The global e-commerce powerhouse Shein made headlines with the grand opening of its first-ever physical store in Paris, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy. Located within a renowned Parisian department store, the pop-up shop attracted massive crowds, with long queues forming hours before the doors opened. However, the event was not without controversy, as protesters gathered outside to voice concerns over the company’s fast-fashion practices and environmental impact. The mixed reception highlights the growing scrutiny faced by Shein, which has rapidly risen to prominence as a leader in affordable online retail. The Paris pop-up, which will operate for a limited period, aims to offer customers a tangible shopping experience while showcasing Shein’s latest collections. This move into physical retail underscores the brand’s ambition to diversify its presence and connect with consumers in new ways, even as it navigates criticism over sustainability and labor practices.
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Deyaar posts 23.7% profit surge on strong development revenue
Dubai-based real estate developer Deyaar Development has announced a remarkable 23.7% year-on-year increase in profit after tax for the first nine months of 2025, reaching Dh406.4 million. This impressive financial performance was fueled by a 39.1% surge in total revenue, which rose to Dh1.447 billion from Dh1.040 billion in the same period last year. The company’s core property development segment was the primary driver of growth, with revenue soaring 46.4% to Dh1.196 billion. Other business segments also contributed positively, recording a 12.2% growth to Dh251 million. Profit before tax increased by 22.1% to Dh425.7 million, while earnings per share climbed 24.2% to 9.33 fils. Deyaar’s total assets grew by 12.3% to Dh7.591 billion, reflecting its expanding scale. Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO of Deyaar, attributed the success to the company’s strategic direction and disciplined execution. He highlighted recent project launches, including Downtown Residences, the final phase of Park Five, and the luxury AYA Beachfront Residences, as evidence of the company’s ability to meet market demands. Al Qatami expressed optimism for the remainder of 2025, citing Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and the 2040 Urban Master Plan as key enablers of growth. The company remains focused on profitability and launching selective projects that align with evolving customer needs. Strategic milestones during the period included the launch of the ultra-luxury Downtown Residences, set to become Deyaar’s tallest project upon completion in 2030. Additionally, the company is progressing on delivery targets, with the Amalia project underway and the Regalia tower in Business Bay scheduled for completion before year-end.
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How I beat Sharjah-Dubai rush-hour traffic using the ferry
Navigating the notorious rush-hour traffic between Sharjah and Dubai can be a daunting task, but one traveler discovered a refreshing alternative: the ferry. On November 5, 2025, Waad Barakat opted for the Dubai Ferry from Al Ghubaiba station to Sharjah, transforming what would have been a grueling hour-long drive into a serene 32-minute journey across calm waters. As the ferry departed promptly at 4pm, the bustling cityscape of Dubai faded into the background, replaced by the soothing sounds of waves and the sight of seabirds gliding overhead. The ferry offered a unique perspective of Dubai, showcasing both modern waterfront developments and traditional dhows bobbing gently at the docks. Inside, the cabin was comfortably air-conditioned, with a gentle sea breeze flowing through the deck. Around 15 passengers, including tourists and regular commuters, enjoyed the peaceful ride. By 4:32pm, the ferry docked at Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station, and a quick taxi ride brought Barakat to the Expo Centre Sharjah by 4:49pm—matching the time it would have taken by car but without the stress. This experience was part of broader efforts by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) to enhance transportation options for visitors to the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025). New shuttle bus routes and marine transport services, including the FR5 ferry, have been introduced to ease commutes. Badr Mohammed Saab, Director of Government Communications at SBA, emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation in supporting cultural events like SIBF. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the water, Barakat arrived at the Expo grounds feeling refreshed and triumphant, having outsmarted the rush-hour chaos.
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Miss Universe contestants walk out after organiser berates Miss Mexico
A dramatic confrontation at a Miss Universe pre-pageant ceremony in Thailand has sparked widespread outrage and solidarity among contestants. Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, for allegedly failing to post promotional content. When Ms. Bosch objected, Mr. Nawat escalated the situation by calling security and threatening to disqualify those who supported her. This led to Ms. Bosch leaving the room, followed by several other contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark. The incident, which was live-streamed, quickly went viral, prompting condemnation from the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO). MUO President Raul Rocha described Mr. Nawat’s behavior as ‘malicious’ and ‘disrespectful,’ stating that it contradicted the pageant’s mission of empowering women. Mr. Nawat has since apologized, claiming his words were misunderstood, but the MUO has limited his involvement in the competition and is considering legal action. Despite the controversy, the pageant continues, with the winner set to be crowned on November 21 in Bangkok. Ms. Bosch, in a post-event interview, emphasized her commitment to being a voice for women and girls worldwide, stating, ‘I’m not a doll to be made up and styled. I came here to make a difference.’
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Microsoft and G42 unveil major data centre expansion to power UAE’s digital future
In a landmark initiative to strengthen the UAE’s digital infrastructure, Microsoft and Abu Dhabi-based technology conglomerate G42 have unveiled a significant expansion of data centre capacity in the region. Announced on November 5, 2025, the project is part of Microsoft’s broader $15.2 billion investment in the UAE and will add 200 megawatts (MW) of new capacity through Khazna Data Centres, a subsidiary of G42. The new facilities are slated to become operational by the end of 2026. This expansion underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two companies, aimed at accelerating the UAE’s digital transformation and doubling the digital economy’s contribution to the nation’s GDP over the next decade. Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, highlighted the initiative’s broader significance, stating, “This expansion is more than data centres. It’s about powering the UAE’s future.” The enhanced infrastructure will bolster Microsoft Azure’s cloud services, offering advanced AI capabilities and GPU-powered computing to support public sector organisations, regulated industries, and enterprises. The collaboration emphasises trust, cybersecurity, and ethical AI development. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, described the partnership as a step toward building the “Intelligence Grid,” a globally interconnected infrastructure designed to empower industries and individuals in the AI era. The initiative also includes a commitment to developing local talent, with Microsoft pledging to skill one million people in the UAE by 2027. Previous joint efforts, such as the establishment of the Responsible AI Future Foundation, further solidify the UAE’s position as a regional leader in digital innovation.
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Mamdani thinks Trump threats are ‘inevitable’, but it won’t stop his plans to lower cost of living
In his first press conference since winning the New York City mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old mayor-elect, pledged to confront the challenges posed by the Trump administration while addressing the city’s affordability crisis. Speaking in Queens on Wednesday, Mamdani outlined his transition team and emphasized his commitment to standing up to what he described as an ‘authoritarian administration.’ Trump, who has labeled Mamdani a ‘communist,’ hinted at withholding federal funding from New York City if Mamdani’s policies were implemented. On Election Night, Trump posted ‘AND SO IT BEGINS!’ on his Truth Social account, signaling the start of a new political rivalry. Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, has promised to tax millionaires to fund expanded social programs, including free buses and rent stabilization. Despite the tension, Mamdani expressed a willingness to engage with the Trump administration on issues like reducing the cost of living. His transition team includes notable figures such as Lina Khan, former Federal Trade Commission chair, and Maria Torres-Springer, a former deputy mayor. Mamdani also confirmed he would retain Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner, addressing concerns about public safety. As he prepares for his January 2026 inauguration, Mamdani’s dynamic with Trump is expected to shape his early administration, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. ‘I’m looking forward to showing the power of an example here in New York City,’ Mamdani told ABC News, contrasting his approach with Trump’s policies.
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Pope Leo offers his strongest criticism of Trump yet
Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope in history, has issued a strong critique of the United States’ immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Speaking from his papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope called for ‘deep reflection’ on the treatment of migrants, particularly those affected by mass deportations. He emphasized the Catholic belief that Christians will be judged by how they welcome ‘the foreigner.’ This marks some of his most direct criticism of the Trump administration to date. The Pope also expressed concern over the U.S. bombing of Venezuelan ships suspected of carrying drugs, warning that such actions risk escalating regional tensions. Born in Chicago and having spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru, Pope Leo’s personal experiences have deeply influenced his stance on migration and poverty, which he has made central to his papacy. He has urged U.S. authorities to allow pastoral workers to attend to the spiritual needs of detainees, many of whom are Catholic. The Pope’s approach reflects a continuation of church teachings on migration, emphasizing the rights of families and the need for dialogue over violence.
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NIP Group expands global bitcoin mining capacity, becoming largest in Mena
Abu Dhabi-based NIP Group, a prominent player in the global digital entertainment sector, has significantly expanded its Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing operations. The company’s total capacity has now reached approximately 11.3 EH/s, solidifying its position as the largest Bitcoin-mining entity in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. This expansion enables NIP Group to produce around 160 Bitcoins monthly, contingent on network conditions, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing stature as a global hub for digital infrastructure.
This strategic move marks a critical milestone in NIP Group’s broader vision to integrate gaming, entertainment, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing into a unified ecosystem. Hicham Chahine, co-CEO of NIP Group, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, ‘This transaction underscores the rapid progress of our digital infrastructure strategy. By building large-scale computing power, we are better positioned to explore opportunities in high-performance computing, crypto mining, and AI applications within gaming and entertainment.’
Carl Argen, COO of NIPG Mining and Digital Assets, added, ‘We will deploy these assets with precision, ensuring immediate stable output while preparing for more advanced applications in the future.’
Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global leader in AI, blockchain, and data-driven infrastructure has been instrumental in this development. Over the past two years, the Emirate has attracted billions in investments to establish AI-optimized data centers, supercomputing hubs, and blockchain-ready ecosystems. NIP Group’s expansion aligns with the UAE’s national strategy to become a frontrunner in AI, Web3, and high-performance computing.
The Emirate’s favorable regulatory environment, reliable energy supply, and government-backed innovation initiatives have made it a magnet for next-generation infrastructure development. For NIP Group, Abu Dhabi serves not only as an operational base but also as a platform to merge computing power with creativity, enabling the company to pioneer advancements in gaming, blockchain, and AI convergence.
This expansion signifies a transformative moment for NIP Group as it evolves from a digital entertainment company into a technology-driven infrastructure leader. By anchoring its operations in Abu Dhabi, NIP Group is positioning itself at the intersection of gaming, entertainment, blockchain innovation, digital asset infrastructure, and AI. The UAE’s progressive regulatory framework, world-class digital connectivity, and ambition to become an AI-native economy by 2030 provide an ideal environment for this evolution.
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Mexico president to seek charges after being groped on street
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced her decision to press charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance in Mexico City. The incident, captured on mobile phone footage, occurred on Tuesday near the National Palace. In the video, a man is seen approaching Sheinbaum from behind, attempting to kiss her neck and place his hands on her body. Sheinbaum swiftly moved away, and a member of her security team intervened. The offender was subsequently arrested. At a news conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of her decision, stating, ‘If I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?’ She recounted her personal experiences with harassment, both as a student and as a public figure, and highlighted that the suspect had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd. ‘A line must be drawn,’ she declared. The incident has sparked discussions about the pervasive issue of machismo in Mexican society and the broader challenges of gender-based violence. Despite Sheinbaum’s campaign promises to address femicide and violent crime, progress has been slow. The event also raises questions about presidential security and the safety of politicians, particularly in light of the recent murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Sheinbaum has affirmed her commitment to maintaining close contact with her supporters, despite the risks. Her administration has made strides in combating fentanyl trafficking, a key concern for U.S. President Trump, but the fight against sexual harassment and gender-based violence remains a critical issue.
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212 Off-Road Vehicle Co ties up with Legend Motors, enters UAE market
In a significant move for the UAE’s automotive sector, Legend Motors, a subsidiary of the Legend Holding Group, has partnered with China’s renowned 212 Off-Road Vehicle Co., Ltd. This collaboration introduces 212’s iconic off-road vehicles to the UAE, marking a new chapter in the region’s adventure-driven automotive culture. The partnership leverages 212’s 60-year legacy of rugged engineering and cutting-edge technology, epitomized by its debut model, the 212 T01. This vehicle boasts a retro design, a robust 2.0T engine, and exceptional off-road capabilities, having undergone over one million kilometers of endurance testing in extreme conditions. Backed by the Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group, a Fortune Global 500 company, 212 aims to expand its footprint across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Legend Motors will serve as the official dealer for 212 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, emphasizing a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and adventure. Lu Yunran, CEO of 212 Off-Road Vehicles Co., Ltd., highlighted the UAE’s vibrant off-road market and the partnership’s goal to inspire exploration and redefine adventure. Together, Legend Motors and 212 are poised to deliver a new era of off-road experiences tailored to the UAE’s unique landscapes and adventurous lifestyle.