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The UAE has arrested a former Interpol official wanted on suspicion of forgery, bribery and fraud charges. The Ministry of Interior in the UAE announced the arrest of Vitalie Pîrlog, a Moldovan national wanted in connection with a cross-border corruption case. Pîrlog, who had been the subject of an active Red Notice issued by INTERPOL at the request of French authorities, was apprehended on Sunday, 15th June 2025. UAE arrests Vitalie Pîrlog Previously, Pîrlog held the position of Chairman of the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF). He now faces multiple charges, including forgery, bribery, facilitating bribery, and fraud. The arrest is part of a sustained and strategic collaboration with international law enforcement bodies, and regional and global organisations, reaffirming the UAE’s steadfast commitment to the security and stability of the international community. In a statement, French officials praised the Ministry of Interior’s professionalism and resolve, emphasising that such coordinated operations highlight the vital importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime. Also read: UAE Airline Flight Suspensions: Flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates Travel Update
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UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news below and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Etihad suspends some UAE flights In its most recent travel update Etihad shared details of extended flight suspensions on key routes. It said: “Due to the ongoing airspace closures and the regional situation, Etihad has suspended all flights between: “Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. “Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements. “This remains an evolving situation, and further changes or disruptions may occur. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. “The safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused”. Etihad also stated that flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Beirut, […]
2 days ago
JPMorgan’s forecast of triple-digit Brent crude prices could soon be a reality as conflict risk in and around the Strait of Hormuz intensifies. The waterway, which handles roughly 20% of global oil trade, remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Any disruption, particularly amid growing military escalation between Iran and Israel, could impact energy flows worldwide and send prices soaring. The most concerning sign of potential maritime disruption in the Strait of Hormuz emerged in the overnight hours via a statement on X by former Iranian Economy Minister Ehsan Khandouzi. While unofficial, the timing and seniority of the comment may reflect broader regime sentiment—or serve as a warning of what’s to come. “Starting tomorrow, for 100 days, no oil tankers or LNG cargoes will be able to pass through the strait without Iran’s approval,” Khandouzi said. He stated, “This policy is decisive if it is implemented “in a timely manner.” Any delay in its implementation means enduring more war inside the country. Trump’s battle must be ended with a combination of economy and security.” Such messaging, especially when paired with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval activity in the region, raises the increasing probability of IRGC actions targeting commercial shipping lanes in the strait. This escalation could serve as the catalyst […]
2 days ago
Two crude oil tankers collided and caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz energy chokepoint, triggering immediate concern across global energy and shipping markets. Iranian naval assets were observed approaching the incident area shortly after the collision, raising the risk of interference. The incident now risks quickly evolving into an ecological disaster. Bloomberg cites the Pakistan Navy’s new maritime navigation warning issued for the Gulf of Oman around the incident area where Front Eagle, a 1,100-foot supertanker, collided with tanker Adalynn early Tuesday off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, includes the warning of an oil spill covering 10 square kilometers (equivalent to about 2,471.05 acres or the size of a small city). The plain English navigation warning reads:Region: Incident: A collision between two vessels was reported at position Latitude: 25°21.38’N & Longitude: 056°51.62’E (This location is just southeast of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman). Environmental Impact: A visible oil spill covering 10 square kilometers has been observed at the site. Satellite imagery from a day ago via Tanker Trackers showed Adalynn ablaze and adrift while noting that maritime diesel had leaked from at least one of the vessels. Here’s footage of Adalynn on fire (view more). ⚠️ Harrowing images of dark fleet tanker ADALYNN (IMO #9231767) post collision. pic.twitter.com/Y1FUBNNtis — Ed Finley–Richardson […]
3 days ago
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has issued a circular announcing Friday, June 27, 2025, as the official public holiday for Dubai government entities, departments and institutions in celebration of Hijri New Year. The holiday excludes entities with employees working in shifts or those involved in providing essential public services or managing vital facilities. These organisations may determine appropriate working hours for such employees based on operational requirements to ensure uninterrupted services. “On this blessed occasion, the department extends its warmest wishes to the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and the citizens and residents of the UAE,” the circular said.
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Abu Dhabi is making its biggest energy play yet, as it seeks to become a major global force in liquefied natural gas (LNG). Its state oil company, ADNOC, through its investment arm XRG PJSC, has led a $19 billion takeover offer for Australia’s Santos Ltd., a move that would give it direct access to LNG production and exports into booming Asian markets, according to Bloomberg. “Abu Dhabi is long oil, but is seeking to be a more material player in LNG markets,” said Bernstein analysts led by Neil Beveridge. “The acquisition of Santos would help enable Adnoc to become a bigger LNG player in key growth markets in Asia.” Santos’ LNG capacity is expected to hit 7.5 million tons annually once Australia’s Barossa project begins later this year. Combined with ADNOC’s existing 6 million tons of domestic LNG capacity and a planned 9.6 million-ton terminal, the deal would position Abu Dhabi as a competitive mid-tier global LNG supplier. “If completed, the deal could push Adnoc into the ranks of majors like Shell and ExxonMobil,” Bernstein analysts noted. Bloomberg Intelligence adds that it could give Adnoc a 15–20 million ton per year (MTPA) portfolio, depending on how it scales operations. “It […]
3 days ago
The UAE Coast Guard has rescued 24 crew members from a ship in the Oman Sea, following an oil tanker collision. The Coast Guard of the National Guard carried out the evacuation mission involving 24 crew members of the oil tanker ADALYNN, on Tuesday, June 17. It followed a collision between two ships in the Sea of Oman. UAE Coast Guard oil tanker rescue The ship’s crew was evacuated from the incident site, located 24 nautical miles off the country’s coast, to the Port of Khor Fakkan using search and rescue boats. Also read: UAE Offers Corporate Tax Fine Waiver — but Deadline Looms
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Emirates has returned to the International Paris Airshow for the first time in over 15 years, unveiling its newly delivered Airbus A350 and reinforcing its long-standing strategic partnership with France’s aviation sector. The A350, which is on display until 19 June, features Emirates’ next-generation cabin design across all three classes, with fully upgraded interiors and inflight technologies. Visitors at the show can experience the airline’s enhanced Business Class and Premium Economy cabins, as well as a redesigned and more spacious Economy Class, reflecting Emirates’ ongoing commitment to innovation in passenger experience. Emirates A350 Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: “We’re pleased to be at the Paris Airshow, showcasing the very best of air travel on one of the most important platforms in the aerospace exhibition calendar. “Coming back to France’s most important aerospace show demonstrates how committed Emirates is to supporting the country’s aviation industry – not just through our day-to-day operations, but through ongoing investments across the entire aerospace supply chain.” Emirates currently serves France with 21 weekly flights to Paris, including three daily A380 services, alongside a daily A380 to Nice and a daily A350 to Lyon. Emirates remains the only international airline to operate an A380 to Nice Côte […]
3 days ago
The UAE has announced a waiver on visa fines for Iranians currently in the country. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the exemption of Iranian citizens currently in the UAE from all overstay fines. This applies to both residents and visitors, regardless of their visa type. UAE visa fine waiver for Iranians The measure is a direct response to the exceptional circumstances in the region, aiming to alleviate the burden on individuals who have been unable to return to Iran due to airspace closures and flight suspensions. While reaffirming its dedication to humanitarian considerations and its commitment to providing comprehensive support to all residents and visitors in the United Arab Emirates, ICP calls upon those eligible for this exemption to register via the ICP Smart Services Platform or visit any customer happiness centre in the country. Also read: UAE Ranked 5th in Global Competitiveness Ranking; Cabinet Reviews $1.4tn Trade Success