(DDM) – Canada’s embassies, consulates, and high commissions across the globe came together to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who fought for peace and freedom.

Diplomats and staff participated in solemn ceremonies, including wreath-laying, moments of silence, and public commemorations, alongside local communities in host countries.

The initiatives were part of Canada’s ongoing commitment to remembering the fallen and acknowledging veterans who continue to inspire citizens both at home and abroad.

Through these acts of remembrance, Canadian missions reaffirmed their dedication to preserving the values defended by servicemen and women and ensuring their legacy endures for future generations.

Officials emphasized that these ceremonies serve as a reminder of the cost of peace and the responsibility of every generation to uphold freedom and justice.

The observances were conducted at Canadian missions including the High Commission of Canada in Jamaica, the Embassy of Canada to Israel, the Embassy of Canada to Korea, and the Embassy of Canada to Senegal.

Additional ceremonies took place at the Embassy of Canada to Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, the Embassy of Canada to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, and the Embassy of Canada in Central Asia, among others.

Representatives highlighted that moments of silence and wreath-laying were coordinated with local veterans’ groups, civic leaders, and host nation communities to strengthen ties and share the collective commitment to remembrance.

Officials also noted that these ceremonies foster international solidarity, promote awareness of Canada’s historical contributions to global peacekeeping, and honour the ongoing service of military veterans worldwide.

The High Commissions and Embassies reiterated Canada’s message: Lest we forget, a phrase that underscores the enduring respect and gratitude owed to those who have sacrificed for freedom.

DDM reports that in addition to formal events, several Canadian missions organized educational programs and public talks to highlight veterans’ stories and the importance of commemorating historical milestones in peace and conflict.

Diplomats expressed that such commemorations not only honour the past but also inspire younger generations to value civic responsibility, patriotism, and service to humanity.

The Canadian government continues to encourage global observances and public participation in acts of remembrance, reflecting the nation’s dedication to preserving the heritage and lessons of those who defended peace.

(DDM) – Emirates Airlines has rolled out an exclusive set of 700 winter offers through its My Emirates Pass programme, giving travellers access to premium discounts across Dubai’s top attractions.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the initiative, aimed at enhancing travel experiences for passengers flying to or through Dubai, will run from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, excluding UAE public holidays.

The programme invites passengers to unlock savings across some of Dubai’s most iconic destinations, restaurants, and leisure activities simply by presenting their Emirates boarding pass and a valid photo ID.

The airline said the initiative is part of its continued efforts to deliver unmatched value to customers while promoting Dubai as a global destination for tourism, shopping, and lifestyle experiences.

Passengers with either electronic, printed, or mobile boarding passes in their names are eligible to enjoy the offers during the official “Programme Period.”

Travellers must present their boarding pass dated within the valid period at participating outlets to redeem their discounts.

Emirates explained that it is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that the identification provided corresponds with the name on the boarding pass.

Background

The My Emirates Pass was first introduced in 2016 as a loyalty-driven promotion designed to encourage tourism spending in Dubai during off-peak travel seasons.

Since then, the initiative has evolved into a major travel incentive programme, combining exclusive discounts with seasonal benefits.

This year’s winter edition is particularly significant as Dubai prepares for one of its busiest festive tourism periods.

The programme covers discounts across Aquaventure Waterpark, Skydive Dubai, the Museum of the Future, Inside Burj Al Arab Tour, and many other premium attractions.

Additionally, travellers will enjoy reduced prices at leading spas, restaurants, and fashion outlets, turning each boarding pass into an access key to the city’s finest experiences.

Emirates noted that My Emirates Pass caters to every kind of traveller, from families seeking theme park adventures to solo travellers exploring the city’s cultural landmarks.

The airline also urged passengers checking in online to save a screenshot of their digital boarding pass before landing, as access may be unavailable upon arrival.

Dubai Shopping Festival Returns

As part of the winter experience, the Dubai Shopping Festival will take place from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026, offering visitors a season packed with discounts, entertainment, and giveaways.

The festival will feature A-list concerts, family activities, and extraordinary citywide sales, all of which can be accessed at lower rates through My Emirates Pass.

Tourism analysts believe this initiative reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a luxury destination while boosting Emirates’ competitive edge in the global aviation market.

For Nigerian travellers, the timing couldn’t be better, as Dubai remains a top leisure and shopping destination throughout the winter months.

Emirates currently operates seven weekly flights from Dubai to Lagos, offering Nigerians more flexibility in planning their trips and taking advantage of the offers.

Looking Ahead

Travel experts predict that this latest edition of My Emirates Pass will significantly increase tourism traffic between Nigeria and the UAE during the 2025–2026 winter season.

The combination of world-class hospitality, cultural attractions, and exclusive deals positions Dubai as a must-visit destination once again.

For travellers, each boarding pass is now more than just a ticket, it’s a passport to luxury, savings, and unforgettable experiences across one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

(DDM) — Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the country will introduce an electronic visa (e-visa) system by 2026, marking a major milestone in the nation’s digital transformation strategy.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the initiative, unveiled during the MOBEX Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference 2025 in Accra, aims to simplify entry processes for investors, business travelers, and technology professionals seeking to explore opportunities in Ghana.

Ablakwa described the upcoming system as a cornerstone of Ghana’s diplomatic modernization, explaining that it would allow applicants to complete visa procedures entirely online, thereby eliminating in-person embassy visits and significantly reducing processing times.

He emphasized that the e-visa rollout is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance digital governance, attract foreign investment, and position Ghana as a hub for innovation and technology-driven commerce across West Africa.

The move aligns with ongoing reforms within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is also developing virtual consular services for Ghanaians abroad and remote diplomatic engagement platforms to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Ablakwa stressed that traditional paper-based diplomatic systems have become outdated, noting that digital platforms now represent the future of global diplomacy and business mobility.

During his address, delivered under the conference theme “Resetting Africa’s Digital Identity and Sovereignty,” the minister urged African nations to embrace technology to strengthen regional cooperation and drive sustainable economic transformation.

He linked Ghana’s digital reforms to initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which depends heavily on seamless cross-border digital infrastructure to achieve its objectives of integrated trade and mobility.

DDM learned that Ghana’s e-visa system will follow successful models implemented in Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, which have already digitized their visa processes to boost travel and tourism.

The Ghanaian platform will allow travelers to submit visa applications, upload documents, pay fees, and receive electronic approvals, all without physically visiting consulates or embassies.

Ablakwa also disclosed that Ghana is collaborating with other African governments to standardize digital credentials and e-document verification, ensuring that systems are interoperable across borders and not isolated within national frameworks.

Experts at the conference hailed the move as a forward-looking reform that could significantly improve Ghana’s ease of doing business rankings and help attract technology firms seeking African bases for regional operations.

For investors, entrepreneurs, and conference participants, the e-visa system promises faster processing, fewer bureaucratic obstacles, and greater flexibility.

By eliminating the need for physical appointments and document courier services, Ghana could dramatically cut visa wait times from weeks to days, assuming robust system performance.

The government’s digital push complements other national innovations such as the Bank of Ghana’s eCedi pilot for digital currency and the rapid expansion of mobile money transactions, which now exceed GH¢3 trillion annually.

However, DDM notes that the rollout will face challenges similar to those experienced by early adopters across the continent, including data protection, cybersecurity risks, and system integration issues.

Ensuring the security of applicant data, providing nationwide internet access, and training foreign service staff on new digital procedures will be critical to success.

Analysts also warn that while technology can improve efficiency, it cannot automatically solve long-standing concerns about visa transparency and fairness unless accompanied by consistent, accountable decision-making processes.

Ghana’s government appears aware of these pitfalls, with the Foreign Ministry pledging to maintain clear communication, predictable timelines, and transparent approval standards to boost public confidence in the system.

The 2026 deadline gives the ministry about 14 months to design, test, and launch the platform while training consular personnel and engaging technology vendors through transparent procurement processes.

For Ghana’s embassies abroad, the e-visa system could significantly reduce workload, freeing diplomatic staff to focus on trade facilitation, diaspora engagement, and policy coordination.

Still, missions will retain responsibility for handling complex applications, conducting security screenings, and supporting travelers who encounter technical difficulties.

The MOBEX Africa conference, now in its tenth year, continues to serve as a continental platform for innovation and policy dialogue, attracting top government officials, global investors, and African tech leaders.

Ablakwa’s announcement drew wide applause, with stakeholders describing it as a transformative step toward a borderless, digitally connected Africa capable of competing globally in trade, finance, and innovation.

Ultimately, Ghana’s success in implementing its e-visa system will depend on sustained political commitment, strong cybersecurity safeguards, and collaboration with private-sector experts to ensure operational stability and trust.

If successful, the project could set a new benchmark for digital diplomacy in Africa, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as one of the continent’s most forward-thinking and investor-friendly economies.