Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • UAE firm e&’s stake in UK’s Vodafone Group rises to 17%

    UAE firm e&’s stake in UK’s Vodafone Group rises to 17%

    Emirates Telecommunications Group (e&), the UAE’s premier telecommunications provider, has witnessed its ownership stake in British telecom giant Vodafone Group escalate to 17.0050% without acquiring additional shares. This strategic development emerges directly from Vodafone’s ongoing share repurchase initiative, which effectively reduces the company’s total outstanding shares while maintaining e&’s holding at a constant 3,944.7 million shares.

    The Abu Dhabi-listed conglomerate initially entered Vodafone’s shareholder structure in May 2022 with a substantial $4.4 billion investment for a 9.8% stake. This position gradually expanded to 12% throughout 2023 before reaching its current level through organic financial mechanics rather than further capital deployment.

    Concurrently, Vodafone continues to execute its ambitious capital return strategy. The company recently launched a €500 million share buyback program scheduled to run from February 5 to May 11, 2026, following its monumental €2 billion repurchase initiative announced in May 2024. These financial maneuvers received impetus from regulatory approval of Vodafone Spain’s sale to Zegona Communications.

    Market indicators show Vodafone’s shares concluding the recent trading week at £115.45 on the London exchange, reflecting investor response to these corporate developments. The company’s November 2025 acquisition of nine million ordinary shares from Goldman Sachs represented another phase in its comprehensive capital management approach.

  • Eileen Gu switches slopes for catwalk after Olympic flourish

    Eileen Gu switches slopes for catwalk after Olympic flourish

    Eileen Gu has cemented her legacy as the most accomplished freestyle skier in Winter Olympics history after securing gold in the women’s halfpipe final at the Milan-Cortina Games. The Chinese-American athlete’s triumph on Sunday marked her sixth Olympic medal, breaking previous records held by Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury and Chinese teammate Xu Mengtao.

    The 22-year-old Stanford student entered these Games seeking a complete medal sweep after her spectacular performance at Beijing 2022, where she captured two golds and one silver. While she earned silver in both slopestyle and big air events earlier in these Games, Gu saved her most exceptional performance for the halfpipe competition in Livigno’s brilliant sunshine.

    Gu’s achievement is particularly remarkable given her calculated risk in competing across three disciplines—she hadn’t participated in big air competition for four years prior to these Games. At her post-event press conference, the emotional champion reflected: ‘I have done something that I took a big risk in trusting myself and I’m glad that I did. I walk away as the most decorated freeskier of all time, male or female.’

    Beyond her athletic prowess, Gu represents a new generation of multi-dimensional athletes who transcend their sports. With 3 million Instagram followers and 14 million TikTok likes, her influence extends far beyond skiing. She ranked fourth on Forbes’ 2023 list of highest-earning female athletes, primarily through endorsement deals, and was featured in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2022.

    Immediately following her Olympic victory, Gu will transition to Milan Fashion Week, where she plans to explore her passion for fashion. ‘I’m really excited to just explore some other avenues, be creative, and explore my femininity through fashion,’ she explained, noting how she sees beauty in the juxtaposition between athletic excellence and creative expression.

    Gu’s career has not been without controversy. Her 2019 decision to switch allegiance from the United States to China, her mother’s homeland, generated divided opinions. The athlete has spoken openly about feeling the weight of representing two nations, but believes her platform has helped inspire millions of Chinese children to engage with winter sports.

    Looking forward, Gu aims to leverage her unique position for global benefit, combining her athletic, academic, and fashion pursuits to create positive impact while her physical capabilities remain at their peak.

  • Homeschooled Filipino expat wins UAE spelling bee, brother named second runner-up

    Homeschooled Filipino expat wins UAE spelling bee, brother named second runner-up

    In an inspiring display of academic excellence and sibling achievement, two Filipino expatriates have claimed top honors at the prestigious Scripps Spelling Bee UAE competition. Warren Bacongallo, a 12-year-old homeschooled student, emerged as the national champion while his younger brother Rei Martus, aged 10, secured second runner-up position in the February 2026 finals.

    The brothers’ journey to spelling supremacy began years earlier in their native Philippines, where they first watched international spelling competitions online. Their relocation to the UAE in October proved transformative, allowing them to compete in the regional qualifiers for the world’s most prestigious spelling championship. Their victory earns Warren the opportunity to represent the UAE at the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in Washington DC.

    Their educational approach, orchestrated by mother Jenelyn—a former teacher—combines structured homeschooling from 8 AM to 1 PM daily under the American curriculum with innovative practical learning techniques. The family has transformed routine activities like grocery shopping into mathematical exercises, with budgets allocated to the children’s bank accounts to instill financial literacy alongside academic knowledge.

    Competition organizer Vishwa Babbar reported significant growth in participation, with 850 students from 145 schools and over 40 nationalities competing—a substantial increase from 580 participants in 2024. The open category format allows students from grades 2 through 8 to compete equally, creating remarkable scenarios where younger contestants frequently outperform older competitors.

    Emirates Islamic Bank sponsored the event, awarding Dh15,000 to the champion, Dh5,000 to each runner-up, and Dh1,000 to the top 40 contestants. Beyond monetary rewards, the competition serves as a confidence-building platform, with organizers even conducting a parents’ spelling round to help adults appreciate the psychological challenges their children face on stage.

    Warren now prepares to study Greek and Latin roots ahead of the international finals, where he will compete against 250 elite spellers worldwide. Meanwhile, his brother Martus aims to claim the championship title in next year’s UAE competition, potentially setting the stage for another remarkable sibling achievement.

  • UAE Ramadan street food rush: These shops sell 25,000 sambosas daily before iftar

    UAE Ramadan street food rush: These shops sell 25,000 sambosas daily before iftar

    In the bustling streets of Ras Al Khaimah, a remarkable culinary phenomenon unfolds daily during Ramadan as residents form lengthy queues outside cherished local eateries. The Sidrouh district becomes a focal point of gastronomic activity each afternoon, with the sound of sizzling oil and aromatic spices filling the air as sunset approaches.

    Two establishments stand out for their extraordinary production: Sidrouh Restaurant, operating since 1974, now managed by the founder’s sons, sells over 20,000 sambosas daily throughout the holy month—more than double their regular daily output. Complementing this, Mubarak Sweets in the Dahan area contributes an additional 5,000-6,000 units, bringing the combined daily total to exceeding 25,000 sambosas during Ramadan.

    The culinary offerings have evolved from the original vegetable sambosa to include cheese and innovative cheese-with-chips varieties, particularly popular among younger generations. Beyond sambosas, traditional snacks including Pakkavada, Jalebi, and egg bhaji experience significant demand surges as Maghrib approaches.

    Ashraf Ali, manager of Sidrouh Restaurant, confirms Ramadan represents their peak seasonal activity. ‘Sales nearly doubled after just the first two days of Ramadan compared to normal days,’ he reported. The preparation process is meticulously planned, with evening preparations and morning cooking sessions ensuring freshness for the afternoon rush that begins around 4 PM.

    The phenomenon transcends mere consumption, becoming embedded in local tradition. Ahmed Al Mehairi, a Ras Al Khaimah resident, describes the ritual as integral to his Ramadan experience. ‘These are the flavours people grew up with,’ he noted, emphasizing the traditional methods that maintain authentic tastes increasingly rare in modern times.

    Weekdays primarily serve local residents, while weekends attract visitors from neighboring emirates including Sharjah and Ajman, drawn by the establishments’ longstanding reputation and distinctive flavors. The queues, sometimes forming as early as 3 PM, represent more than commercial activity—they embody community spirit, culinary heritage, and the unique atmosphere of Ramadan in the UAE.

  • EU says US must honor a trade deal after court blocks Trump tariffs

    EU says US must honor a trade deal after court blocks Trump tariffs

    BRUSSELS — The European Union has formally requested comprehensive clarification from the United States regarding its rapidly evolving tariff policies, urging its transatlantic partner to honor previously established commitments. This diplomatic maneuver comes in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent invalidation of significant portions of former President Donald Trump’s tariff framework, followed by Trump’s subsequent announcement escalating his proposed global tariff rate from 10% to 15%.

    The European Commission, representing the trade interests of the 27 EU member nations, declared the current environment incompatible with achieving the “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial” trade and investment relationship mutually agreed upon in the EU-U.S. Joint Statement of August 2025. This agreement had established a 15% import tax on approximately 70% of European goods entering American markets.

    Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, characterized the situation as “pure tariff chaos on the part of the U.S. administration,” noting that the unpredictability has created “only open questions and growing uncertainty” for EU trading partners. In response to the turmoil, Lange announced his intention to propose suspending the ratification process of the existing trade agreement through the European Parliament’s negotiating team.

    The EU emphasized its expectation that U.S. trade policies remain consistent with established agreements, stating unequivocally that “a deal is a deal.” As America’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods and services reaching €1.7 trillion ($2 trillion) in 2024, the EU maintains that its products should continue receiving the competitive treatment outlined in previous agreements.

    Europe’s primary exports to the U.S. include pharmaceuticals, automobiles, aircraft, chemicals, medical instruments, and alcoholic beverages, while American exports to the EU predominantly feature professional and scientific services, energy products, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, aerospace technology, and automotive products.

    The Commission warned that unpredictably applied tariffs “undermine confidence and stability across global markets” and create significant uncertainty throughout international supply chains. The EU retains the option to deploy its Anti-Coercion Instrument—a comprehensive trade defense mechanism enabling restrictive measures against nations applying undue pressure on EU members. These measures could potentially restrict goods and services trade, exclude entities from EU public tenders, limit foreign direct investment, or ultimately restrict access to the EU’s 450-million-consumer market, potentially inflicting billions in losses on U.S. companies and the American economy.

  • New Dubai road project to slash journey time from 24 minutes to 5 on Hessa Street

    New Dubai road project to slash journey time from 24 minutes to 5 on Hessa Street

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has initiated a transformative infrastructure project that will dramatically reduce travel times along Hessa Street, cutting a typical 24-minute journey to just five minutes. The ambitious development, currently in its second phase, spans the crucial 3-kilometer corridor between Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, serving as a vital artery for urban mobility.

    The comprehensive upgrade involves sophisticated engineering solutions including the construction of 8,835 meters of bridges and a 480-meter tunnel, significantly enhancing three major intersections. The project will double Hessa Street’s capacity from 4,000 to 8,000 vehicles per hour, directly benefiting approximately 650,000 residents across ten residential and development areas including Al Barsha South, Arjan, Dubai Science Park, and Motor City.

    Phase two specifications include expanding Hessa Street from two to four lanes in each direction, constructing grade-separated collector roads, and implementing multiple directional ramps to optimize traffic flow. A notable 2,215-meter bridge system will accommodate 18,200 vehicles hourly, while a 525-meter braided ramp will eliminate congestion points between Al Khail Road and Al Khamila Street.

    Concurrently, Phase one developments nearing April completion feature upgraded intersections at Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road. This initial phase already delivered a 1,000-meter bridge enabling travel time reduction from 15 to 3 minutes between key corridors, alongside a 13.5-kilometer cycling track integrating with Dubai Internet City Metro Station.

    The project incorporates sustainable mobility solutions through a 10.4-kilometer dedicated cycling and e-scooter track connecting Dubai Hills and Dubai Motor City. This infrastructure includes two architecturally distinctive bridges spanning Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, each featuring segregated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians with capacity for 5,200 users hourly.

    Additional enhancements involve converting all existing roundabouts to signalized intersections, widening Al Hadaeq Street to dual carriageway with three lanes each direction, and implementing comprehensive traffic management systems throughout the corridor. The development represents Dubai’s continued commitment to cutting-edge urban planning and multimodal transportation integration.

  • Ramadan rush: How Saudi Arabia is managing Umrah crowd at Grand Mosque

    Ramadan rush: How Saudi Arabia is managing Umrah crowd at Grand Mosque

    Saudi authorities have enacted a sophisticated crowd control framework to accommodate the substantial surge in Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan at Mecca’s Grand Mosque. With visitor numbers escalating significantly before, during, and after prayer times, officials have prioritized pedestrian safety through strategic traffic regulations and dedicated walking corridors.

    The comprehensive plan includes establishing pedestrian-exclusive zones in the central area with extended vehicle restrictions around prayer periods. Unauthorized motorcycles and bicycles face prohibition, while improperly parked vehicles disrupting pedestrian flow are subject to immediate towing and penalties.

    Transportation logistics have been meticulously organized, featuring public bus services from King Abdulaziz International Airport and fourteen designated parking facilities—nine within the holy capital and five along approach roads. During peak congestion, worshippers unable to access the Grand Mosque or its external courtyards are redirected to alternative prayer facilities equipped for their needs.

    The sacred Mataf area, the white marble precinct encircling the Kaaba, has been reserved exclusively for Umrah rituals throughout daylight hours to ensure ceremonial safety and sanctity.

    Access management employs an innovative illuminated signage system at mosque entrances: green signals indicate available space, while red denotes full capacity. Security personnel actively guide worshippers to accessible prayer, tawaf, and sa’i areas across multiple levels and courtyards.

    Transport alternatives include Haramain train services to Rusayfah station, shuttle connections between parking areas and central transport hubs, regulated taxi services, and walking routes from adjacent neighborhoods. Private vehicle access remains restricted to non-Muhrim drivers complying with onsite traffic directives.

    Capacity constraints emerge particularly during Friday prayers, Maghrib, Isha, Tarawih, and the spiritually significant Tahajjud prayers in Ramadan’s final ten days. Authorities emphasize strict adherence to directional signage and prohibit congregation in walkways, roads, and courtyards.

    Accessibility provisions allocate ground floor space (excluding Mataf) for persons with disabilities, while electric carts operate on the first floor for Umrah performers requiring mobility assistance.

    Mandatory Umrah permits remain essential, with pedestrian routes receiving priority in the Grand Mosque’s immediate vicinity. Muhrim drivers must utilize designated city-entry parking and complete their journey via public transport.

    Prohibited activities encompass weapons possession, smoking, vending, begging, donation collection, luggage storage, escalator interference, and bringing children into overcrowded zones. Any action compromising safety or disrupting worship activities is strictly forbidden.

  • US Secret Service kills man trying to access Trump Florida estate

    US Secret Service kills man trying to access Trump Florida estate

    In a pre-dawn security incident on Sunday, U.S. Secret Service agents and local law enforcement fatally shot an armed intruder attempting to breach the perimeter of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The confrontation occurred approximately at 1:30 AM local time (0630 GMT) while Trump was absent from the property, currently residing in Washington.

    According to official statements from the Secret Service and Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the male suspect—believed to be in his early twenties—was detected near the north gate of the compound armed with a shotgun and a fuel container. Security personnel immediately issued commands for the individual to disarm. Although the suspect complied by placing the fuel canister on the ground, he subsequently raised the shotgun into a firing position, prompting lethal response from two Secret Service agents and one sheriff’s deputy.

    The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. No law enforcement officers or protected persons were harmed during the exchange. The identity of the suspect remains undisclosed pending notification of next of kin.

    This event marks the latest in a concerning pattern of security threats against Trump, who has been the target of multiple assassination attempts and plots. Notably, in September 2024, Ryan Routh received a life sentence for orchestrating an assassination attempt at a Florida golf course. That incident followed the July 2024 Pennsylvania rally shooting where attacker Matthew Crooks grazed Trump’s ear before being neutralized by security.

    The Secret Service, tasked with protecting current and former presidents, their families, and major political figures, has initiated a full investigation into the breach. The White House has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, which occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tensions and violence across the United States.

  • Ruler of Sharjah receives Ramadan Greetings from well-wishers

    Ruler of Sharjah receives Ramadan Greetings from well-wishers

    In a display of traditional leadership and communal solidarity, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, hosted an official reception ceremony at Al Badee Palace on Wednesday evening to mark the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. The event saw the attendance of prominent government figures, including Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, alongside senior officials, department directors, high-ranking police officers, tribal representatives, and citizens. The Ruler was accompanied by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler; and Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler. Well-wishers extended their heartfelt congratulations for the sacred occasion, offering prayers for the Ruler’s continued health and wellbeing. They further invoked divine blessings for the UAE’s ongoing development and prosperity, as well as for peace and harmony throughout Arab and Islamic nations during this period of spiritual reflection.

  • Jessie Diggins ‘full of gratitude’ after ending a glittering Olympic career in cross-country skiing

    Jessie Diggins ‘full of gratitude’ after ending a glittering Olympic career in cross-country skiing

    TESERO, Italy — American cross-country skiing legend Jessie Diggins brought her illustrious Olympic journey to a poignant close Sunday, finishing fifth in the grueling 50-kilometer classic race at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The 34-year-old Minnesota native collapsed in exhaustion at the finish line, mere seconds from capturing what would have been a fourth Olympic medal.

    Diggins, who revolutionized American cross-country skiing during her 15-year international career, reflected on her extraordinary progression in the sport. ‘If you had told me a year ago I’d be competing for a bronze medal in a 50k classic race, I would have found it unbelievable,’ she stated, her cheeks still marked with competition glitter. ‘I can confidently say I left everything on that course—every ounce of energy was expended.’

    The historic significance of Diggins’ career cannot be overstated. She captured America’s first-ever Olympic gold in cross-country skiing alongside teammate Kikkan Randall at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, adding silver and bronze medals in Beijing 2022. Her final Olympic appearance in Milan Cortina saw her battle through significant adversity, including painful rib injuries sustained in an earlier race crash.

    Sunday’s race unfolded as a testament to Diggins’ legendary endurance. She maintained position with the lead group featuring eventual gold medalist Ebba Andersson of Sweden until a equipment change on the third lap caused her to lose ground. Despite battling severe muscle cramps in the latter stages, Diggins mounted a courageous comeback attempt, though the wax on her skis ultimately prevented her from overtaking Swiss bronze medalist Nadja Kaelin on the final climb.

    Beyond competitive achievements, Diggins’ legacy encompasses impactful advocacy work. She has committed to continuing her campaigns for climate change awareness—particularly addressing diminishing global snowfall—and supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders. ‘I take pride in bringing determination not just to competition but to being a positive force beyond the snow,’ Diggins emphasized.

    Even during these final Olympic moments, Diggins embraced joy and mentorship. She participated in choreographed dances with younger teammates in social media content, embodying the balanced approach of intense competitiveness coupled with genuine openness that has characterized her leadership.

    While her Olympic chapter concludes, Diggins’ competitive career continues with the World Cup circuit. As current overall leader, she will pursue another crystal globe in upcoming races in Lake Placid, New York. Ronn Randall, father of late teammate Kikkan Randall who traveled from Alaska to witness Diggins’ final Olympic races, observed: ‘She approaches each event with complete commitment, determined to leave nothing behind.’

    True to her character, Diggins exits the Olympic stage not with disappointment over near misses but with profound gratitude. ‘I’m filled with appreciation, happiness, and love—this journey has been extraordinary,’ she reflected. ‘So many people contributed to reaching this point, and I’m content knowing I concluded my Olympic story giving absolutely everything.’