The iconic popemobile, once used by the late Pope Francis during his 2014 visit to Bethlehem, has been repurposed into a mobile children’s clinic for the war-torn Gaza Strip. Dubbed the ‘Vehicle of Hope,’ this initiative fulfills the late pontiff’s final wish to serve the children of Gaza. The vehicle, originally a gift from Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, was unveiled in Bethlehem near the Church of the Nativity, where preparations for Christmas are underway. Cardinal Anders Arborelius, Bishop of Stockholm, blessed the vehicle and emphasized its mission to ensure every child feels ‘seen, heard, and protected.’ Staffed by medical professionals, the clinic is equipped to perform triage, examinations, diagnoses, and treatments, including vaccinations and wound care, with a capacity for up to 200 consultations daily. Children will sit in the pope’s former seat while receiving care. The transformation, led by Caritas, a Catholic humanitarian organization, cost $15,000 and was carried out by Palestinian mechanics. However, the clinic’s entry into Gaza awaits Israeli authorization, as the region continues to recover from a fragile truce after two years of devastating conflict. Caritas Secretary General Alistair Dutton stressed the urgency of gaining access to deliver this vital humanitarian aid.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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‘Bricks’ for lunar base clear tough first test
China has achieved a significant breakthrough in its lunar exploration ambitions by successfully testing experimental ‘lunar bricks’ in the harsh conditions of space for nearly a year. These bricks, designed to mimic the composition of lunar soil, were recently returned to Earth aboard the Shenzhou XXI spacecraft, marking a pivotal step toward the construction of a permanent lunar base by 2035. The 34 sample bricks, weighing approximately 100 grams in total, were exposed to extreme space conditions, including vacuum, cosmic radiation, and temperature fluctuations ranging from -190°C to 180°C. Despite these challenges, the bricks remained largely intact, demonstrating their durability and potential for lunar construction. Scientists at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, who developed the bricks, noted that they are over three times stronger than standard bricks and showed no signs of cracks or pits caused by space debris. However, a slight color change was observed, prompting further investigation. The project, led by Ding Lieyun of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, aims to address the high costs of transporting building materials from Earth by utilizing lunar resources. The bricks were created using volcanic ash from China’s Changbai Mountains, which closely resembles lunar soil, through a process called hot-press sintering. The experiment is part of a broader plan to establish the International Lunar Research Station, with China aiming to land astronauts on the moon by 2030 and expand the station by 2045, potentially serving as a launchpad for missions to Mars.
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The UAE is buying the West’s silence over its ‘race war’ in Sudan, says top general
In a scathing indictment of international inaction, Lieutenant General Yasser al-Atta, a senior member of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council and the military’s second-in-command, has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of orchestrating a race war in Sudan and silencing global criticism through financial influence. Speaking to journalists during a dinner near his Omdurman headquarters, Atta alleged that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed has been backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group responsible for widespread atrocities across Sudan, including recent massacres in the Darfur city of el-Fasher. Atta claimed that the UAE’s financial power has bought the silence of Western politicians, enabling the RSF to commit crimes with impunity. He singled out Britain, Sudan’s former colonial power, for failing to leverage its historical ties to advocate for the Sudanese people. Atta also criticized British media for inadequate coverage of the conflict, which has claimed over 150,000 lives. He revealed that the RSF has recruited mercenaries from countries like Colombia, Ukraine, and Somalia, facilitated by UAE support. The general accused the UAE of pursuing a strategic plan to ethnically cleanse Sudan of its African tribes, relocating them to neighboring countries. Despite the RSF’s recent gains, Atta expressed confidence in the Sudanese Armed Forces’ ability to reclaim el-Fasher within three months. He called for justice for the victims and demanded that the UAE repatriate mercenaries and cease its interference in Sudan’s affairs.
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Pakistan denies deadly strikes after Afghanistan vows retaliation
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply after Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of conducting deadly air strikes in Khost province, resulting in the deaths of nine children and a woman. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated the attack targeted a civilian residence and vowed an appropriate response. Pakistan, however, denied involvement, with military spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry asserting that Pakistan does not target civilian populations and that the allegations are baseless. The incident follows a suicide attack in Peshawar on Monday that killed three Pakistani paramilitary officers, which Pakistan attributes to Afghan nationals and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group operating from Afghan soil. The strained relations between the two nations have been exacerbated by border clashes in October, which killed around 70 people and led to a temporary ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey. Despite ongoing talks, security issues, particularly Pakistan’s demand for Kabul to curb TTP activities, remain unresolved. The border closure since the clashes has also severely impacted bilateral trade, with thousands of containers stranded and incurring significant daily costs. The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has described the economic burden as unsustainable.
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‘I don’t panic’: Meet the Dubai athlete who completed 100 triathlons in 100 days
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, Dubai-based athlete Ghani Souleymane has successfully completed 100 triathlons in just 100 days, setting a new benchmark in the world of endurance sports. This remarkable achievement not only highlights his physical prowess but also underscores his unyielding mental fortitude and commitment to charitable causes.
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Singapore tells Apple and Google to clamp down on government spoofing
In a decisive move to protect its citizens from escalating online scams, Singapore has issued a directive to tech giants Apple and Google, demanding they take immediate action to prevent the impersonation of government agencies on their messaging platforms. The city-state’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Tuesday that both companies must block or filter accounts and group chats that mimic Singapore government agency identities on Apple’s iMessage and Google Messages by the end of November. The ministry emphasized the urgency of implementing measures to deter the abuse of these platforms by scammers. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to one million Singapore dollars ($768,000). Both Apple and Google have reportedly indicated their willingness to comply with the order, which also includes changes to how profile names of unknown senders are displayed. Government agencies have been using the ‘gov.sg’ message ID to verify legitimate communication, but scammers have exploited the lack of safeguards on messaging platforms to deceive the public. Google stated that it is collaborating with the Singapore government to implement pre-emptive measures to prevent the spoofing of government agencies’ names on its messaging platform, reaffirming its commitment to keeping Singaporeans safe online. Apple, however, could not be immediately reached for comment. This directive follows a similar order issued to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to curb scammers impersonating government officials on the social media platform.
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ADX launches new ETF aimed at access to global heavyweights powering the growth of AI
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has unveiled a groundbreaking exchange-traded fund (ETF) designed to provide investors with access to the global companies driving the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI). Launched in collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based investment management firm Lunate, the Boreas S&P AI Data, Power & Infrastructure UCITS ETF targets key sectors essential to AI development, including technology, industrials, utilities, and real estate. The ETF invests in companies that are building and managing critical infrastructure, power systems, and energy grids necessary for the AI-driven economy. Among its portfolio are global giants such as Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Amazon, Oracle, ABB, and Broadcom. The ETF tracks an AI-related data center and power supply infrastructure index, which has historically delivered an annual return of 15.7%, based on back-tested data. As AI continues to grow, the demand for data, computational power, and energy infrastructure is surging, creating significant investment opportunities. Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group CEO of ADX, emphasized the exchange’s commitment to offering innovative investment products that align with global trends, noting that thematic ETFs worldwide have surpassed $300 billion in assets. Sherif Salem, Partner & Head of Public Markets at Lunate, highlighted the ETF’s role in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial hub. ADX, already the region’s leader in ETF listings and trading, continues to expand its offerings to meet the evolving needs of investors.
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Fine margins decide memorable Clubhouse Trophy as Carney wins on countback
The prestigious Clubhouse Trophy at Emirates Golf Club witnessed an exhilarating day of golf as 106 players competed on the iconic Majlis Course. Played under ideal conditions, the Individual Stableford format, with handicaps adjusted to 95% and blue tees in play, set the stage for a fiercely contested event. The competition saw dramatic finishes across multiple divisions, with the overall title decided by the narrowest of margins. Jake Carney emerged victorious with a stellar 41-point performance, edging out Michael Kaye on a back-nine countback. Wayne Bauer secured third place with 39 points, also determined by a countback. The day’s best gross score was achieved by James Yeomans, who carded an impressive 36 points on the championship layout. Divisional honors were equally hard-fought. In the A Division, Aashiv Adnani triumphed with 36 points, narrowly defeating Vidur Sethi on countback. The B Division saw Joseph Andrade claim victory with 39 points, one point ahead of Damien Lee. The event highlighted the competitive spirit, sharp scoring, and depth of talent across all handicap levels, solidifying the Clubhouse Trophy as one of Emirates Golf Club’s most anticipated competitions of the season.
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Middle East construction embraces digitalisation to drive sustainability goals
The Middle East’s construction industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the dual imperatives of sustainability and digitalization. Companies across the region are increasingly adopting low-carbon design principles, energy-efficient building practices, and advanced technologies to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact. Key innovations such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital twins, AI-based simulations, and lifecycle analysis are enabling construction teams to model environmental outcomes, reduce waste, and align with global and regional sustainability standards. This shift is further bolstered by robust regulatory frameworks and ambitious national agendas, including the UAE Net Zero 2050 and Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasize decarbonization and data-driven decision-making. At the recent Big 5 Global 2025 event, Nemetschek Arabia showcased its cutting-edge solutions, including AI-driven design optimization, BIM collaboration, and smart building operations, highlighting the potential of open and intelligent digital workflows to enhance productivity and sustainability. The GCC construction market, valued at $147.1 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $226.2 billion by 2033, driven by mega-projects such as Saudi Arabia’s giga developments and UAE landmarks like the Saadiyat Cultural District. Nemetschek Arabia aims to deepen its role as a digital transformation partner, focusing on localized solutions, ecosystem collaboration, and AI-driven innovation to support the region’s net-zero goals and the creation of resilient, sustainable cities.
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NADZ Healthcare crowned “Best Home Healthcare” at Health Magazine Awards 2025
In a landmark achievement for the regional healthcare sector, NADZ Healthcare has been honored with the coveted “Best Home Healthcare” award at the Health Magazine Annual Health Awards 2025. The prestigious recognition was presented by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan during a ceremony that celebrated excellence in medical services across the UAE.
The award specifically acknowledges NADZ Healthcare’s innovative fusion of clinical precision and concierge-style service delivery, establishing new benchmarks for in-home medical care catering to Dubai’s affluent and privacy-conscious residents. This patient-centric model was fundamentally shaped by the philosophical approach of its founder, Dr. Nadia Choudhry, who has led the organization for 15 years.
Judging panel representatives highlighted three distinctive strengths that positioned NADZ Healthcare above competitors:
1. **Advanced Mobile Medical Capabilities**: The organization maintains hospital-grade clinical standards through DHA-licensed medical teams equipped with sophisticated portable diagnostics technology. Their arsenal includes point-of-care blood testing equipment, mobile ECG and ultrasound devices, and remote patient monitoring systems, enabling accurate medical assessments in diverse environments including private residences, luxury hotels, and yachts.
2. **Discretion-Forward Service Model**: Catering specifically to high-net-worth individuals and privacy-sensitive clients, NADZ operates unbranded clinical vehicles and conducts low-profile visits to ensure complete confidentiality. Simultaneously, the provider offers premium wellness services in unconventional settings, including physiotherapy sessions aboard private yachts and comprehensive health evaluations on golf courses.
3. **Empathy-Driven Patient Care**: Beyond technical excellence, the organization has earned consistent praise for its human-centered approach to medicine. Dr. Choudhry’s philosophy of serving as both medical professional and attentive listener has permeated the entire clinical team, creating an environment where patients feel genuinely heard, safe, and comprehensively supported.
The award committee noted NADZ’s exceptional performance across multiple service domains, including emergency stabilization, post-operative care, preventive wellness programs, and VIP event medical coverage. This recognition reflects broader regional trends toward personalized, mobile healthcare solutions that prioritize patient experience, particularly among corporate clients, private families, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Dr. Choudhry emphasized the organization’s commitment to patient choice, noting: “We architected NADZ to provide genuine alternatives in healthcare delivery. Whether clients require absolute anonymity or prefer to share their healthcare journey publicly, we deliver identical clinical excellence and respect to both preferences.”
With growing demand for premium home healthcare services, NADZ plans strategic expansion of its specialist teams, mobile diagnostic capabilities, and rapid-response coverage throughout Dubai and wider UAE regions.