DUBAI: DP World, the international ports and logistics business based in the UAE, handled more containers last year than at any time in its history, as the growing world economy boosted global trade.
In its annual assessment of container traffic through its ports, the company reported that more than 70 million TEUs — 20 foot equivalent units — passed through ports it either owned or had a significant presence in. That outcome was a 10 percent rise over 2016, beating forecasts of 6 percent by industry experts Drewry Maritime.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the group chairman and CEO, said: “Benefiting from the improved trading environment and market share gains, our global portfolio once again delivered ahead-of-market growth in 2017 and has seen strong performance across all three regions.”
There were double digit increases in volumes in the Americas and Australia, at 13.8 percent ahead, and in Europe, Middle East and Africa, 11.5 percent up. The Asia Pacific and India subcontinent was 7.9 percent ahead in volumes.
Last year also saw a revival of business in DP World’s key port at Jebel Ali in Dubai, its most important profit center, which had suffered from declining trade volumes in 2016. The UAE contributed 15.4m TEU to the total, 4 percent ahead.
“We are also pleased to see stable performance in the UAE as volumes continue to grow in the fourth quarter of 2017 amidst uncertainty in the region and tougher year-over-year comparables. The performance across our other terminals in the Middle East & Africa remains strong, in addition to Europe and the Americas,” bin Sulayem added.
Consolidated terminals — ones wholly owned by DP World — accounted for roughly half of the total.
DP World shares, traded on the Nasdaq Dubai market, bucked the trend of falling equities markets in the region to inch ahead by 0.1 percent.
In the UAE, the company still has no date for the completion and opening of terminal 4 (T4) in Jebel Ali. It said recently that it was looking to launch T4, which will lead to a big expansion in capacity, when justified by market conditions.
DP World is expecting a significant impact on its operations over the next two years as business grows to build and accommodate the Expo2020 exhibition in the UAE. Its port and connected industrial zone is close to the Expo site in south Dubai and the new airport facilities at Dubai World Central.
Industrial parks and economic zones will be a feature of future expansion strategy, already pioneered at the London Gateway development in Britain, and at several other locations in the Americas and Africa.
It is also likely to increase its interest in the Red Sea region. DP World already has port facilities in Jeddah, where there is a big infrastructure investment program under way, and in Egypt’s new Suez Canal industrial zone.
Record container traffic reported in global trade boost by DP World
Record container traffic reported in global trade boost by DP World
KML: Creating a new identity for Saudi menswear
- Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan’s brand is only just over a year old, but has already gained global attention
DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan are on a roll. Since the launch of their menswear label KML in 2022, the Saudi brand has rapidly gained recognition, most recently as a semi-finalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize — an annual award for young fashion designers run by the eponymous fashion conglomerate — placing them among global fashion’s most promising new voices. And, in November, celebrity stylist Law Roach opted for a KML creation to wear to the “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” event in Riyadh.
Through creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring, KML, of which Razan is the owner, is reshaping Saudi menswear by reimagining traditional garments from the Kingdom’s history through a contemporary lens: jackets with shawls, large leather belts of the type seen on Bedouin men, and skirts reminiscent of the ones historically worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and Hijaz.
Ahmed says that their grandmother was a huge influence when he and his sister were growing up in Riyadh. He fondly recalls both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. That exposure to craftsmanship left an impression, though fashion was not initially an obvious career path.
“The family would oppose my trips to the fabric stores,” he tells Arab News. “My uncles would tell her she was ruining me, and her reply would be: ‘Ahmed has taste, so why not?’”
When he decided to venture into fashion, his grandmother wholeheartedly supported him when other family members expressed their concerns — concerns they had despite the fact that the family were progressive, with writers and poets among them, he says. With time, he realized their hesitation stemmed not from disapproval but from societal perceptions of men in the industry. “They wanted to protect me from the stigma associated with men in fashion,” he explains.
With no formal fashion education programs for men in Saudi, Ahmed instead studied architecture, later interning at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice it full-time.
“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explains.
The pair often discussed starting a brand together, and they frequently talked about fashion, delving into historical research, while Ahmed continuously sketched — though he kept his drawings private.
“It struck us that we have so much that we can bring to the realm of reality from our imagination. We wanted to do something meaningful. Tradition and intention were very important to us,” Ahmed says. “Razan looked at me sketching, and was, like, ‘You better do something with these. You better make them a reality.’”
That was the catalyst for the launch of KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection. “We just did three shirts and two pairs of pants, and filled the studio walls with references, research and development sketches,” explains Ahmed.
Towards the end of that year, they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. “When we presented our sample pieces to (Saudi Fashion Commission CEO) Burak Cakmak, we didn’t even talk about the brand. Instead, we discussed what fashion can and should be, and how people are going back to their roots and want to (express) their culture more.”
The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, providing support that led to KML showcasing its collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.
“Paris was a wonderful experience. People found our clothes rebellious—especially the skirts for men,” says Ahmed. “But it was rebellious to wear pants in Saudi Arabia 200 years ago! Men everywhere here wore skirts — there were different names for them.”
However, the historical relevance of the clothes was not immediately apparent to many online commentators.
“We’re on a high right now, so we tend to forget the lows,” Ahmed says. “We were slaughtered on social media — people told us we were ruining the culture and how men look. It became toxic, so we quit social media temporarily to focus on our work.”
Neither KLM’s skirts nor its wrap shirts with circular cut-outs at the back were intended to be controversial. Ahmed stresses that throughout the Kingdom’s history, men’s garments have been layered and draped, creating freedom of movement. KLM was simply offering a fresh perspective on them. “People forget: 70 years ago, wearing jeans and a T-shirt in Saudi would have been considered controversial,” he says. “The intention is not for it to be provocative. If anything, we are bringing back dying traditions.”
Despite the social-media furor, the skirts sold out.
Much of Ahmed’s design philosophy is rooted in cultural reinterpretation. The idea for cinched waists — or highlighting the waist in some way — was inspired by how Bedouin men would wrap a leather belt or fabric round their waists. He has also designed a long coat with hidden zippers that can be turned into a cropped jacket, highlighting that, traditionally, there have been multiple ways of styling a single garment.
Another key piece is the one-shoulder tunic. During their research, the siblings discovered that the one-shoulder silhouette was shared across ancient civilizations, from Greece to India — highlighting a universal connection.
Last year, celebrity stylist Roach discovered their designs. What started as a casual Instagram message turned into a studio visit, during which Roach spent hours trying on their pieces.
“We thought he would just send someone to pick up a few items,” Ahmed says. “Instead, he showed up himself, spent time with us, and repeatedly told us how this is a cultural product.”
Then came recognition from the LVMH Prize — one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. “Thousands of designers apply, and only 20 make the cut. We were one of them. It still feels surreal,” says Ahmed.
Despite their success, one of the siblings’ biggest challenges is production. Currently, KML’s garments are manufactured in Europe, but the ultimate goal is to bring everything back to Saudi Arabia.
“The fashion ecosystem here is still developing, but we want everything — design, development and runway presentations — to be fully Saudi,” Ahmed says. “Being a Saudi designer is great, but contributing to the bigger ecosystem? That’s even more meaningful.”
At least 25 bodies retrieved from Pakistan train siege
- The assault was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) one of a number of separatist groups
- Security forces said they freed more than 340 train passengers in a two-day rescue operation that ended late on Wednesday
Mach: The bodies of at least 25 people, including 21 hostages, killed in a train siege by separatist gunmen in Pakistan were retrieved from the site on Thursday ahead of the first funerals, officials said.
Security forces said they freed more than 340 train passengers in a two-day rescue operation that ended late on Wednesday after a separatist group bombed a remote railway track in mountainous southwest Balochistan and stormed a train with around 450 passengers on board.
The assault was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), one of a number of separatist groups that accuse outsiders of plundering natural resources in Balochistan near the borders with Afghanistan and Iran.
Death tolls have varied, with the military saying in an official statement that “21 innocent hostages” were killed by the militants as well as four soldiers in the rescue operation.
A railway official in Balochistan said the bodies of 25 people were transported by train away from the hostage site to the nearby town of Mach on Thursday morning.
“Deceased were identified as 19 military passengers, one police and one railway official, while four bodies are yet to be identified,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.
A senior local military official overseeing operations confirmed the details.
An army official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, earlier put the military toll at 28, including 27 off-duty soldiers taken hostage.
Passengers who escaped from the siege said after walking for hours through rugged mountains to reach safety that they saw people being shot dead by militants.
The first funerals are expected to take place on Thursday.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was also expected to visit Balochistan, his office said.
“The Prime Minister expressed grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of security personnel and train passengers during the operation,” it said in a statement.
'Our women pleaded'
The BLA released a video of an explosion on the track followed by dozens of militants emerging from hiding places in the mountains to attack the train.
Attacks by separatist groups have soared in the past few years, mostly targeting security forces and ethnic groups from outside the province.
Muhammad Naveed, who managed to escape, told AFP: “They asked us to come out of the train one by one. They separated women and asked them to leave. They also spared elders.”
“They asked us to come outside, saying we will not be harmed. When around 185 people came outside, they chose people and shot them down.”
Babar Masih, a 38-year-old Christian laborer, told AFP on Wednesday he and his family walked for hours through rugged mountains to reach a train that could take them to a makeshift hospital on a railway platform.
“Our women pleaded with them and they spared us,” he said.
“They told us to get out and not look back. As we ran, I noticed many others running alongside us.”
Security forces have been battling a decades-long insurgency in impoverished Balochistan but last year saw a surge in violence in the province compared with 2023, according to the independent Center for Research and Security Studies.
Artist Aseel Yaagoub: ‘My goal is to preserve Saudi culture’
- The Saudi artist on spreading joy with her distinctive painting style
JEDDAH: “My work reflects moments from daily life, Saudi and Gulf heritage, and cultural elements in a distinctive and creative way, where I recreate and reimagine traditional symbols and motifs with a contemporary vision, creating a fusion of past and present in an innovative manner,” Saudi artist Aseel Yaagoub tells Arab News. “I see my environment as a rich visual narrative, and I love translating these stories into artworks.”
Drawing and painting have been an important part of Yaagoub’s life for as long as she can remember. Over time, she has shifted from focusing on realism to taking a more abstract, expressionistic approach.
She admires Saudi artists including Taghreed Al-Baghshi, Zainab Al-Mahouzi, Marwa Al-Najjar, and Bayan Yassin, who depict heritage in their work. Internationally, she says she has been influenced by Claude Monet’s technique and the way he captures light and movement, as well as Vincent van Gogh’s vibrant colors and bold, expressive strokes.
“I constantly seek inspiration by exploring the works of other artists, whether through social media or by visiting art exhibitions,” she says. “I create initial sketches for my ideas and experiment with colors and materials. I don’t like to plan everything in detail, I leave room for spontaneity, allowing unexpected elements to emerge, which gives each artwork a unique, distinctive character.
“My goal is to preserve and document Saudi culture,” she continues. “I often use mixed-media techniques, layering different materials and colors to create depth and unique textures. Constant experimentation and practice have helped me refine my approach.”
Her fascination with facial features, particularly noses, plays a significant role in her artistic expression, she says. “The most distinctive feature of my characters is their noses, as that is the first thing that catches my attention in any face I see. I believe noses, in their various shapes, are unique and beautiful, which is why I enjoy highlighting them in my portraits.”
Al-Yaagoub’s work is deeply personal, often incorporating elements that hold sentimental value. One of her most cherished pieces, “The Family,” portrays her parents and symbolizes warmth and care. “I wanted them to have a personal touch in this piece, my mother stitched part of it, and I incorporated a scrap of fabric from my father’s shemagh. This made the artwork deeply sentimental and emotionally significant.”
Another of her major projects is “A Night of Joy,” a series of six paintings capturing celebrations in the Eastern Region. “This project is very dear to me as it reflects my childhood memories, which continues to resonate with me to this day,” she says.
Al-Yaagoub is excited about the transformation happening in Saudi Arabia’s art scene. “There is now more space for experimentation and showcasing new ideas, enhancing artistic diversity and attracting wider audiences to the field,” she says. “Art has become a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that our cultural identity remains vibrant and ever-evolving.”
Looking ahead, Aseel hopes to expand her reach and participate in international exhibitions. “One of my biggest goals is to host my first solo exhibition soon, where I can showcase my artistic journey and how my style has evolved over time.
“I want the audience to feel an emotional connection to my work, whether by recalling personal memories or appreciating the beauty of heritage and culture,” she continues. “I aim for my art to have a narrative depth that tells stories about culture and identity. And I strive to spread joy through the vibrant colors I incorporate into all my pieces.”
Pakistan PM seeks stronger trade, connectivity with Uzbekistan in talks with envoy
- Shehbaz Sharif discusses the Trans-Afghan Railway Project that holds strategic significance for Islamabad
- The envoy tells Sharif the Uzbek president will visit Pakistan later this year to discuss trade, other issues
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his administration’s interest in bolstering bilateral trade and physical connectivity with Uzbekistan during a conversation with the envoy of the Central Asian state on Thursday, his office said in a statement.
Sharif met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent last month during a trip to the region, where both leaders set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade from $404 million to $2 billion in the foreseeable future.
They also discussed the proposed railway project spanning approximately 573 kilometers from Termez in Uzbekistan to Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul in Afghanistan, before extending to Peshawar in Pakistan.
The project holds strategic significance for Islamabad, as it could provide direct access to Central Asian markets, boosting trade and economic integration while positioning the country as a key regional trade hub.
The issue was also raised during a meeting between Sharif and Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad.
“The Prime Minister expressed his complete satisfaction at the excellent progress made between the two countries during his visit, which included the formation of a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, as well as the signing of a number of important agreements and MOUs [memorandums of understanding] in various fields,” said a statement released by the PM Office.
“The Prime Minister said that, upon his return from Tashkent, he had tasked the concerned Ministers of relevant areas to ensure prompt follow-up on the decisions taken by the two leaders,” it added. “He particularly highlighted Pakistan’s interest in enhancing cooperation with Uzbekistan in mining & minerals, railways (including the Trans-Afghan Railway project), special economic zones, banking, tourism, culture and renewable energy.”
Sharif conveyed his warm greetings to President Mirziyoyev, expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit to Tashkent.
He also underscored the need to devise a roadmap to enhance bilateral trade to $2 billion, in line with the agreement reached between the two leaders.
The Uzbek envoy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan and transforming their political relations into mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
He also informed Sharif that President Mirziyoyev would visit Pakistan later this year, with the dates to be determined through mutual coordination between the two sides.
Putin, in military fatigues, orders swift defeat of Ukrainian forces in Kursk
- A lightning Russian advance over the past few days has left Ukraine with a sliver of less than 200 square km in Kursk
- It was down from 1,300 square km at the peak of the incursion last summer, according to the Russian military
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in military fatigues, ordered top commanders to defeat Ukrainian forces in the western region of Kursk as soon as possible after the United States asked him to consider a 30-day ceasefire proposal.
Ukrainian forces smashed across the Russian border on August 6 and grabbed a slice of land inside Russia in a bid to distract Moscow’s forces from the front lines in eastern Ukraine and to gain a potential bargaining chip.
But a lightning Russian advance over the past few days has left Ukraine with a sliver of less than 200 square km (77 square miles) in Kursk, down from 1,300 square km (500 square miles) at the peak of the incursion last summer, according to the Russian military.
“Our task in the near future, in the shortest possible timeframe, is to decisively defeat the enemy entrenched in the Kursk region,” Putin told generals in remarks televised late on Wednesday.
“And of course, we need to think about creating a security zone along the state border.”
The remarks by Putin, dressed in a green camouflage uniform, came as US President Donald Trump said he hoped Moscow would agree to a ceasefire and said that if not then Washington could cause Russia financial pain.
Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russia’s General Staff, told Putin that Russian forces had pushed Ukrainian forces out of over 86 percent of the territory they had once held in Kursk, the equivalent to 1,100 square km (425 square miles) of land.
Gerasimov said Ukraine’s plans to use Kursk as a bargaining chip in possible future negotiations with Russia had failed and its gambit that its Kursk operation would force Russia to divert troops from its advance in eastern Ukraine had also not worked.
He said Russian forces had retaken 24 settlements and 259 square km (100 square miles) of land from Ukrainian forces in the last five days along with over 400 prisoners.
Russia’s operation to eject Ukrainian forces from Kursk has entered its final stage, state news agency TASS reported on Thursday citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Ukraine’s top army commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said on Wednesday that Kyiv’s troops will keep operating in Kursk as long as needed and that fighting continued in and around the town of Sudzha.
The US on Tuesday agreed to resume weapons supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after Kyiv said at talks in Saudi Arabia that it was ready to support a ceasefire proposal.
The Kremlin on Wednesday said it was carefully studying the results of that meeting and awaited details from the US.
