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.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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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.
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Hasina’s conviction for crimes against humanity is testing India-Bangladesh ties
The longstanding relationship between India and Bangladesh has reached a critical juncture, with the exile and death sentence of Bangladesh’s former leader Sheikh Hasina creating a complex diplomatic bind. Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, was a key ally for India, ensuring stability and connectivity in the region while aligning with Delhi’s interests over Beijing’s. However, her crackdown on student-led protests in 2024 led to her ousting and subsequent exile in India, where she has been granted asylum. A special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity, but India has shown no inclination to extradite her, leaving the sentence unenforceable.
This situation has placed India in a precarious position. South Asia expert Michael Kugelman outlines four unappealing options for Delhi: extraditing Hasina, maintaining the status quo, pressuring her to remain silent, or finding a third country to take her in. Each option carries significant risks, particularly as Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, seeks to rebalance its foreign policy by reducing reliance on India and strengthening ties with China, Pakistan, and Turkey.
The India-Bangladesh relationship is deeply intertwined, with Bangladesh being India’s largest trading partner in South Asia and India serving as Bangladesh’s biggest export market in Asia. Over the past decade, India has provided billions in concessional credit, built cross-border infrastructure, and supplied energy and raw materials. Despite this economic interdependence, public sentiment in Bangladesh has soured, with a recent survey revealing that 75% of Bangladeshis view ties with China positively, compared to just 11% for India. Many blame Delhi for supporting Hasina’s increasingly authoritarian regime.
Experts argue that while political and diplomatic relations may fluctuate, economic and cultural ties often endure. However, the current situation poses significant challenges for India, particularly in managing border security and counterterrorism efforts along the 4,096 km shared border. The path forward, according to Avinash Paliwal of SOAS University of London, requires quiet and patient engagement with key stakeholders in Dhaka, including the armed forces.
The uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s upcoming elections adds another layer of complexity. If the interim government can conduct credible elections, it may open opportunities for India and Bangladesh to renegotiate their relationship. However, the Hasina factor remains a wildcard, with the potential to strain bilateral ties further. Ultimately, the next elected government in Bangladesh will need to balance core national interests against domestic politics and public sentiment, making the future of India-Bangladesh relations fragile at best.
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Exclusive: Saudi-US defence partnership will fast track arms sales, sources say
In a significant move to bolster military cooperation, the United States and Saudi Arabia have inked a Strategic Defence Agreement (SDA), paving the way for expedited arms sales to the kingdom. The deal, signed by US President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marks a pivotal shift in bilateral relations, with Saudi Arabia poised to gain access to cutting-edge US defence technology, including the coveted F-35 warplanes. The agreement, currently under detailed negotiation by US officials, is expected to position Saudi Arabia ahead of other Gulf states in acquiring sophisticated US weaponry. A former senior US official revealed that the Saudis have received Trump’s approval to secure the best in defence technology, despite Israeli lobbying efforts to limit the capabilities of the F-35s sold to the kingdom. Beyond the F-35, Saudi Arabia is exploring futuristic weapons systems like Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones, designed to operate alongside manned aircraft. The kingdom is also in talks with US firms, including Shield AI and General Atomics, for advanced drone acquisitions. The SDA extends beyond military technology, with separate deals anticipated in civilian nuclear technology and AI chips. Additionally, the US has designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, a status that accelerates weapons transfers and deepens military training. This designation places Saudi Arabia alongside other Middle Eastern allies like Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, his first since 2018, underscores Riyadh’s ambition to strengthen economic and security ties with the US. The crown prince’s diplomatic efforts, including navigating Israel’s war on Gaza and rekindling relations with Iran, have bolstered his international standing. However, Saudi Arabia seeks a more binding defence commitment from Washington, akin to the US-Japan mutual defence treaty. Talks on such a treaty are ongoing, contingent on Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel. The crown prince expressed a desire to join the Abraham Accords, emphasizing the need for a clear path toward a two-state solution. The agreement reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance as the world’s largest oil exporter and the Arab world’s only G-20 economy, amid evolving regional dynamics.