Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has vehemently denied allegations of his involvement in ‘sniper tourism’ during the siege of Sarajevo, labeling the claims as a ‘lie.’ The accusations stem from a complaint filed by Croatian journalist Domagoj Margetic with Italian prosecutors, who cited 1990s video footage and testimonies from Bosnian officials suggesting Vucic was a ‘war volunteer’ with Bosnian-Serb forces. Vucic, speaking at a UK-Western Balkans business conference in Belgrade, asserted that he had ‘never killed anyone, wounded anyone, or done anything similar,’ and clarified that images purportedly showing him with a sniper rifle actually depicted him carrying a camera tripod. He accused the journalist of attempting to portray him as a ‘monster’ and a ‘cold-blooded murderer.’ The siege of Sarajevo, which lasted from 1992 to 1996, claimed over 11,000 lives as the city was encircled by Serb forces and subjected to relentless shelling and sniper fire. Italian prosecutors recently launched an investigation into claims that wealthy foreigners paid to shoot at civilians during the siege, following a complaint by Italian writer Ezio Gavazzeni, who referenced the 2022 Slovenian documentary ‘Sarajevo Safari.’ Vucic’s spokesperson, Suzana Vasiljevic, dismissed the allegations as ‘malicious disinformation’ aimed at undermining Serbia’s institutional credibility. She emphasized that Vucic was working as a journalist and translator in Pale during the conflict, with no involvement in military activities. While similar allegations of ‘human hunters’ have surfaced over the years, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in The Hague has stated it lacks information on the matter, and Bosnia’s war crimes prosecutor has yet to issue any indictments. UK special forces veterans who served in Sarajevo have also dismissed the claims as an ‘urban myth.’
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From injuries to fatalities: Top 10 deadliest Airshow disasters in history
Airshows, often celebrated for their breathtaking aerial displays and thrilling performances, have a darker side marked by tragic accidents that have left indelible scars on aviation history. While these events are designed to entertain and inspire, they have occasionally turned into scenes of devastation, claiming lives and leaving communities in mourning. Here, we revisit the ten most catastrophic airshow disasters that have shaped the narrative of aviation safety and risk management.
1. **Sknyliv Airshow (2002, Ukraine)**: The deadliest airshow accident occurred when a Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 crashed during a low-altitude maneuver, killing 77 spectators, including 28 children, and injuring 543. Both pilots survived but faced legal consequences.
2. **Ramstein Airshow (1988, West Germany)**: A mid-air collision involving Italian Air Force jets resulted in a fiery crash that killed 70 people, including three pilots, and injured hundreds more.
3. **Golden West Sport Aviation Show (1972, USA)**: A Canadair Sabre Mk. 5 failed to gain altitude, crashing into an ice cream parlor and killing 22 people, including members of a Little League football team.
4. **Reno Air Races (2011, USA)**: A modified racing aircraft lost control, crashing into spectators and killing 10 people. Investigations revealed structural failures caused by excessive modifications.
5. **Ostend Airshow (1997, Belgium)**: A Royal Jordanian Falcons pilot lost control, crashing near spectators and killing nine people, including the pilot.
6. **Paris Airshow (1973, France)**: The Tupolev Tu-144 supersonic airliner broke apart mid-flight, killing all five crew members and eight people on the ground.
7. **Canary Islands Airshow (1984, Spain)**: A Spanish aerobatic team pilot lost control, crashing and killing five people, including himself.
8. **Royal Air Force Station Crash (1952, UK)**: A prototype Avro Vulcan bomber crashed during a test flight, killing all four crew members and three spectators.
9. **Bartlesville Biplane Exposition (1996, USA)**: A mid-air collision between two biplanes resulted in an explosion that killed all four pilots.
10. **Indian Air Force Day (1989, India)**: A Mirage 2000 crashed during a low-altitude maneuver, killing the pilot and one spectator.
These tragedies serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks in aviation displays, prompting ongoing efforts to enhance safety protocols and prevent future disasters.
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Family of missing Colombian seek answers after US strike on alleged drug boat
The serene fishing village of Taganga on Colombia’s Caribbean coast has become a focal point of international tension following US military strikes targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels. Lizbeth Perez, the niece of missing fisherman Alejandro Carranza, recalls her last conversation with her uncle in September, describing him as a kind and cheerful man who loved his work. Carranza, a father of five, disappeared after setting out on his boat from La Guajira, Venezuela, on September 14. The next day, US President Donald Trump announced a strike on a vessel departing Venezuela, killing three individuals he labeled as ‘narco-terrorists.’ Carranza’s family remains in anguish, uncertain if he was among the victims. The US has conducted at least 21 strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific since September, resulting in 83 deaths. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defends the campaign as a necessary measure to combat drug trafficking and protect American lives. However, the strikes have drawn condemnation from regional leaders, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who accused the US of ‘murder’ and suspended intelligence sharing with Washington. Petro claims Carranza was transporting drugs to fund his daughter’s education but argues that such actions do not warrant a death sentence. Carranza’s family denies his involvement in drug trafficking and has enlisted US lawyer Daniel Kovalik to sue the US government, citing violations of international law. The Trump administration justifies the strikes by invoking war-time powers, claiming the US is in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels. Meanwhile, local fishermen like 81-year-old Juan Assis Tejeda live in fear of being mistakenly targeted. The strikes have also fueled speculation about US intentions to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the US accuses of leading a criminal trafficking organization. As tensions escalate, Caribbean fishing communities brace for an uncertain future, questioning whether diplomacy or conflict lies ahead.
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UAE launches Thai Select’s Culinary Trail ahead of 2025 festival
In anticipation of the Thai Select Festival 2025, the UAE has launched an innovative digital campaign titled ‘Tastes of Thailand: The Road to the Festival.’ This initiative, spearheaded by Thai Select—a certification by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce—aims to highlight authentic Thai cuisine across the Emirates. From November 18 to November 27, over 30 influencers in food, travel, and lifestyle will visit Thai Select-certified restaurants, documenting their unique dishes, chef stories, and cultural elements. The campaign, under the hashtag #RoadToThaiSelectFestival2025, invites the public to explore these culinary gems and prepare for the grand festival in November 2025. The festival, set to take place at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, promises an immersive experience with authentic Thai food, live performances, and cooking demonstrations. Pitichai Ratananaka, director of Thai Trade Centre Dubai, emphasized the campaign’s goal to deepen cultural ties and showcase Thailand’s culinary excellence.
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‘Beetlejuice’ musical brings Broadway-scale spectacle and local jokes to Abu Dhabi
The globally acclaimed ‘Beetlejuice’ musical has made its dazzling debut in Abu Dhabi, bringing Broadway-level theatrics and a touch of local humor to the UAE capital. Staged at the Etihad Arena on November 20, 2025, the production, based on Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film, has been lauded for its high-energy comedy, stunning visual effects, and audience engagement. Producer Michael Cassel emphasized Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class musicals, praising the city’s enthusiastic and receptive audience. The show, which has previously captivated audiences in the US, Korea, Japan, and Australia, remains faithful to its Broadway roots while incorporating subtle nods to Emirati culture, such as references to ‘Lulu Express’ and Arabic phrases like ‘shukran.’ The cast, including Andy Karl as Beetlejuice and Elise McCann as Barbara Maitland, highlighted the show’s blend of humor and heartfelt themes of family and loss. The production’s success underscores Yas Island’s ambition to become a premier destination for live entertainment, with plans to host more Broadway hits like ‘Mary Poppins’ in the near future. The musical’s irreverent humor and bold jokes have resonated deeply with Abu Dhabi audiences, solidifying its status as a must-see spectacle.
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The calm after the digital gold rush: Why trust matters more than technology
In the UAE, a transformative shift is reshaping the gold investment landscape. Once confined to traditional gold souks and large upfront purchases, gold ownership has now entered the digital age. With platforms like the Just Gold App, investors can start with as little as AED 10, marking a significant departure from conventional methods. Dubai’s $3 billion retail bullion market is transitioning from physical displays to digital wallets, driven by technology and a growing demand for transparency and trust.
Digital platforms have democratized gold ownership, enabling users to purchase small quantities of 24-karat gold stored securely in insured vaults. This innovation eliminates concerns about physical storage while allowing investors to build real assets gradually. The Just Gold App exemplifies this new era of responsible investing, blending technology, ethics, and transparency to foster confidence among users.
According to the World Gold Council (WGC), investment demand for gold in the Middle East surged by over 30% in the first half of 2025, fueled by digital accessibility and younger investors. Globally, gold investment remains above its five-year average as consumers seek stability amid economic uncertainty.
Trust has emerged as the cornerstone of digital gold investing. Investors prioritize knowing where their gold is stored, how it is insured, and who oversees the process. JustGold addresses these concerns by linking every purchase to the official UAE gold rate and storing gold in Loomis International’s insured vaults in Dubai. The platform is ISO 27001:2022 certified for information security and adheres to Islamic finance principles, ensuring Shariah compliance and real ownership without speculation.
Since mid-2025, JustGold has experienced consistent growth, with transaction values increasing significantly. The average buy transaction value rose from AED 192 in July to AED 1,032 in October, a 440% increase. Similarly, the average sell transaction value nearly doubled, reflecting growing investor confidence. User behavior indicates habit formation, with nearly two-thirds of customers making multiple transactions and over 20% completing three or more trades.
To further enhance investor protection, JustGold is appointing an independent trustee to safeguard customer assets and maintain verified records of vault holdings. This measure aligns with the Islamic concept of Amānah, emphasizing trust and responsibility. In the unlikely event of operational disruption, the trustee ensures customers receive their gold or its equivalent value directly.
Dubai’s status as a global gold trading hub, handling 20-30% of global gold trade annually, provides a secure foundation for digital gold custody. The future of digital gold lies in platforms that prioritize accountability, physical backing, and compliance. For investors valuing security and opportunity, digital gold offers a transparent and trustworthy path to ownership.
JustGold’s success underscores the UAE’s evolving investment culture, where technology and ethics converge to redefine gold ownership. By combining real assets with independent oversight and secure digital access, the platform empowers investors to hold something timeless in a modern way.
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UK regulator issues warning to charity accused of fundraising for Israeli army
The Charity Commission of the United Kingdom has issued a formal warning to Mizrachi UK, a British charity accused of fundraising for the Israeli military and hosting speakers associated with hate speech. This action follows a seven-month investigation prompted by a complaint from the International Centre of Justice of Palestinians (ICJP). The commission has mandated Mizrachi UK to implement corrective measures, keeping the case open until full compliance is achieved. The investigation revealed that Mizrachi UK promoted fundraising appeals on its website and Facebook page for organizations providing equipment to foreign military personnel, which contradicted the charity’s public benefit objectives. Although no evidence was found that Mizrachi UK used its own funds for these appeals, the commission deemed the promotion of such activities inappropriate and damaging to the charity’s reputation. The ICJP’s complaint highlighted instances where Mizrachi UK solicited donations for Israeli soldiers, including combat equipment, which is not considered charitable under UK law. Additionally, the charity hosted speakers known for inflammatory rhetoric, such as former Likud Knesset member Yehuda Glick and journalist Sivan Rahav-Meir, whose statements were deemed to promote hate speech. The Charity Commission’s warning underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in charitable organizations and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. This development also aligns with the commission’s broader stance against fundraising for foreign militaries, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The ICJP has expressed its commitment to continuing its scrutiny of UK-based charities to uphold Palestinian human rights.
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Guangzhou optimizes rail services for 15th National Games, Paralympics
In preparation for the 15th National Games and the upcoming Paralympic Games, Guangzhou has significantly upgraded its rail services to ensure smooth and efficient transportation for attendees. The Guangzhou South Railway Station has expanded its capacity on several key routes, including the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity Railway, Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong, Beijing-Guangzhou, Meizhou-Shantou, and Jiangmen-Zhanjiang lines. These enhancements aim to create a robust and convenient transportation network across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, catering to the increased travel demands before and after the closing ceremony of the events. The comprehensive optimization of transportation plans underscores Guangzhou’s commitment to hosting these major sporting events successfully, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers and contributing to the overall efficiency of the region’s transport infrastructure.
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Dubai set to host regional tech summit DATE MENA on Nov 26
Dubai is gearing up to host the DATE MENA Summit, a premier event focused on digitization, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies, on November 26 and 27, 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah. Organized by Trescon, the summit will convene over 1,000 pre-qualified business leaders, tech innovators, investors, enterprise buyers, and regulators to explore cutting-edge technologies reshaping industries and driving the future of the MENA region. The event promises to be a high-impact platform, featuring 40+ international and regional speakers who will share actionable insights across AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, immersive technologies, financial innovation, quantum computing, and more. Key sessions include discussions on Dubai’s AI and blockchain innovations led by Dr. Marwan AlZarouni, a panel on AI applications with industry leaders, and a deep dive into the UAE’s virtual asset ecosystem. The summit will also host the FutureTech World Cup, a global start-up pitch competition, and DATE Dialogues, exclusive roundtables for senior stakeholders. Leveraging AI-powered networking tools, the event aims to foster meaningful connections and drive tangible business outcomes. Naveen Bharadwaj, CEO of Trescon, emphasized the summit’s role in accelerating MENA’s digital evolution, bringing together leaders, innovators, and disruptors to reveal breakthroughs and set strategies. DATE MENA is set to be a transformative gathering for anyone shaping the region’s digital future.
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Christian pastor’s daughter urges US lawmakers to help free her father in China
In a compelling plea before a U.S. congressional panel, Grace Jin Drexel, the daughter of detained Chinese Christian pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, urged American lawmakers to intervene in securing her father’s release. This appeal comes as President Donald Trump reaffirms his commitment to protecting Christians worldwide, particularly in regions where they face persecution. Jin Drexel revealed that her father, along with 17 other leaders of the underground Zion Church, was formally charged this week following their detention in October. This crackdown marks one of China’s most significant actions against an unregistered church in decades, challenging the Communist Party’s strict regulations on religious practices. Zion Church, which operates independently of state control, has faced repeated harassment and threats from authorities. Jin Drexel emphasized her father’s mission to create a church free from government interference, where God is the sole authority. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers praised the Trump administration’s decision to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to its failure to address the persecution of Christians. Trump has also threatened potential military action in Nigeria to curb violence against Christians. In China, the government maintains that it manages religious affairs lawfully and opposes U.S. interference. A White House official confirmed awareness of the detentions, reiterating Trump’s commitment to global religious freedom. The case highlights China’s broader crackdown on independent religious groups, particularly in regions like Xinjiang and Tibet, where authorities have destroyed churches, burned Bibles, and pressured followers to renounce their faith. Zion Church, founded in 2007, has grown significantly despite state opposition, adopting a hybrid online-offline model to reach thousands daily. Jin Drexel stressed that Chinese Christians seek only freedom from Communist Party control, not opposition to the state. Former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback warned that China’s war on faith poses a national security threat, urging the U.S. to prioritize religious freedom in its foreign policy.