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  • US proposal at the UN for Gaza stabilization force faces concerns from Russia, China and Arabs

    US proposal at the UN for Gaza stabilization force faces concerns from Russia, China and Arabs

    A U.S. proposal to establish a United Nations-mandated international stabilization force in Gaza is encountering significant resistance from Russia, China, and several Arab nations. These countries have raised concerns about the proposed ‘Board of Peace,’ a transitional governance body outlined in President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan, and the absence of a defined role for the Palestinian Authority. The opposition from Russia and China, both permanent members of the U.N. Security Council with veto power, has intensified negotiations, with calls to entirely remove the board from the resolution.

  • Trump administration designates 4 left-wing European networks as terrorist organizations

    Trump administration designates 4 left-wing European networks as terrorist organizations

    In a significant move, the Trump administration has officially designated four European left-wing groups as terrorist organizations. This decision, announced on Thursday, aligns with President Donald Trump’s pledge to intensify efforts against leftist extremism following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The targeted groups, all based in Europe, include an Italian anarchist front, two Greek networks, and a German anti-fascist group. These organizations have been implicated in various violent activities, ranging from bombings to physical assaults on neo-Nazis. The designation allows the U.S. government to sever any financial support these groups may receive from American sources. This action underscores the administration’s broader strategy to combat what it perceives as threats to Western civilization. The announcement has sparked discussions on the implications for international relations and the ongoing battle against political extremism.

  • 6 fun things to do in Dubai this weekend: Polo parties, pizza nights, yoga with a view and more

    6 fun things to do in Dubai this weekend: Polo parties, pizza nights, yoga with a view and more

    Dubai is set to offer an array of exciting activities this weekend, catering to diverse interests and ensuring a memorable experience for all. From serene yoga sessions to glamorous polo parties, the city is brimming with energy and style. Here’s a curated list of six must-try activities to make the most of your weekend in Dubai.

    **1. Serenity Meets Skyline: Yoga at the Balloons**
    Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah presents ‘Yoga at the Balloons,’ a tranquil Sunday morning experience. Led by resident yogi Kajal Thakur, this guided hatha yoga session takes place on the scenic fifth-floor terrace of Jumeirah Al Qasr, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. The session is followed by a wholesome breakfast buffet at Balloons at the Palace, featuring nourishing pastries, vegan chia puddings, and fresh smoothies. Priced at Dh350 per person, this limited-capacity event provides a peaceful start to the week in one of Dubai’s most picturesque settings.

    **2. Chill Out with Your Pup: Urban Bar & Kitchen**
    Urban Bar & Kitchen (UBK) invites dog owners for a laid-back outing every Sunday and Monday from 12pm to 7pm. Enjoy hearty comfort food and beverages with a 30% discount, while your furry friend socializes in a specially designed outdoor setting. It’s the perfect way to unwind with your pet in a welcoming atmosphere.

    **3. New Season of Party at the Polo**
    The glamorous ‘Party at the Polo’ returns to Al Habtoor Polo Resort this winter. Running every Saturday afternoon until April 2026, this IFZA-presented event transforms the polo field into a chic social hub with themed celebrations inspired by global cultures. Guests can expect live entertainment, gourmet dining, and picture-perfect moments set against lush green fields. This season introduces the exclusive Chukka Club for VVIPs, offering front-row views, premium dining, and curated experiences. Packages start from Dh390, with tickets available from November 15 at partyatthepolo.com.

    **4. Friday Nights Get a Slice of Fun: Neapolitan Pizza Pop-Up**
    A Normal Day in Dar Wasl Mall hosts a ‘Neapolitan Pizza Pop-Up’ every Friday from 7pm to 10pm. This cozy bistro turns into a neighborhood pizza haven, offering creative twists on classic pizzas like the Star-shaped Margherita with mozzarella-stuffed crust, the truffle-topped Tartuffon, and a spicy pepperoni with honey drizzle. Dine in for the full bistro vibe or order on Deliveroo for a relaxed ‘Netflix and pie’ night.

    **5. Attend a Fashion Show and Beauty Pageant: Glam Icon UAE 2025**
    The Grand Excelsior Hotel in Bur Dubai hosts ‘Glam Icon UAE 2025’ on November 15. This dazzling event combines a fashion show, beauty pageant, and exhibition, showcasing leading designers, models, and beauty talents. The event kicks off at 10am with an exhibition and culminates in the main event at 7pm, celebrating Dubai’s flair for fashion, creativity, and glamour in one unforgettable evening.

    **6. Free Padel Sessions at Bluewaters**
    As part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Bluewaters transforms into a vibrant fitness hub this November with free padel sessions at the Neon Padel Courts. In collaboration with the World Padel Academy, the month-long event invites visitors to stay active with fun, social matches set against Bluewaters’ glowing backdrop. Available throughout November at The Wharf, the sessions are free to join, making it the perfect way to move, play, and stay energized.

    Dubai’s weekend calendar is packed with activities that cater to every taste, ensuring a vibrant and memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.

  • Building an effective global communication discussed at Hunan forum

    Building an effective global communication discussed at Hunan forum

    A pivotal forum on international communication was held during the 2025 China New Media Conference in Changsha, Hunan province, on Thursday. Titled ‘Media Bridges Across Mountains and Seas,’ the event brought together officials, media experts, and platform representatives to deliberate on constructing a robust global communication ecosystem in the New Era. The forum, one of seven parallel sessions at the conference, aimed to foster industry consensus and drive cultural innovation by integrating China’s rich heritage with cutting-edge advancements in information technology. Organizers emphasized the importance of leveraging media as a bridge to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation across borders. The discussions highlighted the role of new media in shaping global narratives and the need for collaborative efforts to address communication challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. The event underscored China’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange and technological innovation as key pillars of its global communication strategy.

  • California revoking 17,000 commercial driver’s licences given to immigrants

    California revoking 17,000 commercial driver’s licences given to immigrants

    California has initiated the revocation of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses following an audit that revealed these licenses were issued to immigrants no longer legally permitted to reside in the United States. The Department of Transportation disclosed that California officials had unlawfully granted these licenses to individuals deemed ‘dangerous foreign drivers.’ License holders have been notified that their permits will expire within 60 days. This action comes in the wake of a tragic incident in August, where a truck driver without legal status caused a fatal crash in Florida, prompting the Trump administration to intensify efforts to exclude undocumented immigrants from commercial driving roles. California Governor Gavin Newsom dismissed the administration’s move as politically motivated, emphasizing that the affected drivers had valid federal work authorizations. However, media reports indicate that the licenses contained incorrect expiration dates, violating state law requiring them to expire concurrently with the holder’s legal status in the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has been vocal in criticizing California’s policies, described the situation as ‘the tip of the iceberg,’ vowing to ensure the removal of all undocumented immigrants from commercial driving positions. In September, Duffy introduced stringent new rules complicating the process for immigrants to obtain commercial driver’s licenses, including mandatory verification of immigration status and a maximum one-year validity period. While the transportation department estimated that 97% of non-domiciled drivers would exit the freight market, it downplayed the economic impact given the nation’s 3.8 million commercial drivers. A federal appeals court has temporarily halted these rules pending a lawsuit. California, home to over 130,000 truck drivers and the country’s largest ports, remains the only state to have completed a commercial driver’s license audit, with other states expected to follow suit soon.

  • Dubai Fitness Challenge: Fancy climbing 54 storeys of a skyscraper?

    Dubai Fitness Challenge: Fancy climbing 54 storeys of a skyscraper?

    Dubai is once again setting the bar high for fitness and community engagement with its annual Dubai Fitness Challenge. This year, the city is taking wellness to new heights—literally—with the ‘Climb for a Cause’ event at ICD Brookfield Place on November 22. Participants will ascend 54 floors of this iconic skyscraper, combining physical endurance with philanthropy to support the Al Jalila Foundation, a UAE-based charity dedicated to medical education and research.

    ICD Brookfield Place, renowned for its sustainable design and innovative approach to urban living, is opening its doors to the public for this unique event. The initiative aims to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate health, foster community spirit, and contribute to a meaningful cause. Ben McGregor, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Management & Operations at Brookfield Properties, emphasized that the event is more than just a fitness challenge. It’s a platform for collective action, where small individual efforts can create a significant impact.

    The ‘Climb for a Cause’ initiative aligns seamlessly with the Dubai Fitness Challenge’s broader vision of making fitness inclusive and accessible. By encouraging movement and mindfulness within a landmark setting, the event underscores Dubai’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected community. Partnering with the Al Jalila Foundation adds a deeper layer of purpose, as every step taken by participants supports advancements in healthcare and medical research.

    Organizers anticipate strong participation from a diverse mix of individuals, including professionals from the ICD Brookfield Place business network, fitness enthusiasts, and families. The event promises to be a milestone in the Fitness Challenge calendar, offering participants a chance to test their physical limits, have fun, and contribute to a noble cause. Beyond the physical challenge, the climb aims to inspire a sense of connection, accomplishment, and the realization that even the most daunting goals can be achieved one step at a time.

    ICD Brookfield Place’s commitment to wellness and sustainability is evident in its design and community programs. The ‘Climb for a Cause’ event exemplifies this ethos, transforming a workplace into a platform for positive impact. As Dubai continues to turn ambitious ventures into reality, this unique blend of fitness, philanthropy, and corporate philosophy sets a new standard for community-driven initiatives.

  • Oman Air grounds some aircraft, reschedules flights due to supply chain disruptions

    Oman Air grounds some aircraft, reschedules flights due to supply chain disruptions

    Oman Air has announced temporary adjustments to its flight schedules due to global supply chain disruptions that have rendered several of its aircraft inoperable. The airline disclosed this development on Thursday, emphasizing its commitment to minimizing the impact on passengers. Oman Air is actively collaborating with aircraft manufacturers to expedite the return of grounded planes to service. In the interim, affected passengers are being rebooked on alternative flights, a standard procedure the airline follows to ensure minimal disruption. The airline reiterated its dedication to maintaining operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction despite the challenges posed by the supply chain issues. This situation underscores the broader impact of global supply chain disruptions on the aviation industry, which continues to grapple with logistical and operational hurdles.

  • Afghan nationals carried out two suicide bombings in Pakistan, says minister

    Afghan nationals carried out two suicide bombings in Pakistan, says minister

    In a concerning escalation of regional tensions, Afghan nationals were responsible for two separate suicide bombings in Pakistan this week, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The attacks, which occurred in Islamabad and South Waziristan, have further strained the already fragile relations between the two neighboring nations. The first incident took place on Tuesday near a lower court in Islamabad, where a suicide bomber detonated explosives close to a police patrol, resulting in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries. The second attack unfolded on Monday in South Waziristan, near the Afghan border, when a bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a military-run school, killing three individuals. Militants subsequently infiltrated the school, engaging in a prolonged 24-hour confrontation with Pakistani forces until all attackers were neutralized. Naqvi, addressing parliament, identified both bombers as Afghan nationals, though Kabul has yet to respond to these allegations. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been mounting, with Islamabad accusing militants based in Afghanistan of orchestrating attacks within its borders. Kabul, however, denies providing sanctuary to such groups. The recent bombings follow last month’s deadly border clashes, which claimed the lives of dozens of soldiers from both sides. These incidents underscore the volatile security situation in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate hostilities.

  • Turkey-registered plane crashes in Croatia reportedly killing the pilot

    Turkey-registered plane crashes in Croatia reportedly killing the pilot

    A tragic aviation incident unfolded in western Croatia on Thursday when a Turkey-registered aircraft crashed, resulting in the death of the pilot, according to local authorities. The Air Tractor AT-802 vanished from radar screens shortly before 5 p.m. local time, as confirmed by an official statement from Croatia’s Interior Ministry. Approximately 20 minutes later, emergency services were alerted to a plane engulfed in flames near the coastal town of Senj, located along the Adriatic Sea. The aircraft was reportedly en route from the northern port city of Rijeka to the capital, Zagreb, and was on its return journey when the accident occurred. The Air Tractor AT-802, typically utilized for agricultural purposes or firefighting, was identified as belonging to Turkey’s forestry administration. Rescue teams swiftly responded to the scene, extinguishing the fire and recovering the pilot’s body. Authorities confirmed that no other individuals were aboard the plane at the time of the crash. Further details regarding the cause of the incident remain under investigation.

  • Turkey suspends C-130 flights after fatal plane crash

    Turkey suspends C-130 flights after fatal plane crash

    Turkey has temporarily suspended all flights of its C-130 military cargo planes following a tragic crash in neighboring Georgia that claimed the lives of all 20 individuals on board. The incident occurred on November 6, 2025, as the aircraft was returning to Turkey from Azerbaijan. The Turkish Defence Ministry announced the suspension on November 13, stating that operations would only resume after comprehensive technical inspections and safety checks are completed on all C-130 planes. The ill-fated plane had departed from Ganja Airport in western Azerbaijan but crashed shortly after crossing into eastern Georgia. Eyewitness footage, shared by Azerbaijani media, captured the plane spinning horizontally alongside debris as it plummeted. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the ministry emphasizing that the accident investigation team is working diligently to determine the root cause. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders, commonly referred to as the black boxes, have been recovered and sent to Ankara for analysis. The ministry clarified that the plane was carrying personnel and maintenance supplies, with no ammunition on board. Among the victims were maintenance specialists for F-16 fighter jets, who had participated in Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebrations in Baku. The C-130 aircraft, originally purchased from Saudi Arabia in 2012, underwent maintenance and upgrades before being added to the Turkish air force inventory in 2014. It was modernized and put into service in 2022, with regular maintenance ensuring its operational readiness. The ministry refuted claims that the plane had been decommissioned by its previous operator, stating it was a surplus aircraft.