Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Finanshels and ShopDoc host ‘Fitness for Founders’ event to support UAE entrepreneurs’ wellness

    Finanshels and ShopDoc host ‘Fitness for Founders’ event to support UAE entrepreneurs’ wellness

    In a bid to foster holistic well-being among entrepreneurs, Finanshels, a prominent provider of outsourced accounting and compliance services, joined forces with ShopDoc to host the ‘Fitness for Founders’ event on November 1 at Inc 5 Media in Production City, UAE. The initiative aimed to empower business leaders with actionable strategies to maintain physical, mental, and financial health, essential for thriving in the competitive business landscape.

    The event commenced with a light stretching session to energize attendees, followed by an inspiring keynote address by Divya Gokulnath, co-founder of Byju’s. Gokulnath shared her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the critical role of perseverance and resilience in achieving success.

    Two dynamic panel discussions formed the core of the event. The first, moderated by Muhammed Shafeekh, CEO of Finanshels, featured industry leaders such as Youssef Salem (CFO of ADNOC Drilling), Nupur Mittal (co-founder of OCTA), Abhinav Gupta (CEO of CARS24 Arabia), and Chada El Islam (founder of ENERGIX Ventures). The panel explored financial fitness, offering practical advice on cash flow management, financial literacy, and the importance of disciplined financial habits. Mittal highlighted, ‘Financial habits are the bedrock of sustainable growth,’ while Gupta likened business maintenance to vehicle servicing, stressing the need for consistency.

    The second panel, moderated by Shihab Makaniyi, CEO of ShopDoc, featured Divya Gokulnath and Dilip Kumar from Zerodha Rainmatter Investments. This session focused on the interplay between mental and physical fitness and business success, underscoring the necessity of holistic well-being for sustained performance.

    The event also featured health checkups by Shookra, logistical support from HUMD, and refreshments from FreshNow. A private workout session led by Dilip Kumar the following morning provided a fitting conclusion for select attendees.

    Finanshels and ShopDoc reaffirmed their commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by equipping them with tools to balance business and personal well-being. This event exemplifies their dedication to fostering a thriving founder community.

  • Zand launches UAE’s first AED-Backed stablecoin on public blockchain

    Zand launches UAE’s first AED-Backed stablecoin on public blockchain

    In a groundbreaking move for the UAE’s financial sector, Zand, the nation’s AI-driven digital bank, has launched Zand AED, the country’s first regulated, multi-chain UAE dirham-backed stablecoin on public blockchains. Approved by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), Zand AED marks a significant step in integrating the national currency into the global digital economy. The stablecoin is fully backed one-to-one by UAE dirham reserves, held in segregated and regulated accounts to ensure complete redemption value. Real-time transparency is maintained through independently audited smart contracts and reserve attestations, ensuring trust and accountability. Available across multiple public blockchains, Zand AED enables fast, borderless settlements and seamless integration for developers, enterprises, and financial institutions. Issued by Zand Trust, a subsidiary of Zand Bank PJSC, the stablecoin is licensed and supervised by the CBUAE and holds a BBB+ rating from Fitch Ratings. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Zand, described the launch as a breakthrough for the UAE, emphasizing its role in advancing the nation’s position as a global leader in financial innovation. Michael Chan, CEO of Zand, highlighted the stablecoin’s potential to bridge traditional and decentralized finance, unlocking next-generation payments, tokenization, and digital asset innovation. With the global stablecoin market projected to reach $3 trillion in the coming years, Zand AED positions the UAE at the forefront of regulated digital finance, offering a secure and future-ready foundation for institutions, Fintechs, and developers operating in one of the world’s most advanced financial ecosystems.

  • Dubai gears up for the 4th Annual Movember ride to champion men’s health awareness

    Dubai gears up for the 4th Annual Movember ride to champion men’s health awareness

    Dubai is set to host the 4th Annual Movember Ride on November 23, 2025, a collaborative effort by STITCH and Enigmas Motorcycle Club to champion men’s health awareness. This year’s event, presented by L’Oréal Paris Men Expert, underscores the brand’s global dedication to men’s well-being. The initiative focuses on the critical importance of early detection for prostate cancer, one of the most treatable cancers when identified promptly. Prostate cancer screening, which begins with a simple PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, is widely accessible and can detect abnormalities before symptoms manifest. Movember encourages men to engage in open discussions with their physicians and understand when to start screening—typically between ages 45–50, or earlier for those with higher risk factors. Sara Sakaya of L’Oréal Paris Men Expert emphasized, ‘Movember is more than a campaign; it’s a reminder that men’s health deserves open discussion, early action, and sustained awareness.’ Participants will gather early morning for the convoy, led by Enigmas Motorcycle Club. Rony Metri, president of Enigmas MC, highlighted the event’s deeper purpose: ‘Movember isn’t just a ride; it’s a call to stand up, get checked, speak up, and watch out for our brothers.’ The ride will conclude at the Harley-Davidson Sheikh Zayed Road Showroom, where Allo Beirut will host the riders and guests. Paul O’Callaghan, General Manager of Harley-Davidson UAE, expressed pride in supporting the cause, stating, ‘Harley-Davidson stands for community and freedom—and there’s no better demonstration of that spirit than supporting a cause that empowers men to take control of their health.’ STITCH, a key organizer, continues to reinforce its commitment to health advocacy. Nael Basily, managing director of STITCH, noted, ‘The Movember Ride is a testament to what partners, brands, and communities can achieve when they unite for a cause.’

  • New Nafis award announced in UAE: Emiratisation to shift focus from numbers to quality of jobs

    New Nafis award announced in UAE: Emiratisation to shift focus from numbers to quality of jobs

    The UAE has unveiled significant updates to the Nafis Award for 2025-2026, marking a pivotal shift in the Emiratisation strategy. Announced at a recent press conference, the fourth cycle of the award, part of the Dh24-billion Nafis programme, will now prioritize the quality and sustainability of employment for UAE nationals in the private sector. This strategic move aims to deepen the impact of Emiratisation by focusing on long-term career growth and professional development rather than merely increasing the number of Emirati employees. The award introduces a new sub-category specifically for professionals in the education sector, including teachers, assistant teachers, and educational supervisors in private institutions. This addition recognizes the growing demand for Emirati talent in this critical field. The evaluation criteria for the Establishments category have also been refined, with companies now assessed on their ability to retain Emirati talent, their commitment to training, and their use of the Nafis platform for recruitment. The Individuals category, which includes 11 sub-categories, now features the new education track, allowing Emirati professionals to self-nominate for recognition. The award operates under a robust governance structure, chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is organized by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. The timeline for the award includes awareness workshops until January, with evaluations beginning in February. The results will be reviewed by an arbitration committee before final approval. Since its launch in September 2021, the Nafis programme has seen a 437 per cent increase in Emirati employment in the private sector, with over 157,000 nationals now employed by more than 30,000 companies. The programme has also shifted career aspirations, with nearly six out of ten Emirati graduates now starting their careers in the private sector, up from 15 per cent previously.

  • Watch: Miss Universe Jamaica falls off stage in a nasty accident, hospitalised

    Watch: Miss Universe Jamaica falls off stage in a nasty accident, hospitalised

    In a dramatic turn of events at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, the reigning Miss Universe Jamaica, suffered a distressing fall from the main stage during the evening gown round. The incident, which occurred on November 19, has since captured global attention after a video of the accident went viral. The footage shows Henry gracefully walking in her shimmering gown, only to suddenly plummet off the stage, leaving the audience in shock and concern. Emergency responders swiftly brought a stretcher onto the stage, and Henry was carried out for immediate medical attention. Despite the alarming incident, the pageant continued, with the next contestant stepping onto the stage shortly after. Raul Rocha, President of the Miss Universe organization, later provided an update via Instagram, confirming that Henry had been taken to Paolo Rangsit Hospital. He assured the public that there were no broken bones or life-threatening injuries, though further tests were being conducted to ensure her full recovery. The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization urged supporters to remain positive and keep Henry in their prayers as she undergoes medical care. This year’s Miss Universe pageant has been marked by controversy, including a scandal involving a pageant official and the withdrawal of three judges, adding to the event’s tumultuous atmosphere.

  • Dubai diverts 19 flights due to dense fog, reduced visibility

    Dubai diverts 19 flights due to dense fog, reduced visibility

    Dubai International Airport (DXB) faced significant operational challenges on Thursday morning due to dense fog, which severely reduced visibility across the region. As a result, 19 inbound flights were diverted to nearby airports. In a statement issued to Khaleej Times, Dubai Airports confirmed the disruptions, emphasizing their collaboration with airlines, control authorities, and airport partners to restore normal operations swiftly and minimize passenger inconvenience. The airport urged travelers to verify their flight status directly with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. The adverse weather conditions also impacted Sharjah Airport, where several flights were either canceled or delayed. Authorities advised passengers to stay updated on flight schedules and avoid unnecessary trips to the airport without prior confirmation. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued red alerts for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman, as visibility dropped below 500 meters in some areas. The first warning was issued shortly after midnight, highlighting the severity of the fog. This incident underscores the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions to aviation operations in the UAE.

  • South Africa president says G20 will make declaration despite US warning and ‘will not be bullied’

    South Africa president says G20 will make declaration despite US warning and ‘will not be bullied’

    The Group of 20 (G20) nations are set to issue a joint declaration at the conclusion of their summit in Johannesburg this weekend, despite objections from the United States, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday. Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa, as the host nation, will not succumb to pressure from the Trump administration to dilute the summit’s outcomes. The U.S. has boycotted the two-day meeting, citing unfounded claims by President Donald Trump that South Africa’s government is violently persecuting its white minority. A South African G20 ambassador revealed that the U.S. had advised against adopting any declaration, arguing that the absence of the U.S. would undermine consensus. Instead, the U.S. proposed a less formal statement from South Africa to conclude the summit. Ramaphosa, however, reaffirmed his commitment to a joint declaration, stating that discussions were progressing smoothly and that the summit would not be derailed by external pressures. The G20, comprising 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union, is focused on addressing global challenges such as climate change, debt relief for developing nations, and wealth inequality. South Africa, the first African nation to hold the G20 presidency, aims to advance these priorities despite criticism from U.S. officials. Other leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, have also opted to skip the summit but have sent delegations. Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the summit’s success and reiterated that South Africa would not be bullied into altering its stance.

  • Flights cancelled, delayed at Sharjah due to foggy weather; airport issues advisory

    Flights cancelled, delayed at Sharjah due to foggy weather; airport issues advisory

    Sharjah Airport experienced significant disruptions on Thursday morning as dense fog blanketed the region, leading to multiple flight cancellations and delays. The airport issued an advisory urging passengers to verify their flight status before heading to the terminal. Visibility dropped below 500 metres in several areas, prompting the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to issue red alerts across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman. The fog, which began forming shortly after midnight, severely impacted flight operations, ground handling, and aircraft movements. Sharjah Police also warned drivers to exercise caution, maintain safe distances, and reduce speeds due to the hazardous conditions. Similar warnings were echoed by Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police, with the latter activating speed reduction systems on major roads. Motorists were advised to avoid using hazard lights in fog, as it could confuse other drivers and increase the risk of accidents. The disruptions highlight the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions in the UAE, particularly during the winter months.

  • Pioneering future ready education at Al Yasat Private School

    Pioneering future ready education at Al Yasat Private School

    In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and global interconnectedness, the role of education is undergoing a profound transformation. Al Yasat Private School, a leading educational institution in the UAE, is at the forefront of this evolution, equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a dynamic future. Under the leadership of Superintendent Scott Carnochan, the school is redefining traditional education by blending rigorous academic programs with cutting-edge initiatives tailored to the demands of tomorrow.

  • UAE weather: 7.8°C recorded in Al Ain; lowest this winter season

    UAE weather: 7.8°C recorded in Al Ain; lowest this winter season

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed its coldest temperature of the winter season on Thursday, November 20, 2025, as the mercury plummeted to 7.8°C in Al Ain’s Raknah area at 7am. This record-breaking low was confirmed by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), which also noted that the same location had recorded the previous day’s lowest temperature of 9.2°C. As winter tightens its grip, temperatures across the nation are expected to drop further, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi forecasted to experience lows of 23°C and 21°C, respectively. Adding to the wintry ambiance, dense fog enveloped several regions of the UAE on Thursday morning, significantly reducing horizontal visibility. The NCM issued warnings urging residents to exercise caution, particularly while driving, as motorists navigated the foggy conditions at slower speeds. Police forces across the emirates reinforced safety reminders as visibility continued to deteriorate. This weather phenomenon underscores the seasonal transition and its impact on daily life in the UAE.