Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The UAE Coast Guard rescued 22 crew members from a burning cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, authorities announced on Sunday, as maritime security concerns intensified amid the conflict involving Iran. The National Guard said all those rescued were Arab nationals and were in stable condition after receiving first aid. Specialised response teams located the vessel and evacuated its crew following a […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have closed beaches across three northern emirates following an offshore tanker oil spill, as emergency teams intensify containment operations and assess pollution affecting coastal waters. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed that its technical monitoring and environmental assessment system detected oil contamination reaching beaches in Umm Al Quwain. All beaches and coastal areas in the […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran and Oman are discussing a temporary central shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz as negotiators seek to restore safer commercial passage across one of the world’s most important energy routes. The proposal would reopen the strait’s so-called middle passage, a route largely avoided by vessels since fighting disrupted maritime traffic in late February. Ships have instead relied on northern waters closer […]
The US military has disabled an oil tanker sailing towards Iran’s main crude export terminal, marking the first publicly disclosed attack on a commercial vessel since Washington renewed its blockade of Iranian ports. A US aircraft fired Hellfire missiles into the smokestack of the empty, Curaçao-flagged M/T Belma after the vessel ignored repeated warnings while crossing international waters towards Kharg Island. The strike left the tanker unable […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran has threatened to disrupt energy exports across the Middle East as renewed US military action and a naval blockade deepen the struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz. The warning raised the prospect of attacks extending towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the southern entrance to the Red Sea and a vital route for oil, liquefied natural gas and container traffic. Iran’s […]
Iran fired missiles and drones at US military-linked facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait after a new wave of American strikes on Iranian targets, pushing Gulf security concerns sharply higher and raising fresh risks for shipping, energy markets and regional airspace. The attacks targeted areas associated with US forces in Bahrain and Kuwait, two Gulf states that host important American military infrastructure. Air defence systems were activated, sirens […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gulftainer’s 35-year Port Canaveral concession has become a durable foothold for UAE-linked port capital in the United States, with the Florida terminal now tied to cargo handling, bonded warehousing and commercial space logistics at one of America’s most strategically located maritime gateways. The agreement, signed in 2014 between Port Canaveral and GT USA, Gulftainer’s United States subsidiary, gave the company responsibility for operating […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged cargo vessel off Oman, calling it a terrorist act that threatens international navigation, regional stability and the security of vital maritime corridors. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strike represented a dangerous escalation against commercial shipping at a time when the Gulf of Oman and nearby Strait of Hormuz remain central to […]
Tehran has sharpened its confrontation with Washington and Gulf shipping powers after Mojtaba Khamenei declared that the Strait of Hormuz would be “managed by new rules”, signalling Iran’s intention to tighten political and operational control over the world’s most sensitive energy corridor. Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader and the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the waterway would no longer be treated as a passage subject […]
The United Arab Emirates reinforced its position as a centre for advanced technology and space sciences through 2025, recording a sequence of policy, industrial and scientific advances that underscored a broader shift towards an innovation-led, knowledge-based economy. Government agencies, research centres and private firms aligned capital spending with skills development, deepening international cooperation while scaling domestic capabilities across satellite manufacturing, Earth observation and deep-space research. At the […]
Greenlogue/AP First Abu Dhabi Bank has launched its second blue bond, raising USD 20 million through a three-year issuance, to support marine conservation, wastewater recycling and renewable-powered desalination in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. With this issuance, FAB’s cumulative blue bond volume reaches USD 70 million, following the bank’s inaugural blue bond in August. The funds are aligned with FAB’s 2023 Sustainable Finance Framework and governed by […]
by Mahboob Subuhani, Regional Director, IT Solutions – MEA & APAC at Sigma Software Group Dubai stands as a global benchmark for government digitalisation. In 2025, 99.5% of its services are digitised (120+ gov apps), with over 173 million digital transactions processed across 1400+ services, serving 57 million beneficiaries. Today, Dubai ranks 4th globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, and 1st in the GCC, […]
Santos Ltd’s board of directors has endorsed a US $18.7 billion cash offer from an Abu Dhabi-led consortium, pledging immediate relief for stretched gas markets but plunging Australia into a high-stakes national interest conflict. The bid, sponsored by ADNOC’s investment arm XRG alongside ADQ and Carlyle, offers A$8.89 per share—a 28 per cent premium to Santos’s market value—while assuming A$36.4 billion in enterprise debt. It marks the largest all‑cash takeover ever in […]
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, via its XRG investment arm, has launched an A$8.89‑per‑share all‑cash takeover offer worth roughly US$18.7 billion for Santos, Australia’s second‑largest gas producer. The bid has ignited intense scrutiny from Australian regulators concerned about safeguarding domestic gas supply and securing critical infrastructure. Simultaneously, XRG has pledged to accelerate key gas‑project development, a strategy aimed at wining over skeptical authorities and stakeholders.
The takeover offer emerges at a pivotal moment: Santos’ shares closed at A$7.73 following the announcement, indicating investor scepticism over regulatory clearance, even as the A$8.89 bid reflects a healthy 28 per cent premium. Jamie Hannah, deputy head at VanEck Australia, acknowledged that while the path ahead “is not going to be smooth sailing”, the “very attractive” straight‑cash offer underscores its appeal.
Regulatory risk centres on the critical role Santos plays in Australia’s energy system. The firm possesses about 5 per cent of eastern and 24 per cent of western domestic gas market share, essential for supplying both export and local needs. Analysts warn that the Foreign Investment Review Board, charged with vetting significant foreign acquisitions, will scrutinise ADNOC’s control over gas assets, particularly given concerns of an east‑coast gas shortfall projected by 2027.
Yet ADNOC is banking on its deep financial resources to tip the scales. XRG has emphasised it can fast‑track Santos’ stalled projects, such as Narrabri and Beetaloo, pledging to develop them faster and more robustly than Santos’ previous plan to boost shareholder returns. UBS’s Tom Allen highlighted this strength, saying regulators may view ADNOC’s funding as a delivery mechanism for the gas Australia needs.
The layered bid comes from a consortium that includes not only ADNOC’s XRG, but also Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company and private‑equity giant Carlyle, valuing Santos at some US$36.4 billion including debt – making it the largest all‑cash corporate takeover ever in Australia.
Despite such scale, state‑level political concerns are emerging. South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis have called for protections on local jobs, licence control, and keeping Santos’s headquarters in Adelaide. Meanwhile, new state legislation adds weight to ministerial approval of petroleum licence transfers, granting South Australia extra leverage in the process.
At the federal level, Treasurer Jim Chalmers holds the ultimate authority. His decision will rely closely on FIRB advice, with insiders describing it as a pivotal “captain’s call” for the Albanese government. The broader Ministry of Energy and Resources, currently reviewing gas supply strategies, may leverage the bid to extract concessions in line with looming energy security needs.
Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher, whose compensation could wind up exceeding A$50 million if the deal proceeds, has maintained discretion, saying he will “let the process take its course”. Gallagher previously brought forward a stalled bid with Woodside, signalling a strategic interest in consolidation.
Market sentiment remains guarded but not dismissive. Santos shares rallied approximately 11 per cent in the wake of the board’s backing of the bid and release of due‑diligence exclusivity. Analysts point to ADNOC’s deep capital reserves and the trade deal with the UAE as factors that may cushion adversities and lend credence to the offer.
One area of uncertainty is the domestic Narrabri gas project in New South Wales: although Novation from the recent Native Title Tribunal clearance supports its long‑anticipated development, ongoing regulatory review and possible asset spin‑offs to comply with FIRB guidelines could delay its final investment decision. Analysts have speculated that domestic‑facing assets might be excluded or managed separately, potentially involving Carlyle as a local partner to satisfy national interest criteria.
This complex engineering of commercial ambition and governmental oversight places energy security at the centre of the acquisition narrative. While ADNOC’s financial might and project‑acceleration promise may reassure regulators, political and community stakeholders are tightening the lens on national asset control, job retention, and supply resilience. The outcome will hinge on whether FIRB, acting on Chalmers’s counsel, accepts the consortium’s assurances — or opts for a compromise that safeguards domestic gas capacity.
EDGE, the United Arab Emirates’ premier defence technology conglomerate, has secured a landmark AED 9 billion contract with the Kuwait Ministry of Defence for the supply of eight FALAJ-3 class missile boats. This agreement represents the largest naval shipbuilding export in the Middle East and ranks among the highest-value naval export deals globally.
Under the terms of the contract, EDGE will serve as the prime contractor, overseeing the design, construction, trials, and delivery of the 62-metre vessels. The agreement also encompasses integrated logistics support and in-service support, with EDGE providing ammunition for the ships. Abu Dhabi Ship Building , EDGE’s naval subsidiary, has been designated as the build subcontractor for the programme.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, described the deal as a significant milestone that deepens long-term defence ties between the UAE and Kuwait. He emphasised that the agreement brings a proven class of advanced vessels into regional service and reinforces EDGE’s position as a trusted international partner. Al Marar highlighted the rapid industrial and engineering progress achieved by EDGE, noting the company’s ability to design, build, and deliver complex naval platforms at scale.
The FALAJ-3 class missile boats are designed for high performance and advanced combat capabilities, tailored to meet Kuwait’s operational requirements. These vessels are equipped for littoral defence operations, featuring advanced combat systems and enhanced capabilities to safeguard Kuwait’s maritime interests.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence stated that the acquisition of these vessels will contribute to raising the level of combat readiness, enhancing maritime security, and protecting the vital and strategic maritime interests of the State of Kuwait. The ministry highlighted that the contract aligns with Kuwait’s strategic objectives to bolster its naval capabilities and ensure the security of its territorial waters.
The FALAJ-3 class has also been adopted by the UAE Navy, with the first vessel, ALTAF, commissioned into service in February 2025. This operational deployment underscores the vessel’s proven capability and performance in regional waters.
The signing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshal Mubarak Al Sabah, Undersecretary of the Kuwait Ministry of Defence; Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Kuwait; Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE; and Omar Al Zaabi, President of Trading and Mission Support at EDGE.
This contract is not the first collaboration between EDGE and Kuwait. Previously, EDGE subsidiary ADSB delivered eight landing craft to Kuwait and provided maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to the Kuwaiti Coast Guard. The current agreement further solidifies the defence partnership between the two nations and demonstrates EDGE’s commitment to delivering comprehensive defence solutions.
The FALAJ-3 class vessels are based on the Fearless-class ships originally designed by Singapore’s ST Engineering for the Republic of Singapore Navy. EDGE has adapted and enhanced these designs to meet the specific needs of regional clients, offering a versatile platform capable of operating in both littoral and blue waters. The vessels can be equipped with a range of weapons, including missiles, rockets, and medium-calibre guns, providing robust defensive capabilities against various threats.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy in Houston, Texas, has issued a statement urging its citizens to exercise caution as Hurricane Beryl strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico and threatens to make landfall along the Texas coast. Beryl is currently classified as a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of up to 74 miles per hour (mph). The storm’s track is predicted to take it towards […]
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to become a major player in the Horn of Africa, leveraging its economic strength and geographical proximity to establish a foothold in the strategically important region. Analysts point to the UAE’s growing investments in logistics, maritime trade, and security partnerships as indicators of its ambitions. The Horn of Africa, encompassing countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti, sits at the crossroads […]
In a move to strengthen international cooperation against piracy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a contribution of one million US dollars to the United Nations Trust Fund for Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. The announcement, made on June 4, 2024, underscores the UAE’s commitment to the safety and security of vital shipping lanes. Piracy poses a significant threat to global commerce, disrupting trade routes and […]
Global ocean exploration nonprofit sets sail in Indonesia on a first-of-its-kind Southeast Asian mission that combines science, education, and media to support the advancement of ocean science and marine education in the region, contributing to the battle against climate change. BALI / JAKARTA, INDONESIA- Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2024 – Global ocean exploration nonprofit OceanX, together with the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment […]
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a nation long associated with desert landscapes and booming metropolises, is quietly emerging as a global leader in ocean conservation. With a coastline bordering the strategic waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the UAE recognizes the vital role that healthy oceans play in its own economic and environmental well-being. The country has embarked on a series of ambitious […]
By James M Dorsey Increasingly, compliance with US sanctions against Iran could emerge as a litmus test of the United Arab Emirates’ close ties to the United States. At the sharp edge of a potential rift between the allies is a reportedly recently concluded agreement by a private UAE company to build gas-fired thermal, solar, and wind power plants with a total capacity of 300 megawatts in Iran’s hydrocarbon-rich […]
By James M. Dorsey Europe is progressively being sucked into the Middle East and North Africa’s myriad conflicts. As if wars on its doorstep in Libya and Syria were not enough, UAE support for an Eastern Mediterranean pipeline that could hurt Qatar economically — combined with Greek, Cypriot and French opposition to Turkish moves — leaves Europe with few, if any, options but to get involved. Europe’s […]
By James M. Dorsey A decision by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC producers like Russia to temporarily end a price war and cut production amounts to a time-out rather than an end to what is likely to erupt at some point in the future as a tripartite war. More immediately, the decision averts a significant deterioration in relations between the United States and […]
