Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Watch: Sheikh Hamdan, his kids visit Dubai desert camp with falconry, palm tree planting

    Watch: Sheikh Hamdan, his kids visit Dubai desert camp with falconry, palm tree planting

    In a demonstration of commitment to cultural preservation, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently visited the Ghamran Desert Camp with his children, Sheikha and Rashid. The December 28, 2025 excursion highlighted the UAE’s ongoing efforts to maintain traditional practices amidst rapid modernization.

    The desert camp, specifically designed as an Emirati family sanctuary, offers a technology-free environment where participants engage in ancestral activities including camel harnessing, traditional shooting, palm tree cultivation, and falconry. These interactive experiences serve as a bridge between generations, allowing elders to transmit practical skills and cultural knowledge to younger family members.

    Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the profound significance of these cultural practices, stating: ‘These interactive experiences bring parents together with their children, enhance values, and pass down identity in a way that embeds it in memory. The identity that is lived is the identity that endures, and the values that are practiced are the values that are inherited.’

    The Crown Prince’s participation in traditional activities alongside fellow camp attendees underscored the camp’s mission to balance what he described as ‘the authenticity of heritage and the ambition of future.’ This initiative represents a growing movement within the UAE to preserve Bedouin traditions and Emirati cultural identity through experiential learning and intergenerational connection.

    The Ghamran Camp experience provides urban families with opportunities to reconnect with pre-oil era lifestyles, fostering appreciation for the skills and values that sustained previous generations in the harsh desert environment. This approach to cultural preservation has gained increasing attention as the UAE continues its rapid development into a global hub of technology and innovation.

  • One dead after mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey

    One dead after mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey

    A fatal mid-air collision between two helicopters occurred above Hammonton, New Jersey on Sunday, resulting in one confirmed fatality and leaving another individual with critical, life-threatening injuries. According to local authorities, the incident took place at approximately 11:25 AM EST (16:25 GMT).

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified the involved aircraft as an Enstrom 280C helicopter and an Enstrom F-28A helicopter—both lightweight models typically accommodating three occupants or fewer. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that only the pilots were aboard each aircraft at the time of the collision.

    Emergency responders from the Hammonton Police Department reported that one of the helicopters became engulfed in flames upon impact with the ground. Fire suppression efforts were immediately initiated by first responders at the crash site.

    The location of the accident places it approximately 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, near the Atlantic City Expressway. The FAA has announced that a federal investigation will be conducted to determine the causative factors behind the tragic collision.

    This incident follows another notable aviation tragedy that occurred in January, when a military helicopter collided with a passenger jet in Washington DC, claiming 67 lives. Despite this recent accident, FAA statistical data indicates that the rate of deadly helicopter accidents has shown a declining trend over the past three years.

  • Nine people, including five children, stabbed to death in Suriname

    Nine people, including five children, stabbed to death in Suriname

    A horrific mass stabbing has shaken the South American nation of Suriname, leaving nine people dead—including five children—on the outskirts of the capital city of Paramaribo. According to official police statements, the attack occurred Saturday night on a residential road leading out of the city, marking one of the most severe violent incidents in recent memory for the country.

    Law enforcement officers responding to the scene apprehended a male suspect after shooting him in the leg to subdue him. The injured suspect was transported to a medical facility under police guard for treatment. Additionally, two other victims—one adult and one child—survived the attack with serious injuries and were rushed to hospitals for emergency care.

    While authorities have not released formal details about the perpetrator’s motives, local media outlets citing officials and residents have reported that the suspect may have been experiencing significant mental health challenges. In a sobering statement, Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons revealed that the victims included members of the attacker’s own family and neighbors, describing the tragedy as ‘the harsh reality that there is another side to the world.’

    The president extended her condolences to all affected, stating: ‘I wish all the bereaved much strength, courage and comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.’ Police have indicated that additional information regarding the circumstances of the incident will be released as the investigation progresses.

    This devastating event stands in stark contrast to Suriname’s typically low rates of violent knife crime, making such mass casualty incidents particularly rare. The nation, which gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975, has historically experienced political instability including several coups and a civil war, but has rarely seen violence of this nature targeting civilians in residential areas.

  • Photos: Zabeel Park turns 20; how attraction has grown to host Dubai’s biggest celebrations

    Photos: Zabeel Park turns 20; how attraction has grown to host Dubai’s biggest celebrations

    Dubai’s iconic Zabeel Park commemorates its 20th anniversary this week, marking two decades of evolution from a technological marvel to the city’s preferred gathering space for celebrations and community activities. The park’s transformation reflects Dubai’s broader urban development narrative, blending recreational innovation with cultural significance.

    Inaugurated on December 27, 2005, by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the park represented a Dh200 million investment in creating the Gulf’s first technology-based recreational theme park. Spanning 47.5 hectares near the Dubai World Trade Centre, the facility was strategically divided into three interconnected zones featuring pedestrian bridges, including a distinctive cable structure that became its architectural signature.

    The park’s initial conception as a technological showcase included exhibition centers, an amphitheater, and themed zones dedicated to alternative energy, communications, and space exploration. This vision gradually expanded to accommodate Dubai’s growing social needs, with the addition of sports facilities, cricket pitches, and ornamental boating lakes.

    Zabeel Park’s cultural significance intensified through strategic developments, most notably the 2015 introduction of Dubai Garden Glow. This seasonal attraction, developed at a cost of Dh30 million, transformed 40 acres with over four million energy-efficient lights and recycled material installations. The landmark Dubai Frame further elevated the park’s status upon its 2018 opening, offering panoramic views of the city’s contrasting landscapes from a 150-meter sky bridge.

    The park’s accessibility, maintained through a nominal Dh5 entry fee, has ensured its popularity across demographic segments. Recent statistics demonstrate its enduring appeal, with Zabeel Park recording the highest attendance among Dubai’s five major parks during Eid Al Adha celebrations, attracting 22,000 visitors on a single day according to municipal officials.

    Beyond infrastructure, the park has become woven into Dubai’s social fabric, serving as the backdrop for childhood memories, school picnics, and major citywide events including the Dubai Fitness Challenge finale. Its evening landscapes now routinely feature families picnicking, fitness enthusiasts jogging along synthetic tracks, and children playing—a living testament to its successful integration into Dubai’s urban identity.

  • Tennis star Andre Agassi to headline Dubai forum on city’s future

    Tennis star Andre Agassi to headline Dubai forum on city’s future

    Dubai is set to host a convergence of global thought leaders and industry pioneers at the upcoming Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF), with tennis icon Andre Agassi announced as the opening keynote speaker. The event, scheduled for January 12-15, 2026 at Madinat Jumeirah, will explore transformative strategies for building sustainable urban futures.

    Beyond his legendary tennis career that yielded eight Grand Slam titles, Agassi has established himself as a formidable force in educational philanthropy. His Andre Agassi Foundation for Education has gained international recognition for creating innovative learning opportunities for underserved youth, making him uniquely positioned to address the intersection of social development and urban innovation.

    The forum’s thematic focus, ‘Bridging Communities,’ emphasizes cross-sector collaboration to enhance quality of life through strategic project implementation. This eleventh edition will feature comprehensive examinations of digital transformation, future employment landscapes, technological integration, and sustainable urban development.

    Joining Agassi will be an impressive roster of speakers including Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar, DP World Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, UAE Cybersecurity Council head Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, and British adventurer Bear Grylls. The collaborative event is co-hosted by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority alongside DP World, DEWA, Emaar Properties, and the Project Management Institute.

    According to Matar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, the forum serves as a strategic platform demonstrating Dubai’s remarkable growth trajectory and pioneering approach to iconic project development. ‘It reinforces the emirate’s position as a future-focused global city and a model of innovation, governance and sustainability,’ Al Tayer noted.

    The four-day program will delve into five critical thematic areas: sustainable cities, digital transformation, future employment paradigms, technological frontiers, and customer-centric project management. Specific topics will include artificial intelligence applications, smart city infrastructure, digital twin technology, blockchain implementation, organizational resilience, and team empowerment strategies.

  • Knife attack near Suriname’s capital Paramaribo kills at least 9 people, including kids, police say

    Knife attack near Suriname’s capital Paramaribo kills at least 9 people, including kids, police say

    A horrific knife attack in the small South American nation of Suriname has left a community in mourning after a domestic dispute escalated into a mass killing. The incident, which occurred in the Richelieu area of the Commewijne district approximately 25 kilometers east of the capital Paramaribo, resulted in nine fatalities, including five children.

    According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the tragedy unfolded following a heated telephone argument between a 43-year-old male suspect and his estranged wife. The confrontation reportedly intensified when the woman informed the man that she would not be collecting their children personally but would instead send another individual to retrieve them.

    Enraged by this development, the suspect initiated a violent rampage, first targeting his own four children with a knife before turning his aggression toward neighbors who attempted to intervene. The victims included the attacker’s children and several adult neighbors, with a neighbor’s child also among those killed. Local media indicated that the attacks occurred across multiple residential properties.

    Suriname’s Police Corps confirmed that responding officers encountered an actively violent suspect who attempted to attack them upon their arrival. During the subsequent apprehension, the suspect sustained injuries and was transported to a medical facility where he remains under guard while receiving treatment.

    Additionally, a sixth child and another adult suffered serious injuries during the attack and are currently receiving medical care at a hospital in Paramaribo.

    Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons addressed the tragedy on her official Facebook page, expressing profound grief over the incident. Writing in Dutch, the country’s official language, the president extended her condolences to the bereaved families, wishing them “strength, resilience, and comfort in this unimaginably difficult time.”

    The violence represents a particularly shocking event for Suriname, which maintains the smallest population of any independent South American nation at approximately 600,000 residents. Historically recognized for having one of the region’s lowest homicide rates, the country has recently experienced a concerning surge in violent crime. Data compiled by the think tank Insight Crime indicates Suriname’s murder rate climbed significantly in 2024, reaching 30 homicides per 100,000 residents.

  • Spaniards hurl flour, eggs and fireworks in mock battle

    Spaniards hurl flour, eggs and fireworks in mock battle

    The historic streets of Ibi, a town in Spain’s Alicante province, were transformed into a spectacular battlefield of culinary projectiles on December 28th as participants engaged in the centuries-old tradition of ‘Els Enfarinats’ (The Floured Ones). This unique festival combines theatrical rebellion with massive food fights, creating one of Spain’s most visually striking cultural celebrations.

    During the meticulously choreographed event, participants divided into two distinct factions: the ‘Enfarinats’ (rebels) who temporarily seize symbolic control of the town, and the opposition forces attempting to restore order. The mock battle reached its climax as combatants hurled thousands of eggs and massive quantities of flour amid the crackle of fireworks and theatrical protests.

    The tradition, dating back approximately 200 years, represents more than mere revelry. It serves as a living cultural artifact that blends satire, historical remembrance, and community bonding. Following the intense hour-long conflict, the ‘rebels’ traditionally impose humorous fines on citizens for supposed infractions, with collected funds donated to local charitable causes.

    Local authorities implemented extensive cleanup operations while residents participated in the joyful task of restoring normalcy. The event continues to attract international attention, drawing visitors fascinated by this distinctive combination of food warfare, historical theater, and philanthropic tradition.

  • UAE: Meet 13-year-old who became youngest Emirati to win global beekeeping award

    UAE: Meet 13-year-old who became youngest Emirati to win global beekeeping award

    In an inspiring tale of youthful entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship, 13-year-old Mahra Hamad Al Naqbi from Ras Al Khaimah has become the youngest Emirati to achieve international acclaim in beekeeping. Her journey began at age 10 when she installed her first two beehives in her family’s backyard, embarking on a path that would lead to multiple global awards and the establishment of her own honey brand, Asal Al Mahra.

    Mahra’s methodical approach to apiculture started with formal training courses where she mastered hive structures, bee behavior patterns, and honey production techniques. What began as a cautious family experiment—with parents initially concerned about bee stings—evolved into a fully-supported enterprise as her expertise grew. From those initial two hives, her operation expanded to 35 colonies by 2025, requiring innovative solutions for seasonal honey production across multiple emirates.

    The young apiarist demonstrates remarkable business acumen, strategically planning her operations years in advance. She transports her hives to specialized locations depending on the honey variety—utilizing sidr tree farms in Abu Dhabi for premium winter honey and managing logistical arrangements with local beekeepers. Each hive contains eight frames capable of producing 10-12 kilograms of honey under optimal conditions.

    Mahra’s achievements include prestigious awards from the Paris Honey Awards and London Honey Awards, where she made history as both the first Emirati and youngest-ever winner. She has also earned the Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Cultural Excellence Award’s top honor. Beyond commercial success, she serves as a ‘Bee Ambassador’ conducting educational sessions in schools and institutions to promote sustainable beekeeping practices and pollinator conservation.

    Despite international recognition, Mahra maintains her academic commitments while continuing to expand her expertise. Her future ambitions include conducting scientific research on bee behavior and honey production, demonstrating that her passion extends far beyond commercial success. Her story represents a new generation of Emirati youth blending traditional practices with modern environmental consciousness.

  • UAE jobs: Does notice period change based on reason of termination?

    UAE jobs: Does notice period change based on reason of termination?

    A recent legal clarification has provided essential guidance for employees in the United Arab Emirates facing job termination due to performance-related issues. According to the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships, the notice period remains consistent regardless of the termination reason, provided it constitutes a legitimate justification rather than misconduct.

    The employment legislation mandates that either party initiating contract termination must provide written notice and adhere to a mutually agreed notice period spanning between 30 to 90 days. During this interval, the employee must continue rendering services as stipulated in their employment agreement.

    Concerning end-of-service benefits, the law establishes that gratuity payments become payable exclusively after the completion of at least one year of uninterrupted service. The calculation methodology follows a tiered structure: twenty-one days’ basic wage for each year during the initial five years of service, transitioning to thirty days’ basic wage for each subsequent year beyond this threshold.

    Crucially, workers terminated before reaching their one-year employment anniversary forfeit eligibility for gratuity benefits. Employers bear the legal obligation to settle all outstanding wages and contractual entitlements within fourteen days following contract termination, as prescribed by Article 53 of the Employment Law.

    For unresolved payment disputes, employees retain the right to escalate matters to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for formal intervention and resolution. This legal framework ensures standardized treatment across employment terminations while protecting workers’ financial entitlements upon contract conclusion.

  • Last UAE Lottery draw of 2025: Winning numbers announced; 3 win Dh100,000 each

    Last UAE Lottery draw of 2025: Winning numbers announced; 3 win Dh100,000 each

    The United Arab Emirates witnessed the final lottery event of 2025 this Saturday evening, marking the conclusion of the year’s gaming calendar with the 29th Lucky Day Draw (No. 251227). This weekly tradition, which has undergone significant structural modifications recently, continues to captivate participants nationwide despite adjustments to its reward system.

    The announced winning combination for December 27th’s draw consisted of six day numbers (1, 6, 7, 27, 28, 29) paired with month number 9. While no participant secured the ultimate jackpot requiring perfect matching of all seven digits, three fortunate individuals achieved substantial wins of Dh100,000 each through the Lucky Chance mechanism. Their identifying codes were revealed as BZ5085484, CI5970515, and DT9633495.

    Notably, the grand prize structure has been substantially reconfigured, with the top jackpot now standing at Dh30 million—a significant reduction from the previous Dh100 million benchmark. The secondary prize remains substantial at Dh5 million, followed by tiered rewards of Dh100,000, Dh1,000, and Dh100 for subsequent achievement levels.

    The event produced numerous additional winners, including 32 recipients of Dh1,000 prizes and 9,323 participants who claimed Dh100 rewards. During the live broadcast, previous winner Mohamed Selim Ayadi, a Tunisian expatriate, shared his experience of playing for over a year before securing his Dh100,000 prize. Another long-term resident, Binu Sreedharan, expressed intentions to invest his winnings into entrepreneurial ventures after thirteen years residing in the UAE.

    The UAE Lottery system has dramatically expanded from its initial single-draw format to now encompass twenty distinct gaming experiences. This diversified portfolio includes daily predictive games like Pick 3 and Pick 4, alongside various scratch cards and electronic instant-win options. Friday’s preceding draws already produced winners in these categories, with multiple participants claiming prizes ranging from Dh850 to Dh25,000 depending on their matching accuracy.