In a significant diplomatic engagement, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, met with Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, India, in Abu Dhabi on November 8, 2025. The meeting, attended by a high-level delegation, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across key sectors, aligning with the strategic visions of both the UAE and India to bolster economic and developmental partnerships. Pinarayi Vijayan’s visit to the UAE Capital was marked by a warm reception from the Malayalee diaspora, including prominent figures such as MA Yusuff Ali, Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group International. The discussions also touched upon the role of the Loka Kerala Sabha, a platform dedicated to the cultural, socio-political, and economic integration of non-resident Keralites. With Indian expats constituting the largest population group in the UAE, reaching 4.36 million as of August 2025, the meeting underscored the importance of fostering stronger ties between the UAE and Kerala, a state in southern India. Pinarayi Vijayan’s visit also included engagements with the Keralite community in the UAE, further solidifying the deep-rooted connections between the two regions.
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Dubai Taxi Company posts 28% surge in Q3 on strong mobility demand
Dubai Taxi Company PJSC (DTC) has announced a remarkable 28% year-on-year increase in net profit for the third quarter of 2025, reaching Dh76.4 million. This growth was fueled by heightened trip volumes and sustained demand across its mobility services. The company’s revenue also saw a significant boost, climbing 15% to Dh585.3 million, driven by fleet expansion and a 7% rise in completed trips, totaling 13.1 million across taxi and limousine services. Ebitda surged 23% to Dh151.4 million, with margins improving to 26%, up two percentage points from the previous year. The taxi segment remained the primary revenue generator, contributing Dh506 million, a 12% increase year-on-year, as the operational fleet expanded to 6,215 vehicles, including 401 fully electric units. Limousine revenue saw a modest 1% rise to Dh27.8 million, while the bus segment nearly doubled its revenue to Dh29.8 million, following revised contract terms with a major client. Delivery bike services experienced a 62% surge, reaching Dh18.3 million, reflecting robust growth in the on-demand delivery market. DTC distributed Dh160.7 million in dividends for the first half of the year in August, adhering to its policy of paying out at least 85% of annual net profit. The company concluded the quarter with a net debt-to-Ebitda ratio of 1.5x and a cash balance of Dh68 million. CEO Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi highlighted the company’s disciplined execution and operational excellence, noting a strategic partnership with Kabi as a significant step toward advancing Dubai’s e-hailing ecosystem. This alliance integrates DTC’s 6,215 taxis and Kabi’s 3,680 vehicles into Bolt and Zed platforms, aligning with Dubai’s goal to shift 80% of taxi trips to e-hailing. Looking forward, DTC aims to sustain growth through efficiency gains, digital enablement, and fleet optimization, while progressing toward its target of full electrification by 2040.
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New development philosophy charts China’s path to modernization
As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, China is steadfastly advancing its modernization agenda under a transformative development philosophy. Introduced in 2015, this philosophy emphasizes innovation, coordination, green development, openness, and shared benefits, guiding the nation through both domestic and global turbulence. Over the past decade, it has been instrumental in driving high-quality growth and creating new opportunities for the global community. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), China’s economy achieved remarkable milestones, with its total output surpassing 130 trillion yuan ($15.5 trillion) and projected to reach 140 trillion yuan by 2025. Contributing approximately 30% to global growth annually, China has emerged as a beacon of stability in an uncertain world. The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has recently unveiled recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), underscoring the continued application of this philosophy to steer the nation’s next phase of development. Innovation remains a cornerstone of China’s progress. The Seres smart factory in Chongqing, where two new energy vehicles (NEVs) are produced every minute, exemplifies the nation’s technological advancements. China has led the world in NEV production and sales for a decade, holding over 40% of global patents in new-energy technologies. This innovation-driven growth has propelled China from a follower to a global leader in strategic industries. The country’s Global Innovation Index ranking has surged from 34th in 2012 to 10th in 2025, with research and development spending reaching 3.6 trillion yuan in 2024, the second highest globally. Looking ahead, China aims to enhance self-reliance in science and technology, deepen industrial innovation, and accelerate the application of major technological breakthroughs. Green development is another pillar of China’s strategy. The Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia, home to millions of solar panels, symbolizes the nation’s commitment to renewable energy. China’s installed capacity for wind and solar power accounts for nearly half of the global total, and its exports of related products are expected to help other countries reduce carbon emissions by 4.1 billion tonnes. The country has built the world’s largest renewable energy system, with energy consumption per unit of GDP dropping by 11.6% during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Over the next five years, China will accelerate its green transition, aiming for carbon peaking and neutrality while fostering a green, low-carbon economy. China’s openness to the world remains unwavering. The offshore duty-free policy in Hainan, for instance, has transformed the province into a hub for global luxury brands, reflecting the nation’s commitment to shared benefits. Despite global protectionism, China has eliminated all foreign investment restrictions in manufacturing and steadily opened its services sector. By June 2025, it had utilized $708.73 billion in foreign investment and established 22 pilot free trade zones. The 15th Five-Year Plan recommendations emphasize high-standard opening up, innovative trade development, and two-way investment cooperation, signaling China’s dedication to mutual benefit. The philosophy also prioritizes shared development, aiming for common prosperity through measures such as improving employment, income distribution, social security, and access to public services. As China continues its modernization journey, the new development philosophy will remain the driving force behind its economic resilience and vitality, enabling the nation to seize new opportunities and sustain high-quality growth.
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US, Syria move toward resetting ties as Trump meets al-Sharaa to discuss sanctions, security
In a landmark meeting at the White House on November 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump and Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa engaged in discussions aimed at resetting bilateral relations. This marked the first visit by a Syrian leader to the White House since Syria’s independence in 1946. Unlike traditional state visits, al-Sharaa entered through a side gate, signaling a low-profile yet significant encounter. The closed-door meeting in the Oval Office focused on two critical issues: the lifting of US sanctions on Syria and Syria’s potential entry into the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the suspension of the Caesar Act sanctions, a set of stringent measures imposed during Syria’s civil war. Rubio emphasized that this move would support Syria’s economic recovery and foster peace. The Syrian side, however, seeks a permanent repeal of these sanctions, which would require congressional action. Additionally, al-Sharaa agreed to join the US-led coalition against IS, which remains active in Syria. The US also plans to allow Syria to resume operations at its embassy in Washington, focusing on counterterrorism and economic cooperation. This meeting follows a series of diplomatic efforts, including the removal of al-Sharaa from the UN Security Council’s sanctions list. Analysts caution that while these steps are promising, Syria’s path to stability remains fraught with challenges, including sectarian violence and a massive reconstruction bill estimated at over $200 billion.
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Red Fort to be closed for 3 days after Delhi blast
In the wake of a catastrophic car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort, the iconic monument will remain closed for three days, from November 11 to 13, as authorities intensify their investigation. The Archaeological Survey of India confirmed the closure following a formal request from law enforcement agencies. The blast, which claimed at least 12 lives, has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting heightened security measures nationwide. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has vowed that the perpetrators will face severe consequences, assuring victims’ families that justice will be served. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a state visit to Bhutan, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that those responsible will be held accountable. The National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been deployed to the site, with the car owner and two associates already in custody. Delhi has issued a travel alert, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has convened a high-level security meeting to address the crisis. Police have escalated security checks across the city, inspecting vehicles at numerous checkpoints. The incident has underscored the urgent need for robust national security measures.
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Lulu plans to open 50 stores in UAE, Saudi, other GCC countries over next 3 years
Lulu Retail Holdings, the largest full-line retailer in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, has unveiled an ambitious expansion strategy to open 50 new stores across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC countries over the next three years. This announcement comes on the heels of a robust financial performance in the first nine months of 2025, with the company reporting a 7.5% year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching $163 million.
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Iwobi ready to face ‘big brother’ Aubameyang
Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After a dismal start to their qualifying campaign, which saw the Super Eagles secure just three points from their first four matches, their hopes were reignited by a dramatic injury-time goal in their final group game against Benin. Brentford’s Frank Onyeka’s strike sealed a 4-0 victory, propelling Nigeria into the African play-offs as runners-up in Group C on goal difference. Now, the team faces a new challenge: stopping Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in their play-off semi-final in Morocco. Aubameyang, a former Arsenal teammate of Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi, has been in stellar form, scoring seven goals in World Cup qualifying, including four in a single match against The Gambia. The 36-year-old Gabon captain is determined to lead his nation to their first-ever World Cup appearance. Iwobi, who shared the pitch with Aubameyang during their time at Arsenal, spoke highly of his former teammate, describing him as a ‘great person off the pitch’ and a mentor who encouraged him to express himself on the field. Despite the camaraderie, Iwobi acknowledged the difficulty of containing Aubameyang, stating, ‘I don’t know how we’re going to lock him up.’ Nigeria’s path to the World Cup remains arduous. After missing out on automatic qualification by finishing second in Group C behind South Africa, they must first overcome Gabon and then the winner of the Cameroon vs. DR Congo match to advance to an intercontinental qualifier in March. Should they succeed, Nigeria’s world ranking would likely pit them against a team from Asia, Oceania, South America, or the Concacaf region, with the victors securing a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. Nigeria’s resurgence under coach Eric Chelle has been pivotal. Appointed in January, Chelle has led the team to an unbeaten run in six competitive games, fostering a positive atmosphere within the squad. Iwobi praised Chelle’s leadership, likening him to a ‘big brother’ who motivates the players to fight for both Nigeria and their coach. Despite the challenges, Iwobi remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances, emphasizing the team’s determination to prove their worth on the international stage.
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Shaping the future of CIS Media: Key insights from the ‘Culture.Media.Digital’ forum
The second edition of the Culture.Media.Digital Forum, held on November 6–7, 2025, at Moscow’s MosKino Film Factory, emerged as a pivotal event for the media and creative industries. Attracting over 8,000 participants and featuring 160+ speakers from 20+ countries, the forum spotlighted the growth potential of the CIS media market and the integration of its cultural and digital ecosystems. The event brought together media executives, filmmakers, bloggers, IT specialists, and government representatives to explore the future of media in the region, which boasts a combined audience of over 350 million Russian-speaking users. Key discussions revolved around localized AI tools, regional distribution platforms, content metrics standardization, and innovative monetization strategies. A notable focus was the increasing collaboration between the CIS and MENA regions, with Middle Eastern leaders sharing insights on multilingual production and digital infrastructure. The forum’s business agenda, structured across six thematic tracks—Media Network, Influencers, Technomagic, Art Resource, PRology, and Kinofield—hosted 50+ sessions, panel discussions, and presentations. International cinema icons, including French cinematographer Michel Amathieu and Italian Academy Award winner Vittorio Storaro, enriched the program with their expertise. The event also featured interactive experiences like a retro gaming zone and a literary corner, alongside autograph sessions with prominent media personalities. The forum’s outcomes underscored its role as a catalyst for cross-industry collaboration, fostering new partnerships and actionable projects that promise to shape the future of the CIS media landscape.
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Messi and Argentina’s soccer team are special guests for Angola’s independence anniversary
In a grand celebration of its 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal, Angola is set to host Lionel Messi and the World Cup-winning Argentina national soccer team as special guests this week. The festivities, which commenced on Wednesday, will feature an exhibition match between Angola’s national team and Argentina on Friday at the iconic 11 November Stadium in Luanda, named in honor of the country’s independence day. Reports indicate that Angola has invested a staggering $13 million to secure the participation of the reigning world champions. The Argentine squad is scheduled to arrive in Angola on Thursday, as confirmed by the Argentine soccer federation. The celebrations kicked off with a ceremonial event at Republic Square in Luanda, where President João Lourenço presided over the raising of a massive Angolan flag by soldiers. Angola gained independence on November 11, 1975, but the nation was soon engulfed in a brutal civil war that claimed the lives of an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people before finally concluding in 2002. Since independence, the oil-rich nation has been governed by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the sole ruling party.
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Egypt kicks off 1st phase of parliamentary elections
Egypt has officially commenced the first phase of its 2025 House of Representatives elections, marking a significant step in the nation’s democratic process. The voting period, which began on Monday, November 10, 2025, and concluded on Tuesday, saw the participation of over 35 million eligible voters across 14 governorates. These regions include Giza, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Assiut, New Valley, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea, Alexandria, Beheira, and Matrouh. The House of Representatives, consisting of 568 members, is elected through a dual system: 284 members via a closed-list system and another 284 through an individual system, with additional members appointed by the president. Notably, Egyptian expatriates cast their votes on November 7 at embassies and consulates worldwide. The second phase of the elections is scheduled for November 21-22 for expatriates and November 24-25 for citizens in the remaining 13 governorates. This electoral process underscores Egypt’s commitment to fostering political participation and representation.