Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, is poised to make history at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai this weekend. With a commanding 767-point lead over his closest competitor, Marco Penge, McIlroy is on the verge of securing the Harry Vardon Trophy for an unprecedented seventh time. This achievement would see him surpass the legendary Seve Ballesteros, who holds six titles, and edge closer to Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight. McIlroy’s dominance in the Race to Dubai standings has been consistent, as he aims to claim the season-long title for the fourth consecutive year. The Northern Irishman is well aware of the stakes, with 2,000 points awarded to the winner of the final Rolex Series event at Jumeirah Golf Estates. While victory is not guaranteed, McIlroy remains focused on delivering a strong performance. Reflecting on his recent form, McIlroy highlighted his impressive showing at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, where he extended his lead with a flawless 62 on Sunday. He expressed optimism about maintaining his momentum in Dubai, a tournament he has won three times, including last year. McIlroy’s confidence is bolstered by the DP World Tour’s announcement of the Rory McIlroy Award, a new annual trophy honoring Europe’s first Career Grand Slam winner. The award will recognize the DP World Tour member with the best performance across all four major championships in a season. McIlroy joins an elite group of golfing legends, including Harry Vardon and Seve Ballesteros, in having a tour award named after him. As he prepares for the season finale, McIlroy remains determined to cement his legacy as one of European golf’s greatest players.
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Ben Sulayem, Macron reaffirm partnership between France and FIA
In a landmark meeting, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the enduring partnership between France and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The discussions underscored shared priorities in motorsport, road safety, sustainable mobility, and the protection of young people online. France, home to the FIA’s headquarters in Paris, remains a cornerstone of the Federation’s legacy, with Macron and Ben Sulayem celebrating the nation’s pivotal role in global motorsport. From the historic Paris–Rouen trial in 1894 to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, France has consistently driven innovation and economic impact in the industry, supporting over 1,000 jobs and contributing €162 million annually to the French economy. The leaders also addressed France’s representation in the FIA Formula 1 Championship, the contributions of French manufacturers and promoters, and the facilitation of visas for FIA delegates. Joining the meeting were Yann de Pontbriand, President of the Automobile Club de France (ACF), and Pierre Gosselin, President of the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA). Their discussions emphasized the central role of these clubs in promoting safe and responsible mobility and motorsport. Road safety and sustainable mobility were key focal points, with Ben Sulayem and Macron exchanging views on initiatives like the FIA Driver Safety Index, a groundbreaking AI-powered tool to measure driver risk. The leaders also highlighted the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, which aligns with France’s policies on social media safety for children. By combining regulation, education, and technology, the campaign aims to create safer, more inclusive environments for the global sporting community. Ben Sulayem remarked, ‘Today highlights the deep and historic connection between France and the FIA, a bond that stretches back to the founding of our Federation in Paris over a century ago. Together, we are committed to advancing safer roads, more sustainable and accessible mobility for all, and fostering innovation in motorsport that benefits communities worldwide.’
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Global girl group Katseye have received ‘thousands’ of death threats
Katseye, the internationally acclaimed girl group, has been navigating a tumultuous journey since their debut in 2023. Despite their meteoric rise in the music industry, the six-member ensemble has been subjected to a barrage of online death threats and racist comments. The group, recently nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, revealed the emotional toll these threats have taken on them and their families. Lara Raj, a member with Tamil Indian heritage, shared her decision to delete Twitter (now X) to escape the negativity, stating, ‘I realised I am not the audience for other people’s opinions.’ The group, trained in the K-pop system but adopting a Western musical approach, has also faced sexist remarks, with Raj highlighting the dystopian nature of being ranked based on appearance and talent. Despite these challenges, Katseye has achieved remarkable success. Their second EP, ‘Beautiful Chaos,’ peaked at number two on the US album charts, and their Gap advert garnered 400 million plays and 8 billion social media impressions. The band, comprising members from diverse backgrounds, continues to inspire with their message of pride in one’s heritage and culture. Raj encourages aspiring musicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams, emphasizing, ‘Our skin colour, our culture is our power. Use it and own it.’
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Video: Turkish military plane with 20 on board crashes in Georgia; casualties feared
A Turkish military cargo plane carrying 20 passengers and crew crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border on Tuesday, according to Turkey’s defence ministry. The C-130 Hercules aircraft, en route from Azerbaijan to Turkey, went down in the Sighnaghi area, approximately five kilometers from the Georgian state border. Dramatic footage from Azerbaijani media depicted the plane spiraling out of control before crashing, with thick black smoke rising from the wreckage. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with Turkish and Georgian authorities coordinating efforts. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed deep sorrow over the incident, referring to the victims as ‘martyrs.’ Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also extended condolences to Turkey. The aircraft, manufactured by US-based Lockheed Martin, disappeared from Georgian air traffic control radar shortly after entering Georgian airspace, without issuing a distress signal. The Turkish defence ministry has urged the press to refrain from publishing images of the crash site.
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Taliban order women to wear burkas to access hospitals, charity says
In a concerning development, the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have mandated that women, including patients, caretakers, and staff, must wear a burka—a full Islamic veil—to access public health facilities in Herat, a western city. This directive, reported by the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), took effect on November 5. According to Sarah Chateau, MSF’s programme manager in Afghanistan, these restrictions are severely limiting women’s access to healthcare, even for those requiring urgent medical attention. MSF noted a 28% decline in admissions for urgent cases at Herat Regional Hospital in the initial days of enforcement. Taliban members stationed at hospital entrances have reportedly denied entry to women not wearing the burka. However, a Taliban spokesperson dismissed these claims, stating that the ministry’s stance focuses on hijab, not the burka, and denied allegations of women being barred from medical centers. Activists and social media users have criticized the move, with some women in Herat reportedly burning burkas in protest. The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has seen numerous restrictions on women’s rights, including bans on education and employment, which the UN has labeled as ‘gender apartheid.’ The recent enforcement of the burka in Herat marks a significant escalation in these policies, raising alarm among human rights advocates.
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India’s start-ups fire up public markets amid valuation concerns
India’s start-up ecosystem is witnessing an unprecedented surge in initial public offerings (IPOs), marking a significant shift from rapid growth to strategic sustainability. This week, eyewear solutions firm Lenskart, valued at $821 million, saw its IPO sold out within hours, despite its shaky market debut. This follows the successful listing of Groww, the country’s largest retail brokerage backed by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, which garnered 17 times more demand than available shares. Fintech unicorn Pine Labs is also set to list later this week.
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UAE: 91-year-old Kerala expat becomes oldest author at Sharjah book fair
At 91, Al Haj N. Jamaluddin, a UAE-based Indian educationist and poet, is set to become the oldest author to host a book signing session at the Sharjah International Book Fair. On November 15, Jamaluddin will meet readers at the Sharjah Expo Centre, where he will sign copies of ‘Zamzam,’ the Arabic translation of his Malayalam poetry collection. The book, first launched at the fair in 2023, has now reached Arabic-speaking audiences, fulfilling Jamaluddin’s long-held dream of transcending linguistic barriers. Joining him will be Karima El Azizi, Secretary to the CEO’s Office at the Sharjah Book Authority, who will also be signing her latest work.
Jamaluddin describes ‘Zamzam’ as a cultural bridge between his two homes: Kerala, where he was born, and the UAE, where he has lived since 1965. The poetry collection delves into his life experiences, Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, and Islamic history, including the early arrival of Islam in southern India. ‘The UAE and my homeland, Kerala, share a bond that goes back centuries,’ he said. ‘Being able to share our stories in Arabic means a lot to me.’
Before his literary pursuits, Jamaluddin dedicated decades to education. He is the founder and chairman of Crescent English High School in Dubai, established in 1984 to provide affordable quality education to low- and middle-income families. Even at 91, he continues to visit the school daily, finding inspiration in the children. ‘When I’m with the children, I forget everything,’ he once told Khaleej Times. ‘They make me feel alive. As long as I can, I’ll keep going.’
Born in Kollakadavu, Kerala, Jamaluddin’s life parallels the UAE’s transformation. Arriving in Dubai in the mid-1960s, he worked with the Bank of Oman (now Mashreq Bank) until 1983 and played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Relief Committee, which later facilitated consular services for Indian expats and direct flights between Kerala and Dubai. Despite lucrative job offers, he chose to focus on education and literature, believing that ‘books and schools are what endure.’
Jamaluddin’s curiosity remains undiminished. He writes regularly, reads daily, and stays connected with former students worldwide. When asked about his motivation, he said, ‘As long as I can learn, I’ll keep writing. Age is not an obstacle, but a reminder that time is precious.’
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Heroes of Hope bring colour and creativity to Earth Lounge at DP World Tour Championship
The DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates witnessed a heartwarming fusion of art and sport as young athletes from Heroes of Hope, a UAE-based non-profit sports academy for people of determination, collaborated with local abstract artist Rabab Tantawy to complete a stunning mural at the Earth Lounge. The vibrant artwork, located beside the 16th green, added a fresh and creative touch to the championship venue as it prepared to crown its 2025 champion from November 13–16. The mural, blending traditional oil paint with contemporary spray art techniques, symbolized the inclusive spirit of the event. The young participants, including Noah Evans, Thomas O’Brien, and Marwan Al Khaja, have been part of a golf coaching programme at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, a partnership between the DP World Tour and Heroes of Hope. This initiative aims to provide people of determination with opportunities to engage with golf both on and off the course. The programme culminated with a final lesson from one of the tournament’s leading players, offering the young athletes a memorable experience of the championship atmosphere. Noah, a Year 7 student at Dubai Heights Academy, shared his passion for golf, which he has been playing for three years alongside his father. His father, Tom, highlighted how the sport has boosted Noah’s confidence, hand-eye coordination, and overall well-being. The family expressed gratitude to Heroes of Hope, DP World, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, and the DP World Tour for their unwavering support, enabling Noah and his peers to participate in such enriching activities.
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Tommy Fleetwood Academy expands to Abu Dhabi, elevating golf development in the UAE
In a significant stride for golf development in the UAE, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy (TFA) has officially opened its doors at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. This expansion marks a new chapter for the sport in the region, coinciding with the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The academy’s launch follows a comprehensive upgrade of Yas Links’ training facilities, now operating fully under the TFA brand. This move strengthens the partnership between Viya Golf and Tommy Fleetwood, one of golf’s most respected figures, and cements Yas Links’ reputation as a hub for golf excellence in the Middle East.
Tommy Fleetwood, the academy’s founder, expressed his deep connection to the UAE, describing it as a ‘second home’ for him and his family. He emphasized the academy’s mission to give back to the region that has supported his career. ‘We’ve built something truly special in Dubai, and expanding to Abu Dhabi is a privilege. I’m proud of the community we’ve created and the opportunity to inspire more golfers,’ Fleetwood said.
The new facility boasts cutting-edge technology, including two swing studios with advanced simulators, an indoor putting studio, and world-class training systems like PLATFORM Golf, Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and Sam PuttLab. These resources, combined with TFA’s proven player-development philosophy, aim to elevate golf performance at all levels.
Karl Whitehead, Cluster Manager at Viya Golf, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, ‘Abu Dhabi continues to lead in growing the game, and TFA’s expertise and technology will further enhance this vision.’ Chris May, CEO of Viya Golf, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the academy’s alignment with Viya’s commitment to excellence and player development.
The launch aligns with rising golf participation in Abu Dhabi, supported by expanded junior and ladies’ programs and the club’s largest-ever team of PGA professionals. As the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship puts Yas Links on the global stage, the new academy underscores Viya’s mission to make golf more accessible, inclusive, and performance-driven across the Middle East.
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China needs its youth to spend but they are embracing frugality
China’s economic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a growing trend of frugality among its younger generation. Despite the government’s efforts to stimulate domestic consumption, recent graduates and young professionals are increasingly cautious about spending. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high at nearly 20%, and the ongoing property crisis has made homeownership seem like a distant dream for many, particularly in urban centers. This climate of uncertainty has led to a surge in minimalist lifestyles, with social media influencers like Zhang Small Grain of Rice promoting cost-saving strategies, from using basic soap for all cleaning needs to showcasing budget-friendly clothing and accessories. Others, such as Little Grass Floating In Beijing, focus on budget eating, preparing meals for as little as $1. These trends reflect a broader shift in consumer behavior, as young people prioritize saving over spending, driven by fears of job insecurity and economic instability. Economists warn that this reluctance to spend could have long-term implications for China’s economy, which has traditionally relied on investment and exports. The transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a high-tech one has further exacerbated the issue, as many new industries require fewer workers. Despite government incentives to boost consumption, such as subsidies for replacing old cars and appliances, these measures have had limited success. The cultural inclination towards frugality, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, continues to shape consumer behavior, posing a significant challenge to policymakers aiming to rebalance the economy.