Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday, November 15, 2025, the successful interception of a significant drug smuggling operation. Authorities seized over 100 kilograms of hashish and marijuana, which were meticulously concealed within a suspect’s vehicle. The individual, identified as a citizen, was apprehended upon arrival at Shuwaikh Port after intelligence indicated his involvement in transporting narcotics from Iran via ferry. The General Department for Drug Control, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Customs, executed the operation, ensuring the suspect and the illicit substances were handed over to the Drug Prosecution Authority for legal proceedings. To safely inspect the vehicle’s hidden compartments, the General Fire Force was called in, given the hazardous methods often employed by smugglers. This operation underscores Kuwait’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and maintaining national security.
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Shah Rukh Khan makes history as first star with Dubai skyscraper named after him
In a historic moment that bridges the worlds of cinema, real estate, and global stardom, Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic ‘Badshah of Bollywood,’ has become the first actor to have a skyscraper named after him in Dubai. The announcement was made at a grand event in Mumbai on Friday, hosted by his longtime friend, director-choreographer Farah Khan. The 55-storey commercial tower, named ‘Shahrukhz by Danube,’ will be constructed on Sheikh Zayed Road by the Danube Group. The project marks Shah Rukh’s entry into the real estate sector and symbolizes his enduring connection with Dubai, a city he considers his second home. The actor, who owns a luxurious villa named ‘Jannat’ in Palm Jumeirah, expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘It is humbling and deeply touching to have a landmark in Dubai carry my name and to be an integral part of the cityscape forever.’ The 1-million sqft tower, with prices starting from Dh1.7 million, is designed to attract entrepreneurs, innovators, and fast-growing businesses. It will also feature a statue of Shah Rukh in his iconic pose at the entrance, offering a photo opportunity for visitors. The project is expected to be completed by 2029.
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Zelensky vows energy sector overhaul after $100m corruption scandal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a comprehensive restructuring of state-owned energy companies following a significant corruption scandal that has rocked the nation’s energy sector. Anti-corruption investigators revealed that approximately $100 million (£76m) has been embezzled, sparking widespread outrage in a country already grappling with severe power outages caused by Russian attacks. In a post on X on Saturday, Zelensky outlined plans for a full audit of the financial activities of these companies and a renewal of their management. The state nuclear company, Energoatom, which is central to the scandal, will see a new supervisory board appointed within a week. Several individuals implicated in the scandal have close ties to Zelensky, adding complexity to the situation. The scandal emerges as Russian assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including substations supplying nuclear power plants, intensify. Zelensky has instructed government officials to maintain continuous communication with law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies. He also called for the swift appointment of a new head of Ukrhydroenergo, a hydropower company, and reforms for oil and gas giant Naftogaz and the Gas Transmission System Operator. The scandal has already led to the resignation of two ministers and sanctions against a former business partner of Zelensky. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap) disclosed that a 15-month investigation has implicated several government members, including Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, and businessman Timur Mindich, a co-owner of Zelensky’s former TV studio Kvartal95. Zelensky has reiterated his commitment to full cooperation with the anti-corruption investigation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and integrity in the energy sector. However, the scandal has cast doubt on Zelensky’s dedication to combating corruption, especially after he signed a law in July limiting the independence of Nabu and Sap. Although he later reversed this decision, the incident drew criticism from European allies, including France and Germany, and prompted G7 ambassadors to seek discussions with Ukrainian leadership.
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Evans’ last-second penalty against Japan ends Wales’ 10-match home losing streak
In a thrilling and nail-biting encounter at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Wales clinched a dramatic 24-23 victory over Japan on Saturday, marking their first home win in more than two years. The decisive moment came in the dying seconds when replacement back Jarrod Evans coolly slotted a penalty from outside the 22-meter line, close to the left touchline, after Japan’s ill-discipline gifted Wales a final opportunity. The win ended Wales’ record 10-match losing streak at home, dating back to August 2023. New Wales coach Steve Tandy, overseeing only his second match, couldn’t bear to watch the crucial kick, instead waiting in the hallway behind the coaches’ box. When Evans’ attempt sailed through the posts, Tandy embraced his assistants in relief. The match, which saw the lead change hands six times in the second half, was a rollercoaster of emotions and had significant implications for the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. Wales’ victory ensures they retain their No. 12 world ranking, while Japan remains at No. 13, potentially setting up a tougher pool for Japan in the upcoming tournament. Despite the win, the match highlighted Wales’ recent struggles, as they had previously dominated Japan in all five home encounters by an average of 50 points. The game also featured standout performances, including Louis Rees-Zammit’s 15th test try and Seungsin Lee’s accurate penalty kicks for Japan. However, Japan’s late-game unraveling, including a yellow card for debutant Harry Hockings, ultimately handed Wales the chance to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
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Freed Palestinian child prisoners recount torture in Israeli custody
A shocking report by Defense for Children Palestine (DCIP) has unveiled the harrowing experiences of three Palestinian teenagers—Mohammad Nael Khamis al-Zoghbi, 17, Faris Ibrahim Faris Abu Jabal, 16, and Mahmoud Hani Mohammad al-Majayda, 17—who were abducted by Israeli soldiers while seeking humanitarian aid. The teens were subsequently detained at the Sde Teiman detention camp in southern Israel, where they endured severe physical and psychological torture.
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50% RTA fine discount, ‘cheap’ luxury hotels: How scammers trap UAE residents
In the UAE, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting residents with deceptive offers that seem too good to be true. From fake government communications to fraudulent luxury hotel deals, these schemes aim to exploit unsuspecting victims. Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any suspicious offers or communications. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common scams and how to protect yourself. Scammers often pose as government officials, using advanced technology like AI to create fake documents and caller IDs. They may also engage in ‘voice phishing,’ pretending to be police or bank officials to extract sensitive information. Recently, fake websites claiming to offer a 50% discount on Dubai fines have surfaced, pressuring victims into quick transactions. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has clarified that no such discounts exist, labeling these as deceptive marketing campaigns. Another prevalent scam involves fake luxury hotel listings. Fraudsters advertise non-existent properties at unbelievably low prices, luring victims into sharing financial details before disappearing. Additionally, scammers exploit personal relationships by creating fake social media accounts to impersonate friends or family, often spinning elaborate stories to solicit money or sensitive information. To avoid falling victim, always verify the source of any offer or communication. Contact official organizations directly to confirm the authenticity of claims, and never share personal or financial information without thorough verification. Staying informed and cautious is the best defense against these increasingly innovative scams.
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Meet UAE-based researcher who was among 255 students to win Google fellowship
Muhammad Maaz, a researcher based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Gulf region recipient of the prestigious Google PhD Fellowship in Machine Perception. The announcement came as a surprise to Maaz, who was engrossed in coding when he received the news from Professor Ian Reid, Chair of Computer Vision at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
The Google PhD Fellowship, now in its 16th year, is a highly competitive program that selects 255 PhD students globally from thousands of nominees across 35 countries and 12 research domains. Each university can nominate only four students, making the selection process exceptionally rigorous. The fellowship offers an annual stipend of $85,000, mentorship from Google Research, and access to a global network of researchers.
Maaz’s achievement is particularly significant as it challenges the narrative of regional brain drain, where talented researchers often leave the Middle East for opportunities abroad. Instead, Maaz chose to pursue his research in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the growing potential of the UAE as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation.
His work focuses on developing multimodal large language models that enable machines to not only see but also understand and communicate about what they observe. “Imagine ChatGPT, but for videos,” Maaz explained. “You could upload a clip, ask questions about what’s happening, or request summaries and insights.” These advancements could revolutionize applications ranging from automated video analysis and surveillance to educational tools and accessibility features for visually impaired individuals.
Maaz attributes his success to the supportive environment at MBZUAI, where professors manage small research groups, providing direct guidance that is often challenging to achieve in larger institutions. “The support system here allows researchers to work without distraction,” he said. MBZUAI, founded in 2019, has a highly selective acceptance rate of 5%, enrolling 403 students this year from over 8,000 applicants.
Maaz’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to the UAE’s vision and commitment to fostering innovation and research. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the vision of the UAE’s leadership and the environment MBZUAI has created,” he said. “The best way I can give back is by making the most of these opportunities and striving to produce research that makes the region proud.”
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Vatican returns dozens of indigenous artefacts to Canada
In a significant gesture of reconciliation, the Vatican has repatriated 62 indigenous artefacts to Canada, a century after they were removed from tribal communities to be displayed in a missionary museum in Rome. The items were formally handed over by Pope Leo XIV to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) on Saturday, with plans to return them to their original native communities. This move follows Pope Francis’s historic apology in 2019 for the Catholic Church’s role in the cultural suppression and systemic abuse of Indigenous peoples through the residential schools programme. A joint statement from the Vatican and the CCCB emphasized the Pope’s desire for this act to symbolize ‘dialogue, respect, and fraternity,’ highlighting the artefacts as testaments to the intersection of faith and indigenous cultures. Among the returned items are an Inuit kayak historically used for whale hunting and a set of embroidered gloves from the Cree Nation. The artefacts, currently stored in Rome, are scheduled to be flown back to Canada on December 6. During Pope Francis’s 2022 ‘penitential pilgrimage’ to Canada, tribal leaders had requested the return of these cultural treasures. The CCCB has entrusted Canada’s National Indigenous Organizations with the task of reuniting the artefacts with their communities of origin. The repatriation costs have been covered by the tribes, who plan to hold ceremonial events before the official return. Canadian Foreign Minister lauded the initiative as a crucial step in honoring Indigenous heritage and advancing truth, justice, and reconciliation. The artefacts had been part of the Vatican Museum’s Anima Mundi ethnographic collection, described by the Church as ‘gifts’ from tribal leaders. However, critics argue this characterization overlooks the historical power imbalance during their transfer. The items were taken to Europe during a period when Canadian law and Catholic decrees prohibited native spiritual practices, leading to the confiscation of ceremonial objects.
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South African activists allege Israel used shadowy NGO to ‘traffic’ Palestinians from Gaza
South African activists have accused Israel of employing a covert humanitarian organization, Al-Majd Europe, to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, labeling it as a form of ethnic cleansing. The allegations surfaced after a plane carrying 153 Palestinians landed at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa on Thursday. The aircraft was detained on the tarmac for approximately 12 hours, sparking confusion and outrage among local authorities and activists. Investigations revealed that the South African government was unaware of the flight’s arrival, and the passengers lacked proper documentation, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the operation. Activists further disclosed that many Palestinians boarded the flight without a clear understanding of their destination, suggesting potential human trafficking. Al-Majd Europe, purportedly registered in Germany and headquartered in Jerusalem, claims to provide humanitarian aid, including evacuation services and medical assistance. However, activists argue that the organization is a front for Israeli intelligence, facilitating the displacement of Palestinians, particularly professionals like doctors and educators, from Gaza. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into Al-Majd Europe and the South African government’s handling of the situation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the refugees as ‘mysteriously’ transported to the country, emphasizing the need to scrutinize their origins and the circumstances of their arrival. Despite the government’s eventual decision to grant the Palestinians 90-day visas, activists have criticized the delayed response and lack of care, highlighting the plight of individuals who have endured severe trauma in Gaza.
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UAE: Wishes of 54 chronically ill children fulfilled for nation’s 54th Eid Al Etihad
In a heartwarming initiative, Make-A-Wish UAE has fulfilled the dreams of 54 children battling chronic illnesses, marking the nation’s 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations. The children, aged between 4 and 18, represent a diverse array of backgrounds and medical conditions, ranging from cancer and diabetes to rare congenital disorders. This initiative not only brought joy to the children but also provided their families with a renewed sense of hope and resilience. Among the recipients was 11-year-old Sultan, who fulfilled his dream of visiting Japan’s Universal Studios to explore Super Nintendo World, inspired by his love for anime and video games. Another child, 12-year-old Ahmed, wished for an iPhone and Apple Watch to better manage his diabetes and stay connected with his parents. Hani Al Zubaidi, CEO of Make-A-Wish UAE, emphasized the dual role of treatment—physical and emotional—stating that moments of happiness significantly uplift the spirits of these children, aiding their healing process. Since its inception in 2010, the foundation has granted over 7,950 wishes across the region, with more than 90% of children showing marked improvements in happiness and vitality post-wish fulfillment. This initiative underscores the power of compassion and community support in transforming lives.