Politicians and activists are calling for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates to be blacklisted over its failure to observe sanctions against Russian oligarchs and stem the flow of dirty money flowing through the UAE. Western countries including the US and UK hit Russia with stringent sanctions in February after Russia invaded Ukraine. This prompted some oligarchs to...
The fabric of America’s strategic ties to the Gulf region is fraying. The leader of its most consequential nation, Saudi Arabia, has essentially told the Biden administration with regard to oil supply, arms sales or nuclear power, “If you want to work with me fine, but if not, there are others who will.” Less visible but hardly...
Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shake hands during a meeting at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Friday.Ilya Pitalev/Sputnik/Reuters Editor’s Note: A version of this story appears in CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look...
Analysis finds UAE is the centre of ownership for formerly flagged or owned Russian ships Nearly 900 maritime companies were set up in 2022 with ties to Russia that have helped to boost its oil exports to a post-invasion high despite western sanctions, according to new research. The 864 new companies include 87 that contain...
A Dubai-based Irish businessman has been placed on the US Treasury’s sanctions list as part of move to stop the flow of Russian money abroad. John Hanafin and his Huriya Private firm have been listed along several other individuals and companies used to help Russia evade sanctions. According to a Treasury statement yesterday “Hanafin facilitated...
SUN Ship Management has become one of the main transporters of Russian oil to countries including India and Cuba. BRUSSELS — The EU is discussing whether to sanction Dubai-based shipping company SUN Ship Management Ltd, which is suspected of helping Russia circumvent restrictions on its oil exports, three diplomats told POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook on condition of anonymity....
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing raft of Western sanctions have prompted an explosion of interest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) among Russians. Bilateral trade is breaking all previous records, and Russians are buying up real estate and opening businesses there. Yet for all the hope that the UAE could become an alternative...
As the next host of COP28, scheduled for the end of 2023, the United Arab Emirates has become a mecca of international sanctions evasion, and both Russians and Syrians are taking advantage. From November 30 to December 12, 2023, the United Arab Emirates Confederation will host COP28. Not only is Dubai, which is considered a...
Customs data obtained by POLITICO reveals direct shipments of Chinese assault rifles, as well as drone shipments and body armor routed via Turkey and the UAE. Chinese companies, including one connected to the government in Beijing, have sent Russian entities 1,000 assault rifles and other equipment that could be used for military purposes, including drone...
As the next host of COP28, scheduled for the end of 2023, the United Arab Emirates has become a mecca of international sanctions evasion, and both Russians and Syrians are taking advantage. From November 30 to December 12, 2023, the United Arab Emirates Confederation will host COP28. Not only is Dubai, which is considered a...