Carlos Alcaraz, the top seed, kicked off his ATP Finals campaign with a commanding 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur in their round-robin match on Sunday in Turin. This marks Alcaraz’s first win in an opening match at the prestigious season-ending championships. Despite a spirited effort from De Minaur, who rallied from a 4-1 deficit to force a tiebreak in the first set, Alcaraz’s resilience and skill proved decisive. The Spaniard broke De Minaur’s serve twice in the second set, securing a 4-1 lead and ultimately closing out the match without allowing a comeback. Both players aimed to improve upon their disappointing performances from last year, where Alcaraz lost two of his three round-robin matches and De Minaur suffered three consecutive defeats. Alcaraz, who is vying to end the year as the world number one, must reach the final with at least one round-robin win or sweep his group matches to secure the top ranking for the second time. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner must retain his title to have any chance of finishing the year in the top spot. The ATP Finals, featuring the world’s top eight singles players and doubles teams, boasts a record prize pool of $15.5 million and offers 1,500 ranking points. The tournament will conclude with the final at the Inalpi Arena in Turin on November 16.
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India’s data centre boom confronts a looming water challenge
India’s data centre capacity is on track to skyrocket by 77% by 2027, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the country’s burgeoning digital economy. With global tech giants like Google, Amazon Web Services, and Meta pouring billions into the sector, India is poised to become a global hub for data infrastructure. Google’s recent $15 billion investment in Andhra Pradesh underscores the scale of this transformation. However, this explosive growth comes with significant environmental challenges, particularly concerning water and energy consumption.
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Ireland joins calls to ban Israel from European football
Ireland has become the latest nation to advocate for Israel’s exclusion from European football competitions. On Saturday, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) passed a resolution urging UEFA to suspend Israeli clubs and the national team from all European tournaments. The decision followed a proposal from Dublin-based club Bohemians, which accused the Israel Football Association (IFA) of violating UEFA’s anti-racism policies and permitting the establishment of clubs in ‘illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank’ without Palestinian Football Association approval. The FAI’s motion was supported by 74 members, with seven opposing and two abstaining. In a statement, the FAI confirmed it would formally request UEFA’s executive committee to suspend the IFA for breaching two provisions of UEFA’s statutes. This resolution aligns with similar calls from Norway and Turkey, both of which referenced a UN Commission of Inquiry report accusing Israel of genocide during its conflict in Gaza. In September, UEFA postponed discussions on Israel’s potential ban following a ceasefire agreement brokered by former US President Donald Trump. While a European ban would not affect Israel’s participation in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, it could strain relations between UEFA and the United States, co-host of the 2026 World Cup.
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Lives at risk: UAE Filipinos watch in fear as typhoon Fung-wong batters the Philippines
Filipino expatriates in the UAE are gripped with anxiety as Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, wreaks havoc across the Philippines. The storm, which intensified rapidly, has already claimed at least two lives and left vast areas of the Bicol region without power. Authorities are racing to evacuate over a million residents from vulnerable areas as the typhoon is expected to make landfall in Aurora province on November 9, 2025. The storm’s ferocity has raised fears of widespread destruction, particularly in regions still recovering from the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi just days earlier, which killed 188 people and left hundreds missing. For Filipinos abroad, the situation is deeply personal. Fatima S., a 47-year-old nanny in Sharjah, expressed her fears for her family in Isabela province, where light-material homes are highly susceptible to flooding. ‘Every time I hear about the rising waters, I panic. I can’t be there to help. I can only pray and hope they make it through this storm,’ she said. Meanwhile, J.P., a 26-year-old administrative staff member in Dubai, is stranded in Cebu, where power outages have left her reliant on a nearly drained power bank to stay connected with her family. A.T., a 50-year-old writer based in Dubai, is in Metro Manila but remains worried about his family in the Bicol region, where the typhoon continues to unleash its fury. The storm has also disrupted air travel, with AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Malaysia cancelling over 400 flights to and from Manila on November 9 and 10. Passengers have been advised to monitor flight status updates and rebook their travel within 30 days at no additional cost.
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Dubai powers ahead as global startup hub: Over 580 digital firms backed in 2025
Dubai is solidifying its position as a leading global hub for digital innovation, with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supporting the establishment and expansion of 582 digital startups in the first nine months of 2025. This remarkable growth underscores the emirate’s rising influence in technology entrepreneurship and its strategic efforts to attract the next generation of global digital pioneers. Notably, 70% of these startups are international companies, reflecting Dubai’s growing appeal as a gateway to Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets. Artificial intelligence (AI) leads the charge, accounting for 21% of supported firms, while HealthTech, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and FinTech collectively represent another 17%. This momentum aligns with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033 and position it among the world’s top three cities for business and innovation. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized Dubai’s commitment to fostering a dynamic business environment that enables digital companies to scale globally. Nearly half of the supported firms benefited from establishment assistance, accelerator programs, and incubator services, while 32% utilized the chamber’s “Business in Dubai” platform, a one-stop service model connecting startups with investors and regulatory support. Beyond direct assistance, the chamber has invested in knowledge creation and global outreach, releasing four research reports and organizing 15 sector-specific events and 16 international roadshows across 17 cities in 10 countries. These efforts have positioned Dubai as a “launchpad city” for global startups, bridging East and West with its policy support, funding access, and fast-moving regulatory environment. The UAE’s progressive visa reforms and digital infrastructure have further attracted record levels of talent, with digital startups now contributing over 11% of the UAE’s non-oil GDP. As 2025 progresses, Dubai’s innovation engine shows no signs of slowing, redefining what it means to build, scale, and succeed on a global stage.
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Adnoc sets sights on global trading dominance with expansion drive
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is embarking on a transformative journey to solidify its position as a global leader in energy trading. The company’s trading division is set to increase its handling of oil and refined products by nearly two-thirds in the coming years, marking a pivotal phase in its growth trajectory. This ambitious expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance the UAE’s role in global energy markets and maximize value creation across the energy supply chain. Since its inception in 2018, Adnoc Global Trading has rapidly expanded its footprint, establishing offices in Singapore and Geneva, with plans to open a new hub in Houston by 2027. This global presence enables Adnoc to capture greater value from its production and respond effectively to shifting market dynamics. Adnoc’s trading operations are divided into two complementary arms: Adnoc Trading, focused on crude oil, and Adnoc Global Trading (AGT), a joint venture with Eni and OMV, specializing in refined products like diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline. This dual structure allows the company to operate across the entire value chain, from upstream production to downstream sales, enhancing profitability and flexibility. Market analysts highlight the strategic timing of this expansion, as global energy markets undergo significant transformation due to volatile prices, evolving trade flows, and the energy transition. By scaling its trading operations, Adnoc aims to hedge against price fluctuations and capture downstream value traditionally earned by intermediaries. The planned 60–70% increase in trading volumes will position Adnoc among the elite national oil company traders, such as Saudi Aramco Trading, Equinor, and Shell. The addition of a Houston office is particularly strategic, given the US Gulf Coast’s prominence as a global energy trading and refining hub. This move will provide Adnoc with access to critical market intelligence and trading opportunities in North and Latin America. Adnoc’s expansion aligns with its broader efforts to diversify its energy portfolio, invest in low-carbon solutions, and strengthen partnerships with global energy majors. The company is also transforming its Ruwais Industrial Complex into a world-class refining and chemicals hub, while listing subsidiaries on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to attract foreign investment. Industry experts view Adnoc’s trading expansion as a logical step in its evolution, enabling the UAE to reinforce its status as a global energy hub. As Adnoc scales its operations and embeds itself in key global markets, it is redefining the role of a 21st-century oil producer — agile, globally connected, and commercially driven.
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Romain Gerardin-Fresse receives the “Top 50 UAE Personality” distinction
The Khatoon Entrepreneurs Summit & Awards 2025, held in the UAE, celebrated visionary leaders who are reshaping innovation and leadership across the Emirates. Among the notable honorees was Romain Gerardin-Fresse, an internationally acclaimed lawyer and strategic advisor, who was awarded the prestigious ‘Top 50 UAE Personality’ distinction. He also received the Lawyer of Influence & Corporate Legal Visionary Award, presented by Sheikha Aisha Humaid Al Mulla. The event, themed ‘Innovation, Leadership, and Legacy,’ highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering excellence and entrepreneurship. Attendees included prominent figures such as Sheikh Zayed Bin Jamal Al Qassimi, Sheikha Aysha Bint Saud Al Qasimi, and Aarefa Al Fahali, among other royal dignitaries and business leaders. Gerardin-Fresse’s recognition underscores his unique blend of legal expertise and strategic entrepreneurship, which has significantly contributed to global partnerships and cross-border corporate transformations. His work exemplifies the values of integrity, foresight, and excellence that drive the UAE’s entrepreneurial spirit. The award not only honors his professional achievements but also acknowledges his holistic approach to leadership, where legal acumen serves as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth.
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Harshita was murdered a year ago – so why has her killer not been caught, family ask
A year has passed since the brutal murder of Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old Indian woman, whose body was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on November 14, 2024. The tragedy has left her family in Delhi grappling with grief and frustration over the lack of justice. Harshita’s husband, Pankaj Lamba, is the prime suspect in her murder. He fled to India shortly after the crime and remains at large, despite being charged with murder, rape, sexual assault, and coercive behavior by Northamptonshire Police in March 2025. The couple, both Indian nationals, had relocated from Delhi to Corby, UK, earlier that year. Harshita’s family accuses both UK and Indian authorities of failing to take decisive action. Her mother, Sudesh Kumari, tearfully demands justice, stating, ‘Only then will I find peace.’ Harshita’s sister, Sonia Dabas, criticizes the UK police for their perceived negligence, suggesting that foreign nationals are not prioritized. The case has drawn scrutiny over the handling of Harshita’s domestic abuse complaint, filed two months before her death. A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) issued against Pankaj expired weeks before the murder, raising questions about police follow-up. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has completed its investigation into the Northamptonshire Police’s conduct, with findings shared for review. Meanwhile, Harshita’s family believes Pankaj is being shielded by Indian police, citing his relatives’ connections in law enforcement. The Delhi Police deny these allegations, stating they have issued public notices and are actively searching for Pankaj. Harshita’s father, Satbir Singh Brella, continues to seek justice through relentless visits to police stations and courts. Her mother, Sudesh, clings to her daughter’s belongings, including a pair of shoes, as a poignant reminder of her loss. The case underscores the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence and the complexities of cross-border criminal investigations.
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Wearing two watches, making time for family: Abhishek Bachchan on his priorities
Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, known for his wit and charm, recently shared insights into his life, career, and passions in an exclusive interview with City Times. With his sports drama ‘Ghoomer’ re-released in theaters following the Indian women’s cricket team’s World Cup victory, Bachchan reflected on the enduring allure of big cinema and his personal priorities.
Bachchan emphasized the influence of directors on his acting career, stating, ‘Every director is influential to an actor. It’s not fair to single out one.’ He also discussed his approach to selecting projects, noting that he chooses films that resonate with audiences and inspire him as an artist.
The re-release of ‘Ghoomer’ was a tribute to the perseverance of the Indian women’s cricket team, a decision made by director R. Balki. Bachchan expressed pride in the film’s renewed success.
Addressing the rise of OTT platforms, Bachchan welcomed the shift, highlighting the opportunities it provides for emerging talent. However, he remains confident in the timeless charm of theatrical experiences, asserting, ‘The magic of going to the movies will never go away.’
Family remains a cornerstone of Bachchan’s life. He cherishes rare moments spent with loved ones, describing a shared meal as the ultimate luxury. Reflecting on his career, he shared valuable life lessons: ‘Never give up. Believe in yourself. Fight the good fight.’
Bachchan’s passion for luxury timepieces, particularly Omega watches, stems from his teenage years in Switzerland. He owns over 40 watches, many of which hold sentimental value. Inspired by his father, Amitabh Bachchan, and his sister’s dual-time-zone watches, he now wears two watches as a nod to his family’s legacy.
Through his words, Bachchan offers a glimpse into his multifaceted life, balancing cinema, family, and personal passions with grace and dedication.
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From Argentina to Meydan: Pereyra’s dream debut lights up historic Dubai Racing Carnival
The 2025–26 Dubai Racing Carnival kicked off in spectacular fashion at Meydan Racecourse, setting the stage for a season of high-stakes racing that will culminate in the 30th Dubai World Cup next March. The opening night was marked by the emergence of Argentine jockey William Pereyra, who made a dream debut with a commanding double, and the continued excellence of champion trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri, forging a promising new partnership.
Pereyra, a 31-year-old from Argentina’s Formosa Province, showcased his elite skills on his first appearance outside South America. He began his UAE campaign with a dominant 8¾-length victory aboard Shepperton Lodge in the Emirates SkyCargo Handicap, followed by a comfortable three-length win on Cupid’s Dream in the Emirates Airline Handicap. Both victories came under the banner of Al Mheiri’s Oasis Stables, signaling the start of a potentially fruitful alliance.
Al Mheiri, who recently lost star jockey Silvestre De Sousa to Jebel Ali Stables, turned to Pereyra, a seasoned rider with over 1,700 wins and 30 Group 1 victories in Argentina. The decision proved astute, as Pereyra’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen impressed both his trainer and the Meydan crowd. ‘William is a good find,’ Al Mheiri remarked. ‘He’s fitted in quickly with the team, and we have some exciting horses for the season.’
The evening also saw the return of Dark Saffron, last season’s Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) champion, who delivered a commanding performance in the Emirates Airline Conditions Stakes. Trainer Ahmad bin Harmash and jockey Connor Beasley celebrated a double, with Union Security coasting to victory in the Emirates Courier Express Maiden. Meanwhile, former champion trainer Bhupat Seemar made his mark with Grey Boss, a debut winner in the Arabian Adventures Maiden.
The international flair of the Carnival was evident, with British, Brazilian, and Uruguayan talents gracing the winner’s circle. As the curtain fell on the opening night, the stage was set for a season of unforgettable racing, with Meydan’s 30th World Cup anniversary promising to be a landmark event.