a consortium of four Pakistani companies…reports Asian Lite News
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced the signing of a historic exploration concession agreement, awarding the exploration rights for Abu Dhabi’s Offshore Block 5 to a consortium of four Pakistani companies – Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) – in Abu Dhabi’s second competitive block bid round. The consortium is led by PPL.
The award marks the first time Pakistani companies invest in and explore for oil and gas in an Abu Dhabi concession as well as the first time ADNOC partners with Pakistani energy companies.
The agreement builds on the deep-rooted bilateral relationship between the UAE and Pakistan and underscores ADNOC’s expanded approach to strategic partnerships, including those who can provide access to key growth markets for the company’s crude oil and products.
The exploration concession agreement was signed by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, and Moin Raza Khan, Managing Director and CEO of PPL.
Flag of the United Arab Emirates
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al Jaber said, “This historic exploration concession award marks a new chapter of energy cooperation in the 50-year old UAE-Pakistan relationship. It represents an important platform upon which we can drive win-win opportunities to support Pakistan’s energy security and further strengthen the strategic and economic ties between our two countries. We are delighted to partner with Pakistan Petroleum Limited and the other members of the consortium on Offshore Block 5.
“The consortium was selected as part of Abu Dhabi’s block bid round where we have once again reinforced our approach to strategic partnerships that contribute the right combination of market access, capital, best-in-class expertise, or advanced technology. We are very optimistic about the potential to unlock significant value with all our partners in this second competitive block bid round as we continue to accelerate the exploration and development of Abu Dhabi’s untapped resources, in line with the Leadership’s wise directives.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium will hold a 100% stake in the exploration phase, investing up to $304.7 million (AED1.12 billion) towards exploration and appraisal drilling, including a participation fee, to explore for and appraise oil and gas opportunities in the block that covers an offshore area of 6,223 square kilometers and is located 100 kilometers north east of Abu Dhabi city.
Khan said, “The PPL-led consortium is delighted to be selected for the concession award of Abu Dhabi’s Offshore Block-5. This award is not only a watershed moment for Pakistan and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi towards bilateral energy cooperation and economic links but also offers an opportunity to strengthen strategic cooperation with ADNOC to share technical know-how and expertise.
“We are particularly excited that this consortium comprises the ‘big four’ national exploration and production companies that are fully geared to support ADNOC and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in reinforcing its leading position in the global energy sector.”
Following a successful commercial discovery during the exploration phase, the consortium will have the right to a production concession to develop and produce such commercial discoveries. ADNOC has the option to hold a 60% stake in the production phase of the concession. The term of the production phase is 35 years from the commencement of the exploration phase and the block offers the potential to create significant in-country value for the UAE over the lifetime of the concession.
In addition to drilling exploration and appraisal wells, the exploration phase will see the consortium leverage and contribute financially and technically to ADNOC’s mega seismic survey, which is acquiring 3D seismic data within the block area. The data already acquired over a large part of the block combined with its proximity to existing oil and gas fields, suggests the concession area has promising potential.
ADNOC launched Abu Dhabi’s second competitive block bid round in 2019, offering a set of major onshore and offshore blocks, on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi. The award of Offshore Block 5 to the Pakistani consortium concludes this second block bid round, which has seen very competitive proposals submitted for the geographical areas offered.
Following ADNOC’s recent discoveries of 22 billion stock tank barrels (STB) of recoverable unconventional oil resources and 160 trillion standard cubic feet (SCF) of recoverable unconventional gas resources, it was decided not to award an exploration license for Onshore Block 2. ADNOC intends to engage with potential partners for unconventional resource licensing opportunities around this geographical area. This area contains some of the unconventional resources discovered that have production potential ranking alongside the most prolific North American shale oil plays.
As part of Abu Dhabi’s second block bid round, ADNOC awarded Offshore Block 4 to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.; Offshore Block 3 to a consortium led by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Eni and PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP); and Onshore Block 5 to Occidental. Based on existing data from detailed petroleum system studies, seismic surveys, exploration, and appraisal wells data, estimates suggest the blocks in this second bid round hold multiple billion barrels of oil and multiple trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
PPL operates 15 producing fields across Pakistan and contributes over 20% of the country’s total natural gas supplies. As of June 2020, PPL’s proven recoverable reserves were 1,793.5 billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas, 13.3 million barrels (mmbbl) of oil/ NGL/ condensate and 543.1 thousand tonnes (Ktons) of LPG.
The Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh censured the attacks that took place in Kabul, Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News
The Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh has strongly condemned the attacks that occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan recently.
“We grieve for the loss of Afghan and British civilians and American service members at the hands of Daesh/ISIS terrorists. The tragic loss of life is only compounded by the fact that those killed were endeavoring to evacuate or working to conduct that humanitarian mission,” the Coalition said in a statement.
Afghan security force members are seen at the site of a bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan
“The Coalition and its partners continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, as we did when we fought to achieve the territorial defeat of Daesh/ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Daesh/ISIS remains a determined enemy and we will continue to take necessary action to ensure its enduring defeat. To that end, we are focused on leveraging the Coalition’s expertise and the efforts of its working groups to counter Daesh/ISIS’ global branches, including Daesh/ISIS-Khorasan, and to identify and bring their members to justice.
“We will continue working closely together under the auspices of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS to effectively counter this dangerous threat. In that effort, we will draw on all elements of national power military, intelligence, diplomatic, economic, law enforcement to ensure the defeat of this brutal terrorist organization. We will continue to apply robust counterterrorism pressure against Daesh/ISIS wherever it operates,” added statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) conducted a farewell ceremony for the Ambassador of Mali to the UAE and Ambassador of Spain to the UAE…reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) today held a farewell ceremony at the Emirates Palace Hotel for Boukary Sidibe, Ambassador of Mali to the UAE, and Antonio Álvarez Barthe, Ambassador of Spain to the UAE, to commemorate the end of their terms as ambassadors of their countries.
At the start of the ceremony, Aliaa Al Mehrezi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry for Protocol Affairs, made a speech commending the distinguished efforts of both ambassadors to enhance relations between their countries and the UAE while wishing them luck and success in their future endeavours.
Farewell Party for Mali, Spain Envoys
She conveyed the appreciation of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for them and his best wishes in their future assignments.
The two ambassadors thanked the Emirati officials and hailed the wise policy of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The two diplomats highlighted the most important achievements accomplished between their respective countries and the UAE in all domains.
Farewell Party for Mali, Spain Envoys
They also praised the developing bilateral ties between the UAE and their respective countries and thanked Emirati officials for their cooperation and support, which contributed positively to their assignment of enhancing the distinguished ties between their countries and the UAE.
The event was attended by Arab and foreign diplomats and officials from the ministry.
