Global Pulse

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  • WEF 2026: Key CEOs insights on global economic progress and GCC’s role

    WEF 2026: Key CEOs insights on global economic progress and GCC’s role

    Davos, Switzerland – The 2026 World Economic Forum has become a pivotal convergence point for global economic leadership, with corporate chiefs and government leaders including US President Donald Trump gathering to shape international economic discourse. The United Arab Emirates has deployed one of its largest delegations in history, joining fellow GCC nations with over 100 ministers and senior executives representing both public and private sectors.

    The GCC region’s growing influence forms a central narrative at this year’s forum, with regional CEOs highlighting the transformative power of collaborative dialogue in economic development. Sebastian Goeres, CEO of LGT (Middle East) Ltd., emphasized that the GCC’s unique position at the crossroads of global capital flows and cultures has fueled remarkable progress, particularly as emerging technologies and new leadership generations reshape the economic landscape.

    Logistics transformation represents another critical dimension, with AbdulAziz Busbate, CEO of DHL Express Mena, noting the GCC’s emergence as a dynamic hub amid global supply chain restructuring. The region is making significant investments in creating smarter, more sustainable trade flows, with technological acceleration and sustainability expectations driving this evolution.

    Financial innovation stands as a cornerstone of the GCC’s economic advancement. Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange, highlighted how regulatory collaboration has accelerated the development of open finance frameworks, real-time payment systems, and regulated financial innovations including AED-backed stablecoins. This cooperative model between regulators and institutions has been instrumental in building digital trust while ensuring responsible scaling of innovation.

    The tangible outcomes of this collaborative approach are already materializing. Michael Hunter, CEO of Holo, revealed that the UAE economy is projected to exceed 5% growth in 2026, driven by robust non-oil sectors including real estate and technological innovation. Advanced digital frameworks are streamlining property transactions and mortgage processing, while strategic initiatives in smart city development and artificial intelligence adoption are shaping future market landscapes.

    Across sectors, business leaders agree that meaningful dialogue between policymakers, regulators, and innovators remains essential for creating efficient, inclusive, and future-ready markets. This collaborative spirit, deeply embedded in the GCC’s economic trajectory, positions the region as a defining force in global economic progress through 2026 and beyond.

  • Zigong lantern festival combines cultural heritage with advanced technology

    Zigong lantern festival combines cultural heritage with advanced technology

    The 32nd Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival commenced on Friday at Sichuan province’s Chinese Lantern World, showcasing an extraordinary synthesis of traditional artistry and cutting-edge technology. This annual spectacle, renowned for its cultural significance, has elevated its presentation through innovative technological integration while preserving centuries-old craftsmanship traditions.

    Spanning multiple themed zones, the festival features 11 monumental lantern installations complemented by over 200 smaller displays. The exhibition demonstrates remarkable artistic ingenuity through its use of sustainable materials, including a 4-meter-tall golden Hou beast constructed from 100 kilograms of straw, a phoenix adorned with 15,000 red chilies, and a mythical Qilin assembled from 46,000 repurposed medicine bottles.

    Among the standout attractions is the 210-meter-long ‘Magical China’ installation, drawing inspiration from the ancient Zhuangzi classic to depict the legendary Kunpeng—a mythical bird-fish hybrid symbolizing national strength. Equally impressive is the 180-meter ‘Legend of Mulan’ display, created in anticipation of the upcoming Year of the Horse, which intertwines the heroine’s story with dynamic equine imagery to convey profound patriotic themes.

    The festival incorporates advanced interactive technologies including artificial intelligence interfaces, smart touch controls, and light-sensing systems. These innovations enable visitors to engage with virtual performers and lifelike robotic dinosaurs, creating immersive experiences that bridge historical storytelling with futuristic entertainment.

    According to Chen Jinhong, Director of Zigong’s Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism Bureau, the event masterfully combines intangible cultural heritage techniques—such as traditional lantern-making, tie-dye, and paper-cutting—with mythological narratives and historical accounts. This approach not only preserves cultural legacy but also recontextualizes it for contemporary audiences through technological enhancement.

  • US justice department subpoenas Minnesota officials in alleged immigration obstruction probe

    US justice department subpoenas Minnesota officials in alleged immigration obstruction probe

    The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a significant legal confrontation with Democratic leadership in Minnesota, issuing federal subpoenas alleging coordinated obstruction of immigration enforcement operations. Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey were among the officials served with legal documents during Tuesday’s developments.

    The enforcement action coincided with a visit by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to Minnesota, where recent protests have created a tense political atmosphere. The subpoenas represent the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between federal authorities and state officials over immigration enforcement priorities.

    In response to the legal action, Mayor Frey characterized the Justice Department’s move as political retaliation, stating to CBS that he was being targeted specifically for his opposition to Trump administration policies. Attorney General Ellison delivered more pointed criticism, accusing President Trump of systematically weaponizing federal justice institutions for political purposes.

    Governor Walz dismissed the investigation as a ‘partisan distraction’ that undermines legitimate law enforcement priorities. He specifically noted that the Justice Department had failed to pursue justice in the case of Renee Good, a 37-year-old protester whose killing remains unresolved.

    This developing situation highlights the deepening rift between federal and state authorities regarding immigration policy implementation and raises significant questions about the appropriate boundaries between law enforcement and political disagreement.

  • Lyse Doucet: Trump is shaking the world order more than any president since WW2

    Lyse Doucet: Trump is shaking the world order more than any president since WW2

    As President Donald Trump marks the first anniversary of his unprecedented second inauguration, the international community faces a paradigm shift in global governance. The administration’s aggressive territorial ambitions, particularly regarding Greenland, have triggered widespread diplomatic consternation and raised fundamental questions about the future of international law.

    The Trump presidency has resurrected 19th century expansionist doctrines, with the Commander-in-Chief openly declaring intentions to acquire the world’s largest island through either purchase or coercion. This stance represents a radical departure from post-World War II norms, where allied nations respected territorial sovereignty. The administration’s justification centers on strategic necessity to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic, though methodology has drawn sharp criticism from traditional allies.

    European leaders exhibit divergent responses to this geopolitical challenge. French President Emmanuel Macron has threatened comprehensive trade countermeasures, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempts balanced diplomacy between supporting Greenland’s territorial integrity and maintaining bilateral relations. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni attributes tensions to communication breakdowns rather than fundamental policy differences.

    The administration’s foreign policy approach blends transactional diplomacy with overt power projection. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterizes Trump’s methodology as action-oriented leadership, contrasting it with traditional political discourse. However, critics including Economist editor Zanny Minton Beddoes describe the approach as ‘mafia-style power politics’ that disregards multilateral frameworks.

    This unilateralism has produced some tangible results, particularly in defense spending increases among NATO members and Middle East ceasefire agreements. Yet these achievements occur alongside concerning developments, including public threats against longstanding allies and fluctuating positions on international conflicts. The administration’s recent circulation of private diplomatic communications further undermines conventional statecraft.

    As world leaders gather at Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney articulated growing concerns about the erosion of international stability, noting that the world faces ‘a rupture, not a transition’ in global governance. With Trump scheduled to address the forum, allies continue employing persuasion, flattery, and pressure to moderate presidential ambitions—though success remains uncertain in this new era of geopolitical calculation.

  • Dubai: International DJs, UAE-based content creators come together for football showdown

    Dubai: International DJs, UAE-based content creators come together for football showdown

    DUBAI – In an innovative fusion of music and sports, Red Bull UAE orchestrated a unique football showdown last Friday, pitting international DJs against prominent UAE-based content creators. The friendly match took place at Precision Football in Ibn Battuta, serving as both an energetic warm-up and a competitive battle for bragging rights.

    Leading the DJ squad was Francis Mercier, the Haitian electronic music producer who was in Dubai for his scheduled performance at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour. Partnering with Red Bull for the initiative, Mercier expressed enthusiasm for the unconventional pre-show activity. ‘Football is a genuine passion of mine,’ Mercier stated before the match. ‘When Red Bull proposed this collaboration with talented UAE creators, we immediately recognized it as a perfect opportunity for fun and connection.’

    Mercier’s football affinity traces back to his childhood in Haiti, where he developed admiration for Brazilian football legends including Ronaldo R9, Cafu, and Rivaldo. On the field, Mercier prefers commanding the midfield position, utilizing his stamina to control game tempo – skills that complement his rigorous fitness regimen.

    Opposing the DJ team was Ramy Hamdan, a Dubai-based travel content creator with formal football experience from his teenage years playing club football in Lebanon. ‘Our team shares existing chemistry as friends and former teammates,’ Hamdan explained, confirming his tactical shift from his traditional right-back position to an offensive role as left wing and striker for this match.

    The event highlighted Dubai’s distinctive cultural ecosystem where international artists and local digital creators converge through shared interests beyond their professional domains. As Mercier observed, the city’s dynamic environment fosters these cross-industry collaborations where football served as the universal language.

    Despite Mercier’s confident prediction of a DJ victory, the content creators’ team ultimately triumphed with an 8-5 scoreline. Both Mercier and Hamdan managed to score during the high-energy match, which successfully set an vibrant tone for the weekend’s entertainment activities.

  • China meets initial soybean purchase goal, but Trump’s shifting trade policy could disrupt deal

    China meets initial soybean purchase goal, but Trump’s shifting trade policy could disrupt deal

    Despite China fulfilling its initial commitment to purchase 12 million metric tons of American soybeans, the sustainability of the October trade agreement remains uncertain due to the Trump administration’s volatile trade policies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed China’s compliance during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he met with Chinese Vice President He Lifeng, who reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to future purchases.

    The agreement, forged after Trump and Xi Jinping’s meeting in South Korea ended last summer’s purchasing halt, requires China to buy 25 million metric tons annually over the next three years. However, recent policy shifts—including threatened tariffs on countries trading with Iran and proposed levies on European allies—create instability that agricultural economists warn could jeopardize the deal.

    American farmers continue struggling with soaring production costs for fertilizer, seeds, and labor, despite approximately $12 billion in federal aid. Soybean prices briefly surged to $11.50 per bushel post-agreement but have since fallen to $10.56—insufficient to cover most operational expenses. China’s strategic diversification toward Brazilian and Argentine suppliers, which now account for over 70% of its imports compared to America’s 21% share, further complicates long-term trade prospects.

    Agricultural experts like Iowa State’s Chad Hart and University of Nebraska’s Cory Walters emphasize that market unpredictability and evolving tariff landscapes are crippling farmers’ decision-making capabilities and financial stability.

  • Christopher Reeve’s son Will marries event planner Amanda Dubin in Miami

    Christopher Reeve’s son Will marries event planner Amanda Dubin in Miami

    In a heartfelt Miami ceremony on January 17, Will Reeve—son of the late Superman icon Christopher Reeve and Dana Reeve—exchanged vows with event planner Amanda Dubin. The private nuptials brought together close family circles, personal friends, and several colleagues from Reeve’s position at ABC News.

    Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts shared glimpses of the celebration via social media, posting a photo with her wife Amber Laign captioned: ‘Ready to celebrate Amanda & Will.’ GMA contributor Lara Spencer also documented highlights from the event, describing it as ‘a joyous day celebrating’ the couple’s ‘beautiful love story.’ The bride herself responded enthusiastically to Spencer’s post, commenting: ‘We love you!!’

    The couple’s romance became public in April 2023 when they shared a photograph from Paris. Their engagement followed in November 2023 after Reeve orchestrated an elaborate proposal disguised as a professional charity event in Manhattan—a fitting surprise for Dubin, who works as an event planner.

    Will Reeve, now 33, carries forward the legacy of his parents: his father Christopher, who achieved global fame as Superman before his passing in 2004 following a horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed, and his mother Dana, who died of lung cancer in 2006. Despite these profound losses at a young age, Reeve has frequently expressed how discussing his parents helps maintain their presence in his life. In a recent USA Today interview, he reflected: ‘Talking about my parents keeps them with me. I’m so proud to be their son, to be part of this family.’

  • Exclusive: UAE flights linked to Sudan war tracked from Israel to Ethiopia

    Exclusive: UAE flights linked to Sudan war tracked from Israel to Ethiopia

    Recent flight-tracking data reveals a pattern of strategic cargo movements by a UAE-linked aircraft across multiple conflict zones, highlighting the intensifying regional power struggle between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. An Antonov An-124 transport plane (tail number UR-ZYD), operated by Abu Dhabi-based Maximus Air, has conducted repeated flights between military bases in Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, Bahrain, and Israel throughout January.

    The aircraft’s movements coincide with a dramatic shift in regional alliances following Saudi Arabia’s successful military campaign against UAE-backed forces in Aden, Yemen. This development forced Emirati forces to withdraw from their strategic base in Bosaso, Somalia, while simultaneously facing diplomatic challenges from Somalia’s cancellation of all security agreements with the UAE.

    Analysts identify Ethiopia as becoming increasingly crucial to UAE’s regional strategy. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appears to be aligning Ethiopia firmly with the UAE alliance rather than alternative options, according to sources familiar with Ethiopian foreign policy. This alignment potentially includes Ethiopia’s anticipated recognition of Somaliland in exchange for access to the port of Berbera.

    The ongoing Sudan conflict has become central to this regional power struggle, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey increasing military support to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to counter the UAE’s longstanding support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Evidence suggests the UAE has been supplying weapons to the RSF through multiple channels, including via Ethiopia and eastern Libya under General Khalifa Haftar’s control.

    Flight data shows UR-ZYD made three round trips between Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base and Israel’s Ovda Air Force base in late December before commencing its Ethiopia shuttle operations in January. The aircraft’s significant cargo capacity—capable of transporting 21 Toyota Land Cruisers or 4 Mi-17 helicopters—raises concerns about potential weapons transfers.

    Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab executive director Nathaniel Raymond expressed global concern about these developments: ‘Evidence that an An-124 has been making repeated sorties between Abu Dhabi and this airfield near an area seeing increased uptick in RSF presence and operations should be of global concern.’

    The aircraft’s operations have previously attracted UN scrutiny for violating arms embargoes in Libya, with investigations identifying current UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed as the beneficial owner of UR-ZYD. Despite the airline’s description of humanitarian missions, its client list includes multiple UAE government entities including the Armed Forces GHQ and Crown Prince Court.

    As Saudi pressure mounts on Haftar forces to cease supporting UAE’s RSF operations, and with Egypt bombing RSF supply convoys near its border, the temporary closure of al-Kufra airbase in Libya appears designed to provide diplomatic breathing space. Regional analysts conclude that the Horn of Africa has become subject to Gulf power dynamics, with local nations increasingly forced to choose sides in the Riyadh-Abu Dhabi rivalry.

  • Families of Venezuelan prisoners demand their release after weeks of waiting outside prisons

    Families of Venezuelan prisoners demand their release after weeks of waiting outside prisons

    CARACAS, Venezuela — Relatives of detained Venezuelan activists, journalists, and opposition figures have intensified their demands for the liberation of approximately 800 individuals still imprisoned under President Nicolás Maduro’s administration. The protests follow two weeks of vigil outside Caracas’ notorious Helicoide prison, where families gathered in anticipation of promised releases that have largely failed to materialize.

    The government’s pledge to free a “significant number” of detainees came after Maduro’s deposition during a U.S. military operation in early January. However, the actual number of released prisoners remains minimal, with only 145 verified cases documented by Venezuela’s leading prisoner rights organization, Foro Penal.

    Acting President Delcy Rodríguez characterized the situation as “a new political moment” for Venezuela and committed to continuing prisoner releases. Yet for families like that of Francis Quiñones, whose son has been detained for over five years without communication for six months, these assurances ring hollow amid ongoing psychological torment.

    Alfredo Romero, director of Foro Penal, revealed that even those who have been released face severe restrictions including media gag orders, mandatory check-ins with authorities, and travel bans. “These people are not free,” Romero stated. “They are subjected to constant, latent persecution.”

    The emotional toll on families remains profound as they maintain their vigil outside Helicoide prison, displaying posters of missing loved ones and holding candlelight vigils while awaiting genuine justice and family reunification.

  • Iran protest crackdown latest developments

    Iran protest crackdown latest developments

    Iranian authorities are intensifying arrests while maintaining severe internet restrictions following recent nationwide protests, despite signs of surface-level normalcy returning to commercial centers like Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Security forces maintain heavy visibility in the capital as shops reopen, creating an atmosphere of controlled calm.

    Judicial authorities have initiated legal proceedings against 25 prominent figures including athletes and actors, alongside 60 coffee shops accused of supporting what state media describes as ‘American-Zionist sedition.’ Properties have been seized in what appears to be a systematic campaign against perceived dissent. Official arrest figures remain contested, with state media reporting 3,000 detainees while international rights organizations estimate approximately 25,000 arrests nationwide.

    The government faces mounting international isolation over its response. The World Economic Forum abruptly cancelled Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s scheduled appearance at Davos, citing appropriateness concerns. Simultaneously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced proposed bans on EU drone and missile technology exports to Iran. Germany’s Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines have suspended flights to Tehran through February and March respectively.

    United Nations human rights bodies have scheduled an emergency session to address what they term ‘alarming violence’ and violations of international law. This occurs alongside disputed casualty counts, with independent organizations reporting over 4,000 confirmed deaths and suggesting actual numbers might approach 20,000. Iranian officials dismiss these figures as ‘lies’ while acknowledging 3,709 security personnel wounded.

    Reza Pahlavi, US-based son of the former Shah, has emerged as an opposition figurehead, urging continued resistance through social media channels. Despite calls for renewed demonstrations, protest activity has significantly diminished under the dual pressure of security crackdowns and ongoing communication blackouts.

    Internet monitoring organization Netblocks reports the government has implemented ‘whitelisting’ strategies, allowing selective access to approved platforms while maintaining broad restrictions. Most Iranians remain unable to receive international communications despite limited outgoing capability, creating information vacuums particularly concerning provincial violence reports.