A UAE national, Ali Abdullah Fateh Ali Al-Khaja, who spent over a decade in prison due to his political affiliations, has died in custody, according to the Emirates Detainees Advocacy Centre. The centre reported that Khaja, a long-term detainee, passed away in his cell at Al-Razeen Prison on Wednesday, leaving behind a family that had awaited his release for more than 13 years. Born in 1966, Khaja faced persistent ‘security harassment’ in the UAE for his social activities and association with Al-Islah, an Islamist political group linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, which is banned in the country. The UAE’s ruling Al Nahyan family perceives the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat and has aggressively suppressed its supporters for decades. Khaja was arrested in August 2012 at his home and subjected to enforced disappearance until his court appearance. During his detention, he endured solitary confinement, intimidation, and other forms of torture. In 2013, he was charged alongside 56 others with affiliation to a ‘secret illegal organization’ and sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of probation. Despite being scheduled for release in August 2022, Emirati authorities detained him further and initiated another trial in 2024. Khaja was part of the ‘UAE 94,’ a group of 94 activists prosecuted in 2013 for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government during the Arab Spring. The trial, widely criticized by human rights groups as unfair, targeted lawyers, professors, activists, and students advocating for democratic reforms. Many detainees, including Khaja, were affiliated with Al-Islah, a non-violent political reform party. However, the UAE extended sentences for several high-profile dissidents under its 2014 anti-terror law, continuing its crackdown on political dissent.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Emirates agrees deal with Rolls-Royce to maintain its own A380 engines
Emirates Airlines has solidified a groundbreaking agreement with Rolls-Royce to undertake the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of Trent 900 engines powering its A380 fleet, commencing in 2027. This strategic partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, underscores Emirates’ commitment to extending the operational lifespan of its iconic A380 aircraft well into the 2040s. As the largest operator of the now out-of-production A380, Emirates is actively refurbishing its fleet to ensure its continued service beyond the next decade, following Airbus’ cessation of A380 production in 2021. The deal also includes an extension of the TotalCare service agreement with Rolls-Royce, further cementing the collaboration between the two aviation giants. This agreement follows Emirates’ recent move to establish a seat assembly line in Dubai in partnership with France’s Safran. While Emirates has expressed concerns over Rolls-Royce’s engine performance on the A350-1000, it has lauded the smaller A350-900, which it began incorporating into its fleet last year. This deal marks a significant step in Emirates’ strategy to optimize its fleet and maintain its leadership in the global aviation industry.
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Leaders Arsenal face uncertainty as Gabriel injury clouds Spurs clash
Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations face a significant challenge as key defender Gabriel is likely to miss the highly anticipated clash against Tottenham Hotspur due to a thigh injury. The Brazilian centre-back, a linchpin in Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup, sustained the injury during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal, casting a shadow over Arsenal’s preparations for the North London derby. Gabriel’s absence could disrupt Arsenal’s defensive solidity, particularly in aerial duels, where he has been dominant this season. The Gunners, currently leading the league by four points over Manchester City, are already grappling with fitness concerns surrounding Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. Former England striker Alan Shearer emphasized Gabriel’s irreplaceability, stating, ‘Arsenal are losing probably the best centre-half in the Premier League.’ Potential replacements include Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera, or a positional switch for Riccardo Calafiori. Meanwhile, Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, boast the league’s best away record and have shown resilience despite injuries to key attackers like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. A victory for Spurs could reignite the title race and intensify the battle for Champions League qualification. Elsewhere, Manchester City, led by the prolific Erling Haaland, aim to maintain their momentum against Newcastle United, while Liverpool seek to recover from a dismal run against Nottingham Forest. Manchester United, riding a five-game unbeaten streak, will look to continue their resurgence against Everton.
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Abu Dhabi seeks $54 billion in infrastructure projects over 5 years
Abu Dhabi has announced an ambitious $54 billion infrastructure investment plan spanning the next five years, with a significant focus on social infrastructure. The initiative, led by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC), aims to double this investment by 2040, targeting national housing, schools, and community facilities, which constitute approximately 50% of the portfolio. ADPIC’s director, Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid, revealed these plans during a recent tour of Istanbul, where officials engaged with Turkish contractors, developers, and construction firms. The visit followed similar trips to Singapore and China, as part of a broader strategy to attract private sector participation. The projects, which include public-private partnerships, will be implemented across Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain city, and the Al-Dhafra region. Financing will be sourced through direct government funding, foreign consultants, and long-term partnerships with real estate developers and investors. Turkish contractors, who have already undertaken $6.1 billion worth of projects in the UAE in 2024, are among the key players being considered. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s economic diversification goals, with a particular emphasis on bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure linked to broader growth strategies.
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At least 41 dead as relentless rains flood Vietnam
Central Vietnam is facing catastrophic flooding as relentless rains have claimed at least 41 lives and left nine people missing, according to state media reports. The deluge has submerged over 52,000 homes and disrupted power for half a million households and businesses. Rainfall in some areas exceeded 1.5 meters (5 feet) over three days, surpassing the 1993 flood peak of 5.2 meters in certain regions. The coastal cities of Hoi An and Nha Trang, along with the central highlands’ coffee production belt, are among the worst-hit areas. Farmers in the highlands are already struggling with stalled harvests due to earlier storms. This year, Vietnam has been battered by extreme weather, including Typhoons Kalmaegi and Bualoi, which caused widespread destruction. Government estimates indicate that natural disasters have inflicted $2 billion in damages from January to October. Local media has published harrowing images of people stranded on rooftops as floodwaters invade their homes. A viral video shows a suspension bridge in Lam Dong province being torn from its anchors. The province has declared a state of emergency after landslides damaged major roads, including the collapse of part of the Mimosa Pass, a critical route to the tourist city of Da Lat. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated, with military and police forces setting up emergency shelters. A restaurant owner in Nha Trang expressed concern over his submerged property, stating that the water is unlikely to recede soon. Authorities have warned of continued moderate to heavy rains through Sunday.
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India’s delayed action plan raises eyebrows at COP30 climate summit
As the UN climate summit (COP30) unfolds in Belem, Brazil, India, the world’s third-largest carbon emitter, finds itself under intense scrutiny for its delayed submission of a crucial climate plan. Known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), these updated plans are essential for achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C. While around 120 of the 196 UNFCCC member countries have submitted their updated NDCs, India remains among the holdouts, with its environment minister, Bhupender Yadav, announcing that the plan will be submitted by the end of December. India’s delay has raised eyebrows, especially as international assessments label its climate actions as ‘worryingly inadequate.’ Despite this, India has met its pledge to achieve 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources ahead of the 2030 deadline. However, coal still dominates 75% of its electricity generation, a figure that must drop significantly to align with global climate goals. India’s stance at COP30 emphasizes the need for developed nations to take greater responsibility for emissions reductions and provide substantial financial support to developing countries. Yadav argued that ‘global climate progress can’t come from endless discussions alone,’ calling for developed nations to reach net-zero emissions earlier and deliver trillions in climate finance. The issue of climate finance remains contentious, with developing nations demanding over $1 trillion annually, while developed countries have pledged only $300 billion. India’s reliance on coal and its delayed NDC submission have drawn criticism, particularly as China, its usual ally in climate negotiations, has already submitted its updated plan. As COP30 continues, the world watches to see if India’s updated climate plan will address these concerns and align with global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.
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No 2026 World Cup spot but China is experiencing a grassroots soccer revival
Despite the Chinese national soccer team’s repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup and the ongoing struggles of its top clubs in Asian competitions, there are signs of hope for the sport in China. The 2025 Chinese Super League season concluded on a positive note, with Shanghai Port poised to retain the title if they secure a draw in their final match against Dalian. Should they falter, city rivals Shanghai Shenhua could seize the opportunity. The season has seen an average attendance of 26,000 per match, the highest among top Asian leagues and a significant improvement from a decade ago when Chinese clubs splurged on international stars like Oscar, Tevez, and Hulk, and renowned coaches such as Marcello Lippi and Manuel Pellegrini. Today, the league lacks such high-profile names, and clubs face financial difficulties, but the passion for soccer remains undiminished. Simon Chadwick, a professor of AfroEurasian Sport at Emlyon Business School in France, noted that a dedicated fan base persists in China, undeterred by recent challenges. While the sustainability of this resurgence is uncertain, Chadwick believes the seeds of a new era in Chinese soccer are beginning to sprout. This revival extends beyond the professional level, with amateur regional leagues flourishing across the country. The Jiangsu Football City League, launched in May 2025, has been particularly successful, drawing an average attendance of 30,000 and culminating in a final that attracted 62,000 spectators in Nanjing. The league’s success has inspired other provinces to establish similar competitions, marking a shift from top-down initiatives to grassroots, community-driven growth. Taizhou coach Zhou Gaoping emphasized the league’s role in rediscovering the essence of soccer, transcending mere victories and defeats. As Taizhou prepares for the 2026 season with overwhelming player interest, the future of Chinese soccer appears promising, even as the national team remains absent from the World Cup. If this trend continues, soccer could experience unprecedented growth in one of the world’s most populous nations.
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Trump to meet with New York City mayor-elect Mamdani
President Donald Trump has announced a meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, scheduled for Friday at the Oval Office. This comes after months of tension, during which Trump threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and Muslim, won the election. Mamdani, born in Uganda, secured a decisive victory on November 4, defeating former New York governor Andrew Cuomo with over 50% of the vote. Despite Cuomo’s national profile and political dynasty, Trump backed him, citing shared billionaire donors. Trump, a Queens native, built his real estate empire and celebrity status in New York City.
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Emirati, Israeli and far-right influencers ‘invented Christian killings in Sudan’, report says
A recent investigation by Beam Reports, a Sudanese platform dedicated to combating disinformation, has uncovered a coordinated digital campaign involving Emirati, Israeli, and far-right social media accounts. The campaign falsely alleged that Christians were being targeted and killed by Islamists in Sudan, particularly in the aftermath of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group’s seizure of el-Fasher in Darfur nearly a month ago. The report revealed that the campaign aimed to shift blame for atrocities away from the RSF, reframe Sudan’s conflict as a religious war to garner international sympathy, and flood online spaces with fabricated content to obscure media coverage.
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Delhi teen’s suicide triggers uproar against school teachers’ alleged mental abuse
A tragic incident in Delhi has ignited widespread outrage after a 16-year-old student allegedly took his own life, citing severe mental distress caused by his school teachers. The teenager, a Class 10 student at St Columba’s School, reportedly jumped from the Rajendra Place Metro station on Tuesday. In a handwritten suicide note recovered by the Delhi Police, the boy explicitly blamed his teachers and the school principal for his decision, urging authorities to take action to prevent similar tragedies.
The note, found in the student’s school bag, revealed the depth of his anguish. He apologized to his family, expressed his desire to donate his organs, and reiterated that the relentless emotional abuse from his teachers had driven him to this extreme step. The boy’s father alleged that his son had been subjected to continuous harassment by several teachers, despite repeated verbal complaints to the school administration. ‘He used to tell us that teachers scolded him for every small thing and emotionally hurt him. We complained many times, but they never stopped,’ the father told PTI.
The incident has triggered a massive protest outside the school, with demands for accountability and systemic reforms to address mental health and bullying in educational institutions. The FIR filed by the Delhi Police highlighted the boy’s frequent complaints about the teachers’ behavior, including scolding, insulting, and mental torment over minor issues. The parents emphasized that their pleas for intervention were consistently ignored, leaving their son to suffer in silence.
The suicide note poignantly read, ‘I am very sorry I did this, but the school staff said so much that I had to do it. My last wish is that action be taken against them so that no other student does what I did.’ This heartbreaking case has reignited discussions about the need for stricter regulations and support systems to protect students from emotional abuse and ensure their mental well-being.