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Spotifys 2025 Wrapped dropped on 3 December with a chaotic new obsession: Listening Age, a playful metric guessing which era your taste belongs to. Users immediately turned it into a cultural referendum, older ages framed as superior taste, younger ages roasted as shallow, while Spotify reminded everyone the feature is just a bit of fun. Cue the inevitable meme avalanche.

UAE authorities have levied massive fines exceeding 34 million Dirhams on over 1,300 companies. These firms were caught creating fake jobs and manipulating the Emiratisation drive. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is treating these as criminal fraud cases. Over 2.3 million Dirhams in benefits were also recovered. The crackdown aims to protect national employment initiatives.

UAE Lottery's Lucky Day draw now happens weekly on Saturdays at 8:30 PM. The grand prize is Dh30 million, with a Dh5 million second prize. Both top prizes will be split equally among multiple winners. Lower-tier prizes and a Dh100,000 raffle remain. This revamp offers more frequent winning chances.

Eighteen-year-old George Smyth vanished on a solo hike near Romanias Bran Castle, the site long linked to the Dracula legend, after calling emergency services while disoriented and hypothermic. Rescuers say his route and decisions were very strange, especially passing an open mountain chalet he didnt enter. Severe weather has slowed operations, while his mother waits desperately for news as searches resume.

A new claim about Jack the Rippers identity has resurfaced, this time hinging on disputed DNA from a shawl allegedly found at an 1888 crime scene. Russell Edwards says it proves Polish immigrant Aaron Kosminski was the killer, but forensic experts dismiss the evidence as weak, contaminated and statistically meaningless. More than a century on, the Ripper remains unsolved, fuelled by speculation rather than certainty.

Danish traveller Henrik Jeppesen, who has visited every country on Earth, says North Korea was the only place where he genuinely feared prison. His companion secretly scattered a friends ashes at the DMZ despite guides refusing permission, then filmed it. When airport officials found the video, both men were accused of polluting the country and escaped only after an apology letter.

Scientists at the University of British Columbia Okanagan say theyve found a mathematical limit that shuts down the Simulation Hypothesis entirely. Drawing on Gdels incompleteness theorem, their study argues that parts of reality cannot be generated by any algorithm, which means no computer, however advanced, could ever build a universe like ours. The obstacle isnt processing power. Its logic itself.

A public inquiry has begun hearing opening statements into neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel, the former Dundee specialist accused of harming more than 200 patients through experimental or inappropriate operations. Victims describe catastrophic injuries and years of dismissal by NHS Tayside. Though suspended in 2013 and now believed to be practising in Libya, Eljamel remains unreachable as the long-delayed inquiry moves toward full evidence in 2026.

On its 54th Union Day, the UAE orchestrated a mass wedding for 54 Palestinian couples in Gaza, a profound humanitarian gesture under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. This initiative, symbolizing resilience and dignity, provided not just essential aid but also revived cultural traditions like the Thawb Al-Farah, offering a vital moment of joy and hope amidst conflict.

The Muscat Municipality and Omans Astronomical Society are hosting a public stargazing event in South Mabela on 4 December. From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, attendees can observe the Full Moon in its Supermoon phase and view Saturn through telescopes. The event is open to all, offering a guided, family-friendly evening of astronomy under the night sky.

Abu Dhabi has launched the Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship in AI Excellence to support outstanding undergraduate students at MBZUAI. Starting in 20252026, it will benefit around 350 students over six years, offering financial aid, hands-on learning, industry mentorships, and opportunities to represent the UAE internationally. The programme combines technical AI training with leadership, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary study.

Oman and Saudi Arabia have agreed to recognize each others certificates of origin, simplifying trade and reducing costs for manufacturers. The move follows progress on 17 joint initiatives, including the Industrial Integration Project and Factories of the Future. Bilateral trade exceeded US$8 billion in 2024, with efforts underway to streamline procedures and strengthen industrial and supply-chain cooperation.

Foreign residents in Saudi Arabia can drive with their foreign license for up to one year. After that, they must either convert their license or apply for a new one. Those from 48 approved countries can convert their license directly without a driving test. The process involves translation, medical exams, and appointments via Absher, with varying costs based on nationality.

In 2026, UAE residents can expect at least 12 public holidays, including opportunities for long weekends and family time. Key dates include New Years Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammads Birthday, and National Day. While some dates are fixed, others follow the lunar calendar, with holidays occasionally shifted to create extended breaks.

Kuwait's Cabinet has approved a draft decree-law criminalizing unlicensed currency exchange and hawala operations. New penalties include up to six months imprisonment and fines up to KD 3,000 for individuals, with businesses facing closure and larger fines. This aims to strengthen financial oversight and combat money laundering.

Muscat Municipality has announced temporary closures of Qurum Natural Park, Al Naseem Public Park, and Al Amerat Public Park to complete final preparations for Muscat Nights 2025. Qurum Park closes on December 4, while the other two close on December 7. The Municipality thanks the public for understanding and promises vibrant, fully prepared venues for the upcoming festival.

Dubai has joined the Global Resilient Cities Network, becoming the first city in the GCC to do so. The membership strengthens its position as a global leader in urban resilience, crisis management, and sustainable development. It enables knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration with international cities, helping Dubai build future-ready systems, enhance residents well-being, and turn challenges into opportunities.

The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a shift to winter weather. Temperatures are dropping significantly, bringing cooler nights. Expect light rain and increased cloud cover. Fog is also a concern, especially in the early mornings, reducing visibility for motorists. Drivers should exercise caution on inland highways. This change is driven by a northerly system and the Siberian high-pressure system.

In October 2023, Darlington resident Olive Martin suffered a seizure at home and was mistakenly declared dead by paramedics, who transported her to a hospital mortuary instead of A&E. Mortuary staff discovered she was still alive, but she later died from brain damage. A coroners inquest is now examining whether crucial treatment time was lostand whether her life might have been saved.

In Ashland, Virginia, staff at a liquor store arrived to find smashed whisky bottles and a raccoon passed out in the bathroom after falling through the ceiling and drinking freely from the stock. Animal control officer Samantha Martin confirmed the suspect was extremely intoxicated. After sobering up, the raccoon was released back into the wild, hungover, unharmed, and hopefully wiser.

Former Home Alone homeowner John Abendshien reveals how his idyllic suburban life was upended by the movies fame. What began as a fun filming opportunity turned into decades of lost privacy, gawking tourists and strangers treating his front lawn as nostalgic property. His account shows the hidden cost of cultural landmarking, and what it means when the world decides your house belongs to them.

Anacondas reached their enormous size about 12.4 million years ago and, unlike most other Miocene giants, have barely changed since. Fossils from Venezuela reveal that early anacondas were already as large as modern ones, defying climate cooling, habitat loss and new predators. Their enduring gigantism hints at remarkable resilience and ecological adaptability that future research now aims to explain.

Every December, Mariah Carey becomes the gravitational centre of the holiday soundtrack, her 1994 hit All I Want for Christmas Is You topping charts, filling shops, and dominating playlists. The song has earned tens of millions over the decades, around $2.5$3 million annually, turning Christmas into a dependable revenue engine and cementing Carey as the undisputed modern queen of the season.

Qatars National Day celebrations will take place at Darb Al Saai from 10 to 20 December, offering a rich programme of cultural, heritage, and artistic activities. Visitors can explore desert life, maritime heritage, traditional crafts, and interactive events for children and adults, while national parades and patriotic showcases highlight unity, identity, and the values that have shaped Qatars past and present.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman administered the oath of office to newly appointed ambassadors at Al-Khaleej Palace in Dammam, attended by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The ambassadors will represent Saudi Arabia in countries including Qatar, Brunei, Romania, Nigeria, and the Netherlands, strengthening diplomatic ties and promoting the Kingdoms global presence and international cooperation.

The UAE offers flexible visit visa extensions for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, and study. Extensions must be applied before expiry via the ICP online portal or in person at Amer Centres. Fees start at AED 600 plus VAT and additional charges. Overstaying incurs fines immediately. Ensure your passport is valid, use authorized services, and confirm your visa type allows extensions.

Kuwait will observe six public holidays in January 2026, covering both the New Year and the religious occasion of Isra and Miraj. The New Year break runs from January 1 to 3, while Isra and Miraj falls on January 16, extending the holiday through January 18. Work resumes on January 4 and January 19, providing extended weekends for residents.

Saudi Arabia has approved its 2026 state budget of 1.313 trillion riyals ($350 billion), targeting economic growth and Vision 2030 goals. Public revenues are estimated at 1.147 trillion riyals, with a projected deficit of 165 billion riyals. The plan emphasizes fiscal sustainability, development projects, social programs, and giga projects, aiming to strengthen the economy, enhance public services, and support citizens well-being.

New research has confirmed that a vast ring of Neolithic pits, more than a mile wide and over 4,000 years old, was deliberately engineered near Stonehenge, not formed by nature. Using cutting-edge dating and soil-analysis techniques, researchers argue it reflects an ancient belief system inscribed into the land itself. The discovery suggests Stonehenges builders shaped not only monuments of stone, but also monuments of earth.

Qatar has launched the electronic selection process for Hajj 1447 AH pilgrims, starting December 2, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will receive SMS notifications and must complete registration with one of 24 accredited operators within seven days, including an advance payment of QAR 10,000. The upgraded system ensures transparency, smooth payments, early planning, and top-quality services, aligning with Qatars quota of 4,400 pilgrims.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed that seven mosques in Mohamed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, be named after the seven Emirates to mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad. Covering 12,000 square metres and accommodating 6,000 worshippers, these modern mosques blend Islamic heritage with contemporary design and are set to open in January, promoting unity and community engagement.

Ajman has officially entered the Guinness World Records by arranging 603 vehicles to form the phrase EID AL ETIHAD UAE 54. This impressive feat, part of the UAE's 54th Union Day celebrations, showcased exceptional coordination and precision. Guinness adjudicators praised the accuracy and organizational caliber of the display, marking a significant achievement for the Emirate.

Kuwait has banned commercial dog and cat imports to combat a growing stray animal population. This move aims to curb uncontrolled breeding and abandonment, with a strict exemption allowing citizens to import one pet annually for personal use. Authorities are also establishing a large shelter and implementing capture, sterilization, and adoption programs.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, is one of the most influential leaders in the region. His vast wealth, built through inheritance, oil revenues, and major investments, reflects his central role in the nations rise. This feature explores his net worth, assets, background, and the power he holds in 2025.

The United States has approved $1.4 billion in military sales to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, covering helicopter maintenance, aviation training, and F-16 sustainment. The packages, now under congressional review, aim to strengthen Gulf defence capabilities without altering regional balance. The deals reinforce long-standing US-Gulf partnerships and follow recent high-level discussions between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Trump.

Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a historic mutual visa exemption agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to stay visa free for up to 90 days. Signed during the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum in Riyadh, the deal covers all passport types for tourism, business, and visiting relatives. Work, study, residency, and Hajj remain excluded.

A 23 year old Saudi student, Hamza Albar, was praised for his bravery after stopping an attempted rape in Sunderland, UK. On December 30, 2024, he chased, caught, and restrained attacker Ian Hodson, despite being punched, until police arrived. Hodson was sentenced to nine years in prison. Northumbria Police and the courts lauded Albars courageous intervention.

The UAE is launching Voices of Unity, inviting all residents to sing the national anthem together on 2 December at 11:00. Announced by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative aims to celebrate unity, pride, and belonging across all seven emirates. The anthem is available in phonetic Arabic and English, reflecting the countrys diverse communities.

In a deeply sourced analysis of nuclear war dynamics, investigative journalist Annie Jacobsen outlines how a global nuclear exchange could unfold within 72 minutes, killing billions and collapsing agriculture across most of Earth. Drawing on missile timing studies and nuclear-winter modelling by leading scientists, she argues that Australia and New Zealand may be among the only regions capable of sustaining food production in the aftermath.

Qatar has enhanced its Hayya GCC Resident Visa, allowing residents from Gulf nations to stay for up to two months with multiple entries. This upgrade, effective November 30, 2025, aims to boost tourism and streamline entry for major sports and cultural events, including the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.

Kuwait is opening its first geological park. This new destination will highlight the country's rock formations and desert landscapes. It aims to boost education, research, and eco-tourism. The park will feature interactive exhibits and geological trails. This initiative supports Kuwait's vision for economic diversification and sustainable growth. It is set to open by the end of December 2025.

In Utqiagvik, Alask, the northernmost town in the United States, the Sun has set for the last time this year, ushering in roughly two months of Polar Night. As darkness settles in, residents navigate life under civil twilight, plunging temperatures and a winter sky dominated by artificial light and auroras. From cultural traditions to circadian disruption, Utqiagvik shows what living without sunlight truly means.

Ex Chief Justice of India BR Gavai stated he faced no executive pressure and defended the Collegium system's transparency. He cautioned against judicial overreach, emphasizing courts must act within constitutional limits, especially when addressing ulldozer justice and collective punishment.

In Gaya, MLA Prem Kumar passionately addresses the citys chronic traffic woes, drawing from his own frustrating encounters on the roads. His comprehensive strategy involves moving markets to less congested areas, clearing out illegal encroachments, and strategically placing traffic signals and CCTV cameras for better monitoring.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is considering a shift to virtual-only Supreme Court proceedings due to Delhi's severe air pollution, after personally experiencing ill effects. The proposal, which may include options for senior lawyers to appear online, will be discussed with the Bar before any decision is made.

The Madhya Pradesh Examination Board (MPESB) has officially declared the Group 4 Recruitment 2025 results for 966 vacancies, including Assistant Grade-3, Steno-typist, and Stenographer posts. Conducted on May 3 in two shifts, the online exam featured 100 MCQs assessing general knowledge, reasoning, and administrative skills. Candidates can download results from the official portal and await the next recruitment phases.

A major global study warns that everyday plastics, containing phthalates, pose hidden dangers to heart health. These chemicals, found in common household items, are linked to over a lakh heart-related deaths in India annually. Reducing plastic use and choosing safer alternatives can significantly lower exposure and protect against long-term cardiovascular risks.

Four operatives of gangster Goldy Dhillon, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, were apprehended by the Anti-Gangster Task Force and Mohali Police following a shootout. The group, reportedly acting on foreign handler instructions, was planning targeted attacks in the Tricity and Patiala region. Police recovered firearms and ammunition after the exchange.

Royal Bengal Tiger Shakti, aged 9.6 years, died at Byculla Zoo on November 17, 2025, due to pyogranulomatous pneumonia leading to respiratory failure. The tiger, brought from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2020, showed no prior illness. Post-mortem findings are being further analyzed, and the zoo has communicated the details as per regulations.

Bihar School Examination Board has released the DElEd Joint Entrance Examination 2025 results. Over 2.5 lakh candidates have passed the exam. The pass percentage stands at 79.01%. Admissions to DElEd institutions will commence soon through an online counselling system. The application window opens on November 29 and closes on December 5, 2025.