Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Gulf’s hospitality renaissance: From mega-projects to intimate experiences

    Gulf’s hospitality renaissance: From mega-projects to intimate experiences

    The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is undergoing a profound transformation in its tourism strategy, shifting from large-scale urban developments to curated, experience-driven hospitality offerings. This strategic evolution marks a significant departure from the region’s previous focus on skyscrapers and mega-projects toward immersive, authenticity-focused travel experiences.

    Economic indicators demonstrate the sector’s accelerating growth trajectory. Travel and tourism contributed approximately $247 billion to GCC GDP in 2024, representing a 32% increase over 2019 levels. Projections indicate this figure will reach $371.2 billion by 2034, accounting for 13.3% of the region’s total economy. Visitor spending shows parallel growth, expected to climb from $135-136 billion in 2023 to $224 billion within the next decade.

    Saudi Arabia’s AlUla region exemplifies this ‘slow luxury’ approach, positioning itself as a high-yield niche destination rather than pursuing mass tourism. The Royal Commission for AlUla reports hosting over 260,000 visitors in 2023—a 40% year-on-year increase—with targets set for two million annual visitors by 2035. Development focuses on eco-conscious properties like Habitas AlUla and Banyan Tree AlUla, featuring tented villas and canyon-view suites that prioritize heritage preservation.

    The architectural marvel Sharaan Resort, designed by Jean Nouvel within the Sharaan Nature Reserve, will incorporate 38 rock-carved suites alongside wellness facilities, representing a groundbreaking approach to landscape-integrated architecture.

    Ras Al Khaimah and Oman are capitalizing on their natural landscapes to establish themselves as premier outdoor destinations. Ras Al Khaimah achieved record tourism in 2024 with 1.28 million visitors and 12% revenue growth, while Oman welcomed approximately 4 million international visitors, generating $5.5 billion in tourism revenue. Both destinations are developing mountain lodges, desert camps, and sustainable beach resorts that cater to adventure tourism and wellness-seeking travelers.

    Qatar has successfully transitioned from an events-focused market to a cultural tourism destination, surpassing five million visitors in 2024—a 25% increase over 2023. The country’s strategy integrates cultural landmarks like the Museum of Islamic Art with island-based resorts such as Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, which combines luxury accommodations with waterpark facilities and private beaches.

    This tourism evolution represents a fundamental component of Gulf economic diversification strategies. The sector is projected to generate 1.3 million new jobs by 2034, with intra-GCC tourism growing significantly—19.3 million tourists traveled within the bloc in 2024, constituting over 25% of all international visitors to GCC states. The proposed unified GCC tourism visa and improved connectivity将进一步 enhance regional tourism integration, enabling multi-destination itineraries that combine cultural, mountain, and coastal experiences across Gulf nations.

  • Malawi rolls out cholera vaccines as rains and floods raise the threat of deadly outbreaks

    Malawi rolls out cholera vaccines as rains and floods raise the threat of deadly outbreaks

    BLANTYRE, Malawi — Facing a mounting public health emergency, Malawi has initiated an urgent cholera vaccination campaign targeting high-risk communities following devastating floods that have contaminated water sources across the southern African region.

    The three-day immunization drive, concluding Friday, focused on densely populated areas including Chilomoni township in Blantyre, where at least 17 confirmed cholera cases and one death have been reported in recent weeks. Health authorities warn of a concerning national uptick in infections linked to contaminated water sources.

    Dr. Gift Kawalazira, Blantyre District Health Office director, identified the Muluda stream—polluted with human and animal waste—as a primary transmission source. Impoverished residents who cannot afford clean water (priced at 5 cents per 20 liters) frequently use the contaminated waterway for drinking, cooking, and washing.

    Malawi aims to distribute 24,000 oral vaccines initially, targeting vulnerable populations first. This effort comes against the backdrop of Africa’s worst cholera toll in 25 years, with cases exceeding 300,000 in 2022 according to Africa CDC data.

    The current crisis has been exacerbated by unusually heavy seasonal rains that have caused severe flooding across southern Africa, particularly impacting Mozambique where over 500,000 people face compromised access to safe water and food. UNICEF has warned of “a lethal combination” of waterborne diseases and malnutrition in flood-affected regions.

    Globally, cholera vaccine stocks reached critically low levels in 2022 due to overwhelming demand and limited production capacity. This shortage particularly affected developing nations like Malawi, where a recent major outbreak claimed nearly 2,000 lives.

    In response to recurring cholera threats, African nations are pursuing vaccine self-sufficiency. A South African pharmaceutical company began trials in November for what could become the continent’s first domestically produced cholera vaccine.

    While health workers emphasize community cooperation as crucial to outbreak containment, residents like Noel Kanjere argue for sustained preventive education alongside emergency response measures.

  • How Dubai’s vanished landmarks still live on in directions

    How Dubai’s vanished landmarks still live on in directions

    In the ever-evolving urban landscape of Dubai, a fascinating cultural phenomenon persists: the enduring legacy of vanished landmarks in everyday navigation. Long before digital mapping systems and Makani codes defined wayfinding, residents relied on physical structures—cinemas, roundabouts, and distinctive buildings—as directional anchors.

    This persistence of historical reference points reveals much about urban memory and adaptation. The ongoing reconfiguration of Trade Centre Roundabout exemplifies this trend. Despite the Roads and Transport Authority’s conversion of this junction into a surface intersection to alleviate congestion, many residents and taxi drivers continue referring to it as ‘Defence Roundabout,’ preserving a name that predates the current layout.

    Emirati cultural consultant Mohammad Kazim explains this phenomenon through Dubai’s transient population dynamics: ‘Landmarks mattered. They were how you explained the city to someone who didn’t know it yet.’ This oral tradition has created a parallel navigation system where demolished structures maintain their directional utility.

    Examples abound throughout the city: Strand Cinema, demolished in the 1990s, still surfaces in Bur Dubai directions; Deira’s ‘Clock Roundabout’ remains a common reference despite traffic lights replacing the circular junction; and Garhoud’s Falcon Roundabout persists verbally long after the sculpture’s relocation to Mirdif Park.

    British expat Josephine Finzi recalls pre-digital navigation: ‘We got around by visual clues—past Spinneys on the beach road, left at the zoo, right at the clock tower.’ These references created a shared geographical language that transcended physical changes.

    The pattern extends beyond roundabouts. Peter Halliday, resident since 1982, remembers when the World Trade Centre served as a visible beacon: ‘You could see it from tens of kilometres away.’ Len Chapman, who arrived in 1971, traces roundabout culture to British architect John Harris’s 1959 town plan, which introduced these ‘punctuation marks’ to Dubai’s urban grammar.

    Even commercial establishments like the Sana Signal clothing store, closed since 2018, continue as directional markers in Bur Dubai and Karama. Online communities like ‘Dubai — The Good Old Days’ actively preserve this collective memory through photographs and discussions, creating digital archives of the city’s changing physical identity.

    This navigation-by-memory system demonstrates how urban consciousness adapts to rapid development, maintaining continuity through language even as physical landscapes transform beyond recognition.

  • NBA star Bane eyes Nigeria switch ahead of 2028 Olympics

    NBA star Bane eyes Nigeria switch ahead of 2028 Olympics

    Orlando Magic shooting guard Desmond Bane has expressed strong interest in representing Nigeria’s national basketball team, potentially transforming D’Tigers’ Olympic prospects for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Despite being officially listed as American by the NBA, Bane confirmed his Nigerian heritage and revealed ongoing discussions with fellow NBA players of Nigerian descent about forming a competitive national squad.

    The 27-year-old athlete specifically mentioned recruiting conversations with Indiana Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith and Los Angeles Lakers’ Gabe Vincent, while noting that Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie already represents Nigeria internationally. Additional Nigerian-heritage players in the league include Sacramento Kings’ Precious Achiuwa and Philadelphia 76ers’ Adem Bona, creating a substantial talent pool for potential national team selection.

    Nigeria’s basketball program faces significant challenges despite previous Olympic appearances in 2012, 2016, and 2020. Currently ranked 50th globally by FIBA and seventh in Africa, the team missed qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their path to the 2028 Games involves either exceptional performance at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar or success in a separate African Olympic qualification tournament featuring six nations.

    The development coincides with the NBA’s continued global expansion, evidenced by recent Global Games in Berlin and London. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussed potential European league development during the Berlin events, building on the established Basketball Africa League that launched in 2021 with NBA support. Bane praised basketball’s growing international talent pool, noting the sport’s increasing global reach and the emergence of skilled players from diverse backgrounds.

  • Multilateralism offers Africa stability

    Multilateralism offers Africa stability

    At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, conducted under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” African policymakers and thought leaders have emerged as vocal proponents of China’s advocacy for multilateralism. This endorsement arrives amidst a global landscape increasingly characterized by geopolitical friction, unilateral economic measures, and restrictive trade policies.

    African analysts perceive a distinct shift toward inward-looking economic postures from traditional Western partners, evidenced by rising trade tariffs, stringent visa regulations, and a reduction in overseas development assistance. In contrast, China’s commitment to an open and inclusive global economic framework is being hailed as a crucial stabilizing force for the continent. This perspective is not viewed through an ideological lens but rather as a pragmatic necessity for sustainable development.

    Carlos Lopes, Professor at the University of Cape Town’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, emphasized the substantive value of China’s stance. “China’s advocacy carries real weight for African nations,” Lopes stated. “It functions as a vital counterbalance to exclusionary economic blocs and unilateral decision-making processes that have historically marginalized African interests and priorities.”

    The alignment between Africa and China is rooted in shared developmental objectives, including the preservation of policy space, critical infrastructure expansion, accelerated industrialization, and access to long-term development financing. This synergy was further highlighted by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng’s address at the forum, which called for reinforced commitment to free trade, multilateral dialogue, and inclusive growth, alongside pledges to expand technological innovation and green development initiatives.

    Olusoji Ajao, Founder and Executive Director of Nigeria’s Afrocentric Masterclass, pointed to the cooperative nature of Sino-African relations. “China’s approach resonates because it is framed around cooperation, not conditionality or competition,” Ajao noted. He described the relationship as one of economic complementarity, where China’s manufacturing prowess synergizes with Africa’s expanding consumer market, creating potential for mutual prosperity rather than rivalry.

    Concrete Chinese policies, such as the zero-tariff treatment for goods originating from 53 African nations, provide tangible benefits, offering African economies vital breathing room to diversify exports and integrate into global value chains. However, experts concurrently stress that external partnerships must be matched by robust internal African cooperation and strategic engagement in global forums to secure meaningful structural change and ensure dialogue translates into substantive action.

  • Goldman Sachs raises 2026-end gold price forecast by $500 to $5,400/oz

    Goldman Sachs raises 2026-end gold price forecast by $500 to $5,400/oz

    In a significant revision of its precious metals outlook, Goldman Sachs has elevated its gold price forecast for late 2026 to $5,400 per ounce, representing a substantial $500 increase from its previous projection of $4,900. This bullish adjustment comes as the investment bank observes robust patterns of institutional and central bank diversification into the traditional safe-haven asset.

    The current market trajectory supports this optimistic outlook, with spot gold reaching a notable peak of $4,887.82 per ounce mid-week. The precious metal has demonstrated remarkable strength throughout 2026, registering an impressive 11% year-to-date gain that builds upon last year’s extraordinary 64% surge.

    Goldman analysts attribute this sustained rally primarily to private sector entities utilizing gold holdings as strategic hedges against global policy uncertainties. In a research note released Wednesday, the brokerage emphasized that these diversification-driven purchases have consistently exceeded price expectations, effectively establishing a higher baseline for future valuations.

    Concurrently, the investment bank anticipates renewed interest from Western exchange-traded funds as monetary policy evolves. Goldman projects the U.S. Federal Reserve will implement approximately 50 basis points of interest rate reductions during 2026, potentially enhancing gold’s appeal relative to yield-bearing assets.

    Central bank activity remains another critical supportive factor, with emerging market institutions expected to maintain substantial gold acquisitions averaging 60 metric tons throughout 2026. This sustained official sector demand reflects ongoing efforts to diversify reserve portfolios away from traditional fiat currencies.

    Despite the overwhelmingly positive outlook, Goldman analysts caution that any substantial reduction in perceived global monetary policy risks could trigger liquidation of policy hedge positions, potentially creating downward pressure on gold valuations.

  • Restaurant Review: An elevated lunch experience at Al Muntaha

    Restaurant Review: An elevated lunch experience at Al Muntaha

    Perched dramatically atop the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Al Muntaha restaurant has redefined luxury dining in Dubai through an extraordinary lunch service that transcends conventional culinary expectations. The establishment offers patrons more than mere sustenance—it delivers a theatrical performance of gastronomic excellence set against breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.

    The arrival experience evokes cinematic grandeur, with the restaurant’s circular architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows creating an atmosphere reminiscent of sophisticated spy thrillers. While the visual spectacle of yachts dotting the azure waters below provides a mesmerizing backdrop, it is the culinary artistry and impeccable service that truly distinguish this venue.

    Service commences with an elegant welcome featuring French beverages and expertly crafted canapés, including delicate tuna tartare tartlets and mushroom cream creations adorned with white summer truffles. The meal progresses with an artisanal bread selection accompanied by premium Burgundy butter, setting the stage for an exceptional tasting journey.

    The culinary narrative unfolds through a meticulously curated progression of dishes: smoked yellowtail crowned with 24k golden albino caviar provides a refreshing opening, followed by homemade tagliolini enveloped in an emulsified sauce of fresh truffle and Pecorino Romano. The centerpiece emerges as Lacaune lamb—reportedly the most tender preparation sampled by the reviewer—accompanied by turnip tops, winter melon, and salsa all’Italiana, achieving perfect harmony between robust meat and delicate accompaniments.

    A savory sorbet of Jerusalem artichoke and additional white truffle serves as an innovative palate cleanser before the final act: a citrus and coconut composition featuring coconut sorbet, meringue, and fresh citrus that provides a refreshing conclusion to the lavish experience.

    Throughout the service, staff demonstrate charismatic professionalism and anticipatory attention to detail, enhancing the overall atmosphere of refined indulgence. Al Muntaha has successfully crafted a multisensory dining experience that combines architectural grandeur, culinary innovation, and service excellence, establishing new standards for luxury lunch offerings in Dubai’s competitive culinary landscape.

  • Ruuska storms to victory with stunning 62 at Egypt Golf Series New Giza

    Ruuska storms to victory with stunning 62 at Egypt Golf Series New Giza

    In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Finnish golfer Lauri Ruuska mounted an extraordinary comeback to secure victory at the Egypt Golf Series New Giza tournament. The professional golfer, competing in his first tournament since September, delivered a stunning performance with a ten-under-par 62 in the final round at New Giza Golf Club.

    Ruuska’s spectacular round featured ten birdies, enabling him to overcome a seven-shot deficit against overnight leader Ludovico Addabbo. The Finnish athlete finished the tournament at 14 under par, narrowly edging out American contender Charlie Crockett by a single stroke. Ruuska’s front nine included six birdies, followed by four additional birdies on the back nine, culminating in a decisive birdie on the final hole that established an unbeatable clubhouse target.

    Following his victory, Ruuska revealed his recent struggles on the DP World Tour and HotelPlanner Tour, explaining that he had taken a six-week complete break from golf to reset his approach to the game. The champion attributed his success to significant improvements in his putting technique, which he refined during practice sessions at his hotel after the initial rounds.

    American golfer Charlie Crockett posted a solid 67 in the final round to claim second place at 13 under par. The competition saw first-round leader Zan Luka Stirn and Italy’s Aron Zemmer sharing third position at 12 under, while overnight leader Addabbo dropped to a tie for seventh place after carding a final-round 73.

    Ruuska’s victory earned him $18,000 from the tournament’s $100,000 prize fund, along with valuable Official World Golf Ranking points. The event marks the beginning of the MENA Golf Tour’s Egypt swing, with the next tournament scheduled at Address Marassi Golf Resort on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast starting January 24th.

  • Inside RAK’s first aid ship to Gaza to send 4,000 tonnes of supplies before Ramadan

    Inside RAK’s first aid ship to Gaza to send 4,000 tonnes of supplies before Ramadan

    In a significant expansion of its humanitarian operations, Ras Al Khaimah has launched its inaugural maritime aid mission to Gaza, deploying a vessel carrying 4,000 tonnes of critical supplies destined for displaced Palestinian families ahead of Ramadan. The Saqr Humanitarian Ship departed from Ras Al Khaimah Port on January 22, embarking on a strategic journey to Egypt’s Port of Al Arish with an anticipated arrival date of February 5.

    The comprehensive cargo aboard represents a meticulously coordinated response to urgent needs in Gaza, containing food provisions for bakeries and communal kitchens, specialized Ramadan food parcels, clothing, blankets, shelter materials, and essential medical supplies to reinforce overwhelmed healthcare facilities. This shipment marks the 23rd humanitarian vessel dispatched under the UAE’s coordinated Gaza relief efforts.

    Hamoud Saeed Al Afari, Relief Operations Coordinator for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, emphasized the strategic nature of this assistance: ‘This vessel carries essential supplies carefully selected based on urgent humanitarian needs, particularly in preparation for Ramadan. Our goal is to ensure aid reaches families, hospitals, and relief centers as quickly and efficiently as possible.’

    The UAE’s humanitarian infrastructure extends beyond maritime deliveries, encompassing a field hospital in Gaza, an operational eye hospital in Al Arish, and six constructed water desalination plants. These efforts are supplemented by daily water deliveries, sustained support for food production facilities, and comprehensive medical assistance that has facilitated treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients within UAE facilities.

    Notably, this mission represents Ras Al Khaimah Port’s inaugural participation in humanitarian maritime operations, joining other UAE ports including Fujairah, Al Hamriyah in Dubai, and Khalifa Port in this coordinated effort. To date, the UAE has delivered more than 737 humanitarian flights and over 10,000 aid trucks into Gaza, accounting for more than 46% of total international assistance.

    The Saqr Mohammed Al Qasimi Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Work fully funded and loaded this historic shipment, marking the foundation’s first complete humanitarian ship contribution. Mohammed Al Shareef, official spokesperson for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, confirmed that aid selection was based on real-time assessments by UAE field teams to ensure alignment with the most pressing civilian needs.

    With total aid volume under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 reaching 110,000 tonnes valued at over $2.6 billion, the UAE continues to dominate international relief efforts for Gaza. A subsequent humanitarian vessel carrying more than 7,000 tonnes of aid is already scheduled for loading and dispatch in early February, reinforcing the sustained pipeline of assistance.

  • ‘Blood was all over’ – victim of Nigeria church abduction describes escape

    ‘Blood was all over’ – victim of Nigeria church abduction describes escape

    A 60-year-old Nigerian woman identified as Sarah Peter has described her miraculous escape from armed kidnappers who attacked her church in Kurmin Wali village, approximately 135km north of Abuja. The assault occurred during Sunday morning worship services when gunmen stormed multiple churches in the region.

    Sarah, whose name has been changed for security reasons, sustained a severe head injury when attackers struck her with a rifle butt to force compliance. ‘Blood was all over,’ she recounted, visibly traumatized days after the incident. Despite her injuries and physical limitations, she managed to hide from her captors during the forced march and crawled back to safety.

    The coordinated attacks targeted branches of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church and two other congregations, resulting in what local Christian Association of Nigeria officials describe as over 160 missing persons. While 11 worshippers including Sarah successfully escaped, the majority remain unaccounted for three days after the incident.

    Kurmin Wali’s proximity to Rijana forest in Kaduna state presents particular security challenges, as the area serves as a known hideout for criminal gangs locally referred to as ‘bandits.’ These groups have increasingly engaged in ransom-driven abductions across Nigeria’s northwestern region, creating a widespread security crisis.

    Authorities initially denied the attacks occurred despite eyewitness accounts, only confirming the incidents after 48 hours of confusion. Local residents have accused officials of attempting to suppress information about the kidnappings, with reports of journalists being blocked from accessing the village.

    Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani eventually visited the traumatized community, promising to establish a military base between the village and Rijana forest, construct a hospital and road infrastructure, and provide medical support to affected residents. ‘We cannot relocate them because they have to farm… but to ensure that we protect them going forward, we need to have a military base,’ Governor Sani told the BBC.

    The attack reflects Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, with kidnapping for ransom becoming increasingly commonplace despite official prohibitions on payments to captors. While international attention has grown regarding religious targeting in Nigeria, officials maintain that Muslims, Christians, and non-religious individuals have all been affected by the insecurity.

    Survivor Christopher Yohanna, who escaped with his two-year-old daughter but lost two wives and other children, encapsulated the community’s despair: ‘If my family is not with me then my life is worthless and free of any joy.’ As families await news of their missing relatives, they hope the governor’s security promises will materialize before further attacks occur.