Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 2024 diary, recently disclosed by the non-profit organization Hatzlaha, has shed light on his extensive interactions with prominent international figures, including US Republican Senator Lindsay Graham and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The diary, partially redacted for national security reasons, reveals seven in-person meetings and nine phone calls with Senator Graham, alongside seven meetings with Blair. Notably, on October 29, 2024, Netanyahu engaged in an unreported conversation with UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed. These interactions occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Israel and the Biden administration over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have been widely condemned as genocide. According to Haaretz, Graham actively sought to secure additional weaponry for Israel and undermine an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu. In May 2024, following a phone call with Netanyahu, Graham criticized the US government’s decision to delay arms sales to Israel, labeling it “obscene” and urging unconditional support. He also advocated for sanctions against the ICC, accusing it of bias against Israel. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2803, approved in late 2024, granted former US President Donald Trump supreme control over Gaza, with Blair playing a key role in its implementation. International law expert Ralph Wilde criticized the resolution as a colonial-style trusteeship that violates Palestinian self-determination rights.
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470 new residents, only 150 homes a day: Dubai’s population outpaces supply
Dubai is grappling with a significant housing crisis as its population growth continues to outstrip the supply of new residential units. According to the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, the emirate’s population surged by 17,660 in just one month, reaching 4.04 million by mid-November 2025. This influx of expatriates, professionals, and investors has created a demand for approximately 150 new homes daily, yet only 7,800 units were delivered in the third quarter of 2025, with another 14,900 expected in the fourth quarter. This annual total of 44,000 units falls short of the housing needs generated by the city’s rapid population growth.
Experts warn that this imbalance is likely to persist for the next three to four years, driving up property prices and rentals. Ghassan Saliba, CEO of Stage Properties, emphasized that even the units currently being sold or released are insufficient to meet demand. He noted that the city’s infrastructure, including roads and bridges, is also under strain due to the growing population.
To address the housing shortage, Dubai announced in March 2025 the allocation of land to develop over 17,000 affordable units across the emirate. Additionally, the government introduced initiatives such as the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, which offers eligible residents priority on new launches, preferential pricing, and easier mortgage pathways for homes valued up to Dh5 million.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of Dubai’s housing market. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan aims to increase the city’s population to 5.8 million by 2040, requiring an estimated 128,000 new residents annually. However, with current housing delivery rates at only half of what is needed, there is a risk that new residents and potential buyers may be priced out of the market, potentially limiting population growth in the future.
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Rising from the ashes of war: Mogadishu’s building boom
Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, is experiencing a remarkable transformation as it emerges from decades of conflict and instability. For the first time in years, the city’s three million residents are witnessing a construction boom, with new buildings rising amidst the remnants of war-torn streets. Pavements still bear the scars of bullet holes, and ruined structures remain, but the dominant sound is now the clatter of construction rather than the echoes of destruction. This resurgence is a testament to the resilience of a city that has endured civil war in the 1990s and a militant insurgency that continues to threaten parts of the country. Despite these challenges, Mogadishu is making strides toward recovery, driven by improved security measures and investment from the Somali diaspora. The government attributes the decline in insurgent attacks—down 86% from 2023 to mid-2025—to a new system of checkpoints and enhanced professionalism among security forces. However, the city still faces significant hurdles, including the resurgence of Al-Shabaab in surrounding areas and growing inequality. While wealthy officials and foreigners benefit from improved living standards, many residents grapple with forced evictions and limited access to essential services. The construction boom, though a sign of progress, raises questions about who truly benefits from Mogadishu’s rise.
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Syrian Kurdish commander wants to visit Turkey and meet Ocalan
Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has expressed his desire to visit Turkey and meet Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). In an interview with a Turkish news agency, Abdi emphasized the SDF’s support for ongoing peace talks between Turkey and the PKK, which announced its dissolution earlier this year to facilitate peace efforts. Turkey, however, views the US-backed SDF as a Syrian branch of the PKK and has designated Abdi and other SDF leaders as terrorists. Despite this, Turkey has been engaging in talks with Ocalan since last year, aiming to resolve the decades-long conflict through political amnesty and reforms to strengthen Kurdish cultural rights. Abdi stated that a meeting with Ocalan would positively contribute to resolving issues in northeastern Syria and advancing the peace process. He also acknowledged the direct impact of Turkey’s peace efforts on northeastern Syria, where Kurdish authorities have maintained control for the past decade. Abdi highlighted the current ceasefire with the Turkish army, attributing it to the ongoing peace process. He revealed that he received a message from Ocalan last year and stressed that certain issues, such as the presence of PKK fighters within the SDF, require Ocalan’s personal involvement. Abdi also discussed his meetings with the Syrian government and US officials, noting tentative agreements on military matters but emphasizing that Kurdish rights and governance structures must be clearly defined in Syria’s new constitution for a comprehensive agreement to be achieved. He reiterated the SDF’s preference for a federal system in Syria, focusing on realistic and acceptable solutions for both Damascus and the international community.
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Oman issues advisory after Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts in 10,000 years
The Oman Environment Authority has issued a public advisory following the unprecedented eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, which had remained dormant for 10,000 years. The eruption, which began on November 23, 2025, at approximately 8:30 AM UTC, sent towering ash plumes soaring up to 15 kilometers into the atmosphere. These ash clouds drifted across the Red Sea, impacting regions in Yemen and Oman. Despite the significant scale of the eruption, Oman’s monitoring stations have not yet detected any rise in pollutant levels or deterioration in air quality. The authority has assured the public that continuous monitoring is underway through 68 stations across the country, including key locations in Dhofar and Al Wusta. Real-time air quality updates are accessible via the ‘Naqi’ platform. Aviation authorities have also been alerted due to the extensive ash cloud, which reached altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet. Scientists have described the event as one of the most remarkable volcanic awakenings in the region’s recorded history. The Oman Environment Authority has pledged to keep the public informed of any developments.
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Dubai Airshow crash ‘isolated occurrence’; Tejas maker HAL issues statement
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas light combat aircraft, has described the recent crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow as an ‘isolated occurrence’ caused by exceptional circumstances. The incident, which occurred on Friday, November 22, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal. HAL emphasized that the crash would not affect its business operations, financial performance, or future deliveries. In a statement filed with the stock exchange, the state-owned company pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and committed to keeping stakeholders informed of any significant developments. Despite the assurances, HAL’s stock experienced a sharp decline of approximately 9% in early trading on Monday, reflecting investor concerns. The Tejas, an indigenously developed multi-role combat aircraft, is designed for air defence, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The Indian Air Force has expressed deep regret over the loss and announced the formation of a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Wing Commander Syal’s last rites were performed in his native village of Patialkar, Himachal Pradesh, on Sunday.
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Students practice restoring Yuan Dynasty mural details at Shanxi University
At Shanxi University in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, over 20 international students from countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Yemen engaged in a hands-on mural restoration workshop on Friday. The session focused on the Yongle Palace murals, a masterpiece of Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) art. Participants worked on restoring a detailed close-up of the White Tiger Deity’s hand from the renowned Chaoyuan Tu (The Assembly of the Gods). Instructor Lan Fang explained that the workshop emphasized coloring, outlining, antiquing, and mounting techniques, aiming to make mural art more accessible to a wider audience. Students used specialized brushes to trace contours, mix traditional pigments, and replicate the texture and hues of historical artifacts. Ahmed Muhannad Abduljalil Abdullah, a 21-year-old Yemeni student, shared his fascination with the unique art form, noting the challenge of achieving the perfect shade with just three colors. Meechai Chanitsara from Thailand, who had previously visited the Yongle Palace, expressed deep admiration for the artisans’ craftsmanship, emphasizing the patience and precision required. Liu Xiaohui, a teacher at the university’s School of International Education and Exchange, highlighted that the workshop is part of the Understanding Contemporary China course launched in September 2023. The course employs immersive teaching methods, seminars, and field visits to help international students gain insights into China’s energy transition, sci-tech innovation, and cultural heritage protection.
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Sinner-less Italy see off Spain to complete Davis Cup hat trick
Italy achieved a remarkable feat in the world of tennis by securing their third consecutive Davis Cup title, defeating Spain 2-0 in a thrilling final held in Bologna. The victory was particularly notable as the Italian team managed to retain their crown without the presence of their star player, Jannik Sinner, and other top-ranked athletes. The match saw Flavio Cobolli deliver a stunning comeback against Jaume Munar, winning 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5, which ignited jubilant celebrations among the home crowd. Earlier, Matteo Berrettini had set the tone with a decisive 6-3, 6-4 victory over Pablo Carreno Busta, ensuring Italy’s dominance throughout the tournament. The Italian team’s unity and depth were on full display, as they triumphed without needing to play the doubles match. Spain, despite missing their top player Carlos Alcaraz due to injury, put up a valiant effort but fell short in their quest for a seventh Davis Cup title. The International Tennis Federation also addressed concerns about top players skipping the competition, emphasizing the participation of many high-ranked athletes in earlier rounds. Italy’s historic hat trick cements their status as a powerhouse in international tennis.
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Carney says trade talks with Trump to resume ‘when it matters’
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has downplayed the urgency of resuming trade negotiations with the United States, stating that discussions with President Donald Trump will resume “when it’s appropriate.” Carney dismissed questions about his recent communication with Trump, remarking, “Who cares? It’s a detail. I’ll speak to him again when it matters.” His comments follow a breakdown in trade talks last month, triggered by Trump’s reaction to an anti-tariff advertisement aired by Ontario featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. The ad, which included Reagan’s 1987 radio address criticizing tariffs, was perceived by Trump as a direct challenge to his policies. Despite the tensions, Trump has yet to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports, as previously threatened. The U.S. has already levied a 35% tariff on most Canadian goods, with sector-specific tariffs reaching 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles. Ottawa is actively seeking to reduce these tariffs. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney’s approach, arguing that it neglects the urgency for sectors heavily impacted by the levies. With three-quarters of Canada’s exports destined for the U.S., the Canadian economy remains highly vulnerable. In response, Carney has prioritized diversifying Canada’s trade partnerships. Over the weekend, he announced a new agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to begin negotiations on a long-awaited trade deal, signaling a shift in focus. Carney also met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announcing progress on a critical minerals deal. Both sides expressed optimism about expanding trade in the coming years. However, Carney’s efforts to strengthen ties with countries like India and the UAE have drawn criticism, particularly given allegations of Indian interference in Canadian affairs and the UAE’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s civil war. Carney acknowledged potential friction with India but emphasized its reliability as a trading partner. He also highlighted the UAE’s role in delivering aid to Gaza, though the Sudan conflict remains a point of discussion.
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Dubai’s Harmonious Model: Tourism That Builds for Tomorrow
Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for tourism and urban excellence is a testament to its forward-thinking strategies and unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike. Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and continued under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s development has always been rooted in long-term planning, ambition, and a people-centric approach. Today, the city stands as a model of harmonious growth, where tourism is not merely an economic driver but a cornerstone of collective prosperity and sustainability.