Sephora’s highly anticipated beauty extravaganza, Sephoria, held in Dubai from November 20–22, 2025, turned into a mixed experience for attendees. The event, hosted at Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City, promised an immersive experience with over 70 brand activations, masterclasses, exclusive product launches, and photo opportunities. However, Day 1, reserved for VIP ticket holders, was marred by long queues, delayed entry, and mismanagement. Attendees reported waiting over an hour to enter, with gates opening late and swag bags arriving after significant delays. Some VIPs even missed out on the promised Dh5,000 worth of goodies. Sephora issued a public apology on social media, vowing to improve the experience for subsequent days. Day 2 saw better organization, with structured queues and timely entry, leading to positive feedback from attendees. Despite the initial setbacks, many guests praised the event’s overall value, leaving with bags full of premium beauty products.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Dubai unveils private terminal for helicopters, flying taxis, eVTOLs
Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking private terminal designed to accommodate helicopters, flying taxis, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Developed by Falcon Executive Aviation, a UAE-based aviation company, the terminal was announced at the recently concluded Dubai Airshow 2025. Spanning a 6,380 square meter plot, the facility is engineered as an ultra-private hub with direct helipad and vertiport access, enabling seamless arrivals, departures, and inter-emirate transfers. The terminal is part of a broader vision to revolutionize air mobility in the region. It will offer a streamlined travel experience, allowing passengers to land via private jet, clear customs privately, and transition to helicopters or eVTOLs for rapid point-to-point travel across Dubai. In addition to its advanced aviation capabilities, the terminal will feature luxury amenities such as high-end retail, private banking, commercial spaces, and dedicated VIP lounges, all designed to support a premium vertical-mobility ecosystem. Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene, founder and chairman of Alex Group Investment, emphasized that this project marks the beginning of a new chapter for aviation in Dubai, positioning the UAE as a leader in future air mobility. The initiative is bolstered by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which has issued a regulatory framework allowing eVTOLs and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure. This dual-use approach is expected to accelerate implementation timelines and optimize infrastructure utilization. Visitors to the Dubai Airshow 2025 were given a preview of the flying taxi set to be deployed by the first quarter of next year, further highlighting Dubai’s commitment to pioneering innovative transportation solutions.
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Marx first hooker to win world player award since 2001
In a historic moment for rugby, South Africa’s Malcolm Marx has been crowned the men’s 15s Player of the Year at the 2025 World Rugby Awards. The 31-year-old hooker, a pivotal figure in the Springboks’ success this year, becomes the first player in his position to win the prestigious award since Ireland’s Keith Wood in 2001. Marx has been instrumental in South Africa’s dominant performance, starting in 11 of the team’s 13 Tests and scoring five tries. His contributions were crucial as the Springboks defended their Rugby Championship title and suffered only two losses throughout the year. Competing against fellow nominees Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ox Nche, and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Marx’s recognition underscores his exceptional skill and leadership. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s rising star Fabian Holland, aged 23, was named the men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. Holland, who debuted in July, has quickly made his mark with 12 appearances, including a standout performance in New Zealand’s 52-26 victory over Wales. Other notable winners include Chile’s Santiago Pedrero, who claimed the Try of the Year for his spectacular score against Samoa, and Canada’s Sophie de Goede, who was named Women’s Player of the Year in September. England’s World Cup-winning coach John Mitchell also received accolades as Coach of the Year, capping off a year of remarkable achievements in rugby.
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Hundreds protest in Tunisia over president’s escalating crackdown on freedoms
In a powerful display of dissent, thousands of Tunisians flooded the streets of downtown Tunis on Saturday to protest against President Kais Saied’s increasingly authoritarian governance. The rally, organized under the slogan “Against Injustice,” united families of political detainees, activists, and citizens from diverse ideological backgrounds. Over 1,000 demonstrators, some clad in black, chanted slogans such as “The people want to overthrow the regime,” “What a great country! Oppression and tyranny!” and “No fear no terror, the street belongs to the people.” The protest reflects a broader wave of unrest across Tunisia, fueled by political repression and economic instability under Saied’s rule. Earlier in the week, journalists staged demonstrations against the government’s crackdown on press freedom and the suspension of prominent civil society organizations. Protesters also condemned Saied’s interference in the judiciary and accused him of using law enforcement to target political opponents. Ayoub Amara, one of the protest organizers, emphasized the rally’s dual focus: highlighting the plight of political prisoners and addressing broader grievances, including environmental protests in Gabes and arbitrary arrests under anti-terrorism laws. Monia Brahim, the wife of jailed opposition figure Abdelhamid Jlassi, joined the march, stating, “Many Tunisians are facing deep injustice.” She asserted that political prisoners are being held hostage for their principles and activism. Among the detainees is constitutional law professor Jawher Ben Mbarek, who has been on a hunger strike for over 20 days. Human Rights Watch has raised alarms over the escalating repression, noting that over 50 individuals, including politicians, lawyers, journalists, and activists, have been arbitrarily arrested or prosecuted since late 2022. The rights group criticized the misuse of anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws to suppress dissent. Saied, who suspended parliament and centralized power in July 2021, claims his actions are necessary to combat corruption and restore state institutions. However, critics argue that his measures have undermined Tunisia’s democratic progress since the 2011 revolution.
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G20 summit shows signs of consensus
The inaugural G20 Leaders’ Summit in Africa commenced in Johannesburg on November 22, 2025, under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.’ Hosted by South Africa, the summit brought together over 40 heads of state to address pressing global issues, including inclusive growth, debt relief for developing nations, and equitable energy transitions. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of bridging economic, gender, racial, and geographic divides, stating that such disparities are unsustainable and hinder global progress. He highlighted the adoption of a joint declaration as a testament to the efficacy of multilateralism, calling it a ‘message of hope and solidarity.’ Ramaphosa also underscored the need for reforms in the global financial architecture to tackle emerging challenges, such as climate-driven disasters and debt sustainability for low-income countries. The summit prioritized mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, leveraging critical minerals for inclusive growth, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Ramaphosa warned that escalating geopolitical tensions, global warming, pandemics, and inequality threaten humanity’s shared future, particularly for nations unable to recover from climate-induced disasters. He urged the global community to scale up post-disaster reconstruction efforts and protect the G20’s integrity, emphasizing that the Johannesburg summit must strengthen the forum’s credibility.
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‘Fear, focus, fun’: How I drove through RAK dunes at KT Desert Drive 2025
The KT Desert Drive 2025, now in its seventh edition, has cemented its reputation as a premier off-roading event in the UAE, attracting enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Flagged off by Charles Yardley, CEO of Khaleej Times, the convoy embarked on an exhilarating journey through the dunes of Ras Al Khaimah, blending adrenaline, skill, and camaraderie. Led by seasoned marshal Nick, participants navigated a meticulously designed route, starting with gentle slopes and progressing to more challenging terrains. The experience was a mix of fear, focus, and fun, as drivers tackled soft sand, steep climbs, and descents. The event catered to all skill levels, with beginners receiving expert guidance and seasoned off-roaders pushing their limits. A real-time navigation app ensured safety and coordination, allowing marshals to monitor the convoy and provide immediate assistance if needed. Families, friends, and first-timers shared the thrill, making the desert a unifying space for adventure. The KT Desert Drive continues to grow as a hallmark community event, celebrating the spirit of off-roading and the beauty of the UAE’s desert landscape.
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UAE: Where to watch the 54th Eid Al Etihad ceremony
As the UAE gears up for its 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, the nation is abuzz with anticipation for the grand festivities marking its National Day. Scheduled for December 2, 2025, this year’s theme, ‘United,’ underscores the spirit of unity, belonging, and national pride that defines the UAE. The celebrations will span all seven emirates, offering a diverse array of activities, community events, and experiences designed to bring people together. The Eid Al Etihad team has curated detailed Celebration Guides available on their official website, providing inspiration and suggestions for engaging activities. Additionally, an official playlist on the Eid Al Etihad YouTube channel adds a musical touch to the festivities, featuring songs that evoke joy and pride. The official ceremony will be broadcast live at various locations across the emirates, including Khalifa City and Al Falah City in Abu Dhabi, Al Khawaneej and The Global Village in Dubai, and Al Siyouh Park in Sharjah, among others. These gatherings aim to foster a sense of community and shared celebration, inviting everyone who calls the UAE home to partake in this national occasion.
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Chinese humanoid breaks Guinness record with 106km walk
A Chinese humanoid robot, developed by Shanghai-based Agibot, has achieved a groundbreaking feat by walking 106 kilometres between the cities of Suzhou and Shanghai, setting a new Guinness World Record. The robot, named A2, embarked on its journey on the night of November 10th and successfully reached the Bund in Shanghai in the early hours of November 13th. Powered by Agibot’s advanced rapid hot-swap battery system, the robot maintained continuous operation throughout the entire distance, officially certified at 106.286 kilometres on Thursday. Wang Chuang, Senior Vice President of Agibot, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, ‘Walking from Suzhou to Shanghai is a tough task even for many humans, but the robot achieved it. This demonstrates the maturity of the robot’s hardware, cerebellar balance algorithms, and endurance, paving the way for large-scale commercial deployment.’ Upon completing the journey, the robot humorously remarked that it was ‘an unforgettable experience in its machine life’ and quipped that it ‘might need new shoes.’ This milestone follows another notable achievement in April, when the Tien Kung Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre, completed a 21-kilometre half-marathon in just 2 hours and 40 minutes.
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Nigeria sees one of worst mass abductions as 315 taken from school
In a devastating early morning raid, armed assailants stormed St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state, Nigeria, kidnapping over 300 children and staff. The attack, which occurred around 02:00 local time on Friday, marks one of the largest mass abductions in the country’s history. Initial reports estimated 215 victims, but the Christian Association of Nigeria later revised the figure to 303 students and 12 teachers after a thorough verification process. The school, a Catholic institution, had reportedly ignored government orders to close its boarding facilities despite intelligence warnings of heightened security risks. Local police and security agencies are now conducting extensive search operations in nearby forests to rescue the abducted individuals. The incident has sparked widespread fear and anger across Nigeria, with citizens demanding stronger government action to protect schools and communities. This kidnapping is the third such attack in Nigeria within a week, following the abduction of over 20 Muslim schoolgirls in Kebbi state and a church attack in Kwara state that left two dead and 38 kidnapped. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has postponed his foreign engagements, including the G20 summit in South Africa, to address the escalating security crisis. The central government has also ordered the closure of more than 40 federal colleges and public schools in several states. The rising insecurity has fueled public outrage, with many calling for more effective measures to combat the growing threat of criminal gangs, locally known as bandits, who frequently kidnap for ransom. Despite the government’s ban on ransom payments, the practice continues to thrive, exacerbating the crisis. The mass abduction has also reignited debates about religious persecution in Nigeria, with U.S. right-wing figures, including former President Donald Trump, accusing Islamist militants of targeting Christians. However, the Nigerian government has dismissed these claims, stating that terrorist attacks affect people of all faiths and are often driven by resource competition rather than religion.
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23 children die of malnutrition within a month in Sudan’s Kordofan region
In a tragic revelation, nearly two dozen children have succumbed to malnutrition-related causes in central Sudan over the span of a month, according to a medical group. The deaths occurred in the Kordofan region, a focal point of the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This grim statistic highlights the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the northeastern African nation, where famine is spreading after more than 30 months of relentless warfare. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between the military and the RSF, has claimed over 40,000 lives, according to U.N. estimates, though aid organizations believe the actual toll is significantly higher. The war has displaced over 14 million people, triggered disease outbreaks, and pushed parts of the country into famine. As of September, approximately 370,000 people in Kordofan and Darfur were classified as experiencing famine, with an additional 3.6 million teetering on the brink. The Sudan Doctors Network reported that the 23 children died between October 20 and November 20 in the besieged city of Kadugli and the town of Dilling, attributing the deaths to severe acute malnutrition and shortages of essential supplies. Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan province, has been under blockade for months, preventing the entry of food and medicine and endangering thousands of civilians. Dilling, also in South Kordofan, faces similar conditions, though famine has not been officially declared due to insufficient data. The RSF’s aggressive campaign in Kordofan and el-Fasher has exacerbated the crisis, with tens of thousands fleeing reported atrocities, including mass killings and sexual assaults. Satellite images from the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab suggest ongoing efforts by the RSF to dispose of bodies in el-Fasher, raising grave concerns about the fate of civilians remaining in the city.