Mohammed Alabbar, the founder of UAE-based Emaar Properties, has unveiled an ambitious plan to address the escalating housing crisis in the United States. Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi, Alabbar asserted that he could raise $400 billion within a week to tackle the shortage of nearly five million housing units in the US. He emphasized that the crisis, if left unresolved, could have catastrophic consequences for the American economy. Alabbar proposed collaborating with major US players to not only alleviate the housing deficit but also generate substantial revenue for the government. He highlighted that solving the housing issue could reduce inflation by 50%, create 20 million jobs, and generate $2.5 trillion in tax revenue over a decade. Despite his bold vision, Alabbar clarified that Emaar is not currently in talks with any American companies to enter the US real estate market. Shifting focus to the UAE, he expressed optimism about the local property market, predicting a balance in prices by 2026-2027 due to increased supply. Alabbar also critiqued the European economy, urging EU leaders to address their economic challenges to stem the flow of migrants to the UAE. He praised the UAE’s leadership and its multicultural harmony. Additionally, Alabbar revealed Emaar’s interest in expanding into markets like India, China, and Europe, leveraging the company’s strong financial position and strategic partnerships. He cited the overwhelming success of Emaar’s Red Sea development in Egypt as evidence of the company’s global potential.
标签： North America
北美洲
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UAE: One dead, four injured in two-vehicle collision in Fujairah
A devastating traffic accident on Ghub Road in Fujairah has resulted in the death of a young Emirati man and left four others injured. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved a collision between two vehicles. According to Brigadier General Saleh Mohammed Abdullah Al Zanahani, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at the Fujairah Police General Command, the accident was caused by one vehicle entering the road without ensuring it was clear. Emergency services, including traffic patrols and the National Ambulance, responded promptly to the scene. The young man, in his twenties, tragically died at the scene, while the injured were transported to Dibba Fujairah Hospital for treatment. The injuries sustained by the four individuals ranged from minor to moderate. This incident underscores the critical importance of road safety and vigilance while driving.
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How parent communication with schools can reduce exam stress
As the December end-of-semester exams approach, schools across the UAE are intensifying efforts to foster a collaborative environment between parents and educational institutions. This initiative aims to reduce exam stress by encouraging parents to adopt a balanced and informed approach to their children’s academic journey. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has reinforced this focus by mandating that schools cover all costs for external assessments, ensuring no additional financial burden on parents. This policy shift is part of broader efforts to standardize and enhance the assessment process. Education leaders are urging parents to move beyond exam pressure and instead provide constructive support. Schools like Shining Star International and GEMS Wellington Academy are leading the way with structured communication, personalized guidance, and mental health support. Woodlem American School in Ajman emphasizes transparency through parent portals and regular updates. Experts like Girish Hemnani, a Dubai-based life coach, stress the importance of parental empathy and collaboration over control. Parents, too, are recognizing the value of this balanced approach, with many reporting reduced stress and improved outcomes for their children.
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American missionary reportedly kidnapped in Niger
An American missionary has been abducted in Niger’s capital, Niamey, in a shocking incident that occurred just 100 yards from the presidential palace. The kidnapping took place on Tuesday, according to multiple security sources cited by CBS News, a partner of the BBC. The victim, who has not been officially identified, has reportedly been working with a US-based charity and has resided in Niger since 2010. The circumstances surrounding the abduction remain unclear, with no immediate demands from the kidnappers.
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Why Beyond Meat shares have surged 1,000% in four days
Beyond Meat Inc., the pioneer of plant-based burgers, has experienced an extraordinary surge in its stock price, rising approximately 1,000% over just four days. This remarkable rally comes despite the company’s ongoing struggles with sluggish sales and a lack of quarterly profits for over five years. The sudden spike has reignited debates about the frothiness of the stock market, particularly fueled by online enthusiasm among retail investors. The momentum began last week when a Reddit user sparked a wave of purchases, reminiscent of the meme stock rallies seen with GameStop and AMC. The surge was further amplified when Roundhill Investments added Beyond Meat to its meme stock ETF, triggering a short squeeze as investors betting against the company scrambled to cover their losses. Additionally, a newly announced distribution deal with Walmart provided another boost to the stock. However, market strategists caution that the company’s fundamentals remain weak. Mark Hackett of Nationwide noted that while the Walmart deal is a positive catalyst, it doesn’t address all underlying issues. Beyond Meat’s stock, trading at just over $4, is still far below its 2019 peak of $230. This meme stock frenzy occurs against a backdrop of broader market concerns, including fears of an overvalued AI industry and potential market corrections. The Securities and Exchange Commission has also flagged risks tied to meme stock manipulation, though calls for stricter regulations have yet to gain significant traction.
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UK king to be first to pray with pope in five centuries
King Charles III of the United Kingdom is set to make history during his state visit to the Vatican, marking the first public prayer between a British monarch and a pope since the 16th-century schism between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. The visit, which began on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, will see Charles and Queen Camilla meet Pope Leo XIV for the first time since his succession in May following the passing of Pope Francis. This momentous event underscores a significant step in the reconciliation of the two Christian denominations, which have been estranged since King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church in 1534. The highlight of the visit will be an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, focusing on environmental conservation, a cause close to Charles’s heart. The service will feature a joint choir from the Sistine Chapel and Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, symbolizing unity between Anglican and Catholic traditions. Buckingham Palace described the visit as a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two churches. Additionally, Charles will be honored as a ‘Royal Confrater’ at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a gesture recognizing the spiritual connection between the denominations. The visit coincides with preparations for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a major event that attracts millions of pilgrims. However, the trip occurs amid personal challenges for the king, including new revelations about his brother Prince Andrew’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and Charles’s ongoing battle with cancer. Despite these difficulties, the monarch’s visit to the Vatican highlights his commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and unity.
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Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim launches discount grocery brand Sava
Dubai-based retail conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim has introduced its new discount grocery brand, Sava, marking a significant expansion in the UAE’s retail sector. The company inaugurated its flagship store in Deira on Wednesday, with a second outlet opening in Murjan Tower at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). Two additional stores are set to launch this week, with plans to establish 10 locations across the UAE by the end of the year. This move follows the closure of several Carrefour branches in the region, including one in Al Nahda, Dubai, which is currently undergoing renovation to rebrand as Sava. Majid Al Futtaim has also replaced Carrefour stores in Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan with its new hypermarket brand, HyperMax. However, the company has confirmed that Carrefour operations in the UAE will continue for now. Sava aims to redefine value in grocery retailing, offering over 1,600 products and 160 weekly deals to help customers maximize their budgets without sacrificing quality. Majid Al Futtaim, which operates 29 shopping malls across the Middle East, including Mall of the Emirates and Mall of Egypt, emphasized its commitment to innovation in the grocery retail sector through this launch.
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US strikes alleged drug boat in the Pacific – report
The United States has significantly escalated its counter-narcotics efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean, deploying substantial air and naval assets, as well as troops, to combat drug trafficking in the region. According to CBS, US forces recently targeted another vessel suspected of carrying drugs, this time in the Pacific Ocean. Two US officials reported that two or three individuals aboard the vessel were likely killed in the strike. If confirmed, this would mark the eighth such operation since September 2, and the first in the Caribbean. The BBC has reached out to the White House, Pentagon, and State Department for comments. A leaked memo to US lawmakers revealed that the Trump administration has classified its actions as part of a ‘non-international armed conflict’ against drug-trafficking organizations, several of which have been designated as terrorist groups by the US government. Since the operations began, at least 34 people have been killed, including in a recent strike on a semi-submersible submarine in the Caribbean. Two survivors from that incident were repatriated to Colombia and Ecuador, with Ecuador releasing one individual due to lack of evidence. The other remains hospitalized. President Donald Trump has defended the strikes as essential measures against drug trafficking, while also escalating tensions with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, whom he accused of promoting drug production. Trump announced the cessation of US subsidies to Colombia, a long-standing ally. The Pacific coastlines of Colombia and Ecuador are key transit points for cocaine bound for the US, with the Caribbean also seeing a rise in drug trafficking activity. Despite the deployment of 10,000 US troops and numerous military assets to the region, details about the identities of those killed and their alleged affiliations remain scarce.
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Maine Senate candidate apologises for tattoo that resembles Nazi symbol
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has issued a public apology following backlash over a tattoo on his chest that resembles a Nazi symbol. The 41-year-old Marine Corps combat veteran and oyster farmer stated he was unaware of the tattoo’s association with Nazi imagery and has pledged to have it removed. The tattoo, resembling the Totenkopf (German for “death’s head”), became visible in a social media video showing Platner dancing at his brother’s wedding. Platner explained that he got the tattoo in 2007 while serving in Croatia with fellow Marines, choosing the design from a parlor wall during a night of drinking. He emphasized his lifelong commitment to antifascism and expressed regret for the oversight. Genevieve McDonald, his former political director, criticized the tattoo as antisemitic, stating that Platner should have addressed it earlier. Platner has since covered the tattoo with a new design and is seeking removal. The controversy has intensified scrutiny of his social media history, including past Reddit posts downplaying sexual assault in the military and self-identifying as a communist. Platner apologized for these remarks, attributing them to post-war depression and isolation. Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent supporter, defended Platner, emphasizing his apology and confidence in his campaign. The incident has added complexity to Platner’s bid to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine.
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Chess federation looking into Vladimir Kramnik’s attacks on grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky
The chess world is in mourning following the unexpected death of Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent US grandmaster, just two weeks before his 30th birthday. Naroditsky, affectionately known as ‘Danya’ to his online followers, was a celebrated player, teacher, and commentator who played a pivotal role in popularizing chess through his YouTube and Twitch channels. His death has sparked a wave of grief and controversy, particularly surrounding public accusations of cheating made by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. The International Chess Federation (Fide) has announced it is investigating Kramnik’s comments, which Naroditsky vehemently denied before his passing. In his final Twitch broadcast, Naroditsky hinted that the relentless scrutiny had taken a toll on him. Kramnik, who has accused multiple players of cheating, described Naroditsky’s death as a ‘tragedy’ and suggested that police should investigate the circumstances. He also indicated plans to take legal action against those blaming him for the situation. Naroditsky’s family, through the Charlotte Chess Center, announced his death without specifying the cause. The chess community, including luminaries like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, has condemned Kramnik’s conduct, with many calling for accountability. Fide has expressed condolences and plans to honor Naroditsky with a special award, recognizing his immense contributions to the game.