The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving unprecedented energy demands, prompting global leaders to call for urgent action. At the third ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi, convened by Adnoc, Masdar, and XRG, over 100 leaders from the energy, technology, investment, and government sectors gathered to address this critical issue. The event highlighted the dual challenges of powering AI-driven growth and meeting escalating energy needs from urbanization, data centers, and transportation. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director, emphasized that energy and AI are the ‘twin engines’ of socioeconomic growth but warned that energy-intensive data centers are competing with other major demand drivers. He called for large-scale investments in energy infrastructure, modernized grids, pro-investment policies, and an AI-ready workforce to prepare for future challenges. The ENACT Majlis, held under the Chatham House Rule, builds on previous editions in Abu Dhabi and Washington, D.C., and follows the release of a joint report by Adnoc and Microsoft titled ‘Powering Possible: Unleashing AI for Energy and Energy for AI,’ which explores the interdependence of AI and energy systems.
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Watch: Gaza children slowly return to school after 2 years of deadly war
In a significant step toward normalcy, children in Gaza are gradually returning to school after a two-year-long conflict that disrupted education and displaced thousands. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced the reopening of some schools in the region following the recent ceasefire. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, shared on social media that over 25,000 students have already joined temporary learning spaces, with approximately 300,000 others expected to attend online classes. At Al Hassaina school in western Nuseirat, classes resumed despite severe shortages of classrooms and resources. The school, like many others, had served as a shelter for displaced families during the war, with laundry lines still hanging across its three floors. Warda Radwan, an 11-year-old student, expressed her excitement about returning to her studies after losing two years of education due to displacement. The school’s courtyard buzzed with activity as young girls participated in morning assemblies, chanting, ‘Long live Palestine!’ Despite the challenging conditions—students sitting on floors without desks or chairs—the children displayed enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Jenin Abu Jarad, a relative of a student, expressed gratitude for the reopening of schools, noting that children had been deprived of education since October 7, 2023. The gradual return to schooling marks a hopeful step in rebuilding the lives of Gaza’s youth.
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Powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake shakes northern Afghanistan, killing at least 5 people
A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocked northern Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday, claiming the lives of at least five individuals and leaving 143 others injured, as reported by Yousaf Hammad, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the epicenter of the quake at 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm, Afghanistan, with a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles). The tremor struck at 12:59 a.m. local time and was felt across multiple provinces. Most of the casualties and injuries occurred in Samangan province, where the majority of the injured sustained minor wounds and were released after receiving initial medical care. This seismic event follows a series of devastating earthquakes in the region, including a magnitude 6.0 quake in August 2025 that killed over 2,200 people and a magnitude 6.3 quake in October 2023 that left at least 4,000 dead, according to the Taliban government.
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Sharjah: Man arrested for trafficking, illegally trading protected animals
In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, Sharjah Police have apprehended an Arab man for the illegal trafficking and trade of protected animals, including endangered storks and foxes. The arrest, announced on November 2, 2025, was the result of a coordinated effort involving multiple authorities. Following the arrest, the confiscated animals were safely relocated to a nature reserve under the supervision of the Sharjah Environment and Nature Reserves Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. The accused has been handed over to the public prosecutor to face legal proceedings. Sharjah Police have called on residents to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal acquisition or trade of protected species. This operation was conducted by the Directorate of Investigations and Criminal Investigations in collaboration with the Federal Criminal Police and the Environment and Nature Reserves Authority. The UAE has a history of stringent actions against wildlife crimes. In October 2024, five individuals were arrested in Abu Dhabi for illegal falcon hunting, while in May 2025, a wild cat was captured in Fujairah, resulting in a hefty fine for its owner. Additionally, in 2021, Dubai Police thwarted an attempt to illegally sell a wolf. UAE law imposes severe penalties for such offenses, with fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh500,000 for owning dangerous animals without registration. Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 and Law No. 22 of 2005 strictly prohibit the hunting, killing, or capturing of protected species without proper authorization.
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SKH Private Family Office signs hotel management agreement with Rotana for The Cove Resort
In a landmark agreement, SKH Private Family Office and Rotana have unveiled a Dh500 million investment plan to acquire and redevelop The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah. The partnership, formalized on December 1, 2025, will see SKH Private Family Office spearhead the property’s comprehensive transformation, while Rotana resumes full management and operations for the next 15 years. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for one of the UAE’s most iconic hospitality destinations, reflecting both parties’ confidence in the region’s thriving tourism and investment potential. The signing ceremony, attended by industry leaders, was facilitated by Rasmala Investment Bank, which acted as the financial advisor. Rotana will oversee the resort’s operations, commercial performance, and guest experience, ensuring brand consistency and exceptional value. The investment includes the renovation of guest rooms, villas, restaurants, and leisure facilities, alongside architectural upgrades and the addition of sea-view towers. The project aligns with Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism strategy, which aims to attract 3.5 million visitors by 2030. Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, emphasized the resort’s potential to embody the spirit of Ras Al Khaimah and the Rotana brand, while Saqr Kamal Hasan, Founder and Chairman of SKH Private Family Office, highlighted the partnership’s focus on sustainability and regional authenticity. This initiative underscores the UAE’s position as a hub for visionary hospitality developments.
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Iran’s president pledges full support for ‘peaceful’ nuclear industry
In a recent statement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the nation’s nuclear program, emphasizing its peaceful nature. Speaking on Sunday, Pezeshkian clarified that Iran’s nuclear activities are solely aimed at addressing domestic needs and enhancing living standards, rather than developing nuclear weapons. He criticized what he described as ‘negative and biased propaganda’ that attempts to equate nuclear energy with atomic weaponry. The president pledged robust support for expanding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with a focus on increasing the country’s share in the global nuclear market. He highlighted the importance of accelerating the production of radiopharmaceuticals and advancing modern medical technologies, labeling them as critical for national progress. Pezeshkian also accused ‘colonial powers’ of obstructing independent nations, including Iran, from accessing advanced technologies. Despite longstanding accusations from Western governments that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful, primarily intended for power generation and medical applications.
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UAE homes, streets turn red, green, white and black as nation marks Flag Day
The United Arab Emirates was awash with national pride as citizens and residents celebrated Flag Day on November 3, 2025. At precisely 11 a.m., government and private institutions, schools, and homes across the country raised the UAE flag in unison, accompanied by the stirring notes of the national anthem. This annual tradition, deeply rooted in the nation’s collective memory, sees the country adorned in its iconic colours of red, green, white, and black, symbolizing unity, loyalty, and gratitude. The event marks the accession of the UAE’s second president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2004 and was officially established in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. For many Emiratis, Flag Day is a cherished family ritual. Maitha Al Amari, a resident of Al Ain, shared how her family gathers annually to replace the old flag with a new one, instilling values of respect and pride in the younger generation. In Dubai, the Ferjan Dubai initiative distributed new flags across neighbourhoods, encouraging residents to participate in this nationwide movement of patriotism. Sara M, an Emirati teacher, described the day as a celebration of both national identity and personal memories, highlighting the sense of warmth and connection it brings. Flag Day not only honours the UAE’s achievements but also serves as a reminder of the nation’s enduring unity and shared commitment to its future.
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Science festival ignites public curiosity nationwide
The annual National Science Festival, themed ‘Hi, Science! — Bridge Curiosity with Discovery, Connect Science with Ingenuity,’ commenced on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with the main venue activities held at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Botany in Beijing. The event, hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, coincided with the academy’s 76th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of its Academic Divisions. Over the weekend, the festival featured more than 180 exhibits, programs, and hands-on activities across six major sections, designed to ignite public curiosity, particularly among young people, and encourage exploration of the unknown. Visitors had the opportunity to engage with academicians and experts, watch science-themed dramas, experiment and magic shows, and learn about significant scientific achievements such as the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory and superconducting quantum computers. The festival also highlighted China’s four major series of scientific research ships and deep-sea equipment systems, and offered interactive experiments involving brain-computer interfaces, space science, and underwater communication. National key laboratories opened their doors for public tours, providing a rare glimpse into daily scientific research. A highlight of the first day was the evening event ‘Creative Blind Box Show,’ which showcased major achievements of the academy. Beyond the on-site activities, gymnastics world champion Mo Huilan, along with scientific researchers and science popularization bloggers, led a livestreamed cloud tour of the festival, allowing online audiences to experience the highlights of the main venue and feel the appeal of science and technology. Institutions across the country also launched a range of science popularization activities based on their areas of expertise. The Ganjiang Innovation Academy explained the applications of rare earth elements; the National Time Service Center organized lectures and tours to help the public explore the concept of time; the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute opened the National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai for public tours; and the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics hosted lectures and hands-on activities in rural areas. Special sessions of the science festival will also be held at the Wuhan Botanical Garden and the Kunming Institute of Zoology.
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Israel to appoint new army lawyer after Palestinian prisoner rape scandal
The Israeli military is poised to appoint a new advocate general following the resignation of its top lawyer, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who admitted to leaking surveillance footage allegedly showing soldiers raping a Palestinian detainee. The video, released in August 2023, depicted a group of soldiers at the Sde Teiman detention camp forming a human barrier around the victim during Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza. Tomer-Yerushalmi stepped down on Friday, claiming the leak was intended to counter pressure from far-right groups criticizing the military advocate general’s office. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with at least nine soldiers questioned and five indicted for ‘severe abuse,’ though none for rape. The trial remains ongoing, with the accused soldiers demanding its dismissal. The victim reportedly suffered severe injuries, including a ruptured bowel, broken ribs, and anal and lung damage. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the leak, calling it a ‘severe propaganda attack’ on Israel’s image. Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to meet with army chief Eyal Zamir to discuss appointing a new advocate general. This scandal adds to growing accusations of systemic abuse of Palestinian detainees, including rape, torture, and denial of medical treatment, with over 70 detainees dying under such conditions since the war began in October 2023. A UN commission has documented evidence of sexual violence by Israeli officers, further fueling international criticism. Despite these allegations, criminal investigations against Israeli soldiers rarely lead to prosecutions, with 88% of cases since October 2023 either closed or inconclusive, according to war monitor AOAV.
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UAE Rulers offer condolences to Saudi King over passing of Khalid bin Mohammed
In a gesture of solidarity and sympathy, the rulers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have conveyed heartfelt condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia following the passing of Prince Khalid bin Mohammed bin Turki bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud. The messages were sent individually by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi of Sharjah, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi of Fujairah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla of Umm Al Qaiwain, and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah. Additionally, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers of the UAE extended similar messages of sympathy to the Saudi monarch. The passing of Prince Khalid, a member of the Saudi royal family, has prompted an outpouring of support from regional leaders, reflecting the deep ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This diplomatic exchange underscores the importance of maintaining strong relationships during times of loss and mourning.