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  • ‘Decades-long contributions’: Dubai Ruler lauds Great Arab Minds Award winner Charbel Dagher

    ‘Decades-long contributions’: Dubai Ruler lauds Great Arab Minds Award winner Charbel Dagher

    In a significant recognition of academic excellence, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has conferred the esteemed Great Arab Minds Award in Literature and Arts for 2025 upon Professor Charbel Dagher. The announcement made on January 2, 2026, highlights decades of transformative scholarship that has reshaped understanding of Arab cultural heritage.

    Professor Dagher, an eminent scholar of Arabic Literature, has produced an extraordinary body of work comprising over ninety publications across multiple genres including poetry, novels, and comprehensive literary studies. His research provides groundbreaking analysis of Arabic literature and art as dynamic expressions continually evolving within their historical, social, and cultural frameworks.

    The award specifically recognizes Professor Dagher’s pioneering examinations of modern Arabic poetry, early Arabic novels and theater, and major artistic transformations throughout Arab history. His interdisciplinary approach has created vital connections between Arabic literary traditions and broader civilizational contexts, significantly expanding the global appreciation and reach of Arab cultural contributions.

    Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the profound impact of Dagher’s work in deepening contextual understanding of Arab cultural heritage, noting that his scholarship has fundamentally enriched academic discourse while making Arab artistic and literary traditions more accessible to international audiences. The recognition underscores Dubai’s commitment to celebrating intellectual achievements that bridge cultural divides and promote cross-cultural dialogue through academic excellence.

  • Fakeeh University Hospital sets new benchmarks in advanced gene therapy

    Fakeeh University Hospital sets new benchmarks in advanced gene therapy

    Dubai’s Fakeeh University Hospital has established itself as a global hub for advanced gene therapy, achieving significant medical milestones that position the United Arab Emirates at the forefront of specialized healthcare innovation. The hospital has pioneered groundbreaking treatments for rare genetic and neuromuscular disorders, marking a transformative moment for regional medical capabilities.

    In a landmark achievement for Middle Eastern healthcare, the facility became the first in the region to administer Duvyzat (givinostat), an advanced therapeutic agent for managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This devastating inherited neuromuscular condition predominantly affects male children, causing progressive muscle deterioration, mobility loss, and severe cardiorespiratory complications. Timely intervention with sophisticated treatments like Duvyzat proves crucial in decelerating disease advancement while enhancing both longevity and life quality for young patients.

    Concurrently, the hospital has accomplished another world-class medical breakthrough by delivering among the earliest intrathecal gene therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), commercially known as ITVISMA. This severe genetic disorder involves the degeneration of motor neurons, leading to progressive muscular weakness, respiratory impairment, and complete loss of motor function. Gene-based interventions have revolutionized treatment outcomes for pediatric patients, especially when administered promptly within comprehensive, multidisciplinary clinical settings.

    These medical advancements significantly bolster Dubai’s emerging reputation as a destination for world-class tertiary care, attracting international patients seeking cutting-edge treatments previously unavailable in the region. The hospital’s pioneering work not only addresses critical healthcare gaps for rare diseases but also demonstrates the UAE’s growing capacity to compete with leading Western medical institutions in specialized therapeutic domains.

  • Yearender: Xi leads China through a pivotal 2025

    Yearender: Xi leads China through a pivotal 2025

    As 2025 concluded, China marked a definitive chapter in its development trajectory under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping. This pivotal year witnessed the successful culmination of the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan, characterized by substantial advancements across economic, technological, and defense sectors, collectively enhancing China’s comprehensive national power and modernization agenda.

    Economic indicators demonstrated remarkable stability amid global turbulence, with GDP growth projected at approximately 5 percent—maintaining China’s position among the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Total economic output reached an estimated 140 trillion yuan ($20 trillion), reflecting what President Xi described as “progress under pressure toward new and higher-quality growth.”

    The year presented significant challenges, including escalating global trade tensions initiated by reciprocal tariffs from the United States and concurrent domestic structural adjustments. China’s response, orchestrated through Xi’s leadership, combined measured diplomacy with pragmatic policy measures. President Xi engaged in four critical phone discussions with U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, emphasizing mutual prosperity while Chinese and American negotiation teams achieved substantial progress in stabilizing trade relations.

    Innovation emerged as the cornerstone of China’s strategic vision throughout 2025. President Xi’s April visit to a prominent AI incubator in Shanghai followed a dedicated Communist Party leadership session on artificial intelligence, where he emphasized the technology’s crucial role in driving industrial transformation. This focus yielded tangible results: China entered the top ten of the Global Innovation Index while achieving breakthroughs in domestic chip development and competitive large-scale AI models.

    Concurrently, China deepened its reform and opening-up policies, with President Xi’s November inspection of Hainan preceding the province’s transformation into a special customs supervision zone. This landmark initiative facilitated freer movement of goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage, and implemented business-friendly regulations as part of China’s broader commitment to global integration.

    Supplementary reforms included legislation promoting private sector growth, revisions to anti-unfair competition laws, shortened negative lists for foreign investment, and liberalized access in telecommunications and healthcare sectors. Visa policy enhancements, including unilateral exemptions for nearly 50 countries and expanded visa-free transit arrangements, further demonstrated China’s outward-oriented development approach.

    President Xi’s New Year address encapsulated this transformative period, affirming that “Chinese modernization has advanced through reform and opening up, and will embrace broader horizons through further reform and opening up.”

  • Contaminated water kills 9 and hospitalises 200 in India’s Indore city

    Contaminated water kills 9 and hospitalises 200 in India’s Indore city

    A severe public health emergency has unfolded in Indore, central India, where contaminated drinking water has resulted in nine fatalities and over 200 hospitalizations. The crisis emerged in the Bhagirathpur area following a confirmed pipeline leakage that introduced harmful bacteria into the water supply system.

    Madhav Prasad Hasani, Indore’s chief medical officer, verified through water testing that bacterial contamination directly caused the diarrheal outbreak. While the final laboratory analysis remains pending, preliminary findings confirm the presence of dangerous pathogens in the municipal water system.

    Local authorities have implemented emergency response measures, including deploying medical teams for comprehensive door-to-door health screenings. These teams have distributed chlorine tablets to residents for water purification and identified 338 individuals exhibiting mild symptoms among 8,571 people screened.

    District Administrative Officer Shravan Verma confirmed that repair crews have located and sealed the primary leakage point believed responsible for the contamination. The incident presents a particular paradox as Indore, located in Madhya Pradesh state, has maintained its reputation as India’s cleanest city for eight consecutive years according to national cleanliness rankings.

    The tragedy has raised serious questions about infrastructure maintenance and water safety protocols in urban centers, even those recognized for exemplary cleanliness standards. Health officials continue to monitor the situation while providing treatment to affected residents and ensuring water quality restoration throughout the affected neighborhoods.

  • Canada asks Air India to probe pilot reporting for duty under influence of alcohol: Source

    Canada asks Air India to probe pilot reporting for duty under influence of alcohol: Source

    Canadian transportation authorities have formally requested Air India to conduct a comprehensive investigation after one of its pilots attempted to report for duty while allegedly under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver International Airport. According to sources familiar with the matter, the pilot failed two consecutive breathalyser tests administered by Canadian law enforcement officials.

    The incident occurred on December 23, 2025, when the pilot was scheduled to operate Air India Flight AI185 from Vancouver to Delhi. The individual was removed from the aircraft prior to departure following suspicion of impairment. Transport Canada, the nation’s transportation regulatory body, has characterized the event as a ‘serious matter’ in official correspondence to the airline.

    Air India confirmed the occurrence resulted in a last-minute flight delay, necessitating the deployment of an alternate pilot to operate the transcontinental journey. The airline immediately relieved the implicated pilot of all flying duties pending a full investigation. In an official statement, Air India emphasized its ‘zero-tolerance policy toward any violation of applicable rules and regulations,’ noting that confirmed violations would result in strict disciplinary action.

    Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has demanded that Air India submit a detailed report of its findings and outline preventive measures by January 26, 2026. The regulatory body is reportedly considering enforcement actions against the airline.

    This incident occurs amid heightened scrutiny of Air India’s safety protocols. India’s aviation regulator recently issued warning notices to four Air India pilots regarding ‘serious safety concerns’ related to regulatory compliance and decision-making processes. These developments follow the tragic June 12, 2025 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner that resulted in 260 fatalities, which prompted increased oversight of the airline’s operations.

    Air India, now jointly owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines after being privatized in 2022, faces mounting pressure to demonstrate improved safety standards and operational compliance across its international network.

  • ‘Living a nightmare’: Families of teens missing after ski resort fire desperate for news

    ‘Living a nightmare’: Families of teens missing after ski resort fire desperate for news

    Authorities in Switzerland have warned that identifying victims of the devastating New Year’s Day fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana could require weeks of forensic work, leaving families in agonizing uncertainty. The blaze, which erupted during celebrations in the early hours of January 1st, resulted in 40 fatalities and 119 injuries, with officials confirming Friday that 113 injured persons have been identified while six remain unnamed.

    Amid the bureaucratic delays, desperate families have turned to social media to seek information about missing loved ones. The tragedy has particularly affected teenagers and young adults who were celebrating at the popular Alpine resort bar when the fire broke out. Verified footage shows the establishment’s ceiling catching fire as revelers held sparkler-adorned bottles aloft.

    Among the missing is 16-year-old Arthur Brodard from Lutry, whose mother Laetitia described her ordeal as a “nightmare” to local newspaper Le Temps. “Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. It’s terrible,” she stated, revealing that some of Arthur’s friends were found with burns covering nearly half their bodies.

    The Italian foreign ministry has confirmed six citizens remain unaccounted for, including 16-year-old junior golfer Emanuele Galeppini, originally from Genoa but residing in Dubai. While the Italian Golf Federation has prematurely announced his death in a tribute, authorities have not yet confirmed this information. His father Edoardo reported last contact around midnight on New Year’s Eve.

    Another missing Italian national, 16-year-old Giovanni Tamburi from Bologna, was vacationing with his father but had gone out with friends. His mother Carla Masiello recounted to La Repubblica that a friend reported fleeing the fire together before losing sight of Giovanni, who was wearing a distinctive gold chain with a small Madonna pendant.

    The tragedy also affects 15-year-old Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek-Swiss citizenship. Her brother has launched an Instagram appeal, noting the family has received “no news” regarding Alice or her three missing friends. Greek consular authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the international community rallies around affected families awaiting definitive answers.

  • Mamdani sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor

    Mamdani sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor

    NEW YORK – In a landmark ceremony on January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office as New York City’s 110th mayor, marking a historic milestone as the first Muslim leader to govern America’s most populous metropolis. The 34-year-old Democrat, born in Uganda, assumed leadership with an ambitious progressive agenda targeting the city’s affordability crisis.

    During his inauguration address at City Hall, Mayor Mamdani articulated a transformative vision centered on three core principles: safety, affordability, and abundance. He promised a municipal government that “truly reflects the diverse communities it serves” while demonstrating unwavering resolve against corporate interests and complex urban challenges.

    The newly inaugurated executive detailed specific policy initiatives including rent stabilization measures, increased taxation on ultra-wealthy residents, complimentary public bus transportation, universal childcare provisions, and experimental municipally-operated grocery establishments. These proposals echo campaign promises that resonated strongly with working-class New Yorkers struggling with rising living costs.

    Mamdani’s political ascent culminated in his November 2025 electoral victory over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a win that signaled the city’s embrace of progressive politics and diverse leadership. His administration now faces the formidable task of addressing systemic inequality while managing the complexities of governing over 8 million residents.

    The inauguration ceremony attracted diverse attendees from across the five boroughs, with many celebrating the symbolic importance of a Muslim leader assuming the city’s highest office. Observers note that Mamdani’s leadership could influence national conversations about representation in American politics.

  • Dubai private schools: How a 30-minute schedule change may shift your daily drive time

    Dubai private schools: How a 30-minute schedule change may shift your daily drive time

    Dubai’s educational landscape is undergoing a significant temporal adjustment as private institutions prepare to implement a revised Friday schedule starting January 9, 2026. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has mandated that all private schools and early childhood centers must conclude their academic activities no later than 11:30 AM on Fridays, creating a substantial ripple effect across family routines and urban logistics.

    This policy shift aligns with the nationwide adjustment of Friday prayer timings to 12:45 PM, as confirmed by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Awqaf and Zakat. While intended to synchronize educational and religious schedules, the implementation has generated complex logistical challenges for many households.

    Transportation dynamics represent a primary concern among parents. Ami Rasheed, mother of two, expresses apprehension about overlapping traffic patterns: “With school buses operating simultaneously with prayer traffic, we anticipate significant congestion. My son will have merely 15 minutes to transition from school to mosque.” This sentiment is echoed by Maha Abdelrahman from The Greens, who notes that previous 12:00 PM dismissals already created challenging pickup scenarios.

    The adjustment presents particular difficulties for dual-income families. American expatriate Natalia Miranda questions the educational value of abbreviated sessions: “With merely three to four hours of instruction, we might reconsider whether Fridays should remain formal school days. Most workplaces cannot accommodate early departures, creating childcare complications.”

    Conversely, some families welcome the modified schedule. Shun Khin Shun Lae Tha, a Myanmar expatriate, appreciates the flexibility: “My adaptable work situation makes this transition manageable. The earlier conclusion provides additional rest time, potentially enhancing my daughter’s wellbeing and academic focus.” Filipino expatriate Ben Lebig similarly values the extended family time facilitated by the adjustment.

    Long-term residents like Syrian expatriate Nawar Mahmoud perceive minimal disruption, noting their children’s previous 11:45 AM dismissal made the change relatively insignificant. Mahmoud additionally highlights Dubai’s abundant mosque availability as mitigating transportation pressures for prayer attendance.

    The schedule modification has ignited broader discussions about educational efficiency, work-life balance, and urban planning considerations. While some parents advocate for remote learning alternatives, others emphasize the irreplaceable value of classroom interactions and social development.

    As implementation approaches, families are engaging in crucial conversations with employers and educational institutions to navigate the new temporal landscape. The adjustment represents another chapter in Dubai’s continuous evolution as it balances traditional practices with modern urban living requirements.

  • Watch: How workers installed ultra-powerful lights on world’s tallest building for NYE

    Watch: How workers installed ultra-powerful lights on world’s tallest building for NYE

    As Dubai prepared for its globally anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration, a team of skilled technicians and engineers undertook a monumental six-month operation to equip the world’s tallest building with an unprecedented lighting system. The Burj Khalifa, standing at the heart of Downtown Dubai, required the installation of nearly 250 high-intensity light fixtures and 70 advanced lasers to execute its legendary pyrotechnic display.

    The installation process itself was a feat of human engineering and courage. Video footage released by Emaar Properties, the developer of the iconic tower, revealed workers suspended by heavy-duty ropes at dizzying heights along the skyscraper’s facade. These technicians meticulously attached the sophisticated equipment while coordinating with ground-based teams managing timing and visual effects.

    Baiju, co-founder of Johnson Technical Services, the Dubai-based firm responsible for the lighting provision, described the intense pressure surrounding the countdown moment: ‘The final seconds elevate our heartbeat; every component must function precisely at the 11:59:99 mark. We experience both nervous anticipation and tremendous excitement.’

    The culmination of 180 days of meticulous planning and physical effort transformed the Burj Khalifa into a radiant canvas of color on December 31, 2025. The spectacle drew millions of residents and global viewers through livestreams, creating another historic entry into Dubai’s record of magnificent celebrations. Mohammed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, publicly acknowledged the technical teams for their outstanding efforts in creating what he termed ‘the world’s most powerful light installation.’

  • Number of registered Nanjing Massacre survivors falls to 23

    Number of registered Nanjing Massacre survivors falls to 23

    The community of registered survivors from the Nanjing Massacre has diminished further with the passing of Pan Qiaoying at age 95 on January 1, 2026. The Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders confirmed her death, reducing the number of living certified survivors to just 23 individuals.

    Pan Qiaoying was six years old when Japanese forces captured Nanjing in December 1937. Her personal testimony recounts hiding inside a kitchen stove while witnessing Japanese soldiers fatally bayonet her grandfather, father, and cousin during the occupation. This traumatic experience represented one of countless atrocities committed during the six-week period following the city’s capture, where historical records indicate approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were systematically killed.

    The declining number of survivors presents urgent challenges for historical preservation efforts. Each passing represents the loss of firsthand accounts from what historians consider one of World War II’s most brutal chapters. In response, China has implemented comprehensive documentation initiatives including video testimonies, written transcripts, and official commemoration practices.

    Since 2014, China has observed December 13 as the national memorial day for Nanjing Massacre victims. The international community has likewise recognized the historical significance of these events, with UNESCO inscribing documents related to the massacre onto its Memory of the World Register in 2015. These preservation measures ensure that despite the diminishing number of living witnesses, the historical record and lessons from this tragedy will endure for future generations.