Marina El Khawand, a 24-year-old Lebanese activist, has turned personal tragedy into a global mission to provide healthcare access for vulnerable communities. Her journey began in 2020 when she witnessed the devastating Beirut port explosion, which claimed over 220 lives and left her hometown in ruins. Despite the trauma, Khawand chose to stay and help, volunteering at the blast site before eventually founding Medonations, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free medical assistance.
分类： society
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Almost half of UK would consider ending a friendship over Israel-Palestine, poll finds
A recent survey conducted by More In Common UK has uncovered a startling trend: nearly half of the UK population would consider ending a friendship over differing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The poll, which involved 2,000 participants, revealed that 43% of pro-Palestine respondents and 46% of pro-Israel respondents would sever ties with friends who held opposing stances. Additionally, 75% of respondents expressed discomfort discussing the issue on social media, while approximately 30% felt uneasy discussing it with friends. The ongoing war in Gaza has exacerbated tensions across the UK, sparking widespread pro-Palestine demonstrations and counter-calls from Israel supporters for bans on such protests. The government’s proscription of the pro-Palestine group Palestine Action, following their vandalism of British planes at RAF Brize Norton in June, has led to the arrest of at least 2,094 individuals opposing the ban. Luke Tryl, director of More In Common UK, highlighted the ‘divisive’ impact of the conflict, noting that individuals with strong views often retreat to their own information sources online, making it difficult to have conversations based on shared facts. He also pointed out the tendency to attribute bad faith to those on the opposing side, such as assuming pro-Israel supporters are anti-Muslim or pro-Palestine supporters are antisemitic. Middle East Eye continues to provide independent coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, offering insights into the complexities of this contentious issue.
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Egyptian explorer Omar Samra on how mountaineering helped him rediscover himself
Egyptian explorer Omar Samra’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. Known as the first Egyptian to summit Mount Everest and complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam, Samra’s life has been marked by both extraordinary achievements and profound personal loss. His story is a testament to how adventure and mountaineering became tools for healing and rediscovery.
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UAE: Visitors now get free 10GB SIM at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport
In a move to enhance the travel experience for international visitors, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has partnered with telecom giant e& to provide free 10GB SIM cards to arriving passengers. This initiative, announced on November 20, 2025, offers travellers instant connectivity with 10GB of data valid for 24 hours, enabling seamless access to essential online services such as maps, ride-hailing apps, payment platforms, messaging services, and destination guides like the Abu Dhabi Pass. The collaboration aims to simplify the arrival process and ensure visitors feel welcomed and connected from the moment they land. Zayed International Airport, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation hubs, serves over 100 destinations through a network of more than 30 airlines. As of September 30, 2025, the airport’s new terminal has welcomed 23.9 million passengers, marking its 18th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, emphasized the organization’s commitment to shaping the future of airport experiences. Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, highlighted the partnership’s focus on delivering a fast, digital-first experience that makes visitors feel at home in Abu Dhabi.
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A Dubai expat’s journey to mastering the ‘energy of money’
Veronika Rutkevich, a 35-year-old Russian expatriate living in Dubai, has transformed her relationship with money from one of fear to one of trust and empowerment. As the head of a project management office, she now guides businesses in the UAE, sharing her insights on the ‘energy of money’ and its role in personal and professional growth. Rutkevich’s journey began in her youth, working as a waitress and questioning how others achieved financial success. Her curiosity led her to study the dynamics of money, cash flow, and the mindset required to attract and manage wealth. Despite skepticism from others, she remained steadfast in her belief that financial success was attainable through meaningful work and a desire to help others. Rutkevich credits her parents for instilling a strong work ethic, even if they couldn’t provide financial wisdom. Today, she views money as a tool for creating opportunities, securing her family’s future, and bringing her ideas to life. She emphasizes the importance of respecting money, managing it wisely, and avoiding unnecessary risks. Rutkevich’s advice to her younger self and others is to take action, embrace challenges, and seek guidance from those whose lives they admire. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and a positive mindset in achieving financial freedom.
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UAE: Upskill or risk obsolescence in the evolving modern workplace
The modern workplace in the UAE is undergoing unprecedented transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements and shifting global trends. Professionals who fail to adapt risk obsolescence, while those who embrace upskilling can secure their place in the evolving economy. The UAE’s dynamic business environment, characterized by innovation and growth, demands a workforce that is agile, skilled, and future-ready. Employers across industries are prioritizing employees who can adapt to change and bring new capabilities to the table. Skills that were once highly valued, such as traditional marketing, are now being replaced by digital expertise, automation, and data analytics. Upskilling is no longer optional; it is a necessity for long-term employability and career progression. Professionals who invest in learning can stay competitive, anticipate future demands, and position themselves as indispensable assets. The UAE government has launched numerous initiatives, such as Dubai Future Academy and UAE MOOC, offering free or subsidized courses to prepare residents for the digital economy. These programs align with the nation’s vision of becoming a global hub for technology and innovation. Balancing work and learning can be challenging, but professionals can start with micro-courses or certifications to gradually build their skills. Employers often support staff development through training budgets and workshops, providing opportunities for growth. The message is clear: in a rapidly changing world, continuous learning is the key to career security and success. Professionals who embrace upskilling will thrive, while those who resist will be left behind.
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Australia is banning social media for kids under 16. How will it work?
Australia has become the first country in the world to implement a comprehensive ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16, effective from December 10. The groundbreaking policy, widely supported by parents, mandates social media companies to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent under-16s from creating accounts and to deactivate or remove existing ones. The government aims to shield children from the ‘pressures and risks’ associated with social media, including harmful content and behaviors such as cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to misogynistic or self-harm-promoting material. A recent government study revealed that 96% of children aged 10-15 use social media, with 70% encountering harmful content. The ban currently applies to nine major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, though platforms like YouTube Kids and WhatsApp are exempt. Social media companies face fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance, but critics question the effectiveness of age verification technologies and the adequacy of penalties. While some platforms, like Meta, have begun implementing measures, others remain silent on their compliance strategies. The ban has sparked debates about its potential to isolate teens and drive them to unregulated corners of the internet. Despite concerns, the government asserts that the legislation includes robust data protection measures. Australia’s pioneering move is being closely watched by other nations, many of which are exploring similar restrictions to safeguard young users.
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South African women arming themselves against gender violence
In response to the escalating crisis of gender-based violence, an increasing number of women in South Africa are turning to firearms as a means of self-defense. This trend reflects a broader societal concern over the safety and security of women in a country where gender violence remains alarmingly prevalent. Many women are now enrolling in firearm training programs, seeking to equip themselves with the skills necessary to protect against potential threats. This shift towards personal armament underscores the urgent need for more effective measures to address the root causes of gender violence, while also highlighting the resilience and determination of South African women to safeguard their own lives. The movement has sparked a national conversation about the balance between personal safety and the broader implications of widespread gun ownership.
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Beijing set to open 8th railway station soon
Beijing is poised to enhance its urban transportation network with the inauguration of its eighth railway station, the Beijing Sub-center Station, located in Tongzhou district. This development, announced by transportation authorities during a press conference on Thursday, is scheduled to be operational by the end of this year. The integration of all eight railway stations with subway lines underscores the city’s commitment to improving commuter convenience and efficiency. Furthermore, the recent advancements in regional rail connectivity, including the launch of the Beijing-Harbin high-speed railway and the Beijing-Xiong’an intercity line, along with the opening of Yizhuang Station on the Beijing-Tianjin intercity railway, have significantly bolstered the transportation infrastructure in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. These developments have effectively established a travel circle of 1 to 1.5 hours between major cities, fostering a one-hour commuter belt around Beijing.
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Police, villagers join overnight rescue for missing 76-year-old in Gansu
In a remarkable display of community solidarity and efficient law enforcement, a 76-year-old woman who went missing in Zhenyuan county, Qingyang city, Gansu province, was successfully rescued after an intensive 11-hour search operation. The incident, which occurred on November 4, 2025, involved over 30 police officers and local villagers, who braved the cold mountainous terrain to locate the missing senior. The search utilized advanced technology including drones and a highly trained police dog from Xifeng district, alongside traditional grid search methods. The woman was eventually found in a ravine approximately seven kilometers from her home, exhausted but in stable condition. She was carefully carried up the steep slope by the rescuers and provided with immediate care, including warm water and food, before being safely escorted home. In gratitude, her family presented silk banners to the Mengba Police Station and the police dog unit, acknowledging their relentless efforts and dedication.