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  • AU condemns coup in Guinea-Bissau, calls for return to constitutional order

    AU condemns coup in Guinea-Bissau, calls for return to constitutional order

    The African Union has issued a forceful condemnation of Wednesday’s military coup in Guinea-Bissau, demanding the immediate restoration of constitutional order after armed forces seized power and detained President Umaro Sissoco Embalo along with several senior government officials.

    In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf declared the military takeover a clear violation of the bloc’s fundamental principles. The coup occurred at a particularly sensitive moment as the nation awaited the official announcement of national election results.

    Youssouf reiterated the continental body’s absolute zero-tolerance policy toward unconstitutional government changes. He referenced a joint statement issued November 26 by AU election observers and other stakeholders that had emphasized the critical importance of protecting electoral integrity.

    The AU chair specifically emphasized that Guinea-Bissau’s National Electoral Commission maintains exclusive legal authority to announce official results, urging all parties to respect its constitutional role. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of President Embalo and all detained officials while calling for maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.

    The African Union expressed its readiness to collaborate closely with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and international partners to facilitate dialogue, ensure stability, and achieve a lawful resolution to the escalating crisis. Youssouf reaffirmed the Union’s solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau during this critical period, emphasizing the AU’s continued commitment to supporting their pursuit of peace, stability, and democratic consolidation.

  • UAE: Sheikh Mohammed approves 3,567 housing decisions worth Dh2.5 billion in 2025

    UAE: Sheikh Mohammed approves 3,567 housing decisions worth Dh2.5 billion in 2025

    In a significant move to address citizen welfare, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has authorized 3,567 housing decisions valued at Dh2.5 billion for implementation throughout 2025. This substantial allocation demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to providing housing solutions for Emirati citizens across various economic segments.

    The comprehensive housing package encompasses multiple assistance formats designed to cater to different needs. The initiative includes direct housing grants for low-income individuals, government-subsidized housing units, and collaborative housing finance programs operated in partnership with national banking institutions.

    Detailed breakdown reveals that 524 housing decisions originated from a special presidential grant program totaling Dh356.3 million. Additionally, 623 government housing loans worth over Dh270 million were approved alongside 32 government housing grants valued at Dh25.4 million. The largest portion comprised 2,388 housing finance decisions amounting to Dh1.894 billion facilitated through banking partnerships.

    During the final quarter of the current year, the Zayed Housing Programme has already processed 599 housing decisions worth Dh478 million. This quarterly distribution included two presidential grants valued at Dh1.3 million, 31 government housing loans worth Dh25.2 million, eight government housing grants totaling Dh6.4 million, and 558 housing finance decisions amounting to Dh445.1 million.

    The strategic distribution mechanism ensures comprehensive coverage across different socioeconomic groups while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This housing initiative represents a cornerstone of the UAE’s social development strategy, providing tangible support for citizens’ housing needs through multiple channels of assistance.

  • How were Afghan evacuees vetted under Biden?

    How were Afghan evacuees vetted under Biden?

    A deadly shooting targeting National Guard members in Washington DC has triggered immediate immigration policy changes by the Trump administration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended all Afghan immigration applications pending comprehensive review of security protocols after identifying the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered through the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) program.

    Republican officials assert the suspect entered without proper vetting, though documentation indicates he underwent the Special Immigrant Visa process and was granted asylum under the current administration. The political response has been sharply divided: Trump administration officials characterize OAW as permitting ‘unvetted criminals’ while immigration advocates note the program resettled over 190,000 Afghans with this being the first major security incident.

    Government audits reveal mixed results regarding OAW’s vetting effectiveness. A 2022 Office of Inspector General report found incomplete documentation and admitted some evacuees without full vetting, while a more recent review commended the FBI’s handling of security risks. The suspect had previously worked with CIA operations in Afghanistan and underwent military vetting procedures before his U.S. entry.

    The tragedy has intensified debate about humanitarian protection versus national security, with the administration implementing immediate restrictions while critics argue the response unfairly penalizes thousands of successfully resettled Afghan allies.

  • One Filipina worker still missing after deadly Hong Kong high-rise fire

    One Filipina worker still missing after deadly Hong Kong high-rise fire

    Authorities in Hong Kong and the Philippines are continuing search operations for one overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who remains unaccounted for following a devastating high-rise fire that engulfed multiple buildings on November 26. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the ongoing efforts to locate the missing individual, whose precise whereabouts at the time of the incident remain undetermined.

    DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that investigators are working to establish whether the Filipina national was present within any of the eight affected structures when the massive blaze erupted. “That is the report. But we don’t know for sure about her exact whereabouts. So the search continues. I don’t want to speculate as to where she is exactly,” Cacdac told ABS-CBN News. The DMW has established communication with the missing worker’s family in the Philippines to provide support and updates.

    Official reports from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) indicate that at least 23 overseas Filipino workers were affected by the catastrophic incident, which resulted in numerous fatalities. One hospitalized OFW is reported to be in stable condition after being rescued alongside her employer and an infant.

    Beyond the immediate physical dangers, the fire has created significant administrative challenges for survivors. OWWA Administrator Patricia Caunan revealed that many affected workers lost crucial documentation, including passports and employment contracts, in the blaze. In response, DMW officials have committed to providing replacement contract copies and coordinating with Hong Kong authorities to resolve documentation issues. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong will facilitate the restoration of travel documents.

    Secretary Cacdac assured that there would be no employment barriers for affected workers wishing to continue their positions in Hong Kong once their documentation is restored. Emergency assistance, including food packs and support services, has been distributed to victims, while dedicated teams are contacting families in the Philippines who have lost communication with relatives in Hong Kong.

  • Venezuelans worried about economic turmoil shun Black Friday deals

    Venezuelans worried about economic turmoil shun Black Friday deals

    CARACAS, Venezuela — While U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of military intervention against alleged drug trafficking targets in Venezuela dominated international headlines, the palpable reality on the streets of Caracas told a different story. At a popular shopping mall, unprecedented Black Friday discounts failed to attract crowds, revealing a nation gripped by economic catastrophe rather than geopolitical fears.

    Window displays promoting 30% discounts and shoes priced at $20 stood largely ignored. Even the newly opened H&M store remained virtually empty throughout the morning. Venezuelans interviewed consistently pointed to the country’s suffocating economic collapse as the primary reason for the subdued shopping activity, contrasting sharply with post-pandemic years when enthusiastic shoppers formed lines outside stores.

    Physician Luisa Torrealba articulated the national sentiment outside an appliance store: “The country’s economy is based on day-to-day survival. What do I do to survive today and live tomorrow? We don’t have the luxury of stopping because there’s going to be a war, because there’s a psychological war going on.”

    The economic numbers paint a devastating picture. The International Monetary Fund reported Venezuela’s annual inflation rate reached 270% last month. Families require more than $500 monthly for basic necessities, while the minimum wage remains frozen at 130 bolivars ($0.52) since 2022—well below the UN’s extreme poverty threshold of $2.15 per day. Most public sector workers survive on approximately $160 monthly, with private sector employees averaging $237 according to the independent Venezuelan Observatory of Finances.

    This economic reality has reshaped consumer behavior. Marian García, 26, arrived expecting crowds at a shoe store offering $20 boots normally priced at $60-80. Instead, she found herself first in line. “It’s difficult to indulge in luxuries,” she noted. “Due to the current economic situation, people are cutting back and only spending on essentials.”

    Yarbelis Revilla, working three jobs and self-identifying as a master bargain hunter, surveyed multiple stores but found few truly compelling deals. She explained that shoe shopping might seem like “vanity” amid crisis, but emphasized her focus on present needs rather than an uncertain future, referencing biblical teachings against worrying about tomorrow.

    Meanwhile, the U.S. has intensified pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government, doubling rewards for information leading to his arrest on narcoterrorism charges to $50 million. The ongoing U.S. military operation has already resulted in 80 fatalities from strikes against vessels in international waters, some allegedly departing from Venezuelan territory.

    Maduro and his allies maintain that the military operation aims to force regime change, but for most Venezuelans, immediate economic survival takes precedence over geopolitical tensions that have become background noise to daily struggles.

  • Beijing zookeeper helps birds thrive with specialized care methods

    Beijing zookeeper helps birds thrive with specialized care methods

    At the forefront of avian conservation, Beijing Zoo’s dedicated ornithological specialist Mo Xiao has pioneered groundbreaking methodologies in bird care through two decades of meticulous observation and innovation. Her species-specific approach has transformed avian management practices, focusing on individualized behavioral patterns, dietary requirements, and temperamental characteristics.

    Mo’s revolutionary work with Huahua, a wreathed hornbill, demonstrates her scientific precision. She developed an advanced training protocol incorporating real-time heart-rate monitoring to assess physiological responses during health examinations. This non-invasive technique has enabled the bird to become remarkably cooperative during veterinary procedures, setting new standards for avian medical care.

    Perhaps her most ingenious achievement involves the creation of an unconventional parrot triad. Mo successfully integrated three physically impaired parrots—one flightless, one mobility-challenged, and one without biting capability—into a harmonious social unit. “Their complementary disabilities established a natural equilibrium in size and ability,” Mo explained. “This unique balance prevents the territorial conflicts that would inevitably occur in mixed-ability groups.”

    Addressing medical challenges, Mo implemented innovative solutions for ground hornbills suffering from gout. She redesigned their nutritional program and introduced mudfish feeding techniques that stimulate natural water consumption, effectively alleviating arthritic symptoms and improving mobility.

    Her reproductive success with toucans represents another milestone. After three years of habitat replication research, Mo perfected nesting conditions that mirror natural environments, resulting in successful breeding cycles during both spring and autumn seasons—a rare accomplishment in captive breeding programs.

    “Each bird embodies a unique life deserving individualized respect,” Mo emphasizes. “True conservation extends beyond mere survival—it requires protecting their inherent nature through professional expertise and profound respect.”

  • Dubai: Al-Ayala dances, Emirati food highlight National Day DXB celebrations

    Dubai: Al-Ayala dances, Emirati food highlight National Day DXB celebrations

    Dubai International Airport (DXB) underwent a remarkable transformation into a traditional Emirati Freej neighborhood to commemorate the UAE’s 54th National Day, known as Eid Al Etihad. The immersive celebration, held in Terminal 3 as part of the “Year of Community” initiative, offered travelers and employees an authentic journey into the nation’s cultural heritage.

    The event recreated the historic communal spaces that once formed the heart of Emirati social life, featuring winding alleyways (sikkas) and vibrant market stalls. Visitors experienced traditional performances including the iconic Al-Ayala dance, Al-Liwa, and Al-Habban musical displays while exploring heritage exhibits showcasing Emirati craftsmanship, vintage merchandise, and photographic displays of traditional life.

    Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline Group, the celebration featured multiple interactive zones. These included a traditional market, historical displays from police and immigration services, a Bridal Room showcasing wedding customs in collaboration with Dubai Culture, and a heritage-inspired hospital demonstrating early healthcare traditions.

    Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports, emphasized the significance of the event: “Eid Al Etihad celebrates unity and shared pride. By reviving the Freej, we honor the legacy of our Founding Fathers and reflect the spirit of community that continues to shape the UAE’s journey.” The event also featured exclusive giveaways and a Henna Corner celebrating traditional Emirati artistry, providing attendees with a comprehensive cultural experience that captured the sights, sounds, and flavors of traditional Emirati life.

  • UAE launched ‘lobbying blitz’ on European Parliament over Sudan war resolution

    UAE launched ‘lobbying blitz’ on European Parliament over Sudan war resolution

    A concerted lobbying campaign by the United Arab Emirates successfully pressured the European Parliament to remove any mention of its involvement in the Sudan conflict from a final resolution calling for an end to the violence, according to a Politico report.

    The development follows revelations that an Emirati delegation, led by envoy Lana Nusseibeh, engaged in a vigorous lobbying effort in Strasbourg this week. Their actions came in response to initial drafts of the resolution that referenced the UAE’s alleged role in supplying advanced weaponry to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

    Earlier, Dutch MEP Marit Maij had announced intentions to formally call on the European Commission to suspend trade negotiations with the UAE amid evidence that weapons were transiting through Emirati territory to reach the RSF. This paramilitary group stands accused of committing widespread atrocities during its siege and capture of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

    Multiple investigative reports, including from Middle East Eye and Amnesty International, have documented the UAE’s use of complex supply routes through Somalia, Libya, and Chad to arm the RSF. These weapons have enabled a campaign marked by mass killings, rape, ethnic cleansing, and torture.

    Despite these well-documented allegations and a formal accusation of complicity in genocide brought by the Sudanese government to the International Court of Justice, the final EU resolution passed on Thursday contained no specific references to UAE involvement. Instead, it broadly condemned the RSF’s atrocities and called for sanctions against unspecified ‘financiers and external enablers.’

    The resolution’s dilution occurred after the Emirati delegation circulated communiques vehemently denying any material or political support for the RSF. During voting procedures, conservative political groups including the European People’s Party and European Conservatives and Reformists bloc rejected amendments that would have specifically outlined the UAE’s role and called for greater accountability.

    The only remaining reference to the UAE was the parliament’s affirmation of a September 12 joint resolution issued by the Quad—comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States—which called for an end to the war.

    Following the vote, Envoy Nusseibeh issued a statement welcoming the resolution and affirming the UAE’s ‘unwavering commitment to support all endeavours to address this catastrophic civil war.’ This stands in stark contrast to accusations from Sudanese Armed Forces General Yasser al-Atta, who claimed that ‘this silence was bought by the power of the UAE’s money.’

  • Quttainah Hospital earns JCI re-accreditation, reinforcing its leadership in ethical elective care

    Quttainah Hospital earns JCI re-accreditation, reinforcing its leadership in ethical elective care

    Dubai’s Quttainah Medical Center has once again achieved the coveted Joint Commission International (JCI) re-accreditation, solidifying its status as a premier institution for ethical elective and aesthetic healthcare in the Middle East. This distinguished recognition, awarded following an exhaustive evaluation process, validates the hospital’s unwavering dedication to exceptional patient safety protocols, clinical excellence, and organizational integrity.

    The JCI Gold Seal represents the highest global standard in healthcare quality, with accreditation demanding strict adherence to over 1,300 measurable criteria spanning clinical outcomes, infection prevention, facility management, and staff credentialing. Quttainah Hospital’s successful renewal demonstrates not merely compliance but consistent exceeding of these rigorous international benchmarks.

    This accomplishment carries substantial implications for both the institution and Dubai’s expanding medical tourism sector. The re-accreditation enhances patient confidence in selecting ethically-grounded elective procedures, supports Dubai’s strategic vision to become a world-class medical destination, and establishes new quality standards for regional healthcare providers.

    Hospital leadership emphasized the cultural significance behind this achievement. Founder and Chairman Dr. Adel Quttainah stated, ‘This accreditation transcends ceremonial recognition—it embodies our daily commitment to patient-centered care. While aesthetic excellence remains our trademark, creating an environment where patients feel secure, valued, and comprehensively supported defines our fundamental philosophy.’

    Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mohamed Omran elaborated on operational excellence: ‘Reattaining the JCI Gold Seal reflects meticulous attention to detail across every care continuum—from initial consultation through postoperative recovery. Our integrated systems prioritize patient protection while delivering treatments that meet stringent international protocols, a responsibility we embrace with profound seriousness.’

    The re-accreditation positions Quttainah Hospital at the forefront of Dubai’s medical landscape, potentially influencing broader healthcare standards while reinforcing the emirate’s growing reputation as a trusted global destination for medical tourism.

  • UAE Lottery hints at weekly Lucky Day draws this December in Instagram post

    UAE Lottery hints at weekly Lucky Day draws this December in Instagram post

    A dual-crisis scenario has emerged across Asia, with Indonesia reeling from catastrophic flooding while India takes unprecedented aviation safety measures. According to Indonesia’s national disaster management agency, devastating floods have resulted in more than 200 fatalities, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region this year. The flooding, triggered by torrential rainfall, has caused widespread destruction across multiple provinces, submerging entire communities and displacing thousands of residents. Emergency response teams are conducting massive rescue operations amid challenging conditions, with limited access to remote areas complicating relief efforts. Meanwhile, in a separate development impacting regional transportation safety, India’s aviation regulatory authority has issued a directive temporarily prohibiting airlines from operating Airbus A320 family aircraft until specific modifications are completed. The grounding order affects one of the most widely used aircraft families in commercial aviation and reflects heightened safety vigilance following recent technical concerns. Aviation experts indicate the mandated modifications address critical systems that require urgent attention to ensure passenger safety. The simultaneous occurrence of these events highlights different facets of disaster management and preventive safety measures across Southeast Asia.