Experts and officials have lauded China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) for its significant role in fostering equitable and inclusive growth, particularly in the Global South. Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2021, the GDI emphasizes key areas such as poverty reduction, food security, and green development, aligning closely with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. James Shikwati, director of the Inter Region Economic Network in Nairobi, highlighted the initiative’s focus on balanced development, ensuring no region is left behind. He noted that the GDI addresses global financing gaps exacerbated by economic slowdowns in the US and Europe, providing crucial support for international organizations. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, praised the GDI for leveraging China’s own development experience to aid countries like Kenya in their green transition. The Group of Friends of the GDI, a UN-backed platform, now includes over 100 countries, with China supporting projects ranging from agricultural cooperation in Africa to solar energy systems in Asia. Dennis Munene Mwaniki of the China-Africa Center emphasized the GDI’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it not only supplied vaccines but also advanced the Sustainable Development Goals. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan stressed the need for global consensus and cooperation to achieve fairer and more sustainable development. China remains committed to working with all nations to accelerate the implementation of the GDI and other major initiatives, aiming to meet the UN’s 2030 targets.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Dubai: Nicolai Hojgaard surges into three-shot lead at DP World Tour Championship
Nicolai Højgaard has taken a commanding three-shot lead at the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, showcasing a masterful display of golf at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Danish golfer, who began the day three strokes behind leader Michael Kim, surged ahead with an eagle and five birdies, carding a flawless 65—the lowest round of the tournament so far. This impressive performance propelled him to 12 under par, firmly establishing his position at the top of the leaderboard.
Højgaard, a two-time participant in this season-ending event, has a strong affinity for the Earth Course. He debuted in 2021 with a fourth-place finish and clinched the title in 2023. Reflecting on his performance, Højgaard emphasized patience and precision as key factors in his success. ‘It’s great to be back. This is one of my favorite tournaments and courses to play,’ he said. ‘I stayed really patient, and it paid off.’
The chasing pack includes notable names such as Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and Rory McIlroy, all tied at nine under par. Rose, Lowry, and McIlroy, Højgaard’s 2023 European Ryder Cup teammates, remain within striking distance, alongside Daniel Hillier and fellow Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. Neergaard-Petersen briefly challenged Højgaard, reaching ten under par before a bogey on the final hole dropped him back.
Højgaard’s dominance was evident from the start, with an opening birdie and a crucial eagle at the second hole. His strategic play and mid-iron precision have been instrumental in navigating the challenging course. ‘It suits my eye,’ he remarked. ‘It’s a mix of driver and mid-irons, which plays into my strengths.’
Away from the competition, the event attracted notable figures, including Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, who were spotted around the Jumeirah Golf Estates. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Højgaard to see if he can maintain his lead and secure another victory at this prestigious event.
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UAE Lottery’s Dh100-million win to be paid in a single transaction
The UAE Lottery has announced that the unprecedented Dh100-million jackpot, won by Abu Dhabi resident Anilkumar Bolla, will be disbursed as a tax-free lump sum in a single transaction. This marks the largest lottery win in the country’s history, and the payout will be executed without deductions or instalments. Scott Burton, the UAE Lottery’s Commercial Gaming Director, emphasized that the process adheres to stringent verification and payout protocols, ensuring transparency and security at every stage. Winners are invited to the lottery’s headquarters for identity verification, documentation, and a detailed walkthrough of the process. Once regulatory and banking approvals are secured, the funds are directly transferred to the winner’s account. The UAE Lottery also provides comprehensive support to winners, helping them navigate the challenges of sudden wealth, including managing public attention and planning for the future. The lottery operates under strict internationally benchmarked protocols, with independent audits and certified random number generation systems overseen by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Additionally, the platform prioritizes responsible gaming, offering tools like spending limits, self-exclusion options, and access to mental wellbeing resources through partnerships with Takalam, the UAE’s digital mental health platform.
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Thai Select Fest 2025 returns to Dubai with Thailand’s biggest food and culture showcase
The Thai Select Fest 2025 is set to make a grand return to Dubai, promising an immersive celebration of Thailand’s rich culture, cuisine, and creativity. Scheduled from November 28 to 30, 2025, at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, this free-entry festival will transform the venue into a vibrant Thai village, offering a multi-sensory experience for visitors.
Organized by the Thai Trade Centre in Dubai under the Royal Thai Government’s Department of International Trade Promotion, the festival will showcase Thailand’s renowned ‘5Fs’: Food, Festival, Fashion, Film, and Fight. This year’s edition aims to strengthen cultural ties between Thailand and the UAE while highlighting Thailand’s creative economy and global appeal.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including traditional dance performances, live music, Muay Thai demonstrations, and hands-on craft workshops. A highlight of the event is the Loy Krathong Festival of Lights, where visitors can create and release their own krathongs into an illuminated pond, symbolizing renewal and positivity.
Food enthusiasts will be treated to authentic Thai dishes prepared by Thai Select-certified restaurants across the UAE, featuring favorites like Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Som Tum, and Mango Sticky Rice. The festival will also feature fashion showcases by Thai designers, short-film screenings, and family-friendly areas with Thai games and crafts.
Pitichai Ratananaka, director of the Thai Trade Centre Dubai, emphasized the festival’s role in sharing Thailand’s soft power and creativity with the world. ‘This festival reflects Thailand’s spirit of hospitality, craftsmanship, and innovation — values that connect seamlessly with Dubai’s multicultural community,’ he said.
Event highlights include live Muay Thai shows and workshops, the Loy Krathong ceremony, a Thai Select Culinary Village, fashion and art exhibitions, a family fun zone, and daily raffles with exciting prizes, including air ticket giveaways. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @thaiselectfestival for updates and live highlights.
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Maximilian Büsser & Friends’ new LM101 EVO is definitely a watch to look out for
Celebrating two decades of innovative disruption, Maximilian Büsser & Friends (MB&F) has introduced the LM101 EVO, a timepiece that redefines the intersection of art and engineering. Founded by Maximilian Büsser in 2005, MB&F has consistently challenged the norms of traditional watchmaking, transforming timepieces into kinetic sculptures. The Legacy Machine line, launched in 2011, marked a return to classical watchmaking roots, while the LM101, unveiled in 2014, distilled this philosophy into its purest form. The LM101 EVO, released in 2025, represents an evolution of this iconic design, blending technical prowess with aesthetic brilliance. Crafted in titanium, the watch features a lightweight design, 80 meters of water resistance, and an integrated rubber strap, making it as functional as it is beautiful. The dial, available in sunlit salmon or peacock green, shifts hues with the light, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The hand-wound calibre offers a 60-hour power reserve, and the watch’s proprietary FlexRing shock absorber ensures durability in daily use. The LM101 EVO is not just a timepiece; it is a testament to Büsser’s vision of reimagining time as art. With its suspended balance wheel and intricate finishing, the watch embodies the spirit of MB&F, blending tradition with audacity. As MB&F celebrates its 20th anniversary, the LM101 EVO stands as a symbol of the brand’s enduring commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
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North Korea’s women’s football team win’s third U-17 World Cup
North Korea’s women’s U-17 football team has once again proven its dominance on the global stage, securing their third World Cup title with a resounding 3-0 victory over the Netherlands in Morocco. This triumph marks their second consecutive win in the U-17 Women’s World Cup and their fourth overall, following their success in the same tournament just a year ago. The team’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring a record-breaking 25 goals while conceding only three throughout the competition. Their flawless run included victories in all seven matches, showcasing their unparalleled skill and teamwork. The victory has been celebrated extensively by North Korea’s state media, with the Rodong Sinmun newspaper highlighting the players’ pride in representing their nation. The win is seen as a significant morale booster for the country, which often faces international scrutiny for its political actions. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s investment in youth sports, particularly football, is a strategic move to project a positive image globally. The country’s rigorous training programs for young athletes have been credited with producing world-class talent, as evidenced by their consistent success in international competitions. While the men’s team struggles to make an impact, the women’s team continues to shine, currently ranked 10th globally and poised as strong contenders for the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The Netherlands’ coach, Olivier Amelink, acknowledged the North Korean team’s superiority, stating that the skill gap was too vast to overcome. North Korea’s Yu Jong Hyang emerged as the tournament’s standout player, earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards for her exceptional performance. This victory not only cements North Korea’s status as a powerhouse in women’s youth football but also serves as a source of national pride and inspiration.
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Inside Dubai’s skyrocketing ‘Mall Economy’ and what’s fuelling it
Dubai’s mall economy is experiencing an unprecedented boom, defying global trends where traditional malls struggle against e-commerce. The UAE’s retail landscape is undergoing a transformative phase, with new developments and ambitious refurbishments reshaping the city’s iconic shopping destinations. Unlike many global counterparts, Dubai’s malls are thriving, evolving into immersive, multi-sensory hubs that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and culture. This growth is not just a retail phenomenon but a cornerstone of the city’s tourism and economic strategy. In 2024, Dubai Mall alone attracted 111 million visitors, solidifying its status as the world’s most visited place. The mall economy’s ripple effects extend beyond retail, anchoring real estate, boosting hospitality, and creating jobs. Developers are investing billions in expansions, such as Emaar’s Dh1.5 billion District project and Majid Al Futtaim’s Dh5 billion transformation of Mall of the Emirates. Community malls like Nad Al Sheba are also gaining traction, enhancing local living standards and real estate values. Dubai’s malls have successfully integrated digital innovations, creating a hybrid shopping experience that complements rather than competes with e-commerce. However, sustaining this growth poses challenges, including managing environmental impacts and ensuring continuous innovation. The future of Dubai’s malls lies in leveraging AI, AR, and IoT to create immersive, personalized experiences, cementing their role as lifestyle destinations rather than mere shopping venues.
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Nearly 5 million passengers expected at DXB in peak season; Emirates issues travel advisory
As Dubai International Airport (DXB) braces for its busiest period of the year, Emirates has issued a comprehensive travel advisory to help passengers navigate the anticipated surge in travelers. With the peak tourist season coinciding with school holidays and numerous local events, the airline forecasts over 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals throughout December, totaling nearly 5 million passengers. To ensure a seamless travel experience, Emirates is urging travelers to plan ahead and utilize its array of services. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure, clear immigration 90 minutes prior, and reach their boarding gate one hour in advance. The airline also emphasizes the importance of adhering to updated luggage regulations, including restrictions on power banks, smart bags, and e-cigarettes. Power banks under 100Wh must be carried in hand luggage, while smart bags require removable batteries and must remain powered off. To streamline the check-in process, Emirates encourages passengers to use its app or website 48 hours before departure. The app offers features such as digital boarding passes, biometric airport paths, meal selection, and in-flight entertainment planning. Additionally, travelers can bypass long queues by using Emirates City Check-In in DIFC or the 24-hour Ajman location, available from 24 hours up to 4 hours before departure. Passengers checking in at DIFC between December 15 and January 15 will earn 2,500 Emirates Skywards Miles each, with free parking and extended venue hours until midnight. For added convenience, passengers departing from Dubai can drop off luggage at the airport the night before their flight at no charge. Emirates also offers a ‘home check-in service’ in Dubai and Sharjah, where agents handle check-in and luggage collection directly from the traveler’s home, hotel, or office. This service, complimentary for First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members, allows travelers to arrive at the airport later with only hand luggage. By leveraging these services, Emirates aims to mitigate the challenges of peak travel season and provide a smoother journey for its passengers.
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GymNation unveils one-tonne billboard in Dubai, setting a global benchmark
Dubai, already renowned for its architectural marvels, has added another feather to its cap with the unveiling of the world’s heaviest permanent billboard by GymNation, the Middle East’s largest gym chain. Weighing an impressive one tonne, the billboard is constructed from forty interlocked weight plates, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to strength and accessibility. This groundbreaking installation not only sets a global benchmark but also marks the first time a UAE gym has created its own billboard. The project required a team of strong individuals to safely mount the structure, with health and safety measures including perimeter tape to prevent potential wall collapses. The billboard carries the bold message: ‘The Only Billboard That Needs A Spotter,’ aligning with GymNation’s launch of its new ‘Strongman’ class. Held every Saturday at 10am at the Mirdif branch, the class features power-based exercises inspired by the World’s Strongest Man competition. Rory McEntee, GymNation’s Chief Marketing Officer, described the project as a literal and figurative lift for advertising in the UAE, celebrating strength in all its forms. The class, developed in collaboration with expert fitness instructors, aims to bring out the inner strength in participants. Spectators are advised to stay outside the perimeter tape when viewing or photographing the billboard. The Strongman class can be booked online at GymNation.com.
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Mali suspends French TV channels over alleged false reports
In a significant move, Mali’s ruling military junta has suspended the operations of two prominent French television channels, TF1 and LCI, accusing them of disseminating unverified and false information regarding a fuel blockade imposed by the al-Qaida-linked militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The decision was announced by Mali’s High Authority for Communication in a letter dated November 13, which was made public on Friday. The regulatory body cited a broadcast from November 9 as the basis for its action, disputing claims that the junta had banned fuel sales, that the regions of Kayes and Nioro were under complete blockade, and that terrorists were nearing the capital, Bamako. The letter stated that the channels’ services would be removed from distribution packages until further notice. Since September, JNIM has enforced a fuel blockade in Mali, exacerbating the country’s security and economic challenges. The resulting fuel shortages have led to long queues at gas stations and heightened instability. In response, several Western embassies, including those of the United States and France, have advised their citizens to leave the country. Mali, along with neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, has been under military rule following coups in recent years, with leaders promising improved security. However, analysts note that the security situation in the Sahel region has deteriorated significantly, with record levels of attacks and civilian casualties attributed to both Islamic militants and government forces.