Hello Readers and Happy Monday!

Nine-Nation Alliance Forms ‘The Hague Group’ to Hold Israel Accountable – A coalition of countries is taking coordinated legal and economic action over alleged violations of international law. UAE Billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor Withdraws Investments from Lebanon – Citing security concerns, the businessman has pulled out, citing instability and Hezbollah’s influence. Meanwhile, Dubai Public Transport Usage Hits 747 Million in 2024, Up 6.4% – Ridership growth reflects major infrastructure investments and increasing reliance on public transit.

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Dubai Public Transport Usage Hits 747 Million in 2024, Up 6.4%

📰 What is it about?

• Dubai’s public transport and shared mobility services served 747.1 million riders in 2024, a 6.4% increase from 2023.

• The Dubai Metro, public buses, taxis, marine transport, and shared mobility services saw higher ridership, with average daily users exceeding 2 million.

• Dubai Metro remains the most popular mode (37% of total ridership), while taxis saw a slight decline to 27% as more people shift to public transit.

💡 Why it matters?

• Public transport expansion is key to Dubai’s 2040 Urban Plan, ensuring sustainable, efficient mobility for its growing population.

• RTA’s massive investments—including the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line (Dh20.5 billion project) and trackless tram system feasibility studies—will further enhance connectivity.

• The rise in shared mobility usage (28% increase) signals a growing demand for smart, flexible transport solutions.

🔜 What’s next?

• New Metro Blue Line construction starts in April, adding 14 new stations and connecting key urban hubs by 2029.

• Dedicated bus and taxi lanes to expand by 13km in 2025-2026, boosting ridership and cutting travel times.

• RTA is exploring self-driving buses and trackless trams, integrating AI-powered, eco-friendly transport for the future.

Markets

UAE Billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor Withdraws Investments from Lebanon Over Security Concerns

📰 What is it about?

• Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, a prominent UAE billionaire, has pulled out his investments from Lebanon, citing security threats and political instability.

• He revealed that he had been threatened with being "slaughtered and killed" last year, which led him to abandon plans for a media venture in Beirut.

• His decision comes amid Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis and political instability, worsened by Hezbollah’s dominant influence and recent conflicts with Israel.

💡 Why it matters?

• Al Habtoor’s exit highlights investor fears over Lebanon’s deteriorating security and governance.

• Despite the UAE reopening its embassy, the Gulf state has not yet allowed its citizens to visit, signaling ongoing concerns.

• Lebanon remains in one of the worst economic crises in modern history, with political deadlock and foreign investors hesitant to re-engage.

🔜 What’s next?

• Lebanon is attempting to form a new government, but investor confidence remains shaken.

• A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been extended, but instability persists.

• Al Habtoor left the door open for future investments, saying he would return if Lebanon guarantees safety and protection.

Nine-Nation Alliance Forms ‘The Hague Group’ to Hold Israel Accountable

What is happening?

• Nine countries—South Africa, Malaysia, Namibia, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, Senegal, Honduras, and Belize—have launched The Hague Group to enforce international law against Israel.

• The group will coordinate legal, diplomatic, and economic actions in response to Israel’s alleged violations in Gaza.

• The initiative was launched in The Hague, hosted by Progressive International, a global political organization.

Why it matters:

• The Hague Group plans to restrict arms and military supplies to Israel, citing risks of violations of humanitarian law.

• Member nations will block vessels suspected of transporting weapons and fuel to Israel.

• The move draws comparisons to past international efforts against South African apartheid, signaling a shift in global pressure tactics.

• The group reaffirmed its commitment to UN resolutions and ICC/ICJ rulings, escalating legal challenges against Israel.

What’s next?

• The alliance has called on other nations to join their efforts.

• Member countries may increase diplomatic pressure and pursue legal action through international courts.

• The effectiveness of The Hague Group’s actions will depend on broader international support and enforcement mechanisms.

🔍In other news…

1. Hamdan bin Mohammed launches ‘Erth Dubai’ initiative.

2. Dubai’s Museum of the Future, in partnership with RTA, has unveiled the prototype of the Joby S4 aerial taxi.

3. Hind Al Mulla, Founder of Home Bakery, says she refused to settle for less.

4. Trump’s climate agenda ‘may push UAE investors away from US’.

5. Syria's new Islamist rulers to roll back state with privatizations, public sector layoffs.

6. OPEC+ unlikely to change output policy when panel meets on Monday, sources say.

7. London-listed Dar Global starts work on $531mln Trump Tower Jeddah.

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