Oman has issued a final call for visa overstayers to regularise their status under an amnesty scheme, with the extended grace period set to expire on December 31, 2025. The Royal Oman Police, in a recent social media announcement, emphasised that this extension is the last opportunity for individuals to rectify their legal standing without incurring penalties. The initiative, initially introduced to address visa violations, allows foreign nationals to either renew their residence permits, transfer employment within Oman, or leave the country permanently without facing fines. The Ministry of Labour has been tasked with verifying the status corrections for those seeking to renew or transfer their permits. For individuals opting to depart Oman permanently, all fines related to the termination of non-work-related visas will be waived. This move underscores Oman’s commitment to resolving visa irregularities while providing a structured pathway for compliance. The Royal Oman Police has urged all affected individuals to act promptly to avoid legal repercussions.
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Documentary sheds light on Chinese helping Japanese ‘war orphans’
A groundbreaking Japan-China co-produced documentary, *The Nameless Child*, directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi, premiered in Japan on November 7, 2025, as part of the 2025 China Documentary Festival. The film, which runs until November 20, delves into the poignant stories of Japanese ‘war orphans’ left in China after World War II and their profound gratitude toward their Chinese adoptive parents. During the tumultuous final years of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), thousands of Japanese children were abandoned as their families fled. These children were taken in and raised by compassionate locals in northeastern China. After diplomatic relations were established between China and Japan in the 1970s, many of these orphans returned to Japan, only to face significant challenges in reintegrating into society. Struggling with language barriers and cultural differences, many relied on government subsidies for survival. Takeuchi, inspired by childhood memories of news reports about these orphans, embarked on a two-year journey to document their lives. The film features interviews with over 100 surviving orphans and their families, though most of the Chinese adoptive parents have since passed away. ‘Raising enemy children under such extreme circumstances is truly remarkable,’ Takeuchi remarked, expressing his hope to convey the kindness and spirit of the Chinese people to Japanese audiences. The documentary’s main subject, Mariko Kamijo, whose mother was one of the orphans, now runs a nursing institution for elderly orphans. She emphasized the generational impact of war and the importance of peace. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao highlighted the documentary’s role in fostering mutual understanding and shaping a positive future for China-Japan relations. Zhao Jie, president of the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations, praised the film as a testament to the ‘community of shared human destiny.’ The festival, held in Tokyo, showcases 10 documentaries on themes ranging from urban governance to cultural exchange, aiming to present contemporary China from diverse perspectives. Takeuchi, who has lived in Nanjing since 2013, has produced several acclaimed documentaries on China, including *The Yangtze River*, which won the Best Documentary Award at the 21st China Movie Channel Media Focus Unit. He hopes his work will dispel outdated stereotypes about China and foster greater appreciation for its modern reality.
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Emirates Tamil Theatre Festival showcases sachet-size plays, big-hearted stories
The 10th annual Emirates Tamil Theatre Festival, titled ‘Ameeraga Kurunadaga Vizha,’ took place on November 2, 2025, in Dubai, showcasing the power of storytelling through 12-minute Tamil plays. Inspired by the globally renowned Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney, the festival brought together non-professional talents from across the UAE to present poignant narratives that reflect real-life social issues. Among the standout performances was the prize-winning play ‘Magallir Kaaval Nilayam’ (Women’s Police Station), which tackled the sensitive topic of child abuse and emotional neglect, leaving the audience in deep contemplation. The festival, founded by banker Anand Subramanian and event organiser Lion Rama Malar, has grown into a significant cultural event, celebrating themes ranging from domestic struggles to technological challenges. Despite its non-commercial nature and funding challenges, the festival thrives on the passion and dedication of its participants, including working professionals and students. The 2025 edition saw siblings Mukundhan, 12, and Mirudhala, 10, win the second prize for best script with their humorous portrayal of adult world anomalies in ‘Kannadi Kuzhandhaigal’ (Mirror Children). The event’s authenticity stems from its real-life-inspired narratives, performed by individuals who have experienced or closely observed the issues depicted. The festival’s success lies in its ability to personify life’s complexities on stage, offering a platform for artistic expression and community engagement in a world often dominated by commercial interests.
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Dubai Metro Blue Line construction: Over 10 new traffic diversions planned
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has announced more than 10 new traffic diversions to support the ongoing construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line. These measures aim to ensure smooth traffic flow while enhancing the city’s public transport network. The Blue Line, a significant addition to Dubai’s metro system, will connect key districts, improve quality of life, and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Since the project’s inception, 11 diversions have already been implemented, with more planned in the coming months. Recent changes include the closure of the entrance from Ras Al Khor Road into International City 1 and a major diversion at Centrepoint Metro Station. The Blue Line extends in two directions: one spanning 21 km with 10 stations from Creek Interchange Station to Dubai Academic City, and another covering 9 km with four stations from Centrepoint Interchange Station to International City (1). The project also includes the construction of a depot and maintenance facility in Al Ruwayyah 3. To keep residents informed, the RTA has launched a public awareness strategy, providing regular updates through media channels and community gatherings. The authority has also conducted detailed field surveys to engage with affected communities. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, highlighted the project’s economic benefits, estimating savings of over Dh56.5 billion by 2040 due to reduced travel time, fuel consumption, and accident-related fatalities. Additionally, the Blue Line is expected to boost property values by up to 25% around metro stations and reduce traffic congestion by 20% along its corridors. A McKinsey & Company study commissioned by the RTA revealed that neighborhoods linked to Dubai’s transport network, such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, have already seen property price increases of up to 16%, underscoring the transformative impact of infrastructure projects.
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Summit of EU, Latin America and Caribbean nations aims to strengthen ties amid US military operation
BOGOTA, Colombia — A pivotal two-day summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU) commenced on Sunday in Colombia, aiming to bolster regional ties amidst escalating tensions over U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug-carrying vessels. However, the summit’s significance has been questioned due to the absence of several high-profile leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Colombian officials attributed these absences to scheduling conflicts with the ongoing United Nations climate summit, emphasizing the participation of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as key attendees. The summit, hosted in Santa Marta, is expected to focus on renewable energy, food security, financing, and technological cooperation, with the signing of the Declaration of Santa Marta as a primary objective. However, the U.S. military operations in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific, which have resulted in over 60 fatalities since September, are likely to dominate discussions. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a vocal critic of the operations, has condemned the deaths as “extrajudicial executions” and highlighted the involvement of Colombian citizens among the victims. The summit represents a critical opportunity for regional leaders to address the contentious issue of U.S. military deployment, particularly as the United States is not a participant in the event. Brazilian President Lula’s unexpected attendance underscores the summit’s importance, with Brazil’s Foreign Ministry noting that discussions on U.S. military actions in Venezuela and the Caribbean are inevitable. Lula has urged Latin American nations to prevent conflict in Venezuela, drawing parallels to past U.S. involvement in regional peace efforts. The summit’s outcomes remain uncertain, but it serves as a platform for frank dialogue on pressing regional and global challenges.
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China’s commercial rocket maker puts two satellites into orbit
In a significant advancement for China’s commercial space sector, CAS Space, a prominent commercial rocket manufacturer, successfully launched its 10th Kinetica 1 rocket on November 9, 2025. The rocket, which took off at 11:32 am from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, carried two experimental satellites, Chutian 2A and 2B, into their designated orbits. These satellites, developed by CASIC Space Engineering Development, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp Second Academy, are designed to test Earth observation and hyper-resolution processing capabilities. This launch marks another milestone in China’s growing expertise in space technology and its commitment to expanding its presence in the global space industry.
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People in Taiwan commemorate victims of White Terror period
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, residents of Taiwan gathered at the Taipei Machangding Memorial Park to honor the victims of the White Terror period, a dark chapter in the island’s history marked by political repression during the 1950s. The annual remembrance ceremony, attended by survivors, families of the victims, and representatives from various sectors of Taiwanese society, served as a poignant reminder of the era’s injustices and a call for peace and unity across the Taiwan Strait. The White Terror era saw the arrest and execution of numerous individuals perceived as threats to the ruling Kuomintang regime, many of whom were buried in unmarked graves. It wasn’t until 1993 that four such burial sites were discovered in Taipei, leading to the establishment of the annual autumn commemoration. This year’s ceremony featured a heartfelt eulogy by Taiwan youth representative Chen Chu-yin, who expressed hope that the martyrs’ ideals of national reunification would be realized through the efforts of the younger generation. The event underscored the enduring impact of the White Terror period on Taiwan’s collective memory and its ongoing relevance in contemporary discussions about cross-Strait relations.
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Gold’s next leap? Analysts see $5,000 horizon, explain current calm market
The gold market, currently hovering around the $4,000-per-ounce mark, is experiencing a period of apparent calm. However, analysts suggest this tranquility may be deceptive, with the precious metal potentially poised for a historic surge to $5,000 per ounce by 2026. Despite its recent inability to sustain gains above the symbolic $4,000 threshold, the underlying sentiment remains strikingly optimistic. Ewa Manthey, a commodities strategist at ING, views the current pause as a healthy reset rather than a sign of exhaustion. She predicts gold prices will average $4,000 in Q4 2025 and rise to $4,100 in Q1 2026, supported by central bank purchases, physical demand, and expectations of lower interest rates. Central banks bought an estimated 220 tonnes of gold in Q3 2025, a 28% increase from the previous quarter. Investment flows have also turned favorable, with global gold-backed ETFs seeing holdings increase by 222 tonnes between July and September. Major financial institutions, including HSBC, Bank of America, and Société Générale, forecast gold could reach $5,000 in 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions, rising government debt, and strong demand from central banks and private investors. However, some analysts, like Alex Kuptsikevich of FxPro, caution that gold’s uptrend has technically broken down, citing strong Treasury yields and a hesitant Federal Reserve. Despite short-term uncertainties, the structural appeal of gold remains intact, with lower real interest rates and fiscal pressures likely to fuel renewed safe-haven demand. Analysts believe the groundwork for a fresh surge is firmly in place, positioning gold as a hedge against modern economic uncertainties.
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UAE: Big reveal inside Pyramid to be announced in 2026, says prominent Egyptologist
A groundbreaking discovery within the Pyramid of Khufu in Egypt is set to be unveiled in 2026, according to renowned Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawas. The announcement was made during a session titled “Secrets of the Pharaohs” at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair. Using advanced technology, archaeologists have identified a 30-meter void inside the pyramid, complete with a door at its end. Dr Hawas, a former Antiquities Minister and Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, promised, “Next year, we will reveal to the world what lies behind that door.”
The session also featured a virtual tour of the pyramid, showcasing Dr Hawas’ extensive explorations. Reflecting on his career, he expressed his desire to discover the tombs of Imhotep, the architect of the first pyramid, and Queen Nefertiti. Dr Hawas has been a vocal advocate for the repatriation of Egyptian antiquities, including the bust of Nefertiti, the Rosetta Stone, and the Dendera Zodiac.
Dr Hawas also praised the newly inaugurated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), calling it one of the world’s greatest museums. Located near the Great Pyramids of Giza, GEM houses over 100,000 artefacts, chronicling Ancient Egypt’s history from prehistoric times to the Roman era. Additionally, he acknowledged the cultural contributions of Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who once returned stolen Egyptian artefacts to their homeland as a gesture of goodwill.
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What does UAE law say about car insurance costs, conditions?
In the United Arab Emirates, car insurance premiums and policy conditions are strictly regulated under national law to ensure fairness and transparency for vehicle owners. According to the Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Loss and Damage, insurers are permitted to charge a maximum premium of five percent for saloon vehicles and seven percent for four-wheel drive vehicles for a 13-month policy. These regulations are established under Insurance Authority Board of Directors’ Decision No. 25 of 2016 and Decision No. 30 of 2016, which govern motor vehicle insurance tariffs and policy frameworks. The law mandates specific clauses in every insurance policy, including the obligations of both the insurance company and the insured. Insurers are required to compensate for damages, repair or replace vehicles, and cover other stipulated losses. Meanwhile, policyholders must pay premiums, adhere to safety precautions, and ensure compliance with ownership and licensing requirements. Exclusions such as indirect losses, damages from overloading, or accidents occurring outside the policy’s geographical territory are also clearly defined. Additionally, the law allows for optional riders, enabling insurers and policyholders to agree on additional coverage for specific risks, such as damages to personal property or incidents occurring off-road. These provisions ensure that motor vehicle insurance in the UAE is comprehensive, standardized, and aligned with legal requirements. Ashish Mehta, founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, emphasizes the importance of understanding these regulations to make informed decisions when renewing or purchasing car insurance.