In a heartwarming gesture to mark the commencement of its 30th season, Global Village brought smiles to the faces of 1,000 passengers arriving at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport (DXB). The iconic mascots of Global Village—Zoya, Waleef, and Ozka—were stationed at the baggage claim area, distributing specially curated gift boxes to unsuspecting travelers. Each box, adorned with the inviting message ‘Pick me up! I’m your welcome gift,’ contained exclusive memorabilia from the landmark season, including themed water bottles and tote bags. The mascots not only handed out the gifts but also engaged with passengers, posing for photos and creating a festive atmosphere. This initiative, part of the celebrations for Global Village’s 30th anniversary, highlights the destination’s commitment to spreading joy and creating memorable experiences for visitors. The event underscores Dubai’s reputation as a city that welcomes travelers with warmth and creativity.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Jewish and Israeli figures urge world leaders to act over ‘unconscionable’ Israeli acts in Gaza
In a groundbreaking move, over 460 prominent Jewish figures and Israelis have issued an open letter urging the United Nations and global leaders to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. Released on Wednesday, the letter, signed by former Israeli officials, Jewish artists, and intellectuals, demands a focus on the ‘underlying conditions of occupation, apartheid, and the denial of Palestinian rights,’ which remain unaddressed in the current ceasefire agreement. This marks the first coordinated appeal of its kind since the ceasefire took effect on October 10. Notable signatories include Canadian author Naomi Klein, former Israeli peace negotiator Daniel Levy, actors Ilana Glazer and Hannah Einbinder, and Oscar-winning directors Jonathan Glazer and Yuval Abraham. The letter calls on the UN secretary general and world leaders to enforce international law, halt arms sales, impose sanctions, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Signatories also emphasized that solidarity with Palestinians is not a betrayal of Judaism but a fulfillment of its values, quoting Jewish teachings that ‘to destroy one life is to destroy an entire world.’ The letter reflects a significant shift in public opinion, with a recent Washington Post poll revealing that 61% of American Jews believe Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza. Former Knesset speaker Avram Burg described the situation as a ‘moment of rupture,’ stating that Israel’s actions conflict with his deepest human and Jewish values. While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, the letter warns of its fragility and the escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank. According to UN figures, 3,200 Palestinians have been wounded in settler attacks this year, with 71 incidents recorded in a single week in October. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed 68,216 Palestinians and wounded 170,361. Additionally, a Palestinian government office reported 80 ceasefire violations by Israel, resulting in 97 deaths and 230 injuries since the ceasefire began.
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Sobha Realty unveils AquaCrest in Downtown UAQ development
Sobha Realty has introduced Sobha AquaCrest, the second residential cluster within its expansive Downtown UAQ masterplan, a $20 billion coastal development poised to transform the architectural and lifestyle landscape of Umm Al Quwain. Spanning 25 million square feet, the project boasts 7km of beachfront and 11km of coastline, making it one of the most ambitious developments in the Northern Emirates. Upon completion, Downtown UAQ will accommodate over 150,000 residents, offering a blend of luxury homes, retail boulevards, marinas, hotels, leisure zones, and offices, all designed with Sobha Realty’s signature precision and sustainable ethos. The newly launched AquaCrest features a five-tower cluster with one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, set for handover in June 2029. The project integrates contemporary architecture with coastal tranquility, offering panoramic sea views, energy-efficient HVAC systems, district cooling, EV charging stations, and eco-friendly building materials. Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, emphasized the project’s role in the company’s mission to expand its UAE footprint while maintaining a commitment to quality and sustainability. ‘Downtown UAQ is envisioned as a new urban landmark, blending modern design, sustainability, and coastal beauty. AquaCrest represents the next chapter in this vision,’ Alfred stated. Property consultant V.S. Bijukumar highlighted Sobha Realty’s reputation as a trusted luxury developer, blending craftsmanship and sustainable design to create destinations that harmonize modern living with the natural beauty of the Emirates’ coastline. More than half of Downtown UAQ is dedicated to open and green spaces, including landscaped parks, jogging tracks, and beach promenades, fostering an active, nature-connected lifestyle. The community is designed as a next-generation mobility hub, featuring future infrastructure for air and water taxis to promote sustainable connectivity. The broader masterplan includes a cultural and leisure ecosystem with an Art and Design District, Marine Experience Center, Wellness Park, multiple marinas, retail and dining promenades, and an open-air amphitheatre, aiming to position Umm Al Quwain as a cultural and tourism hub. Sobha Realty’s expansion into the Northern Emirates also includes Sobha Siniya Island, an eco-sensitive coastal development with 60% of its land allocated to protected mangroves, green zones, and open habitats. Together, Siniya Island and Downtown UAQ are projected to contribute nearly 30% of the company’s total sales this year, with combined sales expected to reach Dh12 billion.
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Netanyahu puts architect of GHF in centre overseeing Gaza aid and ceasefire
Michael Eisenberg, a prominent Israeli-American businessman and venture capitalist, has been appointed as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s representative at the US Army’s Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), according to Channel 12 News. The CMCC, established to oversee ceasefire monitoring and humanitarian relief in Gaza, was inaugurated during US Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit to Israel. Eisenberg’s appointment underscores Netanyahu’s intent to retain control over Gaza-related communications with the US, bypassing independent handling by the defense establishment. Eisenberg, who heads the Aleph fund, is reportedly a key figure in the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has faced criticism for its inefficiency in delivering aid amid Gaza’s famine crisis. Since its inception, the GHF has been accused of monopolizing aid distribution, sidelining the UN, and failing to meet the enclave’s urgent needs. Over 2,300 Palestinians, including 1,021 at or near GHF distribution sites, have been killed while seeking aid since the GHF’s establishment. Eisenberg, who grew up in New York and later emigrated to Israel, has been a significant investor in Israeli high-tech and has been involved in contentious political and legal disputes. His role at the CMCC, alongside Brigadier General Yaki Dolf, aims to facilitate stabilization efforts in Gaza. US Central Command Commander Brad Cooper emphasized the center’s goal of uniting stakeholders for a peaceful transition in Gaza. Despite Vance’s optimism, skepticism remains about the center’s effectiveness. Vance’s visit has been interpreted as a measure to ensure Netanyahu’s compliance with the ceasefire, with some Israeli officials likening it to a ‘protectorate’ arrangement.
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China revitalizes 88 key rivers, lakes in ecological restoration drive
China has marked a significant milestone in its ecological restoration efforts, successfully revitalizing 88 key rivers and lakes across the nation by the end of September 2025. This achievement, announced by the Ministry of Water Resources, is part of the ‘Mother River Rejuvenation’ action plan launched in 2022. The initiative aims to restore ecological flows to waterways that had been dry for decades, addressing long-standing environmental challenges. Tailored restoration strategies were implemented for each water body, considering their unique geographical and ecological conditions. Notable successes include the Yellow River maintaining uninterrupted flow for 26 consecutive years and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, which had been dry for a century, now flowing continuously for four years. In the Haihe River Basin, once plagued by severe water scarcity and pollution, systematic rehabilitation has reversed ecological degradation. The Yongding River, which had dry sections for 26 years, has seen water flow through its entire length for five years, while Baiyangdian Lake, a crucial wetland in northern China, has maintained stable ecological water levels for seven years. Looking ahead, China plans to expand the program to more river basins and establish long-term mechanisms for sustaining these ecological improvements. The ministry emphasized the importance of continuing tailored restoration approaches to enhance the health of the nation’s waterways.
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La Nina weather pattern could bring extreme cold, droughts, says NCC
China is bracing for the potential onset of a La Nina weather pattern in late autumn, which could lead to severe winter conditions across various regions. According to meteorologists, northern, southwestern, and central parts of the country may experience freezing rain and snow, while southern areas could face prolonged droughts. Zhang Daquan, an official from the National Climate Center, highlighted that recent monitoring of the equatorial central and eastern Pacific has shown sea surface temperatures below normal, signaling a neutral-to-cool state. This data has led climate experts to predict a transition to La Nina conditions in the upcoming season. Historically, La Nina winters in China have been marked by lower-than-average temperatures, with notable snow disasters in the north and freezing weather in the south, such as in 2008 and 2018. However, experts caution that La Nina does not always guarantee extreme cold and could even result in warmer winters due to global warming, as seen in the winter of 2020-2021. China’s winter climate is influenced by a combination of factors, including Arctic sea ice, snow cover, and atmospheric circulation systems, making it essential to integrate monitoring and forecasting information from various sources. Zhang emphasized the need for vigilance in addressing the potential adverse impacts of sharp temperature fluctuations on production and daily life.
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A march of faith: 74-year-old Hong Kong man retraces the Long March on foot
In a remarkable tribute to history and resilience, 74-year-old Hong Kong resident Michael Cheng Chun-Yim recently completed a year-long journey retracing the Red Army’s legendary Long March. On October 19, Cheng arrived in Wuqi township, Shaanxi province, marking the exact 90th anniversary of the Red Army’s arrival at the same location. His journey began in Yudu county, Jiangxi province, and spanned over 300 days, covering approximately 5,000 kilometers across eight provincial-level regions. Cheng traversed mountains, grasslands, and endured extreme weather conditions, embodying the spirit of perseverance and unity that defined the Long March. For Cheng, this was not merely a physical challenge but a profound exploration of China’s rapid development and historical legacy. ‘I wanted to understand my country not from books, but with my own feet,’ he remarked. Cheng views the Long March as a metaphor for life, emphasizing the enduring relevance of faith and determination in today’s prosperous era. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the sacrifices made by the Red Army and the timeless lessons of their struggle.
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Crash kills 1, injures 4: Fujairah Police remind drivers of fine for unsafe road entry
A tragic accident on Ghubb Internal Road in Fujairah has left one dead and four injured, prompting Fujairah Police to issue a stern reminder to drivers about the importance of road safety. The collision occurred on Sunday morning when one vehicle entered the road without ensuring it was clear, leading to a devastating crash between two cars. The incident claimed the life of a 20-year-old Emirati passenger, while the four injured individuals are now in stable condition and expected to recover soon. Brigadier General Saleh Mohammed Abdullah Al Zanahani, director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at Fujairah Police, emphasized the need for drivers to exercise caution, particularly on internal roads that experience higher traffic during evenings and holidays. He urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions such as mobile phone use, and always confirm that the road is clear before entering or changing lanes. Authorities also highlighted the legal consequences of unsafe driving, including a Dh400 fine and four black points for entering a road without ensuring safety, as well as speeding fines ranging from Dh300 to Dh3,000. The deceased was laid to rest on Sunday evening, with funeral prayers held at Khalid bin Saad Mosque before burial at Dibba Fujairah cemetery. Fujairah Police reiterated their commitment to reducing road fatalities and called on all drivers to recognize their moral and legal responsibilities to prevent such tragedies.
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North Korea has stolen billions in cryptocurrency and tech firm salaries, report says
North Korea has emerged as a formidable player in the realm of cybercrime, leveraging sophisticated hacking techniques to siphon billions of dollars from cryptocurrency exchanges and infiltrate foreign companies through fake identities, according to a comprehensive international report. The 138-page document, published by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team, reveals that these illicit activities are orchestrated by Pyongyang to finance its nuclear weapons program. The team, comprising the U.S. and 10 allied nations, was established last year to oversee North Korea’s adherence to U.N. sanctions. The report highlights how North Korean hackers have targeted global businesses and organizations with advanced malware, disrupting networks and stealing sensitive data. Additionally, the regime has utilized cryptocurrency for money laundering and military procurement, circumventing international sanctions tied to its nuclear ambitions. Despite its isolation, North Korea has invested heavily in offensive cyber capabilities, now rivaling China and Russia in sophistication. The report underscores the significant threat posed by these cyber operations, which have led to the destruction of physical equipment, loss of private assets, and funding for weapons of mass destruction. Earlier this year, North Korean hackers executed one of the largest crypto heists, stealing $1.5 billion in Ethereum. Furthermore, U.S. authorities have identified thousands of IT workers employed by American companies as North Korean operatives using fake identities to funnel salaries back to the regime. The report concludes that North Korea’s cyber activities are a critical component of its strategy to sustain its government and military programs.
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When Sachin Tendulkar rewrote a scene in SRK’s iconic Pepsi advertisement
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, renowned for his composed presence on the field, also showcased his creative flair off it, as revealed by acclaimed ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar. In a recent interview with ANI, Kakkar shared the behind-the-scenes story of one of Pepsi’s most iconic advertisements from 1999, featuring Tendulkar alongside Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The ad, which became a cultural phenomenon, was elevated by Tendulkar’s ingenious suggestion to alter the script’s climax. Initially, the scene depicted Tendulkar picking up a bat and heading to the field. However, Tendulkar proposed a twist: instead of taking the bat, he would return to the dressing room with a Pepsi, leaving Shah Rukh Khan’s character to face the unexpected challenge of batting. This change not only added humor but also made the ad more memorable. The commercial, which popularized the slogan ‘Yeh Dil Maange More,’ remains a celebrated example of the synergy between sports and Bollywood, marking a golden era in Indian advertising during the 1990s.