Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Ramadan in UAE: Retailers have high levels of food reserves, says minister

    Ramadan in UAE: Retailers have high levels of food reserves, says minister

    The United Arab Emirates has confirmed its strategic food reserves are at peak readiness levels, ensuring long-term continuous supply capacity as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection, emphasized that retailers maintain substantial inventories of essential consumer goods.

    The announcement followed Minister Al Marri’s comprehensive field inspection of major retail outlets including Emirates Co-operative Society and Spinneys across the UAE. The tour aimed to verify market price stability and adequate product availability to meet consumer demand throughout Ramadan.

    In parallel, the Ministry of Economy reinforced mandatory pricing regulations requiring both physical and digital retailers with spaces exceeding 1,000 square meters to display unit prices clearly using standardized measurement units for each item. These regulations, established under Cabinet Resolution No. 120 of 2022, empower authorities to monitor compliance and enable consumers to file complaints against violators.

    The ministry has specifically prohibited unauthorized price increases for essential commodities including cooking oils, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat without prior approval. Minister Al Marri highlighted that the unit price policy provides consumers with accurate information to rationalize spending and make informed choices among alternatives, while ensuring fair competition based on unit pricing rather than promotional offers.

    The Ministry will intensify monitoring of promotional offers and discounts during Ramadan to prevent unjustified price increases and ensure sufficient quantities of key consumer goods remain available.

  • Ramadan to begin this week: What Shaban crescent looks like in UAE skies today

    Ramadan to begin this week: What Shaban crescent looks like in UAE skies today

    Astronomers in the United Arab Emirates have successfully documented the concluding lunar phase of Shaban, marking a significant celestial event preceding the holy month of Ramadan. The Khatm Astronomical Observatory, operating under the International Astronomy Center, captured the slender crescent moon from Abu Dhabi at precisely 8:15 AM UAE time on Monday, February 16.

    This astronomical observation holds profound religious significance as Islamic months transition based on lunar sightings, typically spanning 29 or 30 days. The UAE Fatwa Council has confirmed that the official crescent sighting committee will assemble on Tuesday, February 17, to determine the commencement of Ramadan 2026.

    According to astronomical projections, the likelihood of crescent visibility on February 17 remains exceptionally low. Should the committee confirm sighting on Tuesday, Ramadan would commence on Wednesday, February 18. Otherwise, the holy month will officially begin on Thursday, February 19. The final determination will be communicated through authorized channels following the committee’s deliberation.

    The photographic documentation of the Shaban crescent provides scientific validation of the lunar cycle’s progression while serving as a cultural touchstone for millions of Muslims awaiting Ramadan’s arrival. This process blends ancient tradition with modern astronomical technology, as authorities utilize both naked-eye observations and specialized equipment to make their determination.

    Neighboring nations including Saudi Arabia and Qatar have similarly called upon their citizens to participate in crescent sighting efforts on February 17, highlighting the regional significance of this astronomical and religious event. The convergence of scientific observation and religious tradition continues to define the Islamic calendar’s implementation across the Muslim world.

  • Ghana tomato traders among dead in Burkina Faso attack

    Ghana tomato traders among dead in Burkina Faso attack

    Northern Burkina Faso witnessed a devastating series of coordinated attacks on Saturday, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. The jihadist organization Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, has publicly claimed responsibility for the assault on the town of Titao.

    Initial reports confirm a minimum of twenty fatalities. Among the victims were seven Ghanaian nationals, tomato traders traveling on a supply truck that was specifically targeted. Ghana’s Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, stated the individuals were tragically “burnt beyond recognition,” complicating identification efforts. Roadblocks imposed in the aftermath have severely hindered evacuation and recovery operations, preventing Ghanaian embassy personnel from accessing the site.

    Eyewitness accounts describe a highly organized, multi-pronged offensive. Assailants reportedly divided into three tactical units: one engaged a local military camp, a second group systematically destroyed telecommunications infrastructure to isolate the area, while a third focused on looting and setting fire to commercial establishments and supply vehicles. Security sources, speaking anonymously to AFP, suggested that ‘hundreds’ of militants overwhelmed the Titao military base, a facility noted for being one of the nation’s best-equipped, leaving it partially destroyed.

    The Burkinabè military junta, which seized power vowing to eradicate extremist violence, has not released an official death toll. However, army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Abdoul Aziz Ouedraogo appeared on state broadcaster RTB on Sunday, asserting that government forces had demonstrated “valour and professionalism” and had inflicted a “heavy defeat” on the terrorists, neutralizing dozens. He attributed the attack to recent military operations in the north and Sahel regions that displaced militant groups westward.

    This incident is part of a dangerous escalation of violence in the region, occurring just two days after suspected JNIM fighters seized the eastern town of Bilanga, killing 18 soldiers. The ongoing instability has critically endangered cross-border trade. The Ghanaian truck drivers’ association highlighted the perpetual risks faced by traders, noting the attackers set the vehicle ablaze after the driver attempted to seek cover.

    With the victims’ bodies beginning to decompose, Ghanaian and Burkinabè authorities are coordinating a burial. Unharmed Ghanaian women survivors have been asked to witness and document the interment process. Burkinabè officials have pledged military support to create a safe passage for evacuating the remaining survivors to the Ghanaian mission in the capital, Ouagadougou, following the burial.

  • World No 8 Paolini applauds Eala as Filipina phenomenon grips Dubai

    World No 8 Paolini applauds Eala as Filipina phenomenon grips Dubai

    DUBAI – The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships have become the epicenter of an emerging tennis revolution as Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala captures international attention. World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini, the tournament’s 2024 champion, has openly praised the impact of the 20-year-old Filipina phenomenon who has transformed the Asian tennis landscape.

    Eala’s groundbreaking 2025 season propelled her to become the highest-ranked player in Philippine history, currently sitting at World No. 40. Her influence was palpable at Dubai Stadium on Sunday, where hundreds of Filipino fans began arriving as early as 11 AM for her 7 PM match against American Hailey Baptiste, which she ultimately won.

    Paolini, who reached back-to-back finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon following her Dubai triumph, recognizes Eala’s significance beyond mere rankings. “I think it’s really important to have people from all around the world playing tennis,” the Italian star remarked during Sunday’s media roundtable. “Somebody like Alexandra Eala, it’s a huge thing for tennis.”

    The world’s eighth-ranked player highlighted the palpable shift in tournament atmospheres, noting: “It’s great to have many, many fans also coming in tournaments where usually there are fewer people. Like Abu Dhabi Open was full of people watching Eala. I also remember the first match in Doha, you could hear from outside the court people cheering for her.”

    The two athletes are set for a highly anticipated second-round clash on Tuesday, with Paolini entering as the overwhelming favorite. However, Eala has demonstrated remarkable capability against elite competition, having scored stunning victories over Grand Slam champions Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Świątek during her semifinal run at last year’s Miami Open.

    Filipino expat Nestor Odarve captured the sentiment of the growing fanbase: “She is a superstar now in the Philippines. Win or lose, we will all be here to support her.” The Dubai tournament anticipates another capacity crowd for Tuesday’s match, continuing Eala’s remarkable journey from national hero to international tennis inspiration.

  • Diversification helping to reshape the economy and open doors to investment

    Diversification helping to reshape the economy and open doors to investment

    Brunei Darussalam has achieved a remarkable economic milestone, with its non-oil and gas sectors now contributing over 50% of GDP—a dramatic shift from a decade ago when hydrocarbons dominated the economy. This structural transformation results from targeted government policies designed to build economic resilience and reduce dependence on energy price fluctuations.

    The diversification strategy has focused on five priority sectors: downstream oil and gas (including petrochemicals and fertilizers), tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), services, and food manufacturing. According to Dato Dr. Amin Liew Abdullah, Minister at The Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, these efforts have yielded impressive results: non-oil exports have surged from 10% to nearly 60% of total exports, while unemployment has dropped sharply from 9% to 4.7% over the past eight years.

    Concurrently, Brunei has made significant strides in digital transformation, with over 90% of the population now covered by 5G networks and mobile download speeds ranking among the world’s fastest. The establishment of the Brunei Innovation Lab in 2021 has provided a testing ground for AI-driven solutions in sectors such as aquaculture, while digitalized government services and ASEAN-integrated trade platforms have enhanced operational efficiency.

    These developments have significantly improved Brunei’s investment appeal, attracting international investors—particularly from the Middle East—who find the country’s stable inflation (averaging 1% annually), shared cultural values, and open-door policy conducive to business. Joint ventures in marine sectors, ICT, and artificial intelligence demonstrate the broadening of Brunei’s economic base beyond traditional industries.

    Looking ahead, the government plans to continue its diversification efforts while prioritizing welfare, healthcare, and environmental protection. Future preparedness will focus on adapting to global trends in AI, climate change, and digitalization, with significant investments in skills development and education to ensure workforce adaptability in an evolving economic landscape.

  • South African trio charged with Bolt driver’s murder filmed on dashcam

    South African trio charged with Bolt driver’s murder filmed on dashcam

    A Pretoria courtroom witnessed a significant development on Monday as three suspects charged with the brutal murder of e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat unexpectedly withdrew their bail applications. The accused—Dikeledi Mphala (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30)—face additional charges of robbery following a crime that has ignited national outrage.

    The case stems from last Wednesday’s incident where the perpetrators allegedly ordered a ride through Bolt platform using an unregistered number. According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, Mphala and a fourth still-at-large suspect entered Satlat’s vehicle while Machidi and Mushwana followed in a separate car. The group subsequently forced the 22-year-old Nigerian national to stop his vehicle, strangled him to death, and stole his cell phone and car, which authorities later recovered.

    Disturbing dashcam footage circulating on social media shows two passengers struggling with Satlat during what appears to be a robbery attempt. The video captures the driver’s desperate resistance before one assailant apparently strangles him into unconsciousness.

    Despite South Africa’s history of xenophobic violence, Satlat’s family has explicitly stated they do not believe the attack was motivated by nationality concerns. The case highlights growing safety fears among e-hailing drivers in a nation struggling with severe crime rates and one of the world’s highest murder rates.

    The court has postponed proceedings until next Monday as police continue hunting for the fourth suspect connected to the crime that has shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about passenger safety in the digital ride-hailing industry.

  • Your definitive Ramadan 2026 itinerary: What to do, where to go, and what to try across the UAE

    Your definitive Ramadan 2026 itinerary: What to do, where to go, and what to try across the UAE

    As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the United Arab Emirates transforms into a vibrant tapestry of cultural experiences, spiritual gatherings, and unique entertainment offerings. From February through March 2026, residents and visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse array of activities that blend tradition with modern innovation across all seven emirates.

    Adventure seekers can experience Ramadan from unprecedented perspectives with exclusive resident-only offers. Skydive Dubai provides Dh300 discounts on tandem jumps over Palm Jumeirah, complete with photographic documentation of the experience. Simultaneously, XLine Dubai offers discounted rates of Dh600 for their kilometer-long zipline above Dubai Marina, operating during specified daytime slots.

    Cultural enthusiasts will find abundant opportunities for engagement along Dubai Creek. Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza host evening experiences until March 23, featuring traditional cannon firings marking iftar, open-air markets, majlis settings, and spectacular IMAGINE projection shows. The program includes live cultural performances featuring oud, qanun, and Arabic percussion, complemented by lantern parades, drone displays, and complimentary date distributions.

    Sharjah presents its emirate-wide Ramadan Festival through March 25, incorporating football tournaments, youth sports events, Qur’an recitation competitions, and cultural activities across shopping malls and public spaces. The Ramadan Nights exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah offers seasonal discounts and prize drawings alongside pop-up displays from local entrepreneurs.

    Expo City Dubai introduces a relaxed alternative to traditional Ramadan gatherings with its weekend Ramadan Nights at Terra. Operating Saturdays and Sundays from February 21 through March 15, this casual outdoor space features garden settings, games, and simple dining options with entry fees starting at Dh20.

    Dining experiences range from sophisticated waterfront iftars to golf course gatherings. The Banquet Terrace at Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club offers marina views with contemporary Arabic cuisine, while Origins at Vida Emirates Hills provides fairway vistas in a countryside-inspired setting. Multiple hotels including Le Méridien present both traditional and contemporary iftar experiences with prices ranging from Dh175-Dh215 for adults.

    For nighttime sustenance, several establishments offer suhoor services beginning at 10pm. Solara at Address Dubai Mall and Ewaan at Palace Downtown provide set menus and buffets priced around Dh275, featuring live music and Ottoman-inspired atmospheres.

    Luxury accommodations throughout the UAE present special Ramadan packages combining refined stays with iftar experiences. Address Hotels and Resorts and Palace Hotels and Resorts offer curated programs at premium city and coastal locations from February 18 through March 18.

    Culinary innovations include Spill the Bean’s gluten-free millet aseeda with saffron-infused ghee and neighborhood dining options at The Beach, JBR, featuring international cuisines from Indian to Greek. Ladurée’s limited-edition “1001 Nights” collection merges French patisserie artistry with Middle Eastern flavors through specially crafted macarons and pastries.

    Home entertainment receives attention through Lifestyle at Centrepoint’s seasonal collections featuring Ramadan-themed serving ware, decorative items, and ready-made gift sets for hosts seeking to enhance their gatherings with traditional warmth and contemporary style.

  • Declined job offer, planned baby around comeback: How BTS fans are reworking lives for band’s tour

    Declined job offer, planned baby around comeback: How BTS fans are reworking lives for band’s tour

    In an extraordinary display of devotion, BTS fans worldwide are radically reorganizing their personal and professional lives to accommodate the K-pop supergroup’s upcoming ‘Arirang’ world tour. The phenomenon demonstrates the profound influence the seven-member act wields over their global fanbase, known as ARMY.

    Career trajectories are being deliberately altered to synchronize with concert schedules. A recruitment firm in Dubai recently went viral after a candidate from India declined a job offer because the proposed start date conflicted with the tour’s commencement. Juhi Bhatia, founder of the recruitment agency, expressed astonishment at the unprecedented request, noting the overwhelming public support for the candidate’s decision.

    Similarly, Ruth D’Souza, a real estate professional, immediately rejected a job offer when the interviewing manager expressed disdain for BTS and its followers. Another fan, Devika, successfully negotiated an annual week off in June for BTS Festa celebrations by inventing a fictional cat’s birthday—a deception she has maintained for five years.

    The tour’s impact extends beyond career considerations to family and social obligations. Yan Hinolan, organizer of a major UAE fan club, abandoned her role as MC for a meticulously planned three-year high school reunion. Maria Lirio completely restructured a long-anticipated US family vacation to accommodate Baltimore concert dates, while Niveditha persuaded her family to postpone their spring break vacation to avoid conflicting with a Netflix livestream event.

    Perhaps most remarkably, Syeda Nawab Fathima planned her child’s birth through IVF treatment to coincide with BTS member Jin’s military discharge. Having discovered BTS during difficult fertility treatments, she credits the group with providing emotional strength and positive motivation during challenging times.

    This widespread behavior reflects broader shifts in workplace attitudes and personal priorities, with professionals increasingly valuing life experiences and personal well-being alongside career advancement. The BTS phenomenon demonstrates how contemporary fandom transcends traditional entertainment consumption, becoming deeply integrated into personal identity and life planning for millions worldwide.

  • A superstar arrives: Alexandra Eala ignites Filipino pride in Dubai

    A superstar arrives: Alexandra Eala ignites Filipino pride in Dubai

    The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships witnessed an extraordinary display of national pride as 20-year-old Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala made her tournament debut amidst unprecedented fan support. Despite the absence of top-ranked stars on opening day, Dubai Tennis Stadium reached full capacity, primarily driven by enthusiastic Filipino supporters who began arriving as early as 11 AM for her 7 PM center court match against American Hailey Baptiste.

    Eala’s match culminated in a 6-4, 1-0 victory following Baptiste’s injury retirement, though not before the young phenom showcased the dazzling tennis that has propelled her to unprecedented heights in Philippine tennis history. Currently ranked World No. 40—a remarkable ascent from 139th just twelve months prior—Eala has become the highest-ranked tennis player ever from the Philippines.

    Her rapid rise has triggered a sporting revolution in the basketball-dominated nation. Dubai resident Larry Montesclaros observed, ‘She’s inspiring countless youngsters to pursue tennis back home. The government even launched a WTA tournament, the Manila Open, specifically because of her influence.’

    Eala’s breakthrough season included a spectacular semifinal run at the Miami Open where she defeated three Grand Slam champions: Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and World No. 1 Iga Świątek. She further cemented her status by achieving her first main draw victory at a Grand Slam during last year’s US Open, where she had previously won the junior title in 2022.

    The atmosphere in Dubai echoed her recent reception in Abu Dhabi, where veteran sports photographer Jorge Ferrari noted he hadn’t witnessed such packed stadiums since the era of Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal. Eala now prepares to face two-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini of Italy, with another capacity crowd expected to witness the continuing rise of Philippine tennis’s brightest star.

  • Over 30,000 homes without power, flights disrupted as wild storm hits New Zealand

    Over 30,000 homes without power, flights disrupted as wild storm hits New Zealand

    A severe weather system has unleashed chaos across New Zealand’s North Island, resulting in massive infrastructure disruption and widespread damage. Meteorological reports indicate a deepening low-pressure system east of the island has been driving the extreme conditions, characterized by torrential rains and destructive gale-force winds since the weekend.

    The immediate impact has been most severe on transportation networks and energy infrastructure. Wellington International Airport canceled or delayed the majority of its flight operations, with national carrier Air New Zealand suspending services entirely at multiple airports including Wellington, Napier, and Palmerston North. Surface transportation suffered equally, with train and ferry services suspended and numerous road closures implemented due to flooding and structural damage.

    Energy authorities confirmed over 30,000 properties experienced power outages, with approximately 10,000 customers affected in the Wellington region alone. Emergency response teams from Emergency New Zealand reported handling 852 calls overnight, with more than half originating from the capital region. Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper described the situation as requiring continuous response from firefighting crews.

    The storm’s aftermath revealed significant property damage across semi-rural communities. Digital documentation shared across social media platforms showed extensive residential flooding, compromised road systems where sections completely collapsed, and widespread debris from fallen trees. The situation in Wellington was further exacerbated by the failure of the city’s main wastewater treatment plant earlier this month, with storm surges washing raw sewage back onto coastal areas—an event residents graphically described as a ‘poonami’ on social media.

    Personal accounts from affected residents highlighted the storm’s severity. Marilyn Bulford, a resident of Bunnythorpe located approximately 160 kilometers north of Wellington, described the experience as ‘absolutely terrifying’ to local media, noting unprecedented tree damage affecting vehicles, fences, and public spaces.

    Tragically, the weather event has claimed at least one life, with authorities discovering a deceased individual in a submerged vehicle on Saturday. With meteorological forecasts predicting the storm’s movement toward the South Island on Tuesday, officials have issued renewed warnings for potential further disruptions and advised continued caution.