Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Eid Al Etihad break: 5 visa-free countries UAE residents can fly to in few hours

    Eid Al Etihad break: 5 visa-free countries UAE residents can fly to in few hours

    As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 54th Eid Al Etihad, residents are planning short getaways to make the most of the four-day holiday announced for December 1 and 2. For those seeking convenience and affordability, visa-free destinations within a four-hour flight are an ideal choice. Here are five top-rated locations that promise hassle-free travel and unforgettable experiences.

    1. **Georgia**: Just a 3.5-hour flight from the UAE, Georgia offers a blend of European and Asian cultures. With its picturesque mountains and historic towns like Tbilisi, UAE residents can enjoy a 90-day stay without a visa.

    2. **Uzbekistan**: This Central Asian gem provides visa-on-arrival for UAE residents, allowing a 30-day stay. Explore the cultural treasures of Samarkand and Bukhara, or delve into Tashkent’s vibrant markets and Soviet-era architecture—all within a 3.5-hour flight.

    3. **Armenia**: UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID can obtain a visa-on-arrival in Armenia. Known for its scenic landscapes and ancient monasteries, Armenia is a perfect escape from the desert heat, just a 3-hour, 25-minute flight away.

    4. **Nepal**: A 4-hour flight takes you to Nepal, home to Mount Everest and stunning Buddhist and Hindu temples. UAE residents can enjoy visa-on-arrival and immerse themselves in the country’s serene beauty and warm hospitality.

    5. **Azerbaijan**: A 3-hour flight to Baku opens the door to Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the UNESCO-listed Old City to the modern Heydar Aliyev Centre, this destination offers a unique blend of history and modernity.

    These destinations not only save time and effort but also provide a refreshing break from routine, making them perfect for a short holiday during the Eid Al Etihad break.

  • Israel tries Al-Aqsa imam Ekrima Sabri over alleged ‘incitement’

    Israel tries Al-Aqsa imam Ekrima Sabri over alleged ‘incitement’

    Israeli authorities have initiated the trial of Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the prominent imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, on charges of incitement. The first hearing took place on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian religious leaders. The charges, filed in August 2024, stem from two condolence speeches Sabri delivered in 2022 and his public mourning of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh following his assassination in 2024. Sabri’s legal team argues that the case is part of a broader campaign of political, religious, and ideological persecution targeting the imam. Khaled Zabarka, head of Sabri’s defense team, described the trial as ‘the embodiment of racist persecution’ and accused Israeli authorities of attempting to silence influential Palestinian voices. Sabri, 86, a former grand mufti of Jerusalem and head of the Supreme Islamic Council, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian causes and the Islamic claim to Al-Aqsa Mosque. His trial coincides with an intensifying Israeli crackdown on Palestinian access to the mosque, with increasing restrictions imposed on worshippers and imams. Zabarka highlighted that Israeli authorities have banned numerous individuals, including Sabri, from entering the site, often for mentioning Gaza in sermons. He condemned these actions as ‘an outright intrusion into the Friday sermons at Al-Aqsa Mosque,’ warning of a concerning new trend. Israel’s control of East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, continues to violate international law, which prohibits occupying powers from asserting sovereignty or making permanent changes to occupied territories.

  • Vitol, Cnergyico make Pakistan’s biggest single delivery of marine fuel

    Vitol, Cnergyico make Pakistan’s biggest single delivery of marine fuel

    In a landmark development for Pakistan’s maritime industry, global energy trading giant Vitol and Pakistan’s largest oil refiner, Cnergyico, have successfully executed the country’s largest single delivery of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) for ship refuelling. This significant shipment, announced in a statement late Monday, marks a pivotal step in enhancing Pakistan’s role in the global shipping sector. The VLSFO, compliant with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, was produced by Cnergyico following its import of U.S. crude oil cargoes in August and September. The fuel was delivered to a vessel owned by shipping major MSC at Port Qasim using the Singapore-flagged bunker barge Marine Ista, capable of supplying 6,800 metric tons of marine fuel in a single delivery. Notably, this delivery was the first to load fuel directly from the Karachi Port Trust’s Oil Pier, bypassing traditional truck deliveries. The initiative not only enables large vessels refuelling in Pakistan to undertake longer east-to-west routes without additional stops but also strengthens Pakistan’s local supply of environmentally compliant marine fuel. Vitol and Cnergyico plan to continue this collaboration, with Vitol expanding its bunker locations to include Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Karachi Anchorage. Aumar Abbassciy, director at Cnergyico Pk Limited, emphasized that this effort underscores Pakistan’s growing capacity to provide sustainable fuel solutions to the global shipping industry.

  • UAE expat among 45 Indians killed in Saudi bus crash, brother confirms

    UAE expat among 45 Indians killed in Saudi bus crash, brother confirms

    A devastating bus accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Indian pilgrims, including an Indian expatriate who had been working in the UAE for 25 years. The incident occurred on November 16, when the bus, en route from Makkah to Madinah, collided with an oil tanker near Medina, causing a catastrophic explosion that engulfed the vehicle in flames. Among the victims was Abdul Ghani Shirhatti, a driver from Karnataka’s Hubbali, who had traveled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah on November 9. His younger brother, Faruque Shirhatti, confirmed the tragic news, stating that his brother had been a driver in Abu Dhabi for the past 25 years. The Hyderabad Police Commissioner, VC Sajjanar, reported that out of the 46 passengers on board, only one individual, Mohd Abdul Shoaib, survived and is currently in critical condition in a Saudi hospital ICU. The incident has prompted swift action from Indian authorities, with AIMIM leader Waris Pathan confirming that party president Asaduddin Owaisi has contacted the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate efforts for repatriating the victims’ bodies. A team has also been dispatched to Saudi Arabia to assist in the coordination and cooperation between the Indian and Saudi governments. The tragedy has left families in mourning and has highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures for pilgrims traveling in the region.

  • Israeli settlers torch homes and fields in fresh West Bank attack

    Israeli settlers torch homes and fields in fresh West Bank attack

    In a disturbing escalation of violence, Israeli settlers launched a large-scale attack on the Palestinian town of Jab’a, southwest of Bethlehem, on Monday evening. The assault resulted in the torching of three homes, multiple vehicles, and farmland, leaving residents traumatized and suffering significant material losses. The targeted properties belonged to Raafat Hilal Mashaaleh, Muhammad Musa Musa, and Yusuf Ahmad Musa, who recounted the harrowing experience of being attacked by approximately 50 assailants. Mashaaleh, who sustained injuries during the attack, described the settlers’ brutality, emphasizing that even children were not spared. CCTV footage captured the settlers entering the village, with some seen setting objects alight. Videos shared online show vehicles and homes engulfed in flames as residents desperately tried to extinguish the fires. The fire spread rapidly after lithium batteries in the cars ignited, causing extensive damage. Mashaaleh, who managed to put out the blaze with the help of neighbors, expressed gratitude for their safety but lamented the financial devastation. This incident marks the third settler attack on Mashaaleh’s home and one of dozens in the town recently. The Israeli military confirmed the attack and stated that a search for those involved is underway, though no arrests have been made. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence, labeling the perpetrators as ‘extremists’ and vowing to address the issue personally. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also criticized the settlers, emphasizing that their actions harm Israel’s reputation and the settlement project. The recent surge in settler violence has raised concerns within Israel, with fears that such attacks could provoke a Palestinian response. The security establishment has acknowledged its limited capacity to curb the violence, with one official warning of the potential for deadly consequences. The attack in Jab’a echoes the 2015 arson attack in Duma, which claimed the lives of three members of the Dawabsheh family. As settler violence continues to escalate, particularly since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, the occupied West Bank remains on edge, with residents facing daily threats to their safety and livelihoods.

  • First charges in Philippine flood control scandal target ex-lawmaker, officials

    First charges in Philippine flood control scandal target ex-lawmaker, officials

    In a significant development in the Philippine flood control corruption scandal, prosecutors have filed the first criminal charges against a former congressman, public works officials, and construction firm members. The charges, which include falsification of documents, misuse of public funds, and graft law violations, stem from a substandard road dike project in Oriental Mindoro province. The scandal, which has sparked public outrage and protests, involves allegations that billions of taxpayer dollars were siphoned off for ghost infrastructure projects. Ombudsman spokesman Mico Clavano emphasized that public funds were intended to protect communities from flooding, not to enrich officials or private contractors. The charges mark the beginning of what is expected to be a series of indictments, with more cases currently under preliminary investigation. The scandal has already led to the resignation of several high-profile figures, including two cabinet members and the House speaker. The controversy has also deepened political tensions, with President Ferdinand Marcos’s sister accusing him of drug use, a claim vehemently denied by his son. The scandal has become a focal point of public anger, with the Iglesia ni Cristo church holding massive rallies to demand accountability.

  • Macao SAR to speed up reform, diversification in 2026: chief executive

    Macao SAR to speed up reform, diversification in 2026: chief executive

    In a significant policy address delivered on Tuesday, Sam Hou-fai, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), outlined the government’s strategic priorities for 2026. Emphasizing the need for comprehensive administrative reform and economic diversification, Sam highlighted the SAR’s commitment to enhancing livelihoods and deepening integration into national development frameworks. The address, presented at the Legislative Assembly, underscored the challenges posed by shifting global and domestic economic landscapes, urging a balanced approach that aligns short-term needs with long-term planning. Sam stressed the importance of revitalizing existing resources while fostering new growth areas, ensuring that economic development and livelihood improvements reinforce each other. The policy blueprint also aims to bolster Macao’s economic recovery, with a focus on positive GDP growth and an improved business environment. Key initiatives include leveraging the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and enhancing governance capacity through legal and administrative reforms. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to national security, ensuring robust safeguards to support high-quality and sustainable development.

  • Surfing in Guangdong’s Shantou

    Surfing in Guangdong’s Shantou

    Qing’ao Bay in Shantou, Guangdong province, is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier surfing destination. The bay, which recently hosted the 15th National Games surfing competition, has attracted surfing enthusiasts from around the globe. The event showcased the area’s exceptional wave conditions, leading to widespread acclaim. ‘China has great waves!’ has become a rallying cry among the international surfing community, highlighting the potential of Qing’ao Bay as a world-class surfing hotspot. The competition not only brought attention to the sport but also boosted local tourism and economic activity. With its pristine beaches and consistent waves, Qing’ao Bay is poised to become a key player in the global surfing scene, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and sporting excellence.

  • China’s primary school population peaks, middle school to follow

    China’s primary school population peaks, middle school to follow

    China’s education system is undergoing significant demographic changes, with the primary school student population reaching its peak in 2023, according to Education Minister Huai Jinpeng. Middle schools are expected to follow suit in 2024, while high schools and higher education institutions are projected to peak in 2029 and 2032, respectively. These shifts reflect broader population trends and have prompted the Ministry of Education to reallocate resources to address regional disparities in school placement and resource distribution. Minister Huai emphasized the need to prioritize areas experiencing rapid population growth and urban centers with high concentrations of school-age children. The ministry also plans to expand educational facilities to accommodate these changes, ensuring equitable access to quality education across the country. This strategic response aims to mitigate the challenges posed by fluctuating student numbers and to maintain the stability of China’s education system in the coming decade.

  • Sole Indian survivor lost parents in Saudi bus crash: How did he escape oil-tanker collision

    Sole Indian survivor lost parents in Saudi bus crash: How did he escape oil-tanker collision

    In a devastating bus crash in Saudi Arabia, 45 individuals, predominantly Indian pilgrims, lost their lives. The sole survivor, 24-year-old Mohd Abdul Shoiab from Hyderabad, is currently receiving medical treatment in a Saudi hospital. According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar, Shoiab was seated next to the driver when the collision occurred. Reports suggest that he managed to escape by breaking open a window and jumping to safety. Tragically, Shoiab lost both his parents in the accident. The crash also claimed three generations of one family, resulting in 18 deaths, including nine children. In response to the tragedy, helplines were established in Telangana and by the Indian mission in Jeddah to assist the victims’ families. The victims have been identified as 28 females and 17 males. The Saudi traffic authority has initiated an investigation into the collision in Medinah, and legal procedures are underway. The Telangana Chief Minister’s Office, after consulting with the families of the deceased, has decided to conduct the last rites in accordance with religious traditions. Arrangements are being made to transport two members from each affected family to Saudi Arabia for this purpose. Indian authorities are in continuous communication with Saudi officials to manage the aftermath of this tragic event.