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  • Tommy Fleetwood set for Hero Dubai Desert Classic return after career-defining season

    Tommy Fleetwood set for Hero Dubai Desert Classic return after career-defining season

    Tommy Fleetwood, the Dubai-based FedExCup Champion and DP World Ambassador, is set to make a triumphant return to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January 2026. This marks the opening event of the Rolex Series in the 2026 Race to Dubai, held at the Emirates Golf Club from January 22 to 25. Fleetwood, currently ranked World Number Four, will headline an elite field that includes defending champion Tyrrell Hatton and four-time tournament winner Rory McIlroy.

    Fleetwood’s 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He clinched the FedExCup title with a dramatic victory at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, and played a pivotal role in Europe’s historic Ryder Cup triumph under captain Luke Donald. As he prepares for his 15th consecutive appearance at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Fleetwood arrives with strong momentum following a tied third-place finish at the recent DP World India Championship.

    Reflecting on his achievements, Fleetwood expressed his enthusiasm for starting the season in Dubai. ‘It’s been an incredible year, winning the FedExCup and being part of that special Ryder Cup victory for Europe,’ he said. ‘I always enjoy starting my season in Dubai, and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has become a tournament that I love. I’m looking forward to teeing it up close to home in front of friends and family once again and trying to get my hands on that famous Dallah Trophy.’

    Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, highlighted Fleetwood’s significance to the event. ‘Tommy’s return is another exciting addition to what is shaping up to be an exceptional field for 2026. His incredible FedEx Cup triumph and continued excellence on both sides of the Atlantic, combined with his integral role in Europe’s Ryder Cup success, make him one of the game’s most compelling competitors,’ Corkill remarked.

    The 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, now in its 37th edition, continues to set benchmarks in sustainability and fan experience. GEO-certified for the third consecutive year, the tournament emphasizes eco-friendly transport options and wellness initiatives. Fans can enjoy seamless access via the Dubai Metro and streamlined taxi services, while Tournament Town offers a vibrant festival atmosphere with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.

    General admission is free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend tickets starting at AED 100 pre-event (AED 125 on the day). Children aged 17 and under attend free with a registered ticket and accompanying adult. Premium hospitality options, including The Social on Sixteen and The Dallah Lounge, provide elevated views, gourmet dining, and exclusive experiences for golf enthusiasts.

    As the Middle East’s longest-running professional golf tournament, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains a flagship Rolex Series event, celebrated for its world-class fields, commitment to sustainability, and unforgettable fan experiences.

  • Scot dies after surfing accident in Australia

    Scot dies after surfing accident in Australia

    The Aberdeen community is preparing to bid farewell to Calum McCombie, a 36-year-old local who tragically lost his life in a surfing accident off the coast of Frankston, Victoria, Australia. The incident occurred on October 22 during severe weather conditions, when McCombie’s surfboard snapped approximately 33 miles (54km) from Melbourne. Despite the swift response of rescue teams, who managed to retrieve both McCombie and his 43-year-old friend from the water, their lives could not be saved. McCombie’s funeral is set to take place on November 24, as announced by his family in a heartfelt social media tribute. ‘Calum will be sorely missed and be forever in our hearts,’ the statement read, reflecting the profound loss felt by those who knew him. The tragedy has left the Aberdeen community in mourning, as they remember a life cut short far from home.

  • DPP’s separatist stance, collusion with external forces root of cross-Strait tensions

    DPP’s separatist stance, collusion with external forces root of cross-Strait tensions

    The persistent separatist stance of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its collaboration with external forces have been identified as the primary catalysts for escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait. This assertion was made by Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, during a press briefing on Wednesday. Zhu criticized the DPP’s reckless actions, which she described as a deliberate push for ‘Taiwan independence,’ and condemned its attempts to undermine regional stability. She emphasized that any efforts to seek independence through external alliances are doomed to fail and will be met with decisive countermeasures. Zhu also addressed recent remarks by Lai Ching-te, who falsely accused the Chinese mainland of being a ‘troublemaker’ in the region. She warned that such rhetoric and actions betray the nation’s unity and will be remembered as a stain on history. The DPP’s provocations have drawn widespread criticism from international media and scholars, who have labeled the party as a ‘destroyer of peace’ in the Taiwan Strait.

  • New ‘mobile marine ranch’ vessel begins operation in Guangdong

    New ‘mobile marine ranch’ vessel begins operation in Guangdong

    A groundbreaking aquaculture vessel, named Zhanjiang Bay 1, commenced operations on November 19, 2025, in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province. This innovative vessel, hailed as the world’s first floating dynamically-positioned cage-type aquaculture platform, marks a significant leap in the development of China’s aquaculture industry. Owned by the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), the vessel integrates advanced technologies to optimize mariculture practices. Measuring 154 meters in length and 44 meters in width, Zhanjiang Bay 1 boasts an aquaculture water volume of 80,000 cubic meters and features 12 independent farming zones, enabling multi-species fish cultivation. With an annual production capacity ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 metric tons, the vessel is designed to operate in all waters, significantly expanding mariculture space. Its intelligent operation system and cost-effective integration design set new standards for the industry, positioning Guangdong as a leader in sustainable aquaculture innovation.

  • Israel kills 13 in strike on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon

    Israel kills 13 in strike on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon

    An Israeli air strike on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attack targeted an area near a mosque and a football pitch in the densely populated camp, located on the outskirts of Sidon. Local media reported dozens of injuries, with footage from the scene depicting a chaotic aftermath of civilian casualties and rescue efforts. The Israeli military claimed the strike was aimed at a Hamas “military compound” used for training, a claim vehemently denied by Hamas, which labeled it as “pure fabrication and lies.” The group emphasized that the targeted area was a public sports field frequented by camp residents. Ain al-Hilweh, home to nearly 80,000 people in a 1.5 sq km area, is Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camp. The strike is part of a series of recent Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France in November 2024. The agreement, which aimed to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, included provisions for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the replacement of Hezbollah fighters with the Lebanese army. However, UN experts report that Israel has conducted approximately 500 air strikes since the ceasefire, resulting in over 108 deaths. Over the past two years, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have claimed more than 4,000 lives, further exacerbating regional tensions.

  • UK: Six Palestine Action activists stand trial over Elbit Systems attack

    UK: Six Palestine Action activists stand trial over Elbit Systems attack

    Six members of the activist group Palestine Action appeared in London’s Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, facing charges related to a protest at a factory operated by Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in August 2024. The defendants—Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31—are accused of aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder. Corner faces an additional charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The court heard that the group, dressed in red jumpsuits and armed with sledgehammers, allegedly broke into the Filton-based facility near Bristol in the early hours of August 6. Prosecutors claimed they used a prison van to crash through the site’s fencing and caused significant damage to machinery inside the factory, including spraying red paint and smashing equipment. The activists were arrested on-site and have been held in custody beyond the UK’s standard pre-trial limit of 182 days. Justice Johnson emphasized to jurors that their personal views on Israel’s actions in Gaza should not influence the case, and the trial is expected to last 10 weeks.

  • Sharjah Police seize 73 vehicles, 25 bikes for causing noise, reckless driving

    Sharjah Police seize 73 vehicles, 25 bikes for causing noise, reckless driving

    In a decisive move to enhance road safety and curb noise pollution, Sharjah Police have confiscated 73 vehicles and 25 motorcycles following a series of traffic violations. The crackdown, announced on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, targeted offenses such as excessive noise, reckless driving, and operating vehicles without valid licenses. Authorities emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to ensure public safety and avoid severe penalties. Under Article 20 of the Federal Traffic Law, vehicles exceeding the 95-decibel noise limit face a Dh2,000 fine, 12 black points, and confiscation for up to six months. This initiative follows a surge in complaints from residents about disruptive driving behaviors and modified vehicles. Major-General Saif Al Zeri Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, highlighted the growing concerns over road stunts, noise, and pollution in residential areas. Meanwhile, Dubai Police are also intensifying efforts to combat vehicle noise through advanced noise-detection radars, part of their smart traffic technology platform. These measures aim to identify and penalize violations such as loud engines, modified exhausts, and excessive honking. The coordinated efforts across the UAE underscore a commitment to creating safer and quieter urban environments.

  • Lefter: The Greek who became Turkey’s football legend amid loss and pogrom

    Lefter: The Greek who became Turkey’s football legend amid loss and pogrom

    Lefter Kucukandonyadis, a legendary Turkish-Greek footballer, is the subject of a new Netflix film titled *Lefter: The Story of the Ordinarius*. The movie chronicles his illustrious career from the 1940s to the 1960s, while also shedding light on Turkey’s complex history with its minorities. Born into a Greek family in Istanbul in 1924, Lefter’s life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, reflecting the struggles of non-Muslim citizens in Turkey. Despite his marginalized identity, he became a football icon, earning the nickname “Ordinarius” (the professor) for his exceptional skills. His career with Fenerbahce, one of Turkey’s “Big Three” clubs, solidified his legacy, but his personal story reveals deeper societal issues. The film explores his experiences during World War II, the Wealth Tax targeting minorities, and the 1955 Istanbul pogrom, where he faced violent attacks. Lefter’s life was a testament to resilience, as he navigated identity, loyalty, and loss. His story continues to resonate, with the Turkish Football Federation naming the 2018–19 Super League season in his honor.

  • ‘I won’t be silenced’ says French anti-drugs activist after murders of two brothers

    ‘I won’t be silenced’ says French anti-drugs activist after murders of two brothers

    Amine Kessaci, a prominent French anti-drugs campaigner, has vowed to continue his fight against drug-related violence after the tragic murder of his younger brother, Mehdi Kessaci, last week. This marks the second time Amine has lost a sibling to drug criminals, following the death of his elder brother, Brahim, in 2020. Mehdi, 20, was shot dead in central Marseille in what authorities believe was a targeted attack aimed at intimidating Amine, who has been a vocal critic of the city’s drug gangs. In an emotional op-ed published in *Le Monde*, Amine declared, ‘Yesterday I lost my brother. Today I speak out,’ emphasizing his refusal to be silenced by fear. The French government has described Mehdi’s murder as a turning point in the nation’s escalating drug wars. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez labeled the killing as a ‘crime of intimidation,’ signaling a new level of violence in the ongoing conflict. Amine, who founded the association Conscience to expose the impact of drug gangs on working-class communities, has faced direct threats to his life, prompting police to advise him to leave Marseille. Despite the dangers, he attended Mehdi’s funeral wearing a bulletproof vest and under heavy police protection. The murder has reignited national debate on France’s drug crisis, with experts warning that the problem is reaching unmanageable proportions. According to a recent study, the drug trade in France generates €7 billion annually, surpassing 70% of the justice ministry’s budget. President Emmanuel Macron has called for a crackdown on drug consumers, accusing the ‘city-centre bourgeoisie’ of funding traffickers. In response to the crisis, France has implemented new anti-drug laws, including the establishment of a specialized prosecutor’s office for organized crime. While progress has been made, with homicides in Marseille dropping from 49 in 2023 to 24 in 2024, officials acknowledge that the war against drugs is far from over.

  • Study finds young-onset dementia outpacing late-onset dementia in China

    Study finds young-onset dementia outpacing late-onset dementia in China

    A groundbreaking study published in *The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease* has unveiled a concerning trend in China: the growth rate of young-onset dementia (YOD) is now significantly outpacing that of late-onset dementia (LOD). The research, which analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease study spanning 1990 to 2021, highlights a critical shift in the burden of dementia across age groups. While the total number of LOD cases remains higher, the incidence and prevalence of YOD—defined as onset before age 65—have surged more sharply since 2012. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for early intervention and preventive measures. Dr. Han Ying, a leading cognitive disorders specialist at Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing, emphasized that dementia prevention must begin as early as age 40, particularly for individuals in the prime of their careers and family responsibilities. The study also identified key modifiable risk factors for both YOD and LOD, including tobacco use, high fasting plasma glucose, and high body mass index (BMI). Notably, these risk factors exhibit significant gender-based variations, with tobacco use posing a greater threat to men and high glucose levels and BMI affecting women more severely. Dr. Han urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritize brain health from midlife to mitigate these risks.