Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Free air tickets, Bollywood show: How Dubai workers rested, felt ‘respected’ on NYE

    Free air tickets, Bollywood show: How Dubai workers rested, felt ‘respected’ on NYE

    In an extraordinary departure from tradition, hundreds of Dubai’s migrant workers experienced an unprecedented New Year’s Eve celebration hosted by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Al Quoz. Instead of working through the holiday as typically required, these essential workers enjoyed a night of entertainment, luxury prizes, and heartfelt recognition.

    The event transformed an open ground into a vibrant festival space where workers arrived in groups, some directly from their shifts still in work attire. They gathered on mats and elevated podiums, capturing moments on their phones to share with families abroad while immersing themselves in live Bollywood performances.

    Celebrity performers including Poonam Pandey, Tanya Desai, Snehal Upadhyay, and Indian Idol vocalist Ankush Bhardwaj delivered continuous entertainment with popular Hindi tracks that had the audience clapping, dancing, and singing along. The celebration incorporated a generous raffle system distributing substantial prizes: mobile devices, gold coins weighing 1 gram, and most significantly, ten flydubai airline tickets enabling winners to visit their home countries.

    Shubham, a laborer from Rajasthan, India, expressed astonishment at winning one such ticket, stating it would allow him to attend an upcoming family event he otherwise might have missed. The atmosphere resonated with gratitude as workers like Mushtaq and Naushad Ali highlighted the unusual experience of being celebrated rather than working through holidays. Irfan Khan, a plumber with several years in Dubai, emphasized the profound sense of respect conveyed by the gesture, noting that workers typically feel overlooked during citywide celebrations.

    Throughout the evening, complimentary food distribution operated smoothly with orderly queues, while the closing performance by actress Zareen Khan capped a night that blended musical excitement with emotional significance. The initiative demonstrated a meaningful investment in worker welfare, providing not just entertainment but tangible assets and travel opportunities that reinforced their valued contribution to Dubai’s development.

  • Series on Shanghai revolutionary sites airs

    Series on Shanghai revolutionary sites airs

    Shanghai’s revolutionary legacy has been brought to life through an innovative documentary series that premiered on Tuesday. The 10-episode production, titled ‘Tellings of History,’ employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology alongside first-person narratives to revitalize the city’s Communist Party heritage for contemporary audiences.

    The micro-documentary format presents concise three to five minute episodes, each focusing on historically significant landmarks that played pivotal roles in the founding and early development of the Communist Party of China. The series breaks from traditional documentary conventions by implementing a multi-perspective narrative approach that gives voice to historical figures, artifacts, and locations.

    Through sophisticated storytelling techniques, historical personalities recount their experiences in first-person accounts, while revolutionary artifacts are personified to convey the enduring power of faith and preservation. Historical sites themselves serve as narrators, weaving together crucial events and the figures who shaped them.

    The production team has integrated various artistic elements and digital technologies to enhance viewer engagement. The visual presentation combines 2D animations with real scenes and woodblock prints, creating distinctive aesthetic styles tailored to each story.

    Most notably, the documentary utilizes AI-generated content technology to digitally reconstruct disappeared historical sites such as the Huishan wharf and animate historical figures previously known only through photographic records. This technological innovation allows the series to transform static exhibitions into dynamic narratives designed to resonate with younger demographics.

    The series airs weekly on Tuesday evenings through Dragon TV’s documentary segment and receives simultaneous distribution across multiple digital platforms including Kan Dongfang app, Bilibili, Douyin, Weibo, and WeChat channels.

  • Some UAE residents escape to desert for quiet, traffic-free NYE celebrations

    Some UAE residents escape to desert for quiet, traffic-free NYE celebrations

    As urban centers across the UAE prepared for congested roads and crowded venues on New Year’s Eve 2026, a growing contingent of residents deliberately pursued an alternative celebration in the tranquil expanses of the desert. This emerging trend saw individuals and groups exchanging glittering cityscapes for starlit sands, prioritizing peace and simplicity over traditional festivities.

    In Al Quoz, first-time desert celebrants Athira and Malu meticulously assembled their provisions at a Day to Day store, their shopping cart filled with practical camping essentials rather than party supplies. Their investment of approximately Dh700-800 represented a conscious choice to avoid metropolitan gridlock and embrace a more intentional welcoming of the new year. ‘We didn’t want to spend the night stuck in the car or trying to move around the city,’ Athira explained, capturing the sentiment driving this desert migration.

    Meanwhile, seasoned desert campers had already established their traditions. A community of Filipino expatriates demonstrated well-honed desert hospitality with five assembled tents and a communal gathering space. For them, desert celebrations have evolved into a regular practice perfected through experience. ‘It’s less stressful than any other activity, and we’ve mastered it,’ remarked Hernaline B. Papa, a Dubai resident.

    The desert provided not just escape but creative expression. Some campers transformed their temporary settlements into festive environments with fairy lights and decorated tents, creating welcoming oases against the minimalist desert backdrop. Muhannad and his wife journeyed from Sharjah to participate in this alternative celebration, with his wife packing extra marshmallows to share with neighboring campers—a gesture emblematic of the community spirit flourishing in the desert.

    This collective retreat from urban centers reflects a broader desire for meaningful connection and peaceful transition into the new year, demonstrating how residents are reimagining traditions to align with contemporary values of mindfulness and authentic experience.

  • Happy New Year, UAE! Fireworks, drones light up skies as country welcomes 2026

    Happy New Year, UAE! Fireworks, drones light up skies as country welcomes 2026

    The United Arab Emirates spectacularly ushered in the year 2026 with a series of breathtaking celebrations that illuminated night skies across the nation. Major cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah hosted synchronized displays of cutting-edge drone technology and traditional fireworks, creating a visual symphony that captivated millions of residents and visitors.

    The celebrations represented a remarkable fusion of technological innovation and cultural tradition, with drone formations crafting intricate patterns of national symbols and global messages of unity and hope. The environmentally-conscious approach to celebrations saw increased use of drone technology alongside traditional pyrotechnics, reducing the ecological footprint while maintaining the visual grandeur expected from UAE celebrations.

    Authorities implemented comprehensive safety protocols and traffic management systems to ensure smooth operations across all emirates. The events were strategically timed to accommodate family-friendly viewing while adhering to all regulatory requirements. Tourism officials noted that the celebrations significantly contributed to the country’s positioning as a premier global destination for major event tourism.

    Beyond the visual spectacles, the celebrations incorporated cultural elements showcasing the UAE’s heritage alongside its futuristic vision. The events were broadcast globally, reaching international audiences and reinforcing the UAE’s reputation for hosting world-class events. The successful execution of these nationwide celebrations demonstrated the country’s organizational capabilities and commitment to creating memorable experiences for all demographics.

    Community leaders emphasized that the inclusive nature of the celebrations reflected the UAE’s values of tolerance and coexistence, with people from diverse backgrounds gathering peacefully to mark the new beginning. The events concluded without major incidents, with authorities praising the public’s cooperation and adherence to safety guidelines throughout the festivities.

  • Ras Al Khaimah sets new Guinness World Record with largest drone display of phoenix on NYE

    Ras Al Khaimah sets new Guinness World Record with largest drone display of phoenix on NYE

    The upcoming Fluxx Conference 2025 has announced its intention to honor two exceptional visionaries whose transformative work is reshaping the Middle Eastern landscape in education and renewable energy sectors. Scheduled for early 2025, the prestigious event will recognize these innovators for their groundbreaking contributions to regional development and sustainable progress.

    The education honoree has demonstrated remarkable leadership in revolutionizing learning methodologies across Middle Eastern institutions, implementing cutting-edge pedagogical approaches that bridge traditional knowledge with future-ready skills. Their initiatives have significantly improved educational accessibility and quality, particularly benefiting underserved communities while fostering cultural preservation alongside modern educational values.

    Simultaneously, the renewable energy pioneer has engineered revolutionary solutions addressing the region’s unique environmental challenges. Their work in developing scalable clean energy infrastructure has not only advanced sustainability goals but also created new economic opportunities while reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. This visionary’s approach combines technological innovation with cultural sensitivity, ensuring solutions are both effective and culturally appropriate.

    The Fluxx Conference, known for spotlighting transformative ideas and leaders, selected these individuals through a rigorous evaluation process considering impact scalability, innovation quotient, and sustainable development alignment. The recognition includes a substantial grant to further their initiatives alongside global networking opportunities with investors, policymakers, and fellow innovators.

    Conference organizers emphasized that these awards highlight the growing synergy between educational advancement and environmental sustainability in regional development strategies. ‘These visionaries exemplify how targeted innovation in critical sectors can drive comprehensive societal progress while maintaining respect for cultural heritage and environmental responsibilities,’ stated the conference chairperson in a preliminary announcement.

    The event will feature dedicated sessions where awardees will present their groundbreaking work and future roadmaps, potentially influencing policy discussions and investment patterns across the Middle East and neighboring regions. This recognition comes at a pivotal moment when global attention focuses on sustainable development models tailored to specific regional characteristics and needs.

  • Look: Last sunset of 2025 in UAE leaves residents in awe

    Look: Last sunset of 2025 in UAE leaves residents in awe

    The United Arab Emirates witnessed a spectacular atmospheric farewell to 2025 as residents nationwide paused to observe the year’s final sunset on December 31st. From 5:15 PM onward, a remarkable celestial display unfolded across the emirates, with warm golden light gradually infiltrating blue skies until the sun completed its descent at 5:40 PM.

    At Dubai’s Global Village, the mesmerizing twilight created magical moments as children reached skyward with beaming smiles, capturing final joys before the year’s conclusion. Meanwhile, at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival, the sun radiated through cumulus formations resembling cotton balls, creating brilliant yellow streaks across the evening canvas.

    Urban landscapes transformed under the celestial spectacle. In Dubai Silicon Oasis, the sunset peeked modestly behind residential towers, offering residents glimpses of glorious orange remnants filtering through clouds and high-rises. Nad Al Sheba’s desert landscape presented a contrasting scene where the sun blazed dramatically against brown sands before disappearing, making the typically golden dunes appear subdued beside the sky’s ethereal hues.

    Sheikh Zayed Road’s iconic towers mirrored the horizon’s fiery amber palette, creating a seamless fusion of architecture and atmosphere. Workers across Dubai paused their New Year’s Eve preparations to witness ochre-stroked skies with floating clouds. Ras Al Khaimah offered a more contemplative vision with a somber yellow kissing the horizon against bright blue skies, while Sharjah residents witnessed bright solar rays penetrating thick cloud layers as they traveled toward Dubai’s celebrations.

    In Abu Dhabi’s Ghadeer community, located on the emirate border with Dubai, the sun gently illuminated clouds with a soft radiance. Some residents chose intimate indoor gatherings, experiencing their own light shows as 2025 concluded. As darkness settled, Global Village’s illumination ceremony symbolically ushered in the year’s final night, providing a fitting transition from the spectacular sunset into New Year’s Eve festivities.

  • Netflix crashes following premiere of ‘Stranger Things’ finale

    Netflix crashes following premiere of ‘Stranger Things’ finale

    The prestigious Fluxx Conference 2025 has recognized two transformative leaders for their groundbreaking contributions to education and renewable energy development across the Middle East. The annual gathering, known for spotlighting innovation and sustainable progress, honored these visionaries during its opening ceremonies in Dubai.

    The award recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing critical regional challenges through technological advancement and educational reform. One honoree has pioneered digital learning platforms that are revolutionizing access to quality education in remote areas, while the other has spearheaded large-scale solar energy projects that are transforming the region’s energy infrastructure.

    Conference organizers emphasized that these awards reflect Fluxx’s commitment to celebrating solutions-oriented leadership that creates tangible social impact. ‘These visionaries represent the spirit of innovation and dedication needed to build a more sustainable and equitable future for the Middle East,’ stated conference chair Dr. Amina Al-Mansoori.

    The recognition comes at a pivotal moment for the region, which is undergoing significant transitions in both educational methodology and energy diversification. The honorees’ work aligns with broader national initiatives across Gulf Cooperation Council countries to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create knowledge-based economies.

    Fluxx Conference 2025 continues through the week with panels, workshops, and demonstrations focused on sustainable development, technological innovation, and cross-sector collaboration across the Middle East and North Africa region.

  • Video shows fire spreading across Swiss bar ceiling

    Video shows fire spreading across Swiss bar ceiling

    Security footage from a Swiss bar has captured the alarming moment a fire unexpectedly ignited and rapidly spread across the establishment’s ceiling. The video evidence provides crucial documentation of how the blaze initiated and propagated through the interior space, offering potential insights for fire safety investigators.

    The visual record shows flames suddenly emerging overhead and quickly expanding across the ceiling surface, demonstrating the volatile nature of the incident. The footage provides a rare real-time perspective of fire dynamics in a commercial entertainment venue, highlighting both the speed of propagation and the potential hazards in such environments.

    While the specific bar location and exact timeline of the incident remain undisclosed, the video documentation serves as a significant resource for understanding fire safety challenges in hospitality settings. The visual evidence could contribute to future fire prevention strategies and emergency response planning for similar establishments across Switzerland and beyond.

    The incident underscores the importance of adequate fire suppression systems, regular safety inspections, and staff training for emergency situations in bars and restaurants. This visual documentation provides a compelling case study for fire safety professionals and business operators alike.

  • First-time awe to family bonding: How Downtown Dubai enjoyed ‘unmatched’ NYE fireworks

    First-time awe to family bonding: How Downtown Dubai enjoyed ‘unmatched’ NYE fireworks

    As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2025, Downtown Dubai transformed into a global stage for New Year’s Eve celebrations, showcasing two distinct yet equally compelling experiences. While first-time visitors gazed in awe at the Burj Khalifa’s legendary fireworks display, long-term residents created intimate celebrations from their homes with panoramic views of the spectacle.

    For newcomers like Philippines nationals Jaimee Manio and Paola Melendez Reyes, along with Puerto Rican colleague Gianelli Guimoc, the evening marked their inaugural encounter with Dubai’s iconic skyline. “People travel from all over the world to see this, and we are lucky enough to call Dubai our home now,” expressed Jaimee, capturing the sentiment of many recent arrivals. Gianelli noted the city’s remarkable cultural diversity, emphasizing how the celebration brought together global citizens in shared appreciation.

    Indian tourist Meena Kalra, experiencing her first Dubai New Year, praised the city’s meticulous organization: “From field hospitals to free viewing areas, there’s so much happening. I have celebrated New Year’s in various countries but never been as impressed.”

    The resident experience revealed a different dimension of the celebration. British expats Vasudha and Vivek Khandeparkar, residing in Southridge with clear views of the Burj Khalifa, have established a tradition of hosting friends and family. “I see it everyday, 365 days a year and never get tired of it. It is an unmatched beauty,” Vasudha remarked, highlighting how residents cherish the spectacle from their private spaces.

    Farah Sarfraz, a six-year Downtown resident, described NYE as her favorite time of year precisely because it encourages staying home: “This gives us time to slow down and spend quality time with our friends and family. We see people of all backgrounds and cultures come together like no other time.”

    At the Southridge public viewing area, families created festive campgrounds with tents, chairs, and picnic mats, some arriving as early as noon to secure prime viewing spots. Volunteers like Indian expat Ali Amjad ensured family-friendly environments by monitoring for prohibited activities, demonstrating the community’s collective effort to maintain the celebration’s spirit.

  • Hohhot launches New Year’s activities

    Hohhot launches New Year’s activities

    Hohhot has launched an ambitious citywide New Year celebration under the thematic banner ‘Hohhot is so HOT,’ marking one of the most comprehensive cultural events in the city’s recent history. Running from December 27, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the festival represents a groundbreaking fusion of cultural, sporting, tourism, and commercial activities designed to attract both domestic and international visitors.

    The celebration features the notable return of the Winter Olympics spin-off mascot ‘Madundun’ alongside the debut of two new mascots—’Xiyangyang’ and ‘Lerongrong’—inspired by the Chinese white dolphin. These characters serve as cultural ambassadors throughout the multi-day festivities.

    Organizers have introduced three meticulously designed thematic routes to enhance visitor experience: a 6.2-kilometer historical and cultural axis connecting nine significant sites including Dazhao Square; a modern cultural axis of equal length running along Silk Road Avenue and encompassing seven cultural landmarks such as the Hohhot Sculpture Museum; and a 4.2-kilometer trendy route focusing on commercial hubs like MixC to engage younger demographics.

    The programming includes five distinctive experiential categories emphasizing ‘the trendiest, the most fireworks, the most technological, the most fashionable, and the most rock and roll’ elements. Key venues host specialized events: Daheihe Military Cultural Park presents its fifth Happy Ice and Snow Festival featuring ice sculptures, traditional iron flower performances, penguin parades, and local cuisine; Chuluchuan grassland offers spectacular song and dance performances complemented by drone shows and fireworks displays; Yili Health Valley provides immersive technology-health integration experiences; MixC shopping area leads fashion trends with creative photography installations and DJ music parties; while the National Northern Football Training Base hosts Zheng Jun’s ‘The Road of Joy’ concert.

    The city government emphasizes that these activities are designed to preserve Hohhot’s rich cultural heritage while incorporating contemporary elements, creating an inclusive celebration that caters to diverse age groups and interests.