Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Dubai: Nobu One Za’abeel to debut in January 2026

    Dubai: Nobu One Za’abeel to debut in January 2026

    Dubai’s reputation as a global gastronomic capital is poised for another significant enhancement with the announced inauguration of Nobu One Za’abeel in January 2026. This landmark establishment will reside within The Link at One&Only One Za’abeel, an architectural marvel recognized as the world’s longest cantilevered sky concourse, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city.

    The newest iteration of the world-renowned Nobu brand promises an immersive experience that transcends conventional dining. The design philosophy merges refined sophistication with audacious artistic elements. Interior spaces will showcase premium materials including black cerused oak, embossed leather panels, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, and striking Calacatta Cielo marble surfaces. Artistic accents feature liquid metal art installations complemented by warm ambient lighting and delicate gold-leaf detailing.

    Culinary offerings will feature the brand’s iconic Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, including signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño. The menu will also introduce exclusive creations developed specifically for this location, including Umami Mediterranean Seabass with Tomato Dashi Ponzu and Wagyu Beef Tenderloin Shiitake Millefeuille Tozasu.

    As evening progresses, the venue will transform into an exclusive nightlife destination featuring an energetic bar and lounge atmosphere. The space will host renowned DJ performances and operate with extended hours, introducing a unique after-hours concept previously unseen in the Nobu portfolio.

    Founded through the visionary collaboration of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and producer Meir Teper, the Nobu hospitality group currently operates 57 international locations. Reservation details for Nobu One Za’abeel will be announced in the coming months.

  • Eva Green joins ‘Wednesday’ Season 3 cast as ‘Aunt Ophelia’

    Eva Green joins ‘Wednesday’ Season 3 cast as ‘Aunt Ophelia’

    Eva Green has been announced as the latest addition to the cast of Netflix’s hit series ‘Wednesday’ for its highly anticipated third season. According to Deadline, Green will portray Aunt Ophelia, a mysterious and troubled member of the Addams family, who made a brief but intriguing appearance in the final moments of Season 2. This casting marks the first major update for the upcoming season, which was greenlit even before Season 2 premiered. The revelation puts an end to widespread fan speculation, including theories that Lady Gaga’s character, Rosalyn Rottwood, might be Ophelia Frump. Described as a raven-like figure akin to her niece Wednesday (Jenna Ortega), Ophelia is known for pushing her psychic abilities to extraordinary limits. Her backstory reveals that she was institutionalized at Willow Hill Psychiatric Hospital by her mother, Hester Frump (Joanna Lumley), before escaping. ‘Wednesday,’ created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, follows the supernatural adventures of Wednesday Addams during her time at Nevermore Academy. Green’s return to the genre is notable, following her acclaimed role in Showtime’s ‘Penny Dreadful,’ which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Her upcoming projects include ‘The Trees,’ ‘Blood on Snow,’ and ‘Just Play Dead.’

  • Nigerian parents say they are kept in the dark over abducted schoolchildren

    Nigerian parents say they are kept in the dark over abducted schoolchildren

    In the remote community of Papiri, Nigeria, the parents of over 300 schoolchildren abducted by armed men are grappling with despair and uncertainty. The latest mass abduction, which occurred on Friday, has left families in anguish, with no official communication from the government regarding rescue efforts. Emmanuel Ejeh, whose 12-year-old son Mathew was taken, expressed his frustration, stating, ‘Nobody from the government has briefed us about the abduction.’ The stress has been so overwhelming that one parent reportedly died of a heart attack. While 50 students have managed to escape, the fate of the remaining children remains unknown. This incident is part of a broader pattern of school abductions in Nigeria, often carried out by armed groups seeking ransom. Despite international scrutiny and promises of improved school safety, including the Safe School Initiative, little progress has been made. Activists like Aisha Yesufu, co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, criticize the government for prioritizing propaganda over meaningful action. The crisis is further complicated by the involvement of armed gangs and jihadist groups, which are increasingly targeting schools to exert pressure on the government. As the situation unfolds, parents continue to gather at the school compound, clinging to hope while authorities remain silent.

  • Guinea-Bissau president arrested as gunfire heard, sources tell BBC

    Guinea-Bissau president arrested as gunfire heard, sources tell BBC

    In a dramatic turn of events, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has reportedly been arrested by armed men, according to government sources cited by the BBC. The incident unfolded after gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau, around 13:00 GMT. Witnesses reported hearing sustained gunshots, though the identities of those involved remain unclear. This alarming development follows a contentious presidential election held three days prior, during which the main opposition candidate was disqualified. Both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, have claimed victory, with official results expected on Thursday. As the situation escalated, hundreds of residents fled on foot and in vehicles, seeking safety from the chaos. Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony with a population of just under two million, is one of the world’s poorest nations and has a history of political instability, with nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. Embaló himself has faced two previous attempts to overthrow him, the most recent in December 2023. This is a breaking news story, and further updates are anticipated.

  • UAE: Flight disruptions due to Ethiopia volcano may continue for at least 2 more days, say experts

    UAE: Flight disruptions due to Ethiopia volcano may continue for at least 2 more days, say experts

    Aviation experts are forecasting continued flight disruptions across the Middle East and South Asia for at least the next 48 hours following the dramatic eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Mountain. The previously dormant volcano, which had remained inactive for over 12,000 years, unleashed significant ash and gas emissions on Sunday, creating a cascading effect on regional air travel.

    Travel industry executives report substantial operational challenges, with numerous flights between the United Arab Emirates and India experiencing cancellations and delays. Safeer Mohammed, General Manager of Smart Travels, confirmed the severity of the situation: ‘We anticipate these disruptions to persist for a minimum of two additional days. The volcanic activity has already significantly impacted travel plans for numerous passengers.’

    The environmental consequences have extended beyond aviation, with Oman’s Environment Authority issuing official advisories regarding potential air quality deterioration due to gas and ash dispersion. Meteorological complications, including heavy fog conditions witnessed in the UAE on Wednesday morning, have further exacerbated the aviation crisis.

    Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, detailed the contingency measures being implemented: ‘Our teams are actively assisting passengers with emergency rebooking procedures. We recently facilitated an urgent journey by rerouting a passenger through alternative Indian sectors followed by domestic flights. We strongly advise all travelers to verify their flight status before departing for airports.’

    Insurance specialists emphasize the critical importance of comprehensive travel coverage during such natural events. Toshita Chauhan, Chief Business Officer at Policybazaar.ae, explained: ‘These situations demonstrate the essential value of travel insurance. Beyond airline reimbursements, proper coverage can address additional expenses including accommodation, meals, and transportation during unexpected delays.’

    Chauhan further advised travelers to meticulously document all disruption-related paperwork, including boarding passes, cancellation notices, and expense receipts. She cautioned against selecting insurance policies based solely on price, noting that inadequate coverage often fails to address medical emergencies or trip cancellation scenarios.

    Despite the widespread disruptions, travel officials note that most passengers have demonstrated patience and understanding. Industry representatives express confidence that normal flight schedules will resume within the coming days as the volcanic activity stabilizes and airspace restrictions are gradually lifted.

  • Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau appear on state television saying they have seized power in the country

    Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau appear on state television saying they have seized power in the country

    In a dramatic turn of events, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have announced the seizure of power, as reported on state television. This development follows reports of gunfire near the presidential palace on Wednesday, just three days after national elections were held. Dinis N’Tchama, spokesperson for the country’s military high command, declared in a statement that the High Military Command has decided to depose the President of the Republic and suspend all institutions of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The military cited the discovery of an ongoing plan aimed at destabilizing the country, alleging that both domestic and foreign nationals attempted to manipulate electoral results to implement this plan. As part of their measures, the soldiers have immediately suspended the current electoral process, halted media activities, and closed all borders. The presidential and legislative elections, held on Sunday, saw incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa each claiming victory on Tuesday, despite official provisional results not being expected until Thursday. Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation with a history of political instability, has experienced four coups and numerous attempted ones since gaining independence, including a reported attempt last month. The situation remains tense as gunfire was heard near the presidential palace in the capital, and roads leading to the palace were closed off, with checkpoints manned by heavily armed and masked soldiers.

  • Epson strengthens its regional footprint with innovation, sustainability and sector-focused growth

    Epson strengthens its regional footprint with innovation, sustainability and sector-focused growth

    Epson, a global leader in printing and projection technologies, is intensifying its focus on the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central and West Asia (META-CWA), positioning the region as a cornerstone of its growth strategy. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Junkichi Yoshida, President and CEO of Epson Seiko Corporation, emphasized the company’s alignment with regional demands in education, public services, and digital transformation. Yoshida highlighted that the region is not a secondary market but a priority area where innovation and growth converge with Epson’s long-term ambitions.

    Epson’s partnerships in education reflect its commitment to delivering energy-efficient, reliable solutions that support national digital learning initiatives. In the public sector, the company’s high-volume printers and advanced document scanners are integral to digitizing government workflows, reducing operational costs, and transitioning from paper-based processes to integrated digital systems. Beyond traditional sectors, Epson’s technology powers large-scale digital immersive experiences, showcasing its engineering precision and reliability.

    Sustainability remains a core pillar of Epson’s strategy. The company’s Environmental Vision 2050 aims for carbon-negative operations and eliminating dependence on underground resources by 2050. Epson has already achieved 100% renewable electricity across all its global sites. Its Heat-Free Micro Piezo printing technology reduces electricity consumption by up to 90%, while the EcoTank line minimizes waste by replacing traditional ink cartridges with long-lasting ink bottles.

    In industrial and commercial printing, Epson’s dry fiber and digital textile printing solutions address environmental challenges like wastewater in garment production. The company is also investing in AI-assisted technology to optimize workflows and reduce operational complexity. Epson’s newly established Innovation Centre in the Middle East serves as a hub for showcasing its latest technologies and gathering feedback for R&D.

    As Epson approaches the final year of its “Epson 25 Renewed” plan, the company is preparing for its next long-term vision cycle, focusing on sustainability, operational resilience, and technological advancement. With the Middle East and Africa identified as key growth markets, Epson is committed to delivering efficient, sustainable technologies that align with the region’s digital transformation goals.

  • New Year’s Eve in Dubai: Best spots to watch Burj Khalifa fireworks for free

    New Year’s Eve in Dubai: Best spots to watch Burj Khalifa fireworks for free

    Dubai’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Burj Khalifa are set to dazzle once again, offering both free and paid viewing options for visitors. While Burj Park remains the only ticketed venue at Dh997.50 per adult, numerous free public viewing zones around Downtown Dubai ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank. Public areas along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and surrounding streets will provide first-come-first-served access to the fireworks, light shows, and multi-point productions. LED screens will broadcast the event for those unable to secure a front-row spot. Gates to these free zones will close once capacity is reached, so early arrival is recommended. Road closures typically begin between 3pm and 4pm, with parking available on a first-come basis until then. The Dubai Metro and Tram will operate extended hours, while RTA shuttle buses will facilitate crowd movement. For those opting for the paid experience, Burj Park offers guaranteed front-row views, Bollywood-themed entertainment, food stalls, and kids’ workshops. Badges for Burj Park must be collected between December 26 and December 30. Families with strollers are advised to use Gate 2 for entry. Guests of EMAAR hotels and Dubai Mall restaurants will receive access badges for prime viewing areas. Prohibited items include weapons, alcohol, drones, and outside food in Burj Park. Post-midnight, roads will reopen gradually, and shuttle services will resume for badge holders. This year’s event promises to be a grand celebration of lights, music, and fireworks, blending tradition with innovation.

  • ‘My world, my rock’: Billionaire Richard Branson mourns wife’s death in heartfelt post

    ‘My world, my rock’: Billionaire Richard Branson mourns wife’s death in heartfelt post

    Renowned billionaire and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has publicly mourned the passing of his beloved wife, Joan Templeman, in a deeply emotional Instagram post. Joan, who was 80 years old, had been Branson’s life partner for 50 years, and her death has left a profound void in his life. In his heartfelt tribute, the 75-year-old entrepreneur described Joan as ‘the most wonderful mum and grandmum,’ his ‘best friend, rock, guiding light, and world.’ The post was accompanied by a touching photograph of Joan, capturing the essence of their enduring love. The couple first met in 1976 when Joan was working in an antique shop, and Branson famously referred to their encounter as ‘love at first sight.’ Their relationship blossomed over the years, culminating in a 1989 wedding ceremony on Necker Island, a private island Branson purchased partly to impress her. The news of Joan’s passing has drawn an outpouring of condolences from celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez and Natalie Imbruglia, who praised Joan’s warmth and kindness. Branson’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of their remarkable bond and the legacy she leaves behind.

  • China’s support for development hailed

    China’s support for development hailed

    Senior South African officials have lauded China’s significant contributions to the development of South Africa and the Global South, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in addressing critical challenges. Speaking at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, David Masondo, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance, highlighted China’s constructive role in areas such as infrastructure, finance, trade, and climate change. He noted that China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries has strengthened economic ties and facilitated inclusive growth amid global trade protectionism. China has been Africa’s largest trade partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching $296 billion in 2024, a 4.8% increase from the previous year. Additionally, China is South Africa’s top trade partner, with trade totaling $25 billion in the first half of 2025. Masondo also commended China’s efforts in promoting multilateralism, particularly in tackling global issues like climate change. Chrispin Phiri, spokesman for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, expressed interest in collaborating with China to enhance South Africa’s manufacturing capabilities, especially in electric vehicles. Vincent Magwenya, spokesman for the South African president, described the bilateral relationship as ‘excellent’ and highlighted alignment on key issues, including those central to South Africa’s G20 presidency. The officials’ remarks coincided with the adoption of a G20 declaration emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change, advancing sustainable development, and reforming global financial systems for fairer growth.