The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance, priced at AED 728,000, is a high-performance SUV that combines luxury, power, and cutting-edge technology. Built on the MLB Evo platform shared with the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg, the RS Q8 stands out as the most powerful Audi ever produced, surpassing even the V10 R8 and RS7 Performance. Its design blends aggression with elegance, featuring a massive honeycomb grille, Matrix LED headlamps, 23-inch wheels, and a continuous rear light bar. Inside, the RS Q8 offers a sophisticated cabin with premium materials, advanced infotainment, and ample space for passengers and cargo. Powered by a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine, it delivers 640 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds. The quattro all-wheel drive system, active roll stabilization, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes ensure exceptional handling and safety. Despite its hefty price tag, the RS Q8 justifies its cost with unparalleled performance, luxury, and versatility, making it a top contender in the super-SUV segment.
作者： admin
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Here’s why women are increasingly investing in cryptocurrency
The cryptocurrency world, long dominated by men, is witnessing a transformative shift as women increasingly enter the space, bringing with them a fresh perspective rooted in emotional intelligence and accessibility. This evolution was highlighted during a women-led crypto workshop in Dubai, where the atmosphere was notably calm and supportive—a stark contrast to the often aggressive and male-centric environments typically associated with crypto. A simple yet symbolic moment occurred when an instructor advised against placing a purse on the floor, citing it as ‘bad energy.’ This seemingly minor comment underscored a broader cultural shift in the industry. For years, the crypto journey for many women has been navigated in isolation, with male figures dominating the landscape—from investors and influencers to educators and community leaders. However, this dynamic is changing. In September, the author joined a global crypto community founded by a female engineer, which has become a sanctuary for hundreds of women worldwide. This community emphasizes understanding the mechanics of blockchain and tokenization while incorporating emotional and intuitive approaches to investing. The author’s experience in this space has been profoundly different, marked by honesty, vulnerability, and a focus on learning rather than hype. Women in crypto are not only breaking barriers but also reshaping the industry to be more inclusive and emotionally intelligent. Their presence is crucial as the world moves toward a future where nearly anything can be tokenized and invested in through blockchain. The rise of women in crypto is not just about gender equality; it’s about creating a more balanced, thoughtful, and accessible financial ecosystem for all.
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Restaurant Review: XU at Kempinski is a hidden gem for Asian cuisine
Nestled within the Kempinski Hotel at Mall of the Emirates, XU is a sophisticated Chinese restaurant that has garnered numerous accolades for its exceptional dining experience. Despite its awards, it remains a relatively undiscovered treasure for many. The restaurant’s ambiance is a harmonious blend of New York’s Chinatown and a Hong Kong rooftop, with jade-toned walls, neon lights, and intimate seating arrangements that create a sense of exclusivity. The chef’s menu is both inventive and authentic, offering a journey through Chinese culinary classics with a modern twist. The meal begins with a lobster hot and sour soup, rich in spice and flavor, followed by a selection of small starters, including sesame and peanut-dressed cucumber, black pepper wagyu puff, and pan-fried scallop dumplings. The standout dish is the caviar prawn toast, which features puffed rice, a butterflied prawn, and fresh caviar. For mains, the wok-fried tiger prawns deliver a spicy kick, served over crispy rice noodles. The meal is complemented by a series of beautifully balanced beverages with floral and citrus notes. Beyond the food, XU delights all the senses with its ambient lighting, subtle soundtrack, and fragrant aromas. The service is impeccable, with staff who are kind, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the dining experience.
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Are fashion and luxury in a state of transition in Middle East?
The Middle East is witnessing a transformative phase in the world of luxury fashion, as global trends, consumer attitudes, and cultural influences converge in unprecedented ways. As Dubai gears up to host the Vogue Business Summit on November 17 and 18, the region’s role in shaping the future of fashion is under the spotlight. Elektra Kotsoni, Deputy Director of Vogue Business and Vogue Runway, sheds light on the seismic shifts reshaping the industry. The pandemic-era phenomenon of ‘revenge spending’ has waned, giving way to new challenges such as geopolitical uncertainties and generational transitions. Gen-Z and millennials are redefining taste and spending, while luxury brands grapple with the need to adapt to a rapidly evolving market. The Middle East, once a follower of Western fashion calendars, is now carving its own identity. Regional fashion weeks are gaining prominence, offering designers a platform to showcase their work on their own terms. This shift raises questions about the sincerity of luxury brands’ engagement with the region. Elektra observes a growing authenticity in campaigns and flagship stores that reflect local culture, particularly during Ramadan. However, she emphasizes that only those living in the region can truly assess the depth of this engagement. The value of luxury itself is being redefined. Once synonymous with iconic brands like Chanel and Hermès, luxury now seeks to offer unique, personalized expressions of individuality. Elektra highlights the importance of brands focusing on their core customers rather than trying to cater to everyone. For regional brands with global ambitions, the challenge lies in proving their relevance beyond local markets. Collaborating with international agencies can help bridge this gap, but Elektra also notes the growing spending power in non-Western regions, suggesting that the strategy may not always require reinvention. The fashion industry is on the cusp of a new era, driven by AI and data, yet deeply rooted in personal expression. As the Vogue Business Global Summit approaches, the Middle East stands poised to lead a cultural dialogue that transcends borders, shaping the future of luxury fashion.
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UAE: H&M bets on physical shops to win over Gen-Z in Middle East as Dubai Mall store re-opens
In a bold move to reclaim its position as a fashion leader, H&M has reopened its flagship store in Dubai Mall, targeting the Gen-Z demographic in the Middle East. The Swedish retailer, caught between premium brands like Zara and budget competitors such as Shein, is betting on its physical stores to differentiate itself. The newly revamped store features interactive fitting rooms, self-checkout systems, and a curated selection of beauty brands like By Mina Al Sheikhly and NYX, designed to appeal to younger consumers. To mark the occasion, H&M turned the Burj Khalifa red and offered exclusive gifts to the first 300 guests, including mystery boxes with gift cards and beauty bags. This strategy aligns with H&M’s global initiative to transform 250 stores into boutique-like spaces, emphasizing open layouts and modern aesthetics. Despite the rise of e-commerce, H&M’s focus on in-store experiences reflects a broader trend of consumers valuing physical retail. The move also highlights the growing competition in the Middle East’s fast fashion market, with Primark set to open three UAE stores next year. However, the absence of a strong local fashion player leaves the door open for H&M to solidify its presence in the region.
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Submission deadline for Thumbay International Research Grant 2025-26 extended until Dec 15
Gulf Medical University (GMU) and the Thumbay Group have announced an extension for the submission deadline of the Thumbay International Research Grant 2025-26, now set for December 15, 2025. This extension provides researchers, academicians, and healthcare innovators worldwide additional time to refine their proposals for one of the UAE’s most prestigious research funding initiatives. The grant, valued at Dh3 million, supports groundbreaking projects in medical, clinical, and interdisciplinary research, aiming to drive significant advancements in patient outcomes, healthcare systems, and medical education. Professor Dr. Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of GMU, highlighted the grant’s role in fostering innovation and global collaboration, stating, ‘The Thumbay International Research Grant offers a platform for researchers to explore bold ideas and translate science into solutions that improve lives.’ The 2025-26 cycle focuses on high-impact areas such as precision oncology, AI in healthcare, drug discovery, and public health. The grant’s first cycle attracted 192 applications from 34 universities globally, with 14 projects selected for funding, including contributions from Harvard Medical School, the University of Arizona, and other renowned institutions. GMU’s initiative underscores its commitment to advancing healthcare research and innovation on a global scale.
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Ugandans welcome war crimes charges against LRA leader Joseph Kony and demand his arrest
Survivors of the atrocities committed by Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda have expressed cautious optimism following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) confirmation of charges against the fugitive rebel leader. Kony, who remains at large and is believed to be hiding in the Central African Republic (CAR), faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, sexual slavery, and the use of child soldiers. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Kony in 2005, but despite extensive manhunts and a $5 million U.S. reward for his capture, he has evaded justice. Evelyn Amon, a 42-year-old survivor who was abducted at age 11 and forced to become one of Kony’s wives, emphasized the need for justice and compensation for victims. ‘I cannot be happy like other women who went to school. I need justice for women who went through abduction like me,’ she told the BBC. The LRA, notorious for mutilating victims and abducting children, was formed in the late 1980s with the stated goal of establishing a government based on the biblical Ten Commandments. After being driven out of Uganda in 2005, the group operated in neighboring countries, engaging in poaching and illegal mining. Patrick Ochieng, born in LRA captivity after his mother was abducted and sexually assaulted, echoed the call for justice, stating, ‘He should first be arrested. The victims who suffered can’t wait—some of these victims are already dying.’ The LRA’s insurgency in northern Uganda resulted in over 100,000 deaths, the abduction of 60,000 to 100,000 children, and the displacement of 2.5 million people. Survivors like Muhammad Olanya, who witnessed the 2004 massacre of 70 people in Lukodi, continue to bear the scars of the conflict. The ICC’s decision to proceed with charges without Kony’s presence offers a glimmer of hope that justice may eventually be served.
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Eduscan Institute hosts ‘Inner Peace, Outer Health’ — A celebration of healing and empowerment
The Eduscan Institute, a pioneer in holistic education and empowerment for children of determination, is set to host a transformative event titled ‘Inner Peace, Outer Health: The Path to Healing’ on November 8 and 9, 2025, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, respectively. The event, held at the Iranian Club in Dubai and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, will feature a Walk of Confidence, symbolizing inclusion, courage, and collaboration. Students from Eduscan Institute will walk alongside peers from Amity University, Symbiosis University, and other institutions, showcasing a united spirit of empowerment.
The event will also honor 12 Cancer Victors, women who have triumphed over cancer and now inspire others with their resilience. A highlight will be a soulful dance performance, ‘Healing Through Movement,’ by Vishaka Verma and her troupe, blending art and rhythm to emphasize the restorative power of music and movement. Ruby Ahluwalia, a senior Indian bureaucrat and founder of Sanjeevani… Life Beyond Cancer, will deliver a keynote address. Ahluwalia, a Stage 3 metastatic breast cancer survivor, has impacted millions through her organization, providing free holistic care to over 1.3 million underprivileged cancer patients.
Dr. Alka Kalra, founder and director of Eduscan Institute, emphasized the event’s broader purpose: ‘This is about rediscovering the strength within every individual. Our students, cancer victors, and the community embody resilience, compassion, and unity—the true spirit of the UAE Year of Community.’ Established in 1994, Eduscan Institute has empowered over 30,000 children through education, emotional development, and leadership training, guided by Dr. Kalra’s philosophy, ‘Leaders are not born, but made.’
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Eid Al Etihad: Dubai’s Salik to give recharge cards to winners of weekly contest
In celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, Dubai’s toll operator, Salik, has introduced an exciting weekly contest offering participants the chance to win recharge cards. From now until December 2, 2025, Salik will pose a question each week, with five lucky winners awarded two recharge cards worth Dh400 each. The initiative is part of Dubai’s broader National Month campaign, which runs from Flag Day on November 3 to Eid Al Etihad on December 2, 2025. This campaign aims to honor national occasions, foster pride in the nation’s journey, and engage all segments of society through a variety of national, community, and cultural events. Salik has encouraged residents to participate in the contest via a post on X, though details about the weekly questions remain undisclosed. This initiative not only celebrates the UAE’s unity but also provides an opportunity for residents to engage in a fun and rewarding activity during the festive period.
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Colombian artists transform Pablo Escobar’s hippos and excesses into art
In Bogotá, Colombia, photographer Édgar Jiménez is showcasing his iconic portrait, “Adam and Eve,” at an art exhibition titled “Microdoses to Tame the Inner Hippopotamus.” The photograph captures two of the first hippopotamuses brought to Colombia by the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. Jiménez, who once served as Escobar’s personal photographer, recalls the perilous moment he took the shot from just four meters away, unaware of the danger posed by the animals. These same hippos later attacked and killed a camel. Escobar, who imported the hippos from a U.S. zoo, continued expanding his collection until his death in 1993. Today, their population has surged to over 160, leading them to be classified as an invasive species in Colombia. The exhibition, featuring works by 20 artists, uses the hippos as a lens to critique the legacy of Escobar and the broader narcoculture. Curator Santiago Rueda emphasizes that the show is not moralizing but invites reflection on the paradoxical nature of Escobar’s hippos. The exhibit includes diverse mediums, from oil paintings and graffiti to a unique cultivation of psychoactive mushrooms grown in hippo dung. One standout piece, “The Great Narco Ark” by Carlos Castro, depicts Escobar alongside animals descending from a military aircraft, symbolizing the excess and madness of the narcotics era. Another work, featuring a hippo nicknamed “El Gordo,” parodies the drug cartels’ bounty systems. Artist Camilo Restrepo highlights the irony of hallucinogenic mushrooms thriving in hippo dung, contrasting the ego-dissolving effects of these mushrooms with the ego-enhancing nature of cocaine. The exhibition, hosted at Casa Échele Cabeza, a project focused on drug regulation and harm reduction, opened on Thursday and offers a thought-provoking exploration of Escobar’s legacy and its cultural impact.