ASICS has cemented its dedication to the global running community by entering into a groundbreaking multi-year partnership with the Dubai Marathon. Announced on November 14, 2025, the collaboration designates ASICS as the official footwear and apparel partner, as well as a presenting sponsor for the prestigious event from 2026 to 2028. This alliance underscores the brand’s mission to promote its founding philosophy, ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,’ across the Middle East. The partnership coincides with the marathon’s 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its history as one of the world’s fastest and most esteemed road races. ASICS brings its global expertise to enhance the experience for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Innovations inspired by leading international events will be introduced, covering every aspect from pre-race preparation to post-race recovery. On race day, participants and spectators can explore the ASICS Experience Zone, showcasing the brand’s latest advancements in performance footwear, apparel, and technology. Beyond the event, ASICS plans to nurture the running culture in the UAE through year-round initiatives, including training workshops and wellness programs. These efforts aim to inspire movement at all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, while attracting top marathoners to Dubai. By fostering a culture that celebrates both performance and participation, ASICS seeks to strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a premier running destination. Nikola Djordjevic, Deputy GM of Marketing at ASICS Middle East, emphasized the brand’s belief in the transformative power of movement. ‘Through this partnership, we aim to inspire runners to move with purpose, connect through community, and experience the joy of running at its best,’ he said. This collaboration reaffirms ASICS’ leadership in promoting performance, innovation, and wellness in the Middle East, championing a running culture that values mental clarity and balance alongside physical endurance.
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Dh1.7 billion: Etihad Airways delivers record 9-month profit, up by 26% since last year
Etihad Airways, the flagship carrier of Abu Dhabi, has reported a historic nine-month profit of Dh1.7 billion ($463 million) for the first three quarters of 2025, marking a 26% increase compared to the same period last year. This remarkable performance has elevated the airline’s profit margin to 8%, up from 7% in 2024. The airline’s total revenue surged by 18% year-on-year to Dh21.7 billion ($5.9 billion), driven by robust growth in both passenger and cargo segments. Passenger revenue rose by 20% to Dh18.2 billion ($4.9 billion), while cargo revenue increased by 8% to Dh3.2 billion ($875 million). Etihad transported a record 16.1 million passengers during this period, an 18% year-on-year increase, supported by a 17% rise in capacity and an improved load factor of 88%. The airline’s operating performance remained strong, with EBITDA growing by 27% to Dh4.3 billion ($1.2 billion), and operating cash flow reaching nearly Dh6 billion ($1.5 billion), a 40% increase from the previous year. Customer satisfaction also reached new heights, with Net Promoter Scores (NPS) achieving record levels across all cabins, particularly in premium classes. The introduction of the A321LR fleet has been widely praised for its comfort and service. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, attributed the airline’s success to its ability to outpace market growth and contribute significantly to the UAE’s passenger traffic expansion.
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Month-long school break in UAE: How families can make the most of winter holiday
The UAE is preparing to transform into a vibrant winter wonderland as families across the Emirates anticipate a month-long school break from December 8, 2025, to January 3, 2026. This extended holiday period offers an unparalleled opportunity for parents and children to immerse themselves in a variety of festive events, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Dubai, the epicenter of holiday cheer, is hosting a plethora of events catering to all ages. Highlights include the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, featuring a towering Christmas tree and snow fight zone, and the Winter City at Expo City Dubai, which transforms Al Wasl Plaza into a festive hub with Santa’s Grotto and carnival rides. Abu Dhabi is not to be outdone, with the Yas Winter Fest at Yas Gateway Park offering trampolines, ziplines, and daily tree lighting ceremonies. Sharjah and Ajman continue their tradition of family-focused events, with Mega Mall Sharjah transforming into a winter wonderland and Ajman Marina hosting the Winter Ajman market. For those seeking adventure, Ras Al Khaimah and the East Coast provide ideal winter climates for outdoor activities, including mountain camping, hiking, and beachside camping. Families looking for cost-effective ways to enjoy the break can explore numerous public spaces across the Emirates, such as Kite Beach in Dubai, the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach, and the Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah. With a diverse array of activities and destinations, the UAE promises an unforgettable winter holiday for families.
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What does Trump want with boat strike campaign?
In a significant escalation of military operations, the United States has conducted a series of airstrikes targeting suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since early September. Dubbed Operation Southern Spear, this campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals, according to reports. The Trump administration has justified these strikes as a necessary measure to combat the flow of narcotics into the US, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the operation aims to eliminate ‘narco-terrorists’ from the hemisphere and protect American lives. However, the campaign has sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential violations of international law. Critics argue that the strikes, which have targeted vessels in international waters, may have resulted in civilian casualties and lacked due process. The Pentagon has provided limited information on the targets, though some officials have linked them to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year. The US has deployed substantial military assets to the region, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and long-range bombers, prompting fears of a broader conflict. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of escalating tensions and called for peace, while the Venezuelan military has conducted readiness exercises in response. The Trump administration maintains that the strikes are legal and part of a broader strategy to combat drug cartels, but legal experts and critics continue to question their legitimacy and potential impact on regional stability.
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Bankruptcy judge clears $7.4bn Purdue Pharma opioid settlement
In a landmark decision, a bankruptcy judge has approved a $7.4 billion settlement against Purdue Pharma and its billionaire owners, the Sackler family, for their role in the U.S. opioid crisis. The deal, which was initially proposed in January, aims to conclude a protracted legal battle and provide much-needed funding for addiction treatment and prevention. This settlement represents an increase of over $1 billion from a previous agreement that was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court last year. Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, filed for bankruptcy in 2019 amid thousands of lawsuits accusing the company of aggressively marketing the highly addictive painkiller while downplaying its risks. The Sackler family, who have denied any wrongdoing, will relinquish ownership of Purdue Pharma, which will be replaced by a nonprofit organization, Knoa Pharma, dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis. The settlement does not grant the Sacklers immunity from future lawsuits. Individual victims are expected to receive up to $865 million, while the majority of the funds will go to state and local governments to support addiction treatment and prevention programs. The opioid crisis, which has been linked to over 900,000 deaths since 1999, has been exacerbated by the widespread use of OxyContin, a drug that Purdue Pharma marketed as safe despite its addictive properties. The Sackler family is set to contribute between $6.5 billion and $7 billion as part of the agreement. The settlement has garnered overwhelming support, with more than 99% of creditors voting in favor of the bankruptcy restructuring plan. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of holding Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers accountable, stating that the settlement will bring critical funding to those affected by the crisis.
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GymNation unveils one-tonne billboard in Dubai, setting a global benchmark
Dubai, already renowned for its architectural marvels, has added another feather to its cap with the unveiling of the world’s heaviest permanent billboard by GymNation, the Middle East’s largest gym chain. Weighing an impressive one tonne, the billboard is constructed from forty interlocked weight plates, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to strength and accessibility. This groundbreaking installation not only sets a global benchmark but also marks the first time a UAE gym has created its own billboard. The project required a team of strong individuals to safely mount the structure, with health and safety measures including perimeter tape to prevent potential wall collapses. The billboard carries the bold message: ‘The Only Billboard That Needs A Spotter,’ aligning with GymNation’s launch of its new ‘Strongman’ class. Held every Saturday at 10am at the Mirdif branch, the class features power-based exercises inspired by the World’s Strongest Man competition. Rory McEntee, GymNation’s Chief Marketing Officer, described the project as a literal and figurative lift for advertising in the UAE, celebrating strength in all its forms. The class, developed in collaboration with expert fitness instructors, aims to bring out the inner strength in participants. Spectators are advised to stay outside the perimeter tape when viewing or photographing the billboard. The Strongman class can be booked online at GymNation.com.
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Mali suspends French TV channels over alleged false reports
In a significant move, Mali’s ruling military junta has suspended the operations of two prominent French television channels, TF1 and LCI, accusing them of disseminating unverified and false information regarding a fuel blockade imposed by the al-Qaida-linked militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The decision was announced by Mali’s High Authority for Communication in a letter dated November 13, which was made public on Friday. The regulatory body cited a broadcast from November 9 as the basis for its action, disputing claims that the junta had banned fuel sales, that the regions of Kayes and Nioro were under complete blockade, and that terrorists were nearing the capital, Bamako. The letter stated that the channels’ services would be removed from distribution packages until further notice. Since September, JNIM has enforced a fuel blockade in Mali, exacerbating the country’s security and economic challenges. The resulting fuel shortages have led to long queues at gas stations and heightened instability. In response, several Western embassies, including those of the United States and France, have advised their citizens to leave the country. Mali, along with neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, has been under military rule following coups in recent years, with leaders promising improved security. However, analysts note that the security situation in the Sahel region has deteriorated significantly, with record levels of attacks and civilian casualties attributed to both Islamic militants and government forces.
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British journalist Sami Hamdi reunited with family after release from Ice detention
British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi has been reunited with his family following his release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. Hamdi arrived in London on Thursday, three weeks after being detained by ICE agents during a speaking tour in the United States. The detention occurred despite Hamdi entering the U.S. on a valid visitor visa on October 19. His visa was abruptly revoked on October 24 without prior notice, according to Zahraa Billo, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA).
Hamdi was accused of overstaying his visa on October 26 while at San Francisco International Airport. He was subsequently transferred to the Golden State Annex in McFarland, California, where he was held in a cell with approximately 80 other detainees. Hamdi reported being denied medical care for severe abdominal pain until his condition gained media attention.
During a hearing on Monday, Hamdi and the U.S. government reached an agreement for his voluntary departure from the country. Upon his return to London, Hamdi stated, ‘What they want is to ensure that people like us don’t go to America. And we will defy them and we will exert our constitutional rights and speak truth against hatred.’
Hamdi’s detention is part of a broader pattern of ICE targeting individuals, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Earlier this year, Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil, and Georgetown University postdoctoral scholar Badar Khan Suri were all detained by ICE without criminal charges. Columbia University students Yunseo Chung and Ranjani Srinivasan were also targeted, with Srinivasan leaving the U.S. voluntarily after her student visa was revoked.
Hamdi’s case has sparked concerns about freedom of speech and the treatment of activists in the U.S. He alleged that the U.S. government is ‘trying to curb freedom of speech because there’s a concern among the extremist Israeli lobby that American public opinion is shifting.’ His detention highlights ongoing tensions surrounding activism and immigration enforcement in the United States.
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UK charity regulator opens case into right-wing Policy Exchange think-tank
The UK’s Charity Commission has initiated a compliance case into Policy Exchange, a prominent think-tank, following a detailed complaint by the Good Law Project. The 27-page complaint alleges that Policy Exchange, registered as a charity, has violated charity law by engaging in partisan activities rather than fulfilling its stated mission of non-partisan public education. The think-tank, founded in 2002 by Conservative MPs, is accused of lobbying, influencing government policy, and producing biased reports. The Good Law Project claims that Policy Exchange’s activities are primarily aimed at policymakers, politicians, and journalists, rather than educating the public in a balanced manner. The complaint also highlights the think-tank’s focus on right-wing politics, including a year-long festival celebrating Margaret Thatcher’s centenary and its controversial stance on transgender issues. Policy Exchange has been influential in shaping counter-terrorism policies and was a key promoter of the discredited ‘Trojan Horse’ narrative, which falsely accused Muslim teachers of plotting to Islamize Birmingham schools. Despite the controversy, Policy Exchange continues to produce reports on topics such as Islamophobia and Churchill’s legacy. The Good Law Project has urged the Charity Commission to take action, warning of potential legal challenges if the regulator fails to address the alleged breaches.
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Shanghai youth center evolves to mental health support network
The Shanghai Youth Online Public Service Center, initially established in 2005 as a local counseling service, has grown into a robust mental health support network, serving over 594,000 individuals and addressing critical emergencies. The center offers a wide range of services through multiple channels, including the 12355 hotline, online platforms, face-to-face consultations, and crisis intervention. Wu Zhihui, the center’s director general, emphasized the platform’s comprehensive approach, which includes mental health support, legal consultation, and youth rights protection. The center handles approximately 300 calls daily, with peaks reaching 500, reflecting a significant shift in public attitudes toward mental health. Wu noted that the increasing call volume, rather than being a cause for concern, indicates a growing awareness and willingness to seek help. The center has shifted its focus toward preventive measures and early intervention, maintaining rigorous professional standards. All volunteer counselors are required to hold certifications in psychological counseling or social work, pass strict examinations, and undergo background checks. The diverse volunteer team, ranging from individuals in their 20s to 70s, with an average age of 40, underscores the center’s broad appeal and expertise. A notable trend is the increasing number of direct calls from teenagers themselves, rather than their parents, with children as young as 13-14 and university students reaching out for support. The service has expanded beyond Shanghai, assisting callers from other provinces through both online chat services and offline counseling. The center has handled various critical situations, including rescuing a teenager trapped in Myanmar, addressing adolescent depression, and responding to domestic violence cases. Song Yaru, a 79-year-old psychological counseling expert with nearly two decades of experience at the center, shared a memorable case involving a suicidal 26-year-old. The young man later told her, ‘Seeing how you’re still helping others at your age makes me believe I too can live a good life.’ Song expressed her dedication to the center, motivated purely by her commitment to youth work. He Lingfeng, a psychology professor at Shanghai University of Sports and a counseling expert on 12355, highlighted the platform’s broader impact. With over 1,300 volunteer counselors and experts, the 12355 team has become increasingly professional, serving not only as a social service but also as a valuable platform for talent development and practical psychology training.