In the competitive landscape of the UAE’s banking sector, financial institutions are increasingly turning to technology and niche markets to drive growth. Experts highlight that digital banks and financial disruptors can achieve faster expansion by focusing on underserved segments and leveraging advanced technologies to streamline operations. Saadaat Yaqub Bajwa, Director and Co-founder of Kamel Pay, emphasized the potential of targeting blue-collar workers, who constitute 50% of the UAE’s population. ‘They are underbanked and underserved, offering significant growth opportunities,’ he noted. Kamel Pay has expanded its offerings to include microfinance, loans, and B2B financing, catering specifically to this demographic. At the Banking Innovation and Technology Summit in Dubai, industry leaders discussed the rise of digital banks and open finance. Vibhor Mundhada, CEO of Neopay, stressed the importance of horizontal availability alongside niche focus, ensuring their platform supports diverse payment methods for merchants. Technology plays a pivotal role in scaling operations efficiently. Fazil Badrudeen, Head of Brand and Marketing at Vision Bank, explained how AI and automation have streamlined compliance processes, enabling the bank to handle transactions with a lean team while meeting regulatory standards. Mohamed Roushdy, CIO of Reem Finance, praised the UAE’s supportive regulatory environment, which facilitates the transition from financial services to full banking. The Central Bank’s proactive approach in approving fintech partnerships and licenses further underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation in the banking sector.
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Philippine president Marcos rejects estranged sister’s drug allegations
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has firmly rejected allegations of illicit drug use made by his estranged sister, Senator Imee Marcos, labeling them as unfounded and politically motivated. The accusations surfaced during an anti-corruption rally on Monday, where Senator Marcos claimed, without evidence, that her brother had struggled with drug addiction since their youth and that it continued to the present day. She further asserted that this alleged drug use was a catalyst for widespread corruption in the government. In response, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed the claims as ‘a story without value,’ citing a 2021 drug test taken by President Marcos during his presidential campaign, which returned negative results. This is not the first time President Marcos has faced such allegations. His predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had previously accused him of being on a ‘narco-list’ during Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao City, a claim denied by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague over alleged human rights violations during his ‘war on drugs,’ remains a polarizing figure in Philippine politics. Senator Imee Marcos, an ally of Duterte, has distanced herself from her brother and has been critical of his policies, particularly his efforts to strengthen security ties with the United States, which contrast with Duterte’s pro-China stance. President Marcos’s son, Congressman Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Marcos, defended his father, calling the allegations ‘a web of lies’ aimed at destabilizing the government. Meanwhile, President Marcos has initiated a comprehensive investigation into irregularities in infrastructure projects, particularly flood-control works, following an internal audit that revealed widespread substandard practices and corruption. The scandal has sparked public outrage, with many demanding accountability from implicated officials and lawmakers.
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‘Parasocial’ crowned Cambridge Dictionary word of 2025
The Cambridge Dictionary has declared ‘parasocial’ as its Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting the growing phenomenon of one-sided emotional connections individuals form with celebrities, influencers, and even AI chatbots. The term, which dates back to 1956, was originally coined by sociologists to describe the bond television viewers felt with on-screen personalities. Today, it has evolved to encompass the intense, often unreciprocated relationships people develop with public figures and digital entities. Lexicographers selected ‘parasocial’ amid a year marked by heightened interest in these dynamics, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into daily life. The dictionary also introduced new entries such as ‘skibidi’, ‘delulu’, and ‘tradwife’, reflecting the rapid evolution of language driven by internet culture. ‘Skibidi’, a slang term with varied meanings, can denote something cool or bad, or be used humorously. ‘Delulu’, a playful take on ‘delusional’, and ‘tradwife’, shorthand for a traditional wife who focuses on homemaking, were among the 6,212 new words and phrases added. Colin McIntosh, a lexicographer, emphasized that only words with ‘staying power’ are included, highlighting the fascinating impact of internet culture on language. Professor Simone Schnall of the University of Cambridge praised the choice, noting the rise of unhealthy parasocial relationships with influencers and AI tools like ChatGPT, which some treat as friends or therapeutic substitutes.
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Sino-foreign youth dialogue promotes mutual understanding in Nanning
The Sino-Foreign Youth Marxist Dialogue, held on Saturday at Guangxi University in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, brought together scholars, international youth delegates, and media representatives to deepen mutual understanding and promote cross-cultural communication. Participants included scholars from Peking University, Wuhan University, and Guangxi University, alongside over 20 international delegates from countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, and Vietnam. The event aimed to build consensus through intellectual exchange, foster friendships via cultural learning, and enhance dialogue across civilizations. Leonel Octavio Predut, an Argentine youth delegate, shared his unexpected discoveries about China, highlighting the seamless integration of modernity and tradition in Nanning and the kindness of locals. Zin Nway Hlaing, a Burmese student, expressed her ambition to bridge cultural understanding between Myanmar and China, emphasizing China’s cultural richness alongside its technological and economic prowess. Prior to the dialogue, participants visited Baise, a city in western Guangxi renowned for its revolutionary history, to explore its cultural and tourism attractions.
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UAE banks shift focus to long-term customer engagement, loyalty, says expert
In a transformative shift, UAE banks are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to foster long-term customer relationships, moving beyond transactional interactions to support customers through key life milestones. This strategic pivot was highlighted by Luis Rodriguez, Product Evangelist at Crif-Strands, during the 4th Banking Innovation and Technology Summit 2025 in Dubai. Rodriguez emphasized that modern customers seek more than financial products; they desire a trusted partner to guide them through significant decisions such as saving, career advancements, or purchasing a home. He noted that while digital channels have streamlined banking processes, they have also diminished the human element. To bridge this gap, banks are now analyzing customer behavior, preferences, and lifestyle patterns to offer personalized services. Rodriguez underscored the importance of engaging customers early in their financial journeys, stating that loyalty is built by being present from the outset, not just at the point of sale. The summit, attended by senior leaders from banks, fintech firms, and regulatory bodies, served as a platform to discuss how technology is reshaping the UAE’s financial landscape. Rodriguez also highlighted the growing importance of transparency in data usage, particularly with the rise of open banking. He stressed that customers must understand the value of their data and how it is utilized to build trust. Crif-Strands is aiding banks in optimizing lending processes and developing customer-centric digital operations, enabling them to cater to individuals with limited credit history and the region’s mass affluent segment. The summit reinforced the UAE’s position as a leading financial and technology hub, with industry leaders collaborating to drive the next phase of digital growth.
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Dubai businessman offers Dh25,000 reward to help trace missing Indian father
In a heartfelt gesture, Dubai-based real estate developer Kalpesh Kinariwala has announced a Dh25,000 reward for any credible information leading to the whereabouts of Rakesh Kumar Jangid, a 39-year-old Indian man who has been missing in the UAE for over two years. Kinariwala, the founder and chairman of Pantheon Developers, was moved to act after reading a recent report in Khaleej Times detailing the family’s ongoing struggle to find Rakesh.
Kinariwala, who lost his father at a young age, expressed deep empathy for the family’s plight. “I know what it means for a family to suddenly lose the person they depend on,” he said. “If this gesture can bring even a small ray of hope to his children or help trace Rakesh, it’s the least we can do as a community.”
The businessman has coordinated with local authorities and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to ensure the reward aligns with ongoing investigative efforts. He emphasized that any credible lead received through the reward will be promptly forwarded to the authorities. The Dh25,000 reward will be given to anyone who provides verifiable information that helps locate Rakesh.
Rakesh, a marble installer from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, arrived in Dubai on June 21, 2023, on a 60-day tourist visa, hoping to secure a job. He maintained regular contact with his family for two weeks, but his last call on July 6, 2023, described a distressing incident at a construction site in Jebel Ali. Since then, his family has been unable to reach him.
The family’s search has been fraught with challenges. Rakesh’s elder brother, Makhan Lal, traveled to Dubai in March 2024 after receiving a vague voice note from the agent who arranged Rakesh’s job, claiming he was in jail. Despite extensive searches in hospitals, detention centers, and construction sites, no trace of Rakesh was found.
The family has endured multiple tragedies since Rakesh’s disappearance, including the loss of another brother in a train accident and the sudden death of their youngest brother. The reward announcement has brought a glimmer of hope to the family, who remain desperate for answers. “We just want to know what happened to Rakesh,” Makhan said. “Our parents are getting older. His children ask about him every day.”
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Why now is the moment for Gulf NRIs to bet big on India’s equity markets
Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as a global wealth hub, and for the millions of non-resident Indians (NRIs) across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the opportunity to invest in India’s equity markets has never been more compelling. India’s stock market has emerged as one of the most resilient and fastest-growing globally, driven by structural reforms, a thriving digital economy, and robust domestic consumption. For NRIs in the GCC, who collectively manage significant investable wealth, allocating a meaningful portion of their portfolios to India is becoming increasingly urgent.
Industry experts argue that India is no longer just a growth story; it is a ‘compounding story.’ This sentiment will take center stage at the Cafemutual Investment Summit 2025, scheduled for November 20 at Dubai’s Dusit Thani Hotel. The invite-only event aims to decode opportunities and risks for NRIs seeking exposure to India’s dynamic investment landscape.
Prem Khatri, Founder and CEO of Cafemutual, emphasizes the shift: ‘NRIs and global Indians are increasingly recognizing that their portfolios need a meaningful India allocation to capture the structural shift underway. Our summit is designed to bridge the knowledge gap and provide practical insights that can immediately translate into sharper client outcomes.’
The 2025 edition will feature distinguished investment leaders and industry experts, including Jignesh Desai, Co-Founder of NJ Group, Madhu Lunawat, Founder, MD & CEO of The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, and Neil Parikh, CEO of PPFAS, among others. Dubai-based wealth leaders will also headline special sessions on the future of wealth, the NRI ecosystem, and cross-border opportunities.
Key sessions include ‘Mutual Funds for NRIs: The Core of a Long-Term India Portfolio,’ ‘Smart Simplicity: Winning in India Without Overcomplication,’ and ‘Future-Proof Portfolios: Blending Global & Indian Assets.’ For NRIs in the GCC, mutual funds offer a simple yet effective route to participate in India’s growth without the complexity of direct stock picking. With India’s GDP projected to maintain strong momentum and sectors like technology, manufacturing, and financial services driving market performance, experts believe disciplined exposure through professionally managed funds can deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.
Dubai’s emergence as a hub for international wealth adds another layer of opportunity. As Khatri notes, ‘Bringing India’s most respected investment minds to Dubai creates a unique, high-impact platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.’ For NRIs balancing global aspirations with Indian roots, the message is clear: the time to act is now. India’s markets are not just growing — they are compounding, and those who position early stand to benefit from a structural story that could define wealth creation for decades.
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Full text of the US resolution for Gaza approved by the UN Security Council
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously endorsed a 20-point plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The resolution, adopted with a 13-0 vote and abstentions from China and Russia, grants Trump significant control over Gaza’s stabilization efforts. The plan includes the establishment of an international stabilization force, a ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump, and a committee of Palestinian technocrats to oversee governance for a two-year period. The resolution also outlines a potential pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, contingent on meeting specific reform and reconstruction milestones. The stabilization force, in coordination with Egypt and Israel, will secure border areas, ensure the demilitarization of Gaza, and facilitate humanitarian aid. However, Hamas has rejected the resolution, arguing it undermines Palestinian rights and imposes an international trusteeship. The plan’s success hinges on the Palestinian Authority’s reforms and Gaza’s reconstruction progress, with the US mediating discussions between Israel and Palestinians for a peaceful coexistence.
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Logitech Spot named a TIME Best Invention of 2025
Logitech has achieved a significant milestone with its innovative workplace sensor, Logitech Spot, being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025. This radar-based device, recognized in the productivity category, is revolutionizing how companies optimize office spaces, enhance employee comfort, and reduce energy costs. Designed to address unseen barriers to productivity and workspace health, Logitech Spot is a compact, wireless sensor that measures room occupancy, air quality, and environmental factors impacting energy consumption. Its peel-and-stick design makes it easy to install on any wall without the need for wiring. Logitech Spot was developed to help businesses uncover hidden inefficiencies, such as underutilized spaces and poor air quality, which can drain resources and hinder employee performance. By providing real-time data on occupancy, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and particulate matter, the sensor empowers companies to make informed decisions about their workspaces. Henry Levak, VP of Product at Logitech for Business, emphasized that many office challenges stem from a lack of data. Logitech Spot transforms these unknowns into actionable insights, enabling businesses to rightsize their office footprint and improve employee well-being. The device also integrates with the Logitech Sync management portal, allowing IT and Facilities teams to monitor Health and Energy Scores across all workspaces. This marks Logitech’s first foray into environmental sensing, expanding its portfolio of space management solutions, which includes automated room booking, desk booking technology, and digital wayfinding. Logitech Spot is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and its mission to enhance workplace efficiency and sustainability.
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Eid Al Etihad break: 5 visa-free countries UAE residents can fly to in few hours
As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 54th Eid Al Etihad, residents are planning short getaways to make the most of the four-day holiday announced for December 1 and 2. For those seeking convenience and affordability, visa-free destinations within a four-hour flight are an ideal choice. Here are five top-rated locations that promise hassle-free travel and unforgettable experiences.
1. **Georgia**: Just a 3.5-hour flight from the UAE, Georgia offers a blend of European and Asian cultures. With its picturesque mountains and historic towns like Tbilisi, UAE residents can enjoy a 90-day stay without a visa.
2. **Uzbekistan**: This Central Asian gem provides visa-on-arrival for UAE residents, allowing a 30-day stay. Explore the cultural treasures of Samarkand and Bukhara, or delve into Tashkent’s vibrant markets and Soviet-era architecture—all within a 3.5-hour flight.
3. **Armenia**: UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID can obtain a visa-on-arrival in Armenia. Known for its scenic landscapes and ancient monasteries, Armenia is a perfect escape from the desert heat, just a 3-hour, 25-minute flight away.
4. **Nepal**: A 4-hour flight takes you to Nepal, home to Mount Everest and stunning Buddhist and Hindu temples. UAE residents can enjoy visa-on-arrival and immerse themselves in the country’s serene beauty and warm hospitality.
5. **Azerbaijan**: A 3-hour flight to Baku opens the door to Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the UNESCO-listed Old City to the modern Heydar Aliyev Centre, this destination offers a unique blend of history and modernity.
These destinations not only save time and effort but also provide a refreshing break from routine, making them perfect for a short holiday during the Eid Al Etihad break.