Global Pulse

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  • Your definitive Ramadan 2026 itinerary: What to do, where to go, and what to try across the UAE

    Your definitive Ramadan 2026 itinerary: What to do, where to go, and what to try across the UAE

    As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the United Arab Emirates transforms into a vibrant tapestry of cultural experiences, spiritual gatherings, and unique entertainment offerings. From February through March 2026, residents and visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse array of activities that blend tradition with modern innovation across all seven emirates.

    Adventure seekers can experience Ramadan from unprecedented perspectives with exclusive resident-only offers. Skydive Dubai provides Dh300 discounts on tandem jumps over Palm Jumeirah, complete with photographic documentation of the experience. Simultaneously, XLine Dubai offers discounted rates of Dh600 for their kilometer-long zipline above Dubai Marina, operating during specified daytime slots.

    Cultural enthusiasts will find abundant opportunities for engagement along Dubai Creek. Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza host evening experiences until March 23, featuring traditional cannon firings marking iftar, open-air markets, majlis settings, and spectacular IMAGINE projection shows. The program includes live cultural performances featuring oud, qanun, and Arabic percussion, complemented by lantern parades, drone displays, and complimentary date distributions.

    Sharjah presents its emirate-wide Ramadan Festival through March 25, incorporating football tournaments, youth sports events, Qur’an recitation competitions, and cultural activities across shopping malls and public spaces. The Ramadan Nights exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah offers seasonal discounts and prize drawings alongside pop-up displays from local entrepreneurs.

    Expo City Dubai introduces a relaxed alternative to traditional Ramadan gatherings with its weekend Ramadan Nights at Terra. Operating Saturdays and Sundays from February 21 through March 15, this casual outdoor space features garden settings, games, and simple dining options with entry fees starting at Dh20.

    Dining experiences range from sophisticated waterfront iftars to golf course gatherings. The Banquet Terrace at Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club offers marina views with contemporary Arabic cuisine, while Origins at Vida Emirates Hills provides fairway vistas in a countryside-inspired setting. Multiple hotels including Le Méridien present both traditional and contemporary iftar experiences with prices ranging from Dh175-Dh215 for adults.

    For nighttime sustenance, several establishments offer suhoor services beginning at 10pm. Solara at Address Dubai Mall and Ewaan at Palace Downtown provide set menus and buffets priced around Dh275, featuring live music and Ottoman-inspired atmospheres.

    Luxury accommodations throughout the UAE present special Ramadan packages combining refined stays with iftar experiences. Address Hotels and Resorts and Palace Hotels and Resorts offer curated programs at premium city and coastal locations from February 18 through March 18.

    Culinary innovations include Spill the Bean’s gluten-free millet aseeda with saffron-infused ghee and neighborhood dining options at The Beach, JBR, featuring international cuisines from Indian to Greek. Ladurée’s limited-edition “1001 Nights” collection merges French patisserie artistry with Middle Eastern flavors through specially crafted macarons and pastries.

    Home entertainment receives attention through Lifestyle at Centrepoint’s seasonal collections featuring Ramadan-themed serving ware, decorative items, and ready-made gift sets for hosts seeking to enhance their gatherings with traditional warmth and contemporary style.

  • Declined job offer, planned baby around comeback: How BTS fans are reworking lives for band’s tour

    Declined job offer, planned baby around comeback: How BTS fans are reworking lives for band’s tour

    In an extraordinary display of devotion, BTS fans worldwide are radically reorganizing their personal and professional lives to accommodate the K-pop supergroup’s upcoming ‘Arirang’ world tour. The phenomenon demonstrates the profound influence the seven-member act wields over their global fanbase, known as ARMY.

    Career trajectories are being deliberately altered to synchronize with concert schedules. A recruitment firm in Dubai recently went viral after a candidate from India declined a job offer because the proposed start date conflicted with the tour’s commencement. Juhi Bhatia, founder of the recruitment agency, expressed astonishment at the unprecedented request, noting the overwhelming public support for the candidate’s decision.

    Similarly, Ruth D’Souza, a real estate professional, immediately rejected a job offer when the interviewing manager expressed disdain for BTS and its followers. Another fan, Devika, successfully negotiated an annual week off in June for BTS Festa celebrations by inventing a fictional cat’s birthday—a deception she has maintained for five years.

    The tour’s impact extends beyond career considerations to family and social obligations. Yan Hinolan, organizer of a major UAE fan club, abandoned her role as MC for a meticulously planned three-year high school reunion. Maria Lirio completely restructured a long-anticipated US family vacation to accommodate Baltimore concert dates, while Niveditha persuaded her family to postpone their spring break vacation to avoid conflicting with a Netflix livestream event.

    Perhaps most remarkably, Syeda Nawab Fathima planned her child’s birth through IVF treatment to coincide with BTS member Jin’s military discharge. Having discovered BTS during difficult fertility treatments, she credits the group with providing emotional strength and positive motivation during challenging times.

    This widespread behavior reflects broader shifts in workplace attitudes and personal priorities, with professionals increasingly valuing life experiences and personal well-being alongside career advancement. The BTS phenomenon demonstrates how contemporary fandom transcends traditional entertainment consumption, becoming deeply integrated into personal identity and life planning for millions worldwide.

  • Qatar urges faithful to sight Ramadan crescent on February 17

    Qatar urges faithful to sight Ramadan crescent on February 17

    Qatar’s Crescent Sighting Committee has officially designated Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as the observation day for the Ramadan crescent, marking the 29th of Shaban in the Islamic calendar. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has called upon Muslim citizens to actively participate in the moon sighting effort and report any visual confirmation directly to their headquarters at Dafna Tower for testimony verification.

    The committee will convene immediately following Maghrib prayer to evaluate observational reports. This traditional approach to determining Ramadan’s commencement contrasts with Oman’s methodology, which has already declared Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan based on scientific astronomical data. Oman’s committee stated that astronomical calculations confirm the crescent’s setting before sunset on February 17, making visual observation impossible throughout the Sultanate.

    Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has similarly encouraged public participation in crescent observation on Tuesday evening, implementing digital reporting systems through official electronic channels. The UAE Fatwa Council will commence operations after Maghrib prayer, reviewing submissions from both field observation teams and certified astronomical observatories.

    Astronomers have issued serious safety warnings regarding observation attempts on February 17 due to the moon’s proximity to the sun during a concurrent solar eclipse. The Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomy Centre emphasized that viewing through optical instruments without certified solar filters risks permanent eye damage, including blindness, urging strict adherence to professional safety protocols.

    Saudi Arabia has joined the crescent observation effort, with the Kingdom’s Supreme Court requesting citizens report sightings through judicial channels regardless of observation method. The divergent approaches across Gulf Cooperation Council nations highlight the ongoing balance between traditional religious practices and modern astronomical science in determining Islamic calendar events.

  • Mother of Alexei Navalny says poison finding confirms he was murdered

    Mother of Alexei Navalny says poison finding confirms he was murdered

    Lyudmila Navalnaya, mother of deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, declared that recent international findings confirming her son’s poisoning death have substantiated her long-held conviction that he was assassinated. Her statements came during a Monday visit to his Moscow gravesite, coinciding with the second anniversary of his controversial death in 2024.

    The emotional scene at Borisovskoye cemetery saw dozens of Muscovites and foreign diplomats paying respects, covering Navalny’s grave with floral tributes and handwritten notes expressing enduring remembrance. This gathering occurred despite Russia’s intensifying political repression since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

    On Saturday, the United Kingdom and European allies issued a formal statement asserting that Navalny was killed using a sophisticated poison derived from dart frog toxin, explicitly stating that “only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin.” This assessment aligns with previous laboratory analyses of smuggled biological samples conducted in two unspecified countries, which Navalny’s widow Yulia had cited as evidence of murder.

    The Kremlin has vehemently denied these allegations. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday: “We do not accept such accusations. We consider them biased and unfounded, and we resolutely reject them.” The government maintains that Navalny died of natural causes during his 19-year extremism sentence at the Polar Wolf penal colony above the Arctic Circle.

    Navalny’s political legacy remains significant. As Russia’s most prominent opposition figure, he organized massive anti-corruption campaigns that brought hundreds of thousands onto streets and exposed high-level government corruption. His survival of a 2020 Novichok nerve agent poisoning and subsequent return to Russia—where he was immediately arrested—demonstrated his unwavering commitment to challenging President Vladimir Putin’s regime.

    Since Navalny’s death, his Anti-Corruption Foundation has continued operations under Yulia Navalnaya’s leadership from abroad, though she faces potential arrest in Russia. The exiled Russian opposition movement has struggled with political fragmentation, while many of Navalny’s associates have been imprisoned or fled the country.

  • Dubai Police find suicide was actually hit-and-run after digitally recreating crime scene

    Dubai Police find suicide was actually hit-and-run after digitally recreating crime scene

    Dubai Police have pioneered a revolutionary approach to criminal investigations through the implementation of Digital Twin technology, marking a transformative advancement in forensic science. This cutting-edge system enables investigators to digitally recreate crime scenes with unprecedented accuracy, allowing them to virtually walk through reconstructed environments, analyze evidence in meticulous detail, and test multiple scenarios without physical presence at the location.

    The technology’s capabilities were demonstrated through two complex cases that initially baffled investigators. In the first instance, what appeared to be a delivery driver’s suicide by bridge jumping was revealed through Digital Twin reconstruction to actually be a hit-and-run incident. The digital analysis showed the motorcycle had been struck from behind by another vehicle, causing the fatal fall, while the responsible driver fled the scene.

    A second case involving a parking basement collapse was solved through advanced modeling and load simulation. The Digital Twin system identified that repeated water leakage had compromised reinforced concrete elements, leading to thermal expansion and contraction issues that created uneven stress distribution in supporting columns, ultimately causing the structural failure.

    The Digital Twin operates through three sophisticated phases: comprehensive digital documentation of crime scenes, data enhancement and refinement, and advanced analysis producing intelligent outputs. By integrating 3D scanning, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, the system creates transparent, auditable interactive models that support data-driven decision making.

    According to Brigadier Engineer Senior Expert Rashid Ahmed Lootah, Acting Director of the General Department of Forensic Evidence and Criminology, this technological investment is crucial for enhancing urban safety. The system has already assisted in clarifying approximately 85 incidents, achieving faster analysis, stronger evidence verification, and increased confidence in forensic findings presented in judicial proceedings.

    The project has received prestigious recognition, earning a 7-star rating and the Best Innovative Project award at the International Best Practices Competition IBPC 2025, along with the UAE Ideas Award 2025 in the Smart Government and Digital Transformation category.

  • Chinese American restaurants question why Chinese cuisine can’t get the chef’s table treatment

    Chinese American restaurants question why Chinese cuisine can’t get the chef’s table treatment

    SAN FRANCISCO — The transformation of Chinese cuisine in America represents both a cultural reclamation and a culinary revolution. Taiwan-born chef George Chen, who once concealed his school lunches from mocking classmates, now stands at the helm of China Live—a sophisticated culinary complex showcasing dumpling stations, Peking duck ovens, and artisanal noodle crafts. His journey from childhood embarrassment to culinary authority mirrors a broader movement reshaping perceptions of Chinese gastronomy.

    Across the nation, a new generation of chefs is challenging decades-old stereotypes. In New York’s Hell’s Kitchen, Bolun and Linette Yao’s Michelin-starred Yingtao offers a $150 tasting menu celebrating ‘contemporary Chinese’ elegance. Meanwhile, San Francisco’s culinary landscape features establishments like Empress by Boon and Mister Jiu’s, where traditional techniques meet modern presentation.

    These chefs confront a persistent bias: the expectation that Chinese food must be inexpensive. ‘Why shouldn’t I charge comparable prices?’ Chen challenges, referencing his $188 tasting menus. ‘Just because we’re in Chinatown?’

    The movement draws from deep historical roots. As NYU food studies director Krishnendu Ray explains, Western perceptions of Chinese cuisine have fluctuated with China’s global standing—from coveted luxury goods in the 18th century to stigmatized ‘ethnic food’ during periods of immigration.

    Modern practitioners emphasize technical authenticity over fusion. At Empress by Boon, chef Ho Chee Boon maintains four traditional wok stations with equipment imported from Hong Kong. ‘We keep traditional methods but present them modernly,’ he explains. Emily Yuen, Yingtao’s executive chef, reimagines classic dishes like Cantonese egg tarts with caviar and quail eggs while maintaining culinary integrity.

    This culinary renaissance represents more than gastronomic innovation—it’s a cultural statement about value, identity, and the evolving place of Chinese culture in American society.

  • UAE, India among 13 countries invited to Bangladesh’s Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in

    UAE, India among 13 countries invited to Bangladesh’s Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in

    Dhaka is poised for a significant political transition as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), under the leadership of Chairperson Tarique Rahman, prepares to form a new government following its decisive electoral victory. The swearing-in ceremony for the new cabinet is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, marking a historic shift in the country’s political landscape.

    In a demonstration of diplomatic outreach, Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus has extended invitations to representatives from thirteen nations to witness the inauguration. The guest list includes China, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, reflecting Bangladesh’s commitment to regional engagement.

    The BNP’s foreign policy approach was articulated by party leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan, who emphasized the principle of “friends to all, malice to none” as the guiding vision for international relations. This inclusive stance was further evidenced by the party’s appreciation for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message following their electoral success.

    In a social media post, the BNP acknowledged Modi’s recognition of Rahman’s leadership and expressed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with India. “We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region,” the statement read.

    The February 12, 2026 general election represented a dramatic political realignment, ending the long tenure of Sheikh Hasina’s administration following mass protests in 2024. The BNP secured a commanding majority in the 300-seat parliament, well beyond the 151 seats required to form a government, with the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerging as the primary opposition. The electoral process, which saw approximately 59% voter participation, included a constitutional referendum on governance reforms that passed successfully.

  • Germany will keep supporting Lebanon after UN peacekeepers leave, the German president says

    Germany will keep supporting Lebanon after UN peacekeepers leave, the German president says

    BEIRUT — German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier committed to sustained support for Lebanon’s government during his Monday visit to Beirut, despite Germany’s planned withdrawal from the UN peacekeeping mission along the Lebanon-Israel border later this year.

    Speaking at a presidential palace news conference, Steinmeier emphasized Germany’s ongoing commitment to Lebanese stability even after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) concludes its nearly five-decade mission in southern Lebanon at the end of 2026. The German navy is already engaged in training Lebanese troops as they enhance their presence in the country’s volatile southern regions.

    The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the security vacuum that will follow UNIFIL’s departure. The peacekeeping force, currently numbering approximately 7,500 personnel including 179 Germans, has played a critical role in monitoring regional security throughout various conflicts, including the recent 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah.

    While Steinmeier stated that “Germany will stay by the side of your country to boost state authority” post-UNIFIL, he did not specify the nature of this continued support. German troops currently focused on preventing arms smuggling and assisting with maritime border monitoring are unlikely to remain after the mission concludes.

    Lebanese President Joseph Aoun highlighted the devastating impact of the recent conflict, which killed over 4,000 people in Lebanon and caused an estimated $11 billion in damage according to World Bank figures. Aoun emphasized that Lebanon “bore burdens” of a violent conflict it “did not choose” and can no longer sustain such costs.

    The German president also addressed the delicate peace process, urging progress on disarming Hezbollah—a key component of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that halted fighting in November 2024—and calling for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Aoun separately requested that Germany assume a “main role” in the post-UNIFIL era and pressure Israel to adhere to ceasefire terms, though he notably omitted any mention of Hezbollah’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

  • Search under way for Irish women missing since 1990s

    Search under way for Irish women missing since 1990s

    Irish law enforcement authorities have initiated a comprehensive forensic search operation in the Wicklow-Kildare border region as part of ongoing investigations into the historical disappearances and suspected murders of two young women from the 1990s. The Gardaí (Irish police) confirmed that specialized units would conduct meticulous examinations of designated open terrain, including technical analysis and potential excavation work over subsequent days.

    Josephine “Jo Jo” Dullard, aged 21, vanished on November 9, 1995, after socializing in Dublin and was last seen in Moone, County Kildare. Her case was reclassified from missing persons to murder investigation in 2020. Deirdre Jacob, aged 18, disappeared on July 28, 1998, shortly after being observed crossing the road toward her family residence in Newbridge, County Kildare. Her case received similar reclassification in 2018.

    The operation is being coordinated by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team in collaboration with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, supported by forensic specialists from the Garda National Technical Bureau and local Kildare Division resources. Authorities emphasize maintaining open investigative approaches while utilizing contemporary forensic technologies not previously available during initial investigations.

    Police officials have reiterated appeals for public assistance, urging individuals with potentially relevant information—however insignificant it might appear—to come forward. Families of both victims continue to receive regular updates regarding investigative developments, according to official statements.

  • Producer of hit Israeli TV series ‘Tehran’ dies suddenly in Greece

    Producer of hit Israeli TV series ‘Tehran’ dies suddenly in Greece

    Athens, Greece – The global entertainment industry is mourning the unexpected death of Dana Eden, the acclaimed Israeli producer renowned for co-creating the Emmy Award-winning espionage thriller ‘Tehran.’ She was 52. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN confirmed her passing on Monday.