Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Economic milestone:Japan-UAE relations set to hit new peak

    Economic milestone:Japan-UAE relations set to hit new peak

    Japan and the United Arab Emirates are poised to elevate their bilateral relations to unprecedented heights as they approach the finalization of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This groundbreaking pact represents a strategic evolution from traditional energy-based cooperation to a multifaceted economic alliance encompassing technology, clean energy, and innovation.

    The impending agreement aligns with the UAE’s ambitious target of achieving $1.1 trillion in foreign trade by 2031 while supporting Japan’s economic diversification objectives. By eliminating trade barriers and enhancing market access, the CEPA is expected to generate substantial opportunities across multiple sectors, potentially driving bilateral non-oil trade beyond Dh200 billion.

    Diplomatic engagement has intensified through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI), with both nations recently concluding their third subcommittee meeting in Tokyo. UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi confirmed that negotiations with Japan and the EU have reached advanced stages, signaling strong momentum toward finalization.

    Jun Imanishi, Consul-General of Japan in Dubai, emphasized the agreement’s significance: “The Japan-UAE Economic Partnership Agreement serves as crucial framework for enhancing our economic ties and unlocking new collaborative potentials.”

    Economic analysts identify several promising sectors for deepened cooperation, including hydrogen energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, and logistics. The partnership builds upon existing strong trade foundations—the UAE remains Japan’s primary Arab trading partner—while leveraging cultural connections through anime, arts, and growing tourism exchanges.

    Investment flows are expanding bilaterally, with Japan targeting ¥120 trillion in direct foreign investment by 2030. Nobuyuki Nakajima of JETRO Dubai noted: “UAE investors are increasingly attracted to Japan’s stable, innovation-driven economy, particularly in digital transformation, green growth, and healthcare innovation—sectors that mirror Emirati diversification goals.”

    The relationship has evolved significantly since its energy-focused beginnings in the 1970s. Today, collaboration extends into space exploration—exemplified by Japan’s launch of the UAE’s ‘Hope Probe’ and ‘KhalifaSat’—along with advanced technology, financial services, and cultural exchange.

    Tourism represents another growing dimension, with Japan National Tourism Organization reporting anticipated doubling of GCC visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels. Executive Director Daisuke Kobayashi highlighted efforts to promote Japan’s rural destinations, distributing tourist traffic while supporting sustainable development.

    Despite global economic volatility and yen fluctuations, bilateral trade has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Recent data reveals Japan’s exports to the UAE grew 24.8% year-on-year to ¥177 billion by September 2025, primarily driven by automobiles and commodities. Although imports declined 8.83% to ¥385 billion due to reduced raw aluminum and petroleum gas shipments, the overall trade relationship has expanded at an annualized rate of 33.2% over five years.

    The impending CEPA ratification establishes Japan and the UAE as a model of strategic international cooperation—anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for sustainable economic transformation that benefits both nations and the global economy.

  • ‘Bandits’ kidnap worshippers during church service in Nigeria

    ‘Bandits’ kidnap worshippers during church service in Nigeria

    In a disturbing recurrence of violence targeting religious institutions, armed assailants have abducted at least 13 worshippers from Evangelical Church Winning All in Nigeria’s central Kogi state. The attack occurred during Sunday morning services in the rural farming community of Aaaaz-Kiri, marking the second church kidnapping in the region within a fortnight.

    According to Kogi State Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo, security forces engaged the perpetrators, resulting in five gunmen fatalities while others escaped with injuries. The official described the attackers as ‘bandits’—a local term for criminal organizations that routinely conduct kidnappings for ransom payments.

    This incident follows a nearly identical abduction two weeks prior in nearby Ejiba, where gunmen captured a pastor, his wife, and several congregants who remain in captivity despite security intervention efforts. Commissioner Fanwo attributed the escalating violence to displacement effects from security operations in neighboring Niger and Kwara states, suggesting intensified pressure there is pushing criminal elements toward Kogi.

    These events highlight Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, particularly across northwestern and central regions where armed groups have executed numerous mass abductions, village raids, and assaults on religious venues. The most significant recent incident involved the reported kidnapping of over 250 children and 12 staff members from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger state, during late November.

    While the Nigerian government frequently attributes such attacks to jihadist organizations like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), independent analysts contest this narrative, providing evidence to the BBC that criminal gangs are primarily responsible.

    President Bola Tinubu has recently directed security chiefs to enhance intelligence-led operations against kidnappings, authorizing additional troop and police deployments to identified hotspots. Authorities report some success through joint military-police task forces in dismantling certain armed groups. Nevertheless, attacks persist with alarming frequency, especially in rural areas where security presence remains limited and response capabilities are inadequate.

  • Former Congo rebel leader Lumbala sentenced to 30 years over wartime atrocities

    Former Congo rebel leader Lumbala sentenced to 30 years over wartime atrocities

    PARIS — In a landmark judicial decision with profound implications for international justice, former Congolese rebel commander Roger Lumbala received a 30-year prison sentence from a French criminal court on Monday for crimes against humanity committed during Congo’s devastating civil conflict two decades ago.

    The 67-year-old former leader of the Congolese Rally for National Democracy (RCD-N) was convicted under France’s universal jurisdiction legislation, which permits prosecution of severe international crimes regardless of where they occurred. The verdict represents the first successful prosecution of a Congolese military or political figure for mass atrocities in a national court under this legal principle.

    Evidence presented during the trial detailed systematic atrocities perpetrated by Lumbala’s rebel faction against civilian populations in eastern Congo between 2002-2003. United Nations documentation confirmed widespread patterns of torture, summary executions, sexual violence, forced labor, and sexual slavery targeting ethnic minorities including the Nande and Bambuti communities.

    Lumbala’s militia operated with substantial backing from neighboring Uganda during the Second Congo War, which claimed approximately five million lives through violence, disease, and starvation—making it the deadliest conflict since World War II.

    Following the war’s conclusion, Lumbala paradoxically integrated into Congo’s political establishment, serving as Foreign Trade Minister from 2003-2005 and later as a parliamentarian. His political career collapsed in 2011 when Congolese authorities issued an arrest warrant alleging his continued support for rebel factions, prompting his flight to France where he had previously resided.

    Daniele Perissi of TRIAL International, which represented victims in the case, hailed the verdict as “historic” noting that “for the first time, a national court has dared to confront the atrocities of the Second Congo War and show that justice can break through even after decades of impunity.”

    The sentencing occurs against the backdrop of renewed violence in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern regions, where over 100 armed groups continue operating. The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel faction recently captured strategic territory, underscoring the persistent instability that has plagued the region since the 1990s.

  • Look: Design revealed for Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque

    Look: Design revealed for Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque

    Dubai’s skyline is poised to welcome another architectural marvel as developer Nakheel officially reveals the design for the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque. Conceptualized by the renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), this spiritual sanctuary is strategically positioned along the central axis of the artificial archipelago, destined to become the cultural and spiritual nucleus of the entire development.

    The mosque’s design represents a sophisticated fusion of traditional Islamic architectural principles and contemporary innovation. Its most striking feature will be a 40-meter minaret, engineered to serve as a prominent visual landmark across Palm Jebel Ali. The structure incorporates geometric patterns deeply rooted in Islamic tradition while employing modern design elements that reflect Dubai’s forward-looking vision.

    A distinctive textile-inspired canopy extends from the main roof structure into the courtyard, providing functional shade while creating visual harmony with the surrounding environment. The comprehensive layout includes meticulously landscaped pedestrian pathways, clearly defined circulation routes, and dedicated ablution facilities designed for both practicality and aesthetic appeal.

    The interior design philosophy emphasizes spiritual tranquility through the masterful manipulation of natural light. Specially designed apertures filter sunlight into prayer spaces, creating softly illuminated interiors that foster an atmosphere of contemplation and serenity. This careful attention to lighting design aims to enhance the worship experience while maintaining thermal comfort.

    Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, emphasized the dual purpose of the project: “This mosque is conceived not merely as an architectural statement but as a functional sanctuary that will provide spiritual nourishment and peace for both residents and visitors to Palm Jebel Ali.”

    Chris Cooper, Partner at SOM, elaborated on the design inspiration: “Our approach reinterprets Emirati vernacular architecture for contemporary context. The design draws meaningful inspiration from Palm Jebel Ali’s coastal environment, utilizing geometry, light, and materiality to create a serene sanctuary that honors tradition while embracing the future.”

    With a capacity accommodating up to 1,000 worshippers, the mosque will serve the rapidly growing community of Palm Jebel Ali, which spans seven islands across 13.4 kilometers and features 16 fronds with over 90 kilometers of beachfront property.

  • Iconic House announces regional expansion to Cairo under new “Iconic MENA” platform

    Iconic House announces regional expansion to Cairo under new “Iconic MENA” platform

    Dubai-based commercial and industrial property firm Iconic House has unveiled a strategic regional expansion into Cairo, marking its inaugural step in establishing an integrated Middle Eastern network. The expansion is structured under the newly launched “Iconic MENA” platform, designed to connect major commercial hubs across the region.

    The move represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy, transitioning from its established presence in Dubai’s competitive property market to creating cross-border commercial corridors. Iconic House has built its reputation in the UAE by providing access to warehouses, industrial plots, labor accommodations, showrooms, and restaurant spaces, along with business acquisition services.

    Founder and CEO Moustafa Khater emphasized the strategic timing of the Egyptian expansion, noting that “Egypt is entering a significant phase of industrial and commercial growth. There is clear demand for structured processes, transparency, and higher service standards, and this is the environment we are prepared to operate within.”

    Operations in Cairo have already commenced, with initial focus on industrial zones, logistics corridors, commercial assets, and business acquisition advisory. The company will implement the same rigorous due-diligence procedures and client-service approach that established its success in the UAE.

    The Iconic MENA platform will consolidate services into a unified regional framework connecting Dubai and Cairo, featuring comprehensive property services, business-for-sale advisory, market entry support, and investor acquisition opportunities. This structure aims to strengthen connections between investors, operators, and businesses seeking cross-market expansion throughout the Middle East.

    Khater highlighted the complementary strengths of both markets: “Dubai taught us discipline. Cairo gives us scale and energy. Combining both creates a balanced platform that responds to market needs.”

    The expansion reflects the company’s commitment to responsible advisory practices and supporting sustainable development across commercial and industrial sectors. Future phases of the regional strategy will explore potential entry into Saudi Arabia and additional Gulf markets, further expanding the platform’s regional connectivity.

  • Police probe deaths of famed actor-director Rob Reiner and wife as apparent homicide

    Police probe deaths of famed actor-director Rob Reiner and wife as apparent homicide

    Los Angeles authorities are investigating the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele as an apparent double homicide. The couple was discovered deceased inside their Beverly Hills residence on Sunday afternoon when police officers responded to a welfare call.

    While official identification remains pending from the Los Angeles Police Department, both Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have issued separate statements confirming the tragic passing of the 78-year-old director and his 68-year-old wife. The LAPD’s robbery-homicide division has assumed control of the investigation, with detectives awaiting a search warrant to conduct a comprehensive examination of the crime scene.

    Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton addressed reporters Sunday evening, characterizing the case as an ‘apparent homicide’ investigation while confirming that no suspects have been identified thus far. The precise cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office in due course.

    Reiner’s monumental career spanned both acting and directing, beginning with his breakthrough role as Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic in the groundbreaking television series ‘All in the Family.’ His transition behind the camera established him as one of Hollywood’s most versatile directors, creating beloved classics including ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘When Harry Met Sally…,’ ‘Stand by Me,’ and the courtroom drama ‘A Few Good Men.’

    Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, enjoyed her own creative career as a photographer, notably capturing the cover image for Donald Trump’s 1987 business memoir ‘The Art of the Deal.’ The couple shared three children during their marriage.

    Beyond his cinematic achievements, Reiner remained actively engaged in political advocacy, supporting Democratic presidential candidates including Al Gore, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton. His father, comedy legend Carl Reiner, preceded him in death in 2020.

    The entertainment industry and political circles have expressed profound grief over the loss, with Mayor Bass describing the tragedy as ‘a devastating loss for our city and our country’ while acknowledging Reiner’s significant contributions to American culture and social justice advocacy.

  • UAE and GCC travel deal: Explore more with the iconic Japan rail pass

    UAE and GCC travel deal: Explore more with the iconic Japan rail pass

    A groundbreaking travel arrangement is set to transform the Japanese exploration experience for Middle Eastern tourists. Al Tayer Travel has secured official authorization as a distributor for Japan’s renowned Rail Pass, marking a significant advancement in travel convenience for UAE and GCC residents. This strategic partnership eliminates the traditional logistical hurdles associated with accessing Japan’s world-famous railway system upon arrival.

    The Japan Rail Pass, administered by the Japan Railways Group, represents one of the most comprehensive transportation solutions available to international visitors. The pass grants unlimited access to the country’s extensive rail network, including the celebrated Shinkansen bullet trains, regional services, and local transit connections that link urban centers with rural destinations across the archipelago.

    According to Asif Hussain, Manager of Outbound Operations at Al Tayer Travel, “The growing demand for seamless mobility within Japan among GCC travelers prompted this initiative. Our appointment as an authorized distributor reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable and convenient travel solutions that significantly enhance the overall customer experience.”

    This development revolutionizes trip planning for Middle Eastern visitors. Instead of navigating transportation options after arriving in Japan, travelers can now procure their rail passes through Al Tayer Travel’s regional branches before departure. This pre-arrangement enables tourists to proceed directly to platform gates upon landing, exchanging their documentation promptly to commence their Japanese adventure without delay.

    The rail pass program offers multiple duration options and class distinctions, catering to diverse travel preferences including family vacations, romantic getaways, business trips, and solo expeditions. The flexibility of unlimited travel encourages spontaneous exploration, enabling detours to lesser-known destinations and last-minute itinerary adjustments that enrich the travel experience.

    Complementing the pass distribution, Al Tayer Travel provides comprehensive consultation services to optimize itinerary planning. Their expertise helps first-time visitors navigate Japan’s complex rail system while offering returning travelers more efficient route planning assistance.

    Japan’s popularity among Middle Eastern tourists continues to surge, attributed to its renowned safety standards, cultural hospitality, culinary excellence, and diverse landscapes ranging from ultra-modern cities to pristine natural environments. The enhanced accessibility to the Japan Rail Pass further strengthens the destination’s appeal, facilitating seamless journeys between Tokyo’s metropolitan energy, Kyoto’s traditional districts, Osaka’s culinary markets, and Hokkaido’s scenic countryside.

    Interested travelers can obtain the Japan Rail Pass or seek itinerary guidance through Al Tayer Travel’s network of branches throughout the UAE and GCC region, making Japanese exploration more organized and accessible than ever before.

  • UAE real estate trend: Creator-ready homes redefine residential design for digital economy

    UAE real estate trend: Creator-ready homes redefine residential design for digital economy

    A transformative shift is underway in United Arab Emirates residential real estate as developers respond to the explosive growth of the creator economy by designing specialized ‘creator-ready’ homes. This emerging housing category represents a fundamental reimagining of residential spaces to accommodate the professional needs of digital content producers.

    With the global creator economy valued at approximately $250 billion and projected to reach $480 billion by 2027 according to Goldman Sachs, and over 165 million new creators entering the space since 2020 per Adobe’s research, the UAE presents an exceptionally ripe market. DataReportal confirms the nation achieved 99% internet penetration with 11.3 million users in 2026, while maintaining a remarkable 112% social media adoption rate indicating multiple profiles per user.

    These demographic realities have created unprecedented demand for residential properties that function as production studios. Unlike traditional home offices, creator-ready homes prioritize acoustic optimization through double-insulated walls, specialized HVAC systems, and acoustic paneling to ensure professional-grade audio recording capabilities. Visual production needs are addressed through strategically oriented windows for consistent natural lighting, neutral wall shades, modular backdrop systems, and in some pioneering developments, integrated LED walls for digital background versatility.

    The infrastructure requirements extend beyond aesthetics to practical considerations. These homes feature dedicated equipment storage with padded compartments, advanced cable management systems, built-in charging stations, and enhanced electrical systems capable of supporting multiple high-wattage production devices. Connectivity receives particular attention with mesh WiFi systems and enterprise-grade networking infrastructure to facilitate large file uploads and uninterrupted streaming.

    Real estate professionals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi report a significant portion of younger buyers and renters—estimated at one in three—now evaluate properties primarily through the lens of content creation suitability. This includes assessing layout flexibility, acoustic privacy, lighting conditions, and technical infrastructure before making purchasing decisions.

    The trend presents substantial opportunities for developers to differentiate offerings in a competitive market. Properties with creator-friendly features command premium interest, particularly among Gen Z and millennial demographics who increasingly view digital production capabilities as essential to their career identity and lifestyle. Co-living operators similarly report high utilization rates of shared podcast studios, photography zones, and creator suites during evenings and weekends.

    As the UAE continues to expand freelance permits for digital professionals and content creators, this housing evolution appears positioned for sustained growth. The convergence of ultra-high digital adoption rates, favorable regulatory frameworks, and generational career shifts suggests creator-ready homes will become increasingly mainstream rather than a niche offering, fundamentally reshaping residential design priorities for the foreseeable future.

  • Benin have point to prove at Afcon after World Cup pain

    Benin have point to prove at Afcon after World Cup pain

    The Benin national football team arrives in Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations carrying both ambition and recent disappointment. Ranked 92nd globally, the Cheetahs face formidable Group D opponents including Senegal (19th) and DR Congo (56th), alongside Botswana.

    This tournament marks Benin’s fifth appearance at Africa’s premier football event, their first since missing both the 2021 and 2023 editions. The squad draws inspiration from their historic 2019 campaign where they reached the quarter-finals despite not winning any group stage matches—becoming the first team to advance to knockouts without victory.

    Assistant coach Tunde Adelakun acknowledges the challenge ahead: “I’d love to win the tournament. The journey will be tough [but] what I’ve got at the moment is seven Afcon finals to navigate.” The technical staff, led by head coach Gernot Rohr, has selected players who impressed during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Benin came agonizingly close to historic qualification before a final-match defeat to Nigeria.

    The team features emerging talents of Nigerian descent including Junior Olaitan and Tosin Aiyegun, who have become influential figures. Adelakun, himself Nigerian and former member of Rohr’s Super Eagles staff, notes: “These are players who have got the DNA of Nigeria… playing in a team that has what it takes to actually go out there and make impressions.”

    Benin opens their campaign against DR Congo on December 23rd, facing a team that recently defeated African heavyweights Cameroon and Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers. Despite the challenging group, Adelakun remains optimistic: “We’ve put [World Cup disappointment] behind us, there’s no regrets [and] we’re proud of what we did. It’s time to get onto the African stage and prove to the world what we are made of.”

  • Dozens killed in Morocco flash floods

    Dozens killed in Morocco flash floods

    A catastrophic flash flooding event has devastated Morocco’s coastal Safi region, resulting in a confirmed death toll of 37 individuals as reported by state television. The tragedy unfolded on Sunday when torrential rains triggered violent floodwaters that inundated the port city, sweeping away vehicles and massive accumulations of debris through urban thoroughfares.

    Local authorities have confirmed dozens of injured residents are currently receiving emergency medical treatment at area hospitals. The historic city center has suffered significant damage with at least 70 residential properties completely submerged under floodwaters. Transportation networks have been severely compromised with multiple access routes to the city rendered impassable due to extensive damage and accumulated wreckage.

    Eyewitness accounts describe Sunday’s events as a ‘dark day’ for the community, with residents expressing frustration over delayed governmental response. One local resident communicated to AFP his urgent desire to see official emergency vehicles deployed for water extraction operations.

    Moroccan emergency services continue search and rescue operations as the nation grapples with the aftermath. Meteorological experts are linking these extreme weather phenomena to broader climate crisis patterns, noting that North Africa has experienced seven consecutive years of drought that have critically depleted water reservoirs. This context makes the sudden torrential rainfall particularly alarming to climate scientists.

    The national weather service has issued continued advisories warning that heavy precipitation is expected to persist through Tuesday, with simultaneous snowfall anticipated across the Atlas Mountain range. This compounding weather emergency occurs against the backdrop of 2024 being officially recorded as the hottest year in modern history, adding to concerns about increasing climate volatility in the region.