Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • UGC Season 3 heads to the Earth Course for a high-stakes Elite Matchplay showdown

    UGC Season 3 heads to the Earth Course for a high-stakes Elite Matchplay showdown

    The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) enters its most strategically pivotal phase as Season 3 transitions to the renowned Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates for Round 2 on February 26. Following the Stableford format opening at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the competition adopts the intense Elite Matchplay system—a dramatic shift that promises to reshape the championship landscape.

    This format revolution transforms the game into nine simultaneous head-to-head duels where each hole constitutes an individual battle. Unlike traditional stroke play, matchplay demands psychological resilience and tactical precision as players compete to win more holes than their direct opponents. Five athletes from each of the ten participating teams will engage in these parallel contests, with victories earning five points and halved matches yielding two points.

    Tournament Director Brandon De Souza emphasized the round’s extraordinary significance, noting: ‘With up to 225 points potentially in play, this represents a monumental opportunity for teams to radically alter their standings. A single player’s performance can contribute 45 points to their team’s total—a game-changing scenario that could propel lower-ranked squads into immediate contention.’

    The Earth Course itself presents a formidable challenge. Known as one of the region’s most demanding layouts and home to the DP World Tour Championship, it will test competitors’ technical mastery and mental fortitude. The combination of world-class terrain and the unforgiving matchplay format creates what De Souza describes as ‘a potentially season-defining showdown where participants will emerge as either heroes or villains for their teams.’

  • England in T20 World Cup semi-finals after 2-wicket win against Pakistan

    England in T20 World Cup semi-finals after 2-wicket win against Pakistan

    England secured a dramatic berth in the T20 World Cup semifinals following a tense two-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Super Eights clash. The match’s defining moment came from captain Harry Brook, who delivered a spectacular maiden T20 international century under immense pressure. Brook’s promotion to number three in the batting order—a strategic move by coach Brendon McCullum—proved instrumental as he anchored England’s chase of Pakistan’s 164-9 target.

    Facing early adversity at 0-1 after Phil Salt’s golden duck, Brook constructed a masterful innings of exactly 100 runs from just 51 deliveries. His performance featured ten boundaries and four sixes, marking the second-fastest century in T20 World Cup history and the first by any team captain in the tournament. Brook’s partnership with Will Jacks (28 off 23 balls) contributed 52 crucial runs, though late wickets from Mohammad Nawaz induced nervous moments before Jofra Archer sealed victory with a boundary off the final over’s first ball.

    Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s impressive return of 4-30, including early breakthroughs that threatened England’s stability. Earlier, England’s bowling unit had restricted Pakistan through Liam Dawson’s 3-24, supported by Jamie Overton (2-26) and Archer (2-32). Opener Sahibzada Farhan provided Pakistan’s batting highlight with a 63-run contribution from 45 deliveries.

    The outcome leaves Pakistan’s semifinal hopes contingent on defeating Sri Lanka and favorable results from other Super Eight matches, after their opening game against New Zealand was washed out. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged Brook’s ‘outstanding’ innings as the decisive factor that ultimately took the game away from his side.

  • Drones hammer Sudan’s gold and oil zone – the pivotal new front line

    Drones hammer Sudan’s gold and oil zone – the pivotal new front line

    The strategic Kordofan region has emerged as the devastating new frontline in Sudan’s protracted civil war, where daily drone strikes are inflicting massive civilian casualties and reshaping the conflict’s trajectory. Since both warring factions solidified their positions across other battlefields in this nearly three-year confrontation, the south-central area has become the epicenter of violence.

    The brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated into one of Africa’s deadliest confrontations for civilians, continuing unabated despite international peace initiatives. Recent weeks have witnessed near-daily aerial assaults targeting markets, healthcare facilities, humanitarian convoys, and residential neighborhoods throughout Kordofan, drawing sharp condemnation from United Nations officials and humanitarian organizations.

    UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk recently demanded an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that ‘the parties must take urgent measures to protect civilians, including by refraining from the military use of civilian objects.’ This appeal followed reports of over 50 civilian fatalities within just 48 hours from separate drone strikes across North and West Kordofan.

    The strategic significance of Greater Kordofan—comprising three states—cannot be overstated, as it forms the crucial corridor connecting the RSF-controlled western Darfur region to the SAF-held capital of Khartoum in the eastern Nile Valley. The region’s substantial gold and oil resources further intensify its strategic value, with control over Kordofan potentially enabling the RSF to seize Sudan’s central corridor and solidify its parallel administration in western Sudan.

    The RSF has forged alliances with the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Army North (SPLM-N), based in South Kordofan, gaining access to experienced combatants and strategic border territories. However, recent weeks have seen the SAF achieve significant strategic advances, breaking the RSF and SPLM-N blockade imposed on South Kordofan’s primary urban centers—Kadugli and Dilling—where two-year sieges had created famine conditions according to UN-backed food monitors.

    The technological dimension of the conflict has evolved dramatically, with both sides deploying sophisticated drone capabilities. The RSF reportedly utilizes Chinese-manufactured CH-95 long-range drones allegedly supplied by the United Arab Emirates, while the SAF employs Turkish Baykar drones, potentially including advanced Akinci combat models. Recent operations have targeted aerial defense systems, with the Sudanese military claiming successful strikes against RSF air defense infrastructure in both Kordofan and Darfur regions.

    International involvement has complicated the conflict further, with investigations revealing Egypt’s increased engagement over the past six months, reportedly alarmed by RSF advances in Darfur. Meanwhile, recent attacks in Blue Nile State threaten to expand the conflict regionally, with Sudan accusing neighboring Ethiopia and South Sudan of permitting RSF operations from their territories—allegations both nations deny.

    Despite US envoy Massad Boulos expressing optimism about securing a truce agreement before Ramadan, the Muslim holy month began with another devastating drone strike on families gathering at a water collection point in West Kordofan, resulting in numerous child fatalities. The continued violence underscores the immense challenges facing peace efforts and the horrific humanitarian cost of this protracted conflict.

  • James Yeomans wins EGC’s Men’s Club Championship following thrilling 36-hole duel

    James Yeomans wins EGC’s Men’s Club Championship following thrilling 36-hole duel

    Emirates Golf Club witnessed a spectacular display of golfing excellence as James Yeomans emerged victorious in the 2026 Men’s Club Championship on February 21st. The prestigious tournament, featuring a competitive field of 80 golfers, culminated in a dramatic finish across the club’s renowned Faldo and Majlis courses.

    Yeomans demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the two-day stroke play event, posting a combined score of 146 (+2) to claim his inaugural championship title. His victory was sealed with exceptional composure during the final holes on the Majlis course, where he delivered two crucial birdies on the seventeenth and eighteenth holes to overcome strong competition.

    Runner-up Ross Jones finished three strokes behind at 149 (+5), showcasing impressive recovery skills after an initial challenging start. Jones battled back from four consecutive opening bogeys with strategic play that included birdies on the tenth and twelfth holes during his final round.

    The championship highlighted exceptional performances across multiple categories. Sanjay Dhandsa secured third place with 150 (+6), while defending champion Pontus Fredriksson finished fifth at 151 (+7). The tournament also recognized outstanding achievements in net and gross categories, with Arda Obuz recording an impressive net 63 (-9) on the Faldo Course and Arjun Manghnani claiming the best net round on the Majlis with 70 (-2).

    Division honors were awarded to Ewan Cameron in Division A (Handicap Index 5.1 and below) with a net score of 143 (-1), while Tirth Shergill dominated Division B (Handicap Index 5.2 and above) with an exceptional 137 (-7) net performance.

    Club Captain Scott Campbell praised the exceptional quality of competition and sportsmanship displayed throughout the event. The championship once again demonstrated Emirates Golf Club’s status as a world-class golfing destination, home to the DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the region’s exclusive 18-hole night golf facility on the Faldo Course.

  • EGF launches nationwide Golf Sixes League to develop UAE’s next generation of golf stars

    EGF launches nationwide Golf Sixes League to develop UAE’s next generation of golf stars

    The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has announced the nationwide expansion of its successful Golf Sixes League program following two triumphant seasons in Abu Dhabi. This developmental initiative, originally introduced by The R&A and backed by the EGF, aims to cultivate the next generation of golf talent across the United Arab Emirates through an engaging, team-based format.

    For the 2026 season, two competitive leagues will operate simultaneously in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, featuring teams representing both the EGF and various golf clubs throughout the UAE. The competition will unfold over several months, culminating in qualification for the prestigious Abu Dhabi Challenge scheduled for April.

    The innovative league format organizes participants into seven squads of 14 players each, with six players rotating per round. Teams compete in a two-ball Texas scramble stroke play format across six holes, with the best two scores from three pairs contributing to the team’s total. The top three teams from each pool will advance to the championship finals.

    Six premier golf facilities have been designated as host venues for the preliminary rounds: Trump International Dubai, Emirates Golf Club, The Montgomerie, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Yas Links Golf Club, and Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. In a significant show of support, each participating club has waived green fees for all competitors, ensuring broad accessibility for young golfers.

    Cameron Van Rooyen, Director of Instruction at EGF, emphasized the program’s importance: “This League serves as a crucial stepping stone for our junior golfers to experience competition in a fun, inclusive environment that reduces intimidation. We’re confident that integrating this into our EGF development pathway will not only nurture emerging talent but also strengthen the golf community for years to come.”

    Neal Graham, R&A Development Manager for the Middle East, Central Asia, and India, added: “The R&A is proud to support the Emirates Golf Federation in this national expansion. The Golf Sixes League has demonstrated global success as a development initiative that introduces new participants to golf through enjoyable, competitive experiences. It enables young athletes to transition their skills from practice environments to the course within a supportive team structure.”

    The competition commenced with impressive performances in the opening round. In the Dubai Pool, Claude Harmon III Academy from The Els Club claimed first place at +4, followed by Emirates Golf Club and Emaar both at +7. The Abu Dhabi Pool saw Abu Dhabi City Golf Club lead at +7, with Yas Links Golf Club at +8 and Emirates Golf Federation’s Future Falcons at +11.

    The second round matches are scheduled for February 28th at Emirates Golf Club and March 1st at Yas Links Golf Club, continuing the pursuit of championship qualification.

  • Ex-LA fire chief sues the city over her firing after the Palisades Fire

    Ex-LA fire chief sues the city over her firing after the Palisades Fire

    LOS ANGELES — In a dramatic legal escalation, former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has initiated litigation against the city, contending that her termination constituted a calculated political maneuver orchestrated by Mayor Karen Bass. The lawsuit alleges the mayor engineered a smear campaign to deflect accountability for the catastrophic January 2025 Palisades Fire, which stands as the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history.

    The legal filing, submitted last week, asserts that Mayor Bass disseminated deliberate misinformation to safeguard her political standing following the disaster. Specifically, Crowley challenges the mayor’s claims of being unaware of forecasted extreme weather conditions, denying budget reductions to the fire department, and asserting that additional firefighting resources could have been mobilized.

    Central to the lawsuit is the allegation that Bass sought to divert attention from criticism regarding her international travel as part of a presidential delegation to Africa when the fire erupted, despite prior meteorological warnings of dangerously conducive wildfire conditions.

    Mayor Bass terminated Crowley’s employment on February 21, 2025, approximately six weeks after the fire’s ignition. While initially praising Crowley’s response efforts, Bass subsequently justified the dismissal by citing the chief’s alleged refusal to compile a critical after-action report and claiming that up to 1,000 additional firefighters could have been deployed during the crisis—assertions that Crowley’s legal team vehemently disputes.

    The Palisades Fire commenced on January 7, 2025, under extreme wind conditions, devastating the affluent Pacific Palisades community. The conflagration resulted in 12 fatalities and destroyed or damaged approximately 8,000 structures. Simultaneously, another major fire in Altadena, east of Los Angeles, claimed 17 lives and impacted over 10,000 buildings.

    Crowley’s unsuccessful appeal to the City Council in March 2025 preceded the current legal action, which seeks unspecified economic and compensatory damages. Neither the mayor’s office nor the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office has issued formal statements regarding the litigation.

  • Senegal decry imprisonment of fans after Afcon clashes

    Senegal decry imprisonment of fans after Afcon clashes

    Senegal’s government has expressed profound disappointment after a Moroccan court sentenced 18 Senegalese nationals to prison terms for their involvement in disturbances during the Africa Cup of Nations final in January 2025. The sentences range from three months to one year, accompanied by fines reaching 5,000 dirhams (approximately $545).

    The incident occurred during the highly contested final in Rabat when Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty during stoppage time. The decision triggered unrest among sections of Senegalese supporters, leading to attempted pitch invasions and clashes with security personnel. The situation escalated to the point where Senegalese players temporarily left the field in protest before eventually returning to play.

    Moroccan prosecutors had pursued maximum two-year sentences for some defendants, alleging deliberate attempts to disrupt the match through violence against security forces and property damage. All convicted individuals maintained their innocence but have opted against appeals, instead planning to seek a royal pardon from King Mohammed VI.

    Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko addressed parliament, characterizing the judicial response as exceeding sporting boundaries and damaging bilateral relations between the two traditionally friendly nations. The Senegal Football Federation described the verdicts as “incomprehensibly harsh” and expressed “profound dismay and distress” at the outcome.

    Prime Minister Sonko indicated Senegal might activate a bilateral prisoner transfer agreement to facilitate the supporters’ return, emphasizing that diplomatic efforts to secure their release had been exhausted. The incident has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a celebrated tournament victory for Senegal, who ultimately defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time despite the controversial penalty decision.

  • Ex-Nigerian minister confronted tycoons who bribed her, court told

    Ex-Nigerian minister confronted tycoons who bribed her, court told

    Southwark Crown Court became the stage for dramatic revelations as prosecutors presented recorded conversations featuring former Nigerian Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke confronting two oil magnates from whom she allegedly accepted substantial bribes. The 65-year-old former minister, who served from 2010 to 2015, stands accused of orchestrating a corruption scheme that funded her extravagant lifestyle in the United Kingdom through illicit payments tied to lucrative Nigerian oil contracts.

    Forensic investigators extracted critical evidence from Alison-Madueke’s Samsung phone, seized during her 2015 arrest in London. The device contained two incendiary recordings from 2014 that captured the former minister’s confrontations with oil tycoons Olajide Omokore and Kolawole Aluko. Although neither businessman currently faces trial, prosecutors maintain they funneled bribes to Alison-Madueke during her tenure as petroleum resources minister.

    In the first recording from April 2014, Alison-Madueke confronted Omokore about his wife’s alleged disclosures, declaring with rising intensity: ‘We who are managing the thing have kept quiet. I do not react well to being blackmailed.’ The second conversation, recorded one month later, featured Alison-Madueke admonishing Aluko for his ‘lavish, lascivious lifestyle’ and high-profile associations, including with British supermodel Naomi Campbell. She warned that his public behavior would attract intelligence scrutiny.

    The most striking moment came when Alison-Madueke threatened collective imprisonment: ‘I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself. You will be shocked what I will do because when it comes to that, I will come out and tell the Nigerian people this is what happened.’ Aluko responded by claiming he had never mentioned her name and had stored protective materials in a safety deposit box, describing himself as having ‘a million flaws’ but being ‘loyal like a dog.’

    Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to five counts of bribery acceptance and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Also facing charges are oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who denies bribery counts related to the former minister, and Alison-Madueke’s brother, former bishop Doye Agama, who denies conspiracy charges. The trial continues as UK prosecutors seek to prove systematic corruption within Nigeria’s oil sector during Alison-Madueke’s administration.

  • Galadari Brothers

    Galadari Brothers

    The United Arab Emirates’ food and beverage sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technological innovation, shifting consumer values, and evolving lifestyle patterns. Industry leaders like Galadari Brothers’ Food & Beverage Division are navigating these changes by implementing strategic adaptations across their operations.

    A significant shift toward health-conscious consumption is redefining menu offerings across the region. Consumers increasingly seek reduced-sugar, high-protein alternatives without compromising on flavor satisfaction. This has prompted the emergence of ‘better-for-you’ versions of traditional favorites, including plant-based proteins and vegan desserts, now commonplace even in established quick-service formats like Halla Shawarma.

    The very concept of cafés has evolved beyond mere refreshment stations into multifunctional social hubs. Establishments like the newly launched Cool Mood Café emphasize aesthetic design and comfortable environments alongside specialty coffee programs that cater to discerning consumers interested in sourcing and brewing methodologies.

    Technology integration has become fundamental rather than optional, with artificial intelligence now optimizing everything from inventory management to personalized marketing campaigns. Contactless ordering systems, AI-assisted kitchens, and self-service kiosks have become industry standards, while blockchain technology enhances supply chain transparency and food safety protocols.

    Despite economic pressures, consumers demonstrate willingness to spend on perceived quality through ‘affordable indulgence’ products. This paradox has fueled success stories like Baskin-Robbins’ Dubai Chocolate edition, which offered premium experiences at accessible price points.

    Sustainability considerations are gaining prominence, with brands adopting recyclable packaging and waste reduction initiatives. Baskin-Robbins’ transition from plastic cups to glass bottles for milkshakes exemplifies this growing environmental consciousness.

    The future of UAE’s F&B landscape will be characterized by brands that successfully balance technological advancement with human connection, global standards with local authenticity, and convenience with experiential dining.

  • DAMAC honours Allegiance Real Estate with Platinum Partner Status for 2025

    DAMAC honours Allegiance Real Estate with Platinum Partner Status for 2025

    In a significant industry development, DAMAC Properties has conferred its prestigious Platinum Partner status upon Allegiance Real Estate for the year 2025. This distinction marks the fifth consecutive year that Allegiance has received top brokerage recognition from the prominent Dubai-based developer, underscoring a partnership that has matured from initial strategic alignment to a comprehensive global collaboration.

    The recognition follows an exceptional year of structured execution across international markets. Allegiance Real Estate demonstrated remarkable operational precision in 2025, supporting twelve major DAMAC project launches through meticulously planned advisory services, targeted marketing campaigns, and coordinated exposure initiatives. These efforts successfully connected international investment capital with Dubai’s dynamic real estate opportunities.

    Beyond project launches, Allegiance expanded its global influence through an ambitious schedule of more than 100 international roadshows, engaging directly with investors in key financial hubs worldwide. This direct engagement strategy was bolstered by an integrated marketing ecosystem spanning over ten strategic channels, ensuring consistent brand visibility and measurable performance metrics.

    The scale of Allegiance’s achievement is reflected in substantial quantitative results: generating over 80,000 qualified investor leads representing more than 90 nationalities throughout 2025. This globally diversified investor portfolio demonstrates the firm’s capacity to transform extensive outreach into tangible business outcomes.

    Amr Aboushaban, CEO of Allegiance Real Estate, emphasized that the Platinum recognition resulted from unified global operations rather than isolated departmental achievements. ‘Every Allegiance branch office worked in complete alignment—from advisory and marketing teams to operations specialists and international representatives. This award celebrates coordinated execution across markets and departments,’ Aboushaban stated.

    The company attributes its Platinum status to sustained delivery performance and disciplined collaborative practices. As the partnership progresses, both entities anticipate entering a new phase characterized by strengthened alignment, expanded global reach, and shared ambitious vision for future real estate development.