In a decisive move to protect marine biodiversity, authorities in Fujairah have confiscated six fishing vessels engaged in illegal activities within the Bird Island Reserve. The Fujairah Environment Authority (FEA) conducted the operation during routine field inspections as part of an ongoing monitoring campaign. FEA Director Asila Al Mualla emphasized that fishing within marine reserves constitutes a severe environmental violation and is subject to legal penalties. The monitoring system employs daily oversight, scheduled field visits, and advanced surveillance technologies to detect and address illegal activities promptly. Al Mualla highlighted the importance of protecting Fujairah’s natural reserves, which serve as vital habitats for coral reefs, small fish, and endangered species. Illegal fishing disrupts food chains, depletes fish stocks, and damages coral structures, which are essential for marine life. Additionally, fishing near diving sites poses risks to divers and sea users due to potential entanglement in fishing lines or accidents involving high-speed boats. The FEA stressed that safeguarding these reserves is crucial for environmental sustainability, allowing fish populations to recover and reproduce in safe habitats. These efforts also support the blue economy by promoting eco-tourism and sustainable diving practices. Al Mualla reiterated the FEA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and urged fishers and sea users to comply fully to preserve Fujairah’s natural resources for future generations. This crackdown underscores the emirate’s dedication to balancing human activity with environmental protection.
标签： Africa
非洲
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UAE weather: Abu Dhabi temperature to dip to 22ºC; humid conditions likely
Residents of the UAE can anticipate fair to partly cloudy skies on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as reported by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The weather is expected to remain pleasant, with Abu Dhabi experiencing temperatures ranging from a cool 22ºC to a warm 32ºC. Meanwhile, Dubai will see slightly milder conditions, with lows of 23ºC and highs of 31ºC. Humidity is likely to increase by night and into Sunday morning, particularly in coastal and internal areas, potentially leading to mist formation. Light to moderate winds, blowing at speeds of 10 to 20 kmph and occasionally reaching 30 kmph, will prevail across the region. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are forecasted to be calm. This weather update comes as part of the NCM’s ongoing efforts to keep the public informed about climatic conditions, ensuring residents can plan their activities accordingly.
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UAE: Scammer ordered to repay Dh24,500 to victim in phone fraud case
In a significant ruling that underscores the escalating menace of phone-based financial scams, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court has mandated a convicted fraudster to reimburse Dh24,500 to his victim. The court’s decision, announced on November 11, 2025, ensures the victim recovers the entire sum stolen from his bank account. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay Dh3,000 in moral compensation for the emotional distress caused, along with 3% annual interest on the stolen amount. The court also ruled that the defendant must cover all legal expenses and court fees. This verdict follows a prior criminal conviction where the fraudster was fined Dh20,000 for fraud and unlawful possession of funds. The case began when the victim received a call from a man posing as a bank representative, who persuaded him to share his bank card details and one-time password (OTP). Within hours, Dh24,500 was siphoned from the victim’s account. Upon realizing the scam, the victim filed a police complaint, leading to the defendant’s arrest. UAE authorities continue to warn residents against sharing sensitive information over the phone and advise contacting banks directly if suspicious calls are received.
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Experts laud Beijing’s vision of development
Experts and officials have lauded China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) for its significant role in fostering equitable and inclusive growth, particularly in the Global South. Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2021, the GDI emphasizes key areas such as poverty reduction, food security, and green development, aligning closely with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. James Shikwati, director of the Inter Region Economic Network in Nairobi, highlighted the initiative’s focus on balanced development, ensuring no region is left behind. He noted that the GDI addresses global financing gaps exacerbated by economic slowdowns in the US and Europe, providing crucial support for international organizations. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, praised the GDI for leveraging China’s own development experience to aid countries like Kenya in their green transition. The Group of Friends of the GDI, a UN-backed platform, now includes over 100 countries, with China supporting projects ranging from agricultural cooperation in Africa to solar energy systems in Asia. Dennis Munene Mwaniki of the China-Africa Center emphasized the GDI’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it not only supplied vaccines but also advanced the Sustainable Development Goals. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan stressed the need for global consensus and cooperation to achieve fairer and more sustainable development. China remains committed to working with all nations to accelerate the implementation of the GDI and other major initiatives, aiming to meet the UN’s 2030 targets.
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Dubai: Nicolai Hojgaard surges into three-shot lead at DP World Tour Championship
Nicolai Højgaard has taken a commanding three-shot lead at the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, showcasing a masterful display of golf at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Danish golfer, who began the day three strokes behind leader Michael Kim, surged ahead with an eagle and five birdies, carding a flawless 65—the lowest round of the tournament so far. This impressive performance propelled him to 12 under par, firmly establishing his position at the top of the leaderboard.
Højgaard, a two-time participant in this season-ending event, has a strong affinity for the Earth Course. He debuted in 2021 with a fourth-place finish and clinched the title in 2023. Reflecting on his performance, Højgaard emphasized patience and precision as key factors in his success. ‘It’s great to be back. This is one of my favorite tournaments and courses to play,’ he said. ‘I stayed really patient, and it paid off.’
The chasing pack includes notable names such as Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and Rory McIlroy, all tied at nine under par. Rose, Lowry, and McIlroy, Højgaard’s 2023 European Ryder Cup teammates, remain within striking distance, alongside Daniel Hillier and fellow Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. Neergaard-Petersen briefly challenged Højgaard, reaching ten under par before a bogey on the final hole dropped him back.
Højgaard’s dominance was evident from the start, with an opening birdie and a crucial eagle at the second hole. His strategic play and mid-iron precision have been instrumental in navigating the challenging course. ‘It suits my eye,’ he remarked. ‘It’s a mix of driver and mid-irons, which plays into my strengths.’
Away from the competition, the event attracted notable figures, including Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, who were spotted around the Jumeirah Golf Estates. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Højgaard to see if he can maintain his lead and secure another victory at this prestigious event.
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UAE Lottery’s Dh100-million win to be paid in a single transaction
The UAE Lottery has announced that the unprecedented Dh100-million jackpot, won by Abu Dhabi resident Anilkumar Bolla, will be disbursed as a tax-free lump sum in a single transaction. This marks the largest lottery win in the country’s history, and the payout will be executed without deductions or instalments. Scott Burton, the UAE Lottery’s Commercial Gaming Director, emphasized that the process adheres to stringent verification and payout protocols, ensuring transparency and security at every stage. Winners are invited to the lottery’s headquarters for identity verification, documentation, and a detailed walkthrough of the process. Once regulatory and banking approvals are secured, the funds are directly transferred to the winner’s account. The UAE Lottery also provides comprehensive support to winners, helping them navigate the challenges of sudden wealth, including managing public attention and planning for the future. The lottery operates under strict internationally benchmarked protocols, with independent audits and certified random number generation systems overseen by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Additionally, the platform prioritizes responsible gaming, offering tools like spending limits, self-exclusion options, and access to mental wellbeing resources through partnerships with Takalam, the UAE’s digital mental health platform.
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Thai Select Fest 2025 returns to Dubai with Thailand’s biggest food and culture showcase
The Thai Select Fest 2025 is set to make a grand return to Dubai, promising an immersive celebration of Thailand’s rich culture, cuisine, and creativity. Scheduled from November 28 to 30, 2025, at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, this free-entry festival will transform the venue into a vibrant Thai village, offering a multi-sensory experience for visitors.
Organized by the Thai Trade Centre in Dubai under the Royal Thai Government’s Department of International Trade Promotion, the festival will showcase Thailand’s renowned ‘5Fs’: Food, Festival, Fashion, Film, and Fight. This year’s edition aims to strengthen cultural ties between Thailand and the UAE while highlighting Thailand’s creative economy and global appeal.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including traditional dance performances, live music, Muay Thai demonstrations, and hands-on craft workshops. A highlight of the event is the Loy Krathong Festival of Lights, where visitors can create and release their own krathongs into an illuminated pond, symbolizing renewal and positivity.
Food enthusiasts will be treated to authentic Thai dishes prepared by Thai Select-certified restaurants across the UAE, featuring favorites like Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Som Tum, and Mango Sticky Rice. The festival will also feature fashion showcases by Thai designers, short-film screenings, and family-friendly areas with Thai games and crafts.
Pitichai Ratananaka, director of the Thai Trade Centre Dubai, emphasized the festival’s role in sharing Thailand’s soft power and creativity with the world. ‘This festival reflects Thailand’s spirit of hospitality, craftsmanship, and innovation — values that connect seamlessly with Dubai’s multicultural community,’ he said.
Event highlights include live Muay Thai shows and workshops, the Loy Krathong ceremony, a Thai Select Culinary Village, fashion and art exhibitions, a family fun zone, and daily raffles with exciting prizes, including air ticket giveaways. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @thaiselectfestival for updates and live highlights.
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Maximilian Büsser & Friends’ new LM101 EVO is definitely a watch to look out for
Celebrating two decades of innovative disruption, Maximilian Büsser & Friends (MB&F) has introduced the LM101 EVO, a timepiece that redefines the intersection of art and engineering. Founded by Maximilian Büsser in 2005, MB&F has consistently challenged the norms of traditional watchmaking, transforming timepieces into kinetic sculptures. The Legacy Machine line, launched in 2011, marked a return to classical watchmaking roots, while the LM101, unveiled in 2014, distilled this philosophy into its purest form. The LM101 EVO, released in 2025, represents an evolution of this iconic design, blending technical prowess with aesthetic brilliance. Crafted in titanium, the watch features a lightweight design, 80 meters of water resistance, and an integrated rubber strap, making it as functional as it is beautiful. The dial, available in sunlit salmon or peacock green, shifts hues with the light, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The hand-wound calibre offers a 60-hour power reserve, and the watch’s proprietary FlexRing shock absorber ensures durability in daily use. The LM101 EVO is not just a timepiece; it is a testament to Büsser’s vision of reimagining time as art. With its suspended balance wheel and intricate finishing, the watch embodies the spirit of MB&F, blending tradition with audacity. As MB&F celebrates its 20th anniversary, the LM101 EVO stands as a symbol of the brand’s enduring commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
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North Korea’s women’s football team win’s third U-17 World Cup
North Korea’s women’s U-17 football team has once again proven its dominance on the global stage, securing their third World Cup title with a resounding 3-0 victory over the Netherlands in Morocco. This triumph marks their second consecutive win in the U-17 Women’s World Cup and their fourth overall, following their success in the same tournament just a year ago. The team’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring a record-breaking 25 goals while conceding only three throughout the competition. Their flawless run included victories in all seven matches, showcasing their unparalleled skill and teamwork. The victory has been celebrated extensively by North Korea’s state media, with the Rodong Sinmun newspaper highlighting the players’ pride in representing their nation. The win is seen as a significant morale booster for the country, which often faces international scrutiny for its political actions. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s investment in youth sports, particularly football, is a strategic move to project a positive image globally. The country’s rigorous training programs for young athletes have been credited with producing world-class talent, as evidenced by their consistent success in international competitions. While the men’s team struggles to make an impact, the women’s team continues to shine, currently ranked 10th globally and poised as strong contenders for the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The Netherlands’ coach, Olivier Amelink, acknowledged the North Korean team’s superiority, stating that the skill gap was too vast to overcome. North Korea’s Yu Jong Hyang emerged as the tournament’s standout player, earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards for her exceptional performance. This victory not only cements North Korea’s status as a powerhouse in women’s youth football but also serves as a source of national pride and inspiration.
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Inside Dubai’s skyrocketing ‘Mall Economy’ and what’s fuelling it
Dubai’s mall economy is experiencing an unprecedented boom, defying global trends where traditional malls struggle against e-commerce. The UAE’s retail landscape is undergoing a transformative phase, with new developments and ambitious refurbishments reshaping the city’s iconic shopping destinations. Unlike many global counterparts, Dubai’s malls are thriving, evolving into immersive, multi-sensory hubs that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and culture. This growth is not just a retail phenomenon but a cornerstone of the city’s tourism and economic strategy. In 2024, Dubai Mall alone attracted 111 million visitors, solidifying its status as the world’s most visited place. The mall economy’s ripple effects extend beyond retail, anchoring real estate, boosting hospitality, and creating jobs. Developers are investing billions in expansions, such as Emaar’s Dh1.5 billion District project and Majid Al Futtaim’s Dh5 billion transformation of Mall of the Emirates. Community malls like Nad Al Sheba are also gaining traction, enhancing local living standards and real estate values. Dubai’s malls have successfully integrated digital innovations, creating a hybrid shopping experience that complements rather than competes with e-commerce. However, sustaining this growth poses challenges, including managing environmental impacts and ensuring continuous innovation. The future of Dubai’s malls lies in leveraging AI, AR, and IoT to create immersive, personalized experiences, cementing their role as lifestyle destinations rather than mere shopping venues.