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  • Mukaab: Saudi Arabia suspends construction of controversial cube structure

    Mukaab: Saudi Arabia suspends construction of controversial cube structure

    Saudi Arabia has officially suspended construction on the Mukaab, a monumental cube-shaped megastructure that was planned as the centerpiece of downtown Riyadh’s New Murabba development. According to a Reuters report citing four sources with knowledge of the decision, the project is being paused while Saudi authorities conduct a comprehensive review of its financial viability and feasibility.

    The Mukaab, initially conceived as an architectural marvel with each side spanning 400 meters, was designed to be large enough to contain 20 Empire State buildings within its volume. The structure was planned to feature an immense internal dome displaying advanced holographic AI imagery from a 300-meter-tall terrace, positioning it to become the world’s largest built structure.

    This suspension represents the latest in a series of scaling back of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 projects amid financial constraints and shifting priorities. Three sources confirmed that work beyond initial soil excavation and pilings has been halted, though surrounding real estate developments in the New Murabba area will continue according to five informed sources.

    The project had previously drawn significant criticism for its visual resemblance to the Kaaba in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site. While Saudi commentators defended the design as inspired by the Najd region and a contemporary reinterpretation of Riyadh’s Murabba Palace, the controversy added complexity to the project’s development.

    The New Murabba development, originally scheduled for completion by 2030, has now been extended to 2040 and was estimated by Knight Frank real estate consultancy to cost approximately $50 billion – comparable to Jordan’s entire GDP.

    This decision coincides with broader reassessments of Saudi megaprojects, including significant downsizing of the NEOM megacity project and its 170-kilometer linear city component. The Financial Times recently reported that NEOM is being repositioned to focus on industrial sectors, particularly data centers as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s push into artificial intelligence. Additionally, the Trojena ski resort within NEOM has been downsized and will no longer host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

    These strategic shifts are partially attributed to stagnating oil prices and refocused efforts toward hard deadlines for the 2030 Expo international trade fair and the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Economy Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim acknowledged the transparent reassessment process, stating that the kingdom is not shying away from admitting necessary project delays and rescoping as part of its comprehensive Vision 2030 strategy review.

  • Australia cancels visa of British-Israeli influencer for ‘spreading hatred’

    Australia cancels visa of British-Israeli influencer for ‘spreading hatred’

    In a decisive move against hate speech, Australian authorities have revoked the visa of British-Israeli social media influencer Sammy Yahood, preventing his entry into the country. The decision, executed just three hours before his scheduled departure from Israel, was confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Monday evening.

    Yahood, an Instagram personality with 171,000 followers known for his anti-Islam rhetoric, had planned a speaking tour and self-defense workshops across Australia. The influencer has repeatedly characterized Islam as a ‘disgusting ideology’ and called for the deportation of Muslim politicians from Western nations.

    Minister Burke defended the cancellation, stating unequivocally that ‘spreading hatred is not a good reason to come to Australia.’ He emphasized that visitors must apply for appropriate visas and demonstrate legitimate purposes for their entry.

    The controversial figure, who recently relocated to Israel after growing up in London, serves as a volunteer instructor in Krav Maga, the martial art developed by the Israeli military. Following the visa denial, Yahood launched a social media tirade against Minister Burke, labeling him a ‘tyrant’ while praising the United Arab Emirates for their hospitality.

    This action occurs against the backdrop of Australia’s recently enhanced federal hate speech legislation, enacted following the mass shooting at a Jewish festival in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The new legal framework empowers the government to designate groups that incite communal violence, deport associated individuals, and impose stricter penalties for hate crimes.

    Notably, this represents the third high-profile visa cancellation involving Israeli figures under Australia’s strengthened hate speech laws. Previous cases included far-right MP Simcha Rothman and tech entrepreneur Hillel Fuld, both denied entry over concerns about spreading division and Islamophobic rhetoric.

    The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with the conservative Australian Jewish Association issuing strong condemnation of Yahood’s visa cancellation, highlighting the complex intersection of free speech and social cohesion in contemporary immigration policy.

  • US monster storm kills at least 30; over 500,000 remain without power

    US monster storm kills at least 30; over 500,000 remain without power

    A catastrophic winter storm system originating from a distorted polar vortex has plunged the United States into a deep freeze, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and leaving more than 540,000 households without electricity. The National Weather Service warns that temperatures across the northern half of the nation will remain ‘continuously below freezing through February 1,’ creating life-threatening conditions that have paralyzed transportation networks and overwhelmed emergency response systems.

    The storm’s unprecedented geographical scope—affecting states from New Mexico to Maine—has created unique recovery challenges. Northern states with robust winter infrastructure cannot share resources with unprepared southern regions, where record low temperatures have caused particular devastation. Transportation networks remain crippled with over 9,000 flight disruptions, while municipalities struggle to clear roads amid what meteorologists describe as ‘very dry, fluffy’ snow that reduces visibility and impedes cleanup efforts.

    Tragic incidents include a deadly plane crash in Bangor, Maine that killed seven people during takeoff in snowy conditions, and numerous hypothermia-related deaths as temperatures plummeted. Emergency warming shelters have been established across affected regions, including Nashville where Mayor Freddie O’Connell reported continuing tree collapses from ice accumulation.

    Scientists note that such extreme winter events may be increasingly linked to climate change disrupting traditional polar vortex patterns, though natural variability remains a factor. The storm’s compound nature—combining heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and powerful winds—has created what the National Weather Service characterizes as a ‘life-threatening Arctic air mass’ that will continue to endanger communities through the week.

  • Vistas Media buys rights to ‘The Maz Files’ by Khaleej Times senior editor Mazhar Farooqui

    Vistas Media buys rights to ‘The Maz Files’ by Khaleej Times senior editor Mazhar Farooqui

    Vistas Media Group has secured exclusive book-to-screen adaptation rights to “The Maz Files: Scoops, Scams and Showdowns,” the compelling memoir by acclaimed investigative journalist Mazhar Farooqui, who serves as senior editor at Khaleej Times. The production company is currently developing the project as a high-stakes investigative series conceptualized as an international crime thriller grounded in actual events.

    The source material draws from Farooqui’s three decades of investigative journalism experience, documenting his most perilous and complex cases across multiple continents. The narrative trajectory spans from Dubai’s power corridors to challenging territories within Africa and South Asia, tracing the relentless pursuit of truth by a dedicated journalist operating without official protection.

    Farooqui emphasized the substantive nature of the project, stating: “These narratives were never crafted for entertainment purposes—they were created to reveal hard truths. Our objective isn’t sensationalism but rather demonstrating criminal operational methodologies and the immense courage required to confront them.”

    The adaptation distinguishes itself from conventional crime procedurals by positioning the investigative journalist at the narrative epicenter—relying solely on confidential sources, sharp instincts, and unwavering determination. Farooqui’s groundbreaking investigations have facilitated legal proceedings against over 250 criminals globally, exposing international fraud schemes, financial crimes, smuggling operations, black-market economies, human trafficking networks, identity fraud rings, and sophisticated crime syndicates.

    Piiyush Singh, Vistas Media co-founder, commented on the project’s significance: “‘The Maz Files’ represents precisely the type of content that demands authentic treatment and profound respect. We’ve collaborated extensively with Mazhar throughout research, scripting, and development phases to ensure the series accurately portrays not merely the criminal activities but the extraordinary bravery underlying their exposure.”

  • PLA’s aerobatic jets arrive in Singapore to take part in air show

    PLA’s aerobatic jets arrive in Singapore to take part in air show

    Singapore’s skies are set to witness a spectacular display of aerial prowess as China’s elite August 1st Air Demonstration Team arrived at Changi Airport on Tuesday. The team, operating seven advanced J-10 fighter jets, will participate in the 10th Singapore Airshow, marking their second appearance at the prestigious Asian aviation event.

    According to Senior Colonel Xie Peng, spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, this deployment represents the team’s 13th international performance. The aerobatic unit, China’s most renowned demonstration team, previously graced the Singapore Airshow during its 7th edition in February 2020.

    The journey from their southwestern China airbase involved sophisticated aerial refueling operations conducted by a YY-20A tanker aircraft. Team pilots will now conduct training flights to acclimatize to Singapore’s unique environmental conditions and airspace.

    Aviation enthusiasts will be treated to two distinct variants of the J-10 series: the J-10SY, derived from the J-10S two-seat trainer, and the J-10CY, developed from the combat-proven J-10C fighter. These supersonic multirole aircraft, designed and manufactured by state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China, represent cutting-edge aerospace technology.

    The participation comes amid growing international attention on the J-10 platform, particularly following reports that an export variant of the J-10C achieved its first combat success in regional conflicts last year, highlighting the aircraft’s operational capabilities beyond ceremonial displays.

  • China’s garbage sorting drive still has a long way to go in many cities

    China’s garbage sorting drive still has a long way to go in many cities

    China’s ambitious national garbage classification campaign demonstrates pronounced regional disparities, with only a handful of metropolitan areas achieving world-class implementation while most cities struggle with foundational adoption. According to a comprehensive five-year study by the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, the initiative remains in its preliminary stages across much of the country despite notable successes in pioneering urban centers.

    The environmental organization developed an innovative monitoring system that collected approximately 134,000 photographic and video submissions from public contributors to evaluate urban waste management performance. This crowdsourced data enabled the creation of a specialized garbage sorting index to measure and compare municipal effectiveness in promoting waste classification systems.

    Recent assessments reveal that China’s waste management infrastructure has transitioned from experimental pilot programs to an increasingly structured national framework. The eastern cities of Suzhou and Shanghai emerged as exceptional performers, with Suzhou leading the rankings at 95.74 points followed by Shanghai at 83.98 points, establishing global benchmarks for urban waste sorting efficiency.

    However, the report uncovered significant implementation challenges beyond these showcase municipalities. Among 41 designated key cities, the average waste sorting score reached merely 29.54 points, while other urban centers averaged a concerning 10.56 points. This disparity resulted in an overall national average of just 18.04 points across all 104 evaluated cities.

    Ma Jun, director of the Institute, emphasized that despite exemplary progress in leading cities, most urban areas remain in early developmental phases where voluntary waste separation habits have not taken root. The persistent practice of mixed waste disposal without effective oversight continues to hinder national progress, particularly affecting the recovery rates of less valuable recyclable materials that require more sophisticated sorting infrastructure.

  • Former Chengdu official Bao Hui under investigation

    Former Chengdu official Bao Hui under investigation

    Chinese anti-corruption authorities have launched a formal investigation into Bao Hui, former director of the Chengdu Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee, for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. The announcement was made on Monday by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission.

    Bao Hui, 62, a native of Yunnan province, has held numerous significant positions throughout her four-decade political career. She joined the Communist Party in 1983 and began her professional journey in 1984, initially spending over ten years at Southwest Jiaotong University before transitioning to government roles.

    Her political trajectory included serving as head of Chengdu’s united front work department and publicity department. From September 2012 to 2018, Bao held the dual positions of mayor and Party chief of Dazhou in Sichuan province. She subsequently advanced to deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan provincial people’s congress.

    In January 2022, Bao assumed her most recent leadership roles as secretary of the Party Leadership Group and director of the Standing Committee of the Chengdu Municipal People’s Congress. She maintained these positions until March 2025, shortly before the investigation was made public. The disciplinary review and supervisory investigation represent the latest development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has consistently targeted high-ranking officials across various government levels.

  • Trump says Iran ‘wants to make a deal’ as US aircraft carrier in Middle East

    Trump says Iran ‘wants to make a deal’ as US aircraft carrier in Middle East

    Tensions escalate in the Middle East as the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group positions itself in regional waters, creating a backdrop for complex diplomatic maneuvers between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump delivered contradictory statements regarding potential intervention, simultaneously highlighting military capabilities while expressing confidence in Tehran’s desire for negotiations.

    The geopolitical standoff follows Iran’s severe crackdown on domestic protests, accompanied by a nationwide internet blackout that humanitarian organizations report has complicated accurate casualty assessment. According to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), verified fatalities exceed 6,100 individuals, with thousands more potentially killed and over 41,000 arrests documented.

    Trump’s remarks to Axios revealed the administration’s dual-track approach, noting ‘We have a big armada next to Iran’ while asserting Iranian officials had made numerous overtures for dialogue. This comes weeks after similar military posturing preceded US intervention in Venezuela that resulted in President Nicolas Maduro’s capture.

    Analysts suggest the White House is considering multiple options ranging from targeted strikes against military installations to comprehensive regime-change operations. Senator Lindsey Graham reinforced this perspective, stating unequivocally that ‘the goal is to end the regime’ during discussions with the president.

    Iranian officials have responded with measured rhetoric alongside military warnings. Revolutionary Guards spokesman Mohammad Ali Naini cautioned that any incursion into Iranian territorial waters would prompt immediate retaliation, while conservative media outlets threatened closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

    The New York Times reported intelligence assessments indicating the Iranian government’s stability has reached its most vulnerable point since the 1979 revolution. Despite this apparent weakness, communication channels reportedly remain open between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, suggesting behind-the-scenes diplomacy continues even as public posturing intensifies.

  • England’s Chris Wood wins dramatic play-off to reclaim MENA Golf Tour No.1 spot

    England’s Chris Wood wins dramatic play-off to reclaim MENA Golf Tour No.1 spot

    In a thrilling conclusion to the Egypt Golf Series Marassi 1, England’s Chris Wood demonstrated championship composure by sinking a decisive birdie putt on the first play-off hole to defeat compatriot Charlie Crockett. The dramatic victory at Address Marassi Golf Resort propels Wood back to the top position in the MENA Golf Tour Rankings.

    The final round unfolded under challenging desert conditions, with strong winds and swirling sand significantly reducing visibility throughout the course. Both Wood and Crockett finished regulation play tied at 13-under-par, though they arrived at this score through markedly different journeys. Wood carded a resilient 71 despite a costly double bogey on the seventh hole, while Crockett posted a 69 with late tournament momentum.

    Returning to the par-five 18th for the sudden-death play-off, Crockett narrowly missed his birdie attempt, leaving the door open for Wood. The former Ryder Cup star executed a superb two-iron approach from the semi-rough, setting up a six-foot downhill putt which he converted with confidence to claim his second tour victory this season.

    Wood attributed his success to experience and teamwork, stating: ‘It was a really tough day out there with visibility challenges from the start. My experience probably counted today, but it was definitely hard work. In play-offs, you usually get one real opportunity and you’ve got to take it when it comes.’

    Ireland’s Alex Maguire, who had led after an opening-round 63, finished alone in third place at 12-under-par. His final-round 71 included a bold 30-foot eagle attempt on the 18th that narrowly missed, which would have forced a three-way play-off.

    The tournament offered a $100,000 prize fund, with Wood collecting $18,000 along with valuable Official World Golf Ranking points. The MENA Golf Tour continues immediately at the same venue with the Egypt Golf Series Marassi 2, scheduled to commence on January 29.

  • How Britain could be embroiled in US attack on Iran

    How Britain could be embroiled in US attack on Iran

    Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, the United Kingdom has deployed a squadron of Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar’s Al Udeid airbase, raising questions about potential British involvement in a possible US-led offensive against Iran. This military movement occurs as the Trump administration reportedly considers precision strikes against Iranian officials linked to the suppression of recent anti-government protests.

    While the UK Ministry of Defence characterizes the deployment as enhancing defensive capabilities and regional stability through the newly formed joint RAF-Qatari No. 12 Squadron, analysts note these advanced aircraft are capable of intercepting Iranian Shahed-136 drones. The deployment follows Iran’s previous rocket attack on the same base in response to US actions against Iranian nuclear facilities.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government maintains strategic ambiguity regarding potential cooperation with US military operations. Despite the Labour administration’s desire to strengthen UK-US relations, it has distanced itself from Trump administration policies on multiple occasions, including refusing participation in the Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ and maintaining neutrality during previous Israel-Iran conflicts.

    The strategic significance of British military assets extends beyond Qatar, encompassing naval facilities in Bahrain, air bases in the UAE, Oman, and Cyprus, and most critically, the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia. This Indian Ocean installation places US bomber aircraft within striking distance of Iran while avoiding contested Gulf airspace, though any American deployment from this territory requires explicit British authorization.

    Recent UK actions include imposing fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s finance, energy, and transportation sectors, alongside individual sanctions against Iranian businessman Ali Ansari, whose £150 million portfolio has been frozen over alleged IRGC financing connections. The British government has simultaneously evacuated its Tehran embassy staff and heightened security precautions throughout the region.

    As the US reinforces regional military presence with additional warplanes, air defense systems, and the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, diplomatic attention remains focused on Washington’s next moves and potential allied responses.