Dubai-based cybersecurity startup Secure.com has secured $4.5 million in funding from Disrupt.com to accelerate the deployment of its AI-driven Digital Security Teammate (DST) platform. This innovative solution aims to address the critical talent shortage in the cybersecurity industry, which has reached a crisis level with 4.8 million unfilled roles globally. The funding comes at a time when global cybercrime damages have surged to $10.5 trillion, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, and the Middle East faces an average breach cost of $7.29 million per incident. Despite these alarming figures, only half of affected companies in the region plan to increase their security budgets. Secure.com’s DST platform is designed to alleviate the operational pressures on security teams by acting as virtual colleagues embedded within existing security systems. These AI agents investigate alerts, triage incidents, and handle compliance tasks, reducing noise by 60% and saving thousands of analyst hours annually. Early deployments in finance, healthcare, and tech sectors have demonstrated significant improvements, including 70% faster threat detection and 50% quicker resolution times. The platform’s affordability, starting at $2,500 per month, makes enterprise-grade cybersecurity accessible to mid-market organizations with limited resources. Secure.com’s initiative aligns with the Middle East’s broader strategy to position itself as a hub for next-generation technologies and global cybersecurity standards. Uzair Gadit, CEO of Secure.com, emphasized the urgency of leveraging AI to combat the escalating cyber threat landscape, stating, ‘You cannot hire your way out of a $10.5 trillion threat. You need leverage. Digital Security Teammates deliver that leverage—today.’
标签： North America
北美洲
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Smriti Mandhana’s wedding with Palash Muchhal postponed after cricketer’s father unwell
The much-anticipated wedding of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and Bollywood music composer Palash Muchhal has been indefinitely postponed following the sudden illness of Mandhana’s father. Srinivas Mandhana, the cricketer’s father, was rushed to a private hospital in Sangli, Maharashtra, on November 23, 2025, after feeling unwell during breakfast. Tuhin Mishra, Mandhana’s business manager, confirmed the news, stating that the family decided to prioritize Srinivas’s health over the wedding festivities. ‘Smriti is very close to her father. She has decided that the marriage will not proceed until he recovers,’ Mishra told reporters. The wedding, originally scheduled for November 23, was called off as Srinivas remains under medical observation. Earlier, glimpses of the pre-wedding celebrations, including the sangeet night, had gone viral on social media, showcasing the couple’s joyous moments with friends and family. The cricketing community and fans have expressed their support for Mandhana during this challenging time. It is unclear when the wedding will be rescheduled.
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Gulf steel industry accelerates green transition amid global supply chain shifts
The Gulf steel industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by decarbonization efforts, rising infrastructure demands, and the strategic integration of mining and manufacturing value chains. As global iron ore flows and pricing trends evolve, regional producers are leveraging advanced technology, renewable energy, and backward integration to establish themselves as leaders in low-carbon steel production. In 2025, global seaborne iron ore loadings reached 1.247 billion metric tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged year-on-year, with Australia and Brazil accounting for nearly 78% of the total volume. China continues to dominate as the primary importer, receiving 74% of global shipments. This concentration highlights the need for Gulf producers to diversify sourcing and secure raw materials amidst volatility caused by carbon-adjusted costs and trade measures like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The global iron ore market is projected to grow from $290 billion in 2024 to $397 billion by 2032, reflecting a 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), though price fluctuations are expected to persist. Gulf steelmakers are capitalizing on competitive access to raw materials, the region’s energy cost advantages, and modern Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technologies to produce low-carbon steel at scale. Major projects, such as Oman’s Vulcan Green Steel and Saudi Arabia’s Essar Group facility at Ras Al-Khair, exemplify this strategic shift. Producers are also recalibrating operations to meet sustainability goals without compromising competitiveness. Mineral Technologies Group (MTG) is pioneering hydrogen-fueled direct ore-to-metal routes and cost-effective solutions for processing lower-grade ores. Jindal Steel Oman is embedding sustainability into its strategy through efficiency, technology, and community engagement, with significant investments in renewable energy and hydrogen-ready steel complexes. The Gulf’s push to integrate mining and downstream metallurgical value chains is reshaping its industrial landscape, supported by policy frameworks like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which allocates $186.5 billion for renewables. Digital transformation is further enhancing competitiveness, with predictive analytics and AI-driven maintenance improving equipment uptime by 20–25%. With $2.5 trillion in GCC infrastructure investments planned by 2030, the Gulf steel industry is poised to become a global hub for sustainable industrial production, turning the green challenge into a competitive advantage.
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Verstappen wins big in Vegas as McLaren drivers disqualified
In a dramatic turn of events at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured a commanding victory, further solidifying his position in the Formula One championship race. The Red Bull driver capitalized on a strategic error by pole-sitter Lando Norris, seizing the lead on the first turn and maintaining control throughout the 50-lap race. Verstappen’s triumph was amplified by the disqualification of both McLaren drivers, Norris and Oscar Piastri, due to skid blocks that failed to meet the required minimum depth. This development has significantly reshaped the championship standings, with Verstappen now tied on points with Piastri and trailing Norris by just 24 points. With two race weekends remaining, the battle for the title intensifies, as Norris needs only a slight edge over his rivals in the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix to secure his maiden championship. Verstappen, a four-time defending champion, remains hopeful for a fifth consecutive title, though his chances hinge on potential missteps by Norris or McLaren. The race, held under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, showcased Verstappen’s dominance, as he finished more than 20 seconds ahead of the pack. Meanwhile, George Russell of Mercedes was promoted to second place, with teammate Kimi Antonelli moving up to third. The disqualifications underscore the stringent regulations in Formula One, with McLaren joining a list of teams penalized for similar technical violations in recent seasons.
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Javed Akhtar, Kabir Khan to headline Dubai’s Tahbib Festival 2025
Dubai is set to host the highly anticipated Tahbib Festival 2025, a two-day multilingual cultural celebration taking place on November 29 and December 1 at the India Club on Oud Metha Road. This year’s festival, renowned for uniting communities through cinema, poetry, literature, and performance arts, promises to be its most vibrant and inclusive edition yet. The event will feature prominent figures such as acclaimed filmmaker Kabir Khan and legendary poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, drawing audiences from diverse backgrounds. Day one will kick off with an exclusive conversation on global storytelling led by Kabir Khan, whose films like ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ and ’83’ have captivated audiences worldwide. The day will also include panel discussions with industry leaders, literary sessions in English and Arabic, and captivating music and theatre performances. Day two will focus on the literary soul of the region, featuring a grand Mushaira with distinguished poets, a performance by Mumbai’s specially-abled Audis Band, and the Tahbib Voice Award ceremony. The festival will conclude with a soulful Qawwali Night, offering an evening of spiritual and musical brilliance. Supported by sponsors like American Tourister and Kanz Jewels, the Tahbib Festival aims to highlight the richness of Urdu, Arabic, and English, creating a shared space for global storytellers and audiences. Media partners include Zee TV, Khaleej Times, and Infobahn, while volunteer efforts are supported by Community Champions.
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Lava spews out from Hawaii’s Kilauea as volcano erupts again
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has once again erupted, sending molten lava cascading from its crater. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed this as the 37th eruption episode since December 2024. The latest activity underscores the volcano’s persistent volatility, which has been closely monitored by scientists and local authorities. Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has a long history of eruptions that have shaped the landscape of Hawaii’s Big Island. While the current eruption poses no immediate threat to populated areas, it serves as a reminder of the island’s dynamic geological nature. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay informed and avoid restricted zones to ensure safety. The USGS continues to track the volcano’s activity, providing real-time updates to mitigate potential risks.
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Six airlines cancel Venezuela flights after US warning
In response to a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory, six major airlines have suspended flights to Venezuela, citing heightened security risks and military activity in the region. The airlines—Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, Brazil’s GOL, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean—announced the cancellations on Saturday, according to Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association (ALAV). The FAA warned of potential threats to civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace, including during takeoff, landing, and overflight, due to the ‘worsening security situation.’ While some carriers, such as Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa and PlusUltra, Turkish Airlines, and Venezuela’s LASER, continue operations, the duration of the suspensions remains unclear. The US has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and other military assets to the region, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking. However, these actions have raised concerns in Caracas about potential regime change. A US terrorism designation targeting a drug cartel allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro takes effect Monday, further escalating tensions. Since September, US forces have conducted strikes on over 20 vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing more than 80 people, though evidence linking these vessels to drug smuggling remains undisclosed.
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The story behind the mural that links Al Quoz’s creative, industrial identities
In the bustling heart of Dubai’s Al Quoz district, a 500-square-meter mural titled ‘The Vibrant Voices of Al Quoz’ has emerged as a cultural beacon, blending the area’s industrial grit with its artistic soul. Created by Egyptian artist Rabab Tantawy and commissioned by Dubai Culture, the mural is more than a visual spectacle—it’s a narrative of community, heritage, and connection. Painted during the cooler night hours to escape the scorching July heat, the artwork captures the essence of Al Quoz, where steel warehouses and vibrant art studios coexist. Rabab’s composition draws inspiration from the Arabic souq, emphasizing movement, craftsmanship, and exchange. The mural has become a living landmark, sparking conversations and fostering a sense of belonging among residents and workers. Rabab’s journey as an artist, rooted in her Egyptian and Nubian heritage, reflects her philosophy of art as a catalyst for human connection and change. Beyond murals, her sculptural installations, such as ‘The Guardians,’ and her creative hub, Studio Thirteen, continue to nurture artistic collaboration and innovation. Through her work, Rabab envisions a future where art, environment, and technology intersect, inspiring the next generation of creators to keep the creative spirit alive.
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Trumps says Ukraine’s leaders show ‘zero gratitude’ for US efforts to end war
In a recent social media outburst, former U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian leaders of showing ‘zero gratitude’ for American efforts to broker peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. His remarks coincided with high-stakes negotiations in Geneva, where Ukrainian officials and their European counterparts are discussing a controversial U.S.-backed peace proposal that appears to favor Moscow. The 28-point draft, which has been widely leaked, includes provisions for Ukrainian troop withdrawals from key regions, de facto Russian control over Donetsk and Luhansk, and a freeze on the borders of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, the plan proposes capping Ukraine’s military personnel at 600,000 and preventing Ukraine from seeking NATO membership, offering instead vague ‘security guarantees.’ U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the talks as ‘the most productive and meaningful meeting so far,’ while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed personal gratitude to Trump. However, European allies have raised concerns over the plan’s implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and military capabilities, suggesting that further revisions may be necessary. Trump, in his post on Truth Social, blamed Ukraine’s leadership for the war and criticized Europe for continuing to purchase Russian oil, which finances Moscow’s military operations. The Geneva talks, involving senior officials from the U.S., Ukraine, Britain, France, and Germany, are expected to continue behind closed doors, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement.
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Shabana Mahmood, the hardline UK Labour minister tackling migration
Shabana Mahmood, the UK’s Home Secretary and a prominent figure in the Labour Party, is spearheading a controversial overhaul of Britain’s asylum system. Born and raised in Birmingham, a city with a significant South Asian community, Mahmood’s political ethos is deeply influenced by her Muslim faith and her upbringing as the daughter of Pakistani-origin immigrants. Known for her unapologetic stance on reducing migration, Mahmood has been dubbed “The Terminator” by The Spectator and “the new hard woman of British politics” by Sky News. Her recent proposals include cutting protections for refugees, ending automatic benefits for asylum seekers, and extending the waiting period for permanent residency applications. Mahmood argues that record levels of irregular migration are “tearing our country apart” and insists her policies aim to “restore order and control.” Despite criticism from left-wing lawmakers accusing her of divisive rhetoric, Mahmood remains steadfast, warning of the growing influence of hard-right politics fueled by migration issues. In a revealing parliamentary incident, she shared her personal experiences of racial abuse, emphasizing the divisive nature of the asylum debate. Mahmood’s political journey began in her youth, shaped by her father’s involvement in the Labour Party. After studying law at Oxford, she became one of Britain’s first female Muslim MPs in 2010. Often seen as a potential future leader of the Labour Party, Mahmood’s bold reforms are viewed by some as a strategic move to counter the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment. However, critics within her party accuse her of “performative cruelty” and political opportunism. Mahmood remains resolute, warning of the dangers of rising hate and division in the UK.