Indian fine jewellery brands are increasingly turning their attention to the Gulf region, driven by higher demand for their vibrant, handcrafted, and meaningful designs, particularly during the festive season of Diwali. This strategic pivot comes as brands seek to escape the challenges posed by tumultuous trade relations and high tariffs in the US market.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Outcry after Israel returns Palestinian bodies in ‘horrific condition’ to Gaza
Human rights organizations and medical experts have raised alarm over the condition of 120 Palestinian bodies returned by Israel to Gaza, citing evidence of systematic torture, mutilation, and potential organ theft. The Government Media Office in Gaza reported that forensic examinations revealed signs of field executions, crush injuries, and severe physical abuse. The bodies, handed over in three batches, were described as being bound, blindfolded, and bearing horrific marks of torture and burns. Muneer Alboursh, Gaza’s Ministry of Health director general, stated that the victims were executed after being restrained and stored in refrigerators for months. Graphic images circulating online depict decomposing bodies with rope marks, gunshot wounds, and other signs of brutality. Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor highlighted additional evidence of hanging, fractures, and deep wounds, suggesting genocidal intent. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director general of the Gaza Government Media Office, raised suspicions of organ theft, noting missing limbs and internal organs. The body exchange is part of a ceasefire agreement, which also includes prisoner swaps. Hamas has released 20 Israeli captives in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with further exchanges expected.
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Dubai-based real estate developer Binghatti denies report on IPO prospectus, price range
Dubai-based real estate developer Binghatti Holding Ltd has firmly refuted claims made in a Debtwire report regarding an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The report, published on October 16, alleged that the company had released an IPO prospectus and price range. In a statement, Binghatti clarified that no such prospectus or price range has been issued, labeling the report as based on illegitimate sources. The company emphasized that any significant developments or announcements would be communicated exclusively through official channels. This denial comes amidst ongoing discussions with banks, including Citigroup Inc., Morgan Stanley, Emirates NBD, and EFG Hermes, to arrange a potential IPO, as reported by Bloomberg earlier this month. Binghatti Holding, a major player in the UAE real estate market, boasts a portfolio of over 80 projects valued at more than Dh80 billion. The company’s H1 2025 financial performance showcased remarkable growth, with net profit tripling to Dh1.82 billion and total sales reaching Dh8.8 billion, driven by robust demand for Dubai’s real estate. Revenue also surged by 189% year-on-year to Dh6.3 billion, underscoring the company’s strong market position.
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China expresses deep condolences over the death of former Japanese PM
China has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who passed away recently. In a statement issued on Friday, the Chinese government conveyed its heartfelt condolences to Murayama’s family and lauded his enduring contributions to fostering Sino-Japanese friendship. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian emphasized that Murayama was a cherished friend of the Chinese people, whose dedication to strengthening bilateral ties left an indelible mark on the relationship between the two nations. Lin highlighted Murayama’s historic 1995 statement, delivered on the 50th anniversary of Japan’s unconditional surrender, in which he expressed deep remorse for Japan’s wartime actions and extended apologies to the countries affected by its colonial rule and aggression. Lin described Murayama as a principled statesman whose declaration represented a solemn commitment to the victims of Japan’s past and the international community. He urged Japan to continue reflecting on its history, pursue peaceful development, and earn the trust of its neighbors through tangible actions. Lin also expressed hope that Japan and China would work together to build a stable and constructive bilateral relationship suited to the demands of the modern era.
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Embracing the latest technology to build a smarter, more inclusive banking future
Unibank, a leading retail bank in Armenia, is leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine the banking experience and foster financial inclusion. With a network of 52 branches across the country, the bank serves one in three working Armenians and boasts over 300,000 unique loan customers. Its mission is not to be the largest or most powerful bank but to remain customer-centric, offering simple and accessible financial products that empower individuals and small businesses.
At the forefront of innovation, Unibank has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its credit scoring and lending processes. This AI-driven system, built on 25 years of statistical data, enables credit decisions in under a minute, significantly enhancing efficiency. The bank’s UBPay platform, which accounts for 24% of Armenia’s money transfer market, is another milestone. With plans to capture 55% of the market by 2027, UBPay’s intuitive API facilitates seamless integration for banks and remittance firms.
Unibank’s digital transformation extends to its call centers, where AI-powered speech-to-text applications streamline post-call checks. The bank also utilizes Telegram channels to foster customer interaction, allowing users to share experiences and advice. These advancements underscore Unibank’s commitment to delivering faster, more efficient, and trustworthy services.
For investors, Unibank offers a secure and profitable avenue through its private banking branch, Unibank Privé. Armenia’s stable and regulated banking sector further enhances its appeal. The bank also emphasizes regional and international partnerships, particularly with Gulf financial institutions, positioning Armenia as a bridge for investment and trade.
By embracing AI and digitalization, Unibank is not only shaping the future of banking in Armenia but also setting a benchmark for inclusivity and innovation in the global financial landscape.
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A $500 billion opportunity? How women-only spaces are reshaping the Gulf economy
Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a growing demand for privacy, safety, and community is transforming women-only spaces into a thriving economic sector. From exclusive beaches in Abu Dhabi to women-first wellness clubs in Saudi Arabia, these ventures are reshaping the region’s economy, with projections suggesting a $500 billion opportunity.
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How Assad’s Syria moved the bodies of its victims
Under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian government orchestrated a clandestine operation to conceal the scale of its atrocities by relocating bodies to mass graves. This operation, spanning years, involved the forced conscription of truck drivers, including those transporting everyday goods like ice cream, meat, and produce, to assist in the grim task of moving corpses. Witnesses, including former truckers, diggers, and cemetery overseers, have revealed the industrial-scale nature of these activities, conducted under the cover of darkness to avoid detection.
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UK Home Office loses bid to block Palestine Action from challenging ban as terror group
The UK Court of Appeal has dealt a significant blow to the Home Office by dismissing its appeal to block Palestine Action from challenging its designation as a terror group. The ruling, delivered on Friday, allows the judicial review of the government’s controversial ban to proceed. In a further development, the court granted Palestine Action’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, additional grounds to contest the ban. Ammori hailed the decision as a ‘landmark victory,’ emphasizing its importance in safeguarding civil liberties and holding government ministers accountable for unlawful actions. She criticized the Home Office’s use of counter-terror resources to arrest peaceful protestors and disrupt the arms trade, noting that over 2,000 individuals have been detained. The case underscores growing tensions over the balance between national security and civil rights in the UK. Middle East Eye, known for its independent coverage of the Middle East and North Africa, continues to monitor the situation.
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UAE announces Golden Visa for Waqf donors under new agreement
In a significant move to promote humanitarian work and charitable giving, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the introduction of a Golden Visa for Waqf donors. This initiative follows a new cooperation agreement signed between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and the Endowments and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai) on October 17, 2025. Under this agreement, Awqaf Dubai will nominate eligible donors—both residents and non-residents—who meet the criteria outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022 for the Golden Visa category of ‘financial supporters of humanitarian work.’ The GDRFA-Dubai will then issue residency permits based on these nominations. A joint committee will also be established to oversee the implementation and assess the outcomes of this initiative, ensuring it aligns with the intended social objectives. Lt-Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, emphasized that this agreement represents a progressive model of governmental integration, empowering donors to contribute to community development through impactful initiatives that promote the values of giving and sustainability. Awqaf Dubai, which oversees the regulation, investment, and management of endowments, will utilize the generated revenues for sustainable Sharia-compliant projects across the UAE. Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of Awqaf Dubai, highlighted that granting Golden Visas to financial supporters of humanitarian work reflects Dubai’s vision of positioning endowment work as a key partner in sustainable development, recognizing their role in fostering solidarity and social responsibility. This initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global hub for tolerance and humanitarian giving, reinforcing its status as a sustainable and human-centered city.
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Libya: Tripoli in dangerous standoff as PM set on reining in last opponents in the west
In the bustling streets of Tripoli, Libya’s capital, the evening rush hour paints a picture of normalcy, yet beneath the surface lies a city teetering on the edge of conflict. At the entrance to Souq al-Juma, a densely populated district, four armed fighters from the Deterrence Apparatus, known as Radaa, stand guard. Clad in pristine uniforms and armed with advanced Kalashnikovs, they outshine the lone police officer nearby, symbolizing the power struggle gripping the city.