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  • How the DP World Tour Play-Offs 2025 are inspiring the next generation through golf

    How the DP World Tour Play-Offs 2025 are inspiring the next generation through golf

    The 2025 DP World Tour Play-Offs in the United Arab Emirates have transcended conventional sporting achievements by establishing a profound legacy in youth development, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Comprising the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship at Yas Links and Jumeirah Golf Estates, these events have demonstrated golf’s capacity to drive positive societal change.

    Educational initiatives formed a cornerstone of the tournaments’ outreach. The Careers in Golf program provided 15 BTEC Sport Level 3 students from British International School Abu Dhabi with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and professional workshops. Simultaneously, the Emirates Golf Federation’s Future Falcons Zone created competitive opportunities for juniors, culminating in 78 finalists selected from 1,757 entries competing for honors during the championship weekend.

    Spectator engagement reached unprecedented levels with 80,041 attendees witnessing Aaron Rai’s victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and 82,940 fans observing Matt Fitzpatrick equal the record for DP World Tour Championship titles. The newly elevated first tee at Jumeirah Golf Estates enhanced the spectator experience through live interviews, fan interactions, and creating an electrifying atmosphere for opening drives.

    Digital metrics reflected growing global interest, with social media impressions increasing by 11% year-on-year for the DP World Tour Championship, while page views across dpworldtour.com and the mobile application surged by 14%.

    Inclusion initiatives featured prominently through the partnership with Heroes of Hope, the UAE’s non-profit sports academy for people of determination. Twelve young athletes completed eight weeks of specialized golf instruction at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, culminating in a session with DP World Tour winner Richard Mansell. Three participants collaborated with local artist Rabab Tantawy to create a vibrant artwork displayed at the Earth Lounge, symbolizing the integration of sports, creativity, and inclusion.

    Women’s participation received significant emphasis through dedicated clinics and programs including British Mums Dubai golf sessions, Chicks with Sticks, The Birdie Club, and Revive Pilates classes, providing many women with their inaugural golf experience. These efforts coincided with the R&A Golf in the Community Forum, which assembled regional stakeholders to discuss female participation, community outreach, and golf’s health benefits.

    Environmental sustainability achieved landmark progress with the DP World Tour Championship introducing the Earth Lounge—a facility entirely powered by solar panels and hydrogen generators, achieving complete elimination of CO₂ emissions. The venue eliminated PVC branding and utilized fully recyclable or reusable materials. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship implemented solar panels across key facilities, optimized battery systems to reduce fuel consumption by 25%, and introduced water conservation measures that prevented over 145,000 single-use plastic bottles from entering waste streams.

    Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East for the DP World Tour, reflected: “The 2025 Play-Offs exemplified our comprehensive vision for regional events—merging world-class competition with record-breaking engagement while creating meaningful impact in sustainability and community development. The extraordinary response from spectators, both physically and digitally, underscores golf’s expanding influence in the Middle East. Our educational programs and Green Drive initiatives have established a robust foundation as we anticipate the 2026 season.”

  • Palestine Action ban has made UK ‘international outlier’ warns UN rapporteurs, court told

    Palestine Action ban has made UK ‘international outlier’ warns UN rapporteurs, court told

    A United Nations human rights expert has formally declared the United Kingdom an “international outlier” for its controversial decision to proscribe the direct-action network Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The accusation was presented during a significant judicial review at London’s High Court, marking a substantial challenge to the UK’s counter-terrorism policy.

    Adam Straw KC, representing UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism Ben Saul, articulated the UN’s position that the British government’s ban constitutes a “fundamental breach of human rights.” The court heard that responsible nations typically maintain narrow definitions of terrorism that exclude protest groups, placing the UK outside emerging international legal consensus.

    The UN intervention argued that defining terrorism to encompass serious property damage without violence against persons represents an unlawful overreach in international law. This perspective received endorsement from multiple UN special rapporteurs, including Francesca Albanese and Gina Romero, who warned that proscribing non-terrorist groups typically occurs in authoritarian regimes.

    In a striking development, Irish literary sensation Sally Rooney submitted a witness statement detailing potential artistic repercussions. The novelist revealed that the ban could prevent her from receiving royalties and force the withdrawal of her books from UK sales due to her support for Palestine Action. Production company Element Pictures expressed concerns that paying adaptation royalties might constitute a criminal offense, while publisher Faber & Faber faces uncertainty regarding future payments.

    The government, represented by James Eadie KC for the Home Office, defended the proscription by asserting Parliament’s sovereign authority to define terrorism. Eadie maintained that Palestine Action met the statutory threshold for proscription, emphasizing that UK law expressly includes serious property damage within its terrorism definition.

    Since the ban’s implementation, authorities have arrested over 2,000 individuals for displaying signs opposing genocide and supporting Palestine Action, with at least 100 arrests specifically related to expressions of support for the proscribed organization.

  • Man who tried to assassinate John Paul II wants to personally welcome pope in Turkey

    Man who tried to assassinate John Paul II wants to personally welcome pope in Turkey

    In a remarkable development intertwining historical violence with contemporary diplomacy, Mehmet Ali Agca—the Turkish national who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981—has arrived in Iznik to welcome Pope Leo XIV. The pontiff is visiting Turkey to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea this Friday.

    Agca, who nearly succeeded in killing John Paul II during the 1981 shooting in Vatican City, was subsequently pardoned by the very pontiff he attempted to murder. His criminal history extends beyond this infamous act, having murdered Milliyet newspaper’s editor-in-chief Abdi Ipekci in 1979, for which he initially evaded capture.

    Through statements to the Turkish news agency DHA, Agca expressed his intention to personally greet the new pope during his inaugural foreign visit. “I say ‘welcome’ to the pope. I hope today or tomorrow in Iznik or Istanbul we can sit and talk for two or three minutes,” Agca told local media, adding, “We are happy to receive him as a guest, and we greatly value the Vatican’s contributions to world peace.”

    In a series of controversial claims, Agca described his assassination attempt as part of a “divine plan” that the world misunderstood. He vehemently rejected being labeled a terrorist, instead directing that accusation toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he called a “satanic, Zionist monster.” Agca astonishingly claimed, “The Vatican agrees with me on this,” though no evidence supports this assertion.

    Further complicating historical narratives, Agca alleged that NATO attempted to exploit his actions by falsely linking him to the Soviets, suggesting his role contributed to the downfall of the Soviet empire.

    Following his capture after the assassination attempt, Agca received a life sentence in Italy before being extradited to Turkey in 2000, where he served additional time for Ipekci’s murder and armed robberies. His release in 2010 concluded nearly three decades of imprisonment.

    Turkish intelligence agencies are reportedly monitoring Agca’s movements in Iznik as Pope Leo conducts his official visit, which began Thursday in Ankara with meetings President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The pontiff’s itinerary includes touring the submerged remains of an ancient basilica in Lake Iznik, believed to be the site where the Council of Nicaea convened in 325 CE—a seminal event that brought together Christian bishops to resolve foundational theological disputes. Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Orthodox Church are expected to jointly commemorate this historic anniversary.

  • Lions no more, India’s Test team appear vulnerable on home soil

    Lions no more, India’s Test team appear vulnerable on home soil

    India’s longstanding reputation as an impregnable force in home Test cricket has undergone a dramatic collapse, with two devastating series defeats within twelve months signaling the end of an era. The recent 2-0 whitewash by South Africa, following New Zealand’s 3-0 triumph late last year, has shattered the aura of invincibility that once surrounded the Indian team on home soil.

    The transition phase following the retirement of batting icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin, has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the squad. Commentary legend Harsha Bhogle observed on social media platform X: ‘There was an aura around the Indian team when playing in India. You can see it disappearing in the distance.’

    Most alarming has been the reversal of India’s traditional spin dominance. South African off-spinner Simon Harmer’s remarkable 17-wicket haul across two tests demonstrated how visiting teams have turned India’s greatest weapon against them. The batting lineup appears particularly fragile against spin bowling, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja managing half-centuries throughout the entire series.

    The team’s struggles have triggered visible fan discontent, with head coach Gautam Gambhir facing booing from spectators in Guwahati after India’s fifth defeat in their last seven home tests. Indian media captured the mood with headlines declaring ‘Once lions at home, now lambs to the slaughter.’

    Despite the crisis, captain Shubman Gill struck an optimistic note, stating: ‘Calm seas don’t teach you how to steer, it’s the storm that forges steady hands. We’ll continue to believe in each other, fight for each other, and move forward – rising stronger.’ His comments suggest the team recognizes the magnitude of the challenge ahead as they attempt to rebuild their formidable home reputation.

  • England legend Cook backs Dubai school’s elite sports programme

    England legend Cook backs Dubai school’s elite sports programme

    Dubai Sports City witnessed a significant development in educational athletics as Sir Alastair Cook, the legendary former England cricket captain, formally endorsed Queen Elizabeth’s School’s international expansion initiative. The knighted batsman, honored by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019, attended a special event on Thursday marking the institution’s entry into the Dubai market.

    The prestigious British K-12 institution is establishing a presence in Dubai to meet growing demand for academic excellence and exceptional student outcomes. Cook, serving as Official Education Ambassador for GEDU, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the school’s distinguished heritage to the Middle East. “Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, has a remarkable heritage of excellence, ambition, and character,” Cook stated. “To see that legacy now being brought to Dubai is incredibly exciting.”

    Beyond his ambassadorial role, Cook will actively advise the school’s elite sports programmes, contributing to the development of high-performance pathways and enhancing the integration of athletics within the comprehensive educational experience. His involvement signals a commitment to fostering well-rounded development among students.

    Caroline Pendleton Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools, emphasized the significance of Cook’s association with the institution. “Having Sir Alastair represent us as an Education Ambassador is a tremendous privilege,” she noted. “His career reflects the exacting values that we seek to instil in every Elizabethan. He exemplifies the confident, able and responsible young people we aim to develop.”

    The initiative represents a growing trend of international educational expansion combining academic rigor with elite athletic development, with Cook’s involvement providing immediate credibility to the sports programme.

  • Dh1 million fine: Dubai issues resolution to curb illegal trade of petroleum products

    Dh1 million fine: Dubai issues resolution to curb illegal trade of petroleum products

    Dubai has enacted stringent regulatory measures targeting unauthorized petroleum trading activities through a landmark resolution issued by the Crown Prince. The comprehensive framework establishes the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy as the primary regulatory authority overseeing all petroleum-related operations within the emirate.

    The resolution introduces a tiered penalty system with fines escalating to Dh1 million for repeated violations occurring within a twelve-month period. This regulatory overhaul encompasses the entire petroleum supply chain—from importation and manufacturing to storage, transportation, and retail distribution—aligning Dubai’s practices with international standards.

    Key provisions mandate that all entities engaged in petroleum trading must obtain formal authorization through a verified licensing process. The legislation requires thorough documentation proving petroleum materials originate from Council-approved sources, with maintained records for minimum five-year periods. Retail operations must display transparent pricing while adhering to strict safety protocols for storage and transportation.

    Enforcement mechanisms grant the Supreme Council of Energy extensive authority, including permit cancellation, temporary facility closures for up to six months, commercial license revocation, and seizure of non-compliant materials and vehicles. Violators bear full financial responsibility for rectifying infractions, with administrative costs adding 25% premium for council-mediated corrections.

    The regulatory framework establishes specific validity periods for permits, guidelines for inter-emirate transportation, and standards for retail fuel station establishment. All entities—including those in special development zones and free zones—must register with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s Petroleum Trading Register, with limited exemptions for federally-approved companies.

    Existing operators have a twelve-month compliance window from the resolution’s effective date, potentially extendable for an additional year with Council Chairman approval. The legislation mandates full cooperation from all government and private entities in supporting the Council’s oversight responsibilities.

    The Supreme Council’s expanded duties now include market competition regulation, technical standard approval, fuel station location planning according to urban development strategies, and designation of petroleum-trading prohibited zones in coordination with relevant authorities.

  • Shein withdraws some clothing items after Greenpeace report on unsafe products

    Shein withdraws some clothing items after Greenpeace report on unsafe products

    Global fast-fashion retailer Shein has executed a worldwide withdrawal of select clothing items in response to alarming findings from Greenpeace Germany. The environmental organization’s November investigation revealed that 18 out of 56 tested Shein products contained hazardous chemicals exceeding European Union safety thresholds, with some items registering dramatically elevated levels.

    The concerning items include a children’s mermaid costume containing formaldehyde concentrations beyond EU REACH chemical regulation limits, alongside adult jackets with dangerously high phthalate content. These plasticizing chemicals have been scientifically linked to numerous health complications through skin contact and inhalation.

    Shein responded promptly to the allegations, stating: “We take product safety very seriously and remain committed to full transparency, strict safety standards, and protecting our customers at every step.” The company emphasized that Greenpeace had not shared test results beforehand, preventing preemptive evaluation. All questioned items have been temporarily removed from global platforms pending comprehensive investigation.

    This incident amplifies growing scrutiny of ultra-fast-fashion business models. European retailers increasingly criticize overseas platforms like Shein, AliExpress, and Temu for allegedly circumventing EU safety regulations, creating unfair market competition. The European Commission plans to address these concerns through proposed legislation next year, while EU states recently eliminated duty exemptions on low-value imports to combat substandard merchandise flooding markets.

    The controversy extends beyond chemical safety. Earlier this month, French authorities moved to suspend Shein’s online platform following outrage over inappropriate childlike dolls, highlighting persistent regulatory challenges. Saudi Arabia issued precautionary consumer guidance recommending avoidance of direct-shipment items most associated with harmful substances, despite previous laboratory testing confirming Shein product compliance.

    Greenpeace emphasized the broader environmental impact, noting that these chemicals eventually enter waterways and food chains through washing and disposal, disproportionately affecting manufacturing communities while posing consumer health risks.

  • KT+150 Summit kicks off with Elevator Pitch competition, networking, performances

    KT+150 Summit kicks off with Elevator Pitch competition, networking, performances

    The inaugural KT+150 Summit commenced with vibrant energy at Dubai’s Helipad by Frozen Cherry venue, gathering the Emirates’ most promising young visionaries for a day dedicated to ambition and innovation. The event, organized by Khaleej Times, showcases the 150 exceptional changemakers selected across 15 diverse categories including social impact, artificial intelligence, esports, and education.

    The morning session featured powerful masterclasses from established content creators and entrepreneurs who shared invaluable insights for career development. Aviation educator Rizwan Taj, who commands over 240,000 Instagram followers, encouraged attendees to trust their instincts: “If you think you have a great idea, just go for it.” He revealed how he initially hesitated before creating aviation education content during the pandemic, ultimately building a substantial digital following.

    Content creator Bisher Zumot emphasized the critical importance of mentorship during a panel discussion, noting that proper guidance can significantly accelerate success. “In our business, time is money and anything that can save you time is a good investment,” Zumot advised, reflecting on his own early career missteps.

    Entrepreneur Sabelle Beraki, CEO of Belle Dolls, shared her inspiring journey of identifying market gaps in the toy industry. After recognizing the absence of diverse representation in dolls during shopping for her niece, Beraki worked six months as a grocery cashier to fund her initial product line. Her message centered on embracing mistakes as learning opportunities while persistently moving forward.

    Motivational speaker Neetu Choudhury provided practical efficiency techniques, revealing that the average person makes approximately 350,000 daily decisions and offering strategies to manage this mental clutter effectively.

    The summit features the KT+ Elevator Pitch competition, offering one entrepreneur the opportunity to win Dh250,000 worth of media exposure across Khaleej Times publications. Three finalists will have their pitch videos showcased throughout the event, with the winner announced during the evening proceedings. Notably, one-third of KT+150 list members are either currently operating businesses or preparing to launch startups.

    Dubai Founders HQ, a summit sponsor, established a dedicated networking zone to facilitate connections among the emerging entrepreneurs. The event will conclude with an exclusive afterparty featuring the Rolling Stone MENA music festival, continuing the celebrations into the night.

  • OMODA&JAECOO celebrates UAE National Day with exclusive showroom offers

    OMODA&JAECOO celebrates UAE National Day with exclusive showroom offers

    In celebration of the United Arab Emirates’ National Day, automotive brand OMODA&JAECOO has launched a special nationwide campaign offering significant benefits to customers. The promotion, available for a limited time during the National Day weekend, features financial incentives and premium ownership packages designed to enhance customer value.

    The initiative, themed ‘from OMODA&JAECOO to UAE,’ provides customers with a National Day bonus of up to AED 10,500 across all vehicle models. The comprehensive package includes complimentary insurance, service packages, and an extended warranty covering 10 years or 1 million kilometers. Additional benefits comprise seven years of roadside assistance and free window tinting services.

    Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA&JAECOO Automobile International, emphasized the significance of the occasion: ‘The UAE National Day represents a moment of collective pride for all residents. As we celebrate our first National Day as part of this dynamic nation, we want to demonstrate our commitment through substantial customer benefits that emphasize long-term value and innovation.’

    The promotional offers are accessible through the brand’s expanding network of showrooms located in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and two locations in Abu Dhabi. This strategic nationwide presence ensures convenient access for customers across all Emirates.

    The National Day campaign marks an important milestone for OMODA&JAECOO as the company continues to establish its footprint in the competitive UAE automotive market. The limited-time offers reflect the brand’s dedication to combining performance-driven vehicle technology with customer-centric ownership experiences.

  • Israeli raids stoke renewed takeover fears at West Bank’s Joseph’s Tomb

    Israeli raids stoke renewed takeover fears at West Bank’s Joseph’s Tomb

    The ancient site of Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus has become the epicenter of intensified Israeli military and settler activities since October 2023, with recent developments seeing unprecedented international political participation. Last week’s incursion marked a significant escalation when twenty US lawmakers from the National Association of Christian Lawmakers joined settlers and Israeli forces in a heavily guarded visit to the contested religious site.

    Arkansas Senator Jason Rapert, founder of NACL, explicitly endorsed Israeli sovereignty claims during the military-escorted tour, stating: ‘Israel and the Jewish people are the rightful heirs and sovereigns of all these areas.’ The delegation publicly praised the Israeli Defense Forces for their protection during the visit.

    Palestinian analysts interpret these developments as part of a systematic strategy to reassert Israeli control. Veteran journalist Nawaf al-Amer, who has extensively documented the tomb’s contentious history, told Middle East Eye: ‘Since 7 October, the situation has completely shifted. Israel has been carrying out large, scheduled incursions involving significant numbers of settlers, religious figures, political leaders and influential parliamentarians.’

    The site embodies the competing historical narratives that fuel the conflict. Palestinians identify it as the burial place of Sheikh Youssef Dweikat, a local cleric from the early 20th century, while Israelis venerate it as the tomb of the Prophet Joseph, a figure sacred to both Islamic and Jewish traditions.

    This religious significance has been weaponized for political objectives, according to al-Amer: ‘The occupation has attempted to construct a fabricated historical narrative to claim ancient roots in the land, using religious symbolism to serve political aims. Joseph’s Tomb is one example.’

    The current escalation occurs within the broader context of surging settler violence across the West Bank. United Nations data indicates that 2,200 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to settler activities and access restrictions over the past two years, with an additional 40,000 displaced from northern West Bank refugee camps during military operations. Tragically, settlers have killed 21 Palestinians during this period, contributing to the over 1,000 fatalities caused by Israeli forces in the West Bank.

    Historical context reveals that Israel established a yeshiva at the site in the 1980s, maintaining heavy military protection until abandoning its permanent post in 2000. However, monthly settler visits continued under military escort, frequently sparking confrontations with Palestinian residents who view these incursions as pretexts for extending Israeli control.

    The current push to reintroduce the yeshiva, coupled with increased settler activism and international political support, signals a potentially permanent transformation of the status quo at one of the region’s most symbolically charged locations.