Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the BRICS Summit in Brazil, fueling speculation about internal political shifts. Premier Li Qiang will lead the delegation instead, while Vladimir Putin will participate via video link. Narendra Modi's attendance and state visit position India as a central figure in the summit, where Brics aims to enhance its representation of the Global South.
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The UAE has centralized drone operations through the new drones.gov.ae platform, managed jointly by the Cybersecurity Council and GCAA. This platform streamlines registration, airspace updates, and mission approvals for all drone users. Following a previous ban, drone usage is now permitted under strict regulations, with the platform providing resources for training, compliance, and safe operation.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas on Wednesday urged Beijing to stop undermining Europe's security, as China's top diplomat held talks in Brussels ahead of a leaders' summit later this month. Wang's visit to Brussels, following which he will head to Berlin and Paris, comes some three weeks ahead of a summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the EU's top officials in Beijing.
On the surface, it sounds like an act of calculated advantage-seeking. After all, Columbia, like most elite universities then, ran race-conscious admissions. Identifying as Black might have increased his chances in a system designed to redress centuries of racial exclusion. Critics, including Mayor Eric Adams, quickly pounced, calling it “an insult to every student who got into college the right way.”
Paris has been hit by severe thunderstorms and heavy rain since Wednesday, causing widespread flooding and damage. A viral video showed the Eiffel Tower illuminated amidst floodwaters as people sought shelter. Tragically, a 12-year-old boy and a 59-year-old motorcyclist died due to the storm's impact, with emergency responders handling over 300 calls and conducting numerous rescues.
Amazon has launched Amazon Bazaar in the UAE, a mobile-only shopping experience featuring affordable products, many priced under Dh25. It offers fast delivery options, including 15-minute delivery on select items, and volume discounts. Currently in beta, Amazon Bazaar promises a user-friendly interface and reliable delivery and return policies, with a full rollout expected soon.
Saudi Arabia's private sector is experiencing a hiring surge, reaching levels unseen since May 2011, fueled by rising demand and new projects. This expansion in non-oil sectors has led to increased wage and input costs, impacting overall pricing. Despite these cost pressures, business confidence remains high, driven by strong order pipelines and continued project announcements.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's opulent Venice wedding sparked protests as hundreds marched against the billionaire's presence. Locals voiced concerns over overtourism, rising costs, and climate change, criticizing the event's extravagance. Despite Bezos donating to Venetian environmental groups, activists deemed it insufficient.
Set on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah, this Dh70 million sea-facing mansion combines Bentley and Fendi interiors with breathtaking ocean views. Spread over 14,671 sq ft, the villa features five bedrooms, multiple lounges, and luxury details throughout. Owned by Rakesh Mirchandani, it offers the added glamour of having Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as a neighbour.
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire resulted in the deaths of 23 individuals, including children. The Israeli military stated the campaign aims to dismantle Hamas military capabilities after the October 2023 attack. Airstrikes hit homes and tents sheltering displaced people. The offensive has reportedly killed over 56,500 Gazans and around 1,219 people in Israel.
In 2025, the UAE job market shows cautious hiring amid economic uncertainties, with strong demand in construction, banking, and tech. Government roles in Dubai, listed on the official portal dubaicareers.ae, offer expats stable, well-paid opportunities across sectors like urban planning, healthcare, and aviation. Salaries reach up to Dh50,000, reflecting a strategic shift toward valuing global expertise alongside Emirati talent.