As the UAE gears up for its 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, the nation is abuzz with anticipation for the grand festivities marking its National Day. Scheduled for December 2, 2025, this year’s theme, ‘United,’ underscores the spirit of unity, belonging, and national pride that defines the UAE. The celebrations will span all seven emirates, offering a diverse array of activities, community events, and experiences designed to bring people together. The Eid Al Etihad team has curated detailed Celebration Guides available on their official website, providing inspiration and suggestions for engaging activities. Additionally, an official playlist on the Eid Al Etihad YouTube channel adds a musical touch to the festivities, featuring songs that evoke joy and pride. The official ceremony will be broadcast live at various locations across the emirates, including Khalifa City and Al Falah City in Abu Dhabi, Al Khawaneej and The Global Village in Dubai, and Al Siyouh Park in Sharjah, among others. These gatherings aim to foster a sense of community and shared celebration, inviting everyone who calls the UAE home to partake in this national occasion.
分类： society
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One dead after days of torrential rain brings flooding across large swaths of Albania
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Albania is grappling with severe flooding following days of relentless rainfall, which has claimed at least one life and left numerous communities isolated. Police confirmed on Saturday that a 76-year-old woman was found dead in the southeastern municipality of Devoll after floodwaters receded. Her son had reported her missing, and a search operation by soldiers on Friday proved unsuccessful. Authorities suspect she was swept away by powerful currents. The heavy rains caused the Vjosa and Seman rivers to overflow, inundating vast stretches of agricultural land. The Vjosa flows through southern Albania, while the Seman traverses the low-lying Myzeqeja plain. In the northwestern Lezha region, approximately 220 hectares (544 acres) of land remain submerged, according to the Civil Protection Agency. Distressing footage shared online depicted flooded homes and farmland, with farmers reporting significant crop losses. Defense Minister Pirro Vengu visited the southern Sarande District on Saturday to evaluate the damage firsthand. With more rain predicted in the coming days, fears are mounting that conditions could deteriorate further. Civil Emergency Teams remain on high alert to respond to potential crises.
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‘We love off-roading’: KT Desert Drive 2025 kicks off; hundreds hit RAK dunes
The KT Desert Drive 2025, one of the UAE’s most anticipated off-road events, kicked off with immense enthusiasm on Saturday, November 22, at the Dunes Camping and Safari in Ras Al Khaimah. Organized by Khaleej Times and presented by Legend Motors 212, the event attracted hundreds of off-road enthusiasts, ranging from families and beginners to seasoned drivers, all eager to experience the thrill of desert driving. The day began with an official flag-off ceremony at 9:00 AM, led by Charles Yardley, CEO of Khaleej Times, who raised the flag to mark the start of the adventure. The first car, driven by marshal Nick and accompanied by a Khaleej Times reporter, led the convoy into the dunes, setting the tone for a day filled with excitement and camaraderie. Participants gathered as early as 6:30 AM to prepare their vehicles, check tire pressure, and collect essential supplies. The event’s route spanned approximately 120 to 140 kilometers, with safety exits every 20 kilometers and real-time tracking via a navigation app. Ahmed Pervez, founder of Dubai Off Roaders and a key figure behind the event, emphasized that the drive was not a rally but a fun, community-focused experience. The event also featured sponsors like Bridgestone, Valvoline, and RAK Properties, who contributed to its success. Families, friends, and off-roading veterans alike enjoyed the scenic dunes, with many expressing their eagerness to return for future editions.
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Dubai: Man jailed, to be deported for embezzling gold worth Dh3.2 million
A Dubai court has handed down a severe verdict in a high-profile embezzlement case, sentencing an Asian man to jail and deportation for stealing 15kg of 24-karat gold valued at Dh3.2 million. The defendant was also ordered to repay the full amount, plus 5% annual legal interest, from the date the judgment became final until the debt is settled. The case, which began in early 2024, involved two partners who filed a criminal complaint with Dubai police after discovering the theft. The Public Prosecution’s investigation confirmed the defendant’s guilt, leading to his conviction for embezzlement of entrusted property. Initially, the Dubai Criminal Court sentenced him to six months in jail, imposed a fine equivalent to the stolen gold’s value, and mandated his deportation. Despite appeals to higher courts, the verdict was upheld. Subsequently, the partners pursued a civil lawsuit, seeking Dh4.5 million in compensation, which included the gold’s value and additional damages for financial and moral harm. The civil court ruled in their favor, emphasizing the defendant’s direct financial and moral harm to the plaintiffs. The court’s decision underscores the legal consequences of property rights violations in Dubai.
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Abu Dhabi bans trucks on 2 roads starting December 1; alternative routes revealed
Starting December 1, 2025, Abu Dhabi will enforce a ban on heavy vehicles, including freight trucks, tankers, and construction equipment, on two major roads: Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road (E11) and Al Raha Beach Road (E10). The Integrated Transport Centre (AD Mobility) announced this decision on Friday, emphasizing its goal to improve traffic flow and safety in the city. As part of this initiative, truck traffic will be redirected to alternative routes, specifically Al Faya–Saih Shuaib Road (E75) and Al Hafar (Al Adla).
This move follows an earlier regulation implemented in early 2025, which prohibited heavy vehicles from operating on Abu Dhabi roads during peak traffic hours. The restrictions are in effect from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, with additional limitations on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. These measures aim to alleviate traffic congestion caused by the slower movement of heavy vehicles and to protect critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, from excessive wear and tear.
The initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to address the increasing volume of vehicles in the city and enhance the overall commuting experience for residents. By rerouting heavy vehicles to less congested areas, authorities hope to create a safer and more efficient transportation network. The Integrated Transport Centre encourages all stakeholders to adhere to the new regulations and stay updated on further developments through official communication channels.
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Pope Leo XIV accepts resignation of Spanish bishop accused of abuse in first known case for pontiff
In a significant move, Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Rafael Zornoza of Cádiz, Spain, who is under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of a young seminarian in the 1990s. This marks the first known instance of the new pontiff removing a bishop accused of such misconduct. The Vatican issued a brief statement confirming the acceptance of Zornoza’s resignation but did not elaborate on the reasons. Zornoza, 76, had submitted his resignation last year upon reaching the standard retirement age for bishops, but it was only accepted after recent reports of the investigation surfaced. Spanish newspaper El País revealed earlier this month that Zornoza is accused of abusing a former seminarian while serving as a priest and director of the diocesan seminary in Getafe. The alleged victim, in a letter to the Vatican, claimed Zornoza engaged in inappropriate behavior and manipulated him into seeking psychiatric treatment to ‘cure’ his homosexuality. The Diocese of Cádiz denied the allegations but acknowledged the ongoing investigation by the church tribunal in Madrid. Zornoza has temporarily suspended his duties to focus on his health, as he battles an aggressive form of cancer. This case is part of a broader reckoning within the Spanish Catholic Church, which has faced widespread criticism for decades of abuse and cover-ups. In 2023, an official probe suggested hundreds of thousands of victims could exist, prompting the church to launch a compensation plan for survivors.
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UAE weather: Dubai temperature to dip to 22ºC; alerts issued for fog
As the UAE transitions into the winter season, residents can anticipate a comfortable climate with temperatures remaining below 30ºC. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the weather across the country is expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with occasional dust in eastern regions. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued red and yellow alerts for fog, particularly affecting visibility in certain areas until 10:30 AM. Low clouds are anticipated over the sea and islands, accompanied by a gradual drop in temperatures. In Dubai, the mercury is forecasted to range between 22ºC and 30ºC, while Abu Dhabi will experience lows of 21ºC and highs of 30ºC. Humidity is expected to increase by night and into Sunday morning, potentially leading to fog or mist formation in coastal and internal areas. Winds will remain light to moderate, with speeds ranging from 15 to 25 kmph, occasionally reaching up to 40 kmph. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf will be slight to moderate, while the Oman Sea will remain calm. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution during periods of reduced visibility.
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Nigeria sees one of worst mass abductions as 315 taken from school
In a devastating early morning raid, armed assailants stormed St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state, Nigeria, kidnapping over 300 children and staff. The attack, which occurred around 02:00 local time on Friday, marks one of the largest mass abductions in the country’s history. Initial reports estimated 215 victims, but the Christian Association of Nigeria later revised the figure to 303 students and 12 teachers after a thorough verification process. The school, a Catholic institution, had reportedly ignored government orders to close its boarding facilities despite intelligence warnings of heightened security risks. Local police and security agencies are now conducting extensive search operations in nearby forests to rescue the abducted individuals. The incident has sparked widespread fear and anger across Nigeria, with citizens demanding stronger government action to protect schools and communities. This kidnapping is the third such attack in Nigeria within a week, following the abduction of over 20 Muslim schoolgirls in Kebbi state and a church attack in Kwara state that left two dead and 38 kidnapped. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has postponed his foreign engagements, including the G20 summit in South Africa, to address the escalating security crisis. The central government has also ordered the closure of more than 40 federal colleges and public schools in several states. The rising insecurity has fueled public outrage, with many calling for more effective measures to combat the growing threat of criminal gangs, locally known as bandits, who frequently kidnap for ransom. Despite the government’s ban on ransom payments, the practice continues to thrive, exacerbating the crisis. The mass abduction has also reignited debates about religious persecution in Nigeria, with U.S. right-wing figures, including former President Donald Trump, accusing Islamist militants of targeting Christians. However, the Nigerian government has dismissed these claims, stating that terrorist attacks affect people of all faiths and are often driven by resource competition rather than religion.
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Seven bodyguards arrested over Mexican mayor’s murder
In a shocking turn of events, Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan and a vocal opponent of cartel violence, was brutally assassinated on November 1 during a public Day of the Dead ceremony. The incident has sent shockwaves through Mexico, highlighting the pervasive influence of organized crime in the region. Authorities have since arrested seven bodyguards allegedly involved in the murder, accusing them of complicity through negligence in the aggravated homicide of the 40-year-old mayor. The attorney general’s office in Michoacán state confirmed the arrests, which were carried out by both state and federal officials, including the National Guard. The suspects were led out of a municipal building near the crime scene on Friday, according to the Associated Press. Manzo, who was attending the ceremony with his family, was shot seven times by a lone gunman, causing panic among bystanders. His bodyguards later restrained and shot the assailant. Manzo had been a prominent critic of the extortion and threats faced by avocado growers in the region, and had called on the federal government to take stronger action against cartels. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known for drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, has been implicated in the murder. The cartel is notorious for targeting public officials who resist their demands. On Wednesday, Mexican officials arrested Jorge Amando, the alleged mastermind behind the assassination. The CJNG, considered the most powerful criminal organization in Michoacán, is engaged in violent turf wars with other gangs over control of drug, arms, and fuel smuggling routes, often resulting in deadly confrontations. Manzo’s assassination has sparked mass protests and raised serious questions about the effectiveness of security measures for public officials in Mexico.
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Number of children abducted in Nigerian school attack raised to more than 300
In a harrowing escalation of Nigeria’s security challenges, 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by armed assailants during a brazen attack on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Niger state. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the updated figures on Saturday, revising an earlier count of 215 students. The final tally was determined after a thorough verification process led by the Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of CAN’s Niger state chapter, who visited the school on Friday. Yohanna revealed that 88 additional students were captured while attempting to flee during the assault. The victims, aged between 10 and 18, included both boys and girls. This incident occurred just four days after 25 schoolchildren were similarly abducted in Kebbi state, located 170 kilometers away. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings, but authorities have deployed tactical squads and local hunters to rescue the victims. Yohanna dismissed claims by the state government that the school had reopened, labeling them as false and urging families to remain calm. School kidnappings have become a grim hallmark of Nigeria’s insecurity, with armed gangs targeting educational institutions to maximize attention. UNICEF reported last year that only 37% of schools in conflict-affected states have early warning systems. The attacks coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump’s allegations of targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria, though such incidents affect both Christian and Muslim communities. The recent Kebbi state attack occurred in a predominantly Muslim area. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was in the U.S. meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.