Author: Hibbaan Baccus

Aberdeen Drilling School has announced its acquisition of the Dubai-based IAS International in a move to expand its Middle East offering. After opening its doors in 1982, the north-east firm has delivered well control training in over 50 countries. Aberdeen Drilling School (ADS) is part of RelyOn Nutec and boasts the largest independent well control training centre in Europe. The firm has a space in the heart of the Granite City, based on Union Glen where its offices can be seen from Holburn Street. In addition to its Aberdeen base, ADS also has a Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and a US…

ADNOC has announced a milestone for its unique CO2 to rock project, which will utilise a pilot technology that permanently mineralises CO2 within rock formations found in the Emirate of Fujairah. Solar panels for the project have been installed by Masdar at the site, which will provide the energy required to capture carbon dioxide from the air, mix it with sea water, and inject it underground, where it is expected to mineralise within peridotite rock formations. “When the sun isn’t shining, we also have a backup generator powered by biodiesel made from used cooking oil by WAKUD,” ADNOC noted. The project, which is…

Ahmed Elwaseif joins Aman Resorts to drive Middle East growth The ultra-exclusive Aman Resorts brand has hired a dedicated director of sales for Middle East and Africa as demand in those market soars. Ahmed Elwaseif has been chosen for the role, expected to pitch the global portfolio to wealthy MEA partners, as well as maximise the lauch of Aman’s trio of Saudi Arabia properties. Elwaseif told Hotelier Middle East: “Aman has seen a consistent rise in travellers from the Middle East and Africa over the past few years across the entire portfolio and I therefore look forward to showcasing Aman within…

Egyptian security forces have arrested a man accused of stabbing a beauty queen multiple times. Local media reported that Marwa Adel was leaving the house to meet a friend when she was attacked by a neighbour with a sharp object and stabbed 25 times. Marwa survived the attack but is said to have suffered significant injuries. In 2017 Cairo was named the most dangerous city in the world for women with some 99 per cent of female residents reporting sexual harassment. Violence against women has soared in recent years, with a spate of femicides rocking the country. Over the summer…

The Iraqi Ambassador to Oman, Qais al-Amiri, hosted a meeting attended by the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Syria to Oman, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi Embassy in Oman. The meeting addressed different views on developments in the region, the statement clarified. Al-Amiri was honored to host the Saudi Ambassador to Oman, Abdullah Al-Anzi, the Iranian Ambassador to Oman, Ali Najafi, and the Syrian Ambassador to Oman, Idris Maya, the statement mentioned. The Iraqi Embassy added that the ambassadors exchanged views on regional issues in an atmosphere of optimism in the holy month of Ramadan.…

RIYADH: Bahrain has seen its exports trade drop below $1 billion, with the value of products of national origin falling by 8 percent to $941 million in January 2023, according to the latest data released by the Information &eGovernment Authority.    With $236 million worth of exports to Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom ranked first among the countries receiving products of Bahraini national origin in January, followed by the US and the UAE which imported goods worth $119 million and $95 million, respectively. In terms of the type of goods, iGA data showed that unwrought aluminum alloys with a $352 million value were the top products exported during the month of January. It was followed by iron ores and concentrate alloyed with a combined value of $127 million. The third product was aluminum wire not alloyed with $45…

Muscat: The grand finale for the Oman Golf Trophy, a unique golf diplomacy initiative, is set to be played at the award-winning Al Mouj Golf in Muscat from 3 to 7 March 2023. The initiative is characterised by a robust public-private partnership to promote investment and tourism opportunities in Oman in line with Oman Vision 2040, with the Sultanate of Oman aiming to leverage golf as an elegant ambassador to highlight the natural beauty of the country for travellers and strengthen diplomatic ties between Oman and Italy. Created in conversation over a game of golf between Francisco Palau Grieg, Honorary Consul…

Anghami describes itself as the largest music streaming app for the Middle East and North Africa. Launched in Beirut in 2012 by Elie Habib and Eddy Maroun, it was quickly dubbed “the Spotify of the Middle East.” Now headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Anghami is growing its footprint to the real world after amassing nearly 20 million active users. It partnered with Sony Music to launch “Vibe,” a boutique record label the companies say will “support independent Arabic music,” and empower artists “to tell their stories regionally and globally.” Then, in July, Anghami acquired Spotlight Events, a live event company, and…