Global Pulse

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  • Bolsonaro’s eldest son says he’ll run for Brazil presidency in 2026

    Bolsonaro’s eldest son says he’ll run for Brazil presidency in 2026

    SAO PAULO — In a significant development within Brazil’s political landscape, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has declared his intention to contest the 2026 presidential election as the designated representative of his father’s political faction. This announcement comes amidst the ongoing incarceration of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence following convictions related to attempted coup activities.

    The younger Bolsonaro confirmed his political mandate through a social media statement, quoting his father’s decision to entrust him with “continuing our national project.” His office subsequently verified to The Associated Press that he will formally challenge incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who seeks an unprecedented fourth nonconsecutive term. This confirmation followed Flávio Bolsonaro’s recent prison visitation with his father earlier this week.

    The political succession within Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party had previously been subject to internal debate, with São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas—a former cabinet member—initially perceived as the natural successor. However, resistance from Bolsonaro’s inner circle ultimately favored the former president’s eldest son as their presidential standard-bearer.

    Despite his imprisonment and electoral disqualification until 2030, Jair Bolsonaro remains a pivotal figure in Brazil’s deeply polarized political environment. Political analysts emphasize that any viable opposition candidate must secure both the substantial electoral base and explicit endorsement of the far-right leader to mount a competitive challenge against President Lula.

    Flávio Bolsonaro, elected senator in 2018 following his tenure as a Rio de Janeiro state legislator, brings his own controversial political history to the campaign. Although previously implicated in embezzlement allegations involving public funds—charges which were ultimately dismissed by courts and which he continues to deny—his presidential bid now positions him at the forefront of Brazil’s ongoing political realignment.

  • Eid al Etihad: Celebrating 54 years of UAE through heritage style

    Eid al Etihad: Celebrating 54 years of UAE through heritage style

    As the United Arab Emirates commemorates its 54th Union Day, residents nationwide are embracing the occasion through meaningful fashion expressions that honor Emirati cultural heritage. The celebration, now formally known as Eid Al Etihad, has evolved into a profound demonstration of national pride that transcends ethnic backgrounds and unites communities through shared appreciation for UAE’s journey.

    Rima Zahran, a Spanish-Palestinian jewellery designer married to an Emirati, reflects on two decades of Union Day celebrations: “My first National Day experience over twenty years ago revealed an incredible energy and pride I had never witnessed before. For my Emirati family, it represents unity, pride, and collective togetherness.” Zahran, who has fully embraced the cultural significance of the occasion, now describes feeling “genuinely patriotic” and part of a larger community that celebrates both national progress and personal inspiration.

    The sartorial dimension of Union Day has emerged as a significant aspect of the celebrations, with residents carefully selecting outfits that pay homage to Emirati traditions while incorporating contemporary elements. Zahran emphasizes her annual tradition of sourcing jalabiyas from local UAE-based designers, preferring modern interpretations featuring intricate embroidery over crystal embellishments. She completes her ensemble with jewellery crafted within the Emirates, expressing particular admiration for traditional wedding pieces reimagined with diamonds.

    Emirati designer Yasmin Al Mulla echoes this sentiment, describing December 2nd as evoking “waves of pride, gratitude, and warmth” that inform her fashion choices. Her ideal Union Day outfit blends transitional elegance with subtle cultural references, combining clean lines, soft tones, and delicate jewellery that honors heritage while maintaining contemporary sophistication. For Al Mulla, the essence of Eid Al Etihad remains rooted in familial bonds and shared pride, creating enduring memories through simple, heartfelt moments with loved ones.

    Beyond fashion, the holiday manifests through family gatherings and spectacular firework displays, collectively forming an annual tradition that strengthens national identity and cross-cultural appreciation among the UAE’s diverse population.

  • Big Ticket Abu Dhabi winner vows not to touch his share of Dh25 million for 10 years

    Big Ticket Abu Dhabi winner vows not to touch his share of Dh25 million for 10 years

    In an extraordinary display of financial discipline, Indian expatriate Mohammed Rizwan CK has committed to preserving his portion of a Dh25 million Big Ticket Abu Dhabi jackpot for a full decade without withdrawal. The 36-year-old health and safety officer, residing in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, was among sixteen colleagues who collectively purchased the winning ticket through a group participation arrangement.

    Rizwan, originally from Kerala’s Kochi region, has explicitly rejected conventional post-win spending sprees on luxury items or immediate lifestyle upgrades. Instead, the oil rig worker has designated his entire share as a long-term retirement fund, emphasizing strategic investment growth across Abu Dhabi and Saudi markets.

    “This capital represents future security rather than present consumption,” Rizwan stated. “I intend to invest it strategically in regions with proven growth potential to maximize returns before considering any personal use.”

    The winning moment occurred unexpectedly while Rizwan was shopping with his family. “My WhatsApp group exploded with approximately sixty simultaneous messages,” he recounted. “Initially fearing an emergency, I discovered colleagues sharing the live draw footage. We rewatched the clip repeatedly in collective disbelief.”

    The persistent lottery participant has engaged in Big Ticket drawings since 2016, initially with different colleague groups before establishing the current sixteen-member consortium in 2022. Despite the life-changing windfall, the group has postponed celebrations due to offshore work commitments, with many members still processing the emotional impact.

    Rizwan’s approach reflects broader financial prudence among expatriate workers prioritizing long-term family security over immediate gratification. With parents residing in India and his nuclear family in Saudi Arabia, the prize represents intergenerational stability rather than temporary luxury.

  • Frank Gehry, the most celebrated architect of his time, dies at 96

    Frank Gehry, the most celebrated architect of his time, dies at 96

    The architectural world mourns the passing of Frank Gehry, the revolutionary designer whose sculptural buildings transformed city skylines worldwide. The Pritzker Prize-winning architect died Friday at 96 in his Santa Monica home following a brief respiratory illness, confirmed his firm Gehry Partners LLP.

    Gehry’s extraordinary career spanned seven decades, during which he redefined architectural possibilities with his deconstructivist approach. His fascination with modern pop art manifested in breathtaking structures that became instant cultural landmarks, including the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the stainless steel sails of Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and Berlin’s innovative DZ Bank Building.

    Beyond his iconic cultural institutions, Gehry designed significant corporate structures including Facebook’s Northern California headquarters expansion at the personal request of CEO Mark Zuckerberg. His professional accolades encompassed every major architectural honor, from the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal to the Companion of the Order of Canada, his native country’s highest distinction.

    Gehry’s journey began in Toronto, where he was born Ephraim Owen Goldberg on February 28, 1929. He moved to Los Angeles in 1947, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen and changing his name at his first wife’s suggestion to counter potential antisemitism. His architectural awakening came unexpectedly when a college ceramics professor recognized his talent, leading him to pursue formal studies at the University of Southern California and later urban planning at Harvard.

    Despite universal acclaim, Gehry’s work occasionally faced criticism. Some detractors dismissed his structures as overscaled versions of the scrap-wood cities he built as a child in Timmins, Ontario. Princeton critic Hal Foster termed later works “oppressive” tourist attractions, while others compared Disney Hall to “cardboard boxes left in the rain.” The Eisenhower family notably objected to his proposed memorial design for the 34th president.

    Gehry typically responded to criticism with characteristic wit, even parodying his design process in a 2005 “Simpsons” episode where he created a concert hall from crumpled paper. He continued working into his eighties, leaving behind a legacy that includes Manhattan’s shimmering IAC Building and the 76-story New York By Gehry tower. He is survived by his wife Berta, three children, and the extraordinary architectural landmarks that will continue to define cities for generations.

  • Inside ‘Dream of the Desert’: Saudi Arabia unveils its ultra-luxury train

    Inside ‘Dream of the Desert’: Saudi Arabia unveils its ultra-luxury train

    Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious entry into the luxury travel market with ‘Dream of the Desert,’ a 33-suite ultra-luxury train developed in partnership with Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale. This groundbreaking project represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s tourism diversification strategy under Vision 2030, aiming to transform the nation into a premier global destination.

    The train, currently under construction in Italy and scheduled to commence operations in late 2026, will traverse approximately 1,300 kilometers through Saudi Arabia’s most dramatic landscapes, connecting Riyadh with the Hail region. Unlike conventional luxury travel, Dream of the Desert emphasizes immersive cultural experiences, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness rather than mere opulence.

    Arsenale CEO Paolo Barletta describes the project as a ‘moving narrative’ that blends Italian design excellence with authentic Saudi heritage. The collaboration involves multiple Saudi entities including Saudi Arabia Railways, the Ministry of Transport, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Tourism Development Fund, creating a robust public-private partnership framework.

    Architect Aline Asmar d’Amman has conceived the train’s design, incorporating earthy tones, rich textiles, hand-carved woodwork, and intricate geometric patterns inspired by traditional majlis interiors. The 14 carriages feature gold-laden ceilings, velvet banquettes, and Art Deco touches, while décor elements reference UNESCO sites like Madain Saleh and historic cities such as Hail.

    Beyond the lavish interiors, the experience includes curated cultural programs, gourmet cuisine, guided excursions to remote historical sites, and exclusive performances. With fares starting at SAR 30,000 (approximately $8,000) per cabin per night, the service targets the premium segment of the luxury travel market.

    The launch coincides with substantial tourism growth in the GCC region, which recorded 68.1 million international tourist arrivals in 2023—a 43% increase over 2019 figures. The travel and tourism sector contributed $247.1 billion to GCC GDP in 2024, demonstrating the region’s expanding capacity for high-end experiential offerings.

    Arsenale plans to expand its luxury rail concept across the Middle East, with advanced discussions underway for similar projects in the UAE, Egypt, and Uzbekistan, signaling the Gulf’s emergence as a hub for experience-driven rail travel.

  • Why luxury pop-ups are fashion’s new permanent landmark

    Why luxury pop-ups are fashion’s new permanent landmark

    In the evolving landscape of luxury retail, temporary installations have transcended their marketing origins to become the industry’s most potent narrative vehicle. These ephemeral brand experiences represent a fundamental shift from traditional retail paradigms toward immersive, photographable worlds that prioritize emotional engagement over mere commerce.

    The phenomenon manifested dramatically when a luminous lemon-yellow cube materialized overnight in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong district. This minimalist structure, devoid of branding yet immediately recognizable as Loewe’s artistic statement, functioned as a walk-in seasonal universe that existed merely days yet became the city’s most photographed destination. This exemplifies luxury’s new reality: the most influential retail moments now emerge from exquisitely crafted temporary spaces designed to imprint deeply before vanishing completely.

    Leading maisons have mastered this art of impermanence with remarkable creativity. Dior’s desert installation in Qatar featured earth-toned structures emerging from the sands like a mirage, blurring boundaries between fashion, art, and environment. The experience leveraged atmospheric elements—shifting light, desert winds—to create something feeling simultaneously tangible and dreamlike.

    Jacquemus approaches pop-ups as cinematic whimsy, exemplified by Paris’s walk-in Bambino bag sculpture and Mediterranean beach snack stands that function as three-dimensional mood boards. Conversely, Louis Vuitton creates monumental architectural statements like Tokyo’s mirrored sphere that reflected the skyline in distorted panoramas, or Miami’s beachfront walk-in trunk that became a temporary landmark.

    This strategic evolution responds to profound changes in luxury psychology. Contemporary consumers, particularly younger demographics, seek sensation, novelty, and cultural participation beyond ownership. Pop-ups offer emotional currency through limited-time access, creating scarcity through temporality rather than product availability. The ‘I was there’ badge of honor generates deeper brand connection than traditional purchasing.

    While social media amplifies their impact, the core appeal lies in experiences that cannot be replicated. In an oversaturated content landscape, truly unique, non-repeatable experiences become extraordinary. These temporary installations allow brands to express daring creativity, humor, and poetry impossible within permanent retail constraints. When they disappear, they leave behind what no flagship can replicate: enduring memory and cultural resonance.

  • Restaurant Review: Modern Dubai bistro FLOR is setting a new standard for casual-fine dining

    Restaurant Review: Modern Dubai bistro FLOR is setting a new standard for casual-fine dining

    In Dubai’s competitive culinary landscape, FLOR has emerged as a transformative force in the casual-fine dining sector. This modern bistro distinguishes itself through its confident, understated approach that prioritizes culinary craftsmanship over theatrical presentation.

    The establishment’s philosophy centers on honest cooking and engaged hospitality, creating an atmosphere that balances refinement with neighborhood charm. The space radiates purposeful design—comfortable yet polished, intimate yet vibrant—with lighting and music carefully calibrated to enhance rather than dominate the dining experience.

    FLOR’s culinary approach demonstrates remarkable courage in elevating humble ingredients to center stage. The celebrated Cabbage Steak exemplifies this philosophy, transforming the simple vegetable through expert charring, impeccable seasoning, and technical precision into what many consider one of the year’s most memorable dishes.

    Service at FLOR breaks from Dubai’s often theatrical hospitality norms. Instead of scripted presentations, the staff demonstrates genuine product knowledge and authentic pride in their offerings. This engaged hospitality model creates a collaborative atmosphere where diners feel participants rather than spectators.

    The restaurant’s impact extends beyond its menu, contributing to the evolution of Dubai’s broader bistro landscape. FLOR successfully merges classical technique with contemporary sensibility, establishing a new benchmark for establishments seeking to balance culinary excellence with approachable sophistication.

  • Visiting Harvard instructor leaves US after BB-gun incident DHS labeled antisemitic

    Visiting Harvard instructor leaves US after BB-gun incident DHS labeled antisemitic

    A Brazilian law professor’s academic tenure in the United States concluded abruptly this week as Carlos Portugal Gouvêa returned to his home country following the revocation of his visa. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the departure of the Harvard Law visiting scholar, who faced allegations of discharging a BB gun near a Massachusetts synagogue during Yom Kippur observances in October.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities apprehended Professor Gouvêa on Wednesday, after which he consented to voluntary departure rather than undergoing formal deportation proceedings. His legal representative, Joseph D. Eisenstadt, verified that his client had arrived in Brazil by Thursday.

    The incident that precipitated these developments occurred on October 1st, when Brookline Police responded to Temple Beth Zion following reports of an armed individual during the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. According to official documents, private security personnel guarding the temple reported hearing multiple shots and observed Gouvêa positioned behind a tree with what appeared to be a rifle. The subsequent confrontation between the professor and responding officers resulted in a physical altercation.

    While Homeland Security officials characterized the episode as an antisemitic attack, Temple Beth Zion issued a statement days after the incident suggesting the shooting appeared unrelated to religious animus. Law enforcement initially indicated that Gouvêa claimed unawareness of both the synagogue’s proximity and the religious significance of the day, stating he had been targeting rodents.

    Legal proceedings saw most charges against Gouvêa dismissed last month, with the professor accepting pretrial probation for six months on a single misdemeanor count of illegally discharging a BB gun. The agreement included restitution payment for damaged property but maintained his not guilty plea. Successful completion of the probation period would result in administrative dismissal of the remaining charge.

    Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at Homeland Security, emphasized that working and studying in the United States constitutes a privilege rather than a right. She stated, ‘There is no room in the United States for brazen, violent acts of anti-Semitism like this. They are an affront to our core principles as a country.’

    Harvard Law School’s website listed Gouvêa as a visiting professor scheduled to teach courses on corruption, inequality, and sustainable capitalism during the fall 2025 semester. The University of São Paulo, where Gouvêa serves as an associate professor, previously issued a statement defending his character and noting his advocacy for human rights and connections to the Jewish community. Harvard University declined to comment on the developing situation.

  • China’s Kuaizhou-1A rocket launches two new satellites into space

    China’s Kuaizhou-1A rocket launches two new satellites into space

    China has marked another milestone in its space exploration endeavors with the successful deployment of two advanced Very High Frequency Data Exchange System (VDES) satellites. The launch occurred precisely at 5:00 PM Beijing Time on December 5, 2025, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center situated in China’s northwestern region.

    The mission utilized the reliable Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A) carrier rocket, which demonstrated exceptional performance during the ascent phase. Following textbook separation procedures, both satellites seamlessly entered their predetermined orbits, confirming the complete success of the operation.

    These newly deployed VDES satellites represent significant advancements in maritime communication technology. The system enhances ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore data transmission capabilities, contributing to improved maritime safety, navigation efficiency, and oceanographic monitoring. This launch underscores China’s growing expertise in satellite technology and space infrastructure development.

    The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, one of China’s primary space facilities, has consistently proven its capability to support complex space missions. The center’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure make it an ideal site for such satellite deployment operations.

    This achievement reinforces China’s position in the global space technology arena and demonstrates the country’s commitment to advancing space-based communication systems that benefit international maritime operations and global connectivity.

  • Israel is threatening to demolish a popular West Bank youth football pitch

    Israel is threatening to demolish a popular West Bank youth football pitch

    Israeli authorities have issued a demolition order against a vital youth football facility in Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, threatening to erase one of the few recreational spaces available to Palestinian children living under occupation.

    The artificial turf pitch, constructed in 2021 on land leased from the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, serves hundreds of young athletes aged 6-19, including girls who have represented Palestine internationally. The facility became operational despite the challenging environment created by the separation wall that looms immediately adjacent to the playing field.

    Two weeks ago, Israeli soldiers affixed a notice to the gate declaring all activities must cease immediately and warning of potential demolition due to alleged permit violations. Similar notices were served to a nearby theater and garden in the same area.

    Muhannad Abu Surour, director of the Aida Youth Centre’s sports program, described how children discovered the notice during early morning training. “The news spread quickly because of how important the pitch is,” he told Middle East Eye. “The children came to my house, knocking on my door, telling me what happened.”

    The camp, established by the UN in 1950 following the Nakba, now houses approximately 7,000 residents in overcrowded conditions, including about 2,500 children. Surrounded by Israeli checkpoints, military bases, and settlements with seven watchtowers overlooking the area, Aida has been frequently raided by Israeli forces and was once described as the most tear-gassed place globally.

    Young athletes expressed devastation at the potential loss. Salma Al-Azzam, 17, described the pitch as “a place to release pressure” from the camp’s constricting environment. “We were all very upset when we heard about the demolition decision,” she said. “I was shocked and there was a lump in my throat. We have many good players who deserve a chance.”

    Local officials revealed the complex land ownership situation. George Juha of Bethlehem Municipality explained they leased the land from the Armenian church specifically for children’s use. “We made good use of it, but the Israelis don’t like good for anyone,” Juha stated. “They don’t want playgrounds, or construction, or anything at all.”

    The demolition notice claims the facility violates military regulations and lacks proper permits. A final decision rests with the planning committee of Israel’s civil administration, which governs occupied West Bank territories. Israeli authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

    The field’s international connections include a partnership with Chile’s Club Palestino, which represents the Chilean Palestinian community and has provided equipment and organized exchanges. A mural on the separation wall depicts children kicking a football under the slogan “Unity, freedom and justice” in three languages.

    For 16-year-old Noor Abu Ghuneia, who has represented Palestine internationally, the potential demolition represents more than lost games. “This is the only field we have to play on,” she said. “We always said that this place is where we train so we can represent Palestine abroad. If they demolish it, we won’t be able to play.”