分类： society

The UAE Government has introduced the ‘Emirati National Identity Strategy,’ a comprehensive initiative aimed at reinforcing national belonging, pride, and social cohesion. Announced during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the strategy was developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Culture and the National Projects Office of the Presidential Court. Minister of Culture Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi outlined its vision and objectives during a keynote session titled ‘Legacy and Responsibility,’ emphasizing its role in unifying government efforts to embed Emirati identity across all sectors. The strategy is built on three pillars: defining the identity’s core values, establishing a national framework, and creating a governance model to ensure sustainability. It also highlights six core elements of Emirati identity, including Islamic values, the Arabic language, heritage, and family, alongside five core values such as respect, ambition, and generosity. Seven dimensions, ranging from education to media, will serve as channels to deliver the strategy’s objectives. Thirteen key initiatives, including integrating national identity into educational curricula and developing a Media Content Policy, will drive implementation. A National Identity Committee will oversee governance, ensuring alignment across entities. H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the strategy’s role in fostering unity and inspiring future generations to embrace their heritage. The initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s vision of nurturing a society rooted in shared values and coexistence.

Galadari Brothers has proudly secured the second position in the Dubai Sustainability Challenge 2025, a citywide initiative orchestrated by Companies for Good. This event aimed to galvanize corporate teams to take actionable steps towards fostering a greener and more sustainable Dubai. The three-week challenge saw the participation of leading organizations across the UAE, documenting over 500 sustainable actions, including waste reduction, energy conservation, community volunteering, and recycling initiatives. The program concluded with a grand finale desert clean-up, where the top three companies collaborated to collect waste from the desert environment.

Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, ‘This recognition reflects Galadari Brothers’ shared purpose to drive meaningful change. Our teams demonstrated how sustainability can thrive when it becomes a collective habit, woven into the way we work and contribute to the community.’ Employees from various divisions of Galadari Brothers actively participated, contributing ideas and daily actions that aligned with the conglomerate’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

Talat Jahan Sheikh from Group Finance highlighted the personal impact of the challenge, saying, ‘What made the challenge special was how it turned sustainability into something personal. Small habits like switching off unused lights or reusing materials created a real sense of ownership.’ The finale event was marked by a spirited desert cleanup competition, which Muhammad Kamran from Galadari Ventures Division described as ‘an inspiring day,’ adding, ‘Seeing teams from different companies working together in the open desert reminded us how powerful collective action can be.’

This achievement underscores Galadari Brothers’ steadfast commitment to embedding sustainability into its operations and corporate culture, aligning with Dubai’s vision for a green and circular economy and the UAE’s sustainable future.

The second Yunnan Lancang Bird-Watching Festival, held in the Lancang Lahu Autonomous County of Yunnan Province, concluded with remarkable findings. Over a span of 60 hours, participants documented an impressive 273 bird species, setting a new record for the region. Among these, seven species were newly recorded in the area, including the spot-winged starling, which also marked a new record for Pu’er City, the administrative jurisdiction of Lancang. The event, which drew bird enthusiasts and researchers alike, highlighted the rich biodiversity of Yunnan Province, known for its unique ecosystems and avian diversity. The discovery of these new species underscores the importance of conservation efforts in the region, as well as the potential for further scientific exploration. The festival not only celebrated the beauty of bird-watching but also contributed valuable data to the field of ornithology, reinforcing Yunnan’s status as a global hotspot for bird species.

Sudan’s community kitchens, known as takaaya, have been a cornerstone of survival for millions amid the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023. However, a recent report by Islamic Relief warns that these vital institutions are on the brink of collapse due to international neglect, supply shortages, and volunteer exhaustion. The charity’s extensive research reveals that 83% of Sudanese families lack sufficient food, with 52% of surveyed households having food supplies lasting less than a week. These kitchens, which operate alongside Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), have been a beacon of hope and solidarity, providing not just meals but also shelter, health facilities, and support for victims of sexual violence. The ERRs, once supported by US funding under President Biden, have seen their resources drastically reduced since President Trump cut USAID support, leaving them struggling to maintain operations. Volunteers like Mazen Osman ibn Ibrahim and Manal Ahmed Ibrahim emphasize the cultural and religious significance of takaaya, rooted in Sudanese traditions of mutual aid and Islamic principles of charity. Despite their resilience, many kitchens have downsized from serving multiple meals a day to just one, with some shutting down entirely. Islamic Relief has called for urgent international aid to support these local initiatives, warning that their collapse would have catastrophic consequences for a population already facing famine and starvation.

A tragic incident unfolded in Ulsan, South Korea, when a 60-meter (196-foot) tower at a decommissioned thermal power plant collapsed during demolition work, resulting in at least one fatality and leaving six individuals trapped under the debris. The collapse occurred on Thursday afternoon, prompting an immediate and extensive rescue operation.

Rescuers managed to locate one of the trapped individuals, though fears of their demise loom large as extraction efforts have been hindered by unstable rubble. Two other workers were rescued shortly after the collapse and are reported to have escaped life-threatening injuries. However, another worker, rescued later, succumbed to injuries and was pronounced dead at a hospital early Friday, according to Kim Jeong-shik, an official with Ulsan’s fire department.

The search for the remaining trapped individuals was temporarily suspended on Friday morning due to safety concerns regarding the unstable debris. Rescue operations are set to resume once stabilization measures are completed. Kim highlighted the deployment of advanced detection equipment, including thermal cameras and endoscopes, alongside rescue dogs to aid in the search efforts.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has directed officials to mobilize all available resources, including over 340 rescue workers and approximately 90 vehicles and equipment, to expedite the rescue mission while ensuring the safety of the rescue personnel.

The thermal power plant, which had been operational for 40 years, was decommissioned in 2021. Officials noted that the boiler tower, one of three at the site, had been weakened during preparations for its demolition, contributing to the catastrophic collapse.

The Hindu India Education Expo 2025, a highly anticipated event, is poised to empower students in the UAE by providing a comprehensive platform for academic and career guidance. Scheduled for November 2025, the expo will feature over 40 prestigious Indian universities, acclaimed career mentors, and financial experts, offering students and parents invaluable insights into higher education opportunities. The event will commence in Abu Dhabi on November 12 at the India Social & Cultural Centre, followed by sessions in Ras Al Khaimah on November 14 at the Indian Association. Dubai will host the expo across two venues: The New Indian Model School on November 15 for school-level participants, and Hotel Crowne Plaza, Deira on November 16 for a broader audience. A standout feature of the expo is the complimentary access to The Hindu STEP (Standardized Test of English Proficiency) Assessment for registered students, a globally recognized tool to enhance English communication skills. Additionally, schools registering in bulk will benefit from exclusive perks, including free STEP Teacher Training for 15 teachers per institution, aimed at improving classroom communication and global teaching standards. The Hindu STEP Program, known for its interactive learning modules and internationally accredited certifications, seeks to cultivate confident and globally competent learners. The expo also promises direct interactions with top Indian universities, expert guidance, and access to cutting-edge learning tools, making it a pivotal event for students aspiring to pursue quality education in India. The event is proudly sponsored by Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology, with participation from other esteemed institutions such as Khaja Bandanawaz University, Chettinad Sarvalokaa Education International School, and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, among others. Students and schools can register online via https://newsth.live/IIEF2025PA.

Arab bus drivers in Israel are increasingly avoiding work due to a surge in violent attacks, particularly after matches involving the Beitar Jerusalem football club. Drivers and union representatives report a recurring pattern of racism and violence in Jerusalem’s Malha area, near the club’s Teddy Stadium. What begins as chants and jeering often escalates into spitting, threats, and physical assaults. Majid Mabrouk, a senior union representative, described the situation as blatant racism, with drivers dreading match days. Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in attacks, with nine incidents recorded in just 24 hours. Despite repeated requests for police patrols around stadium bus stations, no action has been taken. Muhammed Siyaj, a Palestinian bus driver from East Jerusalem, shared his experience of being targeted with insults, rocks, and curses. He lamented the lack of protection from both the bus company and the police. Beitar Jerusalem’s fan base, particularly the hardcore group La Familia, has long been criticized for racist chants and violence against Arabs. Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, is a known supporter of the club. Human rights organizations and former players have urged club management and police to address the issue, but enforcement remains ineffective. Ahmad Qaraen, another driver, recounted a near-fatal attack by Beitar supporters in June, expressing his fear and reluctance to return to work. Union representative Yaniv highlighted the lack of trust in the police, with over 90% of complaints being closed without prosecution. The union has warned of potential bus service suspensions if no additional security measures are implemented. Jerusalem police claim to be investigating recent incidents but have yet to make any arrests. Drivers and unions argue that the lack of consequences emboldens attackers, leaving drivers to face constant fear and danger.

The Zhanhua district in Binzhou, Shandong province, has become a beacon of agricultural success with its winter jujube industry. Known for its crispness and sweetness, the Zhanhua winter jujube has earned the status of a national geographical indication product. This achievement is the result of a comprehensive industry-wide upgrade that has transformed traditional farming practices into a modern, technology-driven enterprise.

For decades, jujube farmers in Zhanhua faced the uncertainties of nature. ‘We used to rely entirely on the weather. A good year meant a decent harvest, but if typhoons or frost hit, a year’s hard work was lost,’ said Wang Chunjun, a jujube farmer with 28 years of experience. Today, Wang’s orchard is a testament to the district’s agricultural evolution. Traditional open-field planting has been replaced by modern greenhouses equipped with integrated water and fertilizer systems, intelligent temperature control, and automated pest monitoring. These advancements have not only reduced labor but also stabilized the quality and yield of the jujubes.

In recent years, Zhanhua district has significantly increased its technological investment in winter jujube cultivation. This has led to the development of more than 10 high-quality varieties, providing farmers with rich germplasm resources. The district has also established an intelligent management platform that oversees 6,400 hectares of jujube orchards across nine major planting townships, ensuring precise and standardized management.

The industry’s growth extends beyond fresh fruit. ‘Besides fresh winter jujubes, we have developed more than 10 different products, including jujube bud tea, jujube honey, jujube wine, freeze-dried crispy jujubes, and jujube wood carvings,’ said a staff member of the Zhanhua Winter Jujube Development Exhibition Hall.

Chen Yujuan, director of Zhanhua district, emphasized the broader implications of this success. ‘The upgrade of the Zhanhua winter jujube industry represents not only a breakthrough in traditional agriculture but also an exploration of pathways for rural vitalization,’ she said. ‘We will further increase technological investment, extend the industrial chain, and enhance brand value to let this sweetness delight people across all seasons and throughout the nation.’