标签： Africa

In a landmark move to empower the youth of Dubai, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the formation of a new Dubai Student Council. Comprising 16 students from 16 private schools across the emirate, the council is set to commence its operations in the 2025-2026 academic year as part of the ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ initiative. The council, which includes students from Grade 9/Year 10 to Grade 12/Year 13, represents six different curricula and nine nationalities, reflecting the diverse fabric of Dubai’s private education system. Among the members are eight males, eight females, and a student of determination, ensuring inclusivity and representation. The selection process was rigorous, with 40 students shortlisted from 90 private schools before final members were chosen through interviews and group activities. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the council’s role as a bridge between the student community and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), urging members to embody innovation, perseverance, and national pride. As a symbolic gesture, he gifted the council a copy of ‘Lessons from Life’ by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a book that encapsulates values inspiring achievement and positive change. The council’s one-year term, renewable based on performance, carries significant responsibility, with expectations to amplify student voices and contribute to the evolution of Dubai’s education system.

In a heartwarming yet complex tale of human-wildlife interaction, a Kenyan family from Wajir County has shared their extraordinary journey of raising an orphaned cheetah cub. The cub was discovered beside its deceased mother, and the family, led by Bisharo Abdirahman Omar and Rashid Abdi Hussein, decided to nurture it despite opposition from their livestock-rearing neighbors. The Somali-speaking nomadic community, heavily reliant on livestock, often views predators like cheetahs as threats. However, the family chose compassion over convenience, caring for the cub for over two years, during which it became an integral part of their household. They fed it milk via a syringe initially and later transitioned to meat, sacrificing 15 sheep to sustain the growing cheetah. Their efforts earned praise from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), though the agency emphasized that keeping wild animals as pets is illegal. The cheetah has since been relocated to the Nairobi Safari Walk for professional care. This story sheds light on the broader crisis facing cheetahs in northeastern Kenya, where poaching, poisoning, and trafficking are rampant. According to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, hundreds of cheetah cubs are smuggled annually from the Horn of Africa to the Gulf States. The family’s refusal to sell the cub, despite lucrative offers, underscores their commitment to wildlife protection and raises awareness about the urgent need for conservation efforts.

In a remarkable display of endurance and professionalism, three Emirati firefighters from the Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) have etched their names in history by scaling the 159 floors of the Burj Khalifa in just 52 minutes and 30 seconds. Wearing full firefighting gear weighing 15 kilograms, the trio braved extreme heat, limited oxygen, and physical fatigue to achieve this extraordinary feat, officially recognized by Guinness World Records. The challenge, which took place on October 24, 2025, was not merely a test of physical strength but also a demonstration of Dubai’s firefighters’ readiness to tackle emergencies in skyscrapers. The final stages of the climb were particularly grueling, with gravity and the oppressive heat inside their suits adding to the difficulty. The firefighters underwent rigorous daily training, including endurance exercises and realistic simulations, to prepare for the challenge. Guinness-certified observers meticulously documented the event, ensuring compliance with official standards. No medical incidents were reported, thanks to thorough preparation and supervision. The achievement has inspired pride and motivation among DCD personnel, showcasing their ability to face any challenge at great heights. Earlier, viral social media videos of the firefighters training in full uniform had already garnered widespread admiration, with many viewing them as a source of inspiration for the UAE community.

Mahjong, a centuries-old Chinese strategy game, is experiencing a renaissance in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, where it has become a popular screen-free activity. The game, which requires skill, strategy, and mental agility, is now a staple in living rooms, cafes, and private parties across the city. The Mahjong Network, a community founded earlier this year by Ria Bajaj, Ishira Kumar, and Maneka Jain Daswani, has grown to 367 members in Dubai alone, connecting players through WhatsApp and social media. The network aims to create an inclusive platform where people can interact as equals, regardless of their social status or background. Mahjong’s appeal lies in its ability to foster social connections, provide mental stimulation, and offer a digital detox. Players describe the game as a ‘gym for the brain,’ likening it to meditation and a metaphor for life, where one learns to navigate unexpected twists and adapt strategies. The Dubai chapter of the network recently hosted its first Diwali-themed mahjong meet-up, attended by 64 women dressed in traditional Indian attire. The game’s growing popularity is evident in the increasing number of private events, parties, and workshops dedicated to it. Mahjong is not just a game for older, affluent women; it attracts a diverse demographic, including professionals seeking a break from their stressful jobs. The game’s ability to improve memory, cognitive abilities, and mental health, while fostering a sense of community, has made it a beloved pastime in the UAE.