Udupi's prominent NRI businessman Hidayathullah Abbas honored with 'Gulf Karnataka Ratna' award
Dubai: Hidayathullah Abbas, a distinguished Non-Resident Indian (NRI) businessman hailing from Uchila, Udupi, was bestowed with the prestigious 'Gulf Karnataka Ratna' award at the Gulf Karnatakotsava event held in Dubai on Sunday, September 10, 2023. The event's Chief Guest, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, a member of the Royal Family of Dubai and Chairman of MBM Group, graced the occasion.
Hidayathullah Abbas embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in the 1970s, initially engaging in hardware trading. Over time, he diversified into the supply of stainless steel materials and gradually emerged as a market leader in trading, processing, project supplies, manufacturing, and services related to architectural and industrial products in stainless steel and allied metals.
As the founding chairman of the Hidayath Group, he played a pivotal role in its remarkable growth. In just four decades, the group achieved global recognition in the stainless steel industry. His visionary leadership, hard work, unwavering commitment, risk-taking acumen, and dedication were instrumental in propelling the group to success. Hidayathullah Abbas's strategic focus and understanding consistently aligned with the group's objectives. His emphasis on continuous technological advancement, strategic acquisitions, and well-planned expansions into new markets enabled the group to make substantial inroads into the architectural and industrial sectors.
In addition to his remarkable business achievements, Hidayath is also a prominent philanthropist, actively supporting religious, educational, and social institutions. His contributions extend beyond the business realm, reflecting his commitment to the betterment of society.
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Missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels damages a ship in the Red Sea
Jerusalem (AP): A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels damaged a ship in the Red Sea on Monday, authorities said, the latest assault in their campaign against shipping in the crucial maritime route.
The attack happened off the coast of Mokha, Yemen, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said. The ship was damaged in the attack, the UKMTO said, though its crew was safe and heading to its next port of call. The agency urged vessels to exercise caution in the area.
There was “an explosion in close proximity to a merchant vessel,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel and crew are reported safe.”
The US military's Central Command identified the ship damaged as the Cyclades, a Malta-flagged, Greece-owned bulk carrier. The military separately shot down a drone on a flight path toward the USS Philippine Sea and USS Laboon, the military said Tuesday.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attack on the Cyclades and targeting the US warships in a statement early Tuesday.
Meanwhile Monday, the Italian Defence Ministry said its frigate Virgino Fasan shot down a Houthi drone that morning near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
“A missile exploded in the water in the vicinity of the escorted vessel, causing only minor superficial damage,” the Italian Defence Ministry said, not identifying the commercial vessel being escorted. “The frigate Fasan and the protected merchant vessel are continuing their southward route as planned to exit the Red Sea.”
Saree did not acknowledge that attack, though he claimed the Houthis also targeted a ship in the Indian Ocean. There was no immediate report or evidence to support that claim.
The Houthis say their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are aimed at pressuring Israel to end its war against Hamas in Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians there. The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 others hostage.
The Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the US Maritime Administration.
Houthi attacks have dropped in recent weeks as the rebels have been targeted by a US-led airstrike campaign in Yemen. Shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has declined because of the threat.
American officials have speculated the rebels may be running out of weapons as a result of the US-led campaign against them and after firing drones and missiles steadily for months. However, the rebels have renewed their attacks in the past week. Early Sunday morning, the US military shot down five drones in the air over the Red Sea, its Central Command said.
The drones “presented an imminent threat to US, coalition, and merchant vessels in the region,” Central Command said in a statement.
The Houthis on Saturday claimed they shot down another of the US military's MQ-9 Reaper drones, airing footage of parts that corresponded to known pieces of the unmanned aircraft. US Air Force Lt. Col. Bryon J. McGarry, a Defence Department spokesperson, acknowledged to The Associated Press on Saturday that “a US Air Force MQ-9 drone crashed in Yemen.” He said an investigation was underway, without elaborating.
