Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Affordable iftars in UAE: Where to eat this Ramadan for under Dh200

    Affordable iftars in UAE: Where to eat this Ramadan for under Dh200

    As Ramadan 2026 approaches in the UAE, residents seeking affordable yet meaningful iftar experiences have numerous options that combine tradition with value without exceeding Dh200. The holy month, characterized by spiritual reflection and communal gatherings, offers various dining experiences that maintain cultural authenticity while remaining budget-conscious.

    Across the Emirates, establishments are providing thoughtfully curated iftar menus that balance atmosphere with affordability. From traditional Lebanese fare at Allo Beirut (starting at Dh85) to innovative cross-cultural offerings, the diversity of options demonstrates that breaking the fast need not be accompanied by a substantial financial burden.

    Notable budget-friendly options include Pitfire Pizza’s signature Shawarma Pizza at Dh64, available for delivery across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering a casual alternative for friends and family. Rodeo Drive Ibn Battuta Gate presents an American comfort food approach with a four-course menu at Dh95 per person, featuring creative dishes like avocado hummus and Cajun kebabs.

    For those preferring traditional buffet settings, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha offers Ramadan classics with live cooking stations starting at Dh120, while Jewel of the Creek provides a distinctive cultural experience along Dubai Creek with iftar from Dh165, complete with live oud performances and a Ramadan Market.

    Several establishments have developed specialized offerings for different preferences. Ibn AlBahr brings its Emirati seafood expertise to iftar menus starting at Dh189 across multiple locations, while Rohini at Mövenpick JLT presents North Indian hospitality with menus between Dh149-169. For French-inspired dining, CQ French Brasserie offers a cross-cultural iftar experience at Dh189 per person.

    The variety of options demonstrates how UAE’s culinary scene accommodates diverse preferences while maintaining Ramadan’s spirit of community and togetherness, proving that memorable iftar experiences can be both accessible and affordable.

  • Families of plane crash victims ask US appeals court to revive a criminal case against Boeing

    Families of plane crash victims ask US appeals court to revive a criminal case against Boeing

    In a pivotal legal confrontation, thirty-one families who lost relatives in the catastrophic Boeing 737 Max crashes petitioned the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday to reinstate criminal charges against the aerospace giant. Represented by attorney Paul Cassell, the families contested a lower court’s dismissal of conspiracy allegations against Boeing for allegedly deceiving Federal Aviation Administration regulators about a critical flight-control system implicated in two crashes that claimed 346 lives.

    The dismissed charges followed a controversial settlement between Boeing and the U.S. Justice Department, wherein the company avoided prosecution by committing to $1.1 billion in penalties, victim compensation, and safety enhancements. Cassell argued prosecutors violated the Crime Victims’ Rights Act by excluding families from consultation during settlement negotiations—a claim federal prosecutors disputed, asserting years of engagement with victims’ families.

    Among attendees at the New Orleans hearing was Paul Njoroge, a Canadian who lost his entire family—wife, three young children, and mother-in-law—in the second crash. ‘Meaningful accountability requires a trial,’ Njoroge stated post-hearing. The tragedies occurred within five months in 2018-2019: Lion Air Flight 610 plunged into the Java Sea, while Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa.

    Judicial records reveal U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor found the families’ arguments compelling but ultimately ruled prosecutors acted without bad faith and met legal obligations. The Justice Department maintained that trial risks included potential acquittal and no further Boeing accountability. Boeing attorney Paul Clement acknowledged the company’s ‘deep regret’ and cited compensation payments and safety overhauls, noting that over 60 families supported the settlement.

    The case’s complex history includes a 2021 fraud charge deferred through a compliance agreement, which Boeing violated by 2024, leading to a guilty plea that Judge O’Connor rejected before the current settlement. Central to the controversy is Boeing’s concealment of a new automated flight-control system (MCAS) in 737 Max aircraft, which repeatedly forced planes into nosedives based on faulty sensor data. Investigations confirmed Boeing withheld MCAS details from FAA officials during certification, leaving pilots unprepared for system failures. The appeals panel will issue its ruling at a later date.

  • Trump backs Chagos handover deal, says No 10

    Trump backs Chagos handover deal, says No 10

    The United States has formally endorsed the United Kingdom’s landmark agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing a long-term lease for the strategic military installation on Diego Garcia. This development follows weeks of diplomatic uncertainty after former President Donald Trump’s contradictory statements regarding the arrangement.

    In a significant diplomatic reversal, Trump publicly expressed support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s negotiated settlement, characterizing it as “the best he could make” during their recent discussions. This endorsement came as a relief to British officials who had grown concerned when Trump previously denounced the agreement as an “act of great stupidity” and “total weakness” last month.

    The complex arrangement, initially announced last year, facilitates the formal transfer of Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius while guaranteeing continued UK and US military access to the Diego Garcia base through a 99-year leaseback provision. This joint UK-US facility serves as a critical strategic asset for both nations’ military operations in the Indian Ocean region.

    Downing Street confirmed that both leaders “agreed on the importance” of maintaining the base’s operational security during their Thursday conversation. A spokeswoman emphasized that the two nations would “continue to work closely on the implementation of the deal,” signaling ongoing cooperation despite previous tensions.

    Trump’s conditional support, communicated via his Truth Social platform, included a significant caveat: “If the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our base, I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia.”

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the administration’s position, stating that while Trump understands and supports Starmer’s position, the United States “reserves the right to protect our assets.” This sentiment was echoed by US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, who acknowledged that while maintaining UK sovereignty would be the “ideal” outcome, the current arrangement represents the “best deal on the table.”

    The agreement has faced substantial domestic criticism in the UK, particularly from Conservative and Reform UK parties who argue that Mauritius’s ties to China pose national security risks. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel characterized Trump’s statement as recognizing “a critical weakness in the surrender deal” and pledged continued opposition.

    A draft law to ratify the Chagos Islands agreement is currently progressing through Parliament, though the legislative process experienced delays following Trump’s previous critical comments. Prime Minister Starmer has consistently maintained that the arrangement is necessary to protect the base’s continued operation amid previous legal challenges from Mauritius regarding British sovereignty.

  • UAE minister honours mother who went to class with her son at old school tent

    UAE minister honours mother who went to class with her son at old school tent

    In a profoundly moving tribute at the World Governments Summit, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, recognized Emirati mother Dhahira Al Ameri for her extraordinary dedication to education during the nation’s formative years. The ceremony during the “The Impregnable Fortress” session revealed a historic photograph of Al Ameri sitting with her young son under a simple tent in Al Wagan, Al Ain—one of the UAE’s first makeshift schools established when formal education remained a novel concept.

    Sheikh Saif personally addressed Al Ameri, emphasizing her remarkable perseverance despite lacking contemporary resources. “Dhahira, there was no one to help you, and you did not have what mothers have today,” he stated. “But you were keen to be with him.” This recognition highlighted the challenging conditions faced by early education pioneers who responded to the call of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, to embrace education despite widespread uncertainty.

    The emotional impact deepened as Al Ameri’s son, now an adult, stood beside his mother on stage and shared how her sacrifice created an educational legacy. “I studied and graduated from America,” he announced, “and today, I have four daughters who are graduates of UAE University, and another daughter studying cybersecurity in Australia.”

    This narrative powerfully connects a mother’s determination in a desert tent classroom to multiple generations of academically accomplished Emirati women making global contributions. The story transcends personal achievement, embodying the UAE’s developmental journey through core values of leadership trust, women’s essential role in nation-building, and education as the fundamental catalyst for progress.

  • Sheikh Hamdan awards Indian educator with $1 million Gems global teacher prize

    Sheikh Hamdan awards Indian educator with $1 million Gems global teacher prize

    Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize to Indian educator and social innovator Rouble Nagi during the closing ceremony of the World Government Summit. The award recognizes her extraordinary 24-year commitment to providing art-based education to underprivileged children across India’s most marginalized communities.

    Nagi, an accomplished artist and transformative educator, emerged victorious from a competitive field of over 5,000 nominations spanning 139 countries worldwide. Her groundbreaking ‘Misaal India’ initiative has delivered low-cost, creativity-driven education to more than one million children residing in over 100 slums and remote villages throughout India.

    The emotional award ceremony witnessed Nagi visibly moved as she accepted the honor, describing the recognition as “a dream come true.” Her innovative educational approach seamlessly integrates literacy, numeracy, life skills, and vocational training through engaging artistic projects that actively involve both children and their broader communities.

    Beyond her educational contributions, Nagi pioneered ‘Misaal Mumbai’—India’s inaugural slum transformation project that has revitalized urban landscapes by painting more than 155,000 homes while simultaneously implementing critical sanitation improvements, waterproofing solutions, and comprehensive hygiene workshops.

    Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Global Teacher Prize stands as the world’s most significant educational award, established through collaboration between the Varkey Foundation and UNESCO. Since its inception, the initiative has received over 100,000 applications and nominations globally, highlighting exceptional educators who create substantial impact within their communities.

    The ceremony also acknowledged other distinguished finalists, including Sharjah educator Hala Shahin, who earned recognition among the top 50 contenders for her innovative integration of smart learning technologies and artificial intelligence in educational settings.

    Previous award recipients, including 2023 winner Pakistani educator Sister Zeph, attested to the prize’s transformative power, noting how the recognition amplified their voices and expanded their capacity to inspire educational change worldwide.

  • Republic of Congo’s president says he will run for reelection, possibly extending decades-long rule

    Republic of Congo’s president says he will run for reelection, possibly extending decades-long rule

    BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo — President Denis Sassou N’guesso, who has dominated Congolese politics for over four decades, formally declared his candidacy for the March 15 presidential election during an appearance at an agricultural exhibition in Bambou Mingali. The 82-year-old leader’s announcement sets the stage for what appears to be another extension of his prolonged tenure in the Central African nation.

    Sassou N’guesso’s political journey represents one of Africa’s most enduring leadership narratives. Initially assuming power in 1979, he governed until 1992 when electoral defeat temporarily removed him from office. His return to prominence occurred through military means following the 1997 civil conflict, after which he secured victory in four consecutive presidential contests against a divided opposition bloc.

    The constitutional landscape shifted significantly in 2015 when a national referendum eliminated presidential term limits and age restrictions, effectively removing legal barriers to Sassou N’guesso’s continued rule. The ruling Congolese Labor Party has officially endorsed his candidacy, while the primary opposition force, the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy, has withdrawn from the electoral process, citing fundamental concerns.

    Approximately twelve lesser-known contenders have entered the race, including independent candidate Alexis Bongo and former rebel commander Frederic Bintsamou, commonly referred to as Pastor Ntoumi. The government’s unexplained decision to advance the election date from March 22 to March 15 has added another layer of intrigue to the political proceedings.

    Despite the country’s status as an oil-producing nation, socioeconomic challenges persist dramatically. World Bank data indicates youth unemployment approaching 42%, while rural electrification remains accessible to merely 15% of the population outside urban centers, highlighting the development paradox facing the nation of 5.61 million people.

  • The post that confirmed Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan’s roles in Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’

    The post that confirmed Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan’s roles in Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’

    The long-rumored participation of Bollywood icons Mithun Chakraborty and Vidya Balan in Rajinikanth’s upcoming action-comedy sequel ‘Jailer 2’ has been unofficially confirmed through social media evidence. Actor Jatin Sarna, renowned for his performances in ‘Sacred Games’ and sports drama ’83’, inadvertently revealed the casting through an Instagram post featuring photographs with Balan, Chakraborty, and director Nelson Dilipkumar.

    This visual confirmation ends months of speculation regarding the star-studded ensemble, though production company Sun Pictures, owned by media magnate Kalanithi Maran, has yet to issue an official statement. Industry reports from September had indicated Chakraborty would portray the antagonist, marking another collaboration with Rajinikanth after their work together in the 1989 Hindi film ‘Bhrastachar’ and 1997 Bengali production ‘Bhagya Debata’.

    For Vidya Balan, this project represents her second venture into Tamil cinema following her acclaimed performance in the 2019 legal drama ‘Nerkonda Paarvai’, a regional adaptation of the Bollywood hit ‘Pink’.

    The sequel’s expanding universe promises to surpass its predecessor in scale, retaining cameos from Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar while welcoming additional appearances. Vijay Sethupathi recently revealed to The Hollywood Reporter India that he will overcome his aversion to villainous roles for a special appearance. Chakraborty has additionally hinted at a potential guest appearance by Shah Rukh Khan, with actor-director SJ Suryah and Vinayakan completing the formidable cast lineup.

    The original ‘Jailer’ chronicled the journey of retired police official Muthuvel Pandian (Rajinikanth) searching for his missing son, achieving remarkable commercial success with approximately Rs 6.5 billion (Dh 250 million) in global revenue, ranking among 2023’s highest-grossing Indian productions. A teaser released last January confirmed the sequel would maintain the original’s signature elements: intense action sequences, dramatic confrontations, and celebration of Rajinikanth’s iconic screen presence.

    Anticipated for worldwide release on June 12, 2026, ‘Jailer 2’ continues to generate significant excitement within the Indian film industry and among international audiences.

  • How two Dubai residents helped find missing six-year-old girls at mall

    How two Dubai residents helped find missing six-year-old girls at mall

    In an extraordinary demonstration of community solidarity, Dubai residents transformed a potentially tragic situation into a heartwarming reunion when two six-year-old girls went missing on February 4th. The incident, which unfolded at Dubai Hills Mall, triggered an immediate neighborhood-wide response that showcased the power of collective action in the emirate.

    The episode began when Brazilian expatriate Otavio Soccol and his wife Gabriella were shopping around 8 PM. While browsing through a store, Gabriella noticed two young children appearing disoriented near the cash counter with money scattered around them. Simultaneously, Soccol discovered a post in their school parents’ WhatsApp group alerting members about missing children. The couple immediately recognized the striking resemblance between the children before them and those described in the alert.

    Springing into action, the Soccols coordinated with store management and mall security while maintaining calm interaction with the children. They learned the girls had been shopping for camping equipment, apparently preparing to sleep outdoors. The couple documented the children’s safety through a video message to reassure the frantic parents while awaiting authorities.

    Dubai Police confirmed the successful resolution of the incident, noting the children had left their residential neighborhood independently. The hours between disappearance and recovery witnessed families throughout the community joining search efforts, sharing real-time updates, and providing mutual support during the tense period.

    Soccol, reflecting on the experience as a father of two, emphasized the profound perspective such events bring. ‘Losing a child is when your entire world collapses,’ he shared with Khaleej Times. He particularly praised Dubai’s safety infrastructure and community networks that enabled the rapid response, stating: ‘Dubai’s an incredible place where we can rely on such networks knowing they would be there for us if it happened to our children.’

    The incident stands as a testament to how modern communication tools combined with traditional community values can create powerful safety networks in urban environments.

  • Morocco evacuates 140,000 people as torrential rains and dam releases trigger floods

    Morocco evacuates 140,000 people as torrential rains and dam releases trigger floods

    RABAT, Morocco — Moroccan authorities have mobilized military units to execute one of the nation’s largest emergency evacuations, relocating over 140,000 residents from northwestern regions as catastrophic flooding submerges urban areas and agricultural lands. The Interior Ministry confirmed the mass displacement Thursday after torrential rainfall triggered dam overflow and severe river swelling.

    The Loukkous River and its tributaries breached their banks following what meteorologists describe as ‘exceptional’ climate conditions, forcing controlled water releases from critically saturated reservoirs. The Oued Al Makhazine dam near Ksar El Kebir—a key agricultural hub renowned for sugar production—discharged over 372 million cubic meters of water after exceeding its 672.8 million cubic meter capacity by 46%.

    Urban centers have transformed into ghost towns, with Ksar El Kebir experiencing 85% depopulation as residents fled to government-established shelters or relatives’ homes. Witness footage obtained by The Associated Press reveals structural collapses and landslide devastation in the mountainous community of Bni Zid, where earthmoving equipment struggles to clear debris from isolated roadways.

    The hydrological emergency presents a paradoxical crisis for the North African nation. While ending a seven-year drought cycle and securing drinking water reserves for approximately one year, the deluge has devastated avocado, potato, and olive cultivations while paralyzing transportation networks. Maritime operations between Moroccan and Spanish ports face significant disruptions, with rising Sebou River levels halting rail services and submerging infrastructure.

    Climate data reveals Morocco received 150 millimeters of precipitation during the past six months—surpassing annual averages by 32.5%—prompting the national meteorology directorate to issue red alerts for impending rainfall. Emergency protocols remain activated as officials balance reservoir management against continued precipitation in what represents both a water security breakthrough and humanitarian challenge.

  • Rohit Shetty firing case: Mumbai Police arrest weapon supplier

    Rohit Shetty firing case: Mumbai Police arrest weapon supplier

    Mumbai law enforcement has achieved a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the shooting incident outside renowned Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence. The Anti-Extortion Cell of Mumbai Crime Branch apprehended Asaram Fasle, alias Babu, identified as the primary weapons supplier in the case. This arrest marks the fifth detention in the ongoing probe.

    Investigative authorities revealed Fasle provided the firearm used in the February 3rd shooting outside Shetty’s Mumbai home. The suspect is scheduled for presentation before Mumbai’s Esplanade Court (Killa Court) as police seek extended custody for further interrogation.

    The investigation has uncovered a sophisticated criminal network employing compartmentalized operations. According to police sources, participants remained unaware of collaborators’ identities throughout different stages of the operation. The shooting was allegedly orchestrated by Shubham Lonkar, who directed multiple discrete cells through encrypted communications.

    Police discovered the assailants used a two-wheeler purchased days earlier from a Pune resident for approximately ₹30,000 (Dh1,218). The buyer, already detained suspect Aditya Gayaki, obtained the seller’s signature on blank paper potentially for fraudulent documentation. The vehicle was subsequently positioned at a predetermined location in Mumbai’s Juhu area for the shooter’s collection.

    This modular criminal methodology mirrors patterns observed in previous unsolved cases, suggesting experienced coordination. The actual perpetrator who fired outside Shetty’s residence remains at large as investigative teams pursue multiple leads across Maharashtra state.