Global Pulse

标签： Africa

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  • Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone on Oman-UAE border to boost trade

    Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone on Oman-UAE border to boost trade

    A transformative economic initiative is taking shape at the Oman-UAE border with the development of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone. This ambitious project, spanning approximately 14 square kilometers in its initial phase, represents a significant collaboration between the two Gulf nations through the Emirati-Omani joint venture Mahadha Development Company. UAE-based global logistics leader DP World serves as the majority partner in this strategic development.

    The zone’s strategic positioning offers exceptional connectivity advantages, featuring direct access to Oman’s primary road infrastructure and proximity to major regional logistics centers including Sohar Port and Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port. Located in the Al Rawdah District of Mahdah Wilayat, the development sits approximately 85 kilometers from Al Buraimi and 125 kilometers from Sohar, creating an optimal gateway for cross-border trade and industrial cooperation.

    According to recent high-level discussions between Omani officials and DP World leadership, the economic zone’s implementation roadmap is now advancing. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, emphasized the project’s strategic significance: “The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone represents a strategic platform for enabling seamless trade, industrial growth, and regional connectivity between Oman and the UAE. We are committed to leveraging our global expertise in logistics and economic zone development to create a competitive, future-ready ecosystem.”

    The development anticipates substantial expansion, with plans to potentially grow to 24 square kilometers in a second phase based on investor response and long-term growth projections. The zone is expected to attract substantial investments across multiple sectors including logistics, light manufacturing, and industrial services, while simultaneously supporting job creation, knowledge transfer, and Oman’s broader economic diversification goals outlined in Vision 2040.

  • RAKBank posts Dh2.6 billion record profit on its 50th anniversary

    RAKBank posts Dh2.6 billion record profit on its 50th anniversary

    RAKBank has achieved unprecedented financial success during its milestone 50th anniversary year, reporting a record-breaking net profit of Dh2.6 billion for 2025. This represents a substantial 25.7 percent increase compared to the previous year’s Dh2.07 billion, underscoring the institution’s robust performance across multiple business segments.

    The bank demonstrated even stronger quarterly results, with profit after tax surging 36.9 percent to reach Dh529 million. Total operating income climbed to Dh5.2 billion, marking a 10 percent year-on-year increase, while net interest income grew by 3.5 percent to Dh3.7 billion.

    Despite increased volume-related expenses and strategic investments, RAKBank maintained disciplined financial management with operating expenses of Dh1.9 billion and a cost-to-income ratio of 35.8 percent. Notably, the net impairment charge decreased significantly by 42 percent to Dh451 million, reflecting improved asset quality.

    The institution reached a historic milestone by crossing Dh100 billion in total assets for the first time, with customer deposits growing to Dh70 billion. According to Group CEO Raheel Ahmed, this achievement demonstrates the bank’s financial resilience and the sustained trust of its customer base.

    RAKBank’s microfinance program demonstrated substantial social impact, disbursing over 593,000 loans valued at Dh344 million to blue-collar workers. Chairman Mohamed Omran Alshamsi emphasized these initiatives help customers manage essential needs and build financial resilience.

    The bank’s success was fueled by strategic product innovations including the premium Elevate Credit Card and new Elite Banking Centres across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. In the SME sector, RAKBank onboarded more than 22,000 entrepreneurs with Dh4.7 billion in disbursed loans, while introducing digital solutions like Speed-e-pay and QR Code-based payments through AANI to enhance cash flow efficiency and scalability.

  • Zverev confident success will come as German chases first Grand Slam title

    Zverev confident success will come as German chases first Grand Slam title

    Alexander Zverev has secured a coveted spot in the Australian Open semifinals following a hard-fought quarterfinal victory against American prodigy Learner Tien. The German third seed triumphed with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1, 7-6(3) in a match that showcased both resilience and tactical evolution.

    The 28-year-old athlete, who finished as runner-up to Jannik Sinner in last year’s championship match, now prepares to face Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be a thrilling semifinal encounter. This advancement marks a significant personal milestone for Zverev, who has battled through a challenging period of physical setbacks throughout 2025, including persistent shoulder, back, and ankle complications.

    Zverev attributes his current performance surge to achieving optimal physical condition after twelve months of health struggles. ‘The most substantial transformation I’ve experienced recently is competing without pain,’ Zverev revealed during post-match reflections. ‘Enduring constant physical limitations creates mental exhaustion that inevitably affects shot selection and bodily trust during critical moments.’

    The German star has implemented strategic modifications to his playing style, emphasizing aggressive shot-making and refining his immediate post-serve sequences. ‘I’ve dedicated substantial effort to enhancing my offensive approach, particularly focusing on my first forehand after serving and incorporating more serve-and-volley tactics,’ Zverev explained. ‘When these elements align effectively, positive outcomes naturally follow.’

    Looking beyond the Australian Open, Zverev intends to adopt a more selective tournament schedule, prioritizing physical preservation and career longevity. ‘I’m implementing smarter scheduling strategies following this tournament,’ he stated. ‘This adjustment reflects both maturation and recognition that my body requires more meticulous management as I progress through my career.’

    Despite his continued pursuit of an inaugural Grand Slam title, Zverev emphasizes the importance of deriving satisfaction from his professional journey. ‘Facing exceptional opponents like Carlos or Alex generates anticipation for spectacular tennis displays. While securing a major championship remains a primary objective, finding joy in competition has become equally crucial to my overall approach.’

  • Australian Open: Gauff unhappy with broadcasting video of her smashing racket after loss

    Australian Open: Gauff unhappy with broadcasting video of her smashing racket after loss

    Tennis star Coco Gauff has raised significant concerns about athlete privacy and broadcast ethics following her quarterfinal elimination at the Australian Open. The world number three suffered a decisive 6-1, 6-2 defeat against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in a match lasting just 59 minutes, during which she committed 26 unforced errors.

    Following the match, Gauff deliberately sought a secluded area away from court-side cameras to process her frustration, only to discover that broadcasters had captured and transmitted footage of her emotionally smashing her racket against the floor. The incident occurred behind a wall near the match call area within Melbourne Park’s complex.

    During post-match press conferences, the 21-year-old American expressed her dissatisfaction with the broadcasting decisions. “I attempted to locate a space without camera coverage,” Gauff explained. “I have particular concerns regarding broadcast practices. Certain moments—similar to what occurred with Aryna Sabalenka after our US Open final—should remain private.”

    Gauff referenced world number one Sabalenka’s experience following the 2023 US Open final, where footage of the Belarusian player destroying her racket in a training area was publicly broadcast. Sabalenka, who advanced to the semifinals against Svitolina, had similarly expressed frustration with the coverage.

    The two-time Grand Slam champion highlighted the limited private spaces available to athletes during major tournaments. “Perhaps constructive discussions can be initiated regarding this matter,” Gauff suggested. “At this tournament, the locker room essentially represents our only truly private area.”

    Gauff defended her emotional response as a necessary release mechanism to prevent directing frustration toward her support team. “I understand my emotional tendencies and prefer not to lash out at my team members who don’t deserve such treatment,” she stated. “This momentary release allows me to avoid becoming irritable with those around me who have performed their duties exceptionally.”

  • Dubai opens 29 new mosques in 2025 with capacity for up to 24,000 worshippers

    Dubai opens 29 new mosques in 2025 with capacity for up to 24,000 worshippers

    Dubai has significantly enhanced its religious infrastructure through the inauguration of 29 new mosques in 2025, representing a major development in community facilities. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department oversaw this Dh250 million project, creating capacity for approximately 24,000 worshippers across 28 different areas of the emirate.

    This expansion forms part of a comprehensive strategy to accommodate Dubai’s growing population and their religious needs. Beyond the completed structures, the department has allocated 56 land plots across 37 areas for future mosque construction. Simultaneously, 53 additional mosques are currently under development with an investment of Dh480 million, projected to accommodate 32,000 worshippers upon completion across 36 locations.

    The infrastructure expansion has prompted innovative solutions to manage increased foot traffic. Recognizing parking challenges during peak prayer times, particularly on Fridays, Dubai has implemented a reserved parking system for imams and muezzins to ensure uninterrupted access for religious leaders.

    In August 2025, Dubai introduced a sophisticated parking management system featuring new M and MP parking signs at mosque facilities. This initiative, part of Parkin’s managed parking system, affects over 2,100 parking spaces across 59 mosques. While implementing paid parking, the system maintains free access during prayer times, balancing revenue generation with religious accommodation.

    This dual approach of physical infrastructure expansion and smart management solutions demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to both religious accessibility and urban planning efficiency, addressing the needs of worshippers while maintaining orderly urban development.

  • Vistas Media buys rights to ‘The Maz Files’ by Khaleej Times senior editor Mazhar Farooqui

    Vistas Media buys rights to ‘The Maz Files’ by Khaleej Times senior editor Mazhar Farooqui

    Vistas Media Group has secured exclusive book-to-screen adaptation rights to “The Maz Files: Scoops, Scams and Showdowns,” the compelling memoir by acclaimed investigative journalist Mazhar Farooqui, who serves as senior editor at Khaleej Times. The production company is currently developing the project as a high-stakes investigative series conceptualized as an international crime thriller grounded in actual events.

    The source material draws from Farooqui’s three decades of investigative journalism experience, documenting his most perilous and complex cases across multiple continents. The narrative trajectory spans from Dubai’s power corridors to challenging territories within Africa and South Asia, tracing the relentless pursuit of truth by a dedicated journalist operating without official protection.

    Farooqui emphasized the substantive nature of the project, stating: “These narratives were never crafted for entertainment purposes—they were created to reveal hard truths. Our objective isn’t sensationalism but rather demonstrating criminal operational methodologies and the immense courage required to confront them.”

    The adaptation distinguishes itself from conventional crime procedurals by positioning the investigative journalist at the narrative epicenter—relying solely on confidential sources, sharp instincts, and unwavering determination. Farooqui’s groundbreaking investigations have facilitated legal proceedings against over 250 criminals globally, exposing international fraud schemes, financial crimes, smuggling operations, black-market economies, human trafficking networks, identity fraud rings, and sophisticated crime syndicates.

    Piiyush Singh, Vistas Media co-founder, commented on the project’s significance: “‘The Maz Files’ represents precisely the type of content that demands authentic treatment and profound respect. We’ve collaborated extensively with Mazhar throughout research, scripting, and development phases to ensure the series accurately portrays not merely the criminal activities but the extraordinary bravery underlying their exposure.”

  • England’s Chris Wood wins dramatic play-off to reclaim MENA Golf Tour No.1 spot

    England’s Chris Wood wins dramatic play-off to reclaim MENA Golf Tour No.1 spot

    In a thrilling conclusion to the Egypt Golf Series Marassi 1, England’s Chris Wood demonstrated championship composure by sinking a decisive birdie putt on the first play-off hole to defeat compatriot Charlie Crockett. The dramatic victory at Address Marassi Golf Resort propels Wood back to the top position in the MENA Golf Tour Rankings.

    The final round unfolded under challenging desert conditions, with strong winds and swirling sand significantly reducing visibility throughout the course. Both Wood and Crockett finished regulation play tied at 13-under-par, though they arrived at this score through markedly different journeys. Wood carded a resilient 71 despite a costly double bogey on the seventh hole, while Crockett posted a 69 with late tournament momentum.

    Returning to the par-five 18th for the sudden-death play-off, Crockett narrowly missed his birdie attempt, leaving the door open for Wood. The former Ryder Cup star executed a superb two-iron approach from the semi-rough, setting up a six-foot downhill putt which he converted with confidence to claim his second tour victory this season.

    Wood attributed his success to experience and teamwork, stating: ‘It was a really tough day out there with visibility challenges from the start. My experience probably counted today, but it was definitely hard work. In play-offs, you usually get one real opportunity and you’ve got to take it when it comes.’

    Ireland’s Alex Maguire, who had led after an opening-round 63, finished alone in third place at 12-under-par. His final-round 71 included a bold 30-foot eagle attempt on the 18th that narrowly missed, which would have forced a three-way play-off.

    The tournament offered a $100,000 prize fund, with Wood collecting $18,000 along with valuable Official World Golf Ranking points. The MENA Golf Tour continues immediately at the same venue with the Egypt Golf Series Marassi 2, scheduled to commence on January 29.

  • Ex-Nigeria oil minister stands trial in UK on bribery charges

    Ex-Nigeria oil minister stands trial in UK on bribery charges

    A landmark corruption trial unfolding at London’s Southwark Crown Court has exposed extensive bribery allegations against Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke. The 65-year-old official, who held one of Nigeria’s most powerful ministerial positions from 2010 to 2015, stands accused of accepting lavish bribes from energy executives seeking lucrative government contracts.

    Prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC presented evidence alleging that Alison-Madueke received a comprehensive package of corrupt benefits valued at millions of pounds. These included exclusive access to luxury London properties, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet travel, and approximately £100,000 in cash payments. The court heard that energy company executives allegedly funded £4.6 million in property renovations, high-end shopping sprees at Harrods, and full domestic staff including housekeepers, nannies, and gardeners.

    The prosecution contends that these benefits were systematically provided by contractors seeking favorable treatment from the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries. Healy emphasized the global significance of the case, noting that while the bribes concerned Nigerian oil contracts, the luxury lifestyle they funded occurred primarily in the United Kingdom.

    Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to five counts of bribery acceptance and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. She appears alongside two co-defendants: oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, facing separate bribery charges, and her brother Doye Agama, a former archbishop charged with conspiracy. Both co-defendants also deny the allegations.

    The trial, expected to continue for approximately twelve weeks, highlights the persistent issue of corruption in Nigeria’s oil sector—Africa’s largest petroleum industry. Despite Nigeria’s membership in OPEC and its substantial oil wealth, the case underscores how systemic corruption has prevented broader population from benefiting from the nation’s natural resource wealth.

  • Bollywood star Sunny Deol wishes ‘little brother’ Bobby Deol on his birthday

    Bollywood star Sunny Deol wishes ‘little brother’ Bobby Deol on his birthday

    In a poignant display of fraternal affection, Bollywood luminary Sunny Deol broke his social media hiatus to commemorate younger brother Bobby Deol’s birthday with a heartfelt Instagram tribute. The emotionally charged post, featuring nostalgic photographs of the siblings together, carried the caption: “Happy Birthday My Little Brother LORD BOBBY” – acknowledging Bobby’s popular fan-given moniker.

    This digital gesture holds profound significance as it represents Sunny’s first public acknowledgment of Bobby since the family’s tragic loss of patriarch Dharmendra in December 2025. The veteran actor’s passing had evidently prompted a period of mourning and withdrawal from public engagements for the Deol family.

    The entertainment industry rallied in celebration of Bobby’s career renaissance, with colleagues including Kajol, Shilpa Shetty, and Suniel Shetty adding their congratulations across various platforms. Bobby’s remarkable trajectory spans three decades, beginning with his 1990s romantic lead debut in ‘Barsaat’ and progressing through iconic performances in ‘Gupt: The Hidden Truth,’ ‘Soldier,’ and ‘Ajnabee.’

    After experiencing professional fluctuations, Bobby staged an impressive comeback through projects like ‘Apne’ and the ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’ franchise. His career resurgence reached new heights with 2023’s blockbuster ‘Animal’ alongside Ranbir Kapoor, followed by critically acclaimed performances in the ‘Aashram’ series and ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood.’

    Looking ahead, the actor is set to appear in Thalapathy Vijay’s anticipated project ‘Jana Nayagan,’ though production timelines remain undisclosed. This familial celebration underscores the enduring bonds within Bollywood’s premier acting dynasty during their period of collective healing.

  • Greece probes biscuit factory fire as fifth victim found

    Greece probes biscuit factory fire as fifth victim found

    Greek authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into a devastating factory fire that killed five female workers in one of the country’s most severe industrial accidents in recent years. The tragedy occurred at the Violanta biscuit manufacturing facility located near Trikala, approximately 245 kilometers northwest of Athens, where an early Monday explosion ignited a blaze that completely destroyed an entire section of the plant.

    Security cameras in the vicinity captured the moment of the explosion, providing crucial evidence for investigators. Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis stated that authorities expected to develop an initial understanding of the fire’s causes imminently, emphasizing that the case would be thoroughly investigated.

    The victims, all women who had chosen night shift work to spend daytime hours with their children, were recovered in stages due to persistent fire pockets that hampered rescue operations. Four bodies were located shortly after the blast, while the fifth victim was only discovered on Tuesday morning.

    Local communities surrounding Trikala, which supply much of the factory’s workforce, have been deeply affected by the tragedy. The company asserted in an official statement that it strictly adheres to safety protocols and procedures, expressing grief over the loss of their employees while pledging full cooperation with investigating authorities.

    This incident marks one of Greece’s deadliest industrial accidents in decades, raising concerns about workplace safety standards. A local trade union revealed it had never been permitted to inspect the burned facility, highlighting potential oversight issues. According to the federation of technical company employees, over 200 people died in work-related accidents throughout 2025.

    The Violanta plant in Trikala, the company’s flagship facility, produced approximately 12,500 tonnes of biscuits, cookies, and wafers annually. The brand has experienced significant growth in the Greek market with substantial retail presence and exports to nearly 40 countries worldwide.