By Desmond Nleya
Welcome to another vibrant edition of Daily Times Weekend Trending News, your ultimate roundup of the week’s most talked-about headlines.
Exactly 40 years ago today — on October 25, 1985 — Emirates took off from Dubai, marking the dawn of an extraordinary aviation journey. What began with two leased aircraft and four destinations has soared into a global empire with a fleet of 267 planes flying to 152 cities, carrying more than 53 million passengers annually.
On this historic milestone, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, took to X (formerly Twitter) with a heartfelt tribute:
“Forty years ago, Emirates took off from Dubai on its first flight to the world. It wasn’t just the beginning of an airline — it was the start of a journey of ambition that never stopped. From two leased aircraft to a fleet of 267, from four destinations to 152 cities, and from 300,000 passengers to over 53 million a year. Today, Emirates is not only the world’s best airline, it’s a bridge that connects people, cultures, and dreams.”
A fitting salute to an airline that has become a symbol of Dubai’s global spirit, innovation, and boundless vision.
Meanwhile earlier in the week the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, issued a resolution to reconstitute the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC).
The Council will be chaired by H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Vice-Chairman.
Among its distinguished members are Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak (Secretary-General), Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, and Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, among others.
The AIATC will spearhead the UAE’s next phase of technological growth — from AI innovation to advanced digital transformation.
In another landmark announcement, the UAE launched a major programme to train and empower 1,000 Emirati entrepreneurs, bolstering the nation’s startup ecosystem and promoting sustainable business ventures.
The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Empowerment, is part of the wider campaign — “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World.”
Championed by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the programme will be delivered through the New Economy Academy, in partnership with the National CSR Fund (Majra).
Senior officials including Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Aisha Ahmed Yousef, and Dr. Laila Faridoon attended the announcement — marking a strong step toward nurturing a generation of homegrown innovators.
A heartbreaking tragedy struck off the Tunisian coast near Mahdia, where a boat carrying migrants to Europe sank on Wednesday, killing at least 40 people, including infants.
According to judicial spokesman Walid Charbi, 30 survivors were rescued by Tunisian naval units. Those aboard were mainly from sub-Saharan Africa.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the sinking. Mahdia, Tunisia’s second-largest migration departure point, continues to witness perilous journeys by those seeking a better life across the Mediterranean.
In Zimbabwe, political waves are stirring as the ruling ZANU-PF party begins the process to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two more years — potentially keeping him in power until 2030.
The move was endorsed during the party’s annual conference in Mutare, with delegates directing the government to start drafting constitutional amendments.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi confirmed the plan, signaling a major shift that could spark legal and political debate. Mnangagwa, now 83, is constitutionally due to step down in 2028 after serving two terms. Legal analysts say the amendment could face both parliamentary and referendum hurdles.
Football fans rejoice — Lionel Messi is staying home.
The Argentine legend has inked a new contract with Inter Miami, sealing his future with the MLS club as it prepares to move into its brand-new stadium next year.
The announcement came just a day before Miami’s playoff opener against Nashville. In a post showing Messi signing the deal inside the under-construction stadium, the club declared:
“HE’S HOME.”
With the new agreement, the world’s greatest football icon is set to continue captivating fans — this time in the heart of Miami.
That’s all for this week’s edition of Daily Times Weekend Trending News — where ambition meets innovation, and every story connects the world.
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