Global Pulse

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  • Sulaiman and Maqsood lead the charge as Sharjah hosts action-packed golf double bill

    Sulaiman and Maqsood lead the charge as Sharjah hosts action-packed golf double bill

    The historic Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club served as the epicenter of UAE’s golfing excitement this past weekend, hosting consecutive tournaments that showcased both social and competitive play. The prestigious venue, which has been a cornerstone for Northern Emirates golf enthusiasts for over twenty years, demonstrated why it remains a vital hub for grassroots golf development in the region.

    The weekend’s action commenced with the BMW Open Social tournament, generously supported by AGMC. Ideal course conditions and favorable weather set the stage for exceptional performances across all categories. Dominating the event were Ramli Sulaiman and Syed Maqsood, whose spectacular 12-under-par betterball round featured nine net birdies and two net eagles, securing them a commanding victory.

    Parallel competitions on the Front and Back Nine courses produced equally impressive results. Aleksandra and Jacek Hanusik carded a remarkable seven-under-par 28 on the Front Nine, while Grant Bowen and Zac Van Zyl captured Back Nine honors with a six-under-par 30.

    As evening approached, the focus shifted to the fourth round of the Golf Society League, sponsored by Golf Away. The match-play format intensified as teams across three divisions battled for crucial points ahead of the upcoming knockout stage.

    League 1 witnessed The Grass Holes delivering a masterclass performance, sweeping both matches against The Dubai Exputts to claim maximum points. Defending champions Nepalese Golf Society maintained their strong form with dual victories over The Hole Seekers, while The All Stars and Al Puza divided their matches, each earning three points.

    In League 2, Sharjah Bunker Boyz strengthened their qualification prospects with a comprehensive clean sweep against Social Society 1. Kegs 1 narrowly prevailed over Dubai Dragons 1 in a tightly contested encounter, securing one win and one draw for four valuable points.

    League 3 saw Spartans Golf Society dominate with two victories against Social Golf 2, while GolfLinx 2 and Dragons 2 split their matches, each collecting three points.

    The accompanying Betterball Stableford competition provided additional drama as Fernando Cabero and Imad Alhamad of The Grass Holes claimed top honors with 45 points, edging out Sami Butt and Ye Liu of Sharjah Bunker Boyz on countback after both pairs finished level.

    With the fourth round completed, attention now turns to the March 8 fixtures, where societies will continue their pursuit of qualification for the ultimate prize—a Golf Away sponsored trip to Thailand.

  • Al Layan Oasis: What Dubai’s newest attraction will look like

    Al Layan Oasis: What Dubai’s newest attraction will look like

    Dubai is poised to enhance its iconic skyline with the introduction of Al Layan Oasis, a groundbreaking attraction scheduled to open in February 2026. This ambitious project represents the latest addition to the emirate’s extensive portfolio of world-class destinations, blending innovative architectural design with traditional Arabian cultural elements.

    The development promises to transform the desert landscape into a lush, technologically advanced sanctuary featuring state-of-the-art visitor facilities, immersive experiential zones, and sustainable environmental design. Preliminary renderings suggest the oasis will incorporate advanced climate control systems to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round, revolutionary water conservation technologies, and botanical gardens showcasing regional flora.

    Tourism analysts project Al Layan Oasis will significantly boost Dubai’s appeal as a premium travel destination, potentially increasing annual visitor numbers by an estimated 12-15%. The attraction’s design philosophy appears to merge cutting-edge sustainability practices with luxury entertainment experiences, creating what developers describe as ‘a harmonious dialogue between traditional Bedouin heritage and futuristic innovation’.

    This development continues Dubai’s strategic expansion beyond traditional shopping and luxury tourism into experiential and educational attractions. Industry observers note the timing aligns with the emirate’s broader economic diversification goals and its positioning as a global leader in innovative tourism infrastructure.

  • Brad Pitt blockbuster F1 sequel in the works, producer confirms

    Brad Pitt blockbuster F1 sequel in the works, producer confirms

    Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer has officially confirmed that a sequel to the blockbuster film ‘F1’ is currently in development. The announcement came during the Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles, where Bruckheimer revealed to the BBC that the project is moving forward following the tremendous success of the original film.

    The original ‘F1′ feature, co-produced by seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, has achieved remarkable commercial and critical success. Since its release last summer, the film has generated $630 million in global box office revenue, making it Apple Original Films’ most successful theatrical release to date. The production’s authenticity was enhanced by extensive filming during actual Formula 1 events throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, including footage captured at prestigious venues like Silverstone during the British Grand Prix.

    Brad Pitt, who portrayed veteran driver Sonny Hayes in the original film, is expected to be involved in casting decisions for the sequel, though specific details about his return to the starring role remain undisclosed. The 62-year-old actor’s performance as a retired driver returning to the grid with fictional team APXGP has been widely praised by audiences and critics alike.

    The film’s industry recognition includes four Academy Award nominations, among them the coveted Best Picture category. Bruckheimer expressed both surprise and delight at this awards recognition, noting that the production overcame significant challenges including industry strikes during its development.

    Beyond the F1 sequel, Bruckheimer discussed an ambitious slate of upcoming projects including ‘Heat 2,’ another ‘Days of Thunder’ film, an additional ‘Top Gun’ installment, and a new chapter in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. The prolific producer also mentioned a ‘very interesting’ UFO-related project currently in development.

    The confirmation of the F1 sequel follows months of speculation within the entertainment industry, including recent hints from Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali during an Apple TV press event where he encouraged fans to ‘stay tuned’ for future announcements. The original film remains available for streaming on Apple TV+ platforms worldwide.

  • Father of killed Colombian candidate Miguel Uribe relaunches presidential bid

    Father of killed Colombian candidate Miguel Uribe relaunches presidential bid

    BOGOTA, Colombia — In a dramatic political development, Miguel Uribe Londoño, the 73-year-old father of assassinated presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, has declared his candidacy for Colombia’s presidency. The announcement came Tuesday during a campaign event in Bogota where the grieving father vowed to champion his son’s political vision despite having severed ties with the Democratic Center party originally founded by his family.

    Uribe Londoño emotionally addressed supporters, stating, “Today I tell the world that my son is the one who should be here. He was killed so that no one would make the bad guys uncomfortable… but Miguel lives.” He will represent Democratic Colombia, a minor political party initially established to advocate for Afro-Colombian rights that currently holds one congressional seat.

    The senior Uribe’s presidential bid follows a fractured relationship with the Democratic Center leadership after rumors surfaced that he might support an independent candidate if not selected as the party’s nominee. This disagreement prompted his resignation from the party he helped establish over a decade ago.

    This development occurs within Colombia’s increasingly crowded presidential field, where more than two dozen candidates are competing ahead of interparty primaries scheduled for early March. Current polling shows Ivan Cepeda from President Gustavo Petro’s left-wing Historical Pact coalition leading, followed by ultraconservative lawyer Abelardo de La Espriella, who has promised iron-fisted policies against criminal groups. President Petro is constitutionally barred from seeking reelection.

    The backdrop to this political story remains the tragic assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay, who was shot multiple times during a campaign rally last year and succumbed to his injuries after two months in intensive care. His killing represented a significant setback for a nation that has made substantial progress in reducing political violence through peace agreements, including the 2016 deal with FARC rebels.

    While Colombian authorities have made several arrests in connection with the assassination, including a teenager, the masterminds and motivations behind the attack remain undetermined. Official investigations have suggested possible involvement by Segunda Marquetalia, a rebel group led by former FARC members. The late Uribe Turbay had been an outspoken critic of drug trafficking organizations and had promised to increase military pressure on rebel groups engaged in peace talks with the current administration.

  • China’s panda diplomacy is becoming a liability for Beijing

    China’s panda diplomacy is becoming a liability for Beijing

    Japan marked a historic diplomatic milestone on January 27th as the nation bid farewell to its last remaining giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, who were returned to China ahead of schedule. This departure signifies the first time since 1972—when diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing were normalized—that Japan finds itself without any pandas within its borders.

    The repatriation of these beloved creatures occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the two Asian powers. The situation deteriorated notably following November comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting potential military response to Chinese actions toward Taiwan, which provoked strong objections from Beijing.

    China’s longstanding practice of ‘panda diplomacy’ dates back to the 7th century Empress Wu Zetian, who gifted bears to Japan as goodwill gestures. Modern panda diplomacy emerged in the 1970s as China sought to build international relationships, presenting pandas to major economies including the US, France, and the UK. Since 1984, due to declining wild populations, China has transitioned to long-term loan agreements requiring host countries to pay up to $1 million annually in conservation fees.

    The current reduction in panda loans—from 21 countries in 2019 to 16 today—reflects both diplomatic considerations and domestic pressures. Pandas hold profound emotional significance for the Chinese public as national treasures, and perceived mistreatment abroad can generate substantial backlash. This sensitivity was demonstrated when panda Le Le’s death at Memphis Zoo in 2023 sparked accusations of mishandling on Chinese social media.

    Despite being a soft power tool, panda diplomacy faces limitations beyond geopolitical tensions. Conservationists criticize the practice for using animals as political pawns, while questions persist about its actual conservation impact despite the significant fees involved. The International Union for Conservation of Nature still classifies giant pandas as ‘vulnerable.’

    The early recall of Japan’s pandas and suspension of negotiations for new loans illustrates how these charismatic animals remain entangled in the complex web of international relations, serving as both ambassadors and indicators of diplomatic climates between nations.

  • Shaheen Malik: An acid attack survivor’s fight for justice and dignity

    Shaheen Malik: An acid attack survivor’s fight for justice and dignity

    In a courageous fight against systemic injustice, Indian acid attack survivors are confronting legal limitations and deep-rooted social stigma. Shaheen Malik, a prominent disability rights activist who has endured 25 surgeries since her 2009 attack, leads this battle through her Brave Souls Foundation.

    The critical legal gap centers on India’s 2016 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, which currently recognizes only survivors with visible disfigurement from externally applied acid. This exclusion leaves victims like Ruman (name changed), who was forced to ingest acid during domestic violence in 2019, without access to compensation and rehabilitation benefits. At 28 years old, Ruman weighs merely 21kg due to severe internal injuries and requires constant medical supervision.

    Malik’s petition to the Supreme Court in December seeks to amend this legislation to include internal injuries from forced acid ingestion. “For these survivors,” Malik explains, “the disfigurement is internal but their lives are extremely challenging as they struggle to breathe, speak and swallow despite numerous surgeries.”

    The legal landscape remains grim. Conviction rates in acid attack cases are alarmingly low, with National Crime Records Bureau data showing only 43 of 703 pending cases disposed in 2023, resulting in just 16 convictions. Meanwhile, reported cases have increased from 176 in 2021 to 207 in 2023.

    In a significant development, the Supreme Court recently directed all states to provide yearly reports on acid attacks, case dispositions, and rehabilitation schemes. The court strongly condemned these attacks and called for extraordinary measures including auctioning attackers’ assets to compensate victims and shifting the burden of proof onto the accused.

    Despite legal mandates requiring free treatment, survivors face practical barriers. “Many private hospitals refuse admission without court orders,” Malik reports, “and even then, treatment is often delayed or discontinued midway.”

    Social isolation compounds these challenges. Survivors face discrimination in housing and daily life, with many landlords refusing to rent properties due to superstitions or discomfort with visible scars. Malik herself currently struggles to find new office space for her foundation amid this prejudice.

    Through the Brave Souls Foundation, established with fellow survivor Laxmi Agarwal in 2021, approximately 50 survivors receive shelter, legal aid, and economic support. The organization serves as a critical lifeline for those shunned by society and their families.

    Malik, despite recently facing the acquittal of her own attackers after a 16-year legal battle, remains determined: “I fought for justice for myself. But now I’m fighting for other survivors. I want my case to be an example that perpetrators won’t walk free.”

  • Gaza’s displaced girls channel war pain through boxing in makeshift ring

    Gaza’s displaced girls channel war pain through boxing in makeshift ring

    In the sprawling displacement camps of southern Gaza, an unconventional form of therapy is taking root amid the rubble of conflict. Dozens of young Palestinian girls, aged 8 to 19, are channeling their wartime trauma through disciplined boxing training in a remarkably improvised athletic facility.

    Osama Ayub, a former boxing coach whose Gaza City club and home were obliterated during the Israel-Hamas conflict, has established a unique sanctuary for displaced youth. Now residing in Khan Yunis, Ayub conducts free training sessions three times weekly for 45 aspiring boxers, using equipment crafted from scavenged materials. The training ring, constructed from wooden planks without protective mats or safety measures, stands as a testament to both resourcefulness and desperation.

    ‘These girls carry profound psychological wounds from continuous bombardment and personal loss,’ Ayub explained. ‘Through boxing, they discover an emotional outlet to express their pent-up pain and frustration.’ The sessions provide crucial psychological relief for children who have endured unimaginable trauma, with many having lost family members and homes.

    Among the participants, 14-year-old Ghazal Radwan aspires to become an international champion who will ‘raise the Palestinian flag worldwide.’ Her teammate Rimas, 16, continues training despite the ongoing conflict, though she acknowledges the severe equipment shortages: ‘We train on sand and need proper gloves, shoes, and punching bags.’

    The initiative faces substantial challenges due to Israel’s strict blockade on Gaza, which severely restricts construction materials and sports equipment. Building supplies are routinely denied entry by Israeli officials, complicating even basic facility maintenance. In January, Palestinian authorities reported that Israel blocked a shipment of artificial turf donated by China for sporting facilities.

    Ayub has appealed to the international community for support, emphasizing that proper training equipment and opportunities for international competition would provide vital psychological reinforcement for Gaza’s traumatized youth. The boxing program represents one of many grassroots efforts emerging across Gaza to address the massive mental health crisis among children affected by prolonged conflict and displacement.

  • UAE launches partnership with ‘Starlink’ for digital education globally

    UAE launches partnership with ‘Starlink’ for digital education globally

    In a landmark announcement at the World Government Summit 2026, The Digital School—a flagship initiative of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives—has entered into a strategic global partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in global education technology, aiming to deliver high-quality digital learning to remote and underserved communities worldwide.

    The partnership’s initial phase will deploy integrated digital education systems across 100 strategically selected global sites, featuring a scalable design that permits future expansion contingent on partnership effectiveness and operational readiness. Beyond basic connectivity, the initiative incorporates specialized pathways in space sciences, utilizing SpaceX’s extensive ecosystem to inspire student curiosity and connect educational content with future technological horizons.

    Early implementation has already commenced in the Kingdom of Lesotho, where three schools have received complete Starlink connectivity packages. These installations include robust computer equipment, a dedicated digital learning platform, digitized national curricula, and comprehensive educator training programs—all designed to create sustainable, measurable educational outcomes.

    Under the agreement, The Digital School will spearhead development and deployment of a full-spectrum digital education ecosystem that transforms satellite connectivity into structured, accredited learning journeys. This encompasses tailored digital curricula, advanced learning platforms, localized educational content, and sustainable capacity-building programs for teachers.

    The signing ceremony was witnessed by Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the World Government Summit and Chairman of The Digital School Board. The agreement was formally executed by Ryan Goodnight, Senior Director of Market Access and Development at SpaceX, and Dr. Waleed Al Ali, Secretary-General of The Digital School.

    Starlink, operating the world’s most sophisticated low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, delivers high-speed broadband capable of supporting advanced educational applications including video streaming, online collaboration, and interactive learning platforms. Engineered and operated by SpaceX—the world’s premier launch service provider with unique orbital-class reusable rocket technology—the system brings unprecedented expertise in spacecraft development and orbital operations to the educational initiative.

    Launched in November 2020 under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, The Digital School holds the distinction of being the first institution of its kind to receive accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The initiative has already made substantial global impact, benefiting over 800,000 learners and training more than 30,000 digital educators across seven languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Sorani-Kurdish, Portuguese, and Bahasa-Indonesia.

  • Lebanon, Jordan seek solutions after Damascus bans non-Syrian trucks

    Lebanon, Jordan seek solutions after Damascus bans non-Syrian trucks

    A sudden regulatory shift by Syrian authorities prohibiting foreign commercial trucks from entering its territory has triggered significant logistical disruptions and prompted urgent diplomatic engagement from neighboring Lebanon and Jordan. The policy directive, enacted on Saturday, mandates that all non-Syrian freight carriers must unload their cargo at designated border zones, effectively barring them from transiting through Syrian road networks.

    Visual evidence from the Masnaa border crossing revealed extensive queues of stranded Lebanese trucks, illustrating the immediate impact of Damascus’s decision. Lebanese transportation official Ahmad Tamer clarified that this measure represents a broader regulatory action rather than a targeted sanction, with approximately 500 Lebanese trucks typically crossing into Syria daily. Concurrently, Jordanian authorities reported similar operational challenges at the Nassib crossing, where roughly 250 Jordanian trucks undergo daily processing.

    The Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs characterized the move as part of ongoing efforts to systematize cargo movement through national ports. However, Lebanese transport associations have voiced strong opposition, warning through official channels about potentially severe economic repercussions given Syria’s critical role as Lebanon’s sole land conduit to Gulf markets.

    This trade disruption occurs against a backdrop of gradual diplomatic normalization. Mere days before the truck ban implementation, Lebanese and Syrian officials finalized an agreement transferring 300 Syrian prisoners from Lebanese to Damascus custody, signaling continued efforts to rebuild bilateral relations despite current trade complications.

  • Will Donroe Doctrine really cut China’s Western Hemisphere clout?

    Will Donroe Doctrine really cut China’s Western Hemisphere clout?

    The Trump administration’s newly unveiled National Security Strategy contains a potentially transformative policy shift that extends beyond its anticipated Asia-focused provisions. While the document’s Asia section reiterates familiar calls for rebalancing trade relations and reducing mutual economic dependence with China, the Western Hemisphere segment introduces what analysts have termed the “Donroe Doctrine”—a more immediate strategic concern for Beijing.

    This doctrine explicitly commits to denying “non-Hemispheric competitors” the ability to position forces, control strategic assets, or maintain threatening capabilities within the Western Hemisphere. Most significantly, it pledges to “make every effort to push out foreign companies that build infrastructure in the region”—a clear reference to China’s substantial investments despite avoiding direct naming.

    China has invested approximately $300 billion in Latin American infrastructure projects, including critical energy assets. Chinese companies currently provide electricity to Lima, Peru, and distribute two-thirds of Chile’s electrical power. The state-owned COSCO’s multi-billion dollar port project in Chancay, Peru—proximate to a U.S.-funded naval base upgrade—represents particularly strategic infrastructure that enhances Brazilian agricultural exports while raising U.S. military intelligence concerns.

    The administration demonstrates seriousness through recent actions, including Panama’s Supreme Court voiding a Hong Kong company’s contract to operate ports at both ends of the Panama Canal following U.S. pressure. The document explicitly references enforcing a modernized Monroe Doctrine to restore American hemispheric preeminence, suggesting willingness to employ force as demonstrated in Venezuela.

    Beijing now faces critical calculations regarding how extensively the U.S. might pursue Chinese divestment from hemispheric infrastructure, and what countermeasures might prove effective against this emerging doctrine that echoes historical imperial prerogatives.