Dubai-based retail conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim has introduced its new discount grocery brand, Sava, marking a significant expansion in the UAE’s retail sector. The company inaugurated its flagship store in Deira on Wednesday, with a second outlet opening in Murjan Tower at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). Two additional stores are set to launch this week, with plans to establish 10 locations across the UAE by the end of the year. This move follows the closure of several Carrefour branches in the region, including one in Al Nahda, Dubai, which is currently undergoing renovation to rebrand as Sava. Majid Al Futtaim has also replaced Carrefour stores in Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan with its new hypermarket brand, HyperMax. However, the company has confirmed that Carrefour operations in the UAE will continue for now. Sava aims to redefine value in grocery retailing, offering over 1,600 products and 160 weekly deals to help customers maximize their budgets without sacrificing quality. Majid Al Futtaim, which operates 29 shopping malls across the Middle East, including Mall of the Emirates and Mall of Egypt, emphasized its commitment to innovation in the grocery retail sector through this launch.
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US strikes alleged drug boat in the Pacific – report
The United States has significantly escalated its counter-narcotics efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean, deploying substantial air and naval assets, as well as troops, to combat drug trafficking in the region. According to CBS, US forces recently targeted another vessel suspected of carrying drugs, this time in the Pacific Ocean. Two US officials reported that two or three individuals aboard the vessel were likely killed in the strike. If confirmed, this would mark the eighth such operation since September 2, and the first in the Caribbean. The BBC has reached out to the White House, Pentagon, and State Department for comments. A leaked memo to US lawmakers revealed that the Trump administration has classified its actions as part of a ‘non-international armed conflict’ against drug-trafficking organizations, several of which have been designated as terrorist groups by the US government. Since the operations began, at least 34 people have been killed, including in a recent strike on a semi-submersible submarine in the Caribbean. Two survivors from that incident were repatriated to Colombia and Ecuador, with Ecuador releasing one individual due to lack of evidence. The other remains hospitalized. President Donald Trump has defended the strikes as essential measures against drug trafficking, while also escalating tensions with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, whom he accused of promoting drug production. Trump announced the cessation of US subsidies to Colombia, a long-standing ally. The Pacific coastlines of Colombia and Ecuador are key transit points for cocaine bound for the US, with the Caribbean also seeing a rise in drug trafficking activity. Despite the deployment of 10,000 US troops and numerous military assets to the region, details about the identities of those killed and their alleged affiliations remain scarce.
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Corbyn demands Lisa Nandy retract ‘misleading’ Maccabi Tel Aviv smears against MPs
Former Labour leader and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn has accused Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy of making “grossly misleading” statements in parliament regarding the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a November match against Aston Villa. Corbyn’s letter, revealed by the Guardian, highlights police intelligence that contradicts Nandy’s claims, asserting that the ban was primarily due to the risk of violence posed by Maccabi fans, not their Israeli or Jewish identity. Labour ministers have called for the ban’s reversal, labeling it antisemitic. Police intelligence, supported by Dutch authorities, indicated that Maccabi fans had previously attacked random Muslims in Amsterdam, raising concerns about potential violence in Birmingham. West Midlands Police also noted local Jewish support for the ban, fearing reprisals from residents. Nandy defended the ban in parliament, emphasizing the safety of Maccabi fans due to their Israeli and Jewish identity. Corbyn, however, insisted the ban was not about religion but about public safety, urging Nandy to retract her comments. Independent MPs, including Ayoub Khan and Iqbal Mohamed, criticized the conflation of antisemitism with the ban, highlighting the fans’ violent history. Maccabi Tel Aviv later announced it would not sell tickets to its fans for the Birmingham match, following a history of violence and hate speech in European cities, including a recent ban in Amsterdam.
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Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge handles over 93 million passenger trips in seven years
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a monumental infrastructure project connecting Hong Kong, Macao, and Zhuhai, has facilitated over 93.34 million passenger trips since its inauguration in October 2018. According to the bridge’s border inspection station, the Zhuhai port alone has seen a steady increase in traffic, with 12.88 million passenger trips and 860,000 vehicle trips recorded in 2019. By 2024, these figures surged to 27 million passenger trips and 5.55 million vehicle trips, with 2025 projections estimating over 30 million passenger trips and 6 million vehicle trips. Chen Faqiu, head of the inspection station, attributed this growth to the bridge’s role in enhancing regional connectivity and tourism. The 55-kilometer bridge, the world’s longest sea crossing, has significantly reduced travel time between Hong Kong and Zhuhai/Macao from three hours to approximately 45 minutes. This efficiency has spurred tourism, with mainland visitors accounting for over 10.15 million trips this year, including 4.6 million tourist visa holders. The bridge continues to serve as a vital link, fostering economic and cultural exchange across the region.
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Mainland spokesperson calls for cross-Strait joint efforts to resist external challenges
A spokesperson from the Chinese mainland has emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation across the Taiwan Strait in advanced technological sectors, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), while criticizing Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for prioritizing political gains over the island’s industrial competitiveness. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made these remarks during a press briefing on Wednesday, addressing concerns over the challenges faced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in the United States. Zhu highlighted the rapid development of the mainland’s high-tech industries, which she said offers a robust foundation and vast opportunities for cross-Strait collaboration. She pointed out that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, a key competitive sector, could benefit significantly from such cooperation. However, Zhu accused the DPP authorities of leveraging the industry as a political bargaining chip, aligning it with U.S. interests at the expense of Taiwan’s economic autonomy. She called for unified efforts between the mainland and Taiwan to deepen integrated development and jointly counter external risks and challenges.
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‘We have always been Chinese’ — Taiwan youth speaks out
In a heartfelt address during the 80th anniversary commemoration of Taiwan’s retrocession, Lin Ching-mao, a young resident of Changhua, Taiwan, voiced strong opposition to the ‘de-Sinicization’ movements on the island. Lin emphasized that historical evidence unequivocally supports the notion that ‘Taiwan people have always been Chinese.’ This statement comes amidst ongoing debates about Taiwan’s identity and its historical ties to mainland China. Lin’s speech highlighted the shared history and cultural bonds that link Taiwan to China, underscoring the importance of unity and mutual understanding. The event served as a platform for reaffirming the enduring connection between Taiwan and the broader Chinese nation, despite the complexities of contemporary political discourse.
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Palestinian bodies released by Israel came from infamous Sde Teiman detention centre
Recent revelations have uncovered harrowing details of human rights violations at the Sde Teiman detention centre in Israel, where Palestinian detainees have reportedly been subjected to systematic torture, abuse, and organ theft. Muneer al-Boursh, director general of the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, disclosed in an interview with Al Jazeera that forensic examinations of 195 Palestinian bodies returned by Israel showed signs of severe mistreatment, including crush injuries, strangulation, burns, and lacerations. Some remains bore evidence of autopsies, while others were missing organs, reigniting fears of illegal organ harvesting—a practice Israel admitted to in 2009 but claims to have ended in the 1990s. The bodies were handed over as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza, which stipulates the exchange of remains and prisoners. Since the Gaza genocide began in October 2023, thousands of Palestinians have been detained at Sde Teiman, often without charge. Reports from media outlets like Middle East Eye, CNN, and the New York Times have documented widespread abuse, including torture, rape, and killings. Human rights organizations, including Israel’s B’Tselem, have condemned the facility, labeling it a ‘torture camp.’ The Red Cross facilitated the transfer of 15 Palestinian bodies, bringing the total returned to 165, with an expected 400 to be exchanged. The ceasefire, reached two weeks ago, aims to end the war on Gaza and address prisoner exchanges. However, allegations of abuse and deaths in custody continue to surface, with 80 Palestinian detainees confirmed dead since October 2023. The international community has called for accountability, but the situation remains dire as fresh reports of torture emerge even after the ceasefire.
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Judge orders former South African President Zuma to repay $1.6 million in legal fees
In a significant legal ruling, the Pretoria High Court has mandated former South African President Jacob Zuma to reimburse the Office of the State Attorney 28.9 million rand (approximately $1.6 million) for legal fees accrued during his private litigations. The court, presided over by Judge Anthony Millar, has given Zuma a 60-day ultimatum to settle the debt, warning that failure to comply could result in the seizure of his assets, including his presidential pension. This decision underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on holding public officials accountable for misusing state resources. Zuma, who led South Africa from 2009 to 2018, has been entangled in numerous legal battles, primarily concerning corruption allegations and the misuse of public funds. Initially, the state covered his legal expenses, but subsequent rulings by the Gauteng High Court in December 2018 and the Supreme Court of Appeal in April 2021 clarified that such expenditures must be repaid by the individual. Court documents reveal that interest on approximately 18.9 million rand (about $1 million) will accrue from January 25, 2024, until the debt is settled. Zuma’s legal woes are compounded by his 2021 imprisonment for contempt of court and ongoing charges related to a controversial arms deal from 1999. Additionally, his expulsion from the African National Congress in 2024 and the formation of his new political party, uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), have further complicated his political legacy. Following the court’s decision, the MKP announced that Zuma will address the nation on Thursday, though details remain scarce.
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World’s first living human receives gene-edited pig liver, surviving 171 Days
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Chinese surgeons have successfully performed the world’s first transplant of a gene-edited pig liver into a living human patient, who survived for 171 days post-operation. This historic procedure, detailed in the Journal of Hepatology, represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical shortage of human donor organs. The operation was conducted by a team from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, utilizing a pig liver developed by researchers from Yunnan Agricultural University. The donor pig underwent rigorous pathogen screening and a complex 10-gene modification process, which included knocking out three genes responsible for rapid antibody-mediated rejection and inserting seven human genes to enhance immune acceptance and prevent blood clotting complications. The transplant was performed on May 17, 2024, on a 71-year-old patient with an unresectable liver tumor. The pig liver was transplanted as an auxiliary organ to support the patient’s native liver. Initial post-surgery results were promising, with no signs of acute rejection for the first 31 days. However, complications arose on day 38 due to blood clots in the small vessels of the transplanted organ, leading to its removal. The patient later experienced recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding and passed away on day 171. Despite the limited survival, this case demonstrates the potential of xenotransplantation as a bridge therapy for patients awaiting human liver transplants. The review article in the journal emphasizes that while this operation does not yet enable widespread clinical use of pig livers, it establishes proof-of-concept that such grafts can function in humans.
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Ronaldo rested as Al-Nassr beats Goa 2-1 in Asian Champions League 2
In a thrilling encounter in the Asian Champions League Two, Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr secured a 2-1 victory against FC Goa on Wednesday, maintaining their flawless record in the tournament. Despite the absence of their star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who remained in Riyadh for rest, Al-Nassr showcased their depth and resilience. Brazilian winger Angelo Gabriel and Haroune Camara netted crucial goals to give the Saudi side the lead, while Brison Fernandes managed to pull one back for Goa, though it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome. This victory marked Al-Nassr’s third consecutive win in Asia’s second-tier continental club championship. Meanwhile, in the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Hilal continued their dominant run with a 3-1 triumph over Qatar’s Al-Sadd. Turkish midfielder Yusuf Akcicek opened the scoring in the 25th minute, followed by a goal from former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly just before halftime. Although Roberto Firmino reduced the deficit for Al-Sadd in the second half, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic sealed the win for Al-Hilal in the 81st minute. Al-Hilal, a four-time champion, now leads the western group of the 24-team tournament, which is divided into two geographic zones. The top eight teams from each zone will advance to the knockout stage. In other matches, South Korean clubs Ulsan HD and Gangwon FC emerged victorious over their Japanese counterparts, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Vissel Kobe, respectively. Additionally, former AC Milan coach Sergio Conceição celebrated his first win as the head of Saudi club Al-Ittihad with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq’s Al-Shorta.