Latest news with #UAE‑based
Arabian Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
US Tightens Sanctions on Iran Oil Networks and Shadow Fleet
United States authorities have implemented a sweeping array of sanctions targeting companies, vessels and networks that facilitate clandestine oil exports from Iran. The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control moved to freeze assets and prohibit transactions by an Iraqi-led smuggling group and its associated Iranian 'shadow fleet.' Simultaneously, the State Department added further designations aimed at restricting Tehran's access to critical oil revenues. The Treasury identified a complex smuggling operation orchestrated by Iraqi–British businessman Salim Ahmed Said, dating back to at least 2020. Said's firms specialise in blending Iranian crude with Iraqi oil before mislabelling shipments to evade sanctions. Vessels under his network, including tankers managed through UAE‑based VS Tankers FZE and VS Oil Terminal, have been instrumental in blending, ship‑to‑ship transfers and forging documentation to funnel oil into Western markets via Iraq or the UAE. The crackdown also zeroed in on vessels involved in covert logistics operations. Tankers flying flags of Panama, Comoros, Cameroon and the Marshall Islands—such as VIZURI, FOTIS, THEMIS, and BIANCA JOYSEL—have collectively shipped tens of millions of barrels of Iranian oil, often suspending their AIS transponders during transfers in international waters. ADVERTISEMENT Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said the sanctions are emblematic of an 'eighth round' of measures targeting Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors under Executive Order 13902. He emphasised that these actions aim to deny Tehran 'the financial resources that fuel its destabilising activities'. Complementing this, the State Department designated six entities and four vessels under Executive Order 13846 for engaging in significant transactions involving Iranian petroleum, further amplifying legal consequences for those assisting Iran's oil trade. The sanctions coincide with U. S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure. While President Trump hinted that sanctions relief could follow if Iran adopts a peaceful trajectory, Treasury and State Department actions signal a contrasting posture of escalation and enforcement. Underpinning Tehran's tactics is what experts describe as a 'ghost fleet'—a web of shell companies, AIS manipulation and vessel flag‑hopping. This makes Iran's oil exports largely opaque and more difficult to police. The fleet's activities play a vital role in sustaining Iran's revenue streams, including funding for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps‑Qods Force. In the financial markets, the tightening of oil sanctions resonated swiftly. West Texas Intermediate crude prices edged above US$67 per barrel on Friday, spurred by expectations of tighter exports. However, analysts also pointed to anticipated increased output from OPEC+ in August as likely to mitigate sharp price movements. Strategic observers say the latest round of sanctions is designed to maintain pressure on Tehran, even as broader diplomacy plays out. The U. S. has signalled its willingness to explore a new nuclear agreement, potentially including incentives such as civilian nuclear investment and sanctions relief, if Iran exhibits restraint and begins meaningful nuclear negotiations. Critics argue, however, that while sanctions may narrow Tehran's financial margins, they can deepen its reliance on illicit networks. Tehran's pivot toward China, Russia and regional allies could be reinforced, with the shadow fleet evolving in sophistication despite the just‑announced sanctions. Meanwhile, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht‑Ravanchi has stated that Tehran will not initiate further strikes against the U. S., citing a preference for de‑escalation. He affirmed Iran's decision to respond proportionately to airstrikes but warned more aggressive engagement could provoke additional military, political or economic measures. As diplomatic channels remain open, including planned talks in Oslo on nuclear constraints, sanctions authorities appear committed to preventing revenue flows that could support nuclear expansion or proxy activity. The U. S. approach suggests a concerted strategy of merging military pressure, sanction enforcement and back‑channel diplomacy to reshape Iran's calculus.
Campaign ME
14-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
du campaign: 12 creators. 1 phone. 48-hour non-stop livestream. 1 world record.
Telecom and digital services provider du has set a Guinness World Record™ for the 'Longest Promotional Livestream', accomplished in collaboration with TikTok Live MENA, as part of its Unstoppable Network campaign. The campaign was brought to life by creative agency TBWA\Raad, production house Digital Tree, and media and influencer agencies Mindshare and GOAT in partnership with TikTok Live. Given the mandate to highlight du's 'Unstoppable Network' reception, prove its seamless 5G coverage across all seven Emirates, and boost brand sentiment, brand love and affinity, TWBA\Raad ideated and executed a campaign that witnessed a single smartphone passed from one individual to another whilst maintaining an uninterrupted 48-hour livestream, free from drops, lag, or any disruptions, showcasing the reliability of du's network in the UAE. While the hero activation included a continuous TikTok Live across each of the seven Emirates in the UAE – an on-the-move broadcast, which ultimately set a Guinness World Record™, the larger campaign included full-funnel support content, including: Teaser, live, and recap phases on Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn on Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn In‑store promotion s at du Flagship stores s at du Flagship stores On‑ground 'spot' appearances by the content‑creator convoy by the content‑creator convoy Earned PR across regional tech and marketing press Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer, du, said, 'This record is much more than a milestone for du; it symbolises the culmination of years of relentless investment by du since the launch of 5G technology. This sustained commitment has enabled us to achieve the best 5G and 4G coverage across the UAE. With our top-tier connectivity, we are opening up new possibilities for people to experience the richness of UAE's cultural and adventurous offerings, directly from their screens.' The brand confirmed that it has deployed the latest infrastructure, with the du 5G network achieving 99 per cent coverage across the UAE. The telecom and digital services provider is now expanding and enhancing this infrastructure beyond 5G as it now looks to deliver 5G-Advanced capabilities across the nation. In conversation with Campaign Middle East, Joe Lahham, Managing Director of TBWA\Raad, said, 'Driving uninterrupted TikTok Live footage for more than 30 hours was the clearest, most transparent stress‑test of the network. Promoting the stunt on adjacent social channels made the hand‑off to TikTok frictionless, maximising live traffic and engagement.' Twelve UAE‑based creators – ranging from tech reviewers to lifestyle vloggers – took turns hosting the Live, injecting their own POV and keeping the broadcast entertaining and interactive. Their roles involved real‑time chats, questions and answer sessions and ensuring follower growth. Hosts included in the campaign were: Sasha Afsh, Coral Bridget Stevens, Ahmed Al Kass, Hasan Ismail, Saqer Al Qassem, Abdulla Gheyath, Big Hass, Mohamed Omer, Amar Al Bawab, Chioma Juliette, Alex Augusti, Ayesha Aljneibi The record-breaking initiative took place from April 11-13, featuring a seamless handoff between these UAE-based content creators. The phone served as the portal through which viewers globally could engage with a host of exhilarating experiences, ranging from kayaking in Abu Dhabi to ziplining in Ras Al Khaimah. The thrilling journey also included serene moments such as hot air balloon rides, showcasing the versatility of experiences the UAE has to offer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by du (@du) Reda Raad, Group Chief Executive Officer, TBWA\RAAD, said, 'This brand experience is the disruptive creative demo we needed, shifting du from telling people how great the network is to showing them instead. Storydoing at full throttle – no scripts, no safety nets – just a brave, public test of speed and reach. Disruption® is about actions that rewrite the rules, and nothing rewrites them like a live, nation-wide stress test that ends in a Guinness title.' This livestream aligned with du's commitment to providing high-speed, reliable and world-class coverage, enabling its customers to add seamless digital experiences to their everyday lifestyle. The campaign was measured against three primary KPIs – engagement, shareability and the Guinness World Record itself – and met or exceeded every target. Boxia Liu, Regional Director of TikTok LIVE MENA, said, 'We are proud to partner with du on this groundbreaking initiative that not only set a new world record but also redefined how digital platforms can connect cultures and communities. Liu concluded, 'This achievement reflects the power of TikTok LIVE in creating authentic, real-time experiences that inspire and engage audiences across the region. Together with du's exceptional connectivity, we showcased the UAE's vibrant spirit in an entirely new and unforgettable way.' CREDITS: Client: du Simon Ornelis, Director Brand Development & Corporate Identity Hawra Dawood, Manager Brand Development & Corporate Identity Layal Hassi, Media Planning & Buying Manager Aisha Abbasi, Manager, Social Media, Events & Sponsorship Ibrahim Al Mayahi, VP Brand & Marketing Communication Creative Agency: TBWA\RAAD Joe Lahham, Managing Director Catherine Bannister, Chief Strategy Officer Santiago Cuesta, Executive Creative Director Noor Akar, Creative Director Daniela Aguirre, Senior Copywriter Denise Gregory, Junior Designer Preetam Kotian, Senior Motion Designer Carl Ghosn, Account Director Layla Gaussin, Senior Account Manager Reem Sabbagh, Senior Account Executive Romy Abdelnour, Head of Communications Lea Moufarej, Corporate Communications Executive Platform partner: Tiktok/ Tiktok LIVE / ByteDance Sara Gentile, TikTok LIVE METAP Lead for Branding, Content and Social Media Rea Jabara, Creative Consultant at TikTok Media Agency: Mindshare Naya Ghorayeb, Media Planner Karim Daba, Media Manager Joseph El Bcherrawi, Client Leadership Director Production: Digital Tree Mehr Hussain, Business Developer Manager Laith Al Ramahi, Creative Director PR: MSL Group, Publicis Groupe Middle East
