Global Pulse

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  • Ulster MP’s claim police caved to Muslim ‘pressure’ over Maccabi row ‘disgraceful and divisive’

    Ulster MP’s claim police caved to Muslim ‘pressure’ over Maccabi row ‘disgraceful and divisive’

    A Member of Parliament has been reported to the parliamentary standards commissioner following controversial remarks alleging that West Midlands Police banned Israeli football fans from a match due to pressure from Muslim politicians and activists. The incident, which occurred during a parliamentary session on Monday, involved Democratic Unionist Party MP Sammy Wilson, who claimed that the police decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from a November 6 fixture at Villa Park was influenced by “Muslim politicians and Muslim thugs.

    The ban, which sparked significant political backlash and was labeled as antisemitic by the British government last month, has been a contentious issue. Middle East Eye previously reported that a confidential West Midlands Police document cited Dutch police warnings about Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being “experienced fighters” and “intent on causing serious violence” during a 2024 incident in Amsterdam. However, a Sunday Times report later contradicted this, alleging that West Midlands Police exaggerated the threat, a claim the force denies.

    During the parliamentary session, Wilson questioned Home Office minister Sarah Jones, accusing the police of fabricating their assessment. He argued that the decision left the Jewish community feeling marginalized and demanded an inquiry into potential political pressure on the police. Despite Wilson’s claims, there is no evidence to suggest that West Midlands Police were influenced by external political forces. Numerous MPs, including Muslim and non-Muslim representatives, supported the ban, emphasizing public safety concerns.

    Independent Alliance MP Ayoub Khan, a vocal supporter of the ban, condemned Wilson’s remarks as “disgraceful, inflammatory, and deeply irresponsible” and announced plans to file a formal complaint with the standards commissioner. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn echoed these sentiments, stating that the ban was not about targeting Jewish individuals but addressing extremist behavior among football fans.

    In response, Home Office minister Jones emphasized the importance of public confidence in policing but refrained from commenting on the specifics of Wilson’s allegations. Labour MP Kim Johnson criticized Wilson’s comments as “reckless, baseless, and deeply divisive,” stressing that the police decision was based on evidence and public safety, not sectarian pressure.

    West Midlands Police reiterated their stance, asserting that their evaluation was informed by credible intelligence and aimed at ensuring public safety. The controversy highlights broader concerns about Islamophobia and the use of divisive language in political discourse.

  • Fun City unveils four-hour triple deal takeover

    Fun City unveils four-hour triple deal takeover

    In a strategic move timed with the approaching Eid Al Etihad long weekend, Middle Eastern entertainment giant Fun City has unveiled an unprecedented promotional event set for November 29, 2025. The limited-time offer, available exclusively between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, represents one of the most substantial value propositions in the regional family entertainment sector.

    The promotion enables UAE families to acquire a comprehensive entertainment package valued at Dh1,500 for merely Dh450. This exceptional bundle includes 116 play credits redeemable across Fun City’s extensive network of arcade games, amusement rides, and interactive play zones, complemented by three premium toys. The play credits maintain validity for six months, providing extended flexibility for family entertainment planning throughout the winter season and beyond.

    Accessibility remains a cornerstone of this initiative, with the offer available both at physical locations including Fun City, Fun Block, and Fun Works venues throughout the Emirates, and through the company’s official digital portal at funcityarabia.com. This dual-channel approach accommodates both in-person and online purchasing preferences.

    The timing of this promotion aligns strategically with seasonal patterns, coinciding with school breaks and holiday celebrations. Industry analysts note that such aggressive pricing strategies reflect the competitive landscape of family entertainment, where established brands like Fun City leverage their scale to deliver exceptional value while maintaining quality standards.

    As a recognized leader in indoor family entertainment across the Middle East, Fun City continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating affordable, memorable experiences. The current promotion not only serves as a customer acquisition tool but also reinforces brand loyalty during a period of increased discretionary spending among UAE families.

    The limited four-hour availability window creates both urgency and exclusivity, elements that have proven effective in previous promotional campaigns within the entertainment sector. With the long weekend approaching, this offer presents families with a compelling alternative to traditional leisure activities while providing substantial economic advantages compared to standard pricing models.

  • Indian city of Ahmedabad to stage 2030 Commonwealth Games

    Indian city of Ahmedabad to stage 2030 Commonwealth Games

    The city of Ahmedabad in India has been officially selected as the host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the 100th anniversary of the inaugural event held in Hamilton, Canada. The decision was ratified during the 2025 General Assembly of the Commonwealth Sport membership in Glasgow. Ahmedabad, located in the western state of Gujarat, emerged as the chosen city following a competitive evaluation process that also included Abuja, Nigeria. This announcement underscores India’s growing prominence in the global sports arena, having previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010. The 2030 Games will not only celebrate a century of the event but also highlight Ahmedabad’s capacity to organize a major international sporting spectacle. The selection comes after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as the original host due to financial constraints, leading Glasgow to step in for a scaled-down version of the Games in 2026.

  • Eton Solutions wins ‘Innovative Use Of AI’ Award for EtonAI at WealthBriefing MENA Awards 2025

    Eton Solutions wins ‘Innovative Use Of AI’ Award for EtonAI at WealthBriefing MENA Awards 2025

    Eton Solutions, a global leader in wealth management technology, has been honored with the ‘Innovative Use of Artificial Intelligence’ award at the WealthBriefing MENA Awards 2025. The accolade was bestowed upon the company for its groundbreaking AI-powered platform, EtonAI, during a prestigious ceremony held at the Armani Hotel in Dubai. The WealthBriefing MENA Awards celebrate organizations that exhibit exceptional innovation, industry influence, and client value, with winners selected through a rigorous, independent judging process. EtonAI, an enterprise-grade AI platform, has revolutionized wealth management by automating complex processes such as onboarding, document management, and investment research. Built on the robust AtlasFive® platform, which supports over 960 families and manages more than 21.3 million annual transactions, EtonAI enhances operational efficiency, scalability, and decision-making. Eton Solutions is also one of the few organizations globally to achieve ISO 42001 certification, underscoring its commitment to responsible and secure AI practices. Bryan Henning, SVP and Global Head of Sales and Business Development at Eton Solutions, remarked, ‘This award validates our approach to AI, demonstrating how we are reshaping wealth management by addressing real operational challenges.’ Stephen Harris, CEO of ClearView Financial Media, praised the winners, stating, ‘This recognition highlights the finest in the MENA wealth management sector and beyond.’ This achievement further solidifies Eton Solutions’ reputation as a trusted technology partner for family offices, private equity firms, and wealth managers worldwide.

  • Euro zone banks should prepare for risk of dollar squeeze, ECB says

    Euro zone banks should prepare for risk of dollar squeeze, ECB says

    The European Central Bank has issued a critical directive to major euro zone financial institutions, urging immediate preparation for potential U.S. dollar liquidity strains exacerbated by heightened currency volatility under the Trump administration. This warning forms the centerpiece of the ECB’s latest Financial Stability Review, which identifies unprecedented dollar squeeze scenarios as a paramount concern for European banking stability.

    According to the comprehensive assessment, a select group of systemically important euro zone banks with substantial dollar-denominated operations must significantly bolster their capital reserves and liquid dollar assets. These institutions—including BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Crédit Agricole, Groupe BPCE, ING, Banco Santander, and Société Générale—collectively hold approximately €681 billion in dollar securities while maintaining €712 billion in dollar-denominated lending portfolios.

    The ECB’s analysis highlights several vulnerability points: stretched market valuations, escalating trade tariffs, mounting corporate debt, and the emerging risk profile of stablecoins. However, the most acute concern revolves around potential disruptions in dollar funding markets, where European banks typically secure dollar liquidity through repurchase agreements and foreign exchange swaps.

    While not explicitly detailed in the official report, ECB officials have privately contemplated extreme scenarios including the Federal Reserve potentially terminating its emergency liquidity swap arrangement with the European Central Bank—a critical backstop mechanism maintained since the global financial crisis. Such an event could trigger catastrophic dollar outflows that would rapidly exhaust existing liquidity buffers.

    ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos sought to downplay immediate concerns regarding swap line accessibility, emphasizing during a press conference that ‘these bilateral swap lines represent crucial mechanisms for maintaining financial stability on both sides of the Atlantic.’ His comments echoed similar reassurances recently provided by New York Fed President John Williams.

    The central bank’s assessment concludes that while current dollar asset-liability mismatches remain ‘limited’ through careful maturity alignment strategies, these measures ‘do not fully eliminate liquidity risk’ during periods of severe market stress. The ECB therefore recommends that institutions maintain substantial dollar asset reserves to counterbalance potential outflows while functioning as stabilizing intermediaries in turbulent markets.

  • As AI reshapes shopping, US retailers try to change how they’re seen online

    As AI reshapes shopping, US retailers try to change how they’re seen online

    The $253 billion US holiday shopping season is undergoing a fundamental transformation as artificial intelligence reshapes consumer behavior. While traditional search engine advertising continues to dominate online sales, retailers are now aggressively adapting to the emergence of AI shopping assistants that are changing how consumers discover and purchase products.

    Major corporations are implementing sophisticated strategies to capture attention within AI ecosystems. According to Brian Stempeck, CEO of generative engine optimization platform Evertune.ai, brands that previously produced three to four monthly blog posts are now generating 100-200 pieces of content specifically designed for AI discovery. His company charges approximately $3,000 monthly to help apparel and footwear clients optimize their digital presence for large language models.

    The technological shift has prompted innovative approaches beyond conventional advertising. Retailers are developing specialized websites invisible to human shoppers but designed exclusively for AI scrapers—automated data extraction tools that feed product information to platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. These AI systems then provide consumers with product comparisons, pricing analysis, and direct purchasing capabilities.

    Though AI-generated traffic currently represents less than 1% of overall e-commerce activity according to Sensor Tower data, retailers recognize the emerging opportunity. Bed linen company Brooklinen has implemented a multi-faceted strategy including influencer partnerships on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, whose content gets scraped by AI systems. The company has also submitted products for industry awards to enhance AI visibility.

    Technology giants are accelerating this transformation. Google has introduced AI shopping features that help consumers track prices and make purchases, while Amazon reports that users of its Rufus AI assistant are 60% more likely to complete purchases. Both Walmart and Target have recently announced plans for chatbot-enabled shopping applications, signaling industry-wide adoption of AI-driven commerce.

    The transition presents unique challenges, particularly regarding demographic adoption. Brooklinen COO Rachel Levy notes that while Generation Z represents the most enthusiastic adopters of AI tools, their current purchasing power remains limited compared to older demographics. Nonetheless, the retail industry’s substantial investments in AI optimization indicate a fundamental belief that agentic AI will redefine consumer shopping patterns in the coming years.

  • Sonu Nigam, NE-YO announce plan to take Asian music worldwide

    Sonu Nigam, NE-YO announce plan to take Asian music worldwide

    In a landmark development for the global music industry, Indian singing legend Sonu Nigam has partnered with American R&B superstar NE-YO, pioneering Chinese American rapper MC Jin, and veteran music executive Jonathan Serbin to establish Pacific Music Group. This innovative entertainment venture, headquartered in Hong Kong, represents a strategic initiative to revolutionize the discovery, development, and global presentation of Asian musical talent.

    The newly formed company emerges against the backdrop of Asia’s rapidly expanding music landscape, which encompasses approximately 1.6 billion people domestically and substantial diaspora communities internationally. Sonu Nigam, drawing from his extensive career, emphasized the growing aspiration among Asian artists to achieve worldwide recognition: ‘Indian artists, and indeed creators across Asia, demonstrate an increasing hunger for global reach while maintaining their cultural authenticity. Through Pacific Music Group, we aim to facilitate this expansion by enabling artists to flourish both within their home markets and on the international stage.’

    Pacific Music Group has been conceived as a transformative model for artist development, fundamentally rooted in Asia’s creative dynamism. The company will implement a comprehensive strategy that includes talent discovery, mentorship programs, and culturally significant collaborations. Its operational framework features a multi-genre imprint system encompassing pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, electronic music, and diverse regional Asian styles, reflecting the musical richness of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

    The leadership team brings unparalleled expertise to this venture. Sonu Nigam, NE-YO, and MC Jin will provide artist guidance based on their decades of combined international success, while Jonathan Serbin, former Co-President of Warner Music Asia, contributes executive leadership shaped by his instrumental role in developing the region’s music ecosystem.

    Serbin articulated the strategic vision behind the initiative: ‘Asia’s demographic and economic significance—representing half the global population and containing three of the top ten music markets—positions the region to lead the next wave of musical innovation worldwide. Pacific Music Group is designed to harness this potential and create meaningful pathways for Asian artists to achieve global impact.’

    This venture signals a significant shift in music industry dynamics, potentially reshaping how cultural exchange occurs between Eastern and Western music markets while providing unprecedented opportunities for Asian artists to reach international audiences.

  • India bets on homegrown AI with launch of Atomesus

    India bets on homegrown AI with launch of Atomesus

    India is taking a significant leap in the global artificial intelligence (AI) arena with the launch of Atomesus AI, its first large-scale, indigenous AI platform. Developed by a team of young engineers with research backgrounds at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Atomesus AI is headquartered in Noida and aims to rival global giants like OpenAI and Google. The platform offers intelligent writing, coding, research, automation, and creative tools, all with a distinctly Indian perspective. Its motto, ‘Nation First. Intelligence for All,’ underscores its vision of national self-reliance and technological independence. Atomesus AI operates on its own model family—Atomesus 1, 1.5, and 1.5 Pro—built using transformer-based neural networks, the same architecture that powers leading large language models worldwide. Unlike many competitors, it runs entirely on Indian servers hosted in AWS India regions, ensuring full compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act. This focus on data sovereignty is a key differentiator, particularly for businesses and government agencies cautious about foreign dependencies. The platform’s origins trace back to ISRO projects, where its founders developed expertise in high-performance computing and resource-efficient algorithms. This foundation enables Atomesus AI to deliver speed and affordability, utilizing techniques like model compression and batch processing to maintain low costs without compromising performance. Language is another area where Atomesus AI excels, supporting Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and other Indic languages, making it culturally and linguistically relevant for millions of users. From students seeking homework assistance to enterprises drafting proposals, Atomesus AI positions itself as a comprehensive solution for diverse needs. Beyond its technical capabilities, the launch of Atomesus AI reflects India’s broader ambition to transition from a consumer of global technology to a creator. It aligns with national initiatives like Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, signaling a future where India could emerge as a significant player in AI innovation. As global debates around AI ethics, privacy, and control intensify, Atomesus AI offers an alternative rooted in transparency and local governance. For India, this is more than a product launch—it’s a statement of intent: to lead, not follow, in shaping the next era of intelligent technology.

  • Dubai’s 3-day super sale to extend until December 2 during UAE National Day weekend

    Dubai’s 3-day super sale to extend until December 2 during UAE National Day weekend

    Dubai’s retail landscape is set for a spectacular transformation as the annual 3 Day Super Sale expands into a five-day shopping extravaganza from November 28 to December 2. This strategic extension coincides with the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations, creating an unprecedented opportunity for consumers to access massive discounts across the city’s retail ecosystem.

    The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has orchestrated this citywide event featuring remarkable price reductions of up to 90% at over 2,000 retail outlets representing more than 500 brands. The extended shopping period aligns perfectly with the four-day national holiday period, providing residents and visitors ample time to explore the extensive offerings.

    The commercial festivities commence with a groundbreaking 24-Hour Sale at Dubai Festival City Mall on November 28, launching at 10am with live performances, laser displays, and exclusive flash deals. The inaugural event includes special incentives for early shoppers: the first 500 attendees will receive premium Kiehl’s goodie bags, while customers spending Dh300 or more become eligible for a raffle draw to win a Toyota Urban Cruiser vehicle.

    Retail participants span multiple categories including fashion, beauty, electronics, homeware, and accessories. Prominent international and local brands such as Michael Kors, Ted Baker, US Polo Association, Virgin Megastore, Pottery Barn, Sephora, and Damas Jewelry are among those offering substantial discounts throughout the extended sale period.

    This retail expansion arrives during optimal conditions for consumer engagement, as UAE residents enjoy an extended break from November 29 to December 2 for National Day observances. Retail analysts anticipate record-breaking foot traffic and sales volume as shoppers capitalize on one of Dubai’s most significant discount periods of the year.

  • At least 13 dead as major fire breaks out in northern HK housing estate

    At least 13 dead as major fire breaks out in northern HK housing estate

    A devastating fire erupted at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on the evening of November 26, 2025, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and leaving numerous residents trapped. The blaze, which quickly escalated to a No. 5 alarm by 6:22 pm, engulfed multiple buildings wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, creating a perilous situation for both residents and emergency responders. Among the casualties was a firefighter who lost his life while battling the inferno. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed profound grief on social media, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured. As of 6 pm, authorities reported four deaths, with three individuals in critical condition, one in serious condition, and another in stable condition. Nine victims were rushed to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital for urgent medical care. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures in densely populated residential areas.