As the global golfing community gears up for the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, featuring luminaries like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, the spotlight also shines brightly on Dubai’s social golf scene. The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) Season 3 is poised to elevate the excitement with its upcoming Player Auction, scheduled for December 5, 2025, at The Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club. This event marks a pivotal moment for the UAE’s premier franchise-based team competition, which has rapidly become a cornerstone of the region’s golfing calendar. Season 3 promises to be the most ambitious yet, with an expanded roster of 160 players across 10 teams, each comprising 16 golfers, including a mandatory inclusion of at least two female players. The Player Auction will see team principals and mentors vying to secure eight new players while retaining eight from the previous season, ensuring a balanced mix of skill across low, mid, and high handicap categories. Players eager to participate must register by December 1, 2025, with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility criteria include a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency for at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. Those not selected at the auction will receive a full refund. Kunal Seth, Commissioner of the Ultimate Golf Challenge, emphasized the urgency for players to register, stating, “With fewer than three weeks to go, players must act now to secure their spot in what promises to be the most inclusive and competitive season yet.” The tournament will kick off on February 5, 2026, at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and will continue across four rounds at premier Dubai courses, culminating on May 7 at the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club. The season will conclude with a prize distribution ceremony and an after-party, celebrating champions and standout performers. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, outstanding individuals, daily brilliance awards, and the best lady golfer, recognizing excellence, skill, and style on the course.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Cultivation in Yunnan paves the way for ‘durian freedom’
In a groundbreaking development for China’s agricultural sector, Yunnan province has successfully trialed the cultivation of durians, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Known as the ‘king of tropical fruits,’ durians have traditionally been imported from countries like Thailand and Vietnam to meet China’s high demand. However, recent trials in Jinghong city and Mengla county, located in the Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, have yielded promising results. Local farmers, including Jia Guohua from Mengla, have shared videos of their ripened durians, with Jia’s tree producing 16 fruits this year—a surprising outcome from a seed he had discarded a decade ago. This breakthrough could significantly reduce China’s reliance on imports and pave the way for ‘durian freedom,’ making the fruit more accessible and affordable for Chinese consumers. The success of these trials highlights Yunnan’s potential as a key agricultural hub for tropical fruits, offering economic opportunities for local farmers and contributing to food security in the region.
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Mashriq Elite breaks ground for fifth residential project Floarea Skies in JVC
Mashriq Elite Real Estate Developments has officially commenced construction on its fifth residential project, Floarea Skies, in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), a prime location in Dubai’s thriving property market. The 23-floor development, situated in District 10, will offer 192 premium yet affordable apartments, catering to the high demand in JVC, which has consistently led in sales transactions in 2024 and the first three quarters of 2025. The project is set for completion by Q4 2027. Floarea Skies will feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from Dh666,000 for a studio, Dh1,069,000 for a one-bedroom, and Dh1,499,000 for a two-bedroom unit. Strategically located at the entry/exit point of JVC, the development boasts proximity to key landmarks such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Marina, and Mall of Emirates, all within a 10-25 minute travel radius. The project also introduces a range of luxury amenities, including a Rooftop Infinity Pool, Zen Garden, Mini Golf, and a fully equipped Gymnasium, setting a new standard for community living. With Dubai’s property market witnessing a surge in demand driven by population growth and global investor interest, Mashriq Elite plans to add over 1,200 residential units across Dubai in the next two years, including projects in Discovery Gardens, Arjan, and Dubai Land Residential Complex.
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Veteran actor Prem Chopra recovering after viral infection
Renowned Bollywood actor Prem Chopra, aged 90, is currently recuperating at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital following a viral infection and age-related health complications. The veteran star, celebrated for his iconic villainous roles in over 380 films, was admitted two days ago under the care of cardiologist Dr. Nitin Gokhale. Dr. Jalil Parkar, who is overseeing his treatment, confirmed that Chopra is not in the ICU but is being monitored in the hospital ward. ‘He is a known case of cardiac ailment and also had a viral infection, which is why I’m treating him for the lungs,’ Dr. Parkar stated. While recovery is slower due to his advanced age, Chopra is expected to be discharged within three to four days. ‘He should be fine and go home soon,’ the doctor added. Chopra’s son-in-law, actor Sharman Joshi, reassured fans that there is no cause for concern, stating, ‘All good, thank you, just some tests, back tomorrow.’ Chopra’s illustrious career spans over six decades, making him a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
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‘I wished for death’: Report accuses Israel of ‘systematic’ torture of Palestinian prisoners
A groundbreaking report by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) has unveiled harrowing accounts of systematic sexual torture inflicted upon Palestinian prisoners from Gaza held in Israeli detention. The investigation, based on testimonies from released detainees, details a pattern of abuse including rape, forced stripping, filming of assaults, and psychological humiliation.
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HK, Taiwan volunteers share their passion at games’ opening
The 15th National Games, a grand celebration of athleticism and unity, witnessed the remarkable contributions of young volunteers from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Among them were Yao Zhengnuo from Hong Kong and Chu Cheng-wei from Taiwan, who played pivotal roles in ensuring the success of the opening ceremony. Their dedication and enthusiasm not only highlighted their personal commitment but also symbolized the broader spirit of collaboration across regions. The event served as a platform for fostering connections and showcasing the shared passion for sports and national pride. Their stories of hard work and dedication continue to inspire many, emphasizing the importance of volunteerism in large-scale national events. The opening ceremony, a spectacle of cultural and athletic excellence, was made even more memorable by the efforts of these young volunteers, who exemplified the values of teamwork and dedication.
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Sweeping UK terror laws risk labelling harmful behaviour as terrorism, says major report
A comprehensive review conducted by the Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice has raised significant concerns about the broad application of British counterterror laws, particularly in light of the recent ban on Palestine Action. The three-year review, led by former judge Sir Declan Morgan and 14 commissioners, has called for a tightening of the UK’s definition of terrorism and a major overhaul of the Prevent counter-extremism programme. The report, released on Tuesday, emphasizes that without precise calibration, counterterrorism powers risk being applied too broadly, capturing behavior that is harmful but not necessarily terrorist. This follows the controversial proscription of Palestine Action as a terror group, which has led to the arrest of nearly 2,000 protesters under the Terrorism Act. The report argues that proscriptions should only be used to protect the public from terrorism and should expire after five years unless renewed by the government. It also highlights the confusion and strain on community relations caused by existing counterterror laws, particularly when banned groups pursue political objectives. Palestine Action is noted as the first organization to be proscribed primarily for property damage and the first direct action group to face such measures. The report further criticizes the lack of parliamentary oversight in the proscription process, noting that the order banning Palestine Action included two other groups, limiting parliamentarians’ ability to oppose it selectively. The commission has also called for a significant overhaul of the Prevent programme, which it deems unfit for purpose. Data reveals that 90% of the 58,000 individuals referred to Prevent since 2015 were not considered counterterrorism concerns, with 9% of recent referrals being suicide risks. The report criticizes Prevent’s radicalization model, arguing that it relies on assumptions not consistently supported by empirical evidence. It suggests that Prevent should be integrated into a broader, locally led safeguarding framework to address diverse vulnerabilities and violence, rather than focusing narrowly on terrorism. The report also highlights concerns about the potential harm caused by Prevent referrals, particularly among young people with complex needs. The case of Axel Rudakubana, who was referred to Prevent multiple times before committing a triple murder, underscores the programme’s limitations. The report concludes that Prevent is picking up many individuals who need support but are not terrorism-related, straining the system and potentially missing genuine threats.
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Indian carrier restores China route after five-year hiatus
In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, Indian airline IndiGo has officially reinstated its direct passenger service between Delhi and Guangzhou, marking the end of a five-year suspension. The daily flight, operated using the Airbus A320neo aircraft, signifies a renewed commitment to fostering economic and cultural exchanges between India and China. This development follows the successful resumption of the Kolkata-Guangzhou route on October 27, 2025, which had been halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. IndiGo is now the first Indian carrier to restore direct flights between the two nations. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, ‘This new route from Delhi, our largest domestic hub, will enhance travel options and strengthen connections between the two countries. It also provides Chinese travelers access to over 90 domestic destinations across India.’ Elbers extended gratitude to both governments for their support in reestablishing these vital links, which are expected to unlock opportunities in trade, tourism, and collaboration.
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Oman extends residency card validity to 10 years under new decision
In a significant move aimed at enhancing residency regulations, Oman has announced the extension of residency card validity from three years to a decade. This decision, issued under Decision 157/2025, amends the Executive Regulations of the Civil Status Law and applies to specific categories as defined by the Director General. Cardholders are required to renew their residency within 30 days of issuance. The annual fee for the residency card remains at 5 Omani riyals, while replacement cards will cost 20 Omani riyals. This development follows Oman’s recent introduction of a visa amnesty scheme, effective until December 31, 2025. The scheme allows visa violators to regularize their status or settle fines. According to the Royal Oman Police, foreign nationals seeking to renew their residence permits or transfer employment within Oman will be exempt from fines related to expired permits, provided their status is verified by the Ministry of Labour. Similarly, those wishing to leave Oman permanently will be exempt from fines tied to non-work-related visa terminations. These measures reflect Oman’s efforts to streamline immigration processes and support foreign residents.
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Six punished for disrupting wedding procession in Hebei
In a recent incident in Xianghe county, Langfang, Hebei province, six individuals were penalized by local authorities for disrupting a wedding procession and demanding cigarettes. The event, which occurred on November 5, saw the group stopping a wedding car under the guise of offering congratulations and insisting on receiving nine cartons of cigarettes, without specifying any particular brand. Contrary to circulating online rumors, officials clarified that the claim of 50 cartons being involved was unfounded and originated from a driver within the wedding convoy who disseminated the false information. After a 20-minute standoff, the newlyweds managed to continue their journey in a different vehicle, while the six individuals departed empty-handed. Local authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to curb such disruptive practices and have urged the public to report any similar occurrences.