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  • Alonso hails magical Mbappe as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao

    Alonso hails magical Mbappe as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao

    Real Madrid emphatically ended their three-match winless streak in La Liga with a resounding 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, propelled by a breathtaking performance from French superstar Kylian Mbappé. The Spanish giants delivered what manager Xabi Alonso described as their “most complete performance” of the season at San Mamés Stadium, a notoriously challenging venue for visiting teams.

    Mbappé opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a spectacular finish, expertly controlling Trent Alexander-Arnold’s precision long pass before clinically beating goalkeeper Unai Simón. The French international later sealed the victory with a powerful long-range strike that found the net at the near post, marking his 25th goal across all competitions this season.

    The match featured exceptional coordination between Madrid’s attacking talents, with Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior demonstrating particularly effective partnership. The Brazilian winger twice came close to scoring, first hitting the post from an acute angle and later being denied by an outstanding one-on-one save from Simón.

    Madrid’s second goal emerged from a beautifully constructed team move just before halftime, with Mbappé heading Alexander-Arnold’s cross back across goal for Eduardo Camavinga to nod home from close range.

    The victory maintains Real Madrid’s position in second place with 36 points from 15 matches, trailing leaders Barcelona by a single point in the tightly contested title race.

    Despite the comprehensive performance, concerns emerged regarding potential injuries to both Alexander-Arnold and Camavinga, who were substituted in the second half with apparent muscular problems. Manager Alonso acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead, emphasizing the need to maintain focus for Sunday’s encounter against Celta Vigo.

    The match also featured a positive moment between Alonso and Vinícius, with the Brazilian embracing his manager when substituted, suggesting resolution to recent reported tensions between the pair.

  • Look: Syrian-French artist debuts his first solo exhibition in UAE

    Look: Syrian-French artist debuts his first solo exhibition in UAE

    Dubai’s Jameel Arts Centre is currently hosting Syrian-French artist Bady Dalloul’s first institutional solo exhibition in the UAE, titled “Self-portrait with a cat I don’t have.” This immersive installation, running through February 22, 2026, represents a significant milestone for the artist whose work navigates the complex intersections of migration, identity, and the blending of factual and fictional narratives.

    The exhibition transforms the gallery space into a recreation of Dalloul’s Dubai apartment, creating an intimate environment where viewers encounter meticulously crafted miniature dioramas, intricate drawings, repurposed everyday objects, and vintage game cases. Each piece serves as a meditation on displacement, cultural inheritance, and belonging, reflecting Dalloul’s personal experiences as someone born in Paris to Syrian parents, educated in Tokyo, and now based in Dubai.

    Central to the exhibition is Dalloul’s exploration of how personal memory intersects with collective history. “I grew up listening to the people around me,” Dalloul explains. “Their stories were shaped by subjectivity—by emotion, memory, silence. That subjectivity is where their power lies.”

    Notable works include the “Age of Empires” series—50 drawings inspired by 19th-century Japanese cosmology that examine how physical traits were historically linked to destiny and imperial rise and fall. Through these works, Dalloul challenges Western historiography’s linearity, instead creating a kaleidoscopic journey across continents and timelines.

    The exhibition’s title, derived from a surrealist painting by Egyptian artist Abdel Hadi Al Gazzar, reflects Dalloul’s experience of creating his first self-portrait while alone in Tokyo. “The cat didn’t exist, but the feeling did,” he recalls. “That imagined presence gave me comfort.”

    Despite some criticism that his approach romanticizes trauma, Dalloul maintains that fiction allows for humor, tenderness, and dialogue where documentation might only emphasize harshness. The artist’s modestly scaled works—necessitated by his apartment-studio lifestyle—become poetic strategies for storytelling, with matchboxes transforming into miniature galleries and bento boxes becoming narrative vessels.

    Visitor responses have been profoundly personal, with many reporting emotional connections to the unspoken experiences depicted. Dalloul views Dubai’s cultural landscape as particularly receptive to his work, noting that “everyone, no matter where they’re from, can flourish here.” The exhibition will travel to Lisbon following its Dubai presentation, continuing its evolution as part of Dalloul’s ongoing “Land of Dreams” series.

  • Watch: Quebec debates stricter rules on religion in public spaces

    Watch: Quebec debates stricter rules on religion in public spaces

    A contentious legislative proposal in Quebec has sparked vigorous debate across the Canadian province, focusing on the proper place of religious expression within public institutions. The proposed bill, currently under consideration by provincial lawmakers, seeks to expand existing secularism laws by imposing stricter limitations on religious symbols and practices in government-funded spaces.

    The BBC’s recent documentary from Montreal captured diverse perspectives from Quebec residents amidst freezing temperatures, revealing deep divisions within society. Proponents argue the legislation reinforces state secularism and promotes cultural cohesion, while opponents contend it disproportionately targets religious minorities and infringes upon personal freedoms.

    This legislative initiative builds upon Quebec’s historical journey with secularism, notably through Bill 21 passed in 2019, which already restricted some public servants from wearing religious symbols at work. The new proposal would potentially extend these restrictions to additional public venues and situations, raising complex questions about the balance between state neutrality and individual rights.

    Legal experts anticipate constitutional challenges should the bill pass, as it would likely face scrutiny under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The debate reflects broader tensions between Quebec’s distinct cultural identity within the Canadian federation and evolving multicultural realities across the province.

  • Visa chaos, match relocation threats: How Trump disrupted World Cup plans

    Visa chaos, match relocation threats: How Trump disrupted World Cup plans

    The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, historically significant as the first tournament co-hosted by three nations, faces extraordinary organizational challenges stemming from Trump administration policies. With just six months remaining until the global soccer spectacle, the United States—set to host 82 of the 104 matches—finds itself at the center of escalating controversies that threaten to undermine the event’s operational stability.

    Visa restrictions represent perhaps the most immediate concern. Hundreds of thousands of international fans planning to attend the tournament must navigate stringent immigration policies that have become a cornerstone of Trump’s second term. The administration recently imposed travel restrictions on nineteen nations, including World Cup participants Haiti and Iran, while simultaneously implementing a special fast-track visa process for ticket holders. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that match tickets don’t guarantee entry, stating all applicants must undergo identical vetting procedures regardless of expedited appointments.

    Beyond immigration concerns, the tournament faces potential venue disruptions. President Trump has repeatedly threatened to relocate matches from several Democratic-led cities—including Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles—citing unspecified security reasons. Such moves would create logistical nightmares for FIFA and fans who have already made travel arrangements, though host city contracts generally permit venue changes only for catastrophic circumstances like natural disasters or civil unrest.

    Adding to the climate of uncertainty, National Guard troops have been deployed to many potential host cities, while aggressive immigration raids targeting undocumented migrants have created palpable tension within Latino communities. These security measures may continue throughout the tournament period.

    The geopolitical landscape further complicates matters. Despite co-hosting responsibilities, Canada and Mexico have faced aggressive trade policies including steep tariffs and even territorial threats. Trump’s suggestion of potential airstrikes against Mexican drug cartels and remarks about annexing Canadian territory have strained diplomatic relations critical for seamless tournament coordination.

    This confluence of immigration policies, security deployments, and international tensions creates unprecedented challenges for the expanded 48-team tournament, testing FIFA’s organizational capacity and potentially affecting the experience for players and fans alike.

  • US Navy admiral briefs lawmakers over controversial ‘double-tap’ strike

    US Navy admiral briefs lawmakers over controversial ‘double-tap’ strike

    US Navy Admiral Frank Bradley has commenced classified briefings with senior congressional leaders regarding a controversial September 2nd incident involving consecutive strikes on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in Caribbean waters. The operation, which resulted in multiple fatalities, has sparked intense legal and ethical debates within Washington’s political circles.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Trump administration officials face mounting scrutiny over the tactical decision-making process. Congressional representatives who viewed classified footage during Thursday’s briefing expressed profound concern, with House Intelligence Committee member Jim Himes characterizing the recording as ‘among the most troubling material’ he had ever witnessed.

    The emergence of details surrounding the second strike has raised fundamental questions about compliance with international conflict regulations, particularly regarding the treatment of combatants rendered hors de combat. Media reports indicate two survivors attempted to reboard the damaged vessel before the secondary engagement, with officials claiming they appeared to be retrieving narcotics.

    According to administration sources, Admiral Bradley maintains the targeted individuals remained legitimate threats due to suspected drugs still aboard the vessel. The White House has publicly endorsed Bradley’s actions as legally justified, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasizing the Admiral operated ‘well within his authority and the law.’

    This incident represents the initial engagement in an expanded maritime interdiction campaign that has reportedly claimed over 80 lives across Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions. While President Trump asserts these operations have significantly disrupted drug trafficking networks, no concrete evidence supporting these claims has been publicly disclosed.

    International law experts consulted by the BBC have expressed serious reservations about the second strike’s legality, noting potential violations of Geneva Convention protocols protecting shipwrecked personnel and combatants unable to continue fighting. The administration has framed these operations as part of a non-international armed conflict against narcotics traffickers.

    The human toll continues to emerge through cases like Colombian national Alejandro Carranza, presumed killed in subsequent operations, whose family has petitioned the Inter-American Court of Human Rights for investigation. Venezuela has repeatedly condemned the strikes as provocations aimed at regional destabilization.

    Admiral Bradley and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine are scheduled to provide further congressional testimony as lawmakers from both parties demand greater transparency regarding the legal frameworks and operational decisions governing these maritime engagements.

  • UAE aviation growth: Dubai Airshow spurs record passenger milestones and airport investments

    UAE aviation growth: Dubai Airshow spurs record passenger milestones and airport investments

    The recently concluded 19th Dubai Airshow has positioned the United Arab Emirates for unprecedented aviation growth, with record-breaking aircraft orders and massive infrastructure investments setting the stage for global industry leadership. Aviation experts confirm the event has established new benchmarks for the industry, with implications stretching far beyond the November 2027 edition.

    Dubai International Airport (DXB) is poised to achieve a historic milestone in 2026 by becoming only the second airport globally, after Atlanta International, to handle 100 million passengers. This achievement contributes to projected UAE-wide passenger traffic of approximately 160 million next year. Current statistics reveal robust growth, with UAE airports collectively handling 147.8 million travelers in 2024, representing a 10.7% year-on-year increase from the previous year.

    The aviation expansion is underpinned by massive fleet investments unveiled at the Airshow. Emirates’ landmark $40 billion Boeing 777X order and flydubai’s acquisition of over 300 Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft demonstrate the region’s aggressive growth strategy. These developments are complemented by multi-billion dollar airport expansion projects designed to ultimately handle more than 300 million passengers annually.

    Critical to this growth is the development of Dubai World Central (DWC), which will eventually provide capacity for up to 260 million passengers with five runways. Industry expert John Strickland of JLS Consulting emphasized Dubai’s strategic geographic advantage, noting its ability to service global traffic flows while maintaining a strong point-to-point market that reduces reliance on transfer traffic compared to competitors.

    Aviation analysts highlight several factors driving UAE aviation’s resilience and competitive edge. Saj Ahmad, Chief Analyst at StrategicAero Research, identified Emirates’ hub connectivity capabilities, superior product offerings across UAE carriers, and streamlined airport operations free from excessive bureaucracy as key differentiators from US and European competitors.

    The UAE’s aviation success story extends beyond infrastructure and equipment. Andrew Charlton of Aviation Advocacy cited location advantages, progressive competition attitudes, and embrace of future technologies as fundamental to market resilience. The upcoming Dubai World Airport project represents a blank canvas for reimagining the entire passenger experience from start to finish.

    As the UAE aims to host 40 million visitors by 2031, the aviation sector’s growth appears inextricably linked to broader economic development. The country’s remarkable post-pandemic recovery across real estate, financial markets, employment, and transport sectors creates a virtuous cycle that continues to attract global travelers and businesses alike.

    The Dubai Airshow’s emergence as the premier venue for aviation deals signals a broader shift in industry dynamics, with manufacturers and airlines increasingly choosing Dubai over traditional European venues for major announcements. This transition reflects the region’s growing influence in shaping the future of global aviation.

  • UAE renewable energy breakthrough: Hatta hydropower project transforms desert power

    UAE renewable energy breakthrough: Hatta hydropower project transforms desert power

    In an extraordinary engineering achievement that defies conventional wisdom about renewable energy in arid regions, Dubai has successfully implemented a groundbreaking hydropower facility in the Hatta region. The $387 million pumped-storage hydroelectric plant represents the first such installation on the Arabian Peninsula, demonstrating innovative solutions for sustainable power generation in water-scarce environments.

    The facility utilizes advanced pumped-storage technology that recirculates water between the existing Hatta Dam and a newly constructed upper reservoir situated in mountainous terrain. During periods of low energy demand, surplus solar power drives turbines that pump water to the elevated reservoir. When electricity demand peaks, water released through a 1.2-kilometer underground canal generates power with remarkable 79% efficiency and a rapid 90-second response capability.

    With a production capacity of 250 megawatts and storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, the project has already generated over 17,900 megawatt-hours during trial operations. The system’s 80-year lifespan and minimal water consumption make it particularly suitable for desert environments where traditional hydropower would be impractical.

    This pioneering initiative forms part of Dubai’s comprehensive Clean Energy Strategy and Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. The emirate has already achieved 2,027 megawatts of clean energy production through photovoltaic and concentrated solar power technologies, representing approximately 14% of its total energy capacity. The adjacent Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar facility using the Independent Power Producer model, will expand to 5,000MW by 2030.

    Energy experts highlight that the project establishes a new paradigm for renewable integration in water-stressed regions worldwide. The combination of hydropower storage with solar generation addresses the critical challenge of energy intermittency while providing grid stability. Environmental considerations have been paramount in the project’s design, with innovative approaches such as potential floating solar panels on reservoirs to simultaneously reduce evaporation and generate additional clean energy.

    The Hatta facility transcends mere engineering accomplishment to become a symbol of sustainable innovation, offering a replicable model for other arid nations pursuing climate goals while addressing growing energy demands.

  • Suspect arrested in pipe bomb incident on eve of Jan 6, ending years-long manhunt

    Suspect arrested in pipe bomb incident on eve of Jan 6, ending years-long manhunt

    Federal authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with the placement of two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both major political parties on the eve of the January 6th Capitol riot, marking a significant breakthrough in a nearly five-year investigation. The arrest was confirmed by multiple sources to CBS News, with the individual expected to face federal charges in Washington D.C.

    The devices were strategically planted outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee buildings on January 5, 2021. While equipped with kitchen timers and homemade black powder, both bombs were successfully deactivated by authorities without detonation. The investigation, which included a $500,000 reward for information, culminated in this arrest after an extensive nationwide manhunt.

    The context of the bomb placement coincides with the certification process of the 2020 presidential election results. On January 6th, as lawmakers convened to formalize Joe Biden’s victory, then-President Donald Trump addressed supporters at the ‘Save America’ rally, where he repeated unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud while encouraging a march to the Capitol.

    Subsequent riots involved thousands of participants, including members of far-right groups, who breached the Capitol building, overwhelming police forces for several hours. The pipe bombs were discovered by a passerby as these events unfolded, creating a compound security crisis that day.

    This arrest stands in contrast to recent developments in other January 6 cases. Earlier this year, during his second term, President Trump issued pardons or commutations for over 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in relation to the Capitol riot, referring to them as ‘hostages’ whose lives had been ‘destroyed.’ He additionally directed the Department of Justice to drop all pending cases against remaining suspects.

  • US Senator proposes ending dual citizenship, says Americans ‘have to choose’

    US Senator proposes ending dual citizenship, says Americans ‘have to choose’

    In a significant legislative move, US Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio has announced plans to introduce the “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025,” which would fundamentally alter America’s approach to dual nationality. The proposed legislation would compel all US citizens currently holding foreign citizenship to make a definitive choice between retaining their American status or maintaining their alternative nationality.

    The bill, scheduled for introduction on Monday, represents one of the most comprehensive challenges to dual citizenship in recent American history. Under its provisions, current dual citizens would have exactly one year from enactment to formally renounce either their US citizenship or their foreign nationality. Those failing to comply within the designated timeframe would automatically be considered to have relinquished their American citizenship status.

    Senator Moreno, who himself renounced his Colombian citizenship upon naturalizing as an American at age 18, articulated his rationale in a statement to Fox News: “One of the greatest honors of my life was when I became an American citizen. It was an honor to pledge an Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and only to the United States of America. Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege—and if you want to be an American—it’s all or nothing.”

    The proposed legislation would mandate the State Department and Department of Homeland Security to establish comprehensive databases and enforcement mechanisms to implement these changes. Individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily relinquish their US citizenship would be systematically recorded in federal systems and thereafter treated as aliens under immigration laws.

    This initiative aligns with broader immigration policy shifts observed during the Trump administration, though the administration has not previously taken an official stance on dual citizenship specifically. The proposal faces significant legal hurdles, as Supreme Court precedents from the 1950s have consistently upheld the legality of dual citizenship. Previous attempts to eliminate dual citizenship, including recent moves in the House to restrict dual citizens from serving in Congress, have encountered substantial opposition and legal challenges.

  • Cheapest gold price in UAE: Who will gain most from 14K rate in Dubai?

    Cheapest gold price in UAE: Who will gain most from 14K rate in Dubai?

    Dubai, renowned globally as the ‘City of Gold,’ has officially introduced 14K gold pricing for the first time in its history, a strategic move aimed at revitalizing consumer interest in the jewelry market. The initiative, announced by the Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG) — the largest trade body representing approximately 600 members in the industry — comes as gold prices soared to unprecedented levels in October 2025, both in the UAE and worldwide.

    As of Thursday morning, 14K gold was trading at Dh300.25 per gram, positioning it as the most affordable variant available in the UAE. This price point is over Dh200 cheaper than 24K gold and nearly Dh85 less than 18K gold, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

    Industry experts highlight that the introduction of 14K gold primarily targets two key segments: customers purchasing diamond-studded jewelry and those seeking more affordable, everyday ornaments. Anil Dhanak, Managing Director of Kanz Jewels, explained that 14K gold offers enhanced durability for mountings and lower entry prices without compromising aesthetic appeal, particularly for pieces where gold serves as a supporting metal rather than the core value.

    The timing of this initiative is critical. Data from the World Gold Council reveals that gold jewelry demand in the UAE plummeted to a five-year low of 6.3 tonnes in the third quarter of 2025, marking a 10% year-on-year decline and an 18% quarter-on-quarter drop. Rising prices have rendered traditional gold ornaments unaffordable for many, prompting a shift in consumer behavior.

    Chirag Vora, Managing Director of Bafleh Jewellers, noted that lower-priced options like 14K gold could attract younger buyers, first-time purchasers, and expatriates familiar with this karatage. Retailers can now offer tiered options: 22K for traditional value, 18K for luxury fashion, and 14K for accessible everyday pieces.

    Concurrently, consumer preferences are evolving. Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director for International Operations at Malabar Gold and Diamonds, observed a growing trend toward lightweight, lifestyle jewelry driven by design sensibilities rather than mere price considerations. Millennials and Gen Z customers are leading this shift, seeking versatile, contemporary pieces that align with their daily lives.

    The introduction of 14K gold is poised to stimulate unit sales, support retailers and manufacturers, and cater to a broader demographic, ensuring Dubai’s continued prominence in the global gold market.