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  • BNI Early Birds marks 20 years

    BNI Early Birds marks 20 years

    DUBAI – The UAE’s renowned BNI Early Birds business chapter, celebrated as the nation’s ‘Happiest Chapter’ and holder of the region’s highest seat value exceeding Dh1 million, is poised to commemorate its 20th anniversary with a grand gala on December 6, 2025, at Radisson Red Dubai.

    The milestone event will gather distinguished international diplomats including Norberto Carlos, Ambassador of Cuba, who will serve as chief guest. The diplomatic contingent will feature Dr. Annalee Cecelia Babb (Barbados), Tony S. Joudi (Bahamas), Ziya Rahaman (Grenada), and Avondale Paul (Commonwealth of Dominica), alongside prominent business leaders and alumni who have contributed to the chapter’s two-decade evolution.

    Under the strategic direction of President Dr. Sijo C Mathews, a Navy veteran, alongside leadership team members Dr. Faisal Shaikh and Hawas Mohammed, the chapter has consistently突破ed boundaries in professional collaboration and commercial expansion. “This anniversary embodies the core philosophy of ‘Givers Gain’ and the profound connections that characterize our community,” Dr. Mathews stated.

    Originating from Dr. Ivan Misner’s global vision and established in the UAE by pioneers Bijay Shah and Anuradha, BNI has expanded into a dynamic network boasting over 1,600 members across the Emirates. The anniversary gala will include recognition ceremonies for top contributors, sponsor exhibitions, an alumni reunion, and cultural performances, highlighting twenty years of entrepreneurial achievement and economic impact.

  • Hong Kong fire toll jumps to 156; judge-led committee to investigate cause of blaze

    Hong Kong fire toll jumps to 156; judge-led committee to investigate cause of blaze

    Hong Kong authorities have confirmed the death toll from last week’s catastrophic Wang Fuk Court complex fire has risen to 156, marking the city’s most devastating blaze in decades. Chief Executive John Lee announced on Tuesday the establishment of a judge-led independent committee to investigate both the cause and rapid spread of the inferno that engulfed seven of the estate’s eight towers.

    The criminal investigation has resulted in 15 arrests for suspected manslaughter, while a separate corruption probe has led to 12 additional arrests. Officials revealed that substandard plastic mesh and insulation foam used during renovation works significantly contributed to the fire’s intensity and spread. These materials, intentionally installed in hard-to-reach areas to evade inspection, failed to meet fire-retardant standards.

    Search teams have completed operations in all but two severely damaged towers, discovering victims trapped in stairwells and rooftops while attempting to escape. Approximately 30 residents remain unaccounted for as the complex search continues. The tragedy has exposed critical oversight failures, despite residents raising concerns about fire hazards posed by renovations as recently as September 2024. Authorities had previously assured residents of ‘relatively low fire risks’.

    The disaster has triggered widespread mourning across Hong Kong, with thousands participating in memorial services and vigils. The victims include nine Indonesian domestic helpers and one Filipino worker. International vigils are planned in Tokyo, Taipei, and London. Meanwhile, government warnings against politicizing the tragedy have sparked concerns about freedom of expression, with several individuals already investigated for potential sedition.

    Survivors face long-term displacement, with nearly 1,500 people moved to temporary housing and 945 accommodated in youth hostels and hotels. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported over 60 pet fatalities, including cats, dogs, and turtles, though more than 200 animals were successfully rescued. The coming legislative elections, scheduled for Sunday, are expected to serve as a barometer of public sentiment regarding the government’s handling of the catastrophe.

  • Nas Daily claims biggest threat facing Palestinians is ‘fellow countrymen’ in bizarre rant on LBC

    Nas Daily claims biggest threat facing Palestinians is ‘fellow countrymen’ in bizarre rant on LBC

    Prominent content creator Nuseir Yassin, known online as Nas Daily, has ignited intense backlash following controversial statements made during a recent LBC radio interview. The Palestinian citizen of Israel asserted that Hamas represents a greater threat to Palestinians than Israel itself, describing the militant group as “terrorists” with AK-47s.

    During the Sunday interview with host Tom Swarbrick, Yassin dismissed the term “apartheid” as inapplicable to Israel’s treatment of Palestinian citizens, arguing that his personal experience included full access to employment and voting rights comparable to Jewish Israelis. He further characterized the word “genocide” as “a very emotional, non-scientific word” when discussing the situation in Gaza.

    The vlogger positioned himself as uniquely qualified to comment on the conflict, claiming his opinion should carry more weight than those of “the average Swedish person” or Muslims who support Palestine out of “tribalism.” He additionally alleged that Iran and Qatar were responsible for both violence in Gaza and pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the UK, while describing some immigrants to Britain as “the most dangerous in the world” who use the country as a base to “destabilise the Middle East.

    Social media response was immediate and overwhelmingly critical, with commentators accusing Yassin of misrepresenting Palestinian realities and whitewashing Israel’s occupation. Journalist Idrees Ahmad criticized the interview format for failing to challenge Yassin’s assertions, while human rights advocate Gary Spedding questioned why LBC doesn’t feature Palestinian citizens of Israel who criticize the regime without engaging in propaganda.

    Yassin, who gained fame through one-minute viral videos a decade ago, has faced previous criticism for his positions on Israel-Palestine relations. The Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement called for his boycott in 2020, alleging his content creator training program served as normalization cover with Israel.

  • ‘Joy at perfect time’: UAE sponsors weddings of Gazans, revives dreams amid rubble

    ‘Joy at perfect time’: UAE sponsors weddings of Gazans, revives dreams amid rubble

    In a remarkable humanitarian gesture coinciding with its 54th National Day, the United Arab Emirates has transformed the lives of 54 Palestinian couples through its innovative ‘Thoub Al-Farah’ (Gown of Joy) initiative. The program, operating under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, provided fully sponsored weddings for Gazan grooms selected through a lottery system from 577 registered applicants.

    The comprehensive sponsorship package included wedding attire for both bride and groom, transportation, tents, and essential supplies, addressing the profound challenges faced by couples whose marriage plans had been devastated by ongoing conflict. The initiative extended support beyond the selected couples, providing aid parcels to all registered applicants in a broad-based effort to sustain community morale.

    Among the beneficiaries, Saleh Al-Sabbah recounted losing his home, leg, and family member during the hostilities. ‘My dream home is gone because of the war, but we will start again from the tent provided for us,’ he stated, embodying the resilience that characterizes many Gazans. Despite his losses, Al-Sabbah expressed renewed determination to build a family life from the foundations of humanitarian assistance.

    The emotional impact of the initiative was profound. Ahed Abu Dahrouj described the timing as ‘perfect happiness after two years of war,’ noting that no household had been spared from the conflict’s devastation. Muath Abu Hleib, who had lost everything prepared for his marriage after being displaced eight times, found the initiative revived his possibility for celebration amid displacement.

    The selection process created moments of unexpected joy. Hikmat Liwa, initially believing he hadn’t been chosen, described the shock of hearing his name announced as the seventh selected groom: ‘I couldn’t stand up… I checked more than once to make sure it was really my name.’

    This humanitarian wedding project represents more than ceremonial support—it symbolizes the restoration of dignity and normalcy for a population enduring extraordinary circumstances, demonstrating how targeted aid can revive dreams nearly lost beneath the rubble of conflict.

  • Oxford Union elects Palestinian president

    Oxford Union elects Palestinian president

    In a landmark decision, the Oxford Union has elected Arwa Hanin Elrayess as its president for the Trinity Term of 2026, marking the first time a Palestinian individual will lead the prestigious 201-year-old debating society. The philosophy, politics, and economics student from St Edmund’s Hall secured victory with 757 first-preference votes, surpassing her closest competitor by a significant margin of 150 votes.

    The election witnessed notably high engagement with a turnout of 1,528 members, substantially exceeding participation rates from previous terms according to the Oxford Student. Elrayess, who currently serves on the union’s standing committee, brings a distinctive background as both Palestinian and Algerian, making her election a historic milestone for representation within the institution.

    Her professional background includes involvement in documentary production, notably ‘Heart of a Protest,’ a zero-budget film examining pro-Palestine demonstrations in London that emerged in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The project, created by five individuals passionate about documenting events since 1947, reflects Elrayess’s commitment to Palestinian advocacy.

    The election occurs amidst a period of internal turbulence for the Oxford Union, following two recent no-confidence votes involving president-elect George Abaraonye and current president Moosa Harraj. While Harraj retained his position in late October, Abaraonye was removed from his incoming role due to controversial remarks made about American conservative figure Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

    In her victory statement, Elrayess expressed humility and gratitude: ‘I am grateful and humbled by the faith and trust the members of the Union have placed in me and my team. I want to thank all those who put aside their differences and came together to work towards a shared vision of this Union.’

    Established in 1823, the Oxford Union maintains its status as one of Britain’s most esteemed university societies, renowned for hosting high-profile speakers, competitive debates, and public speaking workshops that attract global attention.

  • Shanghai Disney Resort hosts disability inclusion forum

    Shanghai Disney Resort hosts disability inclusion forum

    Shanghai Disney Resort has reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility and inclusion by hosting its fourth annual disability inclusion forum on December 2, 2025, strategically timed to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event brought together over 200 participants from diverse sectors, creating a dynamic platform for substantive dialogue on implementing disability inclusion practices.

    Murray King, Vice-President of Public Affairs and Communications at the resort, emphasized the company’s philosophy: ‘At Shanghai Disney Resort, we believe dreams should be within everyone’s reach. This annual forum reinforces our dedication to advancing accessibility through both awareness-building and concrete action, ensuring accessibility remains central to our resort’s ongoing development.’

    The forum gained significant credibility with the participation of Lyu Shiming, Standing Committee Member of the 14th National People’s Congress and President of the China Association of Volunteers for Persons with Disabilities. Lyu noted China’s progressive integration of barrier-free features across public spaces and sports facilities, specifically praising Shanghai Disney Resort’s meticulous attention to accessibility details—from curb designs to innovative infrastructure solutions—as exemplary for other organizations to follow.

    Adding an inspirational dimension to the event, former Paralympic sailing team member Xu Jingkun shared his remarkable journey of participating in the grueling 26,000-nautical-mile Vendée Globe race. ‘Initially, the possibility of sailing across the ocean with one hand seemed questionable,’ Xu recounted. ‘However, my success has ultimately opened new pathways for athletes with disabilities, demonstrating what’s possible with determination and proper support.’

    The forum served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, highlighting how targeted initiatives and corporate leadership can drive meaningful change in disability inclusion across Chinese society.

  • Severed fingers and incisions: Bodies returned by Israel shock Gaza families

    Severed fingers and incisions: Bodies returned by Israel shock Gaza families

    In a deeply disturbing development emerging from the Gaza Strip, Palestinian families are confronting new layers of trauma as they receive the bodies of their missing relatives returned by Israeli authorities under controversial circumstances. The remains, arriving frozen and marked only with identification numbers, have sparked grave concerns about potential organ harvesting and systematic mutilation while in custody.

    The process unfolds at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where forensic teams struggle with inadequate equipment to properly examine the bodies. According to Dr. Khalil Hamada, Director General of Forensic Medicine in Gaza, the extreme freezing conditions and lack of diagnostic equipment prevent comprehensive examinations. ‘What we do is not a full forensic examination,’ Hamada confirmed to Middle East Eye. ‘The process is limited to documenting individual distinguishing features so families can identify their loved ones.’

    Heartbreaking identification procedures involve displaying photographs of the mutilated remains on large screens, with families desperately searching for recognizable features. Muhammad Ayesh Ramadan of Deir al-Balah spent four days searching before identifying his brother Ahmed through facial recognition with ’70 percent certainty.’ The body showed evidence of multiple gunshots, burning, and a vertically stitched incision running from chest downward—particularly disturbing as his brother had never undergone surgery.

    Medical authorities report that nearly all bodies show evidence of amputated digits, particularly thumbs and big toes, which Israeli authorities claim are removed for DNA testing. However, the complete absence of forensic reports, cause-of-death information, or any documentation from Israeli authorities has fueled suspicions among grieving families.

    The situation becomes more alarming with numerous bodies showing signs of torture, fractured bones, and evidence of being bound and blindfolded at time of death. Zeinab Ismail Shabat identified her brother Mahmoud through distinctive hair and eye features, only to discover his hands and feet bound with metal restraints, indicating he was ‘martyred while restrained.’

    Of the 345 bodies returned to date, only 99 have been positively identified. The remainder have been buried in mass graves without identification, creating a permanent legacy of uncertainty for hundreds of Gaza families. The combination of systematic mutilation, absence of transparency, and inadequate forensic capabilities has created a humanitarian crisis that extends beyond death itself, denying families both answers and the dignity of proper burial for their loved ones.

  • Watch: Moment snowboarder is rescued from stuck chairlift

    Watch: Moment snowboarder is rescued from stuck chairlift

    A dramatic aerial rescue operation unfolded at Wisconsin’s Sunburst Ski Area when a sudden power failure left multiple individuals stranded on an immobilized chairlift. Emergency response teams executed a coordinated rescue mission to safely lower a snowboarder and thirteen other winter sports enthusiasts to the ground.

    The incident occurred during normal operating hours when an unexpected electrical interruption brought the ski lift system to an abrupt halt. Ski patrol and local emergency services immediately mobilized to address the potentially dangerous situation. Using specialized rescue equipment and techniques, first responders worked methodically to secure each stranded individual and lower them safely to the snow-covered slopes below.

    While chairlift malfunctions remain relatively uncommon in modern ski operations, this event demonstrates the critical importance of comprehensive emergency preparedness at winter sports facilities. The successful resolution of this incident highlights the specialized training and rapid response capabilities of mountain safety personnel who regularly train for such scenarios.

    Sunburst Ski Area management has launched a full investigation into the power outage cause and subsequent lift stoppage. The resort has confirmed all lifted individuals were evaluated by medical personnel following the incident, with no serious injuries reported among the rescued parties.

  • Death toll jumps to 700 in Indonesia floods and landslides

    Death toll jumps to 700 in Indonesia floods and landslides

    Indonesia’s Sumatra Island faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as catastrophic flooding and landslides have claimed at least 700 lives, according to the latest figures from the national disaster agency. The death toll, which authorities revised downward from an initial count of 753, continues to fluctuate as emergency teams battle challenging conditions to reach isolated communities.

    The disaster forms part of a broader regional tragedy that has claimed nearly 900 lives across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand following months of extreme weather events throughout Southeast Asia. This devastating pattern includes successive typhoons that recently battered the Philippines and Vietnam, compounded by persistent flooding across the region.

    Environmental experts and local officials have identified widespread deforestation on Sumatra as a critical factor contributing to the disproportionately high death toll. The removal of natural vegetation has destabilized terrain and eliminated natural barriers that would typically mitigate flood impacts.

    Indonesian disaster response teams are implementing a multi-pronged approach to address the crisis, prioritizing aid distribution through land, sea, and air channels simultaneously. Emergency crews are working relentlessly to clear obstructed roadways and restore damaged infrastructure in affected areas.

    Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the disaster agency, emphasized the urgency of logistics operations, stating: ‘We do hope that we can speed up the logistics distribution.’ The comprehensive response effort aims to reach thousands of displaced residents who have been cut off from essential supplies and medical assistance since the disasters began last week.

  • US defence secretary says he did not see survivors before follow-up strike on drug boat

    US defence secretary says he did not see survivors before follow-up strike on drug boat

    US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly addressed the controversial September 2nd maritime strike in the Caribbean that resulted in the deaths of two survivors from an initial attack on an alleged drug vessel. During a White House cabinet meeting, Hegseth stated he “did not personally see survivors” before the fatal follow-up strike was authorized.

    The incident began when US forces conducted an initial strike on a suspected narcotics trafficking boat, reportedly leaving two individuals alive but stranded on the burning wreckage. According to documents obtained by The Washington Post, a subsequent strike was then ordered that resulted in their deaths.

    Hegseth, who observed the first strike live, attributed the tragic outcome to the ‘fog of war,’ describing the chaotic scene: “That thing was on fire and it exploded… you can’t see anything. This is called the fog of war.” He revealed that he learned about Navy Admiral Frank Bradley’s decision to authorize the second strike hours after it occurred, which he characterized as “correct.”

    President Trump simultaneously defended Admiral Bradley while distancing himself from the specific decision, stating “we didn’t know about” the follow-up strike. Trump emphatically added: “I want those boats taken out” and claimed these strikes have significantly reduced drug trafficking, though he provided no substantiating evidence.

    The incident has raised serious legal concerns under the Geneva Convention, which prohibits intentionally targeting wounded combatants and requires their apprehension and medical treatment. Multiple international law experts have expressed doubts about the strike’s legality.

    Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed unease, with the Senate Armed Services committee pledging “vigorous oversight” of the incident. Admiral Bradley, who was promoted to overall commander of US Special Operations Command just one month after the strike, is expected to testify on Capitol Hill this week.

    This event is part of a broader campaign that has resulted in over 80 fatalities in similar strikes across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific since early September. The Trump administration maintains these operations are necessary self-defense measures to protect American lives from illicit drugs. President Trump has further vowed to expand the campaign, stating readiness to “start doing those strikes on land.”