The UAE Lottery has announced its final Lucky Day draw before undergoing a significant revamp, offering residents one last chance to win a life-changing Dh100 million prize. The draw, scheduled for November 29, 2025, marks the end of the current format, with new prize tiers and structures to be introduced thereafter. This announcement follows the recent success of Abu Dhabi resident Anilkumar Bolla, who won the Dh100 million jackpot last month. The UAE Lottery, the country’s first and only regulated lottery operation, provides multiple opportunities for residents aged 18 and above to win substantial prizes through various games and scratch cards. Participants can purchase tickets online or use the ‘Easy Pick’ feature for random number selection. Additionally, other raffles like Dream Dubai at Global Village, Millennium Millionaire at Dubai Duty Free, and Big Ticket Abu Dhabi continue to offer lucrative prizes, ranging from Dh3.67 million to Dh30 million, making the UAE a hotspot for aspiring millionaires.
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Massive fire rips through Bangladesh slum, leaves thousands homeless
A catastrophic fire erupted in Korail, one of Dhaka’s largest and most densely populated slums, on Tuesday evening, reducing thousands of tin-roofed shanties to ashes and leaving countless residents homeless. The blaze, which began shortly after sunset, illuminated the night sky with towering orange flames and enveloped the area in thick smoke, forcing residents to flee with whatever possessions they could salvage. Firefighters faced significant challenges in their response, initially delayed by heavy traffic and further hampered by the slum’s narrow lanes, which prevented fire trucks from reaching the heart of the inferno. Instead, crews were forced to drag hoses through cramped alleys and struggled to secure sufficient water to combat the flames. After more than five hours of intense effort, the fire was finally brought under control. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and while no casualties have been reported, the destruction is described as near-total. Residents like Amena Begum, who lost everything, expressed despair over their uncertain future. This incident highlights ongoing issues with lax regulations and poor enforcement in Bangladesh, where similar fires have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
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What we know about the Hong Kong apartment fires
A catastrophic fire engulfed multiple high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and injuring 15 others. The blaze, which erupted at Wang Fuk Court, a housing complex comprising eight 31-storey towers, began at 14:51 local time on Wednesday. The buildings, constructed in 1983 and currently undergoing renovations, were shrouded in bamboo scaffolding, which appears to have facilitated the rapid spread of the flames. Thick smoke filled the skyline as 767 firefighters battled the inferno, which was classified as a level five alarm—the highest severity rating—marking the first such incident in Hong Kong in 17 years. The death toll, initially reported as four, surged to 13, with fears it could rise further as several individuals remain unaccounted for. Among the victims was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who lost his life while responding to the emergency. The Hong Kong government has established emergency shelters and a hotline for public inquiries, while an emergency monitoring center has been activated to manage the crisis. The incident has reignited debates over the safety of bamboo scaffolding, a traditional construction material in Hong Kong, following recent government efforts to phase it out in favor of metal alternatives due to safety risks.
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NYC ‘diva’ food influencer arrested for skipping out on restaurant bills
A 35-year-old woman, Pei Chung, has been arrested in New York City for allegedly dining at multiple high-end restaurants and refusing to pay for her meals. Known as the ‘dine-and-dash diva,’ Chung has been banned from at least seven restaurants since late October, according to police records. Her modus operandi involves arriving at restaurants dressed in expensive attire, equipped with high-resolution cameras and lighting gear, and then allegedly leaving without settling her bills. As of Tuesday, Chung is being held on $4,500 bail at Rikers Island jail, with a court appearance scheduled for this week. She faces multiple charges of misdemeanor theft of services. Restaurant staff have documented her unusual behavior on social media and in local news stories. For instance, at Peter Luger Steak House, she reportedly offered items from her handbag, including a pair of scissors, as payment and later posted a glowing review of the meal online. Other restaurateurs have accused her of offering to review their food or post photos on her social media account as payment, while some claim she simply walked out without paying. Chung, who has 26,000 followers on Instagram, did not respond to a message from the BBC. Her case has sparked discussions about the role of influencers in fine dining and restaurant policies regarding their presence. Tom Rowse, founder of Hole In The Wall, one of the affected restaurants, noted that Chung’s actions brought more exposure than coordinated influencer campaigns, even after they took back their food.
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Watch: UAE residents fall for QR code scam; Sharjah Police issue warning
In a recent public awareness campaign, Sharjah Police conducted an eye-opening experiment to highlight the dangers of scanning unverified QR codes. The police printed a QR code labeled ‘Free WiFi’ and placed it in a public area. The code, lacking any official branding or clear destination, was designed to test how many individuals would scan it without hesitation. Instead of accessing free WiFi, those who scanned the code were met with a warning about the potential risks of such actions. The experiment aimed to educate the public on the ease with which QR codes can be exploited for fraudulent purposes. QR codes, while convenient, can be manipulated by malicious actors to redirect users to harmful websites or install malware on their devices. To combat this, Dubai Municipality has previously shared safety tips, including avoiding the input of sensitive information on QR-linked sites, verifying URLs before proceeding, and refraining from scanning codes in public places without knowing their origin. This initiative underscores the importance of vigilance in an increasingly digital world.
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Qatari citizens exempt from Canada visa, can now apply online for eTA
In a significant development for Qatari citizens, Canada has officially exempted them from visa requirements, allowing them to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online. This announcement was made by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior on November 25, 2025, marking a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations. The eTA programme, designed for citizens of visa-exempt countries, enables travelers to obtain electronic approval for entry or transit through Canada in just minutes. The application process costs a mere 7 Canadian dollars and is exclusively applicable to air travel. This initiative stems from ongoing collaboration between Qatar and Canada, highlighted by a visit from Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) delegation to Qatar in June 2024. The Qatari Ministry has also shared a QR code to facilitate the eTA application process for its citizens. The eTA programme is part of Canada’s broader effort to streamline travel for nationals of visa-exempt countries, which includes over 50 nations such as the UAE, Australia, Japan, and most European Union member states. This move is expected to enhance travel convenience and strengthen diplomatic ties between Qatar and Canada.
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Irish government to reduce asylum seeker supports
The Irish government has unveiled a series of stringent measures aimed at addressing the increasing number of asylum seekers in the country. At a high-level ministerial meeting in Dublin on Wednesday, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Junior Minister for Migration Colm Brophy presented the new policies, which include financial contributions from employed asylum seekers towards their state-provided accommodation. The charges will range from €15 (£13) to €238 (£208) per week, depending on the individual’s weekly income. For instance, those earning between €97.01 (£85) and €150 (£131) will pay €15 (£13), while those earning €600.01 (£526) or more will be charged €238 (£208). Additionally, the government has tightened family reunification rules and extended the residency requirement for citizenship applicants from three to five years. Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris defended the measures, calling them a ‘common sense approach.’ However, opposition parties have criticized the plan, with Labour TD Ged Nash accusing the government of ‘virtue signaling’ on immigration. Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy, on the other hand, supported the idea of asylum seekers contributing based on their means. The detailed announcement is expected after the Cabinet meeting concludes.
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New Year’s Eve in Dubai: Best spots to watch Burj Khalifa fireworks for free
Dubai’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Burj Khalifa are set to dazzle once again, offering both free and paid viewing options for visitors. While Burj Park remains the only ticketed venue at Dh997.50 per adult, numerous free public viewing zones around Downtown Dubai ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank. Public areas along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and surrounding streets will provide first-come-first-served access to the fireworks, light shows, and multi-point productions. LED screens will broadcast the event for those unable to secure a front-row spot. Gates to these free zones will close once capacity is reached, so early arrival is recommended. Road closures typically begin between 3pm and 4pm, with parking available on a first-come basis until then. The Dubai Metro and Tram will operate extended hours, while RTA shuttle buses will facilitate crowd movement. For those opting for the paid experience, Burj Park offers guaranteed front-row views, Bollywood-themed entertainment, food stalls, and kids’ workshops. Badges for Burj Park must be collected between December 26 and December 30. Families with strollers are advised to use Gate 2 for entry. Guests of EMAAR hotels and Dubai Mall restaurants will receive access badges for prime viewing areas. Prohibited items include weapons, alcohol, drones, and outside food in Burj Park. Post-midnight, roads will reopen gradually, and shuttle services will resume for badge holders. This year’s event promises to be a grand celebration of lights, music, and fireworks, blending tradition with innovation.
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Families in southern Thailand perch on rooftops to escape flooding that has killed at least 33
Southern Thailand is reeling from catastrophic flooding that has claimed at least 33 lives and impacted over 2.7 million people across 12 provinces, according to officials. The disaster, triggered by relentless heavy rains, has left homes submerged, streets impassable, and thousands stranded on rooftops awaiting rescue. Dramatic footage captured by Thai PBS showed a family of five being rescued from their nearly submerged home in Hat Yai, the region’s largest city, highlighting the dire situation. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared a state of emergency in Songkhla province, citing the “unprecedented severity” of the floods. While rainfall has begun to decrease, the Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy rains and flash flooding. Emergency response efforts are in full swing, with the Thai navy deploying its sole aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, as an offshore command center. The air force base at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport has been designated as a staging area for relief operations. Hat Yai Hospital faces critical challenges, with 50 intubated patients airlifted to safety and plans underway to evacuate 600 others. The Public Health Ministry is also mobilizing mental health teams to support affected individuals and medical personnel.
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‘My world, my rock’: Billionaire Richard Branson mourns wife’s death in heartfelt post
Renowned billionaire and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has publicly mourned the passing of his beloved wife, Joan Templeman, in a deeply emotional Instagram post. Joan, who was 80 years old, had been Branson’s life partner for 50 years, and her death has left a profound void in his life. In his heartfelt tribute, the 75-year-old entrepreneur described Joan as ‘the most wonderful mum and grandmum,’ his ‘best friend, rock, guiding light, and world.’ The post was accompanied by a touching photograph of Joan, capturing the essence of their enduring love. The couple first met in 1976 when Joan was working in an antique shop, and Branson famously referred to their encounter as ‘love at first sight.’ Their relationship blossomed over the years, culminating in a 1989 wedding ceremony on Necker Island, a private island Branson purchased partly to impress her. The news of Joan’s passing has drawn an outpouring of condolences from celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez and Natalie Imbruglia, who praised Joan’s warmth and kindness. Branson’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of their remarkable bond and the legacy she leaves behind.