作者: admin

  • ‘Cruellest violation’: Saudi Arabia executes second child offender in two months

    ‘Cruellest violation’: Saudi Arabia executes second child offender in two months

    Saudi Arabia has once again drawn international condemnation after executing Abdullah al-Derazi, a man who was a minor at the time of the alleged crimes he committed. Derazi’s execution on Monday marks the second such case in two months, following the execution of Jalal Labbad in August. Both cases highlight Saudi Arabia’s ongoing violation of international human rights laws, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits the death penalty for individuals under 18 at the time of their offenses. Derazi was arrested in 2014 during protests against the treatment of Saudi Arabia’s Shia minority. He was accused of targeting security personnel and throwing Molotov cocktails. After a trial in 2018, he was sentenced to death. Rights groups have criticized the trial as unfair and secretive, with Derazi allegedly subjected to torture and forced confessions. His family was denied the opportunity to bid him farewell and only learned of his execution through media reports. Despite a 2020 royal order pledging to end the death penalty for juvenile offenders, Saudi Arabia has continued to execute individuals who committed crimes as minors. Alqst, a UK-based rights group, has identified at least five other child offenders at imminent risk of execution. The kingdom’s execution rate has surged, with 302 executions recorded so far in 2025, a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Many of these executions involve non-lethal drug offenses and vague terrorism charges, potentially violating international law, which restricts the death penalty to the most serious crimes involving intentional killings. Nadyeen Abdulaziz of Alqst stated, ‘With Derazi’s execution, Saudi authorities lay bare the emptiness of their reform claims and their chilling disregard for international law.’

  • Walmart halts job offers for H-1B visa candidates

    Walmart halts job offers for H-1B visa candidates

    In a significant move, Walmart has announced it will temporarily suspend hiring candidates requiring H-1B visas, a decision influenced by the Trump administration’s newly imposed $100,000 fee for such visa applications. This fee, introduced via an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last month, aims to curb what he described as the ‘abuse’ of the H-1B program, which allows skilled foreign workers to be employed in the U.S. Walmart, the largest private employer in the country with approximately 1.6 million workers, has been a major beneficiary of the H-1B program, securing over 2,000 visas in the first half of 2025 alone. A Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to hiring top talent while being mindful of its H-1B hiring strategy. The decision was first reported by Bloomberg News. The H-1B program is predominantly utilized by the tech sector, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google leading in visa approvals. However, smaller firms and startups also rely on the program to attract skilled workers. Critics of the H-1B program argue it undermines American workers, while proponents, including figures like Elon Musk, contend it is essential for attracting global talent. India and China are the largest sources of H-1B recipients, accounting for over 70% and 12% of visas, respectively. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has opposed the fee, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming it would make the program ‘cost-prohibitive’ and harm American businesses. The White House defended the fee as a lawful and necessary step toward reforming the program.

  • Egypt backs Tony Blair to oversee Gaza as ‘modern-day high commissioner’

    Egypt backs Tony Blair to oversee Gaza as ‘modern-day high commissioner’

    As the Gaza ceasefire took effect, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s potential involvement in the region’s future has become a topic of heated debate. U.S. President Donald Trump, en route to the Middle East, commented on Blair’s possible role, stating, ‘I like Tony, I have always liked Tony. But I want to find out that he is an acceptable choice to everybody.’ Blair’s controversial history in the Middle East, particularly his role in the Iraq War, has cast a shadow over his candidacy, with many in the Arab world expressing skepticism and even disdain. However, Blair’s warm reception by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit suggests strong support from Cairo. Since leaving office, Blair and his Tony Blair Institute (TBI) have advised several governments, including Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. A source within the Egyptian presidency revealed that Blair has provided extensive consultations to Sisi, focusing on countering political Islam, economic strategies, and government image management. Despite TBI’s denial of any formal advisory role in Egypt, the source confirmed that Blair’s influence has been significant. Blair’s ideological alignment with Sisi, particularly their shared opposition to political Islam, positions him as a pragmatic choice for leading Gaza’s transitional administration. The proposed Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA) is expected to be headquartered in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, underscoring Cairo’s strategic role in the region’s reconstruction. As Blair’s re-emergence in Middle Eastern politics continues to stir debate, his potential leadership in Gaza remains a contentious yet pivotal issue.

  • Dubai jewellers see brisk demand as Indian festive season kicks in

    Dubai jewellers see brisk demand as Indian festive season kicks in

    As the Indian festive season gains momentum, Dubai-based jewellers are experiencing a surge in demand, particularly for gold and silver products. Kiara Jewellery has strategically opened two new branches to cater to the heightened consumer activity surrounding Dhanteras and Diwali, two of India’s most significant festivals. This move aligns with the broader trend of increased gold and silver imports into India, where premiums on bullion have soared to their highest levels in over a decade, reaching up to $25 per ounce above official domestic prices. The robust demand is further bolstered by India’s annual retail inflation dropping to 1.54% in September 2025, the lowest in eight years, which has enhanced the purchasing power of consumers. Meanwhile, the UAE’s business confidence remains strong, driven by growth in new orders and output across key sectors, including retail. This favorable economic climate has made Dubai an attractive hub for premium retail expansions. Kiara Jewellery’s decision to launch new stores during this period reflects a keen understanding of consumer behavior and cultural significance, offering patrons more options to explore exquisite gold pieces. Co-founder Ada Panday emphasized that the timing of these openings symbolizes both cultural celebration and strategic foresight.

  • XTB empowers new investors with free stocks to build financial confidence

    XTB empowers new investors with free stocks to build financial confidence

    XTB, a prominent global investment platform, has unveiled its groundbreaking initiative, ‘Mastering Your Money: The XTB Investor Mindset,’ aimed at simplifying the complexities of investing for beginners. The campaign, set to launch on October 21, 2025, focuses on fostering financial literacy and building a solid foundation for wealth creation among early-stage investors. As part of this initiative, XTB will offer 10 free EMAAR stocks to new users who join the platform, providing them with a hands-on introduction to the financial markets. This strategic move is designed to lower entry barriers and encourage participation in investing. Central to the campaign is a series of free educational workshops, where participants can interact with seasoned traders, gain insights into essential financial concepts, and familiarize themselves with cutting-edge trading tools. Achraf Drid, Managing Director at XTB MENA, emphasized the importance of education in promoting responsible investing, stating, ‘Our goal is to equip new investors with the knowledge and tools they need for long-term financial success.’ The initiative also highlights XTB’s commitment to inclusivity in financial markets, offering access to over 6,300 financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, and CFDs. With a focus on empowering individuals at every stage of their financial journey, XTB’s latest campaign underscores its dedication to making investing accessible and approachable for all.

  • Food delivery platforms to do away with financial penalties, sparking debate

    Food delivery platforms to do away with financial penalties, sparking debate

    China’s leading food delivery platforms, Eleme and Meituan, are set to eliminate financial penalties for delayed deliveries, marking a significant shift in the industry’s operational framework. This move has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders, with mixed reactions from delivery riders and market observers. Eleme announced via its official WeChat account that it is piloting a revised service-points mechanism in select cities, including Nantong, Changzhou, Jieyang, and Jingdezhen. This new system replaces direct monetary fines with point deductions, aiming to incentivize better performance and reward high-quality service. The company plans to expand this initiative to more cities by October. Similarly, Meituan has been testing a ‘non-penalty mechanism’ in over 30 cities and has committed to completely abolishing late-delivery fines by the end of 2025. While some delivery riders, like Li Yingke, welcome the change, citing reduced pressure to rush, others, such as Zhao Xuena, express concerns over potential wage impacts due to lower service scores. The industry’s shift reflects a broader trend toward balancing efficiency with worker welfare, though its long-term implications remain to be seen.

  • Britain’s inflation rate looks set to hit 4% in September

    Britain’s inflation rate looks set to hit 4% in September

    Britain’s inflation rate is projected to hit 4% in September, marking the highest level among the world’s major affluent economies and doubling the Bank of England’s (BoE) 2% target. This surge, though significantly lower than the 11.1% peak in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, continues to burden households and suggests that borrowing costs will remain elevated compared to other nations, at least in the short term. The persistent price growth adds pressure on Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, who has pledged to alleviate cost-of-living pressures and accelerate economic growth but may resort to raising taxes in her upcoming budget, potentially exacerbating inflationary trends. The UK’s inflation rate in August stood at 3.8%, notably higher than the eurozone’s 2.0%. Key drivers include rapid wage growth, fueled by post-pandemic labor shortages, increases in the minimum wage, and higher employer taxes. Additionally, government-influenced prices, such as sewerage charges, bus fares, and vehicle excise duties, have contributed to the sharp rise. Barclays’ Chief UK Economist, Jack Meaning, estimated that excluding tax increases and administered prices, August’s inflation rate would have been around 2.9%. While regulated energy prices are expected to stabilize, food prices are likely to continue climbing, driven by factors such as packaging taxes, global price hikes, and increased employer contributions. The BoE warns that higher food prices could entrench inflation expectations, further embedding price pressures into the economy. The impact of high inflation is profound: British households have seen minimal growth in living standards since 2010, wage growth barely outpaces inflation, and government debt is strained due to inflation-indexed bonds. Moreover, sustained inflation could deter long-term economic growth by encouraging households to save more and discouraging businesses from making future investments. The BoE forecasts that inflation will peak in September but will only return to the 2% target by mid-2027, with the timing of potential interest rate cuts remaining uncertain.

  • MERED and Herzog & de Meuron unveil architectural masterpiece on Abu Dhabi’s waterfront

    MERED and Herzog & de Meuron unveil architectural masterpiece on Abu Dhabi’s waterfront

    In a groundbreaking collaboration, MERED, the internationally acclaimed developer, has joined forces with Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron to unveil Riviera Residences, a landmark waterfront development on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. This project marks a fusion of innovative design and cultural heritage, set to redefine luxury living in the region. Scheduled for launch in November 2025, Riviera Residences promises to be a testament to architectural excellence and thoughtful urban planning. The development will feature over 400 meticulously designed apartments, 12 exclusive villas, and a penthouse, all inspired by Abu Dhabi’s pearl-diving legacy. The shimmering mother-of-pearl façades, designed to capture natural light, pay homage to the city’s coastal heritage while offering a contemporary aesthetic. Herzog & de Meuron, renowned for iconic projects like the Tate Modern in London and the Beijing National Stadium, have brought their signature precision and sustainability to this venture. The interiors and amenities, crafted with elegance and functionality, include landscaped gardens, four swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, wellness spaces, and a luxurious promenade lined with cafés and boutiques. Olga Bolshanina, Partner at Herzog & de Meuron, emphasized the project’s ambition to create a vertical neighborhood that balances individuality and collective life. Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, highlighted the development’s ability to blend heritage with bold architectural design, offering residents a unique waterfront living experience. Al Reem Island, part of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, continues to attract investors, with off-plan property prices rising by 38% year-on-year in Q2 2025. Riviera Residences is poised to set a new standard for luxury living in the capital, combining innovative architecture with a vibrant community spirit.

  • Watch: UAE wadis overflow, roads turn into rivers as heavy rains hit mountains

    Watch: UAE wadis overflow, roads turn into rivers as heavy rains hit mountains

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced another day of intense rainfall on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as a persistent low-pressure system continued to affect the region. The relentless downpour transformed mountain roads and wadis into rushing rivers, with videos circulating online showcasing the dramatic scenes. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had earlier forecasted increased cloud cover and rainfall in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country, with the low-pressure system expected to bring cooler temperatures months before the official start of winter. The heavy rains caused water to cascade off cliffs and rocks, forming pools and mini waterfalls, while also raising concerns about potential rockfalls. Authorities have repeatedly warned motorists and pedestrians to avoid mountainous areas during such unstable weather conditions, emphasizing the risks of property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. The UAE’s mountainous regions, typically arid, have been significantly impacted by the unseasonal weather, highlighting the need for caution and preparedness.

  • Agricultural expo wraps up successful Uzbekistan chapter

    Agricultural expo wraps up successful Uzbekistan chapter

    The Uzbekistan chapter of the 32nd China Yangling Agricultural High-Tech Fair successfully concluded in Tashkent on October 19, marking a significant milestone in agricultural collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. The event, which showcased the agricultural synergy between China and Uzbekistan, featured five specialized sections and attracted over 130 Chinese enterprises. Local agricultural firms and nearly a thousand buyers and professionals from Uzbekistan and neighboring regions participated, resulting in several on-site cooperation agreements valued at an estimated 60 million yuan ($8.4 million). Chinese companies presented cutting-edge agricultural technologies, including smart greenhouses, integrated water-fertilizer systems, and agricultural IoT solutions. The expo also facilitated B2B matchmaking sessions, focusing on areas such as fig cultivation, viticulture, winemaking, primary agricultural processing, and trade logistics. This event underscored the growing agricultural ties and technological exchange between the two nations, reinforcing their commitment to mutual growth and development.