APT Global, a Dubai-based marine and offshore engineering services provider, has taken significant strides in sustainability by releasing its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report and inaugurating Hayat Haven, a state-of-the-art accommodation facility for 400 workers. These initiatives highlight the company’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact, enhancing governance transparency, and prioritizing employee welfare. The ESG report details APT Global’s achievements, including a 22% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity, a 68% waste diversion rate from landfills, and a 19% decrease in water consumption per project. The company also introduced a Marine Habitat Protection Programme to minimize environmental harm from underwater operations. On the social front, APT Global invested over 45,000 hours in employee training, achieved zero lost-time injuries across major projects, and increased female representation in leadership roles to 27%. Governance improvements include quarterly ESG reporting with independent verification and enhanced anti-corruption policies. Hayat Haven, the new worker accommodation, features energy-efficient systems, modern amenities, and robust safety measures, reflecting APT Global’s commitment to workforce wellbeing. CEO Anil Abraham emphasized that sustainability is central to the company’s competitiveness and societal responsibility. The launch event in Dubai was attended by government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability experts, marking a pivotal moment in APT Global’s journey toward a greener, safer, and more inclusive maritime sector.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Sudan’s life-saving community kitchens on verge of collapse, report warns
A vital network of community kitchens in Sudan, which has been a lifeline for millions amidst the ongoing civil war, is now on the brink of collapse, according to a report by Islamic Relief. These locally run kitchens, often the only source of food in conflict zones, are struggling due to severe funding shortages, volunteer exhaustion, and operational challenges. The crisis has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of USAID funding earlier this year, leaving the kitchens reliant on donations from the Sudanese diaspora. Volunteers describe the situation as dire, with many kitchens unable to guarantee daily meals due to financial instability and resource shortages. The Integrated Food Security Phase Network (IPC) has confirmed famine conditions in several areas, including the besieged cities of el-Fasher and Kadugli, where access to commercial supplies and humanitarian aid is severely restricted. Despite the efforts of Emergency Response Rooms, which have been praised for their innovative approach to crisis management, the scale of need often exceeds available resources. Volunteers face increasing dangers, including looting and violence, as they navigate the complexities of the conflict. The international community’s limited involvement has further strained the system, leaving many to fear that the collapse of these kitchens could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
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Dining with a View: Why Amaya Dubai Should Be on Your List
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Amaya Dubai at The Dubai Mall offers an unparalleled dining experience that combines breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain with a globally inspired menu. This dining hotspot has quickly become a must-visit destination for both locals and international visitors, blending Dubai’s signature glamour with world-class culinary artistry.
The restaurant’s outdoor terrace provides a front-row seat to the mesmerizing fountain shows and the city’s glittering skyline, making sunset moments particularly magical. Inside, Amaya’s interiors exude modern elegance, adorned with contemporary art, soft lighting, and a warm, inviting ambiance. Its picture-perfect setting has cemented its reputation as one of Dubai’s most Instagrammable locations, where every corner is camera-ready.
Amaya’s menu is a culinary journey across the globe, featuring creative breakfast plates, refined dinner dishes, and bold flavors that cater to every occasion. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch, an intimate dinner, or a night under the stars, the restaurant’s attention to detail and consistent excellence make it a standout among Dubai’s finest dining establishments.
The restaurant has also become a celebrity hotspot, attracting influencers, artists, and visiting celebrities while maintaining an approachable and inclusive atmosphere. Its elegant setting, impeccable service, and exclusive terrace have solidified its status as a premier destination in Downtown Dubai.
Amaya strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort, offering a romantic yet relaxed vibe that is distinctly Dubai. From the thoughtfully designed interiors to the vibrant yet serene ambiance, every detail is crafted to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Located inside The Dubai Mall, Amaya Dubai is more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination that transforms every meal into a cherished memory. To reserve your table, call +971 58 682 6787 or follow @amayadubai for updates and events.
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Qatar Airways sells entire Cathay Pacific stake for $897 million
Qatar Airways has finalized the sale of its entire 9.7% stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for approximately $897 million (HK$6.97 billion), marking its complete withdrawal from Hong Kong’s flagship carrier after an eight-year investment. The transaction, announced late Wednesday, involves Cathay repurchasing the shares at HK$10.8374 per share, representing a 4% discount to its last closing price but a 35% premium over the original purchase price paid by Qatar Airways in 2017. The deal will be funded through Cathay’s internal resources and existing credit lines.
Qatar Airways initially acquired the stake in 2017, becoming Cathay’s third-largest shareholder after Swire Pacific and Air China. The Gulf carrier’s exit aligns with its disciplined portfolio strategy, aimed at optimizing investments and positioning itself for long-term growth, according to CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. The move also reflects Qatar Airways’ broader strategy of divesting from certain global airline investments to focus on core operations.
For Cathay, the buyback is seen as a positive development, reducing the number of shares in circulation and potentially easing selling pressure on its stock. Cathay’s shares surged 4.8% following the announcement, with Air China and Swire Pacific also experiencing gains. The Hong Kong-based airline, one of Asia’s largest cargo carriers, has been recovering from pandemic-induced losses and recently reported a 20% increase in passenger numbers for September compared to the previous year.
Cathay Chairman Patrick Healy emphasized the buyback as a sign of strong confidence in the company’s future, which includes a HK$100 billion investment plan over seven years for fleet renewal and other upgrades. Despite the divestment, both airlines will maintain their partnership through the oneworld Alliance, ensuring continued collaboration in the global aviation sector.
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World’s oldest president sworn in for eighth term in Cameroon
Cameroon’s long-serving President, Paul Biya, aged 92, has been inaugurated for an unprecedented eighth term following a contentious election last month. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the parliament in Yaoundé, marking the continuation of a 43-year reign that began in 1982. Biya, who is currently the world’s oldest head of state, secured 54% of the vote, as per official results, while his closest rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered 35%. Bakary has vehemently contested the outcome, alleging electoral fraud, a claim dismissed by the authorities. The announcement of Biya’s victory sparked widespread protests across the nation, reflecting deep-seated divisions and dissatisfaction among the populace. Biya’s campaign was notably subdued, with the nonagenarian addressing only one rally prior to the election. His extended tenure has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny, raising questions about the future of governance in Cameroon.
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Cameroon’s 92-year-old president Paul Biya sworn in again as opposition cries foul
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, was inaugurated on Thursday for a seventh term following a contentious election marred by allegations of fraud. The 92-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1982, took the oath of office in a heavily militarized Yaounde, the nation’s capital, which residents described as partially deserted. Biya’s victory, declared by Cameroon’s top court on October 27 with 53.66% of the vote, has been labeled a “constitutional coup” by his main rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who secured 35.19% of the vote. In his address to Parliament, Biya pledged to uphold the trust of the Cameroonian people and work towards a “united, stable, and prosperous” nation. However, the ceremony unfolded against a backdrop of deep political divisions, ongoing security challenges in Anglophone regions, and widespread disillusionment among the populace. Protests erupted across the country after the October 19 election, culminating in a three-day lockdown this week. The government confirmed at least five deaths during the unrest, though opposition groups claim the toll is significantly higher. Tchiroma accused Biya of orchestrating “electoral theft,” asserting that the will of the people had been trampled. Biya’s prolonged rule, enabled by a 2008 constitutional amendment abolishing term limits, has left many young Cameroonians disillusioned. With over 70% of the population under 35, his tenure has been marked by economic stagnation and armed insurgencies in the north and west. If he completes this term, Biya will step down at nearly 100 years old, leaving behind a legacy of mixed results and a nation grappling with uncertainty.
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GITEX 2025: Technology is as human as it is digital
The 2025 edition of GITEX Global, the world’s largest technology showcase, marked a pivotal shift in the narrative surrounding innovation. While the event traditionally spotlighted cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and digital systems, this year’s focus was unmistakably human-centric. The overarching theme emphasized that technology’s true value lies in its ability to serve and empower people, rather than merely advancing computational capabilities.
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What to know about key political figures in Tanzania after deadly election violence
Tanzania is grappling with widespread unrest following its October 29 elections, which international observers have criticized as neither free nor fair. The violence erupted as security forces attempted to suppress opposition protests, leading to a disputed death toll. The leading opposition party, Chadema, claims hundreds were killed, while the government denies these allegations. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 after her predecessor’s death, secured over 97% of the vote, according to official results. However, her main rivals, Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, were barred from running, amid accusations of repression, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings by Amnesty International.
Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state, faces criticism for her administration’s crackdown on political opponents. Critics argue that she is largely a figurehead, with key decisions influenced by loyalists from Zanzibar, her birthplace. This has raised concerns about factionalism within the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed Tanzania since independence in 1961. Analysts, including William Farmer of Africa Practice, note that the Zanzibar clique lacks extensive government experience.
Other prominent figures in Tanzania’s political landscape include former President Jakaya Kikwete, who remains influential and is seen as a behind-the-scenes supporter of Hassan. Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi, a former interior minister, is considered a potential presidential candidate when Hassan’s term ends in five years. Additionally, Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, has been accused of orchestrating the recent crackdown, though he holds no formal government role. Former regional commissioner Paul Makonda, a Hassan ally, is also expected to play a significant role in the next administration, despite U.S. sanctions for his alleged involvement in oppressing political opposition.
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Pirates fire grenades and board vessel off Somali coast
In a concerning development off the Somali coast, attackers armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades boarded a Malta-registered gasoline tanker, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred approximately 560 nautical miles southeast of the Somali town of Eyl. Private security firm Ambrey identified the assailants as likely Somali pirates, who have recently intensified their activities in the region. The vessel, named Hellas Aphrodite, was en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa, when it was targeted. Greek shipping company Latsco Marine Management, which operates the tanker, confirmed the attack but assured that all 24 crew members were safe and accounted for. The company has activated its emergency response team and is coordinating with authorities to ensure the crew’s continued safety. This incident highlights a worrying resurgence of piracy in the region, which had seen a decline after peaking over a decade ago. The International Maritime Bureau reported at least seven piracy incidents last year, with several fishing vessels already seized in 2024. The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in the waters off Somalia and the need for heightened vigilance in the area.
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Being Premier League’s only black manager ‘a privilege’ – Nuno
Nuno Espirito Santo, the first black manager to permanently lead four different Premier League teams, has expressed his pride and honor in his groundbreaking role. Appointed by West Ham in September, Nuno rejects the notion that his position is a burden, instead viewing it as a privilege. He remains optimistic about the future, believing that talented black managers will soon join the ranks of Premier League coaches. Nuno attributes his success to a combination of talent, hard work, and luck, while acknowledging the under-representation of ethnic minority coaches in top-tier football. Despite calls for proactive measures like the ‘Rooney Rule,’ Nuno does not believe discrimination is a factor in managerial recruitment. However, critics like Delroy Corinaldi of the Black Footballers Partnership argue that systemic bias persists. Only 11 black coaches have held managerial roles in the Premier League era, with Chris Hughton emphasizing the importance of visible role models like Nuno and Darren Moore. Deji Davies, chair of the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, highlights the disparity between the high percentage of black players and the lack of black representation in leadership roles. The FA and Premier League have introduced initiatives to improve diversity, but progress remains slow. Nuno, born in Sao Tome and Principe, also aspires to contribute to football development in his homeland, reflecting on his humble beginnings and the privilege of his current position. As West Ham’s manager, his immediate focus is on avoiding relegation, but he remains committed to fostering diversity and sharing his expertise in the long term.