标签: Asia

亚洲

  • Water and light show draws visitors to Zhangjiajie river

    Water and light show draws visitors to Zhangjiajie river

    The Suoxi River in Zhangjiajie’s Wulingyuan district has become the epicenter of a breathtaking nocturnal spectacle, drawing massive audiences with its innovative water and light exhibition. This immersive experience transforms the natural waterway into a multidimensional canvas of artistic expression through cutting-edge technological integration.

    Central to the display are engineered water curtains cascading from bridge structures, synchronized with dynamic musical compositions and sophisticated lighting systems that create mesmerizing reflections across the water’s surface. Adding another dimension to the production, fleets of drones perform coordinated aerial maneuvers, forming intricate luminous patterns against the night sky that celebrate the region’s distinctive natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

    Beyond its entertainment value, this ambitious project represents a significant ecological rehabilitation initiative. Municipal authorities have implemented comprehensive water channel regulation measures alongside ecosystem restoration efforts, demonstrating how tourism development can coexist with environmental stewardship.

    The installation forms part of Zhangjiajie’s strategic sustainable development plan to enhance visitor engagement through innovative landscape architecture. By reimagining riverfront spaces with environmentally conscious design principles, the city establishes new standards for nature-based tourism experiences that balance aesthetic appeal with ecological responsibility.

  • Palestine Action prisoner hospitalised due to hunger strike

    Palestine Action prisoner hospitalised due to hunger strike

    A British activist detained on charges linked to the proscribed organization Palestine Action has been hospitalized following a severe health deterioration during his hunger strike. Kamran Ahmed, currently held at London’s Pentonville prison, initiated the protest action alongside five other inmates earlier this month after UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood failed to address their concerns regarding prison conditions.

    The collective hunger strike coincides with a three-day judicial review at London’s High Court examining the government’s controversial decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation in July 2024. This designation effectively criminalizes membership or any form of support for the direct action group.

    According to the campaign organization Prisoners for Palestine (PFP), Ahmed experienced a medical emergency on Friday, collapsing in his cell with dangerously low blood sugar levels indicative of hypoglycemia. The asthmatic activist had reportedly been suffering from dizziness, respiratory complications, chest pains, and significant weight loss—dropping from 74kg to 68kg—with medical tests revealing critically elevated ketone levels.

    Ahmed’s sister, Shahmina Alam, provided Middle East Eye with disturbing details about the incident, revealing that her brother regained consciousness alone on his cell floor after fainting. Despite requests for emergency medical intervention, Alam claims prison authorities initially refused to call a second ambulance after paramedics declined hospitalization on Saturday, stating they could not intervene in a hunger strike situation.

    The Ministry of Justice responded to inquiries by emphasizing that “any prisoner assessed as needing hospital treatment is immediately taken to hospital,” while simultaneously noting legal restrictions preventing them from sharing healthcare information with unverified callers.

    Meanwhile, the five other participating prisoners across multiple facilities are experiencing accelerating health declines. Qesser Zurah and Amu Gib at HMP Bronzefield, along with Heba Muraisi at HMP New Hall and Jon Cink at Bronzefield, have reported rapid weight loss and deteriorating physical conditions. PFP documents indicate prison medical staff initially displayed reluctance to conduct examinations and were reportedly “hostile” toward the strikers.

    The situation has drawn significant political attention, with former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn writing to Justice Minister David Lammy expressing “grave concern” and demanding an urgent meeting regarding his constituent’s treatment. Over 100 medical professionals have additionally signed a letter to NHS England’s health and justice team urging immediate intervention.

    Prison authorities maintain that all inmates are managed according to established policies and procedures, with HMP Bronzefield emphasizing available channels for addressing complaints through proper institutional frameworks.

  • UAE: Free meals, National Day gifts for blood donors; Indian group holds drive

    UAE: Free meals, National Day gifts for blood donors; Indian group holds drive

    In celebration of the UAE’s 54th National Day, an Indian social organization is launching a significant humanitarian initiative—a massive blood donation campaign set for November 30 at the Dubai Health Authority’s Al Jaddaf headquarters. The event, organized by the Kasargod wing of KMCC in collaboration with the Kindness blood donation team, aims to attract at least 500 donors through enhanced incentives including complimentary meals, National Day gifts, and free transportation services.

    Operating from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, the campaign offers shuttle services from Al Jadaf metro station at 30-minute intervals, with additional bus transportation available for residents across Dubai including Deira, Karama, and Bur Dubai. Prospective donors must present valid Emirates ID and meet standard medical requirements to participate.

    Salam Kanyappady, president of the organizing group, emphasized the campaign’s dual purpose: honoring the UAE as their adopted homeland while contributing meaningfully to community welfare. The initiative builds upon a decade-long commitment to blood donation advocacy, having collected over 5,000 units since 2015. The group’s persistence has transformed public perception about blood donation safety, gradually turning skepticism into enthusiastic participation.

    The legacy of late philanthropist Dr. PA Ibrahim Haji continues to inspire the organization’s monthly mobile blood donation vehicles, which now regularly serve various emirates. The campaign’s success is further evidenced by dedicated regular donors like Faisal Patel, a 50-year-old cafeteria owner who has donated blood every two months for 13 years. Patel attributes his robust health to regular donation, noting he hasn’t required significant medication since 2021 and maintained COVID-free status throughout the pandemic while continuing his donations.

  • Tradeling and Yango Ads sign MoU to advance digital advertising and retail media innovation in the UAE

    Tradeling and Yango Ads sign MoU to advance digital advertising and retail media innovation in the UAE

    In a significant development for the Middle Eastern digital commerce sector, Tradeling, the region’s premier digital commerce ecosystem operating under Dubai’s visionary ‘Dubai 10X’ programme, has entered into a strategic partnership with Yango Ads, the advertising technology division of Yango Group. The memorandum of understanding establishes a collaborative framework to pioneer next-generation retail media and advertising technology solutions across the Middle East.

    The collaboration merges Yango Ads’ sophisticated artificial intelligence-driven advertising capabilities with Tradeling’s extensive digital commerce infrastructure, which currently serves over 50,000 buyers with access to more than 8 million stock keeping units. Owned by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA), Tradeling’s platform facilitates seamless sourcing for small and medium enterprises, corporate procurement teams, hospitality sectors, retailers, and e-commerce merchants throughout the region.

    This alliance enables Yango Ads to provide brands with access to high-intent, first-party retail media audiences within Tradeling’s purchasing environment, thereby enhancing supplier visibility and conversion rates throughout the customer journey. Concurrently, Tradeling will leverage Yango Ads’ AI-powered targeting, optimization, and performance technologies to empower platform suppliers and brands with improved visibility and accelerated growth.

    Evgenii Pavlov, General Manager for Yango Ads in Middle East and Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership: ‘This collaboration brings together two of the region’s most forward-thinking digital ecosystems. By combining Tradeling’s sophisticated digital commerce infrastructure with our retail media and AdTech capabilities, we aim to deliver smarter, highly targeted advertising solutions for suppliers, brands, and enterprise buyers.’

    Safvan Vali, Marketing Director at Tradeling, reinforced this sentiment: ‘Our mission has always been to simplify and digitally transform B2B trade across the region. This partnership strengthens that mission with advanced advertising, AI, and performance tools that help our sellers grow faster, reach the right audiences, and accelerate their digital transformation.’

    The timing of this collaboration is particularly strategic, given the Middle East and North Africa’s B2B trade market valuation of approximately $1 trillion, with online B2B commerce projected to reach $40-50 billion within the next five years. The partnership will explore multiple areas of mutual interest, including retail media monetization, supplier advertising solutions, AI-driven audience targeting, and the development of digital advertising opportunities across Tradeling’s marketplace and independent retailer network.

    Both organizations will additionally investigate joint go-to-market initiatives and non-binding commercial pilots under the memorandum’s framework. This alliance positions both entities to shape the forthcoming wave of AI-powered retail media and fundamentally transform how businesses discover, purchase, and expand their operations throughout the Middle Eastern market.

  • Former Philippine president Duterte to remain in detention at the Hague

    Former Philippine president Duterte to remain in detention at the Hague

    THE HAGUE – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has decisively rejected former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s petition for provisional release, ensuring his continued detention at the Scheveningen facility near The Hague. The ruling came Friday from the ICC Chamber of Appeal, presided over by Peruvian Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza.

    Duterte’s legal team had vigorously argued for his release based on humanitarian grounds, citing the former leader’s advanced age of 80 and allegedly deteriorating health condition. However, Judge Carranza dismissed these arguments, stating that the proposed release conditions “were not sufficient to mitigate the risks” associated with interim freedom for the accused.

    The court further rejected defense claims that Duterte should be released for humanitarian reasons, maintaining that the seriousness of the charges warranted continued detention. According to court documents, Duterte stands accused of authorizing “violent acts including murder to be committed against alleged criminals, including alleged drug dealers and users” during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.

    Duterte was apprehended in Manila on March 11 and transferred to ICC custody, where he appeared visibly frail during his initial video court appearance. The charges against him stem from his controversial anti-drug campaign that human rights organizations claim resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.

    The ICC has yet to determine whether Duterte is medically fit to stand trial. This latest ruling follows an October decision that rejected defense arguments challenging the court’s jurisdiction over three separate charges of crimes against humanity. These charges encompass:

    – 19 murders occurring between 2013-2016 during Duterte’s tenure as Davao City mayor
    – 14 killings of alleged drug bosses in 2016-2017 during his presidency
    – 43 killings of suspected low-level drug offenders

    Official Philippine National Police estimates place the death toll during Duterte’s drug war at over 6,000, while independent human rights organizations suggest the actual figure may reach 30,000. The case continues to draw international attention as victims’ families and human rights advocates closely monitor proceedings.

  • Al Safadi marks 25 years of shaping Lebanese dining in the UAE and officially launches Al Safadi Hospitality

    Al Safadi marks 25 years of shaping Lebanese dining in the UAE and officially launches Al Safadi Hospitality

    DUBAI – Celebrating a quarter-century of defining Lebanese culinary excellence in the UAE, Al Safadi has formally established Al Safadi Hospitality as a unified corporate umbrella to oversee its expanding portfolio. This strategic restructuring preserves the original ownership and leadership while creating an integrated framework for future growth, new brand development, and sustained quality across all operations.

    The journey began in 2000 with a single family-operated restaurant that evolved into one of the nation’s most recognized Lebanese dining destinations. Known for its unwavering consistency and traditional recipes—including an unchanging family Muhammara formula and annual service of approximately 57 tonnes of hummus—the brand has become embedded in UAE daily life. Its multicultural team of over 18 nationalities, including staff with nearly three decades of service, remains central to the group’s identity.

    Al Safadi Hospitality now encompasses the flagship restaurant brand, recently launched concepts Oventine and Table 25 catering, Al Safadi Food Production, and all future ventures. The consolidation enables strengthened quality control, operational excellence, and strategic planning while maintaining the brand’s heritage and people-focused culture.

    A cornerstone of this expansion is the new 5,000-square-meter Central Production Unit in Dubai Production City. This state-of-the-art facility features advanced European kitchen technology and hygienic preparation areas, capable of producing 45,000 meals daily to support existing restaurants, catering services, and upcoming retail lines. Currently pursuing HACCP and FSSC certifications, the facility incorporates sustainable technologies including Demand Control Ventilation and Empower District Cooling integration.

    The group’s expansion pipeline includes retail launches of sauces, spices, and ready-to-cook items between 2026-2027, alongside new restaurant openings across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. Oventine, the oven-led quick service concept inspired by Levantine flavors, will expand across Dubai through 2026, while Table 25 continues evolving as a premium catering brand offering international cuisine and custom menus.

    The anniversary was commemorated with a private gathering at the new production facility, featuring virtual tours, documentary presentations, and a performance by Guy Manoukian. CEO Fadi Al Safadi emphasized that the milestone recognizes the collective achievement of staff and patrons alike, stating: ‘We are building for the next 25 years, expanding with care while staying true to who we are.’

  • UAE: Will it rain during Eid Al Etihad long weekend?

    UAE: Will it rain during Eid Al Etihad long weekend?

    As the UAE approaches the final long weekend of the year marking Eid Al Etihad, residents can anticipate predominantly agreeable weather conditions characterized by cool mornings and partially overcast skies. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, certain northern, coastal, and island regions may experience intermittent cloud cover with possibilities of scattered rainfall throughout the holiday period.

    Temperatures continue their seasonal decline across the nation, with maximum readings forecasted between 24°C–30°C in coastal and inland areas, while mountainous regions will see cooler ranges of 12°C–20°C. Nighttime and early morning humidity will increase, creating potential for mist or fog formation in interior zones.

    Wind patterns are expected to remain light to moderate, shifting between southeasterly and northwesterly directions at speeds reaching 25-40 km/h, occasionally stirring dust clouds in open areas. Maritime conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will generally be slight to moderate throughout the extended weekend.

    The detailed forecast indicates variable cloud coverage across different days:
    – November 29: Partly cloudy with rainfall potential in coastal and eastern areas
    – November 30: Generally fair skies with possible low clouds in western regions
    – December 1-2: Partly cloudy conditions prevailing with increased humidity overnight

    Residents planning outdoor activities during the holiday period are advised to monitor weather updates for potential rainfall in northern districts while enjoying the seasonably cool temperatures.

  • Cultural adventures in Confucius’ hometown

    Cultural adventures in Confucius’ hometown

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has issued a definitive copyright notice establishing strict protections for all content published through its platforms. The comprehensive policy applies to all textual, photographic, and multimedia materials appearing on CDIC-affiliated sites.

    According to the published guidelines, republication or utilization of any protected content in any form requires prior written authorization from CDIC. The company explicitly prohibits unauthorized use of its intellectual property, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding digital assets.

    The notice additionally provides technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for best viewing performance. This specification indicates CDIC’s dedication to maintaining high presentation standards for its digital content.

    Beyond copyright matters, the communication references several organizational aspects including registration details (Registration Number: 130349) and multimedia publishing licenses (License 0108263). The notice also directs readers to various sections of the China Daily ecosystem including advertising opportunities, contact information, employment resources, and expatriate employment services.

    The copyright statement concludes with an invitation to follow the organization’s digital channels, emphasizing ongoing engagement with its audience through various media platforms. This multifaceted approach demonstrates CDIC’s comprehensive strategy toward content protection, user experience, and audience development.

  • Dubai Police ask public for help in identifying dead body

    Dubai Police ask public for help in identifying dead body

    Dubai Police have launched a public appeal for information regarding an unidentified male individual discovered deceased in the Al Qusais area. The case presents investigative challenges as the man was found without any personal identification documents, and no missing persons reports matching his description have been filed with authorities.

    According to official statements released on Friday, November 28, 2025, the discovery was made within the operational jurisdiction of the Al Qusais Police Station. The absence of identifying materials and the lack of missing person reports have complicated standard identification procedures.

    The remains have been transferred to the Forensic Science and Criminology Department’s specialized facilities for comprehensive examination. Forensic experts will conduct detailed analysis to establish both the individual’s identity and the precise circumstances surrounding his death.

    Authorities have established dedicated communication channels for information submission. Dubai residents can contact the police call center at 901, while callers from outside the emirate should dial 04 901. Police officials emphasize that any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove valuable in resolving this case and providing closure to potential family members.

    The public appeal represents standard procedure in cases involving unidentified persons, demonstrating the Dubai Police’s comprehensive approach to investigation through community engagement and advanced forensic capabilities.

  • Fact check: Thai police post AI-modified relief image as flood kills 145

    Fact check: Thai police post AI-modified relief image as flood kills 145

    Thailand’s border patrol police have issued a formal apology after publishing a digitally altered image depicting flood rescuers armed with automatic rifles and combat gear in the flood-ravaged city of Hat Yai. The incident occurred amid catastrophic flooding in southern Thailand that has claimed at least 145 lives according to official government reports.

    The controversial image, shared on the 437th Border Patrol Police unit’s Facebook page, showed personnel in full tactical equipment with the caption “Border patrol ready to enter zone 8 today” accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post was shared over 12,000 times before being removed from social media platforms.

    Fact-checkers from AFP identified digital watermarks in the image using Google’s AI identification tool SynthID, including a distinctive star-shaped Gemini watermark confirming the image was generated using Google’s AI software. This marks another instance of AI-generated imagery circulating in Thailand during the disaster response period.

    Following exposure of the manipulation, the police unit published the original photograph showing unarmed officers in orange life vests operating a rescue boat with visible relief supplies. “This is a real image before it was made into an AI image,” the unit stated. “We apologize for any misunderstanding.”

    An unnamed officer explained to AFP that the altered image was intended to “show the public our readiness to enter the area,” while clarifying that no personnel involved in flood relief operations actually carried firearms. No disciplinary actions have been taken regarding the incident.

    The manipulation occurred despite warnings from Thailand’s government-run anti-fake news center, which had previously advised against sharing AI images that “mislead people and become obstacles to relief efforts.”

    Public reaction revealed divided opinions, with some netizens condemning the digital deception during a humanitarian crisis while others expressed desire for such armed protection to be reality. Critics emphasized the importance of transparent communication during emergency operations, with one comment noting, “The first place in the world where flood relief officials must be armed.”