The International Cartoon and Illustration Exhibition on a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity (2025) is currently underway in Beijing, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between technology and human life. Featuring 101 artworks from 58 countries and regions, the exhibition presents diverse perspectives on how technological advancements are reshaping human destiny. Through innovative visual storytelling, the artists delve into themes such as the integration of technology into daily life, its impact on societal structures, and the ethical dilemmas it poses. The event serves as a platform for global dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the shared challenges and opportunities brought about by technological progress. By blending creativity with critical inquiry, the exhibition highlights the profound ways in which technology influences human existence, urging viewers to reflect on the future of humanity in an increasingly digital world.
作者： admin
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Eid Al Etihad: Where to watch fireworks displays this UAE National Day
The United Arab Emirates prepares for its 54th National Day celebrations on December 2, 2025, with spectacular fireworks displays planned across multiple emirates. Known locally as Eid Al Etihad, this anniversary commemorates the nation’s 1971 founding through vibrant cultural expressions including live performances, flag-raising ceremonies, and particularly renowned pyrotechnic exhibitions that consistently surpass global standards for creativity and scale.
Dubai’s celebrations will illuminate multiple locations with synchronized displays. Dubai Festival City Mall and Hatta will commence fireworks at 8pm, while Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters, and The Beach at JBR will follow at 9pm. Global Village presents a special weekend extravaganza featuring combined fireworks and drone shows from December 1-3 at 9pm nightly. Dubai Parks and Resorts offers multiple viewing opportunities at Riverland with fireworks at 7pm and 9:30pm on December 1-2, complemented by laser shows at 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:45pm.
Abu Dhabi’s capital skyline will shine with Yas Bay Waterfront hosting two days of celebrations (December 1-2) featuring traditional performances and 9pm fireworks. The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental will dazzle spectators with a 9:15pm display on December 2. The Sheikh Zayed Festival continues its three-day program (December 1-3) with integrated fireworks, laser, and drone performances alongside cultural concerts.
Al Ain’s Mother of the Nation Festival at Al Mugheirah Bay extends celebrations across five days (November 28-December 2) with laser shows and pyrotechnics, while Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in Baniyas East continues festivities through December 7, culminating with Ayala performances and an 8pm fireworks display on December 2.
Sharjah contributes to the national celebration with events running through December 2 across historical and tourist sites, including Kalba and Dibba Al Hisn where celebrations began November 22 featuring annual operettas and fireworks displays.
These coordinated nationwide celebrations reflect the UAE’s unity and prosperity, offering residents and visitors unforgettable visual experiences that honor the nation’s journey since federation.
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Chinese audit chief attends UN review meeting in New York
Hou Kai, Auditor General of China’s National Audit Office and a prominent member of both the UN Board of Auditors and the UN Panel of External Auditors, recently participated in high-level meetings at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The 55th Special Session of the UN Board of Auditors and the 65th session of the UN Panel of External Auditors were held from Monday to Tuesday, bringing together global leaders in auditing and governance. During the Board of Auditors session, attendees reviewed the progress report for the latter half of 2025, strategized the 2026 audit plan, and addressed critical matters referred by UN legislative bodies. Hou emphasized the Board’s significant contributions to the UN’s reform, management, and governance improvements this year. He expressed his commitment to ensuring the Chinese audit team maintains its independence and professionalism in the first half of 2026, fulfilling its mandate from the UN General Assembly before his six-year term concludes. At the Panel of External Auditors meeting, Hou engaged in discussions with other members and UN officials on key topics, including the UN80 Initiative, financial and administrative challenges, digital transformation, and audit practices across the UN system. Additionally, Hou inspected ongoing Chinese audit operations at the UN Secretariat and met with Chinese auditors on-site, encouraging them to uphold international standards and contribute to a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable UN.
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US transportation secretary wants more civility in air travel. Not everyone is on board
As the United States braces for its busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched a campaign urging air travelers to embrace civility and dress more respectfully. Titled ‘The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,’ the initiative draws inspiration from the 1950s and 60s, aiming to restore decorum in modern air travel. However, the campaign has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it overlooks the root causes of passenger frustration, such as flight delays, cramped seating, and stressful airport experiences. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts over 52,000 flights on November 25 alone, underscoring the challenges travelers face. Aviation experts and social media users alike have questioned the efficacy of Duffy’s message, pointing out that declining travel conditions, rather than passenger behavior, are the primary issue. Since 2019, in-flight outbursts have surged by 400%, with 13,800 unruly passenger incidents recorded since 2021. Despite these statistics, experts argue that air travel today is safer and more accessible than in previous decades, though improvements in comfort and efficiency are still needed. While some have praised Duffy’s call for kindness, others emphasize that airlines and regulatory bodies must address systemic issues to truly enhance the travel experience.
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UAE sets stage for fully digital accounting, audit regime
The United Arab Emirates is poised to revolutionize its accounting and auditing landscape with the imminent rollout of a comprehensive digital framework. This transformative initiative, expected to be implemented within months, will redefine financial record-keeping, auditing practices, and transparency enforcement across the nation. At the heart of this reform is the Unified Digital Audit Reporting System (Udars), a mandatory national platform that will streamline financial reporting and enhance accountability. Udars will integrate with key systems such as the Federal Tax Authority, Emirates ID, and the Corporate Tax Portal, leveraging artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to ensure real-time data validation, tamper-proof audit trails, and automated error detection. Businesses will be required to maintain digital financial records and submit audited statements exclusively through Udars, marking the end of manual or paper-based processes. The new regulations will also introduce Environment, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG) reporting guidelines, positioning the UAE as a regional leader in non-financial disclosures. Companies and audit firms will need to upgrade their systems and adopt compliant software to meet these standards, with penalties for non-compliance starting at Dh25,000. While the transition demands significant adaptation, it promises benefits such as faster regulatory approvals, clearer audit trails, and heightened investor confidence. The initiative builds on earlier reforms under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2023, which mandated auditor licensing and compliance with international standards. As the UAE advances its digital transformation agenda, these regulations signal a decisive shift toward a future where financial reporting is real-time, technology-driven, and globally aligned.
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Thousands rally to protest Bulgaria’s 2026 budget
In a significant display of public dissent, thousands of citizens flooded the streets of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, on Wednesday to protest against substantial tax increases outlined in the draft budget for the upcoming year. The demonstration, orchestrated by the opposition coalition We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, attracted an estimated 20,000 participants. This protest coincides with Bulgaria’s impending entry into the eurozone at the start of next year, highlighting the nation’s economic crossroads. The proposed budget, which includes a hike in social security contributions and a doubling of the dividend tax, has sparked widespread concern over its potential adverse effects on individuals and businesses alike. Protesters formed a human chain around the parliament building and attempted to obstruct lawmakers’ vehicles, leading to police intervention to maintain order. Authorities reported that demonstrators hurled bottles and firecrackers at officers, resulting in injuries to three police personnel. Despite mounting opposition from various social groups and economists’ warnings about the budget’s significant risks, the draft is expected to pass, given the coalition government’s strong parliamentary majority. The budget, which allocates a record 46% of GDP to government spending, will be financed through increased taxes on businesses and workers, coupled with a sharp rise in public debt.
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Wetlands of Yellow River estuary, a paradise for birds
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UAE businesses that ignore sustainability ‘will not survive’, says official
DUBAI – At the Care for Sustainability Mena forum, a senior UAE official delivered a stark warning to the private sector: companies treating environmental responsibility as a compliance exercise rather than a core business imperative will not survive in the evolving market landscape. Maher Al Kaabi, Independent Board Member and Advisor to Al Serkal Group and a member of the UAE Circular Economy Council, emphasized that sustainability has transitioned from optional to essential for business continuity.
Speaking during a fireside chat titled ‘The Digital Triad of UAE AI, Circular Economy, and the Future of Capital,’ Al Kaabi criticized superficial sustainability efforts designed merely to meet reporting requirements. “If you are not sustainable in doing business, you will not survive. You will not be able to stay relevant in the market,” he stated unequivocally. He stressed that authentic progress requires integrating sustainable practices into fundamental business models rather than implementing peripheral initiatives.
The two-day forum, hosted at Madinat Jumeirah and organized by Trescon, gathered over 1,000 delegates including government representatives, global investors, and decision-makers from more than 200 investment firms. The event serves as a major regional platform for advancing climate action and clean energy innovation across the Middle East and North Africa.
Al Kaabi outlined the UAE’s methodical approach to policy development, emphasizing collaboration with private sector partners to ensure competitive stability. “We do not want to make policies where we say that tomorrow you must do this, otherwise it will fail,” he explained, highlighting the government’s focus on awareness campaigns and incentives before regulatory measures. He cited the phased implementation of plastic bag charges as a successful example of this strategy.
The official also emphasized the foundational role of household education in driving environmental change. “Behaviors children learn at home shape how they see consumption and waste,” he noted, pointing to updated school curricula that now incorporate environmental responsibility.
Revealing the UAE’s long-standing commitment to circular economy principles, Al Kaabi noted that foundational work began as early as the 1990s, demonstrating leadership foresight in green growth long before it gained global prominence. He concluded that consumer demand, particularly from younger generations seeking sustainable options across all product categories, is creating undeniable market pressure for genuine business transformation.
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Russia’s frozen assets at center of negotiations over Ukraine peace deal
The European Union (EU) faces a critical juncture in its financial support for Ukraine, with the bloc’s most viable funding mechanism hinging on the seizure of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets. This approach has gained urgency as U.S. President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan proposed a $100 billion investment scheme for Ukraine’s reconstruction, financed by Russian assets matched by an equal contribution from the EU. The plan, which surprised European leaders, has sparked intense debate over the fate of Russia’s frozen fortune and its role in maintaining pressure on Moscow while bolstering Ukraine’s defense. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that European taxpayers alone cannot bear the financial burden, as the EU has already provided nearly $197 billion in aid since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The bloc is now exploring options to utilize $225 billion in Russian assets frozen at Euroclear, a Brussels-based financial institution, to cover Ukraine’s estimated $153 billion budget and military needs for 2026 and 2027. However, Trump’s proposal has raised concerns in Europe, with analysts viewing it as an attempt to secure a quick deal that benefits the U.S. at the EU’s expense. Despite initial skepticism, some European policymakers suggest that accepting the U.S. proposal might be necessary for a broader peace agreement. Meanwhile, Belgium’s reluctance to approve the use of Russian assets as collateral due to fears of Russian retaliation has added complexity to the issue. With the clock ticking, EU leaders are set to convene in Brussels on December 18 to finalize their stance on seizing Russian assets, a move that could send a strong message to Moscow and secure Ukraine’s financial future.
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Ulster MP’s claim police caved to Muslim ‘pressure’ over Maccabi row ‘disgraceful and divisive’
A Member of Parliament has been reported to the parliamentary standards commissioner following controversial remarks alleging that West Midlands Police banned Israeli football fans from a match due to pressure from Muslim politicians and activists. The incident, which occurred during a parliamentary session on Monday, involved Democratic Unionist Party MP Sammy Wilson, who claimed that the police decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from a November 6 fixture at Villa Park was influenced by “Muslim politicians and Muslim thugs.
The ban, which sparked significant political backlash and was labeled as antisemitic by the British government last month, has been a contentious issue. Middle East Eye previously reported that a confidential West Midlands Police document cited Dutch police warnings about Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being “experienced fighters” and “intent on causing serious violence” during a 2024 incident in Amsterdam. However, a Sunday Times report later contradicted this, alleging that West Midlands Police exaggerated the threat, a claim the force denies.
During the parliamentary session, Wilson questioned Home Office minister Sarah Jones, accusing the police of fabricating their assessment. He argued that the decision left the Jewish community feeling marginalized and demanded an inquiry into potential political pressure on the police. Despite Wilson’s claims, there is no evidence to suggest that West Midlands Police were influenced by external political forces. Numerous MPs, including Muslim and non-Muslim representatives, supported the ban, emphasizing public safety concerns.
Independent Alliance MP Ayoub Khan, a vocal supporter of the ban, condemned Wilson’s remarks as “disgraceful, inflammatory, and deeply irresponsible” and announced plans to file a formal complaint with the standards commissioner. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn echoed these sentiments, stating that the ban was not about targeting Jewish individuals but addressing extremist behavior among football fans.
In response, Home Office minister Jones emphasized the importance of public confidence in policing but refrained from commenting on the specifics of Wilson’s allegations. Labour MP Kim Johnson criticized Wilson’s comments as “reckless, baseless, and deeply divisive,” stressing that the police decision was based on evidence and public safety, not sectarian pressure.
West Midlands Police reiterated their stance, asserting that their evaluation was informed by credible intelligence and aimed at ensuring public safety. The controversy highlights broader concerns about Islamophobia and the use of divisive language in political discourse.