Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Record-breaking NYE fireworks: How RAK began preparing 9 months ago

    Record-breaking NYE fireworks: How RAK began preparing 9 months ago

    The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has revealed that preparations for its monumental New Year’s Eve celebration commenced over nine months in advance, with planning cycles for subsequent editions initiating almost immediately after the conclusion of the current event. This extensive lead time enables organizers to meticulously refine creative visions, synchronize international technical partnerships, and align with local governmental agencies to support the emirate’s strategic tourism objectives.

    Managing a pyrotechnic display spanning six kilometers of coastline demands rigorous technical coordination and stringent safety protocols. Advanced synchronization systems, controlled from a central command hub, coordinate each fireworks launch point. Timing is perfected through repeated simulations using specialized software to achieve millimeter precision in the orchestration.

    This year’s production will feature a breathtaking 15-minute spectacle integrating pyrotechnics, a fleet of 2,300 drones, laser technology, and musical scoring to create a synchronized multimedia experience across the emirate. The event represents both an artistic achievement and an attempt to secure another Guinness World Records title, adding to the emirate’s existing collection of thirteen records from previous celebrations.

    Phillipa Harrison, CEO of RAKTDA, emphasized the celebration’s deeper significance: “This orchestration reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s core values—natural beauty, authentic culture, and ambitious vision. Every component has been infused with heart and creativity to inspire awe among our audience.”

    Safety remains paramount, with RAKTDA collaborating closely with civil defense, maritime, aviation authorities, and emergency services to establish exclusion zones, implement contingency protocols, and conduct real-time monitoring throughout the event.

    The drone show, a centerpiece of the evening, undergoes months of development including storyboarding, 3D animation, flight-path programming, and staged testing. Drones equipped with pyrotechnics and lasers undergo additional safety rehearsals to ensure flawless execution.

    Thematically, this year’s presentation draws inspiration from strength, renewal, and progress, translated into large-scale aerial formations, color patterns, and musical arrangements that collectively narrate a visual story. Harrison concluded by noting that beyond records and recognition, the ultimate measure of success lies in the memorable experiences created for residents and visitors alike.

  • SKI Asia-Pacific launches in Dubai to support digital-era governance frameworks

    SKI Asia-Pacific launches in Dubai to support digital-era governance frameworks

    DUBAI – SKI Asia-Pacific (SKI APAC – FZCO) has inaugurated its operations from Dubai Digital Park, marking a significant advancement in governance solutions for the digital era. The organization introduces a comprehensive three-layer governance framework specifically engineered to bolster institutional resilience across the Gulf, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and European markets.

    The newly unveiled governance model addresses critical challenges facing modern organizations. The foundational layer emphasizes Compliance and Control, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements while enhancing operational transparency and risk mitigation strategies. This component guarantees institutions maintain alignment with both local and international standards.

    The intermediate layer, termed Post-Agreement Assurance, provides robust support for partnership execution through sophisticated performance monitoring systems and accountability frameworks. This enables effective management of memorandums of understanding, investments, and strategic mandates with precise milestone tracking capabilities.

    The third strategic layer focuses on Collaboration and Expansion, facilitating ecosystem development through digital economy integration and structured expansion planning. This component helps institutions identify synergistic opportunities while implementing sustainable growth strategies across regions.

    These integrated services are delivered through the organization’s proprietary Governance Desk—a consolidated operational structure that streamlines governance functions. The platform enables institutions to assess governance maturity, monitor partnership performance, align with sustainability objectives, and prepare for international scaling.

    The launch coincides with transformative economic initiatives across Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where national strategies increasingly prioritize digital transformation, sustainability integration, and global competitiveness. SKI Asia-Pacific’s framework directly supports these objectives by creating structured systems that bridge innovation with compliance requirements.

    Following its official launch, the organization will initiate a 90-day Governance Transformation Pilot program involving select Gulf-based institutions and free-zone enterprises. The pilot will incorporate comprehensive governance mapping, institutional diagnostics, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) alignment, and collaboration intelligence tools. Resulting data is expected to contribute significantly to establishing regional governance benchmarks for digital-era organizations.

    With operational foundations in both the Netherlands and UAE, SKI Asia-Pacific brings extensive cross-border expertise in governance model development, institutional capacity building, and sustainability integration to global markets.

  • Maverick Business Academy marks a decade of excellence

    Maverick Business Academy marks a decade of excellence

    Dubai served as the prestigious backdrop for Maverick Business Academy London UAE’s landmark 10th Annual Graduation Ceremony, commemorating ten years of academic distinction and global entrepreneurial leadership. The event transformed into a vibrant international gathering, uniting graduates hailing from more than 30 diverse nations including Japan, Myanmar, Switzerland, Ghana, Gulf countries, and Latin American regions.

    The ceremony prominently highlighted the institution’s steadfast dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) metrics through its globally representative cohort. Attendees included distinguished scholars, accomplished researchers, published authors, senior corporate executives, and innovative entrepreneurs who collectively celebrated the academic achievements across doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s programs, all carrying international accreditation.

    In a significant honor, Cao Zhenfeng, Chairman, President and CEO of China’s Beifang Group of Companies, received an Honorary Doctorate in Entrepreneurship & Humanities through Maverick’s academic partner, Rushford Business School Switzerland. The award was accepted by his daughter Bella Cao, who attended as Royal Guest of Honour alongside prominent diplomatic and academic figures including Marie Ndjeka Opombo (Ambassador of Democratic Republic of Congo to UAE) and Dr. Murat Akkaya (Vice-Chancellor Global, Girne American University).

    Centered on the powerful theme “Serve to Lead,” the graduation proceedings emphasized leadership philosophy rooted in service, purposeful action, and social responsibility. Graduates were inspired to pursue empathetic leadership grounded in integrity and commitment to community progress, recognizing that genuine impact originates from serving others and driving positive transformation.

    The academy’s strategic mission of bridging academic theory with industry practice was demonstrated through its global partnerships with institutions including Rushford Business School, Girne American University, IAU, and the University of Buckingham. This network extends through 12 international Maverick Access Points delivering industry-relevant education worldwide.

    Under the visionary leadership of Dean, Group CEO and Founder Fazil Sheikh—who reflected on his entrepreneurial journey beginning at age 23—Maverick has established itself as a global benchmark in lifelong learning and Continuous Professional Development (CPD). The institution reaffirmed its commitment to equipping learners with future-ready skills across diverse industries, grounded in innovation, compassion, and service-oriented leadership.

    The celebratory evening concluded with personalized recognitions, inspirational addresses, and shared moments of achievement among graduates and their families. As Maverick Business Academy advances into 2026, it continues expanding its mission to upskill and elevate learners worldwide, solidifying its legacy as “The People’s Learning Partner” on the global stage.

  • US commits $480m in health funding to Ivory Coast, the latest to sign ‘America First’ health deals

    US commits $480m in health funding to Ivory Coast, the latest to sign ‘America First’ health deals

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — In a significant shift from traditional aid models, the United States has entered into a comprehensive health agreement with Ivory Coast, pledging $480 million to bolster the West African nation’s healthcare infrastructure. The pact, signed Tuesday in Abidjan, represents the latest in a series of “America First” global health funding agreements initiated by the Trump administration.

    The bilateral agreement focuses on critical health priorities including HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, malaria control, maternal and child health services, and global health security preparedness. This partnership requires Ivory Coast to contribute approximately 163 billion CFA francs ($292 million) by 2030, representing 60% of the total commitment, demonstrating a shared financial responsibility model.

    U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba characterized the agreement as marking “a new phase” in bilateral relations, emphasizing the transition “beyond the traditional aid approach toward a model focused on trade, innovation, and shared prosperity.” The arrangement replaces previous health agreements administered through the now-dismantled United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which had invested $115 million in Ivory Coast supporting health, education, and refugee assistance programs.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of substantial U.S. aid reductions that have significantly impacted health systems across developing nations, particularly in Africa where many countries historically depended on American funding for essential disease response programs. The new approach aligns with the Trump administration’s transactional foreign policy philosophy, seeking to eliminate what it perceives as ideological bias and inefficiency in international assistance while promoting national self-sufficiency.

  • RAKIA Group: Turning noise into clarity for public safety

    RAKIA Group: Turning noise into clarity for public safety

    DUBAI – Public safety agencies worldwide are undergoing a transformative shift in operational intelligence, moving from fragmented data streams to integrated situational awareness. At the forefront of this revolution stands RAKIA Group, an artificial intelligence data fusion company that has developed groundbreaking technology to convert overwhelming information noise into actionable intelligence.

    Founded in Dubai with global aspirations, RAKIA addresses the critical challenge facing modern governments: the paradox of data abundance coupled with analytical scarcity. While agencies possess vast amounts of information from sensors, operational systems, maritime and aviation feeds, financial records, and cyber signals, this data traditionally remains siloed and contextually disconnected.

    The company’s proprietary platforms integrate legally permitted data sources across multiple domains – land, air, maritime, cyber, financial, and open-source intelligence – synthesizing them into a continuously updated operational mosaic. This human-readable interface enables officials to detect emerging threats earlier and coordinate responses more effectively by revealing subtle correlations that would otherwise remain hidden across separate systems.

    CEO Omri Raiter, a Romanian entrepreneur with 18 years of expertise in artificial intelligence, Big Data, and cyber threat intelligence, established RAKIA as one of Dubai’s pioneering AI startups focused specifically on government data fusion. His vision centered on creating systems that enhance rather than replace human judgment, prioritizing accountability, transparency, and trust within all technological solutions.

    The company’s rapid expansion from regional startup to international provider serving governments across the GCC, Middle East, and beyond culminated in a strategic 2024 move into the United States market with offices in Washington DC. This expansion positioned RAKIA alongside federal agencies and policy makers while validating its governance-first approach to sensitive government technology.

    RAKIA’s technology operates on a fundamental principle: connecting weak signals across systems to reveal patterns that predict and prevent crises rather than merely responding to them. Artificial intelligence serves a supporting role, correlating information at scales impossible for human analysts alone, while maintaining human oversight throughout the decision-making process.

    The company’s success reflects both Dubai’s emergence as a global technology innovation hub and the growing international demand for sophisticated data fusion solutions that operate within clear legal and ethical boundaries. As complexity in public safety challenges continues to escalate, RAKIA’s approach demonstrates how targeted technological innovation can provide clarity amidst information overload, ultimately empowering governments to protect citizens more effectively.

  • UAE: Rising gold prices, high rents trigger mergers in jewellery market

    UAE: Rising gold prices, high rents trigger mergers in jewellery market

    The United Arab Emirates’ gold jewelry sector is experiencing a significant transformation driven by unprecedented market pressures. Industry consolidation has become the predominant survival strategy as jewelers grapple with the dual challenges of record-breaking gold prices and escalating operational expenses.

    Market leaders confirm that a wave of mergers and acquisitions is sweeping through the industry. This trend follows the landmark acquisition of Dubai-based Damas by India’s Titan Company for approximately Dh1.038 billion, a deal that has drawn international attention to the Gulf region’s precious metals market.

    According to Chandu Siroya of Siroya Jewellers, the current environment has made collaboration essential. ‘Manufacturers are joining forces to distribute fixed costs more effectively,’ Siroya explained. ‘We anticipate 2026 will mark the beginning of a new era for jewelry retail in the region.’

    The industry faces a perfect storm of financial pressures. Commercial rents in Dubai have surged dramatically post-pandemic, driven by high demand for premium retail locations. Simultaneously, borrowing costs have tripled from historical lows, with gold financing rates jumping from 2% to at least 6% as banks increase their margins.

    A critical paradox emerges from the current market dynamics: while gold prices have soared beyond $4,000 per ounce, profit margins per gram remain unchanged. This compression means retailers earn significantly less per dollar invested than during previous market cycles.

    Chirag Vora, Managing Director of Bafleh Jewellers, views the consolidation as ultimately beneficial. ‘The industry has reached an inflection point where consolidation is necessary for long-term sustainability,’ Vora noted. ‘While the short-term adjustment presents challenges, the future appears promising for a streamlined jewelry sector.’

    Aditya Singh of Titan Company identified commercial real estate as a particular concern, noting that ‘mall inventory remains controlled by very few players, creating a supplier’s market that further pressures retailers.’

    The industry adaptation includes changing consumer behavior, with buyers demonstrating increased understanding of manufacturing costs and showing reduced price negotiation tendencies according to market observers.

  • Kannada, Tamil TV actress Nandini CM found dead; mother files complaint for legal action

    Kannada, Tamil TV actress Nandini CM found dead; mother files complaint for legal action

    The Indian entertainment industry is in mourning following the tragic death of 26-year-old Kannada and Tamil television actress Nandini CM, who was found deceased in her Bengaluru accommodation on December 29, 2025. The emerging actress, recognized for her compelling performances in popular serials including ‘Jeeva Hoovagide,’ ‘Sangharsha,’ and ‘Gowri,’ was discovered unresponsive in her paying guest residence located in Mylasandra, Kengeri.

    According to official police reports, the timeline of events indicates the incident occurred between approximately 11:16 PM on December 28 and 12:30 AM on December 29. The discovery was made the following morning after concerned friends, unable to reach her by phone, alerted PG staff who subsequently forced entry into her locked room.

    A significant development in the case emerged with the recovery of a personal diary allegedly belonging to the actress. Within its pages, Nandini had documented her passionate aspirations to advance her acting career, providing insight into her professional ambitions. This discovery prompted her mother, GR Basavarajeshwari, to formally lodge a complaint with authorities, while simultaneously expressing that there exists ‘no suspicion’ regarding the circumstances of her daughter’s passing.

    Nandini had garnered particular acclaim for her dual role in the Tamil serial ‘Gowri,’ where she demonstrated her acting range by portraying contrasting characters, earning her a dedicated viewer base. The investigation, currently overseen by PSI Hanamantha Hadimani, remains ongoing with authorities awaiting further forensic analysis and evidence examination. The entertainment community and fans across South India have expressed profound grief over the loss of the promising young performer, with many paying tribute to her talent and dedication to the craft.

  • Sharjah’s mountain trailer retreat Nomad to open in Kalba on December 31

    Sharjah’s mountain trailer retreat Nomad to open in Kalba on December 31

    Sharjah is poised to unveil its groundbreaking eco-luxury hospitality project, Nomad, in the mountainous terrain of Kalba on December 31st. Developed and managed by Sharjah Collection, this innovative retreat represents a significant departure from conventional UAE hospitality offerings by prioritizing environmental consciousness and digital disconnection.

    The retreat features 20 meticulously designed accommodation trailers constructed using natural materials and operating on a hybrid energy system with substantial solar power integration. In a deliberate move to encourage genuine connection with nature, Nomad implements a no-Wi-Fi policy and lights-off approach to preserve night-sky visibility and reduce social media dependency.

    Spanning across Kalba’s pristine landscape, the development follows a low-density model with units strategically positioned to respect natural contours and minimize environmental impact. The property offers 7.44 kilometers of mountain hiking trails and 4.39 kilometers of dedicated mountain biking paths, complemented by nature immersion activities including birdwatching, outdoor yoga, and guided stargazing sessions.

    The project recently underwent final inspection by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), who evaluated its alignment with slow travel principles and sustainable tourism frameworks. This development marks a growing trend toward experiential travel offerings in the UAE that prioritize environmental stewardship and mindful tourism practices.

  • Man City close to agreeing terms with Semenyo

    Man City close to agreeing terms with Semenyo

    Manchester City is finalizing a landmark £65 million transfer agreement with Bournemouth for Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo, with negotiations reaching their conclusive phase. The Premier League champions have activated the 25-year-old’s release clause and are currently ironing out final contractual details with the player’s representatives in Manchester.

    The transfer timeline presents logistical challenges as Bournemouth intends to utilize Semenyo in critical upcoming matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham before his release mechanism expires on January 10th. Despite documented interest from five Premier League rivals—including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham—Manchester City remains the sole club to have initiated formal negotiations with Bournemouth.

    Semenyo, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for approximately £10 million, has expressed his desire to resolve his future by January 1st. The January transfer window officially opens on Thursday, with all parties working toward a resolution before the deadline. Bournemouth’s management faces strategic decisions regarding their star attacker’s participation in crucial fixtures amid the ongoing transfer discussions.

    The potential transfer represents a significant financial gain for Bournemouth and underscores Manchester City’s aggressive approach to strengthening their attacking options during the winter transfer period.

  • 41 young men die in South Africa from circumcision procedures during initiation ceremonies

    41 young men die in South Africa from circumcision procedures during initiation ceremonies

    South African authorities reported a devastating death toll of 41 young men during traditional circumcision rituals performed as part of cultural initiation ceremonies this November and December. The tragic incidents have ignited serious concerns about safety standards within these sacred cultural practices.

    Traditional initiation represents a fundamental rite of passage into manhood among various ethnic communities including the Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Venda peoples. Annually, young men undergo isolation at initiation schools where they receive cultural education and learn community values. However, the circumcision component continues to claim lives despite government interventions through legislative measures.

    Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa addressed the nation Tuesday, revealing that negligence from both registered initiation schools and parents contributed to the summer initiation fatalities. The minister specifically highlighted Eastern Cape province as the most affected region with 21 recorded deaths.

    Alarming practices include the dissemination of unverified medical advice, such as instructing initiates to avoid water consumption to accelerate healing. Minister Hlabisa emphasized parental responsibility, stating, ‘When parents fail to monitor their children’s wellbeing at these schools, they inadvertently place them at grave risk.’

    Financial motivations drive the proliferation of illegal initiation schools, as parents are expected to pay for their children’s participation. Authorities have made 41 arrests connected to unlawful operations, including parents who falsified their children’s ages to gain admission. South African law strictly requires initiates to be at least 16 years old with parental consent.

    These ceremonies typically occur during winter (June-July) and summer (November-December) school holidays, with successful completions traditionally celebrated through joyful cultural festivities across African communities.