In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and global interconnectedness, the role of education is undergoing a profound transformation. Al Yasat Private School, a leading educational institution in the UAE, is at the forefront of this evolution, equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a dynamic future. Under the leadership of Superintendent Scott Carnochan, the school is redefining traditional education by blending rigorous academic programs with cutting-edge initiatives tailored to the demands of tomorrow.
分类: society
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UAE weather: 7.8°C recorded in Al Ain; lowest this winter season
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed its coldest temperature of the winter season on Thursday, November 20, 2025, as the mercury plummeted to 7.8°C in Al Ain’s Raknah area at 7am. This record-breaking low was confirmed by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), which also noted that the same location had recorded the previous day’s lowest temperature of 9.2°C. As winter tightens its grip, temperatures across the nation are expected to drop further, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi forecasted to experience lows of 23°C and 21°C, respectively. Adding to the wintry ambiance, dense fog enveloped several regions of the UAE on Thursday morning, significantly reducing horizontal visibility. The NCM issued warnings urging residents to exercise caution, particularly while driving, as motorists navigated the foggy conditions at slower speeds. Police forces across the emirates reinforced safety reminders as visibility continued to deteriorate. This weather phenomenon underscores the seasonal transition and its impact on daily life in the UAE.
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Look: Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab disappear behind curtain of fog on Thursday morning
On the morning of Thursday, November 20, 2025, residents and visitors in the United Arab Emirates witnessed a rare meteorological phenomenon as dense fog enveloped the region, obscuring some of the country’s most iconic landmarks. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel were among the structures that disappeared behind a thick curtain of fog. The unusual weather event, which began in the early hours, created a surreal visual spectacle, transforming the bustling urban landscape into a scene of ethereal beauty. Meteorologists attributed the fog to a combination of high humidity levels and cooler overnight temperatures, a common occurrence during the UAE’s winter months. The fog persisted until mid-morning, gradually dissipating as the sun rose higher in the sky. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos of the fog-covered landmarks, with many users marveling at the rare sight. While the fog added a touch of mystique to the cityscape, it also prompted authorities to issue advisories for drivers, urging caution due to reduced visibility on the roads. The event served as a reminder of the UAE’s unique climatic conditions and the occasional surprises they bring.
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Christmas market in Germany opens after last year’s deadly attack in the city of Magdeburg
The Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, reopened on Thursday, nearly a year after a devastating car-ramming attack claimed six lives and left many injured. The incident, which occurred on December 20, lasted just over a minute and involved a rented BMW X3 speeding through the market at up to 48 kph (30 mph). This year, the market welcomed over 140 merchants offering traditional holiday goods such as candles, wool hats, candied almonds, and mulled wine, alongside attractions like a Ferris wheel and an ice rink. Paul-Gerhard Stieger, managing director of the Magdeburg Christmas Market GmbH, expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing respect for last year’s tragedy while hoping visitors would rediscover the joy of the market. The suspect, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 51-year-old Saudi doctor, is currently on trial for six counts of murder and 338 counts of attempted murder, with sessions scheduled until March. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment. Following concerns about security, the city and organizers invested at least €250,000 ($290,000) in new safety measures, including concrete barriers to prevent vehicle access. The attack had previously sparked criticism of inadequate security at such events, which are deeply rooted in German culture and have been a cherished tradition since the Middle Ages.
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A night bus from Cambodia’s top tourist destination plunges off a bridge, killing 13 passengers
A devastating bus accident occurred in Cambodia early Thursday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 passengers and injuring 24 others. The incident took place in Kampong Thom province when the bus, en route from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, veered off a bridge and plunged into a river. Deputy Police Chief Siv Sovanna confirmed that all passengers were Cambodian nationals. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver may have fallen asleep during the journey, which typically lasts around five and a half hours. It remains unclear whether the driver was among the fatalities. Approximately 40 passengers were believed to be on board, and rescue efforts continued throughout the day to locate any additional victims. The deceased were transported to a nearby hospital to await identification and collection by their families. This tragedy adds to Cambodia’s alarming traffic fatality statistics, with 1,509 deaths recorded in 2024 and 1,062 in the first nine months of 2025, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
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UAE weather: Red alert issued for fog as visibility drops
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been gripped by severe fog conditions, prompting authorities to issue red and yellow alerts across the region. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported significantly reduced visibility, particularly in western areas over the sea and islands, leading to disruptions in daily activities. School buses were delayed, and motorists were advised to exercise extreme caution while driving. Sharjah Police emphasized the importance of maintaining safe distances between vehicles and reducing speed. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Police activated speed reduction systems on key roads, including Sweihan Road and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain route, to ensure safety. The weather forecast predicts fair to partly cloudy conditions, with humidity expected to increase by night and into Friday morning. Light to moderate winds, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/hr, may cause blowing dust in some areas. Temperatures are expected to drop to lows of 23ºC in Dubai, 21ºC in Abu Dhabi, and 18ºC in Sharjah. The Arabian Gulf will experience slight to moderate sea conditions, while the Oman Sea remains calm. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to stay updated on weather advisories.
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Woman jailed for 20 years over murder of Australian surfer brothers
A 23-year-old woman, Ari Gisell, has been sentenced to two decades in prison for her involvement in the tragic murders of three tourists during a carjacking in Mexico last year. The victims, Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad, were on a surfing trip in Baja California in April 2024 when they were brutally killed. Their bodies were discovered with gunshot wounds to the head in a deep well. Gisell pleaded guilty to instigating the violent assault, which was reportedly motivated by her desire for the tyres on the surfers’ vehicle. She instructed her then-boyfriend, Jesús Gerardo, to ‘bring me a good phone and good tyres for my pickup truck,’ according to court testimonies. Jesús Gerardo, along with two other accomplices, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús, followed the tourists to their campsite, robbed them, and executed them. The cases against these three men remain ongoing. Jesús Gerardo and Irineo Francisco are allegedly linked to the Sinaloa drug cartel, once led by the infamous Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, and are currently held in maximum-security prisons. The victims’ families, appearing via video conference, expressed profound grief during the hearing. Callum and Jake’s mother, Debra Robinson, lamented, ‘We dreamed of seeing them grow older, of having children. That’s all taken now.’ Callum, 33, was a member of Australia’s national lacrosse team, while Jake, 30, was set to begin a new job as a doctor upon his return. Carter Rhoad, 30, was months away from marrying his fiancée, Natalie Wiertz, who described her life as ‘a nightmare’ since his death. Gisell offered a tearful apology in court, acknowledging that ‘nothing I can say will compensate you or give you peace.’
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Dubai: New solid-line road markings surprise daily commuters, lead to fines
Dubai’s daily commuters have been taken aback by the sudden appearance of new solid-line road markings on major routes such as Ittihad Road, Baghdad Street, the Airport Tunnel, E311, and E611. These ‘no passing lines,’ designed to regulate traffic flow, have left many drivers struggling to adapt, resulting in unexpected fines. The markings, which are positioned close to exits, have made quick lane changes difficult for motorists accustomed to the previous patterns. According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), these continuous white lines prohibit overtaking, lane switching, or turning, and violations incur penalties. Residents like Basha S, who frequently use these roads, have expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice or signage. Basha recently received a Dh400 fine for overtaking on one of the new lines, stating that the markings appeared suddenly without warning. Similarly, C George, a commuter on E311, was fined after unintentionally crossing a solid line near Exit 63. While some drivers acknowledge the safety benefits of the new system, they have called for clearer communication and advance warnings to help them adjust. Ahmed Salah, a daily driver on Airport Tunnel Road, emphasized the need for signage indicating ‘no lane change ahead’ to prevent fines and confusion. Motorists have urged authorities to provide better guidance as the new markings are rolled out, stressing that while safety measures are welcome, smoother implementation is essential.
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Mayors, city planners explore Nanjing
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, recently hosted a gathering of mayors and city planners from across the globe to exchange insights on green transformation, cultural heritage preservation, and smart governance. The event, held on Wednesday, highlighted Nanjing’s commitment to sustainable urban development and its rich historical legacy. Participants visited Yuhuatai High School to witness a campus soccer match, showcasing the city’s emphasis on youth engagement and sports infrastructure. Nanjing’s dedication to fostering a soccer culture was evident in its 294 national youth campus soccer specialty schools and the construction of 180 new soccer fields over the past five years. Alessandro Rapinese, Mayor of Como, Italy, praised Nanjing’s energy and competitiveness, which he experienced firsthand on the soccer field. The delegation also explored the Nanjing City Wall Museum and Zhonghua Gate Wengcheng, marveling at the city’s meticulous preservation of its Ming Dynasty heritage. The Nanjing City Wall, built in 1366, remains the world’s longest and best-preserved ancient city wall, while Zhonghua Gate Wengcheng stands as a testament to China’s architectural ingenuity. Over the three-day visit, participants embarked on a diverse itinerary, including a research vessel tour to observe finless porpoises, a visit to a bug studio to study insect traces, and a tour of Nanjing Iron and Steel Group Company to witness its green transformation efforts. The event also featured a World Literature Salon, where mayors read Chinese and English poetry, fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Mohamed Higazy, a board member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, lauded Nanjing as a model city that balances heritage preservation with forward-looking development. Thomas Himmler, Director of Foreign Affairs in Dietfurt, Germany, expressed his admiration for Nanjing’s warmth and cultural richness, emphasizing his goal to bridge understanding between Germany and China.
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Philippine court convicts dismissed town mayor, allegedly a Chinese, of human trafficking charges
A Philippine court has handed down a life sentence to Alice Guo, a former mayor accused of being a Chinese national, for her involvement in a large-scale human trafficking and online scam operation. The Pasig City Regional Trial Court in metropolitan Manila convicted Guo and seven other Filipino and Chinese co-accused, imposing a fine of 2 million pesos ($34,000) each and ordering compensation for trafficking victims. Guo, who denies all allegations and claims Filipino citizenship, allegedly facilitated the establishment of an illegal online gaming complex in northern Tarlac province, where hundreds of foreign nationals were forced to conduct financial scams. The court revealed that the operation used parcels of land and buildings to house trafficked workers, coercing them into fraudulent activities. This case highlights the growing issue of online scam centers in Southeast Asia, particularly in border areas like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, where hundreds of thousands have been trapped in virtual slavery. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken steps to combat these operations, banning hundreds of Chinese-run online gaming businesses linked to crimes such as financial scams, human trafficking, and kidnapping. While many centers have been raided and shut down, officials acknowledge that more remain operational. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who led Senate inquiries into the scam operations, hailed Guo’s conviction as a victory against transnational crimes but emphasized that the fight is far from over. Hontiveros also raised concerns about potential espionage activities linked to Chinese nationals operating these centers, amid escalating territorial conflicts between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Guo, dismissed from her mayoral post last year for grave misconduct, fled to Indonesia but was arrested and deported back to the Philippines, where she remains in detention.
