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Tag: saudi Arabia

  • UAE Says Exit from OPEC Driven by National Interests, Not Saudi Rift

    UAE Says Exit from OPEC Driven by National Interests, Not Saudi Rift

    The United Arab Emirates has defended its decision to withdraw from the Saudi Arabia–dominated OPEC, insisting the move was based on national priorities rather than geopolitical tensions.

    Speaking on Monday, Sultan Al Jaber—who leads the state oil firm Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)—said the decision was a “sovereign” one aimed at strengthening the country’s economic and industrial future.

    “The United Arab Emirates’ sovereign decision to reposition itself within the global energy landscape… is not a decision directed against anyone,” he said at a conference in Abu Dhabi.

    The exit, which took effect Friday, comes after months of friction with Saudi Arabia over oil production quotas, foreign policy differences, and regional conflicts, including tensions linked to Yemen. Despite this, Al Jaber maintained that the move was not targeted at any country.

    Analysts, however, say the withdrawal marks a significant shift in Gulf dynamics. As OPEC’s fourth-largest producer, the UAE’s departure weakens the cartel’s influence over global oil prices and signals growing rivalry within the region.

    For the UAE, the decision is largely economic. The country has long expressed frustration with OPEC-imposed production caps, which limited its output to about 3.4 million barrels per day. Abu Dhabi now plans to boost capacity to five million barrels per day by 2027.

    Al Jaber emphasised that leaving OPEC aligns with broader ambitions to diversify the economy and accelerate investment in emerging sectors.

    “This move is part of a broader effort to reshape our economy and industrial base… aligning our resources with national priorities to build a stronger, more resilient economy,” he said.

    ADNOC has already pledged to invest $55 billion in new projects over the next two years, with expected oil revenues helping to fund expansion into artificial intelligence and other high-tech industries.

    While other nations have exited OPEC in the past, the UAE is by far the largest oil producer to do so, making its departure a pivotal moment for global energy politics.

  • Arab, Muslim Nations Sign On to Gaza Board of Peace

    Arab, Muslim Nations Sign On to Gaza Board of Peace

    Turkey, Saudi Arabia and several other predominantly Muslim countries have agreed to join the U.S.-backed Gaza Board of Peace, following an invitation from President Donald Trump, according to a joint statement by their foreign ministers.

    The statement, issued by the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, said the countries had collectively decided to participate in the board, which is designed to serve as a transitional administration in the Gaza Strip. Egypt and Pakistan had earlier confirmed their participation separately.

    The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the board’s mandate under the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which they said is endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803. The initiative forms part of the second phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan, following widespread destruction caused by the war between Israel and Hamas.

    About 60 countries have reportedly received invitations to join the board, though several European nations, including Germany and France, remain cautious. Diplomats familiar with the board’s charter say it challenges the traditional role of the United Nations, amid indications that Washington may seek to expand the board’s mandate beyond Gaza to address global conflicts.

  • Ferdinand: Osimhen Would Join Manchester United

    Ferdinand: Osimhen Would Join Manchester United

    Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has dismissed doubts raised by ex-Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan over Victor Osimhen’s willingness to join the Red Devils, insisting the Nigerian forward would accept a move if United made an offer.

    Gyan, speaking on the latest episode of Rio Presents, questioned why Manchester United and other Premier League giants failed to pursue Osimhen during the summer transfer window, while suggesting the striker might be reluctant to move to Old Trafford.

    Responding on the programme, Ferdinand was unequivocal. “Osimhen will join United,” he said. “If United offer to sign him, he will go — 100 percent.”

    Osimhen joined Turkish giants Galatasaray for £65 million this summer after an initial loan spell with the club. The 26-year-old has been prolific, scoring 47 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.

    The Nigeria international has established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable goal scorers, having previously played a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph. He was also heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia before his switch to Turkey.

    Despite reported interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, none of the Premier League clubs completed a deal for Osimhen, opting instead to strengthen their attacks elsewhere.

    The decision surprised Gyan, who praised Osimhen’s work ethic and goal-scoring instinct. “He plays with heart and gives everything,” Gyan said. “I’m surprised the bigger clubs didn’t pick him up, but I still feel there’s a connection with Manchester United if he wants to go there.”

    United, Arsenal and Chelsea signed Benjamin Šeško, Viktor Gyökeres and João Pedro respectively, but the new forwards have faced early challenges this season.

    Former United midfielder Paul Scholes has since questioned his club’s decision, suggesting Osimhen would have been a better option, while ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel also expressed disappointment that the Blues did not move for the Nigerian striker.

  • Borno, Kano Win Top Honors At National Qur’an Recitation Contest

    Borno, Kano Win Top Honors At National Qur’an Recitation Contest

    The 2025 National Qur’an Recitation Competition has concluded in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, with Borno State emerging winner of the highest male category and Kano State clinching the top prize in the female category.

    Borno’s Musa Ahmad Musa secured first place in the senior male category after scoring 98.5 percent. He will represent Nigeria at the International Qur’an Memorization Competition scheduled to hold in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, next year.

    In the female category, Hafsat Muhammad Sada of Kano State topped the field with a score of 94 percent, finishing ahead of competitors from other states to claim first position.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony, Borno State Governor and chief host of the event, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, commended the organisers, contestants and parents for their commitment to Islamic values. He stressed that Qur’anic education remains essential in shaping the moral character of young people and guiding them throughout life.

    Kwara State also recorded notable performances, finishing second in the fifth male category through Abdul-Lateef Issa, who scored 87 percent, while Muheenat Abidemi Yusuf placed fourth in the fourth female category.

    The event, held at the University of Maiduguri Convocation Arena, drew dignitaries including the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Kashim Shettima; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; and the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai. A total of 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory participated in the 10-day competition, with winners and participants receiving prizes. The next edition will be hosted by Dutse, Jigawa State, next year.

  • Jigawa Reduces 2026 Hajj Fare By ₦787,916

    Jigawa Reduces 2026 Hajj Fare By ₦787,916

    The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced a reduction in the 2026 Hajj fare, lowering the cost from ₦8,457,685 to ₦7,669,769.

    The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the board’s spokesperson, Habibu Yarima. According to the Director-General, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, the reduction of ₦787,916 followed the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Labbo, who is currently in Saudi Arabia to secure accommodation for the state’s pilgrims, said preparations for the 2026 exercise have been completed. He noted that the agreement for next year’s Hajj was signed between the Federal Government and authorities in the Holy Land.

    He also announced that the collection of 2026 Hajj fares will close next month and urged intending pilgrims who have yet to pay to do so promptly to avoid delays in visa processing.

    The Director-General commended Governor Umar Namadi for his continued support to the board.

  • Saudi Arabia Frees Three Nigerians Wrongly Detained for Drug Trafficking

    Saudi Arabia Frees Three Nigerians Wrongly Detained for Drug Trafficking

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi

    Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims detained in Jeddah last month on allegations of drug trafficking.

    The Director of Media and Advocacy of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Femi Babafemi, confirmed their release on Wednesday at a press briefing in Abuja. He identified the freed pilgrims as Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq.

    Their detention followed a flight from Kano to Jeddah on August 6, 2025, aboard Ethiopian Airlines, during which bags containing illicit drugs were wrongly tagged with their names. The pilgrims were subsequently arrested in Saudi Arabia, prompting outcry from their families.

    Babafemi explained that an NDLEA investigation uncovered a syndicate operating at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport that planted the drugs. The probe led to the arrest of alleged kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, and three accomplices, including airline staff. Charges have since been filed against the suspects, identified as Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir.

    “Their release followed weeks of sustained engagements by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control,” Babafemi said. “This was made possible with the full support of President Bola Tinubu and the assistance of the Attorney General, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, and the National Security Adviser.”

    One of the pilgrims was freed on Sunday, while the other two were released on Monday.

    Babafemi said Marwa personally presented evidence proving the pilgrims’ innocence during discussions with Saudi officials, noting that the case demonstrated the importance of international cooperation under the NDLEA–GDNC Memorandum of Understanding.

    “This outcome reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian suffers unjustly abroad,” Babafemi added.

    The case has highlighted persistent concerns over airport security in Nigeria. NDLEA said the wrongful arrests came to light after it was discovered that six extra bags were checked in under the pilgrims’ names, three of which contained illicit drugs.

  • Emir Ado-Bayero arrives Saudi Arabia [VIDEO + PHOTOS]

    Emir Ado-Bayero arrives Saudi Arabia [VIDEO + PHOTOS]

     

     

     

  • Messi heads to Saudi Arabia next season in ‘a huge deal’ — Sources

    Messi heads to Saudi Arabia next season in ‘a huge deal’ — Sources


    Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will play in Saudi Arabia next season under a “huge” deal, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on Tuesday.

    “Messi is a done deal. He will play in Saudi Arabia next season,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity and without naming the club.

    “The contract is exceptional. It’s huge. We are just finalising some small details,” added the source, who is not authorised to speak to media.

    Asked about the comments, Messi’s current club Paris Saint-Germain simply noted he remains under contract until June 30.

    A separate PSG source said: “If the club had wanted to renew his contract, it would have been done earlier.”

    The 35-year-old World Cup winner was suspended by Qatari-owned PSG last week for an unauthorised trip to Saudi, where he is a tourism ambassador.

    Messi’s expected arrival in the oil-rich kingdom follows in the footsteps of his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in a massive deal in January.

    Ronaldo’s agreement to June 2025 is said to total more than 400 million euros ($439million), making him the world’s highest paid athlete according to Forbes.

    Both deals are being bankrolled by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of the world’s biggest sovereign wealth funds with more than $620 billion in assets, the source said.

    “The negotiations didn’t take as much time as the ones with Ronaldo. As we now know the recipe to contract world-class players,” said the source.

    “It’s Saudi Arabia that brought him not a specific club. The Money comes from one place — PIF.”

    Ronaldo’s arrival has not had the impact Al Nassr would have hoped for on the pitch.

    They have lost top spot in the Saudi Pro League table and are out of the running in the King’s Cup and Super Cup.

    French coach Rudi Garcia departed in April.

    – PSG protesters –

    Messi, who turns 36 in June, has had two lacklustre seasons in Paris after a glorious era at Barcelona where he won four Champions League and 10 La Liga titles, and is still worshipped by the fans.

    The record seven-time world player of the year, joining a mouth-watering attack featuring Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, scored just 11 goals in his first season as he helped PSG to a routine Ligue 1 title.

    But PSG have got no closer to a coveted maiden Champions League victory, bowing out twice in the last 16 even with the illustrious Argentine in the line-up.

    Frustrations boiled over last week when black-clad PSG protesters let off flares and sang hostile chants targeting the underperforming Messi, Neymar and Italian midfielder Marco Verratti.

    The angry scenes contrasted with Messi’s career-crowning moment in December, when he led Argentina to a breathless World Cup final victory over Mbappe and France in Doha to fill the biggest gap in his resume.

    Qatar’s emir draped him in a traditional bisht robe at the trophy ceremony, a reminder of the fossil-fuel riches pouring into football and Messi’s bank account via PSG.

    However, Messi is also a highly paid tourism ambassador for Qatar’s neighbours and sometime rivals Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter that is attempting to diversify its largely single-stream economy.

  • BREAKING…Saudi Arabia sights Shawwal crescent, declares Friday Eid el-Fitr

    BREAKING…Saudi Arabia sights Shawwal crescent, declares Friday Eid el-Fitr


    The Shawwal crescent has been sighted in Tamir, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday.

    With the development, Muslims in Nigeria and across the World would celebrate Eid el-Fitr on Friday.

    Morocco, Turkey, and Bahrain have fixed Friday for Eid el-Fitr.

    Earlier, the Federal Government of Nigeria had declared April 21st and 24th public holidays.

  • Saudi club Al Hilal offers Lionel Messi €400m/Year

    Saudi club Al Hilal offers Lionel Messi €400m/Year


    Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, have proposed an offer worth in excess of €400 million per year to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentina star, Lionel Messi.

    According to Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal, which also has former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo on its ranks, are the latest club to join the race to sign Messi on a free transfer, with his contract at PSG set to expire in the summer.

    According to reports, Messi’s priority is to continue his career in Europe, but despite having received an offer from the Ligue 1 champions he is yet to accept their new terms.

    “Understand Al Hilal sent an official bid to Leo Messi: salary worth more than €400m/year,” Romano wrote on Twitter.

    “Leo’s absolute priority: continue in Europe.”

    He stated that Barcelona are waiting on the Financial Fair Play (FFP) case before sending a bid and opening talks to being back the legendary player.

    Also, according to ESPN sources, Messi is looking unlikely to remain in Paris, with the 35-year-old not willing to take a salary reduction.

    The report adds that he is prepared to wait to see what proposals come his way at the end of this season before making a decision.