Egypt has officially unveiled the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental cultural institution near the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza. Described as the world’s largest archaeological museum, the GEM houses approximately 100,000 artefacts spanning seven millennia of Egyptian history, from pre-dynastic times to the Greek and Roman eras. A centerpiece of the museum is the complete collection from Tutankhamun’s tomb, including his iconic gold mask, throne, and chariots, displayed together for the first time since their discovery by British Egyptologist Howard Carter in 1922. Dr. Tarek Tawfik, President of the International Association of Egyptologists, emphasized the significance of showcasing the entire tomb, offering visitors an immersive experience akin to Carter’s original discovery. The $1.2 billion museum complex, which spans 500,000 square meters, is expected to attract up to 8 million visitors annually, revitalizing Egypt’s tourism sector. The GEM also features other remarkable exhibits, such as the 4,500-year-old funerary boat of Khufu and a 16-meter-long suspended obelisk of Ramesses II. The museum’s opening has reignited calls for the repatriation of key Egyptian antiquities, including the Rosetta Stone, the Dendera Zodiac, and the Bust of Nefertiti, currently held in foreign institutions. Dr. Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former minister of tourism and antiquities, expressed pride in the museum’s completion, highlighting its role in showcasing Egypt’s cultural heritage and modern achievements. The GEM, which began construction in 2005, faced numerous challenges, including financial crises, political turmoil, and the COVID-19 pandemic, but its completion marks a new era for Egyptology and cultural tourism.
分类： society
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Number of Irish citizens deported from US up more than 50%
The United States has witnessed a significant surge in the deportation of Irish citizens, with figures revealing a more than 50% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to data from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), 99 Irish nationals were deported between January and September 2025, up from 60 in the 2024 fiscal year. This trend has sparked widespread concern, particularly among families facing separation due to stringent immigration enforcement.
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‘Almost wiped out’: Israeli restrictions stifle recovery of Gaza’s farmlands
Naim Abu Amra, a Palestinian farmer from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, once cultivated a thriving 11-dunam (one hectare) plot of land. His greenhouses, powered by solar panels and a small diesel pump, yielded tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and courgettes, sustaining his family of eight and providing seasonal employment. However, the onset of Israel’s military campaign in October 2023 turned his life upside down. The area was declared a ‘no-go zone,’ and his greenhouses were obliterated, irrigation systems destroyed, and wells filled with debris. ‘Military bulldozers leveled the land to bare soil; even the plastic and metal structures melted under the bombing,’ Abu Amra recounted to Middle East Eye. His once-fertile fields are now littered with rubble and unexploded ordnance, rendering them unusable. Despite the devastation, Abu Amra and his sons have begun clearing debris by hand, planting small patches of okra and molokhia using collected rainwater. ‘The war didn’t just take our crops. It took our future,’ he lamented. The destruction of Gaza’s agricultural sector is staggering. A joint assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) revealed that over 95% of Gaza’s agricultural land is now inaccessible, with 80% of cropland damaged and 77.8% of it unusable. The sector, which once contributed 11% to Gaza’s GDP and supported 560,000 livelihoods, now accounts for less than 2%. Bahaa Zaqout of the Palestinian Agricultural Development Association (PARC) described the destruction as ‘deliberate and carefully planned.’ Israel’s blockade has long restricted agricultural inputs, but since October 2023, the policy has intensified, aiming to eradicate the sector entirely. The World Bank estimates that restoring Gaza’s agriculture will cost $8.4 billion, with one of the biggest challenges being the clearance of 61 million tonnes of debris, 15% of which contains toxic substances like asbestos. Israel has barred the entry of heavy equipment needed for cleanup, further complicating recovery efforts. Mariam Al-Jaajaa of the Arab Group for the Protection of Nature (APN) highlighted the weaponization of seeds, which Israel deems ‘dual use’ and blocks from entering Gaza. Despite these obstacles, APN has supported over 700 farmers in cultivating 13,000 dunams of land, producing seven million kilograms of vegetables. However, the cost of cultivation has skyrocketed from $5,000 to $25,000 due to the siege. Jaajaa criticized international NGOs for focusing on food aid rather than supporting agricultural recovery, emphasizing the political implications of Palestinians regaining control over their land. ‘You can’t have a sustainable resolution without having justice,’ she asserted. The road to recovery is long and fraught with challenges, but for farmers like Abu Amra, restoring their land is not just about livelihoods—it’s about reclaiming their future.
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France hit by second major heist as thieves target gold refinery
French law enforcement has apprehended six individuals near Lyon in connection with a daring heist at a precious metals refinery. The thieves reportedly used explosives to breach the facility on Thursday, making off with a haul primarily consisting of gold, valued at €12 million (£10.5 million, $13.8 million). Following a high-speed chase, police successfully detained the suspects and recovered the stolen goods. This incident follows the recent arrest of five individuals linked to a high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris earlier this month. Social media footage from the Lyon heist captured two men near a white van, with one scaling the refinery’s fence using a ladder. Another video depicted a robber armed with a weapon and loading briefcases into the vehicle. A local resident recounted hearing a significant explosion, describing it as ‘really impressive.’ Five employees of Pourquery Laboratories sustained minor injuries from the blast. Among those detained was a woman, and authorities seized assault rifles and explosives during the operation. Meanwhile, the Louvre heist investigation has led to the arrest of seven individuals, including three of the four thieves who used a mechanical lift to access the museum’s Gallery of Apollo on October 19. The thieves employed a disc cutter to open display cases containing crown jewels, stealing items worth €88 million (£76 million; $102 million). Police continue their search for the fourth suspect.
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Hotel owner and 10 others jailed for life over deadly Turkish fire
In a landmark ruling, the owner of a Turkish ski resort hotel and 10 others have been sentenced to life in prison following the deadliest fire in Turkey’s history. The devastating blaze at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu occurred during school holidays in January, claiming the lives of 78 people, including 34 children. The fire, which erupted in the early hours, forced some residents to leap from the 12-story building to escape the inferno. A total of 137 people were injured in the tragedy.
The hotel owner, Halit Ergül, along with his wife and two daughters, received the maximum penalty after being found guilty of severe negligence. Bolu’s deputy mayor and the local fire chief were also among those sentenced. An investigation revealed critical safety failures, including malfunctioning safety equipment and non-compliant gas installations. Ergül denied responsibility, blaming the gas supplier and the tourism ministry for oversight.
In addition to the life sentences, 18 other defendants, mostly hotel employees, were handed prison terms ranging from 12 to 22 years. Two cooks were acquitted. The Bolu mountains, a popular skiing destination for residents of Istanbul and Ankara, were bustling with tourists at the time of the disaster due to the school holiday season. The tragedy has left a lasting scar on the community, with victims’ families expressing profound grief and loss.
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What to know about Rio’s deadliest police raid that exposed limits of anti-gang tactics in Brazil
In a dramatic escalation of Brazil’s ongoing battle against organized crime, Rio de Janeiro police conducted a massive operation in two of the city’s favelas on Tuesday, resulting in 121 fatalities, including four police officers, and numerous injuries. The raid, targeting the notorious Comando Vermelho (Red Command) gang, involved helicopters, armored vehicles, and ground troops. While official figures report 121 deaths, Brazil’s public defender’s office claims the toll reached 132, raising questions about the operation’s transparency and effectiveness. The Comando Vermelho, which originated in the late 1970s within Rio’s prison system, has since expanded its influence internationally, particularly in Europe, and now competes with rival gang First Capital Command (PCC) for control over drug routes. The recent raids have left communities like Penha and Complexo do Alemao in a state of mourning, with residents and activists criticizing the psychological toll and questioning the long-term impact on crime. Community leader William de Oliveira emphasized that favelas are home to diverse populations, not just criminals, and called for equal scrutiny of crime across all societal strata. The operation has also ignited a political debate, with Rio Governor Cláudio Castro labeling it a “success” despite the high casualty count, while critics like retired police officer Claudio Ferraz described it as “barbaric” and politically motivated. As Brazil approaches presidential and local elections in 2024, violence remains a top concern for voters, and high-profile raids may serve as a strategy to garner political support. Human rights organizations have called for investigations into the operation, which they describe as one of the most violent in recent Brazilian history. Meanwhile, the federal government has announced new measures to combat organized crime, including the establishment of an emergency office and the signing of a law to strengthen anti-crime efforts. The Senate is also set to launch an inquiry into the expansion of organized crime, signaling a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of violence in Brazil.
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‘I’m not a terrorist’: Mumbai filmmaker held 17 kids hostage, killed in rescue operation
A tense hostage situation unfolded in Mumbai on Thursday, resulting in the death of a 50-year-old filmmaker, Rohit Arya, during a police rescue operation. Arya had held 19 people, including 17 children aged between 10 and 12, hostage in a studio in Powai. The incident began when Arya, who was conducting auditions for a short film, extended the sessions and refused to release the children, causing panic among parents. Mumbai Police responded to distress calls and launched a rescue operation, forcing entry through the studio’s bathroom. All hostages, including a senior citizen and another individual, were safely rescued. However, Arya was seriously injured during the confrontation and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Reports indicate that Arya fired an air gun at the police, prompting them to return fire, which struck his chest. In a video released prior to the incident, Arya admitted to taking the children hostage, claiming he wanted to speak with certain individuals and have his ‘questions answered.’ He denied being a terrorist or seeking financial gain, stating his demands were ‘moral and ethical.’ Authorities described Arya as mentally unstable. Investigations revealed that Arya had been involved in a government-funded urban sanitation project, Project Let’s Change, through his company, Apsara Media Entertainment Network. He allegedly demanded Rs 2 crore (approximately Dh828,895) for the project, but the government identified discrepancies in his claims and paperwork. Maharashtra Education Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol clarified that no such payment agreement existed. The incident has raised concerns about mental health and the vetting process for government-funded initiatives.
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Free things to do in Dubai: Halloween events, Fitness Challenge and more
Dubai, often synonymous with luxury, offers a plethora of free activities that cater to diverse interests, proving that enjoying the city doesn’t always require a hefty budget. From Halloween celebrations to fitness challenges and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without spending a dirham.
**Halloween Festivities**
This Halloween, Dubai is hosting a range of free events. On October 31, Al Habtoor Polo Resort is organizing a **Halloween Family Movie Night** at The Clubhouse, featuring an outdoor screening of *Hotel Transylvania*, pumpkin carving, a bouncy castle, and complimentary goodies from Flying Tiger Copenhagen. Entry is free for all ages. Meanwhile, Festival Plaza in Jebel Ali Village is hosting a Halloween celebration on November 1, complete with costume competitions, face-painting for kids, and prize giveaways of up to Dh1,000. Participants can sign up at the mall’s customer service desk.**Dubai Fitness Challenge**
November marks the annual **Dubai Fitness Challenge**, an initiative by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan that encourages residents and visitors to engage in 30 minutes of activity for 30 days. Starting November 1, the city transforms into an open-air gym with free classes, Fitness Villages, Community Hubs, and flagship events like **Dubai Ride**, **Dubai Run**, **Dubai Stand-Up Paddle**, and **Dubai Yoga**. Even if you don’t own a bike, you can participate in Dubai Ride on November 2 by renting Careem bikes for free. Check the full schedule and registration details to join the movement.**Dubai Fountain Shows**
After months of renovation, the **Dubai Fountain** reopened on October 1, offering visitors a mesmerizing display of water, music, and light. Located at Dubai Mall with the Burj Khalifa as its backdrop, the fountain is a must-see attraction. Shows occur every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm daily, with additional afternoon shows on weekends.**Night Beaches**
For a serene evening, head to one of Dubai’s night beaches—Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, or Umm Suqeim 1. These spots offer stunning views of the illuminated Burj Al Arab, making for a perfect nighttime escape.**Birthday Freebies**
Dubai is known for its birthday perks. From free rides at Aquaventure Waterpark to complimentary tours of the Miracle Garden, the city goes the extra mile to make your special day memorable. Restaurants like Claw BBQ and Paul Arabia offer free treats, while Cinemacity provides free movie tickets for birthday celebrations.**Art and Culture**
Art enthusiasts can explore **Alserkal Avenue** in Al Quoz, home to over 70 galleries, studios, and cultural spaces. Highlights include Carbon 12, Green Art Gallery, and Leila Heller, as well as Gulf Photo Plus and thejamjar. Catch independent films at Cinema Akil or live performances at The Junction.Dubai’s free offerings showcase the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit, making it accessible to all, regardless of budget.
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How UAE’s first olive-based coffee was brewed by mother-daughter duo
In a unique blend of tradition and innovation, the UAE has welcomed its first olive-based coffee, crafted by Emirati mother-daughter duo Nadia Al Mansouri and Huda Abdulaziz. What started as a pop-up attraction at community events has evolved into a sensation among health-conscious consumers and lovers of heritage-inspired flavors. The product, distributed under the brand History Coffee, offers a range of blends infused with hazelnut, frankincense (libaan), and even karak-style varieties, redefining the coffee experience in the region. The concept was inspired by Dr. Waleed Al Azraq, CEO of First Pasha Coffee, a Turkish-Yemeni firm that holds the patent for olive-powder coffee. Dr. Al Azraq’s vision was to merge the cultural significance of coffee with the health benefits of olives, creating a product that resonates with both tradition and modern wellness trends. The journey began after Dr. Al Azraq discovered powdered olive fruit at a Turkish agricultural exhibition. After extensive experimentation, the team achieved a perfect balance between the rich flavor of Emirati coffee and the nutritional properties of olive powder. Despite challenges in flavor balancing and regulatory approvals, the product has gained widespread recognition, both locally and internationally. Huda, a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, and her mother Nadia, who previously avoided coffee due to health concerns, were drawn to the product’s unique properties. Today, History Coffee is a staple at major events like ADIHEX and has expanded its offerings to include Arabic blonde coffee and other popular blends. Beyond its distinctive taste, olive coffee is celebrated for its health benefits, including antioxidant properties, heart health support, and cognitive enhancement. This Emirati-Yemeni collaboration exemplifies a growing regional appetite for innovative products that honor cultural heritage while promoting well-being.
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Dubai: Parkin introduces two new paid public parking zones
Dubai’s leading public parking provider, Parkin, has unveiled two new paid parking zones in Dubai Studio City and Outsource City, marking a significant expansion of its services. The announcement, made on Friday, October 31, 2025, introduces structured parking tariffs and subscription rates for these areas, effective immediately. Clear signage has been installed to demarcate the zones, ensuring compliance with Code T regulations. The new tariffs, applicable from 8 AM to 10 PM, range from Dh2 for half an hour to Dh36 for a full 24-hour period. Subscription options include monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual plans, priced at Dh315, Dh840, Dh1680, and Dh2940, respectively. This move follows Parkin’s earlier initiatives, such as the introduction of free parking on Sundays and public holidays in Mirdif and the addition of paid zones in Al Jaddaf and Al Khail Gate earlier this year. The expansion aims to streamline parking management and enhance convenience for residents and visitors in these bustling commercial hubs.