In Morocco, a wave of youth-led protests has emerged, challenging the government’s priorities and demanding urgent social reforms. Despite the impending Africa Cup of Nations in December, demonstrators have called for a boycott of soccer matches at newly constructed stadiums, symbolizing their discontent with the allocation of resources. On Saturday, hundreds of young protesters took to the streets in cities like Casablanca and Tangier, reigniting their demands for the release of arrested activists and the ouster of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, whom they accuse of corruption. The protests, organized by the grassroots movement Gen Z 212, focus on systemic issues such as inadequate healthcare, education disparities, and government accountability. The movement, which boasts over 200,000 followers on platforms like Discord, has gained momentum following a recent eight-day pause. Protesters chanted slogans like ‘Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?’ and criticized the government for prioritizing sports infrastructure over essential public services. Education remains a central issue, with demonstrators highlighting the growing divide between public and private schools. Government audits reveal persistent challenges, including teacher shortages and regional disparities, particularly in rural areas. While officials have pledged to reallocate funds to healthcare and education, tangible improvements remain elusive. The protests, inspired by similar movements in Nepal, have occasionally turned violent, resulting in arrests and legal repercussions. Despite these challenges, Morocco’s youth remain steadfast in their fight for a more equitable future.
分类： society
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‘I miss the past, but we like the money’: The Bali-fication of a laidback surfers’ island
Indonesia is ambitiously transforming Lombok into a new tourist hotspot, aiming to replicate the success of Bali. Known for its pristine beaches, Mount Rinjani, and serene landscapes, Lombok offers a quieter alternative to its bustling neighbor. However, this ‘Balification’ comes with both opportunities and challenges for locals and the environment. Damar, a surf guide, exemplifies the personal and societal shifts brought by tourism. Once fearful of foreigners, he now thrives in the industry, earning twice as much as traditional fishermen. Yet, his story is tinged with the pain of eviction, as his village made way for the Mandalika circuit, a centerpiece of Lombok’s tourism push. The government’s efforts have attracted significant investment, including a $250 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, accelerating infrastructure development. However, this rapid transformation has sparked tensions. Evictions in Tanjung Aan, where nearly 200 stalls were demolished, have left many locals without livelihoods. Critics argue that the project prioritizes economic growth over human rights and environmental sustainability. Lombok’s cultural identity is also at stake. The predominantly Muslim island, home to the Sasak ethnic group, faces potential shifts in its conservative values as tourism grows. Environmental concerns loom large, with events like the motorcycle Grand Prix generating significant waste. Despite these challenges, tourism has brought prosperity to some, like homestay owner Lara, who has expanded her business significantly. Yet, she reminisces about the slower pace of life before the tourism boom. As Lombok navigates this new era, it must balance economic growth with preserving its unique identity and addressing the concerns of its people.
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Ajman partially opens new bridge to Sheikh Zayed Road
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE has inaugurated the partial opening of the Al Hamidiyah Bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road in Ajman, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. Spanning 1,100 meters and featuring four lanes in each direction, the bridge is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity across key areas. While the main structure is now operational, ongoing work continues on lower intersections, pavements, parking facilities, rainwater drainage systems, and connecting roads to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. These remaining components are slated for completion by the end of the year. The project is expected to reduce travel time by 60%, providing seamless access to residential zones, service areas, and vital facilities such as the under-construction Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Hospital and the Zayed Educational Complex. This initiative aligns with Ajman’s broader strategy for sustainable urban growth, enhancing the efficiency of its road network and supporting the emirate’s comprehensive development goals. The opening ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including H.E. Eng. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry, and H.E. Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman.
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Sharjah Police roll out smart device to detect traffic violations, issue fines
In a significant move to bolster road safety and streamline traffic, Sharjah Police have unveiled a cutting-edge smart device named ‘Rased’. This innovative radar system, equipped with a high-resolution camera, is designed to detect and address traffic violations in real-time. The device was developed over three phases in Sharjah Police’s traffic innovation lab, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to leveraging technology for public safety.
‘Rased’ targets serious traffic infractions such as wrong turns and lane violations, which often lead to accidents and congestion. Upon detecting a violation, the system automatically issues a fine to the offending driver. According to a Sharjah Police officer, the primary objective is to ensure safer roads and smoother traffic flow, particularly during peak hours, rather than merely penalizing drivers.
This initiative comes amidst a notable reduction in traffic fatalities in Sharjah. Data from the first half of 2025 reveals a 35% decrease in the traffic fatality rate per 100,000 population compared to the same period in 2024. The introduction of ‘Rased’ is expected to further enhance road discipline and safety, contributing to the emirate’s ongoing efforts to reduce accidents and improve traffic management.
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Wrongfully imprisoned for more than 40 years, US man now faces deportation to India
Subramanyam ‘Subu’ Vedam, who spent 43 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, was exonerated earlier this month after new evidence emerged. However, his newfound freedom was short-lived as he was immediately detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which seeks to deport him to India—a country he left as an infant. Vedam’s legal team is now battling the deportation order, while his family fights to secure his permanent release. His sister, Saraswathi Vedam, described the situation as ‘very different,’ noting that her brother has transitioned from a familiar prison environment to a crowded detention facility where his history of good behavior is unrecognized. Vedam, who maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration, was convicted in the 1980s for the murder of his former roommate, Tom Kinser, and a subsequent drug offense. Despite his exoneration for the murder, his drug conviction remains, providing ICE with grounds for deportation. Vedam’s family emphasizes his deep ties to the U.S., where he has lived since infancy, and his lack of connections to India. His lawyer, Ava Benach, argued that deporting him would compound the injustice he has already endured. The family hopes his decades of good behavior, educational achievements, and community service will influence the immigration court’s decision.
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Dubai’s Global Village: Dh120 premium parking, automatic payment via Salik
Dubai’s Global Village, one of the city’s most renowned tourist destinations, has unveiled a cutting-edge smart parking system in collaboration with Salik x Parkonic. This innovative solution, introduced for the park’s 30th season, offers visitors a seamless parking experience in two designated zones: Premium and P6. While general parking remains free across six zones, the Premium parking option is priced at Dh120, and P6 costs Dh75. Both zones feature automatic payment integration through the Salik eWallet, eliminating the need for physical tickets. Additionally, visitors can check real-time parking availability via the Global Village mobile app, which also provides directions to the nearest available parking spots. For those seeking convenience, Premium and VIP parking services grant access to dedicated slots near the main entrances—The Cultural Gate and the Gate of the World. This initiative aims to enhance the overall visitor experience at the park, which has already drawn thousands of guests since its season opening on October 15. On weekends, five additional parking zones are activated to accommodate higher demand. Global Village continues to solidify its reputation as a must-visit attraction in Dubai, blending cultural experiences with modern amenities.
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UAE: Family given Dh250,000 after worker’s death due to employer negligence
In a landmark ruling, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil, and Administrative Appeals Court has increased the compensation awarded to the family of a construction worker who died due to employer negligence. The court raised the compensation from Dh100,000 to Dh250,000, emphasizing the employer’s failure to implement proper safety measures. The worker tragically fell from scaffolding and died instantly, a direct result of the company’s neglect of its duty to protect employees. The court also ordered the defendants to cover all legal and court-related fees. The heirs had initially sought Dh10 million in compensation, arguing that the employer’s negligence directly caused the worker’s death and violated occupational safety laws. The court highlighted that while Islamic blood money (diya) compensates part of the loss, it does not cover the full financial, emotional, and moral damages suffered by the family. This ruling underscores the legal obligation of employers to maintain strict safety protocols, particularly in high-risk environments like construction sites. It serves as a stern warning to companies across the UAE to prioritize worker safety or face severe legal and financial consequences. The case also affirms the right of families to pursue full compensation for preventable workplace deaths, holding employers accountable for negligence that costs lives. The decision stresses the critical importance of adhering to occupational safety standards and ensuring the well-being of workers, emphasizing that tragedies caused by avoidable negligence cannot be fully rectified by diya alone.
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Dubai Police to now track vehicles with fines, seizure orders using Parkin spaces
Dubai Police has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Parkin PJSC, the leading provider of public parking facilities in the emirate, to integrate their traffic management systems with Parkin’s smart parking and payment platforms. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at GITEX Global 2025, aims to enhance road safety and streamline traffic enforcement. By leveraging advanced technologies, the initiative will enable Dubai Police to instantly identify vehicles with outstanding fines or seizure orders as soon as they use Parkin’s facilities, allowing for swift legal action. The integration will also aid in detecting vehicles involved in criminal or traffic cases, further bolstering the city’s security measures. Brigadier Issam Ibrahim Al Awar, Acting Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, emphasized that this partnership underscores the force’s commitment to digital transformation and public safety. He highlighted that the project will improve traffic monitoring, ensure compliance with laws, and reduce the presence of unlicensed vehicles or unpaid fines on the roads. Engineer Mohamed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating that it aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart and sustainable urban development. The initiative is expected to enhance parking and traffic management efficiency, contributing to a safer and more seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.
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Watch: Brits row from Peru to Australia in tiny boat
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, British adventurers Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne have successfully completed a six-month, unsupported rowing journey from Peru to Australia. The duo shared their remarkable story with the BBC, detailing how they navigated the vast Pacific Ocean in a small boat, relying solely on their resourcefulness and resilience. Throughout the arduous expedition, they sustained themselves by catching fish and cultivating their own vegetables, showcasing their ability to adapt to the challenges of life at sea. This incredible journey not only highlights their physical and mental fortitude but also serves as an inspiring testament to human perseverance and the spirit of adventure.
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Sharjah warns of Dh2,000 fine for unauthorised camping, bumps up security
As the winter season approaches, drawing thousands of residents and tourists to Sharjah’s desert and open areas for camping, authorities have announced stringent measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Unauthorized camping will now incur a fine of Dh2,000, which will double for repeat offenders. These fines are integrated into the Ministry of Interior’s system and must be settled during vehicle registration renewals. To enforce these regulations, the Sharjah Central Region Police Department has deployed comprehensive security measures across key desert areas, including Al Badayer, Al Faya, and Mleiha. Police patrols, supported by rescue units and a dedicated operations room, have been active since early October to respond swiftly to emergencies, locate lost campers, and provide first aid. Authorities have also established checkpoints to monitor compliance and detect unlicensed drivers, while barbed wire fencing has been installed along major desert roads to prevent accidents involving stray animals. Campers are warned against irresponsible behaviors such as reckless off-road driving, loud music, and creating disturbances, which could lead to serious accidents or injuries. The police emphasized that these measures aim not only to maintain order but also to protect Sharjah’s fragile desert environment. By adhering to safety guidelines and preserving natural habitats, residents and visitors can contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable winter camping experience.