Dubai’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Burj Khalifa are set to dazzle once again, offering both free and paid viewing options for visitors. While Burj Park remains the only ticketed venue at Dh997.50 per adult, numerous free public viewing zones around Downtown Dubai ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank. Public areas along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and surrounding streets will provide first-come-first-served access to the fireworks, light shows, and multi-point productions. LED screens will broadcast the event for those unable to secure a front-row spot. Gates to these free zones will close once capacity is reached, so early arrival is recommended. Road closures typically begin between 3pm and 4pm, with parking available on a first-come basis until then. The Dubai Metro and Tram will operate extended hours, while RTA shuttle buses will facilitate crowd movement. For those opting for the paid experience, Burj Park offers guaranteed front-row views, Bollywood-themed entertainment, food stalls, and kids’ workshops. Badges for Burj Park must be collected between December 26 and December 30. Families with strollers are advised to use Gate 2 for entry. Guests of EMAAR hotels and Dubai Mall restaurants will receive access badges for prime viewing areas. Prohibited items include weapons, alcohol, drones, and outside food in Burj Park. Post-midnight, roads will reopen gradually, and shuttle services will resume for badge holders. This year’s event promises to be a grand celebration of lights, music, and fireworks, blending tradition with innovation.
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Families in southern Thailand perch on rooftops to escape flooding that has killed at least 33
Southern Thailand is reeling from catastrophic flooding that has claimed at least 33 lives and impacted over 2.7 million people across 12 provinces, according to officials. The disaster, triggered by relentless heavy rains, has left homes submerged, streets impassable, and thousands stranded on rooftops awaiting rescue. Dramatic footage captured by Thai PBS showed a family of five being rescued from their nearly submerged home in Hat Yai, the region’s largest city, highlighting the dire situation. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared a state of emergency in Songkhla province, citing the “unprecedented severity” of the floods. While rainfall has begun to decrease, the Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy rains and flash flooding. Emergency response efforts are in full swing, with the Thai navy deploying its sole aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, as an offshore command center. The air force base at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport has been designated as a staging area for relief operations. Hat Yai Hospital faces critical challenges, with 50 intubated patients airlifted to safety and plans underway to evacuate 600 others. The Public Health Ministry is also mobilizing mental health teams to support affected individuals and medical personnel.
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‘My world, my rock’: Billionaire Richard Branson mourns wife’s death in heartfelt post
Renowned billionaire and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has publicly mourned the passing of his beloved wife, Joan Templeman, in a deeply emotional Instagram post. Joan, who was 80 years old, had been Branson’s life partner for 50 years, and her death has left a profound void in his life. In his heartfelt tribute, the 75-year-old entrepreneur described Joan as ‘the most wonderful mum and grandmum,’ his ‘best friend, rock, guiding light, and world.’ The post was accompanied by a touching photograph of Joan, capturing the essence of their enduring love. The couple first met in 1976 when Joan was working in an antique shop, and Branson famously referred to their encounter as ‘love at first sight.’ Their relationship blossomed over the years, culminating in a 1989 wedding ceremony on Necker Island, a private island Branson purchased partly to impress her. The news of Joan’s passing has drawn an outpouring of condolences from celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez and Natalie Imbruglia, who praised Joan’s warmth and kindness. Branson’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of their remarkable bond and the legacy she leaves behind.
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At least four dead as fire engulfs Hong Kong tower blocks
A catastrophic fire erupted in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon, engulfing multiple high-rise buildings in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex. The blaze, which began at 14:51 local time, quickly escalated to a level four alarm within 40 minutes and was later upgraded to the highest level five by 18:22. Tragically, at least four people have lost their lives, including one firefighter, while three others are critically injured. Local media, citing former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho, reported that 13 individuals, including eight elderly residents and two infants, remain trapped in the inferno. Additionally, 14 pet cats are also believed to be stranded. The fire’s rapid spread is attributed to bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings, a common but increasingly scrutinized construction practice in Hong Kong. Authorities have established temporary shelters and assistance hotlines to support affected residents. The incident has left the community in shock, with the full extent of the damage yet to be determined.
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No real intent in Moscow to engage in peace talks, says von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed Europe’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, describing the situation as ‘volatile’ and ‘dangerous.’ Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen accused Russia of lacking ‘real intent’ in pursuing peace negotiations, emphasizing that Ukraine would require robust security guarantees to deter future aggression. She highlighted Russia’s post-World War Two mindset, viewing Europe as a ‘sphere of influence,’ and stressed the necessity of European involvement in any peace agreement.
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A devastating fire destroys a crowded slum and leaves thousands homeless in Bangladesh capital
A catastrophic fire tore through the densely populated Korail slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh, reducing 1,500 shanties to ashes and displacing thousands of residents. The blaze, which erupted on Tuesday evening, raged for 16 hours before being extinguished on Wednesday, according to Rashed Bin Khalid, a duty officer at the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, the fire service director, confirmed the extensive damage, emphasizing the plight of the now-homeless families. The Korail slum, home to approximately 60,000 families—many of whom are climate refugees—spans over 160 acres and is nestled between Dhaka’s affluent Gulshan and Banani neighborhoods. The fire, which produced thick smoke and engulfed the area overnight, left residents scrambling to salvage their belongings from the debris. Firefighters faced significant challenges in accessing the site due to the slum’s narrow alleys. Dhaka, a city of 10.2 million people, is riddled with slums where rural migrants, driven by poverty and climate disasters, seek refuge, often working in low-paying jobs such as rickshaw driving, housekeeping, and cleaning.
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Australia will enforce a social media ban for children under 16 despite a court challenge
The Australian government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a groundbreaking ban on social media access for children under 16, despite a legal challenge from the Digital Freedom Project. The Sydney-based advocacy group filed a constitutional challenge in the High Court on Wednesday, contesting the law set to take effect on December 10. The legislation prohibits children under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms, including Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, as well as Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Companies failing to comply face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million).
Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the government’s resolve, stating, ‘We will not be intimidated by legal challenges or Big Tech. On behalf of Australian parents, we stand firm.’ The Digital Freedom Project, led by New South Wales lawmaker John Ruddick, argues that the ban infringes on young people’s right to freedom of political communication and shifts parental responsibilities to the government. ‘Parental supervision of online activity is today the paramount parental responsibility. We do not want to outsource that to unelected bureaucrats,’ Ruddick said.
The case, brought by Sydney law firm Pryor, Tzannes and Wallis Solicitors on behalf of two 15-year-olds, has yet to determine whether an injunction will be sought to delay the ban’s implementation. Meanwhile, Meta has begun warning thousands of Australian children suspected to be under 16 to download their digital histories and delete their accounts before the ban takes effect.
Australia’s move has also influenced other nations, with Malaysia announcing plans to ban social media accounts for children under 16 starting in 2026. Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited the need to protect young people from online harms such as cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation. The Malaysian government is studying Australia’s approach and considering age verification methods using identity cards or passports.
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Turkish journalist jailed for four years for threatening Erdogan on social media
A Turkish court on Wednesday convicted veteran journalist Fatih Altayli of threatening President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, sentencing him to four years and two months in prison. The case, widely criticized as an attempt to stifle dissent, has drawn significant attention to the state of press freedom in Turkey. Altayli, 63, whose YouTube programs garnered hundreds of thousands of daily views, was detained in June and charged with publicly disseminating a threat against the president. He has denied the allegations and plans to appeal the verdict. The court ordered him to remain in custody during the appeals process, as reported by Cumhuriyet newspaper and other media outlets. The charges stem from a comment Altayli made on his program, “Fatih Altayli Comments,” following a poll indicating that over 70% of Turks opposed a lifetime presidency for Erdogan, who has ruled for more than two decades. Altayli remarked that he was unsurprised by the poll results, stating that the Turkish people historically prefer checks on authority. He referenced the Ottoman Empire, noting that sultans who lost public favor were often assassinated or forced into suicide. During the trial, Altayli called the accusations “absurd and unnecessary,” questioning why the president would fear him, as he has no ties to violent organizations. His YouTube program was suspended last month after the trial’s first hearing, though he continued to share news and commentary through letters relayed by his lawyers and read by his assistant. With most mainstream media in Turkey controlled by pro-government entities, independent journalists have increasingly turned to platforms like YouTube for uncensored reporting. According to the Turkish Journalists Syndicate, Altayli is among 11 journalists and media workers currently imprisoned in Turkey. The government maintains that these individuals are prosecuted for criminal acts, not their journalistic activities.
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Kuliang forum highlights China-US ties
The 2025 Kuliang Forum, held in New York, brought together descendants of American families who once lived in Kuliang, Fujian province, to celebrate and strengthen the enduring bonds between China and the United States. Organized by People’s Daily Digital Communication, the event, themed ‘Echoes of History — Peaceful Development through Mutual Success for Better Lives,’ highlighted the historical and cultural connections that continue to inspire bilateral relations. The forum traced the legacy of Kuliang, a summer retreat for Americans in the early 20th century, and expanded its narrative to include the Flying Tigers, cultural exchanges, and modern-day collaborations. Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng emphasized the importance of shared friendship, stating, ‘The bonds that have transcended time and space continue to inspire us till this day.’ He praised the ‘Friends of Kuliang,’ a group of descendants who have revisited their ancestral ties to the region, as a testament to the enduring spirit of cross-cultural understanding. Yu Shaoliang, President of People’s Daily, underscored the forum’s mission to promote China-US friendship and constructive interaction, particularly among younger generations. Personal stories, such as those of Gordon Trimble and Priscilla Brewster Gill, illustrated the deep emotional and familial connections to Kuliang. Trimble, a ‘Kuliang Friend’ and educator, highlighted the role of Kuliang in fostering global citizenship, while Gill shared her lifelong affection for the place she calls home. The forum concluded with a call for continued cooperation and mutual respect, emphasizing that the shared history of Kuliang serves as a foundation for future collaboration between the two nations.
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China as a model: Sachs says Africa can achieve 8-10% growth
Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs has proposed that African nations could significantly boost their economic growth rates to between 8 and 10 percent annually over the next four decades. This ambitious target, which would double the current growth pace, hinges on the adoption of strategies that have been instrumental in China’s remarkable economic ascent. Sachs emphasized that by emulating China’s development blueprint, African countries could unlock unprecedented economic potential and drive sustainable progress. The insights were shared during a recent discussion, highlighting the transformative impact of strategic economic policies and international cooperation. Sachs’ vision underscores the importance of leveraging proven models to foster long-term growth and development in Africa.