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  • Thai Select Fest 2025 returns to Dubai with Thailand’s biggest food and culture showcase

    Thai Select Fest 2025 returns to Dubai with Thailand’s biggest food and culture showcase

    The Thai Select Fest 2025 is set to make a grand return to Dubai, promising an immersive celebration of Thailand’s rich culture, cuisine, and creativity. Scheduled from November 28 to 30, 2025, at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, this free-entry festival will transform the venue into a vibrant Thai village, offering a multi-sensory experience for visitors.

    Organized by the Thai Trade Centre in Dubai under the Royal Thai Government’s Department of International Trade Promotion, the festival will showcase Thailand’s renowned ‘5Fs’: Food, Festival, Fashion, Film, and Fight. This year’s edition aims to strengthen cultural ties between Thailand and the UAE while highlighting Thailand’s creative economy and global appeal.

    Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including traditional dance performances, live music, Muay Thai demonstrations, and hands-on craft workshops. A highlight of the event is the Loy Krathong Festival of Lights, where visitors can create and release their own krathongs into an illuminated pond, symbolizing renewal and positivity.

    Food enthusiasts will be treated to authentic Thai dishes prepared by Thai Select-certified restaurants across the UAE, featuring favorites like Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Som Tum, and Mango Sticky Rice. The festival will also feature fashion showcases by Thai designers, short-film screenings, and family-friendly areas with Thai games and crafts.

    Pitichai Ratananaka, director of the Thai Trade Centre Dubai, emphasized the festival’s role in sharing Thailand’s soft power and creativity with the world. ‘This festival reflects Thailand’s spirit of hospitality, craftsmanship, and innovation — values that connect seamlessly with Dubai’s multicultural community,’ he said.

    Event highlights include live Muay Thai shows and workshops, the Loy Krathong ceremony, a Thai Select Culinary Village, fashion and art exhibitions, a family fun zone, and daily raffles with exciting prizes, including air ticket giveaways. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @thaiselectfestival for updates and live highlights.

  • Freed British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah barred from flying to the UK

    Freed British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah barred from flying to the UK

    British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, recently pardoned and released from prison, was reportedly stopped at Egyptian passport control while attempting to travel to the UK, according to his family. Abd el-Fattah, a prominent figure in the 2011 Arab Spring uprising, had been imprisoned for nearly a decade following President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s military coup in 2013. He was pardoned on September 22 and released from Wadi al-Natrun prison. Abd el-Fattah was scheduled to fly to the UK with his sister, Sanaa Seif, to attend the Magnitsky Human Rights Awards in London, where he and his mother, Laila Soueif, were honored with the Courage Under Fire award for their relentless fight for his freedom. Seif accepted the award on their behalf, expressing her wish for Abd el-Fattah to reunite with his 13-year-old son, Khaled, who lives in Brighton, UK. The Free Alaa campaign noted that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had pledged to secure Abd el-Fattah’s release and reunite him with his family. Despite his release, Abd el-Fattah’s travel plans remain uncertain as he faces obstacles at Egyptian passport control.

  • Lancang-Mekong countries vow to target telecom and cyber fraud

    Lancang-Mekong countries vow to target telecom and cyber fraud

    In a significant move to tackle the growing menace of telecom and cyber fraud, senior officials from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam convened in Kunming, Yunnan province, for a ministerial-level meeting on Friday. The delegates pledged to deepen law enforcement cooperation and launch coordinated crackdowns against these transnational crimes. The meeting, attended by observers from Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center, highlighted the severe impact of such fraud on regional economic development, public security, and social stability. The officials called for concerted efforts to eradicate these crimes and protect the lawful rights and interests of citizens across the region. As a crucial step forward, the six nations signed outcome documents and discussed China’s proposal to establish an international alliance against telecom and cyber fraud, initially presented at the 2025 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province. The parties expressed strong commitment to the initiative, agreeing to develop a standing coordination mechanism, enhance real-time information exchange, and continue joint repatriation of suspects to improve enforcement effectiveness and safeguard regional peace. In recent years, China has actively implemented the Global Security Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, strengthening law enforcement cooperation with neighboring countries and achieving concrete results. Notable achievements include the establishment of a trilateral coordination mechanism with Myanmar and Thailand, leading to the repatriation of over 5,500 suspects to China, and joint operations with Laos and Vietnam resulting in the capture of hundreds of suspects. An officer from China’s Ministry of Public Security emphasized the ongoing multinational joint operations against cross-border telecom and cyber fraud, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation and eliminate criminal dens to protect the safety of people’s lives and property.

  • Maximilian Büsser & Friends’ new LM101 EVO is definitely a watch to look out for

    Maximilian Büsser & Friends’ new LM101 EVO is definitely a watch to look out for

    Celebrating two decades of innovative disruption, Maximilian Büsser & Friends (MB&F) has introduced the LM101 EVO, a timepiece that redefines the intersection of art and engineering. Founded by Maximilian Büsser in 2005, MB&F has consistently challenged the norms of traditional watchmaking, transforming timepieces into kinetic sculptures. The Legacy Machine line, launched in 2011, marked a return to classical watchmaking roots, while the LM101, unveiled in 2014, distilled this philosophy into its purest form. The LM101 EVO, released in 2025, represents an evolution of this iconic design, blending technical prowess with aesthetic brilliance. Crafted in titanium, the watch features a lightweight design, 80 meters of water resistance, and an integrated rubber strap, making it as functional as it is beautiful. The dial, available in sunlit salmon or peacock green, shifts hues with the light, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The hand-wound calibre offers a 60-hour power reserve, and the watch’s proprietary FlexRing shock absorber ensures durability in daily use. The LM101 EVO is not just a timepiece; it is a testament to Büsser’s vision of reimagining time as art. With its suspended balance wheel and intricate finishing, the watch embodies the spirit of MB&F, blending tradition with audacity. As MB&F celebrates its 20th anniversary, the LM101 EVO stands as a symbol of the brand’s enduring commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

  • Patek Philippe auctions world’s most expensive watch for $17.6 mn

    Patek Philippe auctions world’s most expensive watch for $17.6 mn

    A historic Patek Philippe timepiece, the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Reference 1518, has set a new benchmark in the world of luxury watches. Auctioned by Phillips in Geneva, the watch sold for an astounding 14.19 million Swiss francs ($17.6 million), surpassing its previous record of 11 million francs in 2016. Crafted in 1943, this watch is one of only four known to exist in stainless steel, making it exceptionally rare and highly coveted among collectors. Its rarity and historical significance have cemented its status as one of the most iconic wristwatches ever produced. The auction, which lasted just under nine and a half minutes, attracted five bidders, with the winning bid placed over the telephone. The sale was witnessed by renowned collectors, dealers, and watchmakers at the Hotel President in Geneva. Launched in 1941, the Reference 1518 was the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph. Patek Philippe manufactured approximately 280 of these watches, predominantly in yellow and pink gold, with only four in stainless steel. The auctioneers described the piece as ‘a timepiece of almost mythical status,’ highlighting its historical importance, design excellence, mechanical innovation, and unparalleled rarity.

  • North Korea’s women’s football team win’s third U-17 World Cup

    North Korea’s women’s football team win’s third U-17 World Cup

    North Korea’s women’s U-17 football team has once again proven its dominance on the global stage, securing their third World Cup title with a resounding 3-0 victory over the Netherlands in Morocco. This triumph marks their second consecutive win in the U-17 Women’s World Cup and their fourth overall, following their success in the same tournament just a year ago. The team’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring a record-breaking 25 goals while conceding only three throughout the competition. Their flawless run included victories in all seven matches, showcasing their unparalleled skill and teamwork. The victory has been celebrated extensively by North Korea’s state media, with the Rodong Sinmun newspaper highlighting the players’ pride in representing their nation. The win is seen as a significant morale booster for the country, which often faces international scrutiny for its political actions. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s investment in youth sports, particularly football, is a strategic move to project a positive image globally. The country’s rigorous training programs for young athletes have been credited with producing world-class talent, as evidenced by their consistent success in international competitions. While the men’s team struggles to make an impact, the women’s team continues to shine, currently ranked 10th globally and poised as strong contenders for the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The Netherlands’ coach, Olivier Amelink, acknowledged the North Korean team’s superiority, stating that the skill gap was too vast to overcome. North Korea’s Yu Jong Hyang emerged as the tournament’s standout player, earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards for her exceptional performance. This victory not only cements North Korea’s status as a powerhouse in women’s youth football but also serves as a source of national pride and inspiration.

  • Why you’re your own best crisis manager in the world of Crypto

    Why you’re your own best crisis manager in the world of Crypto

    In the ever-turbulent realm of cryptocurrency, self-reliance emerges as the ultimate crisis management tool. Drawing inspiration from Reese Witherspoon’s advocacy for female agency in cinema, this narrative explores the parallels between personal empowerment and navigating the unpredictable crypto markets. Last week’s market downturn, which rattled even the most seasoned investors, served as a pivotal moment for one crypto enthusiast. Initially seeking reassurance from a male-dominated Telegram group, she found only silence and pessimism. This prompted her to take decisive action, selling a portion of her holdings not out of fear, but to strategically capitalize on the dip. Although the market stabilized sooner than expected, the experience underscored a profound lesson: the importance of trusting one’s instincts and taking ownership of financial decisions. The author reflects on her past tendency to seek external validation, a habit she now recognizes as counterproductive. Instead, she advocates for self-education, resilience, and the courage to make independent choices. This philosophy aligns with the ethos of the crypto community, which champions decentralization and personal sovereignty. A subsequent emergency call with a women’s crypto group reinforced this mindset, as participants collectively affirmed their commitment to their investments and beliefs. The author concludes with a forward-looking perspective, embracing the challenges and opportunities of a nascent financial system while vowing to rely solely on her own judgment moving forward.

  • Inside Dubai’s skyrocketing ‘Mall Economy’ and what’s fuelling it

    Inside Dubai’s skyrocketing ‘Mall Economy’ and what’s fuelling it

    Dubai’s mall economy is experiencing an unprecedented boom, defying global trends where traditional malls struggle against e-commerce. The UAE’s retail landscape is undergoing a transformative phase, with new developments and ambitious refurbishments reshaping the city’s iconic shopping destinations. Unlike many global counterparts, Dubai’s malls are thriving, evolving into immersive, multi-sensory hubs that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and culture. This growth is not just a retail phenomenon but a cornerstone of the city’s tourism and economic strategy. In 2024, Dubai Mall alone attracted 111 million visitors, solidifying its status as the world’s most visited place. The mall economy’s ripple effects extend beyond retail, anchoring real estate, boosting hospitality, and creating jobs. Developers are investing billions in expansions, such as Emaar’s Dh1.5 billion District project and Majid Al Futtaim’s Dh5 billion transformation of Mall of the Emirates. Community malls like Nad Al Sheba are also gaining traction, enhancing local living standards and real estate values. Dubai’s malls have successfully integrated digital innovations, creating a hybrid shopping experience that complements rather than competes with e-commerce. However, sustaining this growth poses challenges, including managing environmental impacts and ensuring continuous innovation. The future of Dubai’s malls lies in leveraging AI, AR, and IoT to create immersive, personalized experiences, cementing their role as lifestyle destinations rather than mere shopping venues.

  • Nearly 5 million passengers expected at DXB in peak season; Emirates issues travel advisory

    Nearly 5 million passengers expected at DXB in peak season; Emirates issues travel advisory

    As Dubai International Airport (DXB) braces for its busiest period of the year, Emirates has issued a comprehensive travel advisory to help passengers navigate the anticipated surge in travelers. With the peak tourist season coinciding with school holidays and numerous local events, the airline forecasts over 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals throughout December, totaling nearly 5 million passengers. To ensure a seamless travel experience, Emirates is urging travelers to plan ahead and utilize its array of services. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure, clear immigration 90 minutes prior, and reach their boarding gate one hour in advance. The airline also emphasizes the importance of adhering to updated luggage regulations, including restrictions on power banks, smart bags, and e-cigarettes. Power banks under 100Wh must be carried in hand luggage, while smart bags require removable batteries and must remain powered off. To streamline the check-in process, Emirates encourages passengers to use its app or website 48 hours before departure. The app offers features such as digital boarding passes, biometric airport paths, meal selection, and in-flight entertainment planning. Additionally, travelers can bypass long queues by using Emirates City Check-In in DIFC or the 24-hour Ajman location, available from 24 hours up to 4 hours before departure. Passengers checking in at DIFC between December 15 and January 15 will earn 2,500 Emirates Skywards Miles each, with free parking and extended venue hours until midnight. For added convenience, passengers departing from Dubai can drop off luggage at the airport the night before their flight at no charge. Emirates also offers a ‘home check-in service’ in Dubai and Sharjah, where agents handle check-in and luggage collection directly from the traveler’s home, hotel, or office. This service, complimentary for First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members, allows travelers to arrive at the airport later with only hand luggage. By leveraging these services, Emirates aims to mitigate the challenges of peak travel season and provide a smoother journey for its passengers.

  • Twenty-five states funnelled oil to Israel during genocide: Report

    Twenty-five states funnelled oil to Israel during genocide: Report

    A recent report by Oil Change International has unveiled that 25 countries supplied Israel with crude oil and refined petroleum products during its two-year military operations in Gaza. Between November 1, 2023, and October 1, 2025, a total of 323 shipments, carrying nearly 21.2 million tonnes of fuel, were tracked. Among these, 171 shipments transported 17.9 million tonnes of crude oil, with 70% originating from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Azeri crude is routed through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline to Turkey, while Kazakh crude is exported via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) to Russia’s Black Sea coast. Despite being listed under Turkey and Russia as countries of origin, the crude is identified as Azeri BTC and Kazakh CPC, respectively. Shipments from Africa and Brazil were also recorded, though Brazilian exports to Israel reportedly ceased in 2025, possibly redirected to refineries in Italy. Additionally, 17 countries supplied 152 shipments of refined petroleum products, with 45% coming from Russia. Notably, the U.S. contributed nine shipments of JP-8 jet fuel and two diesel shipments. The report raises legal and ethical questions, particularly in light of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) interim order on preventing genocide. Dr. Irene Pietropaoli, in a legal opinion, emphasized that states risk complicity in genocide under the Genocide Convention by continuing fuel exports to Israel. In September 2025, the UN’s Independent International Commission urged member states to halt arms and fuel transfers to Israel, citing potential use in military operations involving genocide.