Every year on October 31, India commemorates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, honoring the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the visionary leader who unified a fragmented subcontinent into a single nation. This year, as India marks Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, the message of unity transcends its borders, resonating deeply across the Gulf region, where shared values of inclusion and collective destiny are woven into the fabric of daily life.
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Philippines confirms death of Filipino seafarer aboard cruise ship
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has officially confirmed the tragic death of a Filipino crew member aboard the MV Arvia, a passenger cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises. The incident, reported on October 30, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the maritime community. While the exact cause of death remains under investigation, the DMW has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a thorough and transparent inquiry. The department is actively coordinating with the vessel owner and the licensed manning agency responsible for deploying the seafarer. The agency has already notified the deceased’s family and is providing regular updates on the case. The DMW expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing the loss as a significant blow to the maritime sector. The department reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the welfare, safety, and dignity of Filipino workers abroad, particularly during such challenging times. The incident underscores the risks faced by seafarers and highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in the maritime industry.
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Global leaders inspire at an event hosted by ICAI Abu Dhabi
In a thought-provoking event hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Abu Dhabi Chapter, three distinguished leaders—Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala, Siddharth Balachandran, and Shankar Sharma—shared their insights on leadership, peace, and prosperity in a rapidly changing world. The event, titled ‘Building Resilient Leaders in a Changing World,’ drew attendees from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, fostering a dialogue on empathy, vision, and global perspective. Krishnan, chairman of ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter, opened the session by welcoming the speakers and audience, setting the tone for an evening of inspiration and reflection. Dr. Khorakiwala, founder of the ‘I Am a Peacekeeper Movement’ and executive director of Wockhardt Healthcare, highlighted the transformative power of peacekeeping and empathy. He introduced the seven pillars of peace—truth, gratitude, forgiveness, love, humility, giving, and patience—stressing that peace begins within individuals and radiates outward. Siddharth Balachandran, CEO of Buimerc Corporation Ltd, discussed the intersection of leadership and societal impact, praising the visionary approaches of the UAE and India. He underscored the importance of combining wealth generation with sustainability and philanthropy. Shankar Sharma, founder of First Global GQuant Investec, captivated the audience with his insights on global investing, emphasizing the role of calculated risk-taking in unlocking opportunities. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by CA Rohit Dayma, vice chairman of ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter, who expressed gratitude to the speakers and attendees for their participation.
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Aljomaih Energy and Water-led consortium achieves financial close for Jubail–Buraydah Water Transmission Project
A consortium led by Aljomaih Energy and Water, in collaboration with Buhur Investment Company and Nesma Group, has successfully achieved financial closure for the Jubail–Buraydah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline Project. The project, valued at SAR 8.5 billion ($2.26 billion), marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance its water infrastructure. The financial close follows the signing of the Water Transmission Agreement between the project company, Stream Water Transmission Company, and the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC). The ownership structure of the project is divided among Aljomaih Energy and Water (45%), Buhur Investment Company (35%), and Nesma Group (20%). The project, which will link the Eastern Province with the Qassim Region, is the Kingdom’s first independent water transmission initiative and features reverse pumping capabilities. Financing was secured through a consortium of prominent local and regional lenders, including Al Rajhi Bank, National Infrastructure Fund, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, among others. The financing structure is entirely based on Islamic principles, a unique feature for projects of this scale. The Jubail–Buraydah project will transmit 650,000 cubic meters of desalinated water daily, supported by a storage capacity of 1,634,500 cubic meters, and will span 587 kilometers. Developed under a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, the project has a 35-year concession period, with construction expected to be completed by 2029. Once operational, the project will serve over two million beneficiaries, providing a reliable and sustainable water source with an availability rate of up to 98%. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Water Strategy 2030 and Vision 2030 objectives, emphasizing long-term water security and infrastructure resilience. Key stakeholders, including Ibrahim Aljomaih, Eng. Adnan Buhuligah, and Faisal Alturki, highlighted the project’s strategic importance and the consortium’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and local content development.
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Video: Oman Police arrest 5 members of international drug gang in major bust
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Oman’s Royal Police have successfully arrested five members of an international drug gang. The suspects, all of Asian nationality, were apprehended in coordinated raids across various locations at different times. The operation was led by the General Directorate for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in collaboration with the South Al Batinah Police Command. The gang is accused of smuggling drugs into Oman, preparing them for re-export to other countries, and distributing a portion within the Sultanate. A 2.56-minute video released by the police details the meticulous planning and execution of the raids. Authorities noted that the gang attempted to cross into Oman but were intercepted following suspicious activities. This bust follows another major arrest in October, where an Arab national was caught with over 24 kilograms of narcotics on a passenger bus. These operations underscore Oman’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting its borders.
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Watch: Train smashes into truck at Dutch level crossing
A dramatic collision occurred at a level crossing in Meteren, the Netherlands, when a train collided with a truck. The incident, which unfolded on a seemingly ordinary day, resulted in five individuals sustaining minor injuries. Fortunately, no serious injuries or fatalities were reported. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, ensuring that all affected individuals received prompt medical attention. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, with authorities examining whether human error, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed to the crash. This incident has reignited discussions about the safety measures at level crossings and the need for enhanced precautions to prevent such accidents in the future. Local residents expressed relief that the outcome was not more severe, but the event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers at railway crossings.
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New inquest rules South African Nobel laureate Albert Luthuli was beaten to death in 1967
A groundbreaking court ruling in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, has overturned a 1967 inquest conclusion, revealing that Albert Luthuli, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning anti-apartheid leader, was beaten to death rather than killed in a train accident. The judgment, delivered on Thursday, comes after more than 50 years of suspicion that Luthuli was murdered by apartheid police due to his leadership in the African National Congress (ANC), which opposed the white minority rule system. The South African government reopened the inquest in April as part of a broader effort to investigate high-profile apartheid-era killings allegedly concealed by authorities. The original 1967 inquest had ruled Luthuli’s death accidental, a finding widely doubted given the apartheid government’s history of covering up political assassinations. The new inquest judge concluded that Luthuli died from head injuries consistent with an assault, implicating the notorious Special Branch police unit and railway company employees. The ANC hailed the ruling as a step toward justice and dignity for Luthuli’s memory and all apartheid victims. Luthuli, ANC president from 1952 until his death, was the first African awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960 for his nonviolent resistance to apartheid. This ruling is part of a series of inquests into apartheid-era deaths, including that of Steve Biko, ordered by President Cyril Ramaphosa amid criticism of delayed investigations.
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Philippines’ Kanlaon Volcano spews ash; alert level 2 remains
The Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island in the Philippines has once again made headlines with its recent ash emission on the morning of October 31, 2025. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the volcano’s summit crater spewed ash for seven minutes starting at 6:30 AM local time. The event produced grayish plumes that rose 250 meters above the crater before drifting northwest, as captured by the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory’s IP camera. This latest activity follows the volcano’s eruption on October 24, which prompted authorities to maintain Alert Level 2, indicating heightened unrest and the potential for sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. Under this alert level, entry into the four-kilometre Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and any aircraft activity near the volcano are strictly prohibited. The ongoing volcanic activity has already displaced thousands of residents earlier this year. In July, over 94,000 individuals across 30 neighbourhoods were affected, with nearly 6,000 seeking refuge in evacuation centres and over 10,600 finding temporary shelter elsewhere. The Philippine government has responded by providing more than Php192.7 million in humanitarian aid to support the affected communities. As the situation remains volatile, residents and authorities are on high alert, with PHIVOLCS continuing to monitor the volcano closely.
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Tan Dun bridges East and West at Lincoln Center
Renowned Chinese-American composer Tan Dun premiered his choral concerto ‘Nine, Wine, and Time’ at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in New York on October 29. The performance marked the 20th anniversary of the Bard College Conservatory of Music, where Tan serves as dean, and celebrated President Leon Botstein’s 50th year leading Bard College. Originally conceived to honor Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birth anniversary, the pandemic delayed its 2020 debut, allowing Tan to expand the work into a three-part masterpiece. The concerto intertwines elements of Chinese philosophy, Taoist and Buddhist chants, and ancient poetry by Qu Yuan and Li Bai, creating a profound cultural dialogue. Tan explained that the title’s ‘nine’ (jiu) in Chinese symbolizes not only the number but also ‘wine’ and the concept of eternity. The performance resonated deeply with the audience, blending nature-inspired themes with innovative vocal and instrumental techniques. Attendees praised the work’s beauty and power, with one describing it as ‘stunning’ and ‘overwhelming.’ Tan, a Grammy and Academy Award winner, continues to bridge Eastern and Western traditions through his music, fostering global unity and cultural exchange.
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Global ESG Awards third edition recognising leaders shaping a sustainable future
The third edition of the Global ESG Awards, held on October 2, 2025, at the Al Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai, marked a significant milestone in recognizing global leaders driving sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) excellence. The event attracted unprecedented participation, with 170 delegates representing over 35 companies from across the Middle East and India. The awards spotlighted organizations making tangible contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and national sustainability agendas. Participants underwent a rigorous three-stage evaluation process, ensuring that only those with genuine achievements and measurable impact were honored. Awards were presented in two categories: Gold and Platinum. Notable winners included Agthia Group PJSC for Renewable Energy Integration, AJi Group for Sustainable Community/City and Green Buildings, and Aster DM Healthcare Ltd for Terrestrial Biodiversity Conservation. Platinum accolades were awarded to organizations like ADNOC Distribution for Women Empowerment and Emirates Global Aluminum for Safeguarding Marine Biodiversity. The event also celebrated Emirati Women’s Day, honoring 40 inspiring women leaders. Supported by sponsors such as Agile Advisors and EMSTEEL Group, the Global ESG Awards reinforced the importance of sustainability as a shared responsibility. Atul Gulati, the event facilitator, emphasized that sustainability is not a choice but a duty. Looking ahead, the awards aim to continue fostering collaboration, innovation, and a collective commitment to a sustainable future.