Global Pulse

分类： business

  • 3N Travel introduces India’s first Kidana Tower hajj experience for 2025

    3N Travel introduces India’s first Kidana Tower hajj experience for 2025

    In a groundbreaking development for religious tourism, 3N Travel & Tourist Bureau has achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first travel company to secure accommodations at Mina’s prestigious Kidana Tower for Hajj 2025 pilgrims. This strategic initiative positions the company at the forefront of enhanced pilgrimage experiences for Indian nationals participating in the annual Islamic ritual.

    The Kidana Tower represents one of Mina’s most advanced hospitality facilities, specifically engineered to elevate the traditional Hajj experience through superior comfort protocols, optimized accessibility features, and sophisticated crowd management systems. The tower’s infrastructure guarantees improved safety standards and dignified living conditions throughout the pilgrimage journey, addressing longstanding challenges faced by participants.

    3N Travel’s specialized Hajj packages cater to the global Indian diaspora, featuring innovative short-duration programs and premium Clock Tower accommodations. The premium Kidana Tower experience includes VIP-tier lodging in Mina complemented by upgraded tent facilities in Arafat, creating an integrated comfort solution throughout the sacred itinerary.

    With official authorities setting January 25, 2026 as the definitive registration deadline for Hajj 2025, prospective pilgrims face intensified urgency due to constrained quotas and exceptional demand. The company emphasizes the critical importance of immediate registration for both domestic and international Indian applicants seeking to participate in next year’s pilgrimage.

    Industry experts strongly recommend engaging exclusively with government-authorized Hajj service providers to ensure regulatory compliance, financial transparency, and operational reliability. This precautionary measure safeguards pilgrims against potential fraudulent schemes while guaranteeing adherence to official pilgrimage standards.

  • Gold all set to surpass $5,000 an ounce mark, underscoring its timeless investment value

    Gold all set to surpass $5,000 an ounce mark, underscoring its timeless investment value

    Gold has achieved an unprecedented breakthrough by exceeding the $5,000 per ounce threshold, cementing its status as the world’s most reliable store of value during times of economic uncertainty. This historic price movement demonstrates gold’s enduring capacity to preserve and multiply wealth across centuries, market cycles, and global transformations.

    Market performance data from January 2025 to January 2026 reveals extraordinary appreciation rates, with gold prices skyrocketing by more than 90% in the United Arab Emirates and an astonishing 106% in India. These remarkable figures underscore the intensifying global demand for physical gold as both an investment vehicle and cultural asset.

    Industry leaders have affirmed the significance of this milestone. MP Ahammad, Chairman of Malabar Group, stated that gold’s breakthrough validates the wisdom of long-term investors who have maintained disciplined ownership strategies. “Millions of customers across our 420 showrooms in 14 countries have profited from their prudent decision to invest in gold over the years,” Ahammad noted, emphasizing how patient, value-driven approaches have yielded substantial generational wealth.

    Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director of International Operations at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, identified two particularly astute investor groups: Indian women and central bank governors worldwide. These demographics have demonstrated exceptional foresight through their consistent, long-term accumulation strategies. Ahamed further projected that if current demand dynamics and global economic conditions persist, gold could potentially approach or exceed $6,000 per ounce in the foreseeable future.

    Beyond its financial performance, gold maintains a unique dual identity as both a wealth preservation instrument and an object of profound cultural significance. This combination ensures its continued relevance across generations, maintaining unwavering demand even as investment markets evolve with new technologies and instruments.

  • AVATR expands UAE presence with new showroom and AVATR 07 launch

    AVATR expands UAE presence with new showroom and AVATR 07 launch

    AVATR is significantly expanding its operational footprint in the United Arab Emirates through a strategic trifecta of market initiatives: a new premium showroom, the imminent launch of its AVATR 07 model, and a comprehensive aftersales support network. This expansion responds to the rapidly accelerating consumer demand for premium new-energy vehicles (NEVs) in the region.

    The brand’s elevated market presence is now anchored by a newly inaugurated flagship showroom on Dubai’s prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road. Located at Safa 1, 22A Street, this luxurious space transcends traditional automotive retail by creating an immersive environment where customers can experience AVATR’s fusion of intelligent mobility solutions, sophisticated design, and next-generation electric technology firsthand.

    Scheduled for February 12, 2026, the official regional debut of the AVATR 07 at Atlantis The Royal represents a pivotal product milestone. This Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) model is engineered to bridge the gap between high-performance electric driving and practical usability. Its technological architecture features a 39.05 kWh battery pack that enables an exceptional combined range of 900 kilometres, addressing range anxiety concerns prevalent among EV adopters. Performance specifications include a robust 500 horsepower and 595 Nm of torque, delivering responsive acceleration and intelligent driving dynamics suitable for both urban commuting and extended journeys.

    Complementing its consumer-facing expansion, AVATR has established substantial aftersales infrastructure through its partnership with Smart Mobility International (SMI). The collaboration has produced the UAE’s largest and most advanced NEV service facility in Al Quoz. This center provides lifecycle support through specialized services including high-voltage battery maintenance, smart repairs, OEM-approved technical updates, nano-ceramic tinting, and comprehensive paint protection films.

    This integrated approach—combining premium retail experiences, technologically advanced vehicles, and extensive post-purchase support—demonstrates AVATR’s strategic commitment to establishing itself as a definitive leader in the UAE’s premium electric mobility sector, offering consumers a complete ownership ecosystem rather than merely selling vehicles.

  • How sneaker culture is reshaping fashion in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

    How sneaker culture is reshaping fashion in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

    The Middle East is undergoing a remarkable fashion transformation as sneaker culture redefines luxury retail across the region. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have emerged as dominant forces in the global sneaker market, creating a multi-faceted ecosystem where athletic footwear has evolved into both status symbol and investment asset.

    This cultural shift stems from a convergence of demographic advantages and economic factors. With disproportionately young populations, high disposable incomes, and extensive exposure to international fashion trends through social media, GCC consumers have embraced sneakers as essential lifestyle products. What began as niche interest has exploded into mainstream phenomenon, with limited-edition releases selling out within minutes and secondary market values frequently surpassing original retail prices.

    Dubai and Jeddah have become epicenters of this movement, hosting exclusive pop-up events and cultivating vibrant collector communities. The transformation extends beyond mere consumption—premium sneakers now represent curated investments, with enthusiasts building portfolios based on release calendars, authenticity verification, and long-term value appreciation.

    Market dynamics reflect this sophistication. Buyers prioritize verified authenticity, limited availability, and pristine condition when acquiring premium footwear. The emphasis on deadstock preservation—maintaining original packaging and storage conditions—demonstrates how collectors treat sneakers with the same reverence traditionally reserved for luxury watches or handbags.

    Specialized marketplaces like Dubai-based Mad Kicks have responded with luxury-grade authentication protocols, implementing multi-stage verification processes that examine materials, stitching, labeling, and SKU consistency. These platforms have expanded across GCC markets, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, establishing new standards for quality control and transaction security.

    Several structural factors underpin the region’s emergence as a sneaker hub. Tourism plays a crucial role, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s premium shopping experiences attracting international sneaker enthusiasts. Saudi Arabia’s retail expansion under Vision 2030 has accelerated market growth through new malls, entertainment districts, and improved access to global brands.

    The future points toward continued maturation. Online platforms are enhancing pricing transparency and global inventory access, while regional collaborations and exclusive releases will drive collector demand. Marketplaces are evolving beyond transactions to offer educational content, valuation insights, and comprehensive market reporting—further professionalizing the ecosystem.

    With robust consumer demand, improving infrastructure, and growing global relevance, the GCC sneaker market shows no signs of deceleration. The region has firmly established itself as a significant contributor to the global sneaker economy, blending fashion, investment, and cultural expression in unprecedented ways.

  • China’s liquor industry sets sail for ASEAN

    China’s liquor industry sets sail for ASEAN

    BANGKOK — China’s prestigious spirits sector has initiated a comprehensive strategic push into Southeast Asian markets with the inauguration of the “Baijiu & Beyond 2026 Chinese Fine Spirits Carnival” in Thailand’s capital. The three-day event, hosted at Phoenix International Food City, represents a methodical platform-driven approach to market expansion within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region.

    Organized by the China Alcoholic Drinks Circulation Association, the carnival operates under the thematic banner “Decoding Chinese Fine Spirits, Co-creating an ASEAN Future.” The opening ceremony featured addresses from both Chinese and Thai industry representatives who collectively emphasized strengthening industrial dialogue and commercial collaboration between the nations.

    Wang Xinguo, Presidium Chairman of the China Alcoholic Drinks Circulation Association, articulated the event’s dual mission during his inaugural address: to demystify the intricate craftsmanship and cultural legacy underlying Chinese Baijiu while simultaneously establishing shared value creation frameworks with ASEAN partners. The distilled spirit, renowned for its clarity and potency, occupies a central position in China’s drinking culture.

    Concurrent with the public exhibition, industry leaders convened for the “China-Thailand Liquor Industry Expansion High-Level Closed-Door Meeting.” This gathering of association representatives and corporate decision-makers addressed critical operational challenges including market entry protocols, standardization alignment, and sustainable partnership structures. Participants consensus emerged around resolving practical trade impediments and cross-cultural misconceptions, culminating in agreements to institute permanent industry communication channels.

    The carnival serves as a dynamic commercial nexus, featuring dedicated trade matching sessions that connect prominent Chinese distilleries with regional importers, distributors, and retail operators. Exhibition halls showcase diverse expressions of Chinese liquor culture through displays from industry giants including Wuliangye, Gujing Distillery, Niulanshan Distillery, Guizhou Xi, and Moutai Everlasting, attracting substantial attention from local buyers and sector specialists.

    This initiative marks a significant evolution in China’s alcoholic beverage export strategy, transitioning from traditional distribution methods to integrated cultural and commercial exchange platforms designed to foster long-term regional integration.

  • Luxury watchmaker designs $1.5m model with Indian billionaire’s statue

    Luxury watchmaker designs $1.5m model with Indian billionaire’s statue

    Luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co has unveiled an extraordinary timepiece in India, creating a horological tribute to Vantara – the private wildlife sanctuary operated by Asia’s wealthiest individual Mukesh Ambani’s family. The spectacular watch features a meticulously hand-painted miniature sculpture of Anant Ambani, the billionaire’s youngest son, positioned at the center of the dial.

    Crafted with exquisite artistry, the jewelled masterpiece showcases sculpted figures of a lion and Bengal tiger surrounding Anant’s seated figurine. While Jacob & Co maintains discretion regarding pricing, industry experts from Watchopea estimate the timepiece’s value at approximately $1.5 million (£1.1 million, 137 million rupees).

    The Vantara center, spanning over 3,500 acres in Gujarat’s Jamnagar region, functions as a private wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility housing more than 2,000 species including elephants, big cats, and numerous endangered animals. Although privately owned by Anant Ambani and inaccessible to the public, the sanctuary garnered significant attention last year following allegations regarding animal acquisition practices. However, a Supreme Court-appointed investigative team subsequently found no substantiating evidence of misconduct.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated Vantara in March 2023, with the facility later serving as a venue for Anant Ambani’s widely publicized pre-wedding celebrations in 2024. These extravagant events attracted global celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, tech magnates Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, former UK prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, and Ivanka Trump with Jared Kushner.

    Jacob & Co’s social media announcement described the creation as embodying ‘stewardship and responsibility,’ incorporating 397 precious stones comprising diamonds, green sapphires, garnets, and various rare gems. According to executives from Ethos Watches, Jacob & Co’s Indian retail partner, the timepiece remains unavailable in stores with no official pricing released to the public.

  • Dubai: 24K close to Dh600 as gold prices hit record high 4th time this week

    Dubai: 24K close to Dh600 as gold prices hit record high 4th time this week

    Dubai’s gold market witnessed unprecedented trading activity on Friday as prices for the precious metal soared to historic highs for the fourth consecutive trading session this week. The 24K variant reached Dh597 per gram, marking a substantial increase of Dh19.25 within just 24 hours and approaching the psychological threshold of Dh600.

    The rally extended across all purity levels, with 22K opening at Dh553 (up Dh18), while 21K, 18K, and 14K traded at Dh530.25, Dh454.5, and Dh354.5 per gram respectively. The global benchmark simultaneously broke records, reaching $4,966.85 per ounce with a 1.17 percent gain.

    Market analysts attribute this sustained surge to fundamental shifts in investor sentiment toward traditional safe-haven assets. According to Kyle Rodda, Senior Market Analyst at Capital.com, “Faith in the US and its assets has been shaken, perhaps permanently, driving substantial capital into precious metals. The term ‘rupture’ has been circulating within financial circles, and I don’t believe this characterization exaggerates the current situation.”

    Rania Gule, Market Analyst at XS.com, provided additional context, noting that gold’s performance reflects a growing conviction among investors that the metal has transitioned into a strategic asset worth acquiring during price dips. This trend persists despite unexpected pressures from improved global risk appetite following recent geopolitical developments, including President Trump’s retreat from tariff threats.

    “The relative resilience of gold prices amid positive news suggests investors have grown more cautious about over-optimistic pricing in a global economy still confronting slowing growth, elevated debt levels, and questions about recovery sustainability,” Gule observed.

    The consecutive record-breaking performances indicate a structural repositioning within investment portfolios as market participants seek alternatives to traditional dollar-denominated assets amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

  • TikTok establishes joint venture to end US ban threat; Trump thanks Xi for approving deal

    TikTok establishes joint venture to end US ban threat; Trump thanks Xi for approving deal

    In a landmark resolution to a prolonged geopolitical standoff, TikTok has successfully established a majority American-owned joint venture to continue operating its US business, effectively neutralizing the threat of a nationwide ban. The newly formed entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, will serve the platform’s massive American user base of over 200 million users and 7.5 million businesses while implementing rigorous new protocols for data security, algorithmic transparency, and content moderation.

    The corporate restructuring directly responds to legislation passed during the Biden administration that mandated Chinese parent company ByteDance divest its US operations or face prohibition in its largest market. The complex agreement, which largely confirms an outline presented to staff last month, stipulates that ByteDance will retain a 19.9 percent stake in the venture—strategically remaining below the critical 20 percent threshold specified by US law.

    Significant American investment firms form the venture’s backbone, with Silver Lake, Oracle, and Abu Dhabi’s AI investment fund MGX each acquiring 15 percent stakes. Additional investors include Dell Family Office, affiliates of Susquehanna International Group, General Atlantic, and several other established financial institutions. Notably, Oracle’s executive chairman Larry Ellison, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, plays a pivotal role in the arrangement.

    The joint venture will maintain autonomous decision-making authority over all US trust and safety policies and content moderation, while TikTok’s global entities will continue managing international product integration and commercial activities including advertising and e-commerce. Under the new structure, all US user data will be securely housed within Oracle’s cloud environment, subject to independent cybersecurity audits and strict adherence to federal standards.

    Governance will be administered by a seven-member board with American majority representation, including TikTok CEO Shou Chew and executives from major investment firms. TikTok veteran Adam Presser has been appointed CEO of the new entity, with Will Farrell assuming the role of chief security officer.

    The resolution prompted immediate political reactions, with former President Trump publicly thanking Chinese President Xi Jinping for approving the arrangement. ‘I am so happy to have helped in saving TikTok!’ Trump declared in a post on Truth Social. ‘I would also like to thank President Xi, of China, for working with us and, ultimately, approving the Deal.’

    The 2024 legislation emerged from longstanding bipartisan concerns among US policymakers that China could potentially exploit TikTok to harvest American user data or exert influence through its powerful algorithm. However, Trump, who has credited the platform with bolstering his appeal among younger voters, repeatedly delayed enforcement through executive orders, most recently extending the deadline to January 22.

  • Gulf’s hospitality renaissance: From mega-projects to intimate experiences

    Gulf’s hospitality renaissance: From mega-projects to intimate experiences

    The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is undergoing a profound transformation in its tourism strategy, shifting from large-scale urban developments to curated, experience-driven hospitality offerings. This strategic evolution marks a significant departure from the region’s previous focus on skyscrapers and mega-projects toward immersive, authenticity-focused travel experiences.

    Economic indicators demonstrate the sector’s accelerating growth trajectory. Travel and tourism contributed approximately $247 billion to GCC GDP in 2024, representing a 32% increase over 2019 levels. Projections indicate this figure will reach $371.2 billion by 2034, accounting for 13.3% of the region’s total economy. Visitor spending shows parallel growth, expected to climb from $135-136 billion in 2023 to $224 billion within the next decade.

    Saudi Arabia’s AlUla region exemplifies this ‘slow luxury’ approach, positioning itself as a high-yield niche destination rather than pursuing mass tourism. The Royal Commission for AlUla reports hosting over 260,000 visitors in 2023—a 40% year-on-year increase—with targets set for two million annual visitors by 2035. Development focuses on eco-conscious properties like Habitas AlUla and Banyan Tree AlUla, featuring tented villas and canyon-view suites that prioritize heritage preservation.

    The architectural marvel Sharaan Resort, designed by Jean Nouvel within the Sharaan Nature Reserve, will incorporate 38 rock-carved suites alongside wellness facilities, representing a groundbreaking approach to landscape-integrated architecture.

    Ras Al Khaimah and Oman are capitalizing on their natural landscapes to establish themselves as premier outdoor destinations. Ras Al Khaimah achieved record tourism in 2024 with 1.28 million visitors and 12% revenue growth, while Oman welcomed approximately 4 million international visitors, generating $5.5 billion in tourism revenue. Both destinations are developing mountain lodges, desert camps, and sustainable beach resorts that cater to adventure tourism and wellness-seeking travelers.

    Qatar has successfully transitioned from an events-focused market to a cultural tourism destination, surpassing five million visitors in 2024—a 25% increase over 2023. The country’s strategy integrates cultural landmarks like the Museum of Islamic Art with island-based resorts such as Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, which combines luxury accommodations with waterpark facilities and private beaches.

    This tourism evolution represents a fundamental component of Gulf economic diversification strategies. The sector is projected to generate 1.3 million new jobs by 2034, with intra-GCC tourism growing significantly—19.3 million tourists traveled within the bloc in 2024, constituting over 25% of all international visitors to GCC states. The proposed unified GCC tourism visa and improved connectivity将进一步 enhance regional tourism integration, enabling multi-destination itineraries that combine cultural, mountain, and coastal experiences across Gulf nations.

  • Chinese mainland reaches 5.32m invention patents, trademarks close to 50m

    Chinese mainland reaches 5.32m invention patents, trademarks close to 50m

    China has solidified its position as a global innovation leader with intellectual property holdings reaching unprecedented levels by the end of 2025. According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the mainland now holds 5.32 million valid invention patents, representing one of the world’s largest portfolios of protected intellectual innovations.

    The administration’s year-end report revealed remarkable progress across multiple metrics. Throughout 2025, Chinese authorities granted 972,000 new invention patents while significantly streamlining application processing times to just 15 months. This efficiency improvement demonstrates China’s commitment to fostering an innovation-friendly regulatory environment.

    Per capita measurements further underscore the nation’s technological advancement. The average ownership of high-value invention patents reached 16 patents per 10,000 people, indicating widespread innovation activity across Chinese society.

    The trademark landscape similarly experienced explosive growth, with over 4.2 million trademarks registered in 2025 alone. The cumulative total of effectively registered trademarks approached the 50 million milestone, reaching 49.87 million by year’s end.

    China’s brand value achievement places the nation firmly among global leaders. With Chinese brands accounting for $1.81 trillion in value among the world’s top 5,000 brands, China now ranks second globally in brand valuation, reflecting the international market’s recognition of Chinese products and services.

    These developments occur amid China’s broader push toward technological self-reliance and innovation-driven growth, positioning intellectual property rights as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic strategy.