Archer Aviation, the pioneering company set to introduce flying taxi services in the UAE next year, has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia. The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025, involves collaboration with The Helicopter Company (THC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism projects like The Red Sea and Amaala. The partnership aims to develop, test, and potentially integrate Archer’s Midnight eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft into RSG’s operations. The initial phase will focus on creating a structured sandbox environment to conduct real-world test flights, assessing aircraft performance, operational feasibility, regulatory compliance, passenger acceptance, and ecosystem readiness. Additionally, the collaboration will explore advanced aerial technologies, long-term strategic partnerships for large-scale deployment, and regional innovation in next-generation aviation systems. Upon completing the sandbox program, the parties will evaluate the results and consider further steps to scale eVTOL services. Archer’s CEO, Adam Goldstein, expressed enthusiasm about transforming travel within Saudi Arabia and setting a regional benchmark for aviation. THC’s CEO, Captain Arnaud Martinez, highlighted eVTOL’s potential as the future of urban transportation, while RSG’s CEO, John Pagano, emphasized the alignment of eVTOL integration with their vision for regenerative tourism.
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Culture high on agenda at Sanya tourism summit
The 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event commenced on Tuesday evening in Sanya, Hainan province, uniting international tourism leaders to explore innovative strategies for sustainable coastal development. Themed ‘Meet Sanya, Cocreate the Future,’ the three-day summit attracted tourism officials, heads of international organizations, and delegates from 37 destinations spanning 27 countries and regions. Attendees will participate in immersive tours, thematic discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions centered on fostering sustainable growth for tropical coastal cities. The event highlights Sanya’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global tourism while emphasizing cultural exchange and environmental stewardship.
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Italian court approves extradition to Germany of Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream pipeline blast
Italy’s highest court has greenlit the extradition of a Ukrainian national to Germany, where he faces allegations of orchestrating the 2022 explosions that severely damaged the Nord Stream pipelines. The Cassation Court dismissed a final appeal by 49-year-old Serhii Kuznietsov, paving the way for his transfer to German authorities within days. Kuznietsov, detained in August 2023 while vacationing near Rimini, is accused of detonating multiple underwater bombs in the Baltic Sea, targeting the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. His defense lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, maintains his client’s innocence, expressing confidence in an acquittal. The incident, which occurred in September 2022, disrupted the Nord Stream 1 pipeline—a critical conduit for Russian natural gas to Germany—and damaged the inactive Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Germany had suspended certification of Nord Stream 2 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier that year. Kuznietsov denies involvement, claiming he was serving in the Ukrainian military at the time. Meanwhile, Poland has blocked the extradition of another suspect linked to the case.
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Exclusive: Britain mulls ban on Israeli settlement goods
The British government is reportedly contemplating a ban on the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to sources close to the administration. Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer has indicated to Labour MPs that such a ban is desirable, though the final decision rests with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is currently hesitant to implement the measure. However, a ban is deemed likely if there is further expansion of settlements or an escalation in settler violence. This marks a significant shift from Labour’s previous stance, which opposed sanctions or boycotts against Israel. Ministers now acknowledge that a ban aligns with the UK’s position on the occupied territories. Senior Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee (FASC), has long advocated for such a ban, arguing that permitting the sale of settlement goods undermines sanctions against settlers. A recent FASC report also recommended a ban on imports from illegal settlements. Labour MP Andy McDonald has pressed the government to enforce stricter measures, noting that existing checks and labeling requirements are insufficient. In May, the UK sanctioned several Israeli settlers and organizations supporting violence in the West Bank, followed by sanctions against far-right Israeli ministers in June. While the UK is unlikely to act alone, it may coordinate with allies like France or the Netherlands. Pressure is mounting within Labour, with MPs like Abtisam Mohamed and Bell Ribiero-Addy urging immediate action to comply with international law and support a two-state solution. A parliamentary bill proposing comprehensive sanctions on Israel is also gaining traction, citing the International Court of Justice’s 2024 ruling on Israel’s illegal occupation. Despite these developments, the UK’s trade with Israel has grown, with exports rising by 10.5% to £3.6 billion in the past year. The Labour government has suspended some arms export licenses but continues to supply components for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel.
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Olympic snowboarder-turned-drug kingpin charged with murder of witness
The US Department of Justice has accused Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, of leading a sprawling international drug cartel and orchestrating the murder of a federal witness. Wedding, 44, allegedly released the witness’s image to a fake news website, The Dirty Newz, in October 2024, leading to the individual’s fatal shooting in Medellin, Colombia, in January. The FBI has since removed the website and increased the reward for Wedding’s capture from $10 million to $15 million, likening him to the infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. FBI Director Kash Patel described Wedding’s operations as a ‘narco trafficking and narco terrorism programme’ unprecedented in recent history. Authorities believe Wedding is currently under the protection of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. In addition to the witness’s murder, Wedding faces charges of witness tampering, intimidation, money laundering, and drug trafficking. Recent developments in the case include a new indictment and the arrest of 10 individuals allegedly linked to his cartel, which is accused of being the largest supplier of cocaine to Canada, generating over $1 billion annually. Among those arrested is Deepak Balwant Paradkar, a Canadian lawyer accused of providing illegal services to Wedding’s organization, including advising on the witness’s murder to avoid extradition. The alleged co-founder of The Dirty Newz, Gursewak Singh Bal, was also detained, alongside Carmen Yelinet Valoyes Florez, a Colombian national accused of running a high-end prostitution ring in Mexico, and Atna Ohna, who allegedly hired a hitman for the cartel. Wedding, who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, reportedly launched his criminal enterprise after being released from a US federal prison in 2011, where he was serving a sentence for cocaine distribution. The FBI alleges he has ordered dozens of murders globally, including in the US, Canada, and Latin America.
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Bulgarian authorities responsible for deaths of three Egyptian minors, report says
A recent report by Frontex, the European Union’s border agency, has concluded that Bulgarian authorities were responsible for the deaths of three Egyptian teenagers who succumbed to hypothermia near the Bulgaria-Turkey border in December 2023. The teenagers, aged 15, 16, and 17, were found unconscious in the snow near Burgas after NGOs repeatedly alerted Bulgarian emergency services about their life-threatening situation. Despite receiving multiple alerts, the authorities failed to act promptly, leading to the tragic outcome. The report highlights that the authorities had sufficient information to infer the severity of the situation and the capacity to intervene but neglected to implement adequate measures. Frontex’s Fundamental Rights Office (FRO) expressed deep concern over the repeated allegations of improper responses to distress calls by Bulgarian border police, which often involve violent pushbacks and inhumane treatment of migrants. The FRO recommended that Frontex increase its presence and involvement in border surveillance and search and rescue operations. However, NGOs criticized the agency for using the incident to expand its influence in Bulgaria, accusing it of complicity in the same practices as the Bulgarian Border Police. The report also noted that the authorities’ inaction violated the right to life enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and failed to fulfill child protection obligations. This incident underscores the broader issue of migrant deaths and violence along the Balkan route, exacerbated by EU-funded border fortifications and increased impunity of border police. Since Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen zone in January 2024, the government has pledged to strengthen border controls, raising concerns about further violations of migrant rights.
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Canadian former Olympic snowboarder wanted by US is charged with orchestrating murder of witness
A former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, Ryan Wedding, who is currently on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list, is now facing additional charges related to the murder of a federal witness. Authorities allege that Wedding orchestrated the January killing in Colombia to evade extradition to the U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the charges on Wednesday, revealing that ten other defendants have already been arrested in connection with the case. Wedding is accused of running a multi-national drug trafficking network, moving approximately 60 tons of cocaine annually between Colombia, Mexico, Southern California, and Canada. He is believed to be hiding in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel, with whom he is said to collaborate closely. The U.S. government is offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Wedding and his co-conspirators allegedly used a Canadian website, “the Dirty News,” to post a photograph of the witness, leading to his identification and subsequent execution in Medellín. Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor for the Central District of California, stated that Wedding’s belief that the witness’s death would dismiss charges against him was misguided. The U.S. government is also offering up to $2 million for information on others involved in the killing.
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Miss Universe 2025: Meet participants from UAE, Palestine, other Middle East nations
The Miss Universe 2025 finals, one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants, are set to take place on November 21 in Thailand. This year’s event will feature over 120 contestants from across the globe, with a special focus on participants from the Middle East, including first-time representatives from Palestine and the UAE. The competition, often referred to as one of the ‘big four’ beauty pageants, promises to showcase a blend of national pride, beauty, and empowerment.
Among the standout contestants is Mariam Mohamed, a 26-year-old Emirati fashion student who has made history as the first woman from the UAE to compete in Miss Universe. With a background in economics and fashion design, Mariam is passionate about sustainable fashion, women’s empowerment, and community development. She has actively participated in charitable initiatives and international entrepreneurship programs, aiming to inspire change through her platform.
Palestine will also make its debut in the competition, represented by Nadeen Ayoub, a 27-year-old advocate for Palestinian women’s empowerment. Raised across Palestine, the US, and Canada, Nadeen now splits her time between Dubai and Ramallah. She emphasizes courage, dreams, and determination as her defining traits, aiming to build a brighter future for her people.
Other notable participants include Sabrina Erian from Egypt, a 23-year-old professional model who champions inclusion and equality; Melanie Shiraz Asor from Israel, an engineer and advocate; Ceren Arsllan from Turkey, a model and anti-cyberbullying activist; and Sarah Boujaoude from Lebanon, a finance student at the American University in Beirut.
The event not only celebrates beauty but also highlights the diverse stories, aspirations, and contributions of women from around the world, making it a platform for cultural exchange and global unity.
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Brendan Fraser’s new horizons include ‘Rental Family’ and rental hedgehogs
Brendan Fraser, the 56-year-old actor best known for his roles in ‘The Mummy’ and ‘George of the Jungle,’ has experienced a remarkable career resurgence following his Oscar-winning performance in 2022’s ‘The Whale.’ Fraser’s victory was celebrated as a triumphant comeback, but it also marked a departure from the typical ‘comeback kid’ narrative, as he reclaimed his stardom after a series of professional setbacks and personal challenges, including an alleged sexual assault experience.
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Influencers get hands-on in Hangzhou’s rural museums
A group of international influencers recently embarked on a cultural journey to Xikou village, located in Baizhang town, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Their visit was not just a cultural exploration but also an insightful look into how this remote, bamboo-covered village has transformed itself through the burgeoning rural museum industry. Content creators hailing from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Nigeria, and Tunisia explored several of Xikou’s unique rural museums. They immersed themselves in local traditions, including the 24 solar terms, bamboo craftsmanship, and hand-weaving. This experience highlighted the pivotal role of culture in driving rural revitalization, showcasing how heritage and innovation can merge to breathe new life into rural communities.