Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Ramadan 2026: UAE announces reduced work hours for private sector

    Ramadan 2026: UAE announces reduced work hours for private sector

    The United Arab Emirates has formally instituted reduced working hours for private-sector employees throughout the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. This significant policy directive, announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on February 12, 2026, reduces the standard workday by two hours during the Islamic holy period.

    Under the new regulations, private companies retain the flexibility to implement adjusted schedules—including remote work arrangements—provided they adhere to the newly established daily hour limitations. The policy specifically addresses overtime compensation, clarifying that any hours worked beyond the reduced schedule must be classified as overtime with corresponding additional pay for employees.

    This workforce adjustment aligns with previously announced reduced hours for public sector employees, who will work from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Thursday and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays, with exceptions for essential services.

    Human resources experts note that while the compressed schedule presents initial adaptation challenges, it frequently results in enhanced productivity as employees become more intentional about structuring their workday. The reduction provides residents additional time for spiritual reflection, family gatherings, and community engagement during this sacred period.

    Astronomical calculations indicate Ramadan 1447 AH will likely commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the UAE and most Islamic nations, as the crescent moon won’t be visible on February 17 according to international sighting criteria.

  • Jeffrey Epstein and the Emirati tycoon

    Jeffrey Epstein and the Emirati tycoon

    Newly disclosed correspondence from the U.S. Department of Justice reveals a decades-long professional and personal relationship between Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and CEO of global logistics giant DP World, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, spanning from 2007 until weeks before Epstein’s 2019 death, depict a complex alliance between one of the United Arab Emirates’ most powerful business figures and the disgraced financier.

    Sulayem, who has played a pivotal role in Dubai’s economic transformation and leads the world’s fourth-largest port operator, maintained extensive communication with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The correspondence reveals discussions ranging from business ventures and political connections to explicit conversations about women and sexual encounters.

    The documents indicate Sulayem visited Epstein’s private Caribbean island, Little Saint James, with the Emirati executive writing in June 2013: “I really had a very nice time at your island.” Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, Sulayem offered engineering resources to make the property “hurricane proof,” describing his UAE national engineer as “the best” for the job.

    Business collaborations extended to Sulayem assisting Epstein’s attempts to acquire additional private islands. Evidence suggests Epstein purchased Great St James Cay through a shell company with Sulayem as beneficial owner after the original owner refused to sell directly to Epstein due to his criminal record. In a 2016 email to an architecture firm, Sulayem described Epstein as “a very dear friend and a business associate” seeking to develop a private resort.

    The relationship provided mutual access to powerful networks. Epstein facilitated introductions between Sulayem and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, right-wing strategist Steve Bannon, and former UK Business Secretary Peter Mandelson. Correspondence shows Sulayem lobbied the UK government regarding a £1.8 billion port project on the Thames, which DP World ultimately developed as London Gateway.

    Sulayem regularly updated Epstein on DP World’s global dealings, including sensitive negotiations involving bilateral agreements between UAE and Russia. In one email, he mentioned receiving “an official invitation from Putin office for a one on one meeting to get the green light directly from him.”

    The personal correspondence contains explicit content, with Sulayem frequently using degrading language about women, sharing details of sexual encounters, and making jokes about infidelity. In one message, he wrote: “After several attempts for several months we managed to meet in NY. there is a misunderstanding she wanted some BUSINESS! while i only wanted some PUSSYNESS!” Epstein responded: “Praise Allah, there are still people like you.”

    The relationship has prompted recent consequences, with firms in the UK and Canada suspending future ties with DP World. Quebec’s La Caisse pension fund, which holds a 45% stake in DP World Canada, and British International Investment have both paused future investments pending “necessary actions” from DP World.

    While there is no suggestion Sulayem participated in criminal activity, the extensive correspondence reveals a deeply personal friendship that blended business, political networking, and inappropriate personal discourse between a global business leader and a convicted sex offender.

  • Turkey, Singapore announce Ramadan 2026 start date on February 19

    Turkey, Singapore announce Ramadan 2026 start date on February 19

    Multiple nations have officially declared Thursday, February 19, 2026 as the commencement date for Ramadan following sophisticated astronomical calculations that determined the crescent moon would be impossible to sight on the anticipated evening of February 17. Turkey and Singapore join Oman in coordinating the holy month’s start through scientific methodology rather than traditional visual observation.

    The Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs released a comprehensive analysis indicating that crescent moon visibility would be impossible on Tuesday, February 17 from any location throughout the Arab and Islamic world, including the American continents. This determination holds particular significance as Turkey’s calculations incorporate regions experiencing nighttime simultaneously with Turkish territories.

    Concurrently, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, under the leadership of Singapore’s Mufti, issued an identical declaration based on their astronomical assessments. Both religious authorities concluded that the crescent moon would only become visible on Wednesday, February 18, thereby establishing Thursday, February 19 as the first day of Ramadan fasting.

    This coordinated announcement reflects the growing trend among Muslim-majority nations to employ advanced astronomical science alongside traditional religious practices for determining Islamic calendar dates. The methodology represents a fusion of technological precision with religious observance, ensuring unified celebration across participating nations while maintaining astronomical accuracy.

    The announcements come as Muslim communities worldwide prepare for the holy month, with several countries already implementing Ramadan-specific arrangements including adjusted work schedules and special religious preparations.

  • Corbyn asks Streeting why he did not resign over Israeli ‘war crimes’ admission

    Corbyn asks Streeting why he did not resign over Israeli ‘war crimes’ admission

    Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has launched a scathing critique against current Health Secretary Wes Streeting, labeling his position on Israel’s military actions in Gaza as a “shameful failure” and demanding his resignation. The criticism emerged through a confidential letter dated Thursday, obtained by Middle East Eye, in which Corbyn—now representing the Your Party—directly challenged Streeting’s ethical standing within the government.

    The controversy stems from recently revealed private text exchanges between Streeting and former British Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson, made public on Monday. In these July 2025 communications, Streeting privately characterized Israel’s operations in Gaza as clear “war crimes,” describing witnessed “chilling and distressing scenes of calculated brutality against women and children” and accusing the Israeli government of employing “the language of ethnic cleansing.”

    Corbyn’s letter presents a damning logical argument: once a government acknowledges war crimes are occurring, continued military or political support constitutes deliberate complicity. He notes this creates “a matter of public record” that Streeting chose to serve in a cabinet providing military, economic and diplomatic support to a state breaching international law.

    Despite strained UK-Israel relations under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration—including a partial arms embargo—military collaboration continued throughout the Gaza conflict. Corbyn posed several piercing questions regarding Streeting’s failure to resign, his view on government complicity, his willingness to cooperate with International Criminal Court investigations, and specific actions taken to halt support for Israel.

    The Health Secretary, considered a potential successor to Starmer, privately advocated for treating Israel as a “pariah” state with comprehensive sanctions in his messages. However, he has never publicly endorsed sanctions or explicitly accused Israel of war crimes, though he previously suggested Israeli President Isaac Herzog should answer allegations last September.

    This revelation follows Starmer’s March 2025 reversal of then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s characterization of Israel’s actions as a “breach of international law.” Corbyn concluded with a historical warning that government ministers who remained silent despite having power to intervene would be “shamed” in history books.

  • ‘Men deserve diamonds, too’: England rugby captain Maro Itoje

    ‘Men deserve diamonds, too’: England rugby captain Maro Itoje

    In a significant departure from traditional jewelry marketing, England rugby captain Maro Itoje has become the global ambassador and shareholder for luxury lab-grown diamond company Astrea, advocating for masculine diamond appreciation. The partnership, announced ahead of Valentine’s Day 2026, challenges conventional gifting norms by positioning fine jewelry as equally appropriate for men.

    Itoje, renowned for his athletic prowess and fashion-forward sensibilities, represents the evolving landscape of modern masculinity. His collaboration with Astrea founder Nathalie Morrison centers on sustainable luxury and expanding diamond accessibility beyond gender boundaries. Market data reveals growing male acceptance, with nearly 20% of Astrea’s UAE sales now attributed to male clients, particularly favoring bold tennis bracelets featuring black and blue lab-grown diamonds.

    In an exclusive interview, the athlete articulated his vision for inclusive self-expression: “This isn’t about replacing tradition, but expanding it. Men deserve diamonds too—not instead of women, but as well as.” He emphasized that jewelry wearing shouldn’t contradict masculinity, noting that even within hyper-masculine sports environments, personal style deserves expression.

    Itoje recommends hesitant newcomers start with subtle pieces—earrings, bracelets, or rings—before progressing to statement items. The rugby captain describes his personal style as “adventurous elegance,” combining experimentation with timeless tastefulness.

    The partnership highlights broader industry shifts toward sustainability and ethical production. Lab-grown diamonds appeal particularly to younger consumers seeking luxury without environmental or ethical concerns. This movement aligns with increasing consciousness about consumption impacts across fashion and luxury sectors.

    Culturally, male celebrities and athletes embracing fine jewelry signals progressing social freedom. Where previously men might only wear watches or cufflinks, contemporary society increasingly accepts diverse forms of masculine self-expression through accessories. This evolution reflects positive societal development toward reduced gender constraints in fashion choices.

  • Trump revokes landmark ruling that greenhouse gases endanger public health

    Trump revokes landmark ruling that greenhouse gases endanger public health

    In a sweeping environmental policy reversal, the Trump administration has dismantled the foundational 2009 “endangerment finding” that established greenhouse gases as threats to public health. This scientific determination, originally issued by the Environmental Protection Agency during President Obama’s first term, had served as the legal cornerstone for federal climate regulations across multiple sectors including transportation, energy production, and manufacturing.

    The White House heralded the move as “the largest deregulation in American history,” projecting substantial economic benefits including $1 trillion in savings and reduced vehicle manufacturing costs of approximately $2,400 per automobile. Administration officials contend these changes will lower energy and transportation expenses for American consumers.

    Environmental organizations have mobilized against the policy shift, characterizing it as the most significant climate regulation rollback attempted to date. The Environmental Defense Fund projects devastating public health consequences, estimating up to 58,000 additional premature deaths and 37 million more asthma attacks resulting from increased pollution. Critics also anticipate American drivers facing $1.4 trillion in additional fuel costs due to less efficient vehicles.

    The automotive industry faces particular uncertainty, as manufacturing less fuel-efficient vehicles could potentially limit international market access. Climate law expert Michael Gerrard of Columbia University noted, “This really puts US automakers in a bind because nobody else is going to want to buy American cars.”

    Legal challenges are anticipated as the administration’s reversal relies on a controversial scientific report commissioned by the Department of Energy. Climate experts have criticized the report’s methodology and composition, noting the panel included disproportionate representation from climate science skeptics. A federal judge recently ruled the department violated legal procedures in forming the expert team.

    Former EPA attorney Meghan Greenfield emphasized the finding’s comprehensive role: “The endangerment finding has served as the lynchpin of US regulation of greenhouse gases across motor vehicles, power plants, the oil and gas sector, methane from landfills, and even aircraft.”

    The administration appears prepared for judicial review, with many legal experts believing they seek Supreme Court validation before the end of Trump’s term. A favorable ruling could permanently cement the policy shift, preventing future administrations from reinstating climate regulations without congressional action.

    The policy reversal occurs amid growing climate concerns, including recent wildfires in Los Angeles that scientists linked to climate change conditions.

  • Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan celebrate Sheikha Hind’s birthday with unseen videos

    Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan celebrate Sheikha Hind’s birthday with unseen videos

    In a rare public display of familial affection, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, marked the birthday of his wife Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum with an extraordinary gesture—sharing previously unseen archival footage from her childhood.

    The moving tribute, posted on Sheikh Mohammed’s official social media account on February 12, 2026, featured excerpts from ‘Behind the Veil,’ a 1970 documentary by renowned photographer Eve Arnold that captured intimate moments of a young Sheikha Hind in Dubai. The footage presents a historical glimpse into the early life of the Sheikha, accompanied by poetic narration describing her as “a woman whose presence was felt by the heart before the lens” and noting that “in her eyes, the future did not seem distant.”

    Sheikh Mohammed complemented the visual tribute with personally recited verses expressing profound devotion: “I hear the echo of your voice above the noise of people, a feeling that flows through hearts and souls. With you, I forget resolve, thought, and despair—your love is deeply rooted in my heart and conscience.”

    The narration further celebrated Sheikha Hind’s role as both a maternal figure and national symbol: “Mother of sheikhs and companion of the nation, you are Dubai’s support and the joy of its people. Every year, you remain the light of Dubai and its gentle heartbeat.”

    In a parallel tribute, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, honored his mother with equally heartfelt words. He described her birthday as an occasion to celebrate “a legacy and a journey of generosity and giving,” acknowledging her as the source of valuable life lessons: “From you, we learned that goodness endures, that compassion is a blessing, and that kindness leaves a lasting mark upon people.”

    Both tributes highlight the unique intersection of personal affection and public leadership within Dubai’s ruling family, offering rare insight into the private dimensions of the Al Maktoum household while reinforcing traditional values of family, generosity, and national devotion.

  • ‘My son is dead’: Swiss bar owners confronted by fire victim families

    ‘My son is dead’: Swiss bar owners confronted by fire victim families

    Swiss bar proprietors Jessica and Jacques Moretti now confront severe legal repercussions and profound personal confrontations with grieving families following a devastating fire incident. The couple faces formal criminal investigation on multiple charges including involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson through negligence.

    The case emerged from a tragic fire that resulted in fatalities, including the son of one family who directly confronted the Morettis with the heartbreaking declaration ‘My son is dead.’ This emotional encounter highlights the profound human tragedy underlying the legal proceedings.

    Swiss authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, examining whether proper safety protocols were maintained at the establishment. The negligence charges suggest investigators believe preventable failures may have contributed to the tragedy’s severity.

    The case has sparked broader discussions about business owner responsibilities and public safety enforcement in Switzerland’s hospitality sector. Local community members have expressed both sympathy for the victims’ families and concerns about how such tragedies can occur in supposedly regulated environments.

    Legal experts indicate that if convicted, the Morettis could face significant penalties under Swiss law, where negligence-based offenses carrying particularly severe consequences when resulting in loss of life. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the proprietors’ responsibility.

  • Sri Lanka crush Oman for second victory in T20 World Cup

    Sri Lanka crush Oman for second victory in T20 World Cup

    Sri Lanka delivered a commanding performance against Oman on Thursday, securing their second consecutive victory in the T20 World Cup with a resounding 105-run triumph. The match, held in Pallekele, witnessed an explosive batting showcase that propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 225-5 after being asked to bat first.

    The foundation was laid by a dominant 94-run partnership between Kusal Mendis (61) and Pavan Rathnayake (60), who stabilized the innings after early pressure. The real fireworks came from captain Dasun Shanaka, who blazed his way to a record-breaking 50 runs from just 19 deliveries. Shanaka’s innings, featuring five massive sixes and two boundaries, surpassed his previous national record of a 20-ball half-century against India set three years prior.

    Despite the absence of key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury sustained during their Group B opener against Ireland, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack remained formidable. Dushmantha Chameera (2-19) and Maheesh Theekshana (2-11) led the disciplined bowling effort that restricted Oman to 120-9 in their 20 overs.

    Oman’s Mohammad Nadeem provided resistance with an unbeaten 53, supported by Wasim Ali’s brisk 27, but regular wicket falls prevented any meaningful chase development. This defeat marks Oman’s second consecutive loss in the tournament after their earlier setback against Zimbabwe.

    Captain Shanaka expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, particularly praising the batting unit’s strategic execution. ‘We used the conditions really well,’ Shanaka stated in his post-match interview. ‘Pavan and Kusal planned the innings excellently, creating the platform for myself and Kamindu Mendis to finish strongly.’

    The victory positions Sri Lanka comfortably at the top of their group as they prepare for their upcoming crucial match against Australia at the same venue on Monday.

  • Another Olympic relay, another gold for Germany. The US finishes 5th in luge’s finale at 2026 Games

    Another Olympic relay, another gold for Germany. The US finishes 5th in luge’s finale at 2026 Games

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Germany has once again asserted its supremacy in Olympic luge, capturing the team relay gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Games on Thursday night. The victory extends Germany’s perfect record in the event since its Olympic introduction, maintaining an unbroken streak of four consecutive gold medals.

    The championship team featured an assembly of individual medalists: women’s singles gold medalist Julia Taubitz, men’s singles champion Max Langenhan, women’s doubles silver medalists Dajana Eitberger and Magdalena Matschina, and men’s doubles bronze medalists Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt. Their collective effort secured the top podium position with a combined time of 3 minutes, 41.672 seconds.

    This victory marks a historic seventh Olympic gold for the legendary doubles pair of Wendl and Arlt, comprising three doubles titles and four relay championships.

    Austria claimed the silver medal with a time of 3:42.214, while host nation Italy delighted the home crowd by earning bronze in 3:42.521. Latvia finished fourth, followed by the United States in fifth place.

    The competition concluded with a poignant demonstration by the Ukrainian team, whose six athletes all took a knee upon crossing the finish line. In a unified gesture, they raised their helmets skyward in tribute to compatriot skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was disqualified earlier Thursday for wearing a helmet honoring those who have died in Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

    The team relay format requires each nation to complete one run with all four sled types (women’s singles, men’s singles, women’s doubles, and men’s doubles). Competitors must slap an overhead pad upon finishing to activate the starting gate for the next teammate or stop the final clock.

    With this victory, Taubitz and Langenhan become the only double gold medalists in luge at these Games. Germany solidified its overall dominance with three golds among its five total medals. Italy collected four medals (two gold, two bronze), matching Austria’s count (three silver, one bronze).

    The World Cup circuit continues with two remaining events in St. Moritz, Switzerland (February 28-March 1) and Altenberg, Germany (March 7-8), though participation levels for many teams remain uncertain.