标签： Africa

Dubai has inaugurated an innovative Real Estate Diploma program specifically designed for UAE citizens, marking a significant advancement in professional education within the property sector. This collaborative initiative between the Dubai Land Department and Higher Colleges of Technology represents a strategic effort to enhance Emirati participation in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.

The comprehensive curriculum encompasses critical industry domains including real estate legislation, regulatory frameworks, landlord-tenant relationships, financial analysis, and asset-liability assessment. The program’s practical orientation ensures participants gain hands-on experience through partnerships with leading development firms such as Emaar, Danube Properties, Sobha, Omniyat, Ellington Properties, Azizi Developments, and Aldar Properties.

Abdullah Al Shehi, CEO of Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), revealed ambitious employment targets, stating: ‘Current Emirati representation in real estate stands at approximately 2,200 professionals. With this diploma program, we anticipate increasing this figure to 3,000 within the current year.’

The two-year program will qualify 40 participants per cohort through 90 accredited hours of instruction covering specialized areas including property management, valuation techniques, brokerage operations, and client relations. This educational pathway not only prepares graduates for immediate employment but also provides avenues for advanced academic pursuits and professional licensing.

Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, emphasized the program’s dual benefits: ‘This initiative effectively bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application while supporting private sector Emiratisation objectives. The real estate sector offers substantial career growth and competitive compensation, enabling nationals to leverage their cultural understanding across regional markets.’

Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director-General of Dubai Land Department, characterized the diploma as part of a broader strategy to develop professionally competent individuals capable of navigating market transformations with responsible expertise. Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, President of Higher Colleges of Technology, highlighted the program’s role in fostering sectoral excellence and competitiveness through specialized national talent development.

Across Ethiopia, millions of Orthodox Christian faithful have participated in the annual Timket (Epiphany) celebrations, one of the most significant religious observances in the country’s cultural calendar. The festival, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, unfolded through a series of vibrant ceremonies combining ancient traditions with communal worship.

In the lakeside town of Batu within Ethiopia’s Oromia region, elaborately robed priests conducted a solemn procession carrying sacred replicas of the Ark of Covenant, known locally as tabots. These revered objects, traditionally believed to contain the Biblical Ten Commandments, were escorted amidst spiritual chanting and rhythmic drumming that echoed through the streets.

The religious proceedings featured intricately designed processional crucifixes and ceremonial artifacts, with worshippers gathering around temporary ceremonial grounds. Following the gathering of tabots at a central location, senior clergy led dedicated prayer services that drew massive public attendance.

In the capital city of Addis Ababa, the celebrations reached their climax with priests performing symbolic baptism rituals using holy water, recreating the Jordan River event that forms the theological foundation of the festival. Across multiple Ethiopian cities, the ceremonies attracted hundreds of thousands of participants, demonstrating the enduring significance of this centuries-old tradition in contemporary Ethiopian society.

In an unprecedented display of corporate gratitude, UAE healthcare giant Burjeel Holdings orchestrated a stunning surprise for its frontline staff during a company-wide town hall at Etihad Arena. Chairman and CEO Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil transformed what began as a routine leadership address into an emotionally charged event by announcing a Dh15 million recognition fund dedicated to the organization’s healthcare workforce.

The gathering, one of the largest CEO-led employee assemblies in UAE history, brought together over 8,500 clinical professionals, nurses, allied health specialists, and support team members from across the organization. Midway through Dr. Vayalil’s presentation, employees throughout the arena began receiving simultaneous SMS notifications confirming their inclusion in the newly launched BurjeelProud recognition initiative.

As mobile devices illuminated throughout the venue, the announcement triggered extended applause and visible emotional responses from attendees. ‘This is not a reward for a department. This is not tied to conditions. This is not because you asked. This is because you are the people on the ground,’ Dr. Vayalil emphasized to the assembled staff.

The initiative’s initial phase will benefit approximately 10,000 frontline employees, representing nearly 85% of Burjeel’s nursing, patient care, operations, and support personnel. Financial recognition amounts are projected to range between half a month to one full month of base salary, varying according to role and category specifications.

Reflecting on corporate responsibility, Dr. Vayalil noted, ‘This country provided us with growth opportunities. When a nation extends such opportunities, we carry the responsibility to reciprocate through concrete actions.’

The event also featured updates on Burjeel’s 2030 vision for Burjeel Medical City in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The expansion strategy aims to transcend conventional hospital models by integrating advanced clinical care with research initiatives, medical education programs, rehabilitation services, and patient-centered living environments.

Across Ethiopia on Monday, millions of Orthodox Christians participated in vibrant Timkat celebrations, the Ethiopian Epiphany commemorating Jesus Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River. The festival, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019, represents one of the nation’s most significant religious observances alongside Easter and Christmas.

In the lakeside town of Batu, Oromia Region, thousands of pilgrims immersed themselves in the blessed waters of Lake Dambal following ceremonial blessings by priests. This ritual reenactment of baptism symbolized spiritual purification and renewal for participants. Meanwhile, in the capital Addis Ababa, massive crowds gathered to witness the ceremonial procession of tabots—sacred replicas of the Ark of the Covenant—which were transported to public spaces for overnight prayers before returning to their home churches amid hymns and chanting.

The celebrations extended to the historic Fasilides Fortress in Gondar, located within the conflict-affected Amhara region, demonstrating the festival’s enduring significance despite regional instability. Participants expressed profound spiritual fulfillment, with Addis Ababa resident Bereket Adugna noting, ‘We are celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ, and our hearts are filled with joy.’

Deacon Asnake Dechasa emphasized the festival’s communal aspect, stating, ‘For us Ethiopians, Epiphany is an opportunity to share what we have with those who need our help.’ This sentiment emerges against a backdrop of escalating tensions with neighboring Eritrea and worsening famine conditions, with humanitarian organizations reporting millions of Ethiopians requiring emergency food assistance amid declining international support.