Every November, the rolling hills of Anshun in Guizhou province are transformed into a breathtaking canvas of pink and purple as buckwheat fields burst into full bloom. Unlike the more common white buckwheat flowers, these blooms exhibit a unique and striking pink-purple hue, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts visitors and photographers alike. The vibrant colors blanket the gently sloping terrain, offering a stark contrast to the region’s usual greenery. This natural phenomenon not only highlights the beauty of Guizhou’s rural landscapes but also underscores the area’s agricultural diversity. The annual bloom has become a symbol of the region’s natural charm, drawing attention to its ecological and cultural significance.
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UAE-UK flights: Advisory issued for Emirates, Etihad passengers flying to Manchester
In a significant operational update, UAE-based carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways are set to transition their services to Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport. This move, announced by the UK airport, will see Etihad Airways relocating from November 12, followed by Emirates on November 18, 2025. Both airlines operate direct flights between their respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Manchester, a city renowned for its industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene.
The shift is part of Manchester Airport’s broader £1.3 billion Transformation Programme, initiated in 2015, aimed at enhancing passenger experience. Terminal 2, which already hosts several international carriers including Gulf Air, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines, will now accommodate these two prominent UAE airlines. Check-in facilities for Terminal 2 are located on the upper level of the terminal.
Manchester Airport has assured passengers that all airlines will directly communicate the details of the transition, with airport staff available to assist during the move. This change underscores the airport’s commitment to improving service quality and operational efficiency.
Emirates has further bolstered its presence in Manchester by deploying its newly retrofitted Airbus A380 aircraft, featuring Premium Economy cabins. Since June 6, the airline has expanded its Premium Economy offering to nearly 5,000 weekly seats on flights to and from the UK. This upgrade aligns with Emirates’ strategy to enhance passenger comfort and cater to the growing demand for premium travel options.
Manchester, known for its iconic football teams and legendary music scene, continues to attract international travelers, making it a key destination for UAE carriers. The relocation of Emirates and Etihad to Terminal 2 is expected to streamline operations and provide passengers with a more seamless travel experience.
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Call for entries issued for the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards
The Stevie® Awards, renowned for hosting the world’s premier business awards programs, has officially opened submissions for the 2026 Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Stevie Awards. This seventh annual edition, presented in collaboration with the RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry, celebrates innovation in the workplace across 18 MENA nations, including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The awards are open to all organizations—public or private, for-profit or non-profit, large or small—with no entry fees required. Winners of Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards may opt to pay a nominal fee to maintain their winner status. Nominations can be submitted online through two deadlines: December 3, 2025, for reduced winners’ fees, and January 21, 2026, as the final deadline. Winners will be announced on April 16, 2026, and honored at a gala event on May 14, 2026, at the InterContinental Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye. The 2026 competition introduces new categories, such as AI Innovation Awards and Public Sector Innovators, reflecting the region’s rapid advancements in technology and modernization. Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards, emphasized the program’s role as a leading platform for showcasing business excellence and innovation. A new website and entry system have been launched to streamline participation, offering multilingual support and seamless nomination management. The 2025 winners included prominent organizations like Abu Dhabi Customs, Deloitte & Touche, and Saudi Aramco, among others. Over 150 global professionals will judge the 2026 entries. For more details, visit: https://mena.stevieawards.com/Judges/you-be-the-judge.
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How 3 Sharjah residents battled building fire before firefighters arrived
In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, three Sharjah residents averted a potential catastrophe by extinguishing a fierce apartment fire before firefighters could arrive. The incident occurred in Al Mamzar, Sharjah, where Abdullah Mohammed Ali Al-Maleji, a 30-year-old employee at Americana Food Company, first noticed the danger while conversing with his wife on their fourth-floor balcony. Hearing cries of ‘Fire! Fire!’, Al-Maleji spotted thick smoke emanating from a balcony three floors above. Without delay, he alerted the police and, alongside his flatmate Khaled Mohammed Al-Baili, rushed to the scene, wisely avoiding the elevator for safety reasons. Upon reaching the seventh floor, they encountered their neighbor, Abdulrahman Al-Husaini, who was desperately attempting to quell the flames with a bucket of water. The fire, which had ignited on the balcony, had rapidly spread to nearby mattresses, exacerbating the situation due to the flammable nature of the materials. Realizing the inadequacy of the bucket, Al-Maleji swiftly located the building’s fire hose. With Abdulrahman’s assistance, they maneuvered the hose into the apartment and began dousing the flames. Meanwhile, Khaled and Abdulrahman worked to remove flammable items such as curtains, furniture, and electrical cables, preventing the fire from spreading further. Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in bringing the blaze under control within minutes. When the police arrived, they encouraged the trio to continue their efforts until the Civil Defence team could take over. By the time the firefighters arrived, the fire had been completely extinguished, and the area was secured. Abdulrahman sustained a minor hand injury but was promptly treated by paramedics. The following day, the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority honored the three men with certificates of appreciation, presented by Brigadier General Yousef Harmoul Al Shamsi, in recognition of their courage and sense of responsibility. Reflecting on the honor, Al-Maleji expressed profound pride and gratitude, stating, ‘It’s a feeling I can’t describe. I felt pride, honour, and appreciation, something beyond words.’ Abdulrahman also conveyed his gratitude to the emergency services and expressed his joy at being honored by such esteemed figures.
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Algeria pardons French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal after yearlong imprisonment
In a significant humanitarian gesture, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune granted a pardon to French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal on Wednesday, ending his yearlong imprisonment. The 76-year-old author, known for his critical works on Islam, colonialism, and Algeria’s leadership, was arrested in November 2024 upon his return from France. He was subsequently convicted under Algeria’s anti-terrorism laws for undermining national unity and insulting public institutions, receiving a five-year sentence in March. Sansal, who is battling cancer, faced deteriorating health during his incarceration. The presidential statement highlighted humanitarian reasons and an appeal from Germany as the basis for his release, with Germany agreeing to provide him medical care. This decision concludes a contentious chapter that had strained relations between Algeria and France, where Sansal’s case garnered widespread political and literary support. His novels, including the award-winning ‘2084: The End of the World,’ have earned him acclaim in Europe, particularly among far-right leaders and literary circles. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s intervention, citing Sansal’s age and health, played a pivotal role in securing his freedom.
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New Dubai AI platform gives women facing abuse safe, private support
Dubai has introduced a groundbreaking AI-powered platform, ‘Malath,’ designed to provide confidential and secure psychosocial support to women experiencing abuse. Developed by the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, this innovative tool ensures that women can access assistance anytime, anywhere, without fear of exposure or judgment. Launched at GITEX Global 2025, Malath is the first of its kind in the region, offering a private, Arabic-speaking digital space where women can assess their emotional and mental health, and begin their journey toward recovery. The platform uses AI to evaluate indicators such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, generating personalized reports and recommending tailored rehabilitation programs. These programs include up to 22 AI-led interactive sessions covering topics like problem-solving, empowerment, and future planning. Privacy is a cornerstone of Malath, with the platform collecting minimal data and ensuring all information is anonymized and securely processed. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, which aims to enhance the quality of life and mental health of individuals and families. Since its launch on October 13, 2025, Malath has received widespread acclaim for its compassionate and innovative approach. The Women and Children’s Welfare Foundation is now evaluating user feedback and exploring collaborations to expand the platform’s reach. Women can access Malath at https://app.malathhelp.com, where they receive an initial assessment and a personalized self-help plan within minutes.
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Cambodia and Thailand’s border conflict heats up again as Cambodian villager is reported killed
Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have intensified following a recent clash along their volatile border, resulting in the death of a Cambodian villager. The incident occurred just days after a Thai soldier lost a foot to a landmine in the same region, prompting Thailand to suspend its adherence to a ceasefire agreement brokered in July. The ceasefire, partially mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed to end five days of armed conflict that claimed dozens of lives in late July. Trump had threatened to withhold trade privileges from both nations unless hostilities ceased. However, the fragile truce now appears to be unraveling. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reported that Thai troops opened fire on civilians in Prey Chan, a village in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, killing one and injuring three. Thailand, however, claimed the confrontation began when Cambodian soldiers allegedly fired into Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, prompting Thai forces to respond with warning shots. The two nations have a long history of territorial disputes, rooted in a 1907 map drawn during Cambodia’s French colonial era and exacerbated by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling awarding sovereignty of the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia. The ceasefire, while halting immediate violence, failed to address the underlying border disputes, leaving the region in a precarious state.
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Chinese Navy’s increasing strength to enhance protection of national sovereignty: spokesperson
China’s Navy has entered a transformative ‘three-carrier era,’ significantly enhancing its capacity to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a spokesperson from the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office. Chen Binhua, addressing a press conference on Wednesday, highlighted the commissioning of the Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian aircraft carriers as a monumental achievement in China’s defense and military modernization. The Fujian, China’s first carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, has drawn considerable attention, particularly in Taiwan, for its advanced capabilities. Chen emphasized that this development underscores China’s commitment to thwarting any attempts to undermine its territorial integrity. The spokesperson’s remarks come amid growing regional tensions and reflect China’s strategic focus on bolstering its naval prowess to safeguard its interests.
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Netflix’s new ‘Last Samurai Standing’ pays respect to the original
Netflix’s latest series, ‘Last Samurai Standing,’ premiering this Thursday, transports viewers to a Japan on the brink of the end of the samurai era. The show, directed by Michihito Fujii, known for his works like ‘The Journalist’ and ‘A Family,’ blends the intensity of survival games with the rich legacy of Japanese samurai culture. The protagonist, Saga Kokushu, portrayed by Junichi Okada, is thrust into a high-stakes battle where samurai fight to the death to protect their families, communities, and honor. Each participant wears wooden tags, collecting more by eliminating rivals, with the last survivor claiming a staggering 100 billion yen ($650 million).
The series draws inspiration from modern video games and pays homage to iconic Japanese filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa, while also reimagining the samurai drama genre, known as jidaigeki. Okada, who also served as choreographer and producer, emphasized the team’s desire to create something both authentic and visually striking. ‘We wanted to update the jidaigeki, keeping the essence but making it cool and contemporary,’ he told The Associated Press.
‘Last Samurai Standing’ features a mix of intense action and emotional depth, with meticulously choreographed fight scenes and a focus on character development. The series avoids reliance on CGI, ensuring every battle feels visceral and real. In one harrowing scene, actors wore fireproof gear to perform a sequence where swordsmen’s bodies ignite, risking burns for authenticity.
The cast includes notable actors like Shota Sometani, Kazunari Ninomiya, and Takayuki Yamada, alongside newcomer Yumia Fujisaki, whose character adds a modern twist to traditional samurai narratives. The show explores universal themes of survival and morality in a world undergoing dramatic change, offering a fresh take on a timeless genre.
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Passenger bus plunges into a ravine in southern Peru killing at least 37
A devastating bus accident in southern Peru has resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people and left 13 others injured. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when the bus collided with a pickup truck, causing it to veer off the road and plunge more than 200 meters (650 feet) into the Ocoña river. The bus, which had departed from the mining city of Chala, was en route to Arequipa at the time of the crash. Walther Oporto, the health manager of the Arequipa region, confirmed the details to local radio RPP. Fatal bus accidents are a recurring issue in Peru, often attributed to reckless driving and excessive speed. This tragic event follows a series of similar incidents in recent months, including an August accident that claimed 10 lives and a July crash that resulted in 18 deaths and 48 injuries. Official data from the Death Information System reveals that traffic accidents in Peru have led to approximately 3,173 fatalities in 2024 alone.