In a poignant ceremony at Qasr Al Hosn, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honored Salem and Fatima Al Mansoori, the first Emirati family to donate their five-year-old daughter Zahia’s organs. Zahia’s heart saved the life of one child, while her kidneys went to another child and an adult patient. The Al Mansoori family’s selfless decision, made amidst their grief, has brought hope and awareness to the UAE’s Hayat organ donation programme. Dr. Ali Al Obeidli, chairman of the UAE National Transplant Committee, emphasized that organ transplants restore hope not only to patients but also to their families, creating a lasting legacy tied to Zahia’s name. The Abu Dhabi Awards, which celebrated its 20th anniversary, recognized the Al Mansooris alongside nine other individuals for their contributions to community development, education, healthcare, and culture. The event underscored the UAE’s commitment to generosity, unity, and social harmony, coinciding with the Year of Community. Since its inception, the Abu Dhabi Awards has honored 110 individuals from 18 nationalities, reflecting the nation’s enduring values of compassion and responsibility.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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South Korean growers sue state power utility, blaming climate change for crop damage
In Seosan, South Korea, Hwang Seong-yeol, a seasoned farmer with over three decades of experience, watched anxiously as a combine harvester navigated his waterlogged rice field. This marked the end of what he described as one of his most challenging farming seasons, plagued by erratic weather patterns attributed to climate change. Hwang is among five South Korean farmers who have filed a lawsuit against Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and its subsidiaries, accusing them of exacerbating climate change through their reliance on coal and fossil fuels, which has led to significant crop damage.
The lawsuit, the first of its kind in South Korea, raises critical questions about the accountability of power companies in driving climate change and the subsequent agricultural losses. Represented by Yeny Kim, a lawyer from the nonprofit Solutions for Our Climate, the plaintiffs argue that KEPCO’s excessive carbon emissions and slow transition to renewable energy have contributed to destabilized weather conditions. From 2011 to 2022, KEPCO and its subsidiaries were responsible for approximately 30% of South Korea’s greenhouse gas emissions and 0.4% of global emissions, according to Kim’s analysis.
The farmers are seeking initial compensation of 5 million won ($3,400) per client, with the amount subject to adjustment as the case progresses. Additionally, they are symbolically demanding 2,035 won ($1.4) each to urge the government to accelerate the phase-out of coal power plants by 2035, ahead of the current 2040 target. Despite KEPCO’s commitment to reducing emissions by 40% by 2030, experts argue that the utility’s mounting debt, exceeding 200 trillion won ($137 billion), hampers its ability to invest in renewable energy and modernize the power grid.
The lawsuit, while largely symbolic, highlights South Korea’s broader challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy. Renewable energy accounted for only 10.5% of the national energy mix in 2024, with KEPCO’s subsidiaries relying on coal for over 71% of their electricity production. Professor Yun Sun-Jin of Seoul National University emphasized the need for deregulating solar investments, expanding offshore wind energy, and ending KEPCO’s monopoly to encourage competition and innovation.
The impact of climate change extends beyond rice farming, affecting apple, tangerine, and strawberry growers across the country. Farmers face rising costs, increased labor, and lower yields as they grapple with pests, diseases, and extreme weather events. Ma Yong-un, an apple farmer in Hamyang, shared his struggles with prolonged heat and humidity, which have forced him to use more pesticides and protective measures to safeguard his crops. As South Korea’s agricultural sector confronts these challenges, the lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change to mitigate the effects of climate change on livelihoods and food security.
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Rubio says Israeli settler violence in West Bank could undermine Gaza peace deal
In a rare move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly criticized the escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Speaking from Hamilton International Airport in Canada following a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, Rubio highlighted the strong condemnations issued by Israeli President Isaac Herzog and senior military officials regarding recent settler attacks. These attacks, which included arson and property destruction in Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf, also saw settlers targeting Israeli military and police forces sent to quell the violence. Several Palestinians were injured, and significant damage was inflicted on their land and property. Israeli President Herzog described the incidents as ‘shocking and serious,’ urging decisive action to eradicate such violence. Army Chief Eyal Zamir and Major General Avi Bluth also condemned the attacks, with Bluth labeling the settlers as an ‘anarchist fringe’ that hinders military counterterrorism efforts. Despite these official condemnations, settler violence has surged to near-daily occurrences since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel and the subsequent war on Gaza, which the United Nations has recognized as a genocide. The Israeli military has faced accusations of complicity in these attacks. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recorded 264 settler violence incidents in October alone—the highest monthly figure since records began in 2006. This year, around 1,500 settler attacks have been documented. While the Biden administration has imposed sanctions on some Israeli settlers and settlement-related entities, the Trump administration had lifted these sanctions in January. Rubio emphasized the US administration’s commitment to preventing West Bank violence from undermining the Gaza peace deal. The G7 ministers also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank, condemning extremist settler violence and urging all parties to refrain from actions that could jeopardize a two-state solution. Israeli settler violence persisted on Thursday, with settlers setting fire to a mosque in Deir Istiya and vandalizing walls with racist graffiti, while also using bulldozers to expand a new settlement outpost on Jabal al-Najma in Qaryut. Israeli settlements are illegal under international law.
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Ex-Bangladesh leader tells BBC she’s not guilty of crimes against humanity
Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is confronting the possibility of a death penalty as a special tribunal prepares to deliver its verdict on her alleged involvement in crimes against humanity. The charges stem from a violent crackdown on student-led protests in 2024, which resulted in her ousting from power. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024, has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling her trial as a “farce” orchestrated by a “kangaroo court” controlled by her political adversaries. Prosecutors have accused her of being the primary architect behind the deaths of hundreds during the mass protests against her autocratic rule. In an interview with the BBC, Hasina categorically denied issuing orders to fire on unarmed civilians, though leaked audio verified by the BBC suggests she authorized the use of “lethal weapons” in July 2024. The tribunal, set to announce its verdict on Monday, has heightened security measures in Dhaka. Hasina’s legal team has raised concerns about fair trial violations, filing an urgent appeal with the UN. The case has drawn international attention, with UN investigators estimating up to 1,400 deaths during the protests. Separately, Hasina faces additional charges of corruption and human rights abuses, which she also denies. The outcome of this trial marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh and the families of those who lost their lives during the protests.
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UAE, US join forces to build AI-powered drones in Abu Dhabi
In a significant leap for defence technology, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to develop AI-powered autonomous drones. The partnership involves American high-tech arms developer Anduril Industries and Abu Dhabi’s EDGE Group, marking a pivotal moment in the UAE’s quest to enhance its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence into aerial warfare systems. The joint venture will focus on designing and producing a new generation of combat-ready drones, named Omen, at a state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot research and development centre in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is set to acquire the first 50 units, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering home-grown advanced defence technologies. The Omen drone, characterized by its sleek and lightweight design, combines the vertical take-off capabilities of a helicopter with the range and speed of an airplane, making it ideal for deployment in diverse terrains, including maritime patrols, border security, and disaster relief. Shane Arnott, Anduril’s senior vice-president, emphasized that the project aims to disrupt traditional maritime patrol and special mission aircraft systems. Under the agreement, EDGE gains access to Anduril’s Lattice AI operating system, an advanced software platform enabling real-time coordination of multiple autonomous aircraft through a 3D command-and-control network. This AI-driven architecture is expected to provide militaries with unparalleled situational awareness and coordination, potentially revolutionizing air combat strategies. The Omen project is the first of several systems anticipated to emerge from this partnership, with EDGE investing nearly $200 million and Anduril committing $850 million in prior technology development. Production is slated to begin by 2028, with prototypes set for testing in the UAE next year. This collaboration builds on the US-UAE defence partnership announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi in May, which aims to promote joint capability development between the two allies. Since the launch of EDGE in 2019, the UAE has been steadily advancing its defence industry, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and boosting exports of advanced military technology. For Anduril, founded by tech entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, this venture reflects growing confidence in the UAE’s defence ecosystem. For Abu Dhabi, it solidifies its position as a regional innovation hub for next-generation autonomous systems, where artificial intelligence and air power converge to shape the future of warfare.
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Hindujas to shift EV-bus plant to Ras Al Khaimah from UK
In a strategic move that underscores the UAE’s growing prominence in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, the Hinduja Group’s Switch Mobility, the EV-bus division of India’s Ashok Leyland, is shifting its production base from the UK to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). This relocation marks the first large-scale, dedicated manufacturing shift by a global EV bus company into the UAE, positioning the country as a hub for production and export. The decision reflects the emirate’s cost-efficient manufacturing ecosystem, regional market access, and ambition to serve Europe, the UK, and the GCC. The UK facility in Sherburn, deemed economically unviable, will be replaced by an upgraded RAK plant, with an investment of under $3 million. Ashok Leyland’s existing RAK facility, operational since 2008, has produced over 25,500 buses and sources over 55% of its parts locally. The upgrade for EV bus production transforms the plant into a regional manufacturing hub for high-voltage electric buses. For the Hinduja Group and Ashok Leyland, this move is a significant step in their global EV strategy, enabling cost reduction, streamlined logistics, and access to the UAE’s business-friendly environment. The UAE’s industrial policy and investment incentives align with manufacturers seeking logistics advantages into Europe, Africa, and Asia. While the UAE already manufactures EV parts and related technologies, this relocation is a rare instance of a global bus-maker shifting full production into the emirate. Trial runs of the buses are expected in the UAE and Saudi Arabia by summer 2025, with a commercial rollout in the GCC by Q4 2025. The shift also strengthens supply-chain linkages, with components flowing from India and beyond, turning the RAK facility into an integrated production node. This transition signals the UAE’s industrial pivot into sustainable mobility and advanced manufacturing, while the Hinduja Group moves from import-centric operations to locally grounded manufacturing with global reach. For Ashok Leyland, it consolidates its role as a global EV-bus player with production capabilities in India, the UK, and soon the UAE. The move also positions Switch Mobility to win large fleet contracts across the Gulf as regional governments accelerate the adoption of electric public transport vehicles.
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UAE’s creator economy emerges as entrepreneurial powerhouse
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a transformative shift in its creator economy, with content creators increasingly adopting entrepreneurial roles. A recent report by Visa, unveiled at Web Summit 2025, highlights this evolution, revealing that about one-third of UAE creators have launched new ventures following their content success. This underscores a robust entrepreneurial mindset within the region. The report, titled ‘Monetized: 2025 Creator Report,’ conducted in collaboration with Morning Consult, surveyed over 1,000 TikTok creators across five regions, including the UAE. It emphasizes a global trend where creators are transitioning from influencers to small business owners, driving commerce and community engagement. In the UAE, this trend is particularly pronounced, with most creators expressing confidence in the sector’s long-term viability and having clear plans for future expansion. Despite their ambitions, many UAE creators face financial challenges, relying on personal funds and credit cards to finance their work. Over 35% use secondary personal accounts to separate expenses, indicating a lack of dedicated business banking tools tailored for creators. Payment delays also remain a significant issue, with 42% receiving payments within a week, but late settlements often disrupting cash flow. Interestingly, UAE creators exhibit one of the highest levels of financial confidence globally, with 61% expressing optimism about managing their finances. However, their strong interest in financial education suggests a gap in specialized training that could help creators scale effectively. To address these challenges, Visa announced a pilot program in partnership with Karat Financial, a fintech firm specializing in creator-focused banking solutions. Initially launching in the US, the program aims to provide creators with credit cards and business banking services designed around their unique revenue models. Features under consideration include automated payment tracking, invoice reminders, and fraud-prevention tools. While the pilot will start in the US, Visa plans to gauge regional interest and expand to other markets, potentially including the UAE, by FY27. This move builds on Visa’s 2024 commitment to recognize creators as small businesses and provide them with the same financial tools available to traditional enterprises. The UAE’s creator economy is poised for significant growth, driven by high digital adoption, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and increasing brand collaborations. However, unlocking its full potential will require tailored financial solutions, faster payment systems, and educational resources that empower creators to manage their businesses with confidence. Visa’s latest initiatives—and its research-driven approach—signal a broader industry shift: the creator economy is no longer a niche; it’s a cornerstone of modern commerce. For UAE creators, the next chapter could be defined by how quickly financial ecosystems adapt to their needs.
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Iraq’s 2025 elections reveal a democracy without belief
Iraq held its parliamentary elections on November 11, 2025, with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s coalition emerging as the frontrunner. However, no political bloc secured a governing majority in the 329-seat parliament, setting the stage for months of elite negotiations to form the next government. This pattern of coalition-building has persisted since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, turning elections into a ritual of continuity rather than a catalyst for change. While officials celebrated a rise in voter turnout to 55%, this figure masks a deeper issue: only 21.4 million of Iraq’s 32 million eligible voters registered, a decline from 24 million in 2021. Early voting, which saw an 82% turnout among soldiers, police, and displaced persons, further inflated the overall participation rate. Over the past two decades, voter turnout has steadily declined, from 79% in 2005 to 44% in 2018, reflecting growing disillusionment among citizens. Iraq’s oil-dependent economy fuels a vast public sector, with nearly 38% of the workforce employed by the state. This system blurs the line between voter and employee, making elections less about choice and more about compliance. Political parties often control ministries as private fiefdoms, distributing jobs and contracts to supporters. The 2019 protest movement, which demanded an end to sectarianism and corruption, was met with violent repression, further eroding public faith in the political process. The assassination of Sunni candidate Safaa al-Mashhadani ahead of the election underscored the dangers of dissent. For many Iraqis, especially the youth, politics is seen as a source of danger rather than opportunity, with 46% expressing a desire to emigrate. The 2025 election reveals a deeper crisis: a society trapped in a cycle of learned helplessness, where hope for change has been extinguished. Substantial economic and political reforms are needed to break this cycle and restore faith in Iraq’s democratic process.
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What lies ahead in Iraq: The hard task of forming a government
Following Iraq’s recent parliamentary elections, the nation braces for a complex and potentially protracted process of government formation. Incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, whose coalition emerged as the largest bloc, faces the formidable task of securing support from other parties, particularly within the Shia majority, to secure a second term. Preliminary results indicate that his coalition lacks the majority needed to form a government outright, setting the stage for weeks or even months of intense negotiations.
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Likud MP says ultranationalist rabbi Meir Kahane was right
In a contentious parliamentary debate, Nissim Vaturi, the deputy speaker of the Knesset and a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, openly endorsed the late ultranationalist rabbi Meir Kahane. Kahane, whose Kach movement is banned as a terrorist organization, had advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from Israel. Vaturi criticized former Likud leaders for ostracizing Kahane, stating, ‘Kahane was right in many ways where we were wrong.’ His remarks drew immediate backlash from fellow lawmakers, with some calling for a criminal investigation into his support for a terrorist organization. The controversy comes amid growing visibility of Kahanist ideology in Israeli politics, exemplified by the Jewish Power party, which is inspired by Kahane’s extremist views. Analysts warn that the normalization of such rhetoric reflects a broader shift toward the far right in Israeli society, with traditional political boundaries increasingly blurred.