Major ADNOC-IOC deal, UAE-Turkey boost ties, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on July 19 trending news

UAE-TURKEY BOOST TIES: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the UAE underscores the growing economic ties between the two nations. Discussions with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will further enhance bilateral relations, particularly in economy and investment projects. The signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) last year has been officially ratified. With bilateral trade exceeding $103 billion in the past decade and a commitment to regional stability, the UAE and Turkey are working together to foster sustainable growth and mutual prosperity. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

ADNOC GAS AND IOCL'S LNG AGREEMENT: ADNOC Gas on Tuesday announced a 14-year $7 billion-$9 billion deal with Indian Oil Corp to supply 1.2 million metric tonnes of LNG per year. The deal reinforces ADNOC Gas' position as a global LNG export partner while solidifying IOCL as its key strategic partner in the LNG market. As the world continues its shift towards a more sustainable future, alliances like this one are crucial. They do not just ensure the availability of cleaner energy sources, but also further contribute to the overall goal of reducing carbon emissions. ADNOC Gas and IOCL's partnership sets a positive example for the energy industry, highlighting the importance of international cooperation to address global energy challenges. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

REST AREAS FOR DELIVERY DRIVERS: The introduction of 356 rest stations for delivery drivers around the UAE was announced by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on Tuesday. The rest stops provide crucial services to shield delivery crew from the sweltering sun and heat exhaustion, particularly in the summer. This move also complies with the midday break rule — which bans labourers from working in open spaces and under direct sunlight from 12:30 to 3pm every day — which is in effect from June 15 through September 15. The effort is being conducted in conjunction with the relevant private sector delivery companies with the backing of the government as part of the commitment to the safety of delivery staff, especially at this time of the year. These fully-stocked rest areas for delivery riders form part of an innovative solution the UAE is known for. The joint public-private initiative will go a long way in helping uplift the lives of delivery riders by preventing summer heat fatigue among members of this important sector. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Web Editor)

IT’S ALL ABOUT MESSI AT INTER MIAMI: It's a known fact that whatever the Argentine football legend Lionel Messi does makes big news. That was no different when the World Cup winner and seven-time Ballon d'Or recipient stepped out for his first training session with his new teammates for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami club. A helicopter hovered overhead, drones buzzed around the field and about 200 media members lined up toward the back of the complex to get a look at Messi. He, like newly signed Sergio Busquets — went through a welcome tunnel as part of the first practice, which meant jogging past teammates as they lined up and clapped. The superstar's first match is expected to be on Friday, a Leagues Cup contest against Cruz Azul at home. (By Jai Rai, Assistant Editor)

TUPAC SHAKUR’S CASE UNDER THE SCANNER AGAIN: Rapper Tupac Shakur’s unsolved killing is back in the spotlight. Almost 30 years after his gunning down in 1996, the Las Vegas Police have now served a search warrant, drawing attention back to one of history’s most controversial celebrity deaths. The drive-by shooting in Las Vegas that claimed the life of the hip-hop mogul has given rise to a string of conspiracy theories, ranging from gang wars gone rogue to faking his own death. It’s been nearly three decades, and closure to the death of one of the most influential and versatile rappers would be ideal. While the world has lost a six-time Grammy Award-nominated Shakur, we are all hoping for closure, and hopefully, the latest development in the case might bring us to that point. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)