Global Pulse

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  • UAE man wins Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge 2025, takes home Dh50,000

    UAE man wins Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge 2025, takes home Dh50,000

    RAS AL KHAIMAH – The inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge 2025 concluded with a landmark ceremony at the Ras Al Khaimah Sports Complex on Friday, where Walid Omar Ali Salman Al Nuaimi emerged as the grand prize winner, receiving Dh50,000 for his extraordinary physical transformation. The event, presided over by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, celebrated exceptional achievements across multiple fitness categories while spotlighting the emirate’s growing prominence as a wellness destination.

    Al Nuaimi’s journey exemplified the competition’s core mission of promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. Beginning the three-month challenge at 150kg, the Ras Al Khaimah native successfully reduced his weight by 19kg, reaching 131kg through disciplined training and nutritional adjustments. In his victory speech, Al Nuaimi described the experience as ‘life-changing,’ noting complete overhaul of his daily routines, eating habits, and exercise patterns. He credited his coach from A25 Gym and family support as crucial factors in his unexpected success.

    The competition also recognized Khalid Mohamed Ali Al Shehhi as second-place finisher, who achieved an impressive 20kg weight reduction from 135kg to 115kg. Al Shehhi attributed his transformation to a rigorously structured diet and exercise regimen guided by his brother and coach at Rashaqa Life Gym, highlighting his mother’s role in preparing nutritious meals that helped him avoid fast food temptations.

    Organized under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, this pioneering initiative targeted Emirati youth aged 15-30 with Body Mass Index readings exceeding 40. According to Saeed Jumaa Al Maas, Vice Chairman of the Fitness Challenge Committee, the program implemented stringent medical assessments fully sponsored by the Crown Prince’s office to ensure participant safety and commitment.

    The challenge generated remarkable community engagement, with local gyms offering complimentary memberships—some extending for over a year—alongside nutritional guidance and personalized training programs. From 115 initial applicants, 68 athletes passed medical screenings and participated in professionally supervised training regimens testing endurance, strength, agility, and neuromuscular coordination. Through elimination rounds, the field narrowed to 20 finalists who faced a grueling final assessment featuring high-intensity exercises including air bike calories, rowing metrics, and kettlebell carries without rest periods.

    With total prize money reaching Dh810,000 distributed across 20 categories, organizers emphasized that all participants achieved victory through improved health outcomes. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud announced during the closing ceremony that the second edition will launch early next year with expanded eligibility starting from age 13, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles among youth.

  • Social media users rally around Ms Rachel after spike in threats

    Social media users rally around Ms Rachel after spike in threats

    Renowned American children’s content creator Rachel Griffin Accurso, professionally known as Ms Rachel, has reported escalating security threats against her family following her controversial nomination for ‘Antisemite of the Year’ by pro-Israel organization StopAntisemitism.

    In a detailed Instagram statement published Thursday, the early childhood educator revealed she has been compelled to employ security personnel due to persistent harassment campaigns originating from false allegations that she supports Hamas. The educational content creator, celebrated for her ‘Songs for Littles’ YouTube series that delivers developmental content to toddlers, emphasized that the accusations lack any evidentiary foundation.

    The situation has profoundly affected her personal life, with Ms Rachel describing emotional distress experienced by her young children. She recounted an incident where her son overheard safety discussions and subsequently spent the night clinging to her hand, fearful for her security. ‘This has taken such a toll on me and my family,’ she expressed, ‘and all I’ve wanted was to help kids.’

    The controversy originated in May 2024 when Ms Rachel initiated a humanitarian fundraiser for children in multiple conflict zones, including Gaza. Pro-Israel groups subsequently criticized her for sharing content with her substantial audience of over 20 million followers that documented the plight of Palestinian children affected by food shortages and military operations.

    Among the nine public figures nominated for the controversial distinction were media personality Tucker Carlson and actress Marcia Cross, all of whom have publicly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza and U.S. support for these actions.

    Recent months have seen StopAntisemitism escalate their campaign by petitioning U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate potential foreign funding of Ms Rachel’s advocacy—an allegation currently unsupported by publicly available evidence.

    Despite the intense pressure, Ms Rachel remains resolute in her advocacy, affirming that the harassment will not deter her from ‘standing with the kids of Gaza, Sudan and the Congo etc.’

    The situation has generated significant social media discourse, with historian Assal Rad commenting: ‘We live in a world where Ms Rachel has faced more pressure for defending Palestinian children than Israel has for slaughtering them.’ Numerous supporters have echoed this sentiment, praising her educational contributions while condemning the smear campaign.

  • Israeli general says Bibas family was not abducted by Hamas

    Israeli general says Bibas family was not abducted by Hamas

    In a significant revelation, outgoing Head of Israel’s Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters Major-General Nitzan Alon has disclosed that the prominent Bibas family was not actually abducted by Hamas during the October 7th attacks. Speaking exclusively to Yedioth Ahronoth, Alon stated that Israeli authorities had identified the actual captors as the Mujahideen Brigades, a smaller Palestinian faction, and had communicated this information to Hamas leadership to assist in recovery efforts.

    The Bibas family—comprising 34-year-old Yarden, his 32-year-old wife Shiri, and their two young sons, four-year-old Ariel and nine-month-old Kfir—became one of the most emotionally charged symbols of the captivity crisis. Tragically, Shiri and the children died while held in Gaza, though conflicting accounts persist regarding their cause of death. Israeli officials previously claimed Hamas fighters killed them directly, while Hamas maintains they perished in Israeli airstrikes.

    Alon elaborated on the complex operational challenges, noting that Hamas faces ‘genuine difficulty’ in locating remaining captives due to ‘the chaos on their side immediately after 7 October.’ Despite these obstacles, Israel maintains belief in the possibility of recovering the last missing individual.

    The broader context reveals staggering numbers: 251 people were initially abducted during the October attacks. Through various ceasefire agreements and diplomatic gestures, 168 captives returned alive to Israel, while 87 were confirmed dead in captivity—many under contested circumstances involving Israeli military actions. In exchange, Israel released 3,985 Palestinian prisoners.

    Currently, at least 9,250 Palestinians remain detained in Israeli prisons, with nearly half held under indefinitely renewable administrative detention orders without formal charges or trial. Israel’s practice of withholding information about detainees from Gaza suggests the actual figure may be substantially higher.

  • Lawmakers propose sweeping bill against Muslim Brotherhood after Trump letdown

    Lawmakers propose sweeping bill against Muslim Brotherhood after Trump letdown

    In a significant bipartisan move, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee has approved legislation that would formally designate all groups affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. The Wednesday vote saw six Democratic representatives—Cherfilus-McCormick, Stanton, Moskowitz, Costa, Latimer, and Schneider—join all Republican committee members in advancing the measure.

    The proposed legislation, which must still pass both the full House and Senate to become law, employs notably broader language than former President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on the same subject. While Trump’s order initiated a review process for designating Brotherhood affiliates in specific countries, this bill would implement a comprehensive designation across all affiliated groups.

    Committee Chairman Brian Mast, a strong Israel supporter who lost both legs in Afghanistan and later volunteered with the Israeli military, has been instrumental in pushing the legislation forward. The move has drawn criticism from various quarters, including ranking Democrat Gregory Meeks, who warned that such designation would severely hamper US diplomatic engagement with regional partners and distort understanding of the Brotherhood’s diverse functions.

    The Muslim Brotherhood itself condemned Trump’s earlier executive order as “politically motivated” and “detached from reality,” warning that designation would set a dangerous precedent while undermining US national security and regional stability. Experts like Rose Kelanic of Defense Priorities note that the Brotherhood poses no direct terror threat to the US, though some argue it could represent a threat to Israeli interests.

    This legislative effort revives an initiative first floated by Trump in 2017, during a period of regional turmoil following the Arab Spring. At that time, Middle Eastern powers were deeply divided in their response to populist Islamist movements, culminating in the Saudi-Emirati blockade of Qatar. However, regional dynamics have since evolved significantly, with key nations restoring diplomatic ties through the 2021 Al Ula agreement.

    According to Gulf expert Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, “The battles have been fought, and the region has moved on to a point,” suggesting the current push appears driven more by domestic political considerations than regional geopolitics.

  • UAE: Tourist arrested in Dubai for performing dangerous car stunts

    UAE: Tourist arrested in Dubai for performing dangerous car stunts

    Dubai authorities have taken decisive action against dangerous driving behavior by apprehending a tourist who performed high-risk stunts with a rented vehicle on the city’s major thoroughfare. The incident came to light after viral social media footage captured the individual engaging in reckless maneuvers, including drifting techniques while navigating a loop on Sheikh Zayed Road, potentially causing catastrophic accidents.

    Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of Dubai Police’s General Department of Traffic, disclosed that coordinated efforts between traffic enforcement units and the Cyber Investigation Department led to the identification and seizure of the vehicle. The driver was reportedly showcasing his driving skills while endangering both his life and those of other road users.

    This case represents a serious traffic violation category that poses immediate threats to motorists and pedestrians alike. Investigations revealed the perpetrator had entered the United Arab Emirates as a tourist and utilized a rental vehicle for the dangerous demonstrations.

    The arrest coincides with heightened traffic enforcement measures during the 54th UAE National Day celebrations, where authorities impounded 49 vehicles and 25 motorcycles while issuing 3,153 traffic violations. Documented infractions included passengers leaning from windows and sunroofs, along with unauthorized windshield modifications using stickers and spray paint.

    Dubai Police have reiterated that such violations carry substantial penalties, including AED 2,000 fines, 23 black points on driving licenses, and 60-day vehicle impoundment. The force continues to prioritize community safety through rigorous traffic monitoring and enforcement protocols.

  • Exclusive: ICC shuns US demands to drop Israel war crimes probe and amend treaty

    Exclusive: ICC shuns US demands to drop Israel war crimes probe and amend treaty

    The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) governing body has formally rejected a series of demands from the United States, including calls to terminate its investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes and to amend its foundational treaty. This development follows the annual meeting of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) in The Hague, where member nations issued a collective statement expressing grave concern over coercive measures targeting the court’s officials and operations.

    The U.S. administration, through diplomatic channels, had reportedly conditioned the lifting of sanctions on the ICC’s abandonment of its probes in Palestine and Afghanistan. A further demand sought an amendment to the Rome Statute that would prohibit the prosecution of citizens from non-member states—a move that would effectively grant immunity to American and Israeli nationals and also impact the court’s investigation into alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

    Diplomatic sources revealed that these demands were presented to member states by an EU diplomat last month. However, the final ASP declaration, adopted by consensus, emerged as a strengthened compromise that firmly upholds the court’s integrity. The statement denounced threats and coercive measures against court officials but included a single, carefully worded reference to dialogue with non-members, intended solely to encourage broader ratification of the treaty, not to negotiate its core principles.

    Multiple diplomats and ICC experts emphasized that capitulating to U.S. pressure by amending the Rome Statute would be more destructive to the court’s existence than the sanctions themselves. The prevailing sentiment was one of defiance, with one official stating, ‘Either we fight or we die. Either we swim or we sink.’

    The backdrop to this confrontation includes unprecedented U.S. sanctions imposed on ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, his deputies, several judges, and other officials, disrupting their personal lives and access to global financial systems. In response, the ICC has implemented confidential countermeasures to shield its operations. The court’s investigations, particularly the historic issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, continue unabated, with officials and judges vowing they will not be deterred.

  • Dubai’s RTA distributes over 500 child car seats to families with newborns

    Dubai’s RTA distributes over 500 child car seats to families with newborns

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully concluded a significant child safety campaign, distributing more than 500 certified child car seats to families with newborns across the emirate. The initiative, conducted from December 1-5, 2025, coincided with the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations and involved 26 participating hospitals throughout Dubai.

    This comprehensive road safety program represents a strategic effort to instill safety consciousness from the earliest stages of childhood. According to Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, scientific evidence from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration demonstrates that proper child seat usage reduces fatal incident risks by 71% for infants and 54% for children aged one to four years.

    The authority has established detailed safety guidelines for parents, emphasizing proper seat selection based on age and weight, verification of international safety certifications, and pre-purchase compatibility testing with vehicle anchoring systems. Additional recommendations include limiting continuous seat usage to 30 minutes, regular inspection of harness systems, and strict adherence to manufacturer installation instructions.

    Crucially, the RTA mandates immediate seat replacement following any collision and provides specialized restraint systems for Children of Determination in accordance with medical recommendations. The initiative aligns with World Health Organization guidelines that recognize vehicle restraint systems as among the most effective life-saving measures in traffic accidents.

    This program has demonstrated remarkable growth since its inception five years ago, expanding from 200 distributed seats in its inaugural year to the current 500 units, while participating hospitals have increased from 17 to 26 facilities across Dubai. The campaign reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to creating safer road environments through proactive safety education and practical resource distribution.

  • North American leaders take stage together for the first time

    North American leaders take stage together for the first time

    In a display of diplomatic theater, the leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada shared the stage at Washington DC’s Kennedy Centre for the 2026 World Cup draw, projecting unity while navigating complex trade negotiations behind the scenes. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney participated in the ceremonial selection of tournament groups, marking their first trilateral appearance since their respective administrations began.

    The event facilitated the inaugural meeting between President Trump and President Sheinbaum, who leads Mexico as America’s largest trading partner. While Prime Minister Carney had previously engaged with Trump on multiple occasions, substantive trade discussions between the nations have remained suspended pending policy reviews.

    Beneath the cordial public interactions lies significant uncertainty regarding the future of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which faces a mandatory review in 2026. The Trump administration has signaled potential dramatic changes to North American trade architecture, including possibly separating the trilateral pact into distinct bilateral agreements. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer publicly questioned the economic rationale behind maintaining a unified trade framework, noting the fundamentally different relationships America maintains with each neighbor.

    Despite these underlying tensions, the leaders maintained warm public decorum throughout the event. They collectively posed for photographs with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and engaged in limited sideline discussions about trade matters, particularly concerning steel, aluminum, and automobile tariffs. President Sheinbaum confirmed brief bilateral engagement with President Trump to address these specific trade issues.

    The event also featured President Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, which he described as “one of the honours” of his life. Infantino presented the award in recognition of Trump’s “exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world.”

    Meanwhile, American business interests have overwhelmingly advocated for maintaining the current trade framework. During recent public hearings on the USMCA review, representatives from agricultural, business, and policy groups testified about the agreement’s critical role in facilitating access to Canadian and Mexican markets.

    The World Cup draw provided a temporary respite from trade negotiations, but the fundamental questions regarding North American economic integration remain unresolved as the 2026 review deadline approaches.

  • Five takeaways from the blockbuster Netflix Warner Brothers deal

    Five takeaways from the blockbuster Netflix Warner Brothers deal

    In a landmark transaction poised to redefine the entertainment industry, Netflix has announced its intention to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery’s streaming assets, including the prestigious HBO network and its legendary film studio. This colossal merger represents the most significant industry consolidation in recent years, combining Netflix’s dominant streaming platform with nearly a century’s worth of iconic entertainment content.

    The acquisition would unite Netflix’s extensive original programming, including Stranger Things and KPop Demon Hunters, with Warner Bros’ legendary franchises such as Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Friends, and HBO’s critically acclaimed series including Succession, Sex and the City, and Game of Thrones. The deal additionally encompasses TNT Sports’ international operations outside the United States.

    Netflix’s subscriber base, already exceeding 300 million globally, stands to gain approximately 128 million additional subscribers from HBO’s existing audience. According to Mike Proulx, Vice President at research firm Forrester, this consolidation would render Netflix “arguably untouchable” in the streaming marketplace.

    Despite Netflix’s expressed confidence in regulatory approval, the deal faces substantial hurdles. Competition regulators in both the United States and Europe are scrutinizing the transaction, with bipartisan concerns in Washington regarding potential consumer price increases and reduced market choice. The acquisition’s completion remains uncertain, with Warner Brothers Discovery first required to spin off non-included assets such as CNN, Discovery, and Eurosport.

    Industry traditionalists have expressed dismay at the merger, with Titanic director James Cameron warning it could prove “disastrous” for the entertainment sector. The consolidation reflects the ongoing transition from traditional cinema to streaming dominance, a trend that Forrester’s Proulx describes as marking the official end of “legacy media.”

    Netflix executives have indicated the HBO brand will likely be preserved given its “very powerful” market presence, though specific integration plans remain undisclosed. The company has committed to maintaining theatrical releases for acquired properties, including the DC superhero franchise, despite co-CEO Ted Sarandos previously characterizing movie-going as an “outdated concept.”

  • Marwan Barghouti brutally assaulted in Israeli prison, family told

    Marwan Barghouti brutally assaulted in Israeli prison, family told

    Marwan Barghouti, a senior Palestinian political figure imprisoned by Israel, has reportedly suffered a brutal assault by prison authorities, with his family receiving alarming details about his condition. According to accounts relayed through a recently released prisoner, Barghouti sustained severe injuries including a partially severed ear, broken ribs, fractured fingers, and dental damage during multiple beating sessions. His son, Arab Barghouti, described the conveyed information as indicating an “extremely difficult and very dangerous” state.

    This incident is not isolated. A confidential source close to the Barghouti family revealed that the Fatah leader has been physically assaulted at least five times over the past two years, characterizing these actions as “a slow, gradual assassination attempt.” The attacks coincide with increasing threats from senior Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who was filmed visiting Barghouti’s cell in August while warning Israel would “obliterate” its opponents.

    Barghouti, who has been incarcerated since 2004 and is serving five life sentences plus 40 years for his role in attacks that killed five Israelis during the Second Intifada, has long been held in solitary confinement. His treatment has intensified alongside other prominent Palestinian detainees since October 2023. Despite his imprisonment, opinion polls consistently show Barghouti would likely win the Palestinian presidency by a significant margin if elections were held.

    The Palestinian Authority’s Commission of Detainees’ Affairs has gathered information corroborating the assault reports, yet according to sources, neither the PA nor Fatah leadership has taken meaningful action to intervene. This perceived abandonment has left the family in “complete shock and desperation,” with one source questioning how a senior Fatah official could be “left to face his fate alone.”

    This case unfolds against the backdrop of a massive detention campaign across the West Bank following the Gaza conflict initiation in October 2023. Current estimates indicate at least 9,250 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, with nearly half detained without charge or trial under administrative detention orders. Documentation shows record levels of systemic abuse and torture in Israeli custody, with at least 100 prisoner deaths reported under these conditions.

    International efforts to secure Barghouti’s release, including attempted negotiations by Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas as part of Gaza ceasefire discussions, have thus far been unsuccessful, with Israel subsequently removing his name from prisoner exchange lists.