Global Pulse

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  • Iconic P-pop legends SB Girls to bring world tour to Abu Dhabi; tickets now on sale

    Iconic P-pop legends SB Girls to bring world tour to Abu Dhabi; tickets now on sale

    The iconic Filipino pop ensemble SexBomb Girls, widely recognized as SB Girls or SBG, has officially confirmed Abu Dhabi as a destination on their highly anticipated worldwide reunion tour. The legendary group, which dominated Asian music charts throughout the 2000s, will perform at 321 Sports, Al Hudayriyat open grounds on March 28, 2026.

    Tickets for the historic concert became available on February 8 through organizer ProXperts UAE, with pricing structured across three tiers: General Admission at AED 299, Golden Circle at AED 499, and VIP experiences at AED 899. The premium VIP package guarantees front-stage proximity, while Golden Circle offers placement within the high-energy audience section nearest the performance area.

    Founded in 1999 by choreographer Joy Cancio, SexBomb Girls initially gained prominence as featured dancers on the popular variety program ‘Eat Bulaga!’ before transitioning into recording artists. The collective achieved extraordinary commercial success with four multi-platinum studio albums, establishing themselves as the Philippines’ preeminent girl group years before K-pop’s international breakthrough.

    The group’s signature performance style, characterized by infectious choreography and their legendary ‘Get Get Aww’ catchphrase, remains deeply embedded in Filipino popular culture. While rumors suggest potential additional performances in Dubai, no official dates have been confirmed through authorized ticketing platforms.

    For the substantial Filipino expatriate community residing in the UAE, particularly millennials who grew up with the group’s music, this concert represents a profound nostalgic experience. The international tour provides overseas fans with a rare opportunity to reconnect with a foundational element of their youth culture.

    Ticket registration and purchases are being processed exclusively through the Festival AccessPass portal at https://festival.accesspass.ae/, where registered users receive direct purchase links.

  • Ramadan 2026: How UAE schools adjust timetables to support fasting students

    Ramadan 2026: How UAE schools adjust timetables to support fasting students

    Educational institutions across the United Arab Emirates are implementing comprehensive adjustments to academic schedules and activities in preparation for Ramadan 2026, anticipated to commence around February 19 subject to moon sighting confirmation. These strategic modifications prioritize the physical and emotional wellbeing of fasting students while maintaining educational continuity.

    In Dubai, numerous schools have established a framework limiting instructional hours to approximately five per day. Credence High School CEO-Principal Deepika Thapar Singh emphasized the institution’s adherence to KHDA guidelines, noting that while academic lessons continue through engaging classroom activities, fasting students receive exemptions from physical education. These students instead participate in supervised alternatives including library sessions, reflective activities, and light academic support.

    Abu Dhabi institutions are adopting similarly flexible approaches. GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi offers families multiple timetable options to accommodate individual health requirements, sleep patterns, and family circumstances. Principal Shahina Ahmad OBE clarified that while daily duration is reduced, the exact cap remains fluid and aligned with official guidance. Notably, the school maintains physical education participation through adapted programming focusing on theoretical components and non-strenuous activities rather than complete exemption.

    Dewvale School has implemented a condensed schedule from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with Principal Seema Umar emphasizing the balance between academic rigor and student welfare. The institution will maintain in-person learning on Fridays throughout Ramadan, with Abu Dhabi schools potentially reducing Friday schedules to approximately four hours to accommodate family routines and declining energy levels late in the week.

    Beyond schedule adjustments, schools are creating dedicated quiet spaces for rest and reflection, while enhancing communication with families through workshops, newsletters, and circulars. These resources provide practical guidance for supporting first-time fasters, including nutritional advice, sleep management strategies, and emotional reassurance techniques. Institutions like Diyafah International School offer exempt students alternative activities including quiet reading, academic assignments, and supervised study sessions in designated calm environments.

    The comprehensive approach demonstrates the UAE education sector’s commitment to cultural sensitivity, student welfare, and academic continuity during the holy month, fostering environments of empathy and inclusivity for all students regardless of their fasting status.

  • Malinin, Minion and Milan’s most emotional moment

    Malinin, Minion and Milan’s most emotional moment

    MILANO ICE SKATING ARENA – The men’s figure skating short program at the Winter Olympics delivered a spectacular blend of athletic brilliance and profound human emotion on Tuesday evening, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion on Friday.

    American phenom Ilia Malinin, known globally as the ‘Quad God,’ delivered a commanding performance that solidified his gold medal aspirations. Despite opting out of his signature quad axel, Malinin executed a technically sublime routine featuring a quad flip and quad lutz – two of the sport’s most challenging elements. His flawless execution earned a dominant score of 108.16, establishing a significant five-point lead over his closest competitor. The 21-year-old champion entered the rink with palpable intensity, shadowboxing toward cameras before delivering what commentators described as his most complete Olympic performance to date.

    Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, widely considered Malinin’s primary rival for the podium, encountered a critical slip during his triple axel attempt. The error proved costly, leaving him in second position with 103.07 points. France’s Adam Siao Him Fa delivered an impressive performance to claim third with 102.55 points, while Italian hopeful Daniel Grassl remained in medal contention with 93.46 points.

    The evening’s most poignant moment came from American skater Maxim Naumov, who channeled personal tragedy into an inspirational Olympic debut. Just over one year after losing both parents in a devastating plane crash that claimed 67 lives, including 28 members of the U.S. skating community, Naumov delivered a technically solid performance despite a minor error on his triple axel. The 24-year-old concluded his routine on his knees, tearfully gazing skyward as the arena erupted in applause. His season-best score of 85.65 secured his advancement to Friday’s free skate. Naumov emotionally displayed a childhood photograph with his parents – both former world champion pairs skaters – explaining the image remains constantly with him as a source of strength.

    In a lighter Olympic moment, Spain’s Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate brought his signature Minion-themed routine to the Games following resolved copyright disputes. Despite the enthusiastic crowd response to his yellow T-shirt and blue overalls, the fan-favorite skater encountered technical difficulties that resulted in a 25th-place finish with 69.80 points.

    The competition concludes Friday with Malinin positioned as the final skater in the free program order, seeking to extend his undefeated competitive streak that has spanned nearly two and a half years.

  • APIL Properties launches AI agent to transform property search in the UAE

    APIL Properties launches AI agent to transform property search in the UAE

    In a significant technological advancement for the UAE real estate sector, APIL Properties has officially launched an artificial intelligence agent designed to transform property search and investment processes. This innovative solution, which debuted on February 10, 2026, employs sophisticated algorithms to create personalized property matching experiences for buyers and investors.

    The AI-driven system analyzes multiple parameters including buyer preferences, financial constraints, and lifestyle requirements to generate tailored property recommendations. The platform enables users to browse available listings, arrange property viewings, and receive real-time suggestions through an intuitive digital interface. This technological integration aims to streamline the traditionally complex property acquisition process, particularly in high-demand areas such as Palm Jebel Ali, where substantial investment returns are anticipated.

    Adil Raza Khan, Chief Executive Officer of APIL Properties, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing customer experience: “Our fundamental objective has consistently been to simplify property investment for our clientele. The introduction of our AI agent empowers residents and investors to identify their perfect properties with unprecedented speed, supported by customized insights aligned with their specific requirements.”

    The AI agent is currently accessible through the official APIL Properties website, demonstrating the company’s strategic commitment to merging technological innovation with established real estate expertise. This development occurs amid Dubai’s ongoing property market expansion, positioning APIL Properties as an industry pioneer in implementing cutting-edge solutions for modern property seekers and investment professionals.

  • Israeli weapons ‘evaporate’ thousands of Palestinians in Gaza: Investigation

    Israeli weapons ‘evaporate’ thousands of Palestinians in Gaza: Investigation

    An in-depth investigation by Al Jazeera has uncovered disturbing evidence that Israeli forces are deploying internationally prohibited thermal and thermobaric weapons in Gaza, resulting in the complete vaporization of thousands of Palestinian bodies. The findings reveal a systematic pattern of destruction that extends beyond conventional warfare tactics.

    According to documentation from Gaza’s civil defense teams, over 2,800 cases of Palestinians have been recorded as vanished since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023. The Al Jazeera Arabic programme ‘The Rest of the Story’ reported that these individuals have effectively evaporated, leaving behind only minimal biological traces—fragments of flesh, blood specks on walls, or mere ash.

    The scale of destruction in Gaza is unprecedented, with approximately 90% of the territory’s infrastructure reduced to rubble. Israeli combat engineers have methodically demolished countless homes through controlled explosions, while armored bulldozers have systematically leveled entire neighborhoods, including schools, businesses, and medical facilities.

    Weapons experts and ground testimonies attribute the phenomenon of human vaporization to Israel’s deployment of US-supplied thermal munitions, commonly referred to as vacuum or aerosol bombs. These weapons generate extreme temperatures exceeding 3,500 degrees Celsius (6,332 degrees Fahrenheit)—far beyond water’s boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius. The intense heat is produced by tritonal, a mixture of TNT and aluminum powder used in American-made bombs.

    Civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal explained the meticulous verification process: ‘When a family reports five people were inside a structure, and we recover only three intact bodies, we classify the remaining two as evaporated only after exhaustive searches yield nothing but biological evidence.’

    Munir al-Bursh, Director General of Gaza’s Palestinian Ministry of Health, confirmed the scientific plausibility of vaporization, noting that human bodies—composed of 80% water—would inevitably turn to ash when exposed to such extreme temperatures.

    The investigation identified specific US-manufactured munitions deployed in Gaza, including the MK-84 ‘Hammer’, BLU-109 bunker buster, and GBU-39 small diameter bomb. Notably, the BLU-109 was reportedly used in an attack on al-Mawasi—an area Israel had previously designated as a ‘safe zone’—resulting in the vaporization of 22 Palestinians in September 2024.

    In late November, Hamas called for an international committee to investigate Israel’s use of prohibited weapons, citing horrific testimonies from citizens and doctors in northern Gaza. The Palestinian movement accused Israel’s ‘terrorist occupation army’ of deploying internationally banned munitions that cause bodily vaporization.

    The human cost continues to mount, with current figures indicating over 72,037 fatalities and nearly complete destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, creating one of the most severe humanitarian crises in modern conflict.

  • Colombia’s president urges court to allow raising taxes by decree as floods hit northern region

    Colombia’s president urges court to allow raising taxes by decree as floods hit northern region

    BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombian President Gustavo Petro has formally petitioned the nation’s Constitutional Court to reverse its suspension of an economic emergency decree that would empower his administration to implement tax increases without legislative approval. The urgent appeal comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis triggered by catastrophic flooding in northern Colombia.

    During a televised Cabinet session on Tuesday, President Petro emphasized the critical need for immediate funding to address the devastation across Sucre and Córdoba provinces, where unprecedented rainfall has claimed at least 14 lives and displaced approximately 69,000 residents. The government requires tens of millions of dollars for comprehensive recovery operations.

    “The most favorable outcome would be the revocation of the decree’s suspension,” Petro stated, highlighting the financial challenges confronting reconstruction efforts. This marks the administration’s second attempt to secure additional revenue streams after Congress rejected a proposed $4 billion tax reform package last year.

    In late December, during judicial recess, Petro enacted the emergency decree citing multiple pressing needs—including countering escalating drone attacks by rebel groups against military installations and resolving outstanding healthcare provider debts. The Constitutional Court suspended the decree in January, contesting the characterization of these circumstances as unforeseen emergencies.

    Interior Minister Armando Benedetti reinforced the administration’s position, asserting that “if the court lifts the suspension, we will obtain essential resources to manage this crisis effectively.”

    Meteorological authorities attribute the flooding to two Caribbean cold fronts that produced exceptional rainfall and winds, with certain northern regions experiencing a month’s precipitation within one week. In Montería, Córdoba’s capital, residents navigated submerged streets by canoe to salvage water-damaged possessions.

    Local resident Rodolfo Ortega described the extensive property damage: “Numerous household items have deteriorated beyond salvage. We’ve primarily recovered only clothing.”

    The court’s decision will determine whether the government can bypass legislative channels to finance both disaster response and previously identified security and healthcare priorities.

  • Switzerland Tourism releases creative video ahead of Chinese New Year

    Switzerland Tourism releases creative video ahead of Chinese New Year

    In a strategic move to capture the Chinese travel market, Switzerland Tourism has launched an innovative promotional video titled “Gallop to Switzerland!” timed with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. The campaign creatively merges traditional Chinese cultural symbols with Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes and transportation experiences.

    The visually striking production features two actresses placing traditional Chinese New Year elements—including red lanterns, intricate paper-cut window decorations, spring festival couplets, and symbolic Chinese knots—against the backdrop of Switzerland’s most picturesque destinations. These include the snow-covered peaks of Zermatt, the majestic Jungfrau region, Mount Pilatus, and Mount Titlis, alongside breathtaking journeys aboard the renowned Bernina and Glacier Express rail routes.

    Daniela Chiani, Director for Greater China at Switzerland Tourism, explained the cultural significance behind the campaign during a Beijing promotional event. “The horse holds profound symbolism in both our cultures,” she noted. “In Chinese tradition, it represents diligence and ambition, while in Switzerland it embodies courage and exploratory spirit. This dual meaning provides the perfect metaphor for our 2026 marketing strategy.”

    The initiative has received strong diplomatic support from the Swiss embassy in China. Felix Schwendimann, Counselor and Head of the Culture and Media Section, emphasized the video’s role in fostering bilateral understanding. “This creative presentation offers Chinese audiences a glimpse into Switzerland’s unique charm while conveying our nation’s welcoming spirit,” he stated. Schwendimann further highlighted tourism’s crucial role in strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries, noting that true travel experiences extend beyond scenery to include cultural immersion and personal connections.

    The campaign launch coincides with encouraging tourism statistics. Media reports indicate Chinese tourists recorded approximately 1.071 million overnight stays in Switzerland from January to October last year, representing a 5.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth trajectory underscores the importance of the Chinese market to Switzerland’s tourism industry and validates targeted cultural marketing approaches.

  • Al Zahra Hospital Dubai introduces advanced photon-counting CT technology

    Al Zahra Hospital Dubai introduces advanced photon-counting CT technology

    Al Zahra Hospital Dubai has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in medical imaging by deploying the NAEOTOM Alpha photon-counting computed tomography system from Siemens Healthineers. This state-of-the-art installation represents the first implementation of this revolutionary technology in the United Arab Emirates, significantly advancing the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities.

    Unlike conventional CT systems that utilize energy-integrating detectors, photon-counting technology operates by detecting and quantifying individual X-ray photons. This innovative approach generates exceptionally high-resolution images with substantially reduced noise interference while simultaneously enabling spectral imaging during every scan. The system’s sophisticated architecture permits superior differentiation between various biological materials including iodine, calcium, and soft tissues within a single imaging session, eliminating the necessity for additional specialized protocols.

    A particularly noteworthy advantage of this cutting-edge technology is its ability to deliver superior image quality while reducing radiation exposure by up to 30% compared to traditional CT systems. This radiation reduction proves especially beneficial for pediatric patients, cardiac imaging cases, and individuals requiring recurrent follow-up examinations. Furthermore, the system incorporates contrast dose optimization features that provide significant advantages for patients with renal impairments or other contraindications to contrast agents.

    In cardiovascular applications, the photon-counting CT demonstrates exceptional capability in imaging challenging coronary cases that previously posed diagnostic difficulties. Patients with extensive coronary calcification, elevated body mass indices, or higher heart rates can now be evaluated with unprecedented clarity. The technology’s enhanced spatial resolution enables more accurate assessment of coronary artery disease and facilitates improved treatment planning strategies.

    The system’s rapid acquisition speed and artificial intelligence-integrated software support make it particularly valuable in neurovascular emergencies. For stroke patients, the technology enables comprehensive evaluation of cerebral vasculature and perfusion within critical timeframes, potentially accelerating life-saving clinical decisions.

    Beyond cardiology and neurology, the technology offers substantial benefits across multiple medical specialties including orthopedics, oncology, and abdominal imaging. The system provides exceptional visualization of complex fractures, orthopedic implants, malignant tumors, and intricate lesions, often accomplishing comprehensive assessment through a single scanning procedure.

    Dr. Amr Aly, Chief Medical Officer at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, emphasized the strategic importance of this advancement: ‘This technology deployment exemplifies our commitment to integrating world-class diagnostic solutions that enhance both clinical accuracy and patient safety. The photon-counting CT system represents a paradigm shift in medical imaging that will benefit numerous patient populations across our healthcare ecosystem.’

    This technological implementation aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to establish itself as a preeminent global healthcare destination, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a regional center for specialized medical care and cutting-edge technological innovation in the healthcare sector.

  • Oman announces working hours of public, private sector employees in Ramadan

    Oman announces working hours of public, private sector employees in Ramadan

    The Sultanate of Oman has officially unveiled its revised work schedule for both public and private sector employees in anticipation of Ramadan 2026. The holy month is projected to commence on either February 18 or 19, contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon on February 17.

    In alignment with practices across the Muslim world, which commonly adjust professional schedules to accommodate spiritual observances and family time during fasting, Oman has implemented specific guidelines. For administrative personnel within the State apparatus, the official daily work period will be condensed to five hours, effective from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

    Entities operating under a flexible hours system will grant unit heads the autonomy to designate employee attendance and departure times. This scheduling must align with operational requirements, with a permissible window spanning from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Work hours will be calculated based on actual attendance.

    Regarding remote work arrangements, unit leaders are authorized to select employees eligible for telecommuting, ensuring no disruption to workflow. A mandatory stipulation requires that at least 50% of the total workforce be physically present at their workplaces at any given time.

    A significant directive for the private sector mandates a reduction to a maximum of six working hours per day for Muslim employees. This translates to a weekly cap of 30 hours for the duration of Ramadan, facilitating greater participation in religious and familial activities.

  • How Dubai uses VR headsets to help kids relax during treatment

    How Dubai uses VR headsets to help kids relax during treatment

    Dubai Health is spearheading a transformative approach to healthcare through its newly established Centre for Innovation and Technology, deploying cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient experiences and clinical outcomes. The 2,000-square-meter innovation hub serves as the core of this initiative, focusing on converting healthcare challenges into practical, technology-driven solutions.

    A flagship program utilizes virtual reality (VR) headsets to alleviate anxiety and pain in pediatric patients undergoing frequent blood procedures, such as those at the thalassemia center. According to Yacine Hadjiat, Director of the Centre, clinicians reported significant anxiety in young patients during cannulation. The immersive VR experience effectively distracts children, reducing their focus on medical needles and creating a more relaxed treatment environment. This program has already been trialed on over 100 patients and is expanding to emergency and mental health departments across multiple hospitals.

    Beyond VR applications, the innovation center is executing a comprehensive redesign of patient journeys. Through collaboration with clinicians, staff, and medical students, more than 90 improvement projects have been identified to address pain points from registration to waiting times. Enhancements include streamlined digital access via the Dubai Health app, where patients pre-upload information to facilitate seamless clinic visits, and physical redesigns of clinical spaces to reduce stress.

    The center operates through four specialized laboratories focusing on human-centered design, data and artificial intelligence, sensors and wearables, and extended reality technologies.

    Looking toward the future, Dubai Health is advancing a groundbreaking research initiative named Pain Detect, funded by the Dubai Future Foundation’s 2024 RDI grant. This project aims to develop an AI-powered wearable system that objectively measures pain through physiological signals, moving beyond subjective patient descriptions. This technology could revolutionize care for non-communicative patients, including children and intensive care occupants, establishing a new global standard in pain management.