Italian aviation authorities have initiated a safety probe following a concerning incident involving an Air Arabia flight that descended perilously close to the Mediterranean Sea shortly after takeoff. The event, classified as a ‘serious incident’ by Italy’s Agenzia Nazionale Per La Sicurezza Del Volo (ANSV), occurred on September 20, 2025, when the Airbus A320 aircraft, operated by Air Arabia Maroc, departed from Catania Airport in Sicily, bound for Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan. The aircraft’s Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) alerted the pilots as it neared the sea surface, prompting immediate corrective action. The flight continued without further issues, and no passengers were onboard, though two pilots and four cabin crew members were present. Air Arabia Maroc has confirmed its full cooperation with the investigation, emphasizing its commitment to safety and transparency. This incident comes amid Air Arabia’s recent expansion, having received its first Airbus A320neo aircraft from a 120-plane order placed in 2019. The airline operates from six hubs across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns in aviation safety, particularly following a recent Air India crash near Ahmedabad in June 2025.
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Watch: Heavy rains in UAE cause rockfall on road, drivers struggle to pass
Heavy rainfall in the UAE has led to hazardous conditions, particularly in the mountainous regions of Masafi, Fujairah. Rocks and debris have tumbled onto roads, creating perilous driving scenarios. A video shared by the weather-focused account Storm_ae captured vehicles navigating cautiously around large boulders on a mountainous road. The National Meteorological Centre has issued yellow and orange warnings, urging residents to remain vigilant during outdoor activities and adhere to safety guidelines. The UAE’s east coast is particularly affected, with authorities advising motorists to reduce speed and exercise caution, especially in hilly areas prone to landslides and rockfalls during heavy rains. Despite the challenges, some residents have embraced the weather, enjoying mini waterfalls and streams formed by the overflowing rainwater. The National Meteorological Centre forecasts continued rain and strong winds in the coming days, with unsettled weather expected during the transitional period between summer and winter. Scattered showers are anticipated in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah on Monday and Tuesday. The region has also experienced a noticeable drop in temperatures, offering a respite from the recent intense heat. Humidity levels are expected to rise, reaching up to 91% in Sweihan, Al Ain, and around 85% in Abu Dhabi and Dubai next week. Despite the erratic rains, temperatures will remain high, with daytime highs hovering around the 30s, peaking at 37°C in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Northern Emirates, however, will remain slightly cooler.
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Israeli forces kill Palestinian in Nablus raid as settlers assault olive pickers
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian man in Nablus on Sunday, leaving him to bleed in the street before dragging his body through the streets, according to witnesses and local reports. The victim, identified as 42-year-old Majed Mohammad Dawoud, was shot during a raid on the al-Ain refugee camp in the early hours of the morning. Medical teams were reportedly prevented from providing immediate assistance, and Dawoud’s body was stripped and dragged by Israeli soldiers before being retrieved and taken to Rafidia hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The incident occurred as part of a broader Israeli military operation across the West Bank, involving raids, arrests, and assaults on civilians. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society reported that at least 20 Palestinians, including three children, were arrested during the operation. Meanwhile, armed Israeli settlers, accompanied by soldiers, launched violent attacks on Palestinian farmers during the annual olive harvest season. In Turmus Ayya, northeast of Ramallah, settlers assaulted farmers and international volunteers, beating them with batons, setting fire to vehicles, and stealing harvested crops. Similar attacks were reported in villages near Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. The olive harvest, a critical economic activity for Palestinians, has been repeatedly targeted by settlers and Israeli forces, resulting in significant financial losses. According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, Israeli settlers have carried out over 7,150 attacks against Palestinians and their property since October 7, 2023, killing 33 people and damaging or uprooting nearly 49,000 trees, including over 37,000 olive trees. The United Nations reports that more than 1,000 Palestinians, including 213 children, have been killed in the West Bank since October 7, 2023, marking a significant escalation in violence.
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‘Still feels like Diwali’: How Dubai expats plan to celebrate on working, school day
As the Indian community in Dubai prepares to celebrate Diwali, this year’s festivities are marked by a unique blend of tradition and practicality. Falling on a Monday, the ‘festival of lights’ coincides with the resumption of work and school schedules, prompting families to creatively balance their daily routines with cherished rituals.
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Tel Aviv derby called off by police after ‘riots’
The highly anticipated Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abruptly canceled by police due to violent riots that erupted before the scheduled kick-off. The chaotic scenes at Bloomfield Stadium left 12 civilians and three police officers injured, with nine individuals arrested and 16 detained for questioning. Authorities cited ‘public disorder and violent riots’ as the primary reason for the cancellation, highlighting the use of smoke grenades, pyrotechnic devices, and significant damage to infrastructure. Hapoel Tel Aviv criticized the decision, accusing the police of treating the event as a ‘war’ rather than a sporting occasion and alleging that most injuries resulted from ‘brutal police violence.’ The club condemned all acts of violence but vowed to challenge lawbreakers, even if they were law enforcement officers. Meanwhile, safety concerns have extended beyond Israel, with Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group recommending that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans be barred from attending an upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6. The UK government is working to overturn the ban, exploring additional measures to ensure the fixture proceeds safely. West Midlands Police supported the ban, classifying the match as ‘high risk’ due to past incidents, including violent clashes between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax fans in Amsterdam in November 2024. The cancellation and ongoing tensions reflect broader unrest linked to the war in Gaza, which has spilled over into various sporting events globally.
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Sheikh Mohammed extends warm Diwali greetings to expats, global Indian community
As Dubai’s streets and balconies glow with festive lights, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has extended warm Diwali greetings to the Indian expatriate community in the UAE and across the globe. In his heartfelt message, he expressed, ‘Warmest wishes and greetings to those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring peace, safety, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Happy Diwali!’ This gesture underscores the UAE’s commitment to multiculturalism and its respect for the diverse cultures that enrich its society. With over four million Indian expats residing in the UAE, Diwali has become a widely celebrated festival, marked by vibrant decorations, family gatherings, and community events. Homes across Dubai are adorned with floral arrangements, while government-approved fireworks displays and mall decorations add to the festive spirit. However, authorities have reminded residents to adhere to safety guidelines, emphasizing that the use of unlicensed fireworks is strictly prohibited and could result in severe legal consequences. The celebration also boosts local businesses, particularly gold jewellers, who report strong sales during this period. Many jewellers curate exclusive collections and offer discounts to cater to the festive demand. Sheikh Mohammed’s message reflects the UAE’s inclusive ethos, fostering unity and harmony among its multicultural population.
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After ‘No Kings’ protests, where does Democratic resistance go next?
In an unprecedented display of dissent, millions of Americans took to the streets this weekend in the ‘No Kings’ protests, voicing their opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies and his expansive use of presidential authority. The demonstrations, which spanned major cities like New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, as well as hundreds of smaller towns, marked a significant moment of unity among Democrats, liberals, and even some anti-Trump Republicans. Despite warnings from Congressional Republicans that the protests would be ‘anti-American,’ the rallies remained peaceful, with no arrests reported in New York City and families participating in Washington D.C. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut addressed the crowd in the nation’s capital, declaring, ‘Americans are saying loudly and proudly that we are a free people, we are not a people that can be ruled.’ The White House, however, dismissed the protests with derision, with Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson responding, ‘Who cares.’ Trump further mocked the demonstrators by sharing AI-generated videos on his Truth Social platform, including one where he appeared to dump waste on protesters from a jet. While Republicans downplayed the significance of the marches, the scale of the turnout, coupled with Trump’s negative approval ratings, suggests a potential opportunity for Democrats to rebound from recent electoral setbacks. However, the party remains divided and faces challenges in mounting an effective opposition, particularly as they no longer control either chamber of Congress. The protests highlighted widespread frustration with Trump’s immigration enforcement, tariff policies, government cuts, foreign policy, and deployment of the National Guard in U.S. cities. Some attendees also expressed discontent with Democratic leaders, urging them to take a more combative stance. The ongoing government shutdown, now entering its fourth week, has further complicated the political landscape, with Democrats refusing to approve a short-term spending extension without addressing health-insurance subsidies for low-income Americans. As the shutdown continues, federal workers face financial hardship, and low-income food support funding is expected to run out. The November elections, including key gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, will serve as a barometer for whether the anti-Trump sentiment seen at the protests can translate into electoral success for Democrats. However, internal party divisions and contentious primary battles could hinder their efforts to regain power. While the immediate focus of the protests was to unite against Trump, the long-term challenge for Democrats will be to present a cohesive and effective alternative to his administration.
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Hamas says implementing ceasefire deal, unaware of clashes in Rafah
Hamas’ armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, declared on Sunday that the group remains fully committed to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, denying any knowledge of clashes in Rafah. This statement came in response to earlier reports from the Israeli military, which confirmed that air force fighter jets had conducted strikes in Rafah to neutralize a perceived threat. The Israeli military alleged that ‘terrorists’ had opened fire on their troops, an action they described as a blatant violation of the ceasefire. The Al-Qassam Brigades emphasized their adherence to the agreement, stating, ‘We reaffirm our full commitment to implement everything that was agreed upon, foremost of which is a ceasefire across all areas of the Gaza Strip.’ They further claimed no awareness of incidents in Rafah, citing the area as a ‘red zone’ under Israeli control and noting that communication with their groups there had been severed since the war resumed in March. The situation underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the ongoing tensions in the region.
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Dubai Police launch beach patrols to increase safety along coast
Dubai Police have launched a series of innovative initiatives aimed at bolstering safety along the city’s coastline. These measures, unveiled by Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, during his inspection of the Ports Police Station, include beach patrols, summer training programs for children, and volunteer opportunities for the public. The beach patrols will monitor Dubai’s shores to ensure the safety of beachgoers, while summer training programs will equip school students with lifeguarding and rescue skills. Additionally, the public is encouraged to participate in maritime security efforts by volunteering for marine rescue training and incident reporting. Lieutenant General Al Marri also reviewed the station’s fleet of boats and jet skis, ensuring their readiness for emergencies. Last year, the Ports Police Station successfully secured over 100 maritime events across 12 sea zones and 7 land jurisdictions. The station’s teams have also excelled in local and international sporting competitions, earning multiple medals. Among Dubai Police’s forward-thinking projects is Haddad, an eco-friendly, self-driving smart police boat equipped with remote-control functions and advanced monitoring systems. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s Urban Plan 2040 and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Lieutenant General Al Marri emphasized the importance of evolving security systems to match Dubai’s rapid development, praising the Ports Police Station as a vital hub for coastal safety. He affirmed that Dubai’s leadership fully supports these efforts, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as one of the world’s safest coastal cities.
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Sheikh Hamdan approves new AI initiatives to fast-track Dubai’s next big digital push
Dubai has taken a significant leap toward solidifying its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved a series of groundbreaking AI initiatives aimed at accelerating the city’s technological advancement. These initiatives include the launch of the ‘AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform’, the establishment of the ‘Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce’, and the introduction of the ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’. These projects were greenlit during the second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy. The ‘AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform’ is designed to provide government entities with a secure, integrated digital environment to develop AI-driven solutions efficiently and cost-effectively. The ‘Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce’ will foster collaboration among government entities to align AI strategies and accelerate decision-making. Meanwhile, the ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’, developed by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, aims to nurture 30 emerging companies into global unicorns, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, plans for the 2026 edition of Gitex Global were reviewed, with the event set to move to Expo City Dubai, promising a larger scale and richer content. These initiatives underscore Dubai’s commitment to becoming the world’s fastest and smartest city, leveraging AI to drive economic growth and innovation.