North Oil lets contracts for Al-Shaheen field
North Oil Co., a joint venture between QatarEnergy (70%) and TotalEnergies (30%), has let four main engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract packages for work on the next development phase of Al-Shaheen, Qatar’s largest oil field. Located in Qatari waters 80 km North of Ras Laffan, Al-Shaheen field began production in 1994. The latest award packages are part of Project Ru’ya, the third phase of Al-Shaheen’s development since North Oil Co. took over operatorship in July 2017. Work includes the drilling of more than 200 wells and installation of a new centralized process complex, nine remote wellhead platforms, and associated pipelines. Scope of work includes:
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 02, 2024 06:18 UTC
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Source:The North Africa Journal
February 02, 2024 04:43 UTC
Scientists stumble upon 90,000-year-old human footprints on Moroccan beach. Here's what it indicates
Scientists in Morocco stumbled upon two trails of 90,000-year-old ancient human footprints which remained preserved on a beach and are likely to be one of the largest and best-preserved trackways ever found in the world. At first, we weren't convinced it was a footprint, but then we found more of the trackway," he added. "The exceptional thing is the position of the beach on a rocky platform that is covered in clay sediments," Sedrati said. "These sediments create good conditions to preserve the tracks on the sandbar while the tides rapidly buried the beach. That's why the footprints are so well preserved here," he added.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 02, 2024 04:29 UTC
Chinese wind turbine developer Aeolon to open up its first international plant in Nador – The North Africa Post
Chinese company Aeolon, specializing in the production of next-generation wind turbine blades, announced the beginning of the construction works of its first overseas plant in Morocco’s Nador Industrial Acceleration Zone. The plant, requiring an initial investment of €220.8 million, will produce wind turbine blades for markets in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It is expected to have an annual production capacity of 600 sets of blades, Aeolon says in a press release. The stable economic climate, substantial foreign investments, and strong government support for new energy projects and industries further contribute to Aeolon’s growth. Once completed, the plant is poised to be a prominent wind turbine blade production facility in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, meeting expanding demand in the regional wind power market.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 02, 2024 03:55 UTC
All you need to know: Australia v South Africa ODIs
The multi-format tourAustralia and South Africa are meeting in three T20Is, three ODIs and the first ever Test between the teams over the course of the next few weeks. Last time they metThe last time Australia played South Africa in an ODI was at the 2022 World Cup in Wellington. Sydney is currently predicted to have a warm but potentially wet week, so fingers crossed that does not interfere with the games at North Sydney Oval. The Aussies currently sit second on the table behind South Africa, having won eight of 12 ODIs in this cycle. South Africa have also played four rounds so far, winning nine of 12 matches against New Zealand, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ireland.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 02, 2024 03:05 UTC
Egyptair appoints Bird Travels as its GSA in North India
Egyptair appoints Bird Travels as its GSA in North IndiaEgyptair, the flag carrier of Egypt, has appointed Bird Travels, the airline management services arm of Bird Group as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in North India effective February 01, 2024. Strengthening the airline’s commitment and growing market presence is a significant step towards building its sales distribution network in India. One of the world’s pioneer airlines, Egyptair is a member airline of the Star Alliance Network, the largest airline alliance in the world. Egyptair operates four weekly flights between Delhi and Cairo connecting Egypt and onward destinations in Europe, Africa, North America and Canada. With over 50 years of excellence, Bird Travels is India’s largest representation company with expertise in airline management, distribution, sales and marketing, representing some of the best aviation and travel brands as their exclusive GSA/GSSA.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 02, 2024 00:48 UTC
Driving Sustainable Innovation In North Africa
The North African country encourages foreign investment through its six special economic zones, implementing incentives that range from tax exemptions to subsidies for investment-related expenses. Since the early 2000s, Morocco has introduced three national industrial policies that supported the financing of physical infrastructures in key sectors and the development of the manufacturing sector. One of these policies, the nation’s Industrial Development and Investment Fund, has supported the modernization and development of the industrial sector’s capacity to substitute imported products.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 01, 2024 15:02 UTC
Eni completes acquisition of Neptune Energy
Italian oil and gas company Eni has completed the acquisition of Neptune Energy Group, enhancing its natural gas portfolio. The $4.9bn transaction, first announced in June 2023, did not include Neptune Energy’s operations in Norway (Neptune Energy Norge) and Germany. The acquisition also presents potential synergies with projects that Neptune Energy is pursuing in Norway and the Netherlands. As per the initial announcement, Vår Energi, a company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and 63% owned by Eni, has acquired Neptune Energy Norge. Additionally, Neptune Energy’s activities in Germany were carved out before the sale of Neptune Energy to Eni was completed.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 01, 2024 14:53 UTC
The Dubai International Boat Show celebrates its 30th edition
The Dubai International Boat Show celebrates its 30th edition This year’s DIBS, 28 February-3 March 2024, focuses on marine life sustainability and the emergence of disruptive technologies…The Superyacht Group has joined forces as media partners for the 30th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS). Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the show runs from 28 February to 3 March 2024, at Dubai Harbour, which can house vessels up to 160m in length. The Chairman of Gulf Craft, Mohamed Alshaali, said: “I am pleased to announce our participation in the 30th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show. Supercar Avenue will showcase some of the world’s most rare and exclusive cars, while the Marine Art Gallery presents sea-inspired pieces by international artists. Trixie LohMirmand concluded: “Dubai International Boat Show underlines this region’s passion for the maritime sector and Dubai’s ability to host events that bring the world together.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 01, 2024 14:13 UTC
The Disorienting Beauty of ‘Africa & Byzantium’
The opportunity presented by “Africa & Byzantium” is not just to see how African artists made things that are easy to admire using our usual standards, though those abilities are demonstrated fulsomely. Those earlier exhibitions at the Met played no small part in turning this perception around, and “Africa & Byzantium” extends the effort both chronologically and geographically. Roughly a third of “Africa & Byzantium” postdates African Byzantium itself. “Africa & Byzantium” contains much that will capture attention and immediately impress, and it’s also full of things that won’t—tiny coins and shards of pottery inscribed in languages few visitors will be able to decipher. Passing through the Met’s Greek and Roman galleries after “Africa & Byzantium,” I found that artworks that had gone unnoticed on the way in now popped out with a fresh “I think you’ve met my cousin” semi-familiarity.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 01, 2024 13:39 UTC
Journalists, activists targeted in Jordan with Israeli-made Pegasus spyware
Report by Access Now says hackers used the malware to break into smartphones of dozens of people in Jordan. The mobile phones of more than 30 people in Jordan, including journalists, lawyers and activists, were hacked with the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware over several years, a new investigation has found. “We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the use of Pegasus spyware in Jordan, and that the true number of victims is likely much higher,” Access Now said. Those targeted in Jordan include two Human Rights Watch employees: Adam Coogle, deputy director for Middle East and North Africa, and Hiba Zayadin, senior researcher for Jordan and Syria. The report also said about half of those found to have been targeted – 16 in all – were journalists or media workers.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 01, 2024 13:31 UTC
ECOWAS’ Setbacks Reflect Nigeria’s Waning Regional Influence
Buhari’s administration had closed borders, delayed ratifying the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and largely turned inward, especially during his second term. In particular, Tinubu underscored his commitment to defending democracy across the region, which had already seen a string of military coups in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. “We need it, to be an example to the rest of Africa and the world,” he said, speaking of democracy. “We will not allow coup after coup in West Africa.”That statement could come back to haunt him, given recent developments in the region and ECOWAS’ performance under Tinubu’s leadership. ECOWAS was ultimately forced to acknowledge the unconstitutional transfer of power and suspend Niger’s membership during a recent summit.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 01, 2024 13:17 UTC
Al Tamimi hires new Egypt corporate head
Al Tamimi hires new Egypt corporate headPublished by: Robert Li at 01/02/2024A transactional practitioner with more than two decades’ in-house and private practice experience w...A transactional practitioner with more than two decades’ in-house and private practice experience will lead the Middle Eastern firm’s Egyptian corporate practice. Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-focused law firm Al Tamimi & Co has hired Amr Namek as a partner and head of its Egypt corporate and commercial practice, it announced last Tuesday (23 January). He concluded nearly six years at Egyptian private equity investor Citadel Capital (now Qalaa Holdings) before returning to private practice at ALC. Namek’s arrival will strengthen the firm and see him following in the footsteps of Ehab Taha, who had served as Al Tamimi’s Egypt corporate and commercial head until his untimely death in April last year. Other African lawyer moves this month include that of a former Baker McKenzie dispute resolution practice head to White & Case in Johannesburg, while Nigerian player Jackson, Etti & Edu’s corporate head was promoted to co-managing partner of the firm.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 01, 2024 12:42 UTC
Morocco assumes presidency of AU Peace and Security Council, comes at forefront of AU’s critical decision-making body – The North Africa Post
Morocco has officially taken over the presidency of the African Union’s (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) for a three-year term from 2022 to 2025. This transition, effective as of February 1, 2024, positions Morocco at the forefront of the AU’s critical decision-making body responsible for advancing peace, security, and stability across the continent. The Kingdom’s renewed leadership underscores the nation’s steadfast commitment to fostering peace, security, and development in Africa. Morocco’s ascension to the presidency of the Peace and Security Council is an extension of its proactive engagement in addressing diverse security challenges facing the continent. Additionally, discussions will encompass the follow-up to the Tangier Conference on the Peace, Security, and Development Nexus.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 01, 2024 12:41 UTC