By Desmond Nleya
Power, Passports, Politics and Passion: The Stories Shaping the World This Weekend
As the weekend unfolds, the world presents a vivid mix of progress, tension, tragedy and triumph. From the United Arab Emirates’ soaring global influence to political tremors in Africa, cultural milestones in literature, economic optimism, and unrest in international sport, these are the stories dominating conversations this weekend.
UAE Passport Power: A 20-Year Rise Like No Other
The United Arab Emirates has cemented its place among the world’s most influential nations, recording the strongest long-term rise in global mobility on the Henley Passport Index.
Climbing an extraordinary 57 places over two decades, the UAE now ranks 5th globally in 2026, giving its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations. Since 2006, Emirati passport holders have gained access to 149 additional countries, the largest increase ever recorded in the index’s 20-year history.
Based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the achievement reflects the UAE’s strategic diplomacy, economic openness and growing geopolitical relevance.
Ramadan 2026 Approaches Earlier Than Expected
With just over a month remaining, Muslims in the UAE and across the world are preparing for Ramadan 2026, expected to begin earlier than many anticipate.
According to early astronomical calculations and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) calendar, Ramadan is likely to start between February 17 and February 19, with Wednesday, February 18 emerging as the most probable first day. As always, the official announcement will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee.
The holy month marks a period of fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, reflection, generosity and spiritual renewal.
Tsitsi Dangarembga Honoured at Sharjah Festival of African Literature
African literature took centre stage in Sharjah this weekend as internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean author and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the ongoing Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL 26).
The four-day festival, running from Thursday to Sunday, 18 January 2026, has attracted thousands of writers, publishers, academics and literary enthusiasts from across Africa and the diaspora.
Dangarembga, widely celebrated as one of Africa’s most influential literary voices, is best known for her seminal works Nervous Conditions, The Book of Not, and This Mournable Body. Her fearless exploration of feminism, identity and postcolonial realities has left an indelible mark on global literature.
UAE Economy Set for Strong Growth
On the economic front, optimism continues for the UAE. The World Bank has forecast that the country’s economy will grow by 5 percent in 2026, rising slightly to 5.1 percent in 2027, according to its latest Global Economic Prospects report.
The projection places the UAE among the world’s faster-growing economies, highlighting its resilience amid global trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Globally, economic growth is now expected to reach 2.6 percent in 2026 and 2.7 percent in 2027, buoyed largely by stronger-than-expected performance in the United States.
Tragedy in Thailand: Crane Collapse Kills 22
In a tragic turn of events, at least 22 people were killed and more than 30 injured after a crane collapsed onto a passenger train in northeastern Thailand, causing it to derail and catch fire.
The incident occurred at around 9:00 a.m. local time in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where a crane being used in the construction of a China-backed high-speed rail project fell onto the moving train. Authorities have launched investigations into safety standards surrounding the construction site.
Uganda Votes Amid Internet Blackout
Africa’s political spotlight this weekend is firmly on Uganda, where authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown just hours before polling stations opened for presidential elections.
The move, justified by officials as a measure to curb misinformation and electoral fraud, has sparked sharp criticism from opposition groups and civil society. The election pits long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, seeking to extend his decades-long rule, against his most formidable challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Critics argue the blackout undermines transparency and restricts citizens’ ability to communicate and independently monitor the electoral process.
Bangladesh Cricket in Crisis
In the world of sport, Bangladesh cricket has been thrown into turmoil as players launched a nationwide boycott across all formats following controversial remarks by a senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official.
Two Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches were indefinitely postponed after teams failed to appear at venues in Dhaka. The boycott erupted after BCB director Nazmul Islam made scathing comments about top-tier cricketers. He was sacked just hours after the first match postponement.
The unrest comes at a sensitive time, with uncertainty looming over Bangladesh’s fixtures ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.
