Global Pulse

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  • Building a tower in 12 days, near bankruptcy: Emaar founder shares lessons in success

    Building a tower in 12 days, near bankruptcy: Emaar founder shares lessons in success

    Prominent Emirati entrepreneur Mohammed Al Abbar, founder of Emaar Properties, delivered a remarkably candid address at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, blending humorous anecdotes with profound business insights drawn from both his spectacular successes and costly failures.

    Al Abbar revealed a groundbreaking development in construction technology stemming from a direct mandate from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The President instructed him to investigate revolutionary Chinese construction capabilities, resulting in Al Abbar’s discovery of factory-based high-rise production achieving what he described as ‘mind-blowing’ results—a 15-story tower assembled in merely 12 days.

    This transformative technology utilizes advanced prefabrication, robotics, and automated processes that not only dramatically accelerate construction timelines but also offer significantly enhanced sustainability compared to conventional methods. Al Abbar highlighted that this innovation is already being implemented in Abu Dhabi, with expectations that mass adoption will substantially reduce costs.

    Beyond technological advancements, Al Abbar shared hard-earned financial wisdom, particularly emphasizing the dangers of debt accumulation. ‘Don’t borrow,’ he cautioned attendees, reflecting on his own near-bankruptcy experience during his 1997 retail operations in Singapore. ‘Borrowing injured me deeply. I minimized my borrowing to the maximum, and that saved me all my life,’ he stated, noting the particular importance of this approach in today’s volatile global economy.

    The visionary behind iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa also discussed Emaar’s costly missteps, including a failed expansion into the US market that resulted in over $1 billion in losses but provided invaluable lessons. He stressed that innovation must be coupled with humility and relentless effort, emphasizing that success is never guaranteed regardless of past achievements.

    Al Abbar concluded with empowering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: ‘You are not going to do everything right. Failing is also learning. The real question is whether you can stand up again.’ His presentation formed part of the three-day 1 Billion Followers Summit, one of the world’s largest gatherings for content creators, hosted across Emirates Towers, the Museum of the Future, and DIFC.

  • Why the UAE refuses to be dragged into social media noise, chooses silence

    Why the UAE refuses to be dragged into social media noise, chooses silence

    In an era dominated by digital chatter and viral misinformation, the United Arab Emirates has articulated a deliberate policy of strategic silence, framing it not as weakness but as an expression of national confidence and sovereign strength. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Head of the National Media Office, articulated this position during a keynote address at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, asserting that the nation’s governance remains impervious to online pressure or fleeting narratives.

    Al Hamed emphasized that the UAE’s decision-making is anchored in long-term vision, measured leadership, and a deep understanding of its soft power rather than reactive engagement with digital trends. “The UAE was built through experience, learning, and strategic decisions taken over years, not days,” he stated, clarifying that the nation responds only when and how it chooses, with silence often serving as a deliberate strategic tool.

    Addressing widespread speculation about the UAE’s regional and international stances, Al Hamed cautioned against equating social media discourse with ground reality. He stressed that digital noise should not be mistaken for truth, nor should it dictate national policy. “What we see on social media does not represent the reality of the UAE,” he noted, underscoring the nation’s commitment to action and achievement over rumor and reaction.

    The UAE’s approach, he explained, is fundamentally rooted in human development—prioritizing people before projects and building credibility through tangible outcomes. This philosophy dates to the nation’s founding, where leadership invested equally in human capital, infrastructure, education, and innovation. “The narrative of the UAE is the human being,” Al Hamed affirmed. “Factories and buildings came later.”

    On the evolution of Emirati media, Al Hamed described it as both an economic sector and a pillar of soft power, noting the intentional absence of a traditional Ministry of Media to foster flexibility and innovation. He also highlighted the importance of authentic cultural representation, stating that misrepresentation of Emirati identity should not be tolerated.

    In closing, Al Hamed urged media professionals and creators to operate responsibly within the digital realm, recognizing its power and limits. “Our world today is digital, not paper,” he remarked. “Those who understand this will shape the future.”

  • Kurdish forces deny Syrian army has taken over Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsud district

    Kurdish forces deny Syrian army has taken over Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsud district

    A fragile ceasefire agreement in northern Syria has collapsed as Kurdish forces vehemently deny Syrian government claims of capturing Aleppo’s strategic Sheikh Maqsud district. The Syrian army announced Saturday it had successfully combed through and seized control of the area from Kurdish fighters, signaling a violent end to temporary truce arrangements that had been welcomed earlier by the United States and other world powers.

    The confrontation in Syria’s second city has exposed one of the most significant faultlines in the country’s complex geopolitical landscape. President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s vision of unifying Syria under centralized leadership following 14 years of devastating civil war continues to face determined resistance from Kurdish forces, who remain deeply wary of the Islamist-led government in Damascus.

    Despite international backing for the ceasefire initiative, Kurdish military units refused to abandon their last stronghold in Sheikh Maqsud under the proposed terms. This refusal prompted Syria’s army to declare late Friday that it would initiate ground operations to forcibly expel Kurdish fighters from the district.

    Early Saturday, Syrian military officials stated they had completed comprehensive clearing operations throughout Sheikh Maqsud, though they acknowledged some Kurdish fighters remained in hiding. Kurdish forces immediately issued a written rebuttal, denying government forces had achieved full control and asserting their continued resistance. Reuters correspondents in Aleppo noted an absence of audible combat sounds during this period.

    The potential fall of Sheikh Maqsud would mark a significant strategic shift, ending Kurdish administrative control over sections of Aleppo that they have maintained since the conflict’s inception in 2011. Kurdish authorities continue to govern extensive territories across northeastern Syria, where they have established a semi-autonomous administrative zone.

    These developments occur against the backdrop of stalled integration negotiations between Kurdish leadership and Syria’s new government, which consists primarily of former rebel fighters who overthrew long-term leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The recent escalation of violence, which began Tuesday, has resulted in at least nine civilian fatalities and triggered the displacement of over 140,000 residents from the affected areas.

    US envoy Tom Barrack confirmed Saturday via a statement on social media platform X that he had met with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi in Amman to reinforce ceasefire efforts and ensure what he described as the “peaceful withdrawal of Kurdish forces from Aleppo.”

  • Dubai: ‘Rivers of art’ flow through the desert in 10km immersive artwork

    Dubai: ‘Rivers of art’ flow through the desert in 10km immersive artwork

    Dubai’s desert landscape is poised to become the canvas for an unprecedented artistic marvel—a 10-kilometer immersive artwork designed to resemble flowing rivers converging toward a central circular structure named Clio House. Conceived as an experiential journey rather than a static exhibition, the project invites visitors to traverse a series of large-scale artworks dispersed across the sands, each path metaphorically guiding them toward a unified destination.

    Architect Matteo Antonelli, the visionary behind this ambitious undertaking, explains that the design philosophy emerged from observing the desert’s inherent duality. “The relationship between ground and sky is profoundly emphasized here, with the sun serving as their connector,” he notes. This observation inspired a contemporary reinterpretation of ancient desert architecture, incorporating tents and simple towers into the conceptual framework.

    At the project’s core lies the circle—a shape Antonelli describes as continuous and hierarchy-free. “Metaphorically, it signifies that everyone is equal. You may choose different life paths but ultimately reach the same destination,” he elaborates.

    The culmination of this 10km journey is Clio House, a circular structure offering 360-degree panoramic views of the desert and the artistic paths traversed. Beyond its observational promenade, the building houses a library, café, and restaurant, creating a tranquil space for contemplation amidst the vastness.

    Renowned large-scale artist Agron Hoti, tasked with creating the artwork, approaches this project as a personal challenge rather than a record-breaking attempt. Having previously worked on a 7,600-square-meter canvas in Europe, Hoti emphasizes that true creativity cannot be constrained by deadlines or limitations. “People perceive the desert as monochromatically yellow, but I believe we all carry internal colors waiting to be expressed,” he shares. For Hoti, this installation represents reconnecting humanity with nature’s evolving beauty.

    The technical execution falls to conservator Cinzia Pasquali, who addresses the formidable challenge of maintaining a 10km artwork in extreme desert conditions. Using specially developed polyester canvas and inorganic mineral pigments resistant to heat, humidity, and sand, Pasquali’s team ensures the artwork’s longevity while accepting its natural aging process. “Like humans, it may develop wrinkles over time but will avoid structural damage,” she remarks, detailing weekly monitoring protocols adapted to weather variations.

    Upon completion, this transformative project will redefine desert art experiences, creating a dynamic, flowing journey that merges architectural innovation with artistic expression in one of the world’s most challenging environments.

  • Fatal ICE shooting of Minneapolis woman sets stage for national protests

    Fatal ICE shooting of Minneapolis woman sets stage for national protests

    The fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has ignited nationwide protests and intensified federal-state tensions. Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and activist, was killed during what authorities described as the “largest DHS operation ever” involving approximately 2,000 federal officers deployed to Minneapolis.

    Protest organizers have coordinated over 1,000 events across the country under the banner “ICE Out For Good,” demanding an end to large-scale ICE deployments ordered by President Donald Trump. The shooting occurred during neighborhood patrols where activists track and document ICE activities, a practice that has become common in cities led by Democratic politicians.

    The incident has produced sharply conflicting narratives. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized Good’s actions as “impeding” and “stalking” ICE agents, claiming the officer fired in self-defense against what she termed an “act of domestic terrorism.” Conversely, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed the federal account as a “garbage narrative,” citing bystander video that appears to contradict official claims.

    Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who previously condemned the ICE deployment as “reckless” governance, has placed the state’s National Guard on alert and initiated an independent state investigation alongside the federal FBI probe. The legal jurisdiction question has emerged as a point of contention, with some Trump administration officials asserting federal officers enjoy immunity from state prosecution.

    The shooting occurred just blocks from where George Floyd was killed in 2020, drawing inevitable comparisons to the previous administration’s handling of civil unrest. Video evidence shows conflicting details about the moment of shooting, with footage suggesting the vehicle may not have made contact with the officer despite claims that Good attempted to ram federal agents.

    This incident represents the latest escalation in ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic-led cities over immigration enforcement strategies, with additional violent encounters reported in Portland, Oregon, further complicating the national landscape.

  • Dubai jeweller Kiara opens its first international store in the Maldives

    Dubai jeweller Kiara opens its first international store in the Maldives

    DUBAI – Kiara Jewellery, the Dubai-based fine jewellery brand, has embarked on its first international expansion with the inauguration of a new boutique at the JA Manafaru Island Resort & Spa in the Maldives. The store, which celebrated its grand opening on December 28, 2025, represents the brand’s tenth location and its inaugural venture beyond the United Arab Emirates.

    Founded just four years ago by the mother-daughter partnership of Sonal Panday and Ada Panday, Kiara has experienced remarkable growth from a single showroom to a network of nine establishments across Dubai. The brand has cultivated a loyal clientele of over 20,000 customers in the UAE through its distinctive philosophy of creating timeless pieces designed to commemorate personal milestones rather than follow transient fashion trends.

    The selection of the Maldives for their international debut was strategically deliberate, aligning with the brand’s core values. JA Manafaru, a five-star island resort renowned for offering privacy and sophisticated luxury, attracts an international demographic seeking exclusive, slower-paced experiences. This environment perfectly complements Kiara’s vision of jewellery as enduring pieces to be worn and cherished indefinitely, not merely collected.

    The founders emphasized that their expansion decision was influenced more by the symbolic resonance of the destination than mere commercial strategy. The Maldives, with its associations of radiant light and serene tranquility, mirrors the very essence of the brand’s identity—’Kiara’ translates to ‘light’ from its Sanskrit origins.

    “This is just the beginning of an exciting journey,” stated founders Sonal and Ada Panday during the opening ceremony. This measured expansion introduces Kiara to a global audience while maintaining the intimate scale and design sensibility that has characterized its successful growth in the UAE market.

  • Rare first Superman comic once stolen from Nicolas Cage sells for $15m

    Rare first Superman comic once stolen from Nicolas Cage sells for $15m

    A pristine copy of Action Comics No. 1, the groundbreaking 1938 publication that introduced Superman to the world, has been acquired by an anonymous collector for a staggering $15 million in a private transaction. This sale, facilitated by New York-based Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, shattered the previous comic book record of $9.12 million set just months earlier for Superman No. 1.

    The recently sold copy carries extraordinary provenance, having been stolen from actor Nicolas Cage’s residence during a 2000 party and mysteriously recovered eleven years later in a California storage facility. Cage had originally acquired the comic in 1996 for $150,000, then a record price. Following its recovery, the actor sold it at auction for $2.2 million in 2011.

    Stephen Fishler, CEO of Metropolis/ComicConnect, noted the theft paradoxically increased the comic’s value significantly. ‘During that 11-year period, it skyrocketed in value. The thief made Nicolas Cage a lot of money by stealing it,’ Fishler remarked, drawing parallels to the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa that transformed the painting from a notable work into a global icon.

    The Certified Guaranty Company awarded this copy a near-perfect grade of 9.0 out of 10, making it one of the highest-graded copies known to exist. Fewer than 100 original copies of Action Comics No. 1 are believed to survive today, with this issue widely recognized as establishing the modern superhero genre that now dominates global entertainment.

  • 4 dead, more than 36 missing after Philippines landfill collapse

    4 dead, more than 36 missing after Philippines landfill collapse

    Rescue operations in Cebu City, Philippines, entered a critical phase on Saturday following the catastrophic collapse of the Binaliw landfill on Thursday. Municipal authorities confirmed the death toll has risen to four, with at least 36 individuals remaining unaccounted for amidst the rubble. The tragedy occurred during peak operational hours, with 110 workers present on-site, leading to widespread damage to several structures and facilities within the landfill perimeter.

    Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival provided updates via an official Facebook post, indicating that twelve injured individuals have been hospitalized. Rescue teams, utilizing advanced detection equipment, have identified signs of life in specific sections of the collapse site, prompting the deployment of a 50-tonne crane for precise excavation efforts. The complex rescue operation requires meticulous debris removal to avoid further endangering potential survivors.

    Families of missing workers maintained vigil at the disaster perimeter, expressing hope despite diminishing odds. Jerahmey Espinoza, whose husband remains among the missing, conveyed the collective anxiety and resilience of affected families, stating, ‘They haven’t seen him or located him ever since the disaster happened. We’re still hopeful that he’s alive.’

    The incident has raised serious questions regarding landfill safety protocols and infrastructure stability in rapidly urbanizing areas. Previous weather patterns, including recent rainfall, are being investigated as potential contributing factors to the structural failure. This disaster represents one of the most severe industrial accidents in recent Philippine history, highlighting vulnerabilities in waste management systems.

  • ‘They’ll have to kill us first’: Venezuela’s street forces ready to ‘fight’ after US raid

    ‘They’ll have to kill us first’: Venezuela’s street forces ready to ‘fight’ after US raid

    CARACAS – Explosions echoing through the night sky and the roar of US warplanes over Caracas triggered immediate mobilization among Venezuela’s armed colectivos, who rushed to arm themselves fearing an imminent confrontation. This US-led operation, which resulted in the dramatic ouster of President Nicolas Maduro, has ignited fury and confusion among these fiercely loyal socialist factions.

    Jorge Suarez, a colectivo member adorned in black sunglasses and a cap bearing the slogan ‘Doubt is treason,’ described the unprecedented events as surreal. ‘We’re not used to it—it was like a bestseller, like something out of a movie,’ he stated. The groups, established under former leader Hugo Chavez to maintain social order but accused by opponents of intimidation, now find themselves navigating a precarious political vacuum.

    The colectivos have unanimously closed ranks behind interim President Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former deputy. While she has pledged cooperation with US President Donald Trump regarding access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, she simultaneously insists the nation is not ‘subordinate’ to Washington. This duality has created a complex narrative that colectivo members are struggling to decipher.

    Willians, a 43-year-old member of the Red Beret collective, expressed the prevailing sentiment of ‘frustration, anger and a will to fight.’ Many members believe Maduro was betrayed from within, pointing to inexplicable failures in the nation’s air defense systems during the raid. ‘It was so perfect we didn’t notice, and we still don’t know who betrayed us,’ said Alfredo Canchica, leader of the Fundacion 3 Raíces collective.

    Despite their negative international image as a motorcycle-riding shock force, colectivos maintain significant local support in neighborhoods where they are credited with crime prevention and distributing subsidized food. They now stand as a potentially volatile element in Venezuela’s transition, fiercely committed to their ideological cause. Canchica issued a stark warning to any foreign forces considering further intervention: ‘They’ll have to kill us first.’

  • Trump says US needs to own Greenland to deter Russia, China

    Trump says US needs to own Greenland to deter Russia, China

    President Donald Trump has declared the United States must assert ownership over Greenland to prevent future occupation by Russia or China, signaling a radical shift in Arctic territorial policy. Speaking to reporters at the White House during a meeting with oil executives on Friday, Trump asserted unilateral action would be necessary regardless of local preferences.

    “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. Because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor,” the president stated emphatically.

    Despite existing U.S. military presence established through a 1951 agreement, Trump argued that current arrangements insufficiently guarantee the island’s defense. “You defend ownership. You don’t defend leases. And we’ll have to defend Greenland. If we don’t do it, China or Russia will,” he elaborated.

    Administration officials have reportedly developed multiple strategies to facilitate Greenland’s transition to U.S. control, including potential military deployment and substantial financial incentives for Greenlanders to secede from Denmark. The autonomous territory, with its population of 57,000, remains under the Kingdom of Denmark’s sovereignty.

    European leaders have responded with unified opposition to these propositions. A joint statement issued Tuesday by France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain, and Denmark emphasized that only Greenland and Denmark possess authority to determine their bilateral relations. The diplomatic tension presents particular complications for NATO, where both the U.S. and Denmark are bound by mutual defense agreements.