In response to the escalating crisis of gender-based violence, an increasing number of women in South Africa are turning to firearms as a means of self-defense. This trend reflects a broader societal concern over the safety and security of women in a country where gender violence remains alarmingly prevalent. Many women are now enrolling in firearm training programs, seeking to equip themselves with the skills necessary to protect against potential threats. This shift towards personal armament underscores the urgent need for more effective measures to address the root causes of gender violence, while also highlighting the resilience and determination of South African women to safeguard their own lives. The movement has sparked a national conversation about the balance between personal safety and the broader implications of widespread gun ownership.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Halsey’s Dubai concert called off ‘due to unforeseen circumstances’
American singer Halsey’s highly anticipated Dubai concert, originally scheduled for December 6, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena, has been abruptly cancelled. Ticket holders in the UAE were notified via email on Thursday, November 20, 2025, that the event would no longer take place. The email cited ‘unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the Artist, organizer, and venue’ as the reason for the cancellation. Refunds will be processed automatically to the payment method used for the purchase, with a processing time of up to 21 working days. The Coca-Cola Arena has since removed the event from its list of upcoming shows, and Halsey has yet to publicly address the cancellation. The concert was set to mark her Dubai debut and was intended to kick off the 2025–2026 Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the world’s longest-running retail festival. The announcement of the cancellation has left fans disappointed, as the event had been eagerly awaited since its announcement in October 2025.
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Two trains collide head-on in Czech Republic, injuring dozens
A severe head-on collision between two passenger trains in the Czech Republic on Thursday resulted in dozens of injuries, with four individuals reported to be in serious condition. The incident occurred approximately 132 kilometers (82 miles) south of Prague, the nation’s capital. Emergency responders, including firefighters, worked diligently to rescue the trapped driver of one of the trains, as reported by the CTK news agency. Visual evidence from the scene depicted significant damage to the front sections of both trains. Martin Kuba, the regional governor, informed Czech television that nine people sustained moderate injuries, while 25 others suffered minor injuries. Transport Minister Martin Kupka stated on X that the crash is currently under investigation, with preliminary findings indicating that one of the trains may have disregarded a stop signal. The incident has raised concerns about railway safety protocols in the region.
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Finanshels and ShopDoc host ‘Fitness for Founders’ event to support UAE entrepreneurs’ wellness
In a bid to foster holistic well-being among entrepreneurs, Finanshels, a prominent provider of outsourced accounting and compliance services, joined forces with ShopDoc to host the ‘Fitness for Founders’ event on November 1 at Inc 5 Media in Production City, UAE. The initiative aimed to empower business leaders with actionable strategies to maintain physical, mental, and financial health, essential for thriving in the competitive business landscape.
The event commenced with a light stretching session to energize attendees, followed by an inspiring keynote address by Divya Gokulnath, co-founder of Byju’s. Gokulnath shared her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the critical role of perseverance and resilience in achieving success.
Two dynamic panel discussions formed the core of the event. The first, moderated by Muhammed Shafeekh, CEO of Finanshels, featured industry leaders such as Youssef Salem (CFO of ADNOC Drilling), Nupur Mittal (co-founder of OCTA), Abhinav Gupta (CEO of CARS24 Arabia), and Chada El Islam (founder of ENERGIX Ventures). The panel explored financial fitness, offering practical advice on cash flow management, financial literacy, and the importance of disciplined financial habits. Mittal highlighted, ‘Financial habits are the bedrock of sustainable growth,’ while Gupta likened business maintenance to vehicle servicing, stressing the need for consistency.
The second panel, moderated by Shihab Makaniyi, CEO of ShopDoc, featured Divya Gokulnath and Dilip Kumar from Zerodha Rainmatter Investments. This session focused on the interplay between mental and physical fitness and business success, underscoring the necessity of holistic well-being for sustained performance.
The event also featured health checkups by Shookra, logistical support from HUMD, and refreshments from FreshNow. A private workout session led by Dilip Kumar the following morning provided a fitting conclusion for select attendees.
Finanshels and ShopDoc reaffirmed their commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by equipping them with tools to balance business and personal well-being. This event exemplifies their dedication to fostering a thriving founder community.
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Zand launches UAE’s first AED-Backed stablecoin on public blockchain
In a groundbreaking move for the UAE’s financial sector, Zand, the nation’s AI-driven digital bank, has launched Zand AED, the country’s first regulated, multi-chain UAE dirham-backed stablecoin on public blockchains. Approved by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), Zand AED marks a significant step in integrating the national currency into the global digital economy. The stablecoin is fully backed one-to-one by UAE dirham reserves, held in segregated and regulated accounts to ensure complete redemption value. Real-time transparency is maintained through independently audited smart contracts and reserve attestations, ensuring trust and accountability. Available across multiple public blockchains, Zand AED enables fast, borderless settlements and seamless integration for developers, enterprises, and financial institutions. Issued by Zand Trust, a subsidiary of Zand Bank PJSC, the stablecoin is licensed and supervised by the CBUAE and holds a BBB+ rating from Fitch Ratings. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Zand, described the launch as a breakthrough for the UAE, emphasizing its role in advancing the nation’s position as a global leader in financial innovation. Michael Chan, CEO of Zand, highlighted the stablecoin’s potential to bridge traditional and decentralized finance, unlocking next-generation payments, tokenization, and digital asset innovation. With the global stablecoin market projected to reach $3 trillion in the coming years, Zand AED positions the UAE at the forefront of regulated digital finance, offering a secure and future-ready foundation for institutions, Fintechs, and developers operating in one of the world’s most advanced financial ecosystems.
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Dubai gears up for the 4th Annual Movember ride to champion men’s health awareness
Dubai is set to host the 4th Annual Movember Ride on November 23, 2025, a collaborative effort by STITCH and Enigmas Motorcycle Club to champion men’s health awareness. This year’s event, presented by L’Oréal Paris Men Expert, underscores the brand’s global dedication to men’s well-being. The initiative focuses on the critical importance of early detection for prostate cancer, one of the most treatable cancers when identified promptly. Prostate cancer screening, which begins with a simple PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, is widely accessible and can detect abnormalities before symptoms manifest. Movember encourages men to engage in open discussions with their physicians and understand when to start screening—typically between ages 45–50, or earlier for those with higher risk factors. Sara Sakaya of L’Oréal Paris Men Expert emphasized, ‘Movember is more than a campaign; it’s a reminder that men’s health deserves open discussion, early action, and sustained awareness.’ Participants will gather early morning for the convoy, led by Enigmas Motorcycle Club. Rony Metri, president of Enigmas MC, highlighted the event’s deeper purpose: ‘Movember isn’t just a ride; it’s a call to stand up, get checked, speak up, and watch out for our brothers.’ The ride will conclude at the Harley-Davidson Sheikh Zayed Road Showroom, where Allo Beirut will host the riders and guests. Paul O’Callaghan, General Manager of Harley-Davidson UAE, expressed pride in supporting the cause, stating, ‘Harley-Davidson stands for community and freedom—and there’s no better demonstration of that spirit than supporting a cause that empowers men to take control of their health.’ STITCH, a key organizer, continues to reinforce its commitment to health advocacy. Nael Basily, managing director of STITCH, noted, ‘The Movember Ride is a testament to what partners, brands, and communities can achieve when they unite for a cause.’
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New Nafis award announced in UAE: Emiratisation to shift focus from numbers to quality of jobs
The UAE has unveiled significant updates to the Nafis Award for 2025-2026, marking a pivotal shift in the Emiratisation strategy. Announced at a recent press conference, the fourth cycle of the award, part of the Dh24-billion Nafis programme, will now prioritize the quality and sustainability of employment for UAE nationals in the private sector. This strategic move aims to deepen the impact of Emiratisation by focusing on long-term career growth and professional development rather than merely increasing the number of Emirati employees. The award introduces a new sub-category specifically for professionals in the education sector, including teachers, assistant teachers, and educational supervisors in private institutions. This addition recognizes the growing demand for Emirati talent in this critical field. The evaluation criteria for the Establishments category have also been refined, with companies now assessed on their ability to retain Emirati talent, their commitment to training, and their use of the Nafis platform for recruitment. The Individuals category, which includes 11 sub-categories, now features the new education track, allowing Emirati professionals to self-nominate for recognition. The award operates under a robust governance structure, chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is organized by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. The timeline for the award includes awareness workshops until January, with evaluations beginning in February. The results will be reviewed by an arbitration committee before final approval. Since its launch in September 2021, the Nafis programme has seen a 437 per cent increase in Emirati employment in the private sector, with over 157,000 nationals now employed by more than 30,000 companies. The programme has also shifted career aspirations, with nearly six out of ten Emirati graduates now starting their careers in the private sector, up from 15 per cent previously.
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Watch: Miss Universe Jamaica falls off stage in a nasty accident, hospitalised
In a dramatic turn of events at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, the reigning Miss Universe Jamaica, suffered a distressing fall from the main stage during the evening gown round. The incident, which occurred on November 19, has since captured global attention after a video of the accident went viral. The footage shows Henry gracefully walking in her shimmering gown, only to suddenly plummet off the stage, leaving the audience in shock and concern. Emergency responders swiftly brought a stretcher onto the stage, and Henry was carried out for immediate medical attention. Despite the alarming incident, the pageant continued, with the next contestant stepping onto the stage shortly after. Raul Rocha, President of the Miss Universe organization, later provided an update via Instagram, confirming that Henry had been taken to Paolo Rangsit Hospital. He assured the public that there were no broken bones or life-threatening injuries, though further tests were being conducted to ensure her full recovery. The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization urged supporters to remain positive and keep Henry in their prayers as she undergoes medical care. This year’s Miss Universe pageant has been marked by controversy, including a scandal involving a pageant official and the withdrawal of three judges, adding to the event’s tumultuous atmosphere.
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Dubai diverts 19 flights due to dense fog, reduced visibility
Dubai International Airport (DXB) faced significant operational challenges on Thursday morning due to dense fog, which severely reduced visibility across the region. As a result, 19 inbound flights were diverted to nearby airports. In a statement issued to Khaleej Times, Dubai Airports confirmed the disruptions, emphasizing their collaboration with airlines, control authorities, and airport partners to restore normal operations swiftly and minimize passenger inconvenience. The airport urged travelers to verify their flight status directly with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. The adverse weather conditions also impacted Sharjah Airport, where several flights were either canceled or delayed. Authorities advised passengers to stay updated on flight schedules and avoid unnecessary trips to the airport without prior confirmation. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued red alerts for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman, as visibility dropped below 500 meters in some areas. The first warning was issued shortly after midnight, highlighting the severity of the fog. This incident underscores the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions to aviation operations in the UAE.
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South Africa president says G20 will make declaration despite US warning and ‘will not be bullied’
The Group of 20 (G20) nations are set to issue a joint declaration at the conclusion of their summit in Johannesburg this weekend, despite objections from the United States, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday. Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa, as the host nation, will not succumb to pressure from the Trump administration to dilute the summit’s outcomes. The U.S. has boycotted the two-day meeting, citing unfounded claims by President Donald Trump that South Africa’s government is violently persecuting its white minority. A South African G20 ambassador revealed that the U.S. had advised against adopting any declaration, arguing that the absence of the U.S. would undermine consensus. Instead, the U.S. proposed a less formal statement from South Africa to conclude the summit. Ramaphosa, however, reaffirmed his commitment to a joint declaration, stating that discussions were progressing smoothly and that the summit would not be derailed by external pressures. The G20, comprising 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union, is focused on addressing global challenges such as climate change, debt relief for developing nations, and wealth inequality. South Africa, the first African nation to hold the G20 presidency, aims to advance these priorities despite criticism from U.S. officials. Other leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, have also opted to skip the summit but have sent delegations. Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the summit’s success and reiterated that South Africa would not be bullied into altering its stance.