Visionary filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female director and producer, is set to make history with her latest feature film, ‘BAAB.’ This haunting psychological drama, set against the remote mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, will premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), marking the first time an Emirati feature by a female director has been showcased at the festival. Supported by the UAE Ministry of Culture’s National Grant for Culture and Creativity and produced by Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki, ‘BAAB’ represents a cultural milestone for Emirati cinema. The film, which explores themes of grief and the human mind through sound, silence, and shadow, is a testament to the growing influence of Emirati storytellers on the global stage. ‘BAAB’ features a world-class creative team, including two-time Academy Award winner AR Rahman, who composed his first-ever score for an Arabic film, and acclaimed cinematographer Rogier Stoffers. The film, produced under Dark Dunes Productions, unites over 140 artists and technicians, including 20 Emiratis in key creative roles. Following its world premiere in Cairo, ‘BAAB’ will embark on a wide MENA theatrical release in early 2026 through VOX Distribution, marking one of the most extensive regional releases for an independently financed Emirati feature.
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Israel: Bill allowing death penalty for Palestinian prisoners advances to parliament
An Israeli parliamentary panel has approved a contentious bill that introduces the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners convicted of killing Israelis on “nationalistic grounds.” The legislation, spearheaded by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s far-right Jewish Power party, marks a significant escalation in Israel’s judicial approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The bill, which excludes Israelis who kill Palestinians under similar circumstances, is set for its first reading in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, as early as Wednesday. This development follows months of advocacy by far-right factions, particularly since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had previously hesitated due to concerns over the safety of Israeli captives, has now endorsed the bill after the release of all surviving hostages by Hamas last month. Gal Hirsch, the Prisoners and Missing Persons Coordinator, stated that earlier objections to the bill were no longer relevant, framing it as a crucial tool in combating terrorism and securing hostage releases. However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Hamas and Palestinian rights groups, who describe it as a “war crime” and a manifestation of Israel’s “fascist face.” The Palestinian Center for Prisoners’ Advocacy warned that the bill could exacerbate regional instability, potentially leading to unpredictable consequences. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have raised alarms over Israel’s treatment of Palestinian detainees, citing widespread torture and inhumane conditions in Israeli prisons. Since October 2023, Israel has detained thousands of Palestinians, many without charge or trial, and has restricted access to legal representation and international oversight, further intensifying concerns over human rights violations.
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Rybakina stuns Swiatek to progress at WTA Finals
In a dramatic turn of events at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Elena Rybakina delivered a stunning performance to defeat world number two Iga Swiatek and secure her place in the semi-finals. The Kazakh tennis star, who had previously struggled against Swiatek, turned the match around after losing the first set, winning 12 of the final 13 games to claim a 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory. This marked Rybakina’s first win over Swiatek in 19 months, ending a four-match losing streak against the Polish player. Rybakina attributed her success to mental resilience and a newfound confidence, stating, ‘I stayed focused, and everything started going my way.’ Meanwhile, Amanda Anisimova kept her tournament hopes alive with a comeback win against Madison Keys, setting up a decisive group match against Swiatek. The WTA Finals, featuring the top eight women’s singles and doubles players, offers a staggering £12 million ($15.5 million) in prize money. Rybakina, known for her powerful serve and aggressive play, has been tipped to challenge the sport’s elite since her Wimbledon triumph in 2022. However, she has faced challenges in maintaining consistency, while Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka have dominated the Grand Slam scene. Swiatek, who leads the WTA Tour in match wins this year, struggled to maintain her early momentum, committing 42 unforced errors in the latter stages of the match. In doubles, Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko advanced to the knockout stage, while Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova secured a hard-fought victory. The tournament continues to deliver high-stakes drama as players vie for the prestigious year-end title.
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Man charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after knife attack on UK train
A 32-year-old British man, Anthony Williams, has been formally charged with 10 counts of attempted murder following a violent knife attack on a London-bound train. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, left eleven people injured, including a train crew member who remains in critical but stable condition after attempting to intervene. The attack took place on a train that subsequently stopped at Huntingdon, approximately 80 miles north of London, and has since drawn widespread condemnation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles have both expressed their sympathies to the victims and their families. Williams, hailing from Peterborough in eastern England, faces additional charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of a bladed article. British Transport Police confirmed that the charges were brought after a thorough review of CCTV footage and other evidence. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander stated that Williams was not previously known to security services, though she refrained from commenting on his mental health history. By late Sunday, five of the injured had been discharged from hospital, while others continue to receive medical care.
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Agony for families as landslide death toll climbs in Uganda and Kenya
A series of devastating landslides has struck the mountainous border region between Kenya and Uganda, claiming the lives of over 40 people and leaving many more missing. The tragedy has left communities in shock, with survivors recounting harrowing experiences of loss and destruction. Felix Kemboi, a 30-year-old from Kenya, lost six relatives, including his grandmother, aunt, uncle, two sisters, and a cousin, who were all residing in Kaptul village. The emotional toll on survivors like Felix is immense, as they struggle to articulate their grief. On both sides of the border, search and rescue operations are underway, though the risk of further landslides remains high due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has issued warnings about the heightened risk in the Kerio Valley region and urged residents to remain vigilant. In Uganda, the Red Cross Society reports at least 18 fatalities, with 20 people still unaccounted for in the districts of Kapchorwa, Bukwo, and Kween. Survivors like Helda Narunga Masai from Kween village have shared terrifying accounts of the disaster, which destroyed her home and claimed the lives of her niece and brother. The Ugandan government has announced compensation for bereaved families and survivors, while Kenya has yet to make a similar declaration. The landslides have also disrupted access to some areas, complicating rescue efforts. This disaster echoes the 2010 Bududa landslide in Uganda, which killed approximately 300 people, highlighting the recurring nature of such tragedies in the region.
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Israel arrests ex-military prosecutor after leaked video of abusing Palestinian detainee
In a dramatic turn of events, former Israeli military prosecutor Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was arrested on Monday following a scandal involving the leak of a video depicting the abuse of a Palestinian detainee. The video, which surfaced in 2024, allegedly showed soldiers at the Sde Teiman military base committing severe acts of violence against the detainee, including stabbing him near the rectum with a sharp object. The incident has sparked international outrage and internal protests within Israel. Tomer-Yerushalmi, who resigned from her position last week, disappeared for several hours on Sunday, leading to speculation about a possible suicide attempt. However, Israeli media reports suggest she may have staged the disappearance to dispose of her phone, which could contain incriminating evidence. Five reservist soldiers have already been charged in connection with the abuse, which occurred in July 2024. The case has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, with a UN commission in October 2024 labeling the widespread abuse of detainees in Israeli facilities as a ‘war crime and crime against humanity of torture.’ Israel has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting its commitment to international legal standards.
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From X-rays to road potholes: How India uses AI to improve public services
India is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform public services, focusing on practical applications that improve governance rather than disrupt it. S. Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, highlighted this approach during his speech at the Abu Dhabi Global AI Summit. He emphasized that India’s AI-driven governance model is affordable, open-source, and designed to foster innovation. Krishnan cited specific examples, such as using AI for chest X-ray diagnostics in rural healthcare clinics and detecting road potholes through data collected from food-delivery services. These initiatives are part of India’s broader Digital Public Infrastructure, which includes frameworks like Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface. Krishnan stressed that the open-source nature of these AI solutions allows them to be exported to other regions, such as Africa, without significant licensing barriers. He also called for flexible regulations to encourage innovation, stating that policymakers should trust innovators to address governance challenges effectively. The panel discussion, which included Baroness Joanna Shields of the Responsible AI Future Foundation, concluded that India’s approach exemplifies ‘agentic governance,’ where AI is used to deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
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Palestine Action prisoners launch rolling hunger strike over detention conditions
Three detainees in the UK, held on remand for alleged offenses linked to Palestine Action activities, have initiated a hunger strike to protest what they describe as “systematic abuse” by prison authorities. The campaign group Prisoners for Palestine (PFP) revealed on Sunday that Qesser Zurah and Amu Gibb began a rolling hunger strike at HMP Bronzefield by refusing food. Huba Muraisi, detained at HMP New Hall, joined the protest on Monday. PFP anticipates more participants in the coming days but refrained from disclosing exact numbers due to fears of further targeting by authorities. Muraisi, a Yemeni national with family in Gaza, is part of the Filton 24, a group arrested on terrorism charges in August 2024 for targeting an Israeli arms company’s research hub in Bristol. Although the charges are now non-terror-related, the Crown Prosecution Service plans to argue a “terrorism connection” in court, potentially worsening their sentences. All Filton 24 defendants have been denied bail and held beyond the UK’s standard 182-day pre-trial custody limit. PFP claims Muraisi has faced severe restrictions, including privacy violations, limited access to books and visits, and forced segregation. Her hijab, a kuffiyeh used during prayers, was reportedly removed by prison security. Muraisi was transferred to HMP Newhall, far from her family and support network. Qesser was allegedly confined to her cell after announcing her hunger strike, with guards threatening disciplinary action. The strike follows the Home Secretary’s failure to address their demands for bail and an end to prison interference with communications. In July, Palestine Action was banned and classified as a terrorist organization, leading to increased restrictions on detainees’ post, calls, and visits. This prompted a previous hunger strike by detainee T Hoxha in August.
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Shanghai Disney Resort reaches 100 million visitors
Shanghai Disney Resort has marked a significant milestone by welcoming its 100 millionth visitor since its inauguration in 2016. This achievement underscores the resort’s enduring popularity and its pivotal role in the global theme park industry. In a strategic move to bolster its offerings, the resort announced plans for a fourth themed hotel, set to be situated near the main entrance of Shanghai Disneyland. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to enhance the visitor experience with new shopping and dining options. The resort currently boasts the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, the Toy Story Hotel, and a third hotel under construction. Additionally, the resort is advancing several major projects, including a new Spider-Man-themed land, an expansion of the ‘soaring over the horizon’ attraction, and a residential complex for front-line employees. According to the TEA Global Experience Index 2024, Shanghai Disneyland achieved a record-breaking annual attendance of 14.7 million visitors in 2024, securing its position as the fifth most visited theme park globally and the top in China. These developments highlight the resort’s commitment to innovation and its strategic vision for sustained growth.
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Xinjiang’s desert poplar forests shine with autumn tourism
As autumn unfolds, the desert poplar forests of Shaya county in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have transformed into a breathtaking golden landscape, attracting visitors from far and wide. Located on the northern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, Shaya county boasts one of the world’s largest and most well-preserved desert poplar forests, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. The trees, with their sturdy and twisted trunks, line the banks of the Tarim River, resembling strokes of calligraphy. Under the warm autumn sun, their leaves shimmer in the wind, creating a mesmerizing symphony of colors. This seasonal spectacle has not only highlighted the region’s natural beauty but also boosted local tourism, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the serene charm of Xinjiang’s autumnal wilderness.