The Global Mayors Dialogue Zhengzhou & 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism commenced in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province, on Wednesday. This four-day event, running until Saturday, has gathered approximately 300 participants, including mayors from sister cities and tourist destinations, diplomats, scholars, and travel industry representatives. The forum aims to establish a platform for high-level dialogue and shared development, attracting mayors and experts from across China and abroad to analyze urban challenges, discuss viable solutions, and promote the sustainable growth of global tourism. This year’s theme, ‘Preserving the Cultural Legacy of Ancient Capitals and Driving Urban Renewal,’ seeks to harmonize cultural preservation with urban development. The event features an opening ceremony, thematic dialogues, and site visits. The Global Mayors Dialogue has previously been hosted in cities like Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Dunhuang. By facilitating the exchange of best practices among city leaders, the forum fosters international trust and mutual understanding between countries and cities.
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Joseph Quinn won’t return as Eddie Munson in ‘Stranger Things’ final season
Joseph Quinn, the actor who brought the beloved character Eddie Munson to life in ‘Stranger Things,’ will not be returning for the show’s fifth and final season. The Duffer brothers, creators of the hit Netflix series, have officially confirmed the news, putting an end to ongoing speculation among fans. In a recent interview with a British film magazine, Matt Duffer addressed the rumors, stating, ‘Joe is so busy anyway that everyone should know he’s not coming back. He’s shot like five movies since! When the hell does he have time to come and shoot Stranger Things? No, sadly, RIP. He’s fully under that ground.’
Eddie Munson, introduced in Season 4, quickly became a fan favorite for his heroic sacrifice. His emotional death scene, where he distracts the Demobats to aid his friends, remains one of the most memorable moments in the series. Since his departure from the show, Quinn has been immersed in a series of high-profile projects, including ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ ‘Gladiator II,’ and ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’
While Eddie’s return is off the table, fans can still anticipate the return of the show’s core cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, and Winona Ryder. Additionally, the final season will introduce a new character, Dr. Kay, portrayed by Linda Hamilton. Described as a ‘hyper-intelligent and intimidating’ government agent tracking Eleven, Dr. Kay is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the series. Matt Duffer praised Hamilton’s character, saying, ‘She’s a scientist, but if she needs to, she can get into a fight and shoot a gun.’
The final season will be released in three parts, with Volume 1 premiering on November 26 (four episodes), Volume 2 on Christmas (three episodes), and The Finale on New Year’s Eve. This structured release is designed to give fans a gradual and impactful conclusion to the beloved series.
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Tomorrow World Real Estate launches Sales Experience Center in Dubai
Tomorrow World Real Estate, the boutique development arm of Tomorrow World Group, has officially launched its state-of-the-art Sales Experience Center in Dubai. This innovative facility, located in the heart of the city, redefines real estate engagement by combining cutting-edge technology, architectural excellence, and a hospitality-driven approach. The center showcases Tomorrow World’s growing portfolio, including the Tomorrow 166 and Tomorrow Commercial Tower projects, through interactive digital displays, 3D models, and cinematic presentations. Designed with minimal yet elegant aesthetics, the space features sculptural elements, natural materials, and a seamless blend of gallery and hospitality zones, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. The center is more than a venue; it embodies the company’s philosophy of ‘Creating Today’s Life with Tomorrow’ and serves as a collaborative hub for agents, partners, and clients. Ma Xu, founder of Tomorrow World Group, emphasized that the launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, reflecting its commitment to innovation, excellence, and building lasting relationships. The launch event attracted top real estate professionals and partners, who explored the digital showcase and enjoyed a curated dining experience at Longteng Seafood Restaurant. Established in 2022, Tomorrow World Real Estate aims to redefine Dubai’s built environment through strategic, timeless, and forward-thinking developments. The Sales Experience Center is a testament to the company’s mission to set new standards in real estate experiences.
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UAE: One dead, four injured in two-vehicle collision in Fujairah
A devastating traffic accident on Ghub Road in Fujairah has resulted in the death of a young Emirati man and left four others injured. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved a collision between two vehicles. According to Brigadier General Saleh Mohammed Abdullah Al Zanahani, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at the Fujairah Police General Command, the accident was caused by one vehicle entering the road without ensuring it was clear. Emergency services, including traffic patrols and the National Ambulance, responded promptly to the scene. The young man, in his twenties, tragically died at the scene, while the injured were transported to Dibba Fujairah Hospital for treatment. The injuries sustained by the four individuals ranged from minor to moderate. This incident underscores the critical importance of road safety and vigilance while driving.
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Nearly a year after truce, women in south Lebanon say war never ended
Nearly a year after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was intended to restore peace along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel, tens of thousands of displaced residents remain unable to return to their homes. Despite the truce, Israeli strikes continue to devastate the region, hindering reconstruction efforts and leaving communities in limbo. Among those affected is Zeinab Mehdi, a 50-year-old farmer from Naqoura, who fled her home during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Mehdi, like many others, had hoped the ceasefire would allow her to return safely, but ongoing strikes and destruction have dashed those hopes. Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters reveals extensive damage to structures in Naqoura and Houla, with buildings flattened months after the truce took effect. Israel claims its strikes target Hezbollah’s military activities, while Lebanese officials and rights groups accuse Israel of deliberately preventing civilians from returning. The International Organization for Migration reports that over 64,000 people remain displaced, with some living in schools in Tyre. Community initiatives, such as Mounifa Aidibeh’s Mhanna kitchen, provide meals for the displaced, but the lack of security and ongoing strikes underscore the persistent state of war. Reconstruction efforts remain stalled, with the World Bank estimating Lebanon needs $11 billion to rebuild. However, international donors have yet to convene, and some countries link recovery funds to progress in disarming Hezbollah. For residents like Bidaya Sleiman, who lost her home in Houla, the priority is not compensation but security. ‘The war never ended,’ Aidibeh said. ‘It will end when Israel leaves Lebanon completely.’
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How parent communication with schools can reduce exam stress
As the December end-of-semester exams approach, schools across the UAE are intensifying efforts to foster a collaborative environment between parents and educational institutions. This initiative aims to reduce exam stress by encouraging parents to adopt a balanced and informed approach to their children’s academic journey. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has reinforced this focus by mandating that schools cover all costs for external assessments, ensuring no additional financial burden on parents. This policy shift is part of broader efforts to standardize and enhance the assessment process. Education leaders are urging parents to move beyond exam pressure and instead provide constructive support. Schools like Shining Star International and GEMS Wellington Academy are leading the way with structured communication, personalized guidance, and mental health support. Woodlem American School in Ajman emphasizes transparency through parent portals and regular updates. Experts like Girish Hemnani, a Dubai-based life coach, stress the importance of parental empathy and collaboration over control. Parents, too, are recognizing the value of this balanced approach, with many reporting reduced stress and improved outcomes for their children.
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Ponting predicts India’s Kohli and Rohit will regain form after Perth defeat
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence that Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will regain their form following India’s seven-wicket loss to Australia in the first one-day international (ODI) in Perth. The defeat marked the duo’s return to action since their Champions Trophy victory in March, as they focus on the 2027 World Cup. Despite their underwhelming performance in Perth, where Rohit scored eight runs and Kohli was dismissed for a duck, Ponting believes their experience and skill will see them through. Speaking on the ICC Review podcast, Ponting emphasized, ‘You don’t write off champion players ever. These two have been among the best, and I expect them to bounce back quickly.’ The three-match series now moves to Adelaide, a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions, though Ponting acknowledged the challenge posed by Australia’s formidable bowling attack. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri also weighed in, highlighting the legacy of Kohli and Rohit, who have dominated the sport for over a decade. Shastri remarked, ‘Their contribution is special, and their legacy will remain intact regardless of when they decide to retire.’
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‘Thamma’ Review: Ayushmann Khurrana’s horror-comedy fails to sparkle
Maddock Films’ latest venture, ‘Thamma,’ starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, aimed to deliver a fresh addition to its horror-comedy universe but ended up as a mid-tier Diwali entertainer. The film introduces betaals, an Indianised version of vampires, with Ayushmann playing Alok Goyal, a journalist drawn into their hidden world after a bizarre encounter. Despite its ambitious scale and attempts to blend comedy, horror, mythology, and history, ‘Thamma’ struggles to find its footing. The film’s narrative is marred by inconsistent writing, overused tropes like item songs, and a lack of depth in exploring its intriguing themes. While Ayushmann Khurrana and Nawazuddin Siddiqui deliver commendable performances, the film’s execution falls short, leaving it as a chaotic mix of genres that fails to truly shine.
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Cameroon judges reject election-rigging complaints
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has rejected calls to annul the results of the highly contested presidential election held on 12 October, announcing that the final outcome will be declared on Monday. The decision has intensified political unrest, with opposition supporters staging widespread protests across major cities, alleging electoral fraud, including ballot-stuffing. The judges dismissed eight petitions, citing insufficient evidence of irregularities and jurisdictional limitations. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesman who defected from President Paul Biya’s camp, has declared himself the winner, claiming to have secured 55% of the vote based on unofficial tallies. Biya, 92, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years, is seeking another seven-year term. Bakary has refused to file formal complaints with the Constitutional Council, accusing it of bias due to its Biya-appointed judges. He warned of potential civil unrest if the official results do not reflect the electorate’s will. Biya’s ruling party has dismissed Bakary’s self-proclaimed victory as illegal, emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council can validate election results. The Catholic Church has urged the Council to ensure the verdict aligns with voters’ intentions. The escalating tensions have raised fears of post-election violence in a nation already grappling with separatist conflicts in Anglophone regions and Boko Haram insurgencies in the Far North.
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UAE’s FTA launches AI tools to simplify tax filing, support taxpayers
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) of the United Arab Emirates has introduced cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems aimed at simplifying tax filing processes and enhancing support for taxpayers. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the nation’s efforts to modernize its tax administration and improve compliance. Among the standout innovations is FTAGPT, an internal conversational AI engine designed to provide FTA employees with instant, accurate responses to complex tax-related inquiries. This tool is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of customer service, ensuring taxpayers receive consistent and reliable information. Zahra Al Dahmani, Director of the Taxpayer Services Department at the FTA, emphasized the importance of FTAGPT in addressing employee queries related to the UAE’s three primary taxes: Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax. Additionally, the FTA has upgraded its existing AI-powered platform, TARA, which is accessible to taxpayers via the FTA’s official website. TARA now supports a broader range of queries, including Corporate Tax filing and the status of reconsideration cases. The FTA is also utilizing AI to proactively identify common taxpayer errors and send targeted educational messages to prevent potential penalties. This data-driven approach underscores the FTA’s commitment to transitioning from a reactive to a proactive support model, fostering a seamless and efficient tax environment. The UAE’s tax framework, which includes VAT, Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic diversification and strategic goals. By leveraging AI, the FTA aims to align with international tax standards and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global business hub.