A protest outside a Dublin hotel housing asylum seekers turned violent as Irish police officers were targeted with missiles and fireworks. The incident, which unfolded in the heart of the Irish capital, highlights the growing tensions surrounding the accommodation of asylum seekers in the country. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, raising concerns about public safety and the broader implications for Ireland’s immigration policies. Authorities have condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue to address the complex issues at hand. The hotel, which has been repurposed to provide temporary shelter for asylum seekers, has become a focal point of public debate, reflecting wider societal divisions on immigration and humanitarian responsibilities.
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Aster DM Healthcare ranked 2nd largest healthcare provider in UAE, 15th in EMEA by revenue
Aster DM Healthcare, a prominent integrated healthcare provider in the GCC and India, has achieved significant milestones in the healthcare industry. According to Healthcare Business International’s (HBI) 2025 report, the company has been ranked as the second-largest healthcare provider in the UAE and the 15th largest in the EMEA region by revenue. This recognition underscores Aster DM Healthcare’s substantial influence and growth in the global healthcare sector. Additionally, four of its hospitals were recently featured in Newsweek’s ‘World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026’ list, which highlights 350 top hospitals worldwide. Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed pride in this achievement, attributing it to nearly four decades of patient trust and the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible, and compassionate care. He emphasized that the organization’s mission aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2031, which aims to position the country as a global healthcare hub. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO, echoed this sentiment, stating that the recognition reflects the dedication of their teams and the trust placed in them by their customers. Established in 1987, Aster DM Healthcare operates a vast network of 15 hospitals, 124 clinics, and 333 pharmacies across the GCC and Jordan. The company is renowned for its integrated healthcare model, which includes three distinct brands: Aster, Medcare, and Access. In line with its vision of accessible healthcare, Aster has also launched the region’s first healthcare super app, myAster, to meet the evolving needs of patients through both physical and digital channels.
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Takaichi elected Japan’s first female PM, unveils cabinet lineup
In a historic moment for Japan, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the nation’s first female prime minister, marking a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape. The election, held on Tuesday, saw Takaichi secure victory in both houses of the Diet, Japan’s parliament, with a decisive majority. Her win comes at a critical juncture for Japan, which has been grappling with political scandals and economic challenges. Takaichi, the president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), garnered 237 votes in the lower house, surpassing her opponent, Yoshihiko Noda of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, who secured 149 votes. In the upper house, Takaichi led with 123 votes, triggering a runoff where she ultimately emerged victorious. This dual triumph officially named her Japan’s 104th prime minister. Takaichi’s cabinet lineup, unveiled shortly after her election, aims to foster party unity and ensure policy stability. Key appointments include Minoru Kihara as chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi as internal affairs minister, Shinjiro Koizumi as defense minister, and Toshimitsu Motegi as foreign minister. Takaichi, a 64-year-old ultraconservative politician, assumed the LDP presidency earlier this month, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned following the party’s consecutive electoral defeats. Her administration will lead a minority government in coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), a partnership expected to focus on reviving Japan’s economy and creating a self-sustaining nation. While some opposition leaders have congratulated Takaichi, others have criticized her administration for shelving key policies. The political landscape remains tense as the new government prepares to address Japan’s pressing economic and social issues.
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Watch: Abu Dhabi rolls out driverless vehicles to clean, sanitise its corniche
Abu Dhabi has taken a significant leap in autonomous mobility with the introduction of driverless vehicles, known as RoboSweepers, to clean and sanitize its iconic corniche. These advanced machines, designed for urban environments such as pavements, public spaces, and pedestrian areas, aim to reduce reliance on manual labor while ensuring optimal public hygiene. The project, developed by K2 subsidiary Autogo under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, is overseen by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
Equipped with sensors and modern navigation technologies, RoboSweepers operate along pre-programmed routes, performing cleaning tasks without human intervention. This initiative follows the success of Abu Dhabi’s robotaxis, which recently completed 30,000 trips across key areas including Yas Island, Saadiyat, and Masdar City. The robotaxi fleet has tripled in size over the past year, expanding to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands.
Sean Teo, Managing Director of K2, emphasized the significance of this innovation, stating, ‘The RoboSweeper devices represent a leap forward in building future cities. We remain committed to investing in technologies that support Abu Dhabi’s vision and meet the needs of the community, today and in the future.’
The emirate’s media office shared a video showcasing the RoboSweepers in action, highlighting their efficiency and role in advancing urban cleanliness. This move underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance public services and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
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‘Cruellest violation’: Saudi Arabia executes second child offender in two months
Saudi Arabia has once again drawn international condemnation after executing Abdullah al-Derazi, a man who was a minor at the time of the alleged crimes he committed. Derazi’s execution on Monday marks the second such case in two months, following the execution of Jalal Labbad in August. Both cases highlight Saudi Arabia’s ongoing violation of international human rights laws, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits the death penalty for individuals under 18 at the time of their offenses. Derazi was arrested in 2014 during protests against the treatment of Saudi Arabia’s Shia minority. He was accused of targeting security personnel and throwing Molotov cocktails. After a trial in 2018, he was sentenced to death. Rights groups have criticized the trial as unfair and secretive, with Derazi allegedly subjected to torture and forced confessions. His family was denied the opportunity to bid him farewell and only learned of his execution through media reports. Despite a 2020 royal order pledging to end the death penalty for juvenile offenders, Saudi Arabia has continued to execute individuals who committed crimes as minors. Alqst, a UK-based rights group, has identified at least five other child offenders at imminent risk of execution. The kingdom’s execution rate has surged, with 302 executions recorded so far in 2025, a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Many of these executions involve non-lethal drug offenses and vague terrorism charges, potentially violating international law, which restricts the death penalty to the most serious crimes involving intentional killings. Nadyeen Abdulaziz of Alqst stated, ‘With Derazi’s execution, Saudi authorities lay bare the emptiness of their reform claims and their chilling disregard for international law.’
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Walmart halts job offers for H-1B visa candidates
In a significant move, Walmart has announced it will temporarily suspend hiring candidates requiring H-1B visas, a decision influenced by the Trump administration’s newly imposed $100,000 fee for such visa applications. This fee, introduced via an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last month, aims to curb what he described as the ‘abuse’ of the H-1B program, which allows skilled foreign workers to be employed in the U.S. Walmart, the largest private employer in the country with approximately 1.6 million workers, has been a major beneficiary of the H-1B program, securing over 2,000 visas in the first half of 2025 alone. A Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to hiring top talent while being mindful of its H-1B hiring strategy. The decision was first reported by Bloomberg News. The H-1B program is predominantly utilized by the tech sector, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google leading in visa approvals. However, smaller firms and startups also rely on the program to attract skilled workers. Critics of the H-1B program argue it undermines American workers, while proponents, including figures like Elon Musk, contend it is essential for attracting global talent. India and China are the largest sources of H-1B recipients, accounting for over 70% and 12% of visas, respectively. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has opposed the fee, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming it would make the program ‘cost-prohibitive’ and harm American businesses. The White House defended the fee as a lawful and necessary step toward reforming the program.
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Egypt backs Tony Blair to oversee Gaza as ‘modern-day high commissioner’
As the Gaza ceasefire took effect, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s potential involvement in the region’s future has become a topic of heated debate. U.S. President Donald Trump, en route to the Middle East, commented on Blair’s possible role, stating, ‘I like Tony, I have always liked Tony. But I want to find out that he is an acceptable choice to everybody.’ Blair’s controversial history in the Middle East, particularly his role in the Iraq War, has cast a shadow over his candidacy, with many in the Arab world expressing skepticism and even disdain. However, Blair’s warm reception by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit suggests strong support from Cairo. Since leaving office, Blair and his Tony Blair Institute (TBI) have advised several governments, including Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. A source within the Egyptian presidency revealed that Blair has provided extensive consultations to Sisi, focusing on countering political Islam, economic strategies, and government image management. Despite TBI’s denial of any formal advisory role in Egypt, the source confirmed that Blair’s influence has been significant. Blair’s ideological alignment with Sisi, particularly their shared opposition to political Islam, positions him as a pragmatic choice for leading Gaza’s transitional administration. The proposed Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA) is expected to be headquartered in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, underscoring Cairo’s strategic role in the region’s reconstruction. As Blair’s re-emergence in Middle Eastern politics continues to stir debate, his potential leadership in Gaza remains a contentious yet pivotal issue.
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Dubai jewellers see brisk demand as Indian festive season kicks in
As the Indian festive season gains momentum, Dubai-based jewellers are experiencing a surge in demand, particularly for gold and silver products. Kiara Jewellery has strategically opened two new branches to cater to the heightened consumer activity surrounding Dhanteras and Diwali, two of India’s most significant festivals. This move aligns with the broader trend of increased gold and silver imports into India, where premiums on bullion have soared to their highest levels in over a decade, reaching up to $25 per ounce above official domestic prices. The robust demand is further bolstered by India’s annual retail inflation dropping to 1.54% in September 2025, the lowest in eight years, which has enhanced the purchasing power of consumers. Meanwhile, the UAE’s business confidence remains strong, driven by growth in new orders and output across key sectors, including retail. This favorable economic climate has made Dubai an attractive hub for premium retail expansions. Kiara Jewellery’s decision to launch new stores during this period reflects a keen understanding of consumer behavior and cultural significance, offering patrons more options to explore exquisite gold pieces. Co-founder Ada Panday emphasized that the timing of these openings symbolizes both cultural celebration and strategic foresight.
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XTB empowers new investors with free stocks to build financial confidence
XTB, a prominent global investment platform, has unveiled its groundbreaking initiative, ‘Mastering Your Money: The XTB Investor Mindset,’ aimed at simplifying the complexities of investing for beginners. The campaign, set to launch on October 21, 2025, focuses on fostering financial literacy and building a solid foundation for wealth creation among early-stage investors. As part of this initiative, XTB will offer 10 free EMAAR stocks to new users who join the platform, providing them with a hands-on introduction to the financial markets. This strategic move is designed to lower entry barriers and encourage participation in investing. Central to the campaign is a series of free educational workshops, where participants can interact with seasoned traders, gain insights into essential financial concepts, and familiarize themselves with cutting-edge trading tools. Achraf Drid, Managing Director at XTB MENA, emphasized the importance of education in promoting responsible investing, stating, ‘Our goal is to equip new investors with the knowledge and tools they need for long-term financial success.’ The initiative also highlights XTB’s commitment to inclusivity in financial markets, offering access to over 6,300 financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, and CFDs. With a focus on empowering individuals at every stage of their financial journey, XTB’s latest campaign underscores its dedication to making investing accessible and approachable for all.
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Food delivery platforms to do away with financial penalties, sparking debate
China’s leading food delivery platforms, Eleme and Meituan, are set to eliminate financial penalties for delayed deliveries, marking a significant shift in the industry’s operational framework. This move has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders, with mixed reactions from delivery riders and market observers. Eleme announced via its official WeChat account that it is piloting a revised service-points mechanism in select cities, including Nantong, Changzhou, Jieyang, and Jingdezhen. This new system replaces direct monetary fines with point deductions, aiming to incentivize better performance and reward high-quality service. The company plans to expand this initiative to more cities by October. Similarly, Meituan has been testing a ‘non-penalty mechanism’ in over 30 cities and has committed to completely abolishing late-delivery fines by the end of 2025. While some delivery riders, like Li Yingke, welcome the change, citing reduced pressure to rush, others, such as Zhao Xuena, express concerns over potential wage impacts due to lower service scores. The industry’s shift reflects a broader trend toward balancing efficiency with worker welfare, though its long-term implications remain to be seen.