分类： society

In a remarkable display of community spirit, over 300 volunteers, including individuals of determination, came together to renovate Al Khairiya Charity School in Samnan, Sharjah. The initiative, titled ‘Community-Inspired Schools,’ was launched by the Ministry of Community Empowerment in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation and local partners. This event marked the Sharjah edition of the ‘7 Over 7’ initiative, part of the UAE’s broader Volunteering and Community Engagement Framework. Volunteers of all ages participated in activities ranging from cleaning classrooms and painting murals to planting seedlings and implementing sustainable agriculture projects. The event not only revitalized the school’s infrastructure but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among participants. Among the volunteers was Noureddine Amasha, a 16-year-old with determination, who shared his enthusiasm for contributing despite personal challenges. The initiative also included a homemade organic composting project, which had previously won global recognition at the COP28 ‘Preserving Grace’ conference. Teachers Halima Al Dhanhani and Huda Al Zahouri led efforts to educate volunteers on sustainable practices. The event concluded with a transformed school environment, ready to inspire and support its students. Mohammed Abdulhamid AlHosani, Director of Leadership and Empowerment at the Emirates Foundation, emphasized the UAE’s unique culture of volunteerism, where citizens and residents alike are eager to give back. The ‘Seven Opportunities in Seven Emirates’ program aims to expand volunteer opportunities across various fields, ensuring each emirate benefits from tailored initiatives.

In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, Sharjah Police have apprehended an Arab man for the illegal trafficking and trade of protected animals, including endangered storks and foxes. The arrest, announced on November 2, 2025, was the result of a coordinated effort involving multiple authorities. Following the arrest, the confiscated animals were safely relocated to a nature reserve under the supervision of the Sharjah Environment and Nature Reserves Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. The accused has been handed over to the public prosecutor to face legal proceedings. Sharjah Police have called on residents to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal acquisition or trade of protected species. This operation was conducted by the Directorate of Investigations and Criminal Investigations in collaboration with the Federal Criminal Police and the Environment and Nature Reserves Authority. The UAE has a history of stringent actions against wildlife crimes. In October 2024, five individuals were arrested in Abu Dhabi for illegal falcon hunting, while in May 2025, a wild cat was captured in Fujairah, resulting in a hefty fine for its owner. Additionally, in 2021, Dubai Police thwarted an attempt to illegally sell a wolf. UAE law imposes severe penalties for such offenses, with fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh500,000 for owning dangerous animals without registration. Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 and Law No. 22 of 2005 strictly prohibit the hunting, killing, or capturing of protected species without proper authorization.

The United Arab Emirates was awash with national pride as citizens and residents celebrated Flag Day on November 3, 2025. At precisely 11 a.m., government and private institutions, schools, and homes across the country raised the UAE flag in unison, accompanied by the stirring notes of the national anthem. This annual tradition, deeply rooted in the nation’s collective memory, sees the country adorned in its iconic colours of red, green, white, and black, symbolizing unity, loyalty, and gratitude. The event marks the accession of the UAE’s second president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2004 and was officially established in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. For many Emiratis, Flag Day is a cherished family ritual. Maitha Al Amari, a resident of Al Ain, shared how her family gathers annually to replace the old flag with a new one, instilling values of respect and pride in the younger generation. In Dubai, the Ferjan Dubai initiative distributed new flags across neighbourhoods, encouraging residents to participate in this nationwide movement of patriotism. Sara M, an Emirati teacher, described the day as a celebration of both national identity and personal memories, highlighting the sense of warmth and connection it brings. Flag Day not only honours the UAE’s achievements but also serves as a reminder of the nation’s enduring unity and shared commitment to its future.

Every year on November 3, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates Flag Day, a significant occasion where public and private institutions, along with residents, hoist the national flag to honor its symbolism of unity and pride. This tradition traces back to 1971 when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, first raised the flag during Eid Al Etihad celebrations. Designed by Abdullah Al Maeena as part of a competition by Al-Ittihad newspaper, the flag’s red, green, white, and black colors embody the nation’s history and shared values. For those participating in this cherished event, adhering to proper flag etiquette is crucial. Here are the key dos and don’ts:

**Dos:**
– Ensure the flag is made from high-quality, sustainable polyester blend with a neutral finish.
– Keep the flag at least 20-25 centimeters above the ground and ensure it remains clean and ironed.
– Inspect the flag for damage or fading before hoisting and fold it properly after use.

**Don’ts:**
– Avoid any act of disrespect, such as dropping, tearing, or improperly lowering the flag, as such actions are punishable by law.
– Do not add emblems, logos, or decorative elements to the flag.
– Refrain from using the flag on edibles or altering its proportions for decorative purposes.

Flag Day serves as a reminder of the UAE’s unity and the deep respect its citizens and residents hold for their national symbol. By following these guidelines, individuals can contribute to preserving the dignity and significance of the UAE flag.

South Korea is witnessing a profound societal shift as its population ages rapidly, with nearly half of its citizens aged 50 or older and birth rates plummeting to among the lowest globally. This demographic transformation has spurred a burgeoning industry centered around death and its associated services. In Busan, a port city, rows of coffins fill university classrooms, where students at the Busan Institute of Science and Technology train to become funeral directors. These students meticulously prepare mannequins for burial, simulating the care required for real-life funerals. Jang Jin-yeong, a 27-year-old student, chose this career path anticipating the growing demand for funeral services in an ageing society. Similarly, Im Sae-jin, 23, was inspired to enter the field after witnessing the dignified preparation of his grandmother’s funeral. The rise of single-person households, now accounting for 42% of all homes in South Korea, has also given birth to a new profession: posthumous home cleaners. These specialists are called to tidy up residences after the solitary deaths of occupants. Cho Eun-seok, a former classical musician, has become one such cleaner, often encountering heartbreaking remnants of lives lived alone. He described homes filled with unopened gifts and neatly stored soju bottles, painting a poignant picture of isolation. South Korea’s high suicide rate, the highest among developed nations, further compounds the issue of lonely deaths. Cho has even begun cleaning vehicles where individuals have taken their own lives and is developing a device to detect unattended deaths, which can lead to environmental hazards. The emotional toll of this work is evident in stories like that of a high school girl who, after escaping domestic violence, lived alone in a tiny room and took her own life. Cho discovered her cherished hamster and guitar, remnants of her unfulfilled dream of becoming a musician. Kim Doo-nyeon, a veteran funeral director, notes an increasing number of young recruits entering the industry, reflecting the growing need for such services. Despite the challenges, these professionals play a vital role in addressing the societal consequences of South Korea’s demographic crisis.