标签: Asia

亚洲

  • Deyaar posts 23.7% profit surge on strong development revenue

    Deyaar posts 23.7% profit surge on strong development revenue

    Dubai-based real estate developer Deyaar Development has announced a remarkable 23.7% year-on-year increase in profit after tax for the first nine months of 2025, reaching Dh406.4 million. This impressive financial performance was fueled by a 39.1% surge in total revenue, which rose to Dh1.447 billion from Dh1.040 billion in the same period last year. The company’s core property development segment was the primary driver of growth, with revenue soaring 46.4% to Dh1.196 billion. Other business segments also contributed positively, recording a 12.2% growth to Dh251 million. Profit before tax increased by 22.1% to Dh425.7 million, while earnings per share climbed 24.2% to 9.33 fils. Deyaar’s total assets grew by 12.3% to Dh7.591 billion, reflecting its expanding scale. Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO of Deyaar, attributed the success to the company’s strategic direction and disciplined execution. He highlighted recent project launches, including Downtown Residences, the final phase of Park Five, and the luxury AYA Beachfront Residences, as evidence of the company’s ability to meet market demands. Al Qatami expressed optimism for the remainder of 2025, citing Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and the 2040 Urban Master Plan as key enablers of growth. The company remains focused on profitability and launching selective projects that align with evolving customer needs. Strategic milestones during the period included the launch of the ultra-luxury Downtown Residences, set to become Deyaar’s tallest project upon completion in 2030. Additionally, the company is progressing on delivery targets, with the Amalia project underway and the Regalia tower in Business Bay scheduled for completion before year-end.

  • How I beat Sharjah-Dubai rush-hour traffic using the ferry

    How I beat Sharjah-Dubai rush-hour traffic using the ferry

    Navigating the notorious rush-hour traffic between Sharjah and Dubai can be a daunting task, but one traveler discovered a refreshing alternative: the ferry. On November 5, 2025, Waad Barakat opted for the Dubai Ferry from Al Ghubaiba station to Sharjah, transforming what would have been a grueling hour-long drive into a serene 32-minute journey across calm waters. As the ferry departed promptly at 4pm, the bustling cityscape of Dubai faded into the background, replaced by the soothing sounds of waves and the sight of seabirds gliding overhead. The ferry offered a unique perspective of Dubai, showcasing both modern waterfront developments and traditional dhows bobbing gently at the docks. Inside, the cabin was comfortably air-conditioned, with a gentle sea breeze flowing through the deck. Around 15 passengers, including tourists and regular commuters, enjoyed the peaceful ride. By 4:32pm, the ferry docked at Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station, and a quick taxi ride brought Barakat to the Expo Centre Sharjah by 4:49pm—matching the time it would have taken by car but without the stress. This experience was part of broader efforts by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) to enhance transportation options for visitors to the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025). New shuttle bus routes and marine transport services, including the FR5 ferry, have been introduced to ease commutes. Badr Mohammed Saab, Director of Government Communications at SBA, emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation in supporting cultural events like SIBF. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the water, Barakat arrived at the Expo grounds feeling refreshed and triumphant, having outsmarted the rush-hour chaos.

  • Miss Universe contestants walk out after organiser berates Miss Mexico

    Miss Universe contestants walk out after organiser berates Miss Mexico

    A dramatic confrontation at a Miss Universe pre-pageant ceremony in Thailand has sparked widespread outrage and solidarity among contestants. Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, for allegedly failing to post promotional content. When Ms. Bosch objected, Mr. Nawat escalated the situation by calling security and threatening to disqualify those who supported her. This led to Ms. Bosch leaving the room, followed by several other contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark. The incident, which was live-streamed, quickly went viral, prompting condemnation from the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO). MUO President Raul Rocha described Mr. Nawat’s behavior as ‘malicious’ and ‘disrespectful,’ stating that it contradicted the pageant’s mission of empowering women. Mr. Nawat has since apologized, claiming his words were misunderstood, but the MUO has limited his involvement in the competition and is considering legal action. Despite the controversy, the pageant continues, with the winner set to be crowned on November 21 in Bangkok. Ms. Bosch, in a post-event interview, emphasized her commitment to being a voice for women and girls worldwide, stating, ‘I’m not a doll to be made up and styled. I came here to make a difference.’

  • NIP Group expands global bitcoin mining capacity, becoming largest in Mena

    NIP Group expands global bitcoin mining capacity, becoming largest in Mena

    Abu Dhabi-based NIP Group, a prominent player in the global digital entertainment sector, has significantly expanded its Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing operations. The company’s total capacity has now reached approximately 11.3 EH/s, solidifying its position as the largest Bitcoin-mining entity in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. This expansion enables NIP Group to produce around 160 Bitcoins monthly, contingent on network conditions, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing stature as a global hub for digital infrastructure.

    This strategic move marks a critical milestone in NIP Group’s broader vision to integrate gaming, entertainment, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing into a unified ecosystem. Hicham Chahine, co-CEO of NIP Group, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, ‘This transaction underscores the rapid progress of our digital infrastructure strategy. By building large-scale computing power, we are better positioned to explore opportunities in high-performance computing, crypto mining, and AI applications within gaming and entertainment.’

    Carl Argen, COO of NIPG Mining and Digital Assets, added, ‘We will deploy these assets with precision, ensuring immediate stable output while preparing for more advanced applications in the future.’

    Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global leader in AI, blockchain, and data-driven infrastructure has been instrumental in this development. Over the past two years, the Emirate has attracted billions in investments to establish AI-optimized data centers, supercomputing hubs, and blockchain-ready ecosystems. NIP Group’s expansion aligns with the UAE’s national strategy to become a frontrunner in AI, Web3, and high-performance computing.

    The Emirate’s favorable regulatory environment, reliable energy supply, and government-backed innovation initiatives have made it a magnet for next-generation infrastructure development. For NIP Group, Abu Dhabi serves not only as an operational base but also as a platform to merge computing power with creativity, enabling the company to pioneer advancements in gaming, blockchain, and AI convergence.

    This expansion signifies a transformative moment for NIP Group as it evolves from a digital entertainment company into a technology-driven infrastructure leader. By anchoring its operations in Abu Dhabi, NIP Group is positioning itself at the intersection of gaming, entertainment, blockchain innovation, digital asset infrastructure, and AI. The UAE’s progressive regulatory framework, world-class digital connectivity, and ambition to become an AI-native economy by 2030 provide an ideal environment for this evolution.

  • China records 10-year low in first marriages

    China records 10-year low in first marriages

    China has recorded its lowest number of first marriages in a decade, with only 9.1723 million couples tying the knot in 2024, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Bureau. This marks the first time the figure has fallen below 10 million in the past ten years. The decline is part of a broader trend, with the number of first marriages decreasing annually from 2014 to 2024, except for a slight uptick in 2023. In 2024 alone, the number dropped by 2.77 million, or 23.18 percent, compared to the previous year, representing the steepest decline in a decade. Compared to 2013, the number of first marriages in 2024 plummeted by 14.69 million, a staggering 61.57 percent reduction. Marriage registrations also saw a significant drop, falling from 13.469 million in 2013 to 6.106 million in 2024, a decline of 54.7 percent. Demographics scholar He Yafu attributes this trend to two primary factors: a shrinking young population and a rising unmarried rate. Data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs reveals that the 25-34 age group, which accounts for the majority of marriages, has seen a decline in population. The seventh national population census in 2020 showed that the population aged 21-30 (born between 1990 and 1999) was only 178 million, compared to 215 million in the 31-40 age group (born between 1980 and 1989). Additionally, the unmarried rate among 30-year-olds has surged from 14.56 percent in 2013 to 29.97 percent in 2023, reflecting a significant societal shift. This trend underscores the challenges China faces in addressing demographic changes and their implications for social and economic stability.

  • Seven Italian climbers still missing in Nepal

    Seven Italian climbers still missing in Nepal

    A devastating avalanche in Nepal’s Himalayan region has left seven Italian climbers missing and three confirmed dead, according to Italian and Nepalese authorities. The incident occurred near the Dolma Khang peak, which stands at 6,332 meters (20,774 feet) in the Dolakha district. The Italian team was stationed at the base camp when the avalanche struck earlier this week, claiming the lives of three climbers. Among the missing are Marco Di Marcello and Markus Kircheler, who were reportedly in the Yalung Ri area, where the avalanche hit. Italian diplomat Paolo Cocco was among the seven climbers confirmed dead near the Yalung Ri base camp. The Italian foreign ministry has dispatched a senior diplomat from neighboring India to Kathmandu to coordinate with Nepalese authorities and search teams. Nepal has been grappling with severe weather conditions, including avalanches and storms, which have disrupted climbing expeditions and claimed lives. Ram Krishna Lamichhane, a Nepali tourism official, stated that five individuals, including three foreign climbers and two Nepali guides, are missing in the Dolma Khang base camp area. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the number of casualties and missing persons, complicating rescue efforts. The Italian climbers were part of an expedition organized by a trekking agency, which is now assisting in the search. In a separate incident, the bodies of Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo, who went missing while attempting to scale the Panbari peak in western Nepal, have been recovered. Autumn is typically a popular season for mountaineering in Nepal due to favorable weather conditions, but the risk of avalanches and severe weather remains high. Last week, Cyclone Montha brought heavy rain and snowfall, stranding climbers in the Himalayas.

  • Experts promote raising awareness to boost HPV vaccination

    Experts promote raising awareness to boost HPV vaccination

    Health experts are urging for heightened public awareness and the dispelling of misconceptions to improve the coverage rate of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in China. HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer, claimed 350,000 lives globally in 2022, with China accounting for 16% of these fatalities. Starting November 10, China will integrate the HPV vaccine into its national immunization program, offering free bivalent HPV vaccines to girls aged 13 and above born after November 10, 2011. This marks a significant shift from previous policies that targeted children under six, now extending to adolescents and focusing on preventing a malignant tumor caused by chronic infection, particularly in women. Du Heng of the Gates Foundation emphasized the long-term impact of this initiative, noting that full outcomes may take 20 to 30 years to manifest. As of June, 18 provincial-level regions in China have already provided free HPV vaccinations to about 5 million girls annually, targeting those aged 9 to 14. In Beijing, for instance, girls in the 7th grade and above can receive free domestically developed bivalent vaccines, which protect against the two most common HPV strains responsible for 70-80% of cervical cancers. Despite these efforts, some parents remain hesitant, citing concerns about the necessity and safety of the vaccine. However, experts like Qiao Youlin from Peking Union Medical College believe that these challenges are temporary and will improve with increased health awareness. The World Health Organization aims for 90% of girls globally to be fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15 by 2030, as part of its strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. In China, the free vaccination policy has already covered many eligible girls, showcasing significant progress. Experts also stress the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings and the role of men in HPV prevention, as their infection rate is as high as 45%, often without symptoms. Eliminating cervical cancer is seen as a shared societal responsibility, achievable through enhanced scientific awareness and collective action.

  • Adnoc Drilling expands regional footprint with major stake in MB Petroleum Services

    Adnoc Drilling expands regional footprint with major stake in MB Petroleum Services

    NMC Royal Hospital located in Khalifa City has been honored with the esteemed Comprehensive Chest Pain Center Certification by the American Heart Association (AHA). This recognition underscores the hospital’s commitment to delivering exceptional cardiac care and its adherence to rigorous international standards in diagnosing and treating chest pain. The certification process involved a thorough evaluation of the hospital’s protocols, facilities, and medical expertise, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care for cardiac emergencies. This achievement positions NMC Royal Hospital as a leader in cardiovascular health within the region, enhancing its reputation as a trusted healthcare provider. The certification also reflects the hospital’s dedication to continuous improvement and patient safety, aligning with global best practices in cardiac care.

  • New Cold War, new cold lines

    New Cold War, new cold lines

    As Zohran Mamdani prepares to assume the role of mayor of New York City, a pivotal moment in American politics unfolds. His election coincides with the passing of Dick Cheney, a symbol of traditional centrist conservatism, marking a potential shift in the nation’s political landscape. Mamdani’s rise, juxtaposed with the polarizing influence of former President Donald Trump, raises questions about the future of American politics. Will Mamdani bridge the divide, or will his leadership deepen the ideological chasm? This comes at a time when the United States faces unprecedented challenges from China, with tensions escalating into what some describe as a new Cold War. Unlike the ideological battles of the 20th century, this conflict is characterized by economic interdependence and geopolitical maneuvering. The US-China rivalry, fueled by trade disputes, technological competition, and ideological differences, has global implications. As both nations navigate this complex relationship, the world watches to see whether this confrontation will lead to cooperation or further division. Mamdani’s leadership may play a crucial role in shaping America’s response to these challenges, as the nation grapples with internal divisions and external pressures.

  • Rape, ransom and execution: The road out of Sudan’s el-Fasher

    Rape, ransom and execution: The road out of Sudan’s el-Fasher

    The city of el-Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, has become a harrowing scene of mass violence and devastation following its capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last week. As civilians attempted to flee the besieged city, they were met with unimaginable horrors, including executions, sexual violence, and widespread looting. The RSF, reportedly armed with weapons and technology supplied by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been accused of perpetrating atrocities reminiscent of the Rwandan genocide. Survivors recount scenes of men being separated from women and children and executed, boys as young as two killed in front of their families, and women subjected to rape and sexual assault. Hostages were held for ransom, with families forced to transfer exorbitant sums via mobile banking apps to secure their release. The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) has identified evidence of mass graves in RSF-controlled areas, with body disposal operations underway. Civilians attempting to escape faced further dangers, including falling into deep trenches surrounding the city. Many who managed to flee to Tawila, a safer area west of el-Fasher, arrived in dire conditions, with hundreds of children separated from their families. Survivors describe consistent patterns of looting, ransom demands, and targeted killings based on ethnicity or perceived political affiliations. The RSF’s actions have drawn international condemnation, with calls for the UAE to be held accountable for its role in arming the paramilitary group. The Sudanese government has documented numerous cases of sexual violence, but the true scale of the atrocities remains unknown due to limited access to affected areas. Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent aid to address the dire needs of displaced populations, including food, water, shelter, and medical care. The international community’s inaction has been criticized, with activists urging governments to take decisive steps to end the violence and hold perpetrators accountable.