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US rights report on India cites abuses in Manipur, harassment of media and minorities

The US State Department’s annual human rights assessment found “significant” abuses in India’s northeastern Manipur state last year and attacks on minorities, journalists and dissenting voices in the rest of the country.

Manipur has seen fierce fighting between its tribal Kuki-Zo and majority Meitei populations after a court order a year ago suggested the Kuki’s minority privileges be extended to the Meitei. More than 200 people have been killed.

The State Department report said over 60,000 people were displaced between May and November in Manipur.
There was no immediate comment on the report from the Indian embassy in Washington.

In the rest of India, the State Department reported “numerous instances” in which the government and its allies “allegedly pressured or harassed media outlets critical of the government.”-AN

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed issues Resolution on the Board of Directors of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (19) of 2024 forming the Board of Directors of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, chaired by Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi.

As per the Resolution, Dr. Mona Issa Al Bahar serves as Vice Chairperson of the Foundation. Other members of the Board include: Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak, Mohammed Ali Rustom; Khaled Yahya Al Hosani; Sultan Abdulhamid Al Jamal; and the Director General of the Foundation. This Resolution is effective from the date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, offered his condolences on the death of the late, Mohammed Ghanim Ali Al Marri, father of Ghanim, and Ahmed Mohammed Ghanim Ali Al Marri, during His Highness’s visit to the condolence council, in Dubai.

Iranian president arrives in Pakistan for three-day visit

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Islamabad on Monday for a three-day visit to the country, Pakistan’s foreign office said, with his trip aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries amid surging tensions in the Middle East.

The Iranian president arrived in the federal capital with his spouse, a high-level delegation of cabinet members and a team of businesspersons. He was welcomed at the Islamabad Airport by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu.

Raisi’s visit takes place days after Iran and Israel exchanged drone and missile strikes, escalating tensions in the already volatile Middle East.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi will meet at the Prime Minister’s House,” Sharif’s office said in a statement. “A round of delegation-level talks between Pakistan and Iran will also be held.”-AN

Turkiye’s Erdogan in rare Iraq visit to discuss water, oil, security

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is due Monday in neighboring Iraq for his first state visit there in years, with water, oil and regional security issues expected to top the agenda.

Erdogan is scheduled to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani and President Abdel Latif Rashid in Baghdad before visiting officials in Irbil, the capital of northern Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan Region.

“Iraq and Turkiye share a history and have similarities, interests and opportunities, but also problems,” Sudani said during an event at the Atlantic Council on the sidelines of a recent visit to Washington.
“Water and security will be at the top of the agenda,” he said of the upcoming meeting with Erdogan, who last visited Iraq in 2011.(AFP)

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has directed the early disbursement of April salaries for Dubai government employees, military personnel, military retirees, and recipients of government social benefits in the emirate on Tuesday, 23 April.

This decision reflects the Crown Prince's commitment to supporting employees and their families, amidst the extreme weather conditions faced by the country. The early disbursement is aimed at helping employees manage their family needs and ensuring their wellbeing during the current period.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed issues decisions appointing senior Dubai Government officials

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, issued a series of decisions pertaining to the appointment of senior officials across Dubai Government entities.

His Highness issued Executive Council Decision No. (20) of 2024 appointing Naeema Abdullah Hassan Mohammed Ahli as CEO of the Dubai Women Establishment. The decision is effective from the date of its issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Sheikh Hamdan also issued Decision No. (22) of 2024 pertaining to the secondment of Ali Mohammed Ali Belrasheed Al Ketbi from Dubai Police, appointing him as a CEO of Dubai Government Workshop. The decision is effective from 12 January 2024, and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Furthermore, His Highness issued Executive Council Decision No. (23) of 2024, appointing Obaid Saif Mohammed Karaa Al Nuaimi as CEO of Aviation Security and Accident Investigation at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. The decision is effective from the date of its issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Award winners crowned at close of Gulf Cinema Festival in Riyadh

Award winners were crowned on the final day of the fourth Gulf Cinema Festival in Riyadh on Saturday, at a ceremony attended by prominent artistic and cinematic names, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The winners were nominated by a jury headed by Ibrahim Al-Hasawi from Saudi Arabia, who was joined by Bassam Al-Thawadi from Bahrain, Rawda Al-Thani from Qatar, Khaled Amin from Kuwait, Nujoom Al-Ghanem from the UAE and Ibrahim Al-Zadjali from Oman.

“Hajjan,” a coming-of-age drama set in Saudi Arabia about two brothers who battle to save their favorite camel starring Omar Al-Atawi and Abdulmohsen Alnemr, won the award for best feature film.

It also picked up the best photography award, with Jerry Fassbender recognized for his work on the film. Al-Atawi won the best actor award for his role.(SPA)

Sultan of Oman to pay state visit to the UAE on Monday

Sultan Haitham of Oman will visit the UAE on Monday for talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, state news agency Wam reported.

The two leaders will discuss the "deep-rooted, historical, and fraternal relations" between the countries, Wam said.

They will also discuss co-operation between the two nations and joint work in various fields of mutual interest, as well as regional and international issues.

Sultan Haitham was proclaimed ruler of Oman on January 11, 2020.

In its report on the Oman-UAE ties, Oman News Agency said that the two leaderships are keen to elevate relations and maintain security and stability in the region.

The two countries shared the same vision towards issues of mutual concern to the two countries’ peoples. Their relations represented the real meaning of fraternity and harmony over the past five decades.-WAM

Erdogan in mediation talks with Hamas leader amid domestic controversies

The meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul on Saturday has sparked debate over Turkiye’s attempts to play a greater mediating role for the Palestinian cause amid domestic controversies over the ruling government, which has lost support among its conservative electoral base since local elections last month.

Haniyeh’s visit is his first meeting with Erdogan in Turkiye since the start of the Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

For Wolfango Piccoli, co-president of Teneo Intelligence in London, the meeting is part of Erdogan’s attempts to reposition himself as a credible defender of the Palestinian cause after his recent electoral defeat.

“Hosting the Hamas leader is likely to reinforce the impression in the West that Turkiye is at best a transactional partner, not an ally,” he said.-AN

UAE President lauds eight people honoured at Abu Dhabi Awards

The UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has honoured eight people for their contributions to communities across the UAE at the 11th Abu Dhabi Awards.

The awards, held at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, honoured people whose contributions have positively benefited the UAE across fields including education, sustainability, medicine, humanitarian relief, community awareness and the empowerment of people of determination.

Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his congratulations to all the honorees, recognising their inspiring efforts and significant contributions to society, Wam reported.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, with the billionaire Mr. Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world largest hedge fund.

Indians head to the polls in world’s biggest election

Indian voters headed to the polls on Friday for the first phase of the world’s biggest general election, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aiming for a rare third consecutive term.

More than 968 million people are registered to vote, with polling taking place over the next six weeks, as results are expected on June 4.

After April 19, the other voting dates will be April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1, with some states completing the process on a single day, and others having it spread out in several phases.

Friday’s polling was held in 21 states and union territories, including the most populous ones such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, as well as smaller northeastern states and the northern Himalayan territory of Jammu and Kashmir.-AN

Saudi king receives letter from Bahraini counterpart about relations between their nations

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Thursday received a letter from King Hamad of Bahrain concerning relations between their countries.

The missive was delivered to the king by Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the deputy minister for international multilateral affairs at the Saudi Foreign Ministry and general supervisor of its Public Diplomacy Agency, who was acting on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

The letter from King Hamad had been presented to Al-Rassi by Bahrain’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Sheikh Ali bin Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa, during a reception at the ministry’s offices in Riyadh.(SPA)

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, offered his condolences on the death of the late Sheikh Hasher bin Hamad bin Juma Al Maktoum, during his highness’s visit to the condolence council, in Dubai.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: At a meeting with government officials in Dubai, we set directives to prepare comprehensive plans in response to natural crises’ such as the unexpected current weather conditions. We closely monitored updates and emphasized that the safety of all citizens, residents, and visitors is our utmost priority.

Dubai’s resilience grows with every challenge, ensuring we continuously adapt, improve, and progress for the sake of our people’s safety.

UAE President orders study of infrastructure after record-breaking rains impact nation

After record-breaking rains hit the UAE, all emirates have been grappling with the impact of the natural calamity. The President, in a statement issued today, has said that the safety of citizens and residents is the country's top priority and subsequently ordered a study of the country's infrastructure.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has also directed that support be provided to all families affected by the severe weather conditions, ordering the transfer of the affected to safe locations in cooperation with local authorities.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has also issued a statement thanking God for the safety of all people. He said that the country is in "good health and safety" under the care and leadership of the President.-KT

Saudi Shoura Council speaker holds meetings during official trip to Jordan

The Speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sheikh met Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Wednesday as part of his official visit to Jordan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The discussion emphasized the strong and deep-seated relations between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, highlighting their extensive coordination and cooperation across various sectors.

Both officials explored ways to enhance bilateral ties, with a particular focus on strengthening parliamentary relations.

Al-Sheikh also held discussions with Faisal Akef Al-Fayez, president of the Jordanian Senate, on the same day.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic growth and development, attributing this progress to the leadership of the Kingdom.

Al-Sheikh expressed gratitude for Jordan’s unwavering support and spoke of the consistent backing the Kingdom has provided to Jordan.(SPA)

Dubai Airports issue travel advisory as fierce storm hits UAE

Travelers were warned against heading to Dubai International Airport and advised to check the status of their flights with the airline due to the heaviest rainfall in 75 years, Emirates News Agency reported.

Dubai Airports said flights continued to be delayed and diverted following the deluge and urged passengers to contact airlines for the latest travel information.

“We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions,” the airport wrote on X.

Emirates Airlines suspended all travel procedures for passengers leaving Dubai on Wednesday, but added they would continue for arrivals and transit passengers. The Dubai airport website showed until midnight. The airport’s website showed extensive delays for some flights.-AN

Saudi Arabia FM says Pakistan visit to reap ‘significant benefits’ amid push for strategic, commercial partnership

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday described his ongoing visit to Pakistan to discuss investments as “very, very positive” and said Islamabad's focus on results and overcoming hurdles would deliver “significant benefits.”

Prince Faisal arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a two-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and pushing forward previously agreed investment deals. His trip comes a little over a week after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Makkah and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to expedite investments worth $5 billion.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and cultural ties. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and the top source of remittances to the cash-strapped South Asian country.-AN
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Saudi king, crown prince send condolences to Sultan of Oman after flood deaths

Saudi Arabia King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday sent cables of condolences to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq after 17 people died in flooding in several parts of Oman.

The Saudi leaders sent their sincerest condolences to the sultan, and the families of the deceased, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A group of school children and a driver died when their vehicle was overtaken, authorities said.

Civil defense officials gave the death toll for the rains, which saw Oman’s North Al Sharqiyah province hardest hit. The Royal Oman Police and the Omani military deployed to the province to transport citizens out of flooded areas.(SPA)

Saudi Arabia FM visits Pakistan to strengthen economic ties

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a two-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, with local media widely showing footage of him being received by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

The Saudi foreign minister’s visit comes a little over a week after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Makkah and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to expedite an investment package worth $5 billion that was previously discussed.

On his arrival at the Nur Khan air base in the garrison town of Rawalpindi, the Saudi foreign minister, who is leading a high-level delegation comprising several top ministers, was given a red-carpet welcome by Pakistani officials.-AN

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: Due to upcoming weather conditions, we have instructed all Dubai Government entities and private schools to work remotely on Tuesday, April 16.

Saudi defense minister discusses military escalation in region with US counterpart

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman discussed the military escalation in the Middle East on Sunday with his US counterpart during a phone call.

The call comes after Iran launched a wave of missiles and attack drones against Israel overnight Saturday to Sunday.

Prince Khalid and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also discussed efforts to contain the crisis while upholding international peace and security.

The officials also reviewed their strategic defense partnership and explored ways to further enhance it, the Kingdom’s defense minister said in a post on X.(SPA)

Saudi Arabia Crown Prince, Iraqi PM discuss Middle East escalation

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with the prime minister of Iraq on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their phone call, Prince Mohammed and Mohammed Al-Sudani discussed developments in the region and increasing escalation against the backdrop of the crisis in the Gaza Strip and its repercussions.

They also dissussed the importance of making the necessary efforts to prevent the situation from worsening and ways to spare the region from the risks of escalation, SPA added.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikha bint Faisal, Hamdan bin Faisal bin Saud Al Qassimi

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, with his brother, His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his nephew Sheikh Mohammed bin Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

فكر واحد .. قلب واحد

الله يحفظكم 🤲🏽 🇦🇪
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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed allocates $15 million to boost Gaza aid fund

The UAE President Sheikh Mohamed has allocated $15 million in support of the maritime effort to send aid into Gaza.

The money will go towards the Amalthea fund, set up by Cyprus to facilitate and co-ordinate the flow of aid arriving in the enclave.

Gaza’s population is facing food insecurity and famine, according to UN assessments, as ceasefire talks still remain elusive despite increased international pressure on Israel.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the UAE’s contribution to the fund stems from its commitment to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The priority is to ensure the immediate and widespread flow of aid delivered by land, air and sea, state news agency Wam reported.