Global Pulse

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  • As AI reshapes shopping, US retailers try to change how they’re seen online

    As AI reshapes shopping, US retailers try to change how they’re seen online

    The $253 billion US holiday shopping season is undergoing a fundamental transformation as artificial intelligence reshapes consumer behavior. While traditional search engine advertising continues to dominate online sales, retailers are now aggressively adapting to the emergence of AI shopping assistants that are changing how consumers discover and purchase products.

    Major corporations are implementing sophisticated strategies to capture attention within AI ecosystems. According to Brian Stempeck, CEO of generative engine optimization platform Evertune.ai, brands that previously produced three to four monthly blog posts are now generating 100-200 pieces of content specifically designed for AI discovery. His company charges approximately $3,000 monthly to help apparel and footwear clients optimize their digital presence for large language models.

    The technological shift has prompted innovative approaches beyond conventional advertising. Retailers are developing specialized websites invisible to human shoppers but designed exclusively for AI scrapers—automated data extraction tools that feed product information to platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. These AI systems then provide consumers with product comparisons, pricing analysis, and direct purchasing capabilities.

    Though AI-generated traffic currently represents less than 1% of overall e-commerce activity according to Sensor Tower data, retailers recognize the emerging opportunity. Bed linen company Brooklinen has implemented a multi-faceted strategy including influencer partnerships on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, whose content gets scraped by AI systems. The company has also submitted products for industry awards to enhance AI visibility.

    Technology giants are accelerating this transformation. Google has introduced AI shopping features that help consumers track prices and make purchases, while Amazon reports that users of its Rufus AI assistant are 60% more likely to complete purchases. Both Walmart and Target have recently announced plans for chatbot-enabled shopping applications, signaling industry-wide adoption of AI-driven commerce.

    The transition presents unique challenges, particularly regarding demographic adoption. Brooklinen COO Rachel Levy notes that while Generation Z represents the most enthusiastic adopters of AI tools, their current purchasing power remains limited compared to older demographics. Nonetheless, the retail industry’s substantial investments in AI optimization indicate a fundamental belief that agentic AI will redefine consumer shopping patterns in the coming years.

  • Sonu Nigam, NE-YO announce plan to take Asian music worldwide

    Sonu Nigam, NE-YO announce plan to take Asian music worldwide

    In a landmark development for the global music industry, Indian singing legend Sonu Nigam has partnered with American R&B superstar NE-YO, pioneering Chinese American rapper MC Jin, and veteran music executive Jonathan Serbin to establish Pacific Music Group. This innovative entertainment venture, headquartered in Hong Kong, represents a strategic initiative to revolutionize the discovery, development, and global presentation of Asian musical talent.

    The newly formed company emerges against the backdrop of Asia’s rapidly expanding music landscape, which encompasses approximately 1.6 billion people domestically and substantial diaspora communities internationally. Sonu Nigam, drawing from his extensive career, emphasized the growing aspiration among Asian artists to achieve worldwide recognition: ‘Indian artists, and indeed creators across Asia, demonstrate an increasing hunger for global reach while maintaining their cultural authenticity. Through Pacific Music Group, we aim to facilitate this expansion by enabling artists to flourish both within their home markets and on the international stage.’

    Pacific Music Group has been conceived as a transformative model for artist development, fundamentally rooted in Asia’s creative dynamism. The company will implement a comprehensive strategy that includes talent discovery, mentorship programs, and culturally significant collaborations. Its operational framework features a multi-genre imprint system encompassing pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, electronic music, and diverse regional Asian styles, reflecting the musical richness of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

    The leadership team brings unparalleled expertise to this venture. Sonu Nigam, NE-YO, and MC Jin will provide artist guidance based on their decades of combined international success, while Jonathan Serbin, former Co-President of Warner Music Asia, contributes executive leadership shaped by his instrumental role in developing the region’s music ecosystem.

    Serbin articulated the strategic vision behind the initiative: ‘Asia’s demographic and economic significance—representing half the global population and containing three of the top ten music markets—positions the region to lead the next wave of musical innovation worldwide. Pacific Music Group is designed to harness this potential and create meaningful pathways for Asian artists to achieve global impact.’

    This venture signals a significant shift in music industry dynamics, potentially reshaping how cultural exchange occurs between Eastern and Western music markets while providing unprecedented opportunities for Asian artists to reach international audiences.

  • India bets on homegrown AI with launch of Atomesus

    India bets on homegrown AI with launch of Atomesus

    India is taking a significant leap in the global artificial intelligence (AI) arena with the launch of Atomesus AI, its first large-scale, indigenous AI platform. Developed by a team of young engineers with research backgrounds at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Atomesus AI is headquartered in Noida and aims to rival global giants like OpenAI and Google. The platform offers intelligent writing, coding, research, automation, and creative tools, all with a distinctly Indian perspective. Its motto, ‘Nation First. Intelligence for All,’ underscores its vision of national self-reliance and technological independence. Atomesus AI operates on its own model family—Atomesus 1, 1.5, and 1.5 Pro—built using transformer-based neural networks, the same architecture that powers leading large language models worldwide. Unlike many competitors, it runs entirely on Indian servers hosted in AWS India regions, ensuring full compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act. This focus on data sovereignty is a key differentiator, particularly for businesses and government agencies cautious about foreign dependencies. The platform’s origins trace back to ISRO projects, where its founders developed expertise in high-performance computing and resource-efficient algorithms. This foundation enables Atomesus AI to deliver speed and affordability, utilizing techniques like model compression and batch processing to maintain low costs without compromising performance. Language is another area where Atomesus AI excels, supporting Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and other Indic languages, making it culturally and linguistically relevant for millions of users. From students seeking homework assistance to enterprises drafting proposals, Atomesus AI positions itself as a comprehensive solution for diverse needs. Beyond its technical capabilities, the launch of Atomesus AI reflects India’s broader ambition to transition from a consumer of global technology to a creator. It aligns with national initiatives like Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, signaling a future where India could emerge as a significant player in AI innovation. As global debates around AI ethics, privacy, and control intensify, Atomesus AI offers an alternative rooted in transparency and local governance. For India, this is more than a product launch—it’s a statement of intent: to lead, not follow, in shaping the next era of intelligent technology.

  • Dubai’s 3-day super sale to extend until December 2 during UAE National Day weekend

    Dubai’s 3-day super sale to extend until December 2 during UAE National Day weekend

    Dubai’s retail landscape is set for a spectacular transformation as the annual 3 Day Super Sale expands into a five-day shopping extravaganza from November 28 to December 2. This strategic extension coincides with the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations, creating an unprecedented opportunity for consumers to access massive discounts across the city’s retail ecosystem.

    The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has orchestrated this citywide event featuring remarkable price reductions of up to 90% at over 2,000 retail outlets representing more than 500 brands. The extended shopping period aligns perfectly with the four-day national holiday period, providing residents and visitors ample time to explore the extensive offerings.

    The commercial festivities commence with a groundbreaking 24-Hour Sale at Dubai Festival City Mall on November 28, launching at 10am with live performances, laser displays, and exclusive flash deals. The inaugural event includes special incentives for early shoppers: the first 500 attendees will receive premium Kiehl’s goodie bags, while customers spending Dh300 or more become eligible for a raffle draw to win a Toyota Urban Cruiser vehicle.

    Retail participants span multiple categories including fashion, beauty, electronics, homeware, and accessories. Prominent international and local brands such as Michael Kors, Ted Baker, US Polo Association, Virgin Megastore, Pottery Barn, Sephora, and Damas Jewelry are among those offering substantial discounts throughout the extended sale period.

    This retail expansion arrives during optimal conditions for consumer engagement, as UAE residents enjoy an extended break from November 29 to December 2 for National Day observances. Retail analysts anticipate record-breaking foot traffic and sales volume as shoppers capitalize on one of Dubai’s most significant discount periods of the year.

  • At least 13 dead as major fire breaks out in northern HK housing estate

    At least 13 dead as major fire breaks out in northern HK housing estate

    A devastating fire erupted at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on the evening of November 26, 2025, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and leaving numerous residents trapped. The blaze, which quickly escalated to a No. 5 alarm by 6:22 pm, engulfed multiple buildings wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, creating a perilous situation for both residents and emergency responders. Among the casualties was a firefighter who lost his life while battling the inferno. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed profound grief on social media, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured. As of 6 pm, authorities reported four deaths, with three individuals in critical condition, one in serious condition, and another in stable condition. Nine victims were rushed to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital for urgent medical care. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures in densely populated residential areas.

  • Top winter destinations for UAE residents: From quick getaways to extended holiday adventures

    Top winter destinations for UAE residents: From quick getaways to extended holiday adventures

    As the winter season approaches, UAE residents are actively planning their holiday travels, creating one of the busiest periods for international departures. Leading visa processing platform Atlys has identified key destinations that are capturing the interest of the Emirates’ diverse population during the December-January period.

    According to Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys, the company’s mission aligns with the seasonal travel surge. “The UAE’s population represents one of the world’s most diverse communities, and travel aspirations are equally varied,” Nahta stated. “Winter is a meaningful season when people seek connection, exploration, and celebration. We’re honored to facilitate these moments seamlessly.”

    For shorter getaways, three regional destinations dominate travel preferences. Egypt remains a perennial favorite, offering its iconic Pyramids, ancient temples in Luxor, and Red Sea resorts that provide ideal winter warmth. Georgia has established itself as a winter destination with Tbilisi’s charming old town, cozy cafés, and mountain escapes in Gudauri that deliver authentic winter ambiance without extensive travel time. Morocco completes the regional selection with its cooler climate, featuring Marrakech’s bustling souks, the majestic Atlas Mountains, and expansive desert trails.

    For extended holiday adventures, European destinations lead preferences. The United Kingdom attracts travelers seeking authentic European winter experiences, from London’s illuminated streets and premium shopping to Edinburgh’s festive celebrations and the English countryside’s quintessential charm. The Schengen Zone serves as a comprehensive gateway to winter experiences across 27 countries, enabling access to Christmas markets in France and Germany, alpine slopes in Switzerland and Austria, and cultural experiences throughout Italy.

    Atlys addresses the complex visa requirements facing the UAE’s predominantly expatriate population, which represents over 200 nationalities. The platform streamlines travel planning by providing a unified system for eligibility verification, document submission, and application tracking, reducing administrative barriers for travelers.

  • UAE jobs: Your salary isn’t rising? This could be the reason

    UAE jobs: Your salary isn’t rising? This could be the reason

    A significant demographic shift in the United Arab Emirates is fundamentally altering the nation’s employment landscape, with recruitment experts identifying population growth as the primary driver behind widespread salary stagnation. According to analyses by leading firms Cooper Fitch and Genie Recruitment, the rapid expansion of the UAE’s resident base has created an employer-favorable market where supply and demand are moving toward equilibrium, particularly in non-specialized positions.

    Dr. Trefor Murphy, Founder and CEO of Cooper Fitch, revealed that Dubai alone welcomed approximately 18,000 new residents last month, a pace that the job market cannot match. This influx has contributed substantially to what he describes as ‘the flattening of salaries’ across multiple sectors. Current statistics from worldometers indicate the UAE’s total population has reached 11.47 million in November 2025, marking a noticeable increase from last year’s 11.02 million. Similarly, Dubai’s population has grown from four million in April to 4.04 million this month.

    The market transformation has created what experts term ‘micro oversupply pockets’ specifically affecting administrative, office support, and human resources positions. Nicki Wilson, Managing Director of Genie Recruitment, clarified that while the UAE maintains its global attractiveness, the talent pool has evolved more rapidly than job creation in certain categories. This disparity has resulted in concentrated oversupply rather than widespread market pressure.

    Roles experiencing the most significant salary pressure include administrative assistants, HR executives, and office managers—positions where skill sets are easily replicated or lack specialization. Fresh graduates without niche qualifications or industry exposure face particularly intense competition. Wilson noted that employers have become increasingly selective, prioritizing cultural alignment, adaptability, and multi-functional capabilities, especially within lean organizational structures.

    The recruitment specialist advised job seekers to focus on personal branding and continuous skill development to remain competitive. Meanwhile, specialized positions and roles requiring in-demand technical expertise continue to maintain stable compensation packages, indicating a bifurcated job market where specific skills command premium value while generalized roles face downward salary pressure.

  • Trump says he’s barring South Africa from participating in next year’s G20 summit in Miami

    Trump says he’s barring South Africa from participating in next year’s G20 summit in Miami

    In a decisive move, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that South Africa would be excluded from participating in the 2026 Group of 20 (G20) summit, scheduled to be held in Miami, Florida. Trump also declared an immediate halt to all U.S. payments and subsidies to the country. The decision stems from allegations that South Africa mishandled a U.S. government representative during the recent G20 summit it hosted. Trump claimed that South Africa refused to transfer its hosting responsibilities to a senior U.S. Embassy official after the summit concluded over the weekend. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, ‘Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida next year.’ He further criticized South Africa, asserting, ‘South Africa has demonstrated to the World they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere.’ The U.S. president also accused South Africa of violently persecuting white Afrikaners, a claim that the South African government has dismissed as unfounded. This move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

  • Chinese autonomous driving company launches robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi

    Chinese autonomous driving company launches robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi

    Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide has introduced its fully driverless commercial robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone as the first city in the Middle East to adopt this advanced transportation solution. The service, which operates without an on-board safety supervisor, utilizes WeRide’s van-type Robotaxi GXR, equipped with Level 4 autonomy. Passengers can hail the robotaxi via the Uber app, with routes primarily serving Yas Island, a popular tourist destination. The launch was supported by Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre, which granted the world’s first city-level permit for fully driverless robotaxi operations. WeRide currently operates nearly 150 robotaxis in the Middle East and plans to expand the service to more core areas in Abu Dhabi by the end of the year. This initiative follows a federal permit obtained in October, allowing WeRide to conduct fully driverless commercial operations in the UAE. The partnership between WeRide and Uber, which began in December 2024, has already expanded to cover about half of Abu Dhabi’s core areas, including Al Reem and Al Maryah.

  • Israel launches major assault in West Bank city as helicopters shoot at homes

    Israel launches major assault in West Bank city as helicopters shoot at homes

    Israeli forces initiated a large-scale military operation in the northern occupied West Bank city of Tubas on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in the region. The assault began in the early hours, with troops forcibly entering Palestinian homes in Tammun, Tayasir, and Aqaba, converting several residences into temporary military barracks. Residents were evicted from their homes, and roads were sealed off with earth mounds, severely restricting movement across the area. Local media reported the presence of Apache helicopters overhead, allegedly firing indiscriminately at civilian properties. Videos circulating online depicted Israeli forces setting up equipment on rooftops and obstructing ambulance crews attempting to aid injured Palestinians. The Tubas Governorate responded by suspending operations in all governmental and private institutions, including schools, which transitioned to online activities for the day. Tubas’ governor refuted Israeli claims that the operation targeted wanted individuals, asserting that no such persons were present. The Israeli military, collaborating with the Shin Bet intelligence agency and Border Guard forces, justified the campaign as a necessary measure to combat ‘terrorist activities’ in the occupied territory. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad movement condemned the incursion, accusing Israel of systematic aggression aimed at displacing Palestinians and seizing their land. Similar military raids were reported in Tulkarm, Nablus, and Hebron, part of a broader escalation since October 2023. Over the past two years, Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 Palestinians and arrested thousands more, with human rights groups documenting arbitrary arrests and civilian casualties. The recent operation echoes earlier large-scale incursions, such as the 2025 attacks on Jenin and Tulkarm, which displaced approximately 30,000 people and caused extensive destruction.