Global Pulse

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  • This Dubai firm is driving brand growth through AI

    This Dubai firm is driving brand growth through AI

    DUBAI – In an era where artificial intelligence dominates business conversations, Dubai-based TIDAL, the region’s first brand-led performance agency, is demonstrating how AI can be strategically harnessed to drive substantial brand growth while maintaining essential human storytelling elements.

    Founded by Simon Lomas and Liam Troughton, TIDAL represents a new breed of marketing firms that seamlessly integrate advanced AI capabilities with traditional brand-building expertise. The agency serves prestigious clients across the GCC, UK, and US, including World Trade Centre and Rolls Royce, leveraging customized AI solutions to transform how brands connect with consumers.

    According to Lomas, AI has fundamentally altered consumer discovery patterns. ‘The audience isn’t just searching keywords on Google anymore,’ he explains. ‘They’re exploring TikTok for relevant videos, Reddit for user-generated advice, and ChatGPT for personalized recommendations. This requires brands to structure their narratives for discoverability across multiple platforms.’

    TIDAL’s approach centers on developing proprietary custom GPTs specifically trained on the agency’s methodology and frameworks. These specialized AI assistants cover the entire marketing spectrum from SEO and PPC to creative strategy and data analysis. ‘Each AI thinks like a specialist,’ Troughton notes. ‘They reframe briefs strategically, challenge assumptions, and connect recommendations directly to business outcomes rather than mere channel metrics.’

    The implementation of AI has dramatically accelerated processes that previously required hours of human labor. Proposal development, once a time-intensive task, now occurs with remarkable efficiency. However, both founders emphasize that clients still expect and value the human touch in storytelling and conceptual development.

    Addressing concerns about AI replacing human creativity, Troughton clarifies: ‘AI and human expertise aren’t opposing forces. AI handles backend operations, data processing, and process streamlining, while humans focus on tailoring solutions to client needs. We’re constantly evolving with AI advancements while maintaining organic human connections.’

    Lomas underscores the critical balance between performance marketing and brand building: ‘Performance marketing without brand is like fishing from a pond that never refills itself – eventually you run out of fish.’ The agency advocates for strategies that compound growth through long-term relationships, demand creation, and sustainable brand development rather than short-term conversion chasing.

    As AI continues to reshape the marketing landscape, TIDAL’s hybrid approach offers a compelling model for agencies seeking to leverage technological advancements while preserving the authentic human connections that ultimately drive brand loyalty and commercial success.

  • Philippines ex-president Duterte to skip ICC trial, human rights lawyers call it ‘cowardice’

    Philippines ex-president Duterte to skip ICC trial, human rights lawyers call it ‘cowardice’

    Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has formally declined to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his upcoming confirmation of charges hearing scheduled from February 23-27, 2026. The controversial leader stated his absence constitutes a strategic component of his defense team’s challenge against the sufficiency of prosecution evidence.

    In an official waiver signed by Duterte and submitted through his legal representatives, the ex-president explicitly rejected participating via communications technology from outside the courtroom. Duterte simultaneously leveled serious allegations against current Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., accusing him of ‘facilitating kidnapping’ by arranging special charter flights to transport him to The Netherlands for trial proceedings.

    The ICC has acknowledged receipt of Duterte’s request and indicated it will deliberate on the matter before issuing a public announcement prior to the February 23 session commencement.

    Human rights attorneys, particularly members of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), have condemned Duterte’s decision as demonstrating profound cowardice. NUPL President Ephraim Cortez characterized the repeated avoidance of court appearances as behavior unbecoming of a former national leader, contrasting Duterte’s conduct with the defiant courtroom demeanor historically displayed by figures like Saddam Hussein and Nicholas Maduro.

    Cortez further asserted that without the protection of his customary security detail and insulatory barriers, Duterte appears incapable of mustering the courage to confront his accusers directly. This marks not the first instance of the former president refusing physical appearance before the ICC, having previously avoided hearings concerning his potential temporary release from the Scheveningen District detention facility in March 2025.

  • Police arrest King Charles’ brother Andrew over misconduct relating to Epstein

    Police arrest King Charles’ brother Andrew over misconduct relating to Epstein

    In an unprecedented development for the British monarchy, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, which occurred on the royal’s 66th birthday, centers on allegations that the Duke of York transmitted confidential government documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy.

    The investigation gained momentum following the release of over 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents by US authorities, which reportedly contained evidence suggesting Andrew had forwarded official trip reports about Vietnam, Singapore, and other destinations to Epstein in 2010. The anti-monarchy campaign group Republic formally reported these allegations to police, triggering the criminal investigation.

    Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed the investigation, stating: ‘Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.’

    King Charles III responded with a carefully worded statement expressing ‘deepest concern’ while emphasizing that ‘the law must take its course.’ The monarch pledged the royal family’s ‘full and wholehearted support and cooperation’ with authorities, marking a significant departure from historical royal responses to scandals.

    The arrest represents the most severe constitutional crisis of Charles’ reign and marks the first time a senior royal has been detained in this manner. Police conducted simultaneous operations, with unmarked vehicles and plain-clothed officers descending on Andrew’s current residence at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, while another team searched his former home in Berkshire.

    Legal experts note that misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and must be tried in Crown Court, reserved for the most serious criminal offenses. Thames Valley Police emphasized the ‘particular complexities’ of investigating this common law offense, which lacks specific statutory legislation.

    This development follows Andrew’s 2022 settlement of a civil lawsuit in the United States with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse when she was a teenager. The current investigation, however, focuses solely on the alleged document transfers rather than sexual misconduct allegations.

    The former prince has been stripped of all royal titles and military honors since October, following escalating revelations about his relationship with Epstein. Buckingham Palace has previously stated its readiness to support any police investigation, expressing ‘profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light.’

  • ‘Who’s next?’ – American lawmakers call for ‘justice’ in the US after Andrew arrest

    ‘Who’s next?’ – American lawmakers call for ‘justice’ in the US after Andrew arrest

    American legislators are intensifying pressure for comprehensive investigations into individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein, inspired by the recent detention of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on allegations of misconduct in public office. The arrest has triggered bipartisan calls for parallel accountability measures within the United States justice system.

    Congressman Thomas Massie, instrumental in legislation compelling the Department of Justice to disclose Epstein-related documents, declared on social media: ‘Prince Andrew was just arrested. Now we need JUSTICE in the United States.’ This sentiment echoes across party lines, with Representative Suhas Subramanyam, chairing the House Oversight Committee, characterizing the development as a ‘huge breakthrough’ in pursuing powerful figures connected to Epstein’s network.

    Subramanyam extended an invitation for the former royal to provide testimony voluntarily, emphasizing: ‘If he did nothing wrong, then he should clear his name. Our door is open and we will talk to him on his terms—I will fly out to the UK if necessary.’ The Virginia Democrat noted that victims had found symbolic justice in Mountbatten-Windsor’s prior removal of titles, viewing it as initial progress toward addressing systemic impunity among elites.

    California Democrat Ro Khanna and Republican Nancy Mace both highlighted their legislative roles in advancing accountability, with Mace noting her singular congressional demand for the royal’s arrest. ‘Today, on his 66th birthday, that call was answered,’ she stated. ‘We will not stop until every co-conspirator and enabler is held fully accountable.’

    The released Epstein documents enumerate numerous high-profile names including technology billionaires, political leaders, and business magnates, though inclusion doesn’t imply criminal culpability. UK authorities confirmed they are evaluating complaints regarding alleged transmission of confidential materials to Epstein, clarifying that current allegations do not involve sexual offenses.

    Congressional investigators reaffirmed their commitment to exhaustive inquiry, vowing: ‘No one connected to Jeffrey Epstein will escape accountability. Our work is just beginning, and we will pursue justice for every individual who participated in the abuse of women and girls.’

  • UAE: Indian sports and entertainment platform signs Emirati golfer Ahmad Skaik

    UAE: Indian sports and entertainment platform signs Emirati golfer Ahmad Skaik

    In a landmark move for regional sports management, India’s premier talent platform LegaXy has officially launched its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operations through a strategic alliance with UAE-based Optima Sports and Capital. This expansion marks LegaXy’s inaugural international venture and establishes it as the first Indian sports and entertainment entity to establish a foothold in the region.

    The partnership aims to develop a comprehensive sports ecosystem across MENA, encompassing athlete representation, brand collaborations, experiential projects, and original content creation. The collaboration debuts with the exclusive signing of Ahmad Skaik, the UAE’s top-ranked professional golfer, as its flagship regional athlete.

    Skaik emphasized the timing’s significance for Emirati golf, stating: “This partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for our sport’s development. I’m honored to represent the UAE as we collectively build something truly meaningful for the region’s athletic future.”

    Sachin Kerur, Chairman of Optima Sports and Capital, praised LegaXy’s established credentials in athlete brand development, noting that combining LegaXy’s global perspective with Optima’s regional proficiency would create a world-class platform grounded in Middle Eastern values. “Our signing of Ahmad Skaik demonstrates our unwavering commitment to credibility, excellence, and nurturing homegrown talent,” Kerur added.

    LegaXy Founder and CEO Amitesh Shah identified MENA as one of the world’s most dynamic sports markets, describing Skaik as embodying the professionalism, ambition, and international mindset that characterizes the region’s emerging athletic generation.

    Mohammed Sirajuddin, LegaXy’s Founding Advisor, highlighted the UAE’s rapidly advancing sports infrastructure as providing ideal conditions for global expansion. He emphasized that the Optima partnership brings essential local expertise to unlock unprecedented opportunities for both athletes and brands throughout the Middle East.

  • Ramadan 2026: Tips to prioritise self-care and wellness

    Ramadan 2026: Tips to prioritise self-care and wellness

    As Ramadan approaches in 2026, health experts emphasize the critical importance of integrating comprehensive self-care practices during the holy month of fasting. This spiritual period, while focused on renewal and devotion, presents unique physical and mental challenges that require thoughtful wellness strategies.

    The physiological demands of prolonged fasting hours, altered sleep patterns, and increased social commitments can significantly impact one’s wellbeing. Christian Kiefer, Spa Wellness Project Management expert, notes that wellness during Ramadan serves as an essential support system, helping maintain energy levels, emotional stability, and mental clarity throughout the month.

    A holistic approach to Ramadan wellness encompasses multiple dimensions. Gentle physical therapies including calming massages and aromatherapy rituals help alleviate the physical fatigue that accumulates from fasting and disrupted sleep cycles. Mindful practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling provide mental respite and spiritual connection.

    Nutrition remains paramount during this period. Experts recommend consuming balanced meals during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (evening meal), emphasizing complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Hydration during non-fasting hours is crucial, with particular attention to water intake before dawn and after sunset. Incorporating abundant fruits and vegetables ensures adequate vitamin and mineral intake while avoiding excessive fatty and spicy foods.

    Physical activity should be modified to accommodate the fasting state. Light exercises such as stretching, yoga, or evening walks after iftar help maintain circulation and muscle flexibility without overexertion. Sleep prioritization and maintaining consistent rest patterns help the body adapt to changed circadian rhythms.

    Chef Alaa Alnachar of Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai shares a nutritious red lentil soup recipe (Shorbet Aadas) ideal for Ramadan meals. This nutrient-dense dish provides essential proteins and minerals while being gentle on the digestive system during fasting periods.

    Special populations including those with medical conditions, eating disorders, or pregnant/breastfeeding women are advised to consult healthcare professionals before undertaking Ramadan fasting. The integration of community connections through iftar gatherings and family interactions further enhances the holistic wellness experience during this sacred month.

  • Veteran dissident who refused exile released

    Veteran dissident who refused exile released

    Belarusian authorities have freed veteran opposition figure Mikola Statkevich from imprisonment, marking a significant development in the country’s political landscape. The 69-year-old dissident, who spent over five years incarcerated on charges of organizing “mass riots” during the 2020-21 protests, is now recovering at home from a stroke that has severely impacted his speech capabilities.

    Statkevich’s release represents an unusual case among Belarus’s political prisoners. Unlike 51 other detainees freed in a U.S.-brokered prisoner exchange last year, Statkevich defiantly refused to leave his homeland despite the opportunity to go into exile. His wife, Marina Adamovich, confirmed his current status, expressing hope for his recovery while noting the significant challenges with his speech following the stroke.

    The politician’s imprisonment stemmed from his opposition activities against the regime of Alexander Lukashenko, who has maintained an iron grip on power since 1994. Statkevich had previously challenged Lukashenko in the 2010 presidential election, which international observers widely criticized as neither free nor fair.

    Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya welcomed the news, expressing relief that Statkevich could finally reunite with his wife after years of separation. However, she emphasized that more than 1,000 political prisoners remain detained in Belarus, urging continued international pressure for their release.

    The prisoner exchange that facilitated Statkevich’s freedom involved diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Minsk, resulting in the United States pledging to ease certain sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia. This development occurs against the backdrop of Belarus’s strategic alliance with Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, further complicating regional geopolitical dynamics.

  • ‘Returned from hell’: Press monitor exposes torture of Palestinian journalists by Israel

    ‘Returned from hell’: Press monitor exposes torture of Palestinian journalists by Israel

    A comprehensive investigation by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has uncovered systematic human rights violations against Palestinian journalists detained by Israeli authorities. The report, titled ‘We Returned From Hell’ and published Thursday, documents extensive evidence of torture, sexual violence, and deliberate starvation based on interviews with 59 journalists imprisoned since October 2023.

    The findings reveal that 58 of the 59 detained journalists experienced severe physical and psychological abuse. Testimonials describe brutal interrogation techniques including electroshock torture, prolonged stress positions, and beatings with batons. Particularly disturbing accounts detail sexual violence, with multiple journalists reporting rape and penetration with objects by their captors—acts described as intentionally designed to humiliate and psychologically destroy victims.

    Journalist Sami al-Sai provided harrowing testimony of being stripped and assaulted with batons and other objects in a cell at Megiddo prison, leaving him in severe psychological distress. The report notes that descriptions of sexual violence appeared repeatedly across multiple testimonies.

    Additional abuses documented include threats against family members, sleep deprivation through constant blaring music, and denial of medical care for serious injuries including broken bones and eye trauma. Approximately 80% of those interviewed were held under administrative detention without formal charges, while one-quarter never received legal representation.

    Nutritional deprivation emerged as another systematic abuse, with detainees reporting extreme hunger and surviving on moldy bread and rotten food. Photographic evidence reviewed by CPJ shows emaciated detainees with protruding ribs and hollowed cheeks, having lost an average of 23.5 kilograms (52 pounds) each during detention.

    CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg stated that the scale and consistency of these testimonies indicate ‘something far beyond isolated misconduct,’ while regional director Sara Qudah characterized the abuses as ‘a deliberate strategy to intimidate and silence journalists.’

    The report emerges against the backdrop of what CPJ describes as the deadliest conflict for journalists in modern history, with nearly 300 Palestinian journalists and media workers killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 2023.

  • Explained: Why UAE residents will get 4-day Eid Al Fitr break this year

    Explained: Why UAE residents will get 4-day Eid Al Fitr break this year

    The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed the commencement of Ramadan on February 18, 2026, setting the stage for a significant four-day Eid Al Fitr holiday period that residents are eagerly anticipating. According to the UAE public holiday calendar, the break will encompass Shawwal 1 to 3, with the exact dates contingent upon the official sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.

    Astronomical calculations indicate two potential scenarios for the holiday period. If the crescent moon is sighted on March 18 (the 29th day of Ramadan), Eid celebrations will begin on March 19, resulting in a four-day break extending through March 22. Should the crescent not be visible on March 18, requiring a full 30-day Ramadan, Eid will commence on March 20, yet residents will still receive a four-day holiday thanks to a UAE Cabinet resolution that designates the 30th day of Ramadan as an official holiday when the month completes its full cycle.

    Strategic planning enables residents to maximize this holiday period. By utilizing annual leave from March 16-19, employees can potentially enjoy a nine-day continuous break from March 14 through March 22, incorporating both weekends and the official Eid holidays.

    The anticipation of the extended break is already influencing commercial activities across the Emirates. Tailors have ceased accepting new orders for traditional Eid outfits due to high demand, while retailers are actively restocking shelves in preparation for the festive season. This period of spiritual reflection and fasting gradually transitions into widespread celebration throughout UAE communities, with early signs of festive preparations emerging well before the official moon sighting.

  • TrustSignal expands into MENA to boost digital communication infrastructure

    TrustSignal expands into MENA to boost digital communication infrastructure

    TrustSignal, a leading provider of enterprise-grade communication infrastructure, has officially announced its strategic expansion into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This move comes at a critical juncture in the region’s digital transformation journey, positioning the company to support rapidly growing sectors through advanced technological solutions.

    The expansion introduces TrustSignal’s comprehensive technology platform specifically designed to address regional market needs across three fundamental operational domains:

    Adaptive Routing: Utilizing artificial intelligence-driven algorithms, the system optimizes delivery pathways for high-frequency notifications and One-Time Passwords (OTPs). This intelligent routing mechanism significantly reduces latency while enhancing transaction success rates for financial and verification processes.

    Security and Compliance Framework: Implementing a security-first architectural approach, the platform features embedded encryption protocols and compliance frameworks tailored to meet cross-border data regulations across various MENA jurisdictions.

    Omnichannel Integration: Offering a unified interface for managing A2P SMS, WhatsApp Business APIs, and Voice APIs, the platform enables enterprises to consolidate customer engagement and authentication workflows into a single, efficient ecosystem.

    This regional expansion demonstrates TrustSignal’s commitment to delivering scalable infrastructure solutions to high-growth industries including financial technology, electronic commerce, and logistics sectors. By transitioning from traditional messaging systems to intelligent, measurable communication frameworks, the company provides the reliability essential for large-scale digital operations.

    Imran Shaikh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TrustSignal, stated: “Our entry into the MENA region represents a strategic response to the increasing demand for resilient communication infrastructure. We are delivering enterprises a compliant and scalable platform that supports the region’s digital maturation while ensuring operational precision at scale.”

    Following the initial launch, TrustSignal’s regional operations will concentrate on deepening vertical integrations within healthcare and retail sectors. The company’s long-term vision includes deploying predictive performance modeling capabilities to assist enterprises in managing demand fluctuations and optimizing communication efficiency across the region.