博客

  • Beijing zookeeper helps birds thrive with specialized care methods

    Beijing zookeeper helps birds thrive with specialized care methods

    At the forefront of avian conservation, Beijing Zoo’s dedicated ornithological specialist Mo Xiao has pioneered groundbreaking methodologies in bird care through two decades of meticulous observation and innovation. Her species-specific approach has transformed avian management practices, focusing on individualized behavioral patterns, dietary requirements, and temperamental characteristics.

    Mo’s revolutionary work with Huahua, a wreathed hornbill, demonstrates her scientific precision. She developed an advanced training protocol incorporating real-time heart-rate monitoring to assess physiological responses during health examinations. This non-invasive technique has enabled the bird to become remarkably cooperative during veterinary procedures, setting new standards for avian medical care.

    Perhaps her most ingenious achievement involves the creation of an unconventional parrot triad. Mo successfully integrated three physically impaired parrots—one flightless, one mobility-challenged, and one without biting capability—into a harmonious social unit. “Their complementary disabilities established a natural equilibrium in size and ability,” Mo explained. “This unique balance prevents the territorial conflicts that would inevitably occur in mixed-ability groups.”

    Addressing medical challenges, Mo implemented innovative solutions for ground hornbills suffering from gout. She redesigned their nutritional program and introduced mudfish feeding techniques that stimulate natural water consumption, effectively alleviating arthritic symptoms and improving mobility.

    Her reproductive success with toucans represents another milestone. After three years of habitat replication research, Mo perfected nesting conditions that mirror natural environments, resulting in successful breeding cycles during both spring and autumn seasons—a rare accomplishment in captive breeding programs.

    “Each bird embodies a unique life deserving individualized respect,” Mo emphasizes. “True conservation extends beyond mere survival—it requires protecting their inherent nature through professional expertise and profound respect.”

  • Dubai: Al-Ayala dances, Emirati food highlight National Day DXB celebrations

    Dubai: Al-Ayala dances, Emirati food highlight National Day DXB celebrations

    Dubai International Airport (DXB) underwent a remarkable transformation into a traditional Emirati Freej neighborhood to commemorate the UAE’s 54th National Day, known as Eid Al Etihad. The immersive celebration, held in Terminal 3 as part of the “Year of Community” initiative, offered travelers and employees an authentic journey into the nation’s cultural heritage.

    The event recreated the historic communal spaces that once formed the heart of Emirati social life, featuring winding alleyways (sikkas) and vibrant market stalls. Visitors experienced traditional performances including the iconic Al-Ayala dance, Al-Liwa, and Al-Habban musical displays while exploring heritage exhibits showcasing Emirati craftsmanship, vintage merchandise, and photographic displays of traditional life.

    Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline Group, the celebration featured multiple interactive zones. These included a traditional market, historical displays from police and immigration services, a Bridal Room showcasing wedding customs in collaboration with Dubai Culture, and a heritage-inspired hospital demonstrating early healthcare traditions.

    Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports, emphasized the significance of the event: “Eid Al Etihad celebrates unity and shared pride. By reviving the Freej, we honor the legacy of our Founding Fathers and reflect the spirit of community that continues to shape the UAE’s journey.” The event also featured exclusive giveaways and a Henna Corner celebrating traditional Emirati artistry, providing attendees with a comprehensive cultural experience that captured the sights, sounds, and flavors of traditional Emirati life.

  • UAE launched ‘lobbying blitz’ on European Parliament over Sudan war resolution

    UAE launched ‘lobbying blitz’ on European Parliament over Sudan war resolution

    A concerted lobbying campaign by the United Arab Emirates successfully pressured the European Parliament to remove any mention of its involvement in the Sudan conflict from a final resolution calling for an end to the violence, according to a Politico report.

    The development follows revelations that an Emirati delegation, led by envoy Lana Nusseibeh, engaged in a vigorous lobbying effort in Strasbourg this week. Their actions came in response to initial drafts of the resolution that referenced the UAE’s alleged role in supplying advanced weaponry to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

    Earlier, Dutch MEP Marit Maij had announced intentions to formally call on the European Commission to suspend trade negotiations with the UAE amid evidence that weapons were transiting through Emirati territory to reach the RSF. This paramilitary group stands accused of committing widespread atrocities during its siege and capture of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

    Multiple investigative reports, including from Middle East Eye and Amnesty International, have documented the UAE’s use of complex supply routes through Somalia, Libya, and Chad to arm the RSF. These weapons have enabled a campaign marked by mass killings, rape, ethnic cleansing, and torture.

    Despite these well-documented allegations and a formal accusation of complicity in genocide brought by the Sudanese government to the International Court of Justice, the final EU resolution passed on Thursday contained no specific references to UAE involvement. Instead, it broadly condemned the RSF’s atrocities and called for sanctions against unspecified ‘financiers and external enablers.’

    The resolution’s dilution occurred after the Emirati delegation circulated communiques vehemently denying any material or political support for the RSF. During voting procedures, conservative political groups including the European People’s Party and European Conservatives and Reformists bloc rejected amendments that would have specifically outlined the UAE’s role and called for greater accountability.

    The only remaining reference to the UAE was the parliament’s affirmation of a September 12 joint resolution issued by the Quad—comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States—which called for an end to the war.

    Following the vote, Envoy Nusseibeh issued a statement welcoming the resolution and affirming the UAE’s ‘unwavering commitment to support all endeavours to address this catastrophic civil war.’ This stands in stark contrast to accusations from Sudanese Armed Forces General Yasser al-Atta, who claimed that ‘this silence was bought by the power of the UAE’s money.’

  • Quttainah Hospital earns JCI re-accreditation, reinforcing its leadership in ethical elective care

    Quttainah Hospital earns JCI re-accreditation, reinforcing its leadership in ethical elective care

    Dubai’s Quttainah Medical Center has once again achieved the coveted Joint Commission International (JCI) re-accreditation, solidifying its status as a premier institution for ethical elective and aesthetic healthcare in the Middle East. This distinguished recognition, awarded following an exhaustive evaluation process, validates the hospital’s unwavering dedication to exceptional patient safety protocols, clinical excellence, and organizational integrity.

    The JCI Gold Seal represents the highest global standard in healthcare quality, with accreditation demanding strict adherence to over 1,300 measurable criteria spanning clinical outcomes, infection prevention, facility management, and staff credentialing. Quttainah Hospital’s successful renewal demonstrates not merely compliance but consistent exceeding of these rigorous international benchmarks.

    This accomplishment carries substantial implications for both the institution and Dubai’s expanding medical tourism sector. The re-accreditation enhances patient confidence in selecting ethically-grounded elective procedures, supports Dubai’s strategic vision to become a world-class medical destination, and establishes new quality standards for regional healthcare providers.

    Hospital leadership emphasized the cultural significance behind this achievement. Founder and Chairman Dr. Adel Quttainah stated, ‘This accreditation transcends ceremonial recognition—it embodies our daily commitment to patient-centered care. While aesthetic excellence remains our trademark, creating an environment where patients feel secure, valued, and comprehensively supported defines our fundamental philosophy.’

    Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mohamed Omran elaborated on operational excellence: ‘Reattaining the JCI Gold Seal reflects meticulous attention to detail across every care continuum—from initial consultation through postoperative recovery. Our integrated systems prioritize patient protection while delivering treatments that meet stringent international protocols, a responsibility we embrace with profound seriousness.’

    The re-accreditation positions Quttainah Hospital at the forefront of Dubai’s medical landscape, potentially influencing broader healthcare standards while reinforcing the emirate’s growing reputation as a trusted global destination for medical tourism.

  • UAE Lottery hints at weekly Lucky Day draws this December in Instagram post

    UAE Lottery hints at weekly Lucky Day draws this December in Instagram post

    A dual-crisis scenario has emerged across Asia, with Indonesia reeling from catastrophic flooding while India takes unprecedented aviation safety measures. According to Indonesia’s national disaster management agency, devastating floods have resulted in more than 200 fatalities, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region this year. The flooding, triggered by torrential rainfall, has caused widespread destruction across multiple provinces, submerging entire communities and displacing thousands of residents. Emergency response teams are conducting massive rescue operations amid challenging conditions, with limited access to remote areas complicating relief efforts. Meanwhile, in a separate development impacting regional transportation safety, India’s aviation regulatory authority has issued a directive temporarily prohibiting airlines from operating Airbus A320 family aircraft until specific modifications are completed. The grounding order affects one of the most widely used aircraft families in commercial aviation and reflects heightened safety vigilance following recent technical concerns. Aviation experts indicate the mandated modifications address critical systems that require urgent attention to ensure passenger safety. The simultaneous occurrence of these events highlights different facets of disaster management and preventive safety measures across Southeast Asia.

  • Hong Kong charities provide assistance to migrant domestic workers

    Hong Kong charities provide assistance to migrant domestic workers

    Hong Kong’s charitable organizations have launched comprehensive emergency response initiatives to assist migrant domestic workers impacted by the recent catastrophic fire in Tai Po. Multiple aid groups have established specialized help desks and 24-hour hotlines to provide critical support services to the affected community.

    Edwina A. Antonio, Executive Director of Migrant Women’s Refuge, confirmed her organization is implementing extensive outreach efforts to connect with workers displaced or otherwise affected by the devastating Wang Fuk Court blaze. “We’re deploying all available resources to ensure migrant workers receive the assistance they need during this difficult time,” Antonio stated.

    The emergency response includes temporary housing arrangements, psychological counseling services, legal assistance, and basic necessities distribution. Community centers across Hong Kong have been converted into temporary support hubs where affected workers can access multiple services in centralized locations.

    Local humanitarian organizations are coordinating with government agencies to streamline aid distribution while respecting the unique cultural and linguistic needs of Hong Kong’s diverse migrant worker population. The collaborative effort represents one of the most comprehensive non-governmental responses to a residential disaster affecting the territory’s migrant community in recent years.

  • Peru to declare a state of emergency as migrants leaving Chile trigger backlash

    Peru to declare a state of emergency as migrants leaving Chile trigger backlash

    SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Peruvian President José Jarí announced Friday that his government will implement a state of emergency along the nation’s southern border and deploy additional armed forces to the region. This decisive action comes in response to a significant reversal in migration patterns, with substantial numbers of Venezuelan migrants now moving north from Chile back toward Peru.

    The development occurs against the backdrop of Chile’s intensely polarized presidential campaign, where anti-immigrant sentiment has become a central political issue. For years, Chile has represented a beacon of stability and prosperity in Latin America, attracting hundreds of thousands of migrants escaping economic collapse and authoritarian regimes, particularly from Venezuela. These migrants traditionally traversed the continent seeking better opportunities in Chilean society.

    However, this established migration pattern has undergone a dramatic reversal as Chile prepares for its December 14 presidential runoff. Ultraconservative lawyer José Antonio Kast, the current frontrunner, has built his campaign platform around stringent immigration controls and warnings against unauthorized migration. Kast recently filmed a campaign video at Chile’s desert border with Peru, delivering an ultimatum to immigrants without formal status: “You have 111 days to leave Chile voluntarily. If not, we will stop you, we will detain you, we will expel you. You will leave with only the clothes on your back.”

    Peruvian media has subsequently been flooded with images of migrant families hastily moving north from Chile into Peru, carrying their possessions in backpacks and garbage bags. The situation created immediate border challenges, prompting President Jarí to personally inspect border controls and deploy security reinforcements to the area.

    Residents in northern Chilean border towns reported growing chaos as crowds of people who departed Chile but lacked permission to enter Peru found themselves stranded in legal limbo. The exact number of migrants reversing course remains unclear, though the movement appears directly linked to Kast’s threats of mass deportations and what immigration attorneys describe as rising xenophobia in the country of 18.5 million people.

    Chilean Security Minister Luis Cordero addressed the situation cautiously, noting that “rhetoric sometimes has consequences” when asked about the impact of Kast’s statements on migrant outflows. Cordero emphasized that “people cannot be used as a means to create controversy for the elections” and stated that “our main purpose is to prevent a humanitarian crisis.”

  • Parents of abducted children plead with the Nigerian government for news of rescue

    Parents of abducted children plead with the Nigerian government for news of rescue

    PAPIRI, Nigeria — Anxious families congregated Friday at the site of a recently attacked Catholic school in north-central Nigeria, issuing urgent appeals to authorities for the safe return of their children. The emotional gathering comes one week after armed militants stormed the educational facility, capturing more than 300 students and staff members in a brazen early morning assault on November 21.

    According to school administrators, approximately 50 children successfully escaped their captors, but more than 250 remain in militant custody. The incident represents the latest in a disturbing pattern of mass school abductions that have plagued the West African nation.

    “These kidnapped children include some of extremely tender age,” recounted Abuchi Nwolisa, a distraught parent at the school. “The attackers literally snatched some directly from their sleeping beds.”

    The crisis has prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency, authorizing enhanced police powers to address the escalating security situation. This abduction marks the second major school kidnapping within a fortnight, following a separate incident in Kebbi where 30 students were taken before eventually being secured through government intervention.

    Historical data reveals the alarming frequency of such attacks, with at least a dozen mass school abductions occurring since 2014. According to documentation, approximately 1,799 students have been kidnapped during this period, with some never successfully rescued.

    Stephen Okafor, spokesperson for the Minna Catholic Mission, emphasized the devastating scope: “We have parents with two, three, even five children currently held by abductors. We are here to demonstrate the devastating reality of this situation to the world.”

    The security crisis has drawn international attention, including recent threats of military intervention from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who cited widespread persecution of Christians. Nigerian officials have rejected these characterizations, maintaining that the security threats represent complex challenges affecting all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.

  • Emirates Gold and Public Gold launch the world’s first fintech-enabled gold ATM in the UAE

    Emirates Gold and Public Gold launch the world’s first fintech-enabled gold ATM in the UAE

    In a groundbreaking development for the precious metals industry, Emirates Gold and Public Gold have unveiled the world’s first fintech-integrated gold ATM at the Dubai Precious Metals Conference 2025. This revolutionary installation at Atlantis, The Palm represents a significant advancement in digital-to-physical gold infrastructure, merging cutting-edge financial technology with traditional bullion accessibility.

    The landmark launch was ceremoniously inaugurated by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, alongside Abhijit Shah of Emirates Gold and Jerry Ng from Public Gold. This strategic collaboration combines Emirates Gold’s refinery expertise with Public Gold’s technological capabilities, creating a seamless platform that transforms how consumers interact with precious metals.

    Operating 24/7, these sophisticated ATMs can store over 70 distinct designs of gold and silver bars, enabling users to purchase bullion using digital payment methods including e-wallets and credit cards. The machines feature advanced security systems and offer multiple functionalities beyond simple transactions, with future enhancements planned for cryptocurrency conversion and tokenized gold redemption from secure vault facilities.

    The initial installation at Almas Tower will serve as the prototype for an extensive network of 35-40 units scheduled for deployment across high-traffic locations throughout the UAE by 2026. This expansion will establish the region’s most comprehensive gold ATM infrastructure, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global leader in both traditional gold markets and financial innovation.

    Abhijit Shah emphasized the transformative nature of this development: “As the UAE maintains its status as the world’s most trusted physical gold hub, this innovation establishes new global standards for secure and transparent bullion accessibility.” Jerry Ng added that this technological breakthrough “eliminates traditional barriers, making physical gold ownership fundamentally more accessible and secure for everyone.”

    This initiative aligns perfectly with the UAE’s broader objectives of economic diversification and technological advancement, while simultaneously addressing evolving investor preferences for digital-physical asset integration. The ATMs maintain Emirates Gold’s rigorous standards for purity and security while offering curated selections suitable for investment, collection, or gifting purposes.

  • Water and light show draws visitors to Zhangjiajie river

    Water and light show draws visitors to Zhangjiajie river

    The Suoxi River in Zhangjiajie’s Wulingyuan district has become the epicenter of a breathtaking nocturnal spectacle, drawing massive audiences with its innovative water and light exhibition. This immersive experience transforms the natural waterway into a multidimensional canvas of artistic expression through cutting-edge technological integration.

    Central to the display are engineered water curtains cascading from bridge structures, synchronized with dynamic musical compositions and sophisticated lighting systems that create mesmerizing reflections across the water’s surface. Adding another dimension to the production, fleets of drones perform coordinated aerial maneuvers, forming intricate luminous patterns against the night sky that celebrate the region’s distinctive natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

    Beyond its entertainment value, this ambitious project represents a significant ecological rehabilitation initiative. Municipal authorities have implemented comprehensive water channel regulation measures alongside ecosystem restoration efforts, demonstrating how tourism development can coexist with environmental stewardship.

    The installation forms part of Zhangjiajie’s strategic sustainable development plan to enhance visitor engagement through innovative landscape architecture. By reimagining riverfront spaces with environmentally conscious design principles, the city establishes new standards for nature-based tourism experiences that balance aesthetic appeal with ecological responsibility.