Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • UAE, Philippines share vision for resilient, open economies: Minister of Foreign Trade

    UAE, Philippines share vision for resilient, open economies: Minister of Foreign Trade

    The United Arab Emirates and Philippines have solidified a transformative economic alliance through a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that establishes a framework for sustained bilateral growth. Announced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, this agreement represents the fourth such partnership between the UAE and ASEAN nations, following similar pacts with Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

    The agreement emerges from robust existing economic relations, with non-oil trade reaching approximately $940 million in 2024 and showing a remarkable 22.4% annual growth rate during the first three quarters of 2025. The Philippines, recognized as ASEAN’s second-fastest growing economy with 5.6% growth in 2024 and a nominal GDP of $471.8 billion, presents strategic advantages as a major logistics hub and member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

    Economic projections indicate the CEPA will contribute $2.4 billion to the UAE’s GDP by 2032 while boosting UAE exports to the Philippines to $7.62 billion within the same timeframe. The partnership eliminates or reduces customs duties on over 83% of tariff lines, covering key exports including polyethylene, petrochemicals, fertilizers, mechanical equipment, ceramics, glass, and metals.

    The agreement facilitates enhanced market access in services—a sector constituting 62% of the Philippine economy—while establishing regulatory frameworks for digital trade and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Significant existing investments include DP World’s developments in Philippine ports and logistics infrastructure, alongside Masdar’s landmark $15 billion agreement for renewable energy projects targeting one gigawatt of clean energy capacity by 2030.

    With over 700,000 Filipinos residing in the UAE—the second-largest Filipino community in the Gulf—the agreement strengthens people-to-people connections while positioning the UAE as a central hub connecting Arab, European, Asian, and African supply chains. Both nations share aligned visions for building resilient, open economies committed to free trade principles and sustainable long-term growth.

  • Dubai: Scammers using AI to forge official documents, police warn

    Dubai: Scammers using AI to forge official documents, police warn

    Dubai authorities have issued a critical security alert regarding sophisticated fraud schemes utilizing artificial intelligence to create convincing forged documents. The Anti-Fraud Centre at Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation revealed that scammers are increasingly employing advanced AI tools to fabricate both official and unofficial documents that appear professionally authentic.

    These fraudulent documents are primarily distributed through email communications and social media platforms, often forming part of elaborate financial fraud operations or attempts to circumvent legal requirements. The police emphasized that these AI-generated forgeries have reached such sophistication that they can easily deceive unsuspecting individuals and organizations.

    However, security experts note several telltale signs of forged documentation, including inconsistent information, deviations from approved official templates, and the presence of counterfeit signatures or stamps. The #BewareofFraud awareness campaign recommends thorough verification procedures, including examining digital file metadata and confirming reference numbers through authorized channels.

    United Arab Emirates legislation imposes severe penalties for document forgery offenses. Under Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021, forging official documents carries temporary imprisonment sentences of up to 10 years, while unofficial document forgery also warrants prison terms. Specifically for electronic documents, Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 stipulates fines ranging from Dh150,000 to Dh750,000 and imprisonment up to one year for government document forgery.

    Dubai Police urge immediate reporting of suspected fraud through their smart application, emergency line 901, or the dedicated eCrime platform for cyber offenses. Authorities stress that vigilance and verification remain the most effective defenses against these technologically advanced fraud attempts.

  • CEO Masters 2026: Golf and networking event marked by Shing and Ramdiane victory

    CEO Masters 2026: Golf and networking event marked by Shing and Ramdiane victory

    The Emirates NBD CEO Masters 2026 concluded with outstanding success as Anthony Leung Shing and Christophe Ramdiane emerged victorious in the exclusive executive golf championship. Held at the prestigious Montgomerie Golf Club in Dubai, the tournament attracted 108 top-tier business leaders from across the globe for a day of competitive golf and high-level networking.

    Organized by WPSL Services and officially sanctioned by both the Dubai Sports Council and Emirates Golf Federation, the event demonstrated remarkable demand with over 20 executives remaining on a waitlist due to limited availability. The tournament format featured a Texas Scramble competition that combined sporting excellence with strategic business relationship building.

    Participants enjoyed immersive sponsor activations at every hole, including premium hole-in-one prizes offering luxury trips to Mauritius courtesy of REDLAC Real Estate LLC, Thailand experiences provided by Fore Management Group, and Tanzanian safari adventures from Msangai Adventure Safaris Group.

    The international gathering included past champions from the CEO Masters Mauritius edition alongside business leaders from India, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the event’s growing global prominence within executive sports circles.

    Victorious duo Shing and Ramdiane, representing CEO Masters Mauritius, secured an impressive trophy alongside premium prizes including state-of-the-art golf drivers from eGolf Megastore. Their achievement also grants them automatic qualification for the inaugural India CEO Masters scheduled for 2027 at Zion Hills Golf Club.

    The tournament successfully merged competitive sportsmanship with executive networking opportunities, creating a unique environment for business leaders to demonstrate their golfing prowess while establishing valuable professional connections. WPSL Services extended gratitude to numerous sponsors and partners including Emirates NBD, Thriwe, Zion Hills Golf Course, The Ultimate Foundation, and several other prominent organizations that contributed to the event’s resounding success.

  • Rising Czech star Louis Klein back in Dubai to defend Junior Desert Classic Crown

    Rising Czech star Louis Klein back in Dubai to defend Junior Desert Classic Crown

    Dubai prepares to host the 2026 Junior Desert Classic from January 16-18 at the renowned Emirates Golf Club, where defending champion Louis Klein aims to retain his crown against elite international competition. The 16-year-old Czech sensation, who dominated last year’s tournament with an impressive eight-stroke victory, returns fully recovered from previous injuries and confident in his current form.

    Organized by Falcon Golf and the Emirates Golf Federation, this 54-hole championship serves as an official World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) qualifier for the second consecutive year. The event features 64 top-tier junior golfers under age 18, including notable participants such as Sri Lankan Ladies Amateur Champion Kaya Dalawatte and American standout Alexandra Phung (+5.3 handicap).

    Klein, who now regularly trains at The Els Club in Dubai during winter months, expressed enthusiasm about competing on both the Faldo and Majlis courses: “I want to test myself against both a strong field and the challenges of these championship courses. This tournament provides perfect preparation for my upcoming season in Europe and beyond.”

    The competition format includes: Round 1 on the Faldo Course under floodlights, Round 2 with afternoon tee times on the same course, and a final round on the prestigious Majlis Course. The field will be reduced to the top 30 gross scores after 36 holes, with yardages set at 6,500 for boys and 5,700 for girls.

    Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the HERO Dubai Desert Classic, emphasized the event’s significance: “This championship creates genuine opportunities for young golfers through WAGR points, world-class facilities, and increasingly international competition.”

    Successful competitors will earn invitations to prestigious events including the Faldo Series Grand Final, Shubhankar Sharma Series Grand Final, and Clutch Tour starts, establishing crucial pathways to professional golf careers.

  • Dubai: Filipino pop band Ben&Ben to perform at Global Village on February 7

    Dubai: Filipino pop band Ben&Ben to perform at Global Village on February 7

    Dubai’s iconic Global Village prepares to host an extraordinary musical event as Filipino pop-rock phenomenon Ben&Ben takes center stage on February 7. The nine-member ensemble, renowned for their captivating live performances and soul-stirring discography, will showcase their greatest hits at the venue’s main stage at 9 PM.

    Originally formed as The Benjamins by twin brothers Paolo and Miguel Benjamin Guico, the band has evolved into one of the Philippines’ most celebrated musical exports. Their current lineup features Poch Barretto (electric guitar), Keifer Cabugao (violin), Patricia Lasaten (keyboards), Toni Muñoz (percussion), Andrew de Pano (percussion), Agnes Reoma (bass guitar), and Jam Villanueva (drums), creating a rich tapestry of sound that blends folk, pop, and emotionally charged lyrics.

    The band has achieved remarkable commercial success with triple platinum albums including ‘Limasawa Street’ and ‘Pebble House Volume 1: Kuwaderno,’ establishing themselves among the most streamed artists in the Philippines. Their musical repertoire, featuring hit singles such as ‘Saranggola,’ ‘Kathang Isip,’ and ‘Langyang Pag-Ibig,’ explores profound themes of human connection, vulnerability, and social consciousness.

    In a revealing interview with The Philippine Star, band members emphasized their unique collaborative dynamic: ‘We have so many experiences that are intertwined, and it’s been the greatest honor to witness each other grow. We are able to create freely and make music that speaks to who we are now. There are no limits as long as we make it together.’

    Drawing inspiration from global acts like Coldplay, Ben&Ben has developed a distinctive sound that resonates with international audiences. Their Dubai performance marks another milestone in their expanding global footprint, offering Middle Eastern fans an opportunity to experience their electrifying stage presence and musical craftsmanship firsthand.

  • Trump is ending protected immigration status for Somalis, long a target of his anti-immigrant barbs

    Trump is ending protected immigration status for Somalis, long a target of his anti-immigrant barbs

    The Trump administration announced Tuesday it would terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, marking another significant development in the president’s comprehensive immigration enforcement agenda. This decision directly impacts hundreds of Somali immigrants who have resided legally in the United States under humanitarian protections initially established during President George H.W. Bush’s administration in 1991.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem justified the move by asserting that conditions in Somalia have “improved to the point that it no longer meets the law’s requirement for Temporary Protected Status.” Affected individuals must now depart the United States by March 17, when existing protections—previously extended by the Biden administration—are set to expire. “Temporary means temporary,” Noem emphasized, adding that the decision prioritizes “Americans first.”

    This policy shift occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Minneapolis, home to a substantial Somali-American community. Recent protests have intensified following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during demonstrations against federal presence in the city.

    According to Congressional Research Service data, Somali TPS recipients number approximately 705 individuals—a small fraction within the nearly 1.3 million immigrants benefiting from such protections nationwide. The TPS program, created by Congress in 1990, provides temporary sanctuary for foreign nationals fleeing unstable or dangerous conditions in their home countries.

    Despite administration claims of improved conditions, Somalia remains one of the world’s poorest nations, grappling with decades of chronic conflict exacerbated by severe natural disasters. A 2025 congressional report documented more than two dozen extensions for Somali TPS recipients due to persistent “insecurity and ongoing armed conflict that present serious threats to the safety of returnees.”

    The decision aligns with President Trump’s pattern of targeting Somali immigrants through both policy and rhetoric. In December, Trump declared he “did not want Somalis” in the U.S., alleging they “come from hell” and “contribute nothing”—comments that made no distinction between citizens and non-citizens. The president has particularly focused his criticism on Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), a Somali-American congresswoman and U.S. citizen whom he has repeatedly suggested should be deported, once referring to her as “garbage.”

    Omar, an outspoken critic of ICE operations in Minneapolis, has characterized Trump’s “obsession” with her and Somali-Americans as “creepy and unhealthy.” This latest immigration policy change reinforces the administration’s broader pattern of rolling back humanitarian protections across multiple nations during Trump’s second term.

  • Hearts agree pre-contract with Uganda forward Mato

    Hearts agree pre-contract with Uganda forward Mato

    Scottish Premiership front-runners Heart of Midlothian have executed a significant transfer coup by securing Ugandan international striker Rogers Mato on a pre-contract agreement. The 22-year-old goalscorer will complete his move from North Macedonian league leaders FK Vardar to Edinburgh this summer upon the expiration of his current contract.

    Mato has emerged as one of Eastern Europe’s most lethal forwards this season, delivering an impressive 15 goals and 2 assists in just 17 appearances for Vardar. His clinical finishing has propelled his club to a narrow one-point advantage at the summit of the North Macedonian top flight after 16 matches.

    The promising forward has committed to a three-year contract with the Tynecastle side, marking another ambitious signing for the Scottish Premiership leaders. Mato brings international experience to Hearts, having earned 41 caps for Uganda since his debut in 2022. The striker has found the net eight times for his national team, including a consolation goal against Nigeria during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

    Mato’s career trajectory demonstrates a steady ascent through European football. Beginning his professional journey with Ugandan clubs Proline and KCCA, he subsequently transferred to Turkish side Sanliurfaspor in 2023 before embarking on his North Macedonian career with AP Brera. His successful stint with Vardar has now paved the way for his transition to Scottish football’s top tier.

    This acquisition represents Hearts’ continued strategy of identifying emerging talent from diverse football markets, strengthening their squad for both domestic and potential European competitions next season.

  • Gabon’s government lifts sanctions on team and Aubameyang

    Gabon’s government lifts sanctions on team and Aubameyang

    The Gabonese government has officially rescinded sanctions previously imposed on its national football team and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following their disappointing performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). This reversal comes just weeks after the Panthers’ early exit from the tournament in Morocco.

    In early January, then-Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula had delivered scathing criticism of the team’s performance, labeling their group stage elimination as “disgraceful” after losing all three matches against Cameroon, Mozambique, and hosts Ivory Coast. The original sanctions included the immediate dismissal of coach Thierry Mouyouma and the permanent exclusion of both captain Bruno Ecuele Manga and former Arsenal and Chelsea forward Aubameyang from national team selection.

    The decisive intervention from newly appointed Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany prevented potential disciplinary action from FIFA, which maintains strict policies against government interference in football federation operations. The reversal acknowledges upcoming critical deadlines, including qualification draws for the 2027 Afcon tournament.

    Gabon’s football federation (Fegafoot) released an official statement welcoming the resolution: “Fegafoot welcomes the positive outcome of the situation.” The federation has been invited to present practical details for selecting a new technical staff to lead the national team forward following Mouyouma’s departure.

  • Open-air concert under Ain Dubai to take place on January 31

    Open-air concert under Ain Dubai to take place on January 31

    In a monumental celebration of its 35-year legacy, iconic electronic music institution Ministry of Sound has announced its first-ever global touring initiative, spanning 35 cities across six continents throughout 2026. The landmark tour will commence with an extraordinary open-air spectacle beneath Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel, on January 31st.

    The Dubai inauguration event will feature a festival-style configuration with an impressive roster of international talent. Headlining the event are house music luminaries Dennis Ferrer and Armand Van Helden, supported by DJ Tennis, HoneyLuv, and a special back-to-back performance from Caiiro, Da Cap, and Enoo Napa. The lineup further includes Brazilian DJ sensation Aline Rocha and Dubai’s own deep house specialists Arcade 82.

    Operating from 2:00 PM until 1:00 AM, the event marks a significant moment for electronic music enthusiasts in the region. Ticket access begins at Dh156 through Platinumlist, offering attendees an immersive audio-visual experience beneath Dubai’s iconic skyline.

    Since its inception in 1991 within a repurposed South London bus depot, Ministry of Sound has revolutionized nightlife culture through its dedication to acoustic excellence and technological innovation. The organization has achieved remarkable milestones, including selling over 70 million albums, generating billions of digital streams, and attracting more than half a million annual visitors to its events worldwide.

    This unprecedented global journey represents Ministry of Sound’s most ambitious expansion to date, bringing its signature audio experience to prestigious venues across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Australia throughout the celebratory year.

  • Uganda imposes an internet blackout ahead Thursday’s election

    Uganda imposes an internet blackout ahead Thursday’s election

    Uganda’s telecommunications landscape has been plunged into digital darkness as the nation’s communications regulator mandated a comprehensive internet shutdown preceding Thursday’s pivotal general election. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) issued directives to all service providers to suspend internet connectivity effective Tuesday at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT), citing imperative public safety concerns.

    The regulatory body justified this drastic measure as necessary to combat potential ‘online misinformation, disinformation campaigns, electoral fraud mechanisms, and prevention of violence incitement’ during this sensitive electoral period. This decision represents a stark reversal from the UCC’s earlier position this month, when the commission dismissed internet blackout speculation as ‘mere rumors’ while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining uninterrupted nationwide connectivity.

    This digital censorship strategy mirrors the government’s approach during the contentious 2021 elections, which witnessed widespread protests and numerous fatalities amid a week-long internet blackout. While regular mobile data services have been disabled across the country, some business establishments including major hotels continue to access wireless connectivity. Basic communication channels including voice calls and SMS services remain operational despite the internet restrictions.

    According to official correspondence, the UCC implemented this suspension following ‘strong recommendations’ from national security agencies including the military and police forces. The commission characterized the blackout as ‘a precautionary intervention to ensure peace, protect national stability, and prevent communication platform misuse during a sensitive national exercise.’

    The presidential election features an historic rematch between 81-year-old incumbent Yoweri Museveni, who has maintained power for four decades, and 43-year-old opposition leader Bobi Wine (born Robert Kyagulanyi), a former pop star representing generational change. Museveni campaigns under the banner of ‘Protecting the Gains’ emphasizing continuity, while Wine mobilizes supporters with his ‘Protest Vote’ movement advocating for political transformation.

    In response to the internet restrictions, the opposition leader publicly shared the UCC’s directive on social media platform X and encouraged supporters to utilize Bluetooth-enabled communication applications as alternatives. The UCC subsequently warned it possesses technical capabilities to restrict such alternative communication platforms from operating within the country.