Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • UAE banks to stay resilient despite real estate slowdown, says report

    UAE banks to stay resilient despite real estate slowdown, says report

    The UAE banking system maintains robust stability despite emerging headwinds in the property sector, according to a comprehensive assessment by Moody’s Ratings. While financial institutions maintain significant exposure to real estate through corporate lending and mortgage portfolios, multiple protective mechanisms have effectively contained systemic risks.

    Regulatory interventions have played a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial ecosystem. The Central Bank of the UAE’s 2022 mandate capping construction and real estate exposure at 30% of credit risk-weighted assets has proven particularly effective. Current aggregate exposure remains comfortably below this threshold at approximately 18.3%, providing substantial capacity for additional sector financing if required.

    The composition of bank lending has undergone notable transformation since 2021. Real estate and construction financing declined consistently through 2024 before experiencing a modest 4% year-on-year increase by September 2025, largely attributable to declining interest rates. This sector now constitutes 12% of total loans, significantly reduced from 19% in December 2021.

    Concurrently, personal consumption loans have expanded substantially, growing approximately 18% year-on-year by December 2024 and maintaining similar momentum through September 2025. These loans, representing 23% of total gross lending, include mortgage components that maintain indirect property market exposure.

    Developer financing patterns have evolved considerably, with increased diversification away from project-specific bank loans. Since 2023, real estate entities have issued nearly $12 billion in sukuk, bonds, and hybrid debt instruments, with maturities averaging around $2 billion annually between 2027 and 2030.

    Financial metrics indicate strong fundamental health across the banking sector. Core liquidity ratios stood at 23% of total assets by June 2025, while non-performing loans reached a record low of 2.9% during the same period. Provision coverage remains robust at well above 100%, providing additional buffers against potential market softening.

    Although net interest margins may face pressure as monetary policy eases, solid non-interest income and cost discipline are expected to mitigate impacts on overall profitability. The return on assets, while potentially moderating from the record 1.9% achieved between December 2023 and June 2025, is projected to remain at solid levels.

  • Sharjah Ruler directs free home nursing for seniors, monthly support raised to Dh17,500

    Sharjah Ruler directs free home nursing for seniors, monthly support raised to Dh17,500

    In a landmark social welfare expansion, the Emirate of Sharjah has unveiled a transformative support package for senior citizens under the direct directives of its Ruler. The comprehensive initiative eliminates all deductions for home nursing services while substantially increasing monthly financial assistance to AED 17,500 per individual.

    The previously implemented nursing care program, which could cost up to AED 18,000 annually, had been deducting approximately AED 3,000 from seniors’ monthly support. The new mandate ensures that all nursing services will now be provided completely free of charge, with beneficiaries receiving their full financial allocation without any reductions.

    Sulaiman Al Naqbi, Director of Sharjah’s Department of Social Services, elaborated on the multifaceted approach to elderly care. Beyond financial support, the program includes complete health and dental insurance coverage, complimentary physiotherapy sessions at departmental facilities, and specialized transportation services for medical appointments and recreational activities.

    The initiative introduces several innovative components, including a mobile salon service that delivers grooming and personal care directly to homebound seniors. Community engagement is fostered through ‘Asala Clubs’ that provide educational, social, and recreational programming specifically designed for elderly residents.

    Transportation solutions form another critical element, with the ‘Mishwar’ service facilitating leisure excursions and the ‘Ijaba’ service ensuring reliable transportation for government-related appointments. Additional mobility support, including airport transfers, can be arranged based on individual needs.

    This holistic approach represents one of the most comprehensive elder care programs in the region, demonstrating Sharjah’s commitment to ensuring dignity, comfort, and social inclusion for its aging population. The integrated services address financial, medical, social, and personal care needs through a coordinated network of support mechanisms.

  • ‘Blurring the green line’: Israel advances plan to expand boundary into West Bank

    ‘Blurring the green line’: Israel advances plan to expand boundary into West Bank

    Israeli authorities have greenlit a contentious settlement expansion project that would effectively extend Jerusalem’s municipal boundaries deeper into the occupied West Bank, a move critics are labeling as de facto annexation. The plan, approved last week according to Israeli anti-settlement organization Peace Now, involves constructing a new neighborhood for the Adam settlement (also known as Geva Binyamin) northeast of occupied East Jerusalem.

    Despite being presented as merely an expansion of the existing Adam settlement, the project would actually establish a disconnected enclave with no physical connection to the main settlement. This strategic placement would mark the first formal extension of Jerusalem’s boundaries into West Bank territory since Israel’s occupation began in 1967.

    Peace Now condemned the move, stating: ‘Under the guise of establishing a new settlement, the government is carrying out de facto annexation through the back door. The new settlement will function in every way as a neighborhood of Jerusalem, with its designation as part of Adam settlement serving merely as a pretext to conceal applying Israeli sovereignty to West Bank areas.’

    Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth described the plan as part of a broader strategy of ‘blurring the boundaries of the Green Line’—the 1949 armistice line separating Israel from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The proposal includes hundreds of housing units intended for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community, to be built on land separate from the main settlement, with previous discussions including possible bridge construction to connect them.

    The blueprint indicates construction would begin from the Neve Yaakov settlement in East Jerusalem, effectively enlarging Jerusalem’s jurisdiction for the first time in over five decades. Final approval is expected soon, with implementation possible within few years amid intensified efforts to expand Israeli control over Palestinian lands.

    Knesset member Gilad Kariv has submitted an urgent inquiry to Housing Minister Haim Katz regarding potential annexation intentions, warning the move would ‘exacerbate friction between Israelis and Palestinians’ and create unnecessary tensions. Kariv added that the plans contradict Israel’s international commitments and reflect Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ‘complete capitulation to his extremist partners.’

    This development coincides with other far-reaching measures approved recently that critics say entrench annexation and weaken the Palestinian Authority’s limited self-rule. These include a proposal allowing authorities to legalize confiscation of unregistered ‘abandoned’ land by reclassifying it as ‘state land’—a process prohibited under international law for occupying powers due to its irreversible nature and use as a sovereignty assertion tool.

    The approval follows last week’s measures expanding Israel’s civil control in Areas A and B, where major Palestinian cities are located and which have officially been under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction since the Oslo Accords.

  • Australia batter Smith replaces Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad

    Australia batter Smith replaces Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad

    In a significant roster development, Cricket Australia has officially announced veteran batter Steve Smith as the replacement for injured paceman Josh Hazlewood in their T20 World Cup squad. The decision, confirmed Monday, comes amid ongoing fitness concerns surrounding key players Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis.

    Smith initially traveled to Sri Lanka as contingency coverage after Marsh sustained a sensitive testicular injury during training sessions in Colombo, which forced the opener to miss Australia’s first two tournament matches. The batting specialist integrated with the squad during Sunday’s training session in Kandy ahead of Monday’s crucial match against co-hosts Sri Lanka.

    Selection committee representative Tony Dodemaide explained the strategic decision, noting that tournament regulations require squad changes to be finalized at least 24 hours before matches. ‘With Steve already present in Sri Lanka, combined with some uncertainty regarding Mitch and Marcus Stoinis’ fitness, it became pragmatically sound to activate his inclusion,’ Dodemaide stated. ‘This ensures Smith becomes eligible for selection should the team require his services.’

    The inclusion marks a notable turnaround for Smith, who despite demonstrating impressive form during Australia’s Big Bash League buildup to the global tournament, initially failed to secure a spot in the World Cup roster. Hazlewood’s departure results from unsuccessful recovery from concurrent Achilles and hamstring injuries, with selectors having previously opted against immediately naming a replacement player.

  • From Dubai courts to world No. 1: Riyan Malhan’s badminton rise

    From Dubai courts to world No. 1: Riyan Malhan’s badminton rise

    In an extraordinary sporting achievement, 15-year-old Dubai resident Riyan Malhan has ascended to the top position in the Badminton World Federation’s Under-19 global rankings. The Indian-origin teenager has accomplished this remarkable feat while competing against older athletes, establishing himself as the first player from both the UAE and West Asia to reach such heights in junior badminton.

    Malhan’s journey to the pinnacle of youth badminton represents a significant departure from his family’s academic background. His rapid rise through the ranks has been characterized by consistent medal-winning performances at international competitions. In 2024, he made history by securing a medal at the Badminton Asia U17 and U15 Junior Championships in Chengdu, China. His success continued through 2025 with a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Games and most recently, a gold medal at an international tournament in Hungary.

    The young champion attributes his success to intensified training regimens and comprehensive skill development. ‘My training has been much more intense, my fitness has improved significantly,’ Malhan stated in an interview. ‘My coaching team has systematically addressed all my weaknesses to transform me into a more complete player.’

    Malhan has expressed profound gratitude for the support ecosystem in the UAE, specifically acknowledging the UAE Badminton Federation and its president Noura Al Jasmi. He emphasized that without the backing of his coaches and the sports talent development committee, his achievement would not have been possible.

    Dubai’s emergence as a global badminton hub has provided Malhan with unique advantages. The city regularly hosts elite players including Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and world bronze medalist Lakshya Sen. Malhan has had the opportunity to train regularly with world number three Anders Antonsen of Denmark, whose mentorship has substantially contributed to his technical development.

    Looking ahead, Malhan has set his sights on representing the UAE at the Youth Olympic Games, with his ultimate ambition being competition at the Summer Olympic Games. Inspired by legendary Chinese player Lin Dan, Malhan recognizes that reaching these goals will require continued dedication and rigorous preparation in Dubai’s world-class training environment.

  • Australia on brink as Nissanka sends Sri Lanka through

    Australia on brink as Nissanka sends Sri Lanka through

    Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka delivered a masterclass performance with an unbeaten 100 runs from just 52 balls, propelling his team to a decisive eight-wicket victory over Australia in the Men’s T20 World Cup. The stunning defeat leaves Australia’s tournament aspirations hanging by the thinnest of mathematical possibilities, requiring multiple favorable outcomes in remaining group matches to advance.

    The match at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium witnessed Australia’s dramatic collapse after establishing a seemingly solid foundation. Openers Travis Head (56 from 29 balls) and returning captain Mitchell Marsh (54) powered Australia to 104-0 within 8.2 overs before their innings unraveled spectacularly. The team lost their final five wickets for just seven runs across 14 deliveries, culminating in a total of 181 all out that proved insufficient against Sri Lanka’s dominant batting display.

    Nissanka’s extraordinary innings, described by commentators as “an innings for the ages,” blended raw power with technical precision. The 27-year-old strategically manipulated the leg-side field, scoring 46% of his runs through mid-wicket and square leg regions while demonstrating remarkable finesse with deft late cuts. His performance was complemented by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, who provided crucial support with a composed 51 from 38 balls for his third consecutive half-century of the tournament.

    Australia’s bowling attack, already weakened by the absence of injured pace trio Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, appeared toothless against Sri Lanka’s calculated assault. The home team reached their target with two full overs to spare, securing their place in the Super 8 stage while leaving Australia dependent on other results.

    For Australia to qualify, Zimbabwe must lose both remaining matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka, while Australia must defeat Oman convincingly enough to overcome net run-rate disadvantages. The defeat marks a stunning reversal for the Australian squad, who suffered an earlier upset against Zimbabwe that compounded their current predicament.

    Adding to Nissanka’s exceptional day was a spectacular flying catch at backward point that dismissed the dangerous Glenn Maxwell, compensating for an earlier dropped chance. While Sri Lanka faces concern over pacer Matheesha Pathirana’s mid-match injury, the team enters the next round with significant momentum and crowd support behind them.

  • India vs Pakistan: Ishan Kishan, rapper Hanumankind share happy moment

    India vs Pakistan: Ishan Kishan, rapper Hanumankind share happy moment

    In an unexpected intersection of sports and music, Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan and rapper Hanumankind (Sooraj Cherukat) shared a memorable moment at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium following India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in a T20 World Cup match. The crossover occurred after Hanumankind delivered an electrifying pre-match performance that energized the stadium ahead of the highly anticipated cricket showdown.

    The rapper, known for hits like ‘Big Dawgs’ and his work on the Bollywood soundtrack ‘Dhurandhar,’ had just concluded his set when Kishan approached him with a gesture of appreciation. The wicketkeeper-batter presented Hanumankind with an official team jersey, creating a viral moment captured and shared by the International Cricket Council with the caption ‘Two of a kind.’

    Kishan’s generosity extended beyond the gift exchange, as he later delivered a match-winning performance with a brilliant 77 runs off just 40 deliveries. His explosive batting provided the foundation for India’s total of 175-7 in their allotted 20 overs. The Indian bowling attack then dominated Pakistan, dismissing them for 114 runs in 18 overs, with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy each claiming two wickets.

    The victory marked India’s eighth win in nine T20 World Cup encounters against Pakistan, securing their advancement to the Super Eight stage of the tournament. This musical prelude continues a tradition established by the ICC, which previously featured performances by Bollywood stars including Arijit Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, and Shankar Mahadevan before high-profile India-Pakistan matches.

    Hanumankind, who spent his formative years across multiple countries including India, the US, Nigeria, and several Middle Eastern nations, has built a significant following since his debut single ‘Daily Dose’ in 2019. The artist has also ventured into acting with a role in the 2024 Malayalam film ‘Rifle Club.’

  • OMNIYAT awards main works contract for ENARA as construction enters next phase in Marasi Bay

    OMNIYAT awards main works contract for ENARA as construction enters next phase in Marasi Bay

    Dubai’s premium real estate developer OMNIYAT has reached a pivotal construction phase for its ultra-luxury commercial project ENARA, located in the prestigious Marasi Bay area within the Burj Khalifa District. The developer has officially appointed Dutco as the main works contractor following the successful completion of all enabling works and piling operations.

    The ENARA tower, which has achieved complete sell-out status prior to completion, represents OMNIYAT’s strategic vision to redefine premium workspace environments in Dubai. The project has garnered remarkable market response, demonstrating robust demand for Prime Grade A office spaces in one of the city’s most desirable business locations.

    Construction progress indicates significant milestones for 2026, with the superstructure scheduled to reach Level 10 while mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems advance to Level 5. Façade installation is planned to commence later this year, accelerating the transformation of the architectural vision into physical reality.

    Peter Stephenson, Co-Managing Director of OMNIYAT, emphasized the project’s significance: “ENARA marks a transformative moment in our commercial real estate strategy and the evolution of Marasi Bay as a global business destination. The appointment of Dutco as main contractor reinforces our commitment to delivering a world-class commercial tower that embodies design excellence and sustainable value creation.”

    ENARA distinguishes itself through hospitality-inspired amenities integrated with future-ready sustainable design. The development will feature exclusive single-tenant floorplates, private elevator access, landscaped terraces, and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. The project has already secured triple Platinum pre-certifications—LEED Platinum, WiredScore Platinum, and SmartScore Platinum—making it the UAE’s first office building to achieve this recognition. Additional WELL Building Standard Platinum certification is being pursued, highlighting OMNIYAT’s dedication to occupant health and wellbeing.

    As part of OMNIYAT’s comprehensive vision for Marasi Bay, ENARA joins other landmark developments including The Lana, VELA, and VELA Viento in establishing the district as Dubai’s premier ultra-luxury waterfront destination. With construction progressing according to schedule and strong on-site momentum, ENARA is positioned to establish new benchmarks for luxury commercial spaces in the region.

  • The dart frog toxin allegedly used to kill Alexei Navalny

    The dart frog toxin allegedly used to kill Alexei Navalny

    A potent neurotoxin derived from South American dart frogs has entered the spotlight of international security concerns following its alleged use in a high-profile assassination. Epibatidine, a compound approximately 200 times more powerful than morphine, is now under intense scrutiny by toxicologists and intelligence agencies. This substance can be sourced directly from the skin of poisonous frogs native to Ecuador and Colombia or synthesized in laboratory settings, creating a dual-origin challenge for detection and prevention.

    The emergence of this biological agent marks a concerning evolution in covert poisoning methodologies. Unlike traditional chemical weapons, naturally-derived toxins like epibatidine offer perpetrators a complex forensic footprint that blends natural occurrence with potential human manipulation. The compound works by binding to nicotine receptors in the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest at minute doses measured in micrograms.

    Toxicology experts note that weaponizing such substances requires sophisticated knowledge in both chemistry and biology, suggesting involvement of highly specialized actors. The dual availability—through natural extraction and synthetic production—creates significant obstacles for international monitoring regimes established under the Chemical Weapons Convention. This development represents a blurring of lines between biological and chemical threats, challenging existing non-proliferation frameworks and necessitating enhanced forensic capabilities within international security organizations.

  • Austrian man faces terror charges over Taylor Swift concert attack plot

    Austrian man faces terror charges over Taylor Swift concert attack plot

    Austrian prosecutors have formally charged a 21-year-old man with terrorism offenses for plotting an attack on a Taylor Swift concert scheduled for Vienna in August 2024. The suspect, identified only as Beran A under Austrian privacy laws, faces multiple charges including membership in a terrorist organization, manufacturing explosives, and attempting to illegally procure weapons.

    The Vienna prosecutor’s office revealed that Beran A had received online instructions from Islamic State operatives and had actively worked to construct a shrapnel bomb using triacetone triperoxide (TATP), an explosive compound frequently employed in IS attacks. The indictment further alleges he sought guidance from IS members on executing a mass casualty bombing.

    The plot was thwarted following a critical tip-off from the CIA, leading to the suspect’s arrest just before Swift’s scheduled performances. Three sold-out concerts at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium—expected to draw over 195,000 attendees—were subsequently canceled as a security precaution.

    This case involves multiple defendants, including two additional teenagers arrested in 2024. In a related development, a 16-year-old Syrian national received an 18-month suspended sentence in Germany last year for his involvement in the plot, avoiding incarceration under juvenile sentencing guidelines.

    Prosecutors disclosed that Beran A had also contemplated an earlier attack in Dubai in March 2024, allegedly part of a coordinated multi-city IS operation that was abandoned at the last moment. If convicted on all charges, the primary suspect could face up to 20 years imprisonment.

    Taylor Swift previously expressed her devastation over the concert cancellations while acknowledging her gratitude to law enforcement authorities, noting that their intervention meant ‘grieving concerts and not lives.’