Global Pulse

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  • 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.

  • Jared Kushner unveils ‘free market Gaza’ with coastal towers and data centres

    Jared Kushner unveils ‘free market Gaza’ with coastal towers and data centres

    At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Jared Kushner, former senior advisor to President Donald Trump, presented a comprehensive blueprint for the economic transformation of Gaza based on free market principles. The detailed proposal, estimated at $25 billion, outlines a six-phase development plan starting in southern Gaza and progressing northward.

    The reconstruction initiative envisions creating modern urban infrastructure including high-rise coastal towers, business districts, industrial zones with advanced manufacturing facilities, and extensive transportation networks featuring new airports, ports, and logistics corridors. The plan specifically designates areas for coastal tourism along Gaza’s coastline with proposals for 180 mixed-use towers, alongside residential neighborhoods and industrial zones containing data centers.

    A significant $3 billion investment fund would be allocated for commercial zones, business districts, and grants to stimulate local enterprise. The ‘New Rafah’ component alone proposes constructing 100,000 housing units, over 200 educational centers, 75 medical facilities, and 180 cultural, religious, and vocational centers.

    Kushner emphasized that implementation would only commence following complete demilitarization of Hamas, with provisions for amnesty and reintegration of some members into a new Palestinian police force after rigorous vetting. The proposal projects Gaza’s GDP could reach $10 billion by 2035, with average household income exceeding $13,000 annually.

    The plan was introduced during the charter signing for Trump’s ‘Board of Peace,’ which requires member nations to contribute $1 billion for permanent membership. The board, which would be chaired for life by Trump, has extended invitations to approximately 50 countries, though several nations including France, Norway, and Ukraine have expressed reservations or declined participation, particularly concerning Russia’s potential involvement.

    Palestinian-American writer Susan Abulhawa criticized the proposal on social media, arguing it would ‘erase Gaza’s indigenous character’ and transform residents into ‘a cheap labor force.’ Notably, no Palestinian representatives are included in the proposed governance structure.

  • Inside RAK’s first aid ship to Gaza to send 4,000 tonnes of supplies before Ramadan

    Inside RAK’s first aid ship to Gaza to send 4,000 tonnes of supplies before Ramadan

    In a significant expansion of its humanitarian operations, Ras Al Khaimah has launched its inaugural maritime aid mission to Gaza, deploying a vessel carrying 4,000 tonnes of critical supplies destined for displaced Palestinian families ahead of Ramadan. The Saqr Humanitarian Ship departed from Ras Al Khaimah Port on January 22, embarking on a strategic journey to Egypt’s Port of Al Arish with an anticipated arrival date of February 5.

    The comprehensive cargo aboard represents a meticulously coordinated response to urgent needs in Gaza, containing food provisions for bakeries and communal kitchens, specialized Ramadan food parcels, clothing, blankets, shelter materials, and essential medical supplies to reinforce overwhelmed healthcare facilities. This shipment marks the 23rd humanitarian vessel dispatched under the UAE’s coordinated Gaza relief efforts.

    Hamoud Saeed Al Afari, Relief Operations Coordinator for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, emphasized the strategic nature of this assistance: ‘This vessel carries essential supplies carefully selected based on urgent humanitarian needs, particularly in preparation for Ramadan. Our goal is to ensure aid reaches families, hospitals, and relief centers as quickly and efficiently as possible.’

    The UAE’s humanitarian infrastructure extends beyond maritime deliveries, encompassing a field hospital in Gaza, an operational eye hospital in Al Arish, and six constructed water desalination plants. These efforts are supplemented by daily water deliveries, sustained support for food production facilities, and comprehensive medical assistance that has facilitated treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients within UAE facilities.

    Notably, this mission represents Ras Al Khaimah Port’s inaugural participation in humanitarian maritime operations, joining other UAE ports including Fujairah, Al Hamriyah in Dubai, and Khalifa Port in this coordinated effort. To date, the UAE has delivered more than 737 humanitarian flights and over 10,000 aid trucks into Gaza, accounting for more than 46% of total international assistance.

    The Saqr Mohammed Al Qasimi Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Work fully funded and loaded this historic shipment, marking the foundation’s first complete humanitarian ship contribution. Mohammed Al Shareef, official spokesperson for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, confirmed that aid selection was based on real-time assessments by UAE field teams to ensure alignment with the most pressing civilian needs.

    With total aid volume under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 reaching 110,000 tonnes valued at over $2.6 billion, the UAE continues to dominate international relief efforts for Gaza. A subsequent humanitarian vessel carrying more than 7,000 tonnes of aid is already scheduled for loading and dispatch in early February, reinforcing the sustained pipeline of assistance.