Tyres most common source of microplastics in the Gulf

Marine microplastics researcher Dr Samantha Ladewig sampling water to study the effects of microplastics on dissolved oxygen. A University of Auckland study has unravelled a years’ long mystery of what the most common microplastics in our waters are – and suggests ways to reduce the number of these tiny particles polluting our marine environment.  University … Read more

No escaping a run up the fire break for the Blues

Blues rugby players, managers, support staff and coaches all head up the infamous firebreak to finish the session More than 50 players from the Blues Super Rugby wider training squad and 30 of their support staff filled Waiheke Rugby Club grounds and clubrooms last Thursday, with the legendary All Blacks and ex-Blues coach, Sir Graham … Read more

How Free zones advance the UAE’s economic ascent

“SPC free zone offers a strong competitive edge through a supportive regulatory framework and cost-efficient, globally connected location. With 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal tax, and access to over 1,500 activities under one license, companies scale quickly with minimal complexity,” says Saif Alsuwaidi, Director, SPC Free Zone “Flexible license packages, scalable … Read more

Ferries divert to assist burning launch

Three ferries, one from Sealink and two from Fullers, diverted to help a launch that was on fire near Brown’s Island at around 8.15am last Thursday morning. Photo supplied / NZ Police Two boaties narrowly escaped from a launch that caught fire off Browns Island/Motukorea last Thursday, as three ferries diverted to help.  Sergeant Jesse … Read more

Social cohesion taking a beating

Since our governing parliamentary circles seem to have abandoned any semblance of civility, respect for dissenting MPs views (however strong their mandates from the public) or justice for any but the richest among us, I feel it’s reasonable to call a spade a spade in the face of last week’s newspaper column from Simon Watts, … Read more

South Africa beat India by four wicket to level ODI series

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, … Read more

What the Prada takeover means for Versace and luxury fashion

Milan no longer has a clean divide between fashion tribes. Versace, known for maximal visual codes, is now part of the Prada Group, which owns Prada and Miu Miu. The deal, closed on November 15, 2025, ends Versace’s post-pandemic run under Capri Holdings, where retail growth lagged from 2022 onwards, and brand performance softened against … Read more

India’s IndiGo airline faces heat after cancelling more than 200 flights

IndiGo faced another difficult day on Wednesday as the airline cancelled more than 200 flights and delayed many others across airports nationwide. It marked the second straight day of major disruption for the carrier, which operates over 2,200 flights daily. Fresh data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation showed IndiGo posting only 35% on-time performance … Read more

Imtiaz Developments unveils Dh1 Billion ‘The Symphony’ in Meydan with Zaha Hadid Architects

The mega launch took place at the Coca-Cola Arena — one of the most anticipated project unveilings of the season — marking a major milestone for the company as it introduced its most ambitious development in Meydan. The evening drew an extraordinary turnout of partners, investors, and industry leaders, and was headlined by Imtiaz’s brand … Read more

New Zealand launches 4-year ‘golden visa’

New visas Alongside the golden visa, two new seasonal visa categories will open from December 8 under New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme — the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV). Authorities said the scheme aims to make it “easier for accredited employers to hire international seasonal workers for genuine short-term roles while … Read more

Zayed National Museum opens in Abu Dhabi: What you can expect

A journey through human history Elements of Emirati identity The museum presents four defining elements — Geography, Innovation, Exchange, and Faith — which together shaped Emirati identity. The visitor’s journey begins with The Path Garden, a 600-metre outdoor gallery, and continues into indoor galleries dedicated to the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan … Read more

Beyond Pink unites experts, survivors and community to advance women’s health in the UAE

The first panel brought together top medical experts including Dr Brajesh Mittal (Cardiology), Dr Shady Lahbib (Nutrition), Dr Partha Sarathi Das (Reproductive Medicine), Dr Rini Kuruvilla (Gynaecology and Obstetrics), Dr Muhammad S. Tahir (Mental Health) and clinical dietician Mitun Sarkar. Each specialist addressed key issues affecting women today — heart health, nutrition, fertility, gynaecological screening, … Read more

5 layers of security, Russian commandos, AI tech — and a fortress on wheels

A security machine already on the ground Over four dozen specialists from Russia’s Presidential Security Service have already arrived in Delhi and are working with Delhi Police and the NSG to sanitise every road, building and choke point that Putin’s cavalcade may pass through. According to sources, every segment of his movement is being mapped, … Read more

Dubai Police showcases smart services to boost safety awareness at Global Village

Aghaddir is a senior news reporter at Gulf News with more than a decade of experience covering the UAE’s most pressing developments. Known for her sharp eye for detail and deep expertise in the country’s legal and security systems, Aghaddir delivers journalism that clarifies complex issues and informs public discourse. While based in Sharjah, she … Read more

Jebel Jais crowds surge on National Day; RAK police maintain order With round-the-clock response

Aghaddir is a senior news reporter at Gulf News with more than a decade of experience covering the UAE’s most pressing developments. Known for her sharp eye for detail and deep expertise in the country’s legal and security systems, Aghaddir delivers journalism that clarifies complex issues and informs public discourse. While based in Sharjah, she … Read more

Dubai Duty Free set for record-breaking 2025 after best-ever monthly sales

Higher-value shopping baskets You see a clear trend toward spending more per visit, with transactions under Dh500 rising slightly in number while generating higher overall value, and purchases above Dh500 growing at a faster pace and accounting for 75% of all spending. These patterns point to shoppers choosing premium goods, exclusives, and gifts as part … Read more

Manama GCC summit to focus on Gulf defence and regional stability; Italy’s Meloni to join talks

The third file on the table is economic and logistical integration, regarded as central in a rapidly shifting international environment. Italy’s Meloni attends in rare external invite Adding a major diplomatic dimension, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Manama to attend the 46th GCC Summit — an exceptionally rare invitation extended by Bahrain’s King … Read more

673 ‘ghost’ flood projects drain Filipino taxpayers — Senate uncovers $3 billion scam

How budget insertions enable corruption Lacson detailed during the interview that opaque “small committee” meetings in past years allowed untraceable pork barrel-like budget allocations without minutes or accountability, making the culprits impossible to identify. He is pushing for full transparency, requiring public disclosure of every budget amendment proponent, to hold lawmakers accountable for phantom or … Read more

11 self-care Christmas gifts that feel like a hug in a box—spa, skincare, tea and more, UAE 2025

This Christmas, skip the predictable gifts and give something that truly pampers the soul. Our 11 self-care Christmas gifts are like little hugs in a box—for anyone who deserves a moment of calm amid the festive chaos. From luxurious spa sets and indulgent skincare to soothing teas and cozy loungewear, each gift is designed to … Read more

Ramco Systems marks 20 years in Middle East, unveils AI-driven vision for next era of enterprise innovation

The second half welcomed a large gathering of customers across business units – Global Payroll, Aviation MRO, ERP, Services Resource Planning and Logistics – along with partners, and industry influencers, for a celebration honouring the relationships that have defined Ramco’s two-decade journey. Ramco’s leadership unveiled its technology vision: shifting from Systems of Record to Systems … Read more

A warm, cuddly ride that gives snakes their due

But Zootopia 2 seeks to set the record straight. In this vibrant, colorful world of urban animal life, reptiles have long been cast aside and misunderstood, when in reality they’re just jovial, jokey, home-loving creatures. In the first 20 minutes, we meet idealistic bunny cop Judy Hopps and her too-cool-for-school partner Nick Wilde (voiced by … Read more

Dubai Police to launch Dh525 million forensic science complex with AI, genomics in 2026

Dubai: Dubai Police is set to launch a Dh525 million forensic science complex next year—an advanced, multi-disciplinary facility officials say will rank among the most sophisticated crime-analysis centres in the world. The new building will introduce pioneering specialties, including forensic dentistry, forensic entomology, genomics, advanced pathology, and an AI-powered medical simulation theatre, significantly expanding the … Read more

Saudi non-oil business activity hits 10-month high despite PMI cooling

The headline Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia PMI, which tracks business conditions across the non-oil private sector, eased slightly to 58.5 in November, down from October’s exceptional 60.2 reading. Despite this moderation, the index remained at a level indicative of strong improvement in the sector’s health. Strong output growth fueled by domestic demand The substantial rise … Read more