Aster DM Healthcare, a prominent integrated healthcare provider in the UAE and GCC, has announced a strategic partnership with Emirates Development Bank (EDB) to secure Dh265 million ($72 million) in financing. This funding will support the development of two new multi-specialty hospitals in Dubai, aimed at addressing the growing demand for quality healthcare services in the region. The agreement, signed by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, and Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, marks a significant step in expanding healthcare infrastructure in the UAE. The new facilities will add over 250 beds to Aster’s existing capacity of approximately 920 beds, enabling the treatment of more than 560,000 patients annually. Once operational, the hospitals will employ over 675 doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, bolstering the local healthcare workforce. Emirates Development Bank, a key driver of economic growth in the UAE, focuses on priority sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and renewable energy. This partnership aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai as a global leader in healthcare. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, emphasized the alignment of this expansion with the UAE’s broader economic goals. Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital and Board Member of Aster DM Healthcare, highlighted the shared vision of building a regional healthcare champion dedicated to delivering accessible, high-quality care across the GCC.
标签： North America
北美洲
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Will Trump’s tariff rollback lower food prices?
In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump recently announced the removal of tariffs on over 200 products, including staples like bananas and coffee. This decision, seen as a political concession, aims to address rising cost-of-living concerns that have been impacting White House approval ratings and Republican electoral prospects. The Food Industry Association (FMI) lauded the move as a ‘critical step’ toward affordability, echoing sentiments from various business groups. However, the practical economic relief may not match the political significance of the gesture. According to Yale’s Budget Lab, Trump’s tariffs, which include a 10% baseline tax on imports and additional levies on many trading partners, were projected to increase food prices by 1.9% in the short term. Historically, U.S. grocery prices have been relatively stable, rising an average of only 2% annually between 2013 and 2021. While the tariff removal targets items with negligible domestic production, such as coffee, spices, and tropical fruits, its overall impact on household grocery budgets is expected to be modest. Economists note that imports account for less than 20% of total U.S. food and beverage purchases, with many imports from Mexico already exempt due to trade agreements. Additionally, factors like rising labor costs and droughts continue to drive food prices upward. Despite the tariff rollback, food companies still face higher costs from tariffs on materials like aluminum, used in canned foods, and items like wine, cheese, and palm oil remain unaffected. The Trump administration has framed high food prices as a legacy issue from the Biden era, cautioning that significant price reductions will take time. While some price relief is anticipated, experts warn that the psychological impact of high prices may persist, influencing future industry decisions.
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Dubai flying taxi: RTA to offer free rides to select passengers next year
Dubai is gearing up to revolutionize urban mobility with its innovative flying taxi service, set to launch commercially by the end of 2026. During the Dubai Airshow 2025, attendees caught a glimpse of the electric-powered aerial taxi, which is expected to begin trial operations in the first quarter of 2026. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to offer free rides to select passengers, including government officials and corporate representatives, to gather feedback and refine the service. The trial phase will focus on a limited number of passengers, with no charges imposed, paving the way for a full-scale commercial rollout later in the year. Last week, RTA and Joby, the flying taxi operator, successfully completed a manned test flight between the Margham desert area and Al Maktoum International Airport, covering 65 kilometers in just 17 minutes—a journey that typically takes 50 minutes by car. The RTA is also collaborating with major developers like Emaar Properties and Wasl Asset Management Group to construct vertiports across the city, including near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These vertiports will feature advanced facilities such as charging stations, take-off and landing pads, and air-conditioned passenger areas. Additionally, RTA is exploring the potential of utilizing existing helipads to enhance the accessibility and integration of the flying taxi service with Dubai’s public transport network. Mattar Al Tayer, RTA’s Director General, emphasized that this initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable and innovative urban mobility solutions.
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Tom Cruise on his first Oscar: Making films ‘is who I am’
Hollywood legend Tom Cruise has finally clinched his first Oscar, receiving an honorary award at the annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles. The 63-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in ‘Top Gun’ and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, was celebrated alongside other luminaries such as singer Dolly Parton, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Cruise reflected on his 45-year career, emphasizing his deep connection to cinema. ‘Making films is not what I do, it is who I am,’ he declared, drawing a prolonged standing ovation from an audience that included Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jerry Bruckheimer. Cruise, who has been nominated for four Oscars in the past, paid tribute to the collaborative nature of filmmaking, acknowledging both on-screen and behind-the-scenes contributors. He also highlighted the unifying power of movies, stating, ‘In that theatre, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, we dream together.’ The Academy recognized Cruise for his unwavering dedication to the film industry, particularly his advocacy for theatrical experiences and his commitment to performing his own stunts. Despite his numerous accolades, Cruise remains passionate about supporting emerging talent and preserving the essence of cinema. Earlier this year, he reportedly declined an invitation to be honored by former President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center Honors due to scheduling conflicts.
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Remote learning, reduced timings: UAE public schools begin centralised exams review
Public schools across the UAE have initiated a strategic approach to support students as they prepare for the upcoming Term 1 centralised examinations. Following the conclusion of National Day celebrations last Friday, schools have shifted their focus entirely to academic readiness. A revised schedule has been introduced, featuring shortened school hours from Monday to Wednesday, with classes ending no later than 1.20pm. This adjustment aims to provide students with ample time to rest before engaging in evening review sessions. On Wednesday, schools will transition to remote learning, offering virtual review classes through official online platforms. Attendance will be recorded, and parents have been informed of the updated schedules to ensure students participate actively. The Ministry of Education’s Tamkeen Digital Initiative plays a pivotal role in this preparation phase. This program offers high-quality, intensive review sessions led by teachers from both government and private schools. Virtual sessions, running from 5pm to 8.30pm, have attracted thousands of students nationwide. Students can access these sessions through links shared by their schools and even attend review classes offered by other institutions, allowing them to benefit from a diverse pool of educators and flexible timings. The concerted efforts of schools and teachers underscore their commitment to ensuring students are well-prepared and positioned for strong academic performance in the upcoming exams.
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Off-duty US pilot who tried to crash plane midair will not serve prison time
A former Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph Emerson, who attempted to shut off a passenger plane’s engines mid-flight, will not serve additional prison time, a federal court has ruled. Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Emerson to credit for time served and three years of supervised release during a hearing in Portland, Oregon. Emerson, who was off-duty during the October 2023 flight, attributed his actions to a mental breakdown induced by hallucinogenic mushrooms. He had previously pleaded guilty to a federal charge of interfering with a flight crew and no contest to state charges of endangering an aircraft and 83 counts of endangering another person. For the state charges, he received five years of probation and 50 days in jail. The federal deal spared him a potential 20-year prison sentence. Emerson expressed remorse for his actions, stating, ‘I’m not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions.’ He also mentioned that the incident has prompted personal growth. The flight, which was en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California, with 80 passengers aboard, was diverted to Portland, Oregon. The incident lasted about 90 seconds, during which Emerson had to be subdued by the pilot. After being restrained, Emerson warned flight attendants to cuff him immediately and attempted to reach for the emergency exit handle during descent. Emerson, who lost his pilot’s license post-arrest, is now working part-time as a pressure washer and has paid $60,000 in restitution. He is also pursuing a career as a substance abuse counselor and, along with his wife, has founded the group Clear Skies Ahead to address mental health issues among pilots.
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New video shows stunning Aurora Borealis over South Dakota
A breathtaking display of the Aurora Borealis recently illuminated the night skies over South Dakota, captivating onlookers with its vibrant hues and ethereal beauty. This rare phenomenon, typically confined to polar regions, has ventured further south due to heightened solar activity. According to NASA, the sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, referred to as the “solar maximum.” This phase is characterized by increased sunspots and solar flares, which can trigger more intense geomagnetic storms. These storms, in turn, enhance the visibility of the Northern Lights, allowing them to be observed in regions where they are seldom seen. The recent event in South Dakota serves as a vivid reminder of the sun’s profound influence on Earth’s atmospheric conditions. Scientists anticipate that such occurrences may become more frequent in the coming months as the solar maximum continues to unfold.
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US judge says government ‘missteps’ may have tainted Comey case
A US federal judge has raised concerns over potential ‘investigative missteps’ and ‘government misconduct’ in the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey, initiated during the Trump administration. In a detailed 24-page opinion, Judge William Fitzpatrick mandated the release of grand jury materials, including transcripts and evidence, to Comey’s defense team. The case stems from President Donald Trump’s call for Comey’s prosecution, leading to the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as the lead prosecutor, who secured an indictment just three days later. Comey, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including obstructing a congressional investigation, was fired by Trump in 2017 after leading an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Judge Fitzpatrick identified at least two statements made by Halligan to grand jurors that could be seen as ‘fundamental misstatements of the law,’ potentially compromising the integrity of the grand jury process. The judge’s decision to grant access to all grand jury materials and complete audio recordings of the proceedings underscores the need to protect the rights of the accused in this high-profile case.
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IATF 2025 opens in Dubai, marking 20 years as the Gulf’s leading fashion sourcing fair
The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) 2025 has officially commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking its 20th anniversary as the Gulf’s leading B2B fashion sourcing event. Running from November 17 to 19, the fair features over 400 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, including the UK, USA, Italy, China, India, France, Germany, Russia, Spain, and Portugal. This milestone edition highlights the event’s pivotal role in shaping the region’s apparel and textile industry over the past two decades.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice Chairman of Dubai World Trade Centre, and Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, emphasizing Dubai’s growing prominence as a global fashion trade hub. The fair spans Halls 6 and 7, attracting thousands of sourcing professionals, industry buyers, and decision-makers from the GCC, Europe, and beyond.
This year’s edition introduces ‘Moda Sole & Accessories,’ a dedicated showcase featuring over 70 curated booths for footwear, handbags, laces, trims, and premium accessories. The event also emphasizes sustainability, ethical production, and circular design, aligning with global industry trends.
Bhavna Nihalani, Founder and Show Director of IATF, remarked, ‘IATF has become a dynamic platform that unites the entire fashion sourcing cycle, fostering creativity, responsibility, and innovation.’ The fair’s Hosted Buyers Program facilitates thousands of pre-scheduled meetings, driving meaningful business connections and long-term partnerships.
Visitor registration is now open for November 18 and 19, welcoming designers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and wholesalers to explore the future of fashion sourcing.
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Top US disaster agency official David Richardson resigns
David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has resigned after six months in the role. Richardson, who assumed the position in May following the removal of his predecessor by Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, stepped down on Monday. The DHS lauded Richardson for his ‘dedicated service’ and his efforts in overseeing a review that identified and eliminated significant governmental waste and inefficiency, while refocusing the agency to deliver swift resources to Americans in crisis. Karen Evans, the current FEMA chief of staff, will succeed Richardson starting December 1. Richardson’s tenure was marred by criticism over FEMA’s response to devastating floods in Texas during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, which claimed over 130 lives, including several children at a summer camp. Richardson was notably inaccessible during the early hours of the crisis and later defended the agency’s response as a ‘model’ for handling such events, despite reports of delayed deployments and other issues. Earlier this year, Richardson made a controversial comment about being unaware of the US hurricane season, which a DHS spokesperson dismissed as a joke. A former Marine combat veteran, Richardson also led the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office, a role he will continue. The DHS announced that Richardson will return to the private sector. The Trump administration has emphasized the need for reforms at FEMA, criticizing it as overly bureaucratic and inefficient in delivering disaster relief. President Trump has previously proposed dismantling the agency, advocating for states to take on more responsibility for disaster preparedness and response. FEMA is currently under review by a presidential council, with the DHS stating that the final report is ‘forthcoming’ and will inform ongoing efforts to fundamentally restructure the agency.