The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a transformative shift in its approach to space exploration, with space law emerging as a critical discipline in the nation’s rapidly expanding space sector. Once an obscure academic field, space law is now gaining significant traction, driven by the UAE’s ambitious lunar missions and a growing interest among its youth and educational institutions. This development was highlighted during a session titled ‘Forging New Frontiers Through Global Partnerships’ at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, emphasized that the rise of space law reflects the country’s broader space ambitions and the need for robust legal frameworks to guide political, commercial, and international cooperation. As the UAE prepares for its next steps in space exploration, including lunar missions, experts underscored the importance of space law in navigating the complexities of the global space economy. The UAE’s expanding space sector has also spurred a ripple effect across higher education institutions, with universities introducing specialized programs to meet industry demands. For the first time, space law is being taught as a degree program in the UAE, marking a significant milestone in the region’s academic landscape. Mike Gold, President of Civil and International Space at Redwire Space, noted that while engineers handle the technical aspects, lawyers face the challenging task of addressing the political and commercial dimensions of space exploration. The growing visibility of astronauts has also played a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation. Initiatives that allow students to engage with astronauts have had a profound impact on youth, fostering a sense of responsibility and ambition. This has led to a surge in demand for skills beyond engineering, including governance, regulation, policy, and legal expertise. Chris White-Horne, Deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, highlighted that space has transitioned from being a luxury or a novelty to a critical component of modern society. He emphasized the shared responsibility of the global community in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by space exploration. The UAE’s focus on space law and education is shaping career aspirations across the region, positioning the country as a leader in the global space economy.
作者： admin
-
NYC bids goodbye to beloved Muslim activist and imam, Talib Abdur-Rashid
The iconic Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Harlem was filled to capacity as hundreds gathered to pay their final respects to Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid, a revered social activist and spiritual leader. The funeral, held at 9 a.m. on a Monday morning, drew people from all walks of life, reflecting the profound impact Abdur-Rashid had on his community over his 50 years of service at the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood (MIB).
Abdur-Rashid, who passed away on November 15, was remembered as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to serving others. His daughter, Hawwa Minnie Gilmore, delivered an emotional tribute, describing her father as a kind, loving, and caring man who was always there for his family and community. ‘He was everything to us,’ she said, highlighting his tireless efforts to uplift those around him.
The service also featured tributes from faith leaders, academics, and politicians, including co-founder of MIB Professor Halima Toure, Imam Zaid Shakir of Zaytuna College, and New York City council member Yusef Salaam. Attendees spoke of Abdur-Rashid’s unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue, civil rights, and social justice. He was instrumental in advocating for the adhan (call to prayer) to be broadcast from the mosque, securing halal options in public schools, and adding Eid to the public school calendar.
Abdur-Rashid’s legacy extended beyond Harlem. As a prison chaplain, he provided spiritual guidance to inmates, including Luqman Yunus, who spoke of the imam’s compassion and support during his incarceration. Abdur-Rashid’s work in championing civil rights for individuals like Amadou Diallo and Yusef Salaam further cemented his reputation as a bridge-builder and advocate for justice.
Born Barry Lee Hicks in North Carolina in 1951, Abdur-Rashid converted to Sunni Islam in 1971 and quickly became a central figure in the Black Muslim community. His influence was felt in the arts, earning him the nickname ‘Hip Hop Imam,’ as he welcomed artists like Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) and Q-Tip to MIB. He also served in leadership roles within the Islamic Leadership Council of New York and the Muslim Alliance in North America.
Abdur-Rashid’s passing coincided with the installation of signage for the Malcolm X Plaza in Harlem, a project he had championed. His daughter described the timing as symbolic, saying, ‘It’s like Allah saying, ‘Your mission is complete.’’ Abdur-Rashid was buried in Rosedale Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and unity.
-
Watch: Trump receives Saudi prince with cannon fire, parade of horses at White House
In a display of diplomatic grandeur, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The visit, marked by a ceremonial cannon salute, a military flypast featuring F-35 stealth fighters, and a parade of horses, underscored the deepening alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The event also saw the presence of soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo, adding a touch of star power to the occasion. Trump emphasized the significance of the bilateral relationship, describing Saudi Arabia as a ‘great ally’ and announcing the sale of F-35 jets to the kingdom, despite concerns from Israel and warnings about potential technological espionage by China. Additionally, the two leaders are expected to sign a framework for civilian nuclear cooperation, further cementing their strategic partnership. The Crown Prince’s visit also focused on securing advanced defense systems and high-tech chips to support Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions. However, progress on normalizing relations with Israel remains stalled, with Riyadh insisting on progress toward a Palestinian state. The visit marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Saudi relations, balancing strategic interests with human rights concerns, particularly in light of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
-
Emphatic win for Quetta Qavalry in Abu Dhabi T10 opener
The Abu Dhabi T10 tournament kicked off with a spectacular display of cricketing prowess as the Quetta Qavalry secured a resounding 51-run victory over the Northern Warriors at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. The match, held on November 18, 2025, saw the Qavalry set a commanding total of 133/5, thanks to a blistering innings by Khawaja Nafay, who smashed 45 runs off just 12 balls, including five sixes and two fours. Supporting contributions from Liam Livingstone (24 off 10) and Jason Holder (24* off 10) further bolstered the score. Muhammad Waseem also showed promise with a quick 15 off 10 before being dismissed. The Warriors’ bowling attack, led by Trent Boult, managed to take key wickets but struggled to contain the Qavalry’s aggressive batting. In response, the Warriors faltered early, losing opener Johnson Charles in the first over. Despite a valiant 77-run partnership between Hazratullah Zazai (31* off 28) and Colin Munro (44 off 28), the Warriors could only muster 82/2, falling well short of the target. The Qavalry’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with all maintaining economy rates under 10. Captain Liam Livingstone praised his team’s adaptability and execution, emphasizing the importance of a strong start in the fast-paced T10 format. The Qavalry’s emphatic win sets a high benchmark for the tournament, with Livingstone expressing optimism for a strong campaign ahead.
-
Gold gains on soft economic data; traders weigh US rate cut chances
Gold prices rebounded from a one-week low on Tuesday, buoyed by weaker-than-expected U.S. employment data, as investors speculated on the possibility of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in December. Spot gold increased by 0.6% to $4,068.05 per ounce, recovering from its lowest point since November 10 earlier in the day. Meanwhile, U.S. gold futures for December delivery dipped slightly by 0.2% to $4,068.40 per ounce. The rise in gold prices was fueled by data showing that the number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits reached a two-month high in mid-October, with continued jobless claims climbing to 1.9 million for the week ending October 18. Market analysts interpreted this as a sign of economic softening, potentially prompting the Fed to lower interest rates. Tai Wong, an independent metals trader, noted that the data has slightly increased market optimism for a December rate cut, aiding gold and silver in breaking a three-day losing streak. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets now perceive a 50% chance of a rate cut in December, up from 46% earlier in the day but down from 67% last week. Gold, which performs well in low-interest-rate environments, had previously declined by over 3% on Friday and 1% on Monday as investors tempered expectations for another rate cut this year. Attention now turns to the release of the Fed’s meeting minutes on Wednesday and delayed September jobs data on Thursday, both of which were postponed due to the U.S. government shutdown. Analysts at Deutsche Bank highlighted that elevated official demand for gold is likely to persist, supporting a bullish outlook and potentially driving prices above their forecasted average of $4,000 per ounce for next year. In other precious metals, spot silver rose 1% to $50.67 per ounce, platinum surged 7% to $1,544.66, and palladium fell 1.2% to $1,409.72.
-
Microsoft, Nvidia to invest in Anthropic as Claude maker commits $30 billion to Azure
In a landmark move that highlights the escalating competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, Microsoft and Nvidia have announced plans to invest in Anthropic, the creator of the Claude AI model. This partnership includes a staggering $30 billion commitment by Anthropic to utilize Microsoft’s Azure cloud services. Nvidia will contribute up to $10 billion, while Microsoft will invest up to $5 billion, according to statements released on Tuesday. Although specific details remain undisclosed, sources indicate that both companies are set to participate in Anthropic’s upcoming funding round. The collaboration underscores the AI industry’s relentless demand for computing power as companies vie to develop systems capable of rivaling or surpassing human intelligence. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the symbiotic nature of the partnership, stating, ‘We’re increasingly going to be customers of each other. We will use Anthropic models, they will use our infrastructure, and we’ll go to market together.’ He also reaffirmed Microsoft’s continued commitment to OpenAI, a key partner in its AI endeavors. This development follows OpenAI’s recent restructuring, which has seen the company pivot further from its non-profit origins, securing greater financial and operational flexibility. Anthropic, founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees, has emerged as a formidable competitor, boasting a valuation of $183 billion and a rapidly expanding customer base of over 300,000 businesses. The company projects its annualized revenue run rate to potentially triple to $26 billion next year. As part of the deal, Anthropic will collaborate with Nvidia to enhance chip and model performance, committing up to 1 gigawatt of computing power using Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell and Vera Rubin hardware. Industry experts estimate that 1 gigawatt of AI computing could cost between $20 billion and $25 billion. Additionally, Microsoft will grant Azure AI Foundry customers access to the latest Claude models, positioning Claude as the only frontier model available across all three major cloud providers. Analysts view this partnership as a strategic move to diversify the AI economy’s reliance on OpenAI. ‘Microsoft has decided not to rely on one frontier model company,’ noted D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria. ‘Nvidia, which was somewhat dependent on OpenAI’s success, is now helping generate broader demand.’ The deal reflects the ongoing consolidation of the AI industry around a few dominant players, signaling a new era of collaboration and competition in the race to advance AI capabilities.
-
Roblox blocks children from chatting to adult strangers
Roblox, one of the world’s most popular gaming platforms, is rolling out mandatory age verification for users accessing its chat features as part of a significant expansion of its safety measures. Starting in December, accounts in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands will undergo age checks, with global implementation set for January. This move comes amid growing criticism and legal challenges in the U.S., where Roblox faces lawsuits in Texas, Kentucky, and Louisiana over child safety concerns. The platform, which averaged over 80 million daily players in 2024—40% of whom are under 13—has been accused of exposing young users to inappropriate content and interactions with adults. The new system uses facial estimation technology to estimate a user’s age through their device’s camera. Images are processed by an external provider and deleted immediately after verification. Users will be categorized into age groups, and chat access will be restricted to peers within similar age ranges, except for trusted connections. Under-13s will still require parental permission for private messages. Roblox’s Chief Safety Officer, Matt Kaufman, claims the technology is highly accurate, estimating ages within a one-to-two-year margin for users aged 5 to 25. The platform’s efforts have been welcomed by child safety advocates, though groups like ParentsTogether Action and UltraViolet are staging a virtual protest within Roblox, demanding stronger measures to protect children from online predators. The changes align with global regulatory trends, including the UK’s Online Safety Act, which mandates tech firms to prioritize child safety. Roblox’s initiative marks a significant step toward creating a safer digital environment for young users, with the company urging other platforms to adopt similar measures.
-
Fire burning in southwestern Japan damages 170 homes and forces evacuations
A devastating wildfire erupted in the city of Oita, located on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, on Tuesday evening, rapidly engulfing a residential neighborhood and forcing over 170 people to evacuate. The blaze, which began near a fishing port amid strong winds, quickly spread to nearby forests and homes, causing widespread destruction. According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, at least 170 homes have been damaged, and a man in his 70s remains missing. Local residents described the fire as spreading uncontrollably, with one evacuee telling Kyodo News Agency that she fled in haste, leaving most of her belongings behind. Firefighters are still battling the flames, which remain uncontained as of Wednesday morning. The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters exacerbated by extreme weather conditions.
-
Epstein saga reveals Republican rifts – and the power of Trump’s base
The recent congressional vote to release the Jeffrey Epstein files has unveiled deep fractures within the Republican Party and tested President Donald Trump’s influence over his Make America Great Again (MAGA) base. After months of resistance, Trump reversed his stance, urging Republicans to support the release of the documents. This shift led to an overwhelming 427-1 vote in the House, marking a rare instance of Republican lawmakers pressuring the president into action. The saga has highlighted the growing power of the Republican grassroots, with many voters demanding transparency on the Epstein case. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a vocal critic of Trump’s initial opposition, claimed the issue had ‘ripped MAGA apart,’ signaling internal dissent within the movement. Despite Trump’s efforts to focus on other priorities, such as reducing tariffs on groceries, the Epstein controversy has overshadowed his agenda. The White House defended its actions, emphasizing its cooperation with investigations and support for victims. However, the episode has exposed potential rifts within the party, as seen in Trump’s failed attempt to influence Indiana’s redistricting process. While Trump remains the dominant figure in the GOP, the Epstein saga underscores the challenges he faces in maintaining unity and control.
-
UAE universities lead regional rise in new QS Global Rankings
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a regional leader in higher education sustainability, with its universities making significant strides in the latest QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026. Released on Tuesday, the rankings evaluated nearly 2,000 institutions across 106 locations, marking it as the most extensive sustainability-focused ranking to date. Among the UAE’s 13 ranked universities, seven improved their positions, reflecting a 54% rise in performance. The United Arab Emirates University led the national charge, climbing to 318th globally, while Khalifa University secured the 384th spot. Notably, UAE institutions excelled in the Social Impact category, with the United Arab Emirates University jumping 99 places to 263rd, driven by strong indicators in education impact and employability. The region-wide improvements align with national sustainability agendas, such as the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and Egypt’s Vision 2030. Leigh Kamolins, QS Director of Analytics and Evaluation, highlighted the region’s commitment to aligning higher education with climate and development goals. The Arab Region saw 147 universities ranked, including 29 newcomers, with 68 institutions improving their positions. Lebanon recorded the highest proportion of rising institutions at 86%, while Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait achieved near-complete improvement rates. The American University of Beirut led the Arab Region, climbing to 176th globally, while King Abdulaziz University entered the global top 200 for the first time. Despite progress, governance metrics revealed uneven performance, with 79 universities declining in this category. Jessica Turner, CEO of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, emphasized the ranking’s role in driving innovation and addressing global sustainability challenges.