作者: admin

  • UAE’s first Green Licence explained: What it means for sustainable businesses

    UAE’s first Green Licence explained: What it means for sustainable businesses

    The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant step towards fostering sustainable business practices with the introduction of its first-ever Green Licence. This groundbreaking initiative was unveiled during the launch of the Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s green transformation journey. The Green Licence aims to attract and empower eco-conscious businesses by offering a range of benefits, including access to an on-site Green Intellectual Property Office designed to support innovation and attract sustainable enterprises globally. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, emphasized that the Green Innovation District would serve as a vibrant ecosystem where economic opportunity and ecological responsibility coexist harmoniously. The district will feature light industrial and urban farming spaces, alongside commercial areas, creating a sustainable, interconnected community. Al Hashimy highlighted that Expo City Dubai’s commitment to green standards and innovation provides an ideal environment for businesses to trial, scale, and succeed. The initiative is part of a broader vision to position Expo City Dubai as a global hub for sustainability-driven enterprises, innovation, and research, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in building a resilient, net-zero future. Al Hashimy expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, founding partners, local government departments, and existing members of the Expo City Dubai business community for their commitment to advancing clean energy and decarbonization. Together, they are creating a model for the future—a catalyst for sustainable growth where both business and the environment can thrive.

  • UAE: 2 girls saved from drowning at Mamzar Beach; Sharjah authority honours rescuer

    UAE: 2 girls saved from drowning at Mamzar Beach; Sharjah authority honours rescuer

    In a dramatic turn of events at Mamzar Beach, two young girls were rescued from drowning on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority swiftly responded to the incident, and the rescuer was subsequently honored for his bravery. The Director General and his deputy personally visited the girls in the hospital to ensure their recovery and well-being. This incident has prompted authorities to reinforce beach safety measures, including increased patrols and new training programs for school students. The community is also encouraged to participate in marine rescue training to enhance public safety during major events. Mamzar Beach, a popular spot shared between Sharjah and Dubai, has seen its share of tragic incidents in the past, including a drowning in November 2024 and a fatal rescue attempt the year before. These events underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness when enjoying the UAE’s coastal attractions.

  • Tunisian court suspends prominent human rights groups as crackdown progresses

    Tunisian court suspends prominent human rights groups as crackdown progresses

    In a significant development, a Tunisian court has mandated the suspension of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), one of the country’s most prominent human rights organizations, for a period of one month. This decision follows a similar suspension imposed on the Tunisian Association for Democratic Women (ATFD), a leading feminist group, just days prior. The move underscores the escalating pressures faced by civil society organizations under President Kais Saied’s administration, which has been accused of systematically undermining post–Arab Spring democratic freedoms. FTDES spokesperson Romdhan Ben Amor criticized the suspension, describing it as a diversionary tactic to shift focus from pressing national issues, including ongoing environmental protests in Gabes. He further asserted that the organization was targeted for its advocacy on migration and its involvement in high-profile cases related to state security. Ben Amor emphasized FTDES’s commitment to financial transparency and announced plans to appeal the suspension. Critics argue that these measures are part of a broader strategy to stifle the independence of civil society, particularly since Saied’s 2021 consolidation of power. The president has frequently framed foreign funding as a national threat, accusing NGOs of serving foreign interests and destabilizing the country. FTDES is among numerous organizations subjected to rigorous financial and tax audits in recent months, as authorities intensify scrutiny over their operations and funding sources.

  • Gulf nationals get equal treatment as citizens in health facilities across GCC countries

    Gulf nationals get equal treatment as citizens in health facilities across GCC countries

    In a landmark development for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, citizens of member states now have access to comprehensive healthcare services across the region, regardless of their country of residence or visit. This initiative underscores the GCC’s commitment to fostering unity and equal treatment among its citizens. During 2023, over 204,000 Gulf nationals benefited from government medical services outside their home countries, as revealed by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, during a meeting of GCC health ministers. The scope of healthcare services varies based on the duration of stay. Visitors staying up to three months are entitled to primary healthcare, emergency and ambulance services, and hospitalisation for critical cases until the emergency is resolved. For those residing in a GCC country for over three months, with valid residency and property ownership or lease contracts, all health services in hospitals and government health centres are accessible. The GCC region boasts an extensive healthcare infrastructure, with over 863 hospitals and 3,400 health centres and complexes. This initiative reflects the GCC’s vision of a ‘collective homeland,’ where citizens enjoy benefits equivalent to those of nationals in each member state. In the UAE, GCC nationals working in the private sector are treated equally to Emirati nationals in terms of employment and insurance coverage, as per Cabinet Resolution No. 72/5 of 2007. This policy, however, does not impact the Emiratisation quota for UAE citizens in the private sector. The move highlights the GCC’s dedication to enhancing regional integration and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

  • Israel’s killing of Abu Akleh was intentional, says lead US investigator

    Israel’s killing of Abu Akleh was intentional, says lead US investigator

    A retired US colonel involved in the investigation into the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has asserted that she was deliberately shot by an Israeli soldier. In an interview with Zeteo News, Steve Gabavics, who served as chief of staff at the Office of the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) at the time of the incident, revealed that his findings concluded the shooting was intentional. Gabavics also accused the Biden administration of downplaying the results to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. Israeli forces killed Abu Akleh during a raid in Jenin, occupied West Bank, in May 2022, sparking international outrage. While the Israeli army claimed the shooting was accidental, independent investigations and Gabavics’s evidence suggest otherwise. Gabavics presented his findings to General Michael Fenzel, who dismissed them, citing Israeli officials’ claims of a tragic accident. Gabavics expressed frustration over the US government’s perceived bias toward Israel, stating, ‘The favoritism is always toward the Israelis. Very little of that goes to the Palestinians.’

  • Air India bus catches fire at New Delhi airport; operations undisrupted

    Air India bus catches fire at New Delhi airport; operations undisrupted

    A bus operated by Air India’s ground-handling service provider, AI SATS, caught fire at Terminal 3 of New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. The incident occurred near bay number 32, close to a parked aircraft. Fortunately, no passengers were onboard at the time, and there were no reported injuries or casualties. Airport emergency teams, including the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit, responded promptly, extinguishing the blaze within minutes and preventing it from escalating. The Delhi Airport Authority confirmed that the bus was stationary and vacant during the incident, and all airport operations remained unaffected. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the airport emphasized that passenger and staff safety remains their top priority. The swift action of the emergency teams ensured that the situation was contained without disrupting flight schedules or causing harm to individuals. This incident highlights the efficiency of the airport’s emergency response protocols and their commitment to maintaining operational continuity even in unforeseen circumstances.

  • China approves amendment to cybersecurity law

    China approves amendment to cybersecurity law

    In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity and regulate artificial intelligence (AI), China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, approved an amendment to the country’s Cybersecurity Law on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The revised law, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aims to address the escalating demands of AI governance while fostering its development. The amendment emphasizes support for fundamental AI research, the advancement of critical technologies like algorithms, and the construction of AI-related infrastructure, including data resource training and computing power. Additionally, it introduces stricter ethical standards for AI, enhanced risk monitoring, and improved safety supervision. The amendment also seeks to strengthen cybersecurity legal responsibilities and ensure better coordination with other relevant laws. China’s Cybersecurity Law, originally enacted in 2016, serves as a cornerstone in the nation’s digital governance framework. This latest revision underscores China’s commitment to navigating the complexities of AI and cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world.

  • RSF’s takeover of Sudan’s El Fasher a ‘terrible escalation’ that raises new concerns

    RSF’s takeover of Sudan’s El Fasher a ‘terrible escalation’ that raises new concerns

    In a devastating turn of events, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have captured El Fasher, the last military stronghold in Sudan’s Darfur region, marking a grim escalation in the 31-month-long conflict. The paramilitary group, notorious for its brutal tactics, reportedly killed and detained hundreds of civilians during the takeover, which began on Sunday. The Sudanese military withdrew from the city, citing concerns for civilian safety after enduring over a year of relentless RSF attacks. General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the military chief, condemned the RSF’s ‘systemic destruction and killing of civilians.’

    The United Nations has described the situation as a ‘terrible escalation,’ with reports of summary executions, sexual violence, and house-to-house raids emerging from the city. Graphic footage on social media shows RSF fighters shooting and beating civilians attempting to flee, while others were detained and abused. Amnesty International’s Tigere Chagutah called the reports ‘horrifying’ and urged the RSF to cease attacks and allow humanitarian aid.

    Medical workers were not spared, with five abducted, including doctors and nurses. Satellite imagery analyzed by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab revealed scenes consistent with mass killings, including gun-mounted trucks and reddish earth discoloration, possibly indicating bloodshed. The RSF, which evolved from the Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in the 2000s, has not responded to the allegations. The Biden administration has accused the RSF of committing genocide in the current conflict.

    The fall of El Fasher raises fears of Sudan’s fragmentation, reminiscent of South Sudan’s secession a decade ago. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an end to foreign military support to the warring parties, hinting at external interference undermining peace efforts. Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported the killing of five volunteers in Kordofan state, underscoring the peril faced by humanitarian workers.

    The conflict has claimed over 40,000 lives, displaced 14 million people, and created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with parts of Sudan, including El Fasher, facing famine. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and halt the atrocities.

  • Taiwan compatriots voice unity on the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration

    Taiwan compatriots voice unity on the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration

    In a significant commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China, Taiwanese compatriots gathered to express their profound patriotic fervor and unwavering commitment to national reunification. The event, held with grandeur, underscored the enduring connections and shared aspirations between the people across the Taiwan Strait. Participants emphasized the importance of unity and the collective vision for a harmonious future, highlighting the historical significance of the restoration and its implications for the region’s stability and prosperity. The gathering served as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted ties that bind the two sides, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding amidst the complexities of cross-strait relations.

  • ‘Dubai brought me back to myself’: How city helped Chetan Bhagat reinvent himself

    ‘Dubai brought me back to myself’: How city helped Chetan Bhagat reinvent himself

    Renowned Indian author and screenwriter Chetan Bhagat has found a new creative haven in Dubai, where he has been residing for the past year and a half. In a recent interview with City Times, Bhagat revealed how the city has helped him rediscover his passion for writing and provided the tranquility he sought. His latest book, ’12 Years, My Messed Up Love Story,’ reflects his experiences and the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. Bhagat’s protagonist, a 21-year-old girl in love with a divorced 33-year-old man, navigates themes of love, lust, and societal expectations. The book aims to offer a refreshing contrast to the dark and violent content dominating OTT platforms. Bhagat, who rose to fame with ‘Five Point Someone’ and ‘2 States,’ admitted that the glitz of Bollywood and the pressures of fame had overshadowed his joy for writing. Moving to Dubai allowed him to reconnect with his craft and focus on personal growth. Now 51, Bhagat emphasizes the importance of internal fulfillment over external success, embracing a quieter, more introspective lifestyle. His journey serves as an inspiration for those seeking to balance creativity with authenticity.