Kurdistan fuels Dana Gas profits



Dana Gas, embroiled in payments disputes with major customers, enjoyed a big rise in profits for the first half of the year.

The gas producer, based in Sharjah, reported first-half net profit increased by 79 per cent on the year to Dh387 million (US$105.3m). Revenues rose by 1 per cent to Dh1.2 billion and overall production declined by 7 per cent to 60,950 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company attributed the rise in profit to increased production at its Kurdish assets and to higher prices for its product.

Dana's financial performance remains blighted by payments issues in Egypt and Iraqi Kurdistan, where most of its production assets lie.

"We continue to have constructive discussions with both the government of Egypt and the government of Kurdistan … on payment of the company's receivables," said Adel Al Sabeeh, Dana's chairman. Receivables out of Egypt have been intermittent since the government of Hosni Mubarak was toppled last year, while a dispute between the Kurdistan regional government and Baghdad has prevented payments.

Payment issues have also cut deeply into the company's cash flow, although the cash balance rose by 46 per cent to Dh 601m.

Concerns over Dana's finances hit the share price hard on fears it would not be able to repay a $1bn sukuk that matures in October.

Earlier this year, Crescent Petroleum, Dana's parent company, said it would not come to the rescue and Dana hinted the debt would be refinanced. Dana stock traded at 39 fils on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange yesterday.

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The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow. 
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes). 

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In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013 

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Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries