A devastating fire broke out in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries. The blaze, which erupted at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, quickly escalated to a No. 4 alarm, the second-highest emergency level, by 3:34 p.m. local time. According to the Hong Kong government, four individuals were confirmed dead, two are in critical condition, and one is stable as of 5:00 p.m. Public broadcaster RTHK reported that several people remain trapped inside the burning buildings, with two individuals suffering severe burns. Firefighters, some of whom were injured while battling the flames, faced significant challenges due to the scale of the fire and the presence of bamboo scaffolding on several adjacent towers. The incident has also disrupted local transportation, with the Tai Po highway closed and bus routes diverted. Wang Fuk Court, a housing complex comprising eight blocks and nearly 2,000 residential units, is now the site of a tragic disaster that has left the community in shock.
作者: admin
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VPN-using Iranians angry after X locations reveal officials using state-issued SIMs
Iranian citizens have expressed outrage after X’s newly introduced location feature exposed government officials and pro-regime figures using Iran-based SIM cards to access the platform, despite its official ban in the country. The revelation has sparked accusations of hypocrisy, as ordinary Iranians require VPNs to bypass the government’s strict internet censorship. Among those identified was Information and Communication Technology Minister Sattar Hashemi, whose account appeared to be based in Iran, suggesting he bypassed the VPN requirement. Social media users criticized the government for allegedly distributing ‘white SIM cards’ to officials, granting them unrestricted access to blocked sites. The terms ‘White SIM Card’ and ‘Class-based Internet’ trended on X as Iranians voiced their frustration. Mani Ghasemi, chair of tech site Digiato, condemned Hashemi and other reformist politicians for their use of these SIMs, calling their opposition to internet censorship insincere. The Iranian government has long restricted access to platforms like X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, while attempting to curb VPN usage. Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has pledged to review the stringent internet controls, which aim to steer users toward domestic websites. Critics argue that certain institutions, including news agencies linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enjoy special privileges with unfiltered internet access. Following the controversy, several officials and journalists altered their X account locations from Iran to ‘West Asia.’ Journalist Vahid Khatami defended unrestricted internet as a professional necessity, while Ali Ahmadinia, head of public relations, promised a review of ‘white SIM card’ distribution.
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Tenable co-CEO Mark Thurmond to provide keynote address at Black Hat Middle East 2025
Tenable (NASDAQ: TENB), a global leader in exposure management, has confirmed its prominent role at the upcoming Black Hat Middle East 2025 conference in Riyadh. The event, scheduled for December 2-4, will feature a pivotal keynote address from the company’s co-CEO, Mark Thurmond.
Thurmond’s presentation, titled “Beyond the Silos: Exposure Management in a New Age of Risk,” will argue for a fundamental paradigm shift in global cybersecurity strategy. He is poised to assert that traditional security models have been rendered obsolete by a perfect storm of challenges: an exponentially expanding digital attack surface, a fragmented arsenal of security tools, and adversaries who are rapidly maturing, particularly through the weaponization of Artificial Intelligence.
The timing and location of this address are highly strategic. It will directly contextualize these cyber risks within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, a national transformation strategy underpinned by massive investments in digital infrastructure and AI. Thurmond will emphasize that protecting such monumental technological progress requires a new, proactive defensive posture.
Key critical themes to be explored include:
The Illusion of Fragmented Defense: Despite organizations deploying an average of over 80 distinct security solutions, security teams are drowning in complexity and a daily deluge of tens of thousands of alerts. This siloed and disjointed approach inadvertently creates an overwhelming advantage for attackers.
The AI-Powered Adversary: Cyber attackers are now leveraging AI to develop highly sophisticated and hyper-realistic attacks at an unprecedented pace. This technology allows them to compress attack development timelines from weeks down to mere minutes, effortlessly bypassing conventional, signature-based defenses.
The Rise of Proactive Exposure Management: Tenable advocates for a decisive move away from reactive “firefighting” and toward a strategy of pre-emptive “fireproofing.” Exposure management provides unified, holistic visibility across the entire modern attack surface—encompassing cloud, IT, identity, and operational technology (OT) environments. This enables organizations to continuously identify, prioritize, and remediate critical vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
“The cybersecurity playbook we’ve relied on for the past two decades is fundamentally broken,” stated Mark Thurmond. “In this new era defined by AI, embracing the discipline of exposure management is not an option but a necessity. This pre-emptive methodology is the only viable path to fortify our defenses and ensure a secure and prosperous future for the global digital economy.”
Conference attendees are encouraged to attend the keynote session and visit the Tenable exhibition booth for live demonstrations of the AI-driven Tenable One Exposure Management Platform.
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‘Don’t lecture us’: UAE official calls on Israel, Palestine to take responsibility for peace
A senior United Arab Emirates official has issued a direct challenge to Israeli and Palestinian leadership, urging them to focus on transforming domestic public attitudes rather than seeking external mediation for peacebuilding. Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee at the UAE Federal National Council, delivered his remarks at the Abraham Accords Conference in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing that regional normalization agreements represent merely the starting point rather than the culmination of peace efforts.
Dr. Al Nuaimi asserted that the UAE has consistently exceeded its obligations under the Abraham Accords since their signing in September 2020, despite facing significant challenges. He revealed that other signatory nations have failed to fulfill their commitments, creating an implementation gap that undermines the agreement’s potential. The official stressed that the Accords constitute a political arrangement entirely separate from religious considerations, noting that the UAE honors its international agreements with full engagement and respect.
The core challenge, according to Dr. Al Nuaimi, lies not in diplomatic negotiations but in reshaping public perception within Israeli and Palestinian societies. He explicitly requested both parties to cease lecturing the UAE on how to alter Arab perspectives toward Israel and similarly stop requesting Emirati intervention with Israeli authorities. “We need Israelis to work on Israelis. We need Palestinians to work on Palestinians,” Dr. Al Nuaimi stated, highlighting a critical gap that only domestic leadership can address.
While acknowledging that the Abraham Accords have established valuable channels for cooperation and cultural exchange, the official distinguished between normalization and genuine peace. He characterized normalization as merely “a piece of paper designed by two leaders,” whereas true peace must capture “the heart and the mind of the people across the region.” Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasized that Palestinians will achieve their rights through peace rather than conflict, just as Israel will obtain security through peaceful means rather than military superiority.
The UAE official pointed to recent developments in American politics as potential catalysts for progress, describing President Donald Trump’s emerging approach to the conflict—including his stance on Gaza and investigations into the Muslim Brotherhood—as a strategic opportunity that regional partners should not miss. He cautioned however that opponents of the Accords actively seek to transform the political dispute into a religious conflict, making unified commitment among signatories essential.
Dr. Al Nuaimi presented the UAE’s multicultural society as a model for regional transformation, where residents from diverse backgrounds “feel safe, feel respected, feel accepted as they are.” He promised Israeli and Palestinian counterparts that similar coexistence becomes achievable through dedicated effort to transform public attitudes. The official additionally called on European partners to modernize their approach to regional diplomacy, noting that outdated methods persist despite dramatically changed circumstances over decades.
Reaffirming the UAE’s unwavering commitment to the Abraham Accords, Dr. Al Nuaimi declared there is “no way back” from the agreement, which he described as representing the future of the region. The Emirates remains invested in transforming the entire region into a peaceful territory where all inhabitants experience safety, respect, and acceptance regardless of origin.
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Dubai: Nobu One Za’abeel to debut in January 2026
Dubai’s reputation as a global gastronomic capital is poised for another significant enhancement with the announced inauguration of Nobu One Za’abeel in January 2026. This landmark establishment will reside within The Link at One&Only One Za’abeel, an architectural marvel recognized as the world’s longest cantilevered sky concourse, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city.
The newest iteration of the world-renowned Nobu brand promises an immersive experience that transcends conventional dining. The design philosophy merges refined sophistication with audacious artistic elements. Interior spaces will showcase premium materials including black cerused oak, embossed leather panels, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, and striking Calacatta Cielo marble surfaces. Artistic accents feature liquid metal art installations complemented by warm ambient lighting and delicate gold-leaf detailing.
Culinary offerings will feature the brand’s iconic Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, including signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño. The menu will also introduce exclusive creations developed specifically for this location, including Umami Mediterranean Seabass with Tomato Dashi Ponzu and Wagyu Beef Tenderloin Shiitake Millefeuille Tozasu.
As evening progresses, the venue will transform into an exclusive nightlife destination featuring an energetic bar and lounge atmosphere. The space will host renowned DJ performances and operate with extended hours, introducing a unique after-hours concept previously unseen in the Nobu portfolio.
Founded through the visionary collaboration of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and producer Meir Teper, the Nobu hospitality group currently operates 57 international locations. Reservation details for Nobu One Za’abeel will be announced in the coming months.
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UAE homebuyers can now check monthly mortgage instantly while browsing property
In a groundbreaking development for the UAE real estate sector, leading property portals Bayut and Dubizzle have forged a strategic partnership with financial technology company Prypco to integrate instant mortgage calculation features directly into their property listings. This innovation eliminates the traditional need for prospective homebuyers to consult multiple banking institutions or use external calculators, providing immediate repayment estimates with a single click while browsing properties.
The newly implemented functionality displays a fully branded mortgage section within each property listing, enabling users to instantly calculate monthly repayment amounts and view personalized financing options tailored to their budgetary constraints. This transformative feature aims to demystify the financial aspects of property acquisition, offering transparency from the initial browsing stage and potentially accelerating decision-making processes for UAE residents.
The partnership agreement was formally executed at Dubai Design District through a signing ceremony attended by Amira Sajwani, Founder and CEO of Prypco, and Haider Khan, CEO of both Bayut and Dubizzle, who also serves as CEO of Dubizzle Group Mena. Both executives emphasized that this collaboration represents a significant advancement toward creating a more streamlined and transparent property purchasing experience throughout the Emirates.
Haider Khan articulated the strategic vision behind the integration, stating: “Our objective is to enhance the intelligence and user-friendliness of property acquisition by addressing one of the most persistent challenges buyers encounter—comprehending affordability. Technology should function as an eliminatory force against barriers rather than a source of additional complexity.” He further emphasized that this initiative contributes to developing a more interconnected and technologically advanced real estate ecosystem.
Amira Sajwani highlighted the alignment with Prypco’s fundamental mission of promoting accessibility and transparency in real estate financing: “We are committed to simplifying the home-buying journey for all participants. By positioning financial information adjacent to property details, we provide crucial clarity from the very inception of the property search process.”
This technological integration supports the UAE’s broader ambition to establish itself as a global pioneer in Property Technology (PropTech), intelligent living solutions, and digital real estate services. The feature effectively transforms online property browsing into an experience analogous to e-commerce, where potential buyers can simultaneously evaluate properties, comprehend associated costs, and explore financing alternatives within a unified digital environment.
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China urges Japan to punish perpetrators of attack on Taiwan compatriots
Beijing has issued a strong condemnation of a violent assault on two Taiwanese individuals in Tokyo, urging Japanese authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. Peng Qing’en, spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed deep concern over the incident during a press conference on Wednesday. The attack, which occurred in July, involved five Japanese men severely assaulting the Taiwanese victims on a Tokyo street. Japanese police have since confirmed the arrest of suspects linked to the case. Peng emphasized the shared bond between mainland China and Taiwan, stating, ‘We strongly condemn such acts of violence and urge the Japanese side to deal with the offenders swiftly and severely.’ He also highlighted a concerning trend of increasing attacks on tourists in Japan, including those from Taiwan. Peng linked the rise in such incidents to provocative remarks made by Japan’s prime minister regarding Taiwan, which he claimed have fueled anti-China sentiments and extremist behaviors among Japan’s right-wing factions. These developments, he warned, pose significant risks to the safety of visitors in Japan.
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How Northern Ireland’s dark policing history looms over Palestine Action protests
In the shadow of Derry’s Guildhall, a determined group of elderly protesters gathers weekly, holding handwritten placards that declare: ‘I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.’ This act of defiance carries profound historical significance in a city that served as the epicenter of Northern Ireland’s Troubles. Many participants, leaning on walking sticks or seated in wheelchairs, are veterans of the civil rights movement that challenged British authority decades ago.
The UK Labour government’s July 2025 proscription of Palestine Action under terrorism legislation has resulted in over 2,000 arrests nationwide for displaying support. The ban followed activists’ breach of RAF Brize Norton air base, where they damaged military aircraft. While London protests have seen mass arrests, Derry’s demonstrations have proceeded with minimal police intervention—for now.
This contrast highlights Northern Ireland’s complex policing environment, where the government’s ban has sparked concerns about reverting to partisan enforcement practices. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 promised to end discriminatory policing that historically targeted Catholic and Republican communities. Yet rights organizations argue the Home Office failed to conduct proper community impact assessments specific to Northern Ireland before implementing the ban.
Eamonn McCann, a prominent civil rights organizer who received an ‘advisory letter’ from police regarding his protest participation, draws direct parallels to the 1970s when terrorism laws targeted Irish rights activists. ‘People carrying these placards are at risk of fairly long terms of imprisonment for standing with a placard. Where is freedom gone?’ McCann questioned.
The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) attempted to intervene in the judicial review of the ban, arguing it could disproportionately affect Catholic and nationalist communities where Palestinian solidarity is strongest. Director Daniel Holder warned the proscription ‘lowers the bar’ for what constitutes terrorism, potentially undermining efforts to disband loyalist paramilitary groups that remain active despite their proscribed status.
Evidence reveals policing disparities: while three Palestine Action supporters face Terrorism Act charges in Northern Ireland, authorities have taken no action against recent parades by proscribed loyalist groups displaying paramilitary insignia.
For protesters like Maire McNally, arrested at 75 for wearing a ‘We are all Palestine Action’ T-shirt, and Kate Nash, whose brother was killed on Bloody Sunday, the current crackdown evokes painful historical echoes. Their continued activism, rooted in Derry’s tradition of civil resistance, challenges what they perceive as the erosion of hard-won freedoms in post-agreement Northern Ireland.
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‘Lifesaver’: UAE women hail US step to drop warning on menopause symptoms therapy
A landmark regulatory shift by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to eliminate stringent ‘black box’ warnings from most menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products is being celebrated as a transformative development for women’s healthcare in the United Arab Emirates. Medical professionals predict this decision will catalyze a significant surge in women seeking treatment, empowering them to pursue personalized strategies for managing menopause symptoms.
The FDA’s action reverses a decades-old cautionary stance established in the early 2000s, which was based on a study that initially suggested a non-significant increase in breast cancer risk. This warning had created widespread apprehension, causing a dramatic decline in HRT usage. The updated regulatory position now aligns with contemporary scientific evidence demonstrating that initiating therapy within ten years of menopause onset, or before age 60, presents a favourable risk-benefit profile for most women.
Dr. Aysha Salam, Specialist in Obstetrics and Laparoscopic Gynaecology at Aster Hospital Mankhool, described the development as “a pivotal moment for women in the UAE, potentially leading to increased access to evidence-based menopausal care.” She emphasized that this change facilitates more informed health decisions, moving away from a generalized approach to menopause management.
The emotional resonance of this decision is profound among UAE residents. Dubai resident Fathimath Shehnaz characterized HRT as a “lifesaver” that alleviated her severe symptoms following a hysterectomy. “The hot flashes were unbearable,” she recounted. “Within one day of starting treatment, I could feel the difference.”
Despite established benefits—including a documented 50% reduction in heart attack risk, 64% decrease in cognitive decline, and 35% lower Alzheimer’s risk—persistent misconceptions continue to deter women from treatment. Dr. Milena Caccelli, Endocrinologist at metabolic.health, noted that outdated fears surrounding cancer and cardiovascular risks have created disproportionate anxiety, often causing women to delay seeking appropriate medical care.
Medical experts conclude that the FDA’s updated stance will foster more individualized prescribing practices, enhance patient-clinician dialogue, and ultimately improve quality of life for women navigating menopause by providing clearer access to safe and effective treatments.
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New soccer pitch inspires girls at Ningxia primary school
The Zhangcheng Primary School girls’ soccer team in Longde county, Guyuan city, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, recently celebrated the inauguration of their new soccer field, the Rose Dream Stadium. This state-of-the-art facility is a result of a collaborative initiative between the Chinese Football Association and Alipay, stemming from the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. The project aims to donate stadiums to rural schools, with the Rose Dream Stadium being the ninth and final installation under this agreement. Themed around the national women’s soccer team, the pitch is designed to inspire and empower young female athletes. The new stadium not only provides a modern training ground but also symbolizes a commitment to fostering gender equality in sports. The girls’ soccer team expressed their excitement and gratitude, highlighting how the new pitch will enhance their skills and passion for the game. This initiative is a significant step towards promoting sports development in rural areas and encouraging more girls to pursue their athletic dreams.
