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Dubai has introduced a groundbreaking architectural identity framework, approved by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to standardize design across the emirate’s infrastructure projects. The initiative, unveiled on Friday, aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and emphasizes sustainability, visual harmony, and a blend of traditional and modern design elements. The city has been divided into six distinct zones, each with its unique aesthetic and functional focus. Residential zones feature warm colors and materials inspired by the local environment, prioritizing privacy and tranquility. Rural zones utilize light earthy tones and organic materials to highlight nature and agricultural character. Industrial zones focus on neutral colors and durable materials for simplicity and functionality. Mixed-use zones integrate residential and commercial spaces, balancing public and private areas. Historical and artistic zones celebrate traditional designs and local ornamentation, emphasizing cultural heritage. High-end attraction zones showcase modern architectural forms and contemporary urban facades. Additionally, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the winners of the Dubai Urban Challenge, a global competition that attracted over 500 artists and designers from 91 countries. The winners include Oliver Charles from the UK, Mohammed Ayash from Saudi Arabia, and Giulietta Debrutti from Argentina. The Dubai Tunnels initiative, part of the broader beautification project, will enhance 18 tunnels across the city in three phases, incorporating smart lighting systems, artistic wall panels, and sustainable materials.

In a poignant demonstration against gender-based violence, hundreds of women clad in black gathered at a Johannesburg park on Friday, just one day before the commencement of the G20 summit. The 15-minute lie-down protest symbolized the tragic reality that 15 women lose their lives daily to gender-based violence in South Africa. Organized by the nonprofit Women for Change, the event aimed to draw global attention to the crisis, which has plagued the nation for decades. Despite South Africa’s progressive stance on gender issues during its G20 presidency, the country’s femicide rate remains alarmingly high, five times the global average, according to U.N. Women. Protest coordinator Courtney Gelderblom, 19, described the act as ‘a minute of silence for every woman that could have fallen within the day,’ emphasizing the need to mourn and honor the victims. The protest saw participation from ordinary citizens, activists, and survivors of gender violence, some of whom wept while lying down. Placards bearing messages like ‘Why do you hate us?’ and ‘My body is not your crime scene’ underscored the urgency of the issue. The demonstration was part of a month-long campaign by Women for Change, which garnered over a million signatures on a petition urging the government to act. In response, the South African government declared gender-based violence a national disaster, mandating authorities to allocate resources and take decisive action. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the crisis during a G20 sideline summit, calling it a ‘national crisis.’ Gender violence expert Professor Corné Davis-Buitendag highlighted the global implications of the issue, noting its significant economic and societal costs. Despite legal reforms aimed at supporting victims, the rates of gender-based violence continue to rise. The Women for Change petition calls for stricter measures, including denying bail in severe cases, imposing life sentences for offenders, and holding officials accountable for negligence.