Dubai is gearing up to revolutionize urban mobility with its innovative flying taxi service, set to launch commercially by the end of 2026. During the Dubai Airshow 2025, attendees caught a glimpse of the electric-powered aerial taxi, which is expected to begin trial operations in the first quarter of 2026. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to offer free rides to select passengers, including government officials and corporate representatives, to gather feedback and refine the service. The trial phase will focus on a limited number of passengers, with no charges imposed, paving the way for a full-scale commercial rollout later in the year. Last week, RTA and Joby, the flying taxi operator, successfully completed a manned test flight between the Margham desert area and Al Maktoum International Airport, covering 65 kilometers in just 17 minutes—a journey that typically takes 50 minutes by car. The RTA is also collaborating with major developers like Emaar Properties and Wasl Asset Management Group to construct vertiports across the city, including near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These vertiports will feature advanced facilities such as charging stations, take-off and landing pads, and air-conditioned passenger areas. Additionally, RTA is exploring the potential of utilizing existing helipads to enhance the accessibility and integration of the flying taxi service with Dubai’s public transport network. Mattar Al Tayer, RTA’s Director General, emphasized that this initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable and innovative urban mobility solutions.
作者： admin
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Tom Cruise on his first Oscar: Making films ‘is who I am’
Hollywood legend Tom Cruise has finally clinched his first Oscar, receiving an honorary award at the annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles. The 63-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in ‘Top Gun’ and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, was celebrated alongside other luminaries such as singer Dolly Parton, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Cruise reflected on his 45-year career, emphasizing his deep connection to cinema. ‘Making films is not what I do, it is who I am,’ he declared, drawing a prolonged standing ovation from an audience that included Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jerry Bruckheimer. Cruise, who has been nominated for four Oscars in the past, paid tribute to the collaborative nature of filmmaking, acknowledging both on-screen and behind-the-scenes contributors. He also highlighted the unifying power of movies, stating, ‘In that theatre, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, we dream together.’ The Academy recognized Cruise for his unwavering dedication to the film industry, particularly his advocacy for theatrical experiences and his commitment to performing his own stunts. Despite his numerous accolades, Cruise remains passionate about supporting emerging talent and preserving the essence of cinema. Earlier this year, he reportedly declined an invitation to be honored by former President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center Honors due to scheduling conflicts.
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Trump floats possible talks with Venezuela but leaves military action on the table
In a press briefing on Monday, President Donald Trump maintained ambiguity regarding potential military intervention in Venezuela, even as he hinted at the possibility of diplomatic engagement with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Maduro has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a military buildup and targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels near Venezuela as part of a broader strategy to oust him from power. Trump, while expressing openness to dialogue, emphasized that military action remains a viable option. ‘I don’t rule out that. I don’t rule out anything,’ he stated, sidestepping questions about whether Maduro could influence the U.S. to de-escalate its military posture. Trump further criticized Maduro, alleging that he has caused significant harm to the U.S. through drug trafficking and migration. ‘He’s done tremendous damage to our country,’ Trump remarked. ‘He has not been good to the United States, so we’ll see what happens.’ The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Maduro’s government in recent days, with plans to designate a cartel allegedly led by Maduro and other Venezuelan officials as a terrorist organization. The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford and accompanying warships in the Caribbean coincided with U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels. While the administration frames these actions as counterdrug operations, analysts and Venezuelan opposition figures view them as escalating pressure tactics. Geoff Ramsey, a Venezuela policy expert at the Atlantic Council, noted that the Trump administration’s approach reflects a desire to negotiate from a position of strength. ‘They really want to negotiate from a place of strength,’ Ramsey said. ‘Either [Maduro] engages in credible talks about a transition, or the U.S. will have no choice but to escalate.’ Maduro has previously engaged in negotiations with the U.S. and Venezuelan opposition, resulting in agreements aimed at ensuring free and fair elections. However, Maduro’s alleged manipulation of these agreements has fueled skepticism. In Caracas, reactions to the prospect of renewed dialogue were mixed, with some expressing hope for a peaceful resolution and others questioning the government’s commitment to honoring agreements. ‘If [the dialogue] actually happens, I hope the government will actually follow through this time,’ said shopkeeper Gustavo García. Stay-at-home mother Mery Martínez added, ‘Talking is always better. Anything that helps prevent a tragedy is good.’
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Remote learning, reduced timings: UAE public schools begin centralised exams review
Public schools across the UAE have initiated a strategic approach to support students as they prepare for the upcoming Term 1 centralised examinations. Following the conclusion of National Day celebrations last Friday, schools have shifted their focus entirely to academic readiness. A revised schedule has been introduced, featuring shortened school hours from Monday to Wednesday, with classes ending no later than 1.20pm. This adjustment aims to provide students with ample time to rest before engaging in evening review sessions. On Wednesday, schools will transition to remote learning, offering virtual review classes through official online platforms. Attendance will be recorded, and parents have been informed of the updated schedules to ensure students participate actively. The Ministry of Education’s Tamkeen Digital Initiative plays a pivotal role in this preparation phase. This program offers high-quality, intensive review sessions led by teachers from both government and private schools. Virtual sessions, running from 5pm to 8.30pm, have attracted thousands of students nationwide. Students can access these sessions through links shared by their schools and even attend review classes offered by other institutions, allowing them to benefit from a diverse pool of educators and flexible timings. The concerted efforts of schools and teachers underscore their commitment to ensuring students are well-prepared and positioned for strong academic performance in the upcoming exams.
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Off-duty US pilot who tried to crash plane midair will not serve prison time
A former Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph Emerson, who attempted to shut off a passenger plane’s engines mid-flight, will not serve additional prison time, a federal court has ruled. Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Emerson to credit for time served and three years of supervised release during a hearing in Portland, Oregon. Emerson, who was off-duty during the October 2023 flight, attributed his actions to a mental breakdown induced by hallucinogenic mushrooms. He had previously pleaded guilty to a federal charge of interfering with a flight crew and no contest to state charges of endangering an aircraft and 83 counts of endangering another person. For the state charges, he received five years of probation and 50 days in jail. The federal deal spared him a potential 20-year prison sentence. Emerson expressed remorse for his actions, stating, ‘I’m not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions.’ He also mentioned that the incident has prompted personal growth. The flight, which was en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California, with 80 passengers aboard, was diverted to Portland, Oregon. The incident lasted about 90 seconds, during which Emerson had to be subdued by the pilot. After being restrained, Emerson warned flight attendants to cuff him immediately and attempted to reach for the emergency exit handle during descent. Emerson, who lost his pilot’s license post-arrest, is now working part-time as a pressure washer and has paid $60,000 in restitution. He is also pursuing a career as a substance abuse counselor and, along with his wife, has founded the group Clear Skies Ahead to address mental health issues among pilots.
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Corbyn and Polanski condemn UK’s plans to seize jewellery from asylum seekers
The UK Labour government’s proposed asylum reforms have sparked widespread condemnation from opposition politicians, who have labeled the measures ‘disgraceful,’ ‘dehumanising,’ and ‘disgusting.’ The reforms, which include seizing valuables from asylum seekers to cover processing costs, have drawn sharp criticism for their perceived harshness and resemblance to policies in Denmark. Home Office minister Alex Norris defended the plan, stating that asylum seekers with assets such as cars or e-bikes should contribute to their accommodation costs, though he clarified that personal heirlooms would not be confiscated. However, critics argue that the policy targets some of the world’s most vulnerable individuals. Green Party leader Zack Polanski, whose Jewish ancestors fled persecution in Latvia, called the proposals ‘chilling’ and reminiscent of darker historical chapters. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now an independent MP, accused the government of implementing a ‘degrading’ agenda that mirrors far-right rhetoric. The reforms also include diplomatic sanctions on countries refusing to repatriate asylum seekers and periodic reviews of refugee status, even for families with young children. Labour MP Kim Johnson criticized the policy as a ‘misguided attempt to win votes’ by adopting divisive narratives, while independent MP Ayoub Khan urged the government to allow asylum seekers to work and address application backlogs instead. Critics argue that the reforms distract from pressing issues like poverty and inequality, with Johnson calling for accountability from the wealthiest rather than the most vulnerable. The controversy underscores growing tensions within the Labour Party and broader concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK.
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China strongly condemns US $330 million arms sale to Taiwan
China has issued a stern condemnation of the United States’ recent approval of a $330 million arms sale to Taiwan, labeling it a severe infringement on its sovereignty and a blatant interference in its internal affairs. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the sale, which was confirmed by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Thursday. The sale includes non-standard spare and repair parts along with related equipment. Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the ministry, criticized the US for violating the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques. He emphasized that such actions undermine China’s security interests and send a wrong signal to Taiwan’s independence separatist forces. Zhang urged the US to cease arming Taiwan immediately to prevent further damage to China-US relations and military ties. He also warned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party that relying on external forces for independence is futile and that China will take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Transformation of healthcare in China’s Xizang region celebrated
The Xizang Autonomous Region has witnessed a transformative leap in its healthcare system, thanks to a robust medical aid initiative launched by China’s central government. Since 2015, over 2,400 medical professionals have been dispatched in 11 groups to hospitals across the region, marking a significant milestone in improving healthcare delivery in one of the country’s most geographically challenging areas. The program, initially introduced at the sixth central symposium on Xizang-related work in August 2015, initially focused on supporting the Xizang Autonomous Region People’s Hospital and seven municipal-level hospitals. By August 2021, the initiative expanded to include 13 county-level hospitals, further amplifying its impact. Tan Xiangdong, deputy director of Xizang’s health commission, highlighted the program’s focus on cultivating medical disciplines, nurturing local talent, and advancing high-altitude medical research. The results have been profound: the maternal mortality rate dropped from 108.86 per 100,000 in 2014 to 48 per 100,000 by 2020, while the infant mortality rate fell from 16.81 per 1,000 to 7.6 per 1,000 over the same period. Additionally, the average life expectancy in Xizang rose to 72.19 years by the end of 2020, representing the highest growth rate nationwide. This initiative underscores the central government’s commitment to equitable healthcare development and has set a benchmark for medical aid programs in remote regions.
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China’s digital finance pivot: from clearing ground to rebuilding
China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has unveiled a comprehensive strategy for the future of digital finance, signaling a significant shift away from stablecoins towards a sovereign digital currency. The strategy, articulated by PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng and Vice Governor Lu Lei, emphasizes a structural reset rather than regulatory tightening.
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UAE announces holiday for public, private schools on 54th Eid Al Etihad
The United Arab Emirates has officially declared a holiday for both public and private schools in celebration of the 54th Eid Al Etihad. Students will enjoy a break on December 1 and 2, corresponding to Monday and Tuesday, with official working hours resuming on Wednesday, December 3, as confirmed by the Ministry of Education. This announcement grants most students a four-day holiday when combined with their regular weekend of Saturday and Sunday. In Sharjah, students will benefit from an extended five-day break, as the emirate observes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as its weekend. Earlier in the day, the UAE government also announced a four-day paid holiday for private sector employees to commemorate National Day, now referred to as Eid Al Etihad. December 1 and 2 have been designated as paid holidays for private sector workers, allowing residents to enjoy a long weekend. A Cabinet resolution effective from January 1, 2025, permits the transfer of certain public holidays to the start or end of the week if they fall on a weekday. However, this resolution does not apply to Eid holidays unless specifically activated by a Cabinet decision. The unified holiday policy ensures that both public and private sector employees receive an equal number of breaks throughout the year.