Dubai Police has unveiled a captivating exhibition at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference, tracing its remarkable 70-year journey from humble beginnings to a globally recognized institution. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre until November 17, the showcase features rare artefacts, vintage photographs, and historical documents, many of which are being displayed publicly for the first time. The exhibition, part of the world’s largest gathering of museum professionals, marks ICOM’s first general conference in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The display opens with a striking juxtaposition of the original 1956 khaki uniform and the modern ceremonial attire, symbolizing decades of evolution in service and discipline. Among the highlights is a Sony-made video-call phone from 2000, a testament to the force’s early embrace of technology. Visitors can also explore the origins of the Dubai Police anthem, composed in 1963, and examine historical correspondence detailing the meticulous planning behind symbols of authority. Restored photographs and audio commentary chronicle milestones, from the introduction of aerial surveillance to the pioneering inclusion of female officers. The exhibit’s design, blending traditional wind-tower architecture with digital interfaces, mirrors the institution’s fusion of heritage and innovation. Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, expressed pride in the showcase, which underscores Dubai Police’s commitment to preserving its legacy while embracing progress.
分类： society
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Year’s largest wave of migratory birds reaches Wuhan wetland
The Fuhe Wetland in Wuhan, Hubei province, has become a bustling haven for migratory birds as this year’s largest wave of avian visitors arrived in early November. This annual phenomenon marks the peak season for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a spectacular display of biodiversity. The wetland’s expansive waters are now teeming with a variety of species, including bean geese, gray geese, gadwalls, green-winged teals, and wigeons. Among the reeds, Eurasian spoonbills elegantly forage with their distinctive shovel-shaped beaks, while pied avocets stride purposefully along the banks. This natural spectacle not only highlights the ecological importance of the Fuhe Wetland but also underscores the region’s role as a critical wintering ground for migratory birds. The arrival of these birds is a testament to the wetland’s health and its ability to support diverse wildlife, drawing attention from conservationists and nature lovers alike.
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Vatican bank rehires couple fired for violating workplace marriage rule
In a significant turn of events, a married couple previously dismissed from the Vatican bank for violating an internal rule prohibiting workplace marriages has been reinstated following a negotiated settlement. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the union representing Vatican lay employees. Silvia Carlucci and Domenico Fabiani, who had filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in January, were married on August 31, 2024, and faced dismissal shortly thereafter. The union hailed the settlement as ‘a victory of common sense,’ though details regarding their return to work and specific roles remain undisclosed. The couple, who share three children from previous relationships, refused to cancel their wedding despite the bank’s suggestion that one of them resign. Financial obligations, including child support, alimony, and a new mortgage, made this option unfeasible. The union emphasized that while the settlement marks a positive outcome, it is incomplete as Vatican procedures do not provide for the reimbursement of legal fees for the prevailing party. The union also highlighted the lack of social support during the couple’s legal battle and criticized the regulation that led to their dismissal, noting it would be deemed unconstitutional in Italy. The couple has not publicly commented on the settlement but had previously expressed hope for intervention from the late Pope Francis, given his strong emphasis on family values.
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Woman found guilty of murdering two men in 2014
A 46-year-old woman, Ruth Lawrence, has been convicted of the 2014 murders of two men, Eoin O’Connor and Anthony Keegan, in County Meath. The victims, aged 32 and 33 respectively, were discovered shot dead on Inchicup Island in Lough Sheelin, five weeks after they went missing. Lawrence, who resided in St Patricks Cottage, Mountnugent, denied the charges but was found guilty by a majority verdict after nearly 14 hours of jury deliberation. She faces a mandatory life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for December 8. The victims’ families were present in court and were visibly emotional as the verdict was announced. The trial revealed that O’Connor, a Dublin drug dealer, had drugs stolen from him six days prior to his murder. He had sold drugs to Lawrence’s South African boyfriend, Neville van der Westhuizen, who owed him €70,000. Prosecutors stated that Lawrence shot O’Connor in the stomach, which was not fatal, and van der Westhuizen then shot him in the head. Anthony Keegan, who arrived with O’Connor, was shot in the neck and head. The prosecution argued that the murders occurred in a field near Patrick’s Cottage, with the bodies later moved to the island. The last call between O’Connor and van der Westhuizen on April 22, 2014, suggested a specific meeting point. Garda Det Sgt Kevin O’Brien testified that the couple fled to South Africa after the murders. Lawrence was extradited to Ireland in May 2023, while van der Westhuizen is serving a 15-year sentence in South Africa for unrelated crimes. His extradition to Ireland is pending the completion of his current sentence.
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Regions across China offer financial incentives to boost marriage rates
In response to a significant decline in marriage rates, various regions across China have introduced financial incentives aimed at encouraging couples to marry and start families. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of first marriages in China dropped sharply to 9.17 million in 2024, a staggering 60 percent decrease from the peak of 23.86 million in 2013. Marriage registrations have also seen a dramatic fall, from 13.47 million couples in 2013 to just 6.11 million in 2023. To counteract this trend, local governments have launched a series of initiatives designed to create a more marriage and birth-friendly environment. In Zhejiang Province, for instance, newlyweds in Ningbo are offered 1,000 yuan ($140) in consumption vouchers for wedding-related expenses, such as banquets, photography, and travel. Similar programs are available in Hangzhou, Shaoxing’s Keqiao district, and Jinhua’s Pujiang county. In Guangzhou’s Baiyun district, Nanling village has taken a more generous approach, offering up to 80,000 yuan for first marriages and up to 120,000 yuan for childbirth, provided couples remain married for at least one year. Shanxi Province has adopted a more straightforward strategy, providing eligible newlyweds in Lyuliang with a 1,500 yuan cash bonus upon registration. Beyond these financial incentives, many regions are developing comprehensive support systems that cover marriage, childbirth, daycare, and education. Despite these efforts, experts warn that the structural decrease in the number of women of childbearing age poses a significant challenge. From 2010 to 2020, the number of women aged 15 to 49 decreased by 57.49 million, with those in their prime childbearing years (20 to 29) dropping by 34.63 million. This demographic shift is a key factor driving the decline in marriage registrations, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and systemic measures to address these challenges.
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UAE’s first female ship master, Captain Sahar Rasti, honoured with Maritime Industry Excellence Award
In a landmark moment for the maritime industry, Captain Sahar Rasti, the UAE’s first female ship master, was awarded the Benchmark for Maritime Industry Excellence Award at The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade, presented on October 29, 2025, at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, recognizes her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and tireless advocacy for women’s empowerment in the maritime sector. The event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, drew over 1,000 senior executives and industry leaders from across the Middle East, India, and beyond. Captain Rasti’s achievement is a testament to the UAE’s dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and innovation within its maritime industry. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized that the award symbolizes the potential of Emirati women to excel in leadership roles and encouraged young women to pursue their passions in maritime careers. The TMS Awards 2025 celebrated excellence across 25 categories, including shipping, logistics, and marine technology, while highlighting the UAE’s leadership in sustainable and technologically advanced maritime practices. Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, underscored the event’s role in promoting innovation and excellence, reinforcing the region’s position as a global maritime leader. Captain Rasti’s groundbreaking accomplishment not only marks a milestone for women in the industry but also reflects the UAE’s vision of nurturing local talent and driving global maritime innovation.
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Pink-purple buckwheat fields bloom in Guizhou province
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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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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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.