Egypt's Damietta Port Partially Closed After LNG Terminal Explosion
An explosion, reportedly caused by a drone strike, hit the LNG terminal at Egypt‘s Damietta Port on Wednesday evening, setting two gas ships ablaze. The US-owned and operated, Marshall Islands-flagged LNG floating storage facility, Energos Winter, was struck by at least one unmanned aerial vehicle during cargo discharge operations, according to maritime security firm Ambrey. The crew were evacuated, and the fire was brought under control. Two separate security sources confirmed that the cause of the blast was a drone strike, with no party claiming responsibility.
Local authorities responded promptly, and the situation was brought under control. The vessels involved have been safely relocated outside the port area, and port operations are expected to resume at other berths and terminals during the nighttime. Engineer Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, arrived at the site to monitor the situation and ensure the progress of control and safety measures. The Egyptian petroleum ministry reported that the fire broke out on regasification, with no injuries or fatalities.
The incident led to a partial closure of the port, with authorities urging the media and social media users to obtain information from official sources. The ministry confirmed that it would continue to follow up on the situation and announce any updates. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on energy infrastructure in the region, with tensions escalating in the Strait of Hormuz.
The explosion at Damietta Port is reminiscent of a similar incident involving a Qatari LNG tanker that was stranded off Oman after an attack, highlighting the growing concerns over maritime security in the region.
US consulate Toronto shooting: 2nd in 4 months
Shots Fired Near US Consulate in Toronto for 2nd Time in 4 Months
Shots were fired near the US consulate in Toronto early Monday, marking the second such incident in four months. Toronto police said officers heard a firearm being discharged in the area and a white sedan was seen fleeing the scene. No one was injured and no suspects have been identified so far. The area was cordoned off and shell casings were found.
The US consulate thanked the police for their response to Monday's shooting. This incident comes after a similar shooting on March 10, where two men fired multiple shots at the consulate in what police described as a "national security incident." Two men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested in June as part of the investigation into that shooting.
The police are investigating shootings with a recurring and similar modus operandi, such as the shooting at a Toronto synagogue on March 2. The US consulate in Toronto has been the target of a previous shooting, prompting beefed-up protection for US and Israeli diplomatic buildings in the Canadian city.
This latest incident occurred near the US consulate in Toronto, Canada, on July 27, 2026. The reason behind the shooting is not specified for this incident, but the previous similar incident was described as a 'national security incident' linked to 'war gripped the Middle East.'
The incident is similar to a previous shooting that occurred on March 10, where two men fired multiple shots at the consulate. The police had arrested two men in June as part of the investigation into that shooting.
UAE Travel: 11 Banned Items You Can\'t Bring To The Airport
11 Surprising Items Banned in UAE Airports
If you\'re planning to travel through UAE airports, be aware that there are several items you cannot carry in your luggage. From sports equipment to certain food items, the list of prohibited items is extensive. Here are 11 surprising items you should leave behind:
- Cricket Bats and Skateboards: Sports equipment like cricket bats, skateboards, and fishing rods are prohibited in cabin baggage due to security concerns.
- Toy Guns and Arrows: Children\'s toys like toy guns, bows, arrows, and darts are banned in hand luggage and may be confiscated if carried through security screening.
- Poppy Seeds: Poppy seeds are banned at Dubai International Airport and throughout the UAE due to their classification as a derivative of the opium poppy.
- Knives with Blades Over 6cm: Knives with blades longer than 6cm, as well as sabers, swords, and box cutters, are prohibited in both hand and checked luggage.
- Firearms and Weapons: Firearms, starter pistols, and flare pistols are strictly prohibited in UAE airports.
- Fire Extinguishers and Compressed Oxygen: Fire extinguishers, compressed oxygen, and ammonia solutions are banned due to safety concerns.
- Explosives and Ammunition: Explosives, ammunition, fireworks, and firecrackers are prohibited in both hand and checked luggage.
- Ice Picks and Straight Razors: Ice picks, straight razors, and long scissors are banned due to their potential to cause serious injury.
- Narcotic Drugs: Narcotic drugs, including hashish, cocaine, and heroin, are strictly prohibited in UAE airports.
- Gambling Tools and Machinery: Gambling tools and machinery are banned in UAE airports, as are goods intended for import from boycotted countries.
- Radioactive Substances: Radioactive or radiation-contaminated substances are prohibited in UAE airports due to the risk they pose to aircraft safety.
Toronto shooting: US Consulate Hit
Bullet Strikes US Consulate in Toronto
Shots were fired at the US Consulate in Toronto early Monday, with a bullet striking the facade, though no one was injured. Toronto police's counterterrorism unit has joined the investigation into the incident, which involved a white sedan fleeing a high-speed chase. The sedan, which had no license plates, was seen fleeing the scene after the shooting, prompting a brief but dangerous chase that was quickly discontinued due to the suspect vehicle's high speed.
The area around the consulate was cordoned off, and shell casings were found. No suspects have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. This is the second shooting near the diplomatic compound in four months, following a "national security incident" on March 10 where two men fired multiple shots at the consulate. Two men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested in June as part of the investigation into that shooting.
The US consulate thanked the police for their response to Monday's shooting. Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the shootings and vandalism that took place in Toronto over the last few days, including at two Jewish-owned businesses over the weekend and near the US Consulate. Ford stated that active police investigations are underway and expects those responsible to be found, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
The Toronto Police Service's counterterrorism unit is involved in the investigation, indicating that the incident may be linked to national security concerns and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The incident has raised concerns about diplomatic security in the city, with increased protection measures in place for US and Israeli diplomatic buildings.
The shooting on Monday is part of a series of incidents in Toronto, including a shooting in Montreal that left 3 dead, and a shooting in Toronto that left 2 dead and 3 hurt. The city has seen a surge in violent incidents, prompting a strong response from law enforcement and government officials.
DEWA Unveils AI-Driven Gas Turbine Boosting Power Generation
DEWA's AI Breakthrough: 28.9 MW Power Boost, AED 38.95 Million Savings
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced advanced operational results from the world’s first AI-driven Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller, developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy. The system enhances the operational efficiency of gas turbines and increases the generation capacity of 14 gas turbine units at the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex by approximately 28.9 megawatts, resulting in savings of approximately AED 38.95 million.
The AI-driven Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller combines AI, machine learning, and data analytics to optimize gas turbine performance, reduce energy consumption, and lower emissions. This innovation aligns with the UAE's AI strategy and Dubai's competitiveness goals, demonstrating DEWA's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex, where the AI-driven Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller is implemented, is a significant facility in Dubai's energy infrastructure. The complex's increased generation capacity and reduced emissions contribute to the UAE's efforts to mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable energy supply.
This development is connected to previous initiatives in the UAE, such as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to generate 75% of Dubai's energy from clean sources by 2050. The implementation of the AI-driven Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller is a significant step towards achieving this goal, as it reduces carbon emissions by 28,530 tonnes annually and NOx emissions by 22.9 tonnes per year.
GDRFA Dubai Offers Happiness Card to Emirati Couples
Exclusive Benefits for Emirati Couples with New Happiness Card
In Dubai, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Community Development Authority (CDA) to support the "Dubai Weddings" initiative. This partnership aims to strengthen government integration and provide exclusive benefits and services to Emirati couples preparing for marriage. The initiative is part of the Year of the Family and aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to build stable families and enhance quality of life.
The Happiness Card, offered by GDRFA Dubai, will provide Emirati couples with a range of exclusive benefits, discounts, and services. This card will be provided free of charge to beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings initiative, enabling them to enjoy a wide range of offers and discounts. The partnership also includes awareness campaigns to introduce beneficiaries to the card's features and how to make the most of its benefits.
The signing of the agreement was attended by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai, and Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the CDA. The partnership reflects the importance of government integration in developing innovative solutions that strengthen the stability of Emirati families and support young Emiratis as they embark on building their families.
The Happiness Card will be provided to beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings initiative in accordance with approved procedures, enabling them to benefit from the program's privileges, offers, and discounts. This initiative is a significant step towards supporting Emirati families and enhancing their quality of life, aligning with the national priorities of the UAE.
The Dubai Weddings initiative, under the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Programme, seeks to enhance the stability of Emirati families and improve their quality of life. The partnership between GDRFA Dubai and the CDA reflects the commitment of the UAE government to supporting its citizens and providing them with innovative solutions to build strong and stable families.
In line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, this initiative aims to build stable families and enhance quality of life. The Happiness Card is a tangible example of the government's efforts to support Emirati families and provide them with exclusive benefits and services.
