Nearly 200 employees of Petrofac in the UAE are facing uncertainty and financial distress as the company has failed to provide clarity on their end-of-service benefits following a sudden wave of layoffs. The employees, many of whom have served the company for over a decade, estimate that the total unpaid gratuity could exceed Dh27 million. The layoffs were announced during a town hall meeting on November 18, where workers were informed their positions were no longer needed and were asked to leave immediately without serving their notice period. This abrupt decision has left employees feeling abandoned, especially as many are burdened with significant financial responsibilities such as loans, EMIs, and medical costs. A senior manager, who has been with the company for 13 years, revealed that Petrofac had been showing signs of financial strain for months, with some employees resigning in anticipation of the layoffs. However, the lack of communication and transparency regarding gratuity payments has exacerbated the situation. Employees have repeatedly sought clarity from management, but the only response they receive is that the company is ‘looking into it.’ While Petrofac has extended employee visas for an additional two months to allow them to search for new jobs, this gesture does little to alleviate their concerns about unpaid dues. The company’s financial troubles worsened after Dutch grid operator TenneT canceled a major offshore wind contract in the Netherlands, which was central to Petrofac’s debt-restructuring plan. In a statement, Petrofac assured that its UAE operations are continuing as normal, but employees remain skeptical about receiving their rightful benefits.
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China opens draft regulations on data protection to public consultation
In a significant move to bolster personal information security, Chinese authorities have unveiled draft regulations targeting large online platforms. Released jointly by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security, the proposal seeks public feedback until December 22, 2025. The draft emphasizes the domestic storage of personal data collected within China, with stringent requirements for any cross-border data transfers. Platforms must adhere to national security standards and implement robust technical and managerial safeguards to prevent unauthorized data exports. Additionally, the regulations mandate that online service providers offer users accessible methods to manage their personal information, including options to access, correct, supplement, delete, or transfer their data. In cases of severe data breaches or repeated violations, platforms may face compliance audits and risk assessments conducted by third-party experts. The draft also promotes the use of advanced technologies such as national network identity authentication and data labeling to enhance data protection. Public consultation is actively encouraged, with authorities committed to responding to complaints within 15 working days. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to safeguarding individual privacy while fostering the sustainable growth of the platform economy.
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Marx first hooker to win world player award since 2001
In a historic moment for rugby, South Africa’s Malcolm Marx has been crowned the men’s 15s Player of the Year at the 2025 World Rugby Awards. The 31-year-old hooker, a pivotal figure in the Springboks’ success this year, becomes the first player in his position to win the prestigious award since Ireland’s Keith Wood in 2001. Marx has been instrumental in South Africa’s dominant performance, starting in 11 of the team’s 13 Tests and scoring five tries. His contributions were crucial as the Springboks defended their Rugby Championship title and suffered only two losses throughout the year. Competing against fellow nominees Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ox Nche, and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Marx’s recognition underscores his exceptional skill and leadership. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s rising star Fabian Holland, aged 23, was named the men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. Holland, who debuted in July, has quickly made his mark with 12 appearances, including a standout performance in New Zealand’s 52-26 victory over Wales. Other notable winners include Chile’s Santiago Pedrero, who claimed the Try of the Year for his spectacular score against Samoa, and Canada’s Sophie de Goede, who was named Women’s Player of the Year in September. England’s World Cup-winning coach John Mitchell also received accolades as Coach of the Year, capping off a year of remarkable achievements in rugby.
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UAE President welcomes Finnish counterpart in Abu Dhabi; joint statement issued
In a landmark meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, marking a significant step in bolstering bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties established in February 2025, underscored a shared commitment to advancing cooperation across multiple sectors, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and space exploration. Both leaders emphasized the importance of sustainable development and the green transition, highlighting Finland’s expertise in microsatellites and the UAE’s growing capabilities in space technology. They also discussed expanding trade and investment flows, with a focus on clean energy, sustainable finance, and the circular economy. The meeting also addressed global challenges, including climate action, women’s rights, and international peace. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing extremism, promoting tolerance, and supporting peace initiatives in regions such as Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza. The visit concluded with a joint statement outlining a forward-looking agenda for the UAE-Finland partnership, aimed at fostering peace, stability, and sustainable prosperity.
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Hundreds protest in Tunisia over president’s escalating crackdown on freedoms
In a powerful display of dissent, thousands of Tunisians flooded the streets of downtown Tunis on Saturday to protest against President Kais Saied’s increasingly authoritarian governance. The rally, organized under the slogan “Against Injustice,” united families of political detainees, activists, and citizens from diverse ideological backgrounds. Over 1,000 demonstrators, some clad in black, chanted slogans such as “The people want to overthrow the regime,” “What a great country! Oppression and tyranny!” and “No fear no terror, the street belongs to the people.” The protest reflects a broader wave of unrest across Tunisia, fueled by political repression and economic instability under Saied’s rule. Earlier in the week, journalists staged demonstrations against the government’s crackdown on press freedom and the suspension of prominent civil society organizations. Protesters also condemned Saied’s interference in the judiciary and accused him of using law enforcement to target political opponents. Ayoub Amara, one of the protest organizers, emphasized the rally’s dual focus: highlighting the plight of political prisoners and addressing broader grievances, including environmental protests in Gabes and arbitrary arrests under anti-terrorism laws. Monia Brahim, the wife of jailed opposition figure Abdelhamid Jlassi, joined the march, stating, “Many Tunisians are facing deep injustice.” She asserted that political prisoners are being held hostage for their principles and activism. Among the detainees is constitutional law professor Jawher Ben Mbarek, who has been on a hunger strike for over 20 days. Human Rights Watch has raised alarms over the escalating repression, noting that over 50 individuals, including politicians, lawyers, journalists, and activists, have been arbitrarily arrested or prosecuted since late 2022. The rights group criticized the misuse of anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws to suppress dissent. Saied, who suspended parliament and centralized power in July 2021, claims his actions are necessary to combat corruption and restore state institutions. However, critics argue that his measures have undermined Tunisia’s democratic progress since the 2011 revolution.
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G20 summit shows signs of consensus
The inaugural G20 Leaders’ Summit in Africa commenced in Johannesburg on November 22, 2025, under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.’ Hosted by South Africa, the summit brought together over 40 heads of state to address pressing global issues, including inclusive growth, debt relief for developing nations, and equitable energy transitions. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of bridging economic, gender, racial, and geographic divides, stating that such disparities are unsustainable and hinder global progress. He highlighted the adoption of a joint declaration as a testament to the efficacy of multilateralism, calling it a ‘message of hope and solidarity.’ Ramaphosa also underscored the need for reforms in the global financial architecture to tackle emerging challenges, such as climate-driven disasters and debt sustainability for low-income countries. The summit prioritized mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, leveraging critical minerals for inclusive growth, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Ramaphosa warned that escalating geopolitical tensions, global warming, pandemics, and inequality threaten humanity’s shared future, particularly for nations unable to recover from climate-induced disasters. He urged the global community to scale up post-disaster reconstruction efforts and protect the G20’s integrity, emphasizing that the Johannesburg summit must strengthen the forum’s credibility.
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JFK’s granddaughter shares terminal cancer diagnosis
Tatiana Schlossberg, the 35-year-old granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy Jr., has disclosed her diagnosis with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of cancer, and revealed that doctors have given her less than a year to live. The announcement came in a deeply personal essay published in The New Yorker on Saturday, coinciding with the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination. Schlossberg, a climate journalist and mother of two, shared her journey from a healthy lifestyle—marked by activities like running, skiing, and even swimming in New York’s Hudson River to raise funds for leukemia research—to her current battle with the disease. Despite undergoing a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy, her prognosis remains grim. In her essay, titled ‘A Battle With My Blood,’ Schlossberg expressed her heartbreak over the potential impact of her death on her young children and her mother, Caroline Kennedy, a former U.S. ambassador. She also voiced her dismay at the appointment of her second cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as U.S. health secretary under President Donald Trump, citing his lack of experience in medicine or public health. The Kennedy family’s legacy of political engagement and personal tragedy continues to shape their prominent role in American life. Schlossberg’s brother, Jack Schlossberg, recently announced his plans to run for Congress in New York, further extending the family’s political influence.
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Ukraine’s allies voice concerns over US plan to end war
Allies of Ukraine from Europe, Canada, and Japan have raised significant concerns regarding a US-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. While acknowledging that the draft contains elements essential for a just and lasting peace, they emphasized the need for additional work, particularly on issues related to border changes and limitations on Ukraine’s military capabilities. The joint statement, issued during the G20 summit in South Africa, was signed by leaders from Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Germany, Norway, and top EU officials. They stressed that borders must not be altered by force and expressed worries about proposed caps on Ukraine’s armed forces, which could leave the country vulnerable to future attacks. US President Donald Trump clarified that the draft plan was not his final offer, and discussions are ongoing. Security officials from Britain, France, Germany, the US, and Ukraine are set to meet in Geneva on Sunday to further deliberate on the 28-point proposal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine is facing one of the most challenging moments in its history, pressured to accept a plan perceived as favorable to Moscow. The US plan includes provisions for Ukrainian troop withdrawals from contested regions, limitations on military personnel, and the potential reintegration of Russia into the global economy. Zelensky has appointed Andriy Yermak to lead Ukraine’s negotiating team, emphasizing the need to defend national interests and prevent further Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that Moscow is willing to show flexibility but remains prepared to continue fighting. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of the proposed peace deal.
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RTA announces extended metro timings for Dubai Run on November 23
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled extended Metro timings and road closures to accommodate the upcoming Dubai Run 2025, the city’s largest annual fitness event. The Metro will operate from 3am to midnight on November 23, ensuring seamless transportation for participants. Additionally, key roads will be closed between 3am and 10am on the same day, with the RTA urging residents to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes. Earlier, Salik, Dubai’s toll gate system, announced revised toll rates for the event day. Participants are advised to ensure their nol Cards have a minimum credit of Dh15 for Silver Class or Dh30 for Gold Class for round trips. The event, now in its seventh edition, will transform Sheikh Zayed Road into a vibrant hub for fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The RTA also recommended that runners head to the World Trade Centre Metro Station for easy access to the starting point. Dubai Run continues to solidify its reputation as one of the city’s most anticipated and inclusive sporting events.
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Gaza: Israeli blasts deafen thousands as treatment is blocked
In the aftermath of relentless Israeli bombardment, Gaza’s healthcare system is grappling with a silent crisis: widespread hearing loss among its population. The story of Aya Abu Auda and her two young sons, Elias and Ismail, epitomizes the human toll of this devastation. Injured during an attack on their displacement camp in Gaza City, the brothers now suffer from severe hearing impairments. Elias, just five years old, is completely deaf, while Ismail, eight, has lost significant hearing in both ears. Their mother, who had already fled her home after losing her husband to Israeli airstrikes, is now struggling to find treatment for her children in a healthcare system crippled by blockades and destruction.
Sanaa Bahr, another victim of the conflict, recounts her own harrowing experience. Fleeing her home during an air raid, she was exposed to the deafening blasts of F-16 jets and explosive-laden vehicles, leaving her with permanent hearing damage. Like many others in Gaza, she has been unable to access the specialized care she desperately needs.
Yusra Basil, an audiology specialist, highlights the scale of the crisis. The constant bombardment has caused ‘massive auditory damage’ across Gaza, with four in every ten injuries involving some form of hearing impairment. The destruction of rehabilitation centers and the displacement of medical staff have exacerbated the situation, leaving thousands without access to essential treatments like cochlear implants and hearing aids.
A field survey by the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children reveals that 35,000 children and adults have suffered hearing loss as a direct result of the conflict. Without urgent intervention, many cases of partial or temporary hearing loss risk becoming permanent, particularly among children, whose development depends heavily on their ability to hear.
Israel’s blockade has further deepened the crisis, preventing the entry of medical supplies and equipment. Organizations like Atfaluna have tried to secure hearing aids and other essential tools from international agencies, but Israel’s restrictions have rendered these efforts largely futile. The result is a population left to endure not only the physical scars of war but also the profound psychological and social challenges of living with untreated hearing loss.