标签: North America

北美洲

  • UAE President arrives in Moscow on official visit, meets Putin

    UAE President arrives in Moscow on official visit, meets Putin

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commenced an official state visit to Moscow on January 29, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in Russo-Emirati relations. The presidential aircraft received a distinguished welcome upon entering Russian airspace, with military jet formations providing ceremonial escort in a display of mutual respect and diplomatic courtesy.

    The high-level delegation accompanying the UAE leader includes prominent figures such as Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President. The contingent also comprises various sheikhs, ministers, and senior government officials, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the bilateral discussions.

    This visit represents a continuation of strengthened diplomatic channels between the two nations, following recent exchanges that included Sheikh Mohamed hosting Russian President envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The timing and composition of the delegation suggest substantive dialogue on economic cooperation, energy policy, and regional security matters, with both nations playing crucial roles in global energy markets and Middle Eastern geopolitics.

    The ceremonial military escort protocol demonstrates the importance Moscow places on this diplomatic engagement, while the inclusion of economic and investment authorities in the delegation indicates potential discussions about bilateral trade, investment partnerships, and economic diversification initiatives. This meeting occurs against the backdrop of evolving global energy dynamics and shifting geopolitical alliances in the post-2020s era.

  • Dubai RTA sets rules for installing parking shades in residential areas

    Dubai RTA sets rules for installing parking shades in residential areas

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has established a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the installation of parking shades throughout residential areas, responding directly to community needs while maintaining the city’s architectural integrity. The newly implemented permit system introduces seven specific technical criteria that residents must follow when installing canopies over designated parking spaces.

    The regulations mandate that installations must not impede pedestrian pathways, compromise road safety, obstruct traffic signage, or interfere with subsurface utility infrastructure. All structures must adhere to RTA-approved specifications regarding design, materials, and color schemes. Specifically, canopy covers must feature desert-inspired tones, while supporting structures require construction from mild steel, aluminum, or light beige powder-coated materials to ensure both structural durability and aesthetic harmony with Dubai’s urban landscape.

    Notably, all installations must maintain a temporary character with foundation depths not exceeding 0.7 meters, ensuring stability during weather variations while allowing for eventual removal. The RTA retains the right to request shade removal for development projects, maintenance operations, or emergency situations. This initiative emerged from extensive community feedback gathered through customer councils and field visits, particularly addressing concerns regarding rising summer temperatures and increasing vehicle ownership in residential communities.

    The permit system will be administered through authorized contracting companies, applying exclusively to properly designated and reserved parking spaces. This balanced approach aims to enhance quality of life by providing protection from extreme heat while preserving Dubai’s distinctive visual identity and ensuring public safety.

  • Jebel Jais to reopen on January 31 after rain-related closures

    Jebel Jais to reopen on January 31 after rain-related closures

    RAS AL KHAIMAH — Jebel Jais, the UAE’s premier mountain destination, has confirmed its comprehensive reopening strategy following extensive safety assessments and maintenance triggered by adverse weather conditions in December 2025. The iconic attraction will commence operations on Saturday, January 31, 2026, implementing a carefully structured phased approach to ensure visitor safety.

    Authorities revealed that persistent rainfall between December 17-19, 2025, resulted in significant water accumulation across various sections of the mountain terrain, necessitating targeted remediation efforts. Specialist teams conducted thorough inspections and implemented essential maintenance protocols, including temporary road closures, to address safety concerns arising from shifting rocks and slippery pathways.

    The reopening schedule features staggered operational resumptions for individual attractions: The renowned Jais Flight zip line will resume operations on January 31, while the Jais Sky Tour experience is scheduled to recommence on February 7. The 1484 by Puro restaurant will welcome guests from January 31, though Red Rock attractions will remain temporarily closed. Notably, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp has already resumed operations after a brief weather-related closure.

    Visitor guidelines have been enhanced, with authorities mandating advanced bookings for activities and dining experiences. Alternatively, guests may purchase viewing deck park tickets priced at Dh10 for access to hiking trails, cycling paths, and leisure areas. Officials continue to advise against wadi camping during unsettled weather patterns and urge extreme caution when navigating affected routes.

    This systematic reopening demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to maintaining world-class safety standards at its natural attractions while ensuring minimal disruption to visitor experiences following exceptional weather events.

  • Ted Lasso Season 4: Jason Sudeikis returns as the beloved coach in summer 2026

    Ted Lasso Season 4: Jason Sudeikis returns as the beloved coach in summer 2026

    Apple TV+ has officially announced the summer 2026 premiere of the highly anticipated fourth season of its Emmy-winning comedy series ‘Ted Lasso,’ with star and executive producer Jason Sudeikis returning as the beloved American football coach. The streaming platform released exclusive first-look images revealing the new narrative direction for the acclaimed series.

    The upcoming season will follow Ted Lasso’s return to Richmond, where he faces his most challenging coaching assignment yet: leading a second-division women’s football team. Production images showcase Sudeikis alongside returning cast member Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard, joined by new addition Tanya Reynolds as a fresh-faced assistant coach.

    Significant casting changes include Grant Feely assuming the role of Ted’s son Henry, following a recasting decision prior to production. Authentic scenes captured at Mae Green’s iconic Crown & Anchor pub in London depict heartfelt moments between father and son.

    Narrative continuity will bridge the geographical divide between Kansas, where Season 3 concluded with Ted’s homecoming, and his subsequent return to London accompanied by Henry. Initial filming commenced in July throughout Kansas City, Sudeikis’ hometown, adding authentic Midwestern backdrop to the series’ signature transatlantic charm.

    The series continues to blend heartfelt storytelling with comedic excellence, maintaining its reputation for character-driven narratives that explore themes of personal growth, cultural adaptation, and the universal language of sportsmanship.

  • Watch: Toddler flings new iPhone into water feature at Louvre Abu Dhabi in viral video

    Watch: Toddler flings new iPhone into water feature at Louvre Abu Dhabi in viral video

    A moment of parental composure amidst toddler-induced chaos has captivated the internet, originating from the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi. A widely circulated video, amassing over 30 million views, documents a young child’s swift action that sent a brand-new iPhone plunging into the museum’s water feature.

    The incident involved Kazakh influencer K. Beklan and his family during a leisurely stroll down the museum’s renowned ramp. Surveillance footage captures the precise moment the toddler, being carried by his father, unexpectedly hurls the device belonging to his sister into the aquatic installation below.

    Contrary to the anticipated panic, the parents’ reaction was notably placid, a detail that drew significant praise from online spectators. The museum’s response team demonstrated equal poise, promptly arriving on the scene. Utilizing standard pool cleaning apparatus, staff members successfully retrieved the submerged smartphone, turning a potential disaster into a resolved incident.

    Social media commentary overwhelmingly commended the adults’ unflappable demeanor. One observer noted the admirable calmness, while another employed dry wit, quipping about the replaceability of the child compared to the moment itself. Although the phone’s operational fate post-immersion remains uncertain, the event concluded without further incident, highlighting effective public venue management and a viral example of serene parenting.

  • Over 666,000 counterfeit items worth Dh31 million seized in Ras Al Khaimah

    Over 666,000 counterfeit items worth Dh31 million seized in Ras Al Khaimah

    Ras Al Khaimah’s commercial regulatory body has executed a major crackdown on counterfeit merchandise, confiscating over 666,000 imitation products with an estimated market value exceeding Dh31 million. The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED) disclosed that these operations targeted 71 retail establishments and commercial outlets across the emirate following consumer reports of trademark violations.

    According to official statistics from 2025, authorities successfully addressed 937 consumer complaints with a remarkable 95% resolution rate. Among these cases, 28 specifically concerned counterfeit products bearing registered trademarks in local markets. The department’s Commercial Protection Section mobilized specialized inspection teams immediately upon receiving these reports to conduct targeted campaigns.

    RAK DED emphasized that these anti-counterfeiting initiatives represent ongoing efforts to strengthen market safety protocols, safeguard consumer rights, and ensure strict adherence to trademark regulations. Department officials highlighted that counterfeit merchandise not only jeopardizes consumer safety but also damages the reputation and competitive standing of legitimate businesses operating within the emirate.

    The regulatory body has reinforced its commitment to maintaining a transparent and well-regulated commercial environment, urging residents and consumers to report any suspected violations or counterfeit products through official channels. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the emirate’s dedication to protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses from the detrimental effects of counterfeit trade.

  • US Senator Amy Klobuchar announces bid for Minnesota governor

    US Senator Amy Klobuchar announces bid for Minnesota governor

    Amid escalating political tensions and security concerns in Minnesota, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar has officially announced her gubernatorial campaign. The four-term senator positioned herself as a unifying force capable of bridging political divides in a state grappling with multiple crises.

    Klobuchar’s Thursday campaign video emphasized bipartisan cooperation and Minnesota values, stating: “We cannot sugarcoat how hard this is. But in these moments of enormous difficulty, we find strength in our Minnesota values of hard work, freedom, and simple decency and goodwill.” Her entry follows Governor Tim Walz’s unexpected decision to terminate his re-election campaign following criticism of his administration’s handling of a fraud scandal.

    The political landscape has been further complicated by recent violent incidents involving federal immigration agents. The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on Saturday, occurring just two weeks after another citizen’s death, has intensified scrutiny of federal force deployment. Approximately 3,000 federal agents have been deployed throughout Minnesota, a move Klobuchar characterized as orchestrated by “an administration that relishes division” without directly naming President Trump.

    Additional tragedies have shaken the state, including the murder of a state legislator and her spouse, along with a church shooting that claimed two children’s lives. Klobuchar addressed these events while positioning herself as a centrist alternative to more combative Democratic contenders.

    The senator pledged rigorous anti-corruption measures, vowing to “make sure the people who steal taxpayer money go to jail and root out the fraud”—a clear reference to the scandal that undermined Walz’s administration. Meanwhile, Governor Walz maintains he is concentrating on governmental duties rather than campaigning.

    Political analysts regard Klobuchar as the immediate frontrunner given her national profile and Minnesota’s Democratic leanings. The Republican field appears weakened following Chris Madel’s withdrawal from the race, who denounced the immigration enforcement operation as an “unmitigated disaster.” Minnesota Republicans haven’t secured a statewide victory since 2006.

    Klobuchar brings substantial legislative experience to her campaign, having chaired the Senate Rules Committee and served on multiple committees since her 2007 swearing-in. Her campaign emphasizes her record of bipartisan collaboration amid heightened political polarization.

  • Serena Williams refuses to rule out return to tennis

    Serena Williams refuses to rule out return to tennis

    Tennis legend Serena Williams has ignited widespread speculation about a potential return to professional tennis after offering ambiguous responses to direct questions about her competitive future. The 44-year-old athlete, holder of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, has been absent from tournament play since her third-round exit at the 2022 US Open.

    During an appearance on NBC’s ‘Today’ show on Wednesday, Williams deftly sidestepped definitive answers regarding comeback rumors. When pressed about her plans, she stated, ‘I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now.’ Further questioning yielded the elusive response: ‘That’s not a yes or a no. I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.’

    The speculation gained substantial credibility when Williams re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool in December 2025—a mandatory requirement for professional competitors. Sports commentators immediately recognized the significance of this administrative move, with former world number one Jim Courier asserting that ‘no person that doesn’t have intentions to play professional tennis is going to put themselves in that list.’

    Courier, now an analyst, emphasized the considerable burden of anti-doping protocols, which require athletes to provide detailed availability information for random testing and complete six months of monitoring before competition eligibility. ‘Unless she gets injured there is no doubt she’s going to play somewhere at some point,’ Courier predicted during Australian Open coverage.

    The Williams sisters’ legacy remains formidable, with Serena and Venus having captured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together along with three Olympic gold medals. Venus herself recently returned to competition at age 45, participating in the Australian Open after nearly two years away from the tour.

    While Williams technically denied comeback intentions in December, the combination of her testing pool re-entry and non-committal television comments has created compelling evidence that the tennis icon may be contemplating at least a partial return to competitive play, potentially in doubles or special event formats.

  • Nicki Minaj calls herself Trump’s ‘number one fan’ and shows off gold card visa

    Nicki Minaj calls herself Trump’s ‘number one fan’ and shows off gold card visa

    In a remarkable political pivot, Trinidad-born rap superstar Nicki Minaj publicly proclaimed herself as former President Donald Trump’s “number one fan” during a Washington DC appearance. The controversial endorsement occurred at the US Treasury Department’s Trump Accounts Summit, where Minaj displayed her exclusive “Trump gold card” visa—a premium immigration pathway offering residency and citizenship opportunities for wealthy applicants.

    The artist, known for hits like “Super Bass,” shared details about her immigration journey, revealing she initially entered the United States as an undocumented child immigrant. This stance marks a significant departure from her previous criticisms of Trump’s hardline immigration policies, particularly the family-separation approach she condemned in 2018 Facebook posts.

    Minaj enthusiastically showcased her gold card—featuring Trump’s likeness—on social media platform X, captioning the image simply “Welp.” She confirmed completing citizenship paperwork under what she described as her “wonderful, gracious, charming president’s” initiative, noting the card arrived “free of charge” despite its typical $1 million investment requirement plus $15,000 processing fee.

    The endorsement event featured unusual camaraderie, with Trump joking about growing his nails to emulate Minaj’s signature style before holding hands with her on stage. Minaj asserted criticism only strengthened her support, stating she wouldn’t allow opponents to “get away with bullying him” and claiming divine protection for the billionaire politician.

    This celebrity endorsement contrasts sharply with mounting criticism from other music industry figures. Bruce Springsteen released an anti-ICE protest song titled “Streets Of Minneapolis,” memorializing citizens killed in separate incidents. Artists including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Ariana Grande have voiced opposition to ICE operations, with Eilish directly challenging fellow celebrities to speak out against agency actions.

    The gold card program itself faces scrutiny for emerging alongside intensified crackdowns on illegal immigration, creating a two-tiered system that privileges wealthy applicants while restricting others.

  • James brought to tears by Cleveland video tribute

    James brought to tears by Cleveland video tribute

    In a poignant moment that transcended basketball, NBA icon LeBron James was visibly emotional during a heartfelt tribute honoring his legacy in Cleveland. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar returned to his home state arena on Wednesday amid growing speculation that this could mark his final professional appearance in Ohio.

    The emotional pivot occurred during the first-quarter break when the Cavaliers organization screened a highlight reel commemorating James’ legendary performance in Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals. The footage showcased his remarkable 48-point game that secured a double-overtime victory, prompting James to cover his face with his jersey and wipe away tears with a tissue.

    Addressing reporters post-game, the 41-year-old athlete reflected: ‘I’m consciously embracing every moment without taking them for granted.’ While remaining noncommittal about his future, James acknowledged the possibility that this season could conclude his unprecedented 23-year career. ‘I haven’t finalized any decisions regarding my future, but it very well could be my final season,’ he stated.

    The four-time NBA champion demonstrated unusual vulnerability, admitting the homecoming ‘definitely affected me emotionally more than previous visits.’ This emotional resonance contrasted sharply with the game’s outcome, where James recorded a season-low 11 points in the Lakers’ 129-99 defeat against his former team.

    James’ historical connection with Cleveland remains deeply significant—he delivered the franchise its inaugural NBA championship in 2016 during his second tenure with the Cavaliers. Despite signing a one-year extension with the Lakers in June, the league’s all-time scoring leader has participated in 28 games this season, overcoming sciatica concerns to become the first player to compete in 23 NBA seasons.