Global Pulse

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  • Flexible work, marriage leave: UAE rolls out benefits for parents ahead of ‘Year of Family’

    Flexible work, marriage leave: UAE rolls out benefits for parents ahead of ‘Year of Family’

    In anticipation of the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the ‘Year of the Family,’ local governments across the Emirates are rolling out a series of progressive policies aimed at enhancing work-life balance and supporting working parents. These initiatives focus on integrating family responsibilities with professional life, offering flexibility and comprehensive support to strengthen the modern family unit.

    Ajman has taken a leading role with a comprehensive overhaul of its Human Resources law for government employees. Key provisions include flexible working hours and remote work options, extensive family leave such as enhanced maternity and paternity leave, marriage leave, childcare leave, and bereavement leave. Additionally, pregnant employees and those raising five or more children will benefit from increased work-hour flexibility.

    Dubai and Sharjah have introduced paid marriage leave policies to support the formation and stability of new families. Dubai offers 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave to Emirati nationals, including all salary allowances, effective from 2025. Sharjah provides eight days of paid marriage leave and a unique ‘Care Leave’ for female employees who give birth to a sick child or a child with disabilities requiring constant care.

    Abu Dhabi has focused on social and civil family law reforms, particularly for its non-Muslim expatriate community. The 2021 Civil Family Law introduced a secular alternative to Sharia-based personal status laws, offering civil options for marriage, divorce, and custody. Key features include legal registration of civil marriages, a non-fault divorce process, and equal custody rights for both parents. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has also extended maternity leave rights to female employees who adopt a child under five years old or experience a stillbirth or miscarriage after 24 weeks.

    These initiatives build upon federal reforms, including five days of paid parental leave for all working parents within the first six months of a child’s birth, extended child custody to the age of 18, and equal travel rights for both parents. These measures reflect the UAE’s commitment to promoting shared parental responsibility and enhancing family well-being.

  • UAE: Zayed University prepares students for jobs from their first year

    UAE: Zayed University prepares students for jobs from their first year

    Zayed University is revolutionizing higher education by equipping students with practical skills and career readiness from their very first year. Through its innovative Workplace Readiness course, part of the “First Year Experience” program, the university has partnered with Khaleej Times to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world professional experience. This initiative introduces students to teamwork, communication, and professional ethics while helping them align their strengths with future career paths. The course, targeted at first-year, second-semester students, aims to expose them to diverse career opportunities early in their academic journey. Dr. Lani San Antonio, Assistant Professor and Course Coordinator, emphasized that the program, launched in 2024, prepares students not only for post-graduation life but also for personal and professional growth during their university years. Students engage in industry sessions, office visits, and final projects, receiving feedback from professionals. Alia R Zaghloul, Head of People and Culture at Khaleej Times, noted significant improvements in students’ critical thinking and interpersonal skills. The program culminated in an Industry Showcase, where students creatively presented their projects, highlighting their understanding of various departments within partner companies. Students like Mohammed Samir and Mariam Jamal Alfalasi praised the program for its hands-on approach and transformative impact on their career perspectives. Despite logistical challenges, the initiative has proven to be a cornerstone in fostering collaboration, creativity, and professional awareness among young Emirati talent.

  • South Africa shock India in low-scoring thriller

    South Africa shock India in low-scoring thriller

    In a dramatic turn of events, South Africa clinched their first Test victory on Indian soil since 2010, defeating the hosts by 30 runs in a low-scoring thriller at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. The match, which concluded within three days, saw the Proteas overcome a first-innings deficit to secure a memorable win. South Africa, fresh from their World Test Championship triumph at Lord’s earlier in the summer, showcased resilience and tactical brilliance to outplay India in challenging conditions. Veteran spinner Simon Harmer was the standout performer, claiming eight wickets across both innings (4-30 and 4-21) to dismantle India’s batting lineup. India, chasing a modest target of 124, collapsed to 93 all out in just 35 overs, with Harmer and Keshav Maharaj (2-37) wreaking havoc on the middle order. South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 55 in the second innings to steer his team to a competitive total of 153. India’s woes were compounded by the absence of captain Shubman Gill, who retired hurt on day two due to a neck injury and was ruled out of the remainder of the match. The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Guwahati on November 22, where India will look to bounce back from this unexpected defeat.

  • France secures release of French-Chilean national held in Venezuela

    France secures release of French-Chilean national held in Venezuela

    In a significant diplomatic achievement, France announced on Sunday the release of Camilo Castro, a French-Chilean national who had been detained in Venezuela for four months. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Castro was en route to France. Barrot attributed the successful resolution to the persistent efforts of French diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his relief in a separate post, emphasizing France’s steadfast commitment to protecting its citizens. ‘France sometimes advances quietly, but always with determination and composure: That is how we protect our own,’ Macron wrote. Castro, a 41-year-old yoga teacher residing in Colombia, had reportedly crossed into Venezuela in June to extend his Colombian visa. According to Amnesty International, his disappearance sparked international concern, culminating in his eventual release.

  • Zelenskyy says Ukraine is working on prisoner exchange with Russia

    Zelenskyy says Ukraine is working on prisoner exchange with Russia

    Ukraine is intensifying efforts to resume prisoner exchanges with Russia, aiming to secure the release of 1,200 Ukrainian prisoners, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday. This development follows progress in negotiations mediated by Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, as revealed by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, on Saturday. Zelenskyy expressed optimism on X, stating, ‘We are counting on the resumption of POW exchanges. Many meetings, negotiations, and calls are currently taking place to ensure this.’ The Istanbul agreements, established in 2022 with Turkish mediation, serve as the framework for these exchanges, which have previously facilitated the release of thousands of prisoners despite being sporadic. Umerov emphasized that technical consultations are imminent to finalize procedural details, expressing hope that the freed Ukrainians could ‘celebrate the New Year and Christmas holidays at home — at the family table and next to their relatives.’ Meanwhile, the conflict continues unabated, with Russian drone strikes damaging energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region overnight, including a solar power plant. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 139 of 176 drones launched by Russia, while Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have shot down 57 Ukrainian drones. These attacks exacerbate Ukraine’s struggle to maintain its power grid amid relentless Russian aerial assaults, which have caused rolling blackouts as winter approaches.

  • Unconfirmed number of deaths following two-car crash

    Unconfirmed number of deaths following two-car crash

    A tragic road traffic accident in County Louth, Republic of Ireland, has resulted in multiple fatalities, with an unconfirmed number of deaths reported. The incident occurred on Saturday evening shortly after 21:00 local time on the L3168 Ardee Road in the townland of Gibstown, Dundalk. According to Gardaí (Irish police), the collision involved two vehicles, and the scene remains active with both vehicles and the bodies of the deceased still present. Emergency services transported several injured individuals to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for treatment. The road between the N52 and R171 remains closed as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conduct a technical examination. Local traffic diversions have been implemented to manage the situation. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward and assist with the investigation.

  • Move over açaí – the Amazon has more ‘superfoods’ to offer

    Move over açaí – the Amazon has more ‘superfoods’ to offer

    In a renovated warehouse lab in Belém, Brazil, machines are processing exotic fruits like cupuaçu, taperebá, and bacaba, which could soon join açaí as the next global superfoods. These fruits, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and fatty acids, are part of Brazil’s ambitious plan to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and alleviate regional poverty. The initiative aligns with the country’s hosting of the COP30 UN climate talks, emphasizing sustainable economic growth through the Amazon’s natural resources. Max Petrucci, founder of Mahta, a company specializing in Amazonian superfoods, highlights the dual benefits of these products: nutritional value and environmental sustainability. Mahta pays fair prices to farmers practicing sustainable agriculture, ensuring ethical sourcing. While scientific research on superfoods remains limited, Amazonian fruits are widely recognized for their health benefits. Companies like Mahta are freeze-drying these fruits into powders to preserve nutritional value and reduce transportation costs, a strategy that keeps economic value within Brazil. The Belém Bioeconomy Park supports small businesses in testing innovative preservation methods, tapping into the Amazon’s vast, untapped potential. The Amazon rainforest, spanning 6 million square kilometers, has long been a source of natural wealth but has suffered from deforestation for timber, cattle, and soy production. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged to halve deforestation by 2030, with recent rates hitting an 11-year low. Brazil’s bioeconomy strategy focuses on sustainable resource use, preserving nature while developing valuable products like fuels, pharmaceuticals, and foods. Sarah Sampaio, who runs a coffee company in the Apui region, exemplifies this approach by integrating coffee cultivation with native Amazonian trees, promoting agroforestry. Her efforts have earned her coffee national recognition, showcasing the potential of sustainable practices. Açaí, already a global health food sensation, remains a benchmark for Amazonian superfoods, with its high antioxidant content and popularity in Europe and the US. However, scaling up production poses challenges, as industrial plantations could replicate the environmental issues they aim to solve. The bioeconomy concept, central to the UN climate talks, offers a pathway to reduce fossil fuel dependency, though it requires careful regulation to avoid unintended consequences like deforestation or land exploitation. As Brazil pushes for a four-fold increase in biofuel use by 2035, experts like Ana Yang of Chatham House stress the importance of safeguards to ensure bio-based transitions are truly sustainable.

  • Outrage, rebuke from across China as Japanese PM’s erroneous remarks boil over

    Outrage, rebuke from across China as Japanese PM’s erroneous remarks boil over

    China has expressed widespread outrage and condemnation in response to recent remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. At a Diet meeting last week, Takaichi suggested that China’s potential use of force against Taiwan could pose a ‘survival-threatening situation’ for Japan, hinting at the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Her refusal to retract these comments has further escalated tensions. The People’s Liberation Army Daily, in a front-page commentary, denounced Takaichi’s remarks as historically ignorant and reflective of Japan’s right-wing ambitions to interfere militarily in Taiwan. The article emphasized that Japan’s alleged ‘survival-threatening situation’ is a pretext rooted in its militaristic past, which has caused immense suffering across Asia. Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin warned that any Japanese intervention in Taiwan would result in a ‘crushing defeat’ by the People’s Liberation Army. The People’s Daily highlighted that Takaichi’s comments mark the first time since 1945 that a Japanese leader has officially linked Taiwan’s security to Japan’s collective self-defense, signaling a dangerous resurgence of militarism. Cai Liang, head of the Center for Northeast Asian Studies, criticized Takaichi’s remarks as a regression in Japan’s stance on Taiwan, violating China’s sovereignty and alarming the international community. Former Kuomintang chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu condemned Japan’s historical arrogance and interference, emphasizing that Taiwan is no longer a Japanese colony. Chinese netizens and officials have also voiced strong opposition, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advising Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan due to heightened risks. Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned the Japanese ambassador to demand an immediate retraction of the remarks, while State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Chen Binhua reiterated China’s unwavering stance against foreign interference in cross-Strait affairs.

  • Taiwan youths discuss paths to peaceful reunification

    Taiwan youths discuss paths to peaceful reunification

    In a significant gathering hosted by the Sanhe Practice Institute, a prominent Taiwanese think tank, young scholars and representatives from various sectors convened on Saturday to deliberate on the future of cross-Strait relations. The forum, held in Taipei, centered on the pressing question: ‘In this pivotal era of the Chinese nation’s rejuvenation, what path should Taiwan take?’

    Mao Zhi-yuan, a young participant, emphasized that reunification is an inevitable historical process. ‘The people of Taiwan must actively engage in advancing negotiations and propose solutions for peaceful reunification that align with Taiwan’s best interests,’ he stated.

    Tan Chuan-shao, a member of Taiwan’s New Party, outlined a three-step strategy for achieving peaceful reunification. He urged Taiwanese citizens to recognize the urgency of addressing cross-Strait relations, foster open dialogue to enhance public understanding, and present Taiwan’s unique proposals for reunification. ‘It is imperative for the current generation to take the lead in pursuing peaceful reunification, rather than burdening future generations,’ Tan asserted.

    Lin Wun-hau, a Taiwanese youth with experience living in both Xiamen and Jinmen, highlighted Jinmen’s transformation from a conflict zone to a hub of cross-Strait exchange as a model for future relations. ‘Jinmen’s journey demonstrates that integration with the mainland does not erode identity but offers a path to harmonious coexistence,’ Lin explained.

    Su Heng, another participant, echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘Reunification is not an endpoint but a new beginning. It will not diminish Taiwan but strengthen it.’

    The forum underscored the growing momentum among Taiwan’s younger generation to actively shape the future of cross-Strait relations, emphasizing dialogue, cooperation, and mutual benefit as the foundation for peaceful reunification.

  • India in trouble at 10-2 chasing 124 as Gill hospitalized in 1st test against South Africa

    India in trouble at 10-2 chasing 124 as Gill hospitalized in 1st test against South Africa

    In a dramatic turn of events during the first cricket test between India and South Africa at Kolkata’s historic Eden Gardens, India found itself in a precarious position at 10-2 while chasing a target of 124 runs. The situation worsened as captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck spasm on day two, was hospitalized for observation and ruled out of the remainder of the match. This effectively left India at 10-3, with Washington Sundar (5 not out) and Dhruv Jurel (4 not out) holding the fort at lunch on day three. South Africa’s Marco Jansen delivered a stellar performance, dismissing both openers—Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck and Lokesh Rahul for just one run—in a brief seven-over session. Earlier, South Africa was bowled out for 153 in their second innings, adding 60 crucial runs to their overnight score of 93-7. Skipper Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 off 136 balls, the only half-century in the test, anchored the Proteas’ innings. His 44-run partnership with Corbin Bosch (25 off 37 balls) proved pivotal. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, eventually broke through, but the damage was done. With 15 wickets falling on day two, the test is swiftly heading toward a conclusion. South Africa, winless in India for 15 years, aims to turn the tide, while India seeks to capitalize on home advantage. The second test begins in Guwahati on November 22.