标签: Africa

非洲

  • From a small town in Kerala to the UAE’s creative industry

    From a small town in Kerala to the UAE’s creative industry

    The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as a global magnet for creative professionals, providing a fertile ground for individuals from varied backgrounds to refine their skills within its rapidly expanding digital economy. A compelling illustration of this phenomenon is the career trajectory of Habeeb, a Dubai-based videographer and content creator whose evolution from a modest town in Kerala to collaborating with premier UAE organizations underscores the region’s dedication to fostering innovation and talent.

    Habeeb’s fascination with visual narrative commenced under constrained circumstances yet was fueled by resolute determination. While growing up in Kerala, he autonomously cultivated his expertise through self-directed experimentation with video production, editing methodologies, and storytelling approaches. This initially personal interest systematically transformed into a professional vocation, shaped by persistent effort, autonomous learning, and a profound comprehension of how visual media shapes audience engagement.

    Upon transitioning to the UAE, Habeeb discovered an environment that actively promotes professional development and values creative initiative. Dubai’s vibrant media and advertising infrastructure enabled his swift adaptation to international benchmarks and rapidly changing digital environments. As his portfolio gained recognition, he secured collaborations with distinguished entities and large-scale institutions such as Dubai Airports and ECA Abu Dhabi, where visual communication serves as a crucial component of public interaction and corporate representation.

    Specializing in cinematic productions, short-format digital material, and social-media optimized storytelling, Habeeb has extensively partnered with influencers and content-centric brands. His proficiency in converting brand messages into captivating, platform-specific visual narratives has empowered both creators and commercial enterprises to enhance their digital footprint and establish more meaningful connections with regional audiences.

    Concurrently, Habeeb has made significant strides in the UAE’s real estate industry through advanced visual marketing strategies. By creating premium property visualizations and digital promotional campaigns, he has assisted realty firms in amplifying their market presence, drawing international investment, and conveying project value within an increasingly competitive digital marketplace. His contributions have enabled real estate brands to present developments in alignment with contemporary consumer expectations.

    “Visual content frequently constitutes the initial engagement point between brands and their target audiences,” Habeeb observes. “Compelling narrative construction establishes trust and clarity prior to any direct communication.”

    Habeeb’s professional evolution mirrors a larger pattern within the UAE’s economic landscape, where independent creatives directly contribute to economic expansion, sector prominence, and international perception. Through merging technical mastery with cultural sensitivity, he embodies the substantial impact that accomplished creative professionals can generate across multiple industries.

    Future objectives include expanding his involvement in large-scale campaigns while maintaining collaborations with both institutional pioneers and rising brands. From humble beginnings in Kerala to active participation in the UAE’s creative economy, Habeeb’s experience demonstrates how individual capability, when nurtured within an appropriate ecosystem, can develop into substantial and enduring industry influence.

  • New video game sees Africans fantasise about taking back looted treasures

    New video game sees Africans fantasise about taking back looted treasures

    In a groundbreaking fusion of gaming and cultural reclamation, South African studio Nyamakop has launched “Relooted” – an African-futurist heist game that transforms digital entertainment into a platform for historical justice. Set in 2099 amid the collapse of the Transatlantic Returns Treaty, the narrative follows parkour expert Nomali and her multidisciplinary team as they execute non-violent operations to recover 70 sacred African artifacts from Western institutions.

    The game’s innovative premise responds to real-world restitution failures, imagining a future where museums exploit legal loopholes to retain looted items. Through meticulously designed missions, players utilize parkour movement, puzzle-solving, and teamwork to reclaim culturally significant objects based on actual stolen artifacts – including the Kabwe 1 skull (held by London’s Natural History Museum since 1921), the Asante Gold Mask (taken during Britain’s 1874 Kumasi invasion), and the sacred Ngwi Ndem sculpture from Cameroon.

    Nyamakop’s pan-African development team represents a milestone in continental game production. Following their 2018 debut Semblance – the first African-developed game on Nintendo consoles – the studio has collaborated with designers and voice actors across Nigeria, Angola, Malawi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya. The project intentionally avoids violence, instead emphasizing intellectual challenges and physical agility that mirror traditional African problem-solving approaches.

    CEO Ben Myres conceived the project after his mother’s visceral reaction to seeing looted monuments in the British Museum. While primarily entertainment, Relooted incorporates educational elements through optional deep dives into artifact histories within a virtual hideout modeled after Johannesburg’s Northcliff Water Tower. The game concludes with successful retrievals being delivered to Senegal’s Museum of Black Civilizations, symbolizing the rightful repatriation activists have demanded for decades.

    Despite being designed for PC and consoles (limiting accessibility in smartphone-dominated African markets), the developers target the global African diaspora while raising awareness about ongoing restitution struggles. Project manager Sithe Ncube emphasizes that the game’s power lies in its interactive nature: “You must actively engage… and in order to achieve certain goals, you always have to do and learn certain things.”

  • UAE property playbook: How to turn homes into profits

    UAE property playbook: How to turn homes into profits

    The United Arab Emirates’ real estate sector has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from mere lifestyle acquisition to a sophisticated wealth creation mechanism for both residents and international investors. This shift reflects the market’s maturation into a globally competitive investment destination characterized by transparent regulation, tax advantages, and robust demographic expansion.

    Successful property investment in the UAE demands disciplined financial planning anchored in comprehensive ownership cost analysis. Beyond the purchase price, astute investors must account for registration fees, brokerage commissions, mortgage processing charges, ongoing service fees, maintenance expenditures, insurance premiums, and interior fit-out costs. Financial pre-approval provides crucial leverage parameters and accelerates transaction timelines, offering competitive advantage in a market where sellers prioritize certainty.

    Location selection remains the fundamental value determinant. Industry experts emphasize that properties integrated with business districts, transportation networks, and social infrastructure consistently demonstrate superior occupancy rates and exit demand. Forward-looking investors monitor infrastructure development pipelines—including metro extensions and highway upgrades—which frequently reposition neighborhood valuations long before project completion.

    Execution excellence matches strategic selection in importance. Licensed professional brokers provide essential services including inventory filtering, document verification, and negotiation within regulatory frameworks. Prepared investors assemble necessary documentation—passports, visas, and proof of funds—in advance to prevent transaction delays. During property evaluations, comparative analysis of unit layouts, natural illumination, parking availability, and building management standards proves critical.

    The transactional process follows standardized protocols: price agreement precedes a detailed Memorandum of Understanding outlining terms and deposit requirements. Conveyancing professionals ensure title verification, escrow compliance, and transfer readiness. Final settlement occurs at authorized trustee offices where ownership registration and key transfer are simultaneously completed.

    Market veterans emphasize that thorough preparation significantly reduces transactional friction, particularly crucial in supply-constrained market segments. First-time investors should look beyond promotional materials to examine title clarity, developer track records, realistic possession timelines, and secondary market depth.

    While market fundamentals remain strong, investors must acknowledge inherent risks including cyclical price compression, off-plan delivery uncertainties, and the impact of service charges on net yields. Risk mitigation strategies include conservative leverage ratios, realistic rental assumptions, and independent property inspections.

    Long-term performance correlates directly with asset quality. Properties featuring efficient layouts, superior ventilation, ample storage, and well-curated amenities demonstrate enhanced tenant retention and resale liquidity. Comprehensive financial modeling should incorporate hidden costs, while snagging reports—even for new units—help identify defects before warranty expiration.

    The regulatory environment has substantially improved through enhanced escrow accountability, broker licensing requirements, and transaction transparency initiatives. Digital land registries and streamlined transfer systems further reduce information asymmetry and improve market liquidity.

    This institutional-quality infrastructure enables quicker deal execution and clearer exit pathways, positioning the UAE property market as a mature asset class rather than speculative frontier. Successful investors combine conservative budgeting, meticulous location research, professional partnerships, and cash flow analysis to transform residential properties into resilient income-generating assets with scalable portfolio potential.

  • Adnoc Gas posts record $5.2 billion net income in 2025

    Adnoc Gas posts record $5.2 billion net income in 2025

    Adnoc Gas has announced unprecedented financial results for fiscal year 2025, achieving a record-breaking net income of $5.2 billion despite significant challenges in global energy markets. This performance represents a 3% year-over-year increase, demonstrating remarkable resilience amid declining Brent crude prices that fell 14% to average $69 per barrel throughout the year.

    The company’s exceptional results were primarily driven by its robust domestic gas operations, where EBITDA surged by 10% annually. This growth was supported by a 4% increase in domestic gas sales volumes and enhanced commercial terms. CEO Fatema Al Nuaimi characterized 2025 as “a defining year” for the organization, highlighting both financial achievements and strategic progress.

    Strategic expansion initiatives are underway to address growing domestic demand beyond 2026. The Adnoc Estidama gas pipeline project will significantly enhance supply capabilities to the Northern Emirates. Additionally, the company plans to make final investment decisions in Q1 2026 for phases two and three of its Rich Gas Development project, aiming to boost overall processing capacity by 30% by 2029.

    The fourth quarter of 2025 yielded a substantial $1.2 billion net income, with domestic gas sales volumes growing 5% year-over-year. This growth aligns with the UAE’s strong economic performance, including a 4.8% GDP expansion driven largely by industrial sector development.

    Capital expenditures nearly doubled to $3.6 billion in 2025, reflecting substantial progress on multi-year expansion projects. The commissioning of Phase one of the RGD project and the IGD-E2 unit have already enhanced processing capabilities and export-grade liquids production.

    Adnoc Gas’s Board has endorsed a $3.584 billion dividend for 2025, maintaining the company’s policy of increasing annual dividends by 5%. The company generated free cash flow exceeding dividend commitments by over $500 million, demonstrating strong financial health.

    Positioned as a growing global gas-processing leader, Adnoc Gas continues to serve as a cornerstone of the UAE’s long-term energy strategy, balancing domestic needs with international market opportunities through expanded infrastructure and strategic investments.

  • Somalia says signs defence agreement with Saudi Arabia

    Somalia says signs defence agreement with Saudi Arabia

    In a significant geopolitical development, Somalia and Saudi Arabia have formalized a comprehensive defense agreement, marking a new chapter in their bilateral military cooperation. The pact was officially signed on Monday by Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman during a military exhibition in Riyadh.

    The Somali Defense Ministry characterized the agreement as a substantial enhancement of defense and military collaboration between the two nations, encompassing multiple areas of mutual strategic interest. While specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, the signing ceremony occurred against a complex regional backdrop.

    This defense pact arrives approximately six weeks after Israel’s controversial recognition of Somaliland, the breakaway region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Mogadishu maintains that Somaliland remains under its jurisdiction, making the timing of this Saudi agreement particularly noteworthy.

    Somalia’s strategic significance cannot be overstated, positioned along critical maritime trade routes connecting the Indian Ocean to the Suez Canal, making it a focal point for Gulf states seeking to expand their regional influence. The agreement represents Saudi Arabia’s continued engagement in East African security dynamics and reflects the kingdom’s broader strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.

    Prince Khalid Bin Salman indicated through social media that several agreements were signed during the military exhibition, though he provided no additional specifics regarding their nature or scope. The development occurs alongside other Saudi regional initiatives, including infrastructure projects in Syria and various bilateral arrangements with neighboring countries.

  • Zimbabwe dominate Oman on return to ICC T20 World Cup

    Zimbabwe dominate Oman on return to ICC T20 World Cup

    Zimbabwe marked their triumphant return to the ICC T20 World Cup stage with a dominant performance against Oman on Monday, securing a comprehensive eight-wicket victory at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club. Playing their first T20 World Cup match since 2022, the African nation demonstrated exceptional bowling prowess before comfortably chasing down their target with 39 deliveries remaining.

    The match witnessed an extraordinary bowling display from Zimbabwe’s pace attack, with Richard Ngarava (3-17) and Blessing Muzarabani (3-16) unleashing devastation upon Oman’s batting lineup. The bowling duo reduced their opponents to a precarious 27-5 within the powerplay, with none of Oman’s top-order batsmen reaching double figures. Brad Evans provided excellent support as first-change bowler, claiming 3-18 with consistent line and length.

    Oman’s innings found temporary stability through a 42-run sixth-wicket partnership between Sufyan Mehmood (25) and Vinayak Shukla (28), who managed to push their team to a modest total of 103 runs. However, the recovery proved insufficient against Zimbabwe’s determined batting response.

    During the chase, Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 48 runs and Brendan Taylor’s 31 provided the foundation for Zimbabwe’s comfortable victory. The experienced Taylor, who participated in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, retired hurt just four runs short of victory, allowing captain Sikandar Raza to seal the win with a boundary.

    Muzarabani, awarded Player of the Match, commented on his strategic approach: ‘Coming from a back injury, I intentionally shortened my run-up to avoid excessive strain. The pitch offered favorable bounce, and we effectively capitalized on these conditions.’ The fast bowler emphasized the team’s focused mentality, stating they intend to approach the tournament ‘game by game.’

  • UAE strongly condemns targeting of World Food Programme convoy in Sudan

    UAE strongly condemns targeting of World Food Programme convoy in Sudan

    The United Arab Emirates has issued a forceful condemnation of the deadly assault on a World Food Programme humanitarian convoy in North Kordofan, Sudan, labeling the incident a grave breach of international humanitarian law. The attack resulted in multiple casualties among aid workers and local populations.

    In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Emirates government emphasized the critical necessity of safeguarding humanitarian and relief personnel operating in conflict zones. The ministry articulated a firm position against the weaponization of humanitarian assistance, stressing that such aid must remain free from political manipulation.

    The UAE reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan, advocating for unimpeded humanitarian access to affected regions. Furthermore, the statement outlined support for a civilian-led transition process that operates independently from both warring factions and extremist elements.

    Demonstrating its commitment to practical support, the UAE highlighted its recent pledge of $500 million in humanitarian assistance aimed at addressing urgent needs within Sudan. This financial commitment complements the nation’s diplomatic efforts to foster stability and security for the Sudanese people.

    The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s consistent engagement in peace-building initiatives and its dedication to collaborative international action to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan.

  • UAE leads region in industrial exports in 2025, says Sheikh Mohammed

    UAE leads region in industrial exports in 2025, says Sheikh Mohammed

    The United Arab Emirates has achieved a landmark position as the Middle East’s foremost industrial exporter, according to official 2025 data announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. The nation’s industrial sector demonstrated remarkable growth with a 25% annual increase, culminating in total exports valued at Dh262 billion.

    The export portfolio showcased significant technological advancement, with technology products constituting Dh90 billion of the total exports. Sheikh Mohammed attributed this economic milestone to the strategic alignment between government policies and private sector initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of legislative support for industrial enterprises.

    Key infrastructure developments were highlighted as fundamental to this success, particularly the nation’s exceptional digital infrastructure and robust financial ecosystem. The integrated approach has created an environment conducive to industrial expansion and international market competitiveness.

    The achievement positions the UAE prominently within global economic landscapes, demonstrating successful economic diversification beyond hydrocarbon dependencies. This export performance represents a significant step in the nation’s strategic vision for sustainable economic development and technological leadership in the region.

  • Dubai announces phase 2 of property tokenisation project for secondary market resale

    Dubai announces phase 2 of property tokenisation project for secondary market resale

    Dubai has officially entered the next stage of its pioneering real estate tokenization initiative. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) confirmed the commencement of Phase Two, set to activate on February 20, 2026. This pivotal phase is designed to unlock the secondary market, facilitating the resale of an estimated 7.8 million digitized real estate tokens.

    The project, initially launched as a pilot program in collaboration with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and technical partners, has now matured beyond its testing grounds. The inaugural phase successfully validated the regulatory, legislative, and technical frameworks required for converting physical property title deeds into secure digital tokens.

    Phase Two will operate within a controlled pilot environment with strategic objectives: evaluating market efficiency, testing operational capabilities, enhancing transparency and governance protocols, and rigorously safeguarding investor rights to ensure absolute transaction integrity. This measured approach underscores Dubai’s commitment to de-risking technological adoption in its vital property sector.

    Early indicators from the pilot have been promising. As previously reported, investments were accessible to UAE residents starting from just AED 2,000. This low barrier to entry fueled significant initial traction, with one platform, Prypco Mint, processing deals exceeding AED 9 million within the first month alone.

    This tokenization effort is part of a broader suite of initiatives by Dubai to stimulate and democratize property ownership. It complements programs like the First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme—a multi-stakeholder collaboration between DLD, the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), banks, and developers—which has already enabled over 2,000 residents to purchase their first homes.

    The DLD emphasized that its phased rollout strategy allows for careful assessment of practical outcomes and fosters close cooperation with other regulatory bodies. Ongoing work with VARA and technical partners continues to focus on developing robust standards for the project’s future expansion, cementing Dubai’s position as a global leader in tokenized real-world asset investment.

  • Tanzania opposition leader returns to court for treason trial after monthslong delay

    Tanzania opposition leader returns to court for treason trial after monthslong delay

    NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu made his first court appearance in months on Monday, facing treason charges that carry potential capital punishment. The highly anticipated hearing was abruptly adjourned after Lissu, who is representing himself legally, formally objected to prosecutors’ plans to utilize concealed witnesses testifying from a specially secured chamber.

    Lissu has remained incarcerated for ten months following his arrest at an opposition rally where he demanded constitutional and electoral reforms prior to Tanzania’s contentious 2025 election. The political veteran argued that anonymous testimony from isolated witnesses creates unacceptable judicial risks and would almost certainly prejudice his right to a fair trial.

    The judicial panel announced it would deliberate on this procedural challenge and deliver a ruling on Wednesday. This legal development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing political turbulence stemming from last October’s disputed elections, which triggered widespread civil unrest, internet blackouts, and significant casualties.

    President Samia Suluhu, who secured a second term with an overwhelming 97% majority amid an opposition boycott, previously attributed the violent outbreaks to foreign interference. While Suluhu has apologized for the communications shutdown and established a reconciliation commission, opposition party Chadema continues demanding accountability for protest-related fatalities.

    Chadema’s deputy leader John Heche simultaneously called for Lissu’s “unconditional release,” alleging governmental offers of freedom contingent on the critic’s permanent exile. Lissu, having survived a 2017 assassination attempt and multiple exiles, represents the most prominent challenge to the ruling CCM party’s decades-long dominance.