Moreover, the adoption of smart fire protection systems aligns with Beijing's broader vision of building a smart city that prioritizes safety and sustainability. By embracing innovative solutions, the city is setting an example for other regions to follow in leveraging technology for public safety improvements. As schools play a crucial role in shaping the future generation, investing in fire protection measures is not just a matter of regulatory compliance but a moral obligation to safeguard the well-being of young minds.
RIYADH: The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has announced six key initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, while also supporting Yemen’s ongoing economic development. The initiatives were unveiled during a joint council meeting held in Makkah on Sunday, attended by over 300 Saudi and Yemeni investors, according to Al-Ekhbariya. Abdullah bin Mahfouz, chairman of the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council, which is part of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, disclosed that agreements had been made to establish three new Saudi-Yemeni companies. The first company will focus on renewable energy, with an initial capital investment of $100 million, to generate solar-powered electricity for Yemen. The second venture will operate in telecommunications, utilizing Starlink satellite networks. The third company will organize exhibitions and conferences in Yemen to promote Saudi products and support the country’s reconstruction efforts, as reported by the Saudi state-owned channel. In addition to these initiatives, the council has proposed upgrading the infrastructure at border crossings between the two countries, improving logistics services to facilitate smoother trade. The trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Yemen currently stands at SR6.3 billion ($1.6 billion), with Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia accounting for just SR655 million. However, sectors such as mining, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in Yemen remain largely underdeveloped and present significant growth opportunities. Among the key recommendations is the establishment of quarantine centers to inspect Yemeni livestock, agricultural products, and seafood, aimed at increasing Yemen’s exports to Saudi Arabia. There are also plans to create “smart food cities” in border regions to bolster food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices through advanced resource management and technology. Addressing banking and credit challenges is another priority. The council has called for improvements to Yemen’s banking infrastructure, including better collaboration with Saudi banks and the development of Yemen’s exchange sector, to facilitate smoother financial transactions for traders from both countries. A significant proposal also includes the creation of a Yemeni Investors Club in Saudi Arabia, designed to encourage joint investments and foster business partnerships between the two nations. Abdulmajid Al-Saadi, co-chairman of the Yemeni Business Council, commended Saudi Arabia’s recent reforms in investment regulations, highlighting that Yemeni capital, estimated at SR18 billion, has increasingly been channeled into Saudi markets. This places Yemen third among foreign investors in the Kingdom. For over 23 years, the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has played a pivotal role in fostering economic relations between the two countries, organizing forums, identifying trade and investment opportunities, and promoting bilateral business exchanges. The targeted sectors for cooperation include renewable energy, agriculture, livestock, telecommunications, and trade development, in line with regional and global food security challenges. In 2023, trade between Saudi Arabia and Yemen amounted to SR6.2 billion, with Saudi exports totaling SR5.6 billion, which included dairy products, fuels, and vegetables. Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia reached SR661.9 million, consisting of fruits, seafood, and printed materials. Saudi Arabia has provided significant financial support to Yemen over the past few decades, including over $50 billion in funding for central bank deposits, government budgets, and development projects.
“Gladiator II” asks the question: Are you not moderately entertained for roughly 60% of this sequel? Truly, this is a movie dependent on managed expectations and a forgiving attitude toward its tendency to overserve. More of a thrash-and-burn schlock epic than the comparatively restrained 2000 “Gladiator,” also directed by Ridley Scott, the new one recycles a fair bit of the old one’s narrative cries for freedom while tossing in some digital sharks for the flooded Colosseum and a bout of deadly sea-battle theatrics. They really did flood the Colosseum in those days, though no historical evidence suggests shark deployment, real or digital. On the other hand (checks notes), “Gladiator II” is fiction. Screenwriter David Scarpa picks things up 16 years after “Gladiator,” which gave us the noble death of the noble warrior Maximus, shortly after slaying the ignoble emperor and returning Rome to the control of the Senate. Our new hero, Lucius (Paul Mescal), has fled Rome for Numidia, on the North African coast. The time is 200 A.D., and for the corrupt, party-time twins running the empire (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger), that means invasion time. Pedro Pascal takes the role of Acacius, the deeply conflicted general, sick of war and tired of taking orders from a pair of depraved ferrets. The new film winds around the old one this way: Acacius is married to Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, in a welcome return), daughter of the now-deceased emperor Aurelius and the love of the late Maximus’s life. Enslaved and dragged to Rome to gladiate, the widower Lucius vows revenge on the general whose armies killed his wife. But there are things this angry young phenom must learn, about his ancestry and his destiny. It’s the movie’s worst-kept secret, but there’s a reason he keeps seeing footage of Russell Crowe from the first movie in his fever dreams. Battle follows battle, on the field, in the arena, in the nearest river, wherever, and usually with endless splurches of computer-generated blood. “Gladiator II” essentially bumper-cars its way through the mayhem, pausing for long periods of expository scheming about overthrowing the current regime. The prince of all fixers, a wily operative with interests in both managing gladiators and stocking munitions, goes by the name Macrinus. He’s played by Denzel Washington, who at one point makes a full meal out of pronouncing the word “politics” like it’s a poisoned fig. Also, if you want a masterclass in letting your robes do a lot of your acting for you, watch what Washington does here. He’s more fun than the movie but you can’t have everything. The movie tries everything, all right, and twice. Ridley Scott marshals the chaotic action sequences well enough, though he’s undercut by frenetic cutting rhythms, with that now-familiar, slightly sped-up visual acceleration in frequent use. (Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo are the editors.) Mescal acquits himself well in his first big-budget commercial walloper of an assignment, confined though he is to a narrower range of seething resentments than Crowe’s in the first film. I left thinking about two things: the word “politics” as savored/spit out by Washington, and the innate paradox of how Scott, whose best work over the decades has been wonderful, delivers spectacle. The director and his lavishly talented design team built all the rough-hewn sets with actual tangible materials the massive budget allowed. They took care to find the right locations in Morocco and Malta. Yet when combined in post-production with scads of medium-grade digital effects work in crowd scenes and the like, never mind the sharks, the movie’s a somewhat frustrating amalgam. With an uneven script on top of it, the visual texture of “Gladiator II” grows increasingly less enveloping and atmospherically persuasive, not more. But I hung there, for some of the acting, for some of the callbacks, and for the many individual moments, or single shots, that could only have come from Ridley Scott. And in the end, yes, you too may be moderately entertained. Related Articles “Gladiator II” — 2.5 stars (out of 4) MPA rating: R (for strong bloody violence) Running time: 2:28 How to watch: Premieres in theaters Nov. 21. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.
For fans of Jay Chou, known for his soul-stirring ballads and dynamic stage presence, the opportunity to see him live in concert is a dream come true. With his unique blend of Mandopop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, Jay Chou has captivated audiences for over two decades, earning a dedicated fan base that spans across generations.
The New York Knicks claimed a hard-fought victory on the road against the Toronto Raptors with a final score of 113-108, showcasing stellar performances from their star player Karl-Anthony Towns. The win was a significant one for the Knicks, as they managed to outlast the Raptors in a tightly contested game that went down to the wire.One of the standout models in this latest declaration is the XYZ Electric SUV, which boasts a range of 400 miles on a single charge and cutting-edge autonomous driving technology. With its sleek design and eco-friendly features, the XYZ Electric SUV is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market.As the Zhang family continues to grapple with their property dispute, it serves as a cautionary tale for others considering transferring ownership of assets within their families. Clear communication, legal guidance, and careful consideration of the implications of such transfers are essential to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in the future. Ultimately, the case underscores the importance of maintaining open and honest communication within families and seeking professional advice when making significant financial decisions.Mystery drone sightings continue in New Jersey and across the US. Here's what we know
West Ham beat Newcastle to ease pressure on LopeteguiIn the meantime, the staff at Anhui Provincial Hospital and the broader medical community in Anhui Province must remain focused on their primary mission of providing quality healthcare services to the public. It is essential that the actions of one individual do not tarnish the hard work and dedication of the countless healthcare professionals who strive to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients every day.Stock market today: Nasdaq hits a record as Wall Street drifts ahead of Federal Reserve's meeting
Libra Daily Horoscope Today, Nov 26, 2024 predicts good news
Letter | Funding: Don’t reduce people to ‘data points’
The "Two Highs" refer to the high-quality development of industries, while the "Two News" represent the emerging industries and new business forms. These areas have been identified as crucial for China's future economic growth and sustainability. The successful arrangement of the 1 trillion yuan special national bonds demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting key sectors and promoting innovation and technological advancement.Back in 2004, the world was on the cusp of a technological revolution. Smartphones were just beginning to gain popularity, social media platforms like Facebook were in their infancy, and the idea of a completely connected world seemed like a far-off dream. The pace of innovation was picking up, and it was clear that technology would soon become an integral part of our daily lives.