The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, its largest edition to date, is witnessing a record participation of over 700 companies specializing in yacht and boat manufacturing, fishing equipment, and water sports. 

Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the four-day show has seen a 30% increase in exhibiting companies and participating brands, totaling 711. The number of participating countries has risen to 50, including newcomers Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Norway, Belgium, Lithuania, Indonesia, Cyprus, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

The exhibition area has expanded to 65,000sqm, a 55% increase. Additionally, 15 new yachts and boats are launched for the first time in the Middle East, representing a 40% increase. 

The event features entertainment and cultural activities, including competitions, workshops, virtual reality experiences, and diving experiences. A sustainability platform, reflecting the ‘Year of Sustainability,’ involves 28 international organizations and companies from 14 countries, while an innovation platform features 20 international companies from 11 countries. 

The exhibition opens to the public from 3 pm to 9 pm, closing at 8 pm on Sunday.

Pope Francis is set to have a full day of private meetings with world leaders during the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. 

This marks the first time in his papacy that the pope, who is also a head of state, will engage in numerous high-level, one-on-one meetings in such a short period. Beyond climate discussions, the meetings offer an opportunity for the pope to connect with global leaders on issues such as the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. 

The conference in Dubai runs from November 30 to December 12, and Pope Francis will be in Dubai from December 1 to 3. Following his conference speech on December 2, the pope will have two sessions of private meetings for the remainder of the day. 

While the list of attendees has not been disclosed, King Charles is expected to give the opening address, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is anticipated to attend. 

Although President Joe Biden is unlikely to attend, a final decision has not been confirmed. The conference aims to achieve the world’s first deal to phase out carbon dioxide-emitting coal, oil, and gas. 

Pope Francis is expected to emphasize the need for action to curb global warming, building on his recent appeal in the Apostolic Exhortation “Laudate Deum.”

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, in partnership with Careem Bike, is providing free bikes for residents and visitors participating in the Dubai Ride cycling event. 

Bikes can be collected from specified Careem bike docking stations on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, participants can rent a Careem Bike from any of the 192 stations in Dubai, with waived overtime fees for rides over 45 minutes during the event.

To avail the free bike ride, participants need to download the Careem app, subscribe to the ‘Dubai Ride Pass’ from 2am to 7.30am on November 12, and pick up the bikes from designated stations. 

Participants must bring their own helmets and register on the Dubai Ride website. The event’s routes are open to the public from 6.15am, with all cyclists starting at 6.30am and concluding at 7.30am. 

Adel Shakeri, from the RTA, emphasized that Dubai Ride promotes a healthy lifestyle and aims to make Dubai a bike-friendly city.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) in the UAE has announced a chance of rainfall today, particularly in the western areas of the country. 

Orange and yellow alerts have been issued in some regions. Light to moderate winds are expected with occasional blowing dust and sand due to clouds. The sea is anticipated to be slight to moderate, becoming rough at times in the Arabian Gulf.

Temperatures will rise, reaching a maximum of 37ºC and a minimum of 20ºC in internal areas, while mountainous regions will experience cooler temperatures, dropping to 12ºC. These conditions will persist until 8pm today.

Emirates Group, based in Dubai, has reported its highest-ever half-year financial result, with a net profit of AED10.1 billion in six months. 

This surpasses the previous year’s figure of AED4.2 billion by 138 percent. The group also noted a significant improvement in operating profitability, with an EBITDA of AED20.6 billion compared to AED15.3 billion in the same period last year.

The increase in revenue, up 20 percent from last year, is attributed to strong global demand for air travel following the easing of pandemic restrictions. The group also maintains a solid cash position and has used its reserves to support business needs, including debt payments. 

So far, Emirates has repaid AED9.2 billion of its Covid-19 related loans and paid AED4.5 billion in dividends to its owner.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has unveiled a new flight route to Turkistan, Kazakhstan, commencing on February 1, 2024. The service will run three times a week, and tickets are currently available starting from AED 159. This addition aims to facilitate affordable travel and bolster connections between the UAE and Central Asia.

Turkistan is renowned for its historical sites, such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, offering a mix of culture and natural beauty. Visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, national parks, and lakes, showcasing Kazakhstan’s rich heritage.

Abu Dhabi, the airline’s hub, is a vibrant cultural and tourist destination, boasting year-round sunshine and a wide range of attractions suitable for all ages. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, expressed enthusiasm for the new route, highlighting Kazakhstan’s appeal to adventure seekers and Wizz Air’s commitment to providing affordable travel options in the region.

Hamdi Güvenç of YDA Group also underscored the significance of Turkistan as a destination and expressed optimism for future flight expansions. The partnership with Wizz Air has led to increased flight frequencies to Dalaman Airport in Turkey.

The airline offers reassurance to customers through its WIZZ Flex program, allowing passengers to make flight adjustments without incurring fees. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is continuously expanding its network, connecting various destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Filipino resident Roland Arceo, a dedicated participant in Dubai Duty Free promotions for 18 years, has won a BMW S 1000 R (M Package) motorbike in the Finest Surprise Series 555 draw.

The draw took place at Concourse D of Dubai International Airport, where Arceo was present as a photographer. As an employee of Dubai Duty Free for nearly two decades, he expressed his disbelief and gratitude for the unexpected prize.

Additionally, Indian national Anil Gianchandani, a shipping manager based in Sharjah, won $1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 439, becoming one of 219 Indian nationals to win $1 million since the promotion’s inception in 1999. A regular participant for two years, Gianchandani shared his excitement and looked forward to sharing the news with his family.

The draws were overseen by Dubai Duty Free’s top executives, including Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, and were followed by many eager participants and onlookers.

Omegle, the well-known video chat service recognized for its practice of randomly connecting users in video conversations, has officially closed its operations. 

The platform’s founder, Leif K-Brooks, made the decision due to substantial difficulties, including the burdensome task of handling misuse and enduring persistent cyber-attacks. 

K-Brooks expressed that maintaining the viability of Omegle has become unfeasible, both financially and emotionally.

The upcoming special edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) during Cop28 will focus on empowering climate action and scaling up finance. 

The ADSW summit on December 4 will address key climate themes, including unlocking financing, enabling the energy transition, and promoting sustainable business practices. Additional events, such as the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum and the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, will also be featured. 

The initiative aims to identify pathways for climate action partnerships and address existing challenges in the system. ADSW will also include events at the Cop28 venue, Expo City Dubai, and feature initiatives like Women in Sustainability Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) and Youth 4 Sustainability. 

The ADSW partnership hub and ADSW Live will facilitate exchanges of ideas and stream interviews in the green zone. Cop28 is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, China is positioning itself as a potential peace broker and champion for Muslim-majority countries. Beijing’s emphasis on considering the security concerns of both sides and condemning violence aims to project neutrality.

This move reflects a broader transformation in global power dynamics, with China increasingly aligning with Muslim-majority nations. China’s expanding global influence is marked by initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and mediating conflicts, including brokering détente between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

As China seeks to enhance its soft power and stability in the MENA region, its involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict may define its emerging role in the area.