分类： society

The Al Ain Museum, a cornerstone of the UAE’s cultural heritage, has reopened its doors to the public, offering a fascinating journey through the nation’s history. Located in the Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the museum combines natural beauty with the historical significance of the Sultan Fort, making it a vital cultural and educational hub. Founded in 1969 by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the museum initially opened with a temporary exhibition in the Sultan Fort before its official inauguration in 1971. Over the years, it expanded to include four exhibition halls, showcasing artifacts from various archaeological campaigns. The museum’s collection spans over 300,000 years, featuring Paleolithic tools, Iron Age artifacts, and diplomatic gifts from around the world. Among the highlights are a wooden model of the Dome of the Rock, a silver plate from Egypt, and gold ornaments from the Bronze Age. The museum also houses the Tower Tomb, a pre-Islamic burial site discovered during restoration works in 2018. With its grand reopening in 2025, the Al Ain Museum continues to serve as a bridge between the past and present, preserving the UAE’s rich heritage for future generations.

In a momentous event on Friday, October 24, 2025, 16 students in Dubai were honored to receive personal letters from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, marking their selection as the inaugural members of the newly established Dubai Students Council. Alongside the letters, the students were gifted a copy of ‘Lessons from Life,’ authored by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The council, comprising a diverse group of students, aims to represent the voices of nearly 400,000 students across Dubai’s private education system. The council’s first official meeting was attended by Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), along with her team. The students expressed their excitement and commitment to making a positive impact. Moza Ahmed, the Chairperson, and Elliott Bathe, the Vice Chairperson, are among the council members. Membership is valid for one academic year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and eligibility criteria. The council will act as a vital link between the student community and KHDA, fostering collaboration and addressing student concerns.

On October 17, 2025, photographer Qi Yingtai achieved a remarkable feat by capturing a mesmerizing night sky from the summit of Liupan Mountain in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. His lens skillfully documented a dynamic celestial display, featuring rolling clouds, a glittering starry expanse, fleeting meteor streaks, and the luminous Leonard comet—all seamlessly framed in a single shot. This extraordinary photograph not only highlights the natural beauty of the region but also underscores the growing interest in astrophotography and the preservation of dark skies. Liupan Mountain, known for its pristine environment and minimal light pollution, has become a favored destination for stargazers and photographers alike. Qi’s work serves as a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders of the night sky and the importance of protecting such natural treasures for future generations.

Education authorities in Chengdu, Sichuan province, and Shanghai have addressed recent online speculation suggesting the abolition of the high school entrance exam, known as the zhongkao, in certain pilot programs. Officials clarified that while new educational reforms aim to integrate middle and high school training models, they do not equate to eliminating the zhongkao, a critical academic assessment. In Chengdu, a 12-year coherent training program will be introduced in eight pilot schools starting in 2025, allowing students in specific continuous education classes to bypass the zhongkao if they choose. However, the program is limited in scope and does not signify a citywide cancellation of the exam. The reforms focus on creating a seamless educational pathway from primary through high school, emphasizing holistic development over exam scores. Similarly, Shanghai’s education commission highlighted that its pilot program aims to unify curriculum design and optimize resource sharing across school stages but does not abolish the zhongkao. The flexible approach helps manage enrollment fluctuations and promotes cross-campus resource sharing, making education more efficient and adaptable. Public concerns about vocational education persist, with many parents fearing that poor zhongkao performance could force their children into vocational schools. Authorities have reiterated that vocational education is a vital part of the education system, offering diverse pathways for students with varying strengths. Experts like Xiong Bingqi, president of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, emphasized that the reforms provide more educational options but do not fundamentally alter the competitive nature of high school admissions. He noted that deeper structural reforms, such as eliminating school hierarchies and bridging the gap between regular and vocational education, are necessary for systemic change. The 2022 revised Law on Vocational Education has redefined vocational education as a parallel pathway to regular education, calling for greater integration between the two systems.

In a significant move to address the growing concerns over mental health among young learners, China’s Ministry of Education has unveiled a comprehensive set of measures aimed at improving the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school students. Announced on October 24, 2025, the initiative focuses on reducing academic pressures, limiting screen time, and fostering supportive environments both in schools and at home. The measures span ten critical areas, emphasizing the reduction of excessive academic burdens and exam-related anxieties. Schools are now mandated to strictly control the volume of written homework, introduce weekly ‘no homework days,’ and limit the frequency and difficulty of tests. Additionally, ranking students based on exam scores has been completely banned. To promote a healthier lifestyle, the policy requires at least two hours of daily physical activity, engaging physical education classes, and regular sports competitions. Sufficient sleep is also prioritized, with schools advised to adjust schedules to ensure necessary rest, including nap time where feasible. The new measures also enforce a classroom ban on mobile phones and promote ‘screen-free’ time to reduce digital dependency. Online platforms are urged to refine their algorithms to stop pushing content that harms students’ mental health, and the ‘minor mode’ will be strengthened to ensure a cleaner and safer online environment. Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups, including left-behind children and those from single-parent families, with tailored support and regular home visits guaranteed. The initiative also calls for the establishment of a national mental health monitoring and early warning system, with annual sample surveys to be conducted. Schools are required to strengthen their counseling services by hiring full-time mental health teachers and offering regular teacher training. Furthermore, efforts will be made to create a more friendly campus atmosphere and encourage peer support. Schools are also directed to work closely with families, providing parents with guidance on mental health and parenting skills to build harmonious family relationships.