Global Pulse

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  • Dubai’s driverless taxi service to start operating in March: Sheikh Hamdan

    Dubai’s driverless taxi service to start operating in March: Sheikh Hamdan

    Dubai is poised to inaugurate its groundbreaking autonomous taxi service in March 2026, marking a significant milestone in urban transportation innovation. The initiative, personally endorsed by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will deploy an initial fleet of 100 fully driverless vehicles operated through strategic partnerships between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and three technology leaders: pony.ai, Uber, and Baidu’s Apollo Go.

    The Crown Prince demonstrated his confidence in the technology by personally utilizing a Baidu Apollo Go self-driving vehicle for transportation to the World Governments Summit 2026 at Madinet Jumeirah. Documenting the experience on social media with the caption ‘Hands off. Future On. #SelfDrivingCar,’ Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s commitment to transforming urban mobility. ‘This is only the beginning of our journey to the future. The best is yet to come for Dubai,’ he stated, adding that the future of mobility in the emirate would be ‘smarter, safer, more efficient, and more inclusive.’

    This deployment represents a particularly notable expansion for Baidu’s Apollo Go, marking its first operational venture outside China. The company has announced ambitious plans to scale its Dubai fleet to over 1,000 vehicles in the coming years, signaling long-term commitment to the Middle Eastern market. The initiative reflects Dubai’s comprehensive strategy to position itself as a global leader in smart transportation solutions, incorporating rigorous safety protocols while pioneering next-generation mobility infrastructure that aims to enhance quality of life through sustainable transport innovation.

  • India gold premiums down by half; China demand up ahead of Lunar New Year

    India gold premiums down by half; China demand up ahead of Lunar New Year

    A significant divergence has emerged in Asian gold markets, with premiums in India collapsing from decade-high levels while Chinese demand strengthened ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Market data reveals Indian bullion dealers this week charged premiums of up to $70 per ounce over official domestic prices, representing a dramatic decline from last week’s $153 premium – the highest recorded since December 2013. This sharp contraction follows substantial price volatility that saw domestic gold prices swing between 133,687 rupees and a record 180,779 rupees per 10 grams, creating uncertainty among buyers. Market analysts attribute last week’s premium spike to anticipations of an import duty hike in India’s Union Budget, which ultimately maintained the existing duty structure when presented on February 1. Conversely, China demonstrated robust demand with premiums increasing to $35 per ounce above global benchmark prices, up from $32 the previous week. Regional variations persisted across Asia, with Hong Kong trading at par to $1.70 premiums, Japan offering discounts of $7 to $1 premiums, and Singapore trading at discounts of $0.50 to premiums of $3. Peter Fung, Head of Dealing at Wing Fung Precious Metals, noted that ‘consumers still have interest in buying jewellery on the downside while physical investment demand is very good.’ The market shift comes as spot gold prices have retreated more than 13.5% since hitting a record high of $5,594.82 on January 29. ANZ analyst Soni Kumari observed that ‘the correction in gold and silver prices came at the right time, just before the Chinese New Year,’ potentially stimulating further demand. This market realignment occurs against the backdrop of China’s evolving gold consumption patterns, where 2025 marked the second consecutive annual decline but saw investment products (bars and coins) surpass jewelry purchases for the first time, reflecting growing safe-haven demand among Chinese investors.

  • Guangdong expressway stops become New Year shopping hotspots

    Guangdong expressway stops become New Year shopping hotspots

    Service areas along Guangdong’s expressways have unexpectedly emerged as bustling commercial hubs during the Spring Festival travel period, transforming routine rest stops into vibrant shopping destinations. The phenomenon represents a novel dimension of China’s annual mass migration, where travelers are seizing the opportunity to purchase local specialties while journeying home for Lunar New Year celebrations.

    During the first day of the Spring Festival travel rush alone, two service areas on the Jiangmen-Zhaoqing Expressway reported substantial sales of distinctive regional products. Among the most sought-after items were intricately crafted inkstones, succulent sugar oranges, premium tribute oranges, and specially prepared chickens – all emblematic of Guangdong’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.

    This commercial transformation reflects sophisticated logistical planning by service area operators who have capitalized on the predictable surge in traveler volume. By curating selections of authentic local specialties, these roadside facilities have effectively become mobile marketplaces that connect provincial products with consumers from across the nation.

    The development also illustrates evolving consumer behavior during traditional holidays, where travelers increasingly value convenience and authenticity. Rather than making separate shopping trips, millions are now combining their travel necessities with gift purchasing, effectively optimizing their limited time before family reunions.

    Transportation analysts note that this trend represents an innovative commercialization of infrastructure that typically serves purely functional purposes. The service areas’ strategic positioning along major travel corridors has enabled them to capture a captive market of homebound travelers seeking meaningful gifts and culinary specialties from the region they’re passing through.

  • Video platform hit with fine by Beijing cyberspace authorities

    Video platform hit with fine by Beijing cyberspace authorities

    Chinese regulatory authorities have levied a substantial penalty against leading short-video platform Kuaishou for systemic failures in content moderation and cybersecurity protocols. The Beijing Cyberspace Administration disclosed on Friday a fine totaling 119.1 million yuan ($17.16 million) following an extensive investigation into the platform’s operations.

    The regulatory action was initiated after authorities detected a significant increase in livestreamed content violating China’s strict internet decency standards. The investigation revealed critical deficiencies in Kuaishou’s compliance framework, including inadequate response to security vulnerabilities and insufficient mechanisms for removing prohibited content in accordance with China’s cybersecurity legislation.

    In an official statement, the administration characterized these operational failures as severe violations with substantial negative social impact. The penalty amount was determined based on the gravity of infractions and calculated according to statutory provisions within China’s internet governance framework.

    The regulatory body reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous enforcement of digital content policies, emphasizing that all online platforms must prioritize cybersecurity measures and maintain legally compliant operating environments. Authorities urged industry participants to strengthen internal governance systems and assume greater responsibility for protecting user rights and public interests.

    Kuaishou responded with a formal apology acknowledging deficiencies in risk management, security infrastructure, and internal control mechanisms. The platform indicated it has implemented corrective measures addressing these shortcomings and committed to enhancing its compliance protocols and governance structures. Company representatives stated they have derived significant lessons from the incident and will intensify efforts to balance platform development with regulatory obligations.

  • High-stakes talks between US, Iran kick off in Oman as confrontation looms

    High-stakes talks between US, Iran kick off in Oman as confrontation looms

    Muscat has emerged as the critical diplomatic arena where United States and Iranian officials commenced high-stakes negotiations on Friday, attempting to bridge substantial divides regarding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The Omani-mediated discussions unfold against a backdrop of heightened military posturing and mutual threats that risk triggering broader regional conflict.

    Washington’s diplomatic approach, articulated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seeks to expand the agenda beyond nuclear matters to encompass Iran’s ballistic missile program, regional proxy networks, and domestic human rights record. This comprehensive stance contrasts sharply with Tehran’s insistence that talks exclusively address nuclear issues, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasizing Iran’s “open eyes and steady memory” regarding past agreements.

    The negotiation dynamics feature complex shuttle diplomacy, with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Presidential advisor Jared Kushner engaging Omani intermediaries before potential direct discussions. This cautious approach reflects the profound mistrust between nations, exacerbated by recent military actions including US strikes on Iranian nuclear targets during June’s joint operations with Israel.

    Iran’s strategic position combines defensive rhetoric with demonstrated military capability, recently showcasing its advanced Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missiles in underground facilities. While Tehran maintains an uncompromising stance regarding its missile program as a fundamental defense component, officials indicate potential flexibility regarding uranium enrichment levels and possible consortium arrangements for nuclear materials.

    The shadow of former President Trump’s threats looms over negotiations, with current administration officials acknowledging multiple options beyond diplomacy. Iranian responses include warnings to Gulf neighbors hosting US bases that they could become targets in any military confrontation, highlighting the high-risk nature of these discussions.

    Regional stakeholders closely monitor developments, with Israel characterizing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs as existential threats. Meanwhile, Iran’s regional influence has diminished following conflicts in Gaza and Syria, potentially affecting its negotiating leverage. The outcome of these talks carries implications for global non-proliferation efforts and Middle East stability, with the international community awaiting evidence of tangible progress toward de-escalation.

  • Flying over water? Abu Dhabi to roll out Seagliders for faster emirate-wide travel

    Flying over water? Abu Dhabi to roll out Seagliders for faster emirate-wide travel

    Abu Dhabi is poised to revolutionize coastal transportation through the introduction of cutting-edge Seaglider technology, marking a significant advancement in sustainable mobility solutions. The ambitious initiative, targeting full operational deployment by 2028, will implement fully electric, zero-emission vessels capable of gliding above water surfaces at high speeds.

    The groundbreaking project emerged from a strategic agreement signed between key governmental and private entities including the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and VERSA Advanced Maritime Services. This collaboration represents a comprehensive effort to enhance maritime connectivity while maintaining environmental sustainability.

    Initial operational phases will concentrate on establishing routes connecting Abu Dhabi City with the Al Dhafra Region, with subsequent expansion planned throughout the emirate and broader UAE territories. VERSA, distinguished as the nation’s inaugural Seaglider operator, has been developing this visionary transportation concept since 2022.

    The partnership encompasses extensive feasibility studies and market analyses examining operational, commercial, and environmental dimensions of Seaglider implementation. These Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect craft will be integrated into Abu Dhabi’s transportation network through carefully designed operational models aligned with the emirate’s tourism development objectives.

    Sheikha Alyazia Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairperson and Owner of VERSA Advanced Maritime Services, emphasized the transformative nature of the project: “Our vision extends beyond merely introducing new vessels—we’re fundamentally reimagining coastal mobility paradigms for the nation. This partnership enables us to convert innovation into practical infrastructure that is environmentally clean, operationally efficient, and specifically tailored for the emirates’ unique requirements.”

    Tourism officials highlighted the dual benefits of enhanced connectivity and environmental responsibility. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated: “By adopting advanced eco-friendly mobility solutions like Seagliders, we’re not only improving transportation networks but also demonstrating our commitment to sustainable development while delivering exceptional experiences for residents and international visitors alike.”

    Transport authorities confirmed the initiative’s alignment with broader smart mobility strategies. Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, noted: “This agreement represents a crucial advancement in expanding intelligent, sustainable transportation across multiple domains. We’re establishing foundational frameworks for innovative, low-emission services that will improve connectivity while minimizing the ecological impact of marine transportation systems.”

  • Suspect in deadly 2012 Benghazi attack in custody, officials say

    Suspect in deadly 2012 Benghazi attack in custody, officials say

    The United States Department of Justice has achieved a significant breakthrough in its decade-long investigation into the 2012 Benghazi terrorist attack with the apprehension and transfer of a primary suspect to American soil. Zubayr Al-Bakoush, identified as a central operative in the assault that killed four Americans, arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland under heavy security early Friday morning.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the successful operation during a press conference, flanked by FBI Director Kash Patel and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Al-Bakoush now faces eight federal charges, including two counts of murder for the deaths of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and State Department information specialist Sean Smith. The indictment further includes charges of attempted murder, arson, and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.

    The capture represents a coordinated international effort involving multiple US agencies and foreign partners. FBI Director Patel emphasized the interagency nature of the operation, noting that ‘no single agency alone could execute such a complex apprehension, capture, and foreign transfer of custody.’ The mission deployed special tactical assets alongside FBI agents and medical personnel, though officials declined to specify the location from which Al-Bakoush was transferred.

    Prosecutors revealed that charges against Al-Bakoush were initially filed under seal in 2015, with the indictment only recently becoming public. The 2012 attack, which occurred on the anniversary of 9/11, resulted in the deaths of four Americans: Ambassador Stevens, Sean Smith, and former Navy SEALs Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, who were serving as security contractors.

    The Benghazi attack created substantial political controversy during the Obama administration, with particular scrutiny directed at then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding security preparedness and response timing. Al-Bakoush becomes the third individual prosecuted for roles in the attack, following the 2017 conviction of Ahmed Abu Khattala and the 2019 sentencing of Mustafa al-Imam to over 19 years in prison.

    Attorney General Bondi concluded the announcement with a firm message to remaining fugitives: ‘An arrest might not happen overnight, but it will happen. You can run, but you cannot hide.’

  • Activists to launch ‘largest’ aid flotilla to break Gaza siege in March

    Activists to launch ‘largest’ aid flotilla to break Gaza siege in March

    In a significant escalation of maritime humanitarian efforts, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) coalition has announced plans to dispatch its largest aid convoy to the Gaza Strip next month. The mission, organized as a direct response to what participants describe as a humanitarian catastrophe, will deploy approximately 100 vessels carrying over 1,000 international activists from various professional backgrounds.

    The flotilla is scheduled to depart from Barcelona on March 29, with a simultaneous land-based aid convoy originating from Asia. The initiative brings together medical personnel, educators, engineers, and human rights investigators in what organizers characterize as a coordinated nonviolent action against the ongoing siege and widespread suffering in Gaza.

    Saif Abukeshek, a member of the GSF steering committee, framed the mission in ideological terms, stating: “This is the enemy we are confronting. It is not a person, but a way of life that determines the future of other nations.”

    The effort has garnered substantial international support, including endorsement from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who committed his nation’s direct involvement during a January announcement. “We will mobilize all efforts to help and defend the rights of the Palestinian people,” Ibrahim declared, emphasizing that “justice can no longer be delayed.”

    The announcement was formally made during a gathering in Johannesburg attended by Mandla Mandela, grandson of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela, adding symbolic weight to the initiative.

    This undertaking follows a previous GSF mission in August that managed to approach within 200 nautical miles of Gaza before being intercepted by Israeli forces. Approximately 40 boats carrying 450 activists were detained during that operation, with participants subsequently reporting physical mistreatment and verbal abuse during detention. Activists also documented communications interference and surveillance by Israeli naval vessels and drones throughout their journey.

    Maritime challenges to Israel’s naval blockade date back to 2008, with most attempts since 2010 resulting in Israeli interceptions. The most deadly confrontation occurred in 2010 when Israeli forces boarded a flotilla, resulting in ten activist fatalities and dozens injured. Israel subsequently issued an apology in 2013 for what it termed “operational mistakes” during that incident.

  • David Stern: Epstein’s source who sat next to the queen, sent him lewd messages and brokered deals

    David Stern: Epstein’s source who sat next to the queen, sent him lewd messages and brokered deals

    Newly unsealed court documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case have uncovered the extensive dual role of German-born investor David Stern, who simultaneously served as a trusted associate within British royal circles while maintaining a close operational relationship with the convicted sex offender. The revelations present a complex web of connections that challenges previous understandings of Epstein’s infiltration into elite social networks.

    Stern, a 48-year-old financier now residing in the United Arab Emirates, appears thousands of times in the recently released Epstein files, positioning him as what investigators now describe as Epstein’s ‘unofficial ambassador’ to the royal family. His access to Prince Andrew’s inner circle was so substantial that he obtained directorial positions at two prestigious royal-affiliated institutions: St George’s House trust within Windsor Castle (from which he resigned in 2022) and Andrew’s entrepreneurial initiative Pitch@Palace (resigned in 2019).

    The documents reveal Stern’s multifaceted relationship with Epstein extended from at least 2009 through 2018, continuing even after Epstein’s first conviction for sex crimes. Their communications included sexually explicit material, with Stern sending photographs of nude women and organizing travel arrangements for unidentified women between London and Paris at Epstein’s request. In one particularly revealing 2014 exchange, Stern conveyed birthday wishes to Epstein from Prince Andrew alongside a photograph of champagne being poured over a naked woman’s body.

    Stern’s business dealings with Epstein were equally extensive. He repeatedly pitched China-focused investment opportunities, attempted to facilitate Epstein’s visa application to China (which was denied due to his criminal record), and proposed Epstein purchase the luxury Dukes hotel near Buckingham Palace—complete with suggestions for installing a ‘playroom.’ Their correspondence also shows Stern acting as an intermediary between Epstein and powerful figures including former Labour minister Peter Mandelson and Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

    Perhaps most significantly, Stern served as a reporting channel between royal activities and Epstein, providing updates on Prince Andrew’s movements, business dealings, and personal affairs. He organized aspects of Andrew’s official trips to China and Malaysia while explicitly stating in a 2011 email that he preferred to ‘stay in the background/hidden, just make the arrangements.’

    The documents reveal Stern maintained his royal connections even after Epstein’s 2019 death, remaining on the board of St George’s House until 2022. His proximity to the highest levels of the establishment was demonstrated by his seating position directly next to Queen Elizabeth during a 2016 event at St James’s Palace.

    These revelations come amid ongoing fallout for Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations in 2022 and has recently been forced to relocate from his Royal Lodge residence. The files suggest Epstein’s connections within British elite circles were more institutionalized and operationally active than previously understood, with Stern acting as a key conduit between the disgraced financier and the highest levels of British society.

  • Industry leaders convene to address infrastructure safety and intelligence at Safe Dubai 2026

    Industry leaders convene to address infrastructure safety and intelligence at Safe Dubai 2026

    Dubai prepares to host industry pioneers at the Safe Dubai 2026 forum on February 13th, where infrastructure intelligence and safety will take center stage during the UAE’s unprecedented construction expansion. The event, organized by geotechnical monitoring leader Encardio Rite, arrives as the nation’s construction sector projects remarkable growth reaching $130.8 billion by 2029.

    The one-day conference at Grand Hyatt Dubai will convene senior experts to address critical challenges in urban development, focusing specifically on how monitoring data and intelligent systems can enhance safety protocols, optimize intervention strategies, and strengthen lifecycle management decisions across large-scale projects.

    Professor Kenichi Soga from University of California, Berkeley will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights from global infrastructure projects and examining how integrated monitoring systems combined with engineering expertise are reshaping real-world decision-making processes.

    Arushi Bhalla, Managing Director of Encardio Rite Group, emphasized the industry’s evolution: “We’ve progressed beyond mere data collection into predictive, intelligence-driven asset management. The contemporary challenge lies not in data accessibility but in our capacity to interpret complex information in ways that genuinely enhance safety, performance, and long-term infrastructure outcomes.”

    The forum’s timing proves particularly relevant given McKinsey’s staggering findings: global construction inefficiencies cost approximately $1.6 trillion annually, largely attributable to limited visibility and fragmented operational insights. As infrastructure systems grow increasingly complex and interconnected, the imperative for data-driven decision-making becomes ever more critical.

    Safe Dubai 2026 aims to establish a collaborative platform where industry professionals can develop strategies to transform monitoring data into measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and accountability across the built environment. Registration remains open for professionals seeking to engage with these transformative discussions.