Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • UAE launches new platform Bayan as ‘single source of truth’ for health data

    UAE launches new platform Bayan as ‘single source of truth’ for health data

    The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a groundbreaking digital health platform named ‘Bayan,’ designed to serve as the nation’s definitive source for comprehensive healthcare data. This innovative system, introduced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) during the World Health Expo, represents a significant leap forward in health information management.

    Bayan functions as an extensive enterprise data warehouse that consolidates over 300 health indicators through more than 45 interactive dashboards. The platform integrates critical information spanning disease prevalence rates, medical professional licensing, hospital bed availability, and medical education statistics. By connecting both historical records dating back to 2005 and real-time data streams, Bayan provides unprecedented visibility into the UAE’s healthcare landscape.

    Dr. Alya Zaid Harbi, Director of the Statistics and Research Center at MoHAP, emphasized the platform’s transformative potential. “Bayan represents a national unifier that connects fragmented data from electronic medical records, national health surveys, and even non-health sectors including education and traffic systems,” she explained during a live demonstration. “This integration enables evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning for the nation’s healthcare future.”

    The platform employs advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping technology to identify disease clusters, monitor workforce distribution gaps, and project future healthcare demands. This capability allows officials to visualize trends and make data-driven predictions, such as forecasting specific medical needs through 2030.

    Beyond its analytical functions, Bayan hosts national disease registries for conditions including cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and disabilities. The system also tracks medical education pipelines, monitoring student enrollment and graduation rates across universities to inform workforce development strategies.

    Developed over three years, the platform incorporates rigorous data validation protocols and business rules to ensure information quality and reliability. This comprehensive approach positions Bayan as a model for digital health transformation, potentially setting new standards for healthcare data management globally.

  • At least 21 dead after boat sinks on Sudan’s River Nile

    At least 21 dead after boat sinks on Sudan’s River Nile

    A devastating maritime accident on the Nile River has resulted in significant loss of life, with at least 21 fatalities confirmed after a passenger vessel capsized in Sudan’s River Nile state. The tragedy occurred Wednesday evening in the Shendi area when the small boat, transporting approximately 30 passengers between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, succumbed to powerful waves according to eyewitness accounts.

    The Sudan Doctors Network, which provided initial casualty figures to the BBC, reported that victims included vulnerable groups such as women, elderly individuals, and children. Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan, the network’s spokesperson, confirmed that six individuals survived the incident while rescue operations continue with the expectation of recovering additional victims.

    Medical authorities have urgently appealed for enhanced rescue capabilities, calling for specialized teams and equipment to accelerate search efforts. The organization emphasized the preventable nature of such disasters, highlighting systemic failures in river transport safety regulations and infrastructure.

    This incident exposes critical vulnerabilities in Sudan’s transportation network, where traditional boats serve as essential transit means across the Nile due to insufficient bridge infrastructure, particularly in rural regions. The tragedy occurs against the backdrop of nationwide instability stemming from the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has strained resources and infrastructure despite River Nile State remaining outside direct combat zones.

    Dr. Hassan attributed the disaster to inadequate regulatory oversight, noting that many Nile vessels operate as private enterprises without proper safety protocols or government supervision. Authorities had not issued an immediate response to these allegations at the time of reporting.

  • UAE weather: Red, yellow alerts issued for fog as visibility decreases

    UAE weather: Red, yellow alerts issued for fog as visibility decreases

    The United Arab Emirates experienced significant fog conditions for the third consecutive day on Thursday, February 12, 2026, prompting meteorological authorities to issue safety alerts. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) implemented both red and yellow fog alerts effective until 10:00 AM as visibility dramatically decreased across the nation.

    According to the NCM’s forecast, UAE skies remained generally fair to partly cloudy throughout Thursday, with mist formation anticipated over certain coastal regions. Temperature readings varied between 15°C and 33°C, with Dubai reaching a high of 32°C while Abu Dhabi recorded 31°C.

    Meteorological conditions included the appearance of low clouds eastward on Thursday morning, with forecasts indicating increasing humidity levels overnight and into Friday morning. Winds remained light to moderate, blowing from southeasterly to northeasterly directions at speeds of 10-20 km/h, occasionally reaching 30 km/h. Maritime conditions remained calm with slight seas reported in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.

    Abu Dhabi Police issued warnings to motorists, emphasizing the importance of adhering to reduced speed limits displayed on electronic road signboards. The advisory specifically highlighted the need for heightened attention during low-visibility conditions caused by the dense fog.

    The persistent fog conditions represent a recurring weather pattern during this period, requiring continued public awareness and precautionary measures for transportation safety.

  • KT LUXE to host inaugural healthy ageing summit with OMICS partnership

    KT LUXE to host inaugural healthy ageing summit with OMICS partnership

    Dubai is poised to become the epicenter of the global healthy aging conversation as KT LUXE, the premium lifestyle division of Khaleej Times, announces its inaugural Healthy Ageing Summit scheduled for May 21, 2026. The landmark event will convene at the Mandarin Oriental on Jumeirah Beach Road, bringing together pioneering experts across science, medicine, technology, finance, and lifestyle design to fundamentally redefine what it means to age well in the modern era.

    The summit represents a strategic expansion for KT LUXE beyond editorial content into premium live experiences, marking a significant milestone in the platform’s evolution. Unlike traditional longevity discussions focused merely on extending lifespan, this gathering will prioritize healthspan enhancement—the quality of healthy years lived—through innovative approaches that bridge cutting-edge research with practical applications.

    A cornerstone of the event is the exclusive partnership with OMICS Precision Health Centre, a leader in translational geroscience and healthspan medicine. This collaboration will feature the KT LUXE x OMICS Healthspan Circuit, offering VIP delegates advanced diagnostics, biomarker analysis, and personalized health insights designed to optimize long-term wellbeing.

    Charles Yardley, Chief Executive Officer of Khaleej Times, emphasized the summit’s significance: “Healthy ageing transcends wellness trends—it represents a profound societal, financial, and lifestyle shift. Through this summit, KT LUXE is committed to leading this critical dialogue with depth, credibility, and purpose.”

    Dr. Mishkat Shehata, Chief Medical Officer at OMICS, elaborated on their approach: “Merely extending lifespan without improving quality of life is insufficient. Our focus is on combining deep biomarker insights with clinical medicine and cutting-edge technology to help patients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives for longer.”

    The curated program will feature six content tracks spanning regenerative medicine, preventive clinics, consumer health technology, human performance optimization, healthspan-focused financial planning, and the role of mental health in longevity. Jan Gerber, founder of Paracelsus Recovery, highlighted the psychological dimension: “Chronic stress, loneliness, and untreated psychological suffering age us faster than any disease. Healthy ageing begins in the mind, not the mirror.”

    The agenda will include keynote presentations, expert panels, fireside conversations, and curated roundtables featuring globally recognized experts alongside regional leaders. Confirmed participants include healthspan thought leader Dr. Mishkat Shehata, local businessman Jason Hellowell sharing patient experiences, and UK-based holistic wellness practitioner Monica Thompson-Mayali.

    Ted Kemp, Chief Content Officer at Khaleej Times, noted: “We’re creating a platform where science, innovation, and lived experience converge to help people think more proactively about how they age.” Attendance is limited to high-net-worth individuals, C-suite executives, family office principals, senior decision-makers, and healthcare leaders, with tickets available in limited quantities.

  • Ramadan 2026: Sharjah announces reduced working hours for public sector employees

    Ramadan 2026: Sharjah announces reduced working hours for public sector employees

    The Emirate of Sharjah has officially unveiled revised working schedules for its public sector employees during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan in 2026. According to Wednesday’s announcement from the Department of Human Resources, standard working hours from Monday through Thursday will be reduced to 9:00 AM until 2:30 PM throughout the sacred month.

    The anticipated commencement of Ramadan falls on either February 18 or 19, 2026, pending the official sighting of the crescent moon on February 17. This scheduling adjustment aligns with earlier directives from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, which established consistent reduced hours across federal entities.

    Special provisions have been made for Friday operations, with working hours scheduled from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon. However, the regulations acknowledge necessary exceptions for employees whose specific job requirements demand alternative scheduling arrangements.

    Departments operating on shift-based systems retain autonomy to determine appropriate start and end times according to their operational needs and work systems. Additionally, federal ministries and entities have been granted flexibility to implement remote working options for up to 70% of their workforce on Fridays, following established regulatory frameworks.

    The announcement reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to accommodating religious observances while maintaining governmental operational efficiency. Similar working hour reductions are expected to be implemented across other emirates and private sector organizations as Ramadan approaches, continuing the nation’s tradition of respecting cultural and religious practices within the workplace.

  • Exclusive: Bhumi Pednekar on ‘Daldal’, imposter syndrome and why she’s done being hard on herself

    Exclusive: Bhumi Pednekar on ‘Daldal’, imposter syndrome and why she’s done being hard on herself

    In a candid revelation, acclaimed Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar has opened up about her transformative journey in the industry, her most challenging role to date in the crime thriller ‘Daldal’, and her personal battle with imposter syndrome. The interview, conducted on February 11, 2026, provides unprecedented insight into the actress’s creative process and personal evolution.

    Pednekar identified her role as DCP Rita Ferreira in ‘Daldal’ as her most demanding performance yet, describing the character as ‘complex and broken’ with minimal dialogue. ‘This character was a product of a failed system,’ Pednekar explained. ‘She doesn’t know how to receive love and praise. There was so much going on internally with so little externally for me to express.’

    The actress detailed her meticulous preparation for the de-glamorized police role, consciously avoiding conventional portrayals of law enforcement officers. ‘She’s a petite, broken girl with red eyes and eye bags – unlike any cop representation we’ve seen,’ Pednekar noted, crediting directors Suresh Triveni and Amrit Raj Gupta for creating a nurturing environment that allowed for nuanced performances.

    When asked about the series’ critical success, Pednekar attributed it to the production team’s unwavering commitment to authenticity. ‘We made the show with incredible honesty and attention to detail,’ she revealed. ‘If natural light was needed, we waited three hours to shoot. The audience recognized this dedication to craft.’

    The conversation turned personal as Pednekar discussed her ongoing struggle with imposter syndrome, drawing parallels to her character in ‘Daldal’. ‘All of us feel that when good things happen, it’s too good to be true,’ she confessed. ‘It’s a healing journey, and I’m learning to celebrate myself in an industry that often tells women not to.’

    After a decade in Bollywood, Pednekar outlined her evolved perspective on success: ‘I’ve been excessively hard on myself, measuring achievement solely by film performance. Now I’m detaching from that mindset. True ambition isn’t just about success—it’s about creating impact through cinema, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship.’

    The actress also discussed her entrepreneurial venture Back Bay Life, explaining her voluntary break from acting to focus on building ‘a legacy brand with better, safer standards in the beverage industry.’

    Addressing the challenges of digital life, Pednekar spoke frankly about online toxicity: ‘Social media overwhelms everyone. I’ve spent nights crying over cruel comments and seen my family affected. People don’t realize the mental health repercussions of their digital actions.’

    Looking ahead, Pednekar expressed excitement about her upcoming romantic comedy with Imran Khan, describing it as ‘an evolved, mature examination of relationships’ drawn from Khan’s personal experiences. The project marks Khan’s highly anticipated return to cinema after a significant hiatus.

  • Epstein survivor calls on Palace to search Andrew’s files

    Epstein survivor calls on Palace to search Andrew’s files

    A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse has issued a direct challenge to Buckingham Palace, urging proactive disclosure of all communications between Prince Andrew and the convicted sex offender. Juliette Bryant, who endured abuse by Epstein in the early 2000s, expressed cautious appreciation for King Charles’s recent statement indicating readiness to support police investigations but emphasized the need for concrete action rather than diplomatic rhetoric.

    Speaking from her Cape Town residence, the 43-year-old former model articulated her expectations: ‘Verbal commitments represent merely the initial step. Authentic accountability necessitates comprehensive examination of Prince Andrew’s electronic correspondence and archival records.’ Bryant clarified that while she never encountered Andrew personally and levels no specific allegations against him, she believes institutional transparency remains paramount for justice.

    Buckingham Palace responded through an official spokesperson, reiterating the monarch’s ‘profound concern’ regarding the allegations while maintaining that specific claims should be addressed by Prince Andrew himself. The Palace affirmed cooperation with Thames Valley Police if formally approached and extended continued sympathies to abuse victims.

    The renewed scrutiny follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of over three million Epstein-related documents, including photographs depicting Andrew in unconventional poses and evidence suggesting he shared confidential government information with Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy. Bryant described her traumatic experiences with Epstein’s manipulation network, characterizing Ghislaine Maxwell as a terrifying enabler who should remain incarcerated.

    This development represents growing pressure on royal institutions to demonstrate substantive engagement with historical abuse cases rather than issuing carefully worded statements. Victims and advocates alike await tangible investigative actions that might finally provide resolution to this enduring scandal.

  • Tottenham Hotspur sack manager Frank with relegation dogfight looming

    Tottenham Hotspur sack manager Frank with relegation dogfight looming

    Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with manager Thomas Frank following a disastrous eight-month tenure, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The decision comes after a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United left Spurs languishing in 16th position, merely five points above the Premier League relegation zone with 29 points from 26 matches.

    The club’s board, while acknowledging their initial commitment to providing Frank time to build for the future, stated that deteriorating results and performances necessitated an immediate change. The Danish manager, who previously achieved success by establishing Brentford as a Premier League mainstay, failed to translate his methods to last season’s Europa League winners.

    Frank’s position became increasingly untenable as discontent among supporters reached a fever pitch during Tuesday’s match. Jeers and chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” echoed throughout Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, accompanied by vocal calls for former coach Mauricio Pochettino’s return.

    The statistics paint a bleak picture: Tottenham have suffered eleven league defeats this campaign, including seven losses at home. They’ve managed just two victories in thirteen Premier League fixtures at their home ground. Their current eight-game winless streak represents the club’s worst run since Juande Ramos was dismissed during a nine-game winless stretch in 2008.

    Complicating matters was Frank’s strained relationship with the fanbase. A January incident where he was photographed holding an Arsenal-branded coffee cup further eroded his standing, as did his criticism of supporters who mocked goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario following a costly error.

    Paradoxically, Tottenham’s European form provided a stark contrast to domestic struggles. The team qualified comfortably for the Champions League knockout stages by finishing fourth in the expanded 36-team table.

    The club’s hierarchy had shown recent support through the January acquisition of midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and the appointment of former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga. However, with no improvement in league performance, Frank becomes the latest managerial project to fail at Tottenham.

    The timing presents particular urgency as Spurs face league leaders Arsenal in a crucial North London derby on February 22nd. A defeat could see the club embroiled in their first genuine relegation battle since the 1976-77 season.

  • UAE athletes dominate in Arab Women Sports Tournament

    UAE athletes dominate in Arab Women Sports Tournament

    Emirati female athletes delivered a spectacular performance at the Arab Women Sports Tournament 2026, concluding Tuesday with an impressive medal tally that solidified their regional athletic supremacy. The UAE national team accumulated 18 medals total across three days of intense competition, including seven gold, five silver, and six bronze medals, establishing a commanding lead in the athletics program.

    The tournament witnessed outstanding individual achievements from UAE competitors. Sara Fahad Mohammed of Sharjah Women’s Sports Club claimed victory in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.62 seconds, while Mahra Abdulrahim Enqelya secured gold in the 400m hurdles, clocking 1:03.23. Fatima Yousif Alhosani of Abu Dhabi Athletics Club demonstrated remarkable versatility, earning gold medals in both discus throw (47.06m) and shot put (12.36m).

    Team events further highlighted Emirati dominance as Sharjah Women’s Sports Club captured gold in the 4×400m relay with a time of 4:00.43. The pole vault competition resulted in a UAE one-two finish, with Shahad Abdulla Ahmad and Alyaziah Tariq Doei both clearing 2.60 meters.

    Egypt secured second position overall with 12 medals (6 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze), while Iraq placed third with an equal number of medals (3 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze). Jordan finished fourth with two medals, Kuwait fifth with nine, and Saudi Arabia sixth with five medals. Libya and Palestine concluded the tournament with one silver medal and no medals respectively.

    The comprehensive victory underscores the UAE’s investment in women’s sports development and demonstrates the growing competitiveness of female athletes across Arab nations.

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 series set for February 25 debut: Here’s everything we expect at Unpacked 2026

    Samsung Galaxy S26 series set for February 25 debut: Here’s everything we expect at Unpacked 2026

    In a landmark initiative for the United Arab Emirates’ healthcare sector, Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai has inaugurated the nation’s first ‘Tree of Life’ installation. This permanent artistic monument serves as a profound tribute to both deceased organ donors and living individuals who have made the life-altering decision to donate. The unveiling marks a significant step in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to promote organ donation awareness and honor those whose selfless acts have saved countless lives.

    The ‘Tree of Life’ stands as more than just a memorial; it functions as an educational and inspirational centerpiece within the hospital. Its primary objective is to foster a culture of organ donation by visually representing the impact of each donor’s legacy. By creating a physical symbol of gratitude, Mediclinic aims to demystify the donation process and encourage open conversations among patients, families, and healthcare professionals about this critical aspect of modern medicine.

    This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader National Program for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue, reflecting growing institutional support for transplant medicine. Hospital administrators emphasize that the tree will serve as an enduring reminder of how individual generosity can trigger a cascade of healing, potentially saving up to eight lives through organ donation and enhancing many more through tissue donation.

    The installation arrives at a pivotal moment as healthcare authorities work to address the gap between supply and demand for transplantable organs. By celebrating donors publicly, Mediclinic hopes to normalize donation discussions within Emirati society and contribute to increasing registration rates across the country’s diverse population.