Dubai’s luxury hotels are leading a transformative wave in the hospitality industry, driven by surging travel demand and evolving guest expectations. In 2025, these establishments have not only contributed to the city’s tourism success but have become its driving force. According to recent data from Cavendish Maxwell, five-star hotels in Dubai have shown remarkable growth across all hospitality metrics. Between January and August, the city’s total room supply exceeded 152,000 across over 800 properties, with luxury hotels accounting for more than 54,000 rooms. The average occupancy rate reached 78.5%, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global leader in dynamic and resilient hospitality markets. Beyond the impressive statistics, Dubai’s luxury hotels are redefining the essence of luxury. Today’s guests seek more than opulent rooms and flawless service; they crave meaningful experiences that reflect a sense of place, identity, and purpose. At IHG Hotels in Dubai Festival City, this trend is evident as travelers prioritize authenticity, connection, and thoughtful design alongside comfort and convenience. Dubai’s unique ability to blend scale with soul has transformed its five-star hotels into curators of unforgettable experiences. Guests can seamlessly transition from attending a business conference in the morning to exploring local art in the afternoon and indulging in award-winning dining in the evening. This integration of business, culture, and leisure epitomizes modern hospitality in Dubai. The city’s events landscape has also played a pivotal role in this growth, with international conferences, concerts, and incentive programs driving demand for premium accommodations. Sustainability has emerged as a cornerstone of luxury, with guests increasingly valuing eco-conscious practices. IHG DFC, for instance, emphasizes energy efficiency, responsible sourcing, and community impact. As Dubai’s hospitality sector looks to the future, the five-star segment will remain its foundation. The city’s continued success hinges on balancing innovation with authenticity and technology with the human touch. While guests may initially be drawn to Dubai’s iconic architecture and skyline, it is the enduring sense of belonging and connection that keeps them returning. Dubai has demonstrated that luxury and meaning can coexist, and its mission is to continue crafting experiences that inspire, delight, and leave a lasting impression on every visitor.
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Protesters break into COP30 venue in Brazil
In a dramatic turn of events at the COP30 climate talks in Belém, Brazil, protesters stormed the venue on Tuesday night, clashing with security personnel and causing minor injuries. Demonstrators, many appearing to be from indigenous groups and a left-wing Brazilian youth movement called Juntos, carried signs reading ‘our forests are not for sale’ and broke through initial security barriers. Videos on social media showed protesters in traditional indigenous attire chanting, kicking down doors, and engaging in physical altercations with guards. A security guard reportedly sustained a head injury after being struck by a drum thrown by a protester. The United Nations confirmed the incident, stating that two security staff were injured and there was limited damage to the venue. Brazilian and UN authorities are investigating the breach, which is highly unusual given the strict protocols at such international conferences. The location of COP30 in Belém, on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, has been contentious, with indigenous leaders criticizing environmental damage caused by deforestation and fossil fuel extraction. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized the importance of the Amazon in climate solutions, calling COP30 ‘the COP of truth’ in an era of climate denialism. The event, dubbed ‘the Indigenous peoples COP,’ aims to center indigenous voices, with an estimated 3,000 indigenous participants from around the world. A recent UN report highlighted that indigenous communities safeguard 80% of the planet’s biodiversity but receive less than 1% of international climate funding. The protests underscore the growing tensions between environmental activists, indigenous groups, and global climate policies.
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Two popular gay dating platforms removed from Apple app store in China
Apple has officially confirmed the removal of two prominent Chinese gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China. This action was taken in compliance with an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China. An Apple spokesperson stated, ‘We adhere to the laws of the countries where we operate. Based on the directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China, we have removed these two apps exclusively from the China storefront.’ This decision has sparked significant concern within the LGBT community in China. The BBC has reached out to the companies behind Blued and Finka for their comments. Despite the removal, a ‘lite’ version of Blued remains accessible on Chinese app stores, and other gay and bisexual dating apps like Jicco and Jack’d are still available. Blued, one of the most widely-used gay dating apps in China, boasts tens of millions of downloads. Apple operates a separate app store in China, in line with the country’s stringent internet regulations, which also restrict access to popular apps like Instagram and WhatsApp. Android users in China rely on locally adapted versions of the operating system since the Google Play Store is blocked. Members of the LGBT community have voiced their concerns, with one individual remarking, ‘I hope those heterosexual policymakers can understand that love is rare—it’s not something shameful or unspeakable.’ This incident follows the 2022 removal of the US-based gay dating app Grindr from Apple’s App Store in China, shortly after the Cyberspace Administration of China initiated a crackdown on content deemed illegal and inappropriate. In 2023, the Chinese government introduced new regulations mandating that all apps serving domestic users must register for licenses, leading to the removal of numerous foreign apps. While homosexuality was decriminalized in China in 1997, same-sex marriages remain unrecognized. Advocacy groups such as the Beijing LGBT Center and ShanghaiPride have ceased operations in recent years.
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India’s Sumit Nagal appeals to Chinese officials after visa denied for Grand Slam tennis qualifier
Indian tennis sensation Sumit Nagal has reached out to Chinese authorities after his visa application was unexpectedly rejected, preventing him from participating in the Australian Open wild-card playoff tournament in Chengdu, China. The event, scheduled from November 24 to 29, serves as a crucial pathway for players to secure a spot in the first Grand Slam of the year. Nagal, India’s top-ranked male player, took to social media to seek intervention from the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, and the Chinese embassy. In his plea, Nagal expressed his frustration, stating, ‘I am supposed to fly to China soon to represent India at the Australian Open playoff, but my visa was rejected without reason. Your urgent help would be much appreciated.’ The 28-year-old athlete, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of 68 in July 2024, is currently ranked 290th globally. His career highlights include winning the 2015 Wimbledon boys’ doubles title and taking the opening set against tennis legend Roger Federer in the 2019 U.S. Open. The Australian Open officials have yet to comment on the situation. This incident comes amid improving diplomatic relations between India and China, including the recent resumption of direct flights between the two nations after a five-year hiatus. The Asia-Pacific wild-card playoff, held at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre, features 16 players in men’s and women’s singles and 12 teams in doubles. Last year’s edition saw Chinese player Zhang Shuai and Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej secure spots in the 2025 Australian Open main draw.
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Trump v the BBC: What are the hurdles for president’s legal argument?
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a legal threat to the BBC, demanding $1 billion in damages over a documentary he claims contains ‘false, defamatory, disparaging, and inflammatory statements’ about him. Trump’s legal team has called for a full retraction, a public apology, and compensation for reputational and financial harm allegedly caused by the Panorama programme, which aired in the UK ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The documentary reportedly edited Trump’s speech to suggest he explicitly encouraged the January 2021 Capitol Hill riot. A leaked memo from a former BBC adviser criticized the editing as misleading. BBC Chairman Samir Shah acknowledged an ‘error of judgement,’ while outgoing Director General Tim Davie admitted to an ‘editorial breach.’ However, legal experts argue that Trump faces significant hurdles in winning such a lawsuit, particularly under U.S. defamation laws, which require proof of ‘actual malice.’ Trump has indicated plans to file the lawsuit in Florida, where the statute of limitations is more favorable, but he must also demonstrate that the documentary caused substantial harm and was accessible in the state. The BBC could argue that Florida lacks jurisdiction due to insufficient exposure of the content there. Trump has a history of suing media organizations, often securing settlements, but critics view these actions as attempts to intimidate the press. The BBC has yet to respond to Trump’s demands, with a deadline set for November 14.
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One last chance: UAE and Iraq’s World Cup hopes ride in Asia’s 5th qualifying round
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup narrows for Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they prepare for a decisive two-leg playoff in the fifth round of Asian qualification. The first match will take place in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, followed by the return leg in Basra, Iraq, next Tuesday. The winner of this high-stakes encounter will advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs in March, where they will compete for one of the final two spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iraq coach Graham Arnold emphasized the historic significance of this opportunity, stating, ‘Our first goal is to secure Iraq’s qualification to the World Cup, which is the most important achievement for us.’ Arnold, who led Australia to the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, took charge of Iraq in March and aims to guide the team to their first World Cup appearance since 1986. UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu echoed the importance of the upcoming matches, urging his players to focus on the task at hand despite frustrations over the previous qualification round. Both teams narrowly missed automatic qualification in earlier rounds, finishing behind Qatar and Saudi Arabia. With passionate home crowds expected in both legs, the stage is set for a thrilling battle to keep World Cup dreams alive.
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Watch: Protesters clash with security at COP30 climate talks in Brazil
Tensions flared at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil as demonstrators, including individuals adorned in traditional indigenous attire, forcefully breached security barriers. The incident occurred during the high-profile United Nations conference, where global leaders and delegates had gathered to address pressing environmental issues. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as protesters clashed with security personnel, demanding more urgent and inclusive action on climate change. The demonstrators highlighted the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on indigenous communities and called for greater representation in climate policy decisions. The breach has raised concerns about the security measures at international summits and the growing frustration among activists over the perceived slow progress in tackling the climate crisis. Authorities are now reviewing protocols to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
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Dubai: Indian teen dies after falling from building while taking photos
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Dubai earlier this week as a 19-year-old Indian teenager lost his life after falling from a building while attempting to capture photographs. Mishaal Mohammed, a resident of Kerala, India, was visiting his cousin in the Hor Al Anz area when the tragedy occurred. According to M.K., a social worker involved in the case, Mishaal was an avid photography enthusiast who was trying to take pictures of planes from the third-floor terrace of the building. Unfortunately, he tripped on a pole and fell, sustaining severe internal injuries. Despite being rushed to Rashid Hospital immediately after the accident, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Mishaal, the only son of his parents, is survived by his parents and two sisters. He had arrived in the UAE on a visit visa just last month to spend time with his cousin. The formalities for repatriating his body to India are nearly complete, and his final rites are expected to take place early Wednesday morning. This marks the second such incident in Dubai this year, following the death of a 17-year-old student in April after a similar fall. The community mourns the loss of these young lives, cut short by unforeseen accidents.
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UAE condemns suicide bombing in Islamabad; offers condolences to victims
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a stern condemnation of the recent suicide bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan, which claimed the lives of 12 individuals and left several others injured. The attack occurred near the entrance of the Islamabad district court, a location frequently bustling with litigants. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the UAE expressed its unwavering rejection of all forms of violence aimed at destabilizing security and stability. The statement also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the Pakistani government, and its people, while wishing a swift recovery to those injured. Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the bomber attempted to enter the court building but detonated the device outside, close to a police vehicle, after waiting for 10 to 15 minutes. The blast caused significant casualties, with images and videos from local media showing bloodied victims near a police van. This incident follows another attack targeting a military college in South Waziristan, further highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
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Mamdani’s picks for top NYC administration posts reward experience and loyalty
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has revealed his top administrative picks, signaling a strong focus on his affordability agenda. At a press conference held at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute in Manhattan, Mamdani announced Dean Fuleihan as his first deputy mayor and Elle Bisgaard-Church as his chief of staff. Fuleihan, a seasoned civil servant with 47 years of experience in New York City government, is expected to bring fiscal expertise and operational stability to Mamdani’s administration. Bisgaard-Church, who has served as Mamdani’s chief of staff in the New York State Assembly and his campaign manager, will transition into her first city government role. Both appointments aim to address concerns about Mamdani’s relative inexperience and bolster his ambitious policy proposals. Fuleihan’s background includes roles in the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget and as chief fiscal advisor to the New York State Assembly, while Bisgaard-Church is credited with shaping the Democratic Socialists of America’s legislative strategy. Despite early challenges, including pushback from state leaders like Governor Kathy Hochul, Mamdani’s team remains optimistic about advancing his vision for affordable public services and universal childcare.