While the UAE is renowned for its high standard of living and economic opportunities, many professionals find themselves sacrificing personal time and autonomy in pursuit of financial stability. Over 41% of employees report extended work hours and lengthy commutes, leaving little room for personal life or savings. This growing dissatisfaction has spurred a wave of entrepreneurship, as individuals seek greater freedom and control over their lives. However, the journey to business ownership is often fraught with challenges, including high licensing costs, complex setup processes, and stringent local ownership rules. Enter Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone, a dynamic hub designed to simplify entrepreneurship and empower aspiring business owners. Established in 2017, SPC Free Zone leverages Sharjah’s strategic location and business-friendly environment to attract entrepreneurs from around the globe. By offering the world’s first AI-powered business license, SPC Free Zone enables entrepreneurs to obtain licenses instantly or on the same day of application. Additionally, business owners can register up to five activities under a single license, providing flexibility to explore diverse industries such as e-commerce and consultancy. With affordable packages starting at just Dh5,750 and flexible payment plans, SPC Free Zone removes financial barriers for first-time entrepreneurs. The free zone also offers SPC Plus, a suite of services designed to streamline visa applications, medical examinations, tax filing, and corporate banking setup. By addressing the pain points of time and cost, SPC Free Zone empowers entrepreneurs to take the first step toward building successful businesses in the UAE.
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UAE Cabinet approves largest-ever federal budget for 2026
The UAE Cabinet has greenlit its largest-ever federal budget for 2026, with projected revenues and expenditures totaling 92.4 billion dirhams. Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the budget reflects a 29% increase compared to 2025, underscoring the nation’s robust economic trajectory. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the UAE’s balanced budgets, growing investments, accelerating foreign trade, and expanding economy, positioning the country as a global leader in foreign direct investment (FDI). The budget allocation spans key sectors: 37% (Dh34.6 billion) for social development and pensions, 29% (Dh27.1 billion) for government affairs, 17% (Dh15.4 billion) for financial investments, 14% (Dh12.7 billion) for federal expenses, and 3% (Dh2.6 billion) for infrastructure and economic development. The UAE’s outbound FDI reached Dh1.05 trillion in 2024, a 9% year-on-year increase, with Dh86 billion flowing into global markets. The nation ranks among the top 20 global investors, leading the Arab world, West Asia, and the MENA region in FDI contributions. Over the past five years, non-oil exports surged by 247% to Dh139.3 billion, while total imports grew by 115% to Dh666.5 billion. The Cabinet also approved 35 international agreements, further cementing the UAE’s role as a global economic powerhouse.
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Polish prosecutors seek charges against ex-justice minister for misuse of funds
Polish prosecutors have formally requested the removal of parliamentary immunity for Zbigniew Ziobro, the former justice minister, amid allegations of abuse of power and financial misconduct. Ziobro, who served as justice minister and prosecutor general from 2015 to 2023 under the conservative Law and Justice party, is accused of misusing the Ministry of Justice’s fund for victims of violence. The fund was allegedly diverted to purchase Israeli Pegasus spyware, which was purportedly used to surveil political opponents. Prosecutors claim Ziobro led an organized crime group responsible for siphoning 150 million zloty ($42 million) from the Justice Fund for personal and political gains. The charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The current government, led by center-right Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has accused the previous administration of deploying Pegasus to spy on political adversaries, including members of Tusk’s party. Investigations into these claims are ongoing. Tusk’s administration has vowed to hold the former government accountable for alleged abuses. Waldemar Żurek, the current justice minister, emphasized that “there are no sacred cows” in pursuing justice. Ziobro, who was in Budapest on Monday, criticized Tusk on social media, labeling him a “Brussels-anointed prime minister.” Meanwhile, Hungary, under nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has provided refuge to several Law and Justice-affiliated politicians sought by Polish authorities. Ziobro has previously defended the purchase of Pegasus, claiming it was used to uncover embezzlement of Polish assets.
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Bird flu hits migrating cranes hard in Germany as the virus flares up
In a tragic turn of events, the serene village of Linum, located just outside Berlin and renowned as a haven for birdwatchers, has become the epicenter of a devastating bird flu outbreak. Over the past week, volunteers have recovered nearly 2,000 dead cranes, marking a significant blow to the migrating bird population. Linum, typically a bustling rest stop for thousands of cranes migrating between the Baltic and Nordic regions and southern Europe, has seen its tranquil ponds and fields transformed into a grim scene of avian mortality.
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Germany’s national animal health authority, has reported 30 outbreaks of bird flu at poultry farms and among wild birds since early September. As a precautionary measure, over 500,000 chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys have been culled. The current outbreak has particularly affected the majestic gray-and-white cranes, a species that has not previously experienced such severe impacts from bird flu on this migration route. Norbert Schneeweiss, an expert with Brandenburg state’s environment office, noted that while there was an outbreak among cranes in Hungary two years ago, the scale of the current crisis is unprecedented.
Volunteers, clad in full-body protective gear, have been tirelessly working to collect the lifeless bodies of the cranes from the water and reeds surrounding Linum. The task is both physically demanding and emotionally taxing. Lara Weinmann, one of the volunteers, expressed the emotional toll of the work, stating, ‘We try to convince ourselves that we’re doing something good for conservation and that it’s important. But of course, it does affect you.’
Efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus include reducing the attractiveness of the area to migrating birds by limiting water flow, thereby shrinking the resting area. However, Schneeweiss emphasized that resting places are scarce in Central Europe, making it challenging to deter the birds from stopping in Linum. The usual guided tours for bird enthusiasts have been canceled, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
While the outbreak appears to be under control locally, with the number of dead cranes slowing and no other wild birds yet showing symptoms, the broader implications of the virus are concerning. Although bird flu infections in humans are relatively rare, scientists fear that the virus could evolve to spread more easily among people, especially as it continues to affect other species, including some mammals.
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Confederate statue torn down during anti-racism protests reinstalled in Washington
A statue of Confederate General Albert Pike, which was torn down and set ablaze during the 2020 social justice protests, has been reinstalled in Washington, D.C., following an executive order from President Donald Trump. The statue, erected in 1901, has long been a flashpoint in the debate over Confederate monuments, many of which were constructed decades after the Civil War. The National Park Service announced its plan to restore the statue in August, citing federal responsibilities under historic-preservation laws and Trump’s directive to ‘Restore Truth and Sanity to American History.’ The decision has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Democratic Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents the District of Columbia. Norton called the restoration ‘offensive to members of the military who serve honorably’ and reiterated her long-standing opposition to the statue, which she has sought to remove permanently through legislation. Pike, a controversial figure, has been accused of dishonorable conduct during the Civil War, including misappropriating funds and being captured by his own troops. Critics also allege his involvement in the formation of the Ku Klux Klan, though the Freemasons, who funded the statue, deny these claims. The statue’s reinstatement comes amid a broader national reckoning with systemic racism, sparked by the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Floyd’s death led to the removal of over 300 Confederate monuments across the U.S., making the restoration of Pike’s statue a contentious issue. The area surrounding the statue now bears a sign indicating ongoing historic preservation work, as the debate over the role of such monuments in public spaces continues.
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Watch: Dubai launches drone delivery route through Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque
Dubai has taken a significant leap in technological innovation by launching its first drone delivery route through the Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque. This initiative, which commenced on Monday, transforms the mosque into a central hub for food pickups, leveraging its role as a community and service center across the UAE. Residents in the area can now place orders through Keeta Drone, a leading drone delivery service, to receive meals and beverages from restaurants and cafes at Avenue Mall. The deliveries are efficiently transported to the mosque’s courtyard, offering a seamless and eco-friendly solution for the community. This project is a collaborative effort between the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and Keeta Drone, marking a milestone in integrating technology into everyday life. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to expand drone delivery services, aiming to cover 30% of the city by next year and 70% within the next five years. Additionally, the UAE recently granted its first drone airspace service provider certificate to Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), which has developed an advanced air traffic management platform for drones. This platform ensures real-time approvals, integrates radar and weather data, and enhances conflict detection and avoidance capabilities, paving the way for future urban air mobility applications.
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Hedge and Sachs financial consultations secures key regulatory milestone with SCA License approval
Hedge & Sachs Financial Consultations, a prominent financial advisory firm, has reached a significant milestone by securing the Category 5 license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). This achievement not only highlights the firm’s evolution but also reinforces its dedication to creating a secure and forward-thinking financial advisory platform in the UAE. The license empowers Hedge & Sachs to provide extensive financial advisory services to individuals, family offices, and institutional clients, showcasing its commitment to investor protection, elevated advisory standards, and alignment with the UAE’s progressive financial vision. Shivansh Rachit, founder and executive chairman of Hedge & Sachs, emphasized that the license is both a recognition of their efforts and a responsibility to uphold integrity and accountability. Since its inception, the firm has grown into a 200-member powerhouse, known for its strategic insight and robust operational framework. With this regulatory milestone, Hedge & Sachs is set to expand its services, introduce innovative investment products, and explore emerging asset classes. The firm’s future growth will focus on leveraging financial technology to enhance client experience and efficiency. As the UAE solidifies its status as a global financial hub, Hedge & Sachs remains committed to being a trusted partner for investors, maintaining the highest professional standards while adapting to the dynamic market demands.
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Australia deports first foreign detainees to Nauru in controversial deal
Australia has initiated the deportation of foreign detainees to Nauru, marking the commencement of a contentious agreement with the small Pacific island nation. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed in a Tuesday statement that the first transfer occurred last Friday, though the exact number of individuals deported remains undisclosed. This deal was necessitated after Australia’s High Court ruled that the indefinite detention of approximately 358 individuals, most of whom have criminal convictions, was unlawful, compelling their release into the community. The agreement, expected to cost A$2.5 billion, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and refugee advocates, who argue it violates Australia’s human rights obligations. Laura John of the Human Rights Law Centre described the plan as ‘shrouded in secrecy,’ raising concerns about the welfare of deportees, including potential separation from families and access to medical care. The NZYQ cohort, as these detainees are known, were released following a 2023 High Court decision that deemed indefinite immigration detention illegal. Many had their visas revoked due to serious crimes such as assault, drug smuggling, and murder. The Australian government faced a dilemma: unable to repatriate them due to fears of persecution or refusal by their home countries, yet criticized for releasing them into the community. In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government amended the Migration Act, enhancing deportation powers and securing agreements with third countries, including Nauru. Under the deal, deportees receive a 30-year visa allowing them to work and live freely among Nauru’s 12,500 residents. The first transfer triggered an upfront payment of A$408 million for resettlement. Critics, including Greens party immigration spokesperson David Shoebridge, have condemned the lack of transparency and potential risks of further deportation to home countries. Burke defended the arrangement, stating that Nauru’s accommodation and health facilities meet good standards. This agreement is distinct from Nauru’s previous role in Australia’s offshore immigration processing system, which was scaled back following international criticism.
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Awkward White House talks await Orban as US-Hungary relations sour
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban finds himself at a crossroads as he prepares for a pivotal meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington. The central issue? Hungary’s heavy reliance on Russian oil, a dependency that has become a focal point of US pressure amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Orban, who has long been a controversial figure in European politics, is now facing a delicate balancing act between maintaining his domestic political agenda and appeasing US demands to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
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UAE free zones: The global investor’s gateway to growth
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its reputation as a global economic powerhouse, with its free zones emerging as a cornerstone of its success. These zones, characterized by world-class infrastructure, a low-tax regime, and unparalleled ease of doing business, have become a magnet for entrepreneurs and multinational corporations seeking to establish regional and global bases. The UAE’s strategic geographical location, advanced logistics connectivity, and transparent administrative practices further enhance its appeal as a prime investment destination. According to Syam P Prabhu, Founder and Managing Director of AURION Business Consultants, the UAE’s corporate compliance standards rival those of the world’s top business hubs, bolstered by Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements that significantly boost trade and commerce. The UAE’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment is evident in its streamlined processes, robust financial support from local and international banks, and investor-centric policies. Free zones, in particular, are designed to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, offering tailored packages that cater to diverse investor needs. These zones serve as collaborative hubs where startups and SMEs can innovate, grow, and scale together. Additionally, the UAE’s competitive corporate tax framework, which aligns with international best practices, further cements its status as a global leader in trade, innovation, and enterprise. With visionary leadership and a forward-thinking approach, the UAE continues to attract global investors, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most attractive business hubs.