By Desmond Nleya
It’s yet another vibrant edition filled with the biggest headlines that shaped the week – locally, regionally, and internationally.
UAE Set for a Grand 54th National Day Celebration
We begin here at home, where excitement is building across the Emirates. The nation is gearing up for the 54th UAE National Day celebrations on the 1st and 2nd of December, and the atmosphere is nothing short of electric.
From a humble desert to a global economic and cultural powerhouse, the UAE stands as one of the world’s greatest success stories — a true world village, home to over 200 nationalities living, working, and thriving side by side.
From the Managing Director and the entire Editorial Staff of Daily Times News, we proudly say:
🎉 Happy 54th National Day to the UAE!
In honour of this national celebration, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 2,937 inmates from correctional institutions across the country.
His Highness also pledged to settle all financial penalties associated with their sentences, a gesture reflecting compassion, renewal, and the spirit of unity.
This directive aligns with the values of Eid Al Etihad, offering the released individuals a clean slate, easing the emotional and financial weight on their families, and bringing renewed hope into homes across the Emirates.
🏢 Business News:
In business this week, low-income earners received an early festive surprise.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has officially abolished the minimum salary requirement for obtaining personal loans, a threshold that most banks long held at around Dh5,000.
Going forward, each bank will set its own conditions for lending, dramatically expanding access to financial services for: Young people, Low-wage earners, Labourers and Blue-collar workers
This policy shift also enables residents to open bank accounts linked to the Wage Protection System (WPS), allowing banks to automatically deduct instalments directly from salaries.
The initiative forms part of a nationwide drive to strengthen financial inclusion and ensure everyone — regardless of income level — has access to secure, regulated banking in the UAE.
🏺 International News:
Beyond our borders, global attention turned to Washington DC after the US government announced a permanent pause on immigration from several so-called “third world countries.”
Under the new directive, the Trump administration has placed 19 nations under heightened scrutiny, ordering a complete reexamination of all Green Cards previously issued to individuals from those countries.
This decision comes after a tragic shooting near the White House, where Afghan asylum seeker Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of fatally shooting two National Guard soldiers. The incident has intensified debates over national security, border control, and vetting procedures.
President Donald Trump, writing on his Truth Social account, criticised his predecessor Joe Biden for what he called “reckless admissions,” vowing to reverse what he described as “dangerous immigration oversights.”
🏅 Sports:
Now to sports , and a groundbreaking announcement for women’s athletics.
Dubai is preparing to make history once again as the emirate hosts the world’s first and exclusive 2025 World Triathlon Women’s Cup on 7 December 2025.
The event will take place at the iconic Dubai Islands, organised by the Dubai Sports Council, the UAE Triathlon Federation, and supervised by World Triathlon.
This milestone marks the official activation of the Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Campaign, aligning with Dubai’s Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 — a vision dedicated to empowering women, growing participation, and elevating competitive female sports across the region.
This has been our trending stories for this week.
From all of us at Daily Times we wish a happy holiday.
