Global Pulse

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  • Dubai Shopping Festival announces discounts up to 90%, 12-hour sale

    Dubai Shopping Festival announces discounts up to 90%, 12-hour sale

    Dubai has launched its annual retail extravaganza, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), promising unprecedented shopping experiences from December 26, 2025, through February 1, 2026. The citywide event features over 1,000 international and local brands across 3,500 retail outlets offering discounts ranging from 25% to an extraordinary 90% on diverse product categories including fashion, electronics, home goods, beauty products, and children’s items.

    The festival’s opening day will feature a special 12-hour sale event exclusively at Majid Al Futtaim shopping centers, including Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, and three additional locations. From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on December 26, shoppers can access the deepest discounts of the festival at participating retailers.

    Beyond the substantial savings, DSF introduces multiple high-value prize opportunities. The centerpiece ‘Shop, Scan & Win’ promotion offers shoppers who spend Dh300 or more at participating stores the chance to win one of five Nissan Patrol SE T2 2026 vehicles in weekly drawings. Participants simply scan QR codes at point-of-sale and upload receipts through the designated digital platform.

    Additional premium promotions include Majid Al Futtaim Malls’ ‘Biggest Prize of the Year’ offering Dh1 million in cash for shoppers spending over Dh300 at selected locations. Dubai Festival City Mall presents the ‘Modesh and Blue Rewards Millionaire’ campaign, awarding one million Blue Points to lucky winners. Meanwhile, Dubai Holding’s ‘DSF Golden Tickit’ program will designate 38 winners to receive Dh10,000 in Tickit points each.

    Mercato Mall enhances the shopping experience with an exclusive mall-specific prize campaign running through January 12, providing additional winning opportunities during the post-Christmas shopping period. The comprehensive five-week festival represents Dubai’s continued commitment to establishing itself as a global retail destination while providing significant value to residents and visitors alike.

  • Dubai: New programme to help aspiring script writers make their own TV shows; how to apply

    Dubai: New programme to help aspiring script writers make their own TV shows; how to apply

    Dubai is set to launch an intensive talent development program in January 2026, designed to identify and nurture the next generation of scriptwriters and producers in the Middle Eastern entertainment industry. The collaborative initiative brings together the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC), the UK’s prestigious National Film and Television School (NFTS), and streaming giant Amazon’s Prime Video.

    The five-day program, scheduled from January 26-30, 2026, will provide emerging creative professionals with comprehensive training in developing and pitching original scripted television concepts for the global market. Participants will engage in an immersive curriculum combining craft-focused workshops, industry insights, and hands-on project development under the guidance of established industry experts.

    Leading the instructional team will be Matt Delargy, NFTS Senior Tutor and seasoned producer-screenwriter known for works including ‘Nowhere Boy’ and ‘Ripper Street,’ alongside Adrian Banyard, a senior executive from London-based Big Light Productions. The program will feature tailored masterclasses, mentoring sessions, and workshops covering essential aspects of television production including concept development, narrative structure, audience strategy, marketing, and international co-production models.

    The initiative represents a strategic effort by the Dubai Media Council-backed DFGC to strengthen the emirate’s film and television ecosystem, expand local production capabilities, and position Dubai as a regional content creation hub through partnerships with global industry leaders.

    The program will culminate in a dedicated pitching session where participants will present their developed projects to a panel comprising Amazon MGM Studios executives, NFTS tutors, regional commissioners, and UAE-based production partners. The final day will also include a panel discussion on the future of series production in the MENA region, followed by a networking reception to foster professional connections.

    Application details require Dubai-based industry professionals with relevant experience to submit materials by 5 PM Dubai time on January 12, 2026, via email to info@dfgc.ae. The program will select eight two-person teams, with requirements including at least one broadcast credit per team and designated roles of lead producer and writer/creative producer.

  • Indian luxury wedding brand “The Wedding Trunk” enters UAE’s growing destination wedding market

    Indian luxury wedding brand “The Wedding Trunk” enters UAE’s growing destination wedding market

    The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as a premier global destination for luxury weddings with the strategic expansion of Indian high-end wedding planning company The Wedding Trunk into Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This development signals growing international demand, particularly from South Asian couples, for culturally authentic yet globally sophisticated wedding experiences in the Emirates.

    Founded in Mumbai, The Wedding Trunk has established an exceptional reputation throughout India for orchestrating elaborate celebrations that prioritize cultural authenticity, superior hospitality, and flawless event execution. The company’s entry into the UAE market coincides with increasing cross-border partnerships within the luxury events sector, facilitated by the country’s world-class infrastructure, exceptional connectivity, and diverse portfolio of premium venues.

    The UAE has become a particularly attractive wedding destination for Indian families due to its combination of luxury hotels, stunning desert landscapes, pristine beachfront properties, and streamlined logistics for international guests. Industry analysts note that destination weddings contribute substantially to the local economy, generating significant revenue for hotels, event spaces, décor specialists, catering services, and tourism-related businesses.

    The Wedding Trunk’s expansion strategy focuses on adapting traditional Indian wedding ceremonies to UAE settings while maintaining the elevated standards expected in the local luxury market. Their services cater to celebrations ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale, multi-day events that often host guests traveling from numerous countries.

    Siddharth Bavishi, Founder and CEO of The Wedding Trunk, explained the strategic move: “The UAE provides an environment where cultural traditions and contemporary hospitality merge seamlessly. Modern couples increasingly seek meaningful, well-orchestrated experiences rather than merely grandiose events. Our planning philosophy emphasizes thoughtful coordination and guest experience, which aligns perfectly with the UAE’s offerings.”

    Unlike conventional destination wedding models that prioritize scale, The Wedding Trunk emphasizes meticulous coordination, cultural sensitivity, and guest comfort. This approach reflects a broader industry shift toward experience-driven celebrations where attention to detail and emotional resonance take precedence.

    As destination weddings continue gaining popularity among Indian and international families, market analysts anticipate further growth in specialized wedding planning services throughout the UAE. The Wedding Trunk’s expansion demonstrates how the Emirates is attracting global industry players seeking to serve an increasingly sophisticated and international clientele.

  • Libya’s army chief killed in air crash in Turkey

    Libya’s army chief killed in air crash in Turkey

    Libya’s military leadership suffered a devastating blow as Army Chief General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad was killed in a business jet crash near Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday evening. The fatal incident occurred shortly after high-level defense discussions between Libyan and Turkish officials.

    The Falcon 50 aircraft, carrying General Haddad and four senior Libyan military officials, departed from Ankara’s airport at approximately 20:10 local time. According to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, radar contact was lost at 20:52 (17:52 GMT) after the Tripoli-bound jet had issued an emergency landing request. Search teams subsequently located the wreckage near the village of Kesikkavak in Haymana district, southwest of the Turkish capital.

    Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, leading the internationally-recognized Government of National Unity, confirmed the tragic loss of General Haddad and his delegation. In an official statement, Dbeibeh characterized the event as a ‘great national loss,’ praising the deceased as ‘men who served their country with sincerity and dedication.’

    The military delegation had been engaged in strategic talks with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler aimed at enhancing bilateral security cooperation between the two nations. These discussions represented ongoing efforts to strengthen military ties between Turkey and Libya’s UN-backed government.

    Turkish authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Interior Minister Yerlikaya assured that ‘the public will be informed of further developments’ as the probe progresses. The incident marks a significant setback for Libya’s military establishment and its international partnerships during a period of ongoing political fragmentation in the North African nation.

  • Arsenal faces backlash over partnership with Israeli-founded firm Deel

    Arsenal faces backlash over partnership with Israeli-founded firm Deel

    English football club Arsenal FC is confronting significant criticism from its supporter base and pro-Palestinian advocates following the announcement of a new multi-year partnership with Deel, an Israeli-founded human resources and payroll platform. The controversy highlights the increasing challenges sports franchises face when navigating geopolitical sensitivities in commercial decisions.

    The club formally revealed Deel as its Official HR Platform Partner on December 12th, but multiple industry reports indicate the company is positioned to become Arsenal’s shirt-sleeve sponsor beginning with the 2026-27 season. This development follows Arsenal’s November announcement that it would not renew its controversial £10 million per year sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda, which had drawn sustained criticism from human rights organizations and supporters over Rwanda’s alleged backing of militia groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The new partnership has sparked immediate backlash across social media platforms, with critics highlighting Deel’s Israeli origins and the public statements of its co-founder Alex Bouaziz. The entrepreneur has previously expressed support for Israel and Israeli reservists, with reports indicating that Bouaziz and other company executives have purchased clothing and supplies for Israeli soldiers. Many critics argue this alignment conflicts with Arsenal’s public commitments to equality and anti-racism initiatives.

    The controversy has additionally revived scrutiny of Arsenal’s December 2024 dismissal of long-serving kit manager Mark Bonnick over pro-Palestine social media posts. This juxtaposition has led some supporters to accuse the club of applying inconsistent standards to employee activism versus corporate partnerships.

    While some football business commentators, including former Everton CEO Keith Wyness, have praised the commercial logic of securing a financially comparable sponsor quickly, the overwhelming response from segments of Arsenal’s fanbase has been negative. Calls for merchandise boycotts have emerged alongside accusations that the club has replaced one problematic sponsorship with another equally contentious arrangement.

  • Venezuela seeks to criminalize oil tanker seizures as Trump puts pressure on Maduro

    Venezuela seeks to criminalize oil tanker seizures as Trump puts pressure on Maduro

    Venezuela’s National Assembly has swiftly passed comprehensive legislation establishing severe penalties for maritime interference activities, marking a significant escalation in the nation’s response to recent U.S. naval operations. The new law, approved within an extraordinary two-day legislative process, directly addresses what Venezuelan authorities describe as acts of “piracy” against their commercial shipping operations.

    The legislation mandates prison sentences of up to 20 years and substantial financial penalties for individuals or entities involved in promoting, financing, or participating in activities classified as piracy, blockades, or other unlawful international acts against Venezuelan commercial interests. The assembly, dominated by President Nicolás Maduro’s ruling party, advanced the measure without prior public disclosure of draft versions.

    This legislative action comes precisely two weeks after U.S. forces conducted coordinated seizures of two oil tankers carrying Venezuelan petroleum in international waters. The captured vessels—the Panama-flagged ‘Centuries’ and the rogue tanker ‘Skipper’—were identified by Trump administration officials as part of a shadow fleet attempting to circumvent U.S. economic sanctions imposed on Maduro’s government.

    Beyond punitive measures, the new law directs Venezuela’s executive branch to develop comprehensive economic protection mechanisms and incentives for both domestic and international entities conducting business with the South American nation, particularly during periods of maritime conflict or unlawful interference.

    The development occurs against the backdrop of increasingly confrontational rhetoric from Washington, where President Trump has explicitly threatened naval blockades and repeatedly predicted the imminent downfall of Maduro’s administration. Notably, Venezuela’s political opposition, including Nobel Peace Prize nominee María Corina Machado, has expressed support for the U.S. pressure campaign despite the new legislation’s severe penalties for such cooperation.

  • UAE gold prices up more than 60% in 2025; residents see investments nearly double

    UAE gold prices up more than 60% in 2025; residents see investments nearly double

    The United Arab Emirates has witnessed an extraordinary bull run in gold markets throughout 2025, with prices surging more than 60 percent in a single year and delivering nearly doubled returns for investors who entered the market earlier. This remarkable performance has transformed gold from a traditional safe-haven asset into one of the year’s top-performing investments.

    Abu Dhabi resident Zeba Mohammed exemplifies this trend, having purchased 10 grams of gold jewelry in December 2024 for approximately Dh3,000. Just twelve months later, her investment has appreciated to nearly Dh5,000 in value. ‘I keep advising my friends and family to do the same,’ Mohammed stated, highlighting gold’s growing popularity as both an accessible investment vehicle and meaningful gift.

    According to Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, the foundations for this rally were established years ago, reflecting ‘a profound shift in the macro, geopolitical, and institutional backdrop for gold.’ The numbers speak volumes: 24K gold opened the year at Dh318.0 per gram before climbing to unprecedented heights of Dh540.0 per gram by year’s end.

    The soaring prices have democratized gold investment, attracting first-time and small-scale investors. UAE expat Sana Ashraf began her investment journey with gold and silver ETFs earlier this year, already witnessing a 30 percent portfolio growth within months. Similarly, Dubai resident Ashraf Khan participates in a jewelry shop scheme that allows him to systematically invest Dh2,000 annually while acquiring pieces without making charges.

    Despite the overwhelming optimism, analysts caution that 2026 may bring volatility. Hansen notes that January’s commodity index rebalancing could trigger significant selling in futures markets, potentially creating short-term price disruptions. Additionally, questions remain about the sustainability of central bank demand as rising prices automatically increase the value of existing reserves.

    Looking ahead, scenarios including sticky inflation combined with rate cuts could create stagflation-like conditions historically favorable for gold. Some analysts maintain long-term targets as high as $5,000 per ounce by late 2026, suggesting the golden run might have further to go despite anticipated bumps along the way.

  • The US economy survived 2025, but many Americans are reeling

    The US economy survived 2025, but many Americans are reeling

    As 2025 concludes, the United States economy has demonstrated remarkable durability through a year marked by significant challenges including trade conflicts, market volatility, and an unprecedented government shutdown. However, this resilience has not translated into widespread prosperity, leaving many Americans apprehensive about their financial security heading into 2026.

    The resumption of economic data flow following the government shutdown reveals a complex and contradictory landscape. November employment figures showed reasonable job creation alongside rising unemployment rates. Similarly, retail sales maintained strength while wage growth decelerated, and inflation moderated yet remained above target levels.

    Gross domestic product data anticipated for release is expected to reveal robust third-quarter expansion. Projections indicate approximately 1.5% inflation-adjusted growth for 2025, representing a moderation from 2024 performance but far from recessionary conditions.

    The economic benefits have been disproportionately distributed, with affluent households driving consumer spending through stock market gains while lower-income families face increasing financial strain. This disparity is evidenced by rising auto repossessions and delinquency rates among economically vulnerable populations.

    Particularly concerning are deteriorating conditions for recent college graduates and Black workers, whose unemployment rate reached 8.3% in November—double that of white workers and representing what experts describe as crisis-level conditions for that demographic.

    Policy responses including tax cuts and Federal Reserve interest rate reductions aim to stimulate economic activity in 2026. Many economists anticipate reduced policy uncertainty may encourage business investment and improve labor market conditions.

    However, underlying structural challenges persist—including housing affordability crises, childcare costs, rising utility expenses, and impending health insurance premium increases—creating significant headwinds for household economic security regardless of macroeconomic indicators.

  • SEF 2026 hosts masterclasses across business, technology, and creative growth

    SEF 2026 hosts masterclasses across business, technology, and creative growth

    The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026) is set to elevate entrepreneurial education through an extensive program of applied masterclasses scheduled for January 31 to February 1 at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Now in its ninth edition, the festival anticipates welcoming over 14,000 global participants, including founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across the region and beyond.

    Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) under the theme ‘Where We Belong,’ SEF 2026 establishes the SEF Academy as a cornerstone initiative designed to provide practical, skill-driven learning experiences. These masterclasses address critical entrepreneurial challenges through instruction from regional and international experts across three primary domains: venture fundamentals, technological implementation, and creative growth strategies.

    The financial literacy curriculum includes ‘Demystifying the Mechanics of Equity Fundraising,’ which offers practical guidance on capital tables and investor readiness, while ‘Money Mastery 101’ focuses on personal and business financial management. Additional sessions analyze consumer spending patterns to enhance commercial decision-making capabilities.

    Technology-focused modules feature ‘Artificial Intelligence Automation for Businesses,’ exploring AI applications for customer engagement and operational efficiency, alongside ‘Building Your AI Workflow for Storytelling and Creativity,’ which demonstrates AI integration into content production processes. These sessions emphasize practical implementation rather than theoretical experimentation.

    The program also addresses personal development through ‘Personal Branding for Founders,’ which assists entrepreneurs in crafting authentic narratives, and ‘From Fear to Confidence: The 90-Minute Speaking Transformation,’ designed to enhance high-stakes communication skills.

    Creative professionals benefit from specialized offerings including hands-on photowalk sessions using both DSLR cameras and mobile devices, alongside ‘AI Prompt Engineering for Creatives’ and ‘How to Make a Full-Time Income with a Part-Time Audience,’ which reframes audience development as sustainable business growth.

    This comprehensive educational initiative reflects Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through practical skill development, technological adoption, and creative innovation within the regional startup ecosystem.

  • myAster partners with Checkout.com to introduce smooth global payments

    myAster partners with Checkout.com to introduce smooth global payments

    In a significant digital healthcare advancement, Aster DM Healthcare’s myAster application has established a strategic partnership with global payments platform Checkout.com to transform financial transactions within its ecosystem. This collaboration, announced on December 23, 2025, represents a major step in enhancing the digital payment infrastructure for healthcare consumers across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

    The integration leverages Checkout.com’s extensive payments network, which accommodates over 145 currencies and numerous localized payment methods. This technological synergy delivers substantially improved payment approval rates, sophisticated fraud prevention mechanisms, and an optimized checkout process designed specifically for healthcare consumers. The system particularly benefits patients seeking cross-border medical services who require seamless international payment capabilities.

    Nalla Karunanithy, CEO of Aster Digital Health & Omnichannel, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration: “Our alliance with Checkout.com represents a pivotal advancement in making healthcare more accessible and convenient. Patients can now seamlessly book appointments, purchase healthcare packages, and acquire medical products through myAster with unprecedented ease and security. This initiative underscores our commitment to delivering a world-class, digital-first healthcare experience.”

    Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager for MENA at Checkout.com, highlighted the growing intersection between healthcare and digital payments: “Healthcare represents a strategic priority for Checkout.com, and our partnership with myAster demonstrates our continued investment in building robust digital economies. By integrating our payment capabilities with myAster’s digital ecosystem, we’re enhancing their operational performance while facilitating rapid, frictionless healthcare experiences.”

    This partnership marks another milestone in Aster’s comprehensive digital transformation journey. The myAster platform has evolved into an integrated digital health ecosystem that connects patients with medical professionals, Aster Pharmacies, home care services, and diagnostic facilities through a unified platform. The collaboration with Checkout.com enables Aster to establish a cohesive, globally-oriented payment infrastructure across its network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, serving both regional and international patient demographics.