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  • Dubai: Camel trekkers from 14 countries to embark on 1,000km desert journey for 21 days

    Dubai: Camel trekkers from 14 countries to embark on 1,000km desert journey for 21 days

    A diverse assembly of 33 adventurers from 14 nations is poised to undertake a monumental 21-day camel trek across 1,000 kilometers of the UAE’s desert landscape. Commencing at dawn on November 30th from As-Sila in the Al Dhafra region, this year’s expedition marks the longest journey in the event’s history, organized annually by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC) since 2014.

    The participants, ranging from 16 to 60 years old, represent a global mosaic including China, Colombia, Spain, UK, Germany, Hong Kong, Russian Federation, Pakistan, New Zealand, Canada, Austria, Ireland, Italy, and the UAE. Selected through a rigorous HHC training program at a Dubai camel farm, these trekkers—both novices and veterans—will navigate prepared routes while camping at designated stations, culminating their desert voyage at Dubai’s Global Village on December 20th.

    HHC CEO Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook emphasized the trek’s significance in promoting cultural heritage and embodying values of tolerance, endurance, and camaraderie. The initiative revives traditional Bedouin lifestyles while creating an extraordinary test of human spirit and collective effort against the challenging desert environment.

  • Forgotten photos reveal women who powered India’s freedom struggle

    Forgotten photos reveal women who powered India’s freedom struggle

    A remarkable photographic collection has emerged as transformative evidence documenting the previously underrecognized leadership of women in India’s historic civil disobedience movement of 1930-31. The Alkazi Foundation’s acquisition of the Nursey album—a previously obscure photographic record discovered at a London auction two decades ago—has fundamentally reshaped historical understanding of this critical anti-colonial struggle.

    The collection captures unprecedented visual testimony of women commanding political activities during Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience campaign, often relegating male participants to supportive roles. These images document female volunteers manufacturing contraband salt, leading boycott processions through Bombay’s markets, confronting British police forces, and orchestrating mass demonstrations. Particularly striking are images of Congress leader Lilavati Munshi directing male volunteers at government salt pans and standing defiantly before boycotted British establishments.

    Historical significance extends beyond recognized figures like Munshi to thousands of anonymous women who joined the movement. The photographs reveal mothers bringing young daughters to protests, intergenerational transmission of political consciousness, and remarkable inversions of traditional gender dynamics. Middle-class men—many previously unfamiliar with domestic spaces—are shown conducting impromptu salt production classes, while women dominated public demonstrations carrying spindles symbolizing Gandhi’s homespun khadi movement.

    Scholars from Duke University note the collection’s unique value in capturing spontaneous action rather than staged imagery. The photographs reveal violent confrontations, monsoon-soaked marches, and wounded volunteers being loaded into ambulances—scenes absent from conventional historical accounts. This visual record demonstrates how women seized nationalist activities through direct action: challenging police authority, drumming support for boycotts, addressing crowds, and courting arrest.

    The rediscovery has prompted major scholarly reappraisal. As historian Sumathi Ramaswamy notes, while history associates civil disobedience with Gandhi, these images demonstrate how Bombay’s citizens fundamentally shaped the movement that subsequently amplified Gandhi’s global fame. The photographs now circulate publicly through the publication ‘Photographing Civil Disobedience’ and museum exhibitions titled ‘Disobedient Subjects’ at Mumbai’s CSMVS Museum and Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies, offering belated recognition to women whose resolve remains palpable nearly a century later.

  • Airbus A320 recall: Gulf Air fixes glitch; Air India, IndiGo expected to complete soon

    Airbus A320 recall: Gulf Air fixes glitch; Air India, IndiGo expected to complete soon

    A major software recall affecting over 6,000 Airbus A320 family aircraft—representing more than half of the global fleet—prompted swift action from airlines worldwide on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The European planemaker’s directive mandated immediate software and hardware realignment, potentially disrupting travel across multiple regions.

    Indian carriers demonstrated significant progress in addressing the technical glitch. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that 270 of India’s 338 affected aircraft had already received the necessary software fix. Air India confirmed completion on over 40% of its impacted fleet with minimal schedule disruptions, while low-cost carrier IndiGo successfully updated 160 of its 200 affected aircraft.

    Middle Eastern airlines similarly responded with efficiency. Gulf Air issued a statement confirming normal operations following immediate implementation of the mandatory update. Saudi Arabia’s Flynas completed upgrades without operational impact, and UAE authorities confirmed ongoing safety inspections for national carriers Air Arabia and Etihad Airways, which collectively operate 106 A320 aircraft.

    Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury apologized to airlines and passengers for the unexpected recall that particularly affects Asian short-haul aviation markets. The A320 family recently surpassed Boeing’s 737 as the industry’s most-delivered model, making this recall particularly significant for global aviation.

    Despite the massive scale of the recall, most airlines maintained normal operations with minimal cancellations. AirAsia targeted 48-hour completion for its fixes, while American Airlines reported 209 of its 480 jets required attention—below initial estimates—with most expected to be addressed by Saturday.

  • UAE National Day 2025: Indian musician AR Rahman composes special song for Eid Al Etihad

    UAE National Day 2025: Indian musician AR Rahman composes special song for Eid Al Etihad

    Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman has crafted a special musical tribute titled ‘Jamal Al Etihad’ (Beauty of the Union) in honor of the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations. The exclusive English-language composition represents a departure from the Indian maestro’s typical cinematic work, conceived as what Rahman describes as “a therapy of smile” for the nation.

    The project originated in 2023 when Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, approached Rahman with the vision of creating a musical gift for the UAE. Despite beginning work two years ago, global circumstances prompted the team to delay the release until this year’s celebrations.

    In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Rahman revealed his creative process involved developing multiple concepts before finalizing the current version. “It’s a simple, joyful tribute to the UAE and the values that bring the country together,” the composer explained. “The idea was to bring together the people who make this country what it is — workers, entrepreneurs, royalty, expats. Everyone is working towards something big for the UAE.”

    Describing the track as a “UAE-born creation,” Rahman emphasized its universal appeal. “It’s a vibe. Something you can enjoy in the car, in the desert, anywhere you feel like. It’s about being together, working together for greatness, and giving joy to each other.”

    The composition marks a rare English-language project for Rahman, who noted that creating music for a nation differs fundamentally from film scoring. “This is for hope,” he stated, capturing what he identifies as the UAE’s essential emotional quality: “If the UAE were a melody, it would be happiness.”

    The official unveiling occurred on November 29th at 9:30 PM at the Layali Al Wathba Theatre during the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi. The event, presented by Burjeel Holdings, featured free admission for all festival ticket holders, with doors opening at 7:00 PM. The musical presentation culminated in a three-minute fireworks display at 10:00 PM, creating one of the evening’s highlight moments.

    As the UAE approaches its 54th National Day, ‘Jamal Al Etihad’ serves as a musical embodiment of unity, generosity, and the joyful spirit characterizing the nation’s identity.

  • Dubai’s Global Village extends operating hours for UAE National Day

    Dubai’s Global Village extends operating hours for UAE National Day

    Dubai’s premier cultural entertainment destination, Global Village, has unveiled special operational adjustments in honor of the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations. The expansive theme park will extend its operating hours throughout the festive period from November 27th to December 3rd, adopting the unifying theme ‘United’ to commemorate the nation’s historic milestone.

    The extended schedule features enhanced visitor accessibility with operations running from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM from November 27th through December 1st. Subsequently, on December 2nd and 3rd, the park will maintain extended hours from 4:00 PM until midnight, providing ample opportunity for residents and tourists to immerse themselves in the celebrations.

    Beyond extended access, Global Village has curated an elaborate program of cultural festivities and technological spectacles. The celebration lineup includes sophisticated drone displays scheduled for 9:00 PM on December 1st and 2nd, complemented by pyrotechnic presentations from December 1st through 3rd. The entertainment roster features a special performance by renowned Khaleeji artist Khaled Mohammed on the main stage on December 1st.

    This strategic extension forms part of Dubai’s broader cultural initiatives to honor Emirati heritage and national identity. The extended operational framework allows visitors to experience the park’s diverse cultural pavilions, traditional performances, and culinary offerings during the celebratory period, enhancing the overall National Day experience for both domestic and international guests.

  • Danilo da Silva header secures Flamengo Copa Libertadores triumph over Palmeiras

    Danilo da Silva header secures Flamengo Copa Libertadores triumph over Palmeiras

    In a tightly contested all-Brazilian final, Flamengo secured their fourth Copa Libertadores championship with a 1-0 victory against Palmeiras on Saturday. The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when veteran defender Danilo da Silva, leveraging his European experience from stints at Juventus, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, powered a clinical header into the net.

    This triumph marks Flamengo’s second title in four years, having previously lifted the prestigious trophy in 2019 and 1981. The victory not only earned the Rio de Janeiro-based club a grand prize of $24 million but also secured their qualification for the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. As the runner-up, Palmeiras will receive a consolation prize of $7 million.

    The win further cements Brazil’s dominance in South American club football. This seventh consecutive victory for a Brazilian team in the tournament ties the nation with Argentina for the most Copa Libertadores titles overall, with both footballing powerhouses now boasting 25 crowns each. The last non-Brazilian team to win the competition was Argentina’s River Plate back in 2018.

    Flamengo’s calendar remains packed with high-stakes matches. The club is now set to face Lanús, the recent Copa Sudamericana champion, in the Recopa Sudamericana, a contest between the champions of CONMEBOL’s two premier club competitions.

  • Airbus software upgrades for Philippine carriers to be completed by November 30

    Airbus software upgrades for Philippine carriers to be completed by November 30

    MANILA – Philippine aviation authorities have confirmed that mandatory software upgrades for Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will be fully completed by noon on Sunday, November 30, following global safety recommendations that caused significant flight disruptions across the archipelago.

    The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) announced that carriers have been working around the clock to implement the critical updates after receiving an urgent advisory from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The precautionary measure, while essential for passenger safety, resulted in widespread flight cancellations and delays throughout Saturday.

    Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez explained that the Department of Transportation prioritized safety above operational convenience. “We deemed it imperative to implement these precautionary measures to ensure the absolute safety of passengers and crew,” Lopez stated. “We sincerely apologize for the travel inconveniences caused by the necessary flight cancellations.”

    The emergency directive reached Philippine authorities at 1:00 AM local time on Saturday (9:00 PM Friday UAE time), affecting 75 aircraft operated by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. Each aircraft required approximately two hours to complete the software installation process.

    ACAP Executive Director Josen Perez de Tagle assured the public that airline operators have implemented comprehensive passenger notification systems to minimize disruption impacts. “Airlines are exerting maximum effort to notify all affected passengers and mitigate the consequences of this mandatory system upgrade,” de Tagle commented.

    In response to the travel disruptions, carriers have offered affected passengers multiple compensation options including full refunds, flexible rebooking arrangements, and electronic travel vouchers. Stranded passengers at various airports received complimentary meals, beverages, and essential medications during the operational pause.

    The software update initiative represents a localized response to a global aviation directive affecting approximately 6,000 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft worldwide, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern aviation safety protocols.

  • Tunisia arrests prominent opposition leader to enforce jail sentence

    Tunisia arrests prominent opposition leader to enforce jail sentence

    Tunisian authorities have escalated their suppression of political dissent with the arrest of prominent human rights activist Chaima Issa, who now faces a 20-year prison sentence. The detention occurred Saturday afternoon during a protest in the capital, according to legal representatives.

    This development follows Friday’s appellate court decision that confirmed lengthy prison terms for dozens of government critics, in a case that has drawn international condemnation. The 37 defendants, primarily opposition figures arrested in spring 2023, faced charges of “conspiracy against state security” and alleged membership in terrorist organizations.

    The judicial proceedings have been criticized by human rights organizations as fundamentally flawed. The initial trial in April concluded after merely three hearings without permitting closing arguments, resulting in sentences reaching 66 years imprisonment. While appellate judges reduced some penalties, they simultaneously increased others.

    Businessman Kamel Ltaief received the most severe sentence at 45 years, reduced from his original 66-year term. Opposition politician Khayam Turki’s sentence was adjusted to 35 years from 48. Notably, several prominent figures including Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Ghazi Chaouachi, Ridha Belhaj and Issam Chebbi saw their sentences increased from 18 to 20 years. Ben Mbarek has undertaken a month-long hunger strike protesting what he terms “arbitrary and unjust” detention.

    The court acquitted two defendants: Noureddine Boutar, director of private radio station Mosaique FM, and lawyer Lazhar Akremi. Feminist activist Bochra Belhaj Hmida and French intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy, both tried in absentia, had their 33-year sentences upheld.

    United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has denounced the proceedings, citing numerous legal violations and expressing serious concerns about political motivations behind the prosecutions.

  • Etihad Airways says A320 operations returned to normal

    Etihad Airways says A320 operations returned to normal

    Abu Dhabi’s national carrier Etihad Airways has successfully restored its Airbus A320 fleet to full operational capacity following the completion of a mandatory software upgrade. The airline confirmed on Saturday that all scheduled operations have returned to normal after implementing the required Airbus technical update across its entire A320 aircraft family.

    The technical deployment was executed during one of the busiest travel periods at Zayed International Airport, coinciding with the extended Eid Al Etihad holiday weekend. Despite the challenging timing, the airline’s engineering and operational teams completed the software installation with remarkable efficiency, minimizing disruptions to passenger travel schedules.

    In an official statement released November 29, 2025, Etihad management praised the exceptional performance of their technical personnel and ground operations staff. “Thanks to the extraordinary dedication of our operational and technical teams, the update was completed rapidly with minimal service impact,” the statement read.

    The airline extended gratitude to passengers for their patience and understanding during the brief implementation period. Company officials emphasized that safety protocols remain the carrier’s utmost priority, noting that the swift resolution demonstrates Etihad’s commitment to maintaining the highest aviation standards while ensuring passenger convenience.

    This successful technical deployment reinforces Etihad Airways’ reputation for operational excellence and technical proficiency in aircraft maintenance and software management. The seamless implementation during peak travel season highlights the airline’s robust contingency planning and crisis management capabilities within the competitive aviation industry.

  • Ukraine hits tankers in Black Sea in escalation against Russia

    Ukraine hits tankers in Black Sea in escalation against Russia

    In a significant escalation of its maritime campaign, Ukrainian security forces have successfully targeted two Russian-affiliated oil tankers traversing the Black Sea using advanced naval drones. Verified footage reveals the precise moment Ukrainian Sea Baby drones—specially engineered unmanned surface vessels—slammed into the vessels before detonating in massive fireballs that engulfed the ships in black smoke.

    The targeted vessels, identified by Turkish authorities as the Kairos and Virat (both registered under Gambian flags), were struck in separate operations. The Kairos was hit southwest of the Black Sea while the Virat was attacked further east near the Turkish coast. Reports indicate the Virat sustained additional drone strikes on Saturday following the initial Friday attacks. Remarkably, no casualties were reported from either incident.

    These sophisticated strikes represent a strategic shift in Ukraine’s efforts to cripple Russia’s war-funding capabilities. The targeted tankers belong to Moscow’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’—an armada of aging, often poorly documented vessels deployed to circumvent Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion. According to London Stock Exchange data, both vessels were already subject to international sanctions.

    The attacks have triggered immediate regional consequences. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium—a major oil transportation group co-owned by Russia, Kazakhstan, and several Western energy giants including Exxon Mobil and Chevron—announced suspension of loading operations at Russia’s Novorossiysk port following unrelated drone attacks that damaged critical infrastructure.

    Turkish coast guard units responded to assist the stricken vessels, releasing footage showing firefighting efforts aboard the burning Kairos. Meanwhile, diplomatic developments unfolded as Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed a security delegation led by Rustem Umerov was en route to the United States for continued peace negotiations, following the resignation of previous lead negotiator Andriy Yermak after corruption probes.