Global Pulse

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  • UAE in pole position as global wealth migration surges

    UAE in pole position as global wealth migration surges

    A significant structural shift in global wealth distribution is underway as high-net-worth individuals increasingly seek jurisdictions offering fiscal predictability and political stability. According to fresh data from financial advisory firm deVere Group, approximately 35% of affluent investors are actively considering relocation to lower-tax, policy-stable environments, signaling a fundamental transformation in international wealth management strategies.

    The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as the primary beneficiary of this capital migration trend, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and ultra-high-net-worth families through its zero personal income tax regime, robust legal framework, and world-class infrastructure. The country’s Golden Visa program and long-term residency options have further enhanced its appeal as a secure base for internationally mobile capital.

    Industry analysts confirm the acceleration of what has been termed the ‘Great Wealth Migration,’ with defensive wealth preservation strategies now driving relocation decisions rather than purely expansion-oriented motives. Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, emphasizes that wealthy individuals are systematically reassessing their geographic bases in response to tax changes, geopolitical tensions, and policy unpredictability in traditional wealth centers.

    Property markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have played a crucial role in attracting global capital, with luxury real estate transactions reaching record levels over the past three years. Knight Frank’s research indicates that Dubai has firmly established itself as a leading destination for private capital and family offices, offering a unique combination of tax efficiency, regulatory transparency, and lifestyle advantages.

    Henley & Partners’ Private Wealth Migration Report consistently ranks the UAE as the world’s leading destination for millionaire inflows, a trend expected to continue through 2026. The country’s strategic location between East and West, coupled with its status as a global aviation and financial hub, provides unparalleled connectivity for internationally mobile families and businesses.

    Wealth managers note that clustering around policy-stable jurisdictions is becoming more pronounced, with the UAE standing out for its regulatory clarity and consistency. Full foreign ownership provisions, streamlined business setup processes, and sophisticated financial services infrastructure are encouraging entrepreneurs to shift both personal and corporate bases to the country.

    As geopolitical and fiscal uncertainties persist across traditional wealth centers, the UAE’s rise as a global magnet for capital and talent is projected to accelerate further, reshaping the landscape of international wealth management for years to come.

  • Huawei advances early diabetes risk detection with smartwatch technology

    Huawei advances early diabetes risk detection with smartwatch technology

    In a strategic move addressing global healthcare challenges, Huawei has launched a novel diabetes risk assessment feature utilizing photoplethysmography (PPG) technology in its smartwatches. This innovation emerges against the backdrop of escalating diabetes prevalence, particularly acute in the Middle East where the International Diabetes Federation projects a 92% increase in cases by 2050.

    The technology leverages advanced optical sensors to analyze blood-flow patterns through the skin, capturing cardiovascular signals that correlate with metabolic health indicators. Users wearing compatible devices for 3-14 days receive risk stratification (low, medium, or high) based on algorithmic analysis of PPG waveforms, which reflect vascular changes associated with diabetes pathophysiology.

    Huawei emphasizes the tool’s preclinical positioning—it serves as a risk-awareness mechanism rather than a diagnostic medical device. The company has structured the feature around four pillars: awareness promotion, accessibility (offered free of charge), civilian application exclusivity, and safety assurance without contraindications.

    Clinical validation comes through collaborations with experts like Professor Jiguang Wang of the Shanghai Institute of Hypertension, who endorsed PPG-based risk assessment at the World Health Expo Dubai 2026. Huawei’s Health Labs in China and Finland provide research support across cardiovascular health and exercise physiology domains.

    The deployment strategy marks a departure from previous market approaches, with synchronized global launches prioritizing regions like the UAE where diabetes affects 20.7% of adults. This aligns with national health priorities focusing on preventive care and digital health transformation. Future expansions may include glucose monitoring and women’s health features, developed through partnerships with local medical institutions to ensure regulatory compliance and regional relevance.

    Currently available on HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro models via software update, the technology represents a significant step toward scalable, non-invasive health monitoring that could potentially reduce long-term healthcare burdens through early intervention.

  • FBI won’t co-operate on Alex Pretti investigation, state officials say

    FBI won’t co-operate on Alex Pretti investigation, state officials say

    Minnesota law enforcement officials have publicly denounced the Federal Bureau of Investigation for refusing to cooperate with the state’s probe into the deadly shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti. The 37-year-old medical professional was fatally shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement protest in Minneapolis on January 24.

    The state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) reported that the FBI has declined to share any evidence or information from its parallel investigation into the incident. BCA Superintendent Drew Evans characterized the federal agency’s stance as “concerning and unprecedented” in its lack of transparency.

    Minnesota authorities have formally proposed a joint investigation to ensure comprehensive oversight, emphasizing their commitment to “thorough, independent and transparent investigations” despite facing significant obstacles due to the FBI’s withholding of crucial evidence. The victim’s family has echoed this request through their legal representatives, stating that “justice and accountability requires a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts.”

    This confrontation emerges against the backdrop of Operation Metro Surge, an immigration crackdown initiated by the Trump administration that has sparked widespread demonstrations across Minnesota. The operation resulted in over 4,000 arrests of undocumented immigrants, including individuals convicted of serious sexual offenses, according to White House border advisor Tom Homan.

    The political dimension has intensified with Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz condemning the federal operation for inflicting “deep damage, generational trauma… and many unanswered questions” upon the state. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has launched a separate civil rights investigation into Pretti’s death.

    The BCA is concurrently investigating two additional shooting incidents involving federal immigration agents—the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7 and the injury of a Venezuelan national following a vehicle pursuit one week later. The agency notes that cooperation regarding these cases remains equally uncertain.

  • Fakih IVF opens a new branch in Khalifa City to strengthen healthcare services in Abu Dhabi

    Fakih IVF opens a new branch in Khalifa City to strengthen healthcare services in Abu Dhabi

    Fakih IVF, a pioneering institution in reproductive medicine across the Middle East, has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art facility on Al Forsan Street in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. This strategic expansion addresses the growing regional demand for specialized fertility services while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to healthcare accessibility.

    Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Michael Fakih, a renowned Consultant in Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF pioneer, the institution has facilitated the birth of over 35,000 children throughout its three-decade history. The new Khalifa City branch continues this legacy by offering comprehensive reproductive solutions including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), advanced genetic screening, and fertility preservation services through egg and sperm cryopreservation.

    The facility distinguishes itself through the integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies within its embryology laboratories. Notably, the center pioneered the implementation of AI-assisted sperm search technology in the region, providing breakthrough solutions for cases of severe male infertility. These advanced systems enhance treatment precision, optimize clinical protocols, and improve overall reproductive outcomes while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

    Dr. Michael Fakih emphasized the dual commitment to scientific excellence and compassionate care: “Our expansion into Khalifa City demonstrates our dedication to making world-class fertility treatment accessible to more families in Abu Dhabi. We believe every individual deserves personalized care, advanced treatment options, and emotional support throughout their reproductive journey.”

    The new center eliminates geographical barriers for residents of Khalifa City and surrounding communities, providing convenient access to internationally recognized fertility expertise without requiring extensive travel. This development represents a significant enhancement to Abu Dhabi’s healthcare infrastructure and reaffirms the UAE’s position as a hub for medical innovation in reproductive health.

  • US Senator Mark Kelly tells BBC he will ‘seriously consider’ White House run

    US Senator Mark Kelly tells BBC he will ‘seriously consider’ White House run

    Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly has revealed he is seriously contemplating a presidential campaign in 2028 while simultaneously engaged in a legal confrontation with the Trump administration. The conflict stems from a November video in which Kelly and five other lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds urged military personnel to refuse illegal orders.

    The retired Navy captain and former astronaut confirmed receiving frequent death threats following President Trump’s accusation of ‘seditious behavior.’ Kelly told BBC Newsnight that he and his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, now require 24-hour security protection due to these threats.

    Kelly emphasized his unique qualifications for higher office, noting: ‘I’m one of the very few engineers in the Senate—the only person with a graduate degree in engineering. I’ve got combat experience, which is kind of rare, and spent 25 years in the military.’ Despite these credentials, he acknowledged that a presidential run represents ‘a serious decision’ he hasn’t yet finalized.

    The controversial video emerged during heightened scrutiny of American military strikes against alleged narco-trafficking vessels off South America. The Pentagon attempted to demote Kelly’s military rank in response, while a grand jury declined to pursue seditious conspiracy charges.

    Kelly anticipates continued legal pressure from the Trump administration, vowing: ‘This is not going to end by me going away. I’m going to continue to fight this thing even if it goes all the way to the Supreme Court.’

    Critics have condemned the government’s actions against the six lawmakers as an attack on free speech and another example of targeting perceived political enemies. The situation carries particular sensitivity for Kelly’s family, as his wife survived an assassination attempt in 2011 when she was shot while serving in Congress.

    Regarding Trump’s rhetoric, Kelly stated: ‘Donald Trump is so reckless about what he says. There are folks out there that react to what he said, and people listen to him.’

    Potential Democratic contenders for 2028 include Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in 2024, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite constitutional limitations, Trump hasn’t ruled out seeking a third term while also endorsing Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as ‘unstoppable’ potential successors.

  • IndiGo extends flight cancellations till March 28 amid Iran tensions

    IndiGo extends flight cancellations till March 28 amid Iran tensions

    Indian aviation carrier IndiGo has prolonged its suspension of flights to four Central Asian destinations through March 28, 2026, citing ongoing regional instability surrounding Iranian airspace. The airline’s decision directly responds to escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States that have prompted significant airspace restrictions.

    The affected routes include services to Tbilisi (Georgia), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), and Tashkent (Uzbekistan), all regions experiencing operational impacts due to current airspace limitations. Initially suspending these routes until February 28, the airline has now extended cancellations for an additional month amid continuing uncertainty.

    In an official travel advisory distributed via social media platform X, IndiGo emphasized that “the safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our highest priority.” The carrier committed to continuously monitoring the developing situation while implementing necessary schedule adjustments to minimize passenger disruption.

    The extension coincides with heightened military preparations in the region. According to Reuters, the United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East, with the USS Gerald R. Ford and accompanying vessels being redirected from the Caribbean. This movement follows the earlier January deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers to the area.

    President Donald Trump addressed the escalating situation on February 12, stating that the United States “has to make a deal” with Iran within the coming month, warning that failure to do so would prove “very traumatic.”

    IndiGo has advised affected passengers to visit their dedicated contingency planning webpage (goindigo.in/plan-b.html) to explore alternative travel arrangements or request full refunds. The airline maintains that schedule reviews will continue as regional developments evolve.

  • Bencic masks fitness woes to keep the Dubai dream alive

    Bencic masks fitness woes to keep the Dubai dream alive

    Despite visible physical struggles, Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic demonstrated remarkable resilience at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday, overcoming a first-set deficit to secure a hard-fought 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas.

    The Swiss ninth seed, who withdrew from the Abu Dhabi Open earlier this month due to illness, displayed both competitive grit and fan-friendly generosity throughout the match. Following her comeback victory, Bencic engaged enthusiastically with spectators, even pausing to hold a fan’s toddler for photographs.

    ‘It was a really difficult time as I was not even able to practice properly after Abu Dhabi,’ Bencic revealed in post-match comments. ‘I’m just really happy I can be here and play again. Obviously, I’m struggling a bit with my fitness and ball security—this wasn’t my best performance.’

    The 28-year-old, who won the Dubai title in 2019, emphasized the psychological challenges of returning to competition: ‘It’s kind of crazy how fast you lose confidence and how long it takes for you to gain it again. But for sure, I’m here to fight and gain my confidence again.’

    Bencic now prepares for a challenging second-round encounter against Czech Republic’s Sara Bejlek, whom she described as ‘on fire’ and playing ‘really great tennis’ based on her observation of Bejlek’s previous match.

    The tournament saw several notable developments beyond Bencic’s victory. British star Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, suffered elimination in a three-set thriller against Croatia’s Antonia Ružić (6-1, 5-7, 6-2). Meanwhile, 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia fell to Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya, who advances to face American two-time Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff.

    In other matches, Spain’s Paula Badosa delivered a commanding performance against Katerina Siniakova (6-3, 7-5), while Amanda Anisimova received a walkover after opponent Barbora Krejčíková withdrew due to injury.

    The championship continues with highly anticipated appearances from Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina and defending champion Mirra Andreeva on Tuesday. Particular attention will focus on Filipina phenomenon Alexandra Eala as she challenges sixth-seeded Italian Jasmine Paolini for a spot in the round of 16.

  • Lunar New Year prayers and festivities usher in the Year of the Horse

    Lunar New Year prayers and festivities usher in the Year of the Horse

    Communities worldwide commenced vibrant observances of the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, transitioning from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse within the Chinese zodiac cycle. This culturally significant festival, recognized as the paramount annual holiday across China and various East Asian nations, manifested through diverse traditions spanning multiple continents.

    In Hong Kong, midnight temple gatherings featured residents lining up to offer incense and articulate aspirations for the forthcoming year. Thick aromatic smoke permeated the air as devotees respectfully bowed before placing incense clusters in designated containers outside temple halls.

    Vietnam’s Tet celebrations energized urban centers with spectacular pyrotechnic displays synchronized to live musical performances. Bridges and skyscrapers transformed into luminous canvases during countdown events where entertainers engaged enthusiastic crowds.

    Moscow’s winter landscapes adopted festive characteristics with two-week cultural events featuring traditional Chinese street fairs. Snow-dusted avenues adorned with crimson lanterns and dragon motifs provided backdrop for culinary exploration and leisurely promenades. These Russian celebrations coincide with deepening Sino-Russian relations, a geopolitical development drawing mixed international responses amid ongoing Ukrainian conflicts.

    Taiwan’s Baoan Temple hosted morning ceremonies where the symbolic ringing of temple bells resonated 108 times—a number considered profoundly auspicious. Worshippers presented colorful floral arrangements and conducted incense-based rituals at outdoor altars throughout Taipei’s sacred precincts.

  • Canada reacts as cheating row rocks curling superpower

    Canada reacts as cheating row rocks curling superpower

    A significant controversy has erupted at the Winter Olympics, placing Canadian curling teams under intense scrutiny following multiple allegations of rules violations during competition. The incident has sparked widespread debate about sportsmanship and integrity in one of Canada’s most cherished sports.

    The controversy began when Swedish curler Oskar Eriksson accused Canadian athlete Marc Kennedy of ‘double-touching’ – illegally touching the stone a second time after its initial release. The confrontation escalated into a heated verbal exchange that quickly circulated on social media, showing Kennedy appearing to make contact with stones during delivery.

    Within 24 hours, the Canadian women’s team faced identical allegations, with skip Rachel Homan accused of the same violation. Both Canadian teams vehemently denied any intentional wrongdoing, though match officials removed stones from play in both instances. The allegations extended beyond Team Canada when Great Britain’s men’s team also faced similar accusations.

    World Curling, the sport’s governing body, responded by clarifying regulations: ‘During forward motion, touching the granite of the stone is not allowed. This will result in the stone being removed from play.’ While the organization does not typically use video review, it deployed additional officials to monitor stone deliveries and implemented revised monitoring protocols requiring team requests for official observation.

    Canadian reaction has revealed deep divisions within the curling community. Tim Gray from Alberta called it ‘a sad day for Canadian sport,’ emphasizing that ‘integrity in the sport is important, even if you have to call it on yourself.’ The Globe and Mail published an opinion piece criticizing the teams’ competitive approach, suggesting they appeared ‘desperate to win’ at any cost.

    Kennedy acknowledged his emotional response while defending his integrity: ‘I probably could have handled it better. But we’re human out there and there’s a lot of emotions. I’ve curled my whole life, never once with the intention of getting an advantage through cheating.’

    International curling figures have expressed concern about the scandal’s broader implications. Former Olympian Tomi Rantamaki noted that Canadian teams serve as role models worldwide, with young players from Finland to Korea often emulating Canadian techniques and behavior. The incidents have prompted serious conversations about maintaining curling’s traditional values of sportsmanship and fair play at the highest competitive levels.

  • Visa-free entry for Omani citizens to Azerbaijan till Feb 2027

    Visa-free entry for Omani citizens to Azerbaijan till Feb 2027

    In a significant diplomatic development, Azerbaijan has officially eliminated visa requirements for citizens of Oman, facilitating enhanced travel connectivity between the two nations. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that this policy took effect on February 15, 2026, establishing a streamlined entry protocol that will remain operational until February 15, 2027.

    Under the new framework, Omani passport holders gain authorization to enter and remain in Azerbaijan for tourism or business purposes without obtaining prior visas. The arrangement permits stays of up to thirty days per visit, with travelers allowed to utilize this visa exemption up to three separate instances throughout the policy’s duration.

    Travelers must ensure their passports maintain validity for at least six months beyond their intended date of entry into Azerbaijani territory. Additionally, the Omani government has advised all prospective visitors to secure comprehensive international health insurance coverage spanning their entire period of stay, ensuring medical protection while abroad.

    This bilateral agreement reflects growing diplomatic cooperation between the South Caucasus nation and the Gulf state, potentially fostering increased tourism exchange and economic interaction. The visa waiver signifies Azerbaijan’s continued efforts to expand its global connectivity and strengthen international partnerships, particularly with Middle Eastern countries.

    The implementation follows a trend of visa facilitation policies emerging across the region, with several nations recently simplifying entry procedures to stimulate tourism and cross-cultural engagement. This development positions Azerbaijan as an increasingly accessible destination for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals seeking new travel experiences.