The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as a global frontrunner in financial inclusion, driven by a robust digital transformation and strategic policy initiatives. According to the 2025 Global Financial Inclusion Index (GFII), the UAE achieved the most significant global improvement in the ‘financial-system support’ pillar, climbing five places with a 1.9-point score increase. This progress underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive financial ecosystem. The UAE also saw a remarkable leap in fintech development, rising seven spots to 14th globally, with over 320 fintech firms collectively valued at more than $3 billion. These advancements are bolstered by the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy 2022, which has catalyzed innovation and accessibility in financial services. Access to capital surged by 16.6 points, reflecting strong momentum in SME growth and private-sector confidence. Additionally, the UAE ranks 4th globally in consumer protection, up 6.9 points, and 6th in government-provided financial education. The World Bank reports that 84.56% of UAE adults had formal financial accounts in 2021, well above the global average of 66%. The UAE Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) have jointly launched the National Financial Inclusion Strategy and National Financial Literacy Strategy, following a May 2025 policy forum in Abu Dhabi. Kamal Bhatia, President & CEO of Principal Asset Management, emphasized that the UAE’s progress transcends digital access, empowering individuals and businesses to build stronger financial futures. Pushpin Singh, Managing Economist at Cebr, highlighted the UAE’s real economic benefits, with access-to-capital scores jumping 16.6 points. Despite these strides, challenges remain, including ensuring meaningful economic participation among lower-income households and women. The UAE’s financial inclusion journey has evolved from ‘banking the unbanked’ to leveraging digital fintech platforms, regulatory frameworks, and literacy programmes to build a resilient, diversified, and inclusive economy.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Trump is going to Asia — what happens next is anyone’s guess
President Donald Trump is set to embark on a pivotal journey to Asia, aiming to address critical global economic issues and ease escalating trade tensions. The trip, which includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, is expected to culminate in a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The outcome of this meeting could significantly influence the future of the global economy, as both leaders grapple with ongoing trade disputes and tariff threats. Trump’s strategy of improvisation has yielded mixed results in his second term, with successes like the return of hostages in the Middle East but ongoing challenges in resolving conflicts in Ukraine and trade tensions with China. The lack of clarity surrounding Trump’s itinerary has added to the uncertainty, with analysts noting the absence of a clear Asia strategy from the administration. Despite this, some experts believe Trump’s approach is gaining traction, particularly in Japan and South Korea, where leaders are eager to solidify partnerships. The trip also offers an opportunity for Trump to showcase his peacemaking efforts, particularly in Southeast Asia, where Malaysia is hosting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit. However, concerns remain about the potential for a breakdown in talks with Xi, which could have far-reaching consequences for the international economy. As Trump prepares for his first trip to Asia in his second term, the stakes could not be higher, with the world watching closely to see if he can navigate these complex issues successfully.
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Iraq bans US gaming platform Roblox over child safety concerns
In a significant move to safeguard children from online exploitation, Iraq has imposed a nationwide ban on the popular US gaming platform Roblox. The decision, announced late Sunday by the Iraqi government, stems from concerns that the platform’s user-generated content and direct communication features expose minors to risks such as cyber-extortion and abuse. The government emphasized that the platform’s content is ‘incompatible with social values and traditions.’ This action aligns Iraq with other Middle Eastern nations, including Turkey, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, which have either blocked or heavily regulated the game. Roblox Corp, the developer of the platform, has yet to comment on the ban but has previously stated its commitment to adhering to local laws and protecting children. The Iraqi Communications Ministry cited a comprehensive study and field monitoring as the basis for the ban, highlighting the game’s ‘security, social, and behavioural risks.’ This development underscores a growing regional focus on regulating digital platforms to address child safety and moral concerns.
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Israel dropped 153 tonnes of bombs on Gaza in one day: Netanyahu
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel unleashed a massive aerial assault on Gaza, dropping 153 tonnes of bombs in a single day, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The strikes were reportedly in retaliation for an alleged ceasefire violation by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. Netanyahu, addressing the Knesset, emphasized Israel’s dual approach of strength and diplomacy, stating, ‘One of our hands holds a weapon, the other hand is stretched out for peace.’ He further asserted that peace is achievable only with the strong, not the weak, and highlighted Israel’s current unprecedented strength. The recent violence follows the killing of two Israeli soldiers in an attack attributed to Hamas, which the group has denied. Amidst the turmoil, Netanyahu met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss regional developments and the fragile US-brokered ceasefire. US Vice President JD Vance is also scheduled to visit Israel to address security challenges and diplomatic opportunities. Vance has urged Gulf Arab nations to establish a security framework to disarm Hamas, a key component of the US-led Gaza peace initiative.
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New international body for mediation formed in Hong Kong
A transformative milestone in global conflict resolution was achieved on Monday with the official launch of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong. As the world’s first intergovernmental body exclusively focused on mediation, the IOMed aims to provide a cost-effective and collaborative alternative to traditional legal disputes, particularly benefiting developing economies and small businesses. The inauguration ceremony took place at the organization’s permanent headquarters in the historic Old Wan Chai Police Station, symbolizing Hong Kong’s emergence as a central hub for international mediation. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized the city’s unique advantages under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework, including its robust legal system and world-class law schools. Lee also announced plans to host a global mediation summit in 2026 and expand facilities at the Hong Kong International Legal Service Building to support the IOMed’s operations. Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, the newly elected secretary-general, described the IOMed as a ‘global public good’ rooted in principles of equality, mutual respect, and understanding. Hua Chunying, China’s vice-minister of foreign affairs and chairperson of the IOMed Governing Council, highlighted the organization’s alignment with the global demand for peaceful dispute resolution. She underscored the IOMed’s commitment to affordability, accessibility, and efficiency, positioning it as a sustainable complement to existing international mechanisms. Representatives from Kenya, Dominica, and Venezuela praised the IOMed as a long-awaited platform for the Global South, offering a dedicated forum for governments, businesses, and investors to find common ground. The establishment of the IOMed marks the culmination of three years of development since its initial proposal, signaling a new era in global governance and conflict resolution.
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Who is Marwan Barghouti and why won’t Israel release him?
The recent ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Palestinian factions have resulted in the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 20 Israeli hostages. However, one name was conspicuously absent from the prisoner list: Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Fatah leader and Israel’s most high-profile Palestinian detainee. Barghouti, often regarded as a unifying figure in Palestinian society, has been imprisoned since 2002, serving five life sentences for his alleged involvement in attacks during the Second Intifada. His absence from the deal underscores his symbolic importance and the complexities surrounding his potential release. Born in 1959 in the West Bank village of Kobar, Barghouti’s political consciousness was shaped by the Israeli occupation and his early experiences with Israeli forces. Joining Fatah in his teens, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key figure in the Palestinian resistance. Despite his imprisonment, Barghouti remains a potent symbol of Palestinian unity and resistance, with many viewing him as a potential leader capable of bridging divides within Palestinian society. His continued incarceration, marked by harsh conditions and alleged abuses, has drawn international condemnation and calls for his release. Barghouti’s case highlights the broader struggle for Palestinian rights and the ongoing tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the region grapples with the aftermath of the recent ceasefire, Barghouti’s fate remains a contentious issue, emblematic of the deeper political and humanitarian challenges at play.
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Two-time champ Daiki Hashimoto of Japan tops all-around qualifying at world gymnastics championships
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto emerged as the top qualifier in the men’s all-around event at the World Gymnastics Championships, showcasing his resilience and skill. The 24-year-old, who clinched gold in the all-around at the 2020 Olympics and the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, posted a total score of 83.065, narrowly edging out Switzerland’s Noe Seifert, who scored 82.499. Despite a shaky performance on the floor exercise, Hashimoto secured the third-highest scores on both vault and high bar, solidifying his position as a frontrunner heading into Wednesday’s finals. Zhang Boheng of China, the 2021 world champion and 2024 Olympic silver medalist, qualified in third place. Meanwhile, Hashimoto’s Japanese teammate Shinnosuke Oka, the reigning Olympic champion, advanced to the finals in 12th place despite errors in his floor routine. Notable absences included U.S. national champion Asher Hong, who withdrew due to an ankle injury sustained during training. The competition also saw top qualifiers in individual apparatus events, with Great Britain’s Jake Jarman leading on floor exercise, Kazakhstan’s Nariman Kurbanov excelling on pommel horse, and China’s Lan Xingyu dominating on still rings. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo of the Philippines advanced to finals on both vault and floor, while China’s Zou Jingyuan and Japan’s Tomoharu Tsunogai topped parallel bars and high bar, respectively. The event finals promise intense competition as athletes vie for world championship glory.
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Bogota to present Shanghai Award, a first for South America
In a historic first for South America, Bogota, Colombia, has been chosen as the host city for the third Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, also known as the Shanghai Award. The ceremony will take place on October 31, coinciding with World Cities Day. This prestigious award, jointly presented by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Shanghai government, honors cities worldwide for their innovative efforts and achievements in advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda. Liu Qianwei, Chief Engineer of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing, Urban-rural Development and Management, highlighted the significance of this year’s event during a recent press briefing. He noted that the award evaluates cities based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including economic vitality, urban prosperity, ecological construction, green development, urban safety, resilience development, and capacity building for sustainable development. Last year’s winners included Agadir in Morocco, Thiruvananthapuram in India, Doha in Qatar, Iztapalapa in Mexico, and Melbourne in Australia. The inaugural award in 2023 recognized Brisbane in Australia, Fuzhou in China, George Town in Malaysia, Kampala in Uganda, and Salvador in Brazil. Liu emphasized that the Shanghai Award’s global reach continues to expand, with last year’s ceremony held in Egypt, marking its first presentation outside of China. This year’s event in Bogota further underscores the growing international influence of China’s urban sustainable development practices and highlights the ongoing collaboration between China and the UN in this critical field.
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Dozens of pro-Palestine activists in prison threaten ‘historic’ hunger strike
A group of 33 activists detained in connection with Palestine Action activities is threatening to initiate a hunger strike to protest their deteriorating prison conditions. In a letter addressed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the campaign group Prisoners for Palestine (PFP) outlined a series of demands on behalf of the detainees, who claim they are unjustly imprisoned for their efforts to oppose what they describe as the genocide in Palestine. The prisoners include members of the Filton 24, arrested in late 2024 for targeting an Elbit Systems factory in Bristol, and the Brize Norton 5, who allegedly broke into an RAF air base and vandalized planes they claimed were used in military operations in Gaza and the Middle East. All have been denied bail, with some spending over a year in custody without trial on charges including criminal damage and aggravated burglary. Since July 2024, when Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organization by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, prisoners linked to the group have reported worsening treatment, including increased restrictions on communication and recreational activities. One detainee, T Hoxha, a member of the Filton 24, began a hunger strike in August after her library work and mail privileges were suspended. The PFP letter warned that unless their demands are met, the 33 inmates will launch a coordinated hunger strike on November 2, the anniversary of the 1917 Balfour Declaration. The demands include an end to censorship of prisoners’ communications, immediate bail for those held on remand, and the release of all documents related to their cases. Audrey Corno and Francesca Nadin, PFP representatives and former detainees, delivered the letter to the Home Office on Monday, emphasizing that the prisoners feel they have no other recourse. Corno described the potential strike as historic, likening it to the 1981 Irish hunger strike led by Bobby Sands. The PFP also highlighted that prisoners have faced increasing restrictions on mail, phone calls, and visitations since the group’s proscription. Moiz Ibrahim, a Filton 24 member held in HMP Lewes, has reportedly had his family and friends’ contact details erased from his phone system, leaving him unable to communicate with them. The letter further accused the UK government of collaborating with Israeli officials and Elbit Systems in targeting activists. Corno and Nadin expressed confidence in gaining broader support from other prisoners, citing solidarity among inmates who understand their cause. The Ministry of Justice, HM Prison and Probation Service, and the Home Office have yet to comment on the matter.
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England romp home after Brook-Salt assault sinks New Zealand
England delivered a commanding performance in the second T20 International against New Zealand, securing a 65-run victory in Christchurch on Monday. Captain Harry Brook and opener Phil Salt were the architects of the win, combining for a devastating partnership of 129 runs off just 69 balls. Brook’s explosive 78, featuring five towering sixes, and Salt’s aggressive 85 laid the foundation for England’s imposing total of 236-4, the highest T20 International score at Hagley Oval. New Zealand, in response, crumbled to 171 all out in 18 overs, with all dismissals coming via catches. Brydon Carse set the tone early by removing two key batsmen, while Adil Rashid (4-32) and Liam Dawson (2-38) dismantled the middle order. Despite a valiant 36 from captain Mitchell Santner, New Zealand never gained momentum. England now leads the series 1-0 heading into the final match in Auckland on Thursday.