Dr. Aydah Alawadhi, a trailblazing Emirati oncologist, has transformed her career into a humanitarian mission, inspired by a poignant encounter with a young patient. Now the head of the Oncology and Hematology Department at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Alawadhi’s journey began with a moment that reshaped her life. During her training in the emergency department, she met a young woman who had delayed seeking medical care due to her discomfort with male doctors. The patient’s plea, ‘If only you were an oncologist,’ resonated deeply with Dr. Alawadhi, who vowed to dedicate her life to cancer care. This encounter not only defined her career but also instilled in her a profound belief that every cancer patient deserves compassion, support, and hope. Dr. Alawadhi’s achievements extend beyond her clinical role. She heads the Scientific Committee and the Breast Cancer Working Group at the Emirates Oncology Society and serves on the Gulf Oncology Society Committee. Despite the UAE’s advancements in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, she emphasizes the ongoing need for awareness about early detection, as many women still hesitate to seek medical help. Dr. Alawadhi credits her family for their unwavering support, particularly her husband, who stood by her through the emotional and professional challenges of her career. Balancing her demanding profession with motherhood, she underscores the importance of work-life balance, finding solace in travel, nature, and time with loved ones. Dr. Alawadhi’s story is a testament to resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of a single moment.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Fire breaks out at Dhaka airport in Bangladesh; all flights suspended
A significant fire erupted at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of all flights. The incident, reported by Bangladeshi media, has caused widespread disruption to air travel operations. Emergency services were swiftly deployed to contain the blaze, though the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire remain under investigation. Authorities have yet to confirm any casualties or injuries resulting from the incident. The airport, a critical hub for both domestic and international travel, serves as a vital gateway for Bangladesh’s economy and connectivity. The suspension of flights is expected to have a ripple effect on travel schedules, cargo deliveries, and passenger plans. This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and emergency preparedness in major transportation hubs. Further updates are anticipated as officials work to restore normal operations and assess the impact of the fire.
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UAE: Family given Dh250,000 after worker’s death due to employer negligence
In a landmark ruling, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil, and Administrative Appeals Court has increased the compensation awarded to the family of a construction worker who died due to employer negligence. The court raised the compensation from Dh100,000 to Dh250,000, emphasizing the employer’s failure to implement proper safety measures. The worker tragically fell from scaffolding and died instantly, a direct result of the company’s neglect of its duty to protect employees. The court also ordered the defendants to cover all legal and court-related fees. The heirs had initially sought Dh10 million in compensation, arguing that the employer’s negligence directly caused the worker’s death and violated occupational safety laws. The court highlighted that while Islamic blood money (diya) compensates part of the loss, it does not cover the full financial, emotional, and moral damages suffered by the family. This ruling underscores the legal obligation of employers to maintain strict safety protocols, particularly in high-risk environments like construction sites. It serves as a stern warning to companies across the UAE to prioritize worker safety or face severe legal and financial consequences. The case also affirms the right of families to pursue full compensation for preventable workplace deaths, holding employers accountable for negligence that costs lives. The decision stresses the critical importance of adhering to occupational safety standards and ensuring the well-being of workers, emphasizing that tragedies caused by avoidable negligence cannot be fully rectified by diya alone.
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Six days to go: Charming Beijing, Shared with the World
With just six days remaining until a significant global event, Beijing is poised to showcase its unique charm to the world. The city, known for its rich history and modern advancements, is preparing to welcome international visitors and highlight its cultural and economic contributions on a global stage. This event underscores Beijing’s role as a hub of international cooperation and shared progress. As the countdown continues, the world eagerly anticipates the opportunity to experience Beijing’s vibrant culture, innovative spirit, and commitment to fostering global unity. The event promises to strengthen international ties and promote mutual understanding, reinforcing Beijing’s position as a key player in global affairs.
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Abu Dhabi’s IHC acquires majority stake in Pakistan’s First Women Bank Limited
In a historic move, Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) has acquired a majority stake in Pakistan’s state-owned First Women Bank Limited (FWBL), marking the first privatisation of a bank in Pakistan under a Government-to-Government (G2G) framework. The transaction, conducted under Pakistan’s Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions Act of 2022, highlights the deepening economic ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan. The announcement was made in the presence of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of 2PointZero, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Established in 1989, FWBL operates 42 branches nationwide, offering retail, SME, and corporate banking services. IHC’s investment underscores its commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s financial sector and supporting its reform agenda. Post-acquisition, IHC plans to modernise FWBL by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to enhance operational efficiency and expand its footprint across Pakistan. The transformation strategy also includes rebranding the bank to reflect its broader mandate of financial inclusion and societal service. Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, expressed confidence in Pakistan’s financial potential and the shared vision for sustainable economic growth. This acquisition follows IHC’s earlier joint venture with the Government of Balochistan, further solidifying UAE-Pakistan economic cooperation.
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Can Netanyahu survive peace?
As a ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical juncture in his political career. With national elections mandated within the next year, Netanyahu must strategize his campaign amidst a complex political landscape. The recent Knesset meeting on October 13 saw Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid delivering speeches that effectively launched their election campaigns. Netanyahu portrayed himself as a war victor, while Lapid underscored the liberal values enshrined in Israel’s declaration of independence. U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing Israeli lawmakers, praised Netanyahu but cautioned that Israel cannot fight the world alone. This warning followed Netanyahu’s diplomatic misstep in attacking Qatar, where Hamas representatives were discussing peace plans, leading to a forced apology and pressure to endorse Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which includes Palestinian statehood—a contentious issue for Netanyahu’s base. Middle Eastern affairs expert Shira Efron argues that the Gaza deal signifies a defeat for Netanyahu’s government, contradicting his promise of total victory over Hamas. However, Netanyahu’s political acumen, demonstrated by his ability to turn challenges into opportunities, suggests he may yet leverage the situation to his advantage. Opinion polls indicate that while Netanyahu’s Likud party remains strong, his ruling coalition may struggle to retain power. The opposition, though fragmented, has begun coordinating more effectively. The election will occur against the backdrop of post-October 7 trauma and war fatigue, with civil society movements like the Hostages and Missing Family Forum potentially influencing voter behavior. The success of Trump’s peace plan and the decommissioning of Hamas will also play pivotal roles in shaping Netanyahu’s reelection prospects.
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Fire breaks out on train in India’s Punjab, no casualties reported
A fire erupted in a coach of the Amritsar-Saharsa train at Sirhind Station in Punjab, India, early on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The incident prompted an immediate response from Indian railway staff, Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police teams, who swiftly arrived at the scene. The fire was successfully extinguished, and no fatalities were reported, according to the Ministry of Railways. One passenger sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Despite the incident, the train safely resumed its journey to its destination. The event has raised concerns about safety measures on Indian railways, though the quick response and absence of major casualties have been noted positively.
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Afghanistan pulls out of cricket series after it says Pakistan air strike killed local players
In a tragic turn of events, Afghanistan has announced its withdrawal from an upcoming tri-nation T20 cricket series following the deaths of three local players in an air strike. The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the decision, citing respect for the victims, who were killed in what it described as an attack carried out by the Pakistani regime. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Urgon district of eastern Paktika province, where the players were having dinner after a match. Eyewitnesses and local officials reported that the strike targeted a residential home, resulting in eight fatalities. Pakistan, however, denied targeting civilians, claiming the operation was aimed at militants. The ACB identified the deceased players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, labeling their deaths as a significant loss for Afghanistan’s sports community. The attack coincided with the expiration of a temporary truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which had been in place following deadly border clashes. Pakistan stated that the strike targeted Afghan militants, with at least 70 combatants killed. Meanwhile, Afghan national team captain Rashid Khan and other players paid heartfelt tributes to the victims, calling the attack a ‘heinous crime.’ The incident has further strained relations between the two nations, even as peace talks continue in Doha, Qatar, with both sides seeking to resolve cross-border tensions.
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Pakistan state television announces talks in Qatar with Afghanistan
In a significant development, Pakistan’s state television has announced that high-level talks between Pakistani and Afghan officials are scheduled to take place in Qatar. This announcement comes in the wake of escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which saw Islamabad conducting air strikes inside Afghan territory. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and disrupted a fragile two-day ceasefire that had temporarily eased hostilities in the region. The Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik, is set to engage with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha. The talks aim to address the recent surge in violence and explore avenues for de-escalation. The border region has long been a flashpoint for conflict, with both nations accusing each other of harboring militant groups. The upcoming dialogue in Qatar is seen as a critical step toward restoring stability and preventing further loss of life. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
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Afghanistan to not play in tri-nation series after 3 cricketers killed in attack by Pakistan
In a tragic turn of events, Afghanistan has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation cricket series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This decision comes after three Afghan cricketers were killed in a targeted attack allegedly carried out by Pakistani forces. The incident occurred in the eastern Paktika province, near the Pakistan border, where the players had traveled to participate in a friendly match. Upon their return to Urgun, the athletes were attacked during a gathering, described by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) as a ‘cowardly act by the Pakistani regime.’ The ACB identified the victims as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, expressing profound grief over the loss of these promising athletes. The board stated that the withdrawal from the series is a gesture of respect for the victims and their families. The attack has further escalated tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Afghan officials accusing Pakistan of violating a ceasefire agreement. Pakistani air strikes in the region reportedly resulted in the deaths of ten civilians, including two children, and left twelve others wounded. Afghan cricketers and officials have condemned the attack, labeling it a ‘heinous crime’ and a national tragedy. The incident has cast a shadow over the cricketing community, with calls for justice and solidarity echoing across the nation.