Israeli authorities have prohibited two demonstrations organized by Sudanese refugees aimed at condemning the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, a paramilitary group allegedly supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One protest was planned outside the Emirati embassy in Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv, to highlight the UAE’s backing of the RSF, which has been accused of genocide. The Israeli police justified the cancellation by claiming the demonstrations could jeopardize national security and public order. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, arguing it violated freedom of expression. However, the court upheld the police’s stance after the National Security Council warned that the protests could harm Israel’s foreign relations. Anwar Suliman, a Sudanese asylum seeker and organizer, revealed that the UAE had requested the protest be halted, raising concerns about Israel’s alignment with the UAE. Despite the cancellations, Suliman vowed to continue raising awareness about the RSF’s crimes, which include widespread killings, sexual violence, and expulsions in Sudan. The RSF’s recent capture of el-Fasher in Darfur has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with reports of 27,000 deaths in just three days. Suliman criticized the lack of Israeli media coverage, attributing it to fear or censorship. Israel’s treatment of Sudanese asylum seekers has also been contentious, with many facing legal and social obstacles despite their refugee status. The Hotline for Refugees and Migrants has documented systemic discrimination against asylum seekers, who are often stigmatized as security threats. The incident underscores the complex interplay between domestic policies, international relations, and human rights advocacy in Israel.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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‘Beetlejuice’ musical brings Broadway-scale spectacle and local jokes to Abu Dhabi
The globally acclaimed ‘Beetlejuice’ musical has made its dazzling debut in Abu Dhabi, bringing Broadway-level theatrics and a touch of local humor to the UAE capital. Staged at the Etihad Arena on November 20, 2025, the production, based on Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film, has been lauded for its high-energy comedy, stunning visual effects, and audience engagement. Producer Michael Cassel emphasized Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class musicals, praising the city’s enthusiastic and receptive audience. The show, which has previously captivated audiences in the US, Korea, Japan, and Australia, remains faithful to its Broadway roots while incorporating subtle nods to Emirati culture, such as references to ‘Lulu Express’ and Arabic phrases like ‘shukran.’ The cast, including Andy Karl as Beetlejuice and Elise McCann as Barbara Maitland, highlighted the show’s blend of humor and heartfelt themes of family and loss. The production’s success underscores Yas Island’s ambition to become a premier destination for live entertainment, with plans to host more Broadway hits like ‘Mary Poppins’ in the near future. The musical’s irreverent humor and bold jokes have resonated deeply with Abu Dhabi audiences, solidifying its status as a must-see spectacle.
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The calm after the digital gold rush: Why trust matters more than technology
In the UAE, a transformative shift is reshaping the gold investment landscape. Once confined to traditional gold souks and large upfront purchases, gold ownership has now entered the digital age. With platforms like the Just Gold App, investors can start with as little as AED 10, marking a significant departure from conventional methods. Dubai’s $3 billion retail bullion market is transitioning from physical displays to digital wallets, driven by technology and a growing demand for transparency and trust.
Digital platforms have democratized gold ownership, enabling users to purchase small quantities of 24-karat gold stored securely in insured vaults. This innovation eliminates concerns about physical storage while allowing investors to build real assets gradually. The Just Gold App exemplifies this new era of responsible investing, blending technology, ethics, and transparency to foster confidence among users.
According to the World Gold Council (WGC), investment demand for gold in the Middle East surged by over 30% in the first half of 2025, fueled by digital accessibility and younger investors. Globally, gold investment remains above its five-year average as consumers seek stability amid economic uncertainty.
Trust has emerged as the cornerstone of digital gold investing. Investors prioritize knowing where their gold is stored, how it is insured, and who oversees the process. JustGold addresses these concerns by linking every purchase to the official UAE gold rate and storing gold in Loomis International’s insured vaults in Dubai. The platform is ISO 27001:2022 certified for information security and adheres to Islamic finance principles, ensuring Shariah compliance and real ownership without speculation.
Since mid-2025, JustGold has experienced consistent growth, with transaction values increasing significantly. The average buy transaction value rose from AED 192 in July to AED 1,032 in October, a 440% increase. Similarly, the average sell transaction value nearly doubled, reflecting growing investor confidence. User behavior indicates habit formation, with nearly two-thirds of customers making multiple transactions and over 20% completing three or more trades.
To further enhance investor protection, JustGold is appointing an independent trustee to safeguard customer assets and maintain verified records of vault holdings. This measure aligns with the Islamic concept of Amānah, emphasizing trust and responsibility. In the unlikely event of operational disruption, the trustee ensures customers receive their gold or its equivalent value directly.
Dubai’s status as a global gold trading hub, handling 20-30% of global gold trade annually, provides a secure foundation for digital gold custody. The future of digital gold lies in platforms that prioritize accountability, physical backing, and compliance. For investors valuing security and opportunity, digital gold offers a transparent and trustworthy path to ownership.
JustGold’s success underscores the UAE’s evolving investment culture, where technology and ethics converge to redefine gold ownership. By combining real assets with independent oversight and secure digital access, the platform empowers investors to hold something timeless in a modern way.
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UK regulator issues warning to charity accused of fundraising for Israeli army
The Charity Commission of the United Kingdom has issued a formal warning to Mizrachi UK, a British charity accused of fundraising for the Israeli military and hosting speakers associated with hate speech. This action follows a seven-month investigation prompted by a complaint from the International Centre of Justice of Palestinians (ICJP). The commission has mandated Mizrachi UK to implement corrective measures, keeping the case open until full compliance is achieved. The investigation revealed that Mizrachi UK promoted fundraising appeals on its website and Facebook page for organizations providing equipment to foreign military personnel, which contradicted the charity’s public benefit objectives. Although no evidence was found that Mizrachi UK used its own funds for these appeals, the commission deemed the promotion of such activities inappropriate and damaging to the charity’s reputation. The ICJP’s complaint highlighted instances where Mizrachi UK solicited donations for Israeli soldiers, including combat equipment, which is not considered charitable under UK law. Additionally, the charity hosted speakers known for inflammatory rhetoric, such as former Likud Knesset member Yehuda Glick and journalist Sivan Rahav-Meir, whose statements were deemed to promote hate speech. The Charity Commission’s warning underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in charitable organizations and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. This development also aligns with the commission’s broader stance against fundraising for foreign militaries, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The ICJP has expressed its commitment to continuing its scrutiny of UK-based charities to uphold Palestinian human rights.
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Guangzhou optimizes rail services for 15th National Games, Paralympics
In preparation for the 15th National Games and the upcoming Paralympic Games, Guangzhou has significantly upgraded its rail services to ensure smooth and efficient transportation for attendees. The Guangzhou South Railway Station has expanded its capacity on several key routes, including the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity Railway, Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong, Beijing-Guangzhou, Meizhou-Shantou, and Jiangmen-Zhanjiang lines. These enhancements aim to create a robust and convenient transportation network across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, catering to the increased travel demands before and after the closing ceremony of the events. The comprehensive optimization of transportation plans underscores Guangzhou’s commitment to hosting these major sporting events successfully, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers and contributing to the overall efficiency of the region’s transport infrastructure.
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Dubai set to host regional tech summit DATE MENA on Nov 26
Dubai is gearing up to host the DATE MENA Summit, a premier event focused on digitization, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies, on November 26 and 27, 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah. Organized by Trescon, the summit will convene over 1,000 pre-qualified business leaders, tech innovators, investors, enterprise buyers, and regulators to explore cutting-edge technologies reshaping industries and driving the future of the MENA region. The event promises to be a high-impact platform, featuring 40+ international and regional speakers who will share actionable insights across AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, immersive technologies, financial innovation, quantum computing, and more. Key sessions include discussions on Dubai’s AI and blockchain innovations led by Dr. Marwan AlZarouni, a panel on AI applications with industry leaders, and a deep dive into the UAE’s virtual asset ecosystem. The summit will also host the FutureTech World Cup, a global start-up pitch competition, and DATE Dialogues, exclusive roundtables for senior stakeholders. Leveraging AI-powered networking tools, the event aims to foster meaningful connections and drive tangible business outcomes. Naveen Bharadwaj, CEO of Trescon, emphasized the summit’s role in accelerating MENA’s digital evolution, bringing together leaders, innovators, and disruptors to reveal breakthroughs and set strategies. DATE MENA is set to be a transformative gathering for anyone shaping the region’s digital future.
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Christian pastor’s daughter urges US lawmakers to help free her father in China
In a compelling plea before a U.S. congressional panel, Grace Jin Drexel, the daughter of detained Chinese Christian pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, urged American lawmakers to intervene in securing her father’s release. This appeal comes as President Donald Trump reaffirms his commitment to protecting Christians worldwide, particularly in regions where they face persecution. Jin Drexel revealed that her father, along with 17 other leaders of the underground Zion Church, was formally charged this week following their detention in October. This crackdown marks one of China’s most significant actions against an unregistered church in decades, challenging the Communist Party’s strict regulations on religious practices. Zion Church, which operates independently of state control, has faced repeated harassment and threats from authorities. Jin Drexel emphasized her father’s mission to create a church free from government interference, where God is the sole authority. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers praised the Trump administration’s decision to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to its failure to address the persecution of Christians. Trump has also threatened potential military action in Nigeria to curb violence against Christians. In China, the government maintains that it manages religious affairs lawfully and opposes U.S. interference. A White House official confirmed awareness of the detentions, reiterating Trump’s commitment to global religious freedom. The case highlights China’s broader crackdown on independent religious groups, particularly in regions like Xinjiang and Tibet, where authorities have destroyed churches, burned Bibles, and pressured followers to renounce their faith. Zion Church, founded in 2007, has grown significantly despite state opposition, adopting a hybrid online-offline model to reach thousands daily. Jin Drexel stressed that Chinese Christians seek only freedom from Communist Party control, not opposition to the state. Former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback warned that China’s war on faith poses a national security threat, urging the U.S. to prioritize religious freedom in its foreign policy.
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Israeli forces kill two Palestinian teens as settler violence escalates across the West Bank
In a recent escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinian teenagers during a raid on the town of Kafr Aqab, north of East Jerusalem. The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the victims as Amr Khaled Ahmed al-Marbou, 18, and Sami Ibrahim Sami Mashayekh, 16. The incident occurred overnight on Friday, with Israeli forces deploying ground troops and snipers positioned on rooftops opening fire on civilian crowds, resulting in multiple injuries alongside the fatalities. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported treating two young men severely wounded by live ammunition before they succumbed to their injuries at the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. Israeli police claimed the operation targeted ‘hostile elements’ attempting to harm forces and disrupt public order, citing stone-throwing and fireworks as provocations. However, local residents disputed this narrative, alleging that Israeli soldiers initiated the violence. The killings have intensified tensions in the region, with hundreds attending funeral processions for the teenagers. Meanwhile, settler violence has surged, particularly during the olive harvest season, with reports of arson attacks on Palestinian properties, including farmland, tourist villas, and a vehicle scrapyard in Huwara. Over 350 vehicles were destroyed in the latter incident. The Israeli government has proposed educational programs for settlers, while Shin Bet, the domestic intelligence agency, called for a forceful response to settler violence. The ongoing conflict has claimed 244 lives in the West Bank and East Jerusalem this year, with over 1,076 Palestinians killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
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Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi says RSF killed 27,000 Sudanese in el-Fasher
In a shocking revelation, Minni Arkou Minnawi, the governor of Darfur, disclosed to Middle East Eye that approximately 27,000 Sudanese were massacred in just three days following the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) capture of el-Fasher in late October. This staggering figure far exceeds earlier estimates of 2,500 deaths, highlighting the brutal scale of violence unleashed by the paramilitary group. Survivors recounted harrowing tales of summary executions, sexual violence, and widespread atrocities, painting a grim picture of the city’s fall after a 550-day siege. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, after a weeklong visit to Darfur, described el-Fasher as an “absolute horror show” and a “crime scene.” The RSF, accused of war crimes and genocide, has been implicated in targeting ethnic communities, including the Masalit in West Darfur. Minnawi, speaking from his temporary headquarters in Port Sudan, criticized the international community for its inaction, particularly Britain, which has faced scrutiny for its role in the UN Security Council and alleged complicity in the crisis. He also pointed fingers at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for supplying advanced weaponry to the RSF, enabling their assault on el-Fasher. Despite mounting evidence, the UAE denies supporting the RSF, a claim Minnawi dismissed as “lip service.” He emphasized that peace negotiations must involve the UAE, not RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, whom he labeled a “puppet” of the Emirates. Minnawi, a veteran of Darfur’s decades-long conflict, warned that stopping the UAE’s support is crucial to ending the war, which has displaced over 13 million people and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
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China and UAE complete first cross-border digital currency payment
In a landmark development for global finance, China and the United Arab Emirates have successfully executed their inaugural cross-border payment utilizing central bank digital currency (CBDC). This pioneering transaction was conducted through the newly established JISR network, representing a significant advancement in both financial technology and international monetary cooperation.
The breakthrough occurred during an official visit by People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng to Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE who also chairs the Central Bank’s board of directors, personally conducted the inaugural transaction. The event was documented by the UAE’s official news agency WAM, which characterized the development as reflecting “the depth of the strategic partnership between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China.”
The JISR platform, developed with participation from financial institutions in both nations, is specifically engineered to streamline cross-border payments while dramatically reducing associated transaction costs and enabling instantaneous settlement. Banking sector expansion is anticipated throughout 2026 as additional financial institutions join the network.
Concurrently, officials from both countries witnessed the technical integration of the UAE’s Instant Payment Platform with China’s Internet Banking Payment System. This interoperability will facilitate secure, real-time financial transfers between the two nations regardless of time zones, enabling diverse applications including educational scholarship transfers for Emirati students in China, remittance services for Chinese expatriates in the UAE, and seamless commercial transactions between enterprises.
The bilateral cooperation extended further with the introduction of the ‘Jaywan–UnionPay’ multi-scheme prepaid card. Developed in collaboration with Lari Exchange, this financial instrument merges both payment ecosystems to provide extensive global accessibility through UnionPay’s international network spanning more than 180 countries while maintaining local transaction efficiency within the UAE.
Complementing these achievements, central bank governors from both nations formalized their commitment through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in cross-border payment systems, advancing financial infrastructure development, and supporting joint strategic initiatives to deepen the comprehensive bilateral partnership.