By Desmond Nleya
The world this weekend moved to many rhythms, some hopeful, some harrowing, others downright surreal. From Abu Dhabi’s polished diplomacy halls to a village kitchen in India, from rail tracks stretching across the UAE to a chaotic AFCON final that had Africa holding its breath, these are the stories everyone is talking about.
Abu Dhabi Hosts the World’s Hardest Conversation
In a quiet but symbolically powerful moment, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is meeting with top delegations attending the US–Russia–Ukraine trilateral talks, hosted by the UAE in Abu Dhabi.
The gathering brought together heavyweight figures: US presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Russia’s intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, and senior Ukrainian officials including Kyrylo Budanov and Rustem Umerov.
Their mission: to explore political pathways toward ending a war now grinding through its third year.
His Highness offered heartfelt wishes for success, reinforcing the UAE’s growing role as a trusted global convener — a place where rivals sit at the same table, if only to talk.
UAE Joins the Global ‘Board of Peace’
In a parallel diplomatic development, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed accepted an invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace, a move announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The decision, Sheikh Abdullah explained, reflects the UAE’s belief in fully implementing President Donald J. Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, seen as critical to safeguarding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He reiterated confidence in Trump’s peace credentials, citing the Abraham Accords as proof that diplomacy, when bold, can redraw history.
Solidarity in Tragedy: UAE Stands with Mozambique
As diplomacy unfolded, tragedy struck elsewhere. The UAE expressed heartfelt condolences to Mozambique, following deadly floods caused by torrential rains that left homes destroyed and families grieving.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed sympathy to the victims’ families and wished a swift recovery to the injured — a reminder that compassion, too, is a form of diplomacy.
Tracks to the Future: Etihad Rail Sets Passenger Routes
The UAE’s long-anticipated passenger rail dream is finally gaining speed.
Etihad Rail confirmed its first passenger routes, linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, forming a strategic corridor between the nation’s economic heart and its east coast. Passenger services are scheduled to begin in 2026, with more routes to follow.
Speaking to The National, Deputy CEO Azza Al Suwaidi said the routes reflect strong demand between major population centres, and signal a future where road trips may soon give way to rail journeys.
Africa to Dubai: CRDB Bank Makes History
In a glittering ceremony at Dubai Festival City, CRDB Bank of Tanzania marked a historic leap, opening its first full branch outside Africa.
The launch drew ministers, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Tanzanian diaspora, positioning CRDB as one of Africa’s most ambitious financial institutions. Among the dignitaries were Tanzania’s Ambassador to the UAE, Lt Gen (Rtd) Yacub Mohamed, and the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs as Guest of Honour.
The message was clear: African finance is going global and Dubai is the gateway.
Explosion in Kabul Shatters a ‘Safe Zone’
In a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s fragile security, an explosion ripped through a Chinese-run restaurant in a Kabul hotel located in the heavily guarded Shahr-e-Naw district — an area considered among the city’s safest.
The blast killed a Chinese national and six Afghans, injuring several others, including a child. The restaurant served the Chinese Muslim community and was jointly operated by Chinese and Afghan partners.
Even in zones wrapped in security, peace remains painfully elusive.
A Deadly Dinner: When Biryani Became a Murder Weapon
In India’s Andhra Pradesh, a meal meant to comfort instead killed.
An onion trader returned home exhausted, unaware his wife had laced his biryani with 20 sleeping pills. According to Times of India, she and her lover plotted the murder, seeing the husband as an obstacle to their affair.
After he collapsed, the lover allegedly sat on his chest while the wife smothered him with a pillow. By morning, she cried heart attack. By investigation, the truth surfaced — a chilling story of betrayal served on a dinner plate.
AFCON Final Chaos: Senegal Triumphs Amid Protest
Football saved its wildest drama for last.
Senegal stormed off the pitch in protest during the AFCON final against hosts Morocco after a controversial VAR-awarded penalty. After a 14-minute delay and persuasion from Sadio Mané the Lions of Teranga returned.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty. And in extra time, Pape Gueye struck in the 94th minute, sealing a 1–0 victory for Senegal.
It was messy. It was emotional. It was African football at its most dramatic and unforgettable.
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This is Daily Times — where the world meets the weekend.
