标签： Asia

The Caohai National Nature Reserve in Guizhou province has once again become a winter sanctuary for the endangered black-necked cranes. Photographers recently documented these majestic birds foraging along the lakeshore, marking their seasonal return to the region. Since November 11, the reserve has welcomed the first arrivals of this year’s migratory flock. By November 16, the reserve’s management committee reported a total of 114 black-necked cranes in the Caohai area. This annual migration highlights the ecological significance of Caohai as a critical habitat for these rare birds. The reserve’s efforts in conservation and habitat preservation continue to play a vital role in supporting the survival of this species, which is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and environmental changes.

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has unveiled the first inspection ratings for four of the city’s newest private schools, offering parents a critical evaluation of these institutions’ performance. This comes as full school inspections remain suspended for most schools until 2026, with only schools that opened in 2022 eligible for reviews this academic year. The KHDA’s decision to extend the inspection pause aims to provide schools with more time to innovate and refine their internal practices. Notably, these ratings directly influence the tuition fee increases schools can implement, with higher-rated institutions permitted to request larger hikes. Among the four schools reviewed, Bloom World Academy and Citizens School both secured ‘Good’ ratings, while Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba and Durham School Dubai received ‘Acceptable’ ratings. Bloom World Academy was particularly praised for its personalised learning model and strong environmental responsibility, while Citizens School excelled in student development and community engagement. Both schools, however, were advised to enhance academic attainment and literacy provision. The other two schools, despite their ‘Acceptable’ ratings, were commended for their supportive environments and health and safety standards. With full inspections paused, schools can only adjust fees based on the Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.35% for the 2025–26 academic year, limiting fee hikes regardless of performance. Dubai’s education sector continues to thrive, with 81% of students attending schools rated ‘Good’ or better, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

The Summit of Tianjin, a groundbreaking architectural marvel, opened its doors to the public in June 2025. This iconic structure, located in Tianjin, China, boasts a unique ‘steel tubular column and steel plate shear wall’ design, earning it the distinction of being the tallest building in the world to utilize this innovative structural system. The Summit of Tianjin is not just a testament to modern engineering but also a symbol of the city’s rapid development and ambition. Visitors to the sightseeing hall can experience panoramic views of the city, offering a blend of architectural brilliance and urban beauty. The building’s design emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and structural resilience, making it a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Summit of Tianjin stands as a beacon of innovation, showcasing China’s prowess in pushing the boundaries of architectural design and urban planning.

The United Arab Emirates is in mourning following the tragic passing of Osama Al Shaafar, a revered figure in both the political and sporting arenas. Al Shaafar, a former member of the Federal National Council (FNC) and a prominent leader in cycling and bodybuilding, died on Wednesday due to an accident abroad. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation, with tributes flooding social media platforms and official statements from various organizations. Friends, colleagues, and admirers remembered Al Shaafar as a man of exceptional kindness, humility, and warmth, often describing him as ‘a brother before a friend.’ His genuine smile and unwavering support for others left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Al Shaafar’s contributions to the UAE and Asian sporting communities were immense. He served as president of the UAE Cycling Federation for eight years, during which the sport achieved significant milestones in talent development and international recognition. He also held leadership roles in the Asian Cycling Confederation and the International Cycling Union (UCI), among others. His legacy includes numerous accolades, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award and the Gold Medal of Honor from the International Federation of Bodybuilding. The UAE community continues to honor his memory, reflecting on the profound impact he had on both sports and society.