分类： society

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been awarded the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Achievement Award in its nineteenth cycle. This prestigious accolade recognizes his decades-long contributions to culture, knowledge, and sustainable development on a global scale. The Award’s Board of Trustees emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed’s career exemplifies a profound commitment to humanity, innovation, and progress. His initiatives have not only transformed the UAE but also inspired communities worldwide. Among his notable achievements is the Arab Reading Challenge, launched in 2015, which has engaged over 163 million students in promoting Arabic literacy. Additionally, the establishment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library and the Digital School underscores his dedication to fostering education and cultural enrichment. The Board also highlighted his literary works, including ‘My Vision’ and ‘Reflections on Happiness and Positivity,’ which have significantly enriched Arab literature. Sheikh Mohammed’s vision has redefined the role of culture and knowledge in shaping a brighter future, making him a beacon of inspiration across the Arab world and beyond.

In the arid region of Dunhuang, Gansu province, where evaporation rates surpass rainfall by 50 times, a remarkable agricultural transformation is underway. Once considered barren and unsuitable for farming, the land is now flourishing, yielding what locals proudly refer to as ‘golden eggs.’ This dramatic change is attributed to the innovative application of subsurface drip irrigation and organic soil treatment techniques. These methods ensure water is delivered directly to plant roots while simultaneously pushing away harmful salts, revitalizing the soil. The success of the Dunhuang Model stands as a testament to the power of science and perseverance in converting extreme landscapes into productive farmland. This breakthrough not only boosts local agriculture but also offers valuable insights for other regions facing similar environmental challenges.

Hainan Province has officially launched its 2026 Marine Tourism Year with a grand ceremony in Wanning City, marking a significant step in promoting the island’s coastal culture and expanding its marine tourism sector. The event, held at Riyue Bay—a globally acclaimed surfing destination—featured international surfers showcasing Hainan’s pristine beaches and diverse water sports. This initiative aims to bolster Hainan’s marine economy and transition the province’s tourism model from traditional coastal sightseeing to immersive, activity-based experiences. Under the theme ‘Coasts in Hainan, Joys of Journey,’ the 2026 program will introduce 60 high-quality marine tourism products, including tourism projects, water sports, and festivals. Additionally, ten core island-wide itineraries, such as coastal relaxation tours and immersive ocean experiences, are planned. Hainan already boasts a robust coastal infrastructure, including three national-level and three provincial-level resorts, 19 marine-themed scenic areas, 137 seaview lodgings, nine marine culture streets, five nighttime cultural zones, and 14 water sports bases. The campaign targets attracting 18 million marine tourism visitors and generating over 40 billion yuan in revenue by 2027. To assist visitors, a ‘Hainan Marine Tourism Guide (2026)’ was released. The launch ceremony took place at the China Tourism Group Riyue Bay Surf Resort, the country’s first surfing-themed destination. Located along the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, the resort integrates a surf park, theme hotels, and a commercial district, offering an all-weather, immersive experience. The resort features China’s first Olympic-standard artificial wave pool, capable of producing 23 different wave types to cater to both beginners and professional surfers. This development aligns with Hainan’s strategic shift toward multidimensional and deep-experience marine tourism, upgrading the product offering from simple sightseeing to a composite format focused on attracting international younger visitors.

In a spectacular celebration of aquatic excellence, Shanghai Ocean University hosted its 19th Crab Culture Festival and the 2025 ‘Wang Bao He Cup’ National River Crab Competition on November 11. The event, which drew nearly 4,000 river crabs from across the nation, culminated in the crowning of a 622.1-gram male crab as the Crab King and a 451.2-gram female crab as the Crab Queen. Experts noted that this year’s hairy crabs were notably larger in size, with a stable yield, reflecting favorable breeding conditions. The festival, a blend of cultural heritage and ecological awareness, showcased the intricate beauty and significance of river crabs in Chinese cuisine and tradition. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive ‘beauty contest’ where crabs were judged on various criteria, including size, health, and overall appearance. The event not only highlighted the ecological achievements in crab farming but also served as a platform for promoting sustainable practices in the industry.

Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament has passed a controversial bill aimed at prohibiting what authorities describe as the ‘propaganda’ of LGBTQ+ relations. The legislation, approved on Wednesday, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, who argue it will further marginalize the country’s LGBTQ+ community. According to an official statement, the bill seeks to ‘protect children from content deemed harmful to their health and development.’ It explicitly bans the dissemination of information promoting non-traditional sexual orientations or pedophilia through public channels, media, telecommunications networks, and online platforms. Deputy Culture Minister Evgeny Kochetov clarified that any public endorsement of LGBTQ+ identities would be classified as ‘propaganda,’ including statements suggesting that being LGBTQ+ is preferable to being heterosexual. Content related to LGBTQ+ issues, such as books or films, that does not contain such messaging will be restricted to audiences aged 18 and above. Violators of the law face severe penalties, including hefty fines or imprisonment. The bill now awaits approval from the Senate and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has emphasized the importance of upholding ‘traditional values’ in the predominantly Muslim nation. Critics, including Kazakhstani LGBTQ+ group Queer.KZ and international organizations like Human Rights Watch, have condemned the legislation, warning it violates fundamental human rights and exacerbates the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite Kazakhstan’s decriminalization of homosexuality in 1998 and allowance for gender marker changes in 2003, the country lacks anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face violence, threats, and systemic discrimination.

Dubai Police has unveiled a captivating exhibition at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference, tracing its remarkable 70-year journey from humble beginnings to a globally recognized institution. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre until November 17, the showcase features rare artefacts, vintage photographs, and historical documents, many of which are being displayed publicly for the first time. The exhibition, part of the world’s largest gathering of museum professionals, marks ICOM’s first general conference in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The display opens with a striking juxtaposition of the original 1956 khaki uniform and the modern ceremonial attire, symbolizing decades of evolution in service and discipline. Among the highlights is a Sony-made video-call phone from 2000, a testament to the force’s early embrace of technology. Visitors can also explore the origins of the Dubai Police anthem, composed in 1963, and examine historical correspondence detailing the meticulous planning behind symbols of authority. Restored photographs and audio commentary chronicle milestones, from the introduction of aerial surveillance to the pioneering inclusion of female officers. The exhibit’s design, blending traditional wind-tower architecture with digital interfaces, mirrors the institution’s fusion of heritage and innovation. Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, expressed pride in the showcase, which underscores Dubai Police’s commitment to preserving its legacy while embracing progress.

The Fuhe Wetland in Wuhan, Hubei province, has become a bustling haven for migratory birds as this year’s largest wave of avian visitors arrived in early November. This annual phenomenon marks the peak season for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a spectacular display of biodiversity. The wetland’s expansive waters are now teeming with a variety of species, including bean geese, gray geese, gadwalls, green-winged teals, and wigeons. Among the reeds, Eurasian spoonbills elegantly forage with their distinctive shovel-shaped beaks, while pied avocets stride purposefully along the banks. This natural spectacle not only highlights the ecological importance of the Fuhe Wetland but also underscores the region’s role as a critical wintering ground for migratory birds. The arrival of these birds is a testament to the wetland’s health and its ability to support diverse wildlife, drawing attention from conservationists and nature lovers alike.