In a heartwarming gesture to mark the commencement of its 30th season, Global Village brought smiles to the faces of 1,000 passengers arriving at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport (DXB). The iconic mascots of Global Village—Zoya, Waleef, and Ozka—were stationed at the baggage claim area, distributing specially curated gift boxes to unsuspecting travelers. Each box, adorned with the inviting message ‘Pick me up! I’m your welcome gift,’ contained exclusive memorabilia from the landmark season, including themed water bottles and tote bags. The mascots not only handed out the gifts but also engaged with passengers, posing for photos and creating a festive atmosphere. This initiative, part of the celebrations for Global Village’s 30th anniversary, highlights the destination’s commitment to spreading joy and creating memorable experiences for visitors. The event underscores Dubai’s reputation as a city that welcomes travelers with warmth and creativity.
分类： society
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China revitalizes 88 key rivers, lakes in ecological restoration drive
China has marked a significant milestone in its ecological restoration efforts, successfully revitalizing 88 key rivers and lakes across the nation by the end of September 2025. This achievement, announced by the Ministry of Water Resources, is part of the ‘Mother River Rejuvenation’ action plan launched in 2022. The initiative aims to restore ecological flows to waterways that had been dry for decades, addressing long-standing environmental challenges. Tailored restoration strategies were implemented for each water body, considering their unique geographical and ecological conditions. Notable successes include the Yellow River maintaining uninterrupted flow for 26 consecutive years and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, which had been dry for a century, now flowing continuously for four years. In the Haihe River Basin, once plagued by severe water scarcity and pollution, systematic rehabilitation has reversed ecological degradation. The Yongding River, which had dry sections for 26 years, has seen water flow through its entire length for five years, while Baiyangdian Lake, a crucial wetland in northern China, has maintained stable ecological water levels for seven years. Looking ahead, China plans to expand the program to more river basins and establish long-term mechanisms for sustaining these ecological improvements. The ministry emphasized the importance of continuing tailored restoration approaches to enhance the health of the nation’s waterways.
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A march of faith: 74-year-old Hong Kong man retraces the Long March on foot
In a remarkable tribute to history and resilience, 74-year-old Hong Kong resident Michael Cheng Chun-Yim recently completed a year-long journey retracing the Red Army’s legendary Long March. On October 19, Cheng arrived in Wuqi township, Shaanxi province, marking the exact 90th anniversary of the Red Army’s arrival at the same location. His journey began in Yudu county, Jiangxi province, and spanned over 300 days, covering approximately 5,000 kilometers across eight provincial-level regions. Cheng traversed mountains, grasslands, and endured extreme weather conditions, embodying the spirit of perseverance and unity that defined the Long March. For Cheng, this was not merely a physical challenge but a profound exploration of China’s rapid development and historical legacy. ‘I wanted to understand my country not from books, but with my own feet,’ he remarked. Cheng views the Long March as a metaphor for life, emphasizing the enduring relevance of faith and determination in today’s prosperous era. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the sacrifices made by the Red Army and the timeless lessons of their struggle.
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Crash kills 1, injures 4: Fujairah Police remind drivers of fine for unsafe road entry
A tragic accident on Ghubb Internal Road in Fujairah has left one dead and four injured, prompting Fujairah Police to issue a stern reminder to drivers about the importance of road safety. The collision occurred on Sunday morning when one vehicle entered the road without ensuring it was clear, leading to a devastating crash between two cars. The incident claimed the life of a 20-year-old Emirati passenger, while the four injured individuals are now in stable condition and expected to recover soon. Brigadier General Saleh Mohammed Abdullah Al Zanahani, director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at Fujairah Police, emphasized the need for drivers to exercise caution, particularly on internal roads that experience higher traffic during evenings and holidays. He urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions such as mobile phone use, and always confirm that the road is clear before entering or changing lanes. Authorities also highlighted the legal consequences of unsafe driving, including a Dh400 fine and four black points for entering a road without ensuring safety, as well as speeding fines ranging from Dh300 to Dh3,000. The deceased was laid to rest on Sunday evening, with funeral prayers held at Khalid bin Saad Mosque before burial at Dibba Fujairah cemetery. Fujairah Police reiterated their commitment to reducing road fatalities and called on all drivers to recognize their moral and legal responsibilities to prevent such tragedies.
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UAE: One dead, four injured in two-vehicle collision in Fujairah
A devastating traffic accident on Ghub Road in Fujairah has resulted in the death of a young Emirati man and left four others injured. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved a collision between two vehicles. According to Brigadier General Saleh Mohammed Abdullah Al Zanahani, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at the Fujairah Police General Command, the accident was caused by one vehicle entering the road without ensuring it was clear. Emergency services, including traffic patrols and the National Ambulance, responded promptly to the scene. The young man, in his twenties, tragically died at the scene, while the injured were transported to Dibba Fujairah Hospital for treatment. The injuries sustained by the four individuals ranged from minor to moderate. This incident underscores the critical importance of road safety and vigilance while driving.
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How parent communication with schools can reduce exam stress
As the December end-of-semester exams approach, schools across the UAE are intensifying efforts to foster a collaborative environment between parents and educational institutions. This initiative aims to reduce exam stress by encouraging parents to adopt a balanced and informed approach to their children’s academic journey. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has reinforced this focus by mandating that schools cover all costs for external assessments, ensuring no additional financial burden on parents. This policy shift is part of broader efforts to standardize and enhance the assessment process. Education leaders are urging parents to move beyond exam pressure and instead provide constructive support. Schools like Shining Star International and GEMS Wellington Academy are leading the way with structured communication, personalized guidance, and mental health support. Woodlem American School in Ajman emphasizes transparency through parent portals and regular updates. Experts like Girish Hemnani, a Dubai-based life coach, stress the importance of parental empathy and collaboration over control. Parents, too, are recognizing the value of this balanced approach, with many reporting reduced stress and improved outcomes for their children.
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No camera covered Louvre wall where jewel thieves broke in, reveals director
In a shocking revelation, Laurence des Cars, the director of the Louvre Museum, has admitted that the institution’s security systems were inadequate to prevent the theft of French crown jewels valued at €88 million (£76 million). Speaking publicly for the first time since the heist on Sunday, des Cars addressed French senators, highlighting the museum’s aging and insufficient CCTV infrastructure. The only camera monitoring the exterior wall where the thieves entered was misaligned, failing to capture the first-floor balcony that led to the Gallery of Apollo, where the jewels were housed. ‘We failed these jewels,’ des Cars lamented, emphasizing that even the Louvre was not immune to ‘brutal criminals.’
The heist, carried out by a gang of four in less than 10 minutes last Sunday morning, saw the thieves make off with eight priceless pieces of jewelry, including a diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Emperor Napoleon to his wife. During their escape, they dropped a 19th-century diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, which was later recovered but damaged. Des Cars noted that the crown had likely been crushed as the thieves forcibly removed it from its display case. While initial assessments suggest a delicate restoration is possible, the incident has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the museum’s security.
The thieves used a truck equipped with a mechanical ladder to access the first-floor gallery at 09:30 (07:30 GMT), just half an hour after the museum opened. Des Cars praised the security guards for their swift evacuation of the building but conceded that the museum’s perimeter protection was weak and outdated. The Louvre reopened on Wednesday, though the Gallery of Apollo remains closed.
Des Cars, who became director in 2021, revealed that she had been warning about the museum’s deteriorating infrastructure and cuts to surveillance and security staff over the past decade. She expressed her intention to double the number of CCTV cameras and begin security upgrades in early 2026, though the aging infrastructure of the former royal palace poses significant challenges. Following the heist, des Cars tendered her resignation to the culture ministry but was refused. ‘I am wounded as chair and director that the warnings I was raising, as a whistle-blower, have come to pass,’ she said, taking full responsibility for the museum’s failure.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed confidence that the thieves would be apprehended, with prosecutors theorizing that the robbery was orchestrated by a criminal organization. The incident has raised questions about the security of one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions, home to priceless works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
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UAE: 100km of hiking, biking trails to be carved out in Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain
Ras Al Khaimah is set to transform its mountainous landscapes into a hub for active tourism with the development of 100 kilometers of hiking and biking trails over the next five years. Spearheaded by master developer Marjan, this ambitious project aims to showcase the emirate’s natural beauty while promoting outdoor activities and sustainable tourism. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. In addition to the trails, Marjan plans to host over 20,000 festival visitors annually through cultural and entertainment events, further enhancing the emirate’s appeal. The project aligns with RAK Vision 2030, which seeks to attract 3.5 million visitors annually and expand the emirate’s hospitality capacity. The announcement coincides with Marjan’s strategic merger with RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), creating a unified entity focused on real estate development, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Marjan, emphasized that the merger will drive sustainable prosperity, create high-value jobs, and reinforce Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a beacon of innovation. Among the key projects under Marjan’s portfolio are Al Marjan Island, RAK Central, Marjan Beach, and the upcoming Jebel Jais masterplan. The 85-million-square-foot Marjan Beach development, featuring 22,000 residential units and 12,000 hotel keys, is expected to accommodate 74,000 residents and 32,000 workers, with capacity for up to 180,000 visitors annually. The project also includes 6.5 million square feet of green space and eight distinct neighborhoods, further enhancing the emirate’s livability and appeal.
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‘Peaceful protests do not involve attacking police’
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has strongly denounced the violent incidents that erupted in Dublin on Tuesday night, emphasizing that such acts were deliberate attempts to intimidate individuals within the Citywest building. Commissioner Kelly clarified that peaceful protests should never involve aggression or attacks on law enforcement officers. The disturbances, which escalated into clashes with police, have raised concerns about public safety and the integrity of lawful demonstrations. Authorities are now investigating the incident to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the violence. The Commissioner reiterated the importance of maintaining order and ensuring that protests remain non-violent, in line with democratic principles.
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Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge handles over 93 million passenger trips in seven years
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a monumental infrastructure project connecting Hong Kong, Macao, and Zhuhai, has facilitated over 93.34 million passenger trips since its inauguration in October 2018. According to the bridge’s border inspection station, the Zhuhai port alone has seen a steady increase in traffic, with 12.88 million passenger trips and 860,000 vehicle trips recorded in 2019. By 2024, these figures surged to 27 million passenger trips and 5.55 million vehicle trips, with 2025 projections estimating over 30 million passenger trips and 6 million vehicle trips. Chen Faqiu, head of the inspection station, attributed this growth to the bridge’s role in enhancing regional connectivity and tourism. The 55-kilometer bridge, the world’s longest sea crossing, has significantly reduced travel time between Hong Kong and Zhuhai/Macao from three hours to approximately 45 minutes. This efficiency has spurred tourism, with mainland visitors accounting for over 10.15 million trips this year, including 4.6 million tourist visa holders. The bridge continues to serve as a vital link, fostering economic and cultural exchange across the region.