In a groundbreaking shift for Pakistan’s deeply patriarchal society, women are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men, particularly in emergency services. Last week, 23-year-old firefighter Syeda Masooma Zaidi led her team in combating a massive blaze at a tire storage facility in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. The fire, which sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, threatened nearby factories but was eventually contained without loss of life, though it caused significant financial damage. Zaidi’s bravery and skill highlighted the growing presence of women in Pakistan’s firefighting units, a field where they were virtually unheard of until recently. Her journey began at the Punjab Rescue Service Academy, where she trained in high-angle rescues and various emergency scenarios. Despite facing skepticism from onlookers who question her ability, Zaidi and her female colleagues continue to prove their mettle. Areeba Taj, another 23-year-old firefighter, and their supervisor, Ayesha Farooq, emphasize the unique strengths women bring to rescue operations, especially in situations involving women and children. Dr. Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, chief of the Sindh Emergency Service, noted that Zaidi is one of 50 women firefighters in the province, with 180 more in training for various emergency roles. This gradual shift reflects a broader societal change, as more women in Pakistan challenge traditional norms and pursue careers in fields like firefighting, earning respect and paving the way for future generations. Zaidi’s story is not just about courage and duty but also about breaking gender barriers and inspiring others to follow suit.
分类： society
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Look: UAE experts bring centuries-old Quran back to life at Sharjah book fair
At the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), visitors are witnessing a remarkable process: the meticulous restoration of a centuries-old Quran by experts from the UAE National Archives. Working under bright lamps, conservators don gloves and magnifying lenses, using brushes, tweezers, and delicate Japanese paper to breathe new life into the fragile manuscript. ‘We are not rewriting history; we are preserving it,’ emphasized a senior restorer at the UAE National Library and Archives booth. The Quran, riddled with holes, missing pages, and faded ink, is being carefully repaired with natural adhesives and fine tissue, ensuring its longevity without altering its historical integrity. The restoration process, which can take days or weeks, involves flattening warped pages with controlled warm air and drying them under special sheets to prevent curling. Once restored, the Quran will be stored in a temperature-controlled archive, its age-old stains and tears preserved as testaments to its history. This live demonstration not only showcases the UAE’s commitment to preserving Islamic heritage but also educates visitors on the delicate art of manuscript conservation.
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Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal visits Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab
In a spiritually significant start to his diplomatic mission in the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, the newly appointed Indian Ambassador, visited the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai to mark Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab. Accompanied by his wife, Dr Alpna Mittal, the Ambassador participated in special prayers and sought blessings on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru. The visit underscored the values of unity, faith, and the enduring teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Dr Mittal was warmly received by Dr Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, and Dr Bubbles Kandhari, Vice Chairperson of the Gurudwara, along with members of the management committee and the Sikh community. As a gesture of respect and blessing, the couple was presented with a Saropa, a traditional robe of honour. Addressing the gathering, Dr Mittal expressed his gratitude for commencing his tenure with divine blessings and praised the unity and devotion of the congregation. He highlighted the importance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings and India’s cultural heritage, which are upheld with pride. The Ambassador also commended the UAE’s leadership for fostering an environment of tolerance and freedom, allowing people of all faiths to practice their beliefs harmoniously. Dr Surender Singh Kandhari emphasized the profound significance of the Ambassador’s visit on such a holy day, noting that the Gurudwara symbolizes peace, service, and unity. The event concluded with the traditional Ardas (prayer) and Langar (community meal), embodying Sikh values of equality, humility, and service. The atmosphere was filled with devotion, music, and a spirit of togetherness, resonating with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s timeless message: ‘Recognise all mankind as one.’
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Dubai RTA announces temporary closure on Airport Road near DXB
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a temporary closure of Airport Road near Dubai International Airport (DXB) to facilitate expansion works at Terminal 1. The closure, effective from 2:30 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, will impact traffic heading to Deira, while traffic to Al Khawaneej will be affected from 2:30 AM on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Motorists are advised to plan their trips in advance, adhere to traffic signs, and use alternative routes via Al Garhoud to ensure smooth travel and timely arrival at the airport. The RTA emphasized the importance of these measures to minimize disruptions during the construction phase. Commuters are encouraged to stay updated with the latest traffic advisories through official channels. This temporary closure is part of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and accommodate the growing passenger traffic at DXB, one of the world’s busiest airports.
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Don’t even think about cheating: Rules and penalties that every student needs to know
As the UAE prepares for its first-term central examinations commencing on November 20, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has emphasized the critical importance of maintaining academic integrity. The MoE has reiterated its commitment to fairness and honesty in national assessments by reinforcing the ‘Guide to Combating Cheating and Exam Misconduct.’ This guide outlines strict rules and penalties to ensure a level playing field for all students, teachers, and school staff. The document underscores the principles of fairness, honesty, and equal opportunity, while holding all parties accountable for any violations. The MoE’s reminder comes at a crucial time, as schools, students, and parents gear up for the upcoming exams. The guide is backed by Federal Law No. 33 of 2023, which treats cheating as a legal offence, reflecting the UAE’s serious stance on educational integrity. Schools are required to disseminate the guide, conduct awareness programs, and form internal supervisory committees to monitor exams. Random inspection visits by education authorities will ensure compliance. Penalties for cheating include zero marks in the subject, a 12-point deduction from conduct scores, and, in severe cases, referral to behavioral rehabilitation programs. Teachers and staff who aid in cheating face fines up to Dh200,000 and administrative penalties. The MoE urges students to take pride in honest effort and encourages parents to model values of integrity at home. Academic integrity, the MoE stresses, is foundational to learning, personal growth, and the credibility of the UAE’s education system.
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‘Nestflix’: the peregrine falcon livestream that has Australians glued to their screens
Since late August, tens of thousands of Australians have been captivated by ‘Nest-flix,’ a 24-hour reality channel showcasing the dramatic lives of peregrine falcons nesting atop a Melbourne skyscraper. This avian saga, often likened to ‘Game of Thrones,’ features airborne battles, courtship rituals, births, and even the occasional earthquake. The stars of the show are the falcons themselves, whose lives unfold 34 storeys above the bustling city streets. Currently, viewers are eagerly awaiting the moment when this year’s chicks, hatched in late September, take their first flight. Dr. Victor Hurley, founder of the Victorian Peregrine Project, explains that the mother falcon teases her chicks by flying past with prey, encouraging them to take the plunge. ‘She’s essentially saying, ‘You wanna eat? Well, you gotta fly,’ he remarks. This deliberate reduction in food helps the chicks develop the strength and agility needed for their first flight. The story of these falcons began in 1991 when Dr. Hurley discovered their nesting site on an office building at 367 Collins Street. Initially, the falcons struggled due to their eggs being laid in a metal gutter, which acted as a heat sink. Dr. Hurley recommended installing a nest box, which led to the successful hatching of three chicks the following year. In 1993, a CCTV camera was installed to observe the nest, and in 2017, a webcam was added, allowing ‘Nest-flix’ to be broadcast live on YouTube. The falcons’ Facebook fan page has since amassed over 50,000 members, creating a supportive online community. Kylie Humrick, a moderator of the group, notes that the page exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering people a sense of connection to the natural world. Over the years, the nest has been home to six or seven different pairs of falcons, each fiercely territorial. The site is highly prized for its abundant food supply, including pigeons and sparrows. However, this desirability has led to dramatic conflicts, with ‘floaters’—unpaired falcons—attempting to claim the territory. In 2022, a male falcon was replaced by a younger bird after a weeks-long battle, and in 2023, the resident female sustained brain damage after a fight with another female. Despite these challenges, the falcons continue to thrive, symbolizing resilience in the urban environment. The chicks are expected to fledge soon, marking a significant milestone in their lives. Dr. Hurley hopes they take their time, as a rushed first flight could lead to accidents. Once they make their first kill, they will be on their own, potentially chased out of the territory by their parents. With a 60% mortality rate in the first year, life is tough for young peregrine falcons. Yet, those that survive can begin breeding at three years old, continuing the cycle of life. As the fledging approaches, excitement builds among the online community, with many eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this high-flying urban drama.
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Hong Kong charity signs diplomatic talent deal with Beijing university
In a significant move to strengthen civilian diplomacy and international talent development, the Hong Kong-based GX Foundation and China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday. The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at the university, attended by notable figures including Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the GX Foundation, and Wang Shiting, Party secretary of the China Foreign Affairs University. Representing their respective organizations, Chan Ying-yang, CEO of the GX Foundation, and Wang Fan, president of the China Foreign Affairs University, signed the MoU. The collaboration aims to merge the GX Foundation’s expertise in international humanitarian aid and public health with the university’s specialized training in diplomacy and global affairs. The partnership seeks to cultivate professionals with a global outlook and practical skills, encouraging their involvement in international humanitarian efforts and advancing the sustainable development of civilian diplomacy. During the ceremony, Leung shared insights from the foundation’s initiatives, while Wang emphasized the critical role of civilian foreign aid in China’s broader foreign affairs strategy, highlighting its importance in fostering international friendship, mutual development, and China’s image as a responsible global power.
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Post-pandemic travel: Why ultra-wealthy tourists are paying for ‘art holidays’
Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world, its influence continues to ripple through various aspects of life, including travel. Among the most notable trends is the emergence of ‘art holidays,’ a luxurious and exclusive form of travel that combines cultural immersion with opulent experiences. Catering to the ultra-wealthy, these getaways offer unparalleled access to private art collections, after-hours museum tours, and intimate encounters with renowned artists.
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UK: Fifth Palestine Action prisoner joins rolling hunger strike over detention conditions
A fifth member of the proscribed direct action group Palestine Action has initiated a hunger strike, protesting her detention conditions and the UK government’s ban on the organization. T Hoxha, a 29-year-old activist, joins four other prisoners in a rolling hunger strike that began on November 2, 2024, citing ‘systematic abuse’ by prison authorities. Hoxha, part of the ‘Filton 24′ group arrested on terrorism charges, is currently held at HMP Peterborough awaiting trial in April 2026. The charges stem from an August 2024 incident where activists drove a modified van into the UK facility of Israeli arms company Elbit Systems in Filton, Bristol. This marks Hoxha’s second hunger strike in three months, following a three-week protest in August over worsening treatment after the group’s ban under terrorism legislation in July. The campaign group Prisoners for Palestine (PFP) announced the strike after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood failed to respond to their demands, which include immediate bail, an end to interference with personal communications, and the de-proscription of Palestine Action. The prisoners have garnered widespread support from pro-Palestine activists, including former Lebanese political prisoner Georges Abdallah and US activist Jakhi McCray, who has pledged to join the strike in solidarity. PFP reports that the government has yet to respond to their letter or address the strikers’ grievances. ‘T’s resilience is astounding,’ said PFP’s Audrey Corno, highlighting Hoxha’s determination to persevere despite the challenges.
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Are fashion and luxury in a state of transition in Middle East?
The Middle East is witnessing a transformative phase in the world of luxury fashion, as global trends, consumer attitudes, and cultural influences converge in unprecedented ways. As Dubai gears up to host the Vogue Business Summit on November 17 and 18, the region’s role in shaping the future of fashion is under the spotlight. Elektra Kotsoni, Deputy Director of Vogue Business and Vogue Runway, sheds light on the seismic shifts reshaping the industry. The pandemic-era phenomenon of ‘revenge spending’ has waned, giving way to new challenges such as geopolitical uncertainties and generational transitions. Gen-Z and millennials are redefining taste and spending, while luxury brands grapple with the need to adapt to a rapidly evolving market. The Middle East, once a follower of Western fashion calendars, is now carving its own identity. Regional fashion weeks are gaining prominence, offering designers a platform to showcase their work on their own terms. This shift raises questions about the sincerity of luxury brands’ engagement with the region. Elektra observes a growing authenticity in campaigns and flagship stores that reflect local culture, particularly during Ramadan. However, she emphasizes that only those living in the region can truly assess the depth of this engagement. The value of luxury itself is being redefined. Once synonymous with iconic brands like Chanel and Hermès, luxury now seeks to offer unique, personalized expressions of individuality. Elektra highlights the importance of brands focusing on their core customers rather than trying to cater to everyone. For regional brands with global ambitions, the challenge lies in proving their relevance beyond local markets. Collaborating with international agencies can help bridge this gap, but Elektra also notes the growing spending power in non-Western regions, suggesting that the strategy may not always require reinvention. The fashion industry is on the cusp of a new era, driven by AI and data, yet deeply rooted in personal expression. As the Vogue Business Global Summit approaches, the Middle East stands poised to lead a cultural dialogue that transcends borders, shaping the future of luxury fashion.