分类： society

In a remarkable display of community solidarity, animal welfare advocates successfully rescued an severely malnourished Saluki dog stranded on a perilous ten-lane highway in Abu Dhabi’s Al Shawamekh area. The rescue operation, which unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, involved multiple volunteers coordinating efforts to save the endangered canine from traffic moving at speeds exceeding 140km/h.

The dog, subsequently named Shamekh (Arabic for ‘one who stands tall with dignity, pride, and resilience’), was discovered in critical condition. Veterinary examination revealed severe malnutrition with a body weight of just 15.7kg, anemia, tick fever, ear infections, and visible scars indicating possible trauma. The absence of a microchip suggests the animal had been abandoned.

Rawan Ghunaim, founder of rescue organization House of Hounds (HOH), spearheaded the coordinated response after being alerted by fellow rescuer Majeda Al Hosani, who initially spotted the dog during her commute. Al Hosani maintained vigil for over two hours to ensure the dog’s safety until experienced Saluki handler Hamad Al Ghanem arrived to execute the actual rescue. The operation was captured on video showing Al Ghanem calmly approaching and comforting the frightened animal before transporting him to the British Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi.

This incident highlights a disturbing trend in the UAE regarding the treatment of Salukis, a breed traditionally valued as hunting companions and family members. According to Ghunaim, who rescues two to three Salukis daily, many are now abandoned on highways, deserts, or near farms when they’re no longer deemed useful for racing or beauty contests. This represents a significant cultural shift from historical practices where these dogs were respected and integrated into family life.

Despite their calm, low-maintenance nature often compared to cats, Salukis face adoption challenges within the UAE. Many rescued dogs consequently find homes in Europe through HOH’s international adoption program. The organization, registered as a non-profit in Europe and the United States, facilitates these transfers to families more familiar with the breed’s characteristics.

Shamekh remains under veterinary care while awaiting eventual placement in a suitable permanent home, representing both a successful rescue story and a sobering reminder of ongoing animal welfare challenges in the region.

A preliminary investigation by Britain’s policing watchdog into the controversial ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a match against Aston Villa has ignited significant controversy due to its complete exclusion of Muslim community perspectives. Andy Cooke, Chief Inspector of Constabulary, submitted a report to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood that included twenty interviews with prominent figures but notably omitted any representatives from Birmingham’s Muslim community, despite Muslims constituting approximately 30% of the city’s population.

The report’s findings prompted Home Secretary Mahmood to declare she had ‘no confidence’ in West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, resulting in his immediate retirement. Cooke’s investigation reviewed police intelligence that justified prohibiting Maccabi supporters from the Europa League fixture at Villa Park in November.

Among those interviewed were diplomatic representatives from the Israeli embassy, the Jewish Representative Council for Birmingham and West Midlands, and Lord Mann, the government’s independent adviser on antisemitism. However, no Muslim community groups or mosque leaders were consulted, despite the significant Muslim population in the region.

A source familiar with the investigation revealed to Middle East Eye that Cooke’s team had indeed interviewed Muslim community groups but could not include their perspectives due to ‘tight’ deadlines imposed by the Home Office for the preliminary report. The source indicated these interviews would be included in subsequent updates.

Birmingham Perry Barr MP Ayoub Khan, whose constituency includes Villa Park stadium, expressed profound disappointment that Cooke’s team had not contacted him or local councillors. ‘British Muslims are treated as expendable,’ Khan stated. ‘That is how Muslims on the ground in Birmingham feel at the moment, and there is deep grievance about it.’

Jewish Voice for Liberation, a group representing Jews critical of Israel, also voiced concerns regarding the lack of Muslim representation in the report. In a letter to West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, representatives David Mond and Jenny Manson expressed being ‘surprised and dismayed’ by the omission.

The controversy stems from West Midlands Police’s decision to ban Maccabi fans based on intelligence from Dutch police regarding the conduct of approximately 200 supporters described as ‘experienced fighters’ who wreaked havoc in Amsterdam during a November 2024 match. Police assessments concluded the most significant violence risk came from extremist fans of the Israeli club, with documents characterizing them as ‘highly organized’ and ‘intent on causing serious violence.’

Chief Constable Guildford had previously defended the ban as a ‘necessary tactic with a legitimate aim, absolutely not antisemitic, rather a carefully considered, legitimate and necessary measure to ensure public safety.’ He acknowledged that part of the evidence justifying the ban, including reference to a nonexistent match against West Ham, was erroneously obtained using artificial intelligence.

China has initiated a groundbreaking shift in urban development strategy through newly introduced flexible planning regulations. Jointly issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, these measures represent a fundamental rethinking of urban management as China transitions from rapid urbanization to quality-focused development.

The innovative framework addresses the growing need for adaptive urban planning that responds to evolving societal demands and market dynamics. Xie Haixia, Director of the National Land Spatial Planning Bureau, emphasized the necessity of enhancing planning flexibility while maintaining legal compliance. The reforms include streamlined procedures for plan modifications and exemptions for certain community improvement projects.

Significantly, the policy allows minor urban renewal initiatives—including parking facility construction, charging station installation, elevator additions, and green space development—to proceed without formal planning permits, provided they ensure public safety and don’t infringe on neighboring rights.

The practical implementation of these policies is already demonstrating tangible benefits. In Yancheng, Jiangsu province, authorities creatively repurposed underutilized spaces beneath bridges and in idle buildings to develop 54 sports facilities, capitalizing on the massive popularity of the Jiangsu Super League that attracted nearly 30,000 spectators per game.

Beyond community enhancements, the policy breakthrough facilitates industrial innovation by breaking rigid land classification systems. Shanghai’s Xinzhuang industrial area exemplifies this approach, where previously idle enterprise properties have been reclaimed and reallocated to establish a comprehensive commercial aerospace industrial chain encompassing rocket design, satellite development, and component manufacturing.

Officials Zhang Yan from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development confirmed that both ministries will collaborate to ensure effective nationwide implementation, including comprehensive assessments to identify challenges and refine solutions throughout the execution process.

China has officially designated 23 county-level regions as the nation’s inaugural batch of ecological demonstration zones for beautiful countryside development. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced the pioneering initiative on Wednesday, highlighting these areas as exemplary models for sustainable rural transformation.

The selected regions represent three distinct approaches to environmentally-conscious development. Ten mountainous counties have successfully reconciled ecological preservation with enhanced livelihoods, overcoming the unique challenges of highland village development. Seven other areas have achieved balanced urban-rural integration by coupling environmental conservation with the growth of distinctive local industries. The remaining six zones have utilized their well-maintained ecosystems to drive agricultural modernization and rural economic revitalization.

According to Zhao Shixin, Director of the Ministry’s Department of Soil Ecology and Environment, these demonstration zones extend beyond creating habitable environments. They provide tangible blueprints for other regions seeking to enable residents to prosper from their natural assets—literally transforming ‘lucid waters and lush mountains’ into invaluable ecological and economic resources.

All 23 zones feature immaculate villages with comprehensive sewage and waste management systems that have successfully eradicated black, malodorous water bodies. The Ministry further revealed ambitious plans to support approximately 100 additional county-level areas in developing similar pioneer zones by 2027, significantly expanding the national network of eco-conscious rural development models.

In the frost-kissed landscapes of Qianpailou village, Panshi city, northeastern China’s Jilin province, wildlife photographers have documented a remarkable avian display during the winter season. The captured images reveal intricate behavioral patterns of multiple bird species adapting to the harsh winter conditions.

The photographic series, taken in mid-January 2026, showcases woodpeckers diligently foraging for sustenance beneath tree bark, gray magpies perched majestically on snow-dusted tree stumps, and vibrant red-breasted gray finches navigating the winter ecosystem. These images provide valuable insight into avian survival strategies during Jilin’s characteristically severe winters.

Environmental specialists note that these photographs serve as both artistic achievements and ecological documentation, highlighting the biodiversity preserved within Jilin’s winter habitats. The imagery demonstrates interspecies coexistence and adaptive feeding behaviors that enable these birds to thrive despite temperature extremes.

The photographic project, facilitated through collaboration between local naturalists and visual artists, represents ongoing efforts to document wildlife patterns in China’s northeastern regions. Such documentation contributes to broader understanding of seasonal avian migration and residential patterns in temperate climate zones.

Conservationists emphasize the importance of maintaining natural habitats that support these winter populations, particularly as climate change alters traditional migratory routes and feeding grounds. The Qianpailou village area has emerged as a significant observation point for ornithologists studying adaptation mechanisms in songbirds and corvids alike.

TOKYO — Japanese authorities confirmed Wednesday that rescue teams have identified aircraft debris believed to be from a sightseeing helicopter that vanished during a scenic flight over Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most active volcanic sites. The aircraft carried three individuals—a pilot and two passengers—who remain unaccounted for since losing contact Monday afternoon.

The helicopter, operated by Takumi Enterprise, was conducting a routine 10-minute tourist flight when communications abruptly ceased. Following an extensive search operation, wreckage was visually identified Tuesday within the crater of Nakadake, one of Mount Aso’s five distinct peaks. However, hazardous conditions including elevated volcanic gas emissions and powerful winds have significantly impeded physical access to the site.

Takumi Morioka, head of the tour company, addressed media Wednesday expressing hope for survivors while acknowledging the challenging circumstances. This incident marks the second safety-related event for the operator in the volcanic zone, following an emergency landing last year that resulted in injuries to three occupants.

Mount Aso, which last experienced volcanic activity in October 2021, represents a major tourism draw in southwestern Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture. Helicopter tours providing aerial views of the volcanic landscape have grown increasingly popular despite the inherent risks associated with active geological formations. Rescue coordination efforts continue under the supervision of local fire department and police authorities.

In the highland region of Yunnan province, Lugu Lake awakens each winter morning shrouded in an ethereal mist. As dawn breaks over the surrounding mountains, a timeless cultural tradition emerges from the fog. Local Mosuo ethnic community members navigate the tranquil waters in traditional dugout canoes, their ancient mountain songs reverberating across the lake’s surface.

The Mosuo boaters provide visitors with an immersive cultural experience, blending natural beauty with living tradition. The combination of the lake’s atmospheric winter fog and the haunting melodies creates a surreal spectacle that has become a signature attraction of the Lijiang area. This daily ritual represents more than tourism—it’s a preservation of Mosuo heritage and connection to their ancestral environment.

Photographers like Chen Fei have captured these mesmerizing scenes, showing how the Mosuo people maintain their cultural practices while sharing them with outsiders. The images reveal the perfect harmony between human activity and natural beauty, with the dugout canoes gliding effortlessly through the misty waters as songs echo against the mountainous backdrop.

The phenomenon has gained attention as both a tourist attraction and an example of cultural preservation. Visitors to the region can experience this atmospheric performance firsthand, gaining insight into the Mosuo way of life while witnessing one of Yunnan’s most breathtaking natural settings.

A specialized cultural immersion experience unfolded aboard train K7041 as it departed Harbin Railway Station on Monday evening, transporting over 100 international tourists from Singapore, Malaysia, and various other nations toward Mohe—China’s northernmost urban center in Heilongjiang province.

Operated by China Railway Harbin Group, this folk-themed journey transforms conventional rail travel into a mobile cultural showcase. Throughout the expedition, passengers engaged with the rich tapestry of Northeast China’s indigenous traditions through interactive demonstrations and participatory activities.

The immersive experience featured authentic presentations of Ewenki birch bark pyrography, an ancient artistic practice utilizing heated tools to create intricate designs on tree bark. Travelers also enjoyed live performances of Oroqen folk music and observed delicate embroidery techniques passed down through generations.

Beyond passive observation, the journey encouraged hands-on participation in traditional Northeast yangko dance—a vibrant folk dance style—alongside craft workshops including paper-cutting and dumpling making sessions. The cultural exploration extended to a traditional Manchu folk game, providing visitors with comprehensive insight into the region’s diverse ethnic heritage.

This innovative travel concept represents China’s growing emphasis on experiential tourism that combines transportation with cultural education, offering international visitors an authentic encounter with remote regional traditions while showcasing the country’s ethnic diversity to global audiences.