Italian football fans are grappling with a sense of déjà vu as their national team faces yet another World Cup playoff challenge. The Azzurri, four-time world champions, suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Norway in their final qualifier at San Siro, dashing hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The loss leaves Italy with the daunting task of navigating the playoffs in March to avoid missing the tournament for a third consecutive time.
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Dubai: Nol Pay app users can now renew expiring cards, extend validity of travel passes
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a significant upgrade to the Nol Pay app, introducing a suite of new features designed to enhance user convenience and efficiency. The updated app now allows users to renew expiring cards, extend the validity of travel passes, and manage family members’ Nol cards with ease. Proactive notifications remind users to top up low balances, while instant top-ups and real-time balance enquiries ensure seamless transactions. Additionally, users can schedule automatic top-ups for family cards at predefined intervals and purchase travel passes instantly. The app also supports digitized Nol cards on Samsung and Huawei devices, enabling payments across public transport and retail outlets with a simple tap—without opening the app. This upgrade is part of RTA’s broader initiative to integrate Account Based Ticketing (ABT) technology, aligning the app’s interface with the unified digital ecosystem of RTA. By the end of 2024, over 33,000 digital cards had been sold, marking a 460% increase from the previous year, while app downloads surged to 1.5 million, reflecting a 150% year-on-year growth.
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Sharjah: Man saved from drowning in open sea; rescue team honoured
In a dramatic rescue operation, the Sharjah Civil Defence Marine Rescue Unit saved a man from drowning during a routine patrol on November 17, 2025. The team encountered the individual in a life-threatening condition in the open sea and acted swiftly to bring him aboard their vessel. Immediate first aid was administered before the man was transported to specialized medical facilities for further treatment. The Director General of the Sharjah Civil Defense Authority, Colonel Youssef Obaid Harmoul Al-Shamsi, honored the rescue team for their high readiness and rapid response. This incident highlights the critical role of marine rescue units in ensuring public safety along the UAE’s coastlines. Authorities have been actively promoting beach safety, with Dubai Police recently increasing patrols and introducing summer training programs for school students to teach lifeguarding and rescue techniques. The public is also encouraged to volunteer in maritime safety initiatives, particularly during major events. Mamzar Beach, a shared area between Sharjah and Dubai, has witnessed several drowning incidents in recent years, underscoring the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines. The Sharjah Civil Defense Authority continues to emphasize the need for community involvement in preventing such tragedies.
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A Chinese firm bought an insurer for CIA agents – part of Beijing’s trillion dollar spending spree
Since 2018, the United States has significantly tightened its laws to prevent foreign adversaries, particularly China, from investing in sensitive sectors such as semiconductors and telecommunications. This shift in policy was partly triggered by the 2015 acquisition of Wright USA, a small insurance company specializing in liability insurance for FBI and CIA agents, by China’s Fosun Group. The deal raised alarms in Washington due to Wright USA’s access to personal details of top U.S. intelligence officials. Although the transaction was legal, it highlighted the potential risks of Chinese state-backed investments in critical industries. This case, along with others, led to the Trump administration’s stricter investment regulations.
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Aster DM Healthcare secures Dh265m in financing from Emirates Development Bank
Aster DM Healthcare, a prominent integrated healthcare provider in the UAE and GCC, has announced a strategic partnership with Emirates Development Bank (EDB) to secure Dh265 million ($72 million) in financing. This funding will support the development of two new multi-specialty hospitals in Dubai, aimed at addressing the growing demand for quality healthcare services in the region. The agreement, signed by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, and Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, marks a significant step in expanding healthcare infrastructure in the UAE. The new facilities will add over 250 beds to Aster’s existing capacity of approximately 920 beds, enabling the treatment of more than 560,000 patients annually. Once operational, the hospitals will employ over 675 doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, bolstering the local healthcare workforce. Emirates Development Bank, a key driver of economic growth in the UAE, focuses on priority sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and renewable energy. This partnership aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai as a global leader in healthcare. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, emphasized the alignment of this expansion with the UAE’s broader economic goals. Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital and Board Member of Aster DM Healthcare, highlighted the shared vision of building a regional healthcare champion dedicated to delivering accessible, high-quality care across the GCC.
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Will Trump’s tariff rollback lower food prices?
In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump recently announced the removal of tariffs on over 200 products, including staples like bananas and coffee. This decision, seen as a political concession, aims to address rising cost-of-living concerns that have been impacting White House approval ratings and Republican electoral prospects. The Food Industry Association (FMI) lauded the move as a ‘critical step’ toward affordability, echoing sentiments from various business groups. However, the practical economic relief may not match the political significance of the gesture. According to Yale’s Budget Lab, Trump’s tariffs, which include a 10% baseline tax on imports and additional levies on many trading partners, were projected to increase food prices by 1.9% in the short term. Historically, U.S. grocery prices have been relatively stable, rising an average of only 2% annually between 2013 and 2021. While the tariff removal targets items with negligible domestic production, such as coffee, spices, and tropical fruits, its overall impact on household grocery budgets is expected to be modest. Economists note that imports account for less than 20% of total U.S. food and beverage purchases, with many imports from Mexico already exempt due to trade agreements. Additionally, factors like rising labor costs and droughts continue to drive food prices upward. Despite the tariff rollback, food companies still face higher costs from tariffs on materials like aluminum, used in canned foods, and items like wine, cheese, and palm oil remain unaffected. The Trump administration has framed high food prices as a legacy issue from the Biden era, cautioning that significant price reductions will take time. While some price relief is anticipated, experts warn that the psychological impact of high prices may persist, influencing future industry decisions.
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Fernandez, Gonzalez take top honours in Dubai Premier Padel P1
The Dubai Premier Padel P1 concluded its second edition with thrilling victories in both the women’s and men’s divisions. Claudia Fernandez and Bia Gonzalez clinched the women’s title, while Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello emerged as champions in the men’s category. The event, held at the Hamdan Sports Complex, showcased world-class padel action in a transformed Olympic-sized pool arena, accommodating 8,000 enthusiastic spectators. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, graced the finals, presenting medals and trophies to the winners. Ivan Modia, CEO of Gallop Global and Tournament Director, highlighted the event’s success, emphasizing Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for premier sporting events. The tournament, featuring top international stars, has set a new benchmark for padel in the MENA region and beyond, with plans already underway for next year’s edition.
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South Africa foreign minister says charter flights part of a plan to clear Palestinians out of Gaza
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has raised suspicions over a chartered flight that arrived in Johannesburg last week carrying more than 150 Palestinians, suggesting it is part of a broader agenda to displace Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. The flight, which originated from Israel’s Ramon Airport with a stopover in Kenya, has sparked concerns about a coordinated effort to relocate Palestinians globally. Lamola did not explicitly name Israel but implied its involvement, stating, “It does look like it represents a broader agenda to remove Palestinians from Palestine into many different parts of the world.” The Israeli authority responsible for civilian policies in Palestinian territories clarified that the passengers left Gaza with approval from a third country, as part of a policy allowing residents to depart. However, the third country was not disclosed. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an intelligence investigation into the matter, emphasizing the government’s opposition to such flights. The passengers, including families and a heavily pregnant woman, were initially denied entry due to improper documentation but were later allowed to disembark after a 12-hour delay. South Africa, a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian cause, has criticized Israel’s actions, with civic groups alleging ties between the flight’s organizer, Al-Majd, and Israel. An anonymous Israeli military official confirmed Al-Majd’s role in arranging the transport, while a South African NGO noted this was the second such flight in recent weeks. The incident has reignited debates over Israel’s resettlement policies and their implications for Palestinian rights.
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Dubai flying taxi: RTA to offer free rides to select passengers next year
Dubai is gearing up to revolutionize urban mobility with its innovative flying taxi service, set to launch commercially by the end of 2026. During the Dubai Airshow 2025, attendees caught a glimpse of the electric-powered aerial taxi, which is expected to begin trial operations in the first quarter of 2026. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to offer free rides to select passengers, including government officials and corporate representatives, to gather feedback and refine the service. The trial phase will focus on a limited number of passengers, with no charges imposed, paving the way for a full-scale commercial rollout later in the year. Last week, RTA and Joby, the flying taxi operator, successfully completed a manned test flight between the Margham desert area and Al Maktoum International Airport, covering 65 kilometers in just 17 minutes—a journey that typically takes 50 minutes by car. The RTA is also collaborating with major developers like Emaar Properties and Wasl Asset Management Group to construct vertiports across the city, including near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These vertiports will feature advanced facilities such as charging stations, take-off and landing pads, and air-conditioned passenger areas. Additionally, RTA is exploring the potential of utilizing existing helipads to enhance the accessibility and integration of the flying taxi service with Dubai’s public transport network. Mattar Al Tayer, RTA’s Director General, emphasized that this initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable and innovative urban mobility solutions.
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Tom Cruise on his first Oscar: Making films ‘is who I am’
Hollywood legend Tom Cruise has finally clinched his first Oscar, receiving an honorary award at the annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles. The 63-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in ‘Top Gun’ and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, was celebrated alongside other luminaries such as singer Dolly Parton, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Cruise reflected on his 45-year career, emphasizing his deep connection to cinema. ‘Making films is not what I do, it is who I am,’ he declared, drawing a prolonged standing ovation from an audience that included Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jerry Bruckheimer. Cruise, who has been nominated for four Oscars in the past, paid tribute to the collaborative nature of filmmaking, acknowledging both on-screen and behind-the-scenes contributors. He also highlighted the unifying power of movies, stating, ‘In that theatre, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, we dream together.’ The Academy recognized Cruise for his unwavering dedication to the film industry, particularly his advocacy for theatrical experiences and his commitment to performing his own stunts. Despite his numerous accolades, Cruise remains passionate about supporting emerging talent and preserving the essence of cinema. Earlier this year, he reportedly declined an invitation to be honored by former President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center Honors due to scheduling conflicts.