Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Dubai Metro to run non-stop for 43 hours as RTA announces New Year’s Eve road closures

    Dubai Metro to run non-stop for 43 hours as RTA announces New Year’s Eve road closures

    Dubai’s transportation infrastructure is undergoing massive enhancements to accommodate the anticipated millions of revelers during New Year’s Eve 2025-2026 celebrations. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled an unprecedented operational plan featuring continuous 43-hour metro services alongside extensive road closure measures.

    The Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines will maintain non-stop operations from 5:00 AM on December 31, 2025, through 11:59 PM on January 1, 2026. Complementing this extended service, the Dubai Tram will operate continuously from 6:00 AM on December 31 until 1:00 AM on January 2, 2026, creating a comprehensive public transportation network throughout the celebration period.

    Strategic road closures will be implemented through a phased approach, commencing at 4:00 PM on New Year’s Eve and progressively expanding until 11:00 PM. The comprehensive closure strategy affects key arteries including Al Asayel Street, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, Financial Centre Roads, Al Mustaqbal Street, Al Sukook Street, and sections of Sheikh Zayed Road.

    Hussain Al Banna, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, emphasized the authority’s comprehensive preparedness through coordination with the Events Security Committee and strategic partners. Advanced technological systems including centralized traffic signal control and smart variable message signs will provide real-time updates on road conditions and alternative routes throughout the celebration areas.

    The Unified Control Center will host joint operational teams from RTA, Dubai Police, Civil Defence, and Dubai Ambulance Services, utilizing sophisticated technologies like the iTraffic system and big data analytics to monitor conditions and predict traffic volumes for informed decision-making.

    Enhanced parking infrastructure includes approximately 20,000 spaces in the Burj Khalifa area supplemented by an additional 8,000 spaces at metro stations. Overflow parking facilities at Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf will provide supplementary capacity.

    Transportation resources have been substantially augmented with over 14,000 taxis, more than 18,000 limousine and luxury vehicles, and exceeding 1,300 buses deployed across the metropolitan area. More than 5,500 RTA personnel will be stationed throughout the city alongside ten control centers and 26 traffic diversion vehicles.

    This extensive preparation reflects growing public transport utilization during New Year’s celebrations, with passenger numbers increasing from 2.29 million in 2024 to over 2.5 million in 2025, demonstrating the effectiveness of Dubai’s integrated traffic management strategy.

  • Israel recognises Somaliland as ‘sovereign state’; Somalia denounces move

    Israel recognises Somaliland as ‘sovereign state’; Somalia denounces move

    In a groundbreaking diplomatic maneuver, Israel has formally acknowledged the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign independent nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed this historic recognition on Friday, December 26, 2025, accompanied by an agreement to establish comprehensive diplomatic relations between the two states.

    This declaration positions Israel as the first nation to officially recognize Somaliland’s statehood, marking a significant departure from international consensus. The Israeli government framed this decision within the context of the Abraham Accords, the normalization agreements brokered during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration that established diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations.

    Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi enthusiastically welcomed the development, characterizing it as the foundation of a strategic partnership. Through his official social media channels, Abdullahi expressed readiness to join the Abraham Accords framework and normalize relations with Israel.

    The northwestern region of Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime. Despite maintaining its own government, currency, and security forces for over three decades, the territory has struggled to achieve widespread international recognition.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced immediate plans to institutionalize bilateral relations, including mutual embassy establishments and ambassador appointments. Prime Netanyahu has extended an official invitation for President Abdullahi to visit Israel.

    The recognition has triggered strong regional opposition. Foreign ministers from Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti collectively condemned Israel’s move during an emergency conference call. These nations reaffirmed their commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity and unity, rejecting what they characterize as a violation of international norms.

    This development represents both a diplomatic breakthrough for Somaliland’s longstanding sovereignty aspirations and a potential geopolitical flashpoint in the Horn of Africa region.

  • Salary increases, perks: Amended HR law in Fujairah to improve job security for govt employees

    Salary increases, perks: Amended HR law in Fujairah to improve job security for govt employees

    FUJAIRAH – In a significant move to enhance public sector welfare, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has promulgated Law No. (2) of 2025, introducing comprehensive amendments to the emirate’s Human Resources Law for government employees. The legislation, formally announced in mid-December, is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, following its publication in the Official Gazette.

    The groundbreaking reforms specifically address the stability of both legal and financial conditions for civil servants, incorporating substantial revisions to job grading structures, various allowances, and employee benefits. These changes build upon previously approved salary increases authorized under Law No. (1) of 2025, creating a cohesive framework for improved compensation packages.

    Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Fujairah Amiri Diwan, emphasized that these amendments reflect Sheikh Hamad’s ongoing commitment to strengthening job security and living standards for government personnel. This initiative aims to establish greater work-life balance while simultaneously elevating the quality of public services delivered to the community.

    From a strategic perspective, Mohammed Khalifa Al Zeyoudi, Director of Human Resources at the Government of Fujairah, highlighted the legislation’s dual purpose of attracting top-tier professional talent while motivating existing staff across local departments. The reforms apply equally to both Emirati citizens and foreign residents, demonstrating the emirate’s inclusive approach to workforce development.

    The enhanced benefits package is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting Fujairah’s comprehensive development agenda across multiple sectors by ensuring dignified living standards for its public servants. This legislative advancement positions Fujairah as a progressive employer within the UAE’s public sector landscape, potentially setting benchmarks for other emirates to follow.

  • Noisy chewing affecting ability to work? Misophonia is a daily battle, UAE doctors warn

    Noisy chewing affecting ability to work? Misophonia is a daily battle, UAE doctors warn

    Medical specialists across the United Arab Emirates are bringing attention to misophonia, a neurological condition characterized by extreme sensitivity to specific everyday sounds, warning that it represents more than mere irritation but a legitimate clinical disorder with significant consequences. Unlike typical annoyance, misophonia triggers intense emotional and physiological responses that can severely disrupt cognitive functions and social interactions.

    According to recent research cited by UAE healthcare professionals, including a PubMed-listed study titled ‘The Effect of Misophonia on Cognitive and Social Judgments,’ trigger sounds such as chewing, pen-clicking, or loud breathing can interrupt attention, impair memory recall, cloud social judgment, and disrupt overall cognitive processing. This creates substantial challenges in educational settings, open-plan offices, and family environments where these sounds are commonplace.

    Dr. Lekha Kapoor, Consultant ENT at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, explains the diagnostic process: ‘We first conduct comprehensive ENT evaluations to rule out auditory issues, then utilize the Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire to assess severity—ranging from mild to extreme cases.’ She notes that patients often present confused and distressed, unaware their experiences constitute a recognized medical condition.

    The psychological toll can be severe, with many patients experiencing overlapping anxiety, depression, and heightened stress. In extreme cases, the condition has been associated with suicidal tendencies due to the profound disruption to daily functioning and social relationships.

    Despite its significant impact, awareness remains limited in the UAE compared to Western nations. Dr. Amal Atwa Ibrahim, Consultant Psychiatrist at NMC Specialty Hospital, emphasizes that professional intervention—particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional regulation strategies, and practical tools like noise-cancelling headphones—can substantially improve quality of life for those affected.

  • UAE gold prices surge four times in one week; what to expect in 2026

    UAE gold prices surge four times in one week; what to expect in 2026

    The UAE gold market has experienced an unprecedented surge, marking its fourth record-breaking price increase within a single week. As markets opened on Friday, December 26, 2025, 24K gold reached Dh543.25 per gram, representing a significant jump from Christmas Day’s slight dip to Dh539.75. This remarkable performance extends across various karat weights, with 22K, 21K, 18K, and 14K trading at Dh503, Dh482.25, Dh413.50, and Dh322.50 respectively. Simultaneously, silver prices skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, reaching $74.38 per ounce while spot gold stood at $4,514 by afternoon trading.

    The monthly performance metrics reveal even more dramatic growth, with gold appreciating over 7% and silver experiencing an extraordinary 34% surge. According to financial experts, 2025 is positioned to become gold’s strongest annual performance since 1979, driven by what analysts describe as a ‘perfect storm’ of economic factors.

    Bas Koojiman, CEO of DHF Capital, identifies multiple converging drivers behind this historic rally: relentless central bank acquisitions exceeding 980 tonnes in Q3 alone, massive ETF inflows as investors seek safety, a weakening US dollar amid Federal Reserve rate cut expectations, and escalating geopolitical tensions worldwide. The US-Venezuela blockades alongside ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have further contributed to this economic landscape.

    Critically, experts emphasize this represents a structural market shift rather than a temporary cyclical rally. Emerging markets are aggressively building gold holdings as part of de-dollarization strategies, with gold’s share in global assets climbing toward 3-4%. This re-rating of gold as a strategic necessity appears long-term rather than temporary, though analysts anticipate potential corrections following 2025’s explosive gains.

    The outlook for 2026 remains bullish, with projections suggesting gold could average between $4,500 to $5,000 per ounce. Sustaining these levels will require continued lower interest rates, a softer dollar, persistent geopolitical risks, and robust institutional demand. Market analysts interpret gold’s dramatic rise as a warning signal indicating widespread investor concern about geopolitical instability, trade tensions, record debt levels, potential inflationary pressures, and questions regarding the dollar’s continuing dominance in global markets.

  • UAE President arrives in Pakistan on official visit

    UAE President arrives in Pakistan on official visit

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commenced an official state visit to Pakistan on December 26, 2025, arriving at Islamabad’s Nur Khan Airbase where he was formally received by Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The arrival ceremony demonstrated exceptional diplomatic protocol and military honors, highlighting the importance both nations place on their bilateral relationship.

    The presidential aircraft received a distinctive aerial escort by Pakistani military jets upon entering the country’s airspace, symbolizing respect and welcoming gestures. The ground reception featured a comprehensive ceremonial program including a 21-gun salute, synchronized performances by military and traditional bands, and an honor guard presentation. Children lining the reception route waved flags of both nations, adding a cultural dimension to the formal proceedings.

    President Al Nahyan’s delegation includes key advisers Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, alongside UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi. The visit occurs amid growing economic and strategic partnerships between the Gulf nation and South Asian country, with discussions expected to focus on enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security matters.

    The timing of this high-level diplomatic engagement during the final week of 2025 signals both nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in the coming year. This visit represents continued diplomatic outreach following previous high-level exchanges between UAE and Pakistani leadership.

  • Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state, Netanyahu says

    Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state, Netanyahu says

    In a landmark diplomatic move that has sent shockwaves through the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, the State of Israel has formally extended full recognition to the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent sovereign nation. This unprecedented decision, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, marks the first time any country has officially acknowledged Somaliland’s three-decade-long claim to statehood.

    The Israeli Foreign Ministry, through Minister Gideon Saar, confirmed plans for immediate establishment of comprehensive diplomatic relations, including mutual embassy openings and ambassador exchanges. Netanyahu’s administration outlined ambitious cooperation frameworks spanning agricultural technology, healthcare modernization, and digital infrastructure development.

    Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi hailed the recognition as “a historic milestone,” announcing his government’s intention to join the Abraham Accords normalization framework. He emphasized this move would “advance regional peace and foster mutual prosperity across Middle Eastern and African nations.”

    The declaration has triggered vehement opposition from multiple capitals. Foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti issued a joint communiqué denouncing Israel’s move as a violation of international norms. They reaffirmed unwavering support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, warning that such recognition creates dangerous precedents under UN Charter principles.

    Egyptian diplomacy orchestrated emergency consultations among concerned states, with ministers warning against creating “parallel entities” that undermine Somali institutions. The statement notably connected the issue to Palestinian self-determination, reiterating rejection of population displacement strategies.

    Geopolitical analysts note Somaliland’s strategic value overlooking Gulf of Aden shipping lanes, with its functional governance institutions and stable administration contrasting with neighboring turmoil. The region has maintained de facto independence since 1991 after overthrowing Siad Barre’s dictatorship, developing distinct currency, passport system and security forces.

    This development occurs against complex regional tensions, including Ethiopia’s recent port access agreement with Somaliland that angered Somalia’s federal government. Israel’s outreach appears part of broader efforts to expand alliances in Africa and Muslim-majority nations through the Abraham Accords framework, though Gaza conflicts have complicated such diplomacy.

  • ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’: Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday star in a witless film

    ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’: Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday star in a witless film

    Dharma Productions’ latest romantic comedy ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ attempts to bridge generational gaps but ultimately collapses under the weight of its own contradictions. Starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, the film presents itself as a modern reinterpretation of classic Bollywood romance tropes while desperately clinging to 90s nostalgia.

    The narrative follows Rehan (Aaryan), a charismatic American wedding planner, and Rumi (Panday), an aspiring novelist constrained by familial obligations in Agra. Their meet-cute occurs during a poorly explained Yacht Week celebration in Croatia, where scenic cinematography by Anil Mehta provides temporary visual relief from the film’s structural deficiencies.

    Director Sameer Vidwans and writer Karan Shrikant Sharma assemble familiar elements: the protective father (Jackie Shroff), the progressive mother (Neena Gupta), and the eternal conflict between romantic love and filial duty. The film explicitly references its aspirations through Rumi’s dialogue: ‘I’m searching for ’90s love in 2025’s hook-up culture.’

    Despite these ambitions, the execution falters dramatically. The editing appears disjointed, with irrelevant subplots involving an astrologer’s wife and Rumi’s sister’s ex-boyfriend adding clutter rather than depth. Performance styles clash noticeably—Aaryan relies on his established goofy charm while Panday struggles to embody her thinly-written character beyond sartorial elegance.

    The musical score combines original compositions by Vishal Shekhar with a nostalgia-bait medley of 90s hits including ‘Saat Samundar’ and ‘Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna.’ These references feel less like homage and more like desperate attempts to evoke emotions the screenplay fails to generate organically.

    Ultimately, the film’s fundamental contradiction lies in its aesthetic: attempting to appear contemporary through Gen-Z slang and pop culture references while mechanically recycling plot devices from classics like ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,’ ‘Piku,’ and ‘2 States.’ The production design’s similarity to recent Dharma films further reinforces the sense of creative stagnation.

    For audiences seeking genuine romantic storytelling, this glittery but hollow patchwork offers little beyond temporary visual pleasure and nostalgic recognition—a disappointing outcome from an otherwise prestigious production house.

  • IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi hosts AIMS 2025 to advance global dialogue on AI and sustainable technologies

    IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi hosts AIMS 2025 to advance global dialogue on AI and sustainable technologies

    Abu Dhabi has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable technology innovation through the successful conclusion of the International Conference on AI and Materials for Sustainability (AIMS 2025). Hosted by IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi from December 15-17, 2025, the event assembled over 400 delegates and 100 speakers from 20+ countries, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s research ecosystem.

    The conference, strategically aligned with the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and Net Zero 2050 objectives, facilitated deep technical exchanges across 24 sessions, 4 specialized workshops, and 200+ research presentations. Core themes included AI-driven materials discovery, data-driven energy modeling, carbon capture technologies, circular economy strategies, and experimental science applications.

    Professor Mohammad Ali Haider, Vice Provost for Research at IITD-AD, framed the discussions within historical context, noting how ancient mathematical innovations from Āryabhaṭa and algorithmic foundations from Al-Khwārizmi connect to contemporary sustainability challenges. This philosophical approach was complemented by practical demonstrations of Abu Dhabi’s leadership, including nearby Masdar City’s urban innovations and the Al Reyadah carbon capture facility.

    The event featured collaborative participation from Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, MBZUAI, and IRENA, highlighting the emirate’s growing research network. Particular emphasis was placed on nurturing early-career researchers through direct mentorship opportunities and workshops on data-driven design, AI workflows, and lab-to-industry pathways.

    AIMS 2025 represented the culmination of IITD-AD’s year-long engagement initiative, following earlier events on quantum technology, carbon capture, and AI security. Immediately subsequent to the conference, a new workshop on photonics and genomics launched Indo-Norwegian healthcare collaborations, further extending Abu Dhabi’s interdisciplinary influence.

    Executive Director Professor Shantanu Roy declared the conference a defining moment for both IITD-AD’s institutional development and Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a regional hub for scientific collaboration and sustainable innovation.

  • Luxury meets supremacy: The white HUAWEI Mate XT rules the tri-fold era

    Luxury meets supremacy: The white HUAWEI Mate XT rules the tri-fold era

    In a landmark development for mobile technology, HUAWEI has expanded its revolutionary Mate XT series with the introduction of an exclusive White color variant. This strategic move enhances the aesthetic appeal of what is already recognized as the world’s first commercially available tri-fold smartphone, establishing new standards in both engineering excellence and luxury design.

    The device represents a convergence of cutting-edge innovation and sophisticated craftsmanship. Measuring a mere 3.6mm in its fully unfolded triple-screen configuration, the Mate XT maintains its position as the slimmest tri-fold smartphone globally. Its design philosophy embodies the Huawei ULTIMATE DESIGN ethos, featuring the distinctive Star Diamond camera module enhanced with Sinusoidal Cutting technology for sharper contours and a three-dimensional presence.

    Each camera module undergoes an extensive 22-day manufacturing process involving 78 precision techniques, ensuring every device possesses unique Eonic Curves. The rear surface is clad in premium 0.47mm aerospace-grade fiber leather, combining lightweight properties with exceptional durability. The new White edition introduces a minimalist, futuristic aesthetic that complements the device’s status as a technological luxury item.

    Display technology represents another area of significant advancement. The centerpiece is the 10.2-inch HUAWEI X-True Display, the largest screen ever integrated into a smartphone. This 3K resolution panel delivers exceptional color accuracy, deep contrast, and adaptive 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, supported by 1800 nits peak brightness. The tri-fold architecture enables three distinct usage modalities: a 6.4-inch single screen for conventional smartphone functions, a 7.9-inch dual-screen arrangement for enhanced productivity, and the full 10.2-inch triple-screen configuration for immersive tablet-like experiences.

    Photographic capabilities have received equal engineering attention. The Mate XT incorporates the industry’s first 10-size Adjustable Physical Aperture system in a foldable device, ranging from f/1.4 to f/4.0. This sophisticated mechanism employs a ring-shaped magnetic motor with a 6-blade, 18-sided structure, providing unprecedented control over depth, light, and motion capture. The system is complemented by a 5.5x periscope telephoto lens, ultra-wide camera, and Ultra Speed Snapshot functionality, collectively transforming the device into a professional-grade imaging tool.

    The Advanced Precision Hinge System represents a marvel of mechanical engineering. Constructed from 1900MPa ultra-high-strength steel components, this mechanism reduces overall thickness by 23% while maintaining structural integrity and smooth operation. Despite the slim profile, the device incorporates a 5600mAh silicon-anode battery measuring just 1.9mm thick, supporting 66W wired SuperCharge, 50W wireless charging, and 7.5W wireless reverse charging capabilities.

    With the introduction of the White variant, HUAWEI has not only expanded the Mate XT’s technological repertoire but also its stylistic identity, solidifying its position as the definitive benchmark in foldable innovation and luxury mobile design.