Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • UAE: Why do Mondays feel exhausting despite sleeping more on weekends?

    UAE: Why do Mondays feel exhausting despite sleeping more on weekends?

    Across UAE workplaces, a curious weekly pattern repeats itself: employees who theoretically should feel refreshed after extended weekend sleep instead report profound fatigue as the workweek begins. This phenomenon, characterized by heavy limbs, mental fog, and significant difficulty rising on Monday mornings, has become so widespread that sleep specialists are now explaining the biological mechanisms behind what they term ‘social jet lag.’

    Medical experts from leading UAE healthcare institutions reveal that the core issue isn’t sleep quantity but circadian rhythm disruption. Jasmine Ceus, sleep consultant at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital, explains: ‘When individuals maintain drastically different sleep schedules on weekends versus weekdays, they effectively subject their bodies to weekly time zone shifts. The internal clock never stabilizes, making Monday awakenings feel like being roused in the middle of the biological night.’

    The weekend compensation approach—sleeping significantly longer than during the week—often backfires by delaying the body’s natural timing. When early alarms interrupt this shifted cycle, sleep quality diminishes regardless of duration, resulting in non-restorative sleep and persistent grogginess.

    Psychological dimensions compound the physical effects. Fedaa Hasan, clinical psychologist at Aspris by Alkalma Wellbeing Centre, notes: ‘The emotional weight of transitioning from weekend freedom to structured work routines creates anticipatory stress. Humans are creatures of habit, and this weekly rhythm disruption generates irritability, anxiety, and mistaken self-blame.’

    Wellness coach Njoud Majali observes tangible physical manifestations: ‘Monday workouts feel heavier, movement becomes effortful, and mental focus disperses. The body resists these drastic weekly pendulum swings between discipline and liberation.’

    Practical solutions emphasize gentle consistency rather than rigid perfection. Specialists recommend maintaining wake-up times within a one-hour window across all days, seeking morning sunlight exposure, establishing calming evening rituals, and avoiding late-day caffeine. These minor adjustments help stabilize circadian rhythms without sacrificing weekend relaxation.

    The consensus among experts offers reassurance: Monday exhaustion reflects biological adjustment processes, not personal failure. Understanding this physiological basis helps reduce guilt and enables more effective energy management throughout the weekly cycle.

  • China-led livestock project in Mauritania wins poverty reduction award

    China-led livestock project in Mauritania wins poverty reduction award

    A groundbreaking livestock technology initiative spearheaded by China in Mauritania has received international acclaim, being honored as one of the world’s most effective poverty alleviation programs. The recognition came during the 2025 International Seminar on Global Poverty Reduction Partnerships held in Beijing on December 10.

    The award-winning project, operating through the Animal Husbandry Technology Demonstration Center in Mauritania, represents the second consecutive year that initiatives from China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region have been selected for the Global Solicitation on Best Poverty Reduction Practices. This prestigious recognition highlights the growing international appreciation for South-South cooperation models in addressing global development challenges.

    The seminar was jointly convened by the International Poverty Reduction Center in China alongside multiple United Nations agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This collaborative framework underscores the importance of multilateral partnerships in tackling poverty worldwide.

    Under the leadership of expert Zhang Hong’en, the Mauritania project has introduced advanced juncao cultivation techniques and modern animal husbandry practices to local communities. These innovations have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing food security, creating sustainable livelihoods, and building resilience against climate-related challenges in the West African nation.

    The recognition comes as global attention focuses on practical solutions that can deliver measurable results in poverty reduction, particularly in developing regions where agricultural development remains crucial to economic stability and food independence.

  • ‘There is nothing to celebrate’: Gaza’s Christians mark sombre Christmas amid fragile truce

    ‘There is nothing to celebrate’: Gaza’s Christians mark sombre Christmas amid fragile truce

    The Christian community in Gaza has announced the cancellation of public Christmas festivities for the third consecutive year, marking a solemn holiday season amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. Youssef Tarazi, a 31-year-old Palestinian Christian, confirmed that the traditional giant Christmas tree in Gaza City will remain unlit this year, symbolizing the community’s collective mourning.

    Church authorities have suspended all external celebrations, limiting observances to private prayers and indoor nativity scenes within church buildings. This decision reflects the profound grief shared across religious lines, with both Christians and Muslims experiencing devastating losses during the ongoing conflict.

    George Anton, director of operations at the Latin patriarchate in Gaza, emphasized the impossibility of celebration while the community continues to suffer. ‘We cannot celebrate while Christians and Muslims alike are mourning devastating losses caused by the war,’ Anton stated. ‘For us, the war has not ended.’

    The physical landscape of celebration has been fundamentally altered, with many homes and streets that once hosted festive gatherings now destroyed. Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have damaged or destroyed numerous Christian institutions, including three historic churches: the Church of Saint Porphyrius, the Holy Family Church, and the Gaza Baptist Church.

    The human toll has been equally devastating, with at least 53 Christians killed directly or indirectly during the conflict. Many casualties resulted from airstrikes, while others died due to inaccessible medical care and medicine shortages, particularly affecting elderly community members with chronic illnesses.

    Gaza’s Christian population has dwindled to approximately 580 people across 220 families—the smallest community in decades. Over 400 Christians have fled during the war, fearing for their safety after losing relatives and friends. Those remaining face deteriorating humanitarian conditions that may force additional families to seek medical care and stability elsewhere.

    The community, comprising approximately 70% Greek Orthodox and 30% Latin Catholics, emphasizes their shared fate with Gaza’s Muslim majority. ‘We are part of this society,’ Anton noted, ‘and what happens to Gaza happens to us.’

    Recent attacks on religious institutions have compounded the trauma, including an October 2023 strike on the ancient Church of Saint Porphyrius that killed 16 refugees and a July attack on Gaza’s only Catholic church that killed two women and injured several others.

    As Gaza’s Christians prepare for a holiday season without traditional celebrations, they emphasize that their spiritual observance continues through prayer, even as their joy remains incomplete amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and collective grief.

  • Human activity on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau dates back 100,000 years

    Human activity on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau dates back 100,000 years

    Groundbreaking archaeological research has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of human habitation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with new evidence pushing the timeline of human activity back to approximately 100,000 years ago. This revelation emerged from comprehensive findings presented by the Xizang Autonomous Region’s cultural heritage authorities during a recent press briefing in Lhasa.

    The discoveries form part of the ongoing national ‘Archaeological China’ initiative, which has conducted extensive fieldwork across the region since 2021. Archaeologists have executed 42 systematic excavations spanning 19 distinct locations, covering approximately 8,100 square meters of investigation. This methodological approach has enabled researchers to construct a continuous chronological narrative of human occupation across diverse geographical areas.

    The archaeological record now demonstrates eight significant Paleolithic sites, four Neolithic locations, six early metal age sites with burial complexes, and one major Tubo period settlement. Particularly noteworthy is the emergence of advanced blade technology in northern Xizang approximately 40,000 years ago, followed by the proliferation of microlithic tools around 10,000 years ago.

    Cultural development milestones indicate the region’s transition to Neolithic practices around 5,000 years ago, with copper implements appearing roughly 3,800 years ago and iron technology developing about 2,800 years ago. The rise of the Tubo Kingdom around 1,400 years ago represents the region’s entry into documented historical periods.

    Concurrently, Xizang has completed its fourth national cultural relics survey, revealing unprecedented growth in archaeological site identification. By May 31, researchers had re-examined over 4,200 previously recorded sites while adding 3,346 newly discovered locations. This brings the region’s total documented cultural heritage sites to 7,623, with particularly significant concentrations in Shigatse, Lhokha, and Ngari prefecture—each contributing over 500 new sites.

    According to Xu Shaoguo, deputy director of the regional cultural heritage bureau, Xizang now ranks among China’s most rapidly expanding regions for archaeological discovery while maintaining exceptionally low rates of cultural relic loss. The comprehensive survey has yielded new findings across all county-level administrative units, demonstrating the region’s extraordinary archaeological richness and preservation.

  • Dubai Ruler announces Great Arab Minds winner in medicine, hails research in heart health

    Dubai Ruler announces Great Arab Minds winner in medicine, hails research in heart health

    In a prestigious ceremony recognizing Arab intellectual achievement, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced Dr. Nabil Seidah as the 2025 Great Arab Minds laureate in medicine. The Egyptian-Canadian scientist, who serves as Director of the Neuroendocrine Research Unit at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute, received this honor for his groundbreaking work in cardiovascular health and cholesterol metabolism.

    Dr. Seidah’s pioneering research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of biological processes regulating cholesterol and fat metabolism within the human body. His decades of scientific investigation have directly contributed to the development of an entirely new class of cholesterol-lowering medications now widely prescribed globally to combat heart disease and reduce cardiovascular risks.

    The scope of Dr. Seidah’s scientific contribution is evidenced by his publication of over 820 research papers, which have garnered more than 71,000 citations within the scientific community—a testament to the significant impact of his work on medical science.

    Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of recognizing Arab intellectual achievement, stating: ‘Medicine represents a humanitarian mission, and our region has historically played a profound role in developing medical sciences, practices, and research tools. The Great Arab Minds Award reorients the compass to its proper direction, celebrating the contributions of Arab individuals and presenting them as role models for future generations.’

    Now in its third edition, the Great Arab Minds initiative has established itself as the most prestigious recognition of intellectual achievement in the Arab world, often referred to as the ‘Arab Nobel.’ The program’s credibility received substantial validation when the 2024 award recipient in the same category, Professor Omar Yaghi, subsequently won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

  • China launches scientific-computing agent for supercomputing network

    China launches scientific-computing agent for supercomputing network

    China has achieved a significant breakthrough in computational science with the official launch of an advanced scientific-computing intelligent agent for its national supercomputing network. The unveiling took place in Tianjin on December 24, 2025, marking a transformative development in research methodology.

    This sophisticated AI system represents a paradigm shift in scientific computation, capable of interpreting natural language instructions to autonomously execute complex research workflows. The intelligent agent demonstrates remarkable capabilities including task decomposition, computational resource allocation, simulation package invocation, result analysis, and comprehensive report generation.

    The technological advancement delivers extraordinary efficiency improvements, compressing research processes that traditionally required full-day computations into approximately one hour. Currently, the system supports nearly 100 high-frequency scientific computing applications across diverse research domains.

    Supported by an extensive AI community and repository infrastructure, the platform integrates over 120 specialized knowledge bases spanning seven critical scenarios: artificial intelligence, scientific intelligence, industrial simulation, materials science, and additional research fields. This integration significantly lowers the technical barrier for scientific computing while dramatically accelerating research productivity.

    Academician Qian Depei of the Chinese Academy of Sciences emphasized the historical significance of this development, noting that scientific research is undergoing a fundamental transition from computational science to intelligent science. He explained that the emergence of scientific-computing agents represents a convergence of previously fragmented computational resources, toolchains, and knowledge assets, providing researchers with unprecedented accessibility and innovation support.

  • Telugu actor Sivaji sorry for comments on women’s dressing

    Telugu actor Sivaji sorry for comments on women’s dressing

    Telugu film and television personality Sivaji has ignited significant controversy and faced swift condemnation following remarks made about women’s clothing during a recent public appearance. The incident occurred at a pre-release event for his upcoming film “Dhandoraa,” where the actor suggested that women should prioritize wearing traditional Indian attire like sarees to “maintain dignity and beauty.” He further stated that revealing clothing does not represent the “epitome of glamour” and that actresses should emphasize grace over showcasing their bodies.

    The comments triggered immediate backlash from women professionals within the Indian film industry. More than 100 women filed a formal complaint with the Movie Artists Association (MAA) in Hyderabad, condemning the statements as an unacceptable form of policing women’s clothing and reinforcing regressive, patriarchal norms. Prominent industry figures, including playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada and actor Anasuya Bharadwaj, publicly criticized Sivaji on social media platforms. Sripaada described the advice as “unnecessary” and expressed dismay at the treatment of women, while Bharadwaj emphasized that “controlling others is weakness disguised as strength.”

    Under mounting pressure, Sivaji issued a public apology, acknowledging that his choice of words was inappropriate despite his claims of good intention. “My apologies for whatever I spoke about… My intention is good, but those two words are not correct,” his note read. The MAA subsequently stated that they considered the matter addressed following the apology.

    However, the controversy has escalated beyond the industry. The Telangana State Commission for Women has taken suo moto cognizance of the issue and has formally summoned the actor for an enquiry scheduled for December 27, 2025. The incident has sparked a widespread debate on social media regarding bodily autonomy, sexism in the entertainment industry, and the persistent scrutiny of women’s choices.

  • Global Partners Ltd unveils landmark residential masterplan at Dubai Creek

    Global Partners Ltd unveils landmark residential masterplan at Dubai Creek

    Dubai’s real estate landscape is set for a transformative addition as Global Partners Ltd, in partnership with OCTA Properties, announces a groundbreaking residential development at Dubai Creek. The project, officially launching in 2026, represents the asset manager’s second UAE fund and marks a significant advancement in sustainable urban planning.

    The masterplan, spanning 127,000 square meters, breaks conventional development patterns by dedicating 70% of its area to meticulously landscaped gardens and open spaces. This unusual green-to-built-space ratio creates an unprecedented balance between modern community living and natural serenity within one of Dubai’s most iconic locations.

    Architectural design prioritizes wellness-oriented living through low-rise residences that maximize panoramic views of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Creek, and surrounding parklands. The development will incorporate carefully curated retail establishments integrated within the residential and green spaces, ensuring both convenience and community vibrancy.

    Bader Saeed Hareb, Executive Chairman of Global Partners Property Fund II, stated: “Our vision to elevate urban living standards will materialize with construction commencing in 2026. This masterplan offers families, couples, and investors a tranquil lifestyle within one of Dubai’s most desirable communities.”

    Adding significant prestige to the project, Global Partners has secured collaborations with internationally acclaimed hotel brands to introduce two branded residential complexes within the community. These partnerships will bring world-class hospitality standards and luxury living amenities to residents.

    Fawaz Sous, CEO of OCTA Properties, emphasized: “As exclusive sales and marketing partner, we’re proud to present this visionary development that represents a new chapter in Dubai’s residential offerings. We anticipate strong interest from discerning buyers globally.”

    The development promises residents a secluded, nature-rich environment while maintaining excellent connectivity to Dubai’s main commercial hubs and attractions. Backed by decades of investment expertise, Global Partners aims to redefine urban landscapes through design-led, world-class real estate projects, while OCTA Properties leverages its extensive network to market the project to domestic and international buyers.

  • Ultherapy PRIME arrives in Dubai, offering a new option for non-surgical skin lifting

    Ultherapy PRIME arrives in Dubai, offering a new option for non-surgical skin lifting

    Dubai’s aesthetic medicine landscape has advanced with the official UAE introduction of Ultherapy PRIME at SKIN111 clinic, responding to growing consumer demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures. This cutting-edge ultrasound technology represents a significant evolution in non-surgical skin lifting and tightening, now accessible to Dubai residents seeking natural-looking results without surgical intervention or recovery periods.

    The globally recognized treatment utilizes focused ultrasound energy to target the skin’s deeper structural layers where collagen production naturally occurs. Unlike superficial treatments, Ultherapy PRIME addresses the same foundational tissues typically manipulated during surgical facelifts, but achieves this through entirely non-invasive methodology. The technology incorporates real-time ultrasound imaging, allowing physicians to visualize subcutaneous tissue during procedures and ensuring precise energy delivery at optimal depths for maximum efficacy and safety.

    Clinical outcomes demonstrate progressive improvement as the treatment stimulates the body’s innate collagen regeneration processes. Patients typically experience gradual skin firming and lifting effects that evolve naturally over time rather than creating abrupt changes. The treatment requires just a single session for most patients, with clinical studies reporting approximately 95% satisfaction rates and results lasting 12-18 months. Common application areas include eyebrow elevation, jawline definition, neck contouring, and décolleté rejuvenation.

    As an FDA-approved procedure, Ultherapy PRIME enables immediate return to normal activities, aligning perfectly with contemporary lifestyle preferences that prioritize minimal disruption. SKIN111 implements strict medical supervision throughout the treatment journey, beginning with comprehensive consultations to assess individual skin conditions and aesthetic objectives. Each treatment plan is personalized, with physicians utilizing ultrasound guidance to meticulously plan and execute procedures with precision.

    The clinic’s accreditation as one of the Top 6 Aesthetic Clinics in the GCC from 2021-2025 and recognition as the UAE’s Most Trusted Aesthetics Brand in 2025 reinforces its commitment to medical excellence. With over 4,000 Google reviews maintaining a 4.9-star average rating, SKIN111 has established itself as a premier destination for aesthetic treatments in the region, offering luxury clinic environments complemented by valet parking and complimentary consultations.

    This introduction reflects broader regional trends toward advanced non-surgical aesthetic technologies that deliver clinically proven results without downtime. Ultherapy PRIME’s arrival in Dubai provides patients with access to internationally trusted skin lifting technology supported by sophisticated ultrasound imaging and expert medical supervision, marking a new era in the Emirates’ aesthetic medicine offerings.

  • Investigation launched after abnormal death of infant in Hefei

    Investigation launched after abnormal death of infant in Hefei

    Health authorities in Hefei, Anhui province have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of a 27-day-old infant who passed away while undergoing medical treatment for jaundice. The city’s health commission confirmed the launch of the probe through an official statement released Wednesday morning.

    The investigation comes in response to widespread public attention drawn by media reports detailing the circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death on November 24 at the Anhui Women and Children’s Medical Center. The health commission has established a specialized task force to examine the case thoroughly.

    As part of the investigative process, all medical personnel involved in the infant’s care have been temporarily suspended from their duties pending the outcome of the inquiry. Critical evidence including medical records and surveillance footage from the facility has been secured and sealed for analysis. The city’s medical association has concurrently accepted an application to conduct a formal medical accident appraisal.

    According to earlier media accounts, the infant’s father, identified only by his surname Chen, reported receiving a critical condition notice from the hospital on the evening of November 22. The document indicated the child had suffered a sudden pulmonary hemorrhage and was undergoing emergency treatment. The infant was subsequently pronounced dead two days later.

    With assistance from local law enforcement, the family reviewed security camera footage on November 26 that allegedly showed a nurse feeding the infant and leaving him positioned on his side before exiting the ward. Chen contends the recording appears to show the child later turning face down and remaining motionless after approximately ten minutes of struggle. The nurse reportedly discovered the unresponsive infant and initiated resuscitation efforts nearly thirty minutes later.

    The health commission expressed profound condolences to the grieving family and assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with strict adherence to legal protocols, emphasizing principles of objectivity and fairness. Authorities have committed to providing additional information as the investigation progresses.