分类： society

In a significant ceremony held in Al Ain, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, presented the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity to Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the UAE President’s Representative. This prestigious award, part of its second edition, recognizes Al Suwaidi’s exceptional contributions to the nation’s cultural and creative development. Al Suwaidi, a pivotal figure in the UAE’s history, played a crucial role alongside the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in shaping the nation’s foundational institutions and cultural identity. Sheikh Mansour praised Al Suwaidi’s unwavering dedication and loyalty, emphasizing that the award reflects the UAE’s commitment to honoring citizens who have elevated its cultural and civilizational standing. Al Suwaidi expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and reaffirming his pride in serving the UAE. The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity, organized by the Ministry of Culture, is the highest honor of its kind, celebrating individuals who have enriched the nation’s cultural heritage and strengthened its global presence.

In the war-torn landscapes of Yemen, education has become a luxury for many children. Crammed under tattered tents or in makeshift classrooms, young learners grapple with the basics of Arabic grammar, often without textbooks or even shoes. Born into a nation fractured by years of conflict, these children are among the fortunate few who still have access to any form of schooling. Yemen’s education system lies in ruins, with nearly 3,000 schools destroyed and those still standing plagued by power outages, water shortages, and a dire lack of trained teachers. At Al Ribat Al Gharbi school near Aden, a typical example, students endure overcrowded conditions, with classes often exceeding 100 pupils. Teacher Suad Saleh, clad in the traditional black niqab, struggles to maintain order in her rudimentary classroom, where many children sit on the tiled floor with exercise books on their laps. ‘It takes me 10 minutes just to quiet them down,’ she laments. The crisis extends beyond infrastructure. Many teachers have abandoned their posts due to meager wages, with some earning as little as $31 a month. The consequences are dire: over 4.5 million children in Yemen are out of school, according to UNICEF, leaving an entire generation at risk of illiteracy. Amid this devastation, Saudi Arabia has stepped in with development programs, focusing on rebuilding schools and training teachers in government-controlled areas. However, the scars of war remain deep. ‘Stopping education has had a terrible impact,’ says Fathiya Al Afifi, a school principal. ‘An entire generation can neither read nor write. This is a disaster.’

South Korea has implemented a series of nationwide measures to ensure a smooth and distraction-free environment for students taking the highly consequential College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), locally known as the ‘Suneung.’ The exam, held on November 13, 2025, is a pivotal event in the lives of South Korean students, as it determines admission to top universities and is widely viewed as a gateway to social mobility, economic stability, and even marital prospects. With so much at stake, the government has taken extraordinary steps to minimize disruptions. A 35-minute flight ban was enforced during the English listening test, affecting 140 flights, including 75 international services. Additionally, banks and public offices delayed their opening hours by an hour to reduce traffic congestion. Parents and students alike were visibly anxious, with many parents visiting shrines, churches, and temples to pray for their children’s success. The exam day is steeped in traditions and superstitions, such as avoiding seaweed soup, believed to cause students to ‘slip’ in their performance. The 2026 admission cycle also introduced a new requirement for universities to consider applicants’ records of school violence, marking a significant shift in policy. Over 550,000 students registered for the exam, with many receiving encouragement from younger peers and community members. The day-long test, held at centers like Yongsan High School in Seoul, saw a heavy media presence and police assistance for latecomers. The CSAT remains a defining moment in South Korea’s education system, reflecting the nation’s intense focus on academic achievement and its broader societal implications.

The UAE’s General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat (Awqaf) has finalized the list of 6,228 Emirati citizens selected to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026 (1447 AH). The selection process, conducted through an automated sorting system, evaluated over 72,000 applicants based on specific criteria and eligibility conditions. Priority was given to senior citizens and individuals with medical conditions requiring special care, followed by those who had applied multiple times without success and first-time pilgrims. All approved applicants have been notified via text messages and other communication channels to begin completing the necessary procedures. The authority emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and ensuring a safe and organized Hajj experience. Unsuccessful applicants for 2026 will have their applications automatically transferred to the 2027 Hajj season without requiring resubmission. This initiative aligns with the UAE government’s strategy to provide efficient and civilized services that meet the aspirations of its citizens.

In a remarkable display of creativity, the cleaning staff at Dalian University of Foreign Languages in Liaoning Province have transformed the seasonal litter of ginkgo leaves into stunning works of art. Utilizing everyday objects such as umbrellas, chairs, and tables, they have crafted intricate designs that have captivated students and become a viral sensation on social media. The vibrant crimson and gold hues of the leaves, typically associated with autumn’s poetic beauty, have now become the centerpiece of an unexpected artistic movement on campus. This initiative not only highlights the aesthetic potential of natural elements but also underscores the often-overlooked talents of the university’s support staff. Their innovative approach has sparked widespread admiration, drawing attention to the intersection of nature, art, and community engagement.

The third edition of the Emirates Labour Market Award (ELMA), held in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, recognized 100 exceptional workers and private companies for their outstanding contributions to the UAE labour market. Organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the event celebrated best practices and innovation in the sector, with a total prize pool of Dh50 million, up from Dh37 million in the previous edition. This year’s awards expanded to include 98 winners, compared to 84 in the second edition. Individual winners received cash prizes of Dh100,000, Dh75,000, and Dh50,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively. Companies securing top positions were classified under MoHRE’s first category, benefiting from significant discounts on ministry services, with financial savings of up to Dh1.2 million. A new subcategory, ‘Labour Accommodations,’ was introduced to encourage sustainable and recreational initiatives for workers, particularly during national and Eid holidays. MoHRE emphasized that such activities enhance productivity, promote positive values, and foster a sense of belonging among workers, ensuring compliance with laws protecting their rights and well-being. The annual event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

An Indian expatriate based in Dubai has struck gold by winning $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, a life-changing moment that came after a decade of unwavering participation. Atul Rao, a banker originally from Mumbai, purchased his winning ticket—number 2242 in Series 522—on his birthday while transiting through Dubai International Airport. The draw took place approximately two and a half weeks later, turning Rao’s life upside down in the best possible way. Rao, who has been shuttling between the UAE and Oman since 1998, initially dismissed the news as a prank. ‘With so many spam calls and messages these days, it was hard to believe,’ he admitted. It wasn’t until he verified the win on the Dubai Duty Free website that the reality sank in. Rao’s journey to this moment began in 2012 when he first started purchasing tickets during his travels. ‘Every time I travel, I buy at least three tickets—one each for the bike, car, and millionaire draws,’ he shared. Over the years, he estimates spending nearly Dh50,000 on tickets, always holding onto hope. Rao’s persistence finally paid off, and he plans to use his winnings wisely. Part of the money will go toward charity and investments, and he is considering reinvesting in Dubai’s property market, having previously owned and sold a property in the city. His family, including his wife, a special educator, and his daughter, who works in Dubai, are overjoyed. His son, studying in Canada, is also part of the celebrations, with the family planning a holiday soon. Despite his newfound wealth, Rao has no plans to stop participating in the draws. ‘I’ll definitely keep buying tickets,’ he said, adding with a laugh, ‘Who knows, maybe I’ll win the bike draw next.’ Rao’s story is a testament to the power of patience and perseverance, proving that dreams can come true when you least expect them.

A long-lost Latin translation of the Tao Te Ching, hidden in the British Library for over three centuries, has been brought to light by Misha Tadd, a scholar at Nankai University in Tianjin. This remarkable discovery offers a unique glimpse into the early dissemination of Chinese philosophy in the West and the cross-cultural interpretations of Laozi’s teachings. The manuscript, translated by missionaries in the early 18th century, was recently published, marking a significant milestone in the study of East-West intellectual exchange. Tadd’s efforts have not only resurrected a forgotten piece of history but also provided scholars with valuable insights into how ancient Chinese wisdom was perceived and adapted in Europe during a pivotal period of cultural interaction. The publication of this rare manuscript underscores the enduring relevance of the Tao Te Ching and its profound impact on global philosophical thought.