BTS member J-hope, whose real name is Jung Hoseok, has arrived in Dubai, sending fans into a frenzy. The K-pop superstar landed in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, and shared a photo from his Emirates flight on his Instagram Story. Known for his active social media presence, J-hope frequently updates fans on his activities, making this trip no exception. While the purpose of his visit remains unclear, fans speculate he might be attending Dubai Watch Week, which begins on November 19. The event, held at Dubai Mall, features a special exhibition by Audemars Piguet, celebrating its 150th anniversary. Additionally, the presence of J-hope’s dance team members in Dubai has fueled rumors of a potential performance, though no official confirmation has been made. The Dream Concert UAE, scheduled for November 22 in Abu Dhabi, features several K-pop acts but does not list any BTS members. Fans are eagerly anticipating any surprises J-hope might have in store, making this one of the most talked-about topics in the K-pop community.
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South Africa to refuse charter flights of Palestinians over fears of ‘cleansing agenda’
South Africa has expressed deep suspicions regarding the recent arrival of a group of Palestinians, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding their journey. The controversy stems from a chartered flight that landed at OR Tambo International Airport last Thursday, carrying 153 passengers from Gaza. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola described the flight as part of a ‘clear agenda to cleanse Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank,’ though Israeli authorities have yet to respond to these allegations. The Palestinian embassy in South Africa claimed the group departed from Israel’s Ramon Airport, transiting through Nairobi, Kenya, without prior coordination, and accused an ‘unregistered and misleading organization’ of exploiting the situation by deceiving families and facilitating irregular travel. Initially, the passengers were denied entry due to missing departure stamps in their passports, but after a 10-hour delay and intervention by a local charity, 130 were allowed to disembark. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa cited ’empathy and compassion’ as the reason for their eventual admission. Lamola suggested the flight was part of a broader effort to relocate Palestinians globally, with similar flights reportedly sent to other countries. This incident follows another flight two weeks earlier, which brought 176 Palestinians to Johannesburg, some of whom continued to other destinations. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously discussed ‘voluntarily’ resettling Palestinians from Gaza, a move criticized by Palestinians and human rights groups. South Africa, a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, even filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The country’s historical solidarity with Palestine, rooted in its anti-apartheid struggle, has fueled widespread pro-Palestinian sentiment, though smaller pro-Israel demonstrations have also occurred. The situation remains under investigation, with South Africa continuing to scrutinize the motives behind these arrivals.
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Look: UAE-based Indian artist recreates Emirati heritage, past with paper installations
Masarratfatima Sulaimani, a Sharjah-based Indian artist and former graphic designer, has captivated audiences with her intricate paper installations that celebrate Emirati heritage and architecture. Her latest work, ‘Rooted Memories: A Journey Through Paper,’ is a month-long exhibition at Hotel Indigo, Dubai Downtown, showcasing her handmade paper recreations of Dubai’s Al Fahidi neighbourhood, complete with traditional wind towers and paper figurines of Emiratis and tourists. Sulaimani’s art, which explores themes of memory, migration, and journey, is crafted from recycled materials, including food waste collected at the hotel, reflecting her commitment to sustainability. Her innovative techniques—cutting, folding, and layering—breathe life into paper, transforming it into immersive, large-scale installations. Sulaimani’s work has been featured at prestigious venues such as the Shanghai International Biennale, the Al Murabbaa Arts Festival, and the Sikka Art Festival. Her art not only captures the essence of Emirati culture but also reflects her personal journey as an Indian expatriate finding belonging in the UAE. Through her creations, she explores the cycles of life, the resilience of paper, and the universal themes of homecoming and acceptance.
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Sinner hails ‘amazing’ ATP Finals triumph over Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner capped off a remarkable season with a thrilling victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals in Turin, securing a straight-sets win of 7-6 (7/4), 7-5. The Italian tennis star, who earlier this year became the first Italian man to win Wimbledon, was cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd as he retained his ATP Finals title. This triumph marked the culmination of a year filled with highs and lows, including a three-month ban due to accidental contamination with a banned substance, which Sinner overcame to reclaim his place at the top of the sport. Reflecting on his season, Sinner expressed pride in his growth as a player, stating, ‘I feel to be a better player than last year… It’s all part of the process.’ The match against Alcaraz was a tightly contested battle, with the Spaniard lamenting missed opportunities, particularly with his backhand volleys. Sinner’s victory not only solidified his status as one of the world’s best but also served as a powerful emotional moment, bringing a challenging yet rewarding season to a close.
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Israel deports Gaza patients from Jerusalem hospitals back to war-torn strip
Israeli authorities have reportedly expelled dozens of Palestinian patients from hospitals in Jerusalem, sending them back to the Gaza Strip on Monday. These patients, along with their families, had initially traveled to Jerusalem for medical treatment before the outbreak of the October 2023 conflict and had remained in the city since. While some had completed their treatment and expressed a desire to return home, concerns have been raised that others were forcibly deported. According to local media, two buses carrying patients and their families arrived at the Kerem Abu Salem crossing between Gaza and Israel on Monday morning. At least 89 individuals, including children born in Jerusalem, were set to be deported. Unnamed sources cited by Arab48 expressed serious concerns about the safety and conditions of the transfer, particularly given the dire state of Gaza’s healthcare system. Many of the patients fear returning to Gaza, where the health infrastructure has been devastated by Israel’s ongoing military campaign. Since the war began, over 94 percent of medical facilities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving only a handful of health centers partially operational. Hospitals have been bombed, raided, and stripped of essential supplies, while thousands of medical workers have been killed or detained. The relentless bombardment has overwhelmed the remaining healthcare services, resulting in the deaths of over 9,300 wounded and sick Palestinians since October 2023 due to the collapse of medical care and Israel’s ban on medical evacuations. With the Rafah crossing sealed since Israel’s invasion in May 2024, approximately 20,000 injured and ill individuals are now stranded, awaiting an opportunity to seek treatment abroad.
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Was Gattuso right – is World Cup qualifying unfair on Europe?
Italy’s national football team is facing the possibility of missing the World Cup for the third consecutive time after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Norway on Sunday. This loss has forced Italy into the play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso has voiced his frustration with FIFA’s qualification process, arguing that it unfairly disadvantages European teams like Italy. Despite winning six of their eight qualifying matches, Italy finished second in their group, leaving them to navigate a challenging play-off route. Gattuso highlighted the disparity in direct qualification slots, noting that South America and Africa receive more automatic berths relative to their number of participating nations. He also pointed out that the current system, which includes smaller qualifying groups, increases the intensity of the competition. However, some of Gattuso’s claims contain inaccuracies, such as his assertion about African teams in the 1990s. Critics argue that Italy’s struggles are more a reflection of their performance than the system itself. The debate raises broader questions about the fairness of FIFA’s allocation of World Cup slots across different confederations. With 54 UEFA nations competing for just 16 spots, Europe’s share has decreased significantly over the years, despite its strong representation in global rankings. As Italy prepares for the play-offs, Gattuso’s call for reform may spark further discussion about the future of World Cup qualification.
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Appinventiv expands Middle East presence with new Dubai office to support GCC clients
Appinventiv, a leading technology solutions provider, has unveiled its new regional office in Dubai, solidifying its commitment to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market. Situated on the 6th floor of Meydan Grand Stand in Nad Al Sheba, the office will serve as a hub for delivering cutting-edge mobile development, digital transformation, and emerging technology services to public and private sector clients across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The expansion comes in response to growing demand for localized technology expertise in the GCC, where businesses face unique challenges such as Arabic-first design, right-to-left interfaces, and cultural nuances often overlooked by Western providers. Saurabh Singh, CEO and Director of Appinventiv, emphasized the importance of establishing a physical presence to better understand and address client needs. ‘Being on the ground allows us to respond with greater speed and precision,’ he stated.
Singh also highlighted the necessity of integrating local payment systems like Telr and Network International, as well as adhering to region-specific compliance standards such as the UAE’s NESA requirements, Saudi Arabia’s SAMA cybersecurity guidelines, and Qatar’s data sovereignty regulations. These factors underscore the complexity of digital transformation in the GCC.
Prior to the launch, Appinventiv conducted extensive research across GCC industries, identifying three critical areas of focus: accurate bilingual experiences, local collaboration, and data governance. Companies in the region demand culturally relevant user interfaces, in-region partnerships, and expert guidance to navigate evolving data protection laws.
The Dubai office will function as both a delivery and innovation center, aligning with the region’s digital acceleration initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s innovation agenda. ‘Our goal is to ensure that digital platforms not only meet global standards but also reflect local requirements,’ Singh added.
With a proven track record in global projects, Appinventiv aims to empower GCC businesses to scale their digital capabilities effectively.
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New international student enrollment drops 17% at US universities
A recent study published on Monday reveals a significant 17% decline in new international student enrollment at US universities this autumn compared to previous years. The research attributes this downturn primarily to stricter visa policies under the Trump administration, with delays and denials in visa applications cited as major contributing factors. While the overall number of international students in the US saw a modest 1% decrease, the sharp drop in first-time enrollments has raised concerns about the future of international education in the country. Foreign students, who constitute approximately 6% of total US enrollment, contributed $55 billion to the economy in 2024, according to the US Department of Commerce. The Institute of International Education conducted the survey, analyzing data from 828 higher education institutions. Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, expressed concern about the implications for future years, stating, ‘There are warning signs for future years, and I’m really concerned about what this portends for fall ’26 and ’27.’ The 17% decline in first-time students is less severe than the 30%-40% drop predicted by NAFSA, a non-profit international educators group, earlier this summer. Despite the challenges, 84% of universities consider foreign student recruitment a priority, with many institutions offering flexibility to students facing obstacles, such as deferrals, which increased by 39% compared to the 2024 survey. Researchers identified several factors driving the decline, including visa issues, travel restrictions affecting about 2% of foreign students, and concerns about feeling unwelcome in the US. The Trump administration has implemented policies limiting the number of foreign students, including pausing visa appointments earlier this year and introducing stricter screening measures, such as social media checks, in June. These measures followed widespread pro-Palestine protests on college campuses and the revocation of over 6,000 student visas due to legal violations. President Trump has acknowledged the economic importance of foreign students, stating his intention to issue 600,000 Chinese student visas, despite national security concerns among some supporters. ‘The students pay more than double when they come in from most foreign countries,’ Trump remarked on Fox News, emphasizing the financial benefits to US universities.
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Haaland over the moon as Norway end 27-year wait for World Cup berth
In a historic moment for Norwegian football, Erling Haaland led his team to a 4-1 victory over Italy, securing Norway’s first World Cup berth since 1998. Haaland’s brace, along with goals from Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen, sealed the win in Milan, marking an end to a 27-year wait for the global tournament. Meanwhile, Portugal dominated Armenia with a 9-1 triumph, booking their place in the 2026 World Cup, though Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation remains uncertain due to a potential suspension extension. Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves starred with hat-tricks, while Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceicao also contributed to the emphatic victory. Ireland secured a playoff spot with a dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary, thanks to Troy Parrott’s late heroics. France, England, and Ukraine also confirmed their World Cup qualifications, with England completing a flawless qualifying campaign. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be a thrilling spectacle as teams prepare for the global stage.
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BBC in Dhaka: ‘The trial may be over… anger very much remains’
In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves across Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The verdict, delivered in Dhaka, marks a dramatic turn in the nation’s political landscape. While the trial has concluded, the emotional aftermath continues to reverberate, with widespread anger and unrest among her supporters. The case, which has been a focal point of national and international attention, underscores the deep-seated divisions within Bangladeshi society. Critics argue that the trial was politically motivated, while proponents assert that justice has been served. The sentencing has ignited debates about the rule of law, political accountability, and the future of democracy in Bangladesh. As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for further instability in the region.