Global Pulse

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  • Tim Ayres tight-lipped over China trade threat as steel dumping allegation probed

    Tim Ayres tight-lipped over China trade threat as steel dumping allegation probed

    The Australian government is navigating mounting pressure from its domestic steel industry to implement protective trade measures, while carefully managing the delicate prospect of a renewed trade confrontation with China. Industry Minister Tim Ayres has maintained a reserved public stance regarding potential tariffs and quotas on steel imports, despite urgent calls from manufacturers for intervention.

    The Albanese administration has initiated a formal investigation through the Productivity Commission to examine allegations of steel dumping practices. This probe follows November submissions from the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) requesting temporary emergency ‘safeguard’ provisions under World Trade Organisation regulations. The industry body cited a significant surge in low-priced steel imports that has reportedly forced over a dozen fabrication businesses in western Sydney to cease operations within the past eighteen months.

    According to reports, the proposed measures would establish an import quota of 400,000-450,000 tonnes for fabricated steel, with a substantial 50 percent tariff triggered once this threshold is reached. Minister Ayres emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing while distinguishing between general tariff regimes and specific anti-dumping mechanisms.

    In media appearances, Senator Ayres characterized last year’s tariff announcements by the US administration as ‘an unwelcome development,’ while affirming Australia’s intention to maintain a fit-for-purpose anti-dumping system. He acknowledged exercising particular caution regarding specific policy details due to the ongoing investigation, which is expected to continue for several weeks or months.

    The situation develops against a complex backdrop of international trade dynamics, including China’s recent invocation of WTO rules to implement country-specific tariffs and quotas on beef imports, including those from Australia. Ultimately, the decision to implement any safeguard measures would rest with Treasurer Jim Chalmers, following the Productivity Commission’s findings.

  • Eight Square Developers launches Nooré, a boutique residential development in Meydan District 11

    Eight Square Developers launches Nooré, a boutique residential development in Meydan District 11

    Dubai’s dynamic property landscape welcomes a new architectural contender as Eight Square Developers unveils Nooré, its inaugural boutique residential venture in Meydan District 11. This strategic launch signifies the developer’s formal inauguration into the UAE real estate sector, introducing a philosophy prioritizing architectural excellence, intentional design, and sustainable value.

    Inspired by its Arabic namesake meaning ‘light,’ Nooré embodies a design ethos centered on natural illumination. The development’s architectural blueprint maximizes daylight penetration, crafting luminous, proportionally balanced living environments that enhance resident well-being and elevate the domestic experience beyond conventional standards.

    The project distinguishes itself through its boutique, low-rise configuration—a deliberate departure from Dubai’s typical large-scale developments. This approach reflects Eight Square’s conviction that genuine real estate distinction emerges from design superiority rather than monumental scale. Leveraging 47 years of construction proficiency and over 15 years in development, the company integrates profound expertise in quality craftsmanship, structural durability, and market expectations into its UAE debut.

    CEO Shahnawaz Durrani articulated the vision: ‘Nooré represents our redefinition of contemporary luxury, focusing on fundamental elements that genuinely enhance living. True luxury transcends superficial finishes—it embodies spatial harmony, natural light, and environments that enrich daily life while ensuring enduring investor value.’

    Architectural highlights include an exceptional double-height entrance lobby—an unusual feature in low-rise residential projects—establishing an immediate impression of openness and refined aesthetics. Enhanced corridor widths throughout the building further contribute to a hotel-inspired ambiance prioritizing comfort and privacy.

    Investment considerations remain paramount in Nooré’s design strategy. Its boutique orientation, intelligent layout configurations, and resident-centric amenities are projected to sustain market demand, minimize vacancy cycles, and maintain robust rental returns, appealing equally to owner-occupiers and investment purchasers.

    The development’s striking façade—a collaborative creation with award-winning architects—blends Mediterranean influences with Gaudí-inspired elements, accented by natural wood detailing and travertine finishes. This curated material selection ensures architectural timelessness while creating a distinctive presence within Meydan’s evolving streetscape.

    Construction advances according to schedule with preliminary phases completed and structural work progressing under regulatory compliance. The project maintains its targeted Q2 2027 completion timeline.

    Durrani emphasized Dubai’s robust economic fundamentals, ongoing infrastructure expansion, and investor-oriented policies as key catalysts sustaining real estate momentum. Through Nooré, Eight Square Developers aims to establish new benchmarks for boutique residential living in District 11, merging architectural distinctiveness with lifestyle amenities and long-term value preservation.

  • Acube Abodes Realty breaks ground on Altair 52 at Dubai South

    Acube Abodes Realty breaks ground on Altair 52 at Dubai South

    DUBAI, UAE – Acube Abodes Realty has officially broken ground on its latest premium residential venture, Altair 52, situated within the rapidly expanding master community of Dubai South. This ceremonial event signifies the formal initiation of construction activities, underscoring the developer’s dedication to creating high-caliber, meticulously designed residential spaces.

    The project launch arrives during a period of exceptional growth for Dubai’s property sector, which recorded an unprecedented 215,700 sales transactions valued at Dh686.8 billion in the previous year, according to official data from the Dubai Land Department. Market analytics reveal developers delivered 42,784 residential units in 2025, marking a substantial 45% increase from 2024 figures, while new unit launches reached 177,624, representing a 6.1% year-on-year growth.

    Altair 52 emerges as a contemporary residential development characterized by its modern architectural design, space-efficient layouts, and comprehensive lifestyle amenities. Strategically positioned within Dubai South, the project offers exceptional connectivity to major transportation arteries and proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport. Its location provides convenient access to crucial commercial and logistics centers, including the Jebel Ali Free Port and Free Zone, which are poised for increased economic activity.

    The groundbreaking ceremony gathered senior executives from Acube Abodes Realty, project consultants, contracting partners, and key stakeholders, symbolizing a collaborative foundation built on strategic planning and execution excellence.

    Akshay Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Acube Abodes Realty, stated: ‘The commencement of Altair 52 represents a pivotal advancement in our developmental trajectory. Dubai South continues to establish itself as one of Dubai’s most promising destinations, and this project embodies our vision to create value-driven residences that harmonize design excellence, functional practicality, and long-term investment potential.’

    Market indicators suggest Dubai’s property landscape is anticipating approximately 120,000 new home deliveries in 2026, signaling a transition toward a more mature market characterized by enhanced buyer selection and potential price stabilization, though luxury segments maintain their strength.

    Demonstrating remarkable market confidence, master broker Golden Bricks has already secured sales for 70% of Altair 52’s residential inventory. This robust presales performance reflects both consumer trust in Acube Abodes Realty’s development capabilities and Golden Bricks’ formidable market presence and sales efficacy within the premium residential brokerage sector.

    Concurrently, Acube Abodes Realty has announced forthcoming launches of two additional projects – Altair 72 and Altair 92 – within Dubai South. Construction operations are currently progressing, with the developer reaffirming its commitment to timely project delivery, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction. Upon completion in 2027, Altair 52 will introduce 52 meticulously appointed studios, alongside one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments complemented by extensive lifestyle facilities and amenities.

  • 3 new Dubai locations to get container-style gyms; municipality calls for applications

    3 new Dubai locations to get container-style gyms; municipality calls for applications

    Dubai Municipality has unveiled an innovative urban wellness initiative by opening investment opportunities for mobile container-style gym facilities at three prominent outdoor locations across the city. The project targets Al Khawaneej Pond Park, Al Barsha South Park, and Al Mamzar Corniche as designated sites for these modular fitness centers.

    The municipality is actively seeking applications from investors, private companies, and individual entrepreneurs—both citizens and residents—to lease and operate these unique recreational facilities. The application portal remains accessible through the official municipal investment website at investmentopportunities.dm.gov.ae/external/OpenOpportunity, with a submission deadline set for January 25, 2026.

    This initiative represents Dubai’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public health infrastructure and promoting active lifestyles through accessible outdoor fitness solutions. The container gym concept aligns with the city’s innovative approach to urban planning, utilizing modular designs that can be strategically placed in high-traffic recreational areas without permanent structural modifications.

    The selected locations reflect careful consideration of demographic needs and geographic distribution. Al Mamzar Corniche offers coastal access, Al Barsha South Park serves a densely populated residential area, and Al Khawaneej Pond Park provides recreational space in a rapidly developing district. This strategic placement ensures diverse communities across Dubai will benefit from enhanced fitness accessibility.

    This project continues Dubai’s pattern of implementing creative urban solutions that blend functionality with modern design, potentially setting a precedent for future recreational infrastructure developments in smart cities worldwide.

  • ‘Colonial engineering’: Kushner’s Gaza vision seen as alien to indigenous culture

    ‘Colonial engineering’: Kushner’s Gaza vision seen as alien to indigenous culture

    Jared Kushner’s ambitious proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction, presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, has ignited intense international backlash. The former White House advisor unveiled a comprehensive vision featuring AI-integrated skyscrapers, luxury coastal resorts, and modern data centers, framing it as an economic revitalization plan guided by free market principles.

    Kushner, speaking as part of former President Trump’s newly announced “Board of Peace” initiative, described Gaza’s current state following what he termed “a two-year war” with 90,000 tons of munitions dropped, resulting in over 60 million tons of rubble and tens of thousands of fatalities. His solution involves complete territorial redesign that would shift control of the Rafah crossing to Israel and create buffer zones.

    The proposal immediately faced severe criticism across multiple fronts. Legal scholar Ramy Abdu warned the plan represents “a scheme to eliminate Palestinian presence through domestication, subjugation, and control.” UK House of Lords member Meral Hussein-Ece characterized it as “land theft & profits above human beings.”

    Social media reactions highlighted concerns about surveillance infrastructure, cultural erasure, and economic exploitation. Critics noted parallels to Saudi Arabia’s controversial NEOM project, with NYU Abu Dhabi scholar Monica Marks suggesting similar consulting firms might be involved. Many Arabic-language commentators expressed fears that seized property would be resold to Palestinians at inflated prices while transforming Gaza’s population into an exploited labor force.

    The proposal revisits Trump’s earlier controversial suggestion to transform Gaza into a Mediterranean “Riviera,” previously rejected by Arab allies. European Council on Foreign Relations analyst Hugh Lovatt dismissed the plan as unrealistic, describing it as “bulldozing whole neighbourhoods to create a new ersatz social, political and economic entity” that could set precedents for West Bank refugee camps.

    Journalist Barry Malone expressed visceral dismay, stating “I can’t believe this is really happening,” while novelist Susan Abulhawa warned of complete obliteration of “indigenous traditions and social fabric.” Lebanese diplomat Mohamad Safa summarized the sentiment with his viral comment: “They are selling Gaza in Davos.”

  • Villa seal place in Europa League last 16 as Forest beaten

    Villa seal place in Europa League last 16 as Forest beaten

    Aston Villa secured direct qualification for the Europa League’s round of sixteen with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Turkish giants Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday. The decisive moment arrived in the first half when on-loan Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho powerfully headed home, marking his inaugural goal for the club and cementing Villa’s dominant European campaign under manager Unai Emery.

    The English side demonstrated resilience throughout the match, with defender Matty Cash striking the post in the second period. Villa’s defense, however, faced intense pressure as Fenerbahce relentlessly pursued an equalizer, forcing goalkeeper Marco Bizot into a series of crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet and the vital three points.

    In parallel action, the night proved disastrous for fellow English club Nottingham Forest. A ‘minute of madness’ during their encounter with Portugal’s Braga resulted in a costly 1-0 defeat. The pivotal sequence saw Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty saved, immediately followed by a calamitous own goal from captain Ryan Yates. Their frustration culminated in a stoppage-time red card for Elliot Anderson, severely diminishing their chances of automatic qualification and consigning them to the precarious playoff round.

    Scottish fortunes were mixed. Celtic squandered a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Bologna, a result that leaves their qualification hopes dangling by a thread heading into the final matchday. Despite taking an early lead, the game turned on Reo Hatate’s 34th-minute dismissal, allowing the Italian side to mount a successful comeback. Meanwhile, rivals Rangers were eliminated from contention despite securing their first group stage win, a 1-0 result against Ludogorets.

    Elsewhere, French club Lyon joined Villa in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Young Boys, courtesy of a goal from Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Italian powerhouses Roma continued their impressive form with a fourth consecutive victory, defeating Stuttgart 2-0 to position themselves favorably for advancement.

  • Arsenal face Man Utd test as City search for spark

    Arsenal face Man Utd test as City search for spark

    The English Premier League enters a critical weekend with historic rivalries and managerial pressure taking center stage. Arsenal prepares to defend their impregnable Emirates Stadium against a revitalized Manchester United under interim manager Michael Carrick. The Gunners, despite recent goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, maintain their league position as pursuers Manchester City and Aston Villa have similarly stumbled.

    United arrives transformed following Carrick’s impressive debut—a 2-0 victory over Manchester City that showcased unexpected attacking flair. This resurgence presents a fascinating tactical battle against Arsenal’s legendary defense, which hasn’t conceded a single shot on target in their previous two league matches. While Arsenal remains favored for their long-awaited 14th title, United seeks to disrupt their rival’s campaign.

    Meanwhile, Manchester City confronts a deepening crisis following their shocking 3-1 Champions League defeat to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged systemic failures after their winless Premier League start in 2026, exacerbated by defensive injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. New signing Marc Guehi could debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who themselves ride a five-match unbeaten streak despite relegation concerns.

    Tottenham’s Thomas Frank retains precarious employment despite a midweek Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund. Facing bottom-side Burnley, Frank must translate European success into Premier League points following fan discontent and a disappointing 14th-place standing. Failure against another struggling opponent might conclude his tenure.

    The weekend fixtures feature multiple compelling matchups including Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Newcastle against Aston Villa, and the Monday night clash between Everton and Leeds.

  • Australian Open 2026: Maddison Inglis is set to face unknown

    Australian Open 2026: Maddison Inglis is set to face unknown

    An electrifying third-round showdown is set to captivate the Australian Open as local favorite Maddison Inglis prepares to face former champion Naomi Osaka. Both athletes acknowledge the formidable challenge ahead in what marks their first professional encounter on the court.

    Inglis, riding a wave of hometown support, advanced to this stage following a grueling three-set victory against Germany’s Laura Siegemund. Meanwhile, Osaka secured her position with a win over Sorana Cîrstea that featured some tense moments during the match’s conclusion.

    The four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka recognizes the unique dynamic of facing an Australian player at their home tournament, recalling her past encounter with Ash Barty. ‘The crowd is really engaging,’ Osaka commented. ‘It should be super fun. She’s obviously in this third round, so she deserves to be here. She’s going to be a really tough opponent.’

    Inglis, embracing every moment of her Grand Slam breakthrough, is balancing her singles preparation with mixed doubles matches alongside fiancé Jason Kubler. The 28-year-old Western Australian native will face additional challenges from what forecasts predict will be the tournament’s warmest day yet – conditions that might favor her sun-hardened upbringing.

    Despite the obvious disparity in their career achievements, both players approach the match with mutual respect and determination. Inglis reflected on the significance of the moment: ‘You’re not in the third round of a Grand Slam every day. I’ll enjoy tonight and get ready for tomorrow.’

    Adding a lighthearted note to the buildup, Inglis confirmed she won’t be matching Osaka’s notable fashion statements during the tournament, promising instead to maintain her consistent on-court attire for the highly anticipated match.

  • Elon Musk, Ryanair feud rages; airline’s boss dismisses takeover threat

    Elon Musk, Ryanair feud rages; airline’s boss dismisses takeover threat

    A highly publicized corporate dispute between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has escalated into a full-scale war of words, with the airline executive firmly rejecting Musk’s suggested takeover while acknowledging the controversy has generated unexpected business benefits.

    The clash originated when O’Leary publicly declined to implement Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service across Ryanair’s fleet of over 600 aircraft, prompting the SpaceX founder to label the executive an ‘utter idiot’ in response. Musk subsequently suggested on his social media platform X that he might acquire Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers and install new leadership.

    At a specially convened press conference in Dublin—promoted by Ryanair as addressing ‘Musk’s latest Twitshit’—O’Leary delivered a pointed rebuttal. While welcoming potential investment from the world’s wealthiest individual, he emphasized that European Union ownership regulations strictly prohibit foreign control of airlines, making any acquisition attempt legally impossible.

    ‘O’Leary challenged Musk’s technical assertions regarding Starlink’s aircraft compatibility, particularly disputing claims that the satellite antennas wouldn’t create aerodynamic drag. Ryanair estimates implementing Starlink would incur approximately $250 million annually in operational costs, including significant additional fuel expenditures.

    Despite the heated exchange, O’Leary revealed the publicity has provided a substantial boost to ticket sales, with bookings increasing 2-3% over the past five days—a statistically significant uplift given Ryanair’s massive passenger volumes. The airline reported particularly strong demand for January-March travel, the final quarter of its fiscal year.

    Market response remained measured, with Ryanair shares gaining 2% on Wednesday but showing minimal overall movement throughout the controversy, indicating investor skepticism regarding Musk’s takeover seriousness. The billionaire has previously used social media polls to gauge public opinion before major business decisions, including his acquisition of Twitter.

    O’Leary disclosed that Ryanair had engaged in twelve months of negotiations with Starlink while evaluating onboard connectivity options. The discussions ultimately stalled due to fundamental disagreements about cost structure and projected customer adoption rates, with the companies holding vastly different expectations about passenger willingness to pay for WiFi services.

  • Workers dig for the missing in New Zealand landslide

    Workers dig for the missing in New Zealand landslide

    Emergency crews in New Zealand are engaged in a critical search operation through treacherous terrain after a massive landslide from an extinct volcano engulfed a popular campsite on the North Island. The disaster struck Thursday when a substantial portion of Mount Maunganui collapsed onto the holiday destination following periods of intense rainfall, destroying shower facilities and multiple recreational vehicles.

    Authorities have confirmed that a young child is among those missing, with police indicating the number of unaccounted individuals remains in ‘single figures.’ Initial reports from witnesses and first responders described hearing voices calling for help from beneath the rubble immediately following the collapse, but no further sounds have been detected since the early hours of the disaster.

    Three mechanical excavators have been deployed to clear the extensive mud and debris that completely overwhelmed the campsite. The operation proceeded throughout the night under challenging conditions, with progress deliberately measured due to the unstable environment. At one point during Friday’s efforts, work was temporarily suspended as a police photographer documented the scene and a hearse was observed departing the area.

    Fire and Emergency assistant national commander David Guard characterized the situation as ‘complex and high-risk,’ emphasizing that crews would continue their painstaking layer-by-layer search until completion. Approximately two dozen family members maintained a vigil across from the disaster site, watching as damaged caravans and campervans were extracted from the mud.

    The region, known as a major summer tourist attraction for hikers and beach enthusiasts, has experienced multiple landslide incidents. In a separate event on Thursday, emergency workers recovered two bodies from a home in nearby Tauranga that was struck by another landslide.

    Canadian tourist Dion Siluch, 34, recounted his narrow escape from the catastrophe while receiving a massage at the adjacent Mount Hot Pools complex. ‘The whole room started shaking,’ he described. ‘When I walked out, there was a caravan in the pool, and there’s a mudslide that missed me by about 30 feet.’ Siluch noted he had observed another smaller landslip approximately an hour earlier but hadn’t recognized the imminent danger.