In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to intervene in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, following a direct appeal from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The decision, confirmed during a U.S.-Saudi investment conference, aligns with an exclusive report by Middle East Eye (MEE) that Riyadh had planned to lobby Trump for involvement in the conflict. Trump described the war as ‘crazy and out of control,’ emphasizing the importance of addressing the crisis at the Saudi leader’s request. The move comes amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has been accused of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Trump’s intervention marks a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards the region, as the conflict has escalated into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also condemned the RSF’s supporters, hinting at increased pressure on the UAE. The war, which began in April 2023, pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the RSF, with both sides receiving external backing. Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a mediator, though sources suggest Riyadh favors the SAF for perceived stability. The UAE, meanwhile, denies allegations of supplying weapons to the RSF, despite evidence to the contrary. Trump’s involvement could reshape the dynamics of the conflict and its regional implications.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Philippines sentences ‘Chinese spy mayor’ to life in jail
In a landmark ruling that has captivated the Philippines for years, former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has been sentenced to life imprisonment for her involvement in human trafficking and operating a massive scam center. On Thursday, Guo and three accomplices were handed life sentences and fined 2 million pesos ($33,832) by the court. The case, which has drawn national attention, stems from the discovery of one of the country’s largest scam hubs in Bamban, a small town north of Manila. Authorities rescued approximately 800 Filipinos and foreigners from the center, many of whom were coerced into participating in ‘pig butchering’ scams—a notorious form of online fraud. Guo, 35, was arrested in 2024 after fleeing for weeks and has consistently denied all charges. It remains unclear whether she will appeal the verdict. The case against Guo includes five ongoing charges, one of which is money laundering. Elected as Bamban’s mayor in 2022, Guo was initially perceived as a compassionate leader by local residents. However, her reputation crumbled in 2024 when a sprawling scam center, masquerading as an online casino (locally known as Philippine Online Gaming Operations or Pogo), was uncovered near her office. Despite her initial claims of ignorance, a senate investigation revealed that the 8-hectare compound, housing 36 buildings, was constructed on land she previously owned. Further scrutiny exposed inconsistencies in her background, including her false claim of being born in the Philippines. Investigations confirmed that Guo migrated from China as a teenager, and her fingerprints matched those of a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping. Following her removal from office, Guo disappeared in July 2024, prompting an international manhunt across four countries. She was eventually arrested in Indonesia in September 2024 and extradited to the Philippines, where her passport was revoked. The case has unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing territorial disputes between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. While the allegations against Guo have dominated Philippine headlines, China has remained notably silent on the matter.
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US approached Yemen about international force in Gaza: Report
The Trump administration has reportedly engaged with Yemen’s internationally recognized government (IRG) in Aden regarding potential participation in an international stabilization force for Gaza, according to an AFP report published on Wednesday. Sources within Yemen’s presidential council, a diplomat, and a senior military official, all speaking anonymously, confirmed the discussions. While the military official noted that Yemen’s involvement has been discussed with the U.S., no formal request has been made yet. The IRG, despite its UN representation and Washington ambassador, wields minimal control within Yemen, having been ousted from the capital, Sanaa, by Houthi rebels over a decade ago. The Houthis, who dominate much of Yemen, have faced air strikes from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, and the U.S., and openly support Hamas in Gaza. Hamas, however, has strongly opposed the idea of a U.S.-led international force, insisting that any such force must operate under UN supervision and exclude Israeli involvement. This development follows President Trump’s recent meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where Saudi Arabia’s financial backing for Gaza’s reconstruction and its role in assembling a stabilization force were emphasized. While countries like Turkey and Indonesia have prepared troops, Hamas’s resistance to U.S. oversight could escalate tensions between the force and Palestinian fighters.
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Gulf cybersecurity spend to top Dh120 billion by 2030
The Gulf region is poised to witness a significant surge in cybersecurity investments, with spending projected to surpass Dh120 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), sovereign cloud strategies, and hyperscale data infrastructure, according to a recent report by Grand View Research titled ‘Cyber Resilience in the Gulf: Where Technology Meets Sovereign Risk (2025 Edition).’ The UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of this transformation, with both nations accelerating their digital agendas under the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and Vision 2030 programs, respectively. The report highlights that the region’s ambitious infrastructure projects, including national data centers, AI clusters, and cloud corridors, are fueling unprecedented investments in cyber resilience and data sovereignty. The UAE’s AI-driven security market alone is expected to grow more than fourfold, exceeding Dh19.6 billion by 2030. Swayam Dash, Managing Director of Grand View Research, emphasized that cyber resilience has evolved from a technical discipline to a sovereign capability, crucial for sustaining growth, attracting capital, and maintaining public trust. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, which together account for over 60% of the region’s cybersecurity expenditure, are embedding digital protection into national policies. The UAE is focusing on AI-driven threat intelligence, zero-trust frameworks, and sovereign cloud ecosystems, while Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and SDAIA are prioritizing data protection across industrial and infrastructure projects. The report also notes a shift in the region’s cybersecurity approach, from network defense to institutionalized resilience through policy, collaboration, and redundancy. Key initiatives include the ADGM Cyber Risk Management Framework (2025), Saudi Central Bank’s cyber stress-testing regime, and cross-border CERT intelligence sharing. As the line between cyber disruption and economic disruption narrows, digital resilience is increasingly viewed as a form of sovereign credit, with Gulf banks incorporating cyber metrics into ESG disclosures and regulators considering system uptime a proxy for fiscal stability. Dash concluded that the Gulf’s next global advantage will stem not from faster networks but from networks that never fail.
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Sheikh Mohammed announces Dh36.7 billion National Investment Fund to encourage FDIs
In a significant move to bolster economic growth, UAE Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled the National Investment Fund with an initial capital of Dh36.7 billion. The announcement was made during the Cabinet meeting at the Dubai Airshow 2025 on Wednesday. The fund aims to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) by offering financial incentives, with ambitious targets to increase annual FDIs from Dh115 billion to Dh240 billion by 2031, and to grow the accumulated balance from Dh800 billion to Dh2.2 trillion in the same year. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the UAE’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for global investors, stating, “Our message is clear to all investors around the world… the United Arab Emirates welcomes you, it will provide the best environment for your investments and will support your future growth and success.” Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed the National Strategy for Industry, highlighting a 244% increase in national industrial spending over the past five years, reaching Dh110 billion. Industrial exports also surged to Dh197 billion, contributing Dh210 billion to the GDP, with a target of Dh300 billion by 2031. The UAE civil aviation sector was another focal point, contributing Dh340 billion (18.2% of GDP) in 2024, with airports handling 148 million passengers and over one million air traffic operations, marking significant year-on-year growth.
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EFG Holding profits increase on strong performance from Bank NXT and EFG Finance
EFG Holding, a prominent financial institution with a universal bank in Egypt and a leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced impressive third-quarter results for 2025. The Group’s operating revenue surged by 27% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to EGP 6.3 billion, while net profit after tax and minority interest rose by 22% to EGP 846 million. Total assets reached EGP 243.7 billion as of September 2025. The robust performance was primarily fueled by the Commercial Banking arm, Bank NXT, and the Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI) platform, EFG Finance. Bank NXT reported a remarkable 119% Y-o-Y revenue increase to EGP 2.7 billion, with net profit after tax soaring by 245% to EGP 1.5 billion. EFG Finance also delivered strong results, with revenue growing by 38% Y-o-Y to EGP 1.5 billion, driven by Valu’s 79% revenue increase and higher loan issuances. Despite a 19% rise in operating expenses due to inflationary pressures and increased employee costs, the Group’s diversified business model and strategic positioning enabled it to navigate market volatility effectively. Karim Awad, Group CEO of EFG Holding, emphasized the firm’s agility and commitment to sustainable profitability, highlighting the successful capital increase for Bank NXT and Valu’s impressive post-listing performance.
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Passport delay saved wife of UAE expat who died in Saudi bus crash
In a tragic yet fateful turn of events, Abdul Gani Shirahatti, an Indian expatriate who had lived and worked in Abu Dhabi for nearly two decades, was among the 45 pilgrims who lost their lives in a devastating bus crash in Saudi Arabia. The accident occurred on Monday during a journey from Makkah to Madinah, where the bus collided with a tanker. Gani, a dedicated hotel driver for 18 years, had embarked on a short Umrah pilgrimage, a journey he had undertaken alone after his wife’s passport delay prevented her from accompanying him. His son and elder brother, Farook, traveled to Madinah to provide DNA samples to identify Gani’s remains, a process that has left the family in profound grief. Gani’s wife, who narrowly escaped the tragedy due to the passport delay, is now grappling with the loss of her husband. The family, supported by friends and authorities, awaits the completion of formal identification procedures. Gani, described as a hardworking and devoted family man, had planned to return to India for a long-awaited reunion with his loved ones after completing his pilgrimage and work responsibilities. Instead, his family now mourns his untimely death, remembering his unwavering commitment to providing for his wife, three daughters, and son.
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She plays ‘Amazing Grace’ in the most remote practice room on Earth
In the icy expanse of Antarctica, where the frigid air bites at exposed skin, Natalie Paine, a French horn player in New Zealand’s navy, has found an unlikely stage. Since October, Paine has been stationed at Scott Base, one of 21 military members supporting scientific research on the frozen continent. Her melodies, carried across the Ross Sea, emerge from what might be the most remote practice room on Earth. ‘It’s beautiful and very inspiring,’ Paine shared with the Associated Press. ‘I’ll sit by the window, play music in my limited free time, and let the surroundings fuel my creativity.’
Paine’s journey to Antarctica is as unconventional as her current role. Growing up in the arid climate of Adelaide, Australia, she once dreamed of visiting the frozen continent as a scientist. However, her path led her to study music at university, temporarily shelving her Antarctic aspirations. Years later, as a musician in New Zealand’s navy, she discovered that military personnel, including musicians, could be stationed in Antarctica. ‘My eyes lit up,’ Paine recalled. ‘I asked, even a musician? And my instructor said, heck yeah, why not?’
Realizing this dream was no easy feat. It took four years of persistent applications before Paine secured a posting as a communications operator. Her demanding job, involving six-day shifts monitoring radio, phone, and email communications, leaves little time for music. Yet, Paine carves out moments to practice, often retreating to a historic hut built in 1957 under the leadership of explorer Sir Edmund Hillary. There, she plays her jHorn, a lightweight, durable plastic instrument designed for children, which is better suited to the harsh Antarctic climate than her traditional French horn.
Despite the challenges, Paine’s presence has brought joy to Scott Base. She has performed live at ceremonies, replacing the usual recorded music, and even braved sub-zero temperatures to deliver a solo concert at minus 21 degrees Celsius. ‘Music is the universal language,’ Paine reflected. ‘It reminds us that we’re all connected, whether we’re on the ice or back home.’ Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the unifying force of music in even the most extreme environments.
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Video: Indian Gangster Anmol Bishnoi in NIA custody after extradition from US
Anmol Bishnoi, a key associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been extradited from the United States and placed in the custody of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) for an 11-day remand. The special NIA Court at Patiala House granted the remand on Wednesday, and Bishnoi is scheduled to reappear before the court on November 29. Bishnoi, who had been absconding since 2022, is the 19th accused in a terror-gangster conspiracy case led by his brother Lawrence Bishnoi. The NIA alleges that Anmol Bishnoi played a pivotal role in coordinating terrorist activities from abroad, providing logistical support to gang operatives, and engaging in extortion. He is also linked to high-profile crimes, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and the shooting outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence. Special Public Prosecutor Rahul Tyagi emphasized Bishnoi’s involvement with the Babbar Khalsa International gang and their efforts to revive the Khalistan Movement. Bishnoi’s legal team has pledged full cooperation with the investigation while denying any involvement in terrorist activities. Security was heightened around the court complex during the proceedings, and the NIA discreetly transported Bishnoi from Delhi Airport to avoid potential threats. The case underscores India’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the nexus between organized crime, terrorism, and arms smuggling.
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India expands visa-on-arrival for UAE nationals to 9 international airports
India has significantly expanded its visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility for UAE nationals, now including nine international airports across the country. The Indian Embassy in the UAE announced that Cochin, Calicut, and Ahmedabad airports have been added to the list, which previously included Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. This move aims to streamline travel for UAE citizens who have previously obtained an e-Visa or regular visa for India. First-time visitors, however, must still apply for an e-Visa or regular visa before their trip. The VoA facility is available for UAE nationals visiting India for business, tourism, conference, or medical purposes, with a stay not exceeding 60 days. Applicants must hold a passport with a minimum validity of six months and may be required to provide proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and a return or onward ticket. The VoA is non-extendable and non-convertible, but there are no restrictions on the number of times it can be availed. Notably, this facility is not available to individuals with Pakistani origins or residency. The application process involves filling out a form upon arrival, either online or via the ‘Indian Visa Su-Swagatam’ mobile app, and paying a fee of Rs 2,000 (Dh83) per passenger. This expansion follows the UAE’s earlier decision in February 2025 to broaden its visa-on-arrival program for Indian nationals, allowing entry with valid visas or residency permits from additional countries, including Singapore, Japan, and Australia.