French billionaire Xavier Niel is set to become Vodafone Group’s VOD.L largest shareholder after UAE telecoms group e& agreed to sell its entire stake in the British telecoms group for almost $6bn.

The deal gives one of Europe’s most active telecoms dealmakers, who has long championed consolidation in its fragmented industry, the largest stake in Britain’s biggest mobile operator.

Some analysts expect Niel to seek greater influence over Vodafone‘s strategy.

“We believe the general playbook for Xavier Niel is to buy and hold – and to try to exert influence over the company – and potentially move to full control over time,” NewStreet Research said in a note.

Analysts at Berenberg said Niel’s investment could accelerate cost-cutting and free cash flow growth at Vodafone, citing the value his Iliad had created at Sweden’s Tele2 since acquiring an initial 20 per cent stake in 2024.

A spokesperson for Vega, the investment vehicle owned by the Niel family group, said the transaction was a straightforward purchase of e&’s stake and did not include any governance arrangements. The immediate focus is securing the necessary regulatory approvals, including foreign investment clearances, the spokesperson said.

Vega said it had struck a binding agreement to buy the roughly 16.2 per cent stake for about GBP4.4bn ($5.91bn), 13 per cent above Vodafone‘s closing share price on Thursday.

Vodafone has undergone significant restructuring under chief executive Margherita Della Valle since she took over in 2023. The group has exited Spain and Italy, sharpened its focus on Germany, Britain and Africa, and completed its merger with Three UK, creating Britain’s largest mobile operator.

“Vodafone is a compelling investment opportunity, underpinned by quality assets, strong brands, leadership positions and a diversified geographic footprint,” Niel said in a statement.

“As a simpler, more focused business, Vodafone is ready for a new phase of growth and is well-placed to unlock substantial untapped value across its European and African operations.”

Vodafone shares rose 12 per cent to a high of 110 pence in early trade on Friday, while e& shares traded around 4.5 per cent higher.

E& said its exit reflected the “natural evolution” of its priorities to “sharpen its strategic focus on core businesses” while unlocking cash from the sale.

CCS Insight analyst Kester Mann said the move marked a surprising turnaround for e&, formerly known as Etisalat, which bought an initial 9.8 per cent stake in Vodafone in 2022 for $4.4bn and gradually built it up.

“The announcement indicates that the Middle East company is taking a step back from its strategy to become a global telecom and technology player and now wishes to concentrate on its core businesses.”

Vodafone welcomed Niel’s arrival as its largest shareholder.

“We know the Niel family group well and look forward to engaging with them as a supportive, long-term shareholder,” Vodafone said in a statement.

Niel first bought a 2.5 per cent stake in Vodafone in 2022 through a separate vehicle, but that stake has since been sold, according to a spokesperson for Vega. He also sought to acquire Vodafone‘s Italian business twice over the last few years and was rebuffed on both occasions.

The billionaire has emerged as one of the leading players in the European telecoms sector, building up his Iliad from a French challenger into a group spanning France, Italy and Poland.

Niel is the second French tycoon in as many years to target a major British telecoms company. Patrick Drahi’s Altice group acquired nearly 25 per cent of BT BT.L before offloading it to Bharti Global two years ago to cut debt.

UAE carriers are accelerating their network expansion strategies, with flydubai announcing the resumption of flights to Aleppo after nearly 14 years while Emirates prepares to introduce its flagship Airbus A380 on the Dubai–Delhi route, signalling continued investment in key regional and international markets.

The latest announcements reflect the airlines’ focus on strengthening connectivity, meeting growing travel demand and reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, a WAM report said.

flydubai confirmed it will launch a daily non-stop service to Aleppo International Airport (ALP) from July 20, 2026, marking its return to the northern Syrian city after almost 14 years. Aleppo will become the airline’s second destination in Syria alongside Damascus, expanding access to a market that has long been underserved.

Strengthening trade, tourism and family connections

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO at flydubai, said, “We are pleased to resume our operations to Aleppo after nearly 14 years of halted operations. The introduction of our daily service to Aleppo marks an important milestone in our network expansion strategy. Our primary mandate has always been to support Dubai’s aviation hub by creating direct air links to previously underserved markets. By providing reliable, daily operations to Aleppo, we are not only catering to a strong existing demand for direct travel, but we are also fostering closer economic, cultural and familial ties between the UAE and Syria.”

Read more-Emirates launches exclusive 2026 summer travel perks: Complimentary hotel stays, discounts on offer

Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer at flydubai, said, “Since resuming our flights to Damascus last summer, we have been encouraged by the strong demand for travel on this route. The resumption of our non-stop service to Aleppo builds on this momentum, providing our customers with greater choice and more convenient travel options between Dubai and Syria. The launch of our new daily service also comes at an ideal time to support increased travel demand during the peak summer period, and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board soon.”

Emirates brings flagship A380 to Delhi

In a separate expansion move, Emirates announced that it will deploy its flagship four-class Airbus A380 on the Dubai–Delhi route from October 25, making the Indian capital the third destination in India, after Mumbai and Bengaluru, to be served by the airline’s iconic double-decker aircraft.

The A380 will operate alongside Emirates’ retrofitted four-class Boeing 777 aircraft on the airline’s three other daily services to Delhi, significantly enhancing capacity and the premium onboard experience.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, said Delhi’s addition to the A380 network reflects the airline’s commitment to meeting growing demand for travel to and from India.

He added that Emirates is also expanding the availability of its Premium Economy product to six destinations across India as part of its continued efforts to introduce its latest products designed to enhance the travel experience. By the end of October, Premium Economy will be available on nearly half of the airline’s scheduled weekly flights to India. He added that further service enhancements are also in the pipeline, reflecting Emirates’ continued partnership with India and its commitment to customers.

From October, Premium Economy will be available on flights to six Indian cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi, providing travellers with greater choice and flexibility when planning their journeys.

The latest announcements underscore how both flydubai and Emirates are continuing to invest in network growth and premium products as demand for regional and international travel strengthens. Together, the two developments reinforce Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub while supporting stronger economic, tourism and business links across the Middle East and South Asia.

Specialist logistics company The Rock-It Company has established its Middle East Regional Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), as the emirate seeks to attract global firms and expand its logistics capabilities.

Rock-It said its regional headquarters and specialist logistics hub in Abu Dhabi would serve as a base for its Middle East operations, including a bonded storage facility providing logistics solutions for high-value and time-sensitive goods.

The company provides transport, storage and supply chain services for industries including automotive, motorsport, live touring, luxury goods, fine art, exhibitions, film and television production, and major sporting events.

ADIO said it began engaging with Rock-It in early 2025 through executive introductions and supported the company through meetings across international markets. The investment office also facilitated connections within Abu Dhabi’s industrial and logistics ecosystem.

Rock-It to offer specialist logistics ops

From its Abu Dhabi base, Rock-It will manage specialist logistics operations supporting sectors including advanced manufacturing, automotive, luxury industries, live events and international trade.

The establishment of the headquarters adds to Abu Dhabi’s efforts to strengthen its position as a regional centre for logistics and trade, while attracting companies involved in specialised supply chain services.

The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has confirmed that the situation across the country remains stable following precautionary safety alerts issued on Sunday morning after a missile threat was detected outside the UAE’s borders.

In a statement carried by WAM, NCEMA said it is working in close coordination with its strategic partners and that the country’s national monitoring and follow-up systems are operating around the clock with a high level of efficiency and readiness to monitor developments and respond immediately to any potential risks.

The authority confirmed that the missile threats detected earlier in the day remained outside the UAE’s borders and stressed that there are currently no indications of concern. Officials added that relevant authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates through official communication channels as necessary.

Precautionary measures underscore emergency preparedness

Earlier on Sunday morning, NCEMA issued a public safety alert confirming that the UAE’s air defence systems were responding to a missile threat as part of the country’s precautionary emergency response measures.

Authorities advised residents to remain in safe locations and closely follow official government channels for warnings, instructions and further updates, according to a post published on the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority’s official X account.

NCEMA emphasised that the precautionary alerts and warning messages reflect the UAE’s proactive approach to managing potential developments or imminent risks, even when the likelihood of any direct impact is low. The Authority said the measures demonstrate the preparedness of the national emergency management system and its continued commitment to safeguarding public safety, security and community stability.

Authorities also urged members of the public not to approach, touch or photograph any fragments or unidentified objects that may have fallen following successful air interceptions. Such objects should be left undisturbed to allow the relevant authorities to safely assess and manage the situation.

Anyone who discovers fallen fragments or suspicious objects has been advised to report the incident immediately by calling 999.

Officials reiterated that the public should rely only on verified government sources for information and updates, warning against the circulation of unverified reports or speculation. NCEMA reaffirmed that it remains fully prepared to respond to any developments while continuing to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of residents across the UAE.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir who transformed Qatar from a relatively quiet Gulf state into one of the region’s most influential political and economic powers, has died at the age of 74.

The announcement was made on Sunday by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the country’s highest government body.

“The Amiri Diwan announced the death of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Sunday morning. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and nation,” the Diwan said in a statement.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he stepped down in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

His reign marked a defining period in Qatar’s modern history. Under his leadership, the country leveraged its vast natural gas reserves to become one of the world’s wealthiest nations on a per-capita basis, while establishing itself as a major force in global energy markets through liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

Sheikh Hamad also significantly expanded Qatar’s international influence by launching the Al Jazeera Media Network, which reshaped Arabic-language broadcasting, and by pursuing an ambitious foreign policy that positioned the country as a key diplomatic mediator in regional and international conflicts.

His vision also laid the foundations for Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first tournament to be staged in the Middle East, cementing the country’s profile on the global stage.

Qatar, with a population of more than 2.5 million people, has evolved into one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, a major international investor through its sovereign wealth fund, and an increasingly influential player in regional diplomacy.