Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times in Dubai, shared his insights on the evolution of football, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, and the emergence of new talents like Lamine Yamal. Gullit, a former Ballon d’Or winner and key figure in AC Milan’s golden era, reminisced about his playing days and the transformative impact of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi on the sport. He also discussed the challenges facing modern football, including the physicality of players and the shifting dynamics of leagues like Serie A. Gullit praised the rapid development of Dubai, drawing parallels to the changes in football over the decades. He highlighted the immense potential of young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, while cautioning against overburdening the 18-year-old with responsibilities. Gullit also reflected on the Netherlands’ World Cup heartbreaks and shared his predictions for the 2026 World Cup, naming Spain, France, Argentina, and his beloved Holland as top contenders.
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US Senate passes funding bill that could end shutdown within days
In a pivotal late-night session on Monday, the US Senate passed a critical funding bill that could terminate the longest government shutdown in US history. The bill, which secured a 60-40 vote, saw nearly all Republicans align with eight Democrats who broke party ranks to support the measure. This bipartisan agreement funds federal operations until the end of January and aims to restore essential services and compensate furloughed employees. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where its passage is anticipated before President Donald Trump signs it into law. Trump had earlier indicated his willingness to endorse the legislation. The breakthrough follows a 41-day shutdown that disrupted air travel, left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay, and threatened vital food assistance programs. The bill includes provisions to backpay federal employees, extend funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until September, and allocate full-year budgets for the Department of Agriculture and military construction. Additionally, it promises a December vote on extending healthcare subsidies, a key Democratic demand. While Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill for failing to address America’s healthcare crisis, supporters like Senator Tim Kaine emphasized the relief it brings to federal workers. The House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, is set to deliberate the bill starting Wednesday, with every vote crucial given the Republicans’ narrow majority.
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Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club hosts high-stakes inaugural Golf Society League
The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (SGSC) recently hosted the first-ever Golf Society League (GSL), a thrilling competition that brought together sixteen golf societies from across the UAE. Supported by Golf Away, the event offered participants the chance to vie for the prestigious title of GSL Champions, with the winning team securing an exclusive golfing holiday in Thailand. The tournament, which kicked off last weekend, was marked by intense competition and remarkable performances across three leagues, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. The leagues were structured to ensure fierce competition, with the top teams from each league advancing to the knockout stages. League 1 saw the defending champions, Nepalese Golf Society, begin their title defense with a solid start, while The Hole Seekers emerged as early leaders with a standout performance. In League 2, Social 1 dominated their matches, securing a perfect start, while League 3 witnessed The Spartans making a strong statement with two consecutive wins. Additionally, players competed in the Betterball Stableford competition, with Deepak Mandory and Prashant Athreya of The Hole Seekers claiming the top prize with 42 points. The event concluded with high anticipation for the next round, scheduled for December 7th, promising more thrilling golf action at SGSC. For further details about the GSL, visit golfandshootingshj.com or contact Samjhana Lama at golfsales@golfandshootingshj.com.
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Rory’s stage gets bigger: Emirates NBD steps into the heart of the DP World Tour Play-offs
The DP World Tour Play-offs, renowned for their high-stakes drama in the world of golf, have secured a significant new ally. Emirates NBD, a leading financial institution in the Middle East, has stepped into the spotlight as the Official Banking Partner for two premier events: the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship. These tournaments, pivotal in the season’s Race to Dubai, attract the world’s top golfers competing for trophies, ranking points, and a place in golfing history. The DP World Tour Championship, scheduled for November 13-16, 2025, at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course, remains a crown jewel of the Rolex Series. Last year, it was crowned Major Event of the Year, highlighted by Rory McIlroy’s thrilling victory on the 18th hole, a defining moment of the 2024 season. Emirates NBD’s expanded involvement, which now includes the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, underscores its commitment to supporting the UAE’s rise as a global golfing hub. The 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links will further showcase the bank’s presence, enhancing fan engagement and hospitality. Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, emphasized the bank’s dedication to celebrating the UAE’s role in global sports and culture. Tom Phillips, Director of Middle East at the DP World Tour, praised the partnership, noting its potential to elevate the fan experience and drive regional golf growth. With Rory McIlroy set to headline the 2025 championship, Dubai remains poised for another historic moment in world golf.
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New ‘Lucifer’ bee with devil-like horns found in Australia
Australian researchers have unveiled a fascinating new native bee species, distinguished by its tiny, devil-like horns, earning it the name Megachile Lucifer. The discovery was made during a study of a rare wildflower endemic to the Bremer Ranges in Western Australia’s Goldfields region, located 470 kilometers east of Perth. The unique horns, found exclusively on female bees, are believed to serve multiple purposes, including defense, pollen collection, and nest-building material gathering. Dr. Kit Prendergast from Curtin University, the lead scientist of the study, revealed that the name Lucifer was inspired by the Netflix series she was watching at the time. She emphasized that this is the first new addition to this bee group in two decades. The name Lucifer, meaning ‘light bringer’ in Latin, also symbolizes the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts for native bee species and a deeper understanding of their role in pollinating endangered plants. The findings, published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research, advocate for the formal protection of the area where the bee and wildflower were discovered, highlighting the risks posed by habitat disturbance and climate change. Dr. Prendergast warned that many mining operations overlook native bees in environmental impact assessments, potentially leading to the loss of undiscovered species critical to ecosystem health. ‘Without knowing which native bees exist and their plant dependencies, we risk losing both before we even realize their presence,’ she concluded.
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US manufacturers face higher Chinese hurdles than soybean farmers
The United States finds itself in a precarious position due to its excessive reliance on China, a dependency that spans both agriculture and manufacturing sectors. American soybean farmers, for instance, have long depended on Chinese purchases, which account for nearly half of U.S. soybean exports. This reliance gives China significant leverage, as demonstrated earlier this year when it curtailed imports in response to trade tensions. However, the issue extends far beyond agriculture. U.S. manufacturers are equally vulnerable, as China dominates the global supply of critical materials and components essential for producing high-tech goods. Rare-earth minerals, which are indispensable for manufacturing cellphones, computer hard drives, and advanced defense systems, are a prime example. China controls 97% of global rare-earth production, and recent export restrictions highlighted the risks of this monopoly. While a temporary truce in the U.S.-China trade war has suspended these restrictions, the broader problem remains unresolved. China’s dominance extends to other critical materials like graphite, gallium, germanium, and tungsten, which are vital for industries ranging from electronics to pharmaceuticals. Even the active ingredients in many common medications, such as ibuprofen and antibiotics, are sourced from China. This overdependence is not accidental but the result of China’s deliberate industrial policies, which include subsidies, tax breaks, and protectionist measures to dominate global supply chains. The U.S. has attempted to counter this through initiatives like the Chips Act and tariffs, but China’s economies of scale pose a formidable challenge. Experts argue that international cooperation among like-minded nations is essential to mitigate this dependency. However, current U.S. trade policies, which impose tariffs on allies, complicate such efforts. While soybean farmers can seek alternative markets, manufacturers face a far more complex dilemma. The path forward requires strategic diversification and coordinated industrial policies to reduce reliance on China and safeguard America’s economic security.
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Terror link suspected in Delhi Red Fort blast; PM Modi, President Murmu offer condolences
A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort has left 13 dead and numerous injured, with preliminary investigations pointing to a potential terrorist attack. Delhi Police sources, cited by IANS, revealed that the high-intensity blast may be connected to a module previously seized in Faridabad, involving a mix of explosives and chemicals. Security agencies are currently interrogating suspects Dr. Muzzamil and Dr. Adil, who were reportedly arrested prior to the incident. The owner of the vehicle involved in the explosion has also been detained, as per NDTV reports. The tragic event has drawn widespread condemnation and condolences from India’s top leadership. President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow, offering sympathies to the victims’ families and praying for the swift recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the public that all necessary assistance is being provided to those affected. He confirmed that the situation has been reviewed with Home Minister Amit Shah and other officials. In response to the incident, security measures have been intensified across multiple states and major cities. Chandni Chowk Market will remain closed on Tuesday as a precautionary measure, while Uttar Pradesh has been placed on red alert. High alerts have also been issued in Uttarakhand, Haryana, Odisha, Kerala, and Kolkata. Mumbai Police have released precautionary advisories, and Bihar has tightened its security protocols. The nation remains on edge as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the attack and its perpetrators.
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New Zealand will remove police from gun licensing but near-total semiautomatics ban to remain
In a significant shift in firearms policy, the New Zealand government has announced sweeping reforms aimed at restructuring the regulation of gun ownership. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee revealed on Tuesday that uniformed police officers will no longer be involved in the Firearms Safety Authority (FSA), a move designed to ease tensions between the regulator and gun owners. This decision follows years of strained relations, exacerbated by the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, where a white supremacist legally amassed semiautomatic weapons before killing 51 people. The FSA, established in 2022, will now report directly to the government instead of the New Zealand Police, though it will retain access to law enforcement databases. McKee emphasized the need to rebuild trust within the firearms community, which has felt unfairly scrutinized since the tragedy. The reforms also include extending license renewal periods, allowing more flexible storage options, and introducing a ‘red flag’ system for information sharing among agencies. However, the near-total ban on semiautomatic firearms, enacted after the Christchurch attack, remains intact. McKee’s proposals, which aim to simplify regulations for law-abiding gun owners, are expected to be introduced to Parliament by the end of 2024 and passed by mid-2026. Gun owners have cautiously welcomed the changes, though some expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity on eligibility criteria for firearm ownership.
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18 injured in people carrier crash at Washington-area airport
A mobile lounge, commonly referred to as a people carrier, crashed at Washington Dulles International Airport on Monday, resulting in injuries to at least 18 passengers. The incident occurred around 16:30 EST (21:30 GMT) when the vehicle struck a dock while approaching the terminal. According to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the collision also caused damage to the terminal building. Passengers exited the carrier using stairs and were transported to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The airport remains operational, as confirmed by spokeswoman Crystal Nosal. The exact number of passengers onboard at the time of the crash remains unclear. Dulles Airport, located in Virginia and serving as a major hub for Washington DC travelers, operates a fleet of 19 mobile lounges, each capable of carrying 102 passengers. These vehicles, in use since 1959, have faced persistent criticism for being outdated and insufficiently modern. Earlier this week, Trent Morse, a former Trump official nominated to the MWAA board, labeled the mobile lounges as ‘relics of the past’ during a Senate confirmation hearing. He expressed embarrassment over international travelers being transported in such antiquated vehicles. NBC Washington reported that mobile lounges were involved in 16 accidents between 2007 and 2017, including one fatal crash. This latest incident coincides with the ongoing government shutdown, which has led to flight delays and staffing shortages at US airports. The Trump administration has mandated a 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 airports, including Dulles, due to these shortages.
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Wall Street gains on hopes of government reopening
Wall Street’s major indices experienced gains on Monday, driven by optimism surrounding the potential end of the U.S. government shutdown. The shutdown, now the longest in history, has disrupted economic data releases and heightened concerns about the economy’s health. On Sunday, senators advanced a House-passed bill in a procedural vote, aiming to fund the government until January 30. If approved by the Senate and signed by President Donald Trump, the bill could mark a significant step toward resolving the impasse.
Chris Zaccarelli, Chief Information Officer at Northlight Asset Management, noted, ‘The prolonged shutdown exceeded expectations, raising fears about economic stability and potential flight cancellations, which could have broader economic repercussions.’ This sentiment contributed to last week’s bearish outlook on the tech sector, though most tech stocks rebounded on Monday. Nvidia surged 3.4%, while Alphabet and Meta Platforms rose 2.5% and 1.5%, respectively. Information technology and consumer discretionary sectors were the primary drivers of the S&P 500’s 0.71% gain.
However, Home Depot’s nearly 2% decline weighed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which edged up just 0.02%. The Nasdaq Composite outperformed, climbing 1.35%, buoyed by a 2.1% rise in the semiconductor index. Meanwhile, airlines faced pressure due to government-directed flight cuts and staffing shortages, with United Airlines and American Airlines both dropping over 1%.
The CBOE volatility index retreated from a three-week high, easing 0.8 points to 18.26. On betting platform Polymarket, the likelihood of the shutdown ending this week stood at 85%. The prolonged shutdown has left the Federal Reserve and markets reliant on private data, which has painted a mixed picture of the economy. Some Fed officials reiterated caution ahead of the central bank’s next meeting, while Fed Governor Stephen Miran advocated for a significant rate cut.
Despite optimism around artificial intelligence fueling a bull run in U.S. stocks this year, concerns about monetization and circular spending led to a tech selloff last week, marking the Nasdaq’s worst performance in over seven months. The third-quarter earnings season neared its conclusion, with 83% of the 446 S&P 500 companies reporting better-than-expected results, according to LSEG data.
Health insurers faced declines after the Senate’s deal to end the shutdown excluded an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, deferring the issue to a December vote. Centene led the losses, plummeting 8.5%, while Humana and Elevance Health each fell about 4%. In contrast, Eli Lilly shares hit an intraday record high, rising 4.9% following an upgrade by Leerink Partners.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on both the NYSE and Nasdaq, with the S&P 500 recording 20 new 52-week highs and seven new lows, and the Nasdaq Composite posting 75 new highs and 92 new lows.