Umm Al Quwain, one of the UAE’s lesser-known emirates, has unveiled an ambitious new project aimed at transforming it into a premier destination for motorsports, camping, and outdoor adventures. The initiative, announced on October 28, 2025, is designed to diversify the emirate’s tourism offerings and attract a younger, adventure-seeking demographic. The project will feature dedicated zones for motorsports competitions, equipped camping areas, and off-road trip facilities, catering to enthusiasts of all levels. Additionally, the destination will host recreational activities, artistic events, and provide integrated service infrastructure to enhance visitor comfort and create a seamless experience. Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized that the project is more than just an entertainment hub—it’s a platform that blends cultural heritage with modern adventure, offering a safe and innovative environment for motorsports and outdoor enthusiasts. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Umm Al Quwain as a hub for sports tourism and outdoor exploration, balancing authenticity with modernity. The project is expected to significantly boost the emirate’s appeal, attracting both tourists and investors while stimulating economic activity in the region.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Apple suppliers Skyworks, Qorvo agree to create $22 billion radio-chip giant
In a landmark deal announced on Tuesday, Skyworks Solutions and Qorvo have agreed to merge, creating a $22 billion combined entity that will dominate the radio-frequency (RF) chip market. The merger, structured as a stock-and-cash transaction, aims to capitalize on the resurgence in smartphone demand following the post-pandemic downturn. Qorvo shareholders will receive $32.50 in cash and 0.960 Skyworks shares for each share held, valuing the deal at a 14.3% premium to Qorvo’s closing price on Monday. Shares of both companies surged approximately 12% in pre-market trading. Skyworks CEO Phil Brace will lead the merged company, while Qorvo’s CEO Bob Bruggeworth will join the board. The combined firm will hold a significant position in supplying RF chips to Apple and other smartphone manufacturers, though Apple’s ongoing development of in-house chips could pose long-term challenges. The merger is expected to face rigorous antitrust scrutiny, with the deal projected to close by early 2027. Skyworks investors will own about 63% of the new entity, with Qorvo shareholders holding the remaining 37%. The merger follows months of discussions and comes amid activist investor Starboard Value’s push to enhance Qorvo’s share price.
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India signs aircraft deal with sanctioned Russian firm
In a significant development for India’s aviation sector, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a firm currently under US and European sanctions. The deal, signed in Moscow, marks the first time India will manufacture complete civil passenger aircraft domestically. The collaboration will focus on producing the SJ-100, a twin-engine, narrow-body plane designed for short-haul connectivity, primarily catering to the Indian market. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the deal as a ‘landmark step’ for India’s civil aviation industry, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and enhance self-reliance. However, the agreement has drawn criticism from Western allies, particularly the United States, which has previously urged India to align with sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. India has consistently maintained its stance against unilateral sanctions, asserting its right to pursue independent foreign and trade policies. The deal underscores India’s continued strategic and economic ties with Russia, despite increasing scrutiny over its energy imports and defense collaborations. This move also comes amid heightened trade tensions, with the US recently imposing tariffs on Indian exports, accusing India of indirectly supporting Russia’s war efforts. While US President Donald Trump claimed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to reduce Russian oil imports as part of a potential trade deal, no official confirmation has been provided by the Indian government.
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PayPal strikes payments wallet deal with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, shares surge
In a groundbreaking move, PayPal has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI, enabling ChatGPT users to make purchases directly through PayPal’s payment wallet. This collaboration has sent PayPal’s shares surging by 13% in premarket trading, reflecting investor optimism about the deal’s potential. The partnership aims to integrate PayPal’s vast global merchant network with ChatGPT, transforming the generative AI tool into a powerful platform for seamless e-commerce transactions. PayPal CEO Alex Chriss emphasized the significance of the deal, stating that it will allow users to transition from chat to checkout with just a few taps, leveraging the Agentic Commerce Protocol. In addition to the partnership, PayPal raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share (EPS) forecast to between $5.35 and $5.39, up from the previous range of $5.15 to $5.30. The company also declared its first-ever quarterly dividend of 14 cents per share, marking a pivotal moment in its 27-year history. This dividend represents a targeted payout ratio of 10% of adjusted profit, underscoring PayPal’s confidence in its cash generation and long-term profitability. The announcement comes as PayPal shifts its focus from aggressive revenue growth to prioritizing profitability under Chriss’s leadership. Despite challenges in the post-pandemic retail landscape, PayPal has demonstrated resilience, with total payment volume growing by 7% on a foreign exchange-neutral basis to $458.1 billion. The partnership with OpenAI signals a broader trend in the retail sector, where AI-powered shopping tools are emerging as the next frontier in online commerce. These tools, which autonomously research, compare, and purchase products, are poised to redefine the consumer shopping experience by acting as intelligent digital assistants.
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United Arab Bank net profit up by 49% for the nine months ended September 2025
United Arab Bank (UAB) has announced a remarkable 49% year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching Dh316 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, compared to Dh212 million during the same period in 2024. The bank’s total income also saw a significant rise of 28%, climbing to Dh580 million from Dh452 million in the previous year. This financial growth is attributed to substantial increases in total assets, including loans, advances, Islamic financing, and investments, alongside a disciplined approach to risk management.
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UAE fans can now watch Shah Rukh Khan’s classics on the big screen again
In a grand celebration of Shah Rukh Khan’s unparalleled cinematic legacy, Yash Raj Films (YRF) International has unveiled the Shah Rukh Khan Film Festival, set to captivate audiences across the Middle East, North America, the UK, Europe, and Australasia. The festival, commencing on October 31, will span two weeks, offering fans a chance to revisit some of SRK’s most iconic films on the big screen. The curated lineup includes timeless classics such as the romantic tragedy ‘Devdas,’ the poetic masterpiece ‘Dil Se,’ the adrenaline-packed ‘Chennai Express,’ and the modern action thriller ‘Jawan,’ among others. Each film represents a distinct era and emotion from SRK’s illustrious 33-year career, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal. Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘Cinema has always been my home, and seeing these films return to the big screen feels like a beautiful reunion.’ Nelson D’Souza, Vice President of International Distribution at YRF, emphasized SRK’s global influence, calling him ‘a global icon and an enduring emotion.’ The festival coincides with SRK’s birthday on November 2, allowing UAE fans to celebrate by immersing themselves in his cinematic magic. Show timings are available at local cinemas.
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myAster hits 5 million users as UAE’s healthcare market embraces digital shift
In a significant milestone for digital healthcare in the UAE, myAster, the innovative health and wellness platform by Aster DM Healthcare, has reached over 5 million users within just three years of its launch. This achievement underscores the region’s accelerating shift towards digital-first healthcare solutions, where patients increasingly turn to online platforms for medical, wellness, and beauty services. Launched in 2022, myAster has become a cornerstone of the UAE’s healthcare ecosystem, offering seamless access to 7 hospitals, 72 clinics, and more than 680 doctors across 30 specialties. The platform has facilitated over 50,000 video consultations, enabling users to connect with general physicians in as little as 10–15 minutes, reflecting the growing demand for convenience and efficiency in healthcare delivery. Beyond traditional medical services, myAster has expanded into homecare, offering physiotherapy, IV drips, and nurse visits, while its “Lab on App” feature consolidates prescriptions, lab reports, and radiology results. The platform’s Health Profile tool empowers users to monitor critical health metrics such as blood pressure, glucose levels, and risk factors like smoking and hypertension. myAster has also tapped into the UAE’s thriving wellness and beauty market, providing thousands of skincare products, including popular K-Beauty items, and an AI-powered skin analysis tool that delivers personalized recommendations based on 18 skin metrics and environmental factors. Its 24/7 express delivery service, available in five Emirates, ensures products reach users within 90 minutes. With its recent expansion into Saudi Arabia, featuring Arabic voice input and generative AI capabilities via Google Cloud, myAster is poised to replicate its success across the GCC. Aster DM Healthcare, which operates 15 hospitals, 124 clinics, and 333 pharmacies across the region, is leveraging myAster to bridge its physical and digital offerings. As the UAE continues to invest in health tech and patient-centric care, platforms like myAster are set to redefine the future of healthcare delivery in the region.
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Pakistani producer Abdullah Seja on ‘Sher’, Dubai’s creative scene, and the future of Urdu content
Abdullah Seja, the visionary producer behind hit shows like ‘Sher’ and ‘Kaisi Teri Khudgharzi’, has become a prominent figure in the Urdu entertainment industry. With ‘Sher’ amassing over 4 billion views across platforms, Seja’s production house, Idream Entertainment, has solidified its place in the global streaming landscape. In a recent interview with City Times, Seja shared insights into his creative journey, the evolving habits of content consumers, and his vision for the future of Urdu content.
Seja emphasized the responsibility that comes with producing content, stating, ‘Delivering content is always a responsibility; you have to be relevant to the society you’re producing for.’ He highlighted the importance of understanding diverse audience segments and creating relatable narratives. Dubai, which he describes as his ‘second home,’ plays a pivotal role in his creative process. ‘Dubai is a melting pot for all creative individuals,’ he noted, adding that the city’s dynamic environment helps him align his vision with global trends and market dynamics.
Seja also discussed the growing connection between his content and the UAE’s diverse diaspora. With ARY, a major channel in the UAE, airing his shows, he has established a strong foothold in the region. He expressed optimism about future collaborations with local channels and stakeholders in the MENA region, aiming to produce more Urdu-based content tailored to the expatriate audience.
Looking ahead, Seja believes that content consumption will continue to evolve, with platforms like YouTube enabling personalized viewing experiences. ‘Content consumption is very personalized,’ he explained, noting that algorithms now push similar dramas to viewers based on their preferences. Despite these changes, he remains confident in the timeless nature of storytelling, stating, ‘There are only seven stories in the world; the execution and packaging will evolve.’
Seja’s approach to producing diverse content, from mass entertainers like ‘Sher’ to neighborhood dramas like ‘Sharpasand’, reflects his understanding of varied audience tastes. ‘Every drama will have its own life,’ he remarked, emphasizing that each project resonates uniquely with its audience. As he continues to innovate and collaborate, Seja is poised to shape the future of Urdu content on a global scale.
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UN human rights investigator delivers Gaza report from South Africa because of US sanctions
Francesca Albanese, an independent United Nations investigator, delivered a scathing critique of global nations for their failure to challenge the United States over sanctions imposed on her. Speaking via video from South Africa during a General Assembly session, Albanese labeled the sanctions as ‘unlawful and spiteful,’ emphasizing that they undermine the U.N.’s independence and integrity. She urged the international community to confront this ‘dangerous precedent’ and highlighted the challenges she faced in presenting her latest report on Israeli human rights violations in the Palestinian territories. Despite the unprecedented attacks against her, Albanese noted that powerful nations have only issued declarations and condemnations without taking concrete steps since the U.S. imposed sanctions this summer. The U.S. State Department has yet to respond to requests for comment. Albanese, an Italian human rights lawyer and the U.N.’s special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza since May 2022, has consistently criticized Israel’s policies, describing its actions as ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid.’ In her latest report, she painted a grim picture of Gaza, describing it as ‘strangled, starved, shattered’ under a fragile ceasefire. Israel and the U.S. have vehemently rejected her claims, with Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon dismissing her report as ‘shameful’ and ‘one-sided,’ and personally attacking her as a ‘witch.’ The U.S. sanctions, announced in July by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accused Albanese of antisemitism and supporting terrorism. Albanese countered these allegations, asserting that she was targeted for fulfilling her role and vowed to continue her work. The U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, and the U.N.’s chief spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, both condemned the sanctions, calling them ‘unacceptable.’ The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Albanese called for a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian territories, criticizing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire as insufficient and enabling continued violence.
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No survivors: Small plane crashes in Kenya, killing all 11 on board
A devastating plane crash in Kenya on Tuesday morning resulted in the tragic loss of all 11 individuals on board, including foreign nationals. The small aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, was en route from the coastal tourist destination of Diani to Kichwa Tembo airstrip in the Maasai Mara National Park when it crashed at approximately 5:30 am local time (0230 GMT). According to John Cleave, chairman of Mombasa Air Safari, the passengers included eight Hungarians, two Germans, and a Kenyan captain. Cleave confirmed that there were no survivors and expressed deep condolences, stating, ‘Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event.’ The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has dispatched government agencies to the crash site to investigate the cause of the accident. This incident follows another tragic aviation event in August, when a light aircraft belonging to the medical NGO Amref crashed near Nairobi, claiming six lives and injuring two others. The latest crash has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, particularly for small aircraft operating in remote areas.