The United Nations Security Council has adopted a US-drafted resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The resolution, passed on Monday, authorizes the establishment of an international stabilization force and a transitional governance body known as the ‘Board of Peace.’ This body, chaired by Trump, will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery while ensuring demilitarization by decommissioning weapons and dismantling military infrastructure. The plan includes a ceasefire and a hostage-release deal, previously agreed upon by Israel and Hamas last month. However, the resolution has sparked controversy in Israel due to its reference to a potential future Palestinian statehood. The Palestinian Authority has expressed support for the resolution, while Hamas-led factions have opposed it, viewing it as a step toward foreign control over Gaza. Russia, a Security Council member with veto power, abstained from the vote, allowing the resolution to pass. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s opposition to a Palestinian state and vowed to demilitarize Gaza by any means necessary.
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After Trump reversal, US House pushes forward on Epstein vote
In a significant political development, the US House of Representatives is set to vote on the release of investigative files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This move follows President Donald Trump’s unexpected reversal of his long-standing opposition to the disclosure. Trump’s change of stance came after a House petition garnered sufficient support to force a vote, marking a rare instance of House Republicans defying the president’s wishes.
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Priority US visa appointments announced for Fifa World Cup ticket holders
In a significant move to streamline visa processes for international football fans, FIFA and the United States government have introduced a priority visa appointment system for ticket holders of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This initiative, announced on Monday, follows a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump. The new FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA Pass) aims to simplify visa acquisition, ensuring smoother entry for global fans and enhancing attendance at the tournament. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States across 16 cities, will feature 48 teams, marking an expansion from the traditional 32-team format. Despite concerns over stricter US immigration policies under the Trump administration, ticket sales have remained robust, with over a million tickets sold during FIFA’s initial rollout in October. Infantino emphasized the US’s commitment to welcoming fans worldwide, stating, ‘Football unites the world, and we are preparing to ensure this tournament reflects that spirit.’ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the prioritization of visa interviews to facilitate fan participation in what is anticipated to be the ‘greatest and safest World Cup in history.’
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US-China People’s Dialogue highlights essential role of people-to-people exchanges
The 2025 US-China People’s Dialogue commenced in Los Angeles on Sunday, highlighting the indispensable role of people-to-people exchanges in stabilizing bilateral relations. Organized jointly by Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) and the National Committee on US-China Relations (NCUSCR), the three-day event brought together over 30 experts from academia, business, technology, and cultural sectors to discuss pressing issues under the theme ‘Bridging the Cultural and Informational Divide.’ Topics ranged from higher education and artificial intelligence to pop culture and the Chinese American community. This year’s dialogue introduced an innovative ‘group dialogue+’ format, featuring plenary discussions, breakout sessions, field visits, and interactions with international students, aiming to foster deeper understanding and trust. Yang Bin, vice chair of Tsinghua University Council, emphasized the event’s goal of exploring new mechanisms for cultural exchanges and promoting a constructive public opinion environment in the US. Stephen Orlins, president of the NCUSCR, stressed the need to identify and overcome barriers to people-to-people exchanges, calling for actionable recommendations to enhance bilateral relations. The dialogue, now in its third consecutive year, continues to serve as a vital platform for strengthening societal ties between the two nations.
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UAE public holidays 2026: 6-day break, long weekends, transferable dates explained
In a significant move to enhance work-life balance, the UAE has implemented a new law effective from 2025, allowing public holidays to be shifted to the start or end of the week when they fall mid-week. This innovative policy enables residents to enjoy longer, uninterrupted breaks. The system was first tested during the 2025 Eid Al Etihad holiday, which was moved to create a four-day weekend for UAE National Day celebrations. Looking ahead to 2026, this flexible approach is set to benefit residents further, with seven religious, national, and general occasions offering extended weekends, including a six-day break. Key holidays include Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha, the Hijri New Year, the Prophet’s Birthday, and UAE National Day. Notably, Islamic holidays are subject to moon sighting, with astronomical calculations providing likely dates for planning purposes. The year begins with a public holiday on January 1, 2026, which could be transferred to create a three-day weekend. Eid Al Adha, expected to fall between May 26 and May 29, could result in a six-day break when combined with the weekend. The UAE National Day, celebrated on December 2 and 3, may also be adjusted to form a four-day weekend. This progressive approach underscores the UAE’s commitment to improving residents’ quality of life while respecting cultural and religious traditions.
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Eminem sues Australian beach brand ‘Swim Shady’
Renowned US rapper Eminem, legally known as Marshall B Mathers III, has initiated legal proceedings against Australian beachwear company Swim Shady, alleging that its name bears an uncanny resemblance to his iconic rap alias, Slim Shady. In September, Eminem’s legal team filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office, urging the cancellation of the trademark granted to Swim Shady. The company is required to respond to the petition by next week, as per US law. Eminem’s attorneys argue that the Sydney-based brand has created a ‘false association’ with the rapper, potentially diluting the distinctiveness of his trademark. Swim Shady, which registered its name in September 2023 and officially launched in 2024, specializes in portable beach umbrellas, swim bags, and other beach accessories. The company has defended its intellectual property, stating it will vigorously protect its brand. Eminem has also filed an opposition to the brand’s name in Australia, where he only secured a trademark for Slim Shady in January 2025. The rapper’s legal team emphasized that the name Slim Shady has become ‘distinctive and famous,’ exclusively linked to his illustrious rap career. Swim Shady, represented by Sydney-based intellectual property firm Meyer West IP, maintains that it was founded to produce stylish and effective sun protection products tailored to Australia’s harsh climate. The legal battle echoes a similar case last year involving US pop star Katy Perry and Australian designer Katie Perry, where an Australian court ruled in favor of the local designer. Eminem’s rise to fame in 2000 with his hit single ‘The Real Slim Shady’ solidified his status as a hip-hop icon, earning him a Grammy for best rap solo performance.
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Alphabet shares hit record after Berkshire makes rare tech bet with $4.9 billion stake
Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, saw its shares surge nearly 6% to a record high on Monday following Berkshire Hathaway’s announcement of a $4.93 billion stake in the tech giant. This investment, comprising 17.85 million shares, marks a rare foray into the technology sector by Berkshire, a conglomerate historically cautious about tech investments. The move is seen as a significant endorsement of Alphabet’s artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives amidst growing concerns of a potential tech bubble. Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s legendary investor, has long favored consumer-focused companies like Apple, making this investment a notable shift in strategy. Analysts suggest that Alphabet’s strong fundamentals, including its robust AI infrastructure, early adoption of AI search tools, and massive advertising revenue, align with Berkshire’s value-investing philosophy. The purchase also addresses Buffett’s regret over missing early opportunities in Google. Alphabet’s shares have risen nearly 14% in the December quarter, making it the best-performing member of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ tech stocks this year. The company’s valuation, at 25 times forward earnings, is lower than peers like Microsoft and Nvidia, further enhancing its appeal. Berkshire’s investment has sparked renewed interest in Alphabet among retail investors, with the stock trending highly on platforms like Stocktwits. Despite this move, Berkshire remains a net seller of equities, with its cash reserves reaching a record $381.7 billion, signaling Buffett’s cautious stance on current market valuations.
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Ittihad successfully prices $550 million 5-year non-call 2 144a/Reg S Sukuk
Ittihad has successfully priced a $550 million 5-year non-call 2 144A/Reg S Sukuk, marking a significant step in its strategy to enhance its capital structure and extend its debt maturity profile. The Sukuk, which carries a 7.375% coupon, was oversubscribed by more than four times, attracting a diverse range of high-quality global investors. This issuance saw 65% of the final allocation placed with international investors and 35% with regional investors, significantly broadening Ittihad’s investor base across geographies and investor types. The strong demand allowed Ittihad to tighten initial price thoughts by 50 basis points during the bookbuilding process. The transaction was further bolstered by Ittihad’s recent credit rating upgrades to BB- by both S&P and Fitch, which highlighted the company’s improving financial profile and strategic outlook. Amer Kakish, CEO of Ittihad, expressed satisfaction with the issuance, noting it reflects global confidence in the company’s direction. Stefan Weiler of JPMorgan, which acted as Joint Global Coordinator, praised the achievement as a testament to Ittihad’s growth. Proceeds from the Sukuk will be used for debt refinancing. The issuance was managed by a consortium of leading financial institutions, including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Bank, and J.P. Morgan Securities.
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Dubai’s emotional intelligence expert Dr. Taylor Elizabeth announced as Mrs UAE World 2025
Dr. Taylor Elizabeth, a globally acclaimed emotional intelligence and etiquette coach, has been officially named Mrs UAE World 2025. She will represent the UAE at the prestigious Mrs World pageant, scheduled for early next year. Dr. Taylor’s appointment was announced by Dr. Aditi Govitrikar, the newly appointed Director for Mrs UAE World 2025 and the first-ever Mrs World from India. Dr. Govitrikar praised Dr. Taylor’s multicultural understanding, conscious leadership, and global representation, emphasizing her role as a powerful ambassador for the UAE. Dr. Taylor, a Dubai-based coach with a clientele spanning 22 markets across five continents, is celebrated for her empathy-driven leadership and dedication to women’s empowerment. She believes that pageantry has evolved into a platform for identity, empowerment, and meaningful influence. ‘Mrs World is a space where possibility becomes visible,’ says Dr. Taylor. ‘When women see someone who shares their values or story standing confidently on a global stage, they see what’s possible for themselves too. My vision is to make this platform not just about beauty or competition, but about emotional intelligence, communication, and the power of authenticity.’ Dr. Taylor aims to challenge outdated narratives that expect women to soften their identity or make themselves smaller, instead championing a new language for modern womanhood—one where emotional intelligence, purpose, and self-expression coexist with grace, confidence, and conscious strength. An award-winning thought leader and UN Women Mentor, Dr. Taylor’s credentials are impressive. She has been honored under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence, and recognized by The Hindustan Times and Observe Now Dubai for excellence in mentorship and leadership. She has spoken at hallmark platforms including the ETHRWorld NexTech Middle East HR Summit, the Economic Times India HR World Annual Conclave, and the Cartier Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. A Certified Professional Coach and ICF-accredited Emotional Intelligence Coach, Dr. Taylor also holds specializations in Positive Psychology, Neurobiology Coaching, and Transformational Leadership. Her popular podcast, Success Decoded, now in its third season, features conversations with global thinkers on mindset, mastery, and authentic success. Academically, Dr. Taylor brings a global perspective with an MBA in International Business from The George Washington University and a Master’s in European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies from The Elliott School of International Affairs, complemented by a Diploma in International Etiquette and Protocol from Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Switzerland. As she prepares to carry the UAE’s name to the Mrs World stage, Dr. Taylor steps forward with a message that is unmistakably contemporary: leadership begins with emotional clarity, confidence is a form of service, and the world is ready—more than ever—for women who trust their authenticity and choose to be seen.
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Ex-Harvard president Larry Summers steps back from public role after Epstein email release
Former Harvard University President and ex-US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced his decision to withdraw from public engagements following the release of his emails with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement obtained by CBS News, Summers expressed deep remorse, stating, “I am profoundly ashamed of my actions and acknowledge the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to maintain communication with Mr. Epstein.” The emails, disclosed by Congress last week, reveal that Summers corresponded with Epstein until the day before Epstein’s 2019 arrest for sex trafficking minors. The scandal has intensified political tensions, with the US Justice Department launching an investigation into Epstein’s ties to former President Bill Clinton and other prominent Democrats. This decision followed pressure from former President Donald Trump, who also called for investigations into Summers, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, and banks JP Morgan and Chase. Trump emphasized on social media, “Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrat’s problem, not the Republican’s problem!” Clinton has vehemently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. Summers, who served under both Clinton and former President Barack Obama, is currently a professor at Harvard. In his statement, Summers expressed his intention to “rebuild trust and repair relationships with those closest to me” while continuing his teaching duties. The Center for American Progress, where Summers was a senior fellow, has severed ties with him. The released emails also highlight Epstein’s attempts to connect Summers with influential global figures, including a proposed meeting with the UN president. Summers’ representative previously stated that he deeply regrets maintaining contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting an underage prostitute. The emails, which mention Trump over 1,600 times, have further implicated numerous high-profile individuals in the ongoing scandal.