Is the Island of Socotra going to be hired by the UAE for 99 years?

Well, this almost slipped through without being noticed. I am really intrigued by this news story, which seems to have very few sources online. If it’s true, it’s strange that it has not garnered enough attention.

Cihan, a news agency from Turkey, allegedly claims that: “Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi is making arrangements to hire the island Socotra, located in the south, said a Lebanon based TV channel. Reportedly, the island will be hired out to Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 99 years.

According to Al-Mayadeen TV channel’s news, the island was offered for UAE to get its support for the civil war in Yemen, no further information about the negotiation was provided yet. Reportedly, the island may also be under the governance of US. It was also mentioned in the news that the island will be hired for the investments of touristic, economic and navigation fields.” [SOURCE]

Not sure if this is unjust propaganda or not and hopefully more clear sources show up soon. For those who don’t know, Socotra Island is a wonder of nature. A third of its plant life is found nowhere else on the planet. I am not only curious about this very new form of, what looks like, colonial takeover, but (if true) what will be done to ensure the wellbeing of its very unique ecosystem. I’d hate to see its distinct flora (and, probably, fauna) be plowed down by Sheratons and Hiltons. Learn more.

Also, its population is estimated roughly at 44,000 people. I wonder if their consent has been taken into consideration in this alleged turning point in its rich history.

However, at this point this is all alleged.