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  • Yas Heat Racing unveil Formula 4 line-up and all-Emirati karting team

    Yas Heat Racing unveil Formula 4 line-up and all-Emirati karting team

    Yas Marina Circuit has officially launched its 2025/26 Yas Heat Racing team lineup, featuring a strategically assembled roster of international Formula 4 prospects and a groundbreaking all-Emirati karting development program. The announcement ceremony, attended by circuit officials, partners, and media representatives, showcased both the team’s competitive livery and its expanded developmental structure.

    The Formula 4 division will see representation from fifteen-year-old Emirati talent Zakaria ‘JZ’ Doleh, alongside Germany’s Adam Al Azhari (16), Lebanon’s Charbel Abi Gebrael (16), and Italy’s Edoardo Lacobucci (17). These drivers will compete across both the F4 Middle East Championship and Trophy UAE series. Al Azhari enters the season with particular momentum after securing three victories and six podium finishes in the 2025 F4 Championship, including dual wins in Saudi Arabia’s F4 events.

    Simultaneously, Yas Heat Racing has established a comprehensive karting program exclusively featuring Emirati youth talent. The Bambino Karting category will include seven-year-olds Yousef Al Khayyat and Zayed Al Ansari, both top finishers in the recent Al Sabq event, alongside six-year-old Rayan Al Ameri who recently made his IAME series debut. The program expands with twelve-year-old Faris Haroun, a triple champion in MENA Championship categories, and fourteen-year-old Essa Al Hammadi competing in the IAME Junior division.

    This initiative builds upon Yas Heat’s established track record of developing racing excellence. Program alumni include Rashid Al Dhaheri, currently part of the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme preparing for F3 competition, and Keanu Al Azhari who secured vice-champion status in the 2024 Spanish F4 Championship before joining Alpine Academy. Emirati sisters Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi, both F1 Academy participants, further demonstrate the program’s successful developmental pathway.

    Ali Al Beshr, General Manager of Yas Marina Circuit, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative: “Our 2025/26 lineup reflects the depth and diversity of talent growing within the UAE’s motorsport community. Through structured programs like Al Sabq and our strengthened karting framework, we provide clear competitive pathways while advancing Emirati talent on international platforms.”

  • Ajman Titans’ dream run continues in Abu Dhabi T10

    Ajman Titans’ dream run continues in Abu Dhabi T10

    The Ajman Titans have solidified their position as a formidable force in the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 league, securing their third consecutive victory with a commanding 21-run win over the Deccan Gladiators. This triumph propels the Titans to second place in the standings, while the reigning champions, the Gladiators, continue to struggle, suffering their fourth straight loss. The match was a showcase of individual brilliance, with Moeen Ali’s explosive 31 off 12 balls and Akif Javed’s remarkable bowling spell of 3/5 being the standout performances. The Titans’ innings began steadily, with Aneurin Donald (24 off 15) and Alex Hales (25 off 18) laying a solid foundation. However, it was Moeen Ali’s aggressive batting in the latter stages that truly shifted the momentum in favor of the Titans. His partnership with Dan Lawrence pushed the score to 101/4 before the Titans eventually posted 109/6. In response, the Gladiators faced early setbacks as Akif Javed dismissed key players Andre Russell and Marcus Stoinis in quick succession. Despite a valiant effort from Tom Kohler-Cadmore (32 off 23) and Nicholas Pooran (24 off 14), the Gladiators fell short, finishing at 88/7. The Titans’ disciplined bowling and strategic field placements ensured their victory, further cementing their status as serious contenders in the tournament.

  • UAE launches first digital platform for buying, trading trademark

    UAE launches first digital platform for buying, trading trademark

    The UAE has introduced ‘TM Market Place,’ the region’s first digital platform dedicated to buying and trading trademarks. Launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, this innovative platform aims to revolutionize the intellectual property (IP) and trademark sector, enhancing the UAE’s appeal to global businesses and brands. Developed in collaboration with the UAE Government Leaders Programme, TM Market Place provides a secure and transparent environment for trademark owners to list and trade their assets, connecting them with investors and entrepreneurs. The platform aligns with the UAE’s vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy and supporting the competitiveness of its business environment. Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasized that the platform will empower intangible business assets, offering fair financial valuation and transforming trademarks into active economic assets. The platform also aims to facilitate investor access to trademarks, lower market entry barriers, and support SMEs and family businesses by converting trademark value into financial assets. Operational from its launch day, TM Market Place is expected to boost the UAE’s trademark sector by 20% in its first year, with the Ministry ensuring compliance with national and international IP laws. The platform’s secure login and digital payment systems guarantee transaction safety and user identity verification. This initiative builds on the UAE’s efforts to develop a robust IP and trademark environment, supported by legislative frameworks and international agreements like the Madrid Protocol. The UAE has seen significant growth in trademark registrations, with 34,234 trademarks registered from January to November 2025, marking a 129% increase compared to the first half of 2024.

  • Foreign visitors will now pay a lot more to visit US national parks

    Foreign visitors will now pay a lot more to visit US national parks

    Starting January 1, international visitors to US national parks will face a significant fee hike as part of the Department of the Interior’s ‘America First’ policy. The annual pass, now rebranded as ‘America the Beautiful,’ will remain at $80 for US residents but will skyrocket to $250 for nonresidents. Additionally, visitors without an annual pass will be charged an extra $100 per person to enter 11 of the most popular national parks, on top of the standard entrance fee. This means a family of four from abroad will pay $480 to visit the Grand Canyon National Park, up from the current $80. The affected parks include iconic destinations such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks. Furthermore, the 10 annual fee-free days, which previously allowed all visitors free entry, will now be exclusive to US citizens and permanent residents. These days include Presidents’ Day, Flag Day, and President Trump’s birthday. The policy aims to prioritize US taxpayers, who already fund the National Park System, while ensuring international visitors contribute more to park maintenance and improvements. The fee restructuring follows layoffs of thousands of national park employees earlier this year and proposed budget cuts, raising concerns about the future of park preservation. Critics, including Athan Manuel of the Sierra Club, argue that these changes favor corporate interests over environmental protection, potentially jeopardizing the nation’s natural heritage.

  • Most Mena hospitals up to 18 months away from AI readiness, reveals expert

    Most Mena hospitals up to 18 months away from AI readiness, reveals expert

    Hospitals across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are still six to 18 months away from achieving full readiness for large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, according to industry experts. Despite significant enthusiasm and rapid investments in AI, most institutions lack the essential foundational processes, governance frameworks, and leadership awareness required for safe and effective deployment. Brian de Francesca, Special Envoy for AI and Synthetic Workforce Development at the Arab Hospitals Federation, highlighted this gap during the DATE summit in Dubai, emphasizing that AI adoption is not merely a software purchase but a comprehensive organizational transformation. He noted that many leaders are unaware of AI’s current capabilities, limitations, and associated risks. Sid Ahmed Benraouane, an advisor to the Dubai Government, stressed the importance of visionary leadership in harnessing AI’s potential, warning that without proper safeguards, organizations risk deploying poorly understood systems. Aditya Balaraman, AI innovation lead at Magure, echoed these concerns, pointing out that while ambition is abundant in the region, a clear roadmap is essential for sustainable AI integration. He emphasized that AI could serve as a levelling technology, enabling lower-income markets to catch up if the right investments are made.

  • Watch: Car nearly hits first responders in Midwest blizzard conditions

    Watch: Car nearly hits first responders in Midwest blizzard conditions

    As a severe winter storm swept across the Midwest, first responders faced a perilous situation when a vehicle nearly struck them during their emergency operations. The incident occurred amidst blizzard conditions, which have prompted widespread winter storm alerts and hazardous weather outlooks across several US regions just before the Thanksgiving holiday. The near-miss highlights the dangers faced by emergency personnel during extreme weather events and underscores the importance of public caution during such times. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

  • Gambhir under fierce pressure as India suffer biggest Test defeat

    Gambhir under fierce pressure as India suffer biggest Test defeat

    Indian cricket coach Gautam Gambhir faces intense scrutiny following India’s historic 408-run defeat to South Africa in Guwahati, marking the team’s largest margin of loss in Test cricket history. The devastating result completed a 2-0 series whitewash against the Proteas and represents India’s fifth defeat in their last seven home matches.

    Speaking at a tense post-match press conference, Gambhir deferred to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding his future, stating: ‘Indian cricket is important, I’m not important.’ The 44-year-old former batsman, who succeeded Rahul Dravid after last year’s T20 World Cup victory, has now overseen 10 losses in 19 Tests since his appointment.

    The transition period has been particularly challenging following the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket earlier this year. Captain Shubman Gill’s injury during the South Africa series further complicated matters, forcing wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to lead an inexperienced lineup. India’s batting collapsed dramatically throughout the series, failing to surpass 201 runs in any innings during the two Tests.

    Gambhir defended his young squad, noting that four or five batters in the top eight have played fewer than 15 Tests. ‘They are learning on the job,’ he emphasized, while refusing to make excuses for the performance. The coach also highlighted the simultaneous transition occurring in India’s spin bowling department, which was unexpectedly outclassed by South African off-spinner Simon Harmer’s 17-wicket series haul.

    Despite the recent setbacks, Gambhir reminded critics of his successful campaigns, including the drawn Test series in England earlier this year, Champions Trophy victory, and Asian Cup triumph. His contract remains valid until the 2027 ODI World Cup, though mounting pressure from fans and analysts suggests his position may become increasingly untenable without immediate improvement.

  • ‘I panic every time she coughs’ – Delhi’s toxic air is making its children sick

    ‘I panic every time she coughs’ – Delhi’s toxic air is making its children sick

    Delhi, the Indian capital, is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, with children emerging as the most vulnerable victims. Hospitals across the city are witnessing a surge in young patients suffering from respiratory issues, a direct consequence of the hazardous air quality. The situation has reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently hovering between 300 and 400, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs, is a major contributor to the health crisis. Pediatric clinics are overwhelmed, with doctors reporting a tenfold increase in pollution-related illnesses among children. Dr. Shishir Bhatnagar, a pediatrician in Noida, noted that 50-70% of his patients during the pollution season suffer from breathing difficulties, compared to 20-30% in normal times. The government has implemented emergency measures, including halting construction and banning polluting vehicles, but these efforts have failed to curb the smog. Parents like Khushboo Bharti, whose one-year-old daughter Samaira was hospitalized with pneumonia, are living in constant fear. Research underscores the long-term health risks for children, including stunted development, weakened immunity, and cognitive impairments. A recent study from the University of Cambridge linked air pollution to a higher risk of dementia. Many families are considering relocating to safer environments, but for the economically disadvantaged, escape is not an option. Dr. A Fathahudeen, a pulmonologist, warns that chronic exposure to pollution can lead to irreversible lung damage in children. While schools have shifted to hybrid learning and outdoor activities have been curtailed, parents question how long they can keep their children indoors. The crisis has sparked protests and calls for urgent action to protect the health of Delhi’s youngest residents.

  • Australian environment laws set for biggest overhaul in decades

    Australian environment laws set for biggest overhaul in decades

    Australia is poised to implement sweeping reforms to its outdated environmental legislation, marking a significant shift in the nation’s approach to nature conservation. The Labor government, after prolonged negotiations, secured a last-minute agreement with the minority Greens party to pass the legislation, following stalled talks with the opposition. The reforms introduce enhanced protections for native forests, stricter land-clearing regulations, and a curb on the expedited approval of coal and gas projects. Critics, however, argue that the measures fall short of addressing climate change comprehensively. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the reforms as a victory for both the environment and the economy, emphasizing their potential to accelerate projects in housing, renewable energy, and critical minerals. The legislation, expected to pass the Senate on Thursday, will establish Australia’s first independent national environment protection agency and set national standards for safeguarding endangered wildlife. Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters acknowledged significant gains but criticized the absence of a ‘climate trigger’ to halt fossil fuel projects based on emissions. Instead, projects must disclose their carbon emissions and outline plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Environmental advocates, including Climate Council head Amanda McKenzie, welcomed the reforms but highlighted the continued approval of coal and gas projects as a critical oversight. The reforms come five years after an independent review deemed the existing laws inadequate, underscoring the urgency of protecting Australia’s environment for future generations.

  • Publsh Media Group named exclusive media and sponsorships partner for Dubai Mall’s ‘Festival of Fashion’

    Publsh Media Group named exclusive media and sponsorships partner for Dubai Mall’s ‘Festival of Fashion’

    In a significant development for the regional media and fashion industries, Publsh Media Group has been appointed as the exclusive media and sponsorship partner for the inaugural Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place on January 29-30, 2026, at Dubai Mall—the world’s most visited retail destination that spans 1.2 million square meters and houses over 1,200 retail outlets, including more than 200 luxury fashion brands.

    This strategic collaboration with Lana, an innovative media engagement platform, establishes Publsh as a dominant force in cultural media curation. The partnership leverages Publsh’s specialized expertise in communications, media, and location-driven storytelling, particularly through their work with ultra-luxury brands at premium destinations like J1 Beach in Jumeirah.

    The timing coincides with remarkable growth in the UAE’s luxury market, where fashion represents a substantial segment. Current data indicates clothing and apparel account for 38.27% of luxury sales, with female consumers driving 61.56% of this sector. The increasing demand for limited-edition collections and culturally relevant fashion narratives positions Publsh ideally to amplify the festival’s impact.

    The two-day festival will showcase 12 fashion masterclasses conducted by globally renowned designers, influencers, and industry pioneers. The event will conclude with the Dubai Mall Global Fashion Awards ceremony at the prestigious Armani Hotel Dubai, recognizing excellence across the fashion industry.

    Sagar Chotrani, CEO of Publsh, emphasized the narrative power of fashion, stating: “Fashion transcends mere style—it embodies storytelling. Our collaboration with Lana enables us to capture the essence of this iconic event and share it with a global audience.”

    Kushal Desai, Managing Director of Publsh, described the partnership as “a natural extension of our mission to elevate cultural moments through powerful collaboration,” while Lana’s Managing Director Anil Bhoyrul praised Publsh’s curatorial expertise in connecting visionary brands with discerning audiences.

    Complementing the event, Lana will publish a special edition magazine titled ‘Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion,’ available throughout the mall from January 1, 2026. The publication will feature exclusive profiles of participating designers and a comprehensive festival guide. Ticketing information and registration details will be announced on December 15 through Lana’s digital platforms.