Entertainment

Azerbaijani president meets British oil boss

Published

1 year ago

September 21, 2023

Staff Reporter

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With the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh seemingly concluded, business has resumed in Baku

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has met with BP Chairman Helge Lund to discuss future oil and gas projects in the Caucasian nation. Although Western powers condemned Baku’s recent assault on Nagorno-Karabakh, they are increasingly dependent on Azerbaijan for energy.

Aliyev and Lund met in Baku on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the so-called ‘Contract of the Century’, a 1994 agreement that opened Azerbaijan’s Caspian oil fields up to a consortium of foreign extractors, including BP.

BP’s “interest in future oil and gas and energy projects in Azerbaijan” was discussed during the meeting, according to Azerbaijan’s APA news agency.

Hours before the meeting, Azerbaijan reached a ceasefire deal with the authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic-Armenian enclave within its territory. The ceasefire ended just over 24 hours of bloodshed, as Azerbaijani forces shelled Nagorno-Karabakh under what it called “counter-terrorism measures” against an alleged buildup of Armenian troops.

Under the ceasefire, Nagorno-Karabakh will likely return to full Azerbaijani control. Armenia and Azerbaijan fought two wars over the province in the early 1990s and in 2020, but current Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced earlier this summer that he was ready to relinquish Yerevan’s claim over the region.

This decision proved immensely unpopular with the Armenian public and diaspora, and Pashinyan has attempted to blame Russia for failing to come to the defense of Nagorno-Karabakh. However, Moscow has pointed out that it was Pashinyan’s own decision to formally recognize the province as Azerbaijani territory, while the Kremlin has criticized the Armenian leader’s recent outreach to the West.

American, British, and European diplomats explicitly condemned Azerbaijan’s use of military force, although the reaction in London was more muted than on the continent, with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly declining to issue a statement on Tuesday. The UK has previously been condemned for allowing BP- and Aliyev-funded promotional material to be aired on state television, while Cleverly faced and ignored calls to denounce Baku’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh earlier this summer.

READ MORE: Russian peacekeepers killed in Nagorno-Karabakh – Moscow

In Europe, relations with Baku are even more paramount since the EU cut itself off from Russian gas imports last year. In a bid to replace Russia as an energy source, the bloc cut a deal with Azerbaijan last July to double its annual gas deliveries to 20 billion cubic meters by 2027.

Despite calls from the European Parliament to impose sanctions on Baku and to reexamine the 2022 gas deal, European Council President Charles Michel accepted the ceasefire, saying that he called Aliyev to urge the “safe, dignified treatment by Azerbaijan of Karabakh Armenians.”

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Staff Reporter

Announcements

Ring in the New Year on Dubai’s waters: Abra, Taxi & Ferry with Atlantis views

Published

2 weeks ago

December 11, 2024

Staff Reporter

As Dubai residents and tourists gear up to celebrate New Year, they can ring in 2025 with celebrations in the waters of the emirate.

تُقدم #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات في دبي عروضًا خاصة وخدمات مميّزة، خلال فعاليات رأس السنة الميلادية الجديدة 2025، والموافق الثلاثاء 31 ديسمبر الجاري 2024، على متن وسائل النقل البحري، مثل فيري دبي والعبرة والتاكسي المائي.
لقراءة الخبر كاملا، يرجى زيارة الموقع الإلكتروني… pic.twitter.com/FfXu8rHHyA
— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 10, 2024

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has announced special offers and exclusive services during the New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024, on marine transport means including the Dubai Ferry, the Abra, and the Water Taxi.

Passengers can enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa, Bluewaters, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Towers. Residents can cruise into 2025 aboard the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and Abra, with the backdrop of the Dubai coastline, adorned with hotels, heritage areas and landmarks such as The World Islands.

Announcements

Dubai Safari to introduce extended hours for night safaris

Published

2 weeks ago

December 6, 2024

Staff Reporter

Timings at the Dubai Safari Park will be extended this winter season, allowing visitors to experience the attraction at night. Evening visitors will be able to observe changes in the animals’ behaviour as the night deepens. The park’s lions will roar more, the usually elusive pygmy hippos will be more active and the predatory instincts of carnivores primed for nocturnal hunting will intensify.

The night safari timings of 6pm to 8pm will be applicable for a limited period—from December 13 to January 12. Tickets will be sold on the park’s website starting from December 11.

https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1864686389918617715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1864686389918617715%7Ctwgr%5E9a6a3d393a5ce5a565aef31778242b56a7deda6b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbuzzzing.ae%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D12597action%3Dedit

The extended hours will include two night safaris led by wildlife guides. Visitors can “expect to catch” a glimpse of the night-time routines of over 90 species, “besides participating in interactive activities involving animals”, the park’s operator said. The safari will host live performances, including an African fire show and a neon display. Visitors will be able to observe and study the animals’ natural adaptations at night, which include enhanced night vision, echolocation, and a heightened sense of smell and hearing.

Ahmad Al Zarouni, director of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities at Dubai Municipality, said, “With the introduction of the unique night safari, we are excited to reveal a new perspective on the world of wildlife after dark. This experience offers a rare opportunity to explore hidden aspects of life in the wild and learn about our constant efforts to enhance animal welfare, by day and by night.”

The extended timings are being offered amid the country’s peak tourist season.

According to the Dubai Safari Park, “well-considered measures” are in place to ensure that the ecosystem and animals’ natural routines remain undisturbed during the night safaris. “Only nocturnally active species will be part of the safari experience, allowing guests to observe them in their most natural state.”

Announcements

Dubai to ring in UAE National Day with week-long celebrations

Published

4 weeks ago

November 26, 2024

Staff Reporter

As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 53rd National Day, residents can look forward to a long weekend, with a 4-day break for most and an extended 5-day holiday for those in Sharjah.

From November 28 to December 3, Dubai will come alive with Eid Al Etihad festivities, featuring shopping deals, acrobatic performances, musical shows, fireworks, and culinary delights.

Culinary Experiences

Dubai’s restaurants and cafes will offer exclusive tasting menus, limited-time promotions, and events celebrating Emirati flavors with global twists. Emirati Eats will showcase a variety of traditional and fusion dishes at leading eateries across the city.

Music and Concerts

The festivities kick off on November 28 with Jalsat Moments at Coca-Cola Arena, featuring a stellar lineup of Arab artists, including Ayed Yousef, Eida Al Menhali, Nabeel Shuail, and Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi.

On December 2, Dubai Festival City Mall will host a live concert by Aryam and Faisal Al Jasim, while City Walk will showcase a performance by Mohamed Al Shehhi, supported by a 10-member band, from 8 pm to 9 pm.

Fireworks

Spectacular firework displays will light up the city skies at these locations:

–December 1, 8 pm: Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR

–December 2, 8 pm: Hatta Sign

–December 2, 9.10 pm: Dubai Festival City Mall

–December 3, 9 pm: Al Seef

Shopping and Family Activities

From November 29 to December 3, shoppers can enjoy discounts on perfumes, jewelry, fashion, footwear, homeware, and apparel across the city. Traditional bands, family-friendly activities, and performances will create vibrant atmospheres at City Centre Mirdif and Ibn Battuta Mall.

Acrobatic Acts and Performances

On December 2, City Walk will host fabric dancers, acrobats, flag bearers, and traditional bands from 4 pm to 6 pm, culminating in the musical finale by Mohamed Al Shehhi.

With over 200 performers and an array of activities, Dubai is set to honor the UAE’s rich heritage and dynamic spirit with a celebration to remember.