Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • UAE: New platform launched to celebrate newborns, connect families in the country

    UAE: New platform launched to celebrate newborns, connect families in the country

    A groundbreaking digital initiative named UAE BORN has emerged in the United Arab Emirates, creating a dedicated space for families to celebrate newborn arrivals and strengthen communal ties. Founded by Yasser bin Mohammed, a communications specialist with extensive media experience, this voluntary project represents a innovative approach to fostering social cohesion through life’s happiest moments.

    The platform’s operational model invites all UAE citizens and residents with newborns to submit their child’s information for publication. Once shared, community members can extend congratulations and participate in spreading the joyful news throughout the nation. The service launched officially in 2026 as part of broader family-oriented initiatives gaining traction across the Emirates.

    Inspiration for UAE BORN originated from traditional Emirati customs surrounding life’s final chapter. Yasser noted the existing ‘Janaza Al Emirate’ practice, where communities share information about those who have passed away to facilitate condolences and funeral participation. ‘We have this beautiful tradition where we come together during difficult times,’ Yasser explained. ‘I thought, why not create something similar to celebrate life instead?’

    Beyond newborn announcements, the platform features a distinctive section highlighting notable figures born in the UAE, including media personalities, scientists, and creative professionals. This historical recognition component aims to connect citizens with their shared heritage and celebrate national accomplishments.

    Future development plans envision UAE BORN evolving into a comprehensive family resource portal. The platform aims to expand with educational content covering child-rearing practices, parental care guidance, and community support systems. Yasser expressed aspirations to create a reference point for various life stages, from marriage preparation to childbirth and beyond, ultimately bringing community members together through shared experiences and mutual support.

  • It’s a wrap for Mammootty and Mohanlal’s ‘Patriot’

    It’s a wrap for Mammootty and Mohanlal’s ‘Patriot’

    The highly anticipated Malayalam political thriller ‘Patriot,’ marking the monumental on-screen reunion of Indian cinema icons Mammootty and Mohanlal after nearly two decades, has officially completed principal photography. Director Mahesh Narayanan has wrapped production on this major cinematic event, which brings together two of India’s most celebrated actors for the first time since their 2009 collaboration.

    Production company Anto Joseph Film Company announced the completion through a series of social media posts showcasing behind-the-scenes moments from the ambitious project. ‘That’s a wrap. Blood, sweat, belief. #PATRIOT marches on. See you on the big screen,’ read one emotional post celebrating the conclusion of filming.

    The project has generated significant excitement since its October teaser release, which hinted at a narrative centered on two powerful figures who ‘once controlled the country together.’ Mammootty portrays a character driven by a secret mission, with Mohanlal appearing as his crucial companion in this high-stakes political drama.

    Beyond its legendary lead duo, ‘Patriot’ boasts an exceptional ensemble cast including Revathy, Nayanthara, Fahadh Faasil, Rajiv Menon, Kunchako Boban, and Darshana Rajendran. The film represents Narayanan’s latest directorial effort following his critically acclaimed works ‘CU Soon,’ ‘Take Off,’ and ‘Malik.’

    Filmed across multiple international locations including India, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom, this big-budget production is widely expected to target a Vishu festival release in mid-April. While plot details remain closely guarded, industry speculation suggests the story may involve an Indian secret service officer undertaking one final mission to clear his name.

    The film is jointly produced by Anto Joseph and KG Anil Kumar under the Anto Joseph Productions banner, representing one of the most significant Malayalam cinema events of the year.

  • How one rescue by diver in Fujairah put UAE on global marine conservation map

    How one rescue by diver in Fujairah put UAE on global marine conservation map

    A routine dive off Fujairah’s coast has evolved into an internationally recognized marine conservation program, demonstrating how individual action in UAE waters can catalyze global environmental change. The initiative began when diving professional Mudasir Wajid encountered a critically entangled stingray pinned to the seabed by over 100 meters of abandoned fishing line at Martini Rock, a popular dive site.

    Wajid recalls the critical moment: ‘When I observed the ray’s spiracles slowing, it became evident the animal was suffocating. Intervention transformed from optional to urgent.’ This single rescue operation ultimately led to the development of the Ocean Guardian Rescue Diver Specialty, now formally accredited by PADI, the world’s leading diving organization.

    The program addresses dangerous misconceptions about marine rescue. ‘Well-intentioned but untrained interventions often exacerbate situations for animals, reefs, and divers alike,’ explains Wajid, a PADI Course Director with over 15 years and 3,500 dives of global experience. The curriculum emphasizes that intervention is only justified when threats are clearly human-generated, such as ghost nets, fishing hooks, or plastic pollution.

    Central to the training is risk management. ‘Task loading constitutes the silent killer,’ Wajid warns. ‘Rescuers become so focused on entanglement that they neglect air supply, buoyancy, and decompression limits.’ The course instills a ‘Stop, Breathe, Think’ methodology, requiring thorough assessment of equipment, team readiness, and gas reserves before any action.

    The training also addresses practical challenges. Standard dive knives often prove ineffective against heavy monofilament lines, necessitating specialized serrated tools. Untrained rescuers frequently rush to cut lines without considering tension dynamics, potentially causing whiplash recoils that endanger both animals and humans.

    Environmental protection remains paramount. ‘One misplaced fin kick can devastate coral growth decades in the making,’ Wajid notes. Rough handling can compromise fish slime coats—their primary immune defense—leading to post-rescue fatalities from infection.

    The program emphasizes that responsible conservation sometimes requires restraint. When conditions prove too hazardous or animals too large/reactive, documentation and reporting through official channels become the most professional response. This philosophy shifts focus from ‘cowboy heroics’ to systematic protocols that prioritize safety and ecological integrity.

    This Fujairah-born initiative now supports the UAE’s broader sustainability objectives while providing divers worldwide with standardized techniques for addressing marine entanglement—proving that trained witnesses and informed responders ultimately serve the ocean better than unchecked heroism.

  • UAE influencer files legal case after massage centres use photos without consent

    UAE influencer files legal case after massage centres use photos without consent

    A prominent social media influencer in the United Arab Emirates has initiated a significant legal battle against two massage centers for unauthorized use of her photographs, marking a pivotal moment in digital rights protection within the region. The Indian expatriate, a licensed content creator with over 100,000 followers, discovered her images had been appropriated by the establishments and paired with derogatory captions on their social media platforms.

    The case gained momentum when Yab Legal Services, led by CEO Salam Pappinissery, took on the matter pro bono after the influencer faced financial barriers in pursuing justice. Pappinissery emphasized the importance of challenging digital harassment: ‘Women residing alone in the UAE frequently hesitate to confront social media targeting due to fear of reprisal. This case establishes a crucial precedent for combating injustice rather than retreating in fear.’

    Ajman Police, acting through the Ajman Public Prosecution, registered a criminal case and subsequently arrested the accused parties following a thorough investigation. Legal proceedings are currently active, demonstrating the UAE’s stringent approach to online defamation.

    This incident highlights the serious consequences of digital misconduct under UAE law. The Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, as amended by Law No. 5 of 2024, prescribes severe penalties for online defamation, including imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000. These measures are particularly stringent when violations involve public officials or widely followed accounts.

    The UAE authorities recently reinforced their stance on digital behavior, issuing explicit warnings against posting or engaging with negative, abusive, or defamatory content across all media formats. This case emerges as a practical application of these legal frameworks, potentially influencing future digital rights enforcement in the region.

  • From ‘hidden table’ to Silk Road: How RAK Art Festival takes visitors around the world

    From ‘hidden table’ to Silk Road: How RAK Art Festival takes visitors around the world

    The 14th annual Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival has launched its immersive 2026 program at the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, embracing the unifying theme ‘Civilisations: Under the Same Sky.’ This cultural celebration transforms the UAE’s last intact Emirati pearling village into a dynamic platform exploring how ancestral traditions and contemporary innovation shape creative expression across global societies.

    The month-long festival, operating under the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, features an ambitious program connecting ancient Silk Road trade routes with modern metropolitan influences. The inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Contemporary Art Biennale, curated by Sharon Toval, serves as the centerpiece exhibition examining cultural evolution through works ranging from metaphysical explorations to bold challenges of identity and perception.

    This year’s expanded programming introduces several innovative elements including The Hidden Table culinary experience, where different restaurants weekly present signature cuisine within the heritage village setting. The festival also showcases 106 artists representing 49 nationalities through exhibitions, live performances, film screenings, and interactive workshops.

    Weekly thematic weekends structure the experience: opening celebrations (January 16-18), family and pet-friendly activities (January 23-25), ‘Around the World’ exploration (January 30-February 1), and cultural immersion (February 6-8). Visitors can participate in hands-on masterclasses covering traditional Arabic calligraphy and embroidery alongside contemporary disciplines like photography and fabric art.

    Guided tours weave together culinary, artistic, and heritage elements, offering deep dives into Old Town cuisine, exhibition narratives, and the architectural history of the pearling village. Dr. Natasha Ridge, executive director of Ras Al Khaimah Art, emphasizes the festival’s role as a catalyst for dialogue and creative cultural exchange, noting its significance in establishing Ras Al Khaimah as an emerging cultural hub.

  • Veteran South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki dies at 74

    Veteran South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki dies at 74

    The South Korean entertainment industry mourns the loss of legendary actor Ahn Sung-ki, who passed away on Monday at age 74 after a courageous battle with blood cancer. According to Yonhap News Agency, the revered screen icon died peacefully surrounded by family members.

    Ahn’s health complications intensified recently when he was admitted to intensive care following a choking incident during a meal last week. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary seven-decade career that began when he was just five years old in 1957.

    Widely respected for his impeccable professionalism and scandal-free personal life—a notable exception in the entertainment world—Ahn appeared in more than 170 films throughout his prolific career. His artistic journey paralleled the remarkable evolution of South Korean cinema from its modest beginnings to its current status as a global cultural powerhouse.

    The actor achieved a significant milestone with the 2003 blockbuster ‘Silmido,’ which became the first South Korean film to surpass 10 million admissions. Based on true events, the film depicted the story of a secret special forces unit composed of former inmates assigned to assassinate North Korea’s leader.

    Ahn’s career intersected with South Korea’s cinematic golden age, culminating in the historic Oscar victory of ‘Parasite.’ He is survived by his wife and two sons, leaving behind a legacy that shaped an entire industry.

  • US expands list of countries whose citizens must pay up to $15,000 bonds to apply for visas

    US expands list of countries whose citizens must pay up to $15,000 bonds to apply for visas

    The Trump administration has significantly expanded its controversial visa bond program, adding seven new countries to a list requiring passport holders to post financial guarantees of up to $15,000 for U.S. visa applications. The newly designated nations—Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan—joined the program effective January 1, according to a State Department notice published on travel.state.gov.

    This expansion brings the total to thirteen countries subject to these financial requirements, with eleven now being African nations. The bond amounts, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, create substantial financial barriers for many prospective visitors from these countries seeking entry to the United States.

    Administration officials defend the bonding system as an effective mechanism to ensure compliance with visa terms and prevent overstays. However, the policy has drawn criticism for creating disproportionate hurdles for applicants from developing nations. The bond is refundable if visas are denied or if travelers comply with all visa conditions, but payment does not guarantee visa approval.

    This move represents the latest in a series of immigration restrictions implemented by the Trump administration, which has also mandated in-person interviews for most visa applicants and required extensive disclosure of social media histories and detailed travel backgrounds for applicants and their family members.

    The new countries join Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia, which were previously added to the bond requirement list during August and October of last year.

  • Why millionaires are moving to Dubai: Reality TV stars reveal what buyers really want

    Why millionaires are moving to Dubai: Reality TV stars reveal what buyers really want

    Dubai’s luxury property market continues to attract unprecedented global wealth, with reality television series ‘Million Dollar Listing UAE’ providing unprecedented insight into this high-stakes world. The show’s second season, now streaming on STARZPLAY, has emerged as a platform revealing the sophisticated mechanics behind the emirate’s multi-million dollar transactions.

    Ben Bandari and Rami Wahood, the breakout stars of the series, explain that today’s ultra-wealthy buyers demonstrate fundamentally different motivations compared to just three years ago. Rather than opportunistic investments driven by global uncertainty, current purchasers exhibit strategic, long-term commitment—relocating families, moving businesses, and building legacy portfolios with genuine conviction about Dubai’s maturity as a market.

    The scale of transactions has reached unprecedented levels, with Season 2 featuring a headline-making Dh61.5 million sale. Behind these record-breaking deals lies immense pressure and responsibility that cameras cannot fully capture. Brokers manage complex negotiations spanning weeks or months across multiple jurisdictions, where a single misjudgment could cost millions or damage longstanding professional relationships.

    According to Bandari, the fundamental shift represents a move from curiosity-driven purchasing to strategic acquisition. “Today’s ultra-wealthy buyers understand Dubai as a mature market and are buying with conviction rather than curiosity,” he notes. This transformation reflects Dubai’s evolution into a global decision-making hub rather than merely a property investment destination.

    The city recorded 435 homes sold above $10 million in 2024, with nearly 9,800 millionaires reportedly relocating to Dubai in 2025. While tax efficiency and luxury lifestyle remain important factors, Bandari emphasizes that buyers are primarily purchasing “security and optionality”—a combination of stability, infrastructure, governance, and global connectivity that few cities can match.

    The reality series has significantly impacted the brokers’ professional lives, simultaneously opening doors while raising client expectations to unprecedented levels. Wahood acknowledges that visibility creates both opportunity and pressure: “Clients come in expecting you to know your stuff and move fast. There’s nowhere to hide.”

    As Dubai expands its global influence, the show features an international crossover with London, highlighting how Dubai-based clients approach foreign markets with distinctive speed and determination. This international dimension underscores Dubai’s growing status as a source of global capital rather than merely a destination for investment.

    Both brokers emphasize that beneath the glamorous exterior portrayed on social media lies a highly efficient, professional, and regulated market environment. The reality series ultimately reveals Dubai’s maturation beyond spectacle and record-breaking sales into a sophisticated ecosystem where global wealth operates with strategic purpose.

  • Uganda denies plans to block internet during election

    Uganda denies plans to block internet during election

    Ugandan authorities have formally dismissed circulating reports suggesting potential internet restrictions during the upcoming January 15th general elections. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) explicitly labeled these allegations as “mere rumors,” with Executive Director Nyombi Thembo confirming no official resolution exists to disrupt digital connectivity.

    The controversy emerged after opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (popularly known as Bobi Wine) reiterated concerns that the government might implement internet blackouts to hinder opposition mobilization and vote monitoring. These apprehensions gained traction when Starlink, the satellite internet provider, limited services in Uganda following regulatory directives.

    President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his four-decade leadership amid a politically charged environment reminiscent of the 2021 elections, which witnessed violent protests and a four-day internet blackout. The government has additionally imposed bans on live broadcasts of riots and “unlawful processions” to prevent tension escalation.

    In preparation for potential disruptions, the National Unity Platform (NUP) opposition party unveiled an offline voting monitoring application named “Bitchart.” This Bluetooth-enabled technology allows sharing of election results and polling station documentation without internet access, addressing concerns about communication blackouts during critical electoral processes.

    Museveni, who first assumed power in 1986, faces his strongest challenge from Bobi Wine amid ongoing allegations of electoral malpractice and intimidation that have characterized previous elections.

  • UAE: Insurance claims surge 20% after December 19 rains

    UAE: Insurance claims surge 20% after December 19 rains

    The UAE insurance industry has demonstrated marked operational resilience following the December 19, 2025 rainfall event, reporting a controlled 20% increase in claims notifications compared to normal periods. Industry executives attribute this manageable surge to comprehensive preparedness measures implemented after the unprecedented April 2024 floods.

    According to Anas Mistareehi, CEO of eSanad, the December event primarily tested operational readiness rather than insurers’ financial stability. “All stakeholders, including insurers, brokers, and policyholders, were notably better prepared both technically and procedurally,” Mistareehi stated, highlighting improved customer awareness and more efficient claims processing systems.

    The nature of claims revealed distinct patterns across sectors. Motor insurance generated the highest volume of claims, with repair facilities operating near capacity due to water-related vehicle damage. Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae, noted these primarily involved vehicles stalled in floodwaters or suffering water ingress. Conversely, property claims were fewer in number but higher in severity per incident, with no widespread structural damage reported.

    Ralph J. Kabban, CEO of United Insurance Brokers, emphasized that international reinsurance arrangements would help mitigate financial exposure for local insurers. The industry’s improved response capabilities were bolstered by enhanced drainage infrastructure, swift municipal action, and greater public awareness of emergency procedures.

    The December event stood in stark contrast to the catastrophic April 2024 rains, which represented a once-in-decades weather phenomenon. Industry leaders unanimously agreed the recent rainfall was shorter in duration, more geographically contained, and better anticipated, resulting in only a fraction of the losses experienced during the previous extreme weather event.