Dubai’s Global Village to Celebrate 2023 7 Times on New Year

 New Year's Eve fireworks at the Global Village in Dubai (Asharq Al-Awsat)
New Year's Eve fireworks at the Global Village in Dubai (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Dubai’s Global Village to Celebrate 2023 7 Times on New Year

 New Year's Eve fireworks at the Global Village in Dubai (Asharq Al-Awsat)
New Year's Eve fireworks at the Global Village in Dubai (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Global Village is organizing a counting down event to midnight from seven different time zones from around the world.

A special countdown will precede the start of the year in each of these countries, after which fireworks will light up the skies.

Pavilions celebrating the cultures of each of the seven countries have also been set up. These pavilions also offer entertainment, food, and drink tied to the national culture of each country, as well as other activities.

The celebrations are scheduled to begin at 8 pm local time (5 pm GMT) when the new year starts in the Philippines. Next comes Thailand (9 pm), which is followed by Bangladesh (10 pm), and then India (10:30 pm).

Pakistan’s New Year’s Eve (11 pm) will be the last to be celebrated by midnight local time.

The largest celebrations will start at midnight, and they will be followed by a final celebration to coincide with Turkey’s New Year’s Eve (1 am).

Visitors will also have the chance to explore the Global Village’s 27 pavilions, which represent over 90 cultures from across the globe. They can choose from over 3,500 shopping outlets and more than 250 diverse dining options, as well as carnival activities.



Worst November Snowstorm in Half Century Hits Seoul and Grounds Hundreds of Airplane Flights

Macao tourists wearing Korean traditional Hanbok dresses take pictures amid snowfall at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, 27 November 2024. (EPA)
Macao tourists wearing Korean traditional Hanbok dresses take pictures amid snowfall at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, 27 November 2024. (EPA)
TT

Worst November Snowstorm in Half Century Hits Seoul and Grounds Hundreds of Airplane Flights

Macao tourists wearing Korean traditional Hanbok dresses take pictures amid snowfall at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, 27 November 2024. (EPA)
Macao tourists wearing Korean traditional Hanbok dresses take pictures amid snowfall at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, 27 November 2024. (EPA)

The most severe November snowstorm to hit South Korea's capital in more than a half century blanketed the capital on Wednesday, grounding hundreds of airplane flights and disrupting commuter traffic.

South Korea’s weather agency said 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of snow fell in northern areas of Seoul and nearby areas. The agency said it was the heaviest snowstorm Seoul has experienced in 52 years. A storm on Nov. 28, 1972 dumped 12 centimeters (4.7) inches of snow on the capital.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said one person died and four others were injured in a five-vehicle accident in the eastern town of Hongcheon.

The storm blanketed much of the country, with the country’s central, eastern and southwestern regions seeing about 10 to 23 centimeters (3.9 to 9 inches) of snow.

At least 220 flights were canceled or delayed at airports nationwide, while authorities ordered around 90 ferries to remain at port. They also shut down hundreds of hiking trails .

Icy road conditions slowed down the morning commute in Seoul, while emergency workers across the country responded to fallen trees, signs, and other safety risks.

The weather agency said snow will continue in most parts of the country until noon Thursday.

President Yoon Suk Yeol instructed the safety and transport ministries to mobilize all available relevant personnel and equipment to prevent traffic accidents and other snow-related incidents.

Yoon also asked officials to convey weather and traffic information to the public swiftly to help ensure they avoid snow-related damages and inconveniences, according to the presidential office.