In a groundbreaking initiative blending sportsmanship and philanthropy, the World Padel Academy (WPA) hosted the Tooba Padel Cup on October 4, 2025, in Dubai. The charity tournament brought together 14 doubles pairs of professional athletes, padel enthusiasts, and philanthropists for a day of competitive sport and social impact. The event, held in collaboration with the Al Jalila Foundation, aimed to raise awareness and funds for individuals and families in need across the UAE. The tournament followed a single-elimination format, featuring the Fast4 rules — one set to four games, a tiebreak to seven points at three-all, and no-ad scoring to maintain a dynamic pace. The day culminated in an awards ceremony and a charity auction, where exclusive signed memorabilia from participating athletes were auctioned off, with all proceeds channeled to the Al Jalila Foundation through Tooba’s innovative donation platform. Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy, emphasized the event’s broader mission, stating, ‘Sport has always been more than competition; it is about connection, wellness, and creating lasting impact.’ Tooba, an international charitable platform, has revolutionized giving by enabling direct contributions to verified causes, ensuring transparency and accessibility. Since its inception, Tooba has facilitated over $40 million in donations, benefiting more than 700,000 people globally. Ramazan Medzhidov, founder of Tooba, expressed gratitude to the WPA, partners, and attendees, highlighting how the event transformed sport into tangible social impact. The collaboration showcased the power of sport to drive meaningful change, combining WPA’s world-class sporting infrastructure, Tooba’s cutting-edge donation technology, and Al Jalila Foundation’s humanitarian efforts. Together, they demonstrated how purpose-led initiatives can inspire communities and create a lasting legacy of compassion and support.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Giga Computing and KERNO Enterprises announce regional service partnership at GITEX Dubai 2025
At the prestigious GITEX Dubai 2025 event, Giga Computing Technology Co., Ltd., a leading Taiwanese technology firm, and KERNO Enterprises FZE, a prominent UAE-based company, unveiled a groundbreaking regional service partnership. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in their shared mission to enhance technological and service excellence across the GCC region. Under the newly signed agreement, KERNO has been appointed as the official service center for GIGABYTE server products in the GCC, solidifying its role as a trusted partner for Giga Computing. This partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to delivering world-class professional support and advancing regional technology independence. KERNO’s local Arabic-speaking team of engineers, trained and certified by Giga Computing, will manage all after-sales, RMA, and mission-critical service requests. Customers can now access 24/7 support through a dedicated web platform, ensuring faster turnaround times and flexible service options, including remote troubleshooting and on-site interventions. The collaboration aligns with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” strategy, promoting local manufacturing and service ecosystem growth. Paul Smirnov, deputy COO at KERNO Enterprises, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that it underscores KERNO’s capability to provide world-class services with local expertise. Jay Lee, managing director for the Middle East at Giga Computing, highlighted the benefits of faster and more reliable customer support through this alliance.
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Sudan’s cholera outbreak worsens amid conflict and heavy rains
Sudan is facing an escalating cholera crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and relentless heavy rains. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over a ‘concerning case fatality rate’ of 2.8 percent, nearly triple the emergency threshold of 1 percent, signaling an urgent need for a robust response. As of October 13, Sudan’s Ministry of Health reported over 120,000 cholera cases and more than 3,300 deaths nationwide. In Darfur alone, 17,246 cases and 570 deaths have been recorded across all five states since the outbreak began in Nitega, South Darfur, in May. The international humanitarian organization CARE highlighted that the conflict has displaced millions, forcing families into overcrowded camps with limited access to clean water and collapsed sanitation systems. Cholera is spreading rapidly through communities already on the brink of survival, with women, children, and the elderly bearing the brunt of the crisis. The situation is further compounded by the destruction of over 75 percent of health facilities, making healthcare increasingly inaccessible. CARE Sudan warned that the humanitarian response is severely underfunded and overstretched, with shortages of medical supplies, chlorine, hygiene kits, and insufficient water trucking capacity hampering efforts to reach affected communities. The lack of sustained funding threatens to undermine ongoing interventions, potentially worsening the crisis as the rainy season persists.
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UN condemns military takeover in Madagascar as coup leader to be quickly sworn in as president
The United Nations has strongly denounced the recent military coup in Madagascar, as Colonel Michael Randrianirina is poised to be sworn in as the nation’s president just days after leading the armed forces’ takeover. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, condemned the unconstitutional shift in power, urging a swift return to constitutional order and the rule of law. Randrianirina, who signed a statement as the president of the “refounded” republic, is scheduled to take office at a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court on Friday. Ousted President Andry Rajoelina fled the country following the rebellion, citing threats to his life, and his current location remains undisclosed. The African Union has suspended Madagascar’s membership, expressing total rejection of the coup. The military takeover followed three weeks of intense anti-government protests, primarily led by young citizens frustrated with systemic corruption, poverty, and lack of opportunities. The movement, dubbed “Gen Z Madagascar,” mirrors youth-led uprisings in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Randrianirina, alongside his elite CAPSAT unit, joined the protests last weekend, leading to widespread military defections against Rajoelina. The colonel announced that a military council would govern the country for up to two years before new elections are held. Madagascar, a nation of 30 million, has faced persistent challenges, including poverty, drought, and political instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. This marks the latest in a series of coups, including the 2009 military takeover that initially brought Rajoelina to power.
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Cameroon ruling party office torched after election fraud claims, rising tensions
YAOUNDE, Cameroon — The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), the nation’s governing party, reported on Thursday that one of its offices in the western city of Dschang was set on fire. This incident marks the latest escalation in the ongoing political turmoil following the October 12 presidential election, which has been marred by allegations of electoral fraud. Jean Nkuete, the party’s secretary general, confirmed the arson attack in a statement, vowing to pursue legal action against those responsible. Videos of the burning building circulated widely on social media and local news outlets, amplifying the unrest. The fire comes amid heightened tensions after opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary prematurely declared victory last week, urging 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting president, to concede. Biya’s party has dismissed Tchiroma’s claims, accusing him of attempting to disrupt the electoral process. The constitutional court is expected to announce the final election results by October 26. Meanwhile, Tchiroma has alleged vote tampering, echoing reports from civil society groups of irregularities, including attempted ballot stuffing. Protests erupted in several cities on Wednesday night, with demonstrators in Douala, the economic capital, setting barricades ablaze. Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons, though no casualties have been reported. The Prefect of Wouri, Sylyac Marie Mvogo, condemned the unrest, emphasizing that election matters should be handled by competent authorities. Analysts predict a victory for Biya, citing a divided opposition and the disqualification of his strongest rival in August. Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson, has garnered significant support from opposition parties and civic groups. Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, faces ongoing challenges, including a secessionist movement in the west and widespread corruption, despite the country’s rich natural resources.
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New festival at Expo City Dubai allows children to play with goats on rooftop
Expo City Dubai has introduced a delightful new attraction this October and November at Terra, its sustainability-themed building. The rooftop garden now hosts five pygmy goats, offering children and families a unique opportunity to interact with these playful animals. The Goat Festival, designed to be both educational and entertaining, will take place on October 25-26 and November 1-2. Visitors can enjoy guided walking tours every 30 minutes, where they can meet the goats up close and learn about their role in maintaining healthy gardens. Additionally, the festival features a Rescue Animal Encounter, allowing families to meet and learn about rehabilitated animals. Children can also participate in creative activities such as making bookmarks, goat masks, and footprint art, as well as planting their own mini gardens. A dedicated game zone, ‘Be The GOAT,’ will be available for kids to enjoy independently. The festival runs from 10am to 6pm on the scheduled days, offering an indoor-outdoor experience. Tickets are priced at Dh50 for individuals aged three and above, with free entry for younger children. Tickets can be purchased on the official website.
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Over 50% of online content generated by AI, but failing to engage, says UAE minister
In a striking revelation at Gitex Global 2025, Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, disclosed that over half of the internet’s content is now generated by artificial intelligence (AI). However, this AI-driven content is failing to capture human interest or rank well on search engines. ‘Approximately 52% of online content is AI-generated, while 48% remains human-created. Yet, we’re observing that search engines aren’t prioritizing AI content, and users aren’t engaging with it,’ Al Olama stated during a fireside chat. He attributed this lack of engagement to the overwhelming volume of uninteresting AI-generated material. The minister emphasized the need for agile policymaking to address the evolving impacts of AI, urging governments to regulate the technology effectively without overreach. Al Olama also highlighted the UAE’s unique approach to AI governance, including the appointment of chief AI officers across federal and Dubai government agencies. These officers are tasked with understanding AI’s frontiers and crafting proactive, well-informed regulations. He cautioned against overestimating AI’s capabilities and stressed the importance of balancing excitement with realistic expectations. ‘AI won’t solve every problem,’ he concluded, advocating for informed and balanced regulation.
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Lawyers ask ICC to investigate 122 European officials for crimes against humanity in Mediterranean
The European Union’s collaboration with Libya on migration policies has come under intense scrutiny following a legal filing at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Human rights lawyers Omer Shatz and Juan Branco submitted a 700-page dossier on Thursday, naming 122 European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as co-perpetrators in crimes against humanity involving migrants in the Mediterranean Sea. The filing accuses these leaders of policies that led to the interception, detention, torture, and death of tens of thousands of asylum seekers. The case builds on a 2019 ICC investigation into EU migration practices, which initially did not name specific individuals. The lawyers’ extensive six-year investigation included interviews with over 70 senior European officials and access to confidential documents. They argue that European leaders, alongside Libyan actors, are responsible for the deaths of 25,000 migrants and abuses against 150,000 survivors. The EU has defended its cooperation with Libya, emphasizing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect migrants. However, human rights groups and a recent U.N.-backed investigation have criticized the EU’s support for Libyan forces, citing their role in migrant abuses. The ICC filing marks a significant escalation in holding European leaders accountable for their migration policies.
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UAE faces 200,000 daily cyberattacks; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah most targeted
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is under constant siege from cyber threats, facing over 200,000 cyberattacks daily, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah bearing the brunt of nearly 60% of these assaults. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE government, revealed these alarming statistics during his presentation at Gitex Global 2025. Dubai leads as the most targeted emirate, accounting for 21% of attacks, followed by Abu Dhabi (19%) and Sharjah (18%). Other emirates like Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain also face significant threats, albeit to a lesser extent. Government entities are the primary targets, absorbing 34.9% of the attacks, while financial firms, energy sectors, and healthcare organizations also face substantial risks. Despite the relentless onslaught, the UAE has demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully defending both public and private sector organizations. The average duration of a cyberattack in the UAE is significantly shorter than the global average, standing at 18.53 minutes compared to 60 minutes worldwide. However, the financial impact remains severe, with the Middle East experiencing an average data breach cost of $7.92 million in 2024, far exceeding the global average of $4.88 million. Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized the evolving nature of cyber threats, warning that they outpace the ability of enterprises to adapt. He highlighted a recent ransomware attack on a private healthcare facility that resulted in the exfiltration of 8 terabytes of data. To combat these challenges, the UAE is fostering a cyber-resilient culture, conducting global cyber drills with over 133 countries, and integrating advanced technologies like AI into its defense strategies. Dr. Al Kuwaiti stressed the importance of anticipating and countering cyber threats to safeguard the economy, national security, and society. Global losses from cyberattacks reached $10.5 trillion in 2024 and are projected to soar to $15.6 trillion by 2029, underscoring the urgency of collective action.
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Karan Johar shares unseen pictures from ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ set
Karan Johar, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the iconic Bollywood movie ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,’ recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane by sharing a series of never-before-seen photos from the film’s set. The 1998 blockbuster, which marked Johar’s directorial debut, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. On Thursday, Johar posted these candid snapshots on his Instagram account, accompanied by the timeless track ‘Tum Paas Aaye,’ further amplifying the emotional connection with his audience. The images feature the film’s legendary cast, including Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Farah Khan, Anupam Kher, and Archana Puran Singh, capturing moments of camaraderie and joy during the filming process. In his heartfelt caption, Johar reflected on the 27-year journey of the film, expressing gratitude for the enduring love it continues to receive. He described the set as a place filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories, thanking fans for their unwavering support. The post quickly garnered immense attention, with fans flooding the comments section to share their personal stories and cherished memories of the film. ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ not only redefined Bollywood romance but also left an indelible mark on pop culture, influencing fashion trends and youth culture of the time. The film earned Johar the prestigious National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, cementing its legacy as a cinematic masterpiece. As fans reminisce about Anjali’s iconic bob cut, SRK’s signature pendant, and the timeless themes of love and friendship, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in Indian cinema.