For countries like India and China, which comprise the bulk of global energy demand particularly from the Middle East, ensuring energy security of their populations is an ongoing concern. REUTERS
For countries like India and China, which comprise the bulk of global energy demand particularly from the Middle East, ensuring energy security of their populations is an ongoing concern. REUTERS
For countries like India and China, which comprise the bulk of global energy demand particularly from the Middle East, ensuring energy security of their populations is an ongoing concern. REUTERS
Energy security has become increasingly important to ensure the well-oiled functioning of all global economies. As defined by the International Energy Agency, the Paris-based global energy watchdog, it refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy at an affordable price.
For most countries in the Arabian Gulf, energy security may not necessarily top economic priority thanks to adequate fossil fuel resources, but for the rest of the Middle East, and the wider Asian region, it drives economic and foreign policy. For countries like India and China, which comprise the bulk of global energy demand particularly from the Middle East, ensuring energy security of their populations is an ongoing concern.
China alone has over 300 million registered vehicles on the road, running on refined crude products. Factories and power stations also require fuel, currently being met by coal and increasingly being replaced by natural gas as the world’s most populous country looks to lower pollution levels and prepare for a greener future. However, the process is time-consuming as renewable resources and infrastructure associated with their deployment take time to be installed. Meanwhile, China, which cannot afford to run out of fuel, is securing the best deals it possibly can, especially through foreign oil asset purchases. "Energy is a central pillar of the strategic relationship between the UAE and China, particularly as China is now the world’s largest importer of crude oil," says a spokesman for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, which recently sold offshore stakes to Chinese companies. China’s oil imports are expected to exceed 12 million barrels per day this year and is expected to grow to more than 15 million bpd by 2040, he added.
Meanwhile, for South Asian countries like India and Pakistan, oil security has driven foreign policy agenda with the two nations well-adept at manoeuvring relationships with West Asian states to secure better crude and gas off-take deals. However, fluctuations in the oil markets, allegations of unfair pricing towards Asian consumers as well as the reality of declining reserves have prompted these states to deploy renewables capacities over the next decade. India, for instance, looks to derive around 40 per cent of its energy needs from renewables, with around 250 Gigawatts powered by solar by 2030. Pakistan, on the other hand is building its own renewable future, bankrolled and built by China as it looks to move away from dirty coal and find reliable resources to put an end to intermittent power outages across the country. For the oil-rich Middle Eastern nations too, resting in the comfort of oil security is no longer a viable option, as maturing resources, a tempestuous market and the global pivot to green energy has led to a fast tracking of solar and wind programmes in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and even Kuwait.
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures May 9, v Malaysia May 10, v Qatar May 13, v Malaysia May 15, v Qatar May 18 and 19, semi-finals May 20, final
The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened. He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia. Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”. Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Priority access to new homes from participating developers
Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The bio
Date of Birth: April 25, 1993 Place of Birth: Dubai, UAE Marital Status: Single School: Al Sufouh in Jumeirah, Dubai University: Emirates Airline National Cadet Programme and Hamdan University Job Title: Pilot, First Officer Number of hours flying in a Boeing 777: 1,200 Number of flights: Approximately 300 Hobbies: Exercising Nicest destination: Milan, New Zealand, Seattle for shopping Least nice destination: Kabul, but someone has to do it. It’s not scary but at least you can tick the box that you’ve been Favourite place to visit: Dubai, there’s no place like home
