The KT Desert Drive 2025, one of the UAE’s most anticipated off-road events, kicked off with immense enthusiasm on Saturday, November 22, at the Dunes Camping and Safari in Ras Al Khaimah. Organized by Khaleej Times and presented by Legend Motors 212, the event attracted hundreds of off-road enthusiasts, ranging from families and beginners to seasoned drivers, all eager to experience the thrill of desert driving. The day began with an official flag-off ceremony at 9:00 AM, led by Charles Yardley, CEO of Khaleej Times, who raised the flag to mark the start of the adventure. The first car, driven by marshal Nick and accompanied by a Khaleej Times reporter, led the convoy into the dunes, setting the tone for a day filled with excitement and camaraderie. Participants gathered as early as 6:30 AM to prepare their vehicles, check tire pressure, and collect essential supplies. The event’s route spanned approximately 120 to 140 kilometers, with safety exits every 20 kilometers and real-time tracking via a navigation app. Ahmed Pervez, founder of Dubai Off Roaders and a key figure behind the event, emphasized that the drive was not a rally but a fun, community-focused experience. The event also featured sponsors like Bridgestone, Valvoline, and RAK Properties, who contributed to its success. Families, friends, and off-roading veterans alike enjoyed the scenic dunes, with many expressing their eagerness to return for future editions.
作者： admin
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Dubai: Man jailed, to be deported for embezzling gold worth Dh3.2 million
A Dubai court has handed down a severe verdict in a high-profile embezzlement case, sentencing an Asian man to jail and deportation for stealing 15kg of 24-karat gold valued at Dh3.2 million. The defendant was also ordered to repay the full amount, plus 5% annual legal interest, from the date the judgment became final until the debt is settled. The case, which began in early 2024, involved two partners who filed a criminal complaint with Dubai police after discovering the theft. The Public Prosecution’s investigation confirmed the defendant’s guilt, leading to his conviction for embezzlement of entrusted property. Initially, the Dubai Criminal Court sentenced him to six months in jail, imposed a fine equivalent to the stolen gold’s value, and mandated his deportation. Despite appeals to higher courts, the verdict was upheld. Subsequently, the partners pursued a civil lawsuit, seeking Dh4.5 million in compensation, which included the gold’s value and additional damages for financial and moral harm. The civil court ruled in their favor, emphasizing the defendant’s direct financial and moral harm to the plaintiffs. The court’s decision underscores the legal consequences of property rights violations in Dubai.
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China, US hold maritime safety talks in Hawaii as Beijing reiterates warnings on sovereignty
The Chinese and US militaries convened for the second working group meeting and annual session of the 2025 Military Maritime Consultative Agreement from Tuesday to Thursday in Hawaii. The Chinese navy announced the event on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of maritime safety and cooperation. The talks come at a time when Beijing has reiterated its firm stance on sovereignty issues, particularly in contested waters. Both nations discussed measures to enhance communication and reduce the risk of maritime incidents. The meeting underscores ongoing efforts to manage tensions and foster dialogue between the two global powers, despite persistent disagreements over territorial claims and strategic interests.
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Abu Dhabi bans trucks on 2 roads starting December 1; alternative routes revealed
Starting December 1, 2025, Abu Dhabi will enforce a ban on heavy vehicles, including freight trucks, tankers, and construction equipment, on two major roads: Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road (E11) and Al Raha Beach Road (E10). The Integrated Transport Centre (AD Mobility) announced this decision on Friday, emphasizing its goal to improve traffic flow and safety in the city. As part of this initiative, truck traffic will be redirected to alternative routes, specifically Al Faya–Saih Shuaib Road (E75) and Al Hafar (Al Adla).
This move follows an earlier regulation implemented in early 2025, which prohibited heavy vehicles from operating on Abu Dhabi roads during peak traffic hours. The restrictions are in effect from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, with additional limitations on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. These measures aim to alleviate traffic congestion caused by the slower movement of heavy vehicles and to protect critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, from excessive wear and tear.
The initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to address the increasing volume of vehicles in the city and enhance the overall commuting experience for residents. By rerouting heavy vehicles to less congested areas, authorities hope to create a safer and more efficient transportation network. The Integrated Transport Centre encourages all stakeholders to adhere to the new regulations and stay updated on further developments through official communication channels.
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Myanmar reaffirms one-China policy in response to Japanese PM’s Taiwan-related remarks
In a clear response to recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, Myanmar has reiterated its unwavering support for the one-China policy. Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for Myanmar’s National Defense and Security Council, addressed the media on Friday, emphasizing the nation’s stance on the issue. Tun highlighted that Myanmar’s Acting President, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has consistently reaffirmed this position in discussions with Chinese leaders. Myanmar views China as a friendly neighbor and is committed to strengthening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, aiming to build a shared future. The country also upholds the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, respecting China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tun assured that Myanmar will continue to support China’s efforts to maintain national unity and territorial integrity.
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Pope Leo XIV accepts resignation of Spanish bishop accused of abuse in first known case for pontiff
In a significant move, Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Rafael Zornoza of Cádiz, Spain, who is under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of a young seminarian in the 1990s. This marks the first known instance of the new pontiff removing a bishop accused of such misconduct. The Vatican issued a brief statement confirming the acceptance of Zornoza’s resignation but did not elaborate on the reasons. Zornoza, 76, had submitted his resignation last year upon reaching the standard retirement age for bishops, but it was only accepted after recent reports of the investigation surfaced. Spanish newspaper El País revealed earlier this month that Zornoza is accused of abusing a former seminarian while serving as a priest and director of the diocesan seminary in Getafe. The alleged victim, in a letter to the Vatican, claimed Zornoza engaged in inappropriate behavior and manipulated him into seeking psychiatric treatment to ‘cure’ his homosexuality. The Diocese of Cádiz denied the allegations but acknowledged the ongoing investigation by the church tribunal in Madrid. Zornoza has temporarily suspended his duties to focus on his health, as he battles an aggressive form of cancer. This case is part of a broader reckoning within the Spanish Catholic Church, which has faced widespread criticism for decades of abuse and cover-ups. In 2023, an official probe suggested hundreds of thousands of victims could exist, prompting the church to launch a compensation plan for survivors.
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US lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene to resign after rupture with Trump
In a surprising turn of events, US Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her resignation from the House of Representatives, effective January 5, 2026. Greene, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, cited a dramatic falling out with Trump as a key reason for her decision. In a lengthy social media statement, she emphasized that “loyalty should be a two-way street” and criticized Congress for being “mostly sidelined” during the Trump administration. Her resignation will reduce the Republican majority in the House to 218 members, just five seats ahead of the Democrats’ 213. The rift between Greene and Trump has sparked concerns among Republicans about potential fractures within the “Make America Great Again” base, especially with midterm elections looming in 2026. Greene’s recent positions, including her advocacy for releasing government files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and her labeling of Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, have put her at odds with Trump and some fellow Republicans. Trump, who dismissed the Epstein issue as a “Democrat hoax,” recently signed a bill to release the documents after it gained overwhelming support in Congress. Greene expressed her decision as a matter of self-respect and dignity, stating she refuses to be a “battered wife” in the political arena. The White House has yet to comment on her resignation.
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Britain’s Daily Mail publisher enters exclusive talks to buy Telegraph Media Group for $654 million
The publisher of Britain’s Daily Mail, Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), has initiated exclusive negotiations to acquire Telegraph Media Group in a landmark deal valued at approximately £500 million ($654 million). This potential acquisition would unite two prominent British news organizations, both historically aligned with the right-leaning Conservative Party. The talks aim to finalize the terms of the purchase from Redbird IMI, an Abu Dhabi-backed venture, which had previously sought to acquire the Telegraph but faced scrutiny over foreign ownership concerns. The proposed transaction has reignited debates about foreign influence in British media, prompting Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to pledge a thorough review to safeguard public interest and compliance with media merger legislation. DMGT Chairman Jonathan Harmsworth, also known as Lord Rothermere, expressed confidence in the deal, envisioning the Daily Telegraph as a global brand akin to the Daily Mail. The ownership battle for the Telegraph, a cornerstone of British media since 1855, began in 2023 when the Barclay family relinquished control amid disputes with lenders. In November 2023, RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments had agreed to acquire the Telegraph to settle the Barclays’ debts, sparking parliamentary debates about foreign state influence in national media. The previous Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, swiftly announced plans to review the deal, emphasizing the importance of preserving editorial independence and freedom of expression in British newspapers.
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Trump-Mamdani meet: Foes turn friends? US President all smiles, praise for New York mayor-elect
In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump and New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani set aside their past animosity to engage in a cordial and collaborative meeting at the White House. The encounter, which took place on Friday, marked a stark contrast to their previous exchanges, where Trump had falsely labeled Mamdani as an antisemitic communist. The 79-year-old president warmly greeted the 34-year-old democratic socialist, patting him on the arm and expressing optimism about their shared goals for New York City. Despite their ideological differences, the two leaders found common ground on issues such as crime reduction and affordability. Trump, a Republican billionaire, and Mamdani, a rising star in the Democratic Party, pledged to work together for the betterment of the city. The meeting, which exceeded expectations, hinted at the possibility of a professional friendship that could reshape the political landscape. Both leaders laughed off their past insults, with Trump defending Mamdani against Islamophobic slurs and describing him as a ‘very rational person.’ The unexpected camaraderie left many political commentators and lawmakers puzzled, with some Republicans expressing skepticism about Mamdani’s intentions. However, the meeting signaled a potential shift in the dynamics between the two leaders, who had previously clashed on issues ranging from immigration to economic policy.
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UAE weather: Dubai temperature to dip to 22ºC; alerts issued for fog
As the UAE transitions into the winter season, residents can anticipate a comfortable climate with temperatures remaining below 30ºC. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the weather across the country is expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with occasional dust in eastern regions. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued red and yellow alerts for fog, particularly affecting visibility in certain areas until 10:30 AM. Low clouds are anticipated over the sea and islands, accompanied by a gradual drop in temperatures. In Dubai, the mercury is forecasted to range between 22ºC and 30ºC, while Abu Dhabi will experience lows of 21ºC and highs of 30ºC. Humidity is expected to increase by night and into Sunday morning, potentially leading to fog or mist formation in coastal and internal areas. Winds will remain light to moderate, with speeds ranging from 15 to 25 kmph, occasionally reaching up to 40 kmph. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf will be slight to moderate, while the Oman Sea will remain calm. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution during periods of reduced visibility.