Global Pulse

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  • UAE welcomes phase two of Gaza peace plan, formation of National Committee

    UAE welcomes phase two of Gaza peace plan, formation of National Committee

    The United Arab Emirates has formally endorsed the commencement of Phase Two of the comprehensive Gaza peace proposal and the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a transitional governance body. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, expressed strong support for these developments while also acknowledging the creation of the ‘Board of Peace’ framework announced by US President Donald Trump.

    In her official statement, Minister Al Hashimy praised the diplomatic leadership demonstrated by President Trump and recognized the sustained efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in advancing regional stability. She characterized these multilateral initiatives as crucial frameworks for consolidating security measures and revitalizing the political negotiation process.

    Minister Al Hashimy expressed particular honor regarding her appointment to the Gaza Executive Board, interpreting this designation as international recognition of the UAE’s constructive role in conflict resolution. She emphasized that the UAE remains committed to transforming humanitarian challenges into sustainable opportunities for the Palestinian population and broader Middle Eastern communities.

    The Minister articulated the UAE’s firm conviction that achieving durable peace necessitates coordinated international collaboration and effective administrative governance in Gaza. Such governance must guarantee the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people while contributing to regional stability and fostering prosperous development.

    Al Hashimy further stressed the critical importance of building upon existing progress within the peace framework. She advocated for diligent efforts to reinstate a comprehensive political process oriented toward a two-state solution, ultimately aiming for an equitable and permanent resolution to the conflict.

  • Abu Dhabi ranked world’s safest city for 10 consecutive years

    Abu Dhabi ranked world’s safest city for 10 consecutive years

    Abu Dhabi has achieved an unprecedented milestone by securing its position as the world’s safest urban center for the tenth consecutive year, according to an official announcement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office on January 17, 2026. This remarkable decade-long recognition, spanning from 2017 through 2026, establishes a new global benchmark in urban security excellence.

    The designation originates from Numbeo, the world’s largest crowd-sourced database tracking urban living conditions across 382 global cities. The emirate’s consistent top ranking reflects its sustained commitment to implementing comprehensive safety measures and maintaining exceptional quality of life standards.

    This achievement aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ growing appeal among international residents. Recent demographic studies reveal that approximately 19% of expatriates express intentions to establish permanent residence in the UAE. The Expat Insider 2025 survey, published by InterNations on September 2, 2025, further substantiates this trend, indicating that 18% of foreign residents plan to remain indefinitely, while 39% are considering extended stays.

    Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoun Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, attributed this success to the visionary leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He elaborated on Abu Dhabi’s innovative security framework that integrates continuous surveillance operations, predictive policing strategies, artificial intelligence implementation, and community partnership programs.

    The comprehensive security model employs a multi-faceted approach focusing on personnel development, institutional collaboration, and technological advancement. This includes substantial investments in smart systems that enhance real-time decision-making capabilities and reinforce public confidence through transparent security operations.

    Complementing this perspective, Major General Sheikh Mohammed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Director General of Abu Dhabi Police, emphasized that urban safety represents a fundamental component of sustainable development strategy. The achievement has positioned Abu Dhabi as an international hub for living standards, business investment, and workforce development, establishing a replicable model for global cities pursuing comprehensive security solutions.

  • Watch: Timelapse shows Nasa rocket’s 12-hour journey to launch pad

    Watch: Timelapse shows Nasa rocket’s 12-hour journey to launch pad

    In a meticulously choreographed ballet of engineering, NASA’s colossal Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has completed its monumental journey to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center. Captured in a mesmerizing timelapse, the 12-hour transit unveiled the sheer scale of pre-launch operations for the Artemis I mission.

    The 322-foot-tall (98-meter) deep-space rocket, mounted atop NASA’s robust Crawler-Transporter 2, embarked on a 4.2-mile (6.8-kilometer) voyage from the Vehicle Assembly Building. Progressing at a deliberate maximum speed of just 0.82 miles per hour (1.3 km/h), the procession emphasized the careful precision required to move the 3.5-million-pound structure without compromising its delicate systems.

    This journey, known as the ‘rollout,’ represents a critical milestone in NASA’s preparations for returning humans to the lunar surface. The SLS rocket—the most powerful ever built by the agency—will serve as the cornerstone for the Artemis program, which aims to establish sustainable lunar exploration while paving the way for future Mars missions.

    The timelapse footage compresses hours of painstaking progress into minutes, showcasing how engineering marvels overcome terrestrial challenges before ever reaching the stars. With the rocket now positioned at the launch pad, teams will conduct final tests and rehearsals leading to the historic uncrewed flight around the Moon.

  • Iraq takes full control of air base after US withdrawal, defence ministry says

    Iraq takes full control of air base after US withdrawal, defence ministry says

    The Iraqi Ministry of Defense confirmed on Saturday that the nation’s armed forces have officially assumed full operational control of the Ain al-Asad Airbase, following the complete withdrawal of United States-led coalition personnel. This strategic transfer of authority marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing reconfiguration of Iraq’s sovereign defense capabilities and its military relationship with international partners.

    The handover process stems from a bilateral understanding initially reached in 2024 between the governments in Washington and Baghdad. This agreement outlined a structured roadmap for the departure of all coalition forces operating under US command within Iraqi territory. Located in the western Anbar province, the Ain al-Asad Airbase has been a significant strategic asset, housing a substantial portion of the international coalition’s troops and equipment for years.

    This development is widely interpreted as a concrete step toward fulfilling the long-term strategic objective of the Iraqi government: asserting complete sovereign control over its national security infrastructure. The smooth transition of this key military installation is being presented by Iraqi authorities as a testament to the growing operational readiness and self-sufficiency of the Iraqi military and security forces. The event signifies a new chapter in the US-Iraq security relationship, likely shifting toward a model based more on advisory roles and arms-length support rather than the permanent, large-scale presence of foreign combat troops.

  • UAE minister Reem Al Hashimy appointed to White House’s Gaza Executive Board

    UAE minister Reem Al Hashimy appointed to White House’s Gaza Executive Board

    In a significant diplomatic development, the White House has established a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) as part of implementing phase two of President Donald Trump’s ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.’ This 20-point roadmap aims to establish lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity in the region.

    The newly formed Gaza Executive Board will operate in support of the Office of the High Representative and the NCAG. The Board’s primary mission involves supporting effective governance and delivering superior services that advance peace, stability, and prosperity for Gaza’s population.

    Notable appointments include UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy, who joins the Executive Board. Simultaneously, Nikolay Mladenov, Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, assumes the critical role of High Representative for Gaza. Mladenov will serve as the essential on-the-ground liaison between the Board of Peace and the NCAG, supporting oversight of Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and development while ensuring coordination across civilian and security sectors.

    This executive board formation coincides with the creation of a ‘Board of Peace’ to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance. The territory has maintained a fragile ceasefire since October. The supervisory board includes prominent figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, with President Trump serving as chair.

  • Iran’s supreme leader says ‘thousands killed’ in unrest, blames Trump and Israel

    Iran’s supreme leader says ‘thousands killed’ in unrest, blames Trump and Israel

    In an unprecedented public statement, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has formally acknowledged that “several thousand” people lost their lives during recent nationwide protests, marking the first official recognition of the substantial death toll from the unrest. The comments, delivered on Saturday, represent a significant departure from previous government statements regarding the scale of the casualties.

    Khamenei directly attributed responsibility for the violence to United States President Donald Trump, asserting that Washington bore culpability for the widespread casualties, destruction, and social turmoil experienced across Iran. “We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation,” Khamenei declared through state media channels, emphasizing that the latest anti-government demonstrations differed from previous incidents due to Trump’s personal involvement.

    The protests initially erupted on December 28th, primarily driven by economic grievances, but rapidly evolved into the most severe civil unrest witnessed in Iran in recent years. Khamenei further accused Iran’s longstanding adversaries, the United States and Israel, of orchestrating the violence, claiming that “those linked to Israel and the US caused massive damage and killed several thousand” through arson attacks, destruction of public property, and deliberate efforts to incite chaos.

    Despite Trump’s repeated warnings against using capital punishment against protesters—including threats of “very strong action” if executions proceeded—and his Friday social media claim that Iranian authorities had halted mass hangings, Tehran promptly rejected this assertion, stating there was “no plan to hang people.”

    In remarks widely interpreted as a response to Washington, Khamenei asserted Iran would not be provoked into armed conflict while vowing that “we will not let domestic or international criminals go unpunished.”

    Independent verification of casualties remains challenging due to extensive internet restrictions. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has documented at least 3,090 verified deaths, including 2,885 protesters, alongside more than 22,000 arrests since the unrest began. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported connectivity had slightly improved after exceeding 200 hours of near-total shutdown but remained at approximately two percent of normal levels.

    Iranian state media has reported the arrest of thousands described as “rioters and terrorists,” including individuals allegedly connected to foreign-based opposition groups seeking to overthrow the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have publicly expressed support for exiled opposition figures, with Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu recently claiming Israel maintained operatives “on the ground” in Iran aimed at weakening Tehran’s capabilities, though denying direct involvement in attempts to topple the leadership.

  • Artemis II: Nasa’s mega Moon rocket arrives at launch pad

    Artemis II: Nasa’s mega Moon rocket arrives at launch pad

    In a monumental step toward returning humans to the Moon, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has completed its meticulous 12-hour journey to Launch Pad 39B at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. The 98-meter-tall colossus, carrying the Orion spacecraft, was transported vertically atop a massive crawler-transporter at a painstakingly slow pace of 0.82 mph (1.3 km/h) along the 4-mile (6.5 km) route from the Vehicle Assembly Building.

    The Artemis II mission, scheduled for launch as early as February 6th with additional windows through April, represents humanity’s first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in December 1972. The four astronauts—NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen—observed the rocket’s movement, anticipating their pioneering journey around the Moon.

    Before the historic launch, NASA engineers will conduct final preparations including a critical “wet dress rehearsal” to test fuel operations and countdown procedures. The 10-day mission will not land on the lunar surface but will instead orbit Earth initially before traveling approximately 250,000 miles to circumnavigate the Moon’s far side.

    A significant international collaboration underscores the mission, with the European Service Module—built by Airbus in Bremen, Germany—providing essential propulsion, power, and life support systems. “We basically can’t get to the Moon without it,” emphasized Sian Cleaver, an Airbus spacecraft engineer, highlighting the module’s critical role in crew safety and mission success.

    Despite years of development delays, NASA officials maintain that crew safety remains the absolute priority. “We’re going to fly when we’re ready,” stated John Honeycutt, chair of the Artemis mission management team, underscoring the commitment to the astronauts’ safe return. The mission will conduct substantial scientific observation during three dedicated hours of lunar flyby, gathering crucial data for future landing missions, particularly targeting the Moon’s south pole region.

  • Pat Dobbs dominates Jebel Ali Preps with back-to-back wins at ‘yellow’ racecourse

    Pat Dobbs dominates Jebel Ali Preps with back-to-back wins at ‘yellow’ racecourse

    Veteran jockey Pat Dobbs delivered a spectacular performance at Jebel Ali Racecourse on Saturday, securing decisive victories in both feature prep races to reinforce his status as one of the UAE’s most accomplished riders. The Irish horseman, a mainstay of Doug Watson’s championship-winning Red Stables, added two more triumphs to his impressive record in the region.

    Dobbs first demonstrated his tactical prowess aboard Arlan in the 2000-meter Tobougg Corner Stakes, executing a perfectly timed run to edge out Elusive Trevor by a head, with Secret Manner finishing a close third. The jockey then partnered with Qatari trainer Hamad Al Jehani to guide David Of Athens to a dominant 2.5-length victory in the Jebel Ali Mile Prep Stakes, comfortably ahead of rivals Saayedd and Kafoo.

    With over two decades of experience in the Emirates racing circuit, Dobbs has now accumulated more than 200 victories in the region. His most notable achievement remains his 2017 Godolphin Mile triumph aboard Second Summer, cementing his legacy as one of the UAE’s most consistent performers.

    The racing card also featured a strong showing from the combination of champion trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O’Shea, who secured a double through Omaha Front in the Al Shafar Investment Stakes and Ashwaan in the Commercial Bank Of Dubai Stakes. These victories propelled O’Shea to 21 wins for the season, narrowing the gap to championship leader Silvestre de Sousa (26 wins).

    In the trainers’ championship, Seemar remains tied with Ibrahim Al Hadhrami at 23 victories each, while defending champion Musabbeh Al Mheiri stays in contention following No Escape’s success in the JARC Sprint Handicap. With both titles remaining fiercely contested, the UAE racing season appears poised for an exhilarating conclusion over the coming months.

  • UAE Lottery announces winning numbers; 3 players take home Dh100,000 each

    UAE Lottery announces winning numbers; 3 players take home Dh100,000 each

    The UAE Lottery has announced the results of its 33rd weekly Lucky Day draw, distributing substantial cash prizes to fortunate participants. Three separate ticket holders each secured Dh100,000 in the latest Saturday drawing, marking another successful event in the revamped lottery format.

    Held on January 17, 2026, the Lucky Day draw #260117 featured winning numbers 14, 22, 11, 10, 24, and 26 with month indicator 8. The three Lucky Chance winners who claimed the Dh100,000 prizes were identified by their unique IDs: BA2507375, DH8483124, and AU1971772.

    The transition to weekly Saturday drawings, implemented during the lottery’s first anniversary celebration, has proven remarkably successful. This revised format has already created over 200 Lucky Chance winners since its introduction, demonstrating increased winning opportunities for participants.

    The current lottery structure offers substantial prize tiers, including a massive Dh30 million grand prize, a Dh5 million second prize, and the weekly Dh100,000 Lucky Chance awards. This prize distribution system continues to attract participants across the United Arab Emirates, offering life-changing financial opportunities through regulated gaming.

    The UAE Lottery’s consistent Saturday schedule provides regular entertainment and winning possibilities for residents, contributing to the nation’s gaming and entertainment landscape while maintaining transparent and verifiable drawing procedures.

  • Half American, half Canadian: Take a ride in a car welded from two front ends

    Half American, half Canadian: Take a ride in a car welded from two front ends

    On the streets of Detroit, an automotive anomaly is turning heads and challenging conventional vehicle design. A uniquely modified car, meticulously crafted by welding the front ends of two separate vehicles together, has emerged as a rolling symbol of cross-border ingenuity. Its creator proudly describes the driving experience as generating exceptional ‘smiles per gallon,’ a metric that far surpasses traditional fuel efficiency ratings.

    This engineering curiosity, which lacks a conventional rear end, features two complete front sections fused at the center. The resulting ‘centrepillar’ car represents a fascinating exercise in automotive customization, showcasing what happens when mechanical creativity transcends factory specifications. While its exact powertrain configuration remains undisclosed, the vehicle demonstrates fully operational components from both front halves, including functioning headlights and steering systems from two donor vehicles.

    The phenomenon has sparked lively discussions among automotive enthusiasts and casual observers alike, generating both amusement and admiration for the builder’s unconventional approach to personal transportation. This creation stands as a testament to Detroit’s enduring identity as a hub of automotive innovation, where the spirit of customization continues to thrive in unexpected ways.