In a momentous ceremony at Windsor Castle, former England football captain David Beckham was knighted by King Charles III on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The 50-year-old football legend, who earned 115 caps for England and played for renowned clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, was honored for his exceptional contributions to sport and charity. Beckham described the occasion as his “proudest moment,” reflecting on his journey from London’s east end to receiving one of the highest honors in the British monarchy. Accompanied by his wife, Victoria Beckham, and parents Ted and Sandra, Beckham donned a bespoke grey suit designed by Victoria, who herself earned the title “Lady Beckham” following the announcement of the knighthood in June. During the ceremony, Beckham shared a lighthearted exchange with King Charles, who reportedly admired his attire. Beckham expressed his deep admiration for the monarchy, stating that the knighthood surpassed all his achievements in football, fashion, and business. This recognition marks the culmination of Beckham’s decades-long efforts to establish himself as a global icon. While he was previously considered for a knighthood after aiding London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics, his nomination faced delays due to an alleged tax avoidance scheme, which was later resolved.
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Clinical Gauff dominates to eliminate Paolini in WTA Finals
Coco Gauff showcased a masterful display of tennis prowess on Tuesday, securing her first victory at the WTA Finals with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over Jasmine Paolini. The 21-year-old American, who had struggled with 17 double faults in her previous match against Jessica Pegula, significantly improved her game, committing only three double faults this time. Gauff’s strategic play and precision on the court proved too much for the eighth-seeded Italian, who was eliminated from the tournament. The defending champion quickly established a 3-0 lead in the first set, and despite Paolini’s brief resistance, Gauff maintained control, winning the set 6-3. In the second set, Gauff’s relentless strategy of forcing Paolini to cover the court paid off, as she secured back-to-back breaks to lead 5-2. The match concluded with a powerful serve from Gauff that Paolini could only return into the net. Reflecting on her performance, Gauff acknowledged the importance of the win, stating, ‘I knew today’s win was crucial to staying in the tournament. If I lost, I would have been out.’ She also credited her smart serving and noted that Paolini might not have been at her best. The victory keeps Gauff’s hopes alive in the Group Steffi Graf, where top seed Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Jessica Pegula later in the day.
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World on track to dangerous warming as emissions hit record high: UN
The United Nations has issued a stark warning that the world is on track to surpass the critical 1.5°C warming threshold within years, with planet-warming emissions reaching a new record high in 2024. Despite a wave of national commitments to reduce heat-trapping pollution, these efforts are insufficient to prevent devastating climate impacts, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The latest Emissions Gap report reveals that current pledges would limit global warming to between 2.3°C and 2.5°C by 2100—far above the safer 1.5°C target. Scientists emphasize that exceeding this threshold risks catastrophic consequences, including more intense hurricanes, floods, and irreversible climate tipping points. The report, released ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, underscores the urgent need for unprecedented emissions cuts. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for minimizing the overshoot of 1.5°C, urging major polluters to accelerate their efforts. However, the latest round of carbon-cutting targets has barely made progress, with only one-third of countries meeting the 2035 emissions reduction deadline. The report also highlights the disproportionate role of G20 economies, which account for 75% of global emissions, and the limited impact of recent climate pledges. With Earth projected to warm by 2.8°C under current policies, COP30 faces the challenge of reigniting global climate action amid geopolitical tensions and missed targets.
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Burjeel Holdings posts record Q3 revenue, net profit jumps 27.5%
Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare provider in the Middle East, has announced a record-breaking third quarter for 2025, with revenue soaring to Dh1.42 billion and net profit increasing by 27.5% year-on-year to Dh175 million. The Abu Dhabi-listed healthcare group attributed this exceptional performance to a combination of rising patient volumes, a richer case mix, and enhanced operational efficiencies across its expanding network in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. EBITDA for the quarter rose by 17.1% to Dh320 million, with margins improving to 22.5%, reflecting disciplined cost control and heightened demand for complex care services.
CEO John Sunil highlighted the results as a testament to Burjeel’s strategic investments and growing reputation in high-acuity care. ‘Our network’s strength and market positioning have enabled us to deliver clinical excellence and robust financial momentum,’ he stated. ‘We are now firmly established as the region’s foremost destination for advanced specialties, including oncology, organ transplantation, and precision medicine.’
Patient footfall reached 5.1 million in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 7.3% year-on-year increase. Inpatient volumes rose by 8.4% in Q3, driven by strong demand in oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics. The group performed over 67,000 surgeries during this period, a 10.3% increase, with bed occupancy averaging 67%. Outpatient visits also grew, rising by 4.5% in Q3 and 7.2% year-to-date, supported by new day care and physiotherapy centers.
Burjeel Medical City (BMC), the group’s flagship tertiary care hub, posted standout results with Q3 EBITDA soaring 46.8% and margins hitting an all-time high of 22%. BMC’s revenue rose by 10.9% in the first nine months, fueled by rising oncology volumes and expanded specialty services. The group also achieved several medical milestones during the quarter, including the UAE’s youngest-ever liver transplant and the GCC’s first Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump procedure, further cementing its leadership in complex and precision care.
Despite temporary restrictions on certain insurance plans, Burjeel maintained momentum through increased inflows from premium insurers and self-paying patients. This shift, combined with a rise in complex procedures, helped offset volume moderation in the basic segment. The medical centers segment also showed strong growth, with revenue up 15.8% in Q3, reflecting the ramp-up of over 40 new facilities across the UAE and KSA.
Burjeel’s balance sheet remains robust, with net debt to EBITDA at 1.9x, and recent strategic investments—including the Dh186 million acquisition of a Dubai hospital building—expected to enhance long-term asset value. Looking ahead, the group plans to continue expanding its footprint and capabilities, supported by favorable market dynamics and a robust pipeline of projects. ‘Our exceptional teams remain the driving force behind our success,’ Sunil added, ‘ensuring every patient receives world-class care.’
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King Tut’s collection displayed for first time at Egypt’s grand museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum has made history by showcasing the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures for the first time since their discovery in 1922. Over 4,500 meticulously curated artefacts, including the iconic golden mask of the young pharaoh, were unveiled to the public on Tuesday, just two days after the museum’s grand opening ceremony on Saturday. The display, housed in a vast, dimly lit hall spanning four levels, features chariots, jewelled ornaments, household items, and Tutankhamun’s personal belongings. A poignant addition to the exhibition is the public debut of two small mummified princesses, believed to be Tutankhamun’s daughters who died before birth. Tutankhamun, who died at the age of 18 or 19 between 1323 and 1324 BC, was buried in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings within three nested coffins, the smallest weighing 110kg, all encased in four gilded shrines. While the coffins are now at the museum, the mummy remains in Luxor. Visitors can also marvel at the Khufu Sun Boat, the oldest and largest wooden artefact in human history, with a second solar boat undergoing restoration. The museum, a $1-billion architectural marvel overlooking the Giza Plateau, aims to attract five million visitors annually, revitalising Egypt’s tourism sector and economy.
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Dubai flight delayed by 9 hours as Pakistan airline’s operations halt temporarily
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) experienced significant operational disruptions on Monday night, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations. The disruption was triggered by the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP), a derecognized entity, which refused to issue aircraft clearances, citing safety concerns. Among the affected flights was a Dubai-bound service from Islamabad, delayed by nine hours. PIA’s management swiftly responded, working overnight to restore operations and mitigate the impact on passengers. The airline confirmed that seven flights across major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot, faced delays ranging from four to 14 hours, while five flights were canceled. PIA emphasized its commitment to restoring full operations and prioritizing customer convenience. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the airline as it navigates challenges, including privatization efforts.
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Marco Penge’s breakthrough year: From development tour to DP World Tour star
Marco Penge, the 27-year-old English golfer from West Sussex, has cemented his place as one of the most inspiring figures in professional golf. His remarkable journey from the developmental circuits to the elite ranks of the DP World Tour and PGA Tour is a story of perseverance, talent, and self-belief. Currently ranked 29th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), Penge is competing in the prestigious $8 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, followed by the $10 million DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates. He stands second in the season-long Race to Dubai, trailing only Rory McIlroy, and has already secured dual playing privileges on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour for the 2026 season.
Penge’s professional career began in 2017 on the PGA EuroPro Tour. His breakthrough came in 2019 with a victory at the Prem Group Irish Masters, which earned him promotion to the 2020 HotelPlanner Tour. In 2023, he claimed victories at the Open de Portugal and the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final, securing his place on the DP World Tour with earnings of €190,911.67 over 27 tournaments. Despite a three-month suspension in December 2024 for breaching the European Tour’s Integrity Programme, Penge made a triumphant return in 2025 with a third-place finish at the South African Open and his first DP World Tour win at the Hainan Classic, catapulting him from 344th to 194th in the OWGR.
His stellar year continued with victories at the Danish Golf Championship in August and the Open de España in October, the latter securing his entry into the 2026 Masters and Open Championship. Penge’s success has not only elevated his career but also established him as a role model for aspiring golfers. Reflecting on his achievements, Penge shared, ‘I still have to pinch myself to believe how this year has gone.’
Looking ahead, Penge plans to relocate his family to the US in 2026 and focus on a dual schedule, including the Masters, The Open, and other Signature Events. As he prepares to tee off alongside Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Penge’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in achieving one’s dreams.
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India tribunal lifts WhatsApp data-sharing ban, upholds Meta fine
In a significant legal development, an Indian appeals tribunal has overturned a five-year ban imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices with other Meta entities. However, the tribunal upheld a $25.4 million fine against Meta, citing the company’s abuse of its dominant market position. The ban, introduced in November 2024, had prohibited WhatsApp from sharing user data with Meta for advertising purposes, prompting the messaging platform to challenge the decision, warning it might have to withdraw certain features. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) ruled that the rationale behind the ban was ‘missing altogether,’ leading to its reversal. Meta criticized the CCI for lacking the ‘technical expertise’ to assess the implications of its order. The case originated in 2021 following widespread backlash against WhatsApp’s privacy policy changes, which allegedly coerced users into accepting the updates or risk losing access to the service. A Meta spokesperson emphasized that the 2021 privacy policy update did not compromise the end-to-end encryption of personal messages. India remains Meta’s largest market, boasting the highest number of users for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp globally.
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Valentine’s precision on lightning-fast greens propels him to November OMA title at JGE
Bradley Valentine emerged victorious at the November 2025 OMA Emirates Medalford, held at the prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Fire Course. Valentine’s exceptional performance, marked by a flawless seven-under-par round of 65, was pivotal in securing his win. He attributed his success to the lightning-fast greens, which he navigated with precision and control. The event, held in partnership with Unique Holding, saw a competitive field of 97 golfers battling under ideal late-autumn conditions. In the Gross Medal Division, David Bainbridge clinched second place with a three-under-par 69, narrowly outperforming James Finnigan, who finished with a commendable 71. The handicap divisions were equally thrilling. Chris Wilmot dominated Division A with a net 68, while Martin McGuigan triumphed in Division B after a rare three-way tie. Sheila McIlroy, the club’s first Lady Captain, delivered a standout performance in the Ladies Division with a net 67, narrowly missing the overall title due to a late bogey. The Seniors Division saw Andy Speirs claim victory with a net 68, and Sean Ewing led the Stableford Division with 39 points. Cameron McWhinnie, Assistant Golf Services Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, expressed gratitude to sponsors OMA Emirates and Unique Holding, as well as the dedicated staff who ensured the event’s success. The day concluded with a gala dinner and prize presentation, marking another triumphant chapter in the Medalford series. With the DP World Tour Championship approaching, the Jumeirah Golf Estates community is now gearing up for one of the most anticipated events on the global golf calendar.
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Former US vice-president Dick Cheney dies at 84
Dick Cheney, the former US vice-president who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, passed away on Monday evening at the age of 84. His family confirmed that his death was due to complications from pneumonia, cardiac disease, and vascular conditions. Cheney, often described as one of the most powerful vice-presidents in American history, played a pivotal role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly in the decisions that led to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In recent years, Cheney became a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, aligning with his daughter Liz Cheney, who has been a prominent Republican opponent of Trump in Congress. Notably, during the 2024 election, Cheney surprised many by endorsing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and condemning Trump, marking a significant shift in his political stance. His legacy remains a subject of both admiration and controversy, reflecting his profound impact on American politics.