作者: admin

  • Salik updates toll rates ahead of Dubai Run on November 23

    Salik updates toll rates ahead of Dubai Run on November 23

    In preparation for the upcoming Dubai Run on November 23, 2025, Salik, Dubai’s toll gate system, has announced revised rates for the event day. The adjustments aim to accommodate the expected surge in traffic due to the city-wide fitness event, which is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. During the morning peak hours from 6am to 10am, toll rates will increase to Dh6, up from the usual Dh4 on Sundays. Evening peak hours from 4pm to 8pm will remain at Dh4, while low-peak rates of Dh4 will apply from 10am to 4pm and 8pm to 1am. Salik confirmed these changes via social media on Friday, November 21. The Dubai Run offers flexible start times for registered participants, beginning as early as 4am, with the official start at 6.30am and the start line closing at 8am. The event features two routes: a 5km flat route suitable for all ages and abilities, starting near the Museum of the Future and passing iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera, and a 10km route designed for experienced runners, which includes crossing the Dubai Canal Bridge and looping along Sheikh Zayed Road. The event underscores Dubai’s commitment to promoting health and fitness among its residents and visitors.

  • Iqbal Mohamed becomes second MP to leave Your Party

    Iqbal Mohamed becomes second MP to leave Your Party

    Your Party, a nascent left-wing political movement, is facing existential challenges even before its official launch. The party, still operating under a provisional name, has been plagued by a series of controversies and high-profile departures, casting doubt on its viability. Last Friday, Adnan Hussain, one of the six MPs in the party’s steering group, announced his departure. A week later, Iqbal Mohamed, MP for Batley and Dewsbury, followed suit, citing ‘false allegations and smears’ as the reason for his exit. Mohamed expressed disappointment over the lack of evidence supporting these accusations and emphasized his commitment to serving as an independent MP. The party’s internal discord has been exacerbated by public disagreements between co-leaders Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn. Sultana’s controversial statements and unilateral actions, such as launching a party website without consulting Corbyn and other independents, further deepened the rift. The Independent Alliance, a parliamentary group comprising former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and three other independents, has also distanced itself from Your Party. Adnan Hussain lamented the ‘toxic and exclusionary’ culture within the party, which he initially joined with hopes of fostering a pluralistic and inclusive political space. Despite early enthusiasm and significant public support, Your Party’s future now hangs in the balance, with the Green Party emerging as a stronger contender on the British left. The party’s inability to unite diverse voter bases and resolve internal conflicts has undermined its potential to become a significant political force.

  • UAE ministry, Abu Dhabi Police sign Dh25.4-billion deals to procure aircraft, drones

    UAE ministry, Abu Dhabi Police sign Dh25.4-billion deals to procure aircraft, drones

    The UAE Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Police have finalized a series of high-value contracts totaling Dh25.4 billion during the 19th Dubai Airshow 2025. These agreements, facilitated by the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, encompass 36 contracts aimed at bolstering the nation’s defense and security infrastructure. The deals include the procurement of advanced aircraft, drones, and other critical defense technologies. On the final day of the event, nine new contracts worth Dh1.012 billion were announced, bringing the total value of agreements signed over the five-day exhibition to Dh25.455 billion. Key local contracts included a Dh161.634 million deal with M4 Trading for aircraft procurement and a Dh76 million agreement with Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI) for drone acquisition. International contracts featured partnerships with American firms Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, valued at Dh467.913 million, focusing on technical support and advanced identification systems. The Tawazun Council, the national authority responsible for enabling and regulating the UAE’s defense ecosystem, emphasized the strategic importance of these agreements in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities and fostering sustainable growth in the sector. Majed Ahmed Al Jaberi, a spokesperson for the Council, highlighted the success of the event in advancing the UAE’s defense and security objectives through collaboration with both public and private entities.

  • Ai Goto dominates Faldo Junior Final in Al Ain; UAE’s Rayhan Ahmed best of home hopes

    Ai Goto dominates Faldo Junior Final in Al Ain; UAE’s Rayhan Ahmed best of home hopes

    In a stunning display of skill and composure, 16-year-old Japanese golf sensation Ai Goto clinched victory at the 29th Faldo Junior Tour European Grand Final held at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. Goto, hailed as a ‘next-generation’ star in Japanese women’s golf, delivered a masterclass performance, finishing 12-under-par over three rounds with scores of 66, 65, and 67. Her remarkable consistency included 17 birdies and one eagle, despite a dramatic quadruple bogey in her opening round. Goto’s triumph underscored her rising prominence in the sport. Zambia’s Michael Chuma, who carded a breathtaking 61 in the final round, secured the runner-up position, two strokes behind Goto. Among the 67 participants from around the globe, UAE’s Rayhan Ahmed emerged as the top local finisher, tying for 8th place with a total score of 206 (–4). Ahmed, 18, reflected on his performance, highlighting challenges with his driving but praising his approach game. He now sets his sights on the Tommy Fleetwood Pathway Series in Ras Al Khaimah. The event also featured other UAE competitors, including Mohammad Skaik and Ananyaa Sood, showcasing the growing talent in the region. Goto’s victory not only cements her status as a rising star but also highlights the global appeal and competitive spirit of junior golf.

  • Dubai Airshow incident: What could have caused the crash of India’s fighter jet Tejas?

    Dubai Airshow incident: What could have caused the crash of India’s fighter jet Tejas?

    The Dubai Airshow 2025 concluded on a tragic note as India’s indigenous fighter jet, Tejas, crashed during a stunt performance, resulting in the pilot’s death. The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 PM on the final day of the event, marking the first major accident in the airshow’s history since its inception in 1986. Aviation analyst Saj Ahmad of StrategicAero Research suggested that the crash was likely caused by the stunt being performed too close to the ground, leaving insufficient space for the pilot to recover. The incident, captured on multiple cameras, is under investigation, with experts calling for a reevaluation of high-risk airshow displays. Tejas, developed by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a single-engine, multirole light combat aircraft designed to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet. Its development began in the 1980s, with its first flight taking place in 2001. The Indian Air Force has been a regular participant at the Dubai Airshow, showcasing its latest innovations and technologies. This tragic event has raised concerns about the safety of such high-profile airshow performances and may lead to stricter regulations in the future.

  • Israel bans Sudanese refugee protests against UAE’s support for RSF

    Israel bans Sudanese refugee protests against UAE’s support for RSF

    Israeli authorities have prohibited two demonstrations organized by Sudanese refugees aimed at condemning the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, a paramilitary group allegedly supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One protest was planned outside the Emirati embassy in Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv, to highlight the UAE’s backing of the RSF, which has been accused of genocide. The Israeli police justified the cancellation by claiming the demonstrations could jeopardize national security and public order. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, arguing it violated freedom of expression. However, the court upheld the police’s stance after the National Security Council warned that the protests could harm Israel’s foreign relations. Anwar Suliman, a Sudanese asylum seeker and organizer, revealed that the UAE had requested the protest be halted, raising concerns about Israel’s alignment with the UAE. Despite the cancellations, Suliman vowed to continue raising awareness about the RSF’s crimes, which include widespread killings, sexual violence, and expulsions in Sudan. The RSF’s recent capture of el-Fasher in Darfur has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with reports of 27,000 deaths in just three days. Suliman criticized the lack of Israeli media coverage, attributing it to fear or censorship. Israel’s treatment of Sudanese asylum seekers has also been contentious, with many facing legal and social obstacles despite their refugee status. The Hotline for Refugees and Migrants has documented systemic discrimination against asylum seekers, who are often stigmatized as security threats. The incident underscores the complex interplay between domestic policies, international relations, and human rights advocacy in Israel.

  • FAA warns all pilots of risks of flying over Venezuela over ‘worsening security situation’

    FAA warns all pilots of risks of flying over Venezuela over ‘worsening security situation’

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a stern advisory on Friday, urging pilots to exercise heightened vigilance when navigating Venezuelan airspace. This warning stems from the deteriorating security landscape and increased military operations in the region, which could jeopardize aircraft at all altitudes, including those taking off, landing, or stationed on the ground. The FAA’s alert underscores the volatile environment surrounding Venezuela, where unspecified threats loom large. This development coincides with the Trump administration’s intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. does not recognize as the legitimate leader. Maduro faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S., further complicating bilateral relations. In a show of force, the U.S. military has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and several destroyers to the Caribbean Sea, marking the largest U.S. military presence in the region in decades. Additionally, the U.S. has conducted bomber flights near Venezuela’s coast, simulating attack scenarios as part of training exercises. The Trump administration has also targeted small boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking, resulting in over 80 fatalities since early September. Mary Schiavo, former inspector general for the Department of Transportation, noted that such FAA warnings are common during military conflicts but emphasized the importance of pilots adhering to them. While the Pentagon redirected inquiries to the FAA, the agency confirmed the warning’s issuance and its 90-day validity, leaving the underlying motivations for the alert open to interpretation.

  • What is the Tejas? Inside India’s fighter jet that crashed at Dubai Airshow

    What is the Tejas? Inside India’s fighter jet that crashed at Dubai Airshow

    The Tejas, India’s indigenously developed single-engine, delta-wing combat aircraft, has been a symbol of the nation’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities. However, the aircraft made headlines for tragic reasons during the Dubai Airshow 2025 when one of the jets crashed shortly after take-off, resulting in the death of its pilot, Namansh Syal. The incident occurred around 2:10 pm on Friday, leading to a suspension of the flying display for over two hours. The Tejas, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has been operational since 2016 and was a centerpiece of India’s participation at the airshow. The jet, known for its compact design, agility, and high-performance maneuvers, had been showcasing its capabilities throughout the event, including high-G turns, rapid climbs, and signature orange smoke trails. The crash has raised questions about the aircraft’s safety and the circumstances leading to the accident. Despite the tragedy, India’s presence at the airshow remained significant, with the Indian Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, leading the official delegation and inaugurating the Indian pavilion. The event also saw key industry announcements, including a technology transfer agreement between HAL and German conglomerate Hensoldt AG for advanced sensors and guidance systems. This deal aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and technological independence. The Tejas crash has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a successful showcase of India’s aerospace innovations, but it also underscores the challenges and risks inherent in defense aviation.

  • Serbian president denies involvement in alleged Bosnia ‘sniper tourism’

    Serbian president denies involvement in alleged Bosnia ‘sniper tourism’

    Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has vehemently denied allegations of his involvement in ‘sniper tourism’ during the siege of Sarajevo, labeling the claims as a ‘lie.’ The accusations stem from a complaint filed by Croatian journalist Domagoj Margetic with Italian prosecutors, who cited 1990s video footage and testimonies from Bosnian officials suggesting Vucic was a ‘war volunteer’ with Bosnian-Serb forces. Vucic, speaking at a UK-Western Balkans business conference in Belgrade, asserted that he had ‘never killed anyone, wounded anyone, or done anything similar,’ and clarified that images purportedly showing him with a sniper rifle actually depicted him carrying a camera tripod. He accused the journalist of attempting to portray him as a ‘monster’ and a ‘cold-blooded murderer.’ The siege of Sarajevo, which lasted from 1992 to 1996, claimed over 11,000 lives as the city was encircled by Serb forces and subjected to relentless shelling and sniper fire. Italian prosecutors recently launched an investigation into claims that wealthy foreigners paid to shoot at civilians during the siege, following a complaint by Italian writer Ezio Gavazzeni, who referenced the 2022 Slovenian documentary ‘Sarajevo Safari.’ Vucic’s spokesperson, Suzana Vasiljevic, dismissed the allegations as ‘malicious disinformation’ aimed at undermining Serbia’s institutional credibility. She emphasized that Vucic was working as a journalist and translator in Pale during the conflict, with no involvement in military activities. While similar allegations of ‘human hunters’ have surfaced over the years, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in The Hague has stated it lacks information on the matter, and Bosnia’s war crimes prosecutor has yet to issue any indictments. UK special forces veterans who served in Sarajevo have also dismissed the claims as an ‘urban myth.’

  • From injuries to fatalities: Top 10 deadliest Airshow disasters in history

    From injuries to fatalities: Top 10 deadliest Airshow disasters in history

    Airshows, often celebrated for their breathtaking aerial displays and thrilling performances, have a darker side marked by tragic accidents that have left indelible scars on aviation history. While these events are designed to entertain and inspire, they have occasionally turned into scenes of devastation, claiming lives and leaving communities in mourning. Here, we revisit the ten most catastrophic airshow disasters that have shaped the narrative of aviation safety and risk management.

    1. **Sknyliv Airshow (2002, Ukraine)**: The deadliest airshow accident occurred when a Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 crashed during a low-altitude maneuver, killing 77 spectators, including 28 children, and injuring 543. Both pilots survived but faced legal consequences.

    2. **Ramstein Airshow (1988, West Germany)**: A mid-air collision involving Italian Air Force jets resulted in a fiery crash that killed 70 people, including three pilots, and injured hundreds more.

    3. **Golden West Sport Aviation Show (1972, USA)**: A Canadair Sabre Mk. 5 failed to gain altitude, crashing into an ice cream parlor and killing 22 people, including members of a Little League football team.

    4. **Reno Air Races (2011, USA)**: A modified racing aircraft lost control, crashing into spectators and killing 10 people. Investigations revealed structural failures caused by excessive modifications.

    5. **Ostend Airshow (1997, Belgium)**: A Royal Jordanian Falcons pilot lost control, crashing near spectators and killing nine people, including the pilot.

    6. **Paris Airshow (1973, France)**: The Tupolev Tu-144 supersonic airliner broke apart mid-flight, killing all five crew members and eight people on the ground.

    7. **Canary Islands Airshow (1984, Spain)**: A Spanish aerobatic team pilot lost control, crashing and killing five people, including himself.

    8. **Royal Air Force Station Crash (1952, UK)**: A prototype Avro Vulcan bomber crashed during a test flight, killing all four crew members and three spectators.

    9. **Bartlesville Biplane Exposition (1996, USA)**: A mid-air collision between two biplanes resulted in an explosion that killed all four pilots.

    10. **Indian Air Force Day (1989, India)**: A Mirage 2000 crashed during a low-altitude maneuver, killing the pilot and one spectator.

    These tragedies serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks in aviation displays, prompting ongoing efforts to enhance safety protocols and prevent future disasters.