The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially transitioned into its winter season, marked by the arrival of the traditional weather phenomenon known as ‘Darbet Al Ahaymar.’ This seasonal shift, characterized by a significant drop in temperatures and unstable weather conditions, has already brought rainfall and hail to parts of Saudi Arabia, signaling the onset of colder weather across the Arabian Peninsula. In the UAE, temperatures have dipped to as low as 7°C, with rain reported on the western islands. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, confirmed the start of winter during a live podcast on Noor Dubai Radio. He explained that the ‘Duroor’ calendar, which uses stars to predict weather patterns, marks the beginning of winter approximately 100 days after the appearance of the Suhail star. This period, which commenced on November 24, 2025, is expected to last until March 4, 2026. Al Jarwan highlighted that January is anticipated to be the coldest month, with temperatures potentially dropping to 0°C in desert regions. He also projected an average monthly rainfall of about 15 mm during December, January, and February. As cooler weather sets in, residents are expected to flock to the desert for camping and outdoor activities. Al Jarwan emphasized the importance of environmental conservation, urging the public to protect natural habitats, including Ghaf and Samar trees, and the broader desert ecosystem. ‘These natural systems are integral to the UAE’s environment and must be preserved for future generations,’ he stated.
标签： Africa
非洲
-
Hat trick for Usman Tariq as Pakistan reach tri-series final
Pakistan secured their place in the T20 tri-series final with a commanding 69-run victory over Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The match was highlighted by a sensational hat trick from off-spinner Usman Tariq, who finished with figures of 4/18. Tariq, playing only his second T20 International, dismissed Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Wellington Masakadza in three consecutive deliveries during the 10th over, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 82 for nine. Despite a valiant unbeaten 67 from Ryan Burl, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 126, chasing Pakistan’s formidable total of 195 for five. Earlier, Babar Azam (74 off 52 balls) and Sahibzada Farhan (63 off 41 balls) laid a solid foundation, while Fakhar Zaman’s quickfire 27 not out off 10 balls provided the finishing touches. Tariq was named man-of-the-match for his match-winning performance. ‘Blessed to have the honor of picking up the hat trick,’ Tariq said, crediting his captain and teammates for their support. Pakistan will now look to clinch the tri-series title in the final.
-
Polycon Gulf: Manufacturing quality products in the UAE since 1993
Polycon Gulf Limited, a subsidiary of Al Nasser Industrial Enterprises LLC, has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s industrial sector since its establishment in 1993. Renowned for its innovative use of polyethylene, Polycon has carved a niche in manufacturing high-quality, environmentally friendly products. The company’s diverse portfolio spans polymers, steel, and intermediaries, with a strong regional presence in Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia through strategic joint ventures. Polycon’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its production of 100% reusable and recyclable products, which boast exceptional resistance to physical and chemical wear. The company’s state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories and quality testing units, are certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, underscoring its dedication to quality, environmental safety, and customer satisfaction. Polycon’s expertise extends to customized product development, catering to sectors such as defense and government. Its pioneering use of polyethylene lining for corrosion protection has set new industry benchmarks, outperforming traditional coatings like GRE and epoxy. With investments in cutting-edge roto-molding technology and a robust after-sales service network across the UAE and GCC, Polycon continues to lead the way in sustainable industrial innovation.
-
Volcano erupts in northern Ethiopia, sending ash plumes toward Yemen and Oman
A previously inactive volcano in northern Ethiopia, Hayli Gubbi, erupted unexpectedly on Sunday, sending massive ash plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman. Located in the seismically active Afar region, the eruption blanketed the nearby village of Afdera in dust, disrupting daily life and raising concerns about the economic impact on local livestock herders. Mohammed Seid, a local administrator, confirmed no casualties but expressed fears for the livelihoods of residents, whose animals now face food shortages due to the ash-covered grazing lands. Seid noted that this was the first recorded eruption of Hayli Gubbi, adding to the unpredictability of the situation. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in France confirmed the eruption through satellite imagery. Residents, including Ahmed Abdela, described the event as akin to a bomb explosion, with shock waves and dense smoke. The eruption also stranded tourists and guides in the village near the Danakil desert, a popular tourist destination, which remained covered in ash on Monday. Local authorities shared visuals of the towering ash plume, highlighting the scale of the event.
-
Dubai’s prime property market to grow 3% in 2026; 331,000 new homes in 5 years
Dubai’s luxury property market is poised for significant growth, with a projected 3% increase in prime property prices by 2026, according to Knight Frank. This surge is fueled by the influx of millionaires into the city, driving demand for high-end and ultra-luxury homes in the post-pandemic era. The global consultancy firm also forecasts that 331,000 new homes will be completed over the next five years, assuming 70% of registered projects are delivered on time. Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research for Mena at Knight Frank, emphasized that the market’s strength is underpinned by record-high sales volumes, robust price appreciation, and resilient rental performance. Despite potential oversupply risks, the structural drivers of demand—population growth, wealth migration, and economic diversification—remain intact. Developers are increasingly aligning supply with affordability and lifestyle needs, ensuring Dubai’s continued global appeal. However, challenges persist, with only 46% of promised housing completed on time in 2025, highlighting a potential contractor capacity crunch. Knight Frank’s best-case scenario anticipates 66,000 homes annually between 2026 and 2030, well above the long-term completion rate of 36,000 per annum. This growth trajectory underscores Dubai’s position as a global hub for luxury real estate, driven by fundamentals rather than speculation.
-
From staycation offers to free events: How Dubai celebrates 4-day Eid Al Etihad weekend
Dubai is gearing up for an unforgettable Eid Al Etihad weekend, set to take place from December 1 to 3, 2025. The city will transform into a vibrant hub of festivities, offering residents and visitors a plethora of activities to mark the 54th anniversary of the UAE’s union. The celebrations will feature dazzling fireworks, live concerts, cultural parades, exclusive staycation offers, retail promotions, and diverse dining experiences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
-
Value of multilateralism stressed
The first-ever G20 summit on African soil concluded in Johannesburg with a resounding affirmation of multilateralism, as leaders adopted a comprehensive 122-point declaration despite the absence of the United States. Hosted by South Africa, the summit underscored the development priorities of the Global South, particularly Africa, and emphasized the importance of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his opening remarks, urged world leaders to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the G20, a premier forum for international economic cooperation. The declaration addressed critical global issues, including disaster response, energy access, and sustainable development, while highlighting the need for inclusive growth and technological advancement. The US boycott, attributed to bilateral tensions with South Africa, was criticized as an attempt to undermine the summit’s outcomes. Argentina also abstained from supporting the declaration due to escalating diplomatic tensions. Despite these challenges, the summit reinforced the G20’s role in fostering global cooperation and addressing pressing international concerns.
-
Cameroon’s opposition leader in The Gambia after fleeing for his safety
Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has contested the results of the recent presidential election, has sought asylum in The Gambia, according to an official statement from The Gambian government. Tchiroma Bakary, who claims to be the rightful winner of the October 12 election, alleges that the vote was manipulated to secure an eighth term for 92-year-old President Paul Biya. The Gambian Ministry of Information confirmed on Sunday that Tchiroma Bakary arrived on November 7 and has been granted temporary stay on humanitarian grounds. The Cameroonian government had previously threatened to prosecute him for allegedly inciting violent post-election protests, a charge he denies, instead accusing security forces of harshly suppressing demonstrators. Official reports state that 16 people died in the unrest, though independent organizations suggest a higher toll. Tchiroma Bakary has vowed to continue resisting Biya’s government until his election victory is acknowledged. Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years, was declared the winner with 53.7% of the vote, while Tchiroma Bakary secured 35.2%. His resistance strategies have included organizing street protests and ‘ghost town’ operations to disrupt daily life in cities. The Gambian government emphasized that Tchiroma Bakary’s stay is temporary and rooted in African solidarity, aimed at ensuring his safety while diplomatic efforts address Cameroon’s post-election tensions. However, The Gambia clarified that it would not permit its territory to be used for subversive activities against any state. The announcement of Tchiroma Bakary’s arrival sparked criticism from The Gambia’s main opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), which questioned the government’s transparency and accountability. Despite this, the UDP expressed pride in offering Tchiroma Bakary a safe haven, acknowledging the challenges faced by dissenters under authoritarian regimes.
-
More than 300 students abducted from Nigeria school
In one of the largest mass kidnappings in Nigeria, suspected terrorists abducted more than 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s School in Niger state. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported the incident on Saturday, initially estimating 227 victims but later revising the figure to 315 after a verification exercise. This includes 303 students and 12 teachers, with 88 students captured while attempting to escape. By Sunday, 50 students had managed to escape and reunite with their families. Alhaji Abubakar Usman, secretary to the Niger state government, confirmed the attack, noting that it occurred despite prior intelligence warnings of heightened security threats. The government had ordered the suspension of construction activities and the closure of boarding schools in the affected area. However, St. Mary’s School had reopened without official clearance, putting students and staff at risk. Local security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operation, deploying tactical units and military personnel to comb nearby forests for the abducted individuals.
-
Cameroon opposition leader flees to Gambia after contested election
In a significant development in West African politics, Gambia has announced it is temporarily hosting Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary following the contentious re-election of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya. The Gambian Ministry of Information released a statement on Sunday, November 7, confirming Tchiroma’s arrival and emphasizing that the decision was made on humanitarian grounds to ensure his safety. The statement also highlighted Gambia’s collaboration with regional partners, including Nigeria, to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in Cameroon. Tchiroma’s spokesperson, Alice Nkom, corroborated his presence in Gambia, while Cameroon’s government has threatened legal action against him for allegedly inciting insurrection. The October 12 election, which granted Biya an eighth term, has been marred by widespread protests and disputed death tolls, with opposition and human rights groups claiming over 55 fatalities compared to the government’s figure of 16. Biya, 92, has been in power since 1982 and remains a polarizing figure, often absent from public life and delegating governance to close associates. The situation underscores the deepening political crisis in Cameroon and the broader challenges of democratic governance in the region.