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  • Number of Irish citizens deported from US up more than 50%

    Number of Irish citizens deported from US up more than 50%

    The United States has witnessed a significant surge in the deportation of Irish citizens, with figures revealing a more than 50% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to data from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), 99 Irish nationals were deported between January and September 2025, up from 60 in the 2024 fiscal year. This trend has sparked widespread concern, particularly among families facing separation due to stringent immigration enforcement.

  • Israel and UAE influencers target Sudan army online as RSF massacres el-Fasher

    Israel and UAE influencers target Sudan army online as RSF massacres el-Fasher

    In a coordinated social media campaign, Emirati influencers and an official Israeli state X account have targeted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), their paramilitary rival, have been accused of massacring hundreds of civilians in Sudan’s el-Fasher. The RSF seized control of el-Fasher, the last city in Darfur to fall under their control, after a 500-day siege. Satellite imagery and RSF fighters’ own documentation corroborate the mass killings and abuses committed during the takeover. As criticism mounted against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its well-documented support of the RSF, Emirati influencers and Israeli accounts, including the official Arabic language account of Israel, have shifted focus to the SAF, linking them to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. Amjad Taha, a prominent Emirati analyst, led the charge by comparing the SAF to Hamas, posting images of an Israeli family and a Sudanese family, claiming both were victims of ‘Muslim Brotherhood-led forces.’ However, Middle East Eye found that the Sudanese family image dates back to at least September, with no evidence linking their deaths to the SAF. Israeli and Emirati accounts have also made unverified claims about the SAF targeting Christian minorities, despite the war not being fought along religious lines. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 13 million people. The UAE and Israel have strengthened ties since normalizing relations in 2020, with recent reports indicating UAE’s increased supply of weapons to the RSF, aided by Israel.

  • UAE: Sheikh Zayed Festival opening date, timings announced

    UAE: Sheikh Zayed Festival opening date, timings announced

    The Sheikh Zayed Festival, one of the UAE’s most celebrated cultural and heritage events, is set to return to Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, from November 1, 2025, to March 22, 2026. Under the theme “Hayyakum” (Welcome), this year’s edition promises to be a spectacular showcase of Emirati traditions and global cultures. The festival will host over 4,000 cultural events and 750 large-scale public shows, featuring more than 20,000 participants from the UAE and abroad. Visitors can enjoy daily access from 4pm to 12 midnight, with extended hours until 1am on weekends and public holidays. A highlight of the festival will be the 54th UAE Union Day celebrations, complete with traditional performances, raffles, fireworks, laser and drone displays, and musical concerts. The Heritage Village will remain a key attraction, offering insights into traditional Emirati life through heritage pavilions, markets, and live folk performances. New additions for 2025 include the Rare Animals Reserve, promoting environmental awareness, and the Family Entertainment City, designed for all age groups. The festival will also feature traditional and sporting competitions, such as Dhow Sailing Races, Falconry Competitions, and the Zayed Grand Camel Race. Culinary enthusiasts can explore a variety of dining zones offering global cuisines, including the popular Emirati Traditional Food Corner. The event will also highlight sustainability initiatives, with the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award Pavilion showcasing innovative farming practices. International pavilions and global markets will further enrich the festival, emphasizing the UAE’s role as a cultural exchange hub. The festival will conclude with a grand New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring fireworks, laser shows, and a drone display involving over 6,000 drones.

  • ‘Almost wiped out’: Israeli restrictions stifle recovery of Gaza’s farmlands

    ‘Almost wiped out’: Israeli restrictions stifle recovery of Gaza’s farmlands

    Naim Abu Amra, a Palestinian farmer from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, once cultivated a thriving 11-dunam (one hectare) plot of land. His greenhouses, powered by solar panels and a small diesel pump, yielded tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and courgettes, sustaining his family of eight and providing seasonal employment. However, the onset of Israel’s military campaign in October 2023 turned his life upside down. The area was declared a ‘no-go zone,’ and his greenhouses were obliterated, irrigation systems destroyed, and wells filled with debris. ‘Military bulldozers leveled the land to bare soil; even the plastic and metal structures melted under the bombing,’ Abu Amra recounted to Middle East Eye. His once-fertile fields are now littered with rubble and unexploded ordnance, rendering them unusable. Despite the devastation, Abu Amra and his sons have begun clearing debris by hand, planting small patches of okra and molokhia using collected rainwater. ‘The war didn’t just take our crops. It took our future,’ he lamented. The destruction of Gaza’s agricultural sector is staggering. A joint assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) revealed that over 95% of Gaza’s agricultural land is now inaccessible, with 80% of cropland damaged and 77.8% of it unusable. The sector, which once contributed 11% to Gaza’s GDP and supported 560,000 livelihoods, now accounts for less than 2%. Bahaa Zaqout of the Palestinian Agricultural Development Association (PARC) described the destruction as ‘deliberate and carefully planned.’ Israel’s blockade has long restricted agricultural inputs, but since October 2023, the policy has intensified, aiming to eradicate the sector entirely. The World Bank estimates that restoring Gaza’s agriculture will cost $8.4 billion, with one of the biggest challenges being the clearance of 61 million tonnes of debris, 15% of which contains toxic substances like asbestos. Israel has barred the entry of heavy equipment needed for cleanup, further complicating recovery efforts. Mariam Al-Jaajaa of the Arab Group for the Protection of Nature (APN) highlighted the weaponization of seeds, which Israel deems ‘dual use’ and blocks from entering Gaza. Despite these obstacles, APN has supported over 700 farmers in cultivating 13,000 dunams of land, producing seven million kilograms of vegetables. However, the cost of cultivation has skyrocketed from $5,000 to $25,000 due to the siege. Jaajaa criticized international NGOs for focusing on food aid rather than supporting agricultural recovery, emphasizing the political implications of Palestinians regaining control over their land. ‘You can’t have a sustainable resolution without having justice,’ she asserted. The road to recovery is long and fraught with challenges, but for farmers like Abu Amra, restoring their land is not just about livelihoods—it’s about reclaiming their future.

  • UAE’s dancing horses: Inside Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts, where stallions perform ballet

    UAE’s dancing horses: Inside Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts, where stallions perform ballet

    The Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA), a groundbreaking Andalusian-style dressage facility, has officially opened its doors on Jubail Island, marking a historic moment for classical horsemanship in the Gulf region. Inaugurated by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADREA is the fifth major school globally dedicated to this centuries-old art form, blending traditional stewardship with cutting-edge technology. The opening gala featured a mesmerizing horse-ballet performance, uniting riders from Austria, Spain, Portugal, France, and the UAE, accompanied by Andalusian guitar and Arabian melodies, striking light projections, and intricate choreography. The event showcased the artistic essence of classical horsemanship, transforming movements once used in battle into balletic gestures executed with precision and theatricality. Gonzalo Marques, ADREA’s Chief Rider, emphasized the fusion of athletic training and artistic storytelling, stating, ‘It’s an art, not a science.’ ADREA’s mission is to preserve heritage while training a new generation of riders, fostering a relationship between horse and human based on trust and harmony. The facility spans 65,000 square meters and includes an Olympic arena, the Furusiyya Gallery showcasing rare equestrian artifacts, a Saddle Atelier, an equestrian library, and public spaces for exhibitions and research. The school’s curriculum offers five core programmes, ranging from a four-year rider degree to a Junior Academy for children as young as four. ADREA also integrates modern technology, such as an AI-based monitoring system that assesses horses’ physical activity, environmental conditions, and stress indicators, ensuring their welfare. The stables are strategically located away from city noise, allowing horses to rest and train in tranquillity. ADREA aims to be more than a school or performance venue; it is a cultural hub and tourist destination that celebrates the historical and cultural significance of horses. Weekly public performances and guided tours will make the facility accessible to all, fostering a deeper connection between the public and the art of classical horsemanship.

  • Who is Zohran Mamdani and will he get to run New York?

    Who is Zohran Mamdani and will he get to run New York?

    The 2024 New York City mayoral elections have captured unprecedented attention, largely due to the meteoric rise of Democratic nominee Zohran Kwame Mamdani. Initially an underdog with less than one percent support in February, Mamdani defied expectations by securing a landslide victory in the Democratic primary with 56 percent of the vote. His grassroots campaign mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers, who knocked on over one million doors across the city, effectively challenging the political establishment. His triumph marked a significant shift in New York politics, unseating incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and outmaneuvering former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a political heavyweight in the state. Mamdani’s charisma, innovative campaign strategies, and focus on affordability have resonated deeply with voters, not only in New York but across the U.S. and globally. If elected, Mamdani would become the city’s first Democratic Socialist, South Asian, or Muslim mayor since the office was established in 1665. Born in Kampala, Uganda, to internationally renowned parents—academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair—Mamdani’s upbringing and multicultural identity have profoundly influenced his political vision. His campaign prioritizes affordable housing, universal childcare, and economic equity, though his socialist leanings and vocal criticism of Israel have drawn both fervent support and fierce opposition. As the election approaches, Mamdani’s ability to unite diverse communities and address New York’s pressing challenges will determine his fate in this historic race.

  • UAE: Actor Will Smith to be guest speaker at Sharjah International Book Fair

    UAE: Actor Will Smith to be guest speaker at Sharjah International Book Fair

    Hollywood icon Will Smith is set to grace the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) as a distinguished guest speaker. The Academy Award-winning actor, celebrated for his contributions to film, television, and music, will take the stage on November 14 at 8 PM, adding star power to the event’s impressive roster of global literary figures. The Sharjah Book Authority confirmed Smith’s participation on Friday, highlighting his inclusion in a lineup that features luminaries such as Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli, and Irish Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch. Smith, renowned for blockbuster films like ‘Men in Black,’ ‘Bad Boys,’ and ‘Independence Day,’ brings a unique perspective as a storyteller across multiple mediums. His appearance underscores SIBF’s mission to unite diverse voices and celebrate the transformative power of literature. Running from November 5 to 16 at Expo Centre Sharjah, the fair will also host the 15th Sharjah International Publishers Conference, featuring over 30 workshops on the future of publishing, networking opportunities, and discussions on AI, copyright, and market development. This year’s edition promises to be a landmark event, bridging cultures, languages, and generations through the universal language of storytelling.

  • British MPs across parties demand UAE arms embargo over Sudan

    British MPs across parties demand UAE arms embargo over Sudan

    Members of Parliament (MPs) from multiple UK political parties have called on the government to urgently review and suspend arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following evidence that British-made military equipment has been used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The RSF, a paramilitary group accused of committing atrocities, recently seized the city of el-Fasher in North Darfur, where they massacred civilians and reportedly executed 460 people in a hospital. Reports indicate that British arms have been found in RSF hands in combat zones, raising concerns about the UAE’s role in supplying weapons to the group. MPs from the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Labour, Independent Alliance, and Scottish National Party have united in demanding an immediate halt to arms exports to the UAE. Monica Harding, Liberal Democrat MP, emphasized that the UK must ensure its equipment does not facilitate violence. Ellie Chowns of the Green Party urged the government to act swiftly to stop the bloodshed. Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed expressed outrage over British weapons fueling mass killings, calling for an urgent review of arms exports. The UN Security Council has received evidence linking the UAE to the supply of British arms to the RSF, despite the UAE’s denial of support. The Labour government faces mounting pressure to take a stronger stance, with MPs warning that continued arms sales undermine the UK’s international credibility and risk complicity in the violence. The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced 13 million people and claimed tens of thousands of lives, with both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces accused of war crimes.

  • Businesses are running out of pennies in the US

    Businesses are running out of pennies in the US

    The discontinuation of the US penny has created a ripple effect across businesses, leaving many struggling to manage cash transactions. Earlier this year, the Trump administration halted the production of the one-cent coin, citing excessive costs and inefficiency. Since the US Mint officially ceased minting pennies in May, the shortage has intensified, with banks unable to replenish their supplies. This has forced retailers to adopt creative solutions, such as rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents. However, this practice has sparked confusion and financial strain, particularly for businesses reliant on cash payments. Dylan Jeon, senior director of government relations at the National Retail Federation, highlighted the widespread impact, noting that the shortage affects any business handling cash. Convenience stores, in particular, have been hit hard, with industry giant Kwik Trip estimating losses of up to $3 million this year due to rounding down transactions. While some cities mandate exact change, many retailers are opting to round down to avoid legal disputes and customer dissatisfaction. Mark Weller, executive director of Americans for Common Cents, emphasized the disproportionate effect on lower-income Americans who rely on cash transactions. He argued that the savings from discontinuing penny production may be offset by the increased demand for nickels, which are more expensive to produce. As the shortage persists, calls for federal guidance on rounding practices and transaction management have grown louder. Despite the challenges, pennies remain in circulation, often forgotten in pockets or stored in jars, leaving businesses and consumers alike navigating an uncertain financial landscape.

  • France hit by second major heist as thieves target gold refinery

    France hit by second major heist as thieves target gold refinery

    French law enforcement has apprehended six individuals near Lyon in connection with a daring heist at a precious metals refinery. The thieves reportedly used explosives to breach the facility on Thursday, making off with a haul primarily consisting of gold, valued at €12 million (£10.5 million, $13.8 million). Following a high-speed chase, police successfully detained the suspects and recovered the stolen goods. This incident follows the recent arrest of five individuals linked to a high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris earlier this month. Social media footage from the Lyon heist captured two men near a white van, with one scaling the refinery’s fence using a ladder. Another video depicted a robber armed with a weapon and loading briefcases into the vehicle. A local resident recounted hearing a significant explosion, describing it as ‘really impressive.’ Five employees of Pourquery Laboratories sustained minor injuries from the blast. Among those detained was a woman, and authorities seized assault rifles and explosives during the operation. Meanwhile, the Louvre heist investigation has led to the arrest of seven individuals, including three of the four thieves who used a mechanical lift to access the museum’s Gallery of Apollo on October 19. The thieves employed a disc cutter to open display cases containing crown jewels, stealing items worth €88 million (£76 million; $102 million). Police continue their search for the fourth suspect.