Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has attributed last week’s deadly protests to foreign interference, following a contentious election that barred two key opposition candidates from challenging her re-election bid. In her inaugural address, Hassan acknowledged the loss of lives but claimed that those arrested were from other countries, without providing specifics. She pledged to unite the nation and urged security forces to restore normalcy. Her swearing-in ceremony, held in Dodoma, was notably subdued compared to her previous inauguration, reflecting the heightened tensions. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) criticized the October 29 election, stating it failed to meet democratic standards due to the exclusion of opposition candidates and delays in accrediting observers. The main opposition party, Chadema, rejected the results, calling them baseless. Meanwhile, internet restrictions persisted, disrupting daily life and economic activities. International leaders, including those from Mozambique, Zambia, Burundi, and Somalia, attended the ceremony, with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema urging Tanzanians to avoid violence. Kenyan President William Ruto called for dialogue to ensure stability, as the election violence disrupted cross-border trade, leaving agricultural goods to rot at the Kenya-Tanzania border.
标签： Africa
非洲
-
Egypt opens Grand Egyptian Museum, eyes tourism boom, economic lift
Egypt has officially unveiled the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental project poised to revitalize the nation’s tourism sector and stimulate economic growth. Situated on the Giza Plateau, a mere 2 kilometers from the iconic Pyramids and the Sphinx, the GEM spans an impressive 500,000 square meters, making it the largest museum dedicated to a single civilization globally. The inauguration ceremony, held on November 1, 2025, was graced by numerous international delegations, including heads of state and government, marking a significant cultural milestone.
The GEM houses over 100,000 artifacts that chronicle thousands of years of Egyptian history, including a towering 12-meter statue of King Ramses II, dating back 3,200 years. The museum’s design, which overlooks the Pyramids, symbolically bridges the ancient and modern worlds. Mohamed Othman, head of the Cultural Tourism Marketing Committee in Upper Egypt, emphasized the museum’s potential to extend visitor stays and boost cultural tourism, aligning with Egypt’s ambitious goal of attracting 30 million tourists annually.
The economic implications of the GEM are substantial. Tour operators are already crafting week-long itineraries centered around the museum, reflecting its significant impact on the tourism sector. The museum has also spurred job creation in Giza, generating tens of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. Furthermore, it is encouraging visitors to explore other historical sites in Luxor and Aswan, thereby creating a new tourism flow from Cairo to Upper Egypt.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Egypt’s economy, contributing significantly to foreign currency earnings alongside remittances, Suez Canal revenues, and exports. Despite regional instability, the sector has shown resilience, with tourism revenues reaching $15.3 billion in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year. The government aims to attract approximately 18 million visitors in 2025, with the GEM expected to draw around 15,000 visitors daily, or roughly 5 million annually.
The museum’s centerpiece is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s artifacts, including his iconic golden mask, gilded coffins, and royal chariots, displayed together for the first time since their discovery in 1922. Abdel Fattah al-Assi, a former assistant minister of tourism and antiquities, highlighted the GEM’s unique focus on ancient Egyptian civilization, which enhances Egypt’s competitive edge in global tourism. He likened the museum’s economic role to that of the Suez Canal, emphasizing its potential to inject much-needed foreign currency into the economy.
Infrastructure upgrades, such as new highways, hotels, and the Sphinx International Airport, further bolster the GEM’s appeal by simplifying travel and lodging. These developments are expected to encourage tour operators to combine Cairo trips with resort packages to destinations like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. ‘The GEM will reshape Egypt’s tourism map, especially in Cairo,’ al-Assi remarked. ‘Its impact on the country’s tourism industry and economy will be profound.’
-
Tanzania president being sworn in after election marred by violence
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been inaugurated for a second term following a contentious election marked by violent protests and allegations of electoral fraud. The swearing-in ceremony took place at a military parade ground in Dodoma, the capital, and was broadcast live by the state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC). The event was closed to the public, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the proceedings. Samia was declared the winner with an overwhelming 98% of the vote, a result that has been widely criticized by opposition groups and international observers. Key rival candidates were either imprisoned or disqualified from running, leaving little competition in the race. The election’s aftermath has been marred by significant violence, with reports of hundreds of casualties. Opposition leaders and activists claim that security forces were responsible for the deaths of at least 800 people, while diplomatic sources suggest the toll could be as high as 500. The United Nations has also reported credible evidence of at least 10 deaths in three cities. In her victory speech, Samia defended the election as “free and democratic” and labeled the protesters as “unpatriotic.” The Tanzanian government has sought to minimize the scale of the violence, but the situation remains unclear due to a nationwide internet shutdown that has hindered information flow and verification of the death toll. International observers have expressed concerns about the transparency of the electoral process and the violent crackdown on dissent. The inauguration comes at a critical juncture for Tanzania, as the country grapples with political instability and questions about the legitimacy of its leadership.
-
I built this ‘AI aunt’ for women after family tragedy in South Africa
Inspired by a tragic family incident, South African developer Leonora Tima has created Grit, a groundbreaking digital platform designed to address gender-based violence (GBV) in her country. The app, which features an AI chatbot named Zuzi, aims to provide support, gather evidence, and offer immediate assistance to abuse survivors. Leonora’s motivation stemmed from the brutal murder of her 19-year-old pregnant relative in 2020, a crime that went unnoticed in the media due to the alarming frequency of such cases in South Africa. Determined to challenge the normalization of violence against women, Leonora developed Grit with input from local communities and financial backing from organizations like Mozilla, the Gates Foundation, and the Patrick McGovern Foundation. The app includes three key features: a help button that records audio and alerts a rapid-response call center, a secure digital vault for storing evidence, and Zuzi, an AI chatbot offering guidance and support. Grit has already garnered 13,000 users and received 10,000 help requests in September alone. While the app has drawn international acclaim, experts caution that AI tools should complement, not replace, human empathy and professional counseling. Leonora emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in AI development to ensure technology reflects the realities of its users.
-
OPEC+ set to agree another modest oil output increase, sources say
In a life-changing moment, an Indian expatriate in the United Arab Emirates has clinched the Dh25-million grand prize in the latest Big Ticket draw. The winner, whose identity remains undisclosed, is now among the select few to have hit the jackpot in this highly anticipated lottery event. The Big Ticket draw, known for its massive cash prizes, continues to attract participants from across the globe, offering a chance to transform lives overnight. Meanwhile, Dubai has unveiled plans for an Education Expo, set to feature over 60 private schools and early learning centers. The expo aims to showcase the latest advancements in education and provide parents with comprehensive insights into the best learning environments for their children. This dual announcement highlights the UAE’s commitment to fostering both individual prosperity and educational excellence.
-
Dubai Ride 2025: Thousands take part as Sheikh Zayed Road turns into giant cycling track
On November 2, 2025, Dubai witnessed an extraordinary transformation as Sheikh Zayed Road became a sprawling cycling track for the sixth edition of Dubai Ride. This event, part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, attracted a staggering 40,327 participants, ranging from amateur enthusiasts to professional cyclists, all eager to experience the city’s iconic landmarks on two wheels. Families, friends, and colleagues gathered to create lasting memories, with children particularly enjoying the morning of exercise and fun. The event kicked off at sunrise, led by Dubai Police supercars and Talabat delivery riders, setting the tone for an exhilarating day. Participants like 1-year-old Diana, who rode with her father Dmitrii, and 7-year-old Vihaan, accompanied by his father Sreeraj, highlighted the event’s inclusive and family-friendly nature. The Dubai Ride also featured speed laps for experienced cyclists, offering them the chance to whiz past the city’s skyline. With multiple routes catering to different skill levels, including the 12km Sheikh Zayed Road Route and the 4km Downtown Family Route, the event ensured accessibility for all. Yaqoub Al Zarouni, manager of Dubai Fitness Challenge, emphasized the event’s success in promoting wellness and fitness as a lifestyle. The day concluded with road closures in place until 10am, leaving participants eagerly anticipating next year’s edition.
-
Dodgers cement MLB dynasty with back-to-back World Series titles
The Los Angeles Dodgers have solidified their status as Major League Baseball’s (MLB) premier team of the era by securing their second consecutive World Series title and third in six years. In a thrilling Game Seven showdown against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Dodgers emerged victorious with a 5-4 win in extra innings, marking a historic achievement in the sport. This triumph makes them the first team to win back-to-back championships since the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000.
-
Dubai’s villa boom fuels surge in outdoor living — and furniture demand
Dubai’s real estate market is witnessing a significant shift as villa ownership continues to rise, fueling a growing demand for luxury outdoor living spaces. According to data from the Dubai Land Department, villa transactions in the emirate surged by over 30% year-on-year in 2024, with prime areas such as Al Barsha, Jumeirah, and Arabian Ranches leading the way. This trend has reshaped consumer preferences, with outdoor areas like gardens, terraces, and courtyards now seen as extensions of the home — spaces for relaxation, entertainment, and personal expression. Responding to this demand, Rattan House, a leading luxury outdoor furniture brand, has launched a new nature-inspired collection and expanded its flagship showroom in Dubai. Established in 1982 as a small workshop, the brand has grown into a regional leader in outdoor design, catering to villas, hotels, and restaurants across the Middle East. The latest collection features handcrafted pieces made from sustainable teak and natural fibers, including dining sets, sunbeds, fire pits, swings, and outdoor rugs, all designed to bring indoor elegance to outdoor settings. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Quoz, the expanded showroom offers an immersive experience for design enthusiasts, showcasing curated displays that evoke serene landscapes and demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform outdoor spaces into timeless sanctuaries. This expansion reflects Rattan House’s growing appeal among both B2B and B2C clients, including architects, designers, and homeowners seeking durability and style. As Dubai’s real estate market continues to favor spacious living and outdoor-centric lifestyles, brands like Rattan House are poised to shape the future of alfresco luxury.
-
SRK turns 60: Aryan behind the camera, Suhana on-screen; how star’s kids carry forward his legacy
As Shah Rukh Khan, the undisputed ‘Badshah’ of Bollywood, celebrates his 60th birthday, the spotlight shines not only on his illustrious career but also on his children, who are carving their own paths in the entertainment industry. Known for his iconic roles in films like ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Pathaan’, and ‘Jawan’, SRK’s influence extends beyond acting, encompassing business ventures and global recognition. Now, his children—Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam—are stepping into the limelight, each contributing to the Khan legacy in unique ways.
Aryan Khan, the eldest, has ventured into filmmaking with his directorial debut, ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’. The seven-episode series, currently streaming on Netflix, offers a sharp critique of the film industry and has been praised for its bold narrative and ensemble cast. Aryan, a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, has also demonstrated his entrepreneurial flair with the launch of SLAB Ventures and the luxury brand D’YAVOL.
Suhana Khan, the middle child, has embraced acting, making her debut in Zoya Akhtar’s Netflix film ‘The Archies’. Playing Veronica Lodge, Suhana showcased her talent and screen presence, building on her earlier work in the short film ‘The Grey Part of Blue’. A trained actor from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Suhana is also gaining attention for her fashion sense and is rumored to be starring alongside her father in an upcoming project titled ‘King’.
Youngest sibling AbRam, though still a child, has already captured the hearts of fans with his charming appearances at public events. Together, the Khan siblings are not only upholding their father’s legacy but also forging their own identities in the world of entertainment. As Shah Rukh Khan continues to inspire millions, his children are proving that the Khan dynasty is here to stay.
-
India beat South Africa for historic World Cup win
In a historic moment for Indian cricket, the women’s team secured their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa in Navi Mumbai. The match, delayed by two hours due to rain, unfolded in front of a packed, roaring crowd of 45,000 at the DY Patil Stadium. India set a formidable target of 298-7, thanks to a stellar 87-run knock by Shafali Verma and a crucial 58 from Deepti Sharma. South Africa, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s brilliant century (101), fought valiantly but were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs. Deepti Sharma’s exceptional bowling performance, claiming 5-39, sealed the victory for India. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s cricket, signaling a potential shift in the global cricketing landscape. The win was celebrated as a turning point, with India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a new era for the team.