The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially transitioned into its winter season, marked by significant weather changes including heavy rainfall and a notable drop in temperatures. On November 24, 2025, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued orange and yellow alerts across most regions, warning residents of potential hazardous conditions. The lowest temperature recorded was 11.2°C in Al Ain’s Raknah area, while Sharjah’s Al Dhaid experienced a seasonal low of 7.8°C. Heavy rains were reported in Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and the Dhafra region, causing road overflows and reduced visibility in some areas. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution, especially during outdoor activities, and to adhere to safety guidelines. Motorists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, use low-beam headlights, and stay updated with official weather forecasts. The region’s weather shift aligns with the traditional ‘Darbet Al Ahaymar’ phenomenon, signaling the onset of cooler days. Neighboring Saudi Arabia has also experienced similar weather patterns, with heavy rains affecting cities like Makkah, Madinah, and Riyadh.
分类： society
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Dubai Police warn residents after rise in fraud ‘investment opportunities’
Dubai Police have issued a stern warning to residents following a notable increase in fraudulent online ‘investment opportunities.’ These schemes, often advertised through social media and paid promotions, promise risk-free monthly returns of up to 10 percent. The Anti-Fraud Center at the General Department of Criminal Investigation has identified these offers as clear indicators of financial fraud. Scammers typically employ pyramid-style operations, using funds from new investors to pay earlier participants, creating a false sense of profitability before disappearing with the money. Authorities emphasized that guaranteed high returns are unrealistic in regulated investment environments and urged residents to verify the legitimacy of companies before investing. Suspicious activities should be reported via the eCrime platform or by calling 901. Dubai Police highlighted the importance of community awareness in combating financial fraud and protecting residents from falling victim to such schemes.
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Watch: First Lady Melania Trump welcomes the White House Christmas tree
The festive season at the White House officially commenced as First Lady Melania Trump welcomed the arrival of the official Christmas tree. The majestic 18.5-foot Fraser fir, sourced from West Virginia, was transported in grand style by a traditional green carriage drawn by two Clydesdale horses. The tree made its ceremonial entrance at the Portico of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, marking the beginning of holiday preparations at the presidential residence. Mrs. Trump, known for her elegant approach to White House traditions, personally oversaw the event, emphasizing the importance of family and togetherness during the holiday season. The tree will serve as the centerpiece of the White House decorations, which are expected to reflect a theme of unity and celebration. This annual tradition, steeped in history, continues to symbolize the warmth and joy of the holiday spirit in the nation’s capital.
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UK visa rules leave Palestinian scholars in limbo and their children stranded in Gaza
Faten Sweedan, a 30-year-old Unrwa school teacher from Gaza, recalls her 28th birthday on October 7, 2023, as a bittersweet memory. Celebrated just a day before the Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent war on Gaza, her birthday marked the last moments of normalcy before her life was upended. Born on a date now synonymous with the onset of the Gaza genocide, Sweedan’s story is one of resilience amidst unimaginable loss and displacement.
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Sharjah clears debts worth Dh73 million in 143 cases to ease burden on citizens
In a significant move to support its citizens, the Sharjah Debt Settlement Committee has cleared debts amounting to Dh73 million across 143 cases. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Federal Supreme Council, aims to alleviate financial hardships faced by individuals, including those convicted in financial cases and insolvent deceased persons. Since its establishment in 2014, the committee has processed a total of Dh1.35 billion, benefiting 2,791 citizens. The latest batch of debt settlements, approved as part of the committee’s 29th directive, underscores Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to community welfare and financial relief. This program is specifically designed to assist UAE nationals experiencing genuine financial difficulties, reflecting the emirate’s dedication to social balance and family well-being. Earlier this year, Sharjah Police also released 13 inmates, further demonstrating the emirate’s efforts to strengthen family bonds and promote social harmony.
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Embassy of Sri Lanka works with travel agencies to promote Sri Lanka tourism in the UAE
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi has taken a significant step to promote Sri Lanka as a top travel destination for UAE residents. On November 17, 2025, the embassy hosted a tourism promotion event titled ‘Discover the Magic of Sri Lanka’ at the Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The event brought together key stakeholders, including travel agencies, airlines, media representatives, government officials, and diplomats, to showcase Sri Lanka’s tourism potential. With 4,827 UAE tourists visiting Sri Lanka by October 2025, the embassy emphasized the need to strengthen promotional efforts in the UAE. Aitken Spence Travels, a major supporter of the initiative, highlighted its longstanding partnerships with UAE-based travel agents and contributed to the event with raffle prizes. The event featured opening remarks by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UAE, Arusha Cooray, and a keynote address by Nalin Jayasundara, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels. Attendees gained insights into Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and unique tourism offerings. Ambassador Cooray underscored the growing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UAE in tourism and expressed gratitude to all participants. The event concluded with a reception and an interactive Q&A session, fostering discussions on enhanced airline connectivity and new tourism experiences. This initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier destination for Emirati travelers.
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Morgan Geyser, ‘Slender Man’ stabber, captured after fleeing group home
Morgan Geyser, the woman convicted in the infamous 2014 Slender Man stabbing case, was apprehended by Illinois police after escaping from a group home in Madison, Wisconsin. Geyser, now 23, removed her monitoring bracelet and fled the facility on Saturday night, remaining at large until her capture at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, on Sunday. When confronted by officers, Geyser reportedly told them to ‘just Google’ her name, acknowledging she had ‘done something really bad.’
Geyser was just 12 years old when she and her friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, to a park and stabbed her 19 times in an attempt to appease Slender Man, a fictional online character. The victim survived the attack, which shocked the nation and drew widespread media attention. In 2018, Geyser was sentenced to 40 years in a mental hospital but was granted conditional release in July 2023.
At the time of her capture, Geyser was found with a 42-year-old man, who was charged with trespassing and obstructing identification before being released. Police reported that the pair were discovered sleeping on the sidewalk near the truck stop, approximately 170 miles south of Madison. Geyser initially provided a false name but eventually revealed her identity, leading to her detention.
The Slender Man case, which involved Geyser and Weier’s belief that the character would harm their families if they did not commit the attack, has become a haunting example of the influence of online folklore on vulnerable minds. Weier, who was also 12 at the time, was sentenced to 25 years in a psychiatric hospital but was released in 2021. Slender Man, a shadowy figure created in 2009 as part of an online contest, has since been the subject of numerous cautionary tales and warnings.
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From one tower to a skyline: My journey through the UAE’s construction story
When Dr. Neelivethil Rajeev first arrived in Dubai three decades ago, the city’s skyline was dominated by a single structure — the World Trade Centre. Standing alone in the desert, it symbolized ambition and possibility. Today, that solitary tower has been joined by hundreds of others, creating one of the world’s most iconic skylines. This transformation is a testament to the UAE’s visionary approach to construction and urban development. In the early years, construction was more than just steel and concrete; it was about daring to dream beyond borders. The 1990s focused on infrastructure and civic projects, while the 2000s introduced architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina. The 2010s brought master-planned communities and sustainability initiatives, and the 2020s are ushering in an era of smart mobility, clean energy, and digital innovation. Dr. Rajeev has played a pivotal role in this journey through ESPA’s contributions to water systems across various developments. Dubai’s present achievements are staggering: in 2024, real estate transactions reached Dh761 billion ($207 billion), and tourism welcomed 18.72 million visitors, a 9% increase from 2023. The UAE is now among the top seven countries for international tourist spending, contributing Dh257.3 billion ($70.1 billion) to GDP. Looking ahead, the UAE is accelerating into a future defined by innovation and sustainability. Projects like the Burj Azizi skyscraper, Dubai Loop, Expo City Dubai, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park are redefining urban landscapes. ESPA continues to support this growth with advanced hydropneumatic and booster systems, ensuring future-ready infrastructure. From a lone tower to a skyline of hyper-towers, Dubai’s journey is a story of resilience, ambition, and boundless innovation.
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Students practice restoring Yuan Dynasty mural details at Shanxi University
At Shanxi University in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, over 20 international students from countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Yemen engaged in a hands-on mural restoration workshop on Friday. The session focused on the Yongle Palace murals, a masterpiece of Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) art. Participants worked on restoring a detailed close-up of the White Tiger Deity’s hand from the renowned Chaoyuan Tu (The Assembly of the Gods). Instructor Lan Fang explained that the workshop emphasized coloring, outlining, antiquing, and mounting techniques, aiming to make mural art more accessible to a wider audience. Students used specialized brushes to trace contours, mix traditional pigments, and replicate the texture and hues of historical artifacts. Ahmed Muhannad Abduljalil Abdullah, a 21-year-old Yemeni student, shared his fascination with the unique art form, noting the challenge of achieving the perfect shade with just three colors. Meechai Chanitsara from Thailand, who had previously visited the Yongle Palace, expressed deep admiration for the artisans’ craftsmanship, emphasizing the patience and precision required. Liu Xiaohui, a teacher at the university’s School of International Education and Exchange, highlighted that the workshop is part of the Understanding Contemporary China course launched in September 2023. The course employs immersive teaching methods, seminars, and field visits to help international students gain insights into China’s energy transition, sci-tech innovation, and cultural heritage protection.
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Dubai’s Harmonious Model: Tourism That Builds for Tomorrow
Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for tourism and urban excellence is a testament to its forward-thinking strategies and unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike. Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and continued under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s development has always been rooted in long-term planning, ambition, and a people-centric approach. Today, the city stands as a model of harmonious growth, where tourism is not merely an economic driver but a cornerstone of collective prosperity and sustainability.