MY.GAMES, a prominent international video game developer and publisher, has announced the expansion of its Publishing Program to the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. This strategic move aims to support local developers in scaling their games globally by leveraging the expertise of its PC and console publishing division, Knights Peak, and its mobile publishing arm, MGVC Publishing. The program offers comprehensive support across mobile, PC, and console platforms, providing funding for marketing and development, access to industry-leading services, and expert guidance in game design, business development, and live operations. The MENA region, home to approximately 595 million gamers, is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally, with an expected market volume of $7.1 billion by the end of 2025, according to Newzoo. MY.GAMES established its regional hub in Abu Dhabi in 2023, focusing on game development, research, and localisation, and is now extending its efforts into publishing. Elena Grigorian, CEO of MY.GAMES, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering local talent and creativity by providing the necessary tools and global reach. Knights Peak specializes in premium PC and console titles, offering tailored publishing solutions, while MGVC Publishing focuses on mobile games, providing fair, shared-revenue partnerships and advanced tools for user acquisition and monetisation. This expansion aligns with MY.GAMES’ broader strategy to support the growing MENA gaming ecosystem and engage more closely with local communities.
标签： Africa
非洲
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DMCC: The financial centre that we have already built
Dubai’s DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is set to formally unveil its Financial Centre later this month, marking a significant milestone in the convergence of trade, finance, and digital innovation. Unlike other regional hubs, the DMCC Financial Centre is not a new initiative but a formalization of an already thriving ecosystem that has been operational for over two decades. With more than 26,000 active companies in its district, DMCC is home to 1,620 firms in banking, insurance, fintech, and investment, all interconnected within a robust architecture linking trade to capital and physical commodities to liquid markets.
The journey of DMCC began with a USD 200 million Gold Sukuk, which funded the construction of three commercial towers, including Almas, the world’s tallest diamond tower. Despite the 2008 financial crisis, DMCC repaid the sukuk in full within five years, demonstrating its financial prudence and earning the confidence of Dubai’s leadership. Today, DMCC’s infrastructure includes the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX), the region’s largest commodity derivatives exchange, and the Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation (DCCC), which processes trades under a stringent risk-management framework.
DMCC’s innovative platforms, such as the DMCC Vault and DMCC Tradeflow, facilitate secure handling and instant settlement of physical assets like gold, diamonds, and agricultural commodities. Last year, Tradeflow registered over Dh1.4 trillion ($381 billion) in Islamic finance transactions, showcasing its pivotal role in asset-backed financing and digital tokenization. The recent launch of the DMCC Wealth Hub further consolidates its position as a global wealth management hub, offering licensing for SPVs, HoldCos, and DAOs, supported by legal and fiduciary expertise.
Globally, the DMCC Financial Centre stands out by integrating physical commodities, regulated financial infrastructure, and digital innovation. Domestically, it complements the UAE’s existing financial hubs like DIFC and ADGM, ensuring alignment with national regulatory standards. Partnerships with entities like VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) and DIFC’s Dispute Resolution Authority enhance its capabilities in tokenized commodities and dispute resolution.
The DMCC Financial Centre addresses the global trade finance gap, estimated at $2.5 trillion, by enabling faster, more transparent, and frictionless capital flows. As Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, emphasizes, the centre is not a new creation but a natural evolution of DMCC’s mission to bridge trade and liquidity. When the Dubai Precious Metals Conference convenes on November 25, it will highlight how the DMCC Financial Centre embodies Dubai’s role as a global marketplace for value, innovation, and infrastructure.
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Australia selector Bailey defends age profile of Ashes squad after Waugh criticism
Australia’s chief selector George Bailey has firmly defended the age profile of the 15-man Ashes squad, which features only one player under 30, following criticism from former captain Steve Waugh. Waugh had expressed concerns that the team’s reliance on older players could jeopardize Australia’s future success. Bailey, however, emphasized that the squad was selected based on performance rather than age, dismissing Waugh’s remarks as unfounded. The squad includes seasoned players like Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Usman Khawaja, alongside all-rounder Cameron Green, the sole under-30 inclusion. Bailey questioned the logic of dropping players solely due to their age, stating, ‘You’ve got to give due respect that the guys are performing very well and they have the right to be selected.’ The selectors opted for experience over youth, recalling 31-year-old Marnus Labuschagne and including uncapped opener Jake Weatherald, while dropping 20-year-old Sam Konstas. Bailey also addressed concerns about Cameron Green’s fitness, noting that his ability to bowl would influence the final lineup. Steve Smith will captain the team in the absence of injured Pat Cummins, who is expected to return for the second Test. Bailey highlighted the importance of continuity and leadership within the squad, emphasizing Smith’s role in maintaining stability. The series against England begins on November 21 in Perth, with Australia aiming to retain the Ashes with their veteran-heavy lineup.
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Slot lauds Liverpool’s spirited win over Real Madrid at Anfield
In a thrilling Champions League clash at Anfield, Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Real Madrid, handing the LaLiga leaders their first defeat in Europe’s elite competition this season. The decisive moment came in the second half when Alexis Mac Allister headed home the game’s only goal, capping off a spirited performance by Arne Slot’s side. The Dutch manager lauded both the quality of the opposition and the unwavering support of the Anfield crowd, which he credited for inspiring the team’s resurgence. Slot emphasized the significance of the win, particularly against a Real Madrid side that had been in formidable form, losing just once in their previous matches. He also highlighted the defensive discipline that kept star players Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at bay, with young right-back Conor Bradley earning special praise for his standout performance against Vinicius. This victory marks Liverpool’s second consecutive win, following a 2-0 Premier League triumph over Aston Villa, and signals a potential turnaround after a challenging period that saw the team endure four consecutive league losses and six defeats in seven games across all competitions. Slot acknowledged the grueling schedule but emphasized the importance of playing at home, where the fans provided the extra edge needed to overcome fatigue.
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Senior US official praises Mali’s military junta in fight against armed groups as pressure mounts
In a notable shift in diplomatic relations, a senior U.S. official has praised Mali’s military junta and hinted at potential cooperation, marking a departure from years of strained ties. Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, commended Mali’s armed forces for their efforts against Islamic extremist militants (JNIM) and expressed optimism about enhanced collaboration following discussions with Mali’s Foreign Minister. This development comes just days after American diplomats and nationals were advised to leave Mali due to security concerns. Mali’s Foreign Ministry has refrained from commenting on the matter. The U.S. government’s overture aligns with broader efforts under the Trump administration to mend relations with junta-led nations in West Africa, a region that has experienced significant diplomatic isolation following a series of military coups since 2020. These coups have strained ties between Sahelian countries and their former Western allies, including France and the U.S., with French forces expelled and American troops ordered out of Niger. Despite joint counterterrorism efforts by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States, attacks by armed groups have intensified. Experts warn that JNIM’s recent blockade on oil imports into Mali, causing severe economic disruptions, signals the group’s growing ambitions. Some analysts suggest JNIM may be pursuing a Taliban-style takeover, leveraging its control over rural areas and economic choke points. While the U.S. has expressed diplomatic engagement, there is no clear indication of imminent military involvement unless the security landscape in the region undergoes a radical shift.
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Morocco sweat as PSG star Hakimi ruled out for ‘several weeks’
Paris St-Germain and Morocco’s star right-back, Achraf Hakimi, has been sidelined for “several weeks” due to a severe left ankle sprain. The injury, sustained during PSG’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday, has raised significant concerns for Morocco’s national team coach, Walid Regragui, as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches. The tournament, set to begin on December 21 in Morocco, marks the first time the nation has hosted the event since 1988. Hakimi’s absence could be a major blow to the Atlas Lions’ aspirations. The 27-year-old was forced off the pitch in tears during first-half stoppage time following a reckless challenge from Bayern’s Luis Diaz, who was subsequently sent off after a VAR review. Hakimi, a key figure in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and their flawless qualification for the 2026 World Cup, is also among the top contenders for the 2025 African Footballer of the Year Award. His recent inclusion in the Fifpro World XI further underscores his global stature. PSG confirmed the injury on their official website, with manager Luis Enrique lamenting the “bad luck” of the incident. Bayern’s Vincent Kompany echoed the sentiment, wishing Hakimi a swift recovery. The injury not only impacts PSG’s campaign but also casts a shadow over Morocco’s AFCON preparations, as they aim to capitalize on home advantage to secure continental glory.
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Marrakech Film Festival: Guillermo del Toro, Jodie Foster to receive special honours
The 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled to run from November 28 to December 6, 2025, will celebrate the remarkable contributions of global cinema luminaries. Among the honourees are two-time Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster, three-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, Moroccan actress Raouya, and Egyptian screen legend Hussein Fahmi. The festival, established in 2001 under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, remains a prestigious platform for cultural exchange and cinematic excellence. Jodie Foster, renowned for her iconic roles in *The Silence of the Lambs* and *The Accused*, expressed her excitement about visiting Marrakech, describing it as an honour to explore the city while celebrating film. She will also present her latest French project, *Vie Privee* (A Private Life), directed by Rebecca Zlotowski. Guillermo del Toro, celebrated for his imaginative works such as *Pan’s Labyrinth* and *The Shape of Water*, shared his enthusiasm for returning to Marrakech and showcasing his upcoming Netflix project, *Frankenstein*. Moroccan actress Raouya, whose real name is Fatima Hernadi, has garnered acclaim for her performances in *Rock the Casbah* and *Cry No More*. She expressed deep gratitude for being honoured in her homeland, highlighting her enduring connection with the festival. Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmi, with a career spanning over 100 films, including *Alexandria: Again and Forever*, reflected on the significance of being recognised in Marrakech, where one of his earliest films, *My Blood, My Tears, My Smile*, was shot. The festival continues to bridge cultures and celebrate the art of storytelling through film.
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Sudan: 40 killed in attack on key city in Kordofan, says UN
In a tragic escalation of violence in Sudan’s central Kordofan region, an attack on a funeral in the strategic city of El-Obeid has left 40 people dead, according to the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The incident, reported on Wednesday, underscores the deteriorating security situation in the area, which has been a flashpoint for conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army. While the exact date of the attack and the perpetrators remain unclear, the RSF had reportedly been preparing to launch an offensive on El-Obeid, prompting a military buildup by the army to counter the threat. The OCHA emphasized the worsening humanitarian crisis in Kordofan, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to prevent further loss of life and stabilize the region. This latest violence adds to the ongoing instability in Sudan, where clashes between rival factions have displaced thousands and disrupted essential services.
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UAE: X to partner with Bridge Summit through sessions, experiences
In a groundbreaking announcement, Bridge Summit 2025 has revealed a strategic partnership with X, a leading technology innovator, ahead of the event scheduled for December 8-10, 2025. This collaboration will see X actively participate in the Summit through thought leadership sessions, interactive workshops, and immersive on-site experiences. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore X’s cutting-edge technologies firsthand, including its suite of products and real-time global conversation tools, which are reshaping media landscapes. X’s technology will also be integrated into the Summit’s navigation screens, offering a tailored guide for participants. Abdulla Al Hamed, Chairman of Bridge, emphasized that this partnership underscores the UAE’s commitment to innovation and responsible AI, fostering connections across media, policy, finance, and technology sectors. Reem Sadek, Director of Government Affairs and Partnerships for MENA at X, highlighted the company’s role in empowering creators and storytellers through its global platform. This alliance builds on recent discussions between Bridge and X leadership, solidifying the Summit’s reputation as a hub for transforming ideas into impactful partnerships and driving cross-industry growth.
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‘One of us’: Ugandan pride in New York mayor with roots in their country
Ugandans are brimming with pride as Zohran Mamdani, a Ugandan-born dual national, ascends to the role of New York City’s mayor. Many view him as one of their own, a beacon of inspiration for the nation’s youth. Mamdani’s rise has sparked widespread excitement, particularly given Uganda’s youthful demographic, with a median age of just 16.2, the second-lowest globally according to the CIA World Factbook. At 34, Mamdani is the son of Mahmood Mamdani, a renowned Ugandan academic, and Mira Nair, an acclaimed filmmaker. His family’s deep roots in Uganda, particularly in Kampala, where his father taught at Makerere University, have further endeared him to the nation. Journalist Angelo Izama, who mentored Mamdani during his teenage internship, recalls his determination and fondness for Kampala, which he frequently mentions. Makerere University professor Okello Ogwang expressed pride in Mamdani’s success, calling him a “son of a colleague” and a testament to the potential of African youth. Students like Abno Collins Kuloba and Chemtai Zamzam see Mamdani as proof that ambition and determination can transcend one’s background. Beyond Uganda, Mamdani’s victory resonates across Africa. Abdul Mohamed, a former senior UN and African Union official, highlights Mamdani’s symbolic significance, emphasizing his commitment to pan-Africanism and the power of multi-ethnic identity. As Uganda prepares for its upcoming elections, Mamdani’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of youth and the importance of political engagement. His historic win has also been celebrated in South Africa, where his family lived for three years. Mamdani’s journey underscores the global impact of African talent and the enduring hope it inspires.