A dynamic light show was presented Friday night on the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE.
The spectacular display began with a captivating perspective through the eyes of the UAE's iconic falcon, journeying from the country's desert landscapes to the Great Wall of China. Featuring vivid images of camels and fleet of ships, it brought viewers back to the ancient Silk Road, a vibrant trade network that once connected the two regions across Eurasia.
Building on historical ties, China-UAE relationship continues to flourish in modern times. The light show demonstrated the two countries' shared commitment to growth through maritime trade, high-speed rail technology, and energy cooperation. It also paid tribute to their strong partnerships in cultural exchange, tourism, and some high-tech sectors, ranging from electric vehicles and flying cars to space explorations.
Spanning over two minutes, the light show highlighted the enduring friendship between China and the UAE while embodying hopes and blessings for a brighter future in their bilateral relations.
World's tallest building lit up to celebrate 40 years of China-UAE diplomatic ties
The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.
The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.
The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.
The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.
The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.
The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.
Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.
The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
