Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • From Nizami kitchens to UAE: Asha Bhosle to unveil ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ at Asha’s

    From Nizami kitchens to UAE: Asha Bhosle to unveil ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ at Asha’s

    Renowned Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle has arrived in the United Arab Emirates to introduce ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ culinary experience at her restaurant chain Asha’s. The legendary vocalist, whose career has spanned over seven decades, is personally overseeing the launch across Middle Eastern locations including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

    The new menu represents a deeply personal culinary journey for Bhosle, drawing inspiration from her 1962 visit to Hyderabad where she performed alongside her sister Lata Mangeshkar. During this formative trip, she immersed herself in the Nizami culture’s sophisticated hospitality traditions and time-honored cooking techniques that have influenced her culinary philosophy ever since.

    Bhosle will work directly with the restaurant’s culinary teams to ensure authentic reproduction of Hyderabadi flavors, spices, and cooking methods rooted in Nizami kitchen traditions. The menu highlights include lamb haleem, kunafa chicken, and premium Hyderabadi lamb chops finished with gold caviar—dishes presented as cultural heritage rather than mere indulgence.

    The Royal Hyderabadi Table also reflects the historical culinary connections between Hyderabad’s cuisine and Middle Eastern influences, where ingredients and traditions have intersected for centuries. Following its Middle Eastern debut, the special menu will launch later this year at Asha’s Birmingham location in celebration of the restaurant’s 20th anniversary.

    The initiative demonstrates Bhosle’s longstanding passion for cooking, which has previously manifested through her handwritten recipes that continue to influence Asha’s regular menu. The launch represents a convergence of cultural memory and gastronomic excellence, bringing a taste of royal Hyderabadi tradition to international diners.

  • Burkina Faso sack coach as Mali hit by resignations

    Burkina Faso sack coach as Mali hit by resignations

    West African football has been plunged into dual crises following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Burkina Faso’s national team has terminated coach Brama Traore and his entire technical staff after their disappointing performance in the tournament.

    The Burkinabe Football Federation (FBF) announced the decisive move on January 14, 2026, citing the team’s failure to meet pre-established objectives. The Stallions had been targeting at least a semi-final berth but suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against defending champions Ivory Coast in the round of 16.

    FBF chairman Oumarou Sawadogo expressed profound disappointment, stating that the early elimination had deeply frustrated supporters, football stakeholders, and governing bodies. Traore, who had been appointed in March 2024 following Hubert Velud’s departure, saw his tenure cut short after replicating Burkina Faso’s last-16 exit from the 2023 edition.

    Meanwhile, Mali’s football administration faces its own leadership vacuum after ten of the nineteen executive committee members of the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) resigned en masse. This mass departure creates significant administrative challenges despite the national team’s relatively successful Afcon campaign, where they reached the quarter-finals matching their 2023 performance.

    Femafoot officials have moved quickly to dispel rumors regarding coach Tom Saintfiet’s position. Communications officer Ladji Kone explicitly told BBC Sport Africa that the Belgian tactician “has not been dismissed, and no decision has been taken in that regard.”

    The resignation wave notably excluded federation president Mamatou ‘Bavieux’ Toure, who was re-elected to a second term in April 2023 while detained on corruption allegations. Toure was subsequently released after spending 622 days in prison.

    Internal sources indicate the crisis stems from persistent administrative dysfunction and mounting internal tensions within the Malian football governing body.

    Saintfiet, who assumed coaching duties in September 2024, remained detached from the political turmoil, emphasizing his focus on sporting achievements. “I coached Mali to the quarter-final for the second time (in a row), that is the only thing I can say,” the 52-year-old Belgian stated from his home country.

  • Sudan peace talks resume in Cairo as war nears 3-year mark

    Sudan peace talks resume in Cairo as war nears 3-year mark

    Diplomatic efforts to resolve Sudan’s devastating conflict resumed in Cairo on Wednesday, with Egyptian officials joining United Nations and United States representatives in pushing for an immediate nationwide humanitarian truce. The talks come as the brutal war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) approaches its third year, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian catastrophes.

    Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered a forceful statement during a joint press conference with Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Sudan. Abdelatty declared Egypt’s unwavering position regarding Sudan’s territorial integrity, stating: “Egypt wouldn’t accept the collapse of Sudan or its institutions, or any attempt to undermine its unity or divide its territory.” He characterized these scenarios as “red lines” that Egypt would actively prevent through necessary measures.

    The diplomat drew a clear distinction between legitimate state institutions and armed militias, asserting: “There is absolutely no room for recognizing parallel entities or any militias. Under no circumstances can we equate Sudanese state institutions, including the Sudanese army, with any other militias.”

    Despite previous failed negotiation attempts, participants expressed cautious optimism. Lamamra noted that this fifth meeting of the Consultative Mechanism demonstrated that diplomacy remains a viable pathway toward peace. The discussions revealed regional consensus on securing an immediate humanitarian truce that would include specific troop withdrawals and establishment of safe humanitarian corridors.

    In a significant development, American-led negotiations facilitated the delivery of over 1.3 metric tons of humanitarian supplies to el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on Wednesday. This marked the first such delivery since the city was besieged 18 months ago. Massad Boulos, the U.S. senior adviser for Arab and African Affairs, announced on social media platform X that the U.S. would continue pressing for nationwide truce while supporting mechanisms for unhindered aid delivery to famine-stricken regions.

    The humanitarian situation remains dire amid ongoing violence. Recent reports indicate at least 19 civilians killed during ground operations in Jarjira, North Darfur, on Monday, with additional casualties from drone attacks in Sinja, Sennar province. The Sudan Doctors Network accused the RSF of deliberately targeting civilians in what they described as “a full-fledged war crime.” According to the International Organization for Migration, recent violence has displaced over 8,000 people from North Darfur villages, with many fleeing to Chad.

    The United States has formally accused the RSF of committing genocide in Darfur, while rights groups have documented widespread atrocities by both sides. The so-called Quad mediators—Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States—have proposed a humanitarian truce that both warring parties reportedly agreed to, yet combat operations continue unabated throughout the country.

  • ‘Adolescence’ Season 2? Stephen Graham drops big hint after Golden Globes win

    ‘Adolescence’ Season 2? Stephen Graham drops big hint after Golden Globes win

    The acclaimed limited series ‘Adolescence’ may be poised for an unexpected return, as co-creator and star Stephen Graham revealed potential plans for a second season following his Golden Globes victory. Graham, who secured the award for Best Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology, or TV Movie for his portrayal of father Eddie Miller, indicated that creative discussions about continuing the story are underway.

    During backstage conversations at the awards ceremony, Graham acknowledged that while no definitive decisions have been made, the concept for a new season resides in what he described as the ‘deep recesses’ of his mind and that of co-creator Jack Thorne. The actor suggested a potential timeline of three to four years before any new installment might materialize, urging fans to ‘stay tuned’ for future developments.

    The speculation surrounding the show’s continuation began as early as April 2025, when Plan B co-presidents Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner confirmed preliminary discussions with director Philip Barantini about potential new iterations. Gardner emphasized their commitment to preserving the series’ core DNA while exploring innovative narrative directions that wouldn’t simply rehash the original storyline.

    ‘Adolescence’ achieved remarkable critical and commercial success since its debut, becoming Netflix’s second most-watched English-language series with over 146 million views within its first 91 days. The show’s awards season dominance included 13 Emmy nominations resulting in 8 wins, followed by 5 Golden Globe nominations. The recent ceremony also saw victories for Owen Cooper (Best Supporting Actor as Jamie Miller) and Erin Doherty (Best Supporting Actress as therapist Briony Ariston).

    The series explores the devastating aftermath of a serious crime committed by a 13-year-old boy, examining the profound impact on his family and their struggle for redemption. Its potential continuation represents a significant development in the streaming landscape, where successful limited series increasingly evolve into ongoing franchises.

  • Ethiopia begins $12.5 billion construction of 4-runway ‘Africa’s biggest airport’

    Ethiopia begins $12.5 billion construction of 4-runway ‘Africa’s biggest airport’

    Ethiopia has commenced construction on a monumental $12.5 billion aviation infrastructure project that will establish the continent’s largest airport in the town of Bishoftu. The ambitious Bishoftu International Airport, scheduled for operational launch in 2030, represents a transformative investment in Africa’s aviation landscape.

    Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali announced via social media platform X that this project stands as “the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history.” The megaproject will feature four parallel runways and unprecedented capacity specifications, including parking facilities for 270 aircraft simultaneously and annual passenger handling capability of 110 million travelers.

    The scale represents a quantum leap from Ethiopia’s existing main airport, which currently operates at less than one-quarter of this capacity. Prime Minister Abiy noted that current aviation infrastructure would reach saturation within the next 24-36 months based on existing traffic growth patterns.

    State-owned Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, secured the design and development contract for the facility located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. According to Infrastructure Development & Planning Director Abraham Tesfaye, the airline will directly fund 30% of the project cost while international lenders will cover the remaining 70%.

    Financial backing includes significant commitment from the African Development Bank, which pledged $500 million in August and will lead efforts to raise an additional $8.7 billion. Tesfaye confirmed strong financing interest from lenders across the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States.

    The project budget has increased from initial estimates of $10 billion to the current $12.5 billion valuation. Earthworks preparation has already commenced with $610 million allocated for initial groundwork, scheduled for completion within twelve months. Primary construction contractors are expected to begin operations in August 2026.

    This infrastructure development coincides with Ethiopian Airlines’ continued expansion, having added six new routes during the 2024/25 fiscal year while reporting substantial revenue growth.

  • Uganda election chief says he has had threats over results declaration

    Uganda election chief says he has had threats over results declaration

    Uganda’s Electoral Commission Chairman Simon Byabakama has publicly denounced intimidation attempts from senior government officials seeking to influence the outcome of Thursday’s presidential election. The electoral head confirmed receiving direct threats warning him against declaring certain candidates as winners, though he declined to identify the officials involved.

    Byabakama’s statements came in response to a viral video featuring Presidential Assistant Yiga Kisakyamukama, who explicitly stated that the electoral body would never announce opposition leader Bobi Wine as president regardless of actual vote results. “Some people say if you don’t declare so-and-so as president, you will see. I tell them that I am not in the business of donating votes,” Byabakama asserted during a press conference at the commission’s Kampala headquarters.

    The electoral chairman emphasized his commitment to legal procedures, stating that only the will of voters would determine the election outcome. “The law says that the candidate who receives more than 50% plus one of the total valid votes cast is the president of Uganda. It is the voters who determine how many votes a candidate gets,” he explained, adding that results would be declared within 48 hours after polls close.

    This election pits 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, seeking his seventh term after nearly four decades in power, against main challenger Bobi Wine—a 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician who finished runner-up in the 2021 polls. Six other candidates are competing for the presidency, with approximately 21.6 million registered voters eligible to participate.

    The electoral process has been marred by significant tensions, including the disruption of opposition campaigns, detention of activists, and violent break-ups of rallies by police. Byabakama addressed concerns about the heavy military presence in urban areas, stating security forces were deployed to maintain peace but should not intimidate voters. He also acknowledged investigating reports of polling stations being established within military premises.

    Adding to the pre-election tensions, Ugandan authorities implemented nationwide internet restrictions and limited mobile services on Tuesday, citing the need to curb “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks.” This network outage has raised additional concerns about potential repression during the critical voting period.

  • UAE weather: Fair to partly cloudy skies; temperatures to dip to 10ºC

    UAE weather: Fair to partly cloudy skies; temperatures to dip to 10ºC

    Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a weather forecast indicating predominantly fair to partially overcast conditions across the nation on Wednesday, January 14th. According to the National Center of Meteorology, residents should anticipate increased humidity levels during nighttime and early Thursday morning, particularly in western coastal and inland regions where mist formation remains probable.

    Wind patterns are expected to shift from light to moderate southeasterly to northwesterly directions, with velocities ranging between 10-25 km/h. These winds may occasionally intensify, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h during peak periods.

    Temperature readings recorded on Tuesday revealed a maximum of 28°C in Al Qor, Dubai, at 2:15 PM. The meteorological outlook for Wednesday suggests temperature variations between 10°C and 28°C nationwide. Dubai anticipates temperatures spanning from 18°C to 26°C, while Abu Dhabi expects a slightly broader range of 15°C to 26°C. The emirate of Sharjah will experience moderately cooler conditions with temperatures fluctuating between 14°C and 24°C.

    Maritime conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecasted to remain slight to moderate, while the Oman Sea will maintain generally calm waters throughout the period.

  • Every door tells a story: Dubai displays historic doors that shaped the city

    Every door tells a story: Dubai displays historic doors that shaped the city

    Dubai has launched an extraordinary cultural exhibition showcasing historic doors that serve as tangible narratives of the city’s evolution. ‘Dubai Doors’ at Nad Al Sheba Square presents meticulously preserved teak entryways from the 19th and 20th centuries, each revealing intricate craftsmanship through symmetrical panels, fan-shaped motifs, and diamond carvings. These architectural artifacts feature traditional security elements like domed iron nails and geometric five-pointed stars symbolizing protection, alongside spiritual elements including Arabic calligraphy with Quranic verses that demonstrate the sacred role of homes in historical Emirati society.

    The exhibition, running through January 26, 2026, highlights functional innovations such as ‘roshan’ ventilation openings that provided light and airflow while maintaining privacy. Central stiles display continuous floral chains that blend aesthetic elegance with structural integrity. According to Asem Al Qassim, Director of Architectural Heritage and Antiquities at Dubai Municipality, these doors represent living documents that reveal the social, architectural, and security functions of traditional homes while showcasing local artisans’ exceptional skills.

    Dubai’s urban preservation strategy involves comprehensive mapping of six historic districts, cataloging buildings by age, and codifying authentic architectural elements. This initiative aligns with global UNESCO standards while addressing challenges posed by rapid urbanization. The municipality is integrating traditional materials with modern components like aluminum and PVC without compromising authenticity, while researching historical cooling techniques such as wind towers (Barjeel) and ventilation courtyards for contemporary applications.

    Community engagement forms a crucial component of preservation efforts, with live workshops and Ramadan markets at Deira Souq designed to help youth connect with their cultural identity. These heritage conservation measures constitute a fundamental pillar of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, ensuring that historic areas like Deira and Bur Dubai remain as living memories rather than mere relics of the past.

  • Slowdown in Dubai? Property data from 2025 proves analysts wrong

    Slowdown in Dubai? Property data from 2025 proves analysts wrong

    Dubai’s property market has delivered a stunning rebuttal to pessimistic forecasts, achieving unprecedented growth throughout 2025 that has fundamentally reshaped market expectations. According to official data released by the Dubai Land Department, the emirate recorded over 270,000 real estate transactions valued at Dh917 billion, representing a remarkable 20 percent year-on-year increase in volume.

    This exceptional performance directly contradicts projections made by global ratings agency Fitch in 2024, which had anticipated price corrections of up to 15 percent across 2025 due to anticipated supply increases. Instead, the market demonstrated robust growth across all key metrics, with average prices increasing by approximately 7 percent according to DLD figures, while internal data from major agencies showed even stronger appreciation trends.

    Industry leaders emphasize that Dubai’s real estate expansion is fundamentally driven rather than speculative. Lewis Allsopp, Chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp, stated: “All key metrics—transaction volume, pricing, and average prices—show consistent growth. The narrative of a slowdown simply doesn’t align with the actual data.”

    The market’s strength stems from multiple structural factors including sustained population growth, continued inflow of high-net-worth individuals, long-term residency initiatives, and comprehensive infrastructure development. Real estate investments during 2025 exceeded Dh680 billion across 258,600 deals, representing a 29 percent value increase and 20 percent growth in transaction numbers. The investor base expanded significantly to approximately 193,100 participants, including 129,600 new entrants.

    Humaira Vaqqas, Senior Consultant at Range International Properties, noted: “The record transaction volumes demonstrate sustained end-user demand alongside institutional and international investor confidence. The market has evolved into a more transparent and regulated ecosystem, maintaining momentum while avoiding extreme volatility.”

    Looking toward 2026, industry executives express even greater optimism based on sustained demand drivers, affordable project launches, and Dubai’s positioning as a global real estate hub. The market’s performance aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aims to increase transaction volume by 70 percent to reach Dh1 trillion.

  • Why Osimhen has become ‘king of Nigerian football’

    Why Osimhen has become ‘king of Nigerian football’

    As Nigeria prepares for its critical Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, the narrative surrounding superstar striker Victor Osimhen transcends mere footballing statistics. The 27-year-old Galatasaray forward stands poised to etch his name permanently into Nigerian sporting lore, needing just two goals to equal the legendary Rashidi Yekini’s national record of 37 international strikes.

    The tournament journey, while successful with five consecutive victories, has revealed the intense competitive fire that defines Osimhen’s character. A highly publicized on-field disagreement with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 round of 16 triumph over Mozambique sparked media speculation about dressing room discord. Osimhen’s visible frustration over a missed scoring opportunity and subsequent early departure from celebrations prompted rumors of potential camp abandonment—all firmly denied by team officials.

    Those closest to the athlete argue that this relentless drive forms the essential core of his greatness. Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong provided poignant insight into the origins of this mentality, recounting Osimhen’s unimaginably difficult childhood. Orphaned at a young age in Lagos, Osimhen supported his siblings by selling water in traffic, developing what Troost-Ekong describes as a profound “hunger and hustle” that manifests in every aspect of his life, from being first to the dinner buffet to his relentless attacking positioning.

    Despite his proximity to individual glory, Osimhen maintains remarkable perspective regarding Yekini’s legacy, stating: “It doesn’t matter if I equal the record or I surpass it. I think Mr Rashidi Yekini is the best striker the Super Eagles have ever produced. I’m just trying to win something important for my country.”

    Nigerian football journalist Oluwashina Okeleji has declared Osimhen the “new king of Nigerian football,” noting his transformational impact since his under-17 days and his unofficial leadership role within the squad. This influence extends beyond international duty, evidenced by his record-breaking club career across Europe’s top leagues.

    After emerging as a scoring sensation with Lille in Ligue 1, Osimhen achieved icon status at Napoli where his 26-goal season delivered their first Serie A title in 33 years, simultaneously making him the highest-scoring African in Italian football history. His subsequent move to Galatasaray produced immediate success with 26 goals in 30 appearances, securing a domestic double and establishing continued dominance in the Turkish Super Lig.

    With continental glory within reach and historical immortality awaiting, Osimhen represents both Nigeria’s present hopes and future legacy as they seek to capture their fourth Africa Cup of Nations championship.