Iran has vowed to reconstruct its nuclear facilities ‘stronger than before’ following extensive damage caused by Israeli and US strikes. President Masoud Pezeshkian, during a visit to the country’s nuclear organization, emphasized that the destruction of buildings would not hinder Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He asserted that Iranian scientists retain the necessary expertise to rebuild and advance the program. Pezeshkian’s remarks echo his earlier statements in February, where he warned of rebuilding efforts if sites were attacked. The strikes, which occurred in June, marked an unprecedented escalation, with Israel targeting nuclear, military, and residential areas, resulting in significant casualties among Iranian scientists. Iran responded with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities. Amidst the tension, Oman has urged both Iran and the United States to revive stalled diplomatic talks. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi called for renewed negotiations during the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that Tehran has received messages regarding resuming diplomacy but provided no further details. Oman had previously hosted five rounds of US-Iran talks this year, but the sixth round was disrupted by Israel’s strikes. The conflict has also led to the reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran, triggered by Britain, Germany, and France over alleged non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
Pakistan awards first offshore oil exploration blocks for decades
In a landmark move to bolster its energy sector, Pakistan has awarded 23 offshore oil exploration blocks to four consortiums led by local energy companies, marking its first such bidding round since 2007. The awards, announced by the energy ministry on Friday, cover approximately 53,500 square kilometers of the country’s offshore zone. The successful bidders include state-run entities Oil and Gas Development Co. Ltd (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL), and Mari Petroleum, alongside privately-owned Prime Energy, backed by Hub Power Company (Hubco).
Among the foreign partners, Turkey’s national oil company, TPAO, secured a 25% stake in one of the blocks and operational rights through a joint agreement with PPL. Other international participants include Hong Kong-based United Energy Group, while local players Orient Petroleum and Fatima Petroleum also joined the consortiums. The four groups collectively committed to an initial investment of $80 million over three years, with potential total investments soaring to between $750 million and $1 billion if drilling progresses.
Pakistan’s offshore zone, spanning 300,000 square kilometers and bordering energy-rich nations like Oman, the UAE, and Iran, has seen minimal exploration since the country’s independence in 1947, with only 18 wells drilled to date. This initiative aims to unlock the region’s untapped hydrocarbon potential and reduce Pakistan’s reliance on oil imports, which currently account for half of its consumption. The move follows the exit of U.S. major Exxon Mobil after the unsuccessful Kekra-1 well in 2019, signaling a renewed effort to attract foreign investment in the energy sector.
-
Look: Over 300 volunteers, people of determination renovate Sharjah charity school
In a remarkable display of community spirit, over 300 volunteers, including individuals of determination, came together to renovate Al Khairiya Charity School in Samnan, Sharjah. The initiative, titled ‘Community-Inspired Schools,’ was launched by the Ministry of Community Empowerment in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation and local partners. This event marked the Sharjah edition of the ‘7 Over 7’ initiative, part of the UAE’s broader Volunteering and Community Engagement Framework. Volunteers of all ages participated in activities ranging from cleaning classrooms and painting murals to planting seedlings and implementing sustainable agriculture projects. The event not only revitalized the school’s infrastructure but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among participants. Among the volunteers was Noureddine Amasha, a 16-year-old with determination, who shared his enthusiasm for contributing despite personal challenges. The initiative also included a homemade organic composting project, which had previously won global recognition at the COP28 ‘Preserving Grace’ conference. Teachers Halima Al Dhanhani and Huda Al Zahouri led efforts to educate volunteers on sustainable practices. The event concluded with a transformed school environment, ready to inspire and support its students. Mohammed Abdulhamid AlHosani, Director of Leadership and Empowerment at the Emirates Foundation, emphasized the UAE’s unique culture of volunteerism, where citizens and residents alike are eager to give back. The ‘Seven Opportunities in Seven Emirates’ program aims to expand volunteer opportunities across various fields, ensuring each emirate benefits from tailored initiatives.
-
Multiply Group’s strategic merger sets stage for UAE’s next investment supercycle
Multiply Group is poised to redefine its position in the global investment landscape following a transformative merger that CEO Samia Bouazza heralds as ‘a whole new beginning.’ Since its listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange four years ago, the company has tripled its market capitalization, with revenues soaring from Dh300 million to Dh2 billion and Ebitda increasing eightfold. The merger, structured as a share swap, will elevate Multiply’s capital base from Dh2.8 billion to Dh8.64 billion, with total outstanding shares reaching 34.5 billion. A 39% free float is anticipated to enhance trading liquidity and improve index weightings in MSCI, FTSE, and FADX 15. The acquisition of IHC’s stakes in 2PointZero and Ghitha Holding is not merely a financial transaction but a fusion of visions, capital, and AI tools. This strategic move expands Multiply’s reach across six sectors, including consumer-focused industries and energy-driven ventures. The energy portfolio now spans the full value chain, from copper and tin mining in Zambia and Congo to renewable energy exports across 120 countries. Multiply’s consumer portfolio is equally robust, encompassing apparel, beauty, media, mobility, and packaging. Ghitha Holding adds a defensive layer with its focus on food production ‘from farm to fork,’ a sector Bouazza deems essential during economic downturns. The merger positions Multiply for stronger investor inflows and global brand expansion, with operations already spanning 85 countries. Bouazza emphasized disciplined execution in acquisitions, targeting a minimum 15% IRR and Dh1 billion in Ebitda within three years. Organic growth is also accelerating, with subsidiaries scaling across the GCC and Latin America. The merger, pending regulatory approval, is set to create one of the most dynamic energy and consumer platforms in the UAE.
-
Two UK nationals held for train stabbing; police rules out terrorism
In a shocking incident on Saturday evening, two British nationals were apprehended by UK police following a mass stabbing on a train in eastern England. The attack, which occurred shortly after the train departed Peterborough, has been confirmed as non-terrorist-related by authorities. The suspects, identified as a 32-year-old Black British male and a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. British Transport Police Superintendent John Loveless emphasized that there is no evidence linking the incident to terrorism. Armed police swiftly responded to the scene after receiving alerts around 7:40 PM GMT. The train was cordoned off as a crime scene, with passengers evacuated and provided with space blankets. The East of England Ambulance Service deployed a significant response, including ambulances and air support, to Huntingdon station. Train operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER) warned of major disruptions, urging passengers to avoid travel. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow expressed his condolences, describing the event as ‘horrendous.’ This incident highlights the ongoing issue of knife crime in the UK, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer has labeled a ‘national crisis.’ Despite stringent gun controls, knife-related offenses have surged, prompting government efforts to curb their use. Recent data shows a 18% decline in knife murders, yet incidents like this underscore the persistent challenge.
-
UAE: How AI is driving cleaner, more efficient access to energy worldwide
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the global energy landscape by enhancing efficiency, accelerating the deployment of cleaner power grids, and expanding access to electricity, according to US Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum. Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Global AI Summit, Burgum emphasized the convergence of energy abundance and AI, highlighting the technology’s potential to overcome longstanding infrastructure and regulatory challenges. ‘The electrical grid around the world is generally quite inefficient, and we can use AI to get big increases in the efficiency and reliability of the grid,’ he stated. Burgum also underscored the opportunity to uplift developing regions, where millions still rely on wood for cooking and heating, leading to respiratory diseases. ‘We have an opportunity to lift everybody up — that’s part of this energy addition,’ he added. The discussion also addressed the massive infrastructure required to power the AI revolution, with Burgum pointing to Microsoft’s record $84 billion spending plan for building ‘AI factories’ — large-scale data and compute centers. Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, echoed this sentiment, noting AI’s potential to enhance various sectors, from healthcare and education to clean energy and economic development. Burgum also highlighted the need to cut regulatory bottlenecks to speed up innovation, advocating for accelerated permitting and lower barriers for capital deployment. He tied America’s domestic energy policy to a broader strategy of ‘energy diplomacy,’ aimed at ensuring global stability and supporting allies, including in the Middle East. ‘The US energy policy is about abundance,’ Burgum concluded. ‘We want to have enough energy to be able to sell energy to our friends and allies, so that our allies don’t have to buy from their adversaries.’
-
Adnoc, Masdar, XRG, and Microsoft join forces to power the future of AI and energy
In a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize the energy and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), Masdar, XRG, and Microsoft have forged a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to accelerate AI integration across the energy industry and develop sustainable energy solutions to support Microsoft’s expanding global AI and data center infrastructure. The announcement was made at the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the convergence of Adnoc’s industrial expertise, Masdar and XRG’s clean energy leadership, and Microsoft’s digital innovation capabilities. The alliance addresses two critical global challenges: decarbonizing energy systems and meeting the escalating energy demands of AI technologies. Central to the partnership is the co-development of AI agents to enhance operational efficiency, enable autonomous operations, and reduce emissions across Adnoc’s value chain. Microsoft will also provide advanced AI tools and training programs to upskill Adnoc’s workforce, fostering a joint innovation ecosystem for transformative energy solutions. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Group CEO, emphasized the integration of AI into operations and the advancement of energy systems to power AI. Adnoc has already achieved significant milestones in AI adoption, becoming the first energy company to implement generative AI enterprise-wide through Microsoft Copilot in November 2023. Over 40,000 employees have undergone AI training, resulting in productivity gains exceeding 70,000 hours monthly. Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President, stressed the necessity of cross-sector collaboration to achieve a sustainable and secure energy future. The partnership also supports Microsoft’s global AI expansion by leveraging clean energy from Masdar and XRG. Masdar, a global renewable energy leader with a portfolio exceeding 51 GW, aims to scale up to 100 GW by 2030. Together, these organizations are positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for energy innovation, setting a new standard for the synergy between AI and clean energy in driving sustainable industrial transformation.
-
Adnoc and Gecko Robotics forge strategic alliance to power AI and robotics in energy sector
In a groundbreaking initiative to propel the energy sector into the future, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has entered into a strategic partnership with US-based Gecko Robotics. Announced at the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi, this collaboration encompasses three key agreements aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into Adnoc’s operations. The partnership signifies a pivotal step in Adnoc’s vision to emerge as the world’s foremost AI-enabled energy enterprise. The agreements include a multi-year technology deployment, a joint effort to enhance skills development for UAE nationals, and an exploration of advanced robotics and AI-powered analytics across Adnoc’s extensive energy infrastructure. Central to this alliance is the implementation of Gecko Robotics’ Cantilever platform, a state-of-the-art operating system that utilizes robotics to gather high-fidelity physical data from industrial assets. This system will be introduced across Adnoc Gas facilities through a new agreement with AIQ, Adnoc’s joint venture with Presight, marking AIQ’s inaugural venture into robotics. Additionally, the partnership will investigate broader applications of robotics and AI within Adnoc’s operations, including the potential local manufacturing of robotic systems in the UAE and the development of AI-driven solutions to boost operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and facilitate predictive maintenance. The third agreement focuses on talent development, with Adnoc Technical Academy (ATA) and Gecko Robotics collaborating on training programs designed to equip UAE nationals with the skills necessary to excel in the increasingly digital energy landscape. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Adnoc’s Managing Director and Group CEO, emphasized the transformative potential of AI and advanced technology in enhancing efficiency, safety, and performance across Adnoc’s operations. Jake Loosararian, CEO of Gecko Robotics, highlighted the critical nature of the partnership, stating that the energy companies that will lead the AI and energy revolution are those that will evolve into technology companies. This collaboration underscores Adnoc’s dedication to innovation, digital transformation, and talent development, while solidifying the UAE’s status as a global leader in energy and technology.
-
AI’s energy appetite sparks global call for action at ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving unprecedented energy demands, prompting global leaders to call for urgent action. At the third ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi, convened by Adnoc, Masdar, and XRG, over 100 leaders from the energy, technology, investment, and government sectors gathered to address this critical issue. The event highlighted the dual challenges of powering AI-driven growth and meeting escalating energy needs from urbanization, data centers, and transportation. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director, emphasized that energy and AI are the ‘twin engines’ of socioeconomic growth but warned that energy-intensive data centers are competing with other major demand drivers. He called for large-scale investments in energy infrastructure, modernized grids, pro-investment policies, and an AI-ready workforce to prepare for future challenges. The ENACT Majlis, held under the Chatham House Rule, builds on previous editions in Abu Dhabi and Washington, D.C., and follows the release of a joint report by Adnoc and Microsoft titled ‘Powering Possible: Unleashing AI for Energy and Energy for AI,’ which explores the interdependence of AI and energy systems.
-
Watch: Gaza children slowly return to school after 2 years of deadly war
In a significant step toward normalcy, children in Gaza are gradually returning to school after a two-year-long conflict that disrupted education and displaced thousands. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced the reopening of some schools in the region following the recent ceasefire. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, shared on social media that over 25,000 students have already joined temporary learning spaces, with approximately 300,000 others expected to attend online classes. At Al Hassaina school in western Nuseirat, classes resumed despite severe shortages of classrooms and resources. The school, like many others, had served as a shelter for displaced families during the war, with laundry lines still hanging across its three floors. Warda Radwan, an 11-year-old student, expressed her excitement about returning to her studies after losing two years of education due to displacement. The school’s courtyard buzzed with activity as young girls participated in morning assemblies, chanting, ‘Long live Palestine!’ Despite the challenging conditions—students sitting on floors without desks or chairs—the children displayed enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Jenin Abu Jarad, a relative of a student, expressed gratitude for the reopening of schools, noting that children had been deprived of education since October 7, 2023. The gradual return to schooling marks a hopeful step in rebuilding the lives of Gaza’s youth.