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Lando Norris claimed his first Formula One world championship on December 8, 2025, finishing third in the season finale. Max Verstappen won the race but missed out on a fifth consecutive title. Norris's victory marks McLaren's first drivers' and constructors' titles since 1998, with Norris emotional after the race.
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Trevor Jones's upcoming exhibition 'EXPOS3D' at Edinburgh's Custom House explores the intersection of faith, tradition, and technology. Opening on October 12, it features immersive art blending traditional and digital media, reflecting on how digital omniscience replaces divine gaze and impacts the human spirit.
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Dubai airports are transforming shopping into luxury experiences, blending retail, culture, and automation to attract travelers. Meanwhile, North American airports see rising satisfaction scores due to facility upgrades and local culture integration, despite ongoing congestion issues. The shift aims to make airports destinations in their own right.
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The UK launches a satellite-based digital twin project to cut shipping emissions by 15%, supporting its net-zero goals. Meanwhile, the UAE leverages AI for environmental monitoring and climate resilience, showcasing regional leadership in sustainable innovation. Both initiatives highlight the growing role of digital and AI tech in climate action.
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India advanced to the Asia Cup final after a dramatic win over Sri Lanka, with key milestones from Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya. Sri Lanka's Nissanka scored a century but fell in the final over, forcing a Super Over. India’s victory secures their place in the final against Pakistan today.
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As of September 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump confirmed that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, alongside Oracle's Larry Ellison and Michael Dell, are part of a U.S. investor group set to acquire TikTok's American operations. The deal aims for majority American ownership and control over TikTok's data and algorithm, with a deadline to finalize details by December 16, 2025.
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Following a US government funding lapse, US embassies across the Gulf and Asia have reduced operations. Consular services like passports and visas continue, but social media updates are limited. The shutdown affects multiple agencies, with essential functions maintained, creating uncertainty for travelers and US citizens abroad.
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UAE travelers face higher airfares for regional and European trips amid school holidays, while Disney increases ticket prices, prompting families to adjust plans. New airline routes and premium options aim to meet demand, but affordability remains a concern for many.
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Hong Kong singer Danny Chan died on October 25, 1993, after 17 months in a coma following a suspected drug overdose. His health crisis began in May 1992, and he was moved from intensive care shortly before his death. Fans and industry figures mourned his passing.
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Petrofac, a major energy services firm with over 7,000 employees, has applied for court-administered insolvency following the loss of a key windfarm contract in the Netherlands. The move threatens around 2,000 North Sea jobs and follows failed restructuring efforts amid financial struggles and legal issues. The UK operations remain active as the company explores options.
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Recent developments highlight increased financial activity in the Middle East, with firms expanding regional operations and attracting investment. HPS partnered with BNP Paribas to fund telecom receivables, Dubai’s investment banking plans grow, and Germany’s DWS opens in the region, emphasizing the area's rising importance in global finance.
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LIV Golf announced it will extend its tournaments from 54 to 72 holes starting in 2026, aligning more with traditional golf formats. The change aims to improve recognition by the Official World Golf Ranking and enhance competition, with support from key players and officials. The move is part of LIV's broader strategy to challenge established tours.
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Bridges Street in Sheung Wan is becoming a popular destination for food lovers, with new openings like Twist Pasta Bar adding to its appeal. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's culinary scene gains recognition through the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026, highlighting top restaurants and awards, reflecting regional growth in fine dining.
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Recent protests in Morocco and Madagascar highlight rising inequality, public service cuts, and social unrest. The upcoming World Summit for Social Development aims to address these issues by focusing on equitable access to health, education, and social services. Wealth concentration and urban health disparities remain key challenges.
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OPEC+ has agreed to increase December oil output by 137,000 barrels per day, pausing planned hikes for early 2026 due to sanctions on Russia and market concerns. The move aims to balance supply and prices amid geopolitical tensions and market uncertainty.
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Despite low unemployment rates, many Americans face prolonged joblessness, with over a quarter unemployed for more than six months. Experts highlight emotional and economic tolls, as companies hesitate to hire amid economic uncertainty and layoffs increase. The situation signals a bifurcated labor market with lasting impacts.
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On December 8, 2025, Paramount Skydance launched a hostile $108.4 billion all-cash bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), challenging Netflix's $83 billion deal announced last week. Paramount's offer includes WBD's cable assets like CNN, unlike Netflix's bid. Backed by Larry Ellison and Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, Paramount argues its bid offers greater regulatory certainty and benefits Hollywood's theatrical industry. President Trump signaled involvement in the regulatory review, citing competition concerns over Netflix's market share.
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As of December 2025, Russian athletes have been reinstated to compete under their national flag in judo starting with the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, reversing previous neutral status imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian athletes meeting IOC criteria will compete as neutrals at the 2026 Winter Olympics following a court ruling overturning FIS's ban. Ukrainian diver Lyskun's switch to Russian citizenship has sparked controversy and disciplinary threats.
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On December 7, 2025, Lando Norris secured his first Formula 1 World Championship by finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, narrowly beating Max Verstappen by two points. Verstappen won the race from pole position, marking his eighth victory of the season, while Oscar Piastri finished third in the standings after a dramatic three-way title battle.