Global Pulse

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  • Meet the first Saudi woman to complete all seven World Marathon Majors

    Meet the first Saudi woman to complete all seven World Marathon Majors

    Ashwaq Alsaieri has etched her name in athletic history by becoming the first Saudi Arabian and GCC woman to complete all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors. This extraordinary accomplishment required conquering the world’s most prestigious long-distance races across Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Sydney, and New York.

    Her journey represents more than personal triumph—it symbolizes a transformative shift for women’s sports in Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab region. Alsaieri’s path to marathon excellence began with family skepticism about her unconventional passion. “They struggled to understand why anyone would choose to run without being chased,” she recalled in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times.

    That initial reluctance transformed into unwavering support as her family became her most dedicated cheering squad across global competitions. “My family’s support has been my constant fuel,” Alsaieri emphasized. “Their belief in me has never wavered, and it’s a huge part of what keeps me moving.”

    The historic moment arrived when Alsaieri crossed the finish line at the New York City Marathon in November, completing her seventh and final major. Despite physical exhaustion, she recognized the profound significance of her achievement. “Completing all seven World Marathon Majors felt bigger than a medal,” she reflected. “Becoming the first Saudi and GCC woman to achieve it wasn’t about being ‘the first’ for the sake of it, but about proving what’s possible for women from our region.”

    Alsaieri’s accomplishment places her among a growing cohort of Saudi female athletes breaking barriers internationally, including racing driver Reema Juffali, tennis player Yara Alhogbani, and the women’s national football team. “It feels like I’m witnessing—and contributing to—one of the most beautiful transformations in Saudi history,” she stated.

    Her success has attracted professional recognition, culminating in an endorsement contract with global athletic brand New Balance. This partnership represents both personal achievement and regional progress. “It feels like I’m living history, in running shoes,” Alsaieri remarked. “It’s powerful to work with people who believe that women in our region deserve visibility and support to perform at their best.”

    Looking forward, Alsaieri aims to continue pushing boundaries while inspiring others. While Olympic participation remains a distant dream, her immediate focus involves “stepping into roles where I can mentor and uplift other runners in the region.” She views her athletic journey as part of a collective movement: “Through sport, we’re rewriting the narrative and proving that Arab women not only belong, but lead.”

  • Russia, Ukraine and US to hold trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi

    Russia, Ukraine and US to hold trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi

    In a significant diplomatic development, Russian, Ukrainian, and United States negotiators are scheduled to hold trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates on Friday. This meeting marks the first formal engagement attended by all three nations since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago.

    The Kremlin confirmed Russian participation following preliminary discussions between President Vladimir Putin and US envoys in Moscow. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov characterized these initial talks as “substantive, constructive and very frank,” while reiterating Moscow’s position that territorial resolution remains prerequisite to any lasting peace agreement. “Until this is achieved,” Ushakov stated, “Russia will continue to consistently pursue the objectives of the special military operation.”

    The Russian delegation to the Abu Dhabi talks will be led by General Igor Kostyukov, director of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency, with investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev conducting separate economic discussions with US representatives.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasized that territorial control remains the central obstacle to peace. “It’s all about the land. This is the issue which is not solved yet,” Zelensky told reporters, adding that “the Russians have to be ready for compromises, not only Ukraine.” Specific disputes include Russia’s demand for Ukraine to relinquish the remaining 25% of Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control.

    Zelensky has assembled a high-level negotiating team including National Security and Defense Council head Rustem Umerov, presidential office chief Kyrylo Budanov, and lead negotiator David Arakhamia, who will be joined in the UAE by Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov.

    The Ukrainian president revealed that a US-proposed 20-point peace plan is approximately 90% complete, featuring provisions for a demilitarized free economic zone in Donbas in exchange for security guarantees for Kyiv. Zelensky confirmed reaching preliminary agreement with former President Donald Trump regarding future US security guarantees, though any final agreement would require ratification by both the US Congress and Ukrainian parliament.

    Despite these diplomatic efforts, the conflict continues to impact civilian infrastructure, with Zelensky initially considering canceling his Davos trip to address aftermath of Russian strikes on Kyiv’s power systems that have left portions of the capital without heating, water, or electricity during extreme winter conditions.

  • TikTok closes deal to split US app from global business. Here’s what to know

    TikTok closes deal to split US app from global business. Here’s what to know

    In a landmark resolution to years of geopolitical tension, TikTok has finalized a comprehensive agreement ensuring its continued operations across the United States. The breakthrough follows protracted negotiations addressing Washington’s national security concerns regarding the platform’s Chinese ownership.

    The solution establishes TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, an independently governed entity with a majority-American board of directors. This new structure will oversee all U.S. operations through a sophisticated data protection framework. Cloud computing giant Oracle assumes critical responsibility for securing American user data and supervising the retraining of TikTok’s proprietary content recommendation algorithm within its U.S. cloud infrastructure.

    Ownership distribution reveals a strategic balance: ByteDance retains a 19.9% stake while three primary U.S. investors—Oracle, Silver Lake, and Emirati AI investor MGX—each hold 15% shares. The remaining 35.1% is distributed among additional American entities including Michael Dell’s family office and Susquehanna International Group affiliate Vastmere Strategic Investments.

    The agreement represents a political victory for former President Donald Trump, who announced on social media his satisfaction with preserving TikTok’s American presence. The resolution avoids the previously legislated January 2025 ban that would have taken effect had ByteDance failed to divest its U.S. operations.

    While the core algorithm remains licensed from ByteDance, it will undergo retraining exclusively on U.S. user data under Oracle’s supervision. Industry analysts suggest this data localization may alter the user experience, potentially resulting in slower performance and less精准 content recommendations compared to the global version.

    The settlement concludes a contentious chapter that began during the Trump administration’s initial ban attempts in 2020, intensified through Biden’s 2024 legislation, and involved temporary service interruptions during legal battles. The compromise demonstrates how major technology platforms navigate complex international relations while maintaining service to TikTok’s estimated 200 million American users.

  • Canberra woman Millie Jepkemboi Omonei charged after allegedly assaulting cabin crew on flight bound for Perth

    Canberra woman Millie Jepkemboi Omonei charged after allegedly assaulting cabin crew on flight bound for Perth

    A 52-year-old Canberra woman is confronting serious criminal charges following an alleged physical altercation with flight attendants aboard a Perth-bound aircraft last month. Millie Jepkemboi Omonei was taken into custody by Australian Federal Police (AFP) upon landing at Perth Airport on December 13 after allegedly displaying disruptive behavior during the flight.

    According to official reports, the incident began during pre-takeoff procedures when Omonei reportedly exhibited erratic conduct toward another passenger. When cabin crew members intervened to check on her welfare, she allegedly responded by physically assaulting one attendant, grabbing both the staff member’s arm and head resulting in minor injuries.

    The situation escalated to require police intervention upon arrival, with AFP officers boarding the aircraft to escort the allegedly combative passenger from the flight. Law enforcement officials reported that Omonei remained argumentative and aggressive toward officers during the removal process.

    The Australian Federal Police have formally charged Omonei with two aviation offenses: behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner on an aircraft and assaulting crew members of an aircraft. The case has been forwarded to the judicial system with Omonei scheduled to reappear in court on February 20 for further proceedings.

    AFP Acting Superintendent Hayley Faithfull emphasized the seriousness of such incidents, stating that aggressive behavior aboard aircraft poses direct threats to flight safety and creates unnecessary disruptions for passengers and crew alike. The AFP maintains close coordination with airline partners to address any behaviors that compromise the security of workers or the traveling public at Australian airports.

  • UAE businesses urged to begin early compliance planning across finance, tax, procurement, and IT

    UAE businesses urged to begin early compliance planning across finance, tax, procurement, and IT

    The United Arab Emirates is embarking on a transformative digital taxation initiative with the introduction of a nationwide e-invoicing mandate, signaling a significant modernization of the country’s fiscal infrastructure. Leading accounting consultancy BCL Globiz has endorsed this regulatory shift as a decisive advancement in strengthening the UAE’s tax compliance frameworks while cautioning businesses about the substantial operational adjustments required.

    Under the new mandate, companies must transition from traditional PDF or scanned invoices to structured, machine-readable formats such as XML or UBL. These documents will be exchanged through accredited service providers within a decentralized framework that enables automated validation and secure data transmission. This approach aligns the UAE with global digital taxation standards while imposing greater responsibility on businesses to ensure data accuracy and consistency across all systems from the outset.

    The implementation follows a phased timeline, with large enterprises generating annual revenues exceeding Dh50 million required to appoint an Accredited Service Provider by July 31, 2026, followed by mandatory compliance from January 1, 2027. Small and medium-sized businesses face later deadlines, with ASP appointments due by March 31, 2027 and full compliance required by July 1, 2027.

    Punith Jindal, Partner at BCL Globiz, emphasizes that this transition represents far more than a technological upgrade. “This constitutes a fundamental business transformation that demands comprehensive advisory, strategic planning, and meticulous execution,” Jindal stated. “The integration with Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing requirements creates complex compliance interdependencies that organizations must address proactively.”

    The mandate carries particular significance for multinational corporations operating in the region, as authorities will gain unprecedented access to detailed transaction-level data. This enhanced transparency elevates the importance of maintaining defensible pricing logic, intercompany charges, and margin justification across all operations.

    BCL Globiz warns that preparation timelines often exceed expectations, especially for organizations with legacy systems, complex transaction flows, or cross-border operations. The firm recommends immediate strategic assessment across procurement, finance, tax, and IT functions to avoid last-minute disruptions and potential compliance violations once the system becomes mandatory.

    With a comprehensive suite of services spanning accounting, VAT, corporate tax, and transfer pricing, BCL Globiz positions itself as a strategic partner for businesses navigating this regulatory transformation. The firm advocates for an integrated approach that addresses both technical requirements and operational realities, enabling organizations to leverage this mandate as an opportunity to enhance financial controls and data governance practices.

  • An ancient forest in Ecuador is the last stand for a tiny hummingbird facing extinction

    An ancient forest in Ecuador is the last stand for a tiny hummingbird facing extinction

    Nestled high in the Ecuadorian Andes, the Yanacocha Reserve represents a critical bastion of biodiversity conservation where scientists are fighting to prevent the extinction of one of Earth’s most imperiled avian species. This protected cloud forest serves as the exclusive habitat for the Black-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis), a miniature hummingbird whose global population has plummeted to an alarming 150-200 individuals according to International Union for Conservation of Nature assessments.

    The Jocotoco Foundation established this sanctuary twenty-five years ago, initially focusing on the puffleg’s protection but soon recognizing they were preserving an entire ecosystem. Conservationist Paola Villalba explained to Associated Press reporters that their mission expanded beyond single-species preservation to comprehensive habitat conservation.

    This remarkable bird, measuring merely 9 centimeters and distinguished by distinctive white leg plumage contrasting with its metallic black chest and bronze-green wings, faces existential threats from agricultural expansion. The species occupies an exceptionally narrow ecological niche at elevations between 3,000-3,500 meters—precisely the altitude range most vulnerable to conversion into farmland and grazing pastures.

    Shirley Farinango of the Birds and Conservation Foundation emphasized the intensifying pressure on this specialized habitat, noting that the puffleg’s survival hinges entirely on preserving these high-altitude forests. Conservation teams are now engaged in urgent reforestation efforts on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Quito, where these ‘smallest fairies of the Andes’ make their final stand against human encroachment.

  • Minerva Virtual Academy launches in Abu Dhabi, new model for modern learners

    Minerva Virtual Academy launches in Abu Dhabi, new model for modern learners

    Abu Dhabi has become the latest hub for educational innovation with the official launch of Minerva Virtual Academy (MVA), a UK-accredited online school that challenges conventional classroom paradigms. The institution’s expansion into the UAE capital responds to growing parental concerns about rigid educational structures and their impact on student wellbeing.

    The academy, which began with just four students in the UK in 2020, now serves over 1,400 families across 60 countries. Its distinctive approach combines synchronous online instruction, self-directed learning modules, and weekly personalized mentoring sessions. This educational model specifically caters to globally mobile families, neurodivergent learners, elite athletes, and high-achieving students who require adaptable learning environments.

    During the launch event, Founder & CEO Hugh Viney emphasized the academy’s foundational philosophy: “Education must adapt to the child—not the other way around. We created MVA after observing numerous capable, creative children struggling within systems not designed for their unique needs.”

    Harry Allen, Vice Principal with over two decades of international education experience, leads regional engagement efforts. He clarified that MVA transcends typical digital learning platforms: “This isn’t merely an online alternative; it’s a legitimate school built on meaningful relationships between educators, students, and families.”

    Despite its virtual delivery method, the academy maintains strong community connections through local meet-ups, enrichment activities, and physical study hubs. The institution has announced strategic partnerships with 8BillionIdeas to expand extracurricular offerings and with ElevatED’s Learner’s Lounge to establish in-person learning spaces across the GCC region.

    The Abu Dhabi launch signifies a broader shift in regional education preferences, reflecting increased demand for models that prioritize emotional wellbeing alongside academic excellence without compromising educational rigor or UK accreditation standards.

  • Shark Tank India’s Pratham Mittal announces $100K+ grant pool for student founders

    Shark Tank India’s Pratham Mittal announces $100K+ grant pool for student founders

    In a significant move to bolster student entrepreneurship, Pratham Mittal—recognized from Shark Tank India and founder of Tetr College and Masters’ Union—has unveiled the Tetr Emerging Founders’ Challenge (TEFC). This initiative offers non-dilutive grants of up to $7,500 to student-led startups, drawing from a total grant pool exceeding $100,000 sourced from Tetr’s Innovation Fund.

    The program is strategically designed to overcome one of the most critical hurdles for young innovators: access to early-stage, equity-free capital. By providing financial support without requiring ownership stakes, TEFC enables student founders to transition their ideas from academic concepts to market-tested products without the immediate pressures of fundraising or dilution.

    Eligibility extends to third- and fourth-year undergraduate students, as well as recent graduates within four years of completing their degrees. The challenge is structured to accommodate founders at varying developmental phases, offering two distinct tracks: one for idea-stage ventures with a clearly identified problem, and another for early-stage startups that have already demonstrated initial traction or revenue.

    Assessment criteria mirror real-world startup evaluation, emphasizing market clarity, execution readiness, and founder conviction. Selected participants will not only receive funding but also gain entry into Tetr’s global network of mentors and investors, including affiliates from Harvard, MIT, and SoftBank. Additionally, shortlisted candidates may qualify for scholarships to Tetr’s Master’s in Management and Technology (MiM-Tech) program, which combines academic rigor with hands-on venture building across international hubs like Dubai, China, and Europe.

    Applications are currently open, with a submission deadline of January 31, 2026. Interested founders must submit pitch decks and elevator videos through the official portal: https://tetr.com/tefc.

  • US considering withdrawing all its troops from Syria: Report

    US considering withdrawing all its troops from Syria: Report

    The Biden administration is actively considering a complete military withdrawal from Syria, a move originally championed by former President Trump, as shifting alliances and security realities reshape American strategy in the region.

    According to a Wall Street Journal report citing unnamed officials, Washington’s calculus has changed significantly due to the Syrian government’s ongoing offensive against the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria. President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s campaign to disarm wartime militias and integrate fighters into the national army has fundamentally altered the battlefield dynamics.

    The potential collapse of the Kurdish-led SDF, once America’s most effective ground partner against Islamic State militants, would eliminate the primary rationale for maintaining the current deployment of 800-1,000 US troops. However, officials emphasized that cooperation with the Syrian army remains unviable due to its significant number of jihadist sympathizers and personnel implicated in mass killings of Kurdish and Druze minorities.

    The deteriorating situation has created multiple security crises. Fighting between SDF and Syrian forces has already placed American personnel in direct danger, culminating in a December incident where a Syrian army member with suspected IS affiliations killed three US service members.

    Perhaps most alarmingly, the SDF’s diminishing control threatens security at detention facilities housing approximately 7,000 IS-linked detainees, including women and children from at least 50 countries. These individuals remain in legal limbo without formal charges or judicial processing as their home governments resist repatriation efforts.

    In response to the growing instability, US Central Command has initiated transfers of detainees to facilities in Iraq, with plans to eventually relocate all prisoners from Syrian camps. Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed this measure, stating, “The United States welcomes the Government of Iraq’s initiative to detain ISIS terrorists in secure facilities following recent instability in northeast Syria.”

    The policy shift has drawn criticism from veteran diplomats like Brett McGurk, who served as counter-IS coordinator under both Obama and Trump administrations. McGurk warned that any security breakdown at detention sites “risks international consequences” and emphasized that Kurdish forces “are steadfast partners and should be treated as such.”

    The unfolding situation has reignited debates about America’s consistency in foreign partnerships, with many observers characterizing the potential abandonment of the SDF as another in a series of Washington’s betrayals of allied forces worldwide.

  • Dubai: Pet lovers, brands to unite at Royal Canine Pet Carnival

    Dubai: Pet lovers, brands to unite at Royal Canine Pet Carnival

    Dubai’s vibrant pet community is preparing for an extraordinary gathering as the Royal Canine Pet Carnival announces its upcoming celebration scheduled for February 13, 2026. The event, orchestrated by Pepper Productions under the leadership of renowned radio personality Pallavi Buch, will transform The Bay by Social into a paradise for pet enthusiasts and their furry companions.

    The carnival promises an immersive experience featuring an impressive assembly of over 30 premium pet brands showcasing the latest innovations in pet care, nutrition, and accessories. Attendees can anticipate a diverse program including an interactive petting zoo, educational workshops, and creative craft stations. The entertainment lineup will feature captivating bubble and magic performances, lively roaming mascots, and energetic bouncy shows to keep both pets and owners engaged throughout the day.

    Pallavi Buch emphasized the event’s core philosophy: “This celebration fundamentally honors the special connection between people and their pets. The Bay by Social provides an ideal environment for creating joyful community memories and strengthening these precious bonds.”

    Beyond the entertainment, the carnival will serve as an educational platform where visitors can sample premium pet food products, explore specialized pet services, and discover cutting-edge offerings from leading industry brands. The event aims to create a comprehensive experience that caters to all aspects of pet ownership while fostering community connections among Dubai’s animal lovers.

    For additional information regarding participation or attendance, interested parties can contact the organizers at +971 50 713 6654.