Ras Al Khaimah is set to transform its mountainous landscapes into a hub for active tourism with the development of 100 kilometers of hiking and biking trails over the next five years. Spearheaded by master developer Marjan, this ambitious project aims to showcase the emirate’s natural beauty while promoting outdoor activities and sustainable tourism. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. In addition to the trails, Marjan plans to host over 20,000 festival visitors annually through cultural and entertainment events, further enhancing the emirate’s appeal. The project aligns with RAK Vision 2030, which seeks to attract 3.5 million visitors annually and expand the emirate’s hospitality capacity. The announcement coincides with Marjan’s strategic merger with RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), creating a unified entity focused on real estate development, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Marjan, emphasized that the merger will drive sustainable prosperity, create high-value jobs, and reinforce Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a beacon of innovation. Among the key projects under Marjan’s portfolio are Al Marjan Island, RAK Central, Marjan Beach, and the upcoming Jebel Jais masterplan. The 85-million-square-foot Marjan Beach development, featuring 22,000 residential units and 12,000 hotel keys, is expected to accommodate 74,000 residents and 32,000 workers, with capacity for up to 180,000 visitors annually. The project also includes 6.5 million square feet of green space and eight distinct neighborhoods, further enhancing the emirate’s livability and appeal.
作者： admin
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‘Peaceful protests do not involve attacking police’
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has strongly denounced the violent incidents that erupted in Dublin on Tuesday night, emphasizing that such acts were deliberate attempts to intimidate individuals within the Citywest building. Commissioner Kelly clarified that peaceful protests should never involve aggression or attacks on law enforcement officers. The disturbances, which escalated into clashes with police, have raised concerns about public safety and the integrity of lawful demonstrations. Authorities are now investigating the incident to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the violence. The Commissioner reiterated the importance of maintaining order and ensuring that protests remain non-violent, in line with democratic principles.
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UK king to be first to pray with pope in five centuries
King Charles III of the United Kingdom is set to make history during his state visit to the Vatican, marking the first public prayer between a British monarch and a pope since the 16th-century schism between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. The visit, which began on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, will see Charles and Queen Camilla meet Pope Leo XIV for the first time since his succession in May following the passing of Pope Francis. This momentous event underscores a significant step in the reconciliation of the two Christian denominations, which have been estranged since King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church in 1534. The highlight of the visit will be an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, focusing on environmental conservation, a cause close to Charles’s heart. The service will feature a joint choir from the Sistine Chapel and Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, symbolizing unity between Anglican and Catholic traditions. Buckingham Palace described the visit as a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two churches. Additionally, Charles will be honored as a ‘Royal Confrater’ at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a gesture recognizing the spiritual connection between the denominations. The visit coincides with preparations for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a major event that attracts millions of pilgrims. However, the trip occurs amid personal challenges for the king, including new revelations about his brother Prince Andrew’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and Charles’s ongoing battle with cancer. Despite these difficulties, the monarch’s visit to the Vatican highlights his commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and unity.
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US strikes eighth alleged drug-carrying boat, this time in the Pacific Ocean
The U.S. military has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking with its eighth strike targeting an alleged drug-carrying vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in two fatalities, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday. This marks a significant expansion of the Trump administration’s campaign against South American drug cartels, shifting focus from the Caribbean to Colombia, a major cocaine producer. Hegseth emphasized the administration’s resolve, drawing parallels between the war on drug cartels and the post-9/11 war on terrorism. “Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people,” he stated, vowing no refuge or forgiveness for the cartels. The strike brings the total death toll from these operations to at least 34 since last month. The Trump administration has justified these actions by classifying drug cartels as unlawful combatants, invoking the same legal authority used in the war on terrorism. Despite the aggressive measures, the administration has refrained from prosecuting occupants of the targeted vessels, instead repatriating survivors to their home countries. The U.S. military has also bolstered its presence in the Caribbean and off Venezuela’s coast, fueling speculation about potential moves against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. While fentanyl from Mexico remains the primary driver of U.S. overdose deaths, Colombia’s cocaine, smuggled largely through the eastern Pacific, remains a critical focus of the administration’s efforts.
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Russian strikes kill six, cut power across Ukraine
In a devastating overnight assault, Russian missile strikes killed six individuals, including two children, and left 17 injured in and around Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The attack also targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, plunging thousands into darkness and cutting off heating during the harsh winter season. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, stating on social media that they underscored Russia’s lack of urgency to end the protracted conflict. The bombardment followed the cancellation of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which was intended to address the nearly four-year war. Trump had initially proposed peace talks in Budapest but later shelved the plans, citing concerns over their potential futility. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains steadfast in its refusal to cede territory, a stance supported by its European allies, who advocate for freezing the conflict along current frontlines. Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, claims its actions are aimed at demilitarizing the country and curbing NATO expansion. However, Kyiv and its allies denounce the war as an illegal land grab, responsible for tens of thousands of casualties and widespread devastation. As of now, Russia occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, much of it scarred by relentless fighting.
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2025 Xinjiang Tacheng Baktu Forum opens, strengthening regional cooperation
The 2025 Xinjiang Tacheng Baktu Forum commenced on Tuesday, uniting government officials, business leaders, and experts from China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and other nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Held under the theme of fostering development through openness and creating a shared future, the forum emphasized strengthening cross-border cooperation in trade, industry, and technology, alongside promoting cultural exchanges. Tacheng, strategically located on China’s border with Kazakhstan, serves as a vital gateway for China’s westward expansion. Its historic Baktu Port, once a key node on the ancient Silk Road, now handles 3 million metric tons of cargo annually and facilitates 500,000 border crossings. The forum spotlighted multilateral infrastructure and logistics projects, including the Baktu-Ayaguz Railway, which is expected to increase transport capacity by 25 million tons by 2027. Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia introduced a ‘twin hub’ logistics model to enhance freight connectivity with Xinjiang and explore green energy and hydrogen technology partnerships. The event culminated in the signing of 30 cooperation agreements worth 13.1 billion yuan ($1.8 billion), spanning cross-border tourism, new materials, and automotive assembly. Four thematic seminars addressed opportunities in e-commerce, logistics, cultural tourism, and institutional innovation. Tacheng aims to further develop its cross-border economic cooperation zone and solidify its role as a bridge for regional connectivity and economic integration. As the Baktu Forum becomes an annual fixture, it will continue to serve as a pivotal platform for deepening collaboration among BRI partner countries.
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Sri Lanka opposition politician shot dead inside office
In a shocking act of violence, Lasantha Wickramasekara, a prominent opposition politician in Sri Lanka, was fatally shot inside his office on Wednesday. The 38-year-old council chairman of Weligama was engaged in a meeting with constituents when an unidentified assailant stormed in and fired multiple shots from a revolver. The gunman fled the scene immediately, leaving Wickramasekara dead and no other injuries reported. Local police have launched a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrator, though the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Wickramasekara was a key member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party, which has been embroiled in a fierce political rivalry with the ruling party over control of the Weligama council. This incident marks the first assassination of a political figure since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration took office last year, vowing to curb violence and restore law and order. Sri Lanka has witnessed a sharp rise in violent crimes this year, with over 100 shootings resulting in at least 50 fatalities, many linked to drug gangs and organized crime. The assassination has raised concerns about the escalating political tensions and the government’s ability to address the growing security crisis.
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First satellite produced in Xiong’an marks industry milestone
The production of the first satellite in Xiong’an New Area, Hebei province, has been hailed as a significant milestone in the region’s aerospace industry. Dubbed Xiong’an-1, the satellite was unveiled on Wednesday at the smart satellite manufacturing pilot base of Blue Arrow Hongqing (Xiong’an) Space Technology. This achievement underscores Xiong’an’s growing prowess in smart manufacturing within the aerospace information sector and is expected to draw more enterprises to the area, further solidifying its industrial chain. The satellite boasts three key technological innovations: a high-performance onboard computer, large flexible solar wings, and a next-generation electric propulsion system. These advancements are designed to improve computing power, energy efficiency, and propulsion capabilities, paving the way for the development of high-throughput, long-life, and intelligent communication satellites. Since its inception earlier this year, Blue Arrow Hongqing has benefited from robust local government support, including streamlined registration processes and an 80 million yuan ($11 million) investment from a regional sci-tech fund, which has expedited its research and production efforts. As a cornerstone of Xiong’an’s future industries, the aerospace information sector has already attracted major players like China Satellite Network Group, fostering a comprehensive industrial ecosystem.
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Israel’s involvement in death of Moroccan opposition leader revealed
A groundbreaking new book titled *L’Affaire Ben Barka. La fin des secrets* (“The Ben Barka Affair: The End of Secrets”) has unveiled Israel’s covert involvement in the 1965 assassination of Mehdi Ben Barka, a prominent Moroccan opposition leader. Ben Barka, the exiled head of the left-wing National Union of Popular Forces (UNFP), was abducted in Paris on October 29, 1965, and his body was never recovered. While the Moroccan state had long been suspected due to Ben Barka’s opposition to King Hassan II, the book reveals the extent of Israel’s Mossad spy agency’s role in the operation. Authored by journalists Stephen Smith and Ronen Bergman, the book draws on previously classified documents to detail the collaboration between Mossad and Moroccan security forces. The operation was reportedly overseen by Ahmed Dlimi, deputy director of Moroccan security, and Rafi Eitan, a key Israeli intelligence figure. Mossad operatives allegedly procured tools and corrosive materials in Paris, including sodium hydroxide, to dispose of Ben Barka’s body. After his abduction, Ben Barka was held south of Paris and later interrogated and drowned by Dlimi, who documented the killing to confirm its completion. The book also highlights the covert ties between Morocco and Israel, which have persisted since the 1960s and were formalized in 2020 with U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This alliance has fueled trade and defense cooperation, including the transfer of F-35 jet components used in Israel’s Gaza operations, sparking widespread anger in Morocco over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
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‘Stealth husband’ of Japan’s new PM vows quiet support
In a unique approach to spousal support, Taku Yamamoto, the husband of Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has vowed to remain a ‘stealth husband,’ offering quiet support while staying out of the public eye. Yamamoto, a 73-year-old former lawmaker from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), emphasized the cultural preference for partners to avoid the spotlight in Japan, unlike in Western countries. This stance comes as Takaichi, Japan’s first female Prime Minister, assumes her role with a vision to lead the nation. Yamamoto, who has been married to Takaichi twice—first in 2004, then again in 2021 after a brief divorce—expressed his commitment to ensuring his presence does not hinder her political ambitions. The couple’s relationship has been marked by their shared political journey, including Yamamoto’s support during Takaichi’s unsuccessful bid for the LDP leadership in 2021. Despite facing health challenges, including a stroke and prostate cancer, Yamamoto continues to support Takaichi, even taking on household responsibilities like cooking. Takaichi, known for her conservative views and admiration for Margaret Thatcher, has faced criticism for her stance on gender issues, including her opposition to revising Japan’s 19th-century law requiring married couples to share the same surname. The couple’s unique dynamic, blending personal and political lives, offers a glimpse into the challenges and complexities of leadership in Japan’s political landscape.