Global Pulse

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  • Over 70% of cyber threats targeting UAE are state-sponsored, authority says

    Over 70% of cyber threats targeting UAE are state-sponsored, authority says

    The United Arab Emirates faces an unprecedented volume of sophisticated cyber attacks, with over 70% originating from state-sponsored threat groups, according to Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council. Since January 2026, authorities have documented 128 confirmed cyber incidents targeting critical national infrastructure, including ransomware attacks, government breaches, and sensitive data leaks.

    Dr. Al Kuwaiti revealed that UAE defenses withstand between 90,000 to 200,000 breach attempts daily, all successfully neutralized without compromising service continuity or data integrity. Threat intelligence analysis indicates that Asia serves as the primary origin point (66.7%) for state-sponsored attacks, followed by Europe (14.3%), with remaining threats emanating from Middle Eastern or cross-regional actors.

    The cybersecurity landscape has evolved beyond traditional attacks, with digital disinformation campaigns and deepfake technologies becoming weapons of choice to erode public trust, manipulate financial markets, and damage international reputation. Although no official statistics exist for deepfake incidents, fabricated videos depicting public figures promoting fraudulent schemes have increased significantly.

    Government administration (9.4%) and financial services (9.3%) emerged as the most targeted sectors, with real estate (5.5%), construction (4.7%), and transportation (3.9%) following closely. Attack methodologies show website defacement accounting for 38.3% of incidents, while data leaks (25.8%), data breaches (13.3%), and ransomware attacks (7.8%) represent other significant threats.

    The UAE counterstrategy employs an integrated technical and legislative framework featuring early detection systems, advanced content analysis, and community awareness programs. The National Security Operations Center serves as the central hub for real-time threat intelligence sharing and coordinated response across multiple operations centers nationwide.

    Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized the nation’s commitment to developing national cybersecurity talent through specialized programs and leadership academies, while simultaneously strengthening international partnerships through multilateral channels and bilateral agreements for threat intelligence exchange and incident response coordination.

  • Musk cuts Starlink access for Russian forces – giving Ukraine an edge at the front

    Musk cuts Starlink access for Russian forces – giving Ukraine an edge at the front

    Elon Musk’s SpaceX has fundamentally altered the battlefield dynamics in Ukraine by systematically disabling Russian access to Starlink satellite internet services. The strategic blockade, implemented at Kyiv’s request in early February, has severely degraded Moscow’s offensive capabilities and created significant operational disruptions along the entire front line.

    Ukrainian defense officials provided evidence that Russian forces had been exploiting Starlink technology to coordinate precision attacks, including mounting the satellite terminals on drones for real-time targeting. This tactical advantage became particularly evident during a deadly assault on a Kharkiv passenger train last month, where Russian operators utilized Starlink-enhanced Geran-2 drones.

    SpaceX’s comprehensive shutdown affected all terminals operating in Ukraine except those explicitly whitelisted by the Defense Ministry. The transition forced nationwide re-registration with personal identification, creating a vulnerability that Ukrainian cyber activists from InformNapalm successfully exploited. Through an elaborate phishing operation, the group identified 2,425 Russian military terminals spanning from Crimea to eastern Belarus.

    Mykhailo Makaruk, spokesman for InformNapalm, described how the operation manipulated Russian soldiers into revealing terminal details through closed group chats designed to appear as secure military channels. Some personnel were even deceived into making $5,000 in fraudulent payments believing they were expediting service restoration.

    The intelligence gathered enabled Ukrainian forces to target and destroy numerous Russian communication hubs. Military personnel report that Russian units have been forced to revert to inferior alternatives including radio communications, wired systems, and domestic satellite networks that soldiers reportedly describe as ‘total crap’ in intercepted communications.

    Serhii Kuzan of the Ukrainian Security and Co-operation Centre confirmed that Russian forces have lost their ability to conduct long-range drone operations, previously effective at distances of 100-250 kilometers from front lines. The communication degradation has created coordination problems for Russian logistics, unit deployment, and unmanned systems operations.

    Despite Moscow’s official claims that the Starlink loss hasn’t affected operations, battlefield evidence suggests otherwise. Ukrainian forces are actively exploiting this temporary advantage to clear contested ‘grey zones’ and strengthen their negotiating position for future diplomatic discussions. Military analysts believe Ukraine has a limited window of several months to maximize gains before Russian forces develop alternative solutions.

  • Etsy sells second-hand fashion app Depop to eBay for $1.2bn

    Etsy sells second-hand fashion app Depop to eBay for $1.2bn

    In a landmark transaction reshaping the digital resale market, e-commerce pioneer eBay has announced its acquisition of Depop, the rapidly expanding second-hand fashion application predominantly favored by Generation Z consumers. The all-cash agreement, valued at $1.2 billion (£890 million), represents eBay’s strategic initiative to penetrate younger consumer demographics within the burgeoning re-commerce sector.

    The acquisition sees online marketplace Etsy divesting the UK-originated platform merely five years after purchasing it for $1.6 billion. Despite the ownership transition, Depop will maintain its distinct brand identity and operational framework. The transaction is projected to finalize by mid-year, pending regulatory approvals.

    eBay’s Chief Executive Officer Jamie Iannone emphasized the strategic alignment, noting that second-hand apparel constitutes one of the company’s most rapidly expanding categories. The announcement coincided with eBay’s release of its 2025 financial results, revealing an 8% revenue increase to $11.1 billion year-over-year.

    Market response proved immediately favorable, with Etsy’s stock surging over 15% in after-hours trading following the disclosure, while eBay shares experienced a 6.5% appreciation.

    Depop’s demographic dominance among younger consumers presents a compelling value proposition, with approximately 90% of its seven million active buyers being under age 34. The platform additionally hosts a vibrant community exceeding three million active sellers, establishing itself as what Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal characterized as “one of the fastest-growing fashion resale marketplaces in the United States.”

    This transaction marks Etsy’s continued strategic retreat from previous acquisition initiatives. The company previously divested Elo7, Brazil’s analogous handmade goods marketplace, at a substantial loss in 2023 after two years of ownership. Similarly, Etsy announced plans to sell Reverb, a musical equipment resale platform acquired in 2019, to refocus on its core artisan marketplace.

    The second-hand fashion sector has experienced remarkable expansion as younger consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and affordability over traditional retail options. This movement has propelled re-commerce platforms to the forefront of fashion retail innovation, even as established players like Etsy face intensified competition from budget-oriented Chinese e-commerce giants Shein and Temu.

  • Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits India to take part in AI Impact Summit

    Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits India to take part in AI Impact Summit

    In a significant demonstration of bilateral technological cooperation, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, arrived in New Delhi on February 18, 2026, to participate in the AI Impact Summit. Representing UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince’s visit underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations in the realm of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

    The distinguished guest received an elaborate ceremonial welcome upon arrival, featuring traditional red-carpet honors and vibrant cultural performances. India’s Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, personally greeted the Crown Prince at the airport, followed by meetings with several senior government officials, highlighting the importance both nations place on this diplomatic engagement.

    The UAE’s substantial delegation reflects the summit’s strategic significance, comprising numerous high-ranking officials including Omar Sultan Al Olama (Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence), Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri (Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and Faisal Al Bannai (Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs). The delegation also includes prominent figures from Abu Dhabi’s government entities and Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority.

    This collaborative participation aims to advance international cooperation in harnessing AI technologies to support sustainable development objectives. Both nations seek to strengthen strategic partnerships with leading technology corporations to develop innovative solutions for future global challenges. The summit provides a platform for shaping the future digital economy architecture and accelerating digital transformation initiatives to enhance competitiveness across vital sectors.

    The AI Impact Summit, continuing through February 20, represents a crucial junction in UAE-India relations, building upon previous high-level visits including UAE President’s recent engagement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This ongoing dialogue establishes a framework for mutual technological advancement and economic cooperation in emerging digital fields.

  • Andreeva on track to emulate legendary Henin and Venus in Dubai

    Andreeva on track to emulate legendary Henin and Venus in Dubai

    DUBAI – Despite the withdrawal of Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina due to illness, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships continue to deliver high-stakes drama as defending champion Mirra Andreeva advances to a captivating quarterfinal showdown.

    The 18-year-old Russian phenom, who became the youngest WTA 1000 champion in history with her Dubai triumph last year, secured her place in the final eight with a hard-fought 7-5, 6-3 victory over Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian in a match featuring an extraordinary 13 service breaks.

    Andreeva now faces American powerhouse Amanda Anisimova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, who demonstrated dominant form with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 dismissal of Indonesian wildcard Janice Tjen in just 70 minutes.

    The defending champion acknowledged her imperfect performance after experiencing disrupted preparation due to Daria Kasatkina’s late withdrawal, which granted her a walkover in the second round following a first-round bye. ‘It’s kind of breaking the rhythm of your play a little bit,’ Andreeva admitted. ‘I was pretty far from perfect today, but I’m super happy that I stayed focused and tried to reset for every single point.’

    Andreeva now stands at the threshold of history, seeking to join tennis legends Justine Henin, Venus Williams, and Elina Svitolina as only the fourth player to claim consecutive Dubai titles. ‘I feel so much more motivated here than any tournament,’ she revealed. ‘I’m going to give it all tomorrow.’

    In other quarterfinal action, Lucky Loser Antonia Ruzic capitalized on Rybakina’s withdrawal, advancing when the Russia-born Kazakh retired after Ruzic claimed the second set 6-4. The Austrian will face Svitolina, who prevailed in a three-set battle against Swiss opponent Belinda Bencic 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.

    Meanwhile, Denmark’s Clara Tauson, last year’s Dubai finalist, delivered an impressive performance with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Poland’s Magda Linette. Tauson will next confront fourth-seeded American Jessica Pegula, who overpowered rising star Iva Jovic 6-4, 6-2.

  • Desperate hunt for breakthrough in Nancy Guthrie case turns to Mexico

    Desperate hunt for breakthrough in Nancy Guthrie case turns to Mexico

    The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, has escalated into a complex international investigation now entering its third week. Last seen on January 31st at her Tucson, Arizona residence, the case has drawn significant law enforcement resources including the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI personnel.

    Investigative efforts have expanded across international borders with confirmed coordination between U.S. authorities and Mexican officials in Sonora, the Mexican state adjacent to Arizona. While standard protocol for border-region cases, this international cooperation underscores the seriousness of the search. Despite processing approximately 40,000 leads, investigators acknowledge no definitive breakthroughs have emerged.

    The investigation has taken several dramatic turns including the emergence of surveillance footage showing a masked individual near Guthrie’s home on the night of her disappearance. Forensic analysis of a glove found at the scene, which appears to match those worn by the masked figure, has yielded no DNA matches in federal databases according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

    TMZ reports receiving multiple ransom demands, including a recent email requesting approximately $6 million in cryptocurrency. These communications have been forwarded to the FBI, though law enforcement officials have not publicly confirmed their authenticity or connection to the case.

    In a technological approach to the search, investigators are employing advanced detection equipment mounted on helicopters capable of scanning for Bluetooth signals from Guthrie’s pacemaker. The medical device was disconnected from its monitoring application on the night of her disappearance, adding urgency to the search efforts.

    The family has engaged the assistance of Searching Mothers of Sonora, a Mexican non-profit organization specializing in locating missing persons. While drug cartel involvement has been speculated in media reports, officials have not indicated any evidence supporting this theory.

    Sheriff Nanos maintains cautious optimism, stating his belief that Guthrie remains in the local area and affirming the department’s commitment to continue the search indefinitely until resolution is achieved.

  • US to withdraw troops from Syria as tensions mount with Iran

    US to withdraw troops from Syria as tensions mount with Iran

    In a significant shift in Middle Eastern military strategy, the United States is preparing to withdraw the majority of its remaining forces from Syria within coming months, according to a senior White House official. This decision follows assessments that the Syrian government has demonstrated sufficient capability to assume primary responsibility for counterterrorism operations within its borders.

    The official emphasized that the planned drawdown of approximately 1,000 troops constitutes a conditions-based transition rather than an abrupt exit, with American forces maintaining readiness to address emerging threats in the region. This strategic repositioning occurs alongside substantial US military reinforcements elsewhere in the Middle East, particularly in proximity to Iran.

    BBC Verify has confirmed the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group—comprising guided missile destroyers and numerous fighter aircraft—to waters near Iran. Additionally, the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship, is reportedly en route to the region and expected within three weeks.

    This reconfiguration follows substantial security improvements in Syria after the collapse of the Assad government in 2024 and the subsequent weakening of Islamic State capabilities. The Trump administration has concurrently pursued enhanced diplomatic relations with Damascus, highlighted by President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s historic November visit to the White House—the first such meeting by a Syrian leader.

    The Syrian government recently brokered an agreement integrating the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces with national armed forces, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated concerns about sustained counterterrorism efforts during meetings with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani last week.

    The security situation remains complex, as evidenced by December’s tragic ambush in Palmyra where a translator and two Iowa National Guard members were killed by an IS gunman, prompting retaliatory strikes under Operation Hawkeye Strike.

    National security officials indicate that President Trump has requested military options for potential strikes against Iran, though no final decisions have been made regarding such operations.

  • LINKS Business Consultants ranked among UAE’s top 10 advisory firms for service excellence

    LINKS Business Consultants ranked among UAE’s top 10 advisory firms for service excellence

    The United Arab Emirates’ corporate advisory landscape is experiencing significant transformation as regulatory frameworks evolve and investor confidence remains robust. In this dynamic environment, LINKS Business Consultants has achieved notable recognition by being ranked among the nation’s top ten business setup and compliance advisory firms.

    The prestigious ranking emerged from an independent industry assessment conducted by a UAE-based digital platform, highlighting the growing emphasis on service quality and regulatory expertise within the sector. This acknowledgment reflects the increasing demand for comprehensive advisory partnerships rather than transactional setup services.

    Usman Baig, Chief Executive Officer of LINKS Business Consultants, emphasized the significance of this recognition: “This accolade based on service quality and compliance capability underscores the critical importance of strategic early-stage planning and transparent advisory support in today’s business climate.” Mr. Baig brings over thirteen years of market experience, specializing in company formation, compliance structuring, and regulatory navigation.

    Since its establishment in 2023, the consultancy has developed a substantial portfolio, advising more than 400 clients across both mainland and free zone jurisdictions. The firm maintains professional collaborations with key free zones including IFZA Dubai and RAK Innovation City, offering services encompassing company formation, accounting, tax compliance, and operational structuring aligned with UAE regulations.

    Industry analyst Jonathan Gill, co-founder of the assessment platform, observed a paradigm shift in client expectations: “Businesses are progressively seeking sustained advisory engagement rather than one-time setup services.” This trend reflects the market’s movement toward continuous compliance oversight amid increasing regulatory complexity.

    The UAE’s business setup sector continues to demonstrate steady growth, supported by regulatory reforms and streamlined licensing procedures across various jurisdictions. As the nation consolidates its position as a global entrepreneurship hub, enterprises entering the market are prioritizing regulatory clarity, structured compliance management, and long-term advisory relationships.

  • US Southern Command chief meets Venezuela’s president weeks after Maduro’s capture

    US Southern Command chief meets Venezuela’s president weeks after Maduro’s capture

    In a significant diplomatic development, the head of U.S. military operations in Latin America conducted an extended meeting with Venezuelan leadership in Caracas on Wednesday. Marine General Francis Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, engaged in hours of discussions with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez alongside key cabinet members including Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.

    The high-level engagement represents the latest in a series of diplomatic contacts between the two nations following the dramatic capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces weeks earlier. Maduro currently faces drug trafficking charges in the United States after being apprehended in a surprise operation within the Venezuelan capital.

    According to official statements from Rodríguez’s administration published on social media platform X, both nations agreed to establish a bilateral cooperation framework targeting regional security challenges. The proposed agenda specifically addresses combating illicit drug trafficking, terrorism prevention, and migration management throughout the region. The Venezuelan government emphasized that diplomacy remains the preferred mechanism for resolving differences and addressing mutual concerns.

    General Donovan was accompanied by Laura Dogu, the highest-ranking U.S. diplomat currently stationed in Venezuela, alongside Joseph Humire, acting assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and the Americas. U.S. Southern Command confirmed that discussions centered on hemispheric security considerations and implementation strategies for President Donald Trump’s phased approach toward Venezuela.

    This meeting continues a pattern of elevated diplomatic engagement, following previous visits by CIA Director John Ratcliffe shortly after Maduro’s removal and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s recent assessment of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.

  • The two farms in Senegal that supply many of the UK’s vegetables

    The two farms in Senegal that supply many of the UK’s vegetables

    In the arid landscapes of northern Senegal, where temperatures frequently exceed 35°C and rainfall is virtually absent, an agricultural transformation is underway. British-run farms are harnessing innovative irrigation systems to cultivate fresh produce that now fills UK supermarket shelves during winter months.

    At the forefront of this operation is Diarra, one of 9,000 predominantly female workers harvesting corn cobs under the relentless Saharan sun. Protected by specialized sunhats, these workers demonstrate remarkable efficiency—within sixty minutes of harvesting, produce is chilled to 0°C in refrigerated facilities, beginning its six-day journey to British retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi.

    The agricultural venture originated in the early 2000s when French agronomist Michael Laurent utilized satellite imagery to identify Senegal’s Saint-Louis region as possessing ideal conditions: abundant sunlight, available land, and a skilled workforce. Despite the challenging desert environment, the proximity of the Senegal River enabled the development of an extensive canal network that now irrigates 2,000 hectares of previously barren land.

    Two major British companies dominate production: Cambridgeshire-based G’s Fresh operates West African Farms, supplying weekly during UK winter months two million spring onion bunches, 100 tonnes of green beans, and 80 tonnes of radishes. Sussex-based Barfoots partners with Laurent’s SCL business in a larger joint venture that annually provides 55 million corn cobs alongside chillis, butternut squash, and additional green beans.

    The logistical operation is precisely coordinated—produce travels five hours by road to Dakar’s deep-water port, where container ships depart weekly for the 3,000-mile voyage to Poole, Dorset. This supply chain has positioned Senegal as an emerging alternative to traditional UK winter produce sources in Southern Europe and Latin America.

    Multiple factors drive this geographic shift: intensified land competition around the Mediterranean, increasing drought frequency in Spain, reduced consumer acceptance of air-freighted produce, and post-Brexit import dynamics. Senegal’s political stability—unique in West Africa—and structured lease agreements for foreign investors have facilitated approximately £70 million in agricultural investment.

    While creating significant employment in a nation grappling with 19% unemployment rates, the economic model faces scrutiny. Agricultural workers earn approximately $4.50 daily—Senegal’s minimum wage—with bonus opportunities for exceeding targets. Critics question the environmental sustainability of long-distance food transportation, despite maritime shipping’s lower emissions compared to air freight.

    The economic calculus continues to favor expansion—with Senegalese labor accounting for less than one-third of production costs compared to 60% in UK operations. Industry executives acknowledge that consumer preferences will ultimately determine whether year-round availability outweighs considerations of origin and environmental impact.