In a historic moment during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony at Washington’s Kennedy Center, former US President Donald Trump became the inaugural recipient of FIFA’s newly established peace award. The controversial presentation was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has cultivated a close relationship with Trump since his return to office earlier this year.\n\nInfantino justified the selection by citing Trump’s \”exceptional and extraordinary\” contributions to global peace and unity initiatives. The football governing body announced the annual recognition in November, describing it as an honor for individuals providing \”hope for future generations.\”\n\nAccepting the award, Trump declared it \”one of the great honors of my life,\\” while making unsubstantiated claims about saving \”millions and millions of lives\” through his actions. The timing proved particularly symbolic given Trump’s repeated expressions of disappointment about never receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded instead to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado just last month.\n\nThe ceremony occurred against a backdrop of mounting criticism from human rights organizations and political opponents. Human Rights Watch revealed it had requested transparency regarding nomination procedures, selection criteria, and judging panels but received no response from FIFA. Critics questioned the appropriateness of a sporting organization that claims political neutrality bestowing such an honor on a divisive political figure.\n\nFurther controversy stems from Trump’s recent military actions, including substantial buildup around Venezuela, deadly airstrikes against alleged drug-smuggling operations, and aggressive immigration policies affecting World Cup participant nations Haiti and Iran. The award presentation also took place in the same venue where Trump has positioned himself as chairman in what he describes as a war on \”woke\” culture.\n\nThe event highlighted the complex intersection of international sports diplomacy and global politics, raising questions about the criteria for peace recognition and the appropriate role of sporting organizations in political endorsement.
标签： Africa
非洲
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UAE: Original Hermes Birkin bag auctioned for $2.86 million in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI – A historic Hermès handbag previously owned by the late British-French icon Jane Birkin fetched an astonishing $2.86 million (€2.45 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in Abu Dhabi last Friday. The sale marks another milestone in the remarkable market performance of Birkin’s personal collection, following the record-shattering €8.58 million ($10 million) achieved by her first prototype bag in Paris just months earlier.
The auctioned item, a ‘Birkin Voyageur’ model gifted to Birkin in 2003, dramatically exceeded pre-sale estimates of $230,000-$430,000. The final bid represented approximately six times the high estimate after an intense 11-minute bidding war among six collectors. The successful buyer, who participated via telephone, has chosen to remain anonymous.
This particular bag features a handwritten inscription in French from Birkin herself: ‘My Birkin bag, my globetrotting companion.’ It was one of four bags the actress and singer regularly sold to support charitable causes during her lifetime. The bag’s provenance and personal connection to the style icon contributed significantly to its extraordinary valuation.
The Hermès Birkin bag, initially created for Birkin in 1984, has evolved into one of fashion’s most coveted status symbols. Produced in extremely limited quantities, these bags maintain an aura of exclusivity and have been embraced by celebrities including the Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez, and Victoria Beckham.
Another Birkin-owned Hermès bag is scheduled for auction on December 15th at Paris’s Hôtel Drouot. This sale, managed by Birkin’s friend and biographer Gabrielle Crawford, will benefit the future Jane Birkin Foundation. According to Sotheby’s, the most expensive fashion item ever sold at auction remains the ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ which commanded $32.5 million in 2024.
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Lured by lucrative job offers and sent to fight for Russia. Kenyans want their sons back
A young Kenyan man’s pursuit of economic stability ended in tragedy after being deceived into military service in Russia’s war against Ukraine. David Kuloba, 22, initially believed he had secured a lucrative security guard position through a Kenyan recruitment agency—a dream opportunity for someone from Nairobi’s informal Kibera settlement who had been surviving on casual labor.
Despite his mother Susan’s explicit warnings about Russia’s dangers, Kuloba departed in August 2023, enticed by promises of over $7,000 upon arrival. The reality proved horrifying: instead of security work, he received two weeks of combat training before being deployed to Russian-controlled Ukrainian territory.
In his final communication on October 4, Kuloba sent his mother voice messages and military documentation, anticipating his possible death. He requested she present these materials to the Russian embassy if he didn’t survive. Subsequent attempts to locate him yielded only vague responses from his recruiter, who initially claimed he was missing before suggesting compensation might be available—without providing any evidence of his fate.
This case reflects a broader pattern of exploitation. Another Kenyan father revealed his son—recruited as a driver—returned traumatized after being wounded in combat. He described witnessing ‘scattered bodies’ and signing poorly understood contracts under false pretenses.
Kenyan authorities acknowledge approximately 200 citizens are currently fighting for Russian forces, with recruitment networks remaining active despite government actions. Parliamentary majority chief whip Sylvanus Osoro confirmed several agencies are under investigation, with three licenses suspended and two others being scrutinized. New legislation is being drafted to enhance oversight of overseas recruitment practices.
The phenomenon extends beyond Kenya, with multiple African nations reporting similar cases of economic migrants being funneled into military service. Many families remain silent due to stigma or legal concerns, though South Africa has seen prominent scandals involving alleged recruitment by politically connected figures.
Ukrainian officials maintain that foreign fighters supporting Russia will be treated as enemy combatants, offering surrender as the only safe exit strategy. For families like the Kulobas, however, answers remain elusive amid diplomatic complexities and unverified casualties.
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Abu Dhabi authority launches new winter safety campaign
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has inaugurated a comprehensive ‘Winter Safety’ campaign designed to heighten public awareness regarding seasonal hazards and accident prevention. This initiative represents a strategic extension of the authority’s proactive risk mitigation approach, emphasizing preventive measures before incidents occur.
Targeting diverse community segments, the campaign will deploy extensive field activities and educational programs across multiple venues including schools, shopping centers, recreational facilities, public events, desert camps, and traditional majlis gatherings. The program aims to instill a robust culture of safety consciousness during winter months when specific risks emerge in residential and recreational settings.
Authority officials emphasized that this campaign forms part of a broader transition toward an integrated preventive system where community awareness serves as the primary defense mechanism. The initiative encourages adoption of safe behavioral practices during winter activities while reinforcing shared responsibility for protection.
Community members are urged to actively follow campaign updates through official communication channels and strictly adhere to published safety guidelines. The authority additionally stressed critical emergency protocols: immediate reporting of incidents via emergency number 999, yielding right-of-way to Civil Defense vehicles, and avoiding congestion at accident sites to facilitate efficient emergency response operations.
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Australia take lead in second Ashes Test as England fumble at the Gabba
Australia established a commanding position on day two of the second Ashes Test at Brisbane’s Gabba ground, capitalizing on a disastrous fielding performance from England that saw five dropped catches. The hosts finished Friday’s play at 378 for six, building a 44-run lead over England’s first-innings total of 334.
Australia’s batting lineup delivered a comprehensive assault on a docile pitch, with Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), and Steve Smith (61) all registering half-centuries. The innings showcased Australia’s adaptation of England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, maintaining a run-rate comfortably above five throughout the day.
England’s fielding woes began early when wicketkeeper Jamie Smith dropped opener Travis Head on just three runs. The errors multiplied under the floodlights during the final session, with Ben Duckett responsible for two missed opportunities—first denying Alex Carey a dismissal on zero, then failing to hold a chance from Josh Inglis. The calamities continued as Joe Root spilled a one-handed chance in the slips that would have removed Carey on 25.
The sole fielding highlight for England came when all-rounder Will Jacks pulled off a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Smith, denying the Australian captain a more substantial score. Bowler Brydon Carse eventually rallied from expensive figures to claim three wickets, including the prized scalp of Smith, though he conceded 113 runs at 6.6 per over.
Australian number three batter Labuschagne emphasized the importance of ending the day only six wickets down: ‘It gives us bit of time in the morning session and obviously pushes our bowling later into the night.’
England, trailing 1-0 in the series after losing the Perth opener, face mounting pressure to dismiss Australia quickly on day three. Former captain Joe Root remained optimistic despite the setbacks: ‘We’ve obviously got some more work to do tomorrow, but certainly, we’re well and truly in this game.’
The match situation was further complicated by England captain Ben Stokes suffering cramp that limited his bowling contribution during the crucial final session.
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Meta partners with news outlets to expand AI content
In a significant move to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, Meta announced on December 5, 2025, the formation of strategic partnerships with major news organizations to integrate real-time content into its Meta AI assistant. This collaboration will provide users across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp with immediate access to breaking news, entertainment updates, and lifestyle stories directly through AI interactions.
The initiative draws content from a diverse array of media partners including CNN, Fox News, Le Monde, People, and USA Today, with additional partnerships with The Daily Caller and The Washington Examiner ensuring representation across the political spectrum. According to Meta’s official blog post, this integration will enable users to access more varied content sources while receiving direct links to partner websites for deeper exploration of news stories.
Meta explicitly acknowledged the challenges current AI systems face in keeping pace with real-time events, stating that these partnerships aim to make Meta AI “more responsive, accurate, and balanced” through the incorporation of diverse viewpoints. The company emphasized its commitment to expanding these collaborations and developing new features as competition intensifies among technology firms racing to advance their AI assistants.
This development occurs amidst a broader industry trend where AI companies, including ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, are increasingly incorporating live web content and news feeds. The announcement marks a notable shift in Meta’s relationship with news organizations, which has experienced significant fluctuations over the years.
The social media giant had previously minimized news content on its platforms, shutting down the Facebook News tab in multiple markets including the United States, Britain, and France while ending multi-million dollar deals with leading news organizations. The company’s January decision to terminate its US fact-checking program, which had employed third-party fact checkers from organizations including AFP to combat misinformation, further complicated its relationship with established media.
Meta AI currently serves billions of users globally across the company’s ecosystem of applications, positioning this news integration as a substantial enhancement to its functionality and relevance in the competitive AI landscape.
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery’s studios, streaming unit for $72 billion
In a landmark transaction reshaping the global media landscape, streaming pioneer Netflix has finalized a $72 billion acquisition agreement for Warner Bros. Discovery’s television/film studios and streaming division. The Friday announcement culminates an intense bidding competition where Netflix’s $28-per-share offer surpassed Paramount Skydance’s $24 bid for the entire Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio.
This unprecedented deal transfers control of legendary entertainment franchises including ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘DC Comics,’ and ‘Harry Potter’ to the streaming disruptor that originally built its dominance through organic growth rather than major acquisitions. The transaction significantly alters Hollywood’s power dynamics, strengthening Netflix’s position against competitors like Walt Disney and the Ellison family-backed Paramount.
Industry analysts indicate Netflix’s strategic motivation centers on securing long-term rights to premium content libraries as the company expands into gaming and seeks new growth avenues following its successful password-sharing crackdown implementation.
However, the acquisition faces substantial regulatory challenges. Antitrust authorities in both Europe and the United States are expected to scrutinize the combination that would grant the world’s largest streaming service ownership of HBO Max, a direct competitor boasting approximately 130 million subscribers.
Netflix has proactively addressed competition concerns by emphasizing potential consumer benefits through reduced costs for bundled streaming offerings. The company has additionally committed to maintaining theatrical releases for Warner Bros. films, alleviating industry fears about further studio consolidation impacting cinema distribution channels.
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Anirudh live in Dubai 2026, set for electrifying concert at Coca-Cola Arena
Dubai prepares to host Indian musical phenomenon Anirudh Ravichander in a spectacular concert event scheduled for January 11, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Arena. The performance will serve as the grand finale to the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), promising an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts across multiple linguistic communities.
Brand Avatar, the event’s organizer, has pledged an even more dynamic production than Ravichander’s record-breaking 2024 Hukum Tour. The concert is strategically positioned to attract diverse audiences from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, and international music fandoms, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural appeal.
Widely acclaimed as the “sound of a generation,” Ravichander has revolutionized contemporary Indian music through his innovative fusion of cinematic orchestration, electronic dance music, and regional pop genres. His chart-topping hits including “Why This Kolaveri Di,” “Arabic Kuthu,” and “Hukum – Thalaivar Alappara” have established him as one of India’s most influential musical exports.
Hemachandran, Founder CEO of Brand Avatar, emphasized the special connection between Dubai audiences and Ravichander’s music: “The unprecedented admiration for his artistry in Dubai inspired us to create an immersive, world-class production that matches the intensity of fan devotion. This event will deliver an extraordinary sensory experience.”
The concert reinforces Dubai’s growing reputation as a premier global entertainment destination, featuring state-of-the-art production technology, breathtaking visual effects, and a specially curated setlist designed exclusively for the arena format. Tickets are currently available for purchase through the official Coca-Cola Arena website.
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Big Ticket Abu Dhabi winner vows not to touch his share of Dh25 million for 10 years
In an extraordinary display of financial discipline, Indian expatriate Mohammed Rizwan CK has committed to preserving his portion of a Dh25 million Big Ticket Abu Dhabi jackpot for a full decade without withdrawal. The 36-year-old health and safety officer, residing in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, was among sixteen colleagues who collectively purchased the winning ticket through a group participation arrangement.
Rizwan, originally from Kerala’s Kochi region, has explicitly rejected conventional post-win spending sprees on luxury items or immediate lifestyle upgrades. Instead, the oil rig worker has designated his entire share as a long-term retirement fund, emphasizing strategic investment growth across Abu Dhabi and Saudi markets.
“This capital represents future security rather than present consumption,” Rizwan stated. “I intend to invest it strategically in regions with proven growth potential to maximize returns before considering any personal use.”
The winning moment occurred unexpectedly while Rizwan was shopping with his family. “My WhatsApp group exploded with approximately sixty simultaneous messages,” he recounted. “Initially fearing an emergency, I discovered colleagues sharing the live draw footage. We rewatched the clip repeatedly in collective disbelief.”
The persistent lottery participant has engaged in Big Ticket drawings since 2016, initially with different colleague groups before establishing the current sixteen-member consortium in 2022. Despite the life-changing windfall, the group has postponed celebrations due to offshore work commitments, with many members still processing the emotional impact.
Rizwan’s approach reflects broader financial prudence among expatriate workers prioritizing long-term family security over immediate gratification. With parents residing in India and his nuclear family in Saudi Arabia, the prize represents intergenerational stability rather than temporary luxury.
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Inside ‘Dream of the Desert’: Saudi Arabia unveils its ultra-luxury train
Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious entry into the luxury travel market with ‘Dream of the Desert,’ a 33-suite ultra-luxury train developed in partnership with Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale. This groundbreaking project represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s tourism diversification strategy under Vision 2030, aiming to transform the nation into a premier global destination.
The train, currently under construction in Italy and scheduled to commence operations in late 2026, will traverse approximately 1,300 kilometers through Saudi Arabia’s most dramatic landscapes, connecting Riyadh with the Hail region. Unlike conventional luxury travel, Dream of the Desert emphasizes immersive cultural experiences, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness rather than mere opulence.
Arsenale CEO Paolo Barletta describes the project as a ‘moving narrative’ that blends Italian design excellence with authentic Saudi heritage. The collaboration involves multiple Saudi entities including Saudi Arabia Railways, the Ministry of Transport, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Tourism Development Fund, creating a robust public-private partnership framework.
Architect Aline Asmar d’Amman has conceived the train’s design, incorporating earthy tones, rich textiles, hand-carved woodwork, and intricate geometric patterns inspired by traditional majlis interiors. The 14 carriages feature gold-laden ceilings, velvet banquettes, and Art Deco touches, while décor elements reference UNESCO sites like Madain Saleh and historic cities such as Hail.
Beyond the lavish interiors, the experience includes curated cultural programs, gourmet cuisine, guided excursions to remote historical sites, and exclusive performances. With fares starting at SAR 30,000 (approximately $8,000) per cabin per night, the service targets the premium segment of the luxury travel market.
The launch coincides with substantial tourism growth in the GCC region, which recorded 68.1 million international tourist arrivals in 2023—a 43% increase over 2019 figures. The travel and tourism sector contributed $247.1 billion to GCC GDP in 2024, demonstrating the region’s expanding capacity for high-end experiential offerings.
Arsenale plans to expand its luxury rail concept across the Middle East, with advanced discussions underway for similar projects in the UAE, Egypt, and Uzbekistan, signaling the Gulf’s emergence as a hub for experience-driven rail travel.