Dubai-based cybersecurity startup Secure.com has secured $4.5 million in funding from Disrupt.com to accelerate the deployment of its AI-driven Digital Security Teammate (DST) platform. This innovative solution aims to address the critical talent shortage in the cybersecurity industry, which has reached a crisis level with 4.8 million unfilled roles globally. The funding comes at a time when global cybercrime damages have surged to $10.5 trillion, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, and the Middle East faces an average breach cost of $7.29 million per incident. Despite these alarming figures, only half of affected companies in the region plan to increase their security budgets. Secure.com’s DST platform is designed to alleviate the operational pressures on security teams by acting as virtual colleagues embedded within existing security systems. These AI agents investigate alerts, triage incidents, and handle compliance tasks, reducing noise by 60% and saving thousands of analyst hours annually. Early deployments in finance, healthcare, and tech sectors have demonstrated significant improvements, including 70% faster threat detection and 50% quicker resolution times. The platform’s affordability, starting at $2,500 per month, makes enterprise-grade cybersecurity accessible to mid-market organizations with limited resources. Secure.com’s initiative aligns with the Middle East’s broader strategy to position itself as a hub for next-generation technologies and global cybersecurity standards. Uzair Gadit, CEO of Secure.com, emphasized the urgency of leveraging AI to combat the escalating cyber threat landscape, stating, ‘You cannot hire your way out of a $10.5 trillion threat. You need leverage. Digital Security Teammates deliver that leverage—today.’
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‘Predicting death’ to fitness guru: Biohacker to help Dubai residents be ‘ultimate humans’
Dubai is poised to become a global leader in longevity and wellness, thanks to the efforts of American biohacker and longevity expert Gary Brecka. Known as ‘The Ultimate Human,’ Brecka is spearheading a movement to help Dubai residents optimize their health and extend their lifespans. His initiatives include the upcoming Ultimate Human Wellness Clinic, set to open in early 2026, and an at-home gene testing system designed to identify nutrient deficiencies and provide personalized health solutions. Brecka’s approach focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues by analyzing methylation pathways, which reveal how the body processes nutrients and manages ageing. His methods aim to combat common ailments like brain fog, poor sleep, and hormone imbalances by replenishing essential nutrients. Brecka’s vision aligns with Dubai’s broader wellness ambitions, as the city integrates longevity clinics into its real estate developments and lifestyle offerings. With a background in mortality research, Brecka has shifted his focus from predicting death to empowering individuals to live healthier, happier, and longer lives. His Ultimate Human programme, which includes high-intensity workouts, breath work, and whole-food nutrition, is already making waves in the UAE. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global wellness destination, Brecka’s innovative strategies could redefine the future of health and longevity in the region.
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Brazilian revelers at Rio’s Pride march rejoice after Bolsonaro’s preemptive jailing
Thousands of LGBTQ+ activists and supporters flooded the Copacabana boardwalk in Rio de Janeiro for the city’s annual Pride parade on Sunday. The event took on a particularly celebratory tone following the preemptive jailing of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, known for his homophobic rhetoric. Demonstrators, addressing the crowd from decorated trucks, chanted, “He’s in prison!” and “Out with Bolsonaro!” to roaring applause from rainbow-clad attendees. Bolsonaro, who once described himself as a “proud homophobe,” was sentenced in September to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat. His recent imprisonment, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, was cited as a necessary measure due to his flight risk. Revelers, including Emy Mateus Santos, a 25-year-old arts professor, expressed joy at the development, viewing it as a victory against hate. Santos, wearing the colors of the Brazilian flag, stated, “It shows that fighting hate is worth it and that the future is possible for people like us.” The parade also highlighted ongoing struggles, with participants carrying banners advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and denouncing violence. Organizers reflected on the march’s 30-year history, noting progress but emphasizing the need for continued advocacy. Cláudio Nascimento, a longtime organizer, recalled the early days when participants wore masks to avoid recognition, contrasting it with today’s celebrations of visibility. Despite advancements, violence against LGBTQ+ individuals remains a pressing issue, with 291 reported violent deaths in 2024 alone. Activists like Flávio Salgueiro stressed the importance of unity in the face of societal challenges, while Dani Balbi, Rio’s first trans woman elected to the state assembly, hailed Bolsonaro’s imprisonment as a hopeful step toward a more inclusive future.
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Indian billionaire Netra Mantena’s wedding: From JLo to Trump Jr, guest list revealed
The city of Udaipur has been transformed into a hub of glitz and glamour as the wedding festivities of Indian billionaire Netra Mantena and AI entrepreneur Vamsi Gadiraju unfolded over the past few days. The event, a grand celebration of love and opulence, attracted a constellation of celebrities from across the globe, including global music icon Jennifer Lopez, Bollywood heavyweights like Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Kriti Sanon, and Sophie Choudry, and even international figures such as Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend, Bettina Anderson. Jennifer Lopez, who arrived in Udaipur on Saturday, was greeted by the Indian paparazzi, with her warm interactions captured and widely shared on social media. The wedding, a blend of traditional Indian customs and modern extravagance, featured electrifying performances, with Ranveer Singh stealing the show. The Bollywood star delivered a high-energy rap of ‘Apna Time Ayega’ from the film ‘Gully Boy’ and even managed to get Trump Jr. and Anderson to groove to his hit track ‘What Jhumka’ from ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.’ Netra Mantena, the daughter of Orlando-based billionaires Padmaja and Rama Raju Mantena, and Vamsi Gadiraju, co-founder of AI company Superorder, tied the knot in a ceremony that has set social media abuzz with clips and images of the lavish celebrations. The event not only highlighted the couple’s prominence but also underscored Udaipur’s status as a preferred destination for high-profile weddings.
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Smriti Mandhana’s wedding with Palash Muchhal postponed after cricketer’s father unwell
The much-anticipated wedding of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and Bollywood music composer Palash Muchhal has been indefinitely postponed following the sudden illness of Mandhana’s father. Srinivas Mandhana, the cricketer’s father, was rushed to a private hospital in Sangli, Maharashtra, on November 23, 2025, after feeling unwell during breakfast. Tuhin Mishra, Mandhana’s business manager, confirmed the news, stating that the family decided to prioritize Srinivas’s health over the wedding festivities. ‘Smriti is very close to her father. She has decided that the marriage will not proceed until he recovers,’ Mishra told reporters. The wedding, originally scheduled for November 23, was called off as Srinivas remains under medical observation. Earlier, glimpses of the pre-wedding celebrations, including the sangeet night, had gone viral on social media, showcasing the couple’s joyous moments with friends and family. The cricketing community and fans have expressed their support for Mandhana during this challenging time. It is unclear when the wedding will be rescheduled.
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China-South Africa relationship lauded at G20 Summit
The enduring and robust partnership between China and South Africa has been highlighted as a cornerstone of international cooperation during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, described the bilateral relationship as ‘an excellent partnership that resonates in multilateral engagements.’ Speaking to China Daily, Magwenya underscored the alignment of both nations on critical global issues, particularly those central to South Africa’s G20 presidency. He emphasized that the strength of this collaboration is unequivocal, with no room for doubt or ambiguity. The remarks come at a time when both countries are deepening their ties across various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and global governance. The G20 Summit served as a platform to showcase this partnership as a model of effective bilateral cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing mutual interests on the global stage.
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Arne Slot takes blame after Liverpool stunned by Nottingham Forest
Liverpool’s Premier League campaign hit a new low as they suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday. The loss, which marked their sixth defeat in seven league matches, left manager Arne Slot shouldering the blame for the team’s dismal performance. Forest’s tactical masterclass, orchestrated by manager Sean Dyche, exploited Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of attacking precision. Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White were the goal scorers, delivering Liverpool’s heaviest home defeat since their 4-1 loss to Manchester City in 2021. Slot acknowledged the severity of the result, stating, ‘Losing 3-0 at home, no matter the opponent, is very, very bad.’ He emphasized his responsibility for the team’s recent struggles, refusing to make excuses for their poor form. The defeat dropped Liverpool to 11th in the table, eight points behind league leaders Arsenal, and raised serious questions about their title defense. Despite a summer spending spree of nearly £450 million, key signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have failed to deliver. Slot remains optimistic, however, asserting that the team’s quality will eventually shine through. He pointed to Liverpool’s strong first-half performance against Forest as a sign of potential, though their inability to convert chances proved costly. ‘It’s a difficult cocktail to drink when you miss your own chances and concede every time,’ Slot remarked. As Liverpool’s season continues to unravel, the pressure mounts on Slot to turn the tide and salvage their campaign.
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US EXIM to invest $100 billion to secure critical mineral supplies, FT says
In a strategic move to bolster U.S. and allied supply chains for critical minerals, nuclear energy, and liquefied natural gas, the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) has announced a $100 billion investment initiative. This groundbreaking decision was revealed by EXIM Chair John Jovanovic in an exclusive interview with the Financial Times on Sunday. The first wave of projects under this initiative will span Egypt, Pakistan, and Europe, addressing what Jovanovic described as the West’s over-reliance on ‘unfair’ critical material supplies. ‘Without secure, stable, and functioning raw material supply chains, we cannot achieve our broader goals,’ Jovanovic emphasized. Among the initial deals is a $4 billion credit insurance guarantee for natural gas deliveries to Egypt by Hartree Partners, a New York-based commodities group, and a $1.25 billion loan for the Reko Diq mine in Pakistan, developed by Barrick Mining. The bank has $100 billion remaining from the $135 billion authorized by Congress, signaling a robust commitment to reshaping global energy and mineral supply dynamics. This initiative aligns with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s energy-dominance agenda, which prioritized increasing U.S. energy output and rolling back energy and environmental regulations. EXIM has yet to respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
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Sheikh Mohammed approves record Dh302.7-billion Dubai budget for 2026–2028
Dubai has set a new benchmark in fiscal planning with the approval of its largest-ever budget cycle for 2026–2028, totaling Dh302.7 billion in expenditures and Dh329.2 billion in revenues, marking a 5% operating surplus. The budget, endorsed by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscores the emirate’s commitment to economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
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Middle East recalibrates amid global uncertainty as UAE bets big on AI and tech sovereignty
As global trade faces uncertainty and energy revenues decline, the Middle East is undergoing a significant recalibration, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerging as a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. According to S&P Global’s latest outlook, the region is navigating a dual challenge: mitigating the impact of softer oil prices while seizing opportunities in technology and supply chain diversification. The UAE, in particular, is doubling down on its ambition to become a hub for AI innovation and tech sovereignty. The Middle East’s economic trajectory in 2026 is shaped by volatile global trade, elevated conflict risks, and unpredictable shipping costs, particularly through critical chokepoints like the Suez Canal. While post-conflict reconstruction in countries like Iran and Syria offers some resilience, oil-exporting economies are bracing for headwinds from declining crude prices. Resource nationalism is intensifying as the U.S. and China compete for control over critical minerals, prompting Gulf states to tighten regulatory frameworks and demand technology transfers. Amid these shifts, the UAE is crafting a hybrid regulatory model that blends the EU’s emphasis on data protection with the U.S.’s innovation-driven flexibility. Central to the UAE’s strategy is the development of Arabic large language models (LLMs), designed to assert cultural and technological independence in a domain dominated by English and Mandarin. The UAE’s investments in AI infrastructure, cloud services, and advanced manufacturing are expected to deliver economic diversification and resilience against commodity price swings. The global backdrop of trade tensions and technological disruption adds complexity, but the UAE’s strategic pivot toward tech sovereignty positions it to capitalize on regional supply chain shifts and AI-driven productivity gains. Financial innovation, including the adoption of stablecoins for cross-border payments, aligns with the UAE’s broader digital economy strategy. As S&P Global concludes, agility will be the defining trait of successful economies in 2026, with the UAE’s bet on tech sovereignty serving as a strategic imperative in shaping the emerging global order.