By Desmond Nleya
Welcome to this week’s Daily Times trending stories featuring high-level diplomatic meetings in Abu Dhabi to dramatic global events, groundbreaking milestones in business, and thrilling football action. Here’s a look at the biggest stories that made headlines this passing this week.
UAE and Iraq Strengthen Ties: Abu Dhabi played hosted a significant diplomatic moment as UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed His Excellency Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq, at Qasr Al Shati.
The two leaders reviewed their nations’ close relationship and explored new frontiers for cooperation — particularly in developmental and economic fields. The meeting underscored a shared vision of prosperity that supports national priorities while bringing tangible benefits to citizens on both sides.
Meanwhile, at Qasr Al Bahr, Sheikh Mohamed received participants of the Global Rail and Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference, currently underway at ADNEC.
The President highlighted the event’s pivotal role as a global platform uniting decision-makers, innovators, and industry giants. Their mission: to exchange ideas and accelerate progress in sustainable transport. The focus is clear — building integrated, eco-friendly rail systems for a connected future.
In the crime and courts category , a Dubai resident Ahmad Al Marzoqi shared the “strangest experience” of his life — a sophisticated online car sale scam that taught him the hard way about misplaced trust.
Al Marzoqi had listed his Volkswagen Golf GTI (2021) for AED 90,000 on a popular platform. Within 48 hours, he received a message from a woman claiming to be a UAE national. She even sent a copy of her Emirates ID to build trust, saying she wanted to buy the car as a surprise gift for her son. What followed was a web of deception that serves as a stark reminder: in the digital world, face-to-face transactions remain the safest bet.
In the business sphere, Dubai hosted the 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) on 1–2 October 2025. Themed “Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy,” the summit gathered heads of state, ministers, innovators, and experts from around the world.
Still on the business side, Dubai Duty Free became the world’s first airport retailer to earn Autism Certification, receiving the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation.
Awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the certification cements Dubai Duty Free’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility. This achievement builds on Dubai’s broader vision to become a Certified Autism Destination, following similar recognitions for Dubai Airports and Emirates Airlines.
Furthermore, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a record-breaking global air travel numbers for August 2025. Passenger traffic soared by 4.6% compared to last year, hitting an unprecedented 86% load factor — the highest ever recorded for August.
International travel was the driving force, climbing 6.6% year-on-year, led by strong demand in Asia-Pacific, particularly China and Japan. Latin American and Middle Eastern carriers also posted impressive growth, while domestic markets showed mixed results.
On the international stage, focus is still on the Gaza war where the Israeli military dismantled most of a humanitarian flotilla attempting to break the Gaza siege, arresting hundreds of activists. Yet one vessel — the Polish-flagged Marinette — remained undeterred.
Lagging behind due to earlier engine issues, the yacht, captained by an Australian identified only as Cameron, is now “steaming” towards Gaza, according to organisers. The development adds a tense twist to ongoing geopolitical drama in the region.
Meanwhile, Hamas has submitted its response to US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, agreeing to hand over Gaza’s administration to Palestinian technocrats and release all Israeli captives. While the issue of disarmament remains unresolved, Trump hailed the response as “unprecedented” — but cautioned that the “final word” remains to be seen.
In Africa, the week began with a bombshell ruling: a military court sentenced former DRC President Joseph Kabila to death for alleged war crimes, also ordering him to pay $32 billion in compensation. Tried in absentia, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Adding to the continent’s somber headlines, South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead at the foot of a Paris hotel earlier this week. Initial reports suggested suicide, supported by a distress message allegedly sent to his wife. However, emerging details point to a possible murder, with motives still unclear. Investigations are ongoing.
In sports , football fans were treated to a thriller as PSG triumphed 2–1 over Barcelona in a highly anticipated clash. The reigning European champions lived up to their billing, delivering a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
From boardrooms to battlefields, railways to runways, and stadiums to diplomatic halls — this week has been one of movement, milestones, and mysteries.
This has been your Daily Times Weekend Trending Stories. Until next time — stay informed, stay inspired, and have a great weekend.
