United Arab Emirates
latest news & developments
UAE ramps up African infrastructure investment as Gulf states compete for trade influence
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is accelerating oversight of large road projects in Togo, Madagascar and Nigeria as Gulf states expand strategic infrastructure investments…
UAE fast-tracks oil pipeline to bypass Strait of Hormuz
The project is expected to complement the existing oil pipeline of 1.8 million barrels a day to meet global demand
UAE targets Shell’s 600 SA petrol stations in $1bn deal
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is in advanced talks to acquire Shell’s South African downstream assets. The deal could reshape the country’s fuel retail sector and deepen…
Welcome to the age of empire
The South African government has navigated this period remarkably well. It has not capitulated to any of the stronger blocs, whilst retaining its dignity and independent views
Middle Eastern tensions could test South Africa’s diversification strategy
Geopolitical instability does not necessarily undermine trade and investments, economic alignment can weather the storm of volatility
Khamenei killing puts limits of self-defence under UN Charter to the test
The United Nations Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, the only recognised exception being…
UPDATED: Iran hits US Gulf base in retaliation against attacks on Tehran
US President Donald Trump warned members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard to lay down their arms or face ‘certain death’.
AI funding set to bring mining into 21st century
Minerals Minister Gwede Mantashe says the country faces challenges in developing an effective system for exploration and mining licences
Blind to the facts on global issues
The uncritical cheerleaders for the West cannot be taken seriously until they acknowledge that the West supports and collaborates with authoritarian regimes such as Saudi Arabia,…
Somaliland and the African border dilemma
But insisting that borders are absolutely sacred under all circumstances brings its own dangers
Africa’s moment to green its capital markets
Critically, we are looking at connecting real capital to real needs. When a green bond enables a utility company to invest in clean energy, it means more households can access…
East Africa trade soars to $38bn in second quarter, narrowing deficit
The increase was largely driven by exports, which surged 40.5% to $18.6 billion, reflecting rising global demand
South African firms suspect UAE companies may have obtained military intellectual property
A Special Investigating Unit investigation is focused on employees of defence firms suspected of passing on military intellectual property
The Soul in the machine: Holding onto our humanity in a tech-driven world
In a world rushing toward automation, one city’s cultural celebration reminds us that connection, spirit and story are still our most vital technologies
SA’s arms exports to UAE, a state accused of violating Genocide Convention
In 2023, South Africa sold nearly R88 million worth of arms to the United Arab Emirates, to support a paramilitary group in Sudan