The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, is set to showcase a star-studded lineup at Yas Links Abu Dhabi from November 6th to 9th. Ryder Cup heroes Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry will lead the charge, joined by reigning Masters Champion Rory McIlroy and other top-tier players, promising a thrilling start to the season-ending series. Fleetwood, fresh from a stellar season that included his maiden PGA Tour victory and a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph, arrives in peak form. The two-time Abu Dhabi HSBC champion (2017, 2018) recently clinched the DP World India Championship, adding to his impressive resume. Lowry, who secured a crucial half-point in the Ryder Cup, returns to Abu Dhabi, where he previously claimed the Falcon Trophy in 2019, a victory that marked a turning point in his career. The Irishman is eager to replicate his past success and finish the season on a high. The championship, organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour, will feature the top 70 players from the Race to Dubai, with the top 50 advancing to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. With a world-class field and the scenic Yas Links as the backdrop, the event promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle for golf enthusiasts.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Israeli lawmakers demand release of convicted killers of Palestinians
A group of 55 Israeli ministers and members of parliament, including prominent figures such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have formally requested President Isaac Herzog to pardon Jewish Israeli prisoners convicted of murdering Palestinians. The lawmakers specifically urged the release of 25 such individuals, as reported by Israeli news outlet Ynet. This appeal comes amidst a backdrop of recent prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas, which saw the release of thousands of Palestinian detainees. The letter, signed by members of the ruling Likud party and other ministers, emphasized that their support for the pardons does not condone the actions of the convicted individuals. It highlighted the perceived injustice of Jewish prisoners remaining incarcerated while Palestinian prisoners, including those involved in violent crimes, are set free. The signatories called on President Herzog to act swiftly to rectify this imbalance. Under Israeli law, the president holds the authority to grant pardons, and there have been increasing calls for such actions since the Gaza ceasefire began on October 11. Among the prisoners under consideration for sentence commutation is Ami Popper, who has been serving time since 1990 for the murder of seven Palestinian workers. Other high-profile cases include Yosef Haim Ben-David, convicted of the 2014 murder of Palestinian teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir, and Amiram Ben-Uliel, sentenced for the 2015 arson attack that killed three members of the Dawabsheh family. The debate over these pardons has sparked significant public discourse in Israel, with some arguing that there is no moral justification for keeping these individuals imprisoned, while others emphasize the gravity of their crimes.
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BBC ‘deeply concerned’ about journalist unable to leave Vietnam
The BBC has voiced serious concerns regarding the welfare of one of its journalists who has been unable to leave Vietnam for several months. The journalist, a Vietnamese national, traveled to the country to visit family and renew their passport. However, both the passport and ID card have been withheld, and the individual has undergone ‘multiple days of questioning,’ according to a BBC statement. The broadcaster is urgently calling on Vietnamese authorities to release the journalist’s documents and allow them to return to their work. This situation unfolds as To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, arrived in the UK on Tuesday for a visit that includes a scheduled meeting with Sir Keir Starmer. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office emphasized the country’s commitment to defending media freedom, stating, ‘Our position and track record defending media freedom is clear.’ They also expressed ongoing concerns about the reported harassment of NGOs, journalists, and rights activists in Vietnam, noting that these issues are regularly raised with Vietnamese officials. Vietnam, a one-party Communist state, has experienced rapid economic growth in Southeast Asia. However, this growth is accompanied by stringent political censorship and a troubling human rights record. The Communist Party maintains tight control over the media, with journalists and media outlets facing sanctions or arrest for addressing sensitive topics or criticizing the government. Online content perceived as a threat to Communist rule is frequently blocked.
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UK judges clarify limits on intelligence agencies’ complicity in foreign torture
In a landmark ruling, senior British judges have delineated the legal boundaries of the UK’s intelligence agencies’ cooperation with foreign partners accused of torture. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), led by Lord Justice Singh and Lord Boyd of Duncansby, examined the involvement of MI5, MI6, GCHQ, and the Ministry of Defence in the alleged torture of two men detained by the CIA between 2002 and 2006. The tribunal concluded that while the agencies acted within their legal powers, they must not actively encourage or facilitate torture. The case was brought by Mustafa al-Hawsawi and Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, two Saudi nationals detained at Guantanamo Bay, who accused British agencies of complicity in their mistreatment at CIA ‘black sites’ across several countries. The IPT acknowledged the men’s ‘brutal interrogation’ but found no evidence of British agencies exceeding their authority. The ruling clarified that while receiving information obtained through torture is not unlawful, actively participating in such practices is prohibited. The judgment reinforces the UK’s commitment to the prohibition of torture, describing it as a ‘constitutional principle’ of common law. Human rights advocates argue that the ruling exposes a narrow legal distinction that risks moral complicity. However, the government and intelligence agencies view the decision as judicial confirmation of the legality of information sharing with allies, provided British officials do not actively participate in abuse. Both Hawsawi and Nashiri remain imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay, where they face trial before US military commissions. Their treatment has been condemned by international bodies, including the European Court of Human Rights, which found multiple states complicit in their abuse through hosting CIA detention sites.
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North Korea says it test-fired cruise missiles ahead of Trump’s visit to South Korea
North Korea announced on Wednesday that it had successfully launched sea-to-surface cruise missiles into its western waters, showcasing its advancing military capabilities. The tests, conducted on Tuesday, were reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as a significant achievement, with the missiles accurately hitting their targets after flying for over two hours. The agency emphasized that these weapons would enhance the operational range of North Korea’s nuclear-armed forces. The timing of the announcement coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, where he was scheduled to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Senior military official Pak Jong Chon oversaw the tests and inspected training exercises aboard North Korea’s newly developed destroyers, Choe Hyon and Kang Kon, which leader Kim Jong Un has identified as critical assets in strengthening the navy. This latest display of military prowess follows North Korea’s recent short-range ballistic missile tests, which included a hypersonic system aimed at bolstering its nuclear deterrent. While Trump has expressed interest in meeting with Kim during his visit, South Korean officials have downplayed the likelihood of such an encounter. North Korea has remained steadfast in its refusal to engage in talks with Washington and Seoul since the collapse of Kim’s nuclear diplomacy with Trump in 2019. Kim has since shifted his foreign policy focus toward Russia, supporting President Vladimir Putin’s efforts in Ukraine and positioning North Korea as part of a united front against the U.S.-led West. Last month, Kim reiterated his stance that he would not return to negotiations unless the United States abandons its demand for North Korea’s denuclearization.
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NMDC Energy’s 9-month revenue jumps 33 per cent to Dh13b
NMDC Energy has announced a remarkable 33% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first nine months of the year, reaching Dh13 billion. This growth is attributed to the company’s robust backlog execution and its expanding footprint in both regional and international energy markets. Net profit also saw a 5% rise, amounting to Dh951 million, reflecting the company’s operational efficiency and consistent project delivery. The company’s backlog at the end of September stood at Dh45.6 billion, bolstered by significant contract wins and project mobilizations across onshore and offshore sectors. NMDC Energy’s project pipeline expanded to Dh61.4 billion, showcasing its diversified growth strategy and market reach. Chairman Mohamed Hamad Almehairi emphasized the company’s focus on scaling capacity in key global energy markets, which has enhanced its long-term growth prospects. CEO Eng. Ahmed Salem Al Dhaheri highlighted the company’s operational agility and efficient backlog delivery, solidifying its position as a leading EPC contractor in the Middle East. A notable achievement during this period was the launch of fabrication work at NMDC Energy’s new 400,000 square meter yard in Ras Al Khair, Saudi Arabia. This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with advanced automation and digital systems, boasts an annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes and will support complex offshore and onshore energy projects. The company secured major contracts, including a Dh9.7 billion offshore EPC contract in the UAE and a Dh4.2 billion project in Taiwan, with international operations contributing 31% to its revenue. NMDC Energy also strengthened its sustainability profile, earning an MSCI ESG Rating of “A” for its adherence to global environmental, social, and governance standards. Additionally, the company signed strategic memoranda of understanding with UAE-based Al Gharbia and China’s Hilong Shine New Materials to explore domestic pipe production and advanced coating technologies, respectively.
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Quetta Qavalry to take on Northern Warriors in Abu Dhabi T10 opener
The much-anticipated 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 cricket tournament is scheduled to kick off on November 18, 2025, and will conclude on November 30, 2025. This high-octane event promises to deliver nearly two weeks of exhilarating cricket action, featuring some of the sport’s most renowned players. The opening match will see Quetta Qavalry face off against Northern Warriors, setting the stage for an exciting season. Defending champions Deccan Gladiators will also make their debut in a thrilling encounter against Delhi Bulls. The tournament will adopt a Round-Robin format, with the top four teams from the initial stage advancing to the playoffs. The playoff stage begins on November 29, 2025, with Qualifier 1, where the top two teams from the league stage will compete for a direct spot in the final. The losing team will get another chance in Qualifier 2. On the same day, the third and fourth-placed teams will battle it out in the Eliminator, with the winner moving on to Qualifier 2 and the loser being eliminated. Qualifier 2, scheduled for November 30, 2025, will determine the second finalist, who will join the winner of Qualifier 1 in the championship match. The tournament will culminate with the final and a grand closing ceremony, celebrating the champions and the thrilling cricketing spectacle. Fans can access the full schedule on the tournament’s official website.
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Amazon to cut 30,000 office jobs amid AI investments, media reports say
Amazon, the global e-commerce and technology giant, is set to reduce its workforce by 30,000 office jobs as part of a cost-cutting strategy while ramping up investments in artificial intelligence (AI). The layoffs, which represent nearly 10% of Amazon’s approximately 350,000 office employees, are expected to commence this week, according to multiple U.S. media reports. Notably, the cuts will not impact the company’s distribution and warehouse workforce, which constitutes the majority of its 1.5 million employees. Amazon has not officially commented on the reports, which were initially published by outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, citing anonymous sources. Despite the news, Amazon’s shares saw a slight increase at the close of the trading day. CEO Andy Jassy has consistently emphasized the transformative potential of AI in enhancing workplace efficiency, from customer interactions to operational streamlining. During Amazon’s recent quarterly earnings call, Jassy highlighted the growing impact of AI on customer experiences. The company is under pressure to demonstrate the value of its substantial AI investments, particularly within its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing division. Analysts, including Emarketer’s Sky Canaves, have noted that AWS must show both revenue growth and improved operating margins to justify its AI expenditures. Additionally, Amazon faces scrutiny following a recent AWS outage that disrupted numerous internet services globally, including streaming platforms, messaging apps, and banking services. The outage, attributed to an issue with the Domain Name System (DNS), underscored the widespread reliance on AWS’s infrastructure. AWS remains the leader in the cloud computing market, closely followed by Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.
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Deboard plane, get on flying taxis? DXB passengers to reach hotels, malls in minutes
Dubai is poised to revolutionize urban transportation with the introduction of flying taxis, as the city’s first vertiport, Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), remains on track to become operational by the first quarter of 2026. Located near Dubai International Airport (DXB), DXV will serve as a hub for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, offering passengers a seamless transition from air travel to their final destinations. Anthony El-Khoury, UAE General Manager of Joby Aviation, highlighted the potential of integrating existing helipads at hotels, malls, and hospitals into the air taxi network, significantly reducing travel times. For instance, a trip from DXB to Madinat Jumeirah or Burj Al Arab could take just eight minutes, compared to the usual 45-minute car journey. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has already established a regulatory framework to enable the dual use of helipads for both helicopters and flying taxis, ensuring efficient infrastructure utilization. Joby Aviation, in collaboration with Skyports and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), is developing three additional vertiport sites to expand the air taxi network. While the construction of vertiports requires substantial investment, leveraging existing helipads with minimal modifications—such as reinforcing infrastructure, adding safety features, and installing charging stations—offers a cost-effective solution. Safety remains a top priority, with each flying taxi equipped with redundant systems to prevent failures, including multiple propellers, engines, inverters, and battery packs. Test flights are currently underway at Joby’s facility in Margham, with professional pilots certified to operate eVTOLs. Paul Griffiths, CEO of DXB, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of flying taxis, which could alleviate road congestion and redefine urban mobility. Although commercial certification from the GCAA is still pending, El-Khoury assured that flying taxis will become a reality in Dubai by next year.
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Why are Israeli settlers destroying the Palestinian olive harvest?
The olive harvest in the occupied West Bank, a centuries-old tradition and economic cornerstone for Palestinians, has been marred by escalating violence from Israeli settlers and military forces. According to the UN Rights Office, 757 assaults by settlers were recorded in the first half of 2025, resulting in injuries, property damage, and the destruction of olive groves. These attacks have drawn global condemnation and criticism from UN human rights officials. In Gaza, once a thriving hub for olive cultivation, nearly all agricultural land has been devastated by Israel’s two-year military campaign, which has claimed over 68,000 Palestinian lives. The olive tree, deeply rooted in Palestinian culture and history, symbolizes resilience and peace. However, its survival is under threat as settler violence intensifies, often with the complicity of Israeli security forces. The destruction of olive groves, uprooting of trees, and restrictions on access to farmland have severely impacted the livelihoods of 100,000 families in the West Bank, many of whom rely on olive cultivation for income. In Gaza, the olive industry has been decimated, with 98.5% of agricultural land damaged or inaccessible, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The ongoing assault on Palestinian agriculture is part of a broader strategy to displace communities and annex land, exacerbating humanitarian crises and threatening the cultural and economic fabric of Palestinian society.