Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Apple, Google strike Gemini deal for revamped Siri in major win for Alphabet

    Apple, Google strike Gemini deal for revamped Siri in major win for Alphabet

    In a landmark agreement that reshapes the artificial intelligence landscape, Apple Inc. has selected Google’s Gemini AI models to power its upcoming Siri revitalization. This multi-year partnership, announced Monday, represents a strategic consolidation between tech titans as they position themselves against emerging competitors like OpenAI.

    The collaboration grants Google unprecedented access to Apple’s massive installed base exceeding two billion active devices worldwide. This arrangement significantly bolsters Alphabet’s competitive standing in the generative AI arena while providing Apple with the advanced technology needed to accelerate its AI initiatives after several developmental setbacks.

    According to Google’s statement, ‘After meticulous evaluation, Apple determined Google’s AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models.’ The Gemini infrastructure will not only drive the enhanced Siri experience scheduled for release later this year but will also support additional Apple Intelligence features in development.

    This alliance extends beyond AI into the established search partnership between the companies, where Google serves as the default search engine on Apple devices—an arrangement generating tens of billions in annual revenue for Apple while driving substantial traffic to Google’s ecosystem.

    The market responded enthusiastically to the announcement, with Alphabet’s market valuation surging past the $4 trillion threshold on Monday. This continues the stock’s impressive 65% growth trajectory from 2025, reflecting growing investor confidence in Google’s AI capabilities.

    Addressing privacy concerns, Google emphasized that ‘Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute while maintaining Apple’s industry-leading privacy standards.’ This strategic positioning aims to differentiate the partnership from competitors by emphasizing on-device processing and data protection.

    The agreement positions OpenAI, which had previously secured iPhone integration for ChatGPT, in a secondary role. Industry analysts note that ChatGPT will remain available for complex, opt-in queries rather than serving as the primary intelligence layer for Apple’s ecosystem.

  • Dubai closes 2025 with its strongest ever property sales quarter at Dh187 billion

    Dubai closes 2025 with its strongest ever property sales quarter at Dh187 billion

    Dubai’s property market concluded 2025 with unprecedented momentum, achieving a record-breaking Dh187.47 billion in sales transactions during the fourth quarter according to data released by Property Finder, the Middle East and North Africa’s leading property portal. This remarkable performance represents the strongest quarterly sales figures in the emirate’s history, demonstrating sustained investor confidence and market resilience.

    The final quarter’s achievement was propelled by three consecutive months of exceptional performance: October recorded Dh59 billion, followed by two months of Dh64 billion each in November and December. This consistent upward trajectory underscores Dubai’s position as a premier global investment destination, attracting substantial international capital across diverse property segments.

    Market analysis reveals distinct patterns across Dubai’s residential corridors. Premium neighborhoods including Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai maintained their dominance in transaction values, driven by limited supply and robust demand from high-net-worth international buyers. Simultaneously, thoughtfully developed mid-market communities such as Jumeirah Village Circle experienced heightened activity, particularly in the competitive off-plan sector, catering to budget-conscious purchasers.

    Market dynamics show Business Bay continuing to attract investors through its mixed-use amenities and central location, while Dubai Hills Estate demonstrated balanced demand across both villa and apartment segments within its mature, master-planned environment.

    Rental market data indicates apartments commanding 80% of search interest, with studios and one-bedroom units showing increased popularity year-on-year. This shift suggests that rising rental rates throughout 2025 have prompted more individuals and smaller families to seek compact, affordable accommodations. The sales market mirrors this trend, with apartments accounting for 61% of buyer searches compared to 39% for villas.

    Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, characterized the performance as “structural and demand-led,” emphasizing that market momentum is “anchored in depth, diversity, and pricing resilience rather than short-term speculative activity.” This assessment points toward sustainable growth patterns heading into 2026, benefiting both buyers and investors across market segments.

  • Most of Uganda’s population is under 17 – will they give an 81-year-old another term?

    Most of Uganda’s population is under 17 – will they give an 81-year-old another term?

    Uganda stands at a political crossroads as its youthful population dominates election campaigns, creating a vibrant tapestry of contrasting ideologies ahead of Thursday’s pivotal presidential vote. The nation, with a median age of just 17, witnesses unprecedented political engagement from a generation that has known only one leader throughout their lives.

    President Yoweri Museveni, 81, seeks an extraordinary seventh term after four decades in power, campaigning under the ruling National Resistance Movement’s banner of ‘Protecting the Gains.’ His administration emphasizes stability and continuity, highlighting Uganda’s transformation from a refugee exporter to Africa’s largest refugee host. NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Lumala Dombo articulates this vision while defending the party’s record.

    Challenging the status quo is 43-year-old former pop star Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), whose National Unity Platform mobilizes supporters with the urgent cry of ‘Protest Vote.’ He has emerged as the primary conduit for youth frustration, framing the election as a battle for liberation and freedom. Despite their opposing messages, both campaigns strategically target Uganda’s massive youth demographic.

    The political landscape reveals a profound paradox: one of the world’s youngest populations governed by aging elites who have consistently outmaneuvered constitutional limits. This tension reflects a broader African pattern where youthful societies remain under the control of long-established leadership.

    Uganda’s youth bulge represents both tremendous potential and significant risk. Hundreds of thousands enter the labor market annually, yet economic opportunities remain scarce. Political expression often meets with arrests, intimidation, and violence—responses that have deepened rather than suppressed public anger.

    Regional context amplifies these tensions. Youth-led protests in Kenya, emerging activism in Tanzania, violent unrest in Mozambique, and Madagascar’s military takeover after presidential flight demonstrate a continent-wide pattern of youthful political awakening. Ugandan authorities closely monitor these developments while implementing what many observers describe as a ‘managed security operation’ rather than a genuine legitimacy contest.

    Research fellow Fergus Kell of Chatham House notes the ‘heavily militarized’ nature of Ugandan politics, where state machinery suppresses alternative power centers. The UN human rights office reports widespread repression against opposition figures, journalists, and dissenting voices, while academic Kristof Titeca describes ‘rituals of democratic competition’ with ‘predetermined outcomes.’

    Beyond the two main contenders, traditional opposition parties like the Forum for Democratic Change and Democratic Party continue participating but struggle with internal divisions and limited appeal to younger voters seeking more confrontational approaches.

    The election raises fundamental questions about Uganda’s political future, particularly regarding succession. Speculation about Museveni’s retirement plans has persisted for 25 years, with each hint of departure followed by constitutional amendments removing term and age limits. Recently, attention has focused on General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the president’s son, whose rapid military advancement and political activities through his Patriotic League of Uganda suggest potential hereditary transition planning.

    NRM officials downplay succession theories, emphasizing established party processes, while Bobi Wine remains skeptical, drawing parallels with Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe. The election ultimately transcends individual candidates, becoming a referendum on preserving historical achievements versus embracing a new generation’s demand for inclusion, fairness, and meaningful participation. Uganda’s youth have unequivocally transitioned from passive observers to active political participants.

  • Chelsea have the resources to win, says Rosenior ahead of Arsenal clash

    Chelsea have the resources to win, says Rosenior ahead of Arsenal clash

    Newly appointed Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has expressed strong confidence in his squad’s existing capabilities as they approach the critical League Cup semi-final first leg against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Wednesday. The match marks Rosenior’s second game in charge and his first against top-flight opposition since taking over last Tuesday.\n\nThe 41-year-old coach, who ended Chelsea’s five-match winless streak with a commanding 5-1 FA Cup victory against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, emphasized that immediate success remains his primary focus despite long-term visioning. \”I’d love to be here six years or longer. But to do that, you need to start winning,\” Rosenior stated during Monday’s press conference. \”My focus is that I already have resources here to win.\”\n\nRosenior revealed extensive tactical preparations have been underway since his arrival, with particular attention given to analyzing Arsenal’s multifaceted gameplay. \”We’ve been working tactically on Arsenal from the moment I came into the club,\” he explained. \”We’ve watched all of their games, analyzed every aspect of their game, including set plays, at which they’re very good.\”\n\nThe coach specifically addressed emerging narratives labeling Arsenal as \”Set Piece FC,\\” dismissing the simplistic characterization. \”They’re a team who are very good without the ball. They have a really clear idea in the way they want to play with the ball,\” Rosenior noted, acknowledging their well-organized approach and effective set-piece delivery as components of a comprehensive successful formula.\n\nDespite the high-stakes nature of the encounter, Rosenior maintains a process-oriented perspective, stating: \”I’m not making it any bigger than the fact it’s the next game, and we have to win. That’s the way I see it.\” The Chelsea squad has responded positively to training methods, with selection decisions for the semi-final clash to be finalized in the coming days.

  • Anushka Sharma pens a thoughtful birthday post for daughter Vamika

    Anushka Sharma pens a thoughtful birthday post for daughter Vamika

    Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma delivered a poignant tribute to her daughter Vamika on the occasion of her birthday, sharing an intimate reflection on motherhood through her social media platforms. The celebrity, known for maintaining a relatively private public profile, made an exception to express profound maternal affection for her firstborn child.

    In her emotionally charged Instagram post dated January 11, Sharma articulated the transformative experience of motherhood, stating she would never revert to any previous version of herself that existed before her daughter’s arrival. The actress captioned her post with powerful words: ‘And I would not go back to any version of me that did not know you, my child. 11 January 2021.’

    The renowned actress married Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli in a December 2017 ceremony held in Italy. Their family expanded with Vamika’s birth on January 11, 2021, followed by the arrival of their son Akaay on February 15, 2024.

    While Sharma has maintained a hiatus from acting for over six years since her appearance alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the 2018 film ‘Zero’, she has been involved in select projects including an unreleased biopic based on former Indian women’s cricket team player Jhulan Goswami.

    Meanwhile, Virat Kohli continues to demonstrate exceptional form in international cricket, recently scoring 93 runs from 91 deliveries during the first ODI match against New Zealand in Vadodara.

  • FAB, T. Rowe Price forge alliance to enhance investment solutions

    FAB, T. Rowe Price forge alliance to enhance investment solutions

    In a significant development for the Gulf region’s financial sector, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with renowned global asset management firm T. Rowe Price. This alliance, formally announced in Abu Dhabi on Monday, represents a major advancement in investment capabilities available throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

    The collaboration strategically positions T. Rowe Price as FAB’s primary investment partner, granting the bank’s diverse client base unprecedented access to sophisticated investment strategies. These encompass global equities, fixed income securities, alternative investments, and multi-asset solutions curated by one of the world’s most respected asset managers.

    This partnership is specifically engineered to enhance FAB’s investment offerings across all client segments, including retail investors, private banking clients, and institutional organizations. By integrating T. Rowe Price’s extensive global research infrastructure and proven active management expertise, FAB aims to deliver more sophisticated, internationally calibrated investment products tailored to regional market dynamics.

    The synergy combines FAB’s extensive regional presence, deep market understanding, and substantial client network with T. Rowe Price’s decades of global investment experience and product innovation. This fusion of capabilities will facilitate the development of customized investment solutions addressing the evolving requirements of GCC investors while promoting international standards within the region’s financial ecosystem.

    Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank, emphasized that this partnership demonstrates FAB’s ongoing commitment to enhancing investment sophistication and expanding solution diversity. She noted that collaborating with a globally recognized asset manager reinforces FAB’s position as a premier financial partner dedicated to delivering exceptional value across client segments.

    Rob Sharps, Chair, CEO and President of T. Rowe Price, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the firm’s Middle Eastern presence through this long-term strategic alliance. He highlighted that the partnership reflects T. Rowe Price’s commitment to developing innovative global collaborations and delivering world-class investment solutions specifically designed for GCC public and private market investors.

  • Dubai retail and warehouse markets surge amid tight supply and rising demand

    Dubai retail and warehouse markets surge amid tight supply and rising demand

    Dubai’s commercial property sector demonstrated exceptional resilience during the third quarter of 2025, with both retail and warehouse markets experiencing unprecedented growth driven by robust demand and severely constrained supply. According to Cavendish Maxwell’s comprehensive market analysis, retail sales transactions shattered records by exceeding Dh1 billion in a single quarter for the first time in the emirate’s history.

    The retail segment witnessed remarkable transaction volume increases, surging 78.7% quarter-on-quarter and 27.2% year-on-year. Off-plan deals emerged as the primary growth catalyst, skyrocketing 133% compared to the previous quarter and 64.7% from the previous year. Approximately 400 retail sales transactions were finalized during this period, reflecting intense investor appetite fueled by Dubai’s expanding population and record-breaking tourism numbers.

    Leasing markets experienced a paradigm shift as prime retail space became increasingly scarce. Tenants demonstrated a clear preference for renewing existing leases rather than relocating, with renewal contracts increasing 6.1% annually while new rental agreements plummeted 32.2%. This supply-demand imbalance triggered substantial rental growth across key commercial districts, with rates escalating between 7% and 15% in premium locations including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay. Citywide retail rents advanced 7.7% year-on-year.

    The warehouse market mirrored this trend of constrained supply and rising costs. Although overall rental transactions decreased 8.3% year-on-year to approximately 4,200 deals, renewal activity surged dramatically by 62.2%, indicating occupiers’ strong preference for operational continuity. Industrial rental rates achieved double-digit growth, averaging 16.8% year-on-year across major logistics hubs including Jebel Ali, Dubai Investment Park, and Ras Al Khor, with increases ranging from 12% to 21%.

    Market experts attribute this sustained growth to structural factors including e-commerce expansion, Dubai’s consolidating position as a regional logistics hub, and unprecedented tourism performance. Major mall operators Emaar and Majid Al Futtaim reported average portfolio occupancies of 98%, with flagship destinations continuing to attract substantial footfall.

    Future development strategies are evolving to address market dynamics, focusing on smaller community shopping centers catering to daily needs alongside mega-expansions such as the Dh5 billion upgrade at Mall of the Emirates. The warehouse sector shows no indications of cooling, with persistent supply constraints and escalating demand from logistics and online retail expected to maintain upward pressure on rental rates. Industry analysts conclude that location security and long-term stability now carry greater strategic value than cost considerations in Dubai’s rapidly evolving commercial landscape.

  • Want cheaper flights? UAE travel data reveals best day, most affordable destinations

    Want cheaper flights? UAE travel data reveals best day, most affordable destinations

    New data analytics from global travel platform Skyscanner have identified Saturday as the most cost-effective day for flight departures from the United Arab Emirates, countering prevailing traveler misconceptions. Contrary to popular belief—where 28% of surveyed travelers suspected Tuesday and 25% believed Wednesday offered the lowest fares—statistical evidence confirms weekends provide the optimal pricing window for UAE-based travelers.

    The comprehensive travel analysis further reveals significant price variations based on destination selection and seasonal timing. Indian metropolitan centers dominate the affordability index, with Chennai emerging as the most economical destination at approximately Dh795 for round-trip economy fares. This is closely followed by Kozhikode (Dh937) and Mumbai (Dh975), while other South Asian hubs including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Mangalore maintain competitive pricing between Dh1,000-1,100.

    Internationally, Istanbul presents as a viable budget-friendly alternative at Dh1,100, with Cairo and Dhaka marginally higher at Dh1,300. Manila completes the top ten most affordable destinations with average round-trip fares of Dh1,691. These figures derive from actual booking data compiled between January-October 2025 for travel throughout 2026.

    The research coincides with unprecedented travel意向 among UAE residents, with 96% planning international excursions in 2026 and 69% having already secured flight reservations. Notably, 64% remain flexible with travel dates, recognizing this as a critical factor in cost reduction. Half of respondents expressed financial concerns regarding international travel expenditures.

    To address growing demand for intelligent travel planning, Skyscanner has introduced a Cheapest Destination Planner tool, providing monthly affordability metrics, suggested travel dates, and destination insights. Complementary data from Marriott Bonvoy’s 2026 Ticket to Travel Report indicates sustained regional travel demand, with over 80% of UAE and Saudi travelers planning equivalent or increased travel compared to 2025.

    Industry trends further reveal advanced booking patterns averaging two months prior to departure, with multi-country itineraries remaining prevalent among 75% of travelers. European destinations including Italy, Switzerland, France, and Türkiye continue to feature prominently among UAE traveler preferences, reflecting persistent demand for experiential diversity and value-driven travel.

  • O Gold transforms into a lifestyle super app where gold becomes your daily currency

    O Gold transforms into a lifestyle super app where gold becomes your daily currency

    DUBAI – In a groundbreaking development for the fintech sector, O Gold has announced its complete transformation from a digital gold investment platform into a comprehensive lifestyle super app, introducing the world’s first gold-backed Mastercard payment system. This strategic evolution marks a significant milestone for the UAE-based Shariah-compliant platform, which now serves an expanding community of over 800,000 users.

    The newly launched O Gold Mastercard represents a paradigm shift in asset liquidity, enabling users to seamlessly utilize their gold holdings for everyday transactions without the traditional constraints of selling or liquidating assets. Through strategic partnerships with Mawarid Finance and Mastercard, the platform allows instant spending of gold balances at various merchants – from local cafés to international retailers – while maintaining full Shariah compliance and robust security protocols.

    Beyond its core payment functionality, the super app offers a premium suite of lifestyle benefits tailored for global citizens and sophisticated investors. Platinum Card holders gain access to exclusive privileges including complimentary airport lounge access, hotel discounts, and merchant offers across retail, dining, and e-commerce sectors worldwide.

    The platform’s expanded ecosystem bridges digital assets with tangible value through a gold-powered marketplace featuring over 8,000 international brands. Users can leverage their gold reserves to purchase vouchers, gift cards, travel services including global eSIM data packages, and participate in an interactive rewards program.

    At the foundation of this innovation lies O Gold’s secure digital wallet infrastructure, backed by physical gold stored in insured UAE vaults. The platform supports fractional gold ownership, automated savings plans, yield generation on holdings, legacy planning through beneficiary nomination, and real-time portfolio tracking with transparent financial reporting.

    Bandar Alothman, Founder of O Gold, stated: ‘We are fundamentally redefining gold’s role in the modern economy. For the first time, gold transitions from a passive savings instrument to an active, spendable asset integrated into daily financial behavior.’

    CEO Ahmed Abdeltawab emphasized the company’s vision: ‘Our integrated ecosystem establishes a new global benchmark for how precious metals can power both immediate transactions and long-term financial security within a single, ethical framework.’

    Operating on principles of transparency and quality assurance, O Gold sources its precious metals exclusively from reputable suppliers while maintaining insured storage and competitive pricing structures. This transformation positions the company at the forefront of ethical, gold-backed financial innovation worldwide.

  • UAE approves new dual-action heart failure treatment for faster, better care

    UAE approves new dual-action heart failure treatment for faster, better care

    The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation with the groundbreaking approval of Inpefa® (sotagliflozin), becoming only the second nation globally to authorize this novel dual-mechanism heart failure treatment. The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has sanctioned this oral medication that functions as a simultaneous SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor, marking a significant advancement in cardiac care therapeutics.

    This pharmaceutical breakthrough represents a paradigm shift in heart failure management, offering multifaceted benefits for patients grappling with this chronic condition characterized by the heart’s diminished pumping capacity. The treatment demonstrates efficacy in reducing mortality risks associated with cardiovascular diseases, decreasing hospitalization durations for heart failure episodes, and minimizing emergency medical interventions. Clinical applications extend to adult patients presenting with heart failure, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

    Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, emphasized the regulatory milestone as emblematic of the UAE’s dedication to healthcare innovation. “The Establishment attaches utmost priority to developing flexible and effective regulatory frameworks, particularly for advanced therapies,” Dr. Al Kaabi stated. “Such frameworks are designed to enable rapid responses to urgent medical needs and to enhance the healthcare system’s capacity to manage complex and serious conditions.”

    Medical research indicates that Inpefa® delivers particularly promising outcomes when initiated during hospitalization, with patients experiencing accelerated therapeutic benefits. The dual-inhibition mechanism addresses both glycemic control and cardiorenal protection, offering a comprehensive approach to managing interconnected health challenges.

    Ayman Mokhtar, Regional President of Viatris for the MENA and Eurasia region, confirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring broad accessibility: “Through our strong presence in the UAE, we are committed to making Inpefa® accessible to the patients who need it most, helping improve their quality of life.”

    This regulatory approval occurs against the backdrop of rising global heart failure prevalence, positioning the UAE as an emerging hub for medical innovation and responsive regulatory frameworks that prioritize patient access to cutting-edge treatments.