Global Pulse

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  • Palestine Action prisoner hospitalised due to hunger strike

    Palestine Action prisoner hospitalised due to hunger strike

    A British activist detained on charges linked to the proscribed organization Palestine Action has been hospitalized following a severe health deterioration during his hunger strike. Kamran Ahmed, currently held at London’s Pentonville prison, initiated the protest action alongside five other inmates earlier this month after UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood failed to address their concerns regarding prison conditions.

    The collective hunger strike coincides with a three-day judicial review at London’s High Court examining the government’s controversial decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation in July 2024. This designation effectively criminalizes membership or any form of support for the direct action group.

    According to the campaign organization Prisoners for Palestine (PFP), Ahmed experienced a medical emergency on Friday, collapsing in his cell with dangerously low blood sugar levels indicative of hypoglycemia. The asthmatic activist had reportedly been suffering from dizziness, respiratory complications, chest pains, and significant weight loss—dropping from 74kg to 68kg—with medical tests revealing critically elevated ketone levels.

    Ahmed’s sister, Shahmina Alam, provided Middle East Eye with disturbing details about the incident, revealing that her brother regained consciousness alone on his cell floor after fainting. Despite requests for emergency medical intervention, Alam claims prison authorities initially refused to call a second ambulance after paramedics declined hospitalization on Saturday, stating they could not intervene in a hunger strike situation.

    The Ministry of Justice responded to inquiries by emphasizing that “any prisoner assessed as needing hospital treatment is immediately taken to hospital,” while simultaneously noting legal restrictions preventing them from sharing healthcare information with unverified callers.

    Meanwhile, the five other participating prisoners across multiple facilities are experiencing accelerating health declines. Qesser Zurah and Amu Gib at HMP Bronzefield, along with Heba Muraisi at HMP New Hall and Jon Cink at Bronzefield, have reported rapid weight loss and deteriorating physical conditions. PFP documents indicate prison medical staff initially displayed reluctance to conduct examinations and were reportedly “hostile” toward the strikers.

    The situation has drawn significant political attention, with former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn writing to Justice Minister David Lammy expressing “grave concern” and demanding an urgent meeting regarding his constituent’s treatment. Over 100 medical professionals have additionally signed a letter to NHS England’s health and justice team urging immediate intervention.

    Prison authorities maintain that all inmates are managed according to established policies and procedures, with HMP Bronzefield emphasizing available channels for addressing complaints through proper institutional frameworks.

  • Huawei celebrates smart fitness and youth empowerment through its month-long campaign at the DFC 2025

    Huawei celebrates smart fitness and youth empowerment through its month-long campaign at the DFC 2025

    During the recently concluded Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025, Huawei emerged as a pivotal force in redefining urban wellness through technological innovation. The month-long November initiative saw the tech giant deploy its comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices and digital platforms to foster community health engagement across Dubai.

    Huawei’s strategic partnership with Dubai Ride 2025 exemplified its commitment to creating seamless connections between digital innovation and physical wellbeing. At Zabeel Park, the company transformed its Huawei Health+ application into a real-world fitness hub, offering weekly complimentary training sessions that attracted diverse community participants.

    A landmark achievement came through Huawei’s collaboration with the Asian Paralympic Committee and Dubai Club for People of Determination. The technology leader unveiled its groundbreaking Wheelchair Mode feature on the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6, developed through consultations with APC President Majid Rashed. This innovation provides wheelchair users with precise tracking of movement metrics, demonstrating technology’s power to create inclusive fitness solutions.

    The company’s TruSense System took center stage, showcasing advanced capabilities in monitoring over 60 health parameters including emotional wellbeing indicators. This sophisticated health monitoring technology represents Huawei’s significant investment in human-centric innovation.

    Lei Cheng, Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Consumer Business Group for Middle East and Africa, emphasized the company’s philosophy: “Our technological development prioritizes human potential enhancement. We envision fitness as an organic lifestyle component where technology serves as an enabler for richer life experiences and sustainable wellbeing.”

    Through interactive challenges, community workouts, and smart wearable integration, Huawei successfully created a holistic fitness ecosystem that extended beyond physical events into continuous digital engagement. The initiative supported Dubai’s broader vision of becoming a health-conscious, technology-enabled smart city while empowering youth and diverse community segments to adopt sustainable wellness practices.

  • UAE: Free meals, National Day gifts for blood donors; Indian group holds drive

    UAE: Free meals, National Day gifts for blood donors; Indian group holds drive

    In celebration of the UAE’s 54th National Day, an Indian social organization is launching a significant humanitarian initiative—a massive blood donation campaign set for November 30 at the Dubai Health Authority’s Al Jaddaf headquarters. The event, organized by the Kasargod wing of KMCC in collaboration with the Kindness blood donation team, aims to attract at least 500 donors through enhanced incentives including complimentary meals, National Day gifts, and free transportation services.

    Operating from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, the campaign offers shuttle services from Al Jadaf metro station at 30-minute intervals, with additional bus transportation available for residents across Dubai including Deira, Karama, and Bur Dubai. Prospective donors must present valid Emirates ID and meet standard medical requirements to participate.

    Salam Kanyappady, president of the organizing group, emphasized the campaign’s dual purpose: honoring the UAE as their adopted homeland while contributing meaningfully to community welfare. The initiative builds upon a decade-long commitment to blood donation advocacy, having collected over 5,000 units since 2015. The group’s persistence has transformed public perception about blood donation safety, gradually turning skepticism into enthusiastic participation.

    The legacy of late philanthropist Dr. PA Ibrahim Haji continues to inspire the organization’s monthly mobile blood donation vehicles, which now regularly serve various emirates. The campaign’s success is further evidenced by dedicated regular donors like Faisal Patel, a 50-year-old cafeteria owner who has donated blood every two months for 13 years. Patel attributes his robust health to regular donation, noting he hasn’t required significant medication since 2021 and maintained COVID-free status throughout the pandemic while continuing his donations.

  • Tradeling and Yango Ads sign MoU to advance digital advertising and retail media innovation in the UAE

    Tradeling and Yango Ads sign MoU to advance digital advertising and retail media innovation in the UAE

    In a significant development for the Middle Eastern digital commerce sector, Tradeling, the region’s premier digital commerce ecosystem operating under Dubai’s visionary ‘Dubai 10X’ programme, has entered into a strategic partnership with Yango Ads, the advertising technology division of Yango Group. The memorandum of understanding establishes a collaborative framework to pioneer next-generation retail media and advertising technology solutions across the Middle East.

    The collaboration merges Yango Ads’ sophisticated artificial intelligence-driven advertising capabilities with Tradeling’s extensive digital commerce infrastructure, which currently serves over 50,000 buyers with access to more than 8 million stock keeping units. Owned by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA), Tradeling’s platform facilitates seamless sourcing for small and medium enterprises, corporate procurement teams, hospitality sectors, retailers, and e-commerce merchants throughout the region.

    This alliance enables Yango Ads to provide brands with access to high-intent, first-party retail media audiences within Tradeling’s purchasing environment, thereby enhancing supplier visibility and conversion rates throughout the customer journey. Concurrently, Tradeling will leverage Yango Ads’ AI-powered targeting, optimization, and performance technologies to empower platform suppliers and brands with improved visibility and accelerated growth.

    Evgenii Pavlov, General Manager for Yango Ads in Middle East and Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership: ‘This collaboration brings together two of the region’s most forward-thinking digital ecosystems. By combining Tradeling’s sophisticated digital commerce infrastructure with our retail media and AdTech capabilities, we aim to deliver smarter, highly targeted advertising solutions for suppliers, brands, and enterprise buyers.’

    Safvan Vali, Marketing Director at Tradeling, reinforced this sentiment: ‘Our mission has always been to simplify and digitally transform B2B trade across the region. This partnership strengthens that mission with advanced advertising, AI, and performance tools that help our sellers grow faster, reach the right audiences, and accelerate their digital transformation.’

    The timing of this collaboration is particularly strategic, given the Middle East and North Africa’s B2B trade market valuation of approximately $1 trillion, with online B2B commerce projected to reach $40-50 billion within the next five years. The partnership will explore multiple areas of mutual interest, including retail media monetization, supplier advertising solutions, AI-driven audience targeting, and the development of digital advertising opportunities across Tradeling’s marketplace and independent retailer network.

    Both organizations will additionally investigate joint go-to-market initiatives and non-binding commercial pilots under the memorandum’s framework. This alliance positions both entities to shape the forthcoming wave of AI-powered retail media and fundamentally transform how businesses discover, purchase, and expand their operations throughout the Middle Eastern market.

  • Former Philippine president Duterte to remain in detention at the Hague

    Former Philippine president Duterte to remain in detention at the Hague

    THE HAGUE – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has decisively rejected former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s petition for provisional release, ensuring his continued detention at the Scheveningen facility near The Hague. The ruling came Friday from the ICC Chamber of Appeal, presided over by Peruvian Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza.

    Duterte’s legal team had vigorously argued for his release based on humanitarian grounds, citing the former leader’s advanced age of 80 and allegedly deteriorating health condition. However, Judge Carranza dismissed these arguments, stating that the proposed release conditions “were not sufficient to mitigate the risks” associated with interim freedom for the accused.

    The court further rejected defense claims that Duterte should be released for humanitarian reasons, maintaining that the seriousness of the charges warranted continued detention. According to court documents, Duterte stands accused of authorizing “violent acts including murder to be committed against alleged criminals, including alleged drug dealers and users” during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.

    Duterte was apprehended in Manila on March 11 and transferred to ICC custody, where he appeared visibly frail during his initial video court appearance. The charges against him stem from his controversial anti-drug campaign that human rights organizations claim resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.

    The ICC has yet to determine whether Duterte is medically fit to stand trial. This latest ruling follows an October decision that rejected defense arguments challenging the court’s jurisdiction over three separate charges of crimes against humanity. These charges encompass:

    – 19 murders occurring between 2013-2016 during Duterte’s tenure as Davao City mayor
    – 14 killings of alleged drug bosses in 2016-2017 during his presidency
    – 43 killings of suspected low-level drug offenders

    Official Philippine National Police estimates place the death toll during Duterte’s drug war at over 6,000, while independent human rights organizations suggest the actual figure may reach 30,000. The case continues to draw international attention as victims’ families and human rights advocates closely monitor proceedings.

  • Al Safadi marks 25 years of shaping Lebanese dining in the UAE and officially launches Al Safadi Hospitality

    Al Safadi marks 25 years of shaping Lebanese dining in the UAE and officially launches Al Safadi Hospitality

    DUBAI – Celebrating a quarter-century of defining Lebanese culinary excellence in the UAE, Al Safadi has formally established Al Safadi Hospitality as a unified corporate umbrella to oversee its expanding portfolio. This strategic restructuring preserves the original ownership and leadership while creating an integrated framework for future growth, new brand development, and sustained quality across all operations.

    The journey began in 2000 with a single family-operated restaurant that evolved into one of the nation’s most recognized Lebanese dining destinations. Known for its unwavering consistency and traditional recipes—including an unchanging family Muhammara formula and annual service of approximately 57 tonnes of hummus—the brand has become embedded in UAE daily life. Its multicultural team of over 18 nationalities, including staff with nearly three decades of service, remains central to the group’s identity.

    Al Safadi Hospitality now encompasses the flagship restaurant brand, recently launched concepts Oventine and Table 25 catering, Al Safadi Food Production, and all future ventures. The consolidation enables strengthened quality control, operational excellence, and strategic planning while maintaining the brand’s heritage and people-focused culture.

    A cornerstone of this expansion is the new 5,000-square-meter Central Production Unit in Dubai Production City. This state-of-the-art facility features advanced European kitchen technology and hygienic preparation areas, capable of producing 45,000 meals daily to support existing restaurants, catering services, and upcoming retail lines. Currently pursuing HACCP and FSSC certifications, the facility incorporates sustainable technologies including Demand Control Ventilation and Empower District Cooling integration.

    The group’s expansion pipeline includes retail launches of sauces, spices, and ready-to-cook items between 2026-2027, alongside new restaurant openings across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. Oventine, the oven-led quick service concept inspired by Levantine flavors, will expand across Dubai through 2026, while Table 25 continues evolving as a premium catering brand offering international cuisine and custom menus.

    The anniversary was commemorated with a private gathering at the new production facility, featuring virtual tours, documentary presentations, and a performance by Guy Manoukian. CEO Fadi Al Safadi emphasized that the milestone recognizes the collective achievement of staff and patrons alike, stating: ‘We are building for the next 25 years, expanding with care while staying true to who we are.’

  • Georgia marks a year of protests since EU talks stalled and crackdown intensified

    Georgia marks a year of protests since EU talks stalled and crackdown intensified

    TBILISI, Georgia — For 365 consecutive days, the streets of Georgia’s capital have echoed with dissent as thousands of citizens maintain unwavering demonstrations against their government’s controversial suspension of European Union accession negotiations. The sustained civic movement reached its one-year milestone on Friday with massive gatherings along Tbilisi’s central Rustaveli Avenue, where protesters brandished national flags, placards, and symbolic whistles while chanting pro-European slogans.

    The protest movement ignited immediately after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s November 28, 2024 announcement halting EU membership talks. Despite diminished crowd sizes over time, daily demonstrations have persisted both outside parliament and across other urban centers, representing what participants describe as a fundamental struggle for Georgia’s democratic future.

    In response to the enduring protests, the ruling Georgian Dream party has implemented increasingly stringent measures against dissent. New legislation has dramatically escalated penalties for protest activities, with administrative detention periods extending to 15 days for participants and 20 days for organizers. Financial penalties have skyrocketed from 500 lari ($185) to 5,000 lari ($1,850) for initial violations, with criminal charges following subsequent offenses.

    Critics argue these measures mirror Russian-style suppression tactics, noting similarities to legislation used by Vladimir Putin’s administration to stifle opposition. The government has simultaneously intensified pressure on opposition parties, petitioning the Constitutional Court to ban the country’s three primary opposition groups—the United National Movement, Akhali/Coalition for Change, and Lelo.

    Among hundreds detained under the new framework is Rusiko Kobakhidze, a researcher and mother of nine, who received multiple jail sentences for blocking streets during demonstrations. “I don’t want a country where my children cannot speak openly,” she told Associated Press, capturing the movement’s central ethos.

    Despite the suspended accession process, ruling party officials maintain their commitment to European integration. Lawmaker Mariam Lashkhi asserted that “EU integration and NATO integration remain unchanged,” while simultaneously rejecting international influence on domestic policy. This position contrasts sharply with the EU’s November 4 enlargement report, which cited “democratic backsliding” and described government actions as “fundamentally incompatible with EU values.”

  • UAE: Will it rain during Eid Al Etihad long weekend?

    UAE: Will it rain during Eid Al Etihad long weekend?

    As the UAE approaches the final long weekend of the year marking Eid Al Etihad, residents can anticipate predominantly agreeable weather conditions characterized by cool mornings and partially overcast skies. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, certain northern, coastal, and island regions may experience intermittent cloud cover with possibilities of scattered rainfall throughout the holiday period.

    Temperatures continue their seasonal decline across the nation, with maximum readings forecasted between 24°C–30°C in coastal and inland areas, while mountainous regions will see cooler ranges of 12°C–20°C. Nighttime and early morning humidity will increase, creating potential for mist or fog formation in interior zones.

    Wind patterns are expected to remain light to moderate, shifting between southeasterly and northwesterly directions at speeds reaching 25-40 km/h, occasionally stirring dust clouds in open areas. Maritime conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will generally be slight to moderate throughout the extended weekend.

    The detailed forecast indicates variable cloud coverage across different days:
    – November 29: Partly cloudy with rainfall potential in coastal and eastern areas
    – November 30: Generally fair skies with possible low clouds in western regions
    – December 1-2: Partly cloudy conditions prevailing with increased humidity overnight

    Residents planning outdoor activities during the holiday period are advised to monitor weather updates for potential rainfall in northern districts while enjoying the seasonably cool temperatures.

  • Afghans in US issue plea to Trump after Washington DC shooting

    Afghans in US issue plea to Trump after Washington DC shooting

    The Afghan community in the United States has united in condemnation of Wednesday’s fatal shooting in Washington DC that claimed the life of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and left her colleague Andrew Wolfe critically injured. The alleged perpetrator, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. through a special immigration program established for Afghans who collaborated with American forces during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    In response to the incident, President Donald Trump has implemented an immediate suspension of all Afghan immigration applications and ordered a comprehensive review of green cards issued to nationals from 19 countries. The administration has signaled potential broader restrictions on migration from what it characterizes as ‘third-world countries.’

    The Afghan Community Coalition of America expressed profound sympathy for the victims’ families while urging authorities not to delay or suspend Afghan immigration claims. ‘Twenty years of Afghan-US partnership must not be forgotten,’ their statement emphasized, referencing the two-decade military engagement that began in 2001.

    Multiple Afghan immigrants who spoke with media outlets on condition of anonymity due to Taliban reprisal concerns described the shooting as ‘deeply tragic’ and ‘really shocking.’ They emphasized that the suspect’s actions represented an individual criminal act rather than reflecting their community’s values. ‘Afghans in the United States are hardworking, tax-paying members of society,’ one interviewee noted, adding that many remain grateful for American evacuation efforts during the Kabul crisis.

    Lakanwal reportedly assisted U.S. forces as a guard at Kabul airport during the withdrawal operation and entered America the same year. According to official sources, his asylum application was approved earlier this year after being filed in 2024. The FBI confirms the suspect had established relationships with ‘partner forces’ during the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.

    The political fallout has created widespread uncertainty among immigrant communities, with many expressing concern about potential policy changes that could affect their status. One Afghan resident articulated the dual challenges facing his community: ‘For us Afghans there’s problem for us in Afghanistan as well as here.’

  • Watch: ‘Lethal’ basketball player makes shot from over 100ft-high helicopter in Dubai

    Watch: ‘Lethal’ basketball player makes shot from over 100ft-high helicopter in Dubai

    In an extraordinary display of precision and nerve, professional basketball marksman Chris Matthews successfully executed a record-breaking basket from a helicopter hovering over 100 feet above Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. The aerial spectacle, performed on November 28, 2025, demonstrated remarkable coordination between athlete and pilot under challenging atmospheric conditions.

    The daring attempt required Matthews to maintain intense focus while positioned at the helicopter’s open doorway, with legs suspended above the iconic artificial archipelago. Despite significant wind interference and aircraft vibration, the athlete delivered a perfect shot into a ground-positioned hoop after meticulous aerial positioning by pilot Captain Husam Gamal.

    Matthews immediately credited the aviation expert for the achievement, stating the pilot contributed “90 percent of the work” through continuous hover adjustments and stabilization maneuvers. The wind conditions presented particular challenges, with Matthews describing the experience as “trying to aim a paper in a storm” due to atmospheric forces affecting ball trajectory.

    The demonstration served as a promotional highlight coinciding with Dubai’s hosting of the Red Bull Half Court World Final, an international basketball tournament featuring competitors from multiple continents. Matthews emphasized the symbolic nature of the stunt, intended to showcase basketball’s universal appeal across diverse environments and skill levels.

    Following the successful attempt, Matthews expressed particular appreciation for Dubai’s aerial landscape, describing the Palm Jumeirah as “splendid” and the city as a “visual treat” from elevation. The achievement represents one of the most remarkable basketball shots ever attempted under non-traditional conditions.