Dubai Heights Academy, a British Curriculum school in Al Barsha South rated ‘Very Good’ by the KHDA, has taken a significant leap forward in educational excellence with the inauguration of its world-class secondary building in August 2025. Designed to foster the next generation of innovators and leaders, the facility boasts cutting-edge laboratories and studios for science, computer science, food technology, music, and drama. Additionally, it features a 380-seat auditorium, design and technology spaces for product design, electronics, textiles, graphics, and robotics, as well as top-tier sports and recreational amenities, including a multi-purpose indoor sports hall, rooftop court, outdoor sports field, and a 25-metre swimming pool. The school’s philosophy, ‘Every Child, Every Mind, Everybody Matters,’ is embedded in every aspect of the building’s design. Beyond academics, Dubai Heights Academy is renowned for its exceptional wellbeing programs and unique opportunities, such as partnerships with MIT and the Tommy Fleetwood Academy. School Principal Alison Lamb expressed pride in the transformative milestone, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to enriching the student experience. With discounted fees starting at Dh30,000, the academy continues to be a leading affordable British curriculum school in Dubai. Prospective families are encouraged to book a tour at www.dubaiheightsacademy.com.
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Czech president asks populist leader Andrej Babiš to form a new government
In a significant political development, Czech President Petr Pavel has formally requested former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to establish a new government following his party’s triumph in the recent parliamentary elections. Babiš, a populist billionaire and leader of the ANO (YES) party, staged a remarkable comeback in the October 3-4 ballot, securing 34.51% of the vote and outperforming the pro-Western conservative coalition led by outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
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Ukraine mourns two journalists after a deadly Russian drone strike claimed their lives
In a solemn gathering at a Kyiv church on Monday, approximately 100 mourners paid tribute to two Ukrainian journalists who lost their lives in a Russian drone attack in the Donetsk region. Olena Hubanova, a 43-year-old war correspondent known by her pseudonym Alyona Gramova, and Yevhen Karmazin, a 33-year-old cameraman, were killed on October 23 when a Russian Lancet drone struck their vehicle near Kramatorsk, just 20 kilometers from the front lines. This incident marks the latest in a series of deadly assaults on journalists covering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Earlier this month, French photojournalist Antoni Lallican and Ukrainian reporter Grigoriy Ivanchenko were injured in a similar attack, with Ivanchenko later undergoing a leg amputation. The increasing range of drone strikes, now extending over 20 kilometers from the front, has significantly heightened the risks for journalists and civilians alike. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, at least 135 media workers have been killed, according to Ukraine’s National Union of Journalists. Gramova and Karmazin, both employed by the state-run FreeDom TV channel, were known for their courageous reporting from the most perilous areas of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Vadym Filashkin, the regional governor, praised their dedication to uncovering the truth about Russian atrocities and the plight of Ukrainian defenders. Gramova, originally from Yenakiieve, a city under Russian occupation since 2014, and Karmazin, a native of Kramatorsk, leave behind a legacy of fearless journalism in the face of grave danger.
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Kremlin says its test of a nuclear-powered missile reflects security concerns
In a bold move underscoring its commitment to national security, Russia has conducted a test of a nuclear-powered missile, which it claims is impervious to existing air defense systems. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized on Monday that this development reflects Moscow’s unwavering focus on safeguarding its interests, particularly in light of increasing pressure from the United States and European nations urging President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The missile, known as Burevestnik and code-named Skyfall by NATO, reportedly covered an impressive 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) during the test, as announced by Russia’s chief of general staff in a video featuring Putin in camouflage fatigues. This test follows a week of heightened tensions, marked by stringent U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s vital oil and gas sector and renewed European commitments to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Putin’s focus on missile testing, urging him instead to prioritize peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the Trump administration of shifting its stance on the conflict, highlighting a recent pivot towards demanding an immediate ceasefire. As diplomatic efforts falter, both Russia and Ukraine are actively seeking support from allies. Lavrov hosted North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Moscow, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced additional military aid from France and the United Kingdom. In a separate development, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 193 Ukrainian drones, including 34 aimed at Moscow, with no reported casualties or damage. Ukraine’s air force, however, stated that 26 of the 100 drones fired by Russia reached their targets, prompting emergency power outages in several regions.
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Dubai’s real estate market surges in H1 2025, powered by premium communities
Dubai’s residential real estate market has experienced significant growth in the first half of 2025, driven by the success of master-planned communities such as Dubai Hills Estate and Emirates Living. These neighborhoods, developed by Emaar, have become architectural marvels and economic powerhouses, offering a unique blend of luxury, livability, and investment potential. Dubai Hills Estate, strategically located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, has emerged as a dynamic submarket with seamless connectivity to major business hubs. The community boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, Dubai Hills Mall, King’s College Hospital, and top-tier schools like GEMS Wellington Academy. Off-plan transactions surged from 1,149 in 2021 to 5,693 in 2024, while ready transactions remained steady at around 1,400 annually, reflecting strong investor confidence. Sales prices have also climbed, with off-plan homes reaching Dh2,479 per square foot and ready homes at Dh2,363 per square foot by H1 2025. The rental market is equally robust, with studio rents rising from Dh85.5K in 2021 to Dh134.9K in H1 2025. Emirates Living, spanning 52 million sq.ft, includes Emirates Hills, The Meadows, The Springs, and The Lakes, catering to distinct lifestyle and budget segments. Transaction volumes have remained consistent, averaging 760–800 annually over the past four years, with the average price per square foot more than doubling since 2021. Together, these communities are driving Dubai’s property market forward, setting benchmarks for capital growth, rental yields, and lifestyle quality.
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Pope Leo XIV will pray at the site of the 2020 Beirut port blast in his first foreign trip
Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on his first international journey as pontiff, visiting Lebanon and Turkey from November 27 to December 2. The trip, announced by the Vatican on Monday, will focus on interfaith dialogue, ecumenical relations, and addressing the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. A key highlight of the visit will be a prayer at the site of the 2020 Beirut port blast, which claimed over 200 lives and exacerbated Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political turmoil. This poignant moment underscores the Pope’s commitment to solidarity with those affected by the tragedy, which remains a symbol of government negligence and systemic corruption in the country. In Turkey, Pope Leo will mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianity’s first ecumenical council, with a brief prayer at the archaeological site of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos. He will also visit the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul, a site of historical significance given the contentious debate over the Armenian Genocide. While Pope Francis had previously labeled the events as the ‘first genocide of the 20th century,’ it remains to be seen whether Pope Leo will echo this characterization. The itinerary notably excludes visits to southern Lebanon, heavily impacted by the 2023 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, and Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, which was controversially reconverted into a mosque in 2020. Instead, the Pope will visit the nearby Blue Mosque, emphasizing a message of interfaith harmony. This trip, originally planned by Pope Francis, reflects Pope Leo’s dedication to continuing his predecessor’s legacy of fostering unity and addressing regional tensions.
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Juventus sack manager Tudor after seven months
Juventus has parted ways with manager Igor Tudor following a disappointing run of results, culminating in a defeat to Lazio on Sunday. The Croatian coach, who took over in March as a replacement for Thiago Motta, has struggled to turn the team’s fortunes around, overseeing an eight-match winless streak that has left the club languishing in eighth place in Serie A. The loss to Lazio marked Juventus’ third consecutive defeat across all competitions, prompting the club to make a decisive change. In a statement, Juventus expressed gratitude for Tudor’s professionalism and dedication during his tenure, wishing him and his staff success in their future endeavors. Massimiliano Brambilla has been appointed as the interim manager and will lead the team in their upcoming Serie A clash against Udinese on Wednesday. Currently, Juventus trails league leaders Napoli by six points and has failed to secure a victory in their last five league matches. Their struggles extend to the Champions League, where they sit 25th in the group stage table after one loss and two draws in their opening three games. The decision to sack Tudor underscores the mounting pressure on the club to regain its competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
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In AP interview, East Timor’s Ramos-Horta says personal diplomacy could bring Myanmar ceasefire
In a significant development, East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta has expressed his willingness to personally intervene in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, just one day after his country was granted membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN summit, Ramos-Horta highlighted East Timor’s unique diplomatic experience in reconciliation and conflict resolution, despite being one of the region’s youngest and poorest nations. He emphasized the need for ASEAN to address Myanmar’s crisis, which has defied the bloc’s 2021 Five-Point Consensus aimed at ending hostilities. Ramos-Horta proposed a pragmatic approach, including engaging Myanmar’s military leaders to secure an immediate ceasefire without preconditions, followed by a roadmap for political stabilization. He acknowledged the challenges but remained hopeful that direct dialogue could yield progress. East Timor’s accession to ASEAN, overcoming initial opposition from Myanmar’s military, marks a new chapter for the nation, offering economic and educational opportunities. However, Ramos-Horta also pointed to domestic challenges, including youth unemployment and poverty, while expressing optimism about diversifying the economy and resolving long-stalled gas development talks with Australia. He dismissed concerns over East Timor’s ties with China, asserting the country’s independence, and praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s pragmatic approach to international relations.
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First China-India direct commercial flight in over 5 years lands in Guangzhou
In a significant milestone for bilateral relations, the first direct commercial flight between India and China in over five years landed in Guangzhou on Monday. The IndiGo flight, originating from Kolkata, marked the official resumption of nonstop air links that had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions. This development comes as the two Asian giants cautiously rebuild their strained relationship, which had been further exacerbated by a deadly border clash in the Himalayas in 2020. Passengers on the flight, many of whom were Indian business professionals, expressed relief and optimism about the renewed connectivity. Rashika Mintri, a 44-year-old interior designer from Kolkata, described the journey as ‘smooth and lovable,’ adding that she would ‘come again and again.’ The resumption of flights is seen as a ‘first step’ in normalizing bilateral exchanges, according to India’s government. The move also comes at a time when India’s ties with the U.S. are faltering, following Washington’s imposition of punitive tariffs and accusations of India fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine. While the two nations remain strategic rivals, recent gestures, such as the exchange of sweets during the Hindu festival of Diwali, suggest a gradual easing of tensions. However, experts caution that managing an increasingly assertive China remains a long-term challenge for India.
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UAE: Use cruise control? Here’s when it can actually put you in danger
Cruise control, a feature designed to enhance driving convenience, can occasionally malfunction, posing significant risks to drivers. Experts warn that such failures, though rare, can occur in both new and older vehicles due to mechanical faults, electronic errors, or extreme heat conditions prevalent in the UAE. Certified automotive technician Syeda Aisha Atif emphasizes that machines are not infallible, and even minor malfunctions can disrupt the system’s functionality. ‘In older cars, issues like bad wiring or blown fuses can be culprits, though complete cruise control failures are uncommon,’ she noted. Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers. Last week, Dubai Police swiftly responded to a driver whose cruise control became stuck on Emirates Road, averting a potential accident. Automotive expert Sudeep Koshy explains that disruptions in loop mechanisms, faulty electronic components, or speed sensor issues can trigger such malfunctions. Jowana Burgen, founder of Girls Mechanic Team, points out that newer vehicles, with their advanced technologies like adaptive cruise control, are particularly susceptible. ‘Extreme heat can affect electrical components, increasing the risk of failure,’ she said. In case of a malfunction, experts advise drivers to remain calm, shift to neutral gear, and call Dubai Police at 999 for immediate assistance. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to prevent such issues, as wear and tear can lead to unexpected failures. Drivers are also encouraged to test cruise control at lower speeds before using it on highways to ensure safety.