Jelena Ostapenko stuns Simona Halep to reach final of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Ostapenko had won just two matches in her previous five appearances in Dubai. (dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com)
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Updated 19 February 2022
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Jelena Ostapenko stuns Simona Halep to reach final of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

  • The Latvian will face Veronika Kudermetova who received a walkover in her semi-final

DUBAI: Jelena Ostapenko earned a surprise victory over two-time former champion Simona Halep on Friday to reach the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Her opponent will be Veronika Kudermetova, who received a walkover when Marketa Vondrousova forfeited her semi-final due to a right adductor injury.

Ostapenko had won just two matches in her previous five appearances in Dubai, but the 2017 French Open winner has overcome four former Grand Slam champions this week, beating Sofia Kenin, Iga Swiatek and Petra Kvitova before claiming a 2-6 7-6 6-0 win over Halep.

Halep seemed to be in control as she comfortably took the first set, surrendering just five points on serve and closing out the set with an ace. Ostapenko responded by reducing her errors, becoming more aggressive and taking a 3-0 lead in the second set. Halep managed to level at 3-3 but Ostapenko continued to raise her level.

“Again, playing a Grand Slam champion fourth match in a row, it’s not easy,” said Ostapenko. “She was playing completely different tennis from what Petra (Kvitova, her quarter-final opponent) was playing. She was playing much slower, almost no pace comparing to Petra. So I really had to step in from the beginning, which I didn’t do. I was stepping back. I didn’t go into the court. When I understood it and changed things, so it started to go my way.”

With Ostapenko leading 6-5, Halep was forced to save two set points on her serve as the set went to a tiebreak, which Ostapenko astonishingly took 7-0. She won the final set 6-0 in just 21 minutes as Halep crumpled in the face of Ostapenko’s confident assault.

“I knew I have to play aggressive no matter what, no matter what the score is,” Ostapenko added. “She really doesn’t like to play against players who are playing aggressive and take time away from her. I really knew that I have to do it today, all the match, even if I miss sometimes, which I did. I think it helped me to win.”

Halep admitted she let the match get away from her, but she still has positive thoughts about her week.

“I kind of stopped playing after the second set,” she said. “That is the only one moment that I’m disappointed. But the rest I think was a good game. I lost the focus a little bit. Probably I need more matches in tension to get more used to it. I just mentally stopped playing and I didn’t make anything anymore.

“I’m happy with the week I played here. The game was good. Everything was good. I never expect to win all the matches because it’s just the beginning of the year and I’m really patient with myself.”

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, congratulated the two finalists, saying: “Ostapenko’s success here means that she will return to the top 20 next week for the first time since October 2018, and Kudermetova has also earned wins over two former Grand Slam winners and world number ones this week, beating both Victoria Azarenka and our defending champion, Garbine Muguruza. We can now look forward to what is certain to be a very interesting final.”

Vondrousova revealed that she had been feeling uncomfortable before having to withdraw from the tournament.

“The injury, it started a few days ago and I’ve played so many matches here which has aggravated the injury,” she said. “I’m really sad to leave the tournament this way but I’ve still enjoyed a great week and proud of how I’ve played. I’ve played six amazing matches this week having come through qualifying and proud of my performances so it’s unfortunate this has happened.”


Federal government tables Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 in National Assembly

Updated 6 min 54 sec ago
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Federal government tables Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 in National Assembly

  • The bill comes amid what activists and critics describe as a widespread digital crackdown in Pakistan
  • IT minister says government to set up National Digital Commission to transform Pakistan into ‘digital nation’

ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tabled the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 in the lower house of parliament today, Monday, with the aim to create a digital identity for citizens and centralize social, economic, and governance data.

The bill comes amid what activists and critics describe as a widespread digital clampdown in Pakistan. The government has been cracking down on VPN use for weeks, with the PTA announcing that businesses and freelancers would be able to legally use VPNs by registering with the government, but unregistered VPNs would be blocked in Pakistan after Nov. 30. The deadline was later withdrawn, and a new one has not been announced.

Authorities say the measures are meant to deter militants and other suspects who use VPNs to conceal their identities and spread “anti-state propaganda” and promote “blasphemous” or other illegal content online. The government is also moving to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content, protect government networks from attacks, and allow the government to identify IP addresses associated with what it calls “anti-state propaganda” and terror attacks.

Monday’s National Assembly agenda said the new Digital Nation Pakistan Bill would “provide for the transformation of Pakistan into a digital nation, enabling a digital society, digital economy and digital governance.”

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported that the bill aims to give a digital identity for every citizen. 

“It would include data about an individual’s health, assets and other social indicators,” the top Pakistani English-language newspaper said.

“The bill’s objective, as stated by officials, was to improve access to departments managing ID cards, land records, birth certificates and health records.”

Earlier on Monday, while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, said the government was establishing a National Digital Commission (NDC) to “enable the transformation of Pakistan into a digital nation, fostering a digital society, digital economy and digital governance.”

“The Commission, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will include all provincial chief ministers and representatives from key regulatory bodies such as the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) and PTA,” she said while addressing the National Broadband Network (NBN) Forum 2024 Gigabit for All.

Khawaja also said the government planned to establish a new digital authority, which would develop a comprehensive national framework and master plan for digitalization, focusing on three key areas: economy, governance, and society.  

To address Internet speed issues, the government would introduce new 4G and 5G spectrums, which would help resolve a major challenge faced by freelancers and IT professionals, she said.

According to the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), Internet speeds have dropped by 30-40 percent in recent months. 

“5G spectrum auctions will be made in April next year,” Khawaja added, “which will significantly improve Internet services in the country.”

Digital rights activists say the Internet slowdowns and the government’s move against VPNs are attempts to block vital tools that allow users to bypass restrictions. The use of VPNs has sharply risen in Pakistan since February this year when the government banned X soon after allegations of rigging in general elections surfaced. The election commission denies them. 


Saudi Arabia to develop local talent for container shipping industry

Updated 20 min 37 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia to develop local talent for container shipping industry

  • Supply Chain and Logistics Conference brought together leading figures from the maritime and logistics sectors
  • It explored the Kingdom’s opportunities as a global trade gateway

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia must cultivate local talent in the container shipping industry to fully achieve its Vision 2030 ambitions and solidify its position as a global logistics hub, said a senior executive. 

Speaking at a panel discussion during the sixth edition of the Supply Chain and Logistics Conference in Riyadh, Poul Hestbaek, the CEO of Riyadh-based logistics service company Folk Maritime, highlighted the need for specialized expertise in the container sector.

“We have a strong focus on not just diversification, but also on Saudi talent. These are some of the things that we have had to hire experts from outside the Kingdom, but eventually, we hope to replace them with qualified young people from within Saudi Arabia,” Hestbaek said. 

Poul Hestbaek, the CEO of Riyadh-based logistics service company Folk Maritime. Screenshot

He continued: “If the day comes when I have to retire and I am replaced by a Saudi, that would make me really, really happy. So, I think talent is something we will be working on.” 

Hestbaek also highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in developing the Kingdom’s maritime industry, saying, “You cannot pull this off alone. It’s clear you depend on collaboration.” 

He added, “Whether it is partnering with Maersk, King Abdullah Port, or others, the better experts you bring, the better product you can offer.” 

The session brought together leading figures from the maritime and logistics sectors, who explored the Kingdom’s opportunities as a global trade gateway. 

Jay New, the CEO of King Abdullah Port, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s unique geographical advantages and infrastructure and said “30 percent of all containers sail past the Red Sea every day.

“The expansion opportunities for King Abdullah Port northbound along the Red Sea are limitless. You could build a port as big as you would ever want globally,” New said. 

Jay New, the CEO of King Abdullah Port. Screenshot

He added that King Abdullah Port was designed to accommodate future growth, with deep-water berths, linear quays, and cutting-edge automation. 

“In 2021, the World Bank recognized King Abdullah Port as the world’s most efficient port,” New said. 

He added, “King Abdullah Port will remain a consistently high-performing port for the future. This should last for decades, and this allows King Abdullah Port, on behalf of Saudi Arabia in many ways, to attract the main shipping lines into the port.” 

He further said: “This provides Saudi Arabia, Saudi cargo owners, cargo exporters, and cargo importers with access to the biggest ships in the world that serve the main trade routes from Asia to Saudi Arabia, and from Europe and America to Saudi Arabia.” 

Mohammad Shihab, managing director of Maersk Saudi Arabia. Screenshot

During the panel discussion, Mohammad Shihab, managing director of Maersk Saudi Arabia, stressed the dramatic improvements in customs clearance processes over the past decade. 

“Nine years ago, clearing cargo could take more than a week — sometimes up to 14 days. Today, many shipments are cleared in hours, with an average of one day for a large percentage of imports,” he said. 

Shihab added that these advancements make Saudi Arabia increasingly competitive as a transshipment hub. 

“The focus on infrastructure development and digital solutions has significantly enhanced the Kingdom’s position on global trade routes. The ability to clear cargo quickly benefits importers, exporters, and the local economy,” Shihab said. 

Turki Alkhorayef, general manager of Ports and Maritime Services at ELM. Screenshot

Technology was another key focus of the discussion. Turki Alkhorayef, general manager of Ports and Maritime Services at ELM, outlined how digital transformation is boosting efficiency in the logistics sector. 

“We are leveraging artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and real-time tracking to provide live updates on vessel arrivals, cargo movements, and port activities,” Alkhorayef said. 

The panel concluded with a consensus that investing in local talent, infrastructure, and advanced technology will be critical to achieving Vision 2030 goals. 

By fostering collaboration and ensuring Saudi nationals are trained to lead the industry, the Kingdom is poised to emerge as a dominant player in the global maritime and logistics sectors. 


UN conference in Riyadh charts path for global action on land and drought management

Updated 52 min 19 sec ago
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UN conference in Riyadh charts path for global action on land and drought management

After two weeks of intense negotiations on how to tackle land degradation, desertification and drought, the largest and most inclusive UN land conference wrapped up in Riyadh.

The nearly 200 countries convening at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification committed to prioritizing land restoration and drought resilience in national policies and international cooperation as an essential strategy to address the increasing challenges posed by desertification, land degradation and drought and their devastating global impacts on our communities, economies, climate, and ecosystems toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations also made significant progress in the negotiations of a future global drought regime, which they intend to complete at COP17 in Mongolia in 2026.

More than $12 billion were pledged to tackle desertification, land degradation and drought around the world, especially in the most vulnerable countries.

Among the main agreements reached at COP16 were the creation of a Caucus for Indigenous Peoples and a Caucus for Local Communities to ensure that their unique perspectives and challenges are adequately represented, a continuation of the convention’s Science-Policy Interface to strengthen science-based decision-making, and the mobilization of private sector engagement under the Business4Land initiative. 

COP16 was the largest and most inclusive UNCCD COP to date: it included not only a blue zone but also a green zone. It attracted more than 20,000 participants, around 3,500 of them from civil society, and featured more than 600 events as part of the first Action Agenda to involve non-state actors in the work of the convention, the Riyadh Action Agenda. 

Parties adopted the Riyadh Political Declaration, showcasing a commitment to enhanced efforts to conserve land and reduce its degradation, build capacities to combat drought, and contribute to the well-being of communities around the world.

In a statement, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed said: “Our work does not end with the closing of COP16. We must continue to tackle the climate crisis — it is a call to action for all of us to embrace inclusivity, innovation, and resilience. Youth and indigenous peoples must be at the heart of these conversations. Their wisdom, their voices, and their creativity are indispensable as we craft a sustainable future with renewed hope for generations to come.”

In his closing remarks, COP16 President and Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley said the meeting marked a turning point in raising international awareness of the pressing need to accelerate land restoration and drought resilience. 

“This crucial UN conference has succeeded in increasing broad awareness, raising global ambition, and prioritizing action. As the COP16 Presidency, we will continue to enhance our collaboration with a range of key stakeholders, from the private sector to rural farmers and indigenous peoples, all to deliver lasting change. UNCCD COP16 will be remembered as a turning point for our relation with land.”

Addressing COP16 closing plenary, Under-Secretary-General and UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said: “As we have discussed and witnessed, the solutions are within our grasp. The actions we took today will shape not only the future of our planet but also the lives, livelihoods, and opportunities of those who depend on it.” 

He further emphasized a significant shift in the global approach to land and drought issues, highlighting the interconnected challenges with broader global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, migration, and global stability.

Financial needs and pledges

New pledges for large-scale land restoration and drought preparedness were announced, such as the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, which attracted $12.15 billion to support 80 of the world’s most vulnerable countries in building their resilience to drought, including a $10 billion pledge from the Arab Coordination Group.

The Great Green Wall, an African-led initiative to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land, also mobilized 11 million euros ($11.5 million) from the Italian government for landscape restoration in the Sahel and 3.6 million euros from the Austrian government to strengthen the coordination and implementation of the initiative across 22 African countries. The drive is part of the GGW Accelerator, a UNCCD-supported effort to achieve a greener, more prosperous Sahel. 

Additionally, the US and several partner countries and organizations announced total investments of nearly $70 million to advance the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils. The initiative looks to build resilient food systems grounded in diverse, nutritious and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils.

The first-ever UNCCD COP in the Middle East and North Africa provided an opportunity to shine a light on the specific challenges facing the region and bring to the fore innovative solutions to land degradation and drought. 

Saudi Arabia announced five new projects to ramp up climate and environmental efforts as part of the Saudi Green Initiative. The COP16 Presidency also announced the launch of an international sand and dust storm monitoring initiative - the International Drought Resilience Observatory - the first global AI-driven platform to help countries assess and enhance their capacity to cope with harsher droughts. This innovative tool is an initiative of the International Drought Resilience Alliance, of which Saudi Arabia recently became a member.

Greater voice for indigenous peoples and other non-state actors

In a landmark decision, parties requested the creation of a Caucus for Indigenous Peoples and a Caucus for Local Communities. The objective is to ensure that their unique perspectives and priorities are adequately represented in the work of the convention. The declaration underscored the role of indigenous peoples in sustainable resource management and called for greater involvement in global land and drought governance. 

COP16 also saw the biggest youth participation to date, giving youth a more prominent role in land and drought negotiations and action, and providing technical and financial support for youth-led initiatives. 

Recognizing the private sector’s vital role, currently contributing just 6 percent to land restoration and drought resilience, the parties tasked the UNCCD Secretariat and Global Mechanism with mobilizing private sector engagement under the Business4Land initiative. This decision highlights the importance of private sector advocacy, ESG strategies, and sustainable finance in tackling challenges. It comes after the Business4Land Forum, which saw over 400 private sector participants — the largest ever at a UNCCD COP — from industries like finance, fashion, agri-food, and pharmaceuticals.

From Riyadh to Mongolia

For the first time, the UNCCD parties made a decision encouraging the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands — vast ecosystems used for grazing — ahead of COP17, to be hosted by Mongolia in 2026 during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. These ecosystems cover half of the Earth’s terrestrial surface and are the dominant land use in the world’s drylands, but have long been overlooked and are disappearing faster than rainforests. 

The degradation of rangelands threatens one-sixth of global food supplies, potentially depleting one-third of the Earth’s carbon reserves. Some 2 billion people who live in pastoral areas are among the world’s most vulnerable in the face of desertification, land degradation and drought. 


Pakistan PM to attend summit of D-8 developing nations in Cairo this week 

Updated 53 min 20 sec ago
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Pakistan PM to attend summit of D-8 developing nations in Cairo this week 

  • D-8 summit from Dec 18-20 will see gathering of leaders from eight countries to promote economic cooperation 
  • PM to attend special session on Gaza where Israeli military campaign has killed over 46,000 people since Oct. 7 last year

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to Egypt from Dec. 18-20 to participate in the Eleventh Summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) countries being held in Cairo, the foreign office said on Monday. 

The D-8 Summit is a gathering of leaders from eight developing countries including Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye. It aims to promote economic cooperation and development among member states, with a focus on areas like trade, energy, agriculture, and transportation.

Preceding the Cairo Summit, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the 21st Session of the D-8 Council of Ministers on Dec. 18. 

The theme of this year’s D-8 Summit is “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.”

“At the Summit, the Prime Minister will underline the importance of investing in youth and SMEs for building a strong and inclusive economy; creating jobs; advancing innovation; and promoting local entrepreneurship,” the foreign office said.

“He will express Pakistan’s strong commitment to the ideals of D-8; underscore the importance of fostering partnerships for mutual benefit and prosperity; and promoting cooperation in agriculture, food security and tourism. He will also underline Pakistan’s incentives for youth empowerment and financial development.”

The Prime Minister of Pakistan will also attend a special session on the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon following Israel military offensives in the Middle East since October last year. 

“He will underline Pakistan’s principled position on the situation in Palestine and call for peace in the Middle East,” the foreign office said. “On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with participating leaders.”

Health officials in the Gaza Strip said on Monday the death toll from the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas had topped 45,000 people. 

The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.


Experts call for urgent fire-safety measures at historic Saudi sites

Updated 48 min 48 sec ago
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Experts call for urgent fire-safety measures at historic Saudi sites

  • AlUla symposium outlines steps to protect Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage
  • Case studies presented at the event included the 2019 Notre Dame fire

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla and its strategic partner, the Saudi International Council on Monuments and Sites, have issued recommendations for protecting people and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage sites. 

These recommendations were made during the AlUla Symposium on Fire Risk Management at Historic and Heritage Sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

Recently hosted in AlUla, the symposium had 80 national and international experts in fire management and heritage conservation participating. It provided a platform for discussions on fire prevention, mitigation, and response strategies for historic and cultural sites.

These discussions will help guide the development of policies and procedures for AlUla’s cultural landmarks, the SPA reported.

The experts shared best practices, case studies, and technologies, emphasizing an approach that prioritizes the safety of occupants, visitors, surrounding communities, and the sites.

Discussions covered the implementation of fire codes, such as the Saudi Historical Building Code, while respecting the unique character of old buildings and maintaining their structural integrity. 

Case studies presented at the event included the 2019 Notre Dame fire, which emphasized the need for comprehensive safety planning and collaboration. 

Experts shared practical strategies, including fire risk assessments, community training, and tailored roadmaps for specific locations.

Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahad, president of the Saudi International Council on Monuments and Sites, emphasized the need for preventative measures. 

“Fires pose a serious threat to priceless historical and heritage sites, endangering their authenticity, integrity and the values they represent. The negative effects of fires on these sites remind us of the need to prevent such disasters.” 

The recommendations from the symposium will guide the commission’s ongoing efforts to improve fire safety at AlUla’s heritage sites. This supports the broader goals of Vision 2030, and establishing AlUla as a global leader in heritage conservation, the SPA reported.