Chinese culinary preferences are increasingly shaping global partnerships, as evidenced by the recent release of Dianping’s 2025 Must-Eat List. This year, Dubai became the first Middle Eastern city to feature on the prestigious list, with ten local restaurants earning a spot. The list, which highlights high-quality dining experiences based on authentic user reviews, underscores the growing influence of Chinese diners on the global food scene. Since its inception in 2017, the Must-Eat List has expanded to over 3,000 cities worldwide, covering more than 100 million merchants. In 2024 alone, the platform garnered nearly 400 million user reviews, reflecting its widespread impact. The inclusion of Dubai on the list marks a significant milestone, driven by the increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting the UAE. According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the city welcomed 824,000 Chinese tourists in 2024, a 31% increase from the previous year. This surge in tourism has been accompanied by a 500% rise in Chinese user reviews of Dubai’s cuisine over the past year. The selected restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines, including Arabian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, African fusion, and American dishes. Shahab Shayan, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasized the importance of the Chinese market to Dubai’s tourism strategy. ‘China has always been one of Dubai’s most important source markets,’ he said. ‘Through our ‘China Ready’ strategy, we are committed to providing a seamless experience for Chinese visitors, from visa-free access to Mandarin-speaking services and convenient digital payments.’ The strategic partnership between Dubai and Meituan, the parent company of Dianping, aims to enhance the digital transformation of local food and tourism services. Ou Boqian, Chinese Consul-General in Dubai, highlighted the role of cuisine in fostering mutual understanding between China and the UAE. ‘This list helps people understand Dubai’s soul through its cuisine and fosters mutual understanding,’ she said. ‘We expect more Chinese enterprises like Meituan to bring technological and cultural innovation to the UAE, boosting bilateral relations.’ Beyond Dubai, the Must-Eat List expanded to 14 new cities, including Fukuoka, Sydney, and London, with first-time inclusions from the UAE, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. The total number of selected restaurants increased by 50% year-on-year, with Hong Kong, Macao, Tokyo, Osaka, and Singapore leading the list. An Tianlei, responsible for Dianping’s Must-Eat List, noted that the list is tailored to Chinese diners’ tastes while showcasing global flavors. ‘We’ve also launched an English version of our app to help foreign diners explore Chinese cuisine, turning taste into a two-way cooperation tool,’ he said. Mao Fang, Vice-President of Meituan, emphasized the broader significance of the Must-Eat List. ‘The language of taste knows no borders,’ she said. ‘This list isn’t just about recommending restaurants. We aim to build a food bridge that strengthens cooperation and connections between China and the world, rooted in shared culinary appreciation.’
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UGC Season 3 Player Auction approaches amid heightened DP World Tour spotlight
As the global golfing community gears up for the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, featuring luminaries like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, the spotlight also shines brightly on Dubai’s social golf scene. The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) Season 3 is poised to elevate the excitement with its upcoming Player Auction, scheduled for December 5, 2025, at The Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club. This event marks a pivotal moment for the UAE’s premier franchise-based team competition, which has rapidly become a cornerstone of the region’s golfing calendar. Season 3 promises to be the most ambitious yet, with an expanded roster of 160 players across 10 teams, each comprising 16 golfers, including a mandatory inclusion of at least two female players. The Player Auction will see team principals and mentors vying to secure eight new players while retaining eight from the previous season, ensuring a balanced mix of skill across low, mid, and high handicap categories. Players eager to participate must register by December 1, 2025, with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility criteria include a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency for at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. Those not selected at the auction will receive a full refund. Kunal Seth, Commissioner of the Ultimate Golf Challenge, emphasized the urgency for players to register, stating, “With fewer than three weeks to go, players must act now to secure their spot in what promises to be the most inclusive and competitive season yet.” The tournament will kick off on February 5, 2026, at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and will continue across four rounds at premier Dubai courses, culminating on May 7 at the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club. The season will conclude with a prize distribution ceremony and an after-party, celebrating champions and standout performers. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, outstanding individuals, daily brilliance awards, and the best lady golfer, recognizing excellence, skill, and style on the course.
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Cultivation in Yunnan paves the way for ‘durian freedom’
In a groundbreaking development for China’s agricultural sector, Yunnan province has successfully trialed the cultivation of durians, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Known as the ‘king of tropical fruits,’ durians have traditionally been imported from countries like Thailand and Vietnam to meet China’s high demand. However, recent trials in Jinghong city and Mengla county, located in the Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, have yielded promising results. Local farmers, including Jia Guohua from Mengla, have shared videos of their ripened durians, with Jia’s tree producing 16 fruits this year—a surprising outcome from a seed he had discarded a decade ago. This breakthrough could significantly reduce China’s reliance on imports and pave the way for ‘durian freedom,’ making the fruit more accessible and affordable for Chinese consumers. The success of these trials highlights Yunnan’s potential as a key agricultural hub for tropical fruits, offering economic opportunities for local farmers and contributing to food security in the region.
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US aircraft carrier group arrives in Caribbean
The US Navy has confirmed the arrival of a formidable naval strike force in the Caribbean, led by the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship. This deployment, ordered by President Donald Trump last month, coincides with ongoing US military operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels and escalating tensions with Venezuela. The strike group, which entered the area of responsibility of US Southern Command on November 11, includes the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, guided-missile destroyers, and various support vessels. The carrier alone houses over 4,000 sailors and dozens of aircraft, significantly enhancing US military capabilities in the region. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that the force aims to bolster the US capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit activities, particularly narcotics trafficking, which threatens the safety and prosperity of the nation. This deployment joins substantial military assets already stationed in the region, including thousands of troops, a nuclear-powered submarine, and military aircraft based in Puerto Rico, marking the largest US military presence in Latin America in decades. The US has conducted at least 19 strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, resulting in 76 fatalities. These operations have drawn criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who accuses the US of fabricating a crisis to destabilize Venezuela’s socialist government. Concerns have also been raised by observers regarding potential human rights violations and lack of due process. President Trump, however, defended the strikes, claiming they are essential to curbing drug trafficking into the US. In a recent interview, Trump refused to rule out the possibility of land-based strikes, further fueling speculation about US intentions in the region.
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Turkish military cargo plane crashes with at least 20 on board
A Turkish military cargo plane carrying at least 20 individuals has crashed near the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, according to Turkey’s defence ministry. The C-130 aircraft, en route from Azerbaijan to Turkey, disappeared from radar without issuing a distress signal, as reported by Georgia’s aviation authority. The crash occurred near Sighnaghi, approximately 5 kilometers from Azerbaijan. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with emergency services on site and wreckage visible in images from the scene. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences to ‘our martyrs,’ though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack also extended their sympathies to the victims’ families and the Turkish people. The C-130, a widely used US-made transport plane, is a staple in air forces globally.
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Indigenous groups get the spotlight at UN climate talks, but some say visibility isn’t power
The COP30 United Nations climate talks, held in Belem, Brazil, were dubbed the “Indigenous peoples COP” with promises to center Indigenous voices. However, the event’s opening was marred by a power outage, symbolizing the broader challenges faced by Indigenous participants. Despite the setback, attendees persevered, using paper fans and improvising without microphones during songs, dances, and prayers. Indigenous groups, who safeguard much of the world’s biodiversity and are disproportionately affected by climate change, expressed skepticism about whether their voices would truly be heard. Thalia Yarina Cachimuel, a Kichwa-Otavalo delegate, highlighted the systemic barriers Indigenous people face, stating they must work “10 times harder” to be included in spaces not designed for them. The Brazilian government’s decision to host the summit near the Amazon rainforest was seen as a nod to Indigenous communities’ sustainable practices. However, logistical challenges, such as limited lodging and language barriers, hindered robust participation. Edson Krenak of Cultural Survival noted the frustration of being excluded from policy development but expected to comply with decisions. Despite these hurdles, some remained hopeful. Lucas Che Ical of Ak’Tenamit emphasized the need for direct funding to Indigenous communities and expressed optimism that this COP could yield meaningful results. The summit’s focus on implementing past promises rather than forging new agreements underscored the ongoing struggle for Indigenous inclusion in global climate negotiations.
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Ruud Gullit brings AC Milan Golf Collection to Dubai
Dutch football icon Ruud Gullit, renowned for his 1988 Ballon d’Or win and pivotal role in AC Milan’s history, has brought the AC Milan Golf Collection to Dubai for its Middle Eastern debut. The three-day event, held at Jumeirah Golf Estates, coincides with the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Launched earlier this summer, the premium collection merges Milanese elegance with high-performance golf apparel, reflecting AC Milan’s legacy as a cultural and sporting powerhouse. During his visit, Gullit participated in the Rolex Pro-Am on the Earth course, donning the stylish collection, and will engage in a Short-Game Challenge alongside American golf influencer Bradford Wilson as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30 initiative. The AC Milan Golf Collection is the first release under Clubhouse, AC Milan’s innovative platform bridging football with fashion, design, music, and the arts. Valerio Rocchetti, AC Milan’s Director of Licencing, Retail and E-Commerce, emphasized the collection’s alignment with the club’s identity and its growing presence in the Middle East. AC Milan’s regional ties are further solidified through partnerships like Emirates Airline and the establishment of Casa Milan Dubai in 2023, a hub dedicated to engaging the club’s expanding fanbase in the region.
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Mashriq Elite breaks ground for fifth residential project Floarea Skies in JVC
Mashriq Elite Real Estate Developments has officially commenced construction on its fifth residential project, Floarea Skies, in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), a prime location in Dubai’s thriving property market. The 23-floor development, situated in District 10, will offer 192 premium yet affordable apartments, catering to the high demand in JVC, which has consistently led in sales transactions in 2024 and the first three quarters of 2025. The project is set for completion by Q4 2027. Floarea Skies will feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from Dh666,000 for a studio, Dh1,069,000 for a one-bedroom, and Dh1,499,000 for a two-bedroom unit. Strategically located at the entry/exit point of JVC, the development boasts proximity to key landmarks such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Marina, and Mall of Emirates, all within a 10-25 minute travel radius. The project also introduces a range of luxury amenities, including a Rooftop Infinity Pool, Zen Garden, Mini Golf, and a fully equipped Gymnasium, setting a new standard for community living. With Dubai’s property market witnessing a surge in demand driven by population growth and global investor interest, Mashriq Elite plans to add over 1,200 residential units across Dubai in the next two years, including projects in Discovery Gardens, Arjan, and Dubai Land Residential Complex.
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Veteran actor Prem Chopra recovering after viral infection
Renowned Bollywood actor Prem Chopra, aged 90, is currently recuperating at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital following a viral infection and age-related health complications. The veteran star, celebrated for his iconic villainous roles in over 380 films, was admitted two days ago under the care of cardiologist Dr. Nitin Gokhale. Dr. Jalil Parkar, who is overseeing his treatment, confirmed that Chopra is not in the ICU but is being monitored in the hospital ward. ‘He is a known case of cardiac ailment and also had a viral infection, which is why I’m treating him for the lungs,’ Dr. Parkar stated. While recovery is slower due to his advanced age, Chopra is expected to be discharged within three to four days. ‘He should be fine and go home soon,’ the doctor added. Chopra’s son-in-law, actor Sharman Joshi, reassured fans that there is no cause for concern, stating, ‘All good, thank you, just some tests, back tomorrow.’ Chopra’s illustrious career spans over six decades, making him a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
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King of Pop is back: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ climbs to Hot 100
Michael Jackson’s iconic album ‘Thriller’ has made a triumphant return to the Billboard Hot 100, securing the No. 10 spot following the 2025 Halloween season. This remarkable achievement solidifies Jackson’s unparalleled legacy, making him the first artist in history to achieve Top 10 hits across six consecutive decades—spanning the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and now the 2020s. Rising from No. 32, ‘Thriller’ has not only re-entered the charts but also set a new record for chart longevity, surpassing the previous record held by Andy Williams, who had Top 10 hits across five decades. Jackson’s journey to the Top 10 began in November 1971 with his solo debut ‘Got to Be There.’ Over his illustrious career, he amassed 30 Top 10 hits, including 13 chart-toppers. His last Top 10 appearance was in 2018 as a featured artist on Drake’s ‘Don’t Matter to Me.’ The resurgence of ‘Thriller’ coincides with the upcoming release of the highly anticipated biopic ‘Michael,’ directed by Antoine Fuqua and set to premiere on April 24, 2026. The film, starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, promises to delve into the life and legacy of the global icon, offering fans an intimate portrayal of his journey to becoming the King of Pop. With a stellar supporting cast including Miles Teller, Larenz Tate, and Laura Harrier, and produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McLain, ‘Michael’ is poised to be a cinematic tribute to an artist whose influence continues to resonate worldwide.