As November unfolds, Big Ticket is set to make this month unforgettable with its exclusive Race and Luxury Yacht Experience. This unique promotion offers 30 lucky winners and their guests an all-expenses-paid weekend in Abu Dhabi, featuring a stay at a 5-star hotel, access to the Yas Marina race weekend, and a luxury yacht experience. The winners, selected through an E-draw for tickets purchased between November 1 and 21, will also receive Dh10,000 in cash. Additionally, during the yacht event, participants have the chance to win a special Dh250,000 cash prize. The winners’ names will be announced on December 1, and they will also be entered into the December 3 live draw for the Dh25 million grand prize. For those purchasing tickets between November 1 and 30, the excitement continues with the chance to win Dh100,000 each in consolation prizes. Big Ticket’s Dream Car Series also returns, offering a Maserati Grecale in December and a BMW 430i in January. Special ticket bundle promotions, including buy 2 and get 2 free offers, add even more opportunities to win. Whether it’s the thrill of the race, the luxury of a yacht, or the dream of winning millions, Big Ticket ensures November is a month to remember. Tickets are available online at www.bigticket.ae or at counters in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
作者： admin
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Dubai: Meet the expat combating the silent crisis of ‘male loneliness’ epidemic
In the bustling city of Dubai, one man is tackling a silent crisis that affects millions globally: male loneliness. Steve Ashby, a 71-year-old expatriate and cancer survivor, has founded One Connection Away (OCA), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping men rebuild meaningful connections and improve their mental health. Operating from his modest home office in Barsha Heights, Steve’s journey began with his own battle against isolation, exacerbated by his aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer and brain seizures. Realizing the lack of accessible, practical support for men, he created OCA—a neuroscience-based micro-course designed to guide men back into visibility, community, and emotional vitality. Male loneliness, often hidden behind careers and productivity, has profound societal and economic impacts. Steve’s approach focuses on disrupting the ‘Loneliness Spiral,’ a six-stage descent into emotional numbness, through seven pillars: Stretch, Posture, Exercise, Connection, Reflection, Nutrition, and Sleep. OCA’s innovative tools, such as the ‘Opening Gambit’ and ‘Connection Hubs,’ encourage men to take small, sustainable steps toward reconnection. The initiative is gaining traction globally, with partnerships in the UAE and beyond, as businesses recognize the cost of employee disengagement. Steve’s vision extends to creating a global ecosystem, including the VITAL MEN’S ROOM, an online community supporting offline transformation, and a sister program focused on men’s health and longevity. His mantra, ‘You’re not alone. You’re just disconnected,’ resonates with men worldwide, offering hope and practical solutions to combat loneliness.
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AI transformation UAE: Trust, safety, and sovereignty in technology
The UAE is charting a unique path in the global AI landscape, emphasizing trust, safety, and sovereign control over technology. At GITEX 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the focus shifted from theoretical discussions to tangible systems already in motion. The nation has emerged as a hub for responsible innovation, blending ambition with accountability through clear governance and collaborative efforts. This approach is shaping a future where AI-driven progress prioritizes human welfare and data sovereignty. Tareq Masoud, Country Manager UAE at Snowflake, highlighted the transition from AI adoption to practical implementation, with organizations seeking unified platforms that ensure governance, performance, and interoperability. The demand for locally compliant systems has surged, reflecting a regional emphasis on data security and privacy. Snowflake has expanded its regional presence, partnering with Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS to offer enterprises compliant and secure solutions. Similarly, Salesforce showcased its Agentforce 360 platform, enabling businesses to deploy AI agents across various functions while maintaining data security. Mohammed Alkhotani, Salesforce’s Senior Vice President for the Middle East, emphasized the region’s role in shaping global AI conversations, moving from exploration to real-world deployment. Both executives underscored the importance of collaboration, with GITEX serving as a catalyst for public-private partnerships. The UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and Saudi Vision 2030 further highlight governance and partnership as cornerstones of innovation. Snowflake’s Cortex AISQL and OpenFlow platforms drew significant interest for their ability to integrate generative AI and unify data sources, addressing regional challenges like data fragmentation. Alkhotani envisions the rise of agentic cities, where AI enhances public services and sustainable growth. The UAE’s focus on secure infrastructure and ethical AI deployment positions it as a leader in the global AI economy, with AI expected to contribute $150 billion to the region’s GDP by 2030. The nation’s commitment to responsible innovation, combining smarter systems, safer practices, and sovereign control, is defining its technological identity and setting a benchmark for intelligent transformation worldwide.
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US: Cleaning woman shot dead by homeowner after arriving at wrong address
A tragic incident unfolded in Whitestown, Indiana, when Maria Florinda Rios Perez de Velasquez, a 32-year-old immigrant from Guatemala and mother of four, was fatally shot after mistakenly arriving at the wrong address. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when Rios Perez and her husband, Mauricio Velazquez, approached a home they believed was their cleaning assignment. Unbeknownst to them, the residents inside had called 911, reporting a possible burglary. As the couple stood on the porch, a shot was fired through the door, striking Rios Perez in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that the couple had no intent to break in and were simply at the wrong address. The case has been referred to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office, which must navigate Indiana’s ‘stand your ground’ law, allowing homeowners to use deadly force if they perceive a threat. The investigation remains ongoing, with no charges filed yet. This incident echoes similar cases nationwide where individuals have been mistakenly targeted due to misidentification.
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US government shutdown forces local workers at some overseas bases to go without pay
The unprecedented U.S. government shutdown, now in its sixth week, is not only disrupting domestic operations but also creating significant challenges for local workers at American military bases across Europe. Over 2,000 employees in countries such as Italy, Portugal, and Germany have experienced salary interruptions, with some host governments stepping in to cover payments temporarily. In Italy, union coordinator Angelo Zaccaria described the situation as ‘absurd,’ with workers struggling to meet basic financial obligations like mortgages and childcare. Similarly, in Portugal, over 360 workers at the Lajes Field base have gone unpaid, though the Azores regional government has approved a loan to provide interim relief. Germany has also intervened to pay nearly 11,000 civilian employees at U.S. bases, expecting reimbursement once the shutdown ends. Experts like Harvard professor Linda Bilmes highlight that contractors are particularly vulnerable during such shutdowns, as they are not always guaranteed back pay. While Spain has resolved payment delays for its workers, other countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Greenland remain silent on their involvement. The prolonged shutdown underscores the far-reaching consequences of political gridlock in Washington, leaving thousands of workers in limbo.
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Amazon Bazaar expands to 14 new markets, including Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong
Amazon.com has announced the expansion of its low-cost e-commerce platform, Amazon Bazaar, to 14 additional markets, including the Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. This move intensifies its competition with Chinese rivals Shein and Temu in the global race to dominate the ultra-cheap goods market, offering products like $10 dresses and $5 accessories. The standalone Amazon Bazaar app, which mirrors the budget-friendly Amazon Haul section, will deliver a majority of products priced under $10, with some items as low as $2, to these new markets. Since its launch in Mexico last year, Amazon Bazaar has expanded to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Analysts view this expansion as a strategic step in Amazon’s international growth, aiming to scale up profitability while delighting consumers. Despite the challenges posed by U.S. import tariffs under the Trump administration, Amazon reported a 10% increase in third-quarter international revenue, reaching $40.9 billion. The company’s global fulfillment centers and service partners ensure efficient delivery of Amazon Bazaar products. Meanwhile, Shein and Temu continue their aggressive global expansion, operating in over 160 and 70 countries, respectively, despite setbacks from U.S. trade policies.
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China injects strong impetus to global climate governance: white paper
China is playing a pivotal role in advancing global climate governance, as highlighted in a recent white paper titled ‘Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality: China’s Plans and Solutions.’ Released by the State Council Information Office, the document underscores China’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation in addressing climate change. The white paper outlines China’s active engagement in global climate governance, its leadership in promoting green development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and its efforts to foster international collaboration on green and low-carbon development. China has demonstrated its ambition through substantial Nationally Determined Contributions, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s objectives. The country has expanded green infrastructure, energy, and transport cooperation with BRI partner nations, establishing energy partnerships with 34 countries and collaborating on green energy projects with over 100 countries and regions. Adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, China has provided financial, technological, and capacity-building support to developing nations. By October 2025, China had signed 55 memoranda of understanding on South-South climate cooperation with 43 developing countries and conducted over 300 capacity-building sessions. Looking ahead, China is committed to working with the international community to promote ecological conservation, green development, and the protection of the planet, aiming for a cleaner and more sustainable world.
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Bulgaria moves to prevent shutdown of its only oil refinery ahead of US sanctions
Bulgaria is taking urgent measures to protect its sole oil refinery from potential shutdown as U.S. sanctions targeting its Russian owner, Lukoil, are set to take effect later this month. The Bulgarian Parliament has approved legislative amendments granting expanded authority to a government-appointed manager of the Lukoil-owned Burgas refinery, located on the Black Sea coast. This decision follows the collapse of a deal with a major international commodities trader, which withdrew from purchasing Lukoil’s global assets after the company dismissed U.S. allegations of being a ‘Kremlin puppet.’ Lukoil announced the sale of its international assets in response to U.S. sanctions aimed at pressuring Russia to agree to a ceasefire in its conflict with Ukraine. The company holds significant stakes in oil and gas projects across 11 countries, including the Burgas refinery and numerous gas stations worldwide. The new legal framework empowers the state-appointed manager with substantial operational control, including the authority to sell the refinery’s shares. Opposition lawmakers have criticized the move, warning it could lead to legal disputes and financial repercussions for Bulgaria. Ivaylo Mirchev, leader of the Democratic Bulgaria alliance, argued that the extraordinary powers granted to the manager could result in lawsuits from Lukoil, potentially benefiting Russia financially. The ruling coalition defended the amendments, stating that the U.S. sanctions, effective November 21, would likely paralyze the refinery’s operations due to payment refusals from Lukoil’s counterparties. Acquired by Lukoil in 1999, the Burgas refinery is the largest in the Balkans, valued at approximately 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion). It plays a pivotal role in Bulgaria’s economy, with a turnover of 4.7 billion euros ($5.4 billion) in 2024 and a near-monopoly over the nation’s oil depots, gas stations, and fuel supply for ships and aircraft. In preparation for the sanctions, Bulgaria recently imposed temporary restrictions on the export of petroleum products, including diesel and aviation fuel, to ensure domestic supply stability.
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Fire at Turkey perfume warehouse kills six
A devastating fire at a perfume warehouse in Dilovasi, Kocaeli Province, north-western Turkey, has resulted in the tragic loss of six lives. The incident occurred at 09:05 local time on Saturday, as confirmed by the Kocaeli Province’s governorship. Governor Ilhami Aktas reported to CNN Turk that five individuals were hospitalized, with one in critical condition receiving specialized treatment in a burns unit. The fire, which has since been extinguished, was captured by Turkish media, showing firefighters battling intense flames. A witness recounted the harrowing experience to local TV, describing an explosion and the rapid spread of flames that engulfed the factory buildings, accompanied by cries for help. The cause of the fire in the Mimar Sinon neighbourhood remains under investigation, with both the Justice Ministry and the Labour Ministry initiating probes. Dilovasi, an industrial town located approximately 70 kilometres from Istanbul, is known for its numerous depots and factories.
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Rare replica of 1,000-year-old Quran calligraphy unveiled at Sharjah book fair
A meticulously crafted replica of a 1,000-year-old Quran manuscript, originally penned by the renowned calligrapher Ibn al-Bawwab, has been unveiled at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The facsimile, displayed at the Safir Ardehal kiosk from Tehran, offers visitors a glimpse into the exquisite artistry of early Arabic calligraphy. The original manuscript, dating back to 391 AH (around 1000 CE), is housed at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland. Ibn al-Bawwab, celebrated for transforming Arabic writing into an art form, perfected the naskh script, characterized by its fluidity and balance. Each page of the Quran features 16 lines of text, with meticulously spaced letters and harmonious strokes. The calligrapher’s mastery extended beyond writing; he also designed the gold decorations and floral borders, showcasing his perfectionism. The replica, crafted using traditional materials like natural ink and vellum paper, highlights the enduring legacy of Islamic art. Hamed Deshdashti of Safir Ardehal emphasized the manuscript’s historical significance, noting its role in inspiring modern Arabic calligraphy. The exhibition not only celebrates Ibn al-Bawwab’s craftsmanship but also underscores the cultural richness of Islamic civilization.