By Desmond Nleya
Welcome to another edition of Weekend Trending Stories — your weekly roundup of the biggest headlines making waves both here in the UAE and around the world. Let’s dive in.
Diplomacy, Education Breaks & Green Goals
The UAE President has remained firmly on the diplomatic frontlines this week, continuing his strategic outreach in the region and beyond. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan met with the Kuwaiti leadership to strengthen bilateral ties, while also welcoming a major breakthrough in Gaza: the first phase of a ceasefire agreement.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s “pivotal role” in brokering the deal, while also acknowledging Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye for their crucial mediation. The UAE called on all parties to build on this momentum to bring lasting peace and stability to Gaza.
Meanwhile, parents and students across the Emirates are gearing up for a well-deserved mid-term break. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the first semester break will run from October 13 to 17, with classes resuming on October 20 across all schools following the MoE curriculum.
Inclusivity also took centre stage this week as Dubai Municipality announced that eight of its most beloved parks, including Dubai Frame, Quranic Park, and Al Mamzar Beach Park, are now officially Certified Autism Centers™. This milestone, revealed during AccessAbilities Expo 2025, underscores the city’s vision to make public spaces welcoming to everyone.
Dubai Police are also looking ahead — to 2033, to be precise. Through its Human Rights Department and Future Foresight Centre, the force hosted a scenario-building simulation workshop to shape the future of women’s protection. The forward-looking initiative, aligned with Dubai Social Agenda 33, aims to develop adaptive policies that keep pace with legal, social, and technological change.
On the economic front, the Central Bank of the UAE announced a glittering achievement: gold reserves surged by 32% in just eight months, topping AED 30 billion for the first time. This growth signals growing confidence in precious metal holdings as part of the nation’s economic strategy.
In the digital sphere, Dubai is eyeing a leading role in blockchain-powered trade. A new partnership between Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and VARA (Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) will lay the groundwork for a global infrastructure for tokenised commodities like gold and diamonds.
And in line with the nation’s Green Agenda 2030, Amazon UAE has launched an ambitious recycling program, introducing over 150 drop-off points across Dubai. Customers can now easily recycle Amazon packaging — from cardboard boxes to bubble mailers — helping reduce waste and support the UAE’s sustainability drive.
International: From Gaza to Madagascar, Earthquakes and Sports
In South Africa, Mandla Mandela and six fellow activists returned home after being detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to reach Gaza as part of a humanitarian flotilla. They reported facing harsher treatment than other detainees, pointing to South Africa’s ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Meanwhile, optimism is tentatively returning to the Middle East: Hamas has agreed to release 20 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, in what is being described as the “first phase” of a broader peace framework between Israel and Hamas. U.S. President Trump announced the deal on Wednesday, raising hopes that the devastating two-year war could finally be drawing to a close.
Across the Pacific, panic rippled through southern Philippines after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Davao Oriental early Friday. Authorities issued immediate tsunami warnings and ordered coastal evacuations, while power outages hit several areas. Seismologists warned of possible aftershocks in the days ahead.
Over in Madagascar, President Andry Rajoelina dissolved his government amid a wave of youth-led protests over chronic water and electricity shortages. The crisis, which has already claimed 22 lives, has morphed into the largest uprising the island nation has seen in years — inspired by successful Gen Z movements across Africa and Asia. In a national address, the president acknowledged the people’s frustrations, promising reforms and support for businesses affected by the unrest.
In the world of sports, MotoGP champion Marc Marquez suffered a devastating shoulder injury during the Indonesian Grand Prix, sidelining him for the next two rounds in Australia and Malaysia. The seven-time world champion collided mid-race with Marco Bezzecchi, a crash that sent both riders skidding into the gravel at high speed.
On a brighter note for African football fans: the Tanzanian national team — Taifa Stars — is set to face Iran in a highly anticipated international friendly in the UAE on Tuesday, October 14. Though the exact venue and kick-off time are yet to be confirmed, excitement is soaring, especially among the East African community in the Emirates. Beyond the competition, the match promises to be a celebration of culture, unity, and sporting excellence.
This has been your Weekend Trending Stories with Daily Times. Stay informed, stay inspired, and see you next week for another deep dive into the headlines that shape our world.
