Firehouse Subs, the internationally acclaimed sub sandwich chain, is commemorating its first year in the United Arab Emirates with the grand opening of its fourth branch at Silicon Central Mall in Dubai. This milestone underscores the brand’s rapid expansion and growing popularity in the region. To celebrate, Firehouse Subs is hosting a vibrant Food Fest at the new location, offering guests an immersive experience filled with bold flavors, freshly crafted subs, and a lively atmosphere. The event, scheduled for November 14, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, will feature exclusive promotions, including Buy One Get One (BOGO) vouchers for all customers and Dh100 vouchers for 50 lucky winners. With over 1,200 locations worldwide and ambitious plans to open 100 more stores in the next decade, Firehouse Subs continues to deliver premium, made-to-order subs in a warm and inviting setting. The Food Fest promises to be a celebration of community, great food, and shared moments, solidifying Firehouse Subs’ reputation as more than just a dining destination but a place to create lasting memories.
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Arachnid super-web reveals the surprising ‘constant party’ life of cohabiting spiders
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have uncovered what is believed to be the world’s largest spider web, spanning an astonishing 1,140 square feet, within a sulfur-rich cave on the Albanian-Greek border. This colossal web, described as “carpet-thick,” houses an estimated 110,000 spiders from two distinct species—Tegenaria domestica (common house spider) and Prinerigone vagans—living harmoniously in a rare display of interspecies cohabitation. The findings, published in the journal Subterranean Biology, have captivated the scientific community and the public alike due to the unprecedented nature of this discovery. Evolutionary biologist Lena Grinsted, a senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, likened the phenomenon to humans sharing an apartment block, emphasizing the rarity of such group living among spiders. The cave’s unique environment, characterized by permanent darkness and an abundance of midge flies, is believed to facilitate this peaceful coexistence. Researchers speculate that the spiders’ reliance on vibratory cues for prey detection, rather than vision, may have contributed to their non-aggressive behavior. The study also revealed that the cave’s ecosystem supports large bat colonies, creating a thriving, interconnected habitat. While the discovery raises intriguing questions about evolutionary biology, it also underscores the importance of preserving such unique environments for future scientific exploration.
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Salman Hyder: Simplifying the UAE visa experience for the world
In the dynamic digital environment of the UAE, Salman Hyder, a Pakistani entrepreneur, has emerged as a trailblazer in transforming the nation’s visa and business services. As the founder of UAEVisa.com and Express Business Formation and Services (EBFS), Hyder has redefined the landscape of online visa applications and business setup processes. His platforms have become synonymous with innovation, transparency, and customer-centric solutions. Born in Karachi, Hyder’s expertise in information technology and marketing has enabled him to simplify complex systems for global users, making the UAE more accessible to travelers and entrepreneurs alike. His journey began with the creation of DubaiVisa.com, a pioneering online visa platform. Despite its success, financial challenges led him to part ways with the project, fueling his determination to build something even more impactful. This vision materialized as UAEVisa.com, which has set new standards in the visa facilitation industry. The platform offers a streamlined, hassle-free process, ensuring applicants receive their UAE visas quickly and confidently. Beyond tourism, Hyder’s EBFS provides comprehensive business setup services, including company registration, licensing, and visa processing, empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the UAE’s dynamic business environment. Hyder’s work is driven by a commitment to trust and transparency, ensuring compliance with UAE government guidelines. His story is a testament to resilience and innovation, blending South Asian ingenuity with Middle Eastern opportunities. Looking ahead, Hyder envisions UAEVisa.com as a holistic travel and business facilitation ecosystem, integrating services like travel insurance and digital ID verification. His journey exemplifies how vision and purpose can transform challenges into extraordinary achievements.
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Walmart boss retiring after more than a decade
Doug McMillon, the long-serving CEO of Walmart, is set to retire in January, marking the end of a transformative era for the retail giant. McMillon, 59, has led the company for over a decade, during which Walmart significantly expanded its e-commerce operations and streamlined its international ventures. His successor, John Furner, a seasoned Walmart executive who rose through the ranks from store-level positions, will assume the role of CEO. Furner currently oversees Walmart’s U.S. operations and is poised to guide the company through its next phase of growth. The leadership transition comes at a time when Walmart has demonstrated resilience, achieving steady growth despite challenges such as new tariffs and fluctuating consumer spending. Greg Penner, Walmart’s chairman, praised McMillon for his strategic investments in digital capabilities, supply chain modernization, and employee development, which have strengthened the company’s financial performance. McMillon will remain on the board as an adviser until June 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. In a statement, McMillon expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Walmart and lauded Furner’s readiness to drive the company’s AI-driven transformation. Despite the announcement, Walmart’s shares dipped by 2% in early trading, reflecting investor reactions to the leadership change.
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UAE: Emirates to suspend flights to Damascus starting November 15
Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has announced the suspension of its flights to Damascus, Syria, effective November 15, 2025. The decision, confirmed by an Emirates spokesperson, stems from a routine operational review aimed at optimizing fleet utilization in alignment with the airline’s business objectives. Passengers with bookings on Emirates flights after November 14 will be rebooked on flydubai, ensuring continued air connectivity between Dubai and Damascus. The airline expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and emphasized its commitment to resuming operations at the earliest opportunity. This suspension marks a temporary halt in Emirates’ services to Damascus, which were reintroduced in July 2025 after a 13-year pause due to the Syrian civil war. Initially operating three weekly flights, Emirates expanded its services to daily flights in October 2025, utilizing a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. The reintroduction of flights earlier this year followed a thorough evaluation in collaboration with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. Other UAE carriers, including Etihad and flydubai, continue to operate flights to Damascus. Emirates’ decision underscores the dynamic nature of airline operations and the challenges of maintaining routes in regions with complex geopolitical landscapes.
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Amber Homes Real Estate awarded Top Platinum Sales Agency by Meraas, Nakheel and Dubai Holding for the fourth year in a row
Amber Homes Real Estate has once again solidified its position as a leader in Dubai’s luxury real estate market by securing the prestigious ‘Top Platinum Agency’ title for the fourth year in a row. The accolade was awarded at the Black Onyx Awards 2025, hosted by Dubai Holding, Meraas, and Nakheel, in a grand ceremony held at the iconic Burj Al Arab. This recognition highlights Amber Homes’ exceptional performance across Dubai’s most exclusive destinations, including Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters Island, La Mer, City Walk, Jumeirah Bay Island, and the newly relaunched Palm Jebel Ali. Saad Waqas, Managing Partner at Amber Homes, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, ‘This award is a testament to our clients’ trust and the unwavering dedication of our team. It reaffirms our leadership in Dubai’s luxury property market.’ Ambreen Qureshi, Managing Director, emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and performance, which has consistently driven record-breaking results. Amber Homes’ portfolio boasts landmark transactions in Jumeirah Residences – Emirates Towers, Nad Al Sheba Gardens, and Palm Jebel Ali, attracting a diverse clientele from the UAE, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. The firm’s continued success reinforces Dubai’s status as a global hub for high-end real estate investment.
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DPRK denounces G7’s denuclearization statement
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has strongly criticized a recent joint statement by G7 foreign ministers advocating for the country’s complete denuclearization. The official Korean Central News Agency reported on Friday that the DPRK remains unwavering in its stance on nuclear possession, citing the current geopolitical climate as justification. Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui emphasized that the DPRK’s nuclear arsenal is essential for deterring hostile states and ensuring national security. She accused the G7 of posing a significant nuclear threat to global peace and asserted that the group has no authority to dictate how sovereign states should defend themselves. Choe reiterated the DPRK’s commitment to its Constitution, which enshrines the right to possess nuclear weapons as long as external nuclear threats persist and hegemonic forces exist. The statement underscores the DPRK’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and resist international pressure to disarm.
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Embassy of Japan in the UAE marks the 71st anniversary of Japan self-defence forces
The Embassy of Japan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) commemorated the 71st anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) with a grand reception, highlighting the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations. The event, held on November 14, 2025, was graced by senior representatives from the UAE Armed Forces, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests. Okaniwa Ken, Japan’s Ambassador to the UAE, and Defence Attaché Commander Kashiwakura Shojiro hosted the ceremony, which underscored the enduring partnership between Japan and the UAE. Major General Ishaq Saleh Mohammed Al Baloushi, Assistant Chief of Staff for Joint Capabilities, attended as the guest of honor, symbolizing the strong bilateral ties. Ambassador Okaniwa highlighted the JSDF’s contributions in the Middle East and expressed optimism for enhanced defense collaboration with the UAE. The celebration was enriched by cultural presentations, including a traditional Japanese tea ceremony by the Urasenke Tankokai Abu Dhabi Association and sushi prepared by Ambassador Okaniwa’s chef, Hisano Kosuke, offering guests a taste of Japanese heritage. This event not only celebrated the JSDF’s legacy but also reinforced the strategic alliance between Japan and the UAE.
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Heady odors and sensory overload as 5,200 cheeses compete for the World Cheese Awards
The 37th World Cheese Awards, a unique blend of competition and celebration, commenced in Bern, Switzerland, on Thursday, offering a sensory experience like no other. The event, which runs for three days, attracted cheese connoisseurs, culinary experts, and curious consumers from around the globe. With over 5,200 cheeses from 46 countries, including a significant Swiss contingent, the exhibition hall was a melting pot of aromas, flavors, and textures. Descriptions of the cheeses ranged from ‘stinky socks’ to ‘sick dog,’ yet the diversity and craftsmanship of the offerings were undeniable. The competition, judged by 265 experts, focused on attributes such as aroma, texture, and flavor, culminating in the selection of a ‘Super Gold’ winner. This year’s top honor went to a ‘spezial’ Gruyere from the Vorderfultigen Mountain Dairy in Switzerland. The event also highlighted regional and national bests, showcasing the global artistry of cheesemaking. Despite the olfactory challenges, the World Cheese Awards remains a testament to the enduring appeal and cultural significance of cheese.
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‘Astonishingly lethal’: BBC reports from site of Russian strike in Kyiv
In a harrowing account from the heart of Kyiv, BBC correspondent James Landale has provided a firsthand report from the scene of a devastating Russian drone strike. The attack targeted a multi-storey residential building in the eastern part of the Ukrainian capital, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. Landale described the strike as ‘astonishingly lethal,’ emphasizing the sheer scale of the devastation inflicted on the civilian population. The incident underscores the ongoing brutality of the conflict, with residential areas increasingly becoming the focal points of aggression. The BBC’s report highlights the human cost of the war, as families are displaced, lives are lost, and communities are shattered. This latest attack serves as a grim reminder of the relentless violence that continues to plague Ukraine, even as the international community grapples with how to respond effectively.