Many world leaders, multilateral groups and humanitarian groups are entering 2025 in crisis mode, with war in the Middle East, a grinding conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and some facing domestic political upheaval.
With widespread elections planned, the hope of a ceasefire in Gaza and a resolution to Vladimir Putin's war, others move into the new year with optimism.
Confident Putin
President Vladimir Putin told Russians in a New Year address that the country would move forward with confidence in 2025, although he offered no specific promises on the economy or the war in Ukraine.
At a time when many ordinary people are worried about rising prices and the central bank's 21 per cent interest rate is squeezing businesses and homebuyers, Mr Putin reassured Russians that their well-being was his top priority.
He portrayed Russia's challenges as part of a wider historic mission, evoking past victories including its role in the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
Russia, Mr Putin said, had overcome trials, achieved major goals and strengthened its unity in the first quarter of the 21st century – a period coinciding with his time as its leader.
"And now, on the threshold of the new year, we are thinking about the future. We are confident that everything will be fine, we will only move forward. We know for sure that the absolute value for us was, is and will be the fate of Russia, the well-being of its citizens," he said.
Mr Putin's three-and-a-half-minute seasonal message from the Kremlin was being broadcast at midnight in each of Russia's 11 time zones, starting with Kamchatka and Chukotka in the far east.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a post on X: "Every year-end we renew our commitment to a better future. May 2025 be full of progress, justice and equality for all."
Britain's Labour struggles
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in his New Year’s message that 2024 was a year of change, especially with the general election that put the Labour Party in power.
Mr Starmer said the work to improve the lot of Britons had begun, adding “I know there is still so much more to do. And that for many people it’s hard to think about the future when you spend all of your time fighting to get through the week.
“So I want to be clear. Until you can look forward and believe in the promise and the prosperity of Britain again, then this government will fight for you – a fight for change that will define this year, next year, and indeed, every waking hour of this government."
Peace and prosperity must be rebuilt, Mr Starmer said: “The security of working people. That is the purpose of this government. The goal of our plan for change. And we will push it forward in 2025.”
Chronic housing shortages and immigration are issues of concern in the country, after figures published on Sunday showed that more than 150,000 people have arrived by small boats from European shores since 2018, which Labour blamed on the Conservatives' “appalling legacy of border security".
Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN, said in a post on X: "Even in the darkest days, I’ve seen hope power change. There are no guarantees for what’s ahead in 2025.
"But I pledge to stand with all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all people."
WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X that leaders must bring desperately needed peace to the world, and health and safety to all.
"In 2025, let’s turn the page on conflict, chart a new path to secure a healthy and prosperous future for all," Dr Tedros said. "Peace is the best medicine," he added.
The British royal family released a simple message of "Wishing you a happy New Year."
Crisis management
Leaders of the EU's two most important countries, France and Germany, are geared to enter 2025 in crisis management mode, as highlighted in their New Year's speeches.
In a rare moment of contrition, French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said he recognised that his decision to call early parliamentary elections in June had created more political instability in the country.
The speech caps a tumultuous 2024 for Mr Macron, who shocked the nation halfway through the year by calling early elections, a gamble that backfired when voters delivered a hung parliament with a big increase in far-right politicians, diluting his power.
"Lucidity and humility force [me] to recognise that at this stage, this decision has produced more instability than peace, and I fully own up to that," he said in a televised address before New Year celebrations. "The dissolution caused more divisions in the assembly than solutions for the French people."
The political turmoil culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier on December 13, after a tenure of just more than three months, the shortest in the history of France's Fifth Republic.
"Before, he was a president who governed" and laid out public policies that occupied a significant part of his New Year's speech, according to an adviser to the Elysee. This year, he will be "more in a role of guarantor".
Last year, he had promised a year of "French pride" marked by the Paris Summer Olympic Games and the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral.
Marine Le Pen, the far-right figurehead who Mr Macron has twice defeated in presidential elections, believes that the centrist will not be able to see out his term until 2027 as he has promised.
In her own New Year's message, Ms Le Pen had earlier told the French public that she expected "a decisive year in 2025".
"The happy resolution … will come from the people and therefore by a democratic decision," she said.
New Year's Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi and Dubai - in pictures
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who faces an uphill battle to stay in power at a February general election, called on the nation's 84 million residents to stick together despite the many global crises and wars, the country's ailing economy and a deadly Christmas market attack that shocked the nation.
“Strength comes from solidarity. And we are a country that sticks together,” Mr Scholz said in his New Year’s address, which was broadcast on Tuesday night. “We have it in our hands together: we can make 2025 a good year.”
He acknowledged that Germany is still reeling from the Christmas market attack that killed five and injured more than 200 people in the eastern city of Magdeburg, when a Saudi doctor drove his car into a crowd. He was arrested on murder charges.
“We are stunned by this inhuman act. How can an insane assassin cause so much suffering?” Mr Scholz said. “And it is not only in Magdeburg that many are asking themselves: 'Where can we find the strength to carry on after such a catastrophe?'"
He thanked all those who helped the injured and warned that attacks like the one in Magdeburg and other crises should not lead to division among Germans.
“We are not a country of opposing each other, nor of passing each other by,” Mr Scholz said. “We are a country of togetherness. And we can draw strength from this, especially in difficult times like these. And these are difficult times, we all feel that.”
Company profile
Name: Dukkantek
Started: January 2021
Founders: Sanad Yaghi, Ali Al Sayegh and Shadi Joulani
Based: UAE
Number of employees: 140
Sector: B2B Vertical SaaS(software as a service)
Investment: $5.2 million
Funding stage: Seed round
Investors: Global Founders Capital, Colle Capital Partners, Wamda Capital, Plug and Play, Comma Capital, Nowais Capital, Annex Investments and AMK Investment Office
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.9-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh408%2C200%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Healthcare spending to double to $2.2 trillion rupees
Launched a 641billion-rupee federal health scheme
Allotted 200 billion rupees for the recapitalisation of state-run banks
Around 1.75 trillion rupees allotted for privatisation and stake sales in state-owned assets
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Cases of coronavirus in the GCC as of March 15
Saudi Arabia – 103 infected, 0 dead, 1 recovered
UAE – 86 infected, 0 dead, 23 recovered
Bahrain – 210 infected, 0 dead, 44 recovered
Kuwait – 104 infected, 0 dead, 5 recovered
Qatar – 337 infected, 0 dead, 4 recovered
Oman – 19 infected, 0 dead, 9 recovered
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final, second leg (first-leg score):
Manchester City (0) v Tottenham Hotspur (1), Wednesday, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Brief scores:
Scotland 371-5, 50 overs (C MacLeod 140 no, K Coetzer 58, G Munsey 55)
England 365 all out, 48.5 overs (J Bairstow 105, A Hales 52; M Watt 3-55)
Result: Scotland won by six runs
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Company profile
Company name: Nestrom
Started: 2017
Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi
Based: Jordan
Sector: Technology
Initial investment: Close to $100,000
Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Results
Ashraf Ghani 50.64 per cent
Abdullah Abdullah 39.52 per cent
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar 3.85 per cent
Rahmatullah Nabil 1.8 per cent
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
