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  • Bestselling author RF Kuang withdraws from Dubai festival over Sudan war

    Bestselling author RF Kuang withdraws from Dubai festival over Sudan war

    Prominent American author Rebecca F Kuang has publicly withdrawn from the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai, aligning herself with the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement’s call to boycott the United Arab Emirates. The decision stems from the UAE’s alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

    In an Instagram story posted Monday, Kuang shared her formal communication with event organizers, stating she is ‘no longer able to travel to Dubai’ for the festival. The author emphasized her consistent respect for ‘organized calls for cultural boycotts against genocide from communities affected.’ She specifically referenced her adherence to ‘the Palestinian BDS National Committee’s recent call given the mass atrocities in Sudan.’

    The literary festival receives sponsorship from multiple government-affiliated entities, including the Investment Corporation of Dubai (identifying as the government’s ‘principal investment arm’), the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism.

    Kuang’s announcement followed significant social media criticism highlighting the apparent contradiction between her literary focus on colonial themes and her planned participation in the UAE-based event. Critics questioned the authenticity of her written works concerning colonization, forced labor, and displacement given her initial acceptance to headline the January festival.

    Middle East Eye has documented the UAE’s alleged role in supplying arms to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, which stands accused of ethnic cleansing and mass killings. In April 2025, the Sudanese government filed an International Court of Justice case against the UAE, alleging complicity in genocide.

    This development coincides with growing global attention on the UAE’s foreign policy actions. In November, the Palestinian BDS National Committee issued a statement drawing parallels between tactics used in Gaza and Sudan, specifically calling for boycotts of Emirati institutions. The movement has previously successfully pressured international artists, including American rapper Macklemore in 2024, to cancel UAE appearances.

    On Tuesday, academic and cultural workers formally launched the ‘Cultural and Academic Boycott of the UAE’ campaign (TAGATU3), gaining signatures from prominent figures like Angela Davis and Hatem Bazian. The initiative urges rejection of funding and collaborations with Emirati government entities and complicit institutions.

  • China again urges Japan to destroy the abandoned chemical weapons

    China again urges Japan to destroy the abandoned chemical weapons

    China has intensified its diplomatic pressure on Japan, demanding the immediate and comprehensive destruction of chemical weapons abandoned on Chinese territory during World War II. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense issued a formal statement through Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, highlighting Japan’s ongoing responsibility under international law.

    Historical records indicate that Imperial Japanese forces deployed chemical weapons in violation of international conventions during their occupation of China, resulting in approximately 200,000 military and civilian casualties. In their retreat, Japanese forces concealed evidence of these violations by abandoning massive stockpiles of chemical agents across Chinese territory. These remnants continue to pose severe threats to public safety and environmental health, with over 2,000 documented poisoning cases attributed to accidental encounters with the weapons.

    Despite Japan’s ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which mandates the secure disposal of such hazardous materials, progress has been critically delayed. Chinese officials attribute this delay to insufficient commitment and resource allocation from Japanese authorities. The Defense Ministry emphasized that toxin elimination represents both a historical obligation and a binding international legal requirement for Japan.

    The Chinese government has called for enhanced Japanese cooperation in several critical areas: expedited information sharing regarding weapon locations, comprehensive assistance in identification and recovery operations, and assuming full responsibility for environmental remediation of contaminated sites. China’s statement concludes by urging Japan to reflect sincerely on its wartime aggression and fulfill its promises of creating ‘a world free of chemical weapons.’

  • Legendary architect Frank Gehry dead aged 96

    Legendary architect Frank Gehry dead aged 96

    The architectural world mourns the passing of Frank Gehry, the revolutionary designer who redefined modern architecture with his avant-garde creations, at age 96. His death was confirmed on Friday by Meaghan Lloyd, his chief of staff.

    Born in Toronto in 1929, Gehry relocated to Los Angeles during his teenage years where he pursued architectural studies at the University of Southern California. After establishing his own practice, he dramatically departed from conventional architectural norms by embracing asymmetry and employing unexpected materials in what would become known as deconstructivism.

    Gehry’s international breakthrough arrived in 1997 with the completion of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a magnificent structure sheathed in titanium that transformed both the Spanish city’s landscape and contemporary architectural possibilities. This masterpiece established his reputation for creating culturally transformative buildings that became immediate icons.

    Earlier in his career, Gehry had demonstrated his innovative approach through the radical transformation of his Santa Monica residence, utilizing industrial materials such as chain-link fencing, plywood, and corrugated steel to challenge domestic architectural conventions.

    Following his Bilbao success, Gehry’s distinctive style garnered global commissions including Chicago’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, the twisting Gehry Tower in Hanover, Germany, and the magnificent Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris with its soaring glass sails.

    Gehry is survived by his wife Berta Isabel Aguilera and their two sons, Alejandro and Samuel, along with two daughters from his first marriage, Leslie and Brina. His architectural legacy continues to inspire generations of designers who challenge conventional boundaries of form and function.

  • Frank Gehry’s most iconic work – in pictures

    Frank Gehry’s most iconic work – in pictures

    The architectural world mourns the loss of Frank Gehry, the revolutionary designer who passed away at age 96. Celebrated as one of the most inventive architects of the modern era, Gehry transformed urban landscapes worldwide with his audacious, sculptural designs that challenged conventional building aesthetics.

    Gehry’s pioneering approach to architecture blended artistic expression with structural innovation, creating landmarks that became cultural destinations in their own right. His masterpiece, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, featuring its iconic titanium curves, demonstrated how architecture could revitalize entire cities—a phenomenon now known as the ‘Bilbao Effect.’

    Other seminal works include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, with its striking stainless steel panels that reflect California’s golden light; Prague’s Dancing House, which embodies dynamic movement in glass and concrete; and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, resembling billowing glass sails. His designs extended to spectacular structures like Barcelona’s golden fish sculpture, the Hotel Marques de Riscal winery in Spain, and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

    Gehry’s career spanned over six decades, during which he received architecture’s highest honors, including the Pritzker Prize. His unconventional style, characterized by deconstructed forms, unexpected materials, and organic shapes, established him as both a provocateur and visionary who forever expanded architecture’s possibilities.

  • Anirudh live in Dubai 2026, set for electrifying concert at Coca-Cola Arena

    Anirudh live in Dubai 2026, set for electrifying concert at Coca-Cola Arena

    Dubai prepares to host Indian musical phenomenon Anirudh Ravichander in a spectacular concert event scheduled for January 11, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Arena. The performance will serve as the grand finale to the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), promising an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts across multiple linguistic communities.

    Brand Avatar, the event’s organizer, has pledged an even more dynamic production than Ravichander’s record-breaking 2024 Hukum Tour. The concert is strategically positioned to attract diverse audiences from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, and international music fandoms, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural appeal.

    Widely acclaimed as the “sound of a generation,” Ravichander has revolutionized contemporary Indian music through his innovative fusion of cinematic orchestration, electronic dance music, and regional pop genres. His chart-topping hits including “Why This Kolaveri Di,” “Arabic Kuthu,” and “Hukum – Thalaivar Alappara” have established him as one of India’s most influential musical exports.

    Hemachandran, Founder CEO of Brand Avatar, emphasized the special connection between Dubai audiences and Ravichander’s music: “The unprecedented admiration for his artistry in Dubai inspired us to create an immersive, world-class production that matches the intensity of fan devotion. This event will deliver an extraordinary sensory experience.”

    The concert reinforces Dubai’s growing reputation as a premier global entertainment destination, featuring state-of-the-art production technology, breathtaking visual effects, and a specially curated setlist designed exclusively for the arena format. Tickets are currently available for purchase through the official Coca-Cola Arena website.

  • US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship

    US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship

    The United States Supreme Court has agreed to adjudicate a landmark case that will determine the future of birthright citizenship, a constitutional principle established for over 150 years. This judicial review directly confronts a controversial executive order issued by former President Donald Trump on his inaugural day in January, which sought to terminate automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants and temporary visa holders. Lower federal courts previously blocked the order, citing potential constitutional violations.

    The core of the legal battle hinges on the interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Ratified in 1868 in the aftermath of the Civil War, its Citizenship Clause explicitly states: ‘All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.’ This provision was originally intended to guarantee citizenship for emancipated slaves and has since been applied universally, with narrow exceptions for children of foreign diplomats and enemy forces.

    The nation’s highest court is now poised to deliver a definitive ruling that will either uphold the longstanding practice of jus soli (right of the soil) or empower the government to significantly curtail it. The plaintiffs in the case include immigrant parents and their U.S.-born children, who are challenging the legality of the proposed executive action. Following its decision to hear the appeal, the Court will schedule oral arguments where both the government and the plaintiffs will present their cases.

    This legal endeavor places the United States, one of approximately 30 nations worldwide that grant automatic birthright citizenship—primarily in the Americas—at a constitutional crossroads. The Supreme Court’s eventual judgment will resolve a critical question of national identity and have profound implications for immigration policy and the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals.

  • Should you wait for UAE mortgage rates to fall? American personal finance guru weighs in

    Should you wait for UAE mortgage rates to fall? American personal finance guru weighs in

    Renowned American financial advisor Suze Orman has addressed one of the most persistent questions in UAE real estate: whether prospective homeowners should delay their purchases in anticipation of falling mortgage rates. In her comprehensive analysis, Orman emphasizes that home buying decisions should be grounded in current financial capabilities rather than speculative rate predictions.

    The core principle, according to Orman, centers on affordability rather than timing interest rate movements. She advocates for a conservative approach where total housing expenses—including mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, and maintenance reserves—should not exceed 30% of one’s income. Crucially, buyers should maintain at least an eight-month emergency fund after accounting for their down payment.

    While acknowledging that the UAE’s currency peg to the US dollar means local rates often follow Federal Reserve adjustments, Orman highlights the imperfect synchronization between central bank policies and lender implementations. This lag means that potential savings from future rate cuts could be offset by rising property values in prime locations during the waiting period.

    Orman’s guidance extends beyond rate considerations to emphasize structural and financial due diligence on properties themselves. She warns against rushing into purchases simply because financing is available, urging buyers to critically evaluate whether a home’s asking price reflects its true value rather than hidden problems the seller might be attempting to transfer.

    The expert outlines a three-part strategy for prospective buyers: first, base decisions on current affordability rather than hopeful projections; second, conduct rigorous stress tests to ensure payment sustainability if rates increase; and third, adopt a long-term perspective focused on lasting security rather than short-term rate advantages.

    Ultimately, Orman concludes that the optimal time to purchase property isn’t determined by interest rate fluctuations but by personal financial readiness, stable income circumstances, and thorough evaluation of both the property’s physical condition and its financial implications.

  • India to conduct high-level inquiry into IndiGo service disruption

    India to conduct high-level inquiry into IndiGo service disruption

    The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a comprehensive high-level investigation into the operational collapse of IndiGo Airlines that resulted in massive flight disruptions across the country on December 5th, 2025. The unprecedented service failure led to the cancellation of over 500 flights, severely impacting both domestic arrivals and departures at multiple major airports.

    The ministerial inquiry will conduct a thorough examination of the systemic failures within India’s largest carrier, establish accountability where warranted, and develop concrete measures to prevent recurrence of such widespread travel disruptions. The investigation aims to ensure passenger rights are protected and that similar operational crises do not occur in the future.

    In response to the escalating situation, authorities established a 24/7 control room with dedicated hotlines (011-24610843, 011-24693963, 096503-91859) to monitor developments in real-time and facilitate immediate issue resolution. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation concurrently granted IndiGo a temporary, one-time exemption from specific crew duty regulations to assist in stabilizing operations.

    The airline has been mandated to implement immediate corrective measures with the Ministry projecting a gradual normalization of services beginning within 24 hours. ‘We anticipate that complete restoration of services will be achieved within the next three days,’ stated the Ministry, emphasizing their expectation of full operational recovery by December 8th, 2025.

  • HK continues safety checks on buildings under maintenance

    HK continues safety checks on buildings under maintenance

    Hong Kong authorities have launched a comprehensive safety enforcement initiative across the city’s construction and maintenance sites following the devastating Tai Po fire that resulted in 159 fatalities. Multiple government departments are implementing rigorous inspection protocols and regulatory measures to prevent similar tragedies.

    The Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit has conducted targeted inspections at several major residential complexes, including Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin, Ching Lai Court and Yee Kok Court in Sham Shui Po, On Kay Court in Kwun Tong, and Fung Wah Estate in Chai Wan. These inspections specifically focus on contractors’ compliance with the Development Bureau’s directive to remove all exterior protective netting from buildings undergoing major maintenance by Saturday.

    Significant progress has already been achieved, with the Housing Department confirming the complete removal of netting across 15 public housing estates as of Thursday. In parallel, the Buildings Department has collected netting samples from 400 private buildings engaged in external wall repairs for comprehensive analysis.

    The Architectural Services Department has examined all 18 active public works projects, gathering additional netting samples for laboratory testing. Meanwhile, the Labour Department has conducted extensive fire safety inspections at 239 construction sites, resulting in 130 written warnings, 61 improvement notices, and 17 prosecutions for violations of fire protection standards and emergency preparedness requirements.

    This multi-departmental response represents one of Hong Kong’s most comprehensive building safety initiatives in recent years, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing construction safety protocols and preventing future tragedies through strengthened enforcement and regulatory oversight.

  • Bolsonaro’s eldest son says he’ll run for Brazil presidency in 2026

    Bolsonaro’s eldest son says he’ll run for Brazil presidency in 2026

    SAO PAULO — In a significant development within Brazil’s political landscape, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has declared his intention to contest the 2026 presidential election as the designated representative of his father’s political faction. This announcement comes amidst the ongoing incarceration of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence following convictions related to attempted coup activities.

    The younger Bolsonaro confirmed his political mandate through a social media statement, quoting his father’s decision to entrust him with “continuing our national project.” His office subsequently verified to The Associated Press that he will formally challenge incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who seeks an unprecedented fourth nonconsecutive term. This confirmation followed Flávio Bolsonaro’s recent prison visitation with his father earlier this week.

    The political succession within Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party had previously been subject to internal debate, with São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas—a former cabinet member—initially perceived as the natural successor. However, resistance from Bolsonaro’s inner circle ultimately favored the former president’s eldest son as their presidential standard-bearer.

    Despite his imprisonment and electoral disqualification until 2030, Jair Bolsonaro remains a pivotal figure in Brazil’s deeply polarized political environment. Political analysts emphasize that any viable opposition candidate must secure both the substantial electoral base and explicit endorsement of the far-right leader to mount a competitive challenge against President Lula.

    Flávio Bolsonaro, elected senator in 2018 following his tenure as a Rio de Janeiro state legislator, brings his own controversial political history to the campaign. Although previously implicated in embezzlement allegations involving public funds—charges which were ultimately dismissed by courts and which he continues to deny—his presidential bid now positions him at the forefront of Brazil’s ongoing political realignment.