Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser said the oil major is working to make oil cleaner by lowering its upstream carbon intensities. De-carbonisation, he said, is a core part of the oil major's climate strategy. Courtesy: Saudi Aramco
Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser said the oil major is working to make oil cleaner by lowering its upstream carbon intensities. De-carbonisation, he said, is a core part of the oil major's climate strategy. Courtesy: Saudi Aramco
Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser said the oil major is working to make oil cleaner by lowering its upstream carbon intensities. De-carbonisation, he said, is a core part of the oil major's climate strategy. Courtesy: Saudi Aramco
Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser said the oil major is working to make oil cleaner by lowering its upstream carbon intensities. De-carbonisation, he said, is a core part of the oil major's cli

Covid-19 stimulus measures must embrace all energy sources, says Aramco chief


Deepthi Nair
  • English
  • Arabic

The $10 trillion of economic stimulus and financial support being pumped into economies around the world to combat the economic damage caused by Covid-19 must consider all forms of energy, the president and chief executive of Saudi Aramco, Amin Nasser said.

"More attention is on new energy, climate-related projects, the circular economy, but current or existing energy sources should also be included because they will be part of the global energy mix for decades," Mr Nasser told the B20 Saudi Arabia Summit on Tuesday, held as part of the kingdom’s G20 Presidency year.

“Our goal is to become the world’s most digital energy company. Continued investments are critical to getting us there and our strategic goal is to produce more energy with less carbon,” Mr Nasser said.

De-carbonisation is a core part of our climate strategy

B20 Saudi Arabia is the official platform for the global business community across G20 member countries. The B20 group develops and presents its policy recommendations to the G20 presidency. Saudi Arabia will host the 15th G20 Summit from Riyadh on November 21 and 22 this year.

Speaking about initiatives being undertaken by Aramco to address climate change, Mr Nasser said the oil major is working to to make oil cleaner by lowering its upstream carbon intensities. “De-carbonisation is a core part of our climate strategy,” he said.

Saudi Aramco is also promoting “non-combustible” uses of oil, turning more of it into chemicals and other materials, which emit a lot less carbon than oil used as fuels. It is also at an advanced stage in developing direct oil-to-chemicals conversion technologies.

The chief executive added that Aramco is also working on next-generation fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia. “We are increasing our gas supplies and will also participate in renewable projects in the kingdom,” he said.

Citing proposed solutions to tackle challenges faced by micro, small and medium scale enterprises around the world, Mr Nasser said major corporations could help by purchasing their products and services, paying them on time and promoting their value proposition to other major companies.

Patrick Pouyanne, chairman and chief executive of French oil major Total, said climate change is the biggest challenge of the century, which affects both energy producers and users.

He called for collective action, policy direction and support for innovation from governments.

“The world needs more energy with less emissions,” the senior oil executive said.

Delivering the opening address on the summit’s second day, former Indian commerce minister Suresh Prabhu, who is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s representative for the G20 summit, called for inclusiveness to be inherently built into governance and public policy initiatives globally.

“Inclusiveness cannot be an afterthought. Large sections of society cannot be left out,” said Mr Prabhu.

Suresh Prabhu, who is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s representative for the G20 summit, called for inclusiveness to be inherently built into governance and public policy initiatives globally. Wam
Suresh Prabhu, who is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s representative for the G20 summit, called for inclusiveness to be inherently built into governance and public policy initiatives globally. Wam

He said businesses have to be a part of general governance to address all challenges that have beguiled the world.

“Businesses can provide good solutions to agricultural problems, natural calamities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce social inequality. They can also help governments to solve public health problems in a competent way by improving quality of life using technology in an ethical way,” Mr Prabhu suggested.

The former minister said the B20 engagement group has the knowledge, ability, technology and management capability to take the global agenda forward.

The pandemic has exposed unmet demand and supply issues in trade finance

Speaking at a session on building resilient trade systems for inclusive growth, Mark Tucker, group chairman of banking giant HSBC, said smaller businesses have been hit hardest by the pandemic and need support. Micro, small and medium enterprises represent around 95 per cent of companies worldwide and 60 per cent of total employment.

“They faced a disproportionate impact from Covid-19. Smaller businesses tend to have limited financial resources and were hit particularly hard by supply chain disruptions,” Mr Trucker said. “The pandemic has exposed unmet demand and supply issues in trade finance. MSME applications for trade finance are facing a much higher rejection rate today.”

The Asian Development Bank estimated that in 2019, the global shortfall in trade finance stood at $1.5 trillion. However, this gap has now widened to about $2.5tn, according to the International Chamber of Commerce.

During the same session, Ajay Banga, president and chief executive of Mastercard, said trade has traditionally been too paper-dependent and, therefore, complicated, slow and cumbersome. Digitising trade would make it far more efficient and reduce frictions, he said.

Ajay Banga, president and chief executive of Mastercard, said trade has traditionally been too paper-dependent and, therefore, complicated, slow and cumbersome. Bloomberg
Ajay Banga, president and chief executive of Mastercard, said trade has traditionally been too paper-dependent and, therefore, complicated, slow and cumbersome. Bloomberg

Mr Banga also called for common standards for implementing 5G, the Internet of Things, trade flow digitisation, data transmission and cross-border data use.

Speaking at a session on gender diversity, Bill Winters, chief executive of Standard Chartered Bank, said the concept is no longer a “nice-to-have, instead it’s necessary for an organisation to be successful and have a diverse range of views and perspectives”.

Mr Winters said the Covid-19 pandemic has amplified pre-existing inequalities and impacted women disproportionately.

He added that his bank’s diversity focus is, however, not limited to women alone. “We never compromise on quality and choose inferior candidates to meet quantity targets. You don’t need to, you only need to open your mind to the qualities different people can bring to a particular job,” he said.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills

Voices: How A Great Singer Can Change Your Life
Nick Coleman
Jonathan Cape

UAE Falcons

Carly Lewis (captain), Emily Fensome, Kelly Loy, Isabel Affley, Jessica Cronin, Jemma Eley, Jenna Guy, Kate Lewis, Megan Polley, Charlie Preston, Becki Quigley and Sophie Siffre. Deb Jones and Lucia Sdao – coach and assistant coach.

 
Tuesday's fixtures
Group A
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
Iran v Uzbekistan, 8pm
N Korea v UAE, 10.15pm
ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Griselda
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The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Price, base / as tested: Dh76,900 / Dh110,900

Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder

Gearbox: Nine-speed automatic

Power: 252hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: Torque: 352Nm @ 2,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 8.5L / 100km

SPECS

Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Xpanceo

Started: 2018

Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov

Based: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality

Funding: $40 million

Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)

2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

While you're here
Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

The Gandhi Murder
  • 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
  • 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
  • 7 - million dollars, the film's budget 
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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”

 

 

England Test squad

Ben Stokes (captain), Joe Root, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts

 
So what is Spicy Chickenjoy?

Just as McDonald’s has the Big Mac, Jollibee has Spicy Chickenjoy – a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy and spicy on the outside and comes with a side of spaghetti, all covered in tomato sauce and topped with sausage slices and ground beef. It sounds like a recipe that a child would come up with, but perhaps that’s the point – a flavourbomb combination of cheap comfort foods. Chickenjoy is Jollibee’s best-selling product in every country in which it has a presence.
 

WEST ASIA RUGBY 2017/18 SEASON ROLL OF HONOUR

Western Clubs Champions League
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Bahrain

Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

West Asia Premiership
Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Premiership Cup
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Dubai Exiles

UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):

1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop

2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia -  £25m: Flop

3). Erik Lamela - Roma -  £25m: Jury still out

4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen -  £25m: Success

5). Darren Bent - Charlton Athletic -  £21m: Flop

6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar -  £18m: Flop

7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers -  £18m: Flop

8). Luka Modric - Dynamo Zagreb -  £17m: Success

9). Paulinho - Corinthians -  £16m: Flop

10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham -  £16m: Success

RESULTS

5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Samau Xmnsor, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Ottoman, Szczepan Mazur, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Sharkh, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 85,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Yaraa, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Maaly Al Reef, Bernardo Pinheiro, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Jinjal, Fabrice Veron, Ahmed Al Shemaili
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Al Sail, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

Globalization and its Discontents Revisited
Joseph E. Stiglitz
W. W. Norton & Company