As winter approaches, the deserts of Dubai are once again illuminated by the warm glow of tent lights, signaling the return of a beloved seasonal tradition. The Half Desert and Al Qudra areas, located near Al Ain Road and Emirates Road, have transformed into bustling hubs of activity, with dozens of tents dotting the landscape. These tents, ranging from cozy family setups to larger spaces accommodating up to 20 guests, are in high demand as visitors flock to enjoy the cool weather, barbecues, and music under the stars. However, this year, the cost of experiencing these desert nights has risen significantly. Weekend tent rentals from 8pm to 11pm now start at Dh250 per hour, dropping to Dh130 per hour after 11pm. Caretakers attribute the price hike to the surge in visitors seeking a unique evening of dining and entertainment. Abdul Rahim Akhtar, a caretaker managing seven tents, noted that bookings have been pouring in since October, with many customers securing their spots through online payments. The tents come equipped with floor seating, grills, water, and music systems, with larger setups featuring decorative lights, carpets, and even portable air coolers. Jawad Khan, another caretaker, highlighted the flexibility of weekday prices, which can drop to Dh150 or less depending on the group size. Meanwhile, Mohammed Faisal at Al Qudra observed that while visitors are arriving for late evening drives, the barbecue season is yet to peak. Social media has played a significant role in driving demand, with families and groups sharing their experiences, inspiring others to join in the festivities. From birthday celebrations to casual gatherings, the desert tents offer a unique and affordable alternative to traditional venues, making them a winter favorite in Dubai.
分类： society
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UAE Flag Day celebrations: Flag-raising at 11am, drone shows at Global Village
The United Arab Emirates is gearing up for its annual Flag Day celebrations on November 3, 2025, a day dedicated to honoring the nation’s unity and leadership. Established in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Flag Day commemorates the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s ascension as President in 2004. This year’s festivities will kick off with a nationwide flag-raising ceremony at 11am, observed by citizens, residents, and institutions across the country. The event will include the playing of the national anthem and a moment of reflection to express loyalty and patriotism. Flags will adorn homes, streets, and businesses, with strict guidelines in place to ensure proper respect for the national symbol. While Flag Day is not a public holiday, it marks the beginning of a month-long celebration leading up to Eid Al Etihad on December 2. In Dubai, the iconic Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim Beach, near the Burj Al Arab, will showcase thousands of UAE flags arranged in aerial portraits of the nation’s founding leaders, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The garden will be open to the public from October 31, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Adding to the festivities, Global Village in Dubai will host a breathtaking drone show on November 3 at 9pm. Hundreds of drones will illuminate the night sky, forming intricate patterns, the UAE flag, and other visual tributes to the nation. Sheikh Mohammed has urged all citizens and residents to participate in the celebrations, emphasizing the importance of unity, belonging, and loyalty to the UAE and its leadership.
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Sharjah: 13,306 surprise visits conducted to ensure fire readiness at workshops, towers
Sharjah Civil Defence has ramped up its fire safety initiatives, conducting a total of 18,714 inspections in the first half of 2025, including 13,306 surprise visits to industrial, commercial, and residential facilities. The campaign aims to ensure compliance with fire safety standards, assess the functionality of alarm and suppression systems, and verify the safe storage of flammable materials. Brigadier General Yousif Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence, emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility requiring awareness and participation from all community members. The inspections are complemented by educational sessions, where officers provide practical guidance on preventive measures, evacuation procedures, and the correct use of firefighting equipment. Al Shamsi highlighted the importance of a proactive approach to fire prevention, supported by 14 strategically located firefighting centres equipped with advanced technology for rapid response. The initiative reflects Sharjah’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety and resilience, ensuring that buildings and facilities are prepared for emergencies. Compared to 2024, the increased number of inspections demonstrates a sustained effort to uphold international fire safety standards and minimize risks across the emirate.
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Chinese cuisine championship bridges cultures in Kenya
The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, held at Kenya’s Utalii College, became a vibrant hub of culinary excellence and cultural connection. The event, organized by the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry with support from the Chinese embassy in Kenya and the Kenya Chinese Cuisine and Culture Association, attracted approximately 40 teams from across the globe. Participants included 15 Kenyan teams, 15 from China, and representatives from Australia, Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria, and the United States, alongside three non-professional Kenyan teams. The competition highlighted the artistry of Chinese cuisine, with chefs crafting innovative dishes that blended traditional Chinese flavors with African influences. From dim sum to Sichuan spice and Cantonese delicacies, the event showcased the diversity of Chinese culinary traditions. Rebecca Miano, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for Tourism, emphasized the event’s role in strengthening Kenya-China relations, aligning with the vision of a ‘China-Kenya Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.’ She also underscored the importance of gastronomy in promoting tourism and fostering economic diplomacy. The championship not only celebrated culinary skills but also served as a platform for cultural exchange, bridging communities through the universal language of food.
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Shooting on Greek island of Crete leaves 2 dead and at least 6 injured
A tragic shooting incident on the Greek island of Crete has left two people dead and at least six others injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The violence, which erupted in the village of Vorizia, approximately 52 kilometers south of Heraklion, is believed to stem from a long-standing feud between two local families. According to police reports, the victims included a 39-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, both of whom succumbed to their injuries during the shootout. Six additional individuals were hospitalized with injuries of varying severity, as stated by the local emergency services, EKAB. Two of the injured men remain under police guard as their potential involvement in the incident is investigated. The shooting prompted a significant deployment of security forces and emergency responders to the small mountain town, where authorities have launched a preliminary investigation. This incident appears to be the latest escalation in a protracted conflict between the two families, which reportedly began over disputes related to grazing lands. Although these conflicts were previously resolved through private mediation, tensions reignited last year when a member of one family purchased land in an area controlled by the other. The same property was the site of an explosion on Friday night, though no injuries were reported from that event. Greek public broadcaster ERT highlighted that such family disputes are not uncommon in rural Crete, where private mediation is often employed to resolve conflicts.
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Delays at US airports as staff absences surge, aviation agency says
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revealed that nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers across the United States have been working without pay for over a month due to the ongoing government shutdown. This unprecedented situation has led to a significant ‘surge’ in absenteeism among controllers, resulting in widespread delays and cancellations at major airports nationwide. According to the FAA, half of the country’s 30 largest airports are grappling with severe staff shortages, with New York particularly affected—80% of its air traffic controllers were absent heading into the weekend. The FAA emphasized that the prolonged lack of compensation has placed controllers under immense stress and fatigue, jeopardizing both their well-being and the safety of air travel. To mitigate risks, the agency has reduced air traffic flow, which has already caused delays to approximately 6,000 flights and cancellations of nearly 500 on Friday alone, as reported by FlightAware. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the financial strain on controllers, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck and are struggling with basic expenses like childcare and mortgages. The shutdown stems from a political deadlock, with Republicans and Democrats failing to agree on funding measures. Democrats are pushing for extended health insurance tax credits and a reversal of Medicaid cuts in exchange for reopening the government. The FAA has urged lawmakers to resolve the impasse promptly to ensure workers receive their due pay and travelers avoid further disruptions.
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Two new suspects handed preliminary charges in Louvre jewels heist case, Paris prosecutor says
Paris authorities have intensified their probe into the high-profile theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, with two additional suspects now facing preliminary charges. The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, announced on Saturday that a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were formally accused of involvement in the heist. The man was charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, while the woman is accused of being an accomplice. Both individuals have been detained and have denied any role in the crime. The woman’s lawyer, Adrien Sorrentino, stated that his client is “devastated” and disputes the allegations, claiming she does not understand how she is implicated. This development follows the arrest of five individuals on Wednesday, one of whom was linked to the case through DNA evidence. Three of those arrested have since been released without charges. Earlier this week, two other suspects, aged 34 and 39, were charged with similar offenses. These men, believed to have forcibly entered the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, reportedly gave “minimalist” statements and partially admitted their involvement. One was apprehended at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria, and his DNA matched a scooter used in the escape. French law restricts the disclosure of investigation details to protect police operations and victims’ privacy, a policy known as “secret d’instruction.” Only the prosecutor is authorized to provide updates on the case. In a separate incident, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported the arrest of six individuals following a robbery at a gold refining laboratory in Lyon, where thieves used explosives to steal loot valued at 12 million euros ($13.9 million), which has since been recovered.
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Captivating landscape forms in Yunnan
As autumn reaches its peak, the picturesque region of Bangdong township in Lincang, Yunnan province, transforms into a breathtaking canvas of natural beauty. According to Yunnan.cn, a local news portal, the convergence of rolling sea of clouds with the lush tea gardens on Manglu Mountain creates a mesmerizing landscape that captivates both locals and visitors alike. This phenomenon, occurring at the end of October, marks the most enchanting season of the year for the area. The scene is further enhanced by the warm hues of the sunset glow, casting a golden light over the terraced tea fields. Photographer Liu Lida captured this stunning moment, showcasing the harmonious blend of nature’s elements. The tea gardens, a vital part of the local economy and culture, not only provide a livelihood for residents but also serve as a symbol of Yunnan’s rich agricultural heritage. This annual spectacle highlights the region’s unique charm and reinforces its reputation as a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
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Woman charged over Louvre jewellery heist
A 38-year-old woman has been formally charged in connection with the audacious theft of €88 million worth of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris last month. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, faces allegations of complicity in organized theft and criminal conspiracy. She appeared before a magistrate, who ordered her to remain in custody pending further investigation. The woman was apprehended earlier this week alongside four other individuals, two of whom had already been charged with theft and conspiracy after partially admitting their involvement in the crime. The heist, which occurred on October 19, saw four men execute a meticulously planned daylight robbery, using a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d’Apollon via a balcony near the River Seine. Armed with a disc cutter, they swiftly breached display cases containing priceless treasures, including the Marie-Louise necklace, a pair of earrings, and a tiara once worn by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. The thieves spent a mere four minutes inside the museum before escaping on two scooters, later switching to cars. Despite extensive investigations, the stolen jewels remain missing. In response to the incident, security measures have been heightened across France’s cultural institutions, with the Louvre relocating some of its most valuable artifacts to the Bank of France for safekeeping.
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‘Worth it’: Why young UAE residents are lifting heavy trash bags to keep desert clean
As winter approaches, the deserts of the UAE are becoming a popular destination for outdoor activities, picnics, and car shows. However, the surge in visitors has led to a concerning increase in litter, threatening the natural beauty and ecological balance of these pristine landscapes. In response, groups of young Emiratis have taken it upon themselves to launch volunteer-driven clean-up campaigns, transforming a simple idea into a widespread movement for environmental responsibility. What began as a small effort by two friends in 2022 has now grown into a coordinated initiative involving over fifty participants. These volunteers not only collect trash but also organize camping spots and raise awareness among visitors to ensure the desert remains clean after gatherings. The initiative has gained momentum, with local businesses and philanthropists offering support through donations and rewards. Despite the physical challenges of working in remote, rugged terrain, the volunteers remain motivated by their love for their country and pride in representing Emirati youth. Their efforts have started to yield results, with more visitors now packing up their belongings properly before leaving. The movement has also gained traction on social media, attracting attention from across the Gulf region. Volunteers emphasize the importance of safety, with many trained in first aid and emergency response. The initiative highlights the collective responsibility of preserving the nation’s natural heritage and serves as a reminder of the enduring value of volunteerism and environmental awareness.