Abu Dhabi has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to address one of the most persistent challenges in renewable energy: its intermittent nature. The emirate has launched the world’s first gigascale project capable of delivering continuous baseload power solely from renewable sources. This Dh22-billion facility, set to become operational by 2027, will generate one gigawatt of clean electricity, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes. The project pairs advanced solar technology with the world’s largest battery storage system, spanning an area comparable to Manhattan and featuring a 19-gigawatt-hour battery. This system will store energy generated during peak sunlight and dispatch it seamlessly through the night and during cloudy days, ensuring uninterrupted power supply regardless of weather conditions. The project, developed by Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company, aligns with the UAE’s vision to decarbonize and innovate. It is expected to create over 10,000 jobs and establish new manufacturing facilities across the UAE. Upon completion, the facility will avoid approximately 5.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to removing over one million cars from the road. This initiative represents a significant leap forward in renewable energy, proving that continuous, reliable power from solar and wind is achievable. It also underscores the UAE’s leadership in global renewable energy development, with Masdar targeting 100 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2030.
作者： admin
-
Visit Dubai’s Miracle Garden for free on your birthday; here’s how
Dubai’s Miracle Garden, renowned as the world’s largest natural flower garden, has unveiled its 14th season, captivating visitors with over 150 million blooms arranged in stunning displays, themed landscapes, and record-breaking sculptures. Located in Al Barsha South 3, this winter attraction has become a must-visit destination for tourists and residents alike, offering a magical experience with floral arches, castles, and even an Emirates A380 aircraft replica. The garden operates from 9 AM to 11 PM on weekdays and extends its hours until midnight on weekends. This season, ticket prices are set at Dh105 for adult tourists, Dh85 for children, and discounted rates of Dh73.5 for UAE resident adults and Dh52.5 for children. However, the garden has introduced a special perk for birthday celebrants: free entry on their special day. To avail this offer, visitors simply need to present their passport or Emirates ID at the entrance. While it remains unclear how this applies to online ticket bookings, the garden encourages visitors to arrive in person and request the complimentary entry. This initiative adds a unique touch to the already enchanting experience of the Miracle Garden, making it an even more memorable destination for visitors.
-
Tianjin conference highlights mining partnerships
The 2025 China Mining Conference and Exhibition, held in Tianjin, has solidified China’s role as a pivotal center for global mining collaboration. Delegates from Africa and other regions underscored a partnership model that transcends mere financial investment, focusing instead on sustainable and mutually beneficial development. The event brought together representatives from nearly 500 enterprises across 42 countries, who engaged in discussions on high-quality cooperation projects and cutting-edge mining technologies, aiming to unlock new opportunities for international collaboration. Che Changbo, secretary-general of the China Mining Association, highlighted the evolving global mining landscape, particularly in the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. He noted the deep integration between Chinese mining companies and resource-rich countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has ambitious development plans. Henrietta B. Rushwaya from the Zimbabwe Miners Federation emphasized the potential of partnering with Chinese companies, citing Zimbabwe’s vast mineral resources and the need for modern exploration equipment. The conference not only showcased China’s leadership in the mining sector but also reinforced the importance of international cooperation in driving innovation and sustainable development in the industry.
-
MENA Investment Congress 2025 concludes in Abu Dhabi with record attendance
The MENA Investment Congress (MENA ICON 2025), organized by CFA Society Emirates, successfully concluded in Abu Dhabi this month, setting a new benchmark for attendance and impact. Over 400 investment professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the globe gathered for two days of insightful discussions, thought leadership, and networking. This year’s event was the largest and most influential edition to date, featuring a stellar lineup of speakers who explored key themes shaping the future of finance, including artificial intelligence, innovation, private capital, and global macroeconomics.
A highlight of the congress was a special recorded address by Hamad Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADGM Academy and Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. His inspiring message, broadcast online, highlighted Abu Dhabi’s leadership in driving innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth within the region’s financial ecosystem. This address added significant prestige and institutional backing to the event.
The congress culminated in a headline session featuring Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates and Dalio Family Office. His fireside chat on global economic cycles, market resilience, and long-term investing captivated the audience and left a lasting impression. Other notable speakers included Eric Sim, Lynn Raebsamen, Dr. Aliya Babul, and Brian Corish, among others, who shared diverse perspectives on investment, technology, and innovation.
A central theme throughout the sessions was the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on investment strategies, risk management, and financial advisory practices. Discussions also focused on the evolving landscape of private capital, venture investing, and family offices, underscoring MENA’s growing prominence as a global investment hub.
William Tohme, CFA, President of CFA Society Emirates, remarked, ‘MENA ICON 2025 was more than a conference. It was a meeting of minds dedicated to shaping the future of finance. We are proud to have brought together such an extraordinary community of thought leaders, investors, and policymakers, and we thank all our partners and participants for making this edition truly exceptional.’
-
Mystery donor gives $130m to US military for paying troops during shutdown
An undisclosed donor has contributed $130 million to the Pentagon to assist in paying U.S. troops during the ongoing government shutdown, sparking ethical debates. President Donald Trump confirmed the donation, emphasizing that it would help cover the salaries of the nation’s 1.32 million service members, but he declined to reveal the donor’s identity. Trump described the benefactor as a ‘great gentleman,’ ‘patriot,’ and ‘big supporter,’ who prefers anonymity. The government shutdown, now in its 25th day, is on track to become one of the longest in U.S. history. Last week, the Trump administration managed to pay troops by reallocating $8 billion from military research, but the funding for the next payday on October 31 remains uncertain. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the donation was made with the condition that it be used exclusively for service members’ salaries and benefits, and it was accepted under the department’s ‘general gift acceptance authority.’ Critics, including Delaware Senator Chris Coons, have raised concerns about the potential risks of accepting anonymous funds, questioning whether foreign powers could influence the military. Defense department rules require donations over $10,000 to undergo ethical review, with additional scrutiny for non-U.S. citizens. While the Pentagon occasionally accepts donations for specific projects like schools or hospitals, this large, anonymous contribution has drawn significant attention and skepticism.
-
Thai PM cancels APEC attendance over queen mother’s passing
In a solemn announcement following a Cabinet meeting on Saturday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed that Thailand has entered a national mourning period following the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit. Consequently, the Prime Minister has canceled his planned attendance at the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea. Anutin emphasized his need to remain in Thailand to oversee funeral arrangements, which also led to the cancellation of his official visit to Malaysia originally scheduled for Saturday. However, he will briefly travel to Malaysia on Sunday morning to attend the signing ceremony of the Thailand-Cambodia peace agreement before returning to Thailand immediately. To ensure Thailand’s representation at international events, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow will attend the ASEAN Summit and related meetings, as well as the APEC meeting in South Korea on Anutin’s behalf. The Prime Minister further declared that all government departments, state-owned enterprises, and schools will fly the national flag at half-mast for 30 days starting Saturday. Government officials and public servants are required to wear black clothing for one year, and the public is encouraged to cooperate by suspending or reducing entertainment activities. Queen Mother Sirikit, who passed away on Friday at the age of 93, was a revered figure in Thailand, and her death has prompted a period of national reflection and mourning.
-
DPRK top leader pays high tribute to Chinese People’s Volunteers martyrs
In a solemn ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) entering the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to fight in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, Kim Jong-un, the top leader of the DPRK, paid his respects to the fallen soldiers. The event took place at the Cemetery of the Fallen Soldiers of the CPV in Hoechang county, South Phyongan province, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday. The ceremony featured a guard of honor from the Korean People’s Army, with the national anthems of both countries played in the background. Kim Jong-un, who serves as the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the President of the State Affairs of the DPRK, laid a flower basket in his name, alongside those from the WPK Central Committee and the DPRK State Affairs Commission. He observed a moment of silence in memory of the CPV martyrs and visited the grave of Mao Anying, where he placed a flower and paid homage. The KCNA highlighted the enduring bond between the DPRK and China, forged through the sacrifices of the CPV soldiers, and emphasized that this friendship would continue to thrive in the shared struggle against imperialism and the pursuit of socialism.
-
52 giant panda fossils found in Asia’s longest cave
In a groundbreaking discovery, 52 giant panda fossils have been unearthed in the Shuanghe Cave network, located in Suiyang county, Guizhou province, Southwest China. This remarkable find, announced during a press conference on the results of the 24th International Cave Science Expedition, establishes Shuanghe Cave as the site with the largest concentration of giant panda fossils globally. The fossils, including six newly uncovered specimens, provide critical insights into the species’ evolutionary journey over the past 100,000 years. According to Wang Deyuan, an associate research fellow at the Guizhou Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Mountain Resources, the fossils represent a relatively continuous chronological sequence, with teeth analysis indicating that most of the pandas were subadult or new adult individuals. The discovery also includes numerous limb bones and skulls, enabling researchers to study changes in the species’ body weight over time. Findings suggest that giant pandas reached their peak body weight during the Middle Pleistocene, after which it gradually decreased to present-day levels. Shuanghe Cave, spanning 439.7 kilometers, is not only the longest cave in Asia but also the third-longest in the world. Since the late 1980s, it has been the focus of 24 international joint scientific expeditions, cementing its status as a hub for paleontological and geological research.
-
Amitabh, Abhishek Bachchan attend last rites of ad legend Piyush Pandey
The Indian entertainment and advertising worlds mourned the loss of Piyush Pandey, a legendary figure in advertising, who passed away on Friday due to complications from pneumonia. His funeral, held at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai on Saturday, was attended by Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and his son, Abhishek Bachchan. Pandey, 70, was celebrated for his transformative impact on Indian advertising, crafting unforgettable campaigns for brands like Asian Paints, Cadbury, and Fevicol. His career began in 1982 at Ogilvy & Mather India, where he rose from a trainee account executive to a creative powerhouse. Pandey’s groundbreaking work earned him global recognition, including being the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2004. He was also honored with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, becoming the first advertising professional to receive the national accolade. Tributes poured in from industry peers, with Shah Rukh Khan recalling Pandey’s effortless genius and Anand Mahindra remembering his infectious laughter and zest for life. Pandey’s legacy as a pioneer who infused joy and humanity into advertising will continue to inspire generations.
-
Leung Chun-ying: The huge potential between HK and the rest of the GBA has yet to be tapped
Leung Chun-ying, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, emphasized the significant untapped potential between Hong Kong and other cities within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) during his keynote speech at the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025. The event, held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, brought together key stakeholders to discuss regional collaboration and development. Leung underscored Hong Kong’s unique position as a global connector and its critical role in fostering economic and social integration across the GBA. He called for concerted efforts to unlock this potential, which he believes could drive unprecedented growth and innovation in the region. The GBA, encompassing nine cities in Guangdong Province along with Hong Kong and Macao, is envisioned as a world-class economic hub. Leung’s remarks highlighted the importance of leveraging Hong Kong’s international expertise and financial infrastructure to strengthen ties with mainland cities, thereby enhancing the region’s global competitiveness. The conference also addressed challenges such as regulatory harmonization, talent mobility, and infrastructure development, which are essential for realizing the GBA’s full potential.