In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi has officially unveiled the commencement of commercial operations for fully autonomous vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the realm of transportation technology. This initiative positions the UAE capital as a global leader in the adoption of cutting-edge mobility solutions. The driverless vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and advanced sensor systems, are set to revolutionize urban transport by enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The launch underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation and its vision for a smart, connected future. Meanwhile, in the sports arena, Luanzinho emerged as a national hero, securing a hard-fought draw for the UAE in a crucial World Cup playoff match against Iraq. His stellar performance not only salvaged the game but also reignited hopes for the team’s World Cup aspirations.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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‘I’ve been in UAE for 58 years’: Meet expat who came to Dubai in a boat in 1967
In 1967, a 22-year-old Kunhu Mohamed embarked on a life-changing journey from his hometown in Thrissur, India, to the UAE. With no passport, money, or certainty about the future, he boarded a wooden dhow named Khwaja Moideen, relying solely on faith and the wind to guide him. After a grueling 40-day voyage, he arrived near Dibba Al Baya in Oman, where he began his new life. From there, he made his way to Sharjah, a land of opportunity still in its infancy, with unpaved roads and endless possibilities. Mohamed’s early years in the UAE were marked by hard work and perseverance. He took on various jobs, from assisting a plumber to milking cows, always striving to do more than expected. His dedication caught the attention of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the then Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who employed him as a driver. This marked a turning point in Mohamed’s life. With the Sheikh’s support, he ventured into business, eventually founding Jaleel Holdings, a thriving enterprise in the foodstuff and FMCG distribution sector. Today, at 79, Mohamed continues to inspire with his humility and commitment to his employees. He attributes his success to faith, hard work, and the generosity of the UAE and its people. His story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and the opportunities that the UAE has offered to countless expatriates over the decades.
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Mined versus lab diamonds: Not even gemologists can tell the difference, says expert
The diamond industry is undergoing a seismic shift as Astrea, a pioneering lab-grown diamond brand co-led by Nathalie Morrison and Sarah Jessica Parker, prepares to launch in Dubai. The brand is set to challenge a century-old narrative that mined diamonds are inherently superior, rare, and more authentic than their lab-grown counterparts. Astrea’s claim is bold: its lab-grown diamonds, representing the top 0.01% of global quality, surpass the precision and performance of many mined stones. As Nathalie Morrison asserts, even gemologists cannot distinguish between the two with the naked eye or a loupe. This revelation is reshaping consumer perceptions, particularly among younger buyers who prioritize sustainability, transparency, and value over traditional notions of rarity. Lab-grown diamonds, which share the same chemical, optical, and structural composition as mined stones, are gaining traction globally. In the US, 60% of engagement rings now feature lab-grown diamonds, a figure that has surged from just 1% a decade ago. Economists predict this market share could reach 70–75% by 2032. Astrea, however, is not targeting the mass market. Instead, it focuses on the highest echelon of the diamond category, offering meticulously engineered and certified stones that redefine excellence. The brand’s upcoming collection, designed by Sarah Jessica Parker, showcases the creative potential of lab-grown diamonds, with modular pieces and vibrant designs that would be nearly impossible to achieve with mined stones. Beyond aesthetics, Astrea emphasizes environmental responsibility, highlighting the minimal ecological footprint of lab-grown diamonds compared to the environmental and human toll of mining. The brand’s flagship store in Dubai, located at the Mandarin Oriental, will offer an immersive experience, allowing customers to witness the diamond-making process and design bespoke pieces. This transparency marks a departure from the industry’s traditional secrecy, aligning with the values of a new generation of luxury consumers.
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Some Korean workers detained in Georgia immigration raid have returned to their jobs at Hyundai site
Two months after a high-profile immigration raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing site in Georgia, some of the 300 South Korean nationals detained have returned to the U.S. to resume their jobs, according to their employer. The September raid, which targeted workers with expired visas or visa waivers prohibiting employment, temporarily halted construction at a battery plant operated by HL-GA Battery Co., a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. The plant, part of Hyundai’s $7.6 billion investment in Georgia, is crucial for producing batteries to power Hyundai EVs. HL-GA Battery confirmed that construction has resumed with a mix of new and returning workers, thanking U.S., South Korean, and Georgia officials for their collaboration. The company remains on track to start production in the first half of next year. The raid, which saw workers shackled and detained for a week, sparked outrage in South Korea, a key U.S. ally. While some workers are hesitant to return, others have come back after confirming their B-1 business visas remain valid. South Korea has since secured U.S. commitments to improve visa processes for skilled workers.
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EU appoints first military advisor to Turkey
In a significant move to bolster strategic cooperation, the European Union has appointed its first military advisor to Turkey earlier this month, according to a Western official familiar with the matter. This decision reflects ongoing discussions in Brussels about Turkey’s pivotal role in the broader European security framework, particularly in light of the geopolitical shifts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Colonel Adam Grzymkowski, formerly Poland’s defence attaché in Ankara, has been named as the military advisor to the head of the EU delegation in Turkey, as reported by TurDef, a Turkish defence-focused news outlet. In a reciprocal arrangement, Turkey will also appoint a defence advisor to its mission in Brussels. Both advisors will operate under diplomatic status, emphasizing the diplomatic rather than formal military nature of their roles.
The EU has been actively enhancing its dialogue with Ankara over the past year, marked by increased high-level visits and coordination meetings. Europe increasingly acknowledges the necessity of Turkey’s cooperation in countering Russian influence. A senior German official highlighted the importance of deepening defence partnerships with Turkey, particularly in areas such as military drone technology, where Turkey has demonstrated significant advancements.
Additionally, the EU plans to appoint a diplomat focused on sanctions compliance, specifically targeting Russia’s ‘black fleet,’ which transports sanctioned oil. This move aligns with Turkey’s decision to reduce Russian oil imports in October following new US sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.
The appointment of a military advisor underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with Turkey, recognizing its strategic importance in regional security and defence cooperation.
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Why Gen-Z has a complicated relationship with money
Generation Z’s relationship with money is markedly different from that of previous generations. While earlier generations often prioritized materialism and immediate financial gains, Gen-Z is navigating a more nuanced and complex financial landscape. This generation spends, saves, and invests, but their approach is shaped by the accessibility of digital tools, the allure of quick financial wins, and a broader awareness of systemic inequalities.
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Marco Rubio: US knows who is arming Sudan’s RSF and it must end
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the supply of weapons and financial support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Speaking at the conclusion of a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, Rubio revealed that the US government is aware of the entities providing these resources and is actively engaging with them to cease their involvement. He stressed that the continuation of such support would have severe repercussions on both the providers and the global community. Rubio refrained from explicitly naming the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the primary backer of the RSF, despite widespread reports and accusations. However, he highlighted the role of the Quad—a diplomatic initiative involving the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE—in addressing the Sudanese conflict. Rubio expressed concern that the Quad process should not serve as a shield for those perpetuating the violence. The RSF, which has been engaged in a brutal war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023, has been accused of committing systematic atrocities, including murder, rape, and sexual violence against civilians. Survivors of the siege of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, have recounted harrowing experiences of mass executions, sexual violence, and looting by RSF fighters. Satellite imagery has further corroborated the existence of mass graves in the region. Rubio underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that humanitarian groups have reported fewer refugees than anticipated, suggesting that many may have perished or are too ill to flee. The UAE has denied allegations of its involvement, dismissing reports as fabrications. Meanwhile, Egypt and Turkey have pledged increased support for the SAF, and there are suspicions of Iranian backing for Sudan’s army. Rubio called for immediate action to end the atrocities and emphasized the need for accountability and compliance with humanitarian ceasefires.
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Young author Navaneeth Shreejith shines at Sharjah International Book Fair 2025
Navaneeth Shreejith, an eleven-year-old Grade 6 student at GEMS Cambridge International School in Abu Dhabi, has made a remarkable debut at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 with his first comic book, “Electrizer: Destiny Starts.” Published by Chiranthana Publications, UAE, the book was launched at Expo Centre Sharjah, attracting notable attendees including Hari Kumar, chairman of Elite Group of Companies, and Raman V, chairman of GBH International Group. Navaneeth, a passionate reader and artist since childhood, personally illustrated the entire book, which took 11 months to complete. His work, which combines adventure, friendship, and self-belief, has been praised for its creativity and inspiring message. The young author’s family, including his father, Dr. Sreejith, a cardiologist, and mother, Revathi, an engineer, expressed immense pride in his achievement. The Sharjah International Book Fair, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, is a global platform that fosters literary talent and cultural exchange, making Navaneeth’s debut a significant milestone in his budding literary career.
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UAE-based DP World takes control of Syria’s Tartus port in $800m deal
Syria has officially transferred the operational control of Tartus Port, its second-largest port, to DP World, a leading logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates. The transition marks a significant milestone in Syria’s efforts to revitalize its logistics sector after years of conflict. The move follows a 30-year concession agreement valued at $800 million, signed between DP World and Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports earlier this year. The deal is among the largest foreign investments in Syria’s infrastructure in recent history, aiming to transform Tartus into a modern, efficient trading hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fahad al-Banna, the newly appointed CEO of DP World Tartus, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging its global expertise to modernize the port, enhance trade opportunities, and establish Tartus as a pivotal regional trade center. DP World plans to upgrade the port’s infrastructure, expand its handling and storage capacity, and invest in advanced bulk handling systems. This development comes after Syria’s government terminated a 2019 agreement with Russian company Stroytransgaz, citing contractual breaches and insufficient investment. The new administration, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been actively seeking to rebuild economic ties with Western and regional powers, including a separate 30-year deal with French shipping giant CMA CGM to operate Latakia Port. The easing of U.S., EU, and UK sanctions has further supported Syria’s economic recovery efforts. Notably, President Sharaa’s recent visit to the White House marked a historic moment in Syrian-U.S. relations, underscoring the country’s push for international reintegration.
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Shanghai’s Jinshan district reports economic growth
Shanghai’s Jinshan district has demonstrated significant economic progress and rural revitalization during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25). According to local officials, the district’s GDP surpassed 120 billion yuan ($16.9 billion) in 2024, with per capita GDP reaching $21,500. Liu Jian, Party secretary of Jinshan district, highlighted the district’s focus on industrial transformation, spatial reorganization, and governance reforms during a recent press conference. The total industrial output of enterprises above a designated size exceeded 300 billion yuan, with emerging sectors like fiber materials, drones, and optoelectronic transmission materials gaining national recognition as characteristic industrial clusters for SMEs. The service sector also showed robust growth, with businesses above a designated size achieving an average annual growth rate of 62%. Jinshan attracted 20 major investment projects, each exceeding 1 billion yuan, including four megaprojects valued at over 10 billion yuan each. Innovation metrics surged, with invention patents per 10,000 residents doubling and international PCT patent applications increasing nearly 11-fold. High-tech enterprises grew by 39.5%, while specialized and sophisticated technology enterprises expanded by 375.3%. In agriculture, Jinshan implemented key initiatives, boosting agricultural labor productivity by 21%, surpassing the city’s average. Rural residents’ per capita disposable income rose by an average of 7.4% annually. The tourism sector flourished with the opening of the Legoland Shanghai Resort, which attracted over 800,000 visitors since July 2025, driving accommodation and catering business revenue up by 15.2% year-on-year. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Jinshan aims to become an innovative, green, and livable bay area, focusing on emerging industries, technological innovation, and urban-rural integration.