The 2025 edition of the Emirates Mixed Amateur Open concluded with a thrilling display of skill and teamwork at the prestigious Majlis Course of the Emirates Golf Club. The event, which attracted 83 pairs of male and female amateur golfers, was played in a greensomes format, applying a 60% handicap allowance to the lower-handicapped partner and 40% to the higher. This innovative format highlighted the club’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and competitive spirit in golf. The dynamic duo of Raza Hussain and Linda Mahoney emerged as the overall champions, delivering a stellar performance with a net score of 63 (-9). Their exceptional teamwork, consistency, and strategic course management set them apart from a fiercely competitive field. In the gross division, Ian Scott and Adele McKelvey claimed the Best Gross honours with a score of 74 (+2), showcasing their precision and resilience on the challenging Majlis Course. The tournament, a hallmark of the Emirates Golf Club’s mixed amateur events, continues to grow in stature, promoting creative formats and mixed-gender participation. Other notable achievements included Suk Chang Jung and Yang Sook Jung as runners-up with a net 64 (-8), and Andrej Podgorsek and Veronika Podgorsek securing third place with the same score. The event also featured individual accolades in the Nearest the Pin category, with Priyanka Gupta, Naima Maya, Suk Chang Jung, and Andrej Podgorsek earning recognition for their accuracy. The 2025 edition of the Emirates Mixed Amateur Open was a celebration of teamwork, skill, and the enduring appeal of golf.
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Mena Biofuels advances UAE’s first commercial sustainable aviation fuel plant in Fujairah
Mena Biofuels, a subsidiary of the Mercantile & Maritime Group, has officially initiated the construction of the UAE’s first commercial Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ). This groundbreaking project, unveiled at Adipec 2024, aims to convert used cooking oil and waste-based feedstocks into certified SAF, meeting stringent international standards. The facility’s Phase I, with a $200 million investment, will produce 125 million litres annually, accounting for approximately 18% of the UAE’s 2030 SAF target. Phase II, with an additional $100 million investment, will double the capacity to 250 million litres, contributing up to 36% of the nation’s SAF goal and supporting regional exports. The project aligns with the UAE’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap 2030 and Net Zero 2050 Agenda, marking a significant milestone in the country’s clean energy transition. Over the past year, Mena Biofuels has completed a comprehensive feasibility study, secured land leases, appointed key project managers, and selected an internationally recognized technology provider. The company has also signed strategic offtake agreements with Emirates Petroleum Company PJSC (Emarat) and plans to finalize additional agreements at the upcoming Dubai Air Show. The first Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) tender has been launched, covering feedstock storage and distribution facilities, with the second tender for refinery process units set for Q1 2026. This project positions Fujairah as a regional hub for sustainable aviation fuel production, driving economic and environmental resilience while fostering innovation and industrial capacity.
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Photos of Delhi blast: Charred cars, bloody streets near Red Fort explosion site
A devastating explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on November 10, 2025, has left 13 people dead and several others injured, with early investigations suggesting a possible terror attack. The blast, which occurred in the city’s old quarters, caused widespread destruction, including charred vehicles, shattered windows, and blood-stained streets. Emergency services, including police and fire crews, responded swiftly to the scene, cordoning off the area and extinguishing the flames. Authorities have heightened security across multiple states, with Uttar Pradesh placed on red alert and high alerts issued in Uttarakhand, Haryana, Odisha, Kerala, and Kolkata. Mumbai Police have also issued precautionary advisories, while Bihar has tightened security measures. Chandni Chowk Market will remain closed as a precautionary measure. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the explosion, while emergency services continue to assess the damage and treat the injured. The incident has raised concerns about public safety, with security personnel intensifying efforts to prevent further threats. Photos from the scene depict the grim aftermath of the explosion, highlighting the scale of the devastation.
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$6 bn in Chad investment deals inked at UAE forum: Minister
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully concluded a series of investment agreements with Chad, potentially exceeding $6.2 billion, as announced by UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi during the two-day UAE-Chad Trade and Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi. The event, which saw the participation of numerous entities and companies from Chad, resulted in approximately 40 deals aimed at fostering economic growth and stability in the central African nation. Chad officials also utilized the forum to unveil a national development plan targeting $30 billion in investments. The UAE has been a significant investor in Africa, with over $110 billion committed between 2019 and 2023, making it the largest backer of new projects on the continent. Additionally, a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Chad is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, following a 32 percent increase in non-oil trade to $1.9 billion in the previous year. The forum comes amid concerns over an influx of Sudanese refugees into Chad due to ongoing conflict in the region.
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Syria to join US-led coalition to defeat IS group after Trump meeting
In a historic shift in US foreign policy, Syria has been welcomed into the international coalition to combat the Islamic State (ISIS), marking a significant turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics. This development was confirmed by a senior Trump administration official following a landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House. This visit marks the first time a Syrian leader has been hosted in the US, symbolizing a new chapter in bilateral relations.
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RSISX index posts modest 0.6 per cent growth ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections
The Rabee Securities Iraq Stock Exchange Index (RSISX Index) experienced a modest 0.6 per cent growth in October 2025, reflecting cautious investor sentiment ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections on November 11. Key contributors to this performance included National Bank of Iraq, Baghdad Soft Drinks, Asiacell, and Al-Mansour Hotel. The total trading volume on the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) surged by 87 per cent to $40.2 million, driven by cross transactions. Excluding these, trading still grew by 28 per cent to $19.1 million. The banking sector dominated trading activity with a 61.6 per cent share, followed by industry (28.5 per cent), telecom (4.8 per cent), and other sectors. Meanwhile, the over-the-counter (OTC) market saw a 15 per cent decline in trading volume to $177,700. Among the 27 companies that saw share price increases, Modern Construction Materials led with a 61.4 per cent rise, followed by Electronic Industries at 23.9 per cent. Tugba Tan Karakaya, Equity Analyst at Rabee Securities, noted that the rise in trading volume indicates improved market activity and stronger local investor participation. Significant developments in October included the Iraqi Securities Commission’s approval of membership requirements for brokerage firms to trade on the Tabadul platform of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the launch of a €40 million Credit Guarantee Fund by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). According to the World Bank’s MENAAP Economic Update, Iraq’s real GDP is projected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2026, the highest among Arab countries, driven by energy sector recovery, rising oil exports, and government efforts to diversify income sources.
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Fritz overpowers Musetti to start with a win at ATP Finals
In a commanding performance at the ATP Finals in Turin, Taylor Fritz secured a decisive victory over Italian Lorenzo Musetti, winning 6-3, 6-4 in their opening round-robin match on Monday. Musetti, who stepped in as a late replacement following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal, initially showed promise but struggled to maintain momentum against Fritz’s relentless play. The American’s strong serve and strategic gameplay proved too much for Musetti, who despite the support of a partisan crowd, couldn’t turn the tide. The match’s pivotal moment came early when Fritz saved four break points and subsequently broke Musetti’s serve to take a 3-1 lead. Fritz’s dominance continued throughout the match, with nine aces in the second set alone, sealing the win with two final aces. Musetti, though defeated, showcased moments of brilliance with clever drop shots and lobs, keeping the audience engaged. Fritz’s victory marks a strong start to his campaign at the season-ending championships, where he aims to build on his semifinal appearance in 2022. Meanwhile, top seed Carlos Alcaraz also began his tournament with a win, defeating Alex de Minaur in the Jimmy Connors Group. The round-robin format ensures intense competition, with the top two players from each group advancing to the semifinals. Italian fans will look forward to Jannik Sinner’s match later in the day as he begins his title defense against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
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Cryptoqueen who fled China for London mansion to be sentenced over £5bn Bitcoin stash
Qian Zhemin, a 47-year-old woman accused of orchestrating one of the largest cryptocurrency frauds in history, is set to be sentenced this week in the UK. The case, which involves billions of pounds in stolen funds from over 100,000 Chinese pensioners, has drawn international attention. Qian fled China in 2017 under a fake passport and settled in a luxurious mansion in Hampstead, London, where she lived a lavish lifestyle funded by her ill-gotten gains. Her company, Lantian Gerui, promised investors high returns from cryptocurrency mining and high-tech health products, but in reality, it was an elaborate Ponzi scheme. The Metropolitan Police raided her property in 2024, seizing tens of thousands of Bitcoin—the largest cryptocurrency haul in UK history. Qian’s assistant, Wen Jian, was sentenced to six years in prison for money laundering, while Qian herself pleaded guilty to illegally acquiring and possessing cryptocurrency. Investors, many of whom lost their life savings, are now hoping to reclaim at least a portion of their funds through a civil case. However, the process is fraught with challenges, as many victims did not directly transfer money to Qian’s company but to local promoters. The case has also raised questions about the fate of the seized cryptocurrency, which has multiplied in value since Qian’s arrest. Any unclaimed funds could default to the UK government, prompting speculation about a potential windfall for the Treasury. The emotional toll on victims has been immense, with some losing not only their financial security but also their families. Qian’s audacious plans, including aspirations to become the queen of Liberland, a microstate on the Croatian-Serbian border, have added a surreal dimension to the case. As the sentencing hearing unfolds, the victims’ hopes for justice remain intertwined with the complexities of international law and cryptocurrency regulation.
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Maccabi Haifa fans attack Palestinian restaurant goers after match ends in draw
A violent altercation broke out shortly after a tense football match between Maccabi Haifa and Bnei Sakhnin, a predominantly Arab club, ended in a 3-3 draw in Sakhnin, Israel. Dozens of Maccabi Haifa fans, clad in the team’s green and black colors, stormed the Amigo restaurant near Bnei Sakhnin’s Doha Stadium, attacking patrons with knives, sticks, and bottles. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and brutal, with several people sustaining injuries, including deep head wounds and fractures. The restaurant owner, Ayham Abu Rayya, recounted the sudden and organized nature of the attack, accusing the police of failing to intervene promptly. Despite six arrests, many criticized the authorities for their delayed response. The incident has sparked outrage among Sakhnin residents, who condemned the violence and accused Israeli media of downplaying the event due to its Arab victims. The Referees’ Association also condemned the attack, revealing that several referees attending the match were severely beaten. This incident highlights a broader trend of rising anti-Arab rhetoric in Israeli football, with a 67% increase in racist chanting reported this season. Maccabi Haifa’s management has distanced itself from the violence, expressing confidence in the police to hold those responsible accountable.
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Syria’s Sharaa met pro-Israel Congressman in bid to repeal Caesar sanctions
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Republican Congressman Brian Mast on Sunday, intensifying efforts to repeal the US Caesar sanctions ahead of his visit to the White House. Mast, a pro-Israel representative from Florida, has become a significant obstacle to the repeal of the 2019 Caesar Act, which imposed severe economic penalties on Syria following evidence of human rights violations by a Syrian defector. Despite former President Donald Trump’s May pledge to lift sanctions and a subsequent 180-day waiver issued in June, the law remains in effect and can only be fully repealed by Congress. Business leaders and diplomats argue that the uncertain status of the sanctions is hindering investment in Syria, where the economy is struggling. The World Bank estimates Syria’s reconstruction costs at $200 billion, but Gulf states’ pledged investments have been slow to materialize due to the sanctions. Reports suggest Mast’s stance is influenced by lobbying from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s advisor, Ron Dermer. Mast, a US Army veteran who lost both legs in Afghanistan, has a strong connection to Israel, often wearing an Israeli army uniform in Congress. Israel has capitalized on Syria’s instability, occupying a UN buffer zone and conducting air strikes reaching Damascus. Additionally, Israel has positioned itself as a protector of Syria’s Druze minority, backing Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat Salaman al-Hajri with arms. During recent Druze-Bedouin conflicts, Israel blocked Sharaa’s deployment of Sunni security forces, angering Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the Trump administration. Sharaa’s meeting with Mast was reportedly arranged by supporters of Trump, who is pushing Congress to lift the sanctions. Although Congress is currently in recess due to a government shutdown, efforts are underway to amend the 2026 Defense Act to repeal the sanctions. Mouaz Moustafa of the Syrian Emergency Task Force emphasized the need for a “clear-cut repeal” to restore investor confidence, warning that any possibility of sanctions returning would deter companies from entering Syria.