A recent report by Amnesty International has shed light on the severe exploitation faced by migrant workers involved in Saudi Arabia’s key infrastructure projects, including the high-profile Riyadh Metro. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights the plight of workers from countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, who endure excessive recruitment fees, low wages, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate housing, all under the oppressive kafala sponsorship system. Marta Schaaf, Amnesty’s programme director, stated that while the Riyadh Metro is celebrated as a cornerstone of the capital’s transport system, it is built on a decade of human rights abuses. Workers are charged exorbitant illegal fees, often forcing them into debt, and face long, grueling hours in unsafe environments for minimal pay. The report also criticizes the Saudi government for failing to enforce laws and multinational corporations for operating in an environment that restricts freedom of expression. With over 13 million migrant workers, constituting 42% of the population, the situation is expected to worsen as Saudi Arabia ramps up recruitment for Vision 2030 projects. Human Rights Watch has warned that the 2034 World Cup, likely to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, will be marred by pervasive rights violations. Despite limited reforms, the kafala system continues to leave workers vulnerable to abuse, with numerous reports of physical and sexual violence, confiscation of passports, and even deaths linked to poor working conditions. The Saudi government has denied these allegations, but rights organizations insist that many deaths are preventable workplace accidents. The report underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect the rights of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.
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Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown becomes Yas Island’s brand ambassador
Millie Bobby Brown, the acclaimed star of Netflix’s global phenomenon ‘Stranger Things,’ has been appointed as the newest brand ambassador for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This announcement coincides with the launch of ‘Stranger Things: The Experience,’ an immersive and interactive attraction based on the hit series, marking its debut in the Middle East. The experience, which runs from November 14, 2025, to February 15, 2026, allows fans to step into the world of Hawkins, Indiana, and relive key moments from the show. Brown joins a prestigious roster of Hollywood celebrities who have represented Yas Island, including Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, and Kevin Hart. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, emphasized the strategic timing of Brown’s appointment, noting the enduring popularity of ‘Stranger Things.’ The show’s fourth season ranked third globally on Netflix, amassing 140 million views within its first 91 days. With the fifth and final season set to premiere in three parts starting November 26, 2025, the collaboration aims to enhance Yas Island’s reputation as a premier entertainment destination. Home to attractions like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, Yas Island continues to solidify its position as a global hub for tourism and leisure. Findlay highlighted the initiative’s potential to elevate visitor experiences and attract international tourists, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a cultural and entertainment hotspot.
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Experts from Kenya hail the Global Development Initiative
Kenyan experts have praised the Global Development Initiative (GDI), introduced four years ago, for its significant contributions to promoting equitable and inclusive growth and enhancing South-South cooperation. The initiative, which aims to address global development challenges, has been lauded for its role in fostering collaboration among developing nations and ensuring sustainable progress. Experts highlighted that the GDI has been instrumental in bridging gaps in infrastructure, technology, and education, particularly in Africa. They emphasized that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s development goals and has provided a platform for mutual learning and resource sharing. The positive reception from Kenyan experts underscores the GDI’s impact in creating a more balanced and interconnected global development landscape.
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Call My Doctor launches digital platform to strengthen UAE’s home healthcare ecosystem
Call My Doctor Health Care LLC, a prominent Dubai-based home healthcare provider, has unveiled a cutting-edge digital platform aimed at revolutionizing the home healthcare ecosystem in the UAE. The newly launched website is designed to streamline the booking of essential medical services, catering to residents and visitors across the Emirates. This initiative reflects the region’s shift towards fast, convenient, and patient-centric healthcare solutions.
The platform enables users to request licensed doctors, nurses, and specialists for home visits, often within 30 minutes. It addresses the growing demand for home-based care among elderly individuals, children, working professionals, and those with mobility challenges, who benefit from receiving treatment in a familiar and comfortable environment. Since its establishment in 2022, Call My Doctor has conducted over 10,000 home visits, offering services such as Doctor on Call, IV Therapy, Lab Tests, Physiotherapy, Nursing, and Pediatric Care, all delivered by Dubai Health Authority (DHA)-licensed practitioners.
Jay Aondhiya, founder and CEO of Call My Doctor, emphasized the company’s mission to make healthcare fast, personal, and professional. ‘Our new website empowers patients to connect with DHA-licensed experts within minutes, ensuring that healthcare in Dubai remains efficient, compassionate, and accessible,’ he stated. The platform allows users to browse services, book consultations, and receive timely updates, all while adhering to DHA guidelines and national health standards.
Call My Doctor’s rapid-response model is tailored for cases requiring prompt but non-emergency medical attention, offering a viable alternative to traditional clinical visits. The company also prioritizes patient data protection, transparent communication, and ethical medical practices, fostering trust in home-care environments. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of creating a connected healthcare ecosystem that emphasizes accessibility and clinical integrity.
Residents can now explore services or schedule appointments directly through the Call My Doctor website. This development is expected to enhance the efficiency of home-based healthcare in Dubai, providing patients with greater flexibility in managing their medical needs.
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Judge rules Meta doesn’t have monopoly after Instagram, WhatsApp acquisitions
A US district judge in Washington has ruled that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, did not violate antitrust laws through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp over a decade ago. The decision, delivered by Judge James Boasberg, marks a significant setback for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which had accused Meta of monopolizing the social media market by purchasing its competitors. The FTC filed the lawsuit in 2020, alleging that Meta’s acquisitions stifled competition. However, Judge Boasberg concluded that the FTC failed to prove Meta holds a monopoly in the relevant market, stating, “Meta faces fierce competition.” The court also noted that the FTC had previously approved Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. The FTC argued that Meta overpaid for these platforms, but the judge emphasized the dynamic nature of the social media landscape, where apps constantly evolve and compete. Meta celebrated the ruling, asserting that its products drive innovation and economic growth. The FTC expressed disappointment but has not yet decided whether to appeal. The case highlights the challenges of antitrust enforcement in the rapidly changing tech industry. Meanwhile, Meta continues to face legal scrutiny, including an upcoming trial addressing the impact of social media on young people, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are set to testify.
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Vigils held for five young people killed in Louth crash
In a heart-wrenching display of solidarity, hundreds of mourners gathered at three separate vigils across County Louth, Meath, and Monaghan to honor the lives of five young individuals tragically killed in a devastating car crash over the weekend. The victims, identified as Chloe McGee, 23, and Shay Duffy, 21, both from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; Alan McCluskey, 23, from Drumconrath, County Meath; Dylan Commins, 23, from Ardee, County Louth; and Chloe Hipson, 21, from Lanarkshire, Scotland, lost their lives in a two-vehicle collision on the Ardee Road at Gibstown near Dundalk on Saturday night. The vigils, held at Gaelic football grounds, were marked by prayers, songs, and shared grief as communities came together to support the bereaved families. At Drumconrath GFC, where Alan McCluskey was remembered as a former underage player, the club’s flag flew at half-mast, and a book of condolence was opened. Paul Carey, the club’s chairman, described the tragedy as ‘unimaginable’ and emphasized the close-knit nature of the village, where everyone knew Alan and his family. Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have also expressed their condolences. Meanwhile, Gardaí continue to investigate the crash, which also left three others hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Books of condolence have been opened in Ardee, Drogheda, and Dundalk, allowing the public to pay their respects to the young lives lost.
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UN faces funding crisis as billions needed to feed world’s hungry
The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning about a looming humanitarian crisis, as funding cuts threaten its ability to address global hunger. In a statement released on Tuesday, the WFP revealed that it may only be able to assist approximately one-third of the 318 million people projected to face severe hunger by 2026. The agency estimates that $13 billion is required to provide essential aid to 110 million of the most vulnerable individuals. However, current funding forecasts suggest it may receive only half of that amount. The WFP attributed the escalating crisis to a combination of factors, including conflict, extreme weather events, and economic instability, which have more than doubled the number of people experiencing acute hunger since 2019. The United States, historically the WFP’s largest donor, has significantly reduced its contributions under President Donald Trump, with other major donors, including several European nations, also scaling back their humanitarian budgets. The WFP’s 2026 Global Outlook report highlights a fragmented and underfunded global response, with aid now covering less than half of total needs. The report also notes a surge in attacks on aid workers, further complicating relief efforts. Last week, the WFP and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) identified 16 ‘hunger hotspots’ worldwide, from Haiti to South Sudan, where funding shortfalls are exacerbating already dire conditions. The agencies have so far received only $10.5 billion of the $29 billion required to address the crisis.
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Loose wire on ship may have led to Baltimore bridge collapse, report says
A critical investigation into the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge has identified a loose wire on the Dali container ship as the likely cause of the disaster. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed during a recent hearing that the ship experienced a power outage moments before crashing into the bridge, leading to the tragic deaths of six construction workers. The incident, which occurred on March 26, 2024, also caused several vehicles to plunge into the icy waters of the River Patapsco. NTSB engineer Scott Parent stated that had the workers been notified of the ship’s deviation from its course, they might have had approximately 89 seconds to evacuate, potentially saving their lives. The collision not only disrupted operations at the Port of Baltimore but also severed a major interstate roadway. Initial repair estimates of $1.9 billion have now ballooned to $5 billion, with completion expected by 2030. Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized the challenges posed by rising costs but reaffirmed the state’s commitment to rebuilding the bridge.
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Diddy denies sexual battery allegation after Los Angeles authorities open probe
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the imprisoned rap mogul, has vehemently denied a new sexual battery allegation currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The accusation, reportedly dating back to 2020, involves a male music producer who claims Combs assaulted him during a photoshoot at a Los Angeles warehouse. Combs, already serving a four-year prison sentence in New Jersey for prostitution-related charges, has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. His attorney, Jonathan Davis, stated to the BBC, ‘Mr. Combs categorically denies as false and defamatory all claims that he sexually abused anyone. He looks forward to vindicating himself in court, where such matters are decided—and not in the media—based on admissible, material evidence, not rank speculation and unsubstantiated allegations.’ The sheriff’s department confirmed that its special victim’s bureau is in the preliminary stages of investigating the case, but declined to release further details due to its sensitivity. According to US media, the producer alleges that Combs exposed himself and masturbated during the photoshoot, and when the producer refused to participate, Combs threw a dirty shirt at him. This latest allegation adds to a series of civil lawsuits filed against Combs by dozens of individuals, including underage accusers, who claim they were drugged and sexually assaulted. Some accusers allege that Combs used promises of career advancement or threats to silence them. Earlier this year, Combs was convicted in a New York trial on two counts of transportation for prostitution and sentenced to 50 months in prison. The high-profile case accused him of running a sex-trafficking operation, with testimonies from notable figures like rapper Kid Cudi and Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Although he was acquitted of the most severe charges, which could have resulted in a life sentence, Combs expressed remorse in a letter to the judge before his sentencing, stating, ‘I lost my way. My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core.’ Combs is currently serving his sentence in New Jersey.
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Dubai: SUV overturns in multi-vehicle crash on busy Al Quoz road
A severe multi-vehicle collision on Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Street in Dubai’s Al Quoz area caused significant traffic disruptions on Tuesday afternoon. The accident involved an SUV that overturned and two sedans, leading to congestion that extended towards Sheikh Zayed Road. Emergency teams swiftly responded to the scene, deploying multiple ambulances to assist injured drivers and passengers. Authorities closed two lanes to manage the wreckage, forcing traffic to merge into a single lane. Debris from the damaged vehicles was scattered across the road, though no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities were confirmed. Rescue crews worked diligently to clear shattered glass and debris, aiming to restore normal traffic flow. Earlier in the day, another accident involving an SUV and a sedan occurred near Equity Metro Station, further complicating traffic conditions. Police were present at both scenes, directing vehicles and assisting motorists as tow trucks removed the damaged cars. These incidents highlight the challenges of managing traffic on Dubai’s busy roads, especially during peak hours.