In a gesture marking the UAE’s 54th National Day, Umm Al Quwain has introduced a 40% discount on traffic fines, effective from December 1, 2025, to January 9, 2026. This initiative, announced by the emirate’s police authority, aims to provide financial relief to motorists while encouraging compliance with traffic regulations. However, the discount excludes serious traffic violations, ensuring that severe infractions remain subject to full penalties. The announcement aligns with the broader festive spirit across the UAE, which includes a two-day public holiday for both public and private sector employees on December 2 and 3. Similar measures are anticipated in other emirates as the nation prepares to celebrate its unity and progress. The move underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering goodwill and easing burdens on its citizens during significant national events.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Mohanlal calls ‘Kireedam’ restoration an ‘honour’ at film festival screening
Veteran Indian actor Mohanlal has celebrated the meticulous 4K restoration of his 1989 Malayalam masterpiece ‘Kireedam,’ which premiered globally at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The digitally revitalized version of this cult classic was showcased in the Special Screenings category, receiving overwhelming appreciation from audiences and cinephiles alike.
Through an emotional statement on social media platform X, Mohanlal expressed profound gratitude toward the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and National Film Archive of India (NFAI) for their archival excellence. The restoration project utilized a 35mm release print preserved for decades after the original camera negative deteriorated. Cinematographer S. Kumar personally supervised the final color grading, ensuring artistic integrity throughout the digital transformation.
Mohanlal emphasized the cultural significance of preserving India’s rich cinematic legacy, stating: ‘It is heartening to witness such dedication toward conserving our artistic heritage for future generations through both digital and analog mediums.’
Directed by Sibi Malayil and written by A.K. Lohithadas, ‘Kireedam’ remains an iconic drama in Indian cinema history. The film portrays the tragic downfall of Sethumadhavan, a youth whose aspirations of joining the police force collapse under devastating circumstances. Mohanlal’s powerful performance earned him a National Award Special Jury Mention and cemented the film’s status as an enduring cultural touchstone.
The actor, recently seen in ‘Hridayapoorvam,’ is currently preparing for the Christmas release of ‘Vrusshabhaa,’ a Telugu-Malayalam bilingual period action drama.
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Abu Dhabi rents surge 14% as demand from expats outpaces housing supply
Abu Dhabi’s residential rental market is experiencing significant upward momentum, with apartment rents surging 14.2% year-on-year in Q3 2025 according to Cavendish Maxwell research. This substantial growth stems from a perfect storm of demographic expansion and supply limitations that continue to reshape the capital’s real estate landscape.
The driving forces behind this rental escalation include robust population growth, particularly among expatriates and the expanding workforce, creating unprecedented demand for housing. Despite new apartment supply entering the market throughout the year, exceptionally high absorption rates have maintained critically low vacancy levels, sustaining upward pressure on rental prices across the emirate.
Market analysis reveals a distinct performance divergence between property types. Apartments significantly outpaced villas in rental growth, recording a 12.8% annual increase compared to villa rents which grew at a more moderate 5.6% pace. According to Haider Tuaima, Managing Director and Head of Real Estate Research at ValuStrat, rental values demonstrated notable strength with the rental index advancing 2.3% quarterly and 9.3% annually.
The supply pipeline presents a complex picture. Developers are projected to deliver approximately 8,000 new residential units by end-2025, with an additional 12,800 anticipated in 2026. However, industry experts caution that actual deliveries frequently fall short of initial projections. Andrew Laver, Associate Director at Cavendish Maxwell Abu Dhabi, notes that ‘based on recent handover trends, we could see fewer-than-planned properties being delivered in the next couple of years.’ This staggered delivery approach, historically typical for Abu Dhabi, allows gradual market absorption and prevents sudden stock increases.
The sales market mirrored rental sector strength, with Q3 2025 recording robust transaction volumes exceeding 6,400 residential unit sales totaling Dh20.5 billion. Off-plan purchases dominated the market, accounting for Dh16.3 billion of total sales value. Market analysts anticipate both sales and rental prices will continue their upward trajectory in the near term, though growth rates will vary across locations as new supply enters specific market segments.
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Over 20,000 from home and abroad take part in first sci-tech intl month
The inaugural International Month of Science and Technology, organized by the China Association for Science and Technology, has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in global scientific collaboration. The event, which ran throughout November 2025, brought together over 20,000 experts from more than 110 countries and regions, fostering a platform for cross-border, cross-disciplinary, and cross-cultural exchange. Zhang Bin, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the association, emphasized the event’s alignment with the principles of building a shared future for humanity and advancing global initiatives. Over 60 activities were conducted, focusing on strategic emerging industries, advanced manufacturing, digital and information communication technologies, energy and materials, ecology, and space. The event yielded substantial outcomes, including the establishment of specialized organizations, the development of industry standards, and the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements. This landmark initiative has set a new benchmark for international scientific cooperation, paving the way for future advancements in technology and innovation.
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In pics: aftermath of Hong Kong building fire
China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has established stringent copyright protection measures for all content published across its digital platforms. The company’s comprehensive policy explicitly prohibits the unauthorized republication or utilization of any materials, including textual content, photographs, and multimedia information, without obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC.
The copyright notice emphasizes the company’s exclusive ownership rights over all published content while specifying technical recommendations for optimal user experience. The organization recommends browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for optimal website performance.
CDIC maintains formal publishing credentials, including Multimedia Online Publishing License 0108263 and Registration Number 130349, underscoring its official status as a content provider. The company’s website features dedicated sections for organizational information, advertising opportunities, contact details, and employment services for both domestic and expatriate professionals.
The copyright framework aligns with standard intellectual property protection practices while ensuring content integrity across China Daily’s digital properties. The policy serves as both a protective measure for the company’s intellectual assets and a clear guideline for appropriate content usage by third parties.
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‘Hang in there’: Agonising wait for the missing after Hong Kong blaze
A catastrophic fire that engulfed a public housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has resulted in at least 75 fatalities, with approximately 300 residents still unaccounted for, marking the territory’s deadliest blaze in six decades. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when flames rapidly consumed seven of eight tower blocks at Wang Fuk Court, a subsidized housing estate built in 1983.
The devastation has exposed critical safety failures, including the absence of functioning fire alarms and the use of highly flammable materials during recent renovations. Authorities have arrested three construction executives for “gross negligence” after discovering substandard plastic sheeting and polystyrene insulation on scaffolding that accelerated the fire’s spread.
Personal accounts reveal harrowing escapes and unbearable losses. Forty-five-year-old Mr. Chung received a final desperate call from his wife trapped in their 23rd-floor apartment with their cat. “Hang in there,” were his last words to her before communications ceased. After 24 hours of waiting, he now believes she perished in the smoke-filled flat.
The disaster disproportionately affected elderly residents, who comprise nearly 40% of the complex’s population. Many were physically unable to evacuate quickly through thick, toxic smoke that filled corridors within minutes. Seventy-two-year-old Grandma Chan escaped only after receiving an urgent call from her daughter abroad, while 82-year-old Grandma Wu abandoned her mahjong game when alerted by family calls rather than building alarms.
The Hong Kong government has announced immediate relief measures, including HK$10,000 payments to displaced families and a HK$300 million assistance fund. However, for survivors like Kyle Ho, who invested his family’s savings into their apartment, the future remains uncertain despite gratitude for their survival.
As firefighters continue their search operations, insisting they “haven’t given up” on finding survivors, the community mourns and demands accountability for one of Hong Kong’s most devastating urban disasters.
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Look: Hong Kong fire survivors hunt for hundreds of missing
In the aftermath of a devastating fire in Hong Kong, survivors are desperately searching for hundreds of individuals reported missing. The blaze, which erupted on November 27, 2025, has left the community in shock and mourning. Emergency services are working tirelessly to locate the missing and provide support to affected families. The incident has drawn widespread attention, with local authorities launching a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in densely populated urban areas. As the search continues, the resilience and solidarity of the Hong Kong community remain a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
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‘He was everything to me’: Hema Malini pens heartbreaking note after Dharmendra’s death
In a poignant tribute to her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra, veteran actress and politician Hema Malini shared her profound grief and cherished memories on social media. Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday, was remembered by Hema as the cornerstone of her life. On Thursday, she took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her sorrow, describing him as her ‘everything’—a loving husband, devoted father, and irreplaceable companion. She wrote, ‘Dharam ji was many things to me. He was my friend, philosopher, guide, poet, and my go-to person in all times of need. He was everything to me, and always has been, through good times and bad.’ Hema also highlighted Dharmendra’s humility, talent, and universal appeal, which made him a unique icon in the film industry. She shared a carousel of nostalgic photos, captioning it ‘Some memorable moments,’ and reflected on the irreplaceable void his passing has left in her life. The Deol family will host a gathering at Taj Lands End on Thursday to honor Dharmendra’s life, inviting friends and well-wishers to celebrate his enduring legacy.
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Death toll in Hong Kong building fire rises to 55: fire department
A devastating fire that engulfed a residential complex in Hong Kong has claimed the lives of 55 people, with the death toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. The Fire Services Department (FSD) confirmed the grim update during a press briefing on Thursday, revealing that 72 individuals, including eight firefighters, sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals. Over 200 residents remain unaccounted for, heightening fears of further casualties. The blaze, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon, ravaged Wang Fuk Court, a residential area comprising eight buildings undergoing major renovations. The structures were shrouded in green mesh and scaffolding, which authorities suspect contributed to the rapid spread of flames due to flammable materials. Three men overseeing the renovation project have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The FSD deployed 304 fire engines and rescue vehicles, utilizing drones to monitor heat levels and prevent rekindling. While flames have been extinguished in four buildings, three others remain partially ablaze. The incident has sparked widespread grief and calls for accountability, with President Xi Jinping extending condolences and urging all-out efforts to minimize losses.
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Nearly 300 missing in massive Hong Kong fire: Families look for relatives as blaze continues
A devastating fire that engulfed a Hong Kong apartment complex has claimed at least 44 lives and left nearly 300 people unaccounted for, as desperate families search for their missing loved ones. The blaze, which began on Wednesday afternoon, continues to rage, drawing grim comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy in London, where 72 people perished due to flammable cladding and systemic failures. Survivors and families are grappling with the aftermath, with many left homeless and uncertain about the fate of their relatives. An online app has been set up to track missing persons, with detailed reports submitted through a linked Google document. Descriptions range from ‘Mother-in-law in her 70s, missing’ to ’27th floor, room 1: He is dead,’ though Reuters has not independently verified these entries. The Grenfell United survivors’ group expressed solidarity with those affected, stating, ‘Our hearts go out to all those affected by the horrific fire in Hong Kong. You are not alone.’ Residents like 66-year-old Harry Cheung, who has lived in the complex for over 40 years, described the chaos as the fire erupted nearby, leaving him unsure of where he would sleep that night. Others, like a woman surnamed Ng, are frantically searching for missing family members, while long-time residents like 70-year-old Chu remain unable to contact friends in neighboring blocks. The tragedy has left the community in shock, with many questioning how such a disaster could occur.