Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Ruler of Sharjah orders release of 738 inmates for Ramadan 2026

    Ruler of Sharjah orders release of 738 inmates for Ramadan 2026

    In a significant humanitarian gesture marking the holy month of Ramadan, UAE rulers have authorized the release of hundreds of prisoners across multiple emirates. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the liberation of 738 inmates from the Sharjah Correctional and Rehabilitation Institution who demonstrated exemplary conduct and met specific pardon criteria.

    This compassionate decision follows similar initiatives by other UAE leaders. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan previously ordered the release of 1,440 inmates from correctional facilities nationwide, personally undertaking to settle their financial obligations. Simultaneously, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, authorized the pardon of 134 prisoners within his emirate’s penal system.

    The coordinated prisoner releases represent a traditional Ramadan practice across the UAE, reflecting Islamic principles of mercy, forgiveness, and rehabilitation. The initiative specifically targets non-violent offenders who have exhibited positive behavioral transformation during their incarceration.

    Correctional authorities have implemented rigorous evaluation processes to identify qualifying inmates based on rehabilitation progress, good conduct, and the nature of their offenses. This annual tradition underscores the UAE’s commitment to restorative justice and social reintegration, allowing pardoned individuals to reunite with families during the spiritually significant month of Ramadan.

  • In Olympic host village Cortina, wearing fur never went out of style

    In Olympic host village Cortina, wearing fur never went out of style

    Nestled in the Italian Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo stands as a defiant bastion of fur fashion culture amidst growing global opposition. While the European Commission considers sweeping bans on fur farming and major fashion houses abandon animal pelts, this alpine resort town continues its centuries-old tradition with unabashed enthusiasm.

    The cultural significance of fur here transcends mere fashion—it represents historical identity and regional pride. Since the filming of James Bond’s ‘For Your Eyes Only’ showcased Cortina’s fur-clad elegance, the town has maintained its sartorial heritage. Along the pedestrian-only Corso Italia, boutique windows display everything from Canadian lynx to spotted feline coats, with price tags reaching €80,000.

    Paola De Leidi, a 62-year-old regular visitor, exemplifies this cultural attachment. She maintains a dedicated ‘Cortina closet’ for her collection of exotic furs, including pink and panther patterns, considering the town a safe haven from environmentalist criticism. ‘Here, I feel free to wear what I like without anxiety,’ she expressed, echoing shopkeeper Marco Molinari’s observation about the town’s unique atmosphere of security and tradition.

    The contrast with global trends couldn’t be sharper. Over 1,600 retailers worldwide have committed to fur-free policies, with luxury giants like Gucci, Chanel, and Prada transitioning to synthetic alternatives. The Fur Free Alliance reports significant progress in ethical fashion, while the EU prepares potential legislation against mink, fox, raccoon, and chinchilla fur production.

    Even celebrity influence reflects this dichotomy. During the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, rapper Snoop Dogg—known for his flamboyant fur accessories—purchased a €300 Pajaro fur hat, later showcasing it in an Instagram video with Stanley Tucci. This momentary spotlight highlighted how Cortina remains one of the few places where such purchases remain socially acceptable among international elites.

    Elderly residents like Marina Bozzoli, 82, and Orietta Guarini, 83, who have witnessed Cortina’s transformation from modest mountain town to luxury destination, confirm that while ‘everything has changed, the furs have always been here.’ Their inherited coats, some dating back generations, symbolize how deeply this tradition is woven into the fabric of local identity, even as the world moves toward more ethical and sustainable fashion choices.

  • UAE President orders release of 1,440 prisoners for Ramadan 2026

    UAE President orders release of 1,440 prisoners for Ramadan 2026

    In a significant humanitarian gesture marking the commencement of Ramadan 2026, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has authorized the liberation of 1,440 individuals incarcerated across the nation’s correctional facilities. This presidential decree, announced on February 18, 2026, encompasses not only freedom for those convicted in various cases but also includes full financial coverage for all fines and monetary penalties associated with their sentences.

    The initiative reflects Sheikh Mohamed’s profound commitment to offering rehabilitated citizens a genuine opportunity for societal reintegration while simultaneously alleviating the emotional and economic burdens carried by their families. This compassionate measure aims to foster family reunification and social stability during Islam’s holiest month, characterized by reflection, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.

    Parallel to this national announcement, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, demonstrated similar benevolence by ordering the release of 134 inmates from emirate-specific detention centers. This coordinated clemency action continues a well-established tradition among UAE leadership, who routinely issue prisoner pardons during religious holidays and culturally significant occasions.

    The systematic implementation of such amnesty programs underscores the UAE’s progressive approach to criminal justice and social welfare, emphasizing rehabilitation over mere punishment. By removing financial barriers through debt forgiveness, the leadership ensures that released individuals can pursue productive futures without the crippling weight of previous obligations, thereby strengthening both family units and broader community bonds during this sacred period.

  • Ramadan 2026: Paid parking rates, timings revised in 3 emirates; see list here

    Ramadan 2026: Paid parking rates, timings revised in 3 emirates; see list here

    In observance of the holy month of Ramadan, which commenced in the United Arab Emirates on February 17, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon, municipal authorities across three emirates have implemented revised parking and toll fee schedules. These annual adjustments are designed to accommodate altered daily routines and support residents during this period of spiritual reflection.

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has established a bifurcated paid parking schedule effective from Monday through Saturday. The first fee period runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, followed by a second collection window from 8:00 PM until midnight. This structured timing intentionally provides a complimentary two-hour parking window around Maghrib (sunset) prayers, enabling residents to perform religious obligations and partake in Iftar meals without incurring parking costs. The RTA confirmed that multi-storey parking facilities will maintain 24/7 operations without interruption.

    In the capital emirate, Q Mobility, administrator of the Darb toll gate system, announced adjusted peak timing tariffs. Toll charges have been set at Dh4 during morning commutes (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and evening periods (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM) from Monday to Saturday. Concurrently, Abu Dhabi’s public parking system will enforce fees across two daily intervals: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM, with standard spaces costing Dh2 hourly and premium zones Dh3 per hour. Sundays will remain toll-free and parking-exempt throughout the capital.

    Sharjah Municipality has implemented distinct regulations, maintaining free public parking on Fridays except for smart parking facilities and zones designated for continuous weekly fees, including public holidays. From Saturday to Thursday, paid parking hours will extend from 8:00 AM until midnight, ensuring consistent enforcement while respecting religious observances.

    These coordinated transportation policy adaptations reflect the UAE’s commitment to facilitating comfortable religious observance while maintaining urban mobility and regulatory consistency during Ramadan’s unique temporal rhythms.

  • Ajman Ruler announces release of 134 prisoners for Ramadan 2026

    Ajman Ruler announces release of 134 prisoners for Ramadan 2026

    In a significant humanitarian gesture marking the commencement of Ramadan 2026, His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has authorized the release of 134 prisoners from correctional facilities under the Ajman Police General Command. This compassionate decision, announced on February 18, 2026, follows established UAE traditions of granting pardons during religious observances and special occasions.

    The emancipation order specifically applies to inmates who demonstrated exemplary conduct and rehabilitation progress throughout their incarceration period. Each released individual met stringent eligibility criteria for pardon consideration and received official clearance for sentence remission. The initiative reflects Sheikh Humaid’s commitment to fostering hope and facilitating social reintegration for those who have shown genuine reform.

    Major General Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police, expressed profound gratitude for the ruler’s decision, emphasizing that release procedures would commence immediately to enable timely family reunions during the holy month. The move aligns with broader UAE values of mercy and tolerance, particularly emphasized during Ramadan’s spiritual period.

    This pardon initiative represents more than mere early release—it embodies a rehabilitative justice approach that encourages former inmates to contribute positively to community security and stability. The timing during Ramadan, a month characterized by reflection and forgiveness, amplifies the gesture’s symbolic significance within Emirati cultural and religious contexts.

  • Suspected carbon-monoxide leak kills many miners in Nigeria – witnesses

    Suspected carbon-monoxide leak kills many miners in Nigeria – witnesses

    A devastating carbon-monoxide leak has claimed the lives of at least 33 miners at a lead and zinc operation in Nigeria’s Plateau state, according to eyewitness accounts. The tragedy unfolded in the predawn hours at a facility operated by Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd, located near Wase town.

    Initial investigations indicate that lethal concentrations of toxic gas accumulated within inadequately ventilated underground tunnels, causing workers to collapse near the conclusion of their night shift. The victims were discovered by arriving day-shift personnel, who also facilitated the rescue and hospitalization of more than 20 surviving colleagues.

    Security forces have established a perimeter around the mining site, situated approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Jos, as official inquiries commence to determine the precise cause of the gas leak. Response operations have been hampered by regional security concerns, with state officials yet to visit the disaster zone due to documented activity by armed criminal groups locally termed ‘bandits’.

    Eyewitness Safiyanu Haruna, who encountered the tragic scene at shift change, provided firsthand testimony to BBC reporters. Contrary to official statements referencing a mining explosion, Haruna maintained that carbon-monoxide poisoning caused the fatalities, which he numbered at 37. The victims had reportedly just completed morning Islamic prayers before returning underground to complete their work cycle.

    Haruna emotionally noted the absence of immediate rescue capabilities, as morning shift workers had not yet arrived at the time of the incident. The predominantly Muslim community conducted burial ceremonies according to local traditions for victims believed to be aged 20-40 years.

    This incident echoes a similar mining disaster in neighboring Niger state less than two years prior, where dozens perished in a rain-induced collapse. The recurring nature of such tragedies has intensified scrutiny regarding safety protocols and regulatory enforcement within Nigeria’s mining industry.

  • Ramadan 2026: 90,000 Qurans to be distributed, Emirati voices to recite verses on radio

    Ramadan 2026: 90,000 Qurans to be distributed, Emirati voices to recite verses on radio

    The United Arab Emirates has unveiled an extensive program of Quran-centered initiatives for Ramadan 2026, designed to enhance spiritual contemplation and strengthen family connections throughout the nation. Spearheaded by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, these measures represent a significant investment in religious education and cultural preservation.

    Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the Authority, announced that Friday sermons during the holy month will for the first time focus exclusively on reflective moments derived from chapters of the Holy Quran, encouraging deeper contemplation among worshippers. This thematic consistency across mosques nationwide marks a departure from previous Ramadan practices.

    The centerpiece initiative, ‘Emirati Voices Mushaf,’ will feature Quranic recitations by Emirati voices broadcast across national radio stations, showcasing local talent and promoting cultural authenticity. Simultaneously, the ‘Family Completion Initiative Loyalty and Devotion’ encourages each household to complete a full Quran recitation dedicated to the UAE’s founding rulers, with a target of approximately 6,000 family completions.

    In a substantial distribution effort, 90,000 copies of the Holy Quran will be provided at the expense of the President to mosques, strategic partners, and members of the public throughout Ramadan. This initiative ensures broader access to Islamic texts and facilitates religious engagement.

    The Ramadan agenda incorporates diverse educational activities, including the ‘Bil Hikmah’ program offering 30 lessons on spiritual guidance and ethical values. Specialized ‘Scientific Chairs’ in selected grand mosques in Abu Dhabi will provide in-depth interpretations of Quranic chapters delivered by renowned scholars.

    Commemorative events include a forum marking ’30 Years of the Unified Friday Sermon,’ held in conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day, which celebrates the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to moderation and tolerance. Additional forums include ‘Minarets of Al Ain,’ highlighting historic mosques, and family-focused seminar series ‘Our Home is One.’

    The Authority has also produced extensive educational materials, including ‘Guidance and Clear Signs’ (40,456 jurisprudential lessons delivered after Asr prayers) and ‘Ramadan Reflections’ (40,456 reflections delivered before Taraweeh prayers). Electronic publications covering fasting, Quranic guidance, and zakat have been made widely accessible to the public.

  • Zuckerberg arrives to testify in social media addiction trial

    Zuckerberg arrives to testify in social media addiction trial

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a California courtroom Wednesday to provide testimony in a groundbreaking legal proceeding examining whether social media platforms deliberately addict children. This marks Zuckerberg’s inaugural jury appearance following years of mounting criticism against his social media empire, which encompasses Instagram and WhatsApp.

    The trial centers on allegations that social media companies, including Meta and Google’s YouTube, engineered their platforms to foster addictive behaviors among young users while consciously disregarding mental health risks. The case represents one of thousands of similar lawsuits currently progressing through US judicial systems, with bereaved parents among those observing the proceedings.

    Notably, TikTok and Snapchat previously settled claims against them shortly before trial commencement, though settlement terms remain confidential. The lead plaintiff, identified only by initials K.G.M., began using Instagram and YouTube during childhood, with her legal team asserting these platforms fundamentally contributed to her psychological harm.

    During anticipated testimony, Zuckerberg faced rigorous questioning regarding Instagram’s interface design and subsequent modifications implemented to maintain user engagement. Meta’s advertising-centric revenue model—which directly correlates profitability with increased user screen time—has come under particular scrutiny.

    The courtroom drama intensified when Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified last week, controversially asserting that even 16 consecutive hours of daily Instagram usage didn’t constitute addiction. Meanwhile, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, initially expected to testify, was unexpectedly removed from the witness list.

    This case occurs alongside broader regulatory movements, as 29 state attorneys general petition a federal court to mandate immediate platform modifications—including removing all accounts belonging to users under 13—before trial conclusions. Internationally, nations including Australia, the UK, Denmark, France, and Spain are contemplating or implementing age-based social media restrictions, signaling global concern regarding youth digital welfare.

  • 66 new mosques, 20 scholars, 12,500 seedlings: How UAE is welcoming Ramadan 2026

    66 new mosques, 20 scholars, 12,500 seedlings: How UAE is welcoming Ramadan 2026

    The United Arab Emirates has announced an extensive preparation strategy for Ramadan 2026, featuring significant infrastructure development, international religious collaboration, and environmental sustainability measures. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, revealed these plans during the authority’s inaugural media briefing of the year.

    The comprehensive initiative includes the construction of 66 new mosques strategically positioned in emerging residential communities to ensure worshipper accessibility. These facilities will be fully equipped with modern amenities to accommodate the spiritual needs of growing populations across all seven emirates.

    In a notable environmental effort, the ‘Let’s Plant Our Mosques’ campaign has already distributed 12,500 seedlings across 224 mosques during its initial phase, integrating ecological consciousness with religious practice. This green initiative represents the UAE’s commitment to combining sustainability with spiritual development.

    The religious dimension features an international scholarly program under the patronage of the UAE President and oversight of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Approximately 20 distinguished scholars from twelve nations including Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Morocco, Mauritania, Jordan, Lebanon, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will participate in Ramadan programs throughout the emirates.

    Aligning with the national ‘Year of the Family’ initiative, the authority has designed Ramadan programs emphasizing family and community values. The preparation involved months of coordination, including qualifying human resources, upgrading mosque facilities, and deploying advanced technological tools in cooperation with federal and local partners.

    Educational outreach remains a cornerstone of the preparation, with over 260,000 awareness and educational lessons delivered in the preceding year. Special programs like ‘Bil Hikmah’ focused on Ramadan virtues and fasting ethics, while the second edition of the scientific enrichment program strengthened jurisprudential knowledge among imams and preachers.

    Dr. Al Darei emphasized moderation during Taraweeh prayers, encouraging imams to consider worshippers’ circumstances and embody exemplary conduct. He also called for community responsibility regarding mosque sanctity, parking regulations, and public health considerations during congregational prayers.

  • California hit by heavy snow as avalanche leaves skiers missing

    California hit by heavy snow as avalanche leaves skiers missing

    A devastating avalanche has struck the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, leaving multiple skiers unaccounted for and prompting a large-scale emergency response. The incident occurred amidst a severe winter storm system that has blanketed the region with exceptionally heavy snowfall, creating extremely hazardous backcountry conditions.

    According to official reports from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, rescue teams successfully extracted six skiers from the avalanche debris in a challenging operation. However, authorities have confirmed that additional individuals remain missing, with search efforts continuing despite deteriorating weather conditions and ongoing avalanche risks.

    Meteorological agencies have issued renewed warnings for the affected areas, noting that the current atmospheric conditions present a continued high probability of further avalanche activity. The combination of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and unstable snowpack has created what experts describe as a particularly dangerous scenario for winter sports enthusiasts and backcountry travelers.

    Emergency management officials have urged backcountry skiers and mountain recreationalists to exercise extreme caution and avoid high-risk areas until weather conditions stabilize and avalanche threats diminish. The current winter storm represents one of the most significant snowfall events to impact California’s mountain regions this season, with some areas recording accumulation measurements that approach historical records for this time of year.