Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • England survive Italy scare to reach World Cup Super Eights

    England survive Italy scare to reach World Cup Super Eights

    England’s national cricket team narrowly avoided a major upset on Monday, securing a tense 24-run victory against tournament newcomers Italy to advance to the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup. The twice champions demonstrated both vulnerability and resilience in a match that highlighted the growing competitiveness of associate nations in international cricket.

    Batting first, England posted their highest total of the tournament at 202-7, largely due to Will Jacks’ explosive unbeaten 53 from just 22 deliveries. The middle-order batsman delivered a spectacular performance, hammering four sixes and three fours during a critical final six-over onslaught that yielded 88 runs. Jacks received valuable support from Sam Curran, who contributed 25 off 19 balls, after England found themselves in a precarious position at 105-5.

    Italy’s response began disastrously as they slumped to 22-3 within four overs, with Jofra Archer claiming two early wickets. However, the debutants mounted a stunning comeback through Ben Manenti’s blistering 60 from 25 balls, featuring six maximums, and Justin Mosca’s steady 43. The pair added 92 runs in just eight overs, threatening what would have been one of the greatest upsets in T20 World Cup history.

    The match turned decisively when Curran dismissed the dangerous Grant Stewart for 45 in the 19th over, effectively ending Italy’s hopes. Jamie Overton sealed the victory by taking the final two wickets, finishing with three dismissals alongside Curran, who also claimed three wickets.

    England captain Jos Buttler acknowledged the close call, stating: ‘The associate nations have genuinely challenged the established teams throughout this tournament, which is tremendously exciting for the global game. We were certainly tested today.’

    The victory completed England’s Group C campaign with three wins and one loss to West Indies, who also qualified for the next stage. Italy, already eliminated from advancement, will play their final match against West Indies on Thursday.

  • Sharjah introduces electronic toll gates for trucks: How fees will be collected

    Sharjah introduces electronic toll gates for trucks: How fees will be collected

    Sharjah has implemented a groundbreaking electronic toll collection system named ‘Masar’ specifically designed for heavy commercial vehicles, marking a significant technological advancement in the region’s transportation infrastructure. This innovative system utilizes artificial intelligence and advanced sensor technology to automatically process fees without requiring trucks to stop at checkpoints.

    The system represents a collaborative effort between the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority and the Sharjah Central Finance Department, replacing traditional manual collection methods with a fully automated, data-driven approach. Engineer Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority, described the project as “a pioneering initiative in electronic fee collection for commercial trucks and represents a qualitative leap in institutional work systems.”

    Masar’s technological framework integrates with the emirate’s existing digital payment infrastructure through the ‘Tahseel’ smart payment gateway, enabling secure cashless transactions and real-time financial reporting. Waleed Al Sayegh, Director General of the Central Finance Department, emphasized that the project “strengthens integration between government entities by connecting electronic toll gates to the digital wallet.”

    Beyond financial processing improvements, the system delivers multiple operational benefits including reduced congestion at checkpoints, decreased transit times for commercial vehicles, and minimized human error in fee collection. Environmental advantages are also significant, as reduced idling time for trucks contributes to lower emissions across Sharjah’s transportation network.

    The implementation supports Sharjah’s broader smart city initiatives and reflects the emirate’s commitment to technological innovation in public infrastructure. Officials confirm that the automated system enhances transparency, accelerates collection processes, and improves overall logistics efficiency throughout the region.

  • UAE weather tomorrow: Dusty conditions likely; Dubai temperatures to dip to 17ºC

    UAE weather tomorrow: Dusty conditions likely; Dubai temperatures to dip to 17ºC

    Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a weather advisory forecasting dusty conditions across the nation on Tuesday, February 17th. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) anticipates partly cloudy skies with increased cloud formation expected in eastern regions during daytime hours.

    Temperature readings are projected to reach seasonal lows, with Dubai experiencing minimum temperatures of 17°C while Abu Dhabi will see slightly warmer conditions at 18°C. Despite the dust disturbances, thermal conditions remain within comfortable parameters for residents.

    Weather patterns indicate rising humidity levels overnight into Wednesday morning, creating favorable conditions for fog and mist development, particularly across internal and coastal zones. Western areas are identified as most susceptible to reduced visibility due to these meteorological phenomena.

    Wind patterns will shift from northwesterly to southeasterly directions, maintaining light to moderate intensity with periodic freshening. Wind speeds are forecast between 10-25 km/h, occasionally reaching 40 km/h, potentially exacerbating dust dispersion across urban centers.

    Maritime conditions present varying circumstances, with the Arabian Gulf experiencing moderate to slight waves while the Oman Sea faces rougher waters, particularly during morning hours. The comprehensive forecast underscores the region’s transition period between seasonal weather patterns, characteristic of February’s meteorological behavior in the Gulf region.

  • More third-country nationals have been deported by the US to Cameroon, lawyers tell AP

    More third-country nationals have been deported by the US to Cameroon, lawyers tell AP

    The United States has executed a second deportation flight transporting non-Cameroonian nationals to Yaoundé, according to legal representatives familiar with the matter. This development follows the recent revelation that nine African migrants from various countries were secretly relocated to Cameroon in January through a controversial immigration program.

    US-based attorney Alma David of Novo Legal Group confirmed the arrival of eight third-country nationals aboard Monday’s flight to the Cameroonian capital. Both David and Cameroon-based lawyer Joseph Awah Fru, who are providing legal assistance to the previously deported group, anticipate extending counsel to the newly arrived deportees.

    “My immediate priority is addressing their state of shock,” Fru stated regarding the psychological impact on deportees.

    The Trump administration’s program, which involves transferring migrants to nations without established connections, has drawn significant criticism after documents revealed that eight of the nine individuals deported in January possessed protection orders from US immigration judges. These judicial protections prohibited their return to home countries due to credible fears of persecution, torture, or violence—particularly concerning LGBTQ+ individuals and political activists.

    Cameroon becomes the latest participant in a series of agreements with at least seven African nations, including South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Eswatini, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea. State Department records indicate that some countries have received multimillion-dollar payments to accept deported migrants, though specific terms of the Cameroon arrangement remain undisclosed.

    According to a Senate Foreign Relations Committee report compiled by Democratic staff, the administration has allocated approximately $40 million to deport nearly 300 migrants to non-native countries across Africa and Central America. Internal documents reviewed by the AP reveal 47 third-country agreements in various negotiation stages, with 15 finalized and 10 nearing completion.

    The State Department declined to comment on diplomatic communications but affirmed that “implementing the Trump Administration’s immigration policies remains a top priority,” emphasizing their “unwavering commitment to end illegal and mass immigration.”

    Human rights advocates express grave concerns that deporting migrants to countries with documented human rights abuses—particularly under Cameroon’s long-standing President Paul Biya—creates risks of denied due process and potential mistreatment. This concern echoes the situation in Eswatini, where four deportees have been held without charges in maximum-security confinement for over six months despite completing US criminal sentences.

  • Chinese cultural show brings New Year festivities to University of Nairobi

    Chinese cultural show brings New Year festivities to University of Nairobi

    The University of Nairobi transformed into a hub of Sino-Kenyan cultural exchange on February 12, 2026, as its Confucius Institute hosted a spectacular Spring Festival celebration that attracted hundreds of participants. The event showcased the rich tapestry of Chinese traditions while fostering cross-cultural understanding between the two nations.

    The festivities commenced with an energetic traditional lion dance performance, believed to usher in good fortune for the Lunar New Year. This was followed by a diverse musical program featuring both classical Chinese compositions and contemporary pop songs performed by university students and faculty members.

    Beyond the stage performances, the campus grounds evolved into an immersive cultural experience. Attendees indulged in authentic Chinese culinary delights and engaged in various traditional handicraft activities. Participants enjoyed painting plaster ponies, designing decorative horse-themed headwear, and observing the intricate art of sugar painting—all honoring the upcoming Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.

    Gideon Jadeya, a University of Nairobi student who participated in the lion dance performance, shared his enthusiasm: ‘I’ve been studying this art form for six months, and it has deepened both my skills and passion. The lion dance symbolizes prosperity for the new year, and I perform it with genuine excitement and joy.’

    University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Leonidah Kerubo highlighted the Confucius Institute’s significant role in promoting cultural and academic exchanges. ‘The institute has been instrumental in creating educational opportunities for our students through language teaching and academic collaborations,’ she noted. To date, the institution has facilitated 239 scholarships and exchange programs enabling Kenyan students and educators to study in China. The past year particularly saw enhanced academic cooperation with the introduction of a new joint Chinese language degree program.

    The successful event demonstrated the growing cultural diplomacy between China and Kenya, showcasing how traditional celebrations can serve as bridges for international understanding and educational collaboration.

  • Y A S Developers launches boutique residence project, Casa Altia, in Al Furjan, plans projects worth Dh1 billion in 2026

    Y A S Developers launches boutique residence project, Casa Altia, in Al Furjan, plans projects worth Dh1 billion in 2026

    Dubai’s real estate sector witnesses a significant expansion as Y A S Developers, an established international property group with a portfolio spanning North and Latin America, announces its strategic Dh1 billion investment plan for 2026. The company has officially launched Casa Altia, its newest boutique luxury residential project in Dubai’s thriving Al Furjan district, with enabling works already underway for a scheduled Q1 2028 completion.

    This marks the developer’s third residential venture following the successful handover of both Altia Residence and Altia One in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The expansion strategy is strategically aligned with Dubai’s Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, responding to substantial population growth, increasing foreign direct investment, and the UAE’s unique lifestyle appeal.

    According to Muneer Kutty, COO of Y A S Developers, the company’s growth strategy leverages Dubai’s status as a prime investment destination. “Dubai’s property market achieved record growth in 2025 with transactions exceeding Dh686 billion, representing a 30% year-on-year increase,” Kutty stated, referencing data from DXB Interact.

    Casa Altia will feature an exclusive collection of 72 residences, including 12 one-bedroom units (approximately 1,000 sqft), 48 two-bedroom apartments (1,400-1,465 sqft), and 12 three-bedroom residences (1,900 sqft). Prices will begin from Dh1.7 million. The development will dedicate an entire floor to six ultra-luxury homes complete with private pools, landscaped gardens, BBQ areas, and bespoke amenities designed to replicate villa-style living.

    The project’s strategic location offers exceptional connectivity, with access to Al Furjan Metro Station, Discovery Gardens Metro Station, Ibn Battuta Mall, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Expo City Dubai within a 7-30 minute drive. Residents will enjoy comprehensive amenities including retail spaces, a fitness center, infinity pool, clubhouse, and children’s play area.

    Kutty emphasized Al Furjan’s emergence as one of Dubai’s top-performing residential communities, noting 8-10% property value growth in 2025 driven by metro connectivity and proximity to major transportation corridors. The COO further revealed that Casa Altia will be followed within months by another luxury Al Furjan project as part of the company’s continued expansion in Dubai’s dynamic property market.

  • Kenyan officials hail China–Kenya Culture and Tourism Season

    Kenyan officials hail China–Kenya Culture and Tourism Season

    NAIROBI—The recently concluded China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season 2025 has been hailed as a transformative chapter in bilateral relations, with senior Kenyan officials celebrating unprecedented cultural exchange achievements. The program’s closing ceremony, integrated with Chinese New Year celebrations held on February 10, 2026, showcased the deepening ties between the two nations.

    Ummi Bashir, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Culture and Heritage, revealed that 131 Kenyan professionals across cultural sectors received specialized training in China through the exchange initiative. The comprehensive program encompassed cultural heritage preservation, tourism development, creative economy enhancement, and sports cooperation since its inauguration in June 2025.

    Among the standout collaborations was the Sino-Kenyan paleolithic archaeological project, which conducted groundbreaking research around Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria to study human origins. This scientific partnership not only advanced academic knowledge but also strengthened diplomatic bonds through shared cultural discovery.

    The cultural season featured an impressive array of cross-cultural events, including live broadcasts of the spectacular wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve, the China Animated Film Festival, the Kenya Wushu National Championship, the Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, and the China-Kenya Friendship Games.

    Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan emphasized the timing significance, noting that 2026 marks both the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. She reaffirmed China’s commitment to “deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and open a new chapter of partnership” with African nations.

    The Spring Festival reception demonstrated cultural fusion through performances including joint Chinese-Kenyan wushu demonstrations, acrobatics, traditional music, and Kenyan folk dances. The Confucius Institute at Moi University’s fashion troupe presented innovative designs blending Chinese and African aesthetic traditions, symbolizing the creative synergy between the two cultures.

  • Sharjah Ruler directs free home nursing for seniors, monthly support raised to Dh17,500

    Sharjah Ruler directs free home nursing for seniors, monthly support raised to Dh17,500

    In a landmark social welfare expansion, the Emirate of Sharjah has unveiled a transformative support package for senior citizens under the direct directives of its Ruler. The comprehensive initiative eliminates all deductions for home nursing services while substantially increasing monthly financial assistance to AED 17,500 per individual.

    The previously implemented nursing care program, which could cost up to AED 18,000 annually, had been deducting approximately AED 3,000 from seniors’ monthly support. The new mandate ensures that all nursing services will now be provided completely free of charge, with beneficiaries receiving their full financial allocation without any reductions.

    Sulaiman Al Naqbi, Director of Sharjah’s Department of Social Services, elaborated on the multifaceted approach to elderly care. Beyond financial support, the program includes complete health and dental insurance coverage, complimentary physiotherapy sessions at departmental facilities, and specialized transportation services for medical appointments and recreational activities.

    The initiative introduces several innovative components, including a mobile salon service that delivers grooming and personal care directly to homebound seniors. Community engagement is fostered through ‘Asala Clubs’ that provide educational, social, and recreational programming specifically designed for elderly residents.

    Transportation solutions form another critical element, with the ‘Mishwar’ service facilitating leisure excursions and the ‘Ijaba’ service ensuring reliable transportation for government-related appointments. Additional mobility support, including airport transfers, can be arranged based on individual needs.

    This holistic approach represents one of the most comprehensive elder care programs in the region, demonstrating Sharjah’s commitment to ensuring dignity, comfort, and social inclusion for its aging population. The integrated services address financial, medical, social, and personal care needs through a coordinated network of support mechanisms.

  • India vs Pakistan: Ishan Kishan, rapper Hanumankind share happy moment

    India vs Pakistan: Ishan Kishan, rapper Hanumankind share happy moment

    In an unexpected intersection of sports and music, Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan and rapper Hanumankind (Sooraj Cherukat) shared a memorable moment at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium following India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in a T20 World Cup match. The crossover occurred after Hanumankind delivered an electrifying pre-match performance that energized the stadium ahead of the highly anticipated cricket showdown.

    The rapper, known for hits like ‘Big Dawgs’ and his work on the Bollywood soundtrack ‘Dhurandhar,’ had just concluded his set when Kishan approached him with a gesture of appreciation. The wicketkeeper-batter presented Hanumankind with an official team jersey, creating a viral moment captured and shared by the International Cricket Council with the caption ‘Two of a kind.’

    Kishan’s generosity extended beyond the gift exchange, as he later delivered a match-winning performance with a brilliant 77 runs off just 40 deliveries. His explosive batting provided the foundation for India’s total of 175-7 in their allotted 20 overs. The Indian bowling attack then dominated Pakistan, dismissing them for 114 runs in 18 overs, with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy each claiming two wickets.

    The victory marked India’s eighth win in nine T20 World Cup encounters against Pakistan, securing their advancement to the Super Eight stage of the tournament. This musical prelude continues a tradition established by the ICC, which previously featured performances by Bollywood stars including Arijit Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, and Shankar Mahadevan before high-profile India-Pakistan matches.

    Hanumankind, who spent his formative years across multiple countries including India, the US, Nigeria, and several Middle Eastern nations, has built a significant following since his debut single ‘Daily Dose’ in 2019. The artist has also ventured into acting with a role in the 2024 Malayalam film ‘Rifle Club.’

  • OMNIYAT awards main works contract for ENARA as construction enters next phase in Marasi Bay

    OMNIYAT awards main works contract for ENARA as construction enters next phase in Marasi Bay

    Dubai’s premium real estate developer OMNIYAT has reached a pivotal construction phase for its ultra-luxury commercial project ENARA, located in the prestigious Marasi Bay area within the Burj Khalifa District. The developer has officially appointed Dutco as the main works contractor following the successful completion of all enabling works and piling operations.

    The ENARA tower, which has achieved complete sell-out status prior to completion, represents OMNIYAT’s strategic vision to redefine premium workspace environments in Dubai. The project has garnered remarkable market response, demonstrating robust demand for Prime Grade A office spaces in one of the city’s most desirable business locations.

    Construction progress indicates significant milestones for 2026, with the superstructure scheduled to reach Level 10 while mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems advance to Level 5. Façade installation is planned to commence later this year, accelerating the transformation of the architectural vision into physical reality.

    Peter Stephenson, Co-Managing Director of OMNIYAT, emphasized the project’s significance: “ENARA marks a transformative moment in our commercial real estate strategy and the evolution of Marasi Bay as a global business destination. The appointment of Dutco as main contractor reinforces our commitment to delivering a world-class commercial tower that embodies design excellence and sustainable value creation.”

    ENARA distinguishes itself through hospitality-inspired amenities integrated with future-ready sustainable design. The development will feature exclusive single-tenant floorplates, private elevator access, landscaped terraces, and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. The project has already secured triple Platinum pre-certifications—LEED Platinum, WiredScore Platinum, and SmartScore Platinum—making it the UAE’s first office building to achieve this recognition. Additional WELL Building Standard Platinum certification is being pursued, highlighting OMNIYAT’s dedication to occupant health and wellbeing.

    As part of OMNIYAT’s comprehensive vision for Marasi Bay, ENARA joins other landmark developments including The Lana, VELA, and VELA Viento in establishing the district as Dubai’s premier ultra-luxury waterfront destination. With construction progressing according to schedule and strong on-site momentum, ENARA is positioned to establish new benchmarks for luxury commercial spaces in the region.