Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | AFP | Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half free-kick ensured Real Madrid picked up a fifth trophy of 2017 by beating Gremio 1-0 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to retain the Club World Cup. A third Club World Cup in four years brings Madrid level with rivals Barcelona …
Read More »Abu Dhabi authorities ‘acquired’ $450 mn Da Vinci: museum
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | AFP | The Louvre Abu Dhabi said Friday that local Emirati authorities had “acquired” a $450-million painting by Renaissance master Leonardo Da Vinci, as reports swirled about the original source of funding. “Louvre Abu Dhabi is looking forward to displaying the Salvator Mundi by Leonardo …
Read More »Tanzanian domestic workers in the Gulf face abuse: HRW
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Female domestic workers from Tanzania are being physically and sexually abused and exploited by Gulf employers, a rights group said Tuesday in a report blocked from publication in Tanzania. In a 100-page report on treatment of East African female domestic workers in Oman and the …
Read More »Emirates orders 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners for $15.1 bn
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AFP | Emirates Airlines on Sunday agreed to purchase 40 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for $15.1 billion at list price, its chief Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said. Emirates is already the world’s largest client for Boeing’s 777, with 165 jets and another 164 on firm …
Read More »Emirates airline profit rebounds on cost savings
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AFP | Leading Middle East airline Emirates said Thursday its half year net profit rebounded strongly from a slump last year due to cost saving measures and favourable exchange rates. The Dubai flag carrier said it posted a net profit of $452 million in the period …
Read More »UAE and Qatar stake billions in ‘soft power’ showdown
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AFP | The opening this week of the glittering Louvre Abu Dhabi museum marks the latest stage in a multi-billion-dollar “soft power” showdown between energy giants Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Culture, media and sports have turned into battlegrounds for branding and global recognition. “There …
Read More »Dubai hosts summit, positions self as Africa investment hub
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AFP | African officials, including four heads of state, convened with international CEOs at a summit Wednesday in Dubai, part of its push to position itself as a link for huge potential investments on the continent. “We are looking at the fastest growing economy of …
Read More »From flying taxis to robocops, Dubai as a tech pioneer
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AFP | From flying taxis to Batman-style surveillance motorcycles, Dubai’s GITEX expo this week showcased innovations that were symbols of the city-state’s ambitions to be a metropolis of the future. Known for its futuristic skyline and artificial islands, Gulf emirate Dubai has carved out a …
Read More »‘World’s heaviest woman’ dies in Abu Dhabi hospital
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | AFP | An Egyptian believed to be the world’s heaviest woman died Monday morning of heart and kidney failure at an Abu Dhabi hospital. A team of more than 20 doctors had been caring for Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty since her arrival at Burjeel …
Read More »UAE says changes to Qatar anti-terror law ‘positive’
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AFP | An Emirati state minister Friday welcomed changes to Qatar’s anti-terror legislation as a “positive” step in the crisis between Doha and four Arab neighbours which accuse it of backing extremists. Qatar announced a decree by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani late …
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