Global Pulse

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  • Tommy Fleetwood Academy expands to Abu Dhabi, elevating golf development in the UAE

    Tommy Fleetwood Academy expands to Abu Dhabi, elevating golf development in the UAE

    In a significant stride for golf development in the UAE, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy (TFA) has officially opened its doors at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. This expansion marks a new chapter for the sport in the region, coinciding with the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The academy’s launch follows a comprehensive upgrade of Yas Links’ training facilities, now operating fully under the TFA brand. This move strengthens the partnership between Viya Golf and Tommy Fleetwood, one of golf’s most respected figures, and cements Yas Links’ reputation as a hub for golf excellence in the Middle East.

    Tommy Fleetwood, the academy’s founder, expressed his deep connection to the UAE, describing it as a ‘second home’ for him and his family. He emphasized the academy’s mission to give back to the region that has supported his career. ‘We’ve built something truly special in Dubai, and expanding to Abu Dhabi is a privilege. I’m proud of the community we’ve created and the opportunity to inspire more golfers,’ Fleetwood said.

    The new facility boasts cutting-edge technology, including two swing studios with advanced simulators, an indoor putting studio, and world-class training systems like PLATFORM Golf, Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and Sam PuttLab. These resources, combined with TFA’s proven player-development philosophy, aim to elevate golf performance at all levels.

    Karl Whitehead, Cluster Manager at Viya Golf, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, ‘Abu Dhabi continues to lead in growing the game, and TFA’s expertise and technology will further enhance this vision.’ Chris May, CEO of Viya Golf, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the academy’s alignment with Viya’s commitment to excellence and player development.

    The launch aligns with rising golf participation in Abu Dhabi, supported by expanded junior and ladies’ programs and the club’s largest-ever team of PGA professionals. As the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship puts Yas Links on the global stage, the new academy underscores Viya’s mission to make golf more accessible, inclusive, and performance-driven across the Middle East.

  • China needs its youth to spend but they are embracing frugality

    China needs its youth to spend but they are embracing frugality

    China’s economic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a growing trend of frugality among its younger generation. Despite the government’s efforts to stimulate domestic consumption, recent graduates and young professionals are increasingly cautious about spending. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high at nearly 20%, and the ongoing property crisis has made homeownership seem like a distant dream for many, particularly in urban centers. This climate of uncertainty has led to a surge in minimalist lifestyles, with social media influencers like Zhang Small Grain of Rice promoting cost-saving strategies, from using basic soap for all cleaning needs to showcasing budget-friendly clothing and accessories. Others, such as Little Grass Floating In Beijing, focus on budget eating, preparing meals for as little as $1. These trends reflect a broader shift in consumer behavior, as young people prioritize saving over spending, driven by fears of job insecurity and economic instability. Economists warn that this reluctance to spend could have long-term implications for China’s economy, which has traditionally relied on investment and exports. The transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a high-tech one has further exacerbated the issue, as many new industries require fewer workers. Despite government incentives to boost consumption, such as subsidies for replacing old cars and appliances, these measures have had limited success. The cultural inclination towards frugality, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, continues to shape consumer behavior, posing a significant challenge to policymakers aiming to rebalance the economy.

  • How the Japan PM’s Taiwan remarks provoked the fury of China

    How the Japan PM’s Taiwan remarks provoked the fury of China

    Recent developments in East Asia have reignited tensions between Japan and China, centering on the contentious issue of Taiwan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks suggesting that Japan could deploy its self-defence forces in response to a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan have sparked a diplomatic row. This statement, made during a parliamentary session, has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, with China’s foreign ministry labeling it as ‘egregious’ interference in its internal affairs. The situation escalated further when Xue Jian, China’s consul general in Osaka, made a provocative comment on social media, which was later removed but not before causing significant diplomatic friction. Both nations have lodged formal protests against each other, highlighting the deep-seated historical animosities and strategic ambiguities that continue to shape their relations. Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance on China and strong support for Taiwan, has defended her comments as consistent with Japan’s traditional position, though she has pledged to be more cautious in her future statements. This incident underscores the delicate balance of power in the region, with Japan’s alignment with the US and its increased defence spending raising alarms in Beijing. The longstanding policy of ‘strategic ambiguity’ maintained by both the US and Japan regarding Taiwan’s defence has been a cornerstone of regional stability, but Takaichi’s recent remarks suggest a potential shift in this approach. As both nations navigate this latest flare-up, the implications for regional security and diplomatic relations remain uncertain.

  • Abu Dhabi hero Rai wins again in morning Rolex Pro-Am at DP World Tour Championship

    Abu Dhabi hero Rai wins again in morning Rolex Pro-Am at DP World Tour Championship

    England’s Aaron Rai showcased his exceptional form by leading Team BMW AGMC 1 to victory in the morning Rolex Pro-Am at the DP World Tour Championship. The event, held at the prestigious Earth Course in Jumeirah Golf Estates, served as a prelude to the $10 million season finale. Rai, currently ranked ninth in the Race to Dubai Rankings, partnered with amateurs Sandeep Singh, Randeep Singh, and Satnam Kaur to post a remarkable 33-under-par score, securing the win through a back-nine countback. This triumph follows Rai’s recent success at the $9 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, further cementing his status as a formidable contender in the golfing world. The afternoon session saw professional Jacques Kruyswijk and his team clinch victory with an astounding 37-under-par round, also decided by a last nine-hole countback. Football legend Ruud Gullit, playing in the Emirates 3 team, added a touch of star power to the event, finishing mid-field but winning the Nearest the Pin prize on hole 6. The amateur participants, who qualified through the UAE Pro-Am Challenge, competed in a series of events leading up to the Grand Final on the Fire Course, with winners receiving prestigious Rolex Pro-Am team prizes.

  • Former Northern Ireland lord chief justice says UK wrong to strip Shamima Begum of citizenship

    Former Northern Ireland lord chief justice says UK wrong to strip Shamima Begum of citizenship

    Sir Declan Morgan, the former Lord Chief Justice of Ireland (2009-2021), has publicly criticized the UK government’s decision to revoke Shamima Begum’s citizenship. Speaking at the launch of a new report by the Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice, which he chairs, Morgan argued that the practice of citizenship deprivation disproportionately affects British ethnic minorities and is inconsistent with human rights obligations. The report, unveiled at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) in Westminster, is the result of a three-year review and highlights significant flaws in British counter-terror legislation. Begum, a London-born woman who traveled to Islamic State-controlled territory at age 15 in 2015, was stripped of her British citizenship in 2019 by the Conservative government. Her legal team argued that the decision was unlawful, but the Supreme Court refused to hear her appeal. Morgan emphasized that under the commission’s proposals, Begum’s citizenship could not have been revoked. He urged the government to adopt the commission’s recommendations, which include repatriating British nationals from conflict zones and tightening the definition of terrorism. The report also criticizes the lowering of the threshold for citizenship deprivation and the weakening of procedural protections, noting that these practices disproportionately impact minority ethnic communities. Former attorney general Dominic Grieve, a commission member, pointed out that the UK stands out among countries like the US, Canada, and Australia for its refusal to repatriate citizens from conflict zones. The report calls for a more humane and consistent approach to counter-terrorism, emphasizing the need to protect human rights and avoid arbitrary decisions.

  • Chinese scholar honored with Russia’s ‘Labors Reward’ medal at Kremlin

    Chinese scholar honored with Russia’s ‘Labors Reward’ medal at Kremlin

    Professor Wang Wen, a distinguished academic and dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies and the School of Global Leadership at Renmin University of China, has been honored with the Jubilee Medal For Labors Reward by the Free Economic Society of Russia (VEO). This prestigious accolade recognizes his significant contributions to fostering academic and public exchanges between China and Russia. The award ceremony took place at the State Kremlin Palace during the VEO’s 260th-anniversary celebration. The Labors Reward medal, awarded once every decade to no more than 15 individuals, is one of Russia’s highest academic honors. This year’s recipients include prominent Russian academicians, senators, and business leaders, with Professor Wang being the sole Chinese honoree. His recognition marks a significant milestone in China-Russia academic collaboration and underscores China’s increasing influence in global scholarly discourse.

  • How an Afghan child bride became one of Europe’s top bodybuilders

    How an Afghan child bride became one of Europe’s top bodybuilders

    Roya Karimi, once a child bride in Afghanistan, has transformed her life to become one of Europe’s top bodybuilders. Now 30, she is set to compete in the World Bodybuilding Championships, marking a remarkable rise in a sport she embraced professionally less than two years ago. Her journey began in 2011 when she fled Afghanistan with her mother and young son, seeking refuge in Norway. There, she rebuilt her life, pursued education, and became a nurse, all while meeting her second husband, Kamal Jalaluddin, a fellow bodybuilder who became her staunch supporter. Bodybuilding became a turning point for Roya, helping her reclaim her identity and break free from the mental and social constraints she faced in Afghanistan. Despite facing criticism and threats on social media for her bold appearance, Roya remains undeterred, using her platform to inspire women in Afghanistan, where rights have severely regressed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Her victories in competitions like the Stoperiet Open and Norway Classic 2025 have cemented her status as a trailblazer. As she prepares for the world championships in Barcelona, Roya aims to make history for Afghan women, proving that resilience and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

  • Is motherhood the end of career? 28% of UAE mums start businesses after childbirth

    Is motherhood the end of career? 28% of UAE mums start businesses after childbirth

    A groundbreaking study in the UAE has revealed that motherhood is far from a career-ending phase for many women. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for ambition and entrepreneurship. The ‘State of Motherhood & Ambition in the UAE 2025’ report, conducted by researchers Constanze Munz and Anushka Kalyanpur De Luca, surveyed over 180 professional mothers across the country. The findings challenge the outdated notion that women scale back their professional aspirations after having children.

    According to the study, 28% of mothers in the UAE have started their own businesses at various stages of motherhood, from the first year after childbirth to over a decade later. Furthermore, 70% of working mothers reported maintaining or even strengthening their ambition post-childbirth. Rather than leaving the workforce, many are redefining success on their own terms, prioritizing autonomy, purpose, and flexibility over traditional career trajectories.

    The research highlights that one in five mothers switched industries to pursue more meaningful work, while another 20% returned to their roles with renewed clarity and drive. Nearly half (46%) expressed plans to start a business in the future, signaling a growing trend of female-led entrepreneurship in the UAE.

    Support systems emerged as a critical factor in sustaining ambition. Among mothers satisfied with childcare arrangements, 84% reported steady or increased ambition, compared to 55% among those without adequate support. Flexible work arrangements, financial security, and reliable childcare were identified as essential enablers for mothers to thrive professionally.

    The researchers emphasized that the findings should shift the national conversation from ‘working mothers’ challenges’ to ‘societal opportunities.’ Supporting mothers, they argue, is not only a social good but also an economic strategy that benefits families, employers, and the broader economy. ‘When mothers thrive, everyone thrives,’ Munz stated.

    The study, conducted between June and November 2025, included mothers from diverse industries and stages of motherhood. It concludes that ambition does not diminish with motherhood; instead, it evolves and, with the right support, can flourish.

  • Moment newly opened bridge partially collapses in China

    Moment newly opened bridge partially collapses in China

    A recently inaugurated bridge in China’s southwestern Sichuan Province experienced a partial collapse, raising concerns about infrastructure safety. Local authorities swiftly responded to the incident, confirming that no casualties were reported. The collapse occurred shortly after the bridge’s opening, prompting immediate investigations into the structural integrity and construction standards. Officials emphasized that emergency protocols were effectively implemented to ensure public safety. This incident has sparked widespread discussions on the quality control measures in China’s rapidly expanding infrastructure projects. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the event underscores the critical need for rigorous safety assessments in public construction endeavors.

  • Dominican Republic suffers nationwide power cut after ‘cascade of failures’

    Dominican Republic suffers nationwide power cut after ‘cascade of failures’

    The Dominican Republic faced a nationwide power outage on Tuesday, disrupting daily life and critical services across the country. The blackout, which occurred at 13:23 local time (17:23 GMT), was attributed to a failure in the electricity transmission system, according to the state-owned Dominican Electricity Transmission Company. Energy Minister Joel Santos Echeverría confirmed that the issue originated at a substation, triggering a cascade of failures across the grid. Echeverría assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the root cause, while efforts were already underway to restore power swiftly. This incident follows a series of smaller blackouts reported in recent weeks, raising concerns about the stability of the nation’s power infrastructure. The outage impacted essential services, including the metro and cable car systems in the capital, Santo Domingo, where passengers had to be evacuated. Reports of traffic chaos and disruptions to internet services further compounded the situation. Social media users highlighted widespread outages, though some areas retained electricity and internet connectivity. The Caribbean nation, home to approximately 11 million people, is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa last month. The Category 5 storm claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, exacerbating existing challenges. As a major tourist destination, the Dominican Republic’s infrastructure struggles could have broader economic implications. The country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, continues to grapple with the dual pressures of natural disasters and aging energy systems.