In a significant move to bolster economic ties, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada have signed a landmark agreement aimed at protecting and promoting investments. The deal was inked during a high-profile meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi. The agreement underscores both nations’ commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and fostering strategic investment partnerships aligned with their shared development goals. The meeting also saw the announcement of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on investment cooperation between the two governments. Both leaders expressed a strong desire to deepen collaboration in key sectors such as investment, trade, technology, artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate action, education, culture, and sustainability. Additionally, they discussed regional and international developments of mutual concern, reaffirming their commitment to promoting peace, security, and global stability. Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the UAE-Canada relationship as a model of cooperation aimed at advancing development and prosperity, while Carney emphasized Canada’s eagerness to strengthen areas of cooperation that benefit both nations and contribute to global peace and stability.
标签: Asia
亚洲
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A billion eyes and one Englishman: Can Root break Sachin’s record?
Joe Root, the prolific English batsman, is edging closer to one of cricket’s most prestigious milestones—surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record. With 13,543 runs from 158 Tests, including 39 centuries, the 34-year-old is just 2,384 runs shy of Tendulkar’s monumental tally of 15,921 runs. Root’s remarkable consistency, particularly since 2020, has seen him amass over 6,000 runs in 69 matches at an average of 55.21, with 22 centuries. This has sparked widespread speculation about whether he can eclipse the Indian legend’s record.
Root’s journey to this point has been marked by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Former cricketers and analysts, including Farokh Engineer, Nadeem Khan, and Dilip Vengsarkar, have lauded his technical prowess, mental fortitude, and ability to adapt to challenging conditions. Engineer, a former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, expressed his admiration for Root, stating that even Tendulkar would be pleased if the Englishman breaks the record, as records are meant to be surpassed.
Despite his stellar career, Root has yet to score a Test century in Australia, a gap he hopes to fill in the upcoming Ashes series. A strong performance Down Under could significantly narrow the gap to Tendulkar’s record. Nadeem Khan, who coached Root during his formative years at Yorkshire, highlighted the batsman’s early dedication and predicted that he has the potential to achieve this historic feat.
Ramiz Raja, the former Pakistan captain, compared Root’s tenacity to that of Rahul Dravid, emphasizing his ability to thrive in challenging conditions, particularly in England. Raja noted that while Root may not be considered a batting genius in the same vein as Tendulkar or Viv Richards, his consistency and work ethic are unparalleled.
Jonathan Trott, Root’s former teammate, revealed that the Englishman’s relentless pursuit of improvement remains undiminished, even as he approaches the record. Root’s humility and hunger for success have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, making him a role model for aspiring players.
As Root continues his quest, cricket fans worldwide, particularly in India, will watch with bated breath, reminiscent of the days when Tendulkar graced the crease. Whether he breaks the record or not, Root’s legacy as one of the game’s modern greats is already secure.
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Natuzzi Italia honoured Dubai Design Week as the region’s top destination for design innovation
Dubai Design Week 2025, the region’s premier design festival, celebrated its 11th edition with Natuzzi Italia taking center stage. The renowned Italian brand unveiled its latest collection, ‘Rooted in Harmony,’ through an immersive installation at Downtown Design, the festival’s flagship event. Held from November 5 to 9 in the Dubai Design District (d3), the exhibition showcased Natuzzi Italia’s commitment to design innovation and cultural fusion. Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, the brand’s project and contract chief officer, emphasized Dubai Design Week’s role as a hub for pioneering design and innovation, expressing pride in the brand’s continued participation and success during VIP Day. The event, a global meeting point for architects, designers, and developers from over 100 countries, highlighted Natuzzi Italia’s collaboration with Studio Etereo, a leading UAE-based design studio. Together, they transformed the traditional exhibition space into a multisensory residential environment, reflecting the brand’s vision for contemporary living. With over 22,000 visitors and the presence of international brands, Downtown Design solidified its reputation as a leading platform for contemporary design in the region. Natuzzi Italia’s participation not only reinforced its global positioning but also underscored its dedication to bespoke and branded residential concepts tailored to modern lifestyles.
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‘The Hub’: Petrol stations with padel, restaurants, play areas debut in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has introduced a groundbreaking concept in roadside destinations with the launch of ‘The Hub,’ a modular petrol station designed to redefine the traditional refueling experience. Located off the Shawamekh–Shamkha corridor, this innovative site combines essential services with lifestyle amenities, including children’s play areas, outdoor fitness zones, padel courts, and a variety of dining options from brands like Starbucks, Al Baik, and Burger King. Developed by Adnoc Distribution, The Hub aims to transform quick fuel stops into community-centric destinations where families can spend an hour or more enjoying a blend of convenience and recreation. The modular design allows for flexible retail configurations, enabling tenants to customize their spaces and adapt to neighborhood needs. With plans to expand to 30 hubs by 2030, Adnoc Distribution is leveraging its extensive land bank to create profitable, data-driven, and community-focused spaces. The Shawamekh Hub, the first of its kind, is three times larger than a standard Adnoc station and features fast EV chargers, car care services, and AI-driven operations to enhance customer experience. This initiative not only modernizes retail options for local residents but also positions Adnoc as a leader in innovative roadside services.
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Dubai Investments reinforces regional glass industry leadership through Emirates Float Glass expansion
Dubai Investments has solidified its dominance in the regional glass industry with a groundbreaking expansion of its industrial portfolio under Glass LLC, its dedicated glass holding company. By consolidating Emirates Glass, Emirates Float Glass (EFG), and Saudi American Glass (SAG) into a unified platform, the company has created one of the Middle East’s most comprehensive glass manufacturing ecosystems. This integration enables end-to-end solutions, ranging from float glass production to advanced coatings, lamination, and double glazing.
Each subsidiary brings unique strengths to the table. Emirates Glass is renowned for its premium architectural glass, featuring over 400 proprietary EmiCool® coatings for solar control and energy efficiency, alongside innovative products like SmartLite switchable glass and ArmourLite bullet-resistant systems. Emirates Float Glass, the UAE’s first integrated float glass facility, is pioneering the production of Ultra Clear low-iron glass, a first in the MENA region, through its new float line. Saudi American Glass complements this portfolio with its K-LITE coated glass series, SAFE-T-LAM laminated glass, and decorative silk-screened glass, catering to high-end commercial and hospitality projects in Saudi Arabia.
A significant milestone in this expansion is the construction of a second float line by Emirates Float Glass, which will double its production capacity from 600 to 1,200 tons per day. This project, developed in partnership with Germany’s HORN Glass Industries and other key collaborators, represents a technological leap for the region, introducing Ultra Clear low-iron glass and setting new standards for clarity and color accuracy.
Dubai Investments’ comprehensive glass portfolio supports key sectors such as construction, architecture, automotive, and energy. The company’s focus on smart manufacturing and sustainability aligns with the UAE’s low-carbon industrial strategy, incorporating advanced automation and energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental impact.
Over the past three decades, Dubai Investments’ glass subsidiaries have played a pivotal role in shaping iconic skylines globally, supplying high-performance glazing for projects like Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport Terminals, Emirates Towers, and international developments such as Gate Towers in Egypt. With a combined output exceeding 14.8 million square meters in 2024, Dubai Investments continues to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the Middle East.
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Dubai: Archer denies Joby Aviation’s claims after lawsuit over trade secrets
In a high-stakes legal confrontation, Archer Aviation has vehemently denied allegations from competitor Joby Aviation regarding the alleged theft of trade secrets. The dispute emerged after Joby filed a lawsuit in Santa Cruz, California, accusing Archer of hiring a former Joby employee, George Kivork, who allegedly brought confidential business strategies, partnership terms, and aircraft specifications to Archer. Joby is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court injunction to prevent Archer from misusing its proprietary information.
Eric Lentell, Archer’s Chief Legal & Strategy Officer, dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that Archer has no deal with the developer in question and that Kivork did not provide any confidential Joby information. Lentell, who is currently attending the Dubai Airshow 2025, accused Joby of resorting to litigation as a tactic to undermine fair competition. However, he declined to comment on whether Archer plans to file a counter-lawsuit.
Both companies are competing to bring their electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly referred to as flying taxis, to market by next year. The legal battle underscores the intense rivalry in the burgeoning advanced aviation sector, where innovation and intellectual property are critical assets.
Joby Aviation has refrained from commenting beyond the details outlined in its legal complaint. Meanwhile, Archer remains steadfast in its mission to pioneer the future of advanced aviation in America, undeterred by the ongoing legal challenges.
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Magnitude-5.7 earthquake strikes Bangladesh; tremors felt in India
A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 struck Bangladesh on Friday, November 21, 2025, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), had its epicenter near Narsingdi, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the capital city of Dhaka. The tremors were also felt in several eastern states of neighboring India, though no immediate damage was reported. Witnesses in Dhaka described scenes of panic as residents fled their homes amid shaking buildings and the collapse of some makeshift structures. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the earthquake’s details, emphasizing its proximity to densely populated areas. Authorities in both countries are monitoring the situation closely, though no casualties or significant infrastructural damage have been reported so far. The event has reignited discussions about earthquake preparedness in the region, which is prone to seismic activity due to its geographical location.
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Philippine police will arrest 18 suspects in a major corruption scandal, president says
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared that 18 individuals implicated in a widespread corruption scandal involving flood control projects will face arrest. The scandal, which has triggered massive public protests and forced several congressional leaders to resign, centers on substandard and fraudulent infrastructure projects in a nation frequently battered by deadly typhoons and flooding. Marcos emphasized that these arrests mark only the beginning of a broader crackdown on corruption. The Sandiganbayan, a specialized anti-corruption court, issued arrest warrants for former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who has fled the country, and 17 others, including government engineers and executives from Sunwest Corp., a construction firm. The irregularities pertain to a 289 million peso ($4.8 million) flood control project in Oriental Mindoro province. Government prosecutors have recommended denying bail due to the severity of the case. Marcos vowed in a video message that all suspects would face the law without special treatment. The scandal has implicated at least 37 powerful figures, including senators, members of Congress, and construction executives, with many expected to be jailed by Christmas. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that at least five former and current senators are under investigation for allegedly receiving kickbacks. Among those implicated are lawmakers both allied with and opposed to Marcos, including his cousin, Rep. Martin Romualdez, who stepped down as House Speaker. The investigation also extends to Sen. Bong Go, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has denied wrongdoing. The scandal has further strained relations between Marcos and the Duterte family, with Vice President Sara Duterte calling for Marcos’s accountability. Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has raised concerns about corruption, with over 9,855 flood control projects worth 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) now under scrutiny. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto estimated that up to 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) may have been lost to corruption since 2023.
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UAE: Sudanese pharmacist blends heritage, innovation with skincare brand
Latifa Elnour, a Sudanese pharmacist and the founder of Ashri Skin, is revolutionizing the skincare industry by combining ancestral wisdom, scientific rigor, and Korean innovation. Her journey began in the UK, where she moved at 15 and later earned a Master’s in Pharmacy from the University of Manchester. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical science, Elnour’s passion for skincare led her to create a brand that simplifies self-care in an increasingly complex world. Ashri Skin, launched a year ago, offers a streamlined, three-step routine featuring toner, ampoule, and moisturizer, designed to cater to diverse skin types and needs. Manufactured in Korea, a global leader in cosmetics technology, the products incorporate scientifically proven ingredients while paying homage to Elnour’s Sudanese heritage. The brand name, ‘Ashri,’ meaning ‘beauty’ in Nubian, reflects this cultural connection. Elnour emphasizes the importance of self-care in Sudanese culture, viewing Ashri Skin as a celebration of identity and a meaningful contribution to daily life. Recently, she participated in the KT+150 networking event and is set to join the KT+150 Summit, where she will connect with mentors, investors, and fellow innovators. For Elnour, Ashri Skin is more than a beauty brand—it’s a fusion of heritage, science, and simplicity, proving that culture and care can lead the way forward.
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WHO declares end of Indonesia’s poliovirus outbreak following yearslong vaccination campaign
Indonesia has successfully overcome its recent polio outbreak, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. This milestone follows nearly three years of rigorous efforts to combat the resurgence of the highly contagious disease, which had been officially eradicated in the country in 2014. The outbreak emerged in 2022 in Aceh province, driven by low immunization rates and poor environmental conditions. At the time, only 50.9% of infants in Aceh received polio vaccinations, a figure significantly lower than the national average. Misinformation about vaccine compatibility with religious beliefs further hindered immunization efforts, compounded by the government’s focus on COVID-19 vaccinations. Over the next two years, cases spread to multiple provinces, including Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Maluku, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and South Papua. In response, nearly 60 million additional doses of polio vaccine were administered to children. The last confirmed case was reported in South Papua in June 2024, and no poliovirus has been detected since. WHO’s declaration marks a critical step toward global polio eradication. Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin attributed the success to the dedication of health workers and community commitment, while WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Director Saia Ma’u Piukala emphasized the need for continued vigilance. Sadikin pledged to maintain Indonesia’s polio-free status through strengthened immunization programs, enhanced surveillance, and cross-sectoral collaboration. UNICEF Indonesia Representative Maniza Zaman highlighted the importance of sustained momentum to ensure all children receive necessary immunizations.
