By Desmond Nleya
Welcome to this week’s edition of Trending Stories with Daily Times, where we unpack the week’s most talked-about developments from the UAE and around the world.
The UAE continues to solidify its leadership on the global climate stage. In a landmark move, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) launched the National Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) System, a crucial pillar in the nation’s journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050.
The launch, which took place on the sidelines of GITEX GLOBAL 2025 in Dubai, gathered senior government officials, private sector experts, and climate strategists. The MRV system will standardize how greenhouse gas emissions are tracked and reported—positioning the UAE as a model for transparent, data-driven climate governance.
Meanwhile, diplomatic winds blew eastward as Humaid Obaid Khalifa Obaid Abushibs, President of the UAE Accountability Authority, led a high-level delegation to China. The strategic visit aimed to boost cooperation in oversight, auditing, and anti-corruption efforts. In meetings with senior Chinese officials Liu Jinguo and Fu Kui, both sides explored frameworks to strengthen investigations into administrative and financial violations—underscoring their shared commitment to transparency and good governance.
And as the mercury dips, residents across the UAE can look forward to a refreshing change in weather. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), cloud cover is expected to increase from Tuesday, October 21, particularly in the eastern and southern regions. This seasonal shift—driven by a surface low-pressure system interacting with an upper-air trough—will bring scattered rainfall, cooler mornings, and a gentle preview of winter.
In Business, in a bold step toward sustainable logistics, DP World has supercharged its electric vehicle fleet at Jebel Ali Port, expanding from just 14 electric internal terminal vehicles in December 2024 to 146 units by October 2025. This marks one of the largest electric port fleets in the Middle East.
The initiative is expected to slash diesel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 10%—equivalent to taking 2,255 cars off the roads annually.
Meanwhile in Sharjah, the real estate market is on fire. Property transactions soared to AED 44.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a staggering 58.3% increase compared to last year. This already surpasses 2024’s total annual figure, cementing Sharjah’s reputation as a stable, investor-friendly hub underpinned by robust development strategies.
Not to be outdone, Dubai’s real estate sector continues to defy global economic headwinds. Driven by population growth, foreign investment, and a reimagined post-pandemic lifestyle, the city attracted 94,700 investors in H1 2025—a 26% surge year-on-year.
Of these, 59,000 were first-time investors, with nearly half being UAE residents, reflecting strong local confidence. Residential transactions hit AED 262.1 billion, a 36.4% jump from 2024, as new trends reshape Dubai’s property landscape and sustain its unstoppable momentum.
International Spotlight: Ceasefire Hopes, Political Upheavals & A Farewell to a Legend
On the global stage, cautious optimism emerged as Israel and Gaza moved closer to ending their prolonged conflict. Ceasefire talks brokered in Egypt this week yielded a breakthrough, with Hamas agreeing to hand over remaining captives and bodies, raising hopes that the devastating war could finally be over.
Further south, Madagascar made headlines for all the wrong reasons. A sudden change in leadership prompted UN Secretary-General António Guterres to strongly condemn the unconstitutional power shift. He backed the African Union Peace and Security Council’s decision to suspend Madagascar from all AU activities until constitutional order is restored, urging the country’s youth and leaders to address the root causes of political instability.
Across the continent, Kenya mourns the passing of a national icon. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, often called the “Father of Kenyan Democracy,” passed away at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India.
President William Ruto paid tribute to Odinga as “a beacon of courage” who dedicated his life to political struggle and reform.
Sports Beat: Heartbreak for UAE, Triumph for Qatar & A Cricket Crisis
On the pitch, Qatar made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2–1 comeback win over the United Arab Emirates. Second-half headers from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel sealed the victory, propelling Qatar to the top of Group A.
For the UAE, the loss means another shot at qualification through the fifth round playoffs, while Oman bows out after finishing third.
In cricket, tragedy cast a shadow over the sport. Afghanistan withdrew from next month’s T20 tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka following deadly airstrikes by Pakistan that killed three Afghan cricketers in Paktika province. Calling the attack “cowardly and inhumane,” the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced it could not participate, choosing to stand in solidarity with grieving families.
Join us again next weekend as we bring you the stories shaping conversations across the UAE and beyond.
— Daily Times Weekend Trending Stories
