Global Pulse

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  • UAE scrubbing Hind al-Owais from internet after Epstein emails uncovered

    UAE scrubbing Hind al-Owais from internet after Epstein emails uncovered

    A comprehensive digital scrubbing campaign has targeted references to Emirati official Hind al-Owais across multiple government-affiliated platforms following revelations of her correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Middle East Eye’s investigation reveals systematic removal of her professional presence from official accounts and websites.

    Al-Owais, who served as director of the UAE’s Permanent Committee for Human Rights (PCHR), has seen her mentions systematically erased from the organization’s Instagram, X, and LinkedIn accounts, along with its official website. This includes recent posts identifying her as PCHR director from early February 2025 and references to her participation in the 6th Global Tolerance and Human Fraternity Conference in Dubai.

    The digital purge extends beyond social media to institutional websites. The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) removed a page detailing Owais’ role as moderator of a February 2025 panel discussion on human rights. Her profile page from the World Governments Summit, where she was listed as a past speaker, now redirects to the homepage.

    According to released US Department of Justice files, Owais exchanged numerous emails with Epstein between 2010-2012, following his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The correspondence reveals friendly exchanges, meeting arrangements, and career advice requests, including one message where Owais asked Epstein to “teach me how to make money.”

    The emails reference meetings with an unidentified “His Highness” – an honorific typically reserved for senior members of Emirati ruling families. While no evidence suggests Owais participated in criminal activity, the communications indicate they maintained close acquaintanceship.

    This development follows recent scrutiny of UAE-Epstein connections, including last week’s replacement of prominent businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem from leadership positions after revelations of his decades-long relationship with Epstein.

    Emirati social media personalities have launched a defense campaign, characterizing the interactions as normal professional networking. Ahmed Sharif al-Ameri stated that “professional contact is not criminal participation” and contextualized the informal tone of messages as standard business communication practices.

    Neither PCHR, UAE foreign ministry, AGDA, nor the World Governments Summit responded to requests for comment regarding the digital removals.

  • AI clip: Discovering more of Hefei after Spring Festival Gala

    AI clip: Discovering more of Hefei after Spring Festival Gala

    The ancient city of Hefei, capital of Anhui province in eastern China, has emerged as an unexpected cultural spotlight following its prestigious role as a sub-venue for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala broadcast on February 16th. This recognition has propelled the city onto the world stage, showcasing its unique blend of historical significance and modern innovation.

    An AI-generated visual presentation now invites global audiences to explore Hefei beyond the gala spectacle, revealing a multifaceted urban center where economic dynamism intersects with technological advancement. The production highlights the city’s thriving innovation ecosystems that have positioned it as an emerging hub for cutting-edge research and development.

    Beyond its contemporary achievements, the feature emphasizes Hefei’s rich cultural tapestry, spanning centuries of tradition that coexist harmoniously with modern urban development. The presentation particularly focuses on the city’s vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations, capturing the authentic festive spirit that permeates its streets during this important cultural period.

    Through stunning visual storytelling, the AI clip documents how Hefei residents honor traditional customs while embracing technological progress, creating a unique urban experience that bridges historical heritage and future-forward development. The production serves as both a celebration of the city’s gala participation and an invitation to discover its many attractions throughout the year.

  • This Week in Golf: Riviera in the spotlight as Genesis Invitational takes centre stage

    This Week in Golf: Riviera in the spotlight as Genesis Invitational takes centre stage

    The world of professional golf enters a pivotal week with multiple tours delivering high-stakes competition across four continents. Center stage belongs to the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational at the historic Riviera Country Club in California, which commands attention with its prestigious $20 million purse and celebration of the tournament’s 100th anniversary. Organized by the Tiger Woods Foundation, this signature event returns to its traditional venue after last year’s disruption caused by Southern California wildfires, which forced a temporary relocation to Torrey Pines where Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg emerged victorious.

    Riviera’s legacy spans generations of golf greatness, having hosted legends from Sam Snead and Ben Hogan to Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods, who made his PGA Tour debut at the course as a 16-year-old amateur in 1992. The venue boasts significant historical milestones, including Babe Zaharias’ groundbreaking participation in 1938 as the first woman to compete in a professional men’s tournament. Beyond its regular tour stops, Riviera has hosted three major championships and is slated to welcome future prestigious events including the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, golf competition for the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the 131st U.S. Open in 2031.

    While the PGA Tour takes center stage, other professional circuits offer compelling storylines. The DP World Tour resumes with the Magical Kenya Open at Nairobi’s Karen Country Club, featuring a $2.7 million purse that attracts international competitors. Simultaneously, the HotelPlanner Tour conducts the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open in South Africa with a $375,000 prize fund, providing opportunities for emerging talents to establish their professional credentials.

    The LPGA Tour contributes to the global golf spectacle with the Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club, where a $1.8 million purse awaits the world’s top female professionals. This diverse international schedule ensures golf enthusiasts have multiple competitive narratives to follow throughout the week, from established stars at a historic venue to developing players seeking breakthrough moments on their respective tours.

  • Hockey players recount Rhode Island ice rink shooting

    Hockey players recount Rhode Island ice rink shooting

    Survivors of a deadly shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink are sharing harrowing accounts of the incident that transformed a community sporting event into a scene of tragedy. The violence erupted during a high school hockey game, claiming two lives and leaving three individuals with injuries, sending shockwaves through the local community.

    Eyewitnesses describe chaotic scenes as players, coaches, and spectators scrambled for safety when gunfire broke out unexpectedly. The normally festive atmosphere of interscholastic competition was shattered by the sound of shots, forcing attendees to take cover in locker rooms and under bleachers as the situation unfolded.

    Law enforcement agencies responded immediately to the active shooter situation, securing the perimeter and initiating emergency protocols. Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting resulted from a dispute that escalated dramatically, though official motives remain under investigation by authorities.

    Local hospitals received multiple casualties while crisis response teams mobilized to provide psychological support to traumatized witnesses, particularly student athletes who experienced the violence firsthand. The incident has prompted urgent discussions about security measures at public sporting events and youth activities across the state.

    Community leaders have organized vigils to honor the victims as schools district-wide implemented enhanced security protocols and counseling services. The tragedy has reignited conversations about gun violence prevention and public safety in spaces traditionally considered safe havens for youth development.

  • German luge great Felix Loch says he plans to compete for a spot at the 2030 Olympics in France

    German luge great Felix Loch says he plans to compete for a spot at the 2030 Olympics in France

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — In a remarkable display of athletic longevity, German luge icon Felix Loch has declared his intention to compete for a spot at the 2030 Winter Olympics in France. The 36-year-old sliding sensation, who captured his first Olympic gold medal in 2010, made the unexpected announcement Tuesday following discussions with his family about the commitment required for another Olympic cycle.

    The seven-time World Cup overall champion, who currently leads this season’s standings with two races remaining, expressed profound gratitude for his family’s support. “We all understand what another four years would entail: sacrifice, planning, hoping, cheering along,” Loch stated in a social media post. “That my family says ‘We stand behind you!’ is not something to be taken for granted.”

    Loch’s career achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. With 56 World Cup singles victories, he stands just one win behind Italian legend Armin Zoeggeler’s men’s record. His Olympic pedigree includes singles gold medals in 2010 and 2014, plus a relay gold in Sochi. Though he placed sixth at last week’s Milan Cortina Games, his competitive fire remains undiminished.

    “I will keep going—as long as I am healthy and fit,” declared the veteran athlete, whose sport uniquely continues its international season post-Olympics. The luge World Cup circuit concludes with events in St. Moritz, Switzerland (February 28-March 1) and Altenberg, Germany (March 7-8), where Loch currently holds a one-point advantage over Austria’s Jonas Müller.

    Reflecting on his enduring passion, Loch affirmed: “I love my sport. And as long as I can compete at the front, I will give everything to be back at the start for our Team Deutschland in 2030. Being able to compete for your country is and always will be the greatest honor.”

  • Macron says French nationals fighting for Israel in Gaza can’t be ‘genociders’

    Macron says French nationals fighting for Israel in Gaza can’t be ‘genociders’

    In a striking declaration on French radio, President Emmanuel Macron asserted that French-Israeli nationals remain “children of France” who should never face accusations of genocide participation. Speaking to Radio J, a station focused on Jewish community affairs, Macron positioned the battle against antisemitism as fundamental to republican values, stating: “We cannot accept, we must never accept that any of our children, that any French person, be accused of being genocidal. That is impossible, and it represents a reversal of values to which we must not yield.”

    The president indirectly criticized pro-Palestinian activists and leftist figures in France, suggesting they had “distorted what is happening internationally to try to dehumanise, essentialise fellow Jewish citizens.” These remarks followed last month’s adoption of a controversial bill by the French National Assembly Law Committee targeting “renewed forms of antisemitism,” which critics argue could criminalize legitimate criticism of Israel.

    Macron’s comments emerge amidst significant legal developments. On February 3rd, French authorities issued judicial warrants for two Franco-Israeli women—Nili Kupfer-Naouri (leader of Israel Is Forever) and Rachel Touitou (affiliated with far-right group Tsav 9)—compelling them to appear before an investigating magistrate on “complicity in genocide” charges related to obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The warrants stop short of ordering arrests.

    United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestine Francesca Albanese challenged Macron’s stance on social media platform X, asserting: “We do not label someone a criminal or a genocidaire based on their nationality: it is up to the courts to decide. Any person who has served in an army suspected of committing crimes can be subject to an investigation.”

    The case against the two women originated from complaints filed by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights along with Al-Haq and Al-Mezan rights groups, targeting dual nationals allegedly obstructing aid convoys between 2023-2025. Notably, the U.S. State Department designated Tzav 9 in June 2024 as a “violent extremist Israeli group” blocking humanitarian assistance.

    Further legal actions are underway, with NGOs filing additional complaints against two French-Israeli soldiers (identified as Sasha A and Gabriel B H) for alleged “war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide” involving dozens of unarmed Palestinian civilian deaths outside combat zones. Despite Israel’s exemption of overseas dual nationals from mandatory service, military data reveals over 6,100 French nationals voluntarily served during the conflict period.

  • Charley Hull charges to PIF Saudi Ladies International title with back-nine brilliance

    Charley Hull charges to PIF Saudi Ladies International title with back-nine brilliance

    England’s golf sensation Charley Hull delivered a masterclass in competitive resilience at the Riyadh Golf Club, mounting a spectacular final-round charge to seize the 2026 PIF Saudi Ladies International championship. The world number five began Sunday’s action three strokes off the pace but unleashed a breathtaking 65 (-7) performance to finish at 19-under-par, securing her fifth Ladies European Tour title by a single stroke.

    Hull’s victory was forged through exceptional back-nine brilliance where she played her final seven holes in six-under-par. After turning at two-under through nine holes, the Solheim Cup star overcame a bogey on the 10th with an explosive sequence of birdie-eagle-birdie across holes 11-13, followed by additional birdies on the 15th and 18th.

    “This feels absolutely incredible,” Hull exclaimed afterward. “The round progressed so rapidly today. My boyfriend actually predicted this scenario last night – he knows I thrive when chasing. This course has matured beautifully and presents a wonderful challenge with its thickening grass and evolving complexity.”

    The champion revealed an unusual mid-round boost: “After nine holes, I visited the restroom and had some mashed potatoes. Whether that provided the extra energy or not, it certainly worked! As a Golf Saudi ambassador, winning this sponsor’s home event carries special significance.”

    South Africa’s Casandra Alexander and Japan’s Akie Iwai shared runner-up honors at 18-under-par after strong final-round performances. Alexander’s hopes were dashed by a late bogey on the 17th, while Iwai’s aggressive approach yielded seven birdies despite two bogeys.

    Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi finished tied for fourth at 17-under-par, with England’s Mimi Rhodes, Korea’s Ina Yoon and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka one stroke further back in a tightly contested leaderboard.

    With this victory, Hull assumes the LET Order of Merit lead with 500 points, ahead of Alexander (275) and Ciganda (162.50). The win comes as Hull completes house renovations, with the champion already ensuring her new trophy will have designated display space. The Ladies European Tour now pauses briefly before commencing a four-event Australian swing starting with the Ford Women’s NSW Open.

  • Sharjah approves study on air taxi fares as part of new transport project

    Sharjah approves study on air taxi fares as part of new transport project

    Sharjah has taken a significant step toward embracing next-generation transportation solutions as its Executive Council greenlit a comprehensive feasibility study for a modern air mobility project. The initiative, approved during a council meeting at the Sharjah Ruler’s Office on Tuesday, will examine the operational and economic framework for air taxi services and aerial cargo transportation within the emirate.

    This strategic move positions Sharjah as the fourth UAE emirate to formally explore advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions, joining Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah in what is rapidly becoming a nationwide transformation of transportation infrastructure. The project aligns with global sustainability trends and technological advancements, seeking to establish Sharjah as a pivotal hub for intercity air connectivity through partnerships with leading international specialists in the field.

    While the project remains in its preliminary assessment phase, the council’s endorsement signals Sharjah’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge transportation technologies that could redefine urban mobility landscapes in coming years. The air taxi initiative represents part of a broader vision to enhance transportation efficiency while reducing urban congestion and environmental impact.

    Concurrently, the council addressed various matters concerning government performance and policy implementation, reaffirming its dedication to achieving the emirate’s strategic objectives. In a separate decision reflecting the leadership’s social development priorities, the council approved the first 2026 batch of residential and investment land grants, benefiting 1,200 Emirati families across Sharjah’s cities and regions.

    The UAE continues to establish itself as a global pioneer in advanced air mobility, with multiple emirates progressing toward operational electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) services. Certification for these vehicles is anticipated within the year, potentially enabling commercial operations by 2026—positioning the UAE among the first nations worldwide to implement such transformative transportation systems.

    Abu Dhabi has already conducted successful test flights and unveiled plans for over ten vertiports across key locations, while Dubai has advanced infrastructure development including a vertiport at Dubai International Airport. Ras Al Khaimah has announced ambitious connectivity plans that would reduce travel time between Dubai and Al Marjan Island from over an hour to under fifteen minutes. Sharjah’s entry into this space demonstrates the UAE’s coordinated approach to revolutionizing regional transportation through technological innovation.

  • Shein under EU investigation over childlike sex dolls

    Shein under EU investigation over childlike sex dolls

    The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against global fast fashion retailer Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA), marking a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny of the platform’s operations. The investigation will examine multiple alleged violations, including potential failures to prevent the sale of illegal products and concerns regarding platform design that may promote addictive user behavior.

    Central to the probe is the examination of systems designed to block prohibited items, with particular attention to content that could constitute child sexual abuse material. This follows previous reports to French authorities regarding the sale of childlike sex dolls on Shein’s platform, which the company states were immediately removed with accompanying seller bans and a complete prohibition on all sex doll sales regardless of appearance.

    The investigation will additionally assess the transparency of Shein’s algorithmic recommendation systems and the potential psychological impacts of its interface design. EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier expressed concerns about the ‘gamification’ elements and reward programs that may create addictive patterns, noting that while such features aren’t inherently problematic, their opaque algorithmic implementation raises regulatory questions.

    Under DSA provisions, Shein must disclose primary parameters governing product recommendations and provide users with non-profiling based alternatives. The formal investigation enables the Commission to pursue enforcement measures including potential fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue—a figure that could reach approximately $2.28 billion based on Shein’s reported $38 billion in 2024 sales.

    Shein has emphasized its cooperative stance with regulators, stating: ‘Protecting minors and reducing harmful content remains central to our operational philosophy. We have invested significantly in enhanced compliance measures, including comprehensive risk assessment frameworks and strengthened protections for younger users.’

  • No DNA matches on glove found in Nancy Guthrie case, police say

    No DNA matches on glove found in Nancy Guthrie case, police say

    Pima County investigators have encountered a significant setback in the high-profile search for Nancy Guthrie. A glove, discovered roughly two miles from the 84-year-old’s residence and believed to be a critical piece of evidence, has failed to produce any identifying DNA matches in federal databases.

    The item, recovered by authorities, is considered a potential match to one worn by an unidentified individual captured in doorbell surveillance footage from the evening of February 1st, the night Guthrie is suspected to have been abducted from her home against her will. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department submitted DNA evidence extracted from the glove for forensic analysis last Thursday.

    However, processing through the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)—a comprehensive national database containing genetic profiles of convicted offenders, arrestees, and forensic evidence from unsolved crimes—returned no matching profiles. This result indicates the potential suspect does not have a prior criminal record that would have mandated their DNA be entered into the system, effectively leaving investigators without a clear suspect identity.

    The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of ‘Today’ show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has triggered an extensive multi-agency investigation. Her family has maintained a relentless public campaign, issuing heartfelt pleas for any information leading to her safe return. Despite this latest forensic disappointment, authorities are continuing to pursue all active leads in the case.