Dubai Police have launched a series of innovative initiatives aimed at bolstering safety along the city’s coastline. These measures, unveiled by Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, during his inspection of the Ports Police Station, include beach patrols, summer training programs for children, and volunteer opportunities for the public. The beach patrols will monitor Dubai’s shores to ensure the safety of beachgoers, while summer training programs will equip school students with lifeguarding and rescue skills. Additionally, the public is encouraged to participate in maritime security efforts by volunteering for marine rescue training and incident reporting. Lieutenant General Al Marri also reviewed the station’s fleet of boats and jet skis, ensuring their readiness for emergencies. Last year, the Ports Police Station successfully secured over 100 maritime events across 12 sea zones and 7 land jurisdictions. The station’s teams have also excelled in local and international sporting competitions, earning multiple medals. Among Dubai Police’s forward-thinking projects is Haddad, an eco-friendly, self-driving smart police boat equipped with remote-control functions and advanced monitoring systems. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s Urban Plan 2040 and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Lieutenant General Al Marri emphasized the importance of evolving security systems to match Dubai’s rapid development, praising the Ports Police Station as a vital hub for coastal safety. He affirmed that Dubai’s leadership fully supports these efforts, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as one of the world’s safest coastal cities.
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Sheikh Hamdan approves new AI initiatives to fast-track Dubai’s next big digital push
Dubai has taken a significant leap toward solidifying its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved a series of groundbreaking AI initiatives aimed at accelerating the city’s technological advancement. These initiatives include the launch of the ‘AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform’, the establishment of the ‘Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce’, and the introduction of the ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’. These projects were greenlit during the second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy. The ‘AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform’ is designed to provide government entities with a secure, integrated digital environment to develop AI-driven solutions efficiently and cost-effectively. The ‘Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce’ will foster collaboration among government entities to align AI strategies and accelerate decision-making. Meanwhile, the ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’, developed by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, aims to nurture 30 emerging companies into global unicorns, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, plans for the 2026 edition of Gitex Global were reviewed, with the event set to move to Expo City Dubai, promising a larger scale and richer content. These initiatives underscore Dubai’s commitment to becoming the world’s fastest and smartest city, leveraging AI to drive economic growth and innovation.
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Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra welcomes baby boy, shares news on social media
Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra and her husband, AAP politician Raghav Chadha, have joyfully announced the arrival of their baby boy on October 19, 2025. The couple shared the heartwarming news on social media, marking a significant milestone in their lives. Parineeti posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her overwhelming happiness and gratitude. She wrote, ‘He’s finally here! Our Baby Boy. And we literally can’t remember life before! Arms full, our hearts are fuller. First we had each other, now we have everything. With gratitude, Parineeti & Raghav.’ While the couple has chosen to keep details such as the baby’s name private for now, fans and well-wishers flooded their posts with congratulatory messages, celebrating this joyous occasion. The announcement follows their pregnancy reveal in August, which featured a creatively designed photo of a cake adorned with golden baby feet and the inscription ‘1 + 1 = 3,’ symbolizing their growing family. Parineeti, celebrated for her roles in films like ‘Ishaqzaade’ and ‘Hasee Toh Phasee,’ has often shared glimpses of her personal life with her followers, balancing her thriving career with her family commitments. The news has sparked an outpouring of love and excitement on social media, with friends, co-stars, and fans alike celebrating the newest addition to the Chopra-Chadha family.
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Stolen treasures, a crown in the gutter – and serious questions for Louvre security
In a brazen act of theft that has shaken the art world, the Louvre Museum in Paris fell victim to a meticulously planned heist targeting the French crown jewels. The robbery, which occurred in the Apollo Gallery on Sunday morning, is being described as the most audacious since the infamous disappearance of the Mona Lisa in 1911. The gang, described by France’s new Interior Minister Laurent Nunez as highly professional, executed the theft in just seven minutes, leaving authorities grappling with serious questions about the security of French cultural treasures. The thieves used a truck equipped with an elevating platform to access the first floor, where they cut through a window to enter the gallery. Once inside, they targeted two display cases containing remnants of the French crown jewels, including diadems, necklaces, earrings, and brooches. Among the stolen items was the Empress Eugénie Brooch, a priceless artifact from the 19th century. The gang’s swift and calculated operation highlights the growing sophistication of criminal groups targeting museums. Despite the alarms sounding correctly and the prompt response of museum staff, the thieves managed to escape with their loot. The incident has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of French museums, particularly in light of recent thefts of gold and porcelain from other institutions. Authorities are now racing against time to recover the stolen jewels, which are at risk of being dismantled and sold on the black market. The Louvre, home to thousands of globally renowned artworks, has historically maintained tight security, making this heist all the more alarming. The investigation is ongoing, but the likelihood of recovering the jewels intact remains uncertain.
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BLS to operate India visa application centres in China under new 3-year contract
BLS International Services Ltd, a prominent global provider of government-to-citizen services, has been granted a three-year contract by India’s Ministry of External Affairs to establish and manage Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in China. The agreement, effective from October 14, 2025, will see the opening of new centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, marking a significant step in India’s diplomatic and consular outreach in Asia. These centers will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, advanced digital processing systems, and multilingual staff to enhance the visa application experience for travelers. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, expressed pride in securing the contract and emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering secure, efficient, and customer-focused services. The move comes amid strengthening people-to-people and trade ties between India, China, and the Gulf region, particularly in the post-pandemic era. BLS International, which has been operational in the UAE since 2011, manages visa and consular services for several embassies, including those of India, Spain, Italy, and Slovakia. Its extensive network of 23 centers in the UAE has positioned the company as a key player in India’s global consular service expansion. With operations in 70 countries and partnerships with 46 governments, BLS International processes millions of applications annually. The new contract not only extends the company’s reach from the Gulf to East Asia but also underscores India’s growing diplomatic and technological influence, supported by trusted service networks headquartered in Dubai.
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Crude oil at the crossroads: Brent risks $50 slide
The global oil market is teetering on the edge of a significant shift as Brent crude prices hover near $61 a barrel, with analysts warning of a potential collapse to $50 if demand softens further. The delicate balance between OPEC+ production increases and waning global consumption is under intense scrutiny, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the energy landscape for 2026. Brent crude traded at $61.2 last week, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at $57.5, both benchmarks down nearly 15% year-to-date. Bank of America (BofA) remains optimistic, defending a $55 price floor, citing steady Asian demand and OPEC+ supply discipline. However, Citigroup predicts a deeper slide to $50, driven by fading economic momentum and geopolitical risk premiums. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports global oil supply surged by 760,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September, reaching 108 million bpd—the highest since 2019. OPEC forecasts global demand at 105.1 million bpd in 2025 and 106.5 million bpd in 2026, with annual growth of 1.4%. OPEC+ recently approved a modest output hike of 137,000 bpd for November, contributing to rising oversupply concerns. The IEA warns that global inventories could hit record highs by 2026 unless demand accelerates. BofA expects Brent to average $61 in Q4 2025 and rise to $64 in early 2026, citing structural support at $55. Citigroup, however, sees a sharper decline, fueled by easing geopolitical tensions and weaker Chinese data. Geopolitical factors, including U.S.-China trade tensions and India’s resistance to curbing Russian crude imports, add further volatility. Technically, Brent is caught between support at $55 and resistance at $63.50–$64. A weekly close below $55 could validate Citigroup’s bearish outlook, while a move above $64 would support BofA’s stabilization thesis. Analysts anticipate consolidation rather than collapse, but sentiment remains fragile, with the market vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks.
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IHC acquires majority stake in First Women Bank, strengthening UAE–Pakistan economic partnership
In a landmark move to strengthen economic ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan, Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) has acquired a majority stake in Pakistan’s state-owned First Women Bank Limited (FWBL). The transaction, conducted under Pakistan’s Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions Act of 2022, marks the first privatization of a bank in Pakistan under a government-to-government (G2G) framework. The announcement was made in the presence of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of 2PointZero, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Established in 1989, FWBL operates 42 branches nationwide, offering retail, SME, and corporate banking services. IHC’s investment aims to modernize the bank by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, enhancing its operational efficiency and expanding its footprint across Pakistan. The transformation strategy includes rebranding the bank to reflect its broader mandate of serving all societal segments and accelerating financial inclusion. Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, emphasized the company’s confidence in Pakistan’s financial potential and its commitment to fostering long-term economic growth. This acquisition follows IHC’s subsidiary, International Resources Holding (IRH), signing a joint venture with the Government of Balochistan in February 2025, further deepening UAE-Pakistan economic cooperation. Together, these initiatives underscore IHC’s vision of driving sustainable growth, technological transformation, and global economic connectivity.
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Taylor Swift donates $100,000 to 2-year-old girl suffering from brain cancer
In a touching act of generosity, global pop sensation Taylor Swift has donated $100,000 to support a two-year-old girl, Lilah, who is bravely fighting stage 4 brain cancer. The news of Swift’s significant contribution quickly spread across social media, garnering widespread admiration from fans and followers. Lilah’s mother, Katelynn Smoot, has been actively sharing her daughter’s journey on social media, raising awareness and funds for her treatment. In a heartfelt video titled ‘Stand with Lilah,’ the toddler referred to Swift as her ‘friend,’ highlighting her love for the singer’s music, which has been a source of joy during her challenging treatment. Swift, moved by Lilah’s story, made the donation on October 17, accompanied by a personal message: ‘Sending the biggest hug to my friend, Lilah! Love, Taylor.’ This act of kindness is not new for Swift, who has a history of supporting various causes. In 2024, she donated $250,000 to Operation Breakthrough, an education center in Kansas City, and surprised patients at a Florida children’s hospital with a visit. Additionally, she contributed $5 million to relief efforts for Hurricane Milton and Helene. Swift’s latest donation underscores her commitment to making a positive impact on individuals and communities in need.
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Fasset and Ajman Bank sign MoU to launch Shariah-compliant stablecoins and tokenised assets
In a groundbreaking move, Fasset, a prominent UAE-based digital asset platform, and Ajman Bank, a leading Islamic financial institution, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce Shariah-compliant stablecoins and tokenized assets across the UAE. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Islamic finance, combining the reliability of a regulated Islamic bank with cutting-edge blockchain technology. Under the agreement, Ajman Bank will leverage Fasset’s comprehensive white-label solution to offer embedded digital asset capabilities to both retail and institutional clients. These offerings include access to tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) such as S&P Shariah ETFs, gold-backed financing, staking and savings products, and a private institutional trading desk. Additionally, the partnership will integrate stablecoin payment infrastructure to enhance cross-border efficiency. Fasset will develop the core infrastructure, including wallet solutions, KYC/B integrations, custody services, and regulatory compliance tools, to ensure secure and compliant operations. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with the institution’s values, stating that it enables customers to participate in the digital economy without compromising trust or principles. Mohammad Raafi Hossain, CEO and Co-Founder of Fasset, highlighted the collaboration’s focus on meaningful integration, embedding tokenized finance into everyday banking to make wealth creation more accessible and ethical. This partnership underscores the growing demand for compliant and inclusive digital financial products in the UAE and the broader Islamic world, paving the way for a new era in the global financial ecosystem.
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Sydney Sweeney brings boxer Christy Martin’s battles to the big screen
Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney takes on the challenging role of former professional boxer Christy Martin in the highly anticipated biopic *Christy*. Directed and co-written by David Michôd, the film delves into two decades of Martin’s life, capturing her rise from an accidental entrant into boxing to becoming one of the most celebrated female fighters of the 1990s. The movie, which premiered at the London Film Festival, also explores her tumultuous relationship with her coach-turned-husband Jim Martin, portrayed by Ben Foster, and the harrowing consequences of his control over her career and personal life. Martin, now 57, was the first woman to sign with boxing promoter Don King and competed from 1989 to 2012. Beyond her boxing achievements, the film highlights her advocacy work through her non-profit *Christy’s Champs*, which supports family abuse victims. Sweeney, known for her roles in *Euphoria* and *Anyone But You*, underwent a rigorous three-month transformation for the role, gaining 35 pounds and training intensively with boxing coaches, weight trainers, and nutritionists. She described the experience as physically demanding but empowering, even sustaining a concussion during filming. The movie, set for a global release on November 7, not only celebrates Martin’s boxing legacy but also addresses critical themes of domestic violence and sexual identity. ‘We set out to make a film that’s about many things, not just boxing,’ said co-writer Mirrah Foulkes. Michôd added, ‘I wanted to understand how coercive-control relationships function, because they are tragically common worldwide.’