The 12th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 1, 2025, with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in attendance. Speaking at the event, Dong emphasized the significance of the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus mechanism, highlighting the increasing interconnectedness of regional nations and the growing demand for peace and development amidst emerging threats. Dong underscored the importance of the Global Governance Initiative, which aligns with the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, offering Chinese solutions to global challenges. He called for countries to remain committed to peace and cooperation, seek common ground, and work together for shared development and stability. Dong reaffirmed China’s support for ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture and expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with regional countries to maintain peace, resolve differences through dialogue, and enhance open cooperation. He also pledged China’s continued contribution to ADMM-Plus security cooperation and the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. Additionally, Dong held discussions with defense leaders from South Korea, Japan, and Australia during the event.
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UAE: Are employees entitled to sick leave for depression, mental health issues?
In a significant clarification of employee rights in the UAE, workers diagnosed with mental health conditions such as clinical depression are entitled to sick leave under the country’s employment laws. According to Article 31 (1) of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, employees must notify their employer within three working days of falling ill and provide a medical report from a recognized healthcare provider. This provision applies to both physical and mental health conditions, ensuring that mental illnesses are treated with the same seriousness as physical ailments. Employees who have completed their probation period are eligible for up to 90 days of sick leave annually. This leave can be taken continuously or intermittently and is structured as follows: the first 15 days are fully paid, the next 30 days are half-paid, and the remaining period is unpaid. The law does not explicitly exclude mental health conditions, meaning a certified diagnosis of depression qualifies for sick leave. Employees facing resistance from their employers despite valid documentation can escalate the matter to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for resolution. This legal framework underscores the UAE’s commitment to employee welfare and mental health awareness, aligning with global trends in workplace inclusivity and support.
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Can you buy property in UAE with no down payment? What the law says
In the UAE, the legality of purchasing property with a zero percent down payment has sparked significant interest among potential buyers. While some real estate agents promote such offers, it is crucial to understand the legal framework governing these transactions. The UAE Central Bank’s mortgage regulations play a pivotal role in shaping these practices. According to Article 3 of the UAE Central Bank Regulations on Mortgage Loans (Notice No. 226/2013), buyers are required to contribute a minimum amount when financing property through a bank mortgage. For UAE nationals, the maximum Loan to Value (LTV) ratio varies based on the property’s value and purpose. For instance, first-time owner-occupiers can secure up to 85% financing for properties valued at Dh5 million or less, while expatriates are limited to 80% for the same category. For properties exceeding Dh5 million, the LTV ratios drop to 75% for nationals and 70% for expatriates. Additionally, off-plan properties are subject to a maximum LTV of 50%, reflecting the higher risks associated with such investments. These regulations make zero percent down payment offers through bank mortgages legally impermissible. However, real estate developers may offer alternative payment plans that bypass traditional mortgage structures. In such cases, buyers pay instalments directly to the developer, potentially avoiding the Central Bank’s mortgage rules. While this approach may seem appealing, buyers must exercise caution. It is essential to scrutinize the payment schedule, handover terms, and any hidden finance charges that developers might impose. Legal expert Ashish Mehta emphasizes the importance of due diligence in such transactions. As the founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, he advises potential buyers to thoroughly understand the terms and seek professional guidance before committing to any property purchase. For further inquiries, readers can contact Khaleej Times or visit www.amalawyers.com.
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India notches easy five-wicket win against Australia in third T20
In a thrilling display of aggressive batting, Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 49 off 23 balls powered India to a series-leveling five-wicket victory over Australia in the third Twenty20 international on Sunday. The match, held in Hobart, saw India chase down Australia’s total of 186-6 with nine balls to spare. Sundar’s explosive innings, featuring four sixes and three fours, overshadowed Australia’s strong performances from Tim David (74 off 38) and Marcus Stoinis (64 off 39). The win came after Australia had won the second match of the five-game series, while the first was washed out due to rain. India made three changes to their lineup, including the inclusion of left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who claimed 3-35, and Jitesh Sharma, who played his first T20 since January 2024. Nathan Ellis (3-36) was Australia’s standout bowler, but Sundar’s dominance in the chase ensured India’s triumph. The series continues with the fourth match on Thursday and concludes in Brisbane on Saturday.
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Venice revives a quarter-mile floating bridge to island cemetery for All Souls’ Day mourners
Venice, Italy – In a poignant revival of a long-dormant tradition, the city of Venice has once again constructed a temporary floating bridge to connect the mainland to San Michele Island, the historic cemetery where luminaries like American poet Ezra Pound and Russian composer Igor Stravinsky rest. This year, the 407-meter (quarter-mile) bridge, known as the ‘Votif’ Bridge, allowed Venetians to walk across the lagoon to pay their respects to the deceased on All Souls’ Day, a Catholic holiday dedicated to honoring the dead.
The tradition, which dates back centuries, originally involved using Venetian ‘peata’ boats lashed together with walking planks. However, the practice was discontinued in the 1950s as public water buses made the island more accessible. After a seven-decade hiatus, the bridge was reintroduced in 2019 using a modern modular pontoon design. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted plans to make it an annual event, the city successfully revived the tradition this year.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized the significance of the bridge, calling it a ‘concrete journey’ that reconnects history with the living. ‘It’s not fake, not philosophical. By foot, over the water, it’s a beautiful route that makes you understand a lot about Venice,’ he said. The bridge, which arches to allow boat traffic, is the longest of Venice’s temporary bridges, surpassing those built for the Feast of the Redentore and the Feast of the Madonna della Salute.
The bridge opened on Thursday, November 1, in anticipation of All Souls’ Day on November 2. Initially reserved for residents, it will open to tourists on Monday. Antonio Vespignani, a local resident, shared his thoughts: ‘I usually don’t go to the cemetery for various reasons, but I’m taking advantage of this very rare circumstance. It’s a way for me to visit my loved ones.’
San Michele Island, established as a cemetery in 1807 under Napoleon’s decree, remains Venice’s principal burial ground despite the city’s population shift to the mainland. The island’s 15th-century church lends its name to the cemetery, which was expanded by filling in a neighboring canal. For visitors like Zhang Miao, a Chinese tourist, the bridge offered a convenient and free return to the mainland after an unexpected visit to the cemetery.
This revival of the floating bridge tradition not only honors the dead but also underscores Venice’s enduring connection to its history and cultural heritage.
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Why UAE Flag Day is celebrated on November 3; how teen found out his design was chosen
On November 3, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) commemorates Flag Day, a momentous occasion that unites millions of residents and citizens in a display of national pride. The day is marked by the hoisting of the UAE flag at 11 a.m. sharp, as urged by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This annual event, first celebrated in 2013, honors the accession of the UAE’s second president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and celebrates the nation’s remarkable progress and unity.
The UAE flag, a symbol of belonging and identity, was designed by a 19-year-old Emirati, Abdulla Mohammed Al Ma’enah, in 1971. Inspired by a poem by Safi-u-ddin Al Hali, Al Ma’enah crafted a design that incorporated four colors, each with profound significance: red for bravery and courage, green for growth and prosperity, white for peace and goodness, and black for strength and rejection of injustice. His design, selected from over 1,030 entries, was first hoisted on December 2, 1971, marking the formation of the UAE.
Flag Day not only celebrates the nation’s leadership and vision but also serves as a reminder of the UAE’s journey from desert sands to global prominence. The day is a testament to the unity and commitment of its people, as the flag waves proudly across homes, streets, and institutions, embodying the spirit of the Emirates.
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UAE: Artificial reefs installed in 3 emirates to boost fish stocks, food security
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to install artificial reefs across three emirates—Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. This strategic move aims to bolster fish stocks, promote sustainable fisheries, and enhance national food security while addressing the adverse effects of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems. Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MoCCAE, emphasized the importance of these efforts in safeguarding marine resources and supporting the fishing industry. The artificial reefs serve as accessible fishing grounds and provide safe habitats for marine species, thereby revitalizing biodiversity. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Artificial Caves Programme,’ launched in 2016, which focuses on creating artificial nurseries to foster fish breeding and growth. The UAE has also undertaken other significant projects, such as the ‘Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens,’ which aims to install 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals across 1,200 square kilometers of coastal and deep waters by 2030. A two-year study from 2021 to 2023 demonstrated promising results, with 17 invertebrate species and 15 fish species thriving in the newly established reef modules. These efforts underscore the UAE’s commitment to combating marine degradation and ensuring the sustainability of its marine environments.
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North Macedonia votes in second round of local election with ruling conservatives leading
In a decisive political showdown, North Macedonia held local election runoffs on Sunday, reinforcing the ruling conservative party’s overwhelming triumph from the first round. The VMRO-DPMNE party secured 33 out of 44 mayoral seats in the initial round on October 19, along with a majority of city council positions, leaving the opposition Social Democrats trailing significantly. This outcome has quashed any hopes of an early general election for the opposition. The runoffs, taking place in 37 of the country’s 81 municipalities, including the capital Skopje, saw conservative candidates leading in nearly all contests. While candidates had campaigned on promises addressing the economy, jobs, and education, the spotlight shifted to Skopje’s pressing garbage collection crisis. For weeks, trash had piled up due to operational and financial issues at the waste management company, leading to infestations of rats, flies, and stray animals. A recent incident involved a child being bitten by a rat, necessitating medical treatment. However, on election day, Skopje’s streets were unexpectedly clean, surprising residents. Over 1 million voters were eligible to participate in the runoffs, with the first round witnessing a turnout of 46.48%.
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UAE vs Iraq in Abu Dhabi: Iraqi Football Association buys all tickets for its fans
In a strategic move to ensure strong support for their national team, the Iraqi Football Association has purchased all tickets allocated to Iraqi fans for the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff match against the UAE. The match, scheduled for November 13 at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, will see Iraqi fans unable to purchase tickets directly from the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) website. This decision underscores the importance of the match as the first leg of the playoffs, with the second leg set to take place in Iraq on November 18. The aggregate winner of the two matches will advance to the intercontinental playoff, keeping alive the dreams of both teams to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The UAE team, still reeling from a recent defeat to Qatar, views this playoff as a crucial opportunity to revive their World Cup aspirations. The UAEFA has extended a warm welcome to the Iraqi team and its fans, referring to the UAE as their ‘second home.’
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Mexico: 23 people killed after fire at discount store in northwestern city
A devastating fire erupted on Saturday in a discount store in Hermosillo, a city in northwestern Mexico, resulting in the tragic loss of 23 lives, including children. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her profound condolences to the bereaved families in a heartfelt message on X, formerly known as Twitter. Sheinbaum also directed the interior minister to deploy support teams to aid the victims’ families and those injured in the blaze. Hermosillo Mayor Antonio Astiazaran confirmed the casualties in a separate post on the same platform. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, as stated by the city’s fire chief during a brief social media interview. This incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in public spaces.