Mahjong, a centuries-old Chinese strategy game, is experiencing a renaissance in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, where it has become a popular screen-free activity. The game, which requires skill, strategy, and mental agility, is now a staple in living rooms, cafes, and private parties across the city. The Mahjong Network, a community founded earlier this year by Ria Bajaj, Ishira Kumar, and Maneka Jain Daswani, has grown to 367 members in Dubai alone, connecting players through WhatsApp and social media. The network aims to create an inclusive platform where people can interact as equals, regardless of their social status or background. Mahjong’s appeal lies in its ability to foster social connections, provide mental stimulation, and offer a digital detox. Players describe the game as a ‘gym for the brain,’ likening it to meditation and a metaphor for life, where one learns to navigate unexpected twists and adapt strategies. The Dubai chapter of the network recently hosted its first Diwali-themed mahjong meet-up, attended by 64 women dressed in traditional Indian attire. The game’s growing popularity is evident in the increasing number of private events, parties, and workshops dedicated to it. Mahjong is not just a game for older, affluent women; it attracts a diverse demographic, including professionals seeking a break from their stressful jobs. The game’s ability to improve memory, cognitive abilities, and mental health, while fostering a sense of community, has made it a beloved pastime in the UAE.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Tanzania’s first female president has defied early hopes that she would ease repression
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Since her inauguration in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan has faced growing scrutiny over her leadership style. Initially seen as a reformist, Hassan’s tenure has increasingly been marked by authoritarian tendencies, according to critics and human rights organizations. A recent cartoon by Tanzanian-born artist Gado, based in Kenya, depicted Hassan in a military uniform, labeling her a “Dictatoress,” symbolizing her perceived shift from a torchbearer of liberty to a wielder of repression.
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Over 30 mln people in Sudan in need of humanitarian assistance: UN agencies
Sudan is grappling with one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, with over 30 million people requiring urgent assistance, including 9.6 million internally displaced individuals and nearly 15 million children, according to a joint statement by four United Nations agencies. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP) issued the alarming report on Thursday, calling for immediate international intervention. The crisis, now in its third year, has been exacerbated by relentless conflict, widespread human rights violations, famine, and the collapse of essential services such as healthcare and education. Famine was confirmed in parts of Sudan last year, and the hunger situation remains dire, with malnutrition rates skyrocketing, particularly among children. Senior UN officials who recently visited Sudan witnessed the devastating impact of the crisis in regions like Darfur and Khartoum. Despite some families returning to Sudan, driven by a determination to rebuild their lives, the country remains in deep crisis. Humanitarian access to affected populations is severely restricted due to insecurity, bureaucratic hurdles, and logistical challenges. Funding shortages further aggravate the situation, with the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan only 25% funded. The UN agencies have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, unhindered humanitarian access, simplified aid delivery procedures, urgent funding, and support for durable solutions for displaced populations.
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Finery and frailty: Africa’s top shots
This week, Africa showcased a tapestry of cultural, environmental, and political events, capturing the continent’s dynamic spirit. In South Africa, the Cape Town International Kite Festival drew crowds of enthusiasts to the beach, celebrating creativity and community. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, an environmental group organized a ‘Trashion Show’ in Lagos, blending fashion with sustainability as models strutted in outfits made from recycled materials. Algeria hosted the National Cultural Festival of Women’s Creativity in Algiers, where a Sahrawi woman proudly displayed her traditional jewelry, highlighting the richness of indigenous culture. In Madagascar, a rare short-legged ground roller was photographed feasting on a pimple-nose chameleon, a reminder of the island’s unique biodiversity. Cameroon’s Ruben Sodea impressed at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Indonesia, vaulting into the air with precision and grace. Senegal’s annual canoe races off the coast of Dakar attracted cheering crowds, while Lagos’ vibrant nightlife came alive with cabaret performances in the Ikoyi neighborhood. Ivory Coast celebrated the Abissa festival in Grand-Bassam, where Nanan Awoulae Desire Amon Tanoe, king of the N’Zima people, made a grand entrance. In Italy, South Sudanese model-turned-actress Anyier Anei debuted in her film ‘Couture,’ starring alongside Angelina Jolie. Political tensions simmered in Ivory Coast as campaign billboards for former First Lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo appeared ahead of the presidential election. In Tunisia, protesters in Gabes demanded the closure of a local chemical factory, citing health concerns. Cameroon saw opposition protesters barricade roads in Garoua, accusing the ruling party of election rigging. Amidst these events, Madagascar’s coastal city of Toliara offered a glimpse of everyday life as boys played with a mobile phone. From cultural celebrations to environmental activism and political unrest, Africa’s diverse stories continue to captivate the world.
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Conservation group rescues sea turtles caught in nets at Nigerian coastal city and rewards fishermen
In a heartwarming event at a private beach in Lagos, Nigeria, three endangered sea turtles were released back into the Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant victory for wildlife conservation in the region. The turtles, rescued from local fishermen weeks earlier, were rehabilitated by the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, a group dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s threatened wildlife. The release, which took place last weekend, was witnessed by conservationists, students, and onlookers who cheered as the turtles made their way back to their natural habitat.
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‘Our reality, our values’: Graffiti finds growing acceptance in West Africa
In the bustling streets of Conakry, Guinea, graffiti artist Omar Diaw, known by his alias “Chimere,” is redefining urban art. Once dismissed as vandalism, graffiti has now become a powerful medium for public awareness and cultural expression in the city. Diaw, who moved to Guinea from Senegal in 2018, found a blank canvas in Conakry, where street art was virtually nonexistent. Over the years, his vibrant murals have transformed the city’s concrete-heavy landscape, featuring larger-than-life portraits of Guinean musicians, African independence leaders, and even the country’s military ruler, General Mamadi Doumbouya. Diaw’s approach has been strategic and inclusive. By aligning his art with public campaigns, such as raising awareness about COVID-19, he has won over both the public and authorities. His graffiti collective, Guinea Ghetto Graff, has left its mark across the city, turning walls into storytelling canvases. The art form, which originated in the U.S. and arrived in West Africa via Senegal in the late 1980s, has evolved to reflect African realities and values. Today, graffiti in Guinea and Senegal is not just art but also a tool for political messaging and social commentary. Diaw’s work has garnered widespread admiration, with locals praising its ability to preserve history and reshape urban spaces. As the movement grows, there is a push for greater inclusivity, with calls for more women to join the graffiti scene and contribute to this transformative art form.
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UAE Lottery drops dramatic call revealing Dh100 million jackpot winner’s reaction
In a heartwarming revelation, the UAE Lottery has shared the electrifying moment when a lucky winner was informed of his Dh100 million jackpot victory. The winner, identified only as Anilkum** B**, matched all seven numbers in the October 18 draw, defying odds of more than 1 in 8.8 million. The UAE Lottery posted the actual phone call on Instagram, capturing the winner’s stunned reaction. The caller, Shah from the UAE Lottery, calmly announced the life-changing news, prompting an emotional outburst from the winner. ‘Oh my God,’ the winner exclaimed, his voice trembling with disbelief. This historic win marks a significant milestone for the UAE Lottery, which has already created four millionaires since its inception. While the winner’s full identity remains under wraps pending verification, the post teased an upcoming reveal. This extraordinary event not only highlights the life-altering potential of the lottery but also underscores its growing impact in the UAE.
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Saudi Arabia to host ATP Masters 1000 tennis event from 2028
In a landmark decision for the world of tennis, the ATP has announced the introduction of a new Masters 1000 tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia starting in 2028. This event, which will be played on hard courts over the course of one week at the beginning of the season, marks the first expansion of the prestigious Masters 1000 series since its inception in 1990. The exact host city is yet to be determined. The announcement was made by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi during a press conference in Paris. The Saudi tournament will join the existing nine Masters events held in iconic locations such as Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris. Gaudenzi described the expansion as ‘a proud moment’ and the culmination of years of planning. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the demanding schedule of the ATP tour, which runs from January to November. However, unlike most Masters events, the Saudi tournament will not be mandatory for players, offering them greater flexibility in their participation. The event is part of a strategic partnership with SURJ Sports Investments, a company linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports, particularly tennis. The kingdom has already hosted the WTA Finals in Riyadh since 2024 and the Next Gen ATP Finals since 2023. A Saudi source close to the deal emphasized the potential for tennis to grow significantly in the region, citing existing infrastructure and the sport’s appeal to younger generations. The PIF has also established partnerships with several existing Masters 1000 tournaments, further solidifying its presence in the tennis world.
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Lessons in love: When solitude is no longer a choice
In a deeply reflective narrative, Suresh Pattali explores the intricate relationship between solitude, love, and the passage of time. The story begins with a poignant scene of his partner, Amma, sleeping peacefully, a moment that evokes both tranquility and unease. Amma, though not his biological mother, has been his life partner for 43 years, a bond that has shaped his understanding of companionship and isolation.
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UAE strongly condemns Israeli Knesset’s approval of draft laws annexing West Bank
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of two draft laws aimed at annexing the occupied West Bank and legitimizing control over a settlement in the region. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE described the move as a severe escalation, a blatant violation of international resolutions, and a direct threat to the prospects of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The Ministry reiterated the UAE’s firm rejection of all unilateral actions that seek to alter the legal and historical status of the Palestinian territories, emphasizing that such measures undermine the foundation of the two-state solution. The UAE called on the international community to fulfill its legal and political responsibilities by taking decisive steps to ensure security and stability for all peoples in the region. Additionally, the Ministry underscored the importance of supporting regional and international efforts to revive the peace process and halt illegal practices, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and the rights of the Palestinian people.