Global Pulse

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  • Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan’s Ghamran Camp tribute to his childhood mentor

    Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan’s Ghamran Camp tribute to his childhood mentor

    In a pioneering cultural preservation effort, Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has established the Ghamran Camp as a transformative desert retreat that reconnects Emirati families with their ancestral traditions. The recently concluded inaugural sessions, held December 12-14 and December 26-28, 2025, provided fathers and sons with an immersive experience deliberately removed from modern technological distractions.

    The camp’s nomenclature carries profound personal significance for Sheikh Hamdan, honoring his childhood mentor Ghamran Al-Humairi. The Crown Prince’s formative desert experiences with his late brother Sheikh Rashid under Al-Humairi’s guidance inspired this initiative to transmit similar values of patience, determination and self-reliance to new generations.

    Ghamran Camp’s curriculum represents a comprehensive revival of traditional Bedouin practices. Participants aged 6-12 engage in falconry training, archery, camel harnessing techniques, and traditional crafts utilizing native Ghaf trees and palm fronds. The experience extends to cultural arts including Emirati poetry recitation and instruction in Al Sanea hospitality etiquette.

    Educational components incorporate ancestral survival skills such as celestial navigation, plant irrigation methods, and date palm cultivation. These activities are strategically designed to foster intergenerational knowledge transfer while reinforcing community cooperation through team-building exercises.

    The Crown Prince demonstrated personal commitment by participating with his children Sheikha and Rashid during the December 28 session. Participant feedback indicates the program successfully strengthened family bonds while providing practical understanding of ancestral desert lifestyles, achieving its dual objectives of cultural preservation and values transmission.

  • India: Over 110 flights cancelled as thick fog engulfs Delhi; more delays expected

    India: Over 110 flights cancelled as thick fog engulfs Delhi; more delays expected

    New Delhi’s aviation infrastructure faced severe operational challenges on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as an intense fog blanket engulfed the capital region, triggering massive flight disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Aviation authorities confirmed the cancellation of 118 scheduled flights—60 arrivals and 58 departures—with an additional 16 aircraft diverted to alternative airports due to critically impaired visibility on runways.

    The Airport Authority of India (AAI) issued an official advisory warning travelers of anticipated delays across multiple airports in Northern India. The regulatory body activated comprehensive passenger facilitation protocols, deploying specialized assistance teams at affected terminals to provide real-time support to stranded travelers. Officials emphasized that reduced visibility conditions would likely persist, potentially extending operational impacts throughout the day.

    Airlines including IndiGo and Air India had previously alerted passengers about weather-related disruptions on Monday, when similar conditions first emerged. Carriers implemented flexible rebooking policies, allowing affected passengers to either reschedule journeys or process full refunds through automated systems. Ground teams received reinforcements to handle increased passenger inquiries and logistical challenges at terminal facilities.

    Aviation meteorologists attributed the severe visibility reduction to atypical temperature inversions combined with elevated humidity levels characteristic of North Indian winters. The airport’s advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) operated at maximum capability but could not fully compensate for the exceptionally dense fog conditions.

    Passengers received explicit guidance to maintain constant communication with their airlines through official channels and allocate substantial additional time for airport procedures. The AAI published dedicated customer support numbers for major carriers including SpiceJet (+91 124 498 3410), Air India Express (+91 124 443 5600), and Akasa Air (9606112131) to streamline information dissemination.

    Industry analysts noted that such severe December fog events, while historically occurring, have shown increased frequency and intensity in recent years. Airport authorities reiterated their commitment to implementing enhanced cold-weather operational protocols developed specifically for such adverse conditions, prioritizing both safety and passenger convenience during weather-induced disruptions.

  • Guinea restricts social media sites as junta chief takes election lead

    Guinea restricts social media sites as junta chief takes election lead

    Guinea’s military government has imposed sweeping restrictions on major social media platforms including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook as the nation awaits final results from Sunday’s contentious presidential election. Internet monitoring organization NetBlocks confirmed widespread disruptions affecting primary service providers Orange and MTN.

    Initial results released Monday evening reveal junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup, commanding a substantial lead in the presidential race. According to AFP reports, the 41-year-old general has secured over 80% of votes across multiple districts in the capital Conakry, with similar dominance reported in western regions including Boffa and Fria, northwestern Gaoual, northern Koundara and Labe, and southeastern Nzerekore.

    The electoral process has drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations. Main opposition parties RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG were barred from participation, leaving eight alternative candidates with limited political footing. A civil society coalition advocating for civilian rule condemned the election as a ‘charade,’ citing numerous irregularities.

    General Doumbouya’s candidacy represents a direct reversal of his previous commitment. Following his overthrow of 83-year-old President Alpha Condé in 2021, he explicitly promised: ‘Neither I nor any member of this transition will be a candidate for anything… As soldiers, we value our word very much.’ His reversal became possible through a new constitution implemented in September that permitted his electoral participation.

    Critics interpret the social media restrictions as a deliberate attempt to suppress dissent and scrutiny of the electoral process. The junta has previously faced condemnation for restricting opposition activities, banning protests, and curtailing press freedom in the pre-election period.

    Paradoxically, General Doumbouya justified his 2021 coup using similar grievances—citing Condé’s alleged corruption, human rights violations, and economic mismanagement. Despite Guinea possessing the world’s largest bauxite reserves and recently launching the massive Simandou iron-ore project, World Bank data indicates over half the population lives in poverty.

  • Protests draw largest turnout of Somalis since Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

    Protests draw largest turnout of Somalis since Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

    MOGADISHU, Somalia — Massive demonstrations erupted across Somalia on Tuesday as tens of thousands of citizens united in protest against Israel’s unprecedented recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. The controversial diplomatic move has ignited a firestorm of international condemnation and raised concerns about regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

    In the capital Mogadishu, protesters filled the national stadium waving Somali flags and chanting slogans rejecting what they perceive as an assault on their nation’s sovereignty. Religious leader Sheikh Mohamud Sheikh Abulbari addressed the crowd, condemning Israel’s action as “unacceptable” given its treatment of Palestinians and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. Similar large-scale protests were documented in Baidoa, Guriel, Dhusamareeb, Lasanod, and Buhoodle, marking the largest public mobilization since Israel’s declaration.

    Meanwhile, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on a strategic diplomatic mission to Turkey, meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Both leaders delivered strong statements against Israel’s recognition, with Mohamud characterizing it as a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and African Union principles. “This sets a dangerous precedent contrary to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mohamud stated alongside his Turkish counterpart.

    Erdogan pledged unwavering support for Somalia’s territorial unity, accusing Israel of attempting to destabilize the already fragile Horn of Africa region. The Turkish president emphasized that preserving Somalia’s integrity remains “a priority for us under all circumstances.”

    The diplomatic confrontation reached the United Nations Security Council on Monday, where Somalia’s permanent representative Abukar Dahir Osman warned that Israel’s action “poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.” The Israeli delegation countered by accusing Somalia of applying double standards, noting that other nations have recognized Palestinian statehood.

    The recognition controversy occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, which signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January 2024 to lease coastline territory for a naval base in exchange for potential recognition. Turkey has emerged as a key mediator in these disputes while strengthening its military and economic presence in Somalia, including operating a military training base in Mogadishu and planning offshore drilling operations by 2026.

    Somaliland, with approximately 3 million inhabitants, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during the country’s civil conflict. Despite maintaining its own government and currency for over three decades, no nation had formally recognized its sovereignty until Israel’s surprise announcement last week.

  • Sustainovation Challenge wins Gold at International Sustainability Awards

    Sustainovation Challenge wins Gold at International Sustainability Awards

    De Montfort University Dubai (DMU Dubai) and its strategic partner Ehfaaz have achieved top honors at the prestigious International Sustainability Awards, capturing the Gold award in the “Best Education and Awareness” category. The recognition was bestowed upon their collaborative Sustainovation Challenge initiative during the inaugural awards ceremony that celebrated exceptional sustainability advancements across the globe.

    The International Sustainability Awards brought together pioneering concepts and transformative projects that demonstrate substantial impact in sustainability practices worldwide. Ehfaaz’s Gold award specifically acknowledges the remarkable success of the Sustainovation Challenge, highlighting the powerful synergy between academic institutions and innovative startups in addressing environmental concerns.

    Aliyu Mohammed Ali, co-founder and CEO of Ehfaaz, emphasized the action-oriented nature of the initiative: “The Sustainovation Challenge transcended conventional awareness campaigns by creating tangible platforms for climate innovators. Rather than conducting traditional workshops, we established a dynamic launchpad that enabled participants to develop, pitch, and prototype practical solutions. This prestigious award validates our vision and recognizes the contributions of all innovators working toward a more circular economy in the UAE.”

    Dr. Adham Fayad, lead organizer and driving force behind the Sustainovation Challenge, expressed profound satisfaction with the international recognition: “Witnessing the evolution of this initiative from conceptual framework to award-winning reality represents a milestone in educational innovation. This achievement celebrates the collective dedication and shared vision of all contributors who believed in transforming sustainability education into actionable solutions.”

    The Sustainovation Challenge emerged from a strategic alliance between DMU Dubai and Ehfaaz, combining academic expertise with entrepreneurial innovation. Their collaborative approach from conceptualization through execution established a new benchmark for academia-startup partnerships in sustainability education. The award underscores the effectiveness of their combined efforts in promoting environmental consciousness through hands-on, practical engagement methodologies that inspire real-world change.

  • ‘Battling Begum’ falls silent: How Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh’s first female PM

    ‘Battling Begum’ falls silent: How Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh’s first female PM

    Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s pioneering female prime minister and formidable political force, passed away at 80 after battling prolonged health complications. Her death marks the end of an era for a nation shaped by her decades-long rivalry with contemporary Sheikh Hasina.

    Initially characterized as a shy homemaker devoted to her two sons, Zia’s political destiny transformed following the 1981 assassination of her husband, military leader and President Ziaur Rahman. Assuming leadership of his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1984, she emerged as an unexpected political powerhouse who would eventually break gender barriers in Muslim-majority governance.

    Zia’s 1991 electoral victory constituted a historic milestone, making her Bangladesh’s first female premier and only the second woman to democratically lead a majority-Muslim nation after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto. Her administration implemented significant constitutional reforms, replacing the presidential system with parliamentary governance and instituting progressive policies including free compulsory primary education and economic liberalization measures.

    Her political journey was defined by the legendary rivalry with Sheikh Hasina—daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father—which earned them the collective nickname ‘the battling Begums.’ Their contrasting leadership styles—Zia’s reserved deliberateness versus Hasina’s assertive outspokenness—created a political dichotomy that dominated national discourse for generations.

    Zia’s second term faced significant challenges including militant extremism and corruption allegations. The 2004 grenade attack targeting Hasina’s rally, which killed over 20 people, remains a controversial chapter with her administration facing widespread accusations of involvement.

    Following her 2006 exit from power, Zia endured imprisonment and house arrest on corruption charges she consistently denounced as politically motivated. Her final years witnessed partial political rehabilitation, with August 2024 bringing release from house arrest after Hasina’s ouster, and early 2025 Supreme Court acquittals clearing her of previous convictions.

    The BNP, under leadership of her son Tarique Rahman following his recent return from exile, remains a potent political force as Bangladesh approaches February parliamentary elections. Zia’s legacy endures as that of a transformative leader who reshaped constitutional governance while embodying both the possibilities and perils of dynastic politics in South Asia.

  • Eurostar cancels all trains out of London as power outage hits Channel Tunnel

    Eurostar cancels all trains out of London as power outage hits Channel Tunnel

    A major power supply failure within the Channel Tunnel has triggered a complete suspension of all Eurostar train services departing from London, causing widespread travel chaos for passengers bound for Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. The indefinite cancellation, announced on Tuesday, has left crowds of travelers stranded at London’s St Pancras International station, with authorities advising all customers to postpone their journeys and rebook for a later date.

    The disruption extends beyond passenger rail services. Eurotunnel’s Le Shuttle, which transports vehicles between Folkestone, UK, and Calais, France, has also been suspended indefinitely due to the same ‘power supply issue,’ resulting in massive delays. Passengers on this service are experiencing hold-ups exceeding three and a half hours on the UK side and approximately three hours in France.

    National Rail has confirmed that the severe disruption is anticipated to persist until the end of the day. In response to the crisis, Eurostar has implemented a flexible rebooking policy, allowing affected travelers to rearrange their trips without charge or cancel their bookings for a full refund or e-voucher. The company has urgently requested that passengers refrain from coming to the station unless they possess a valid ticket for travel on that specific day, directing them instead to check live service updates online.

    The human impact of the outage is significant. Passengers like Steph Roberts from Kent reported being stuck at the Calais terminal for hours with limited communication and no provisions. Having visited family in France for Christmas, she described a frustrating wait with no updates or offers of food and water, passing the time on social media and walking her dog. Eurotunnel has stated that technical teams are actively working to diagnose and resolve the power supply problems, though no estimated time for a full restoration of service has been provided.

  • Myanmar’s military-backed party claims strong lead in election’s first phase

    Myanmar’s military-backed party claims strong lead in election’s first phase

    BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has asserted a substantial victory in the initial phase of the country’s first general election since the 2021 military takeover, despite the absence of official confirmation from state election authorities.

    The controversial electoral process, conducted amid ongoing civil conflict, commenced on Sunday across 102 of Myanmar’s 330 townships. The remaining voting phases are scheduled for January 11 and January 25, with 65 townships excluded entirely due to security concerns.

    A senior USDP official, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, claimed the party secured 88 of 102 contested lower house seats and approximately 85% of regional legislature positions in this initial round. The official further noted the party’s sweep of all constituencies in the capital Naypyitaw, a military and government stronghold.

    Myanmar’s political structure allocates 25% of parliamentary seats to the military automatically under the constitution, with the remaining 664 seats distributed through election. The party achieving a combined parliamentary majority holds the authority to select the president and form the new government.

    The election occurs against a backdrop of significant controversy. Human rights organizations and opposition groups have denounced the process as neither free nor fair, asserting that power will inevitably remain with military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The 2021 coup ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy party was dissolved in 2023 after refusing to register under new military regulations.

    Voter eligibility has dropped approximately 35% since the 2020 election, with officials citing armed conflict and displacement as primary factors. Opposition groups have called for an electoral boycott, while state media reported attacks on polling stations in 11 townships during the voting period, resulting in several casualties.

    Final results are anticipated by late January, though it remains uncertain whether interim aggregate figures will be released publicly.

  • Over 3,600 flights cancelled, 30,000 delayed as ‘bomb cyclone’ hits parts of US

    Over 3,600 flights cancelled, 30,000 delayed as ‘bomb cyclone’ hits parts of US

    A severe winter storm system identified as Ezra has unleashed travel chaos across the United States, creating one of the most disruptive holiday travel scenarios in recent years. The powerful weather phenomenon, now escalating into a meteorological ‘bomb cyclone,’ has caused massive flight disruptions affecting tens of thousands of passengers during the critical year-end travel period.

    According to real-time data from FlightAware, the storm has resulted in the cancellation of over 3,600 flights since Friday, with more than 30,000 additional flights experiencing significant delays. On Monday alone, aviation authorities reported 751 cancellations and nearly 6,000 delays as of 3:25 PM Eastern Time.

    The situation has been particularly challenging for airlines operating at near-capacity during this peak travel season, leaving minimal flexibility for rebooking affected passengers. Major carriers including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways have implemented emergency measures, waiving change fees for travelers impacted by the severe weather conditions.

    Meteorologists from AccuWeather have warned that the intensifying bomb cyclone—characterized by rapidly dropping atmospheric pressure generating hurricane-force winds—is creating blizzard conditions across a massive corridor from Wisconsin to Maine. The storm has brought dangerous combinations of ice accumulation, flooding rainfall, and powerful winds, with temperatures experiencing wild fluctuations. Philadelphia, for instance, saw temperatures near 60 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday before an expected overnight plunge into the 20s.

    The transportation crisis extends beyond aviation, with road travel becoming increasingly perilous due to poor visibility, icy surfaces, and blowing snow. Multiple multi-vehicle pileups have been reported across affected regions, prompting authorities to advise against non-essential travel. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued warnings about dangerous driving conditions throughout the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions.

    Aviation operations have been severely hampered by the extreme weather. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented ground stops at multiple airports, including Washington’s Dulles International Airport due to high winds, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport where Delta Air Lines flights were specifically affected. Additional delays were reported at major hubs including Boston and Newark airports serving the New York metropolitan area, primarily due to low visibility and windy conditions.

    The financial impact on airlines has been immediate, with Delta’s shares falling nearly 3% in afternoon trading, while United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Air Group each experienced approximately 2% declines. The tightly interconnected nature of airline operations means that canceled flights leave aircraft and crews out of position, creating complex challenges for restoring normal schedules even after weather conditions improve.

  • Protecting what matters: The new rise of home insurance

    Protecting what matters: The new rise of home insurance

    The United Arab Emirates is witnessing a significant transformation in residential risk management as comprehensive home insurance emerges as a critical safeguard for property owners and tenants. This shift reflects growing awareness of diverse threats ranging from structural damage to digital vulnerabilities in an increasingly connected society.

    Modern home insurance policies in the UAE now extend beyond traditional property protection to address contemporary challenges. Standard coverage typically includes structural damage from fires, electrical faults, burst pipes, and natural events like sandstorms—particularly relevant in the region’s climate. The policies also protect valuable contents including electronics, furnishings, and personal items that represent substantial financial investments for most households.

    A notable evolution in coverage includes personal liability protection, which addresses accidents occurring within insured premises. This provision covers medical expenses, legal fees, and compensation costs when visitors sustain injuries or neighboring properties experience damage originating from the insured home.

    For severe incidents that render properties uninhabitable, insurance providers now offer temporary accommodation coverage. This benefit ensures residents can maintain housing continuity during repairs without bearing unexpected hotel or rental expenses—particularly valuable in a market with seasonal price fluctuations.

    The market has responded to specialized needs through innovative add-ons. Domestic helper coverage addresses medical emergencies and repatriation costs for household staff. Cyber protection safeguards against identity theft and online fraud, while worldwide coverage extends protection to valuables during international travel. Tenant-specific options also protect security deposits against accidental damage to rental properties.

    Financial institutions have reinforced this trend by requiring home insurance as part of mortgage agreements, ensuring collateral protection while encouraging responsible ownership. Premium structures remain accessible relative to coverage breadth, making comprehensive protection economically viable for most residents.

    This insurance evolution parallels the UAE’s growing real estate market and increasing asset values within homes. As households accumulate smart technologies, premium appliances, and high-value possessions, insurance provides a logical risk management solution. The convergence of frequent travel, digital dependency, and valuable residential investments has positioned home insurance as an essential component of modern living in the Emirates.