Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 21-year career with Argentina.
The 39-year-old leaves as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
He captained his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and reached three World Cup finals, in 2014, 2022 and 2026.
He has been awarded the Ballon d’Or eight times.
His final appearance came in Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19.
According to a Reuters report, Messi announced his decision on Instagram. He wrote: “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give.”
Messi revealed that he had written his farewell on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, but published it on August 31.
From years of painful near-misses to lifting the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Messi leaves international football as one of Argentina’s defining sporting figures.
Image: Getty Images/Image for illustrative purpose
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The UAE has strongly condemned what it described as a hostile Iranian drone attack intercepted over the country’s territorial waters, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and warning that it reserves the right to respond in accordance with international law. The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was detected approaching from Iran before being intercepted by UAE air defence systems.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the incident represented a “flagrant violation” of the UAE’s sovereignty, security and stability, and posed a direct threat to the safety of its citizens and residents. The ministry described the attack as an unacceptable act of aggression and said it violated the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
The ministry stressed that the UAE “will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances” and affirmed that it retains its “full and legitimate right” to respond in a manner that protects its sovereignty, national security, territorial integrity and the safety of citizens, residents and visitors, in accordance with international law.
MoFA also called for an immediate halt to the attacks and full compliance with the cessation of hostilities, stating that the incident was “unequivocally condemned and rejected under all legal and humanitarian norms.” The ministry further said it holds Iran “fully responsible” for the attack and its repercussions.
Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of Defence announced that the UAE Air Force had responded to a UAV detected over the country’s territorial waters while approaching from Iran. The ministry said the Armed Forces remain on high alert and that air defence systems continue to monitor and safeguard the country’s airspace around the clock. It also urged the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid spreading rumours or inaccurate reports.
Zenn Ariane Garceles, a 38-year-old Filipina expat who has called Dubai home for 13 years, has become The UAE Lottery’s first female millionaire after winning the third Dhs5m Prize in the Lucky Day Draw with an ‘Easy Pick’ ticket.
A former dental assistant, Zenn moved to the UAE from the Philippines and has since built a life and family in Dubai. It was in the UAE that she met her husband and had her children, making the country an important part of her personal journey.
“My life in the UAE has been amazing. I met my husband here and built my family here,” she said.
Image credit: Supplied
A surprise win
Zenn has been participating in The UAE Lottery since its early days, taking part in Lucky Day Draws and occasionally trying other games, including Scratch Cards. Her winning Dhs5m ticket was an Easy Pick, meaning the numbers were randomly selected for her.
The discovery came after Zenn saw an Instagram post saying someone had won Dhs5m. Curious to check the winning numbers, she logged into her account. Instead of simply confirming the results, she was greeted by a message congratulating her on an Dhs5m Second Prize win.
She described the moment as “unforgettable”.
Zenn’s win marks another notable moment for The UAE Lottery and its growing community of players across the country. The Lucky Day Draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, offering an Dhs30m Grand Prize and an Dhs5m Second Prize, alongside other prize tiers.
Family comes first
For Zenn, the windfall is less about personal luxury and more about creating opportunities for the people closest to her.
One of her first calls after the win was to her father in the Philippines, whom she now hopes to welcome to Dubai for a family visit. She also plans to invest in her children’s education, explore opportunities to start a business and buy her husband a car.
“I can’t really think of what I would buy for myself because I’m happy knowing that I can share it with my family,” she said. “Being with them and seeing their smiles makes me happy.”
Her plans reflect the personal significance of the win, with Zenn looking to turn her Dhs5m Lucky Day prize into experiences, opportunities and a more secure future for her family.
Building a future in Dubai
Zenn says the UAE is where she wants to continue building her future. Her Dhs5m Lucky Day win has now become part of those long-held ambitions, including her dream of owning a home in the country.
“I’ve always wanted a place for my family, and I’ve dreamed of having our own home here,” she said.
Looking ahead, Zenn hopes to manage the prize carefully, explore business opportunities and spend more quality time with her family. She also stressed the importance of financial responsibility when dealing with a major windfall.
“We should all be responsible in every aspect of our lives, especially with money,” Zenn said. “When you spend it, be wise. Do not go beyond your limit.”
The UAE Lottery remains committed to responsible gaming, aiming to provide a safe, transparent and regulated experience for participants. All games are fully regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
DP World has named its latest methanol dual-fuel container vessel, DP World London, marking another step in the company’s investment in lower-carbon shipping and more resilient global supply chains.
The naming ceremony took place in Aarhus, Denmark—the birthplace of DP World’s Shipping Solutions business—and brought together customers, partners, employees, local officials and the vessel’s crew to celebrate the addition of the new ship to the company’s growing fleet.
The vessel will operate as part of DP World’s Shipping Solutions business, formerly Unifeeder, which was founded in Aarhus in 1977 and has since grown into one of Europe’s leading feeder and shortsea shipping operators.
Investment in lower-carbon shipping
DP World London is a 1,250 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) container vessel built in China and delivered in April 2026. Owned by Germany-based Elbdeich Reederei and operated by DP World’s Shipping Solutions business, the Portugal-flagged vessel will serve routes across Northern Europe.
The 148-metre vessel is powered by a methanol dual-fuel engine and features Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology designed to reduce emissions and comply with international environmental standards. It completed its first methanol bunkering in Rotterdam in June with Unibarge serving as the bunkering partner and Methanex supplying the fuel.
Martin Gaard Christiansen, CEO of Shipping Solutions EAM at DP World, said the vessel reflects both the company’s heritage and its long-term strategy.
“This is a proud moment for our Shipping Solutions team. Aarhus is where our story began, and it remains central to our character. Our DNA is about staying close to customers, keeping our word, staying calm in volatile markets and finding practical solutions when conditions change. This dual-fuel vessel reflects both our heritage and the future we are building.”
Strengthening integrated supply chains
Ganesh Raj, global chief operating officer of Marine Services at DP World, said investments in newer vessels form part of the company’s broader strategy to improve supply chain resilience while reducing emissions.
“The future of maritime trade will be shaped by resilience, connectivity and more sustainable transport solutions. This methanol dual-fuel vessel is a tangible example of how DP World is investing in practical innovation to provide customers with more reliable, flexible and lower-emission shipping solutions.
“It also strengthens our integrated network, reinforcing our ability to deliver seamless supply chain solutions across ports, terminals, marine services, inland logistics and freight forwarding, while helping keep global trade moving.”
The introduction of DP World London follows the recent launch of DP World Indus, which joined the company’s coastal shipping fleet in India earlier this year.
The latest addition underscores DP World’s ongoing investment in modernising its Marine Services fleet as demand grows for more efficient and lower-emission shipping across key global trade corridors.
UPDATE: UAE Defence Ministry denies reports of missile attack on Al Menhad Air Base
The ministry affirmed that the Armed Forces remain on a high state of readiness to respond to any threats that may arise, in a manner that safeguards the UAE’s sovereignty, security and stability
The Ministry of Defence in the UAE has denied media reports claiming that Al Menhad Air Base was targeted by missiles, confirming on August 31 that the reports are false.
The ministry affirmed that the Armed Forces remain on a high state of readiness to respond to any threats that may arise, in a manner that safeguards the UAE’s sovereignty, security and stability, a WAM report said.
The Ministry affirmed that the Armed Forces remain on a high state of readiness to address any potential threats, while air defence systems continue to monitor and safeguard the country’s airspace around the clock.
According to the Ministry, the first missile fell outside the UAE’s territorial waters, while the second fell within the territorial waters.
The Ministry confirmed at the time that the Armed Forces were on high alert and fully prepared to deal with any threats, and to firmly confront anything aimed at undermining the security of the state. It said the measures were intended to preserve the UAE’s sovereignty, security and stability while protecting its interests and national capabilities.
The Ministry also urged the public to obtain news from official sources in the country and avoid rumours and false information.
Salam to showcase AI, cloud at LEAP 2026 as strategic sponsor
Under its theme “Powering What’s Next,” Salam will showcase AI-enabled solutions across industry, healthcare, mobility, and security, demonstrating scalable innovation that fuels the Kingdom’s digital economy
Etihad Salam Telecom Company (Salam), a leading provider of telecommunications services and digital solutions and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, today announced its participation and strategic sponsorship of LEAP 2026, the award-winning global technology event taking place from August 31 to September 3 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham.
Under the event theme ‘Into New Worlds,’ Salam will present an expansive showcase of connectivity, cloud, and AI-enabled infrastructure solutions, supporting its position as a backbone player powering the Kingdom’s government, business, and community ambitions under one national network. Aligned with its theme “Powering What’s Next,” Salam’s presence at LEAP 2026 will showcase the company’s performance, scalability, and momentum in translating sector expansion into a long-term growth trajectory alongside Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Eng. Ahmed Al Anqari, CEO of Salam, said: “Salam’s strategic sponsorship of LEAP 2026 marks a defining moment in our evolution. With Salam 2.0, we are transforming from a connectivity provider into a trusted technology partner, enabling the future of governments, enterprises, and communities in the Kingdom. Our Connectivity+ vision takes us beyond the core, delivering purpose-driven, technology-driven solutions that harness innovation and expertise. As the critical infrastructure provider connecting the Kingdom’s most ambitious initiatives, we are proud to bring connectivity, cloud, and AI-enabled solutions to the world stage. Our participation reflects our proven ability to scale with the nation’s digital transformation and our dedication to powering what comes next for Saudi Vision 2030.”
A showcase of tomorrow’s solutions
Salam’s exhibit at LEAP 2026 will showcase an extensive portfolio of innovative technologies that underscore the company’s transformation into a comprehensive technology partner. The experience spans Industry 4.0 smart manufacturing with a live IIoT-enabled command center; AI-powered healthcare solutions featuring advanced diagnostics and video-based biomarker technology; and mobility and logistics platforms delivering real-time fleet management and digital-twin simulations.
The showcase also highlights Salam’s AI and security capabilities through immersive demonstrations of smart environments, video analytics, and cybersecurity solutions, supported by a robust enterprise infrastructure portfolio that includes AI-as-a-Service, customer experience platforms, and mission-critical communications. Together, these technologies show how Salam delivers purposeful, technology-driven solutions that power the Kingdom’s digital transformation.
Through its comprehensive showcase and strategic sponsorship, Salam’s presence at LEAP 2026 will strengthen the company’s role in enabling Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey, delivering scalable solutions that power the Kingdom’s path into new worlds of innovation and growth.
