In a grand celebration at Erth Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other prominent royals and dignitaries, attended the wedding reception of Abdulaziz and Abdulla, sons of Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs. The newlyweds married the daughters of Najeeb Ibrahim Al Zarouni and Sameer Meer Abdulaziz Al Khoury, respectively. The event was graced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Other notable attendees included Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, also joined the festivities. Sheikh Mohamed extended his heartfelt congratulations to the couples and their families, wishing them a prosperous and harmonious life. The families expressed profound gratitude for the royal presence, highlighting the leadership’s deep connection with the Emirati people. The celebration featured traditional Emirati performances, adding cultural richness to the joyous occasion.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Violent protests flare in Cameroon as results due in contested election
Tensions have escalated across Cameroon as supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary clashed with security forces in multiple cities, just a day before the official announcement of the presidential election results. The protests, which began in Bakary’s stronghold of Garoua in northern Cameroon, saw police deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Demonstrators accused the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) of attempting to ‘steal the victory’ from Bakary, who claims to have won the October 12 election with approximately 55% of the vote. Incumbent President Paul Biya, who has held power for 43 years, seeks another term, but Bakary has dismissed the CPDM’s claims as illegitimate. Authorities have banned public gatherings until Monday, when the constitutional council is expected to announce the results. The protests, initially peaceful, turned chaotic as security forces intervened. In Douala, another major city, demonstrators chanted support for Bakary, demanding transparency in the electoral process. Bakary, a former government minister and Biya ally, dramatically shifted his stance earlier this year, resigning from the government to challenge Biya. He has refused to file complaints with the constitutional council, whose judges are appointed by Biya, instead declaring himself the ‘legal and legitimate president.’ The election has been marred by allegations of irregularities, including ballot-stuffing, which the constitutional council has dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The unrest underscores deep political divisions in Cameroon, with Bakary’s supporters vowing to continue their fight for electoral justice.
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GCC-Stat: Gulf economy records positive growth in Q1 2025
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies demonstrated a strong performance in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat). The region’s nominal GDP surged to $588.1 billion, marking a 5.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Real GDP also saw a notable rise, reaching $466.2 billion, with an annual growth rate of 3.0%. This upward trend underscores the region’s ongoing economic stability and commitment to sustainable development. The oil sector remained the largest contributor to GDP at 22.9%, followed by manufacturing (12.7%) and wholesale and retail trade (9.6%). Other activities accounted for 26.7% of the total GDP, highlighting the success of economic diversification initiatives. The report emphasized that these positive results reflect the GCC countries’ continued efforts to enhance non-oil sectors, ensuring long-term economic stability and growth.
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India defies tariff turbulence, set to outpace major economies with 6.6pc growth: IMF
India is poised to maintain its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting a robust growth rate of 6.6% for the fiscal year 2025–26. This upward revision, from the previous forecast of 6.5%, highlights India’s economic resilience in the face of global trade uncertainties and rising protectionism. The IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for Asia attributes this momentum to strong second-quarter performance and the successful implementation of GST 2.0 reforms, which have enhanced tax compliance, formalisation, and fiscal efficiency. Despite challenges posed by higher US tariffs, India’s diversified growth base—driven by services exports, infrastructure investment, digital transformation, and domestic consumption—is expected to cushion the impact. In contrast, China’s GDP growth is projected to moderate to 4.8% in 2025, weighed down by structural property-sector issues and weak domestic demand. The broader Asia-Pacific region is forecast to expand by 4.5%, contributing nearly 60% of global output growth. The IMF cautioned that Asia’s economic momentum could soften due to the ripple effects of US tariff hikes, which are already prompting exporters to front-load shipments. However, India’s reforms, including GST 2.0, improved logistics, and fiscal prudence, are expected to sustain medium-term expansion. The IMF also emphasised the need for Asian policymakers to deepen regional integration, reduce trade barriers, and improve productivity through better capital allocation. By 2026, India is projected to account for over 18% of Asia’s GDP expansion and nearly a fifth of global incremental growth, solidifying its role as a key pillar of stability and optimism in the region.
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Sudan’s RSF says takes full control of Darfur’s El-Fasher
In a significant development in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Sunday, October 26, 2025, that it has seized full control of El-Fasher, the last major urban center in western Darfur previously outside its dominion. The RSF, in an official statement, declared it had ‘liberated the city of El-Fasher from the clutches of mercenaries and militias,’ a reference to the Sudanese army, which has been its adversary since April 2023. The capture of El-Fasher marks a pivotal moment in the protracted struggle for dominance in the region. However, the claim remains unverified, as AFP could not independently confirm the development, and the Sudanese army and its allies have yet to issue any response. The RSF’s assertion underscores the escalating tensions and shifting dynamics in Sudan’s civil unrest, with Darfur remaining a critical battleground. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the conflict threatens to further destabilize the region and exacerbate humanitarian crises.
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Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane: Abu Dhabi fans furious after UFC 321 Main Event ends in No Contest
The highly anticipated UFC 321 main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena ended in frustration and controversy. The fight, which drew over 13,000 fans, was abruptly halted in the first round due to an accidental eye poke from Gane, leaving Aspinall unable to continue. Referee Jason Herzog declared the bout a no contest, sparking boos and disappointment from the crowd. Aspinall, visibly distressed, was immediately attended to by medical staff and later sent to the hospital for further evaluation. UFC President Dana White expressed his disappointment but confirmed plans for an immediate rematch. The incident has reignited discussions about fighter safety and the rules surrounding accidental fouls in MMA. With the heavyweight division in flux following Jon Jones’ retirement, the rematch between Aspinall and Gane is now one of the most anticipated fights in the sport.
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Selena Gomez releases new song ‘In The Dark’ from ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’ soundtrack
Selena Gomez has once again captivated her fans with the release of her latest single, ‘In The Dark,’ which is part of the soundtrack for the second season of ‘Nobody Wants This.’ The song, accompanied by its official music video, was directed by Luke Orlando and features Gomez in an all-black ensemble, traversing expansive, open spaces while delivering a heartfelt message about love and resilience during challenging times. The soundtrack also includes contributions from renowned artists such as Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Finneas, making it a diverse and compelling musical collection. Following the release, Gomez took to Instagram to share a snippet of the video, expressing her hope that the song would evoke a sense of nostalgia among her listeners. This release follows her collaborative album ‘I Said I Loved You First’ with her husband, Benny Blanco, which earlier this year chronicled their romantic journey. The ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’ soundtrack comprises 19 tracks and is currently available for streaming alongside the show’s second season.
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Abu Dhabi: Doctor wins Dh318,690 over unpaid wages, gratuity in labour dispute
In a landmark labor dispute case, the Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation has upheld a ruling in favor of a medical professional against her former employer, a medical center in Abu Dhabi. The court confirmed that the employee is entitled to a net payment of Dh168,690 after offsetting amounts owed to the employer. The case, which began with the employee filing for unpaid wages, vacation allowance, and end-of-service gratuity, has seen multiple legal proceedings since its inception. The employee, who joined the medical center on a fixed-term contract in October 2022, resigned in December 2024, citing breach of contract by the employer. The medical center filed a counterclaim seeking Dh150,000 as notice allowance and Dh300,000 for alleged damages caused by the employee’s professional shortcomings. The Court of First Instance initially ruled in favor of the employee, ordering the medical center to pay Dh392,708. However, the Court of Appeal later amended this ruling, reducing the amount to Dh318,690 while upholding the counterclaim. The Court of Cassation dismissed the employee’s final appeal, stating that the appellate court had correctly applied the law and assessed the evidence. This ruling brings the protracted legal battle to a close, setting a precedent for labor disputes in the UAE.
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New ‘retail sukuk’ initiative: UAE residents can buy govt bonds from just Dh4,000
The UAE has introduced a groundbreaking ‘Retail Sukuk’ initiative, enabling citizens and residents to invest in sovereign-backed Islamic financial instruments with a minimum investment of just Dh4,000. Announced by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, this initiative aims to democratize access to public-sector financing while fostering a culture of saving and financial inclusion. The retail version of the government’s T-Sukuk programme allows individual investors to lend money to the federal government through Shariah-compliant instruments, receiving periodic profit payments and the face value at maturity. Previously reserved for institutional investors, this rollout marks a significant shift in the UAE’s financial-market architecture. The initiative aligns with the leadership’s vision of empowering individuals, promoting economic participation, and strengthening the domestic debt capital market. For residents, this offers a secure, government-guaranteed investment channel, diversifying savings beyond conventional deposits or real estate. The first participating bank is set to be announced on November 3, 2025. The broader public policy implications include enhancing financial inclusion, reducing reliance on foreign-currency debt, and reinforcing the UAE’s capital-market infrastructure. This initiative represents a strategic move to deepen the financial-market architecture while providing accessible investment opportunities for everyday residents.
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Dubai teen cremated after cardiac arrest on Diwali; tributes pour in
The tragic passing of Vaishnav Krishnakumar, an 18-year-old Dubai resident, has left his family, friends, and community in mourning. Vaishnav, a first-year student at Middlesex University and a former pupil of GEMS Our Own Indian School, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a Diwali celebration on Tuesday. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he could not be saved. His final rites were conducted on Saturday afternoon in his hometown of Alappuzha, Kerala, surrounded by grieving family members. The family had arrived in Kerala earlier that morning after a heart-wrenching journey from Dubai. On Friday evening, hundreds of parents, teachers, and friends gathered at an embalming center in Al Muhaisnah to pay their respects. Attendees described the atmosphere as overwhelmingly emotional, with many sharing heartfelt memories of Vaishnav’s positive influence on their lives. Social media has been flooded with tributes, with friends and acquaintances recalling his kindness, leadership, and ability to inspire others. His school and university also posted touching messages, with the school postponing several events in his honor. Vaishnav is survived by his mother, Vidhu, a STEAM teacher at GEMS Our Own Indian School, and his eight-year-old sister.