By Desmond Nleya
Welcome to this week’s roundup of trending stories with Daily Times News.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE leadership continued its active diplomatic engagement on the global stage this week, with Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the urgent need to end the bloodshed.
Meanwhile, the UAE Accountability Authority signed two Memorandums of Understanding with Greece’s Hellenic Court of Audit and National Transparency Authority. The agreements, inked during an official visit led by Authority President Humaid Obaid Khalifa Obaid Abushibs, aim to enhance cooperation in oversight, integrity, and anti-corruption efforts by sharing expertise and strengthening transparency.
Back home, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met UFC Middleweight World Champion Khamzat Chimaev, congratulating him on his recent triumph in Chicago and wishing him further international success.
On the economic front, DP World welcomed the MV Höegh Sunrise—the world’s largest and most eco-friendly car carrier—on its maiden call to Jebel Ali Port. The Aurora-class vessel, designed for zero-carbon readiness and capable of running on future fuels such as ammonia and methanol, can transport up to 9,100 cars while cutting emissions per vehicle by 58 percent compared to current standards. The vessel arrived from Europe with 1,200 vehicles onboard.
The Central Bank of the UAE also reported strong growth in bank investments, which surged to AED 817.5 billion by the end of July—an 18.3 percent annual increase and a 2.6 percent rise month-on-month. Debt securities accounted for nearly half of the total, at AED 384.1 billion, while held-to-maturity securities stood at AED 353.1 billion.
In aviation, Emirates Airlines announced new restrictions on the use of power banks effective October 1, 2025. Passengers will still be allowed to carry one rechargeable battery pack in their cabin baggage but will no longer be permitted to use or charge the device during flights, following a safety review that flagged potential fire risks.
International
The week’s global spotlight fell on the United Nations General Assembly in New York. US President Donald Trump delivered a fiery, hour-long address, taking aim at the UN, global climate policies, and Europe’s stance on immigration and energy.
Trump dismissed climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” accusing the UN of promoting a “green scam” that he argued was crippling economies. “If you don’t get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail,” he warned.
Elsewhere at the General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech sparked controversy as scores of delegates walked out in protest, even as invited supporters applauded from the gallery.
In Africa, former Malawian President Prof. Peter Mutharika won the September 16 elections, defeating Lazarus Chakwera by 56 percent to 33 percent.
Sports
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé capped off a remarkable season by winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or in Paris, edging out Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. On the women’s side, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí made history by claiming her third consecutive title.
In cricket, Pakistan staged a dramatic comeback in the Asia Cup Super Four clash against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. Despite a mid-innings collapse while chasing 134, all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat steadied the ship as Salman Agha’s side secured a five-wicket victory to keep their campaign alive.
In football, Lionel Messi continued his dazzling form in Major League Soccer. The Argentine scored twice and provided an assist to lead Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over DC United, taking his season tally to 22 goals and 12 assists. The win lifted Miami to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with games in hand, reigniting hopes of a strong playoff push.
That wraps up this week’s trending stories from the UAE and around the world.
