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ASEAN Secretary-General Receives Credentials of Qatari Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Jakarta, September 14, 2026

HE Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dr. Kao Kim Hourn received the credentials of HE Dr. Sultan bin Mubarak Saad Al Dosari as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to ASEAN.

HE the ASEAN’s Secretary-General expressed his wishes of success to HE the Ambassador in performing his duties, emphasizing ASEAN’s aspiration to continue enhancing and elevating the level of cooperation with the State of Qatar across all fields. 

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China visits target stronger home-grown technologies for SA

Source: Government of South Africa

China visits target stronger home-grown technologies for SA

Shanghai, China

South Africa is using its participation in the Pujiang Innovation Forum to pursue partnerships aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in biotechnology, satellite development and green hydrogen.

Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Deputy Director-General for Technology Innovation, Dr Kenny Tenza, said the companies visited by the South African delegation in China had been carefully selected because their work aligned with the country’s strategic priorities.

The delegation, led by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande, held discussions with Liferiver, SpaceSail and Safire Group, as it explored opportunities for technological cooperation, market access and access to specialised equipment.

“I think the first and very important point to make is that all these visits are strategically aligned with our priorities as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation,” Tenza said.

The first company visited was Life River, a biotechnology business involved in medical devices and diagnostic technologies. Tenza said its operations supported South Africa’s Bio-economy Strategy and the department’s efforts to strengthen the country’s technological capabilities.

“It is a medical device and diagnostics company, and that fits very well with the strategic priorities of the department.

“We were able to discuss key areas of mutual interest between the company, the department and our entities. We are looking forward to further collaboration with the company and to using that relationship to strengthen our own technologies,” Tenza said.

The delegation also visited SpaceSail as South Africa seeks to expand its space science and satellite capabilities. Government has identified the space sector as an important area of investment, including the longer-term ambition of developing an indigenous satellite-launch capability.

“We want to improve our capabilities and ultimately develop an indigenous launch capability within South Africa. The company is called SpaceSail and during our visit, we identified several possible areas of collaboration, especially in the satellite-payload space,” he said.

Satellite payloads include the instruments and equipment carried aboard satellites to conduct communications, observation, scientific research and other missions.

The delegation’s visit to Safire Group focused on technologies supporting South Africa’s green hydrogen ambitions. The company manufactures electrolysers, which use electricity to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen.

“The last company that we visited is Safire Group, whose work is also aligned with our energy strategy. It is one of the key manufacturers of electrolysers in the world,” Tenza said.

In this regard, he said the DSTI was focusing mainly on the membrane electrode assembly. 

“We also have our own South African company participating in this visit, which is working in the membrane electrode assembly industry as well.”

Tenza said the DSTI wanted to facilitate a relationship that would deliver tangible commercial and technological opportunities for the South African company.

“We are strengthening that collaboration so that the South African company can have access to markets and also benefit from an equipment perspective.” 

The engagements, he explained, were intended to ensure that South Africa’s participation in the forum produced practical partnerships, rather than ending with conference discussions.

Collectively, the visits targeted three areas in which the country wants to deepen local expertise and industrial capacity — health technologies, space systems and clean-energy manufacturing. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa is using its participation in the Pujiang Innovation Forum to pursue partnerships aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in biotechnology, satellite development and green hydrogen.

Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Deputy Director-General for Technology Innovation, Dr Kenny Tenza, said the companies visited by the South African delegation in China had been carefully selected because their work aligned with the country’s strategic priorities.

The delegation, led by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande, held discussions with Liferiver, SpaceSail and Safire Group, as it explored opportunities for technological cooperation, market access and access to specialised equipment.

“I think the first and very important point to make is that all these visits are strategically aligned with our priorities as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation,” Tenza said.

The first company visited was Life River, a biotechnology business involved in medical devices and diagnostic technologies. Tenza said its operations supported South Africa’s Bio-economy Strategy and the department’s efforts to strengthen the country’s technological capabilities.

“It is a medical device and diagnostics company, and that fits very well with the strategic priorities of the department.

“We were able to discuss key areas of mutual interest between the company, the department and our entities. We are looking forward to further collaboration with the company and to using that relationship to strengthen our own technologies,” Tenza said.

The delegation also visited SpaceSail as South Africa seeks to expand its space science and satellite capabilities. Government has identified the space sector as an important area of investment, including the longer-term ambition of developing an indigenous satellite-launch capability.

“We want to improve our capabilities and ultimately develop an indigenous launch capability within South Africa. The company is called SpaceSail and during our visit, we identified several possible areas of collaboration, especially in the satellite-payload space,” he said.

Satellite payloads include the instruments and equipment carried aboard satellites to conduct communications, observation, scientific research and other missions.

The delegation’s visit to Safire Group focused on technologies supporting South Africa’s green hydrogen ambitions. The company manufactures electrolysers, which use electricity to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen.

“The last company that we visited is Safire Group, whose work is also aligned with our energy strategy. It is one of the key manufacturers of electrolysers in the world,” Tenza said.

In this regard, he said the DSTI was focusing mainly on the membrane electrode assembly. 

“We also have our own South African company participating in this visit, which is working in the membrane electrode assembly industry as well.”

Tenza said the DSTI wanted to facilitate a relationship that would deliver tangible commercial and technological opportunities for the South African company.

“We are strengthening that collaboration so that the South African company can have access to markets and also benefit from an equipment perspective.” 

The engagements, he explained, were intended to ensure that South Africa’s participation in the forum produced practical partnerships, rather than ending with conference discussions.

Collectively, the visits targeted three areas in which the country wants to deepen local expertise and industrial capacity — health technologies, space systems and clean-energy manufacturing. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eritrea: Vocational Training for Students in Barentu Sub-zone

Source: APO

A four-month vocational training program has been provided to 480 students in Barentu sub-zone.

The training covered basic computer applications, first aid, beauty salon services, painting, drama, and cosmetics.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on 10 September, Mr. Furtunato Mohammed-Saleh, head of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students in Barentu sub-zone, noted that acquiring skills at a young age can have a significant influence on later life. He commended the students for the interest they demonstrated throughout the program.

Noting that awareness and organization are key to success, Mr. Bekit Adm, head of projects at the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students in the Gash Barka Region, called for similar vocational training programs to be organized for the youth in the administrative areas of the sub-zone.

Mr. Tesfa’alem Bahta, administrator of Barentu sub-zone, commended the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students for its efforts to enhance young people’s vocational skills and called on local administrations and partners to support the initiative.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Encouragement to outstanding students

Source: APO

Al-Dia’e Junior and Secondary School and Awate Elementary and Junior School have recognized outstanding students who achieved high marks in the national school leaving and eighth-grade national examinations for the 2025/2026 academic year.

At the recognition ceremony held on 13 September at Al-Dia’e School in Akria sub-zone, Mr. Sahle Abraham, director of the school, said that 11 students scored above 90 points in the eighth-grade national examination and 17 students attained GPAs ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 in the national school leaving examination.

Likewise, Awate Elementary and Junior School recognized outstanding students who scored above 90 points in the eighth-grade national examination.

Mr. Belai Berhe, director of the school, said that students who scored above 90 points received medals and certificates of recognition. He added that 20 outstanding students received medals, tablets, and certificates of recognition, while a female student who scored 99.6 points received a special award.

The parents’ committee, noting that parental participation is essential to achieving the desired results in the teaching and learning process, called on parents to invest more in their children’s education.

Ms. Liya Bereketeab, administrator of Akria sub-zone, and Mr. Yohannes Solomon, head of high schools follow-up, called on the award-winning students to build on their achievements and work hard to excel in their future studies.

Awate Elementary and Junior School also recognized 10 exemplary teachers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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AI has arrived in South Africa’s boardrooms – but company law hasn’t caught up

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Rehana Cassim, Professor in Company Law, University of South Africa

AI is beginning to influence how boards of directors make decisions in South African companies. Directors use it to do things like assess financial information, predict market trends or identify potential risks before making strategic decisions.

But there is a problem. South African company law does not regulate its use by boards. This matters in relation to the rules governing directors’ duties and responsibilities.

Many countries already regulate AI through binding legislation. For example, the European Union, South Korea and Vietnam adopted comprehensive AI laws. Other countries such as China introduced more targeted AI regulations.

As a company law researcher, in a recent paper I looked at four company law implications of AI use in South African boardrooms:

  • whether by consulting AI the board will be regarded as having complied with its fiduciary duties

  • whether directors can rely on the business judgment rule in section 76(4) of the Companies Act when AI-assisted decisions result in negative consequences for the company

  • whether directors can lawfully delegate their functions to AI, and rely on AI-generated advice without incurring liability for incorrect decisions made by those systems

  • who is liable when AI errors cause harm to third parties. In other words, who is legally responsible for the consequences of decisions that AI makes?

My findings show that current South African law provides little guidance on these issues. As AI becomes part of everyday business, this gap is becoming a legal and governance challenge. Clear legal rules are urgently needed to prevent a legal vacuum being created in South African boardrooms.

How AI can assist boards

There are different ways in which boards can use AI to manage companies and make decisions.

The simplest form is assisted AI. It performs administrative tasks while directors retain control over decision-making. It can compile meeting agendas, call meetings and draft reports. This allows directors to focus on strategic decisions.

Augmented AI can analyse large amounts of information, identify trends and predict the likely outcomes of different business decisions. For example, it could analyse data and evaluate the risks of a merger and recommend the best course of action. The AI provides recommendations, but the board still makes the final decision.

The most advanced form is autonomous AI, which can make decisions and carry out tasks without constant human input. Boards could, for example, authorise an AI system to make investment decisions within set parameters and independently monitor markets and execute trades.

AI has important limits

Although AI has advantages in supporting corporate decision-making, my research found that it has limitations too. These may affect the reliability of AI-generated recommendations.

AI systems learn from existing data. If that data is inaccurate or biased, AI’s recommendations could also be biased. This is a concern in South Africa, where historical inequalities remain reflected in many datasets.

A 2024 study by the Centre of Excellence in Financial Services suggested that AI used in South African banking could perpetuate racial bias. If companies rely on it without proper oversight, AI could repeat or worsen existing discrimination patterns.

Another challenge is that many AI systems operate as a “black box”. They may produce sophisticated recommendations, but even their developers may struggle to explain how the AI systems reached a particular conclusion.

A further limitation is that AI lacks human qualities essential for effective board leadership, such as empathy, intuition and emotional intelligence.

Can directors delegate their functions to AI?

South African company law allows directors to delegate certain functions to others. But they cannot relinquish their ultimate responsibility for managing the company. They remain accountable for board decisions.

My research argues that the same principle should apply to AI. Directors should be allowed to delegate their functions to assisted AI and perhaps augmented AI, provided they properly supervise the AI system and do not relinquish their responsibilities.

But delegation to autonomous AI should not be allowed. If directors delegated their functions to it, they would be giving AI decision-making powers and giving up their responsibilities.

Directors cannot simply accept AI recommendations. Company law requires them to exercise independent judgment. They must also act in the company’s best interests. If they can’t understand how AI reached a recommendation, how will they determine whether it is in the company’s best interests?

In my view, directors should therefore have some AI literacy. They do not need to understand the coding in detail. But they should have enough AI literacy to understand how the AI works. This will enable them to properly supervise the delegation of their functions to AI.

Who is liable when AI gets it wrong?

An important legal question is determining responsibility when AI causes harm.

Imagine management uses AI to assist in recommending an investment to the board. The board approves the investment based on that AI-generated recommendation, but the investment results in substantial losses. Who should be held liable?

The AI system itself cannot be sued because it is not a legal person. It cannot own property, pay damages or appear before a court.

Responsibility could potentially fall on the company, the software developer or directors who relied on the AI system. Directors might be held liable if they failed to supervise the AI system properly, but the Companies Act does not clearly define where responsibility begins or ends.

This uncertainty creates risks. Companies need legal certainty before investing in AI. Directors need clear guidance about their duties, while those affected by AI-driven decisions need to know who is accountable if something goes wrong.

Without clear legal rules, disputes are likely to increase as AI becomes more common in corporate decision-making.

South Africa should act now

South Africa has taken some steps. The National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework promotes ethical, transparent and human-centred AI. The Draft National AI Policy is pending. It was published for public comment in April 2026 but was withdrawn after fictitious AI-generated sources were discovered in the reference list.

The King V Code on Corporate Governance for South Africa 2025 also recommends that boards should ensure that AI is used ethically, transparently, fairly, securely and with clear human oversight.

In my view, these developments are important, but they are not enough. The Companies Act should be updated to reflect AI’s growing role in corporate decision-making.

The Companies Act should require directors to supervise decisions made by AI. Ultimate human control of the AI system should be legally required.

My research argues that provision should be made for directors to rely on assisted and augmented AI, but not autonomous AI, subject to the directors supervising the AI and exercising an independent judgment.

The Companies Act should require directors to have a sufficient level of AI literacy. Boards should appoint at least one member with AI expertise. Companies should be required to appoint a designated AI officer responsible for the safe, ethical and unbiased use of AI.

Companies should also consider taking out insurance against potential liabilities arising from AI-generated decisions.

– AI has arrived in South Africa’s boardrooms – but company law hasn’t caught up
– https://theconversation.com/ai-has-arrived-in-south-africas-boardrooms-but-company-law-hasnt-caught-up-291004

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Middle East Center Hold First Joint Workshop on Capital Adequacy for Islamic Banks in Kuwait

Source: APO

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://ISDBInstitute.org/) and the International Monetary Fund Middle East Center for Economics and Finance (IMF-CEF) successfully concluded their first joint workshop, held from 6 to 10 September 2026 in Kuwait City.

The workshop, titled “Capital Adequacy Implications for Islamic Banks Based on Basel III,” brought together senior officials and specialists from central banks and ministries of finance across the region. The program was delivered by Dr. Abozer Mohamed, Senior Islamic Finance Specialist at IsDBI, and focused on key capital adequacy considerations arising from the application of Basel III standards to Islamic banking institutions.

The workshop provided participants with an in-depth understanding of the regulatory capital framework and its implications for Islamic banks, including the composition of regulatory capital, regulatory adjustments and deductions, capital buffers, risk-weighted assets, and the calculation of capital requirements for credit risk, market risk and operational risk. The program also addressed the leverage ratio and other key aspects relevant to assessing the resilience and financial soundness of Islamic banking institutions.

The workshop was attended by representatives from the central banks and ministries of finance of Libya, Mauritania, and Somalia, as well as representatives of the Palestine Monetary Authority, Central Bank of Yemen, Central Bank of Syria, Central Bank of Oman and the Central Bank of Kuwait. The diverse participation provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences and discuss regulatory and supervisory challenges related to capital adequacy in their respective jurisdictions.

The workshop commenced with opening remarks delivered by Dr. Sami Ben Naceur, Director of the IMF Middle East Center for Economics and Finance, and Dr. Abozer Mohamed, Senior Islamic Finance Specialist at IsDBI. The opening session highlighted the importance of capacity development and knowledge sharing in strengthening financial sector resilience and supporting the effective implementation of international regulatory standards in Islamic finance.

The first joint workshop between IsDBI and IMF-CEF represents an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two institutions in Islamic finance capacity development and financial sector regulation. It also provides a platform for regulators and policymakers to deepen their understanding of the interaction between Basel III requirements and the specific characteristics of Islamic banking.

Throughout the five-day program, participants engaged in technical presentations, practical exercises, case studies and discussions designed to translate regulatory concepts into practical capital adequacy calculations. Emphasis was placed on the challenges faced supervisors when applying risk-based capital requirements while taking into account the distinctive features of Shariah-compliant financial instruments and business models.

Participants also shared an overview of the regulatory capital framework in their respective jurisdictions, highlighting the key regulatory requirements, supervisory practices, and the main challenges they face in implementing capital adequacy standards for Islamic banks.

The successful conclusion of the workshop underscores the shared commitment of IsDBI and IMF-CEF to advancing professional capacity, promoting sound regulatory practices and supporting financial stability in countries with Islamic banking sectors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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About the IsDB Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information is available on https://ISDBInstitute.org/.

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VUKA Group RDC Joins Makutano Mining 2026

Source: APO


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VUKA Group RDC (http://WeAreVUKA.com/) will participate in the inaugural edition of Makutano Mining, taking place from 22 to 25 November 2026 in Kinshasa, under the High Patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic.

As the organiser of DRC Mining Week and the DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum, VUKA Group RDC will showcase its platforms and programmes and mobilise its network of operators, investors and suppliers around the four-day programme. The two organisations will also jointly promote the forum across their respective channels, bringing Makutano Mining 2026 to the attention of mining industry stakeholders in the DRC, across Africa and internationally.

This collaboration brings together two complementary platforms. While DRC Mining Week has focused on operations and on-the-ground realities from Lubumbashi, Makutano Mining brings to Kinshasa a space for vision, strategy and national decision-making, in close proximity to the Presidency, ministries and governors of the mining provinces. Bringing these two levels together is what has been missing from the Congolese mining conversation.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening the bridges between platforms that contribute to the development of the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are pleased to participate in Makutano Mining 2026 and to put our platforms and network at the service of this collective momentum.”

Papy Luzala, Managing Director, VUKA Group RDC

“Bringing VUKA to Kinshasa means bringing together in one room those who produce and those who make decisions. Our two platforms are complementary, and the Congolese mining sector has everything to gain from this collaboration.”

Nicole Sulu, Founder, Réseau Makutano

Beyond November, the two organisations intend to promote knowledge sharing, strengthen connections between stakeholders and support the development of more integrated mining and industrial value chains in the DRC. They share a common conviction: that the mining sector should be a driver of local value creation, industrialisation, skills development and employment.

Makutano Mining 2026 will take place from 22 to 25 November 2026 in Kinshasa. Four days bringing together the country’s highest-ranking government authorities, industry leaders and international financiers around the theme of mining sovereignty.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Emirates enters winter season with strong booking momentum as network and product investments accelerate

Source: APO

  • Summer performance above expectations: Emirates carried over 8.6 million passengers between July and August; arrivals into Dubai on Emirates in the second half of August alone was up 7% on the same period in 2025
  • Fleet and network: 104 aircraft retrofitted to date; Premium Economy now available on 137 aircraft. 18 aircraft delivered since January, with six more A350s arriving before year-end, Helsinki joining the network on 1 October
  • Product investments: Launch this year of the industry’s first U-dream headrest for Economy Class and Premium Economy seats with privacy dividers, and new generation Emirates Lounge
  • Pan-African momentum: South Africa, Egypt and Ghana rank among the markets where winter demand is already tracking ahead of last year, with new A350 deployments to Uganda and South Africa reinforcing Emirates’ growing footprint across the continent

Emirates (www.Emirates.com) has closed the summer season ahead of expectations and enters winter with strong booking momentum across a broadening range of markets, as the airline continues to invest in its fleet and industry-leading products, in its global network, and in offering customers greater booking flexibility and comprehensive travel cover.

Between July and August, Emirates carried more than 8.6 million passengers, maintaining healthy seat load factors across its network. The airline is currently operating at around 93% of its pre-disruption capacity, with demand continuing to build as the winter travel season approaches.

Bookings for winter, beginning in late October, are tracking positively despite a broader shift where customers are making travel decisions closer to departure. South Africa, Brazil, India, Portugal, Egypt, Ghana, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are among the markets where demand is currently tracking ahead of last year, alongside Nepal through Emirates’ partnership with flydubai.

In Africa specifically, South Africa, Egypt and Ghana are leading this positive trend, reflecting sustained demand for Emirates’ network and product investments across the continent.

The UAE also remains a strong outbound market, while demand for premium travel on Emirates continues to grow.

Strong summer demand

Emirates services to and from West Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Africa all recorded seat load factors well above 75% during the summer, with particularly strong performance on routes to and from Indonesia, Côte d’Ivoire and across the UK.

Côte d’Ivoire’s strong summer performance underscores continued demand for Emirates across West Africa.

Demand for Premium Economy grew across the network, with the Americas recording the strongest growth in demand for this cabin.

Dubai also continued to attract strong inbound traffic. In late August alone, more than half a million customers arrived in Dubai on Emirates flights, up 7% on the same period last year. Travellers included residents returning ahead of the new school year, new residents relocating to Dubai to live and work, and visitors choosing the city for a late-summer break.

Over the summer, customers had more reasons to choose Emirates. The airline boosted its flexibility proposition with one free date change anywhere across the network, and unlimited free date changes to Dubai. It also reduced refund fees on Dubai journeys and introduced Comprehensive Travel Cover, a first-of-its-kind policy which includes medical cover protecting against conflict and airspace disruption, backed by airline-managed accommodation, ground support and rebooking where needed.

Fleet upgrades and product investments gather pace

Since January 2026, the airline has welcomed 18 aircraft – 11 new A350s and seven Boeing 777 freighters – with another six A350s scheduled to arrive before the end of December.

To date, 104 aircraft have completed Emirates’ retrofit programme, including 53 Boeing 777s and 51 A380s. This brings the number of aircraft offering Premium Economy and Emirates’ latest cabin products to 137. By the end of December, that number will have risen to 155 aircraft.

This expanding product footprint gives customers significantly more opportunities to experience Emirates’ latest cabins. Premium Economy is now available on services to 90 destinations, with another 6 destinations set to receive the product before the end of this year, including Paris, Delhi, Stockholm, and others.

Connectivity is also being upgraded. Close to 50 Emirates aircraft are now fitted with Starlink, with installations progressing alongside the retrofit programme to bring high-speed inflight internet to more customers.

This year, Emirates also launched the innovative U-dream headrests onboard its A350 Economy Class, the industry’s first Premium Economy seat with privacy dividers, and its next generation signature lounges – with new facilities already welcoming guests in Munich, Frankfurt and Manchester.

More destinations, frequencies and connectivity

Emirates’ network will continue to expand heading into winter, with new destinations, additional frequencies and more of its latest aircraft deployed across key markets.

Helsinki joins the Emirates network on 1 October, launching with the A350. The aircraft currently serves 30 destinations from Dubai, increasing to 36 by year-end.

Emirates is also adding capacity on several routes to meet demand. Accra will receive three additional weekly services, while Tokyo Narita, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi will receive second daily services, and one of the airline’s daily Delhi services will be upgraded to an A380.

The additional Accra frequency reflects growing demand across West Africa and reinforces Emirates’ commitment to strengthening connectivity to the region.

The Emirates A350 will be deployed to Larnaca, Malta, Nairobi and Hamburg from late October, followed by Mauritius in November. Retrofitted Boeing 777s will be introduced to Stockholm in October and Frankfurt in November, extending Emirates’ latest onboard products to more markets.

Emirates is also strengthening its African footprint, with new A350 deployments to Uganda and South Africa this year, alongside an upcoming A380 introduction on the Paris route.

Beyond its own network, Emirates’ 168 codeshare, interline and intermodal partnerships give customers access to an additional 1,750 cities. On an average day, more than 13,000 Emirates customers connect to their destinations on services operated by partner airlines.

The Emirates and flydubai partnership has become one of the defining features of the Dubai hub experience. Today, both carriers provide access to more than 214 unique destinations in over 100 countries, generating more than 4,600 connection opportunities through Dubai.

Emirates customers can reach over 100 flydubai destinations, while flydubai passengers can access more than 140 Emirates destinations. Kathmandu, Zanzibar, Krabi and Belgrade rank among the most popular flydubai destinations for Emirates customers.

Since the partnership launched in 2017, the two airlines have carried more than 28 million passengers across their integrated network.

Alongside Emirates’ Helsinki launch in a few weeks, flydubai added Chittagong in Bangladesh in April 2026, Benghazi in Libya in June, followed by Aleppo in Syria and Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) in July. Further expansion in September includes Pokhara in Nepal.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oman Foreign Minister Hold Telephone Conversation

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 13, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of of Oman, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi held a telephone conversation.

Discussion during the call dealt with the two countries’ cooperation relations and ways to bolster them in addition to the the latest regional developments, particularly the diplomatic efforts and joint coordination aimed at de-escalation and the enhancement of security and stability in the region.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed, during the call, the State of Qatar’s support for all diplomatic efforts and endeavors aimed at a solution that guarantees freedom of maritime navigation and paves the way for a comprehensive agreement achieving sustainable peace in the region.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Holds Telephone Conversation

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 13, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah held a telephone conversation.

Both sides touched on cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, as well as the latest regional updates, notably diplomatic efforts and joint coordination made to de-escalate tensions and strengthen security and stability in the region.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed, during the call, the State of Qatar’s support for all diplomatic efforts and endeavors made to reach a solution that ensures freedom of navigation and a comprehensive agreement that brings about sustainable peace in the region.