Global Pulse

分类： society

  • New Year babies in UAE: Are families really planning births on January 1?

    New Year babies in UAE: Are families really planning births on January 1?

    Contrary to popular perception and media spotlight, January 1st does not witness a significant surge in childbirths across UAE hospitals, according to medical authorities. While the date carries substantial cultural and emotional weight as a symbol of new beginnings, delivery rooms maintain operational normalcy with staffing levels and birth frequencies comparable to any other day of the year.

    Aster Hospitals recorded 14 deliveries on New Year’s Day this year, a figure consistent with daily averages without indicating a notable spike. Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Illyas clarified that approximately 70% of these births occurred spontaneously, while only 30% resulted from planned procedures. This pattern aligns with observations at NMC Speciality Hospital in Abu Dhabi, which reported no births whatsoever on January 1st of the previous year.

    Medical professionals acknowledge growing patient inquiries about scheduling deliveries for symbolically significant dates, particularly January 1st. Dr. Aysha Salam of Aster Hospital, Mankhool, attributes this trend to the date’s association with fresh beginnings and amplified social media visibility of “special date” births. However, physicians emphasize that medical considerations consistently override personal preferences, with elective procedures generally recommended only after 39 weeks of gestation.

    Dr. Kiran Mehndiratta, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NMC Speciality Hospital, notes that while January 1st stands out symbolically, it holds no demographic significance in birth statistics, a phenomenon consistent both within the UAE and globally. Hospital administrators confirm that despite occasional requests for date-specific deliveries, clinical decisions remain guided exclusively by maternal and infant health considerations rather than calendar preferences.

  • Book now or pay more: Umrah packages could reach up to Dh8,000 as Ramadan approaches

    Book now or pay more: Umrah packages could reach up to Dh8,000 as Ramadan approaches

    With Ramadan approaching, travel operators across the UAE are issuing urgent advisories for prospective Umrah pilgrims to secure their packages immediately or face substantial price increases. Industry experts project that costs could escalate dramatically—potentially reaching AED 8,000 for premium air-inclusive packages—as demand intensifies during the holy month.

    The annual pilgrimage season follows predictable patterns, with millions of Muslims worldwide journeying to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan. This concentrated demand creates significant pressure on transportation and accommodation infrastructure, directly impacting pricing structures. Shihab Perwad of Rehan al Jazeera Tourism confirmed that prices are already trending upward, with bus packages currently available at approximately AED 1,200 expected to exceed AED 2,000 as Ramadan nears.

    Air travel packages demonstrate even more pronounced inflation. Qaisar Mahmood from Asaa Travels and Tourism indicated that while current air packages begin at AED 3,500, they are projected to start from AED 5,200 during Ramadan, with premium options potentially reaching AED 8,000 depending on travel dates and hotel specifications. The most significant cost driver appears to be accommodation, particularly hotels within walking distance of the Haram in Makkah, where prices may triple during the final ten days of Ramadan.

    Industry analysis reveals that while flight prices remain relatively stable according to booking platforms, the accommodation sector experiences extraordinary demand-based pricing. Many pilgrims mistakenly focus exclusively on airfare while underestimating the substantial hotel cost increases during peak periods.

    Additional considerations include strict visa deadlines connected to Hajj preparations. Umrah visa applications will cease on March 17, with April 2 marking the final entry date into Saudi Arabia. All pilgrims must depart from Makkah or Madinah by April 18 as authorities commence Hajj preparations, creating compressed timelines that further complicate travel planning.

    Travel operators unanimously recommend early booking, flexible travel dates, and careful consideration of hotel proximity to manage expenses effectively during this high-demand period.

  • Man swims in flooded Sydney golf course after heavy rain

    Man swims in flooded Sydney golf course after heavy rain

    Amidst torrential downpours that submerged parts of Sydney, an unidentified individual turned urban flooding into an impromptu aquatic adventure at a waterlogged golf course. The spontaneous swim occurred as severe weather systems swept across Australia’s eastern coast, transforming manicured fairways into temporary reservoirs.

    Eyewitness accounts describe the man casually swimming breaststroke through murky floodwaters that completely covered the golf course’s features, including sand traps and putting greens. The incident, captured on video and circulated across social media platforms, showcases an unusual response to the severe weather conditions that prompted official flood warnings across the region.

    Meteorological reports indicate the rainfall exceeded monthly averages within a 48-hour period, with emergency services responding to multiple flood-related incidents throughout the metropolitan area. While authorities cautioned against entering floodwaters due to hidden dangers and contamination risks, this particular individual appeared determined to embrace the unusual circumstances.

    The viral moment has sparked mixed reactions from online commentators, ranging from amusement at the display of Australian resilience to concerns about normalizing dangerous behavior during extreme weather events. The incident highlights how communities respond differently to environmental challenges, blending practicality with moments of levity during difficult circumstances.

  • Indonesian rescuers find wreckage of plane in mountainous region

    Indonesian rescuers find wreckage of plane in mountainous region

    JAKARTA, Indonesia — Search and rescue teams in Indonesia have successfully located and recovered wreckage from a missing ATR 42-500 turboprop aircraft that disappeared during adverse weather conditions while approaching mountainous terrain on Sulawesi Island. The discovery comes after the plane vanished from radar on Saturday with eleven individuals aboard.

    The aircraft, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, was conducting an airborne maritime surveillance mission from Yogyakarta on Java Island to Makassar, the provincial capital of South Sulawesi. According to aviation authorities, the plane lost contact with air traffic control shortly after being instructed to correct its approach alignment during cloudy conditions.

    Muhammad Arif Anwar, Director of Makassar’s Search and Rescue Office, confirmed that air force personnel spotted aircraft debris Sunday morning on the forested slopes of Mount Bulusaraung in Maros district. Ground teams subsequently accessed the challenging terrain and identified larger sections consistent with the main fuselage and tail assembly scattered across steep northern slopes.

    The ill-fated flight carried eight crew members and three officials from Indonesia’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry. Military commander Major General Bangun Nawoko reported that rescue operations continue despite formidable challenges including strong winds, heavy fog, and extremely rugged topography that have hampered access to the crash site.

    Visual documentation released by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency shows rescue personnel navigating steep, fog-shrouded ridge lines to reach the scattered wreckage. The discovery marks a critical breakthrough in the search operation, allowing teams to concentrate efforts on locating potential survivors and recovering victims.

    This incident highlights Indonesia’s ongoing transportation safety challenges, where geographical constraints necessitate extensive air and sea connectivity across the archipelago’s 17,000 islands while confronting persistent safety concerns across various transport sectors.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Watch: Fishing on a frozen river for respite from the war in Ukraine

    Watch: Fishing on a frozen river for respite from the war in Ukraine

    Beneath the stark winter sky, the frozen expanse of Kyiv’s Dnipro River has become an unexpected sanctuary. Amidst the constant backdrop of conflict with Russia, a resilient group of men has turned to the ancient practice of ice fishing, not for sustenance, but for a crucial mental reprieve. The rhythmic process of drilling through the thick ice, casting a line, and waiting in the quiet, frozen stillness offers a temporary escape from the pervasive anxieties of war. This poignant scene illustrates the profound psychological toll the prolonged conflict has exacting on civilians, revealing their deep-seated need to reclaim moments of normalcy and peace. The activity, while solitary in nature, fosters a silent camaraderie among those present, a shared, unspoken understanding of seeking respite. These individuals demonstrate a quiet form of bravery, prioritizing mental fortitude by consciously carving out spaces for tranquility amidst the chaos. Their pursuit on the ice is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s enduring quest for calm and a semblance of routine, even under the most dire and stressful circumstances.

  • ‘Sense of pride’: UAE residents watch fighter jets fly past at Day of Solidarity parade

    ‘Sense of pride’: UAE residents watch fighter jets fly past at Day of Solidarity parade

    Across the United Arab Emirates, residents gathered along coastlines and city corniches on Saturday evening for a solemn aerial display marking the nation’s Day of Solidarity. Military aircraft flew in precise V-formations over all seven emirates in a coordinated parade organized by the UAE Armed Forces, creating a powerful visual symbol of national unity and resilience.

    The event commemorated the January 17, 2022 attack on civilian infrastructure in Abu Dhabi that resulted in three fatalities and six injuries. Unlike typical air shows, the atmosphere remained contemplative as spectators watched in reflective silence, many recording the moment on mobile devices while explaining the significance to younger generations.

    Authorities had previously published designated viewing locations and timings to ensure public safety during the nationwide observance. At Buhaira Corniche and Al Zohra Beach, families gathered not for entertainment but for education and remembrance. Ahmed Karim, a Sharjah resident attending with his family, noted: ‘We explained to our children that this is not a show for fun, but a reminder of something serious that happened and how the country stayed strong.’

    The emotional resonance was palpable among attendees. Ajman resident Aisha Mehreen observed: ‘People around me were not cheering or clapping. We all knew why the planes were flying today. It reminded us of that day we read about in the news, and of how important it is to stay united and grateful for the safety we have.’

    In official statements, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the day reflects the strength and unity of the nation’s people and their determination to safeguard the country’s future. Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum similarly highlighted the occasion as a reminder of shared values and collective responsibility.

    The fourth anniversary observance served both as memorial for victims and reaffirmation of national commitment to security and stability, with the aerial formation representing both military readiness and emotional solidarity among citizens and residents alike.

  • Gangland killing at a funeral shocks idyllic French island

    Gangland killing at a funeral shocks idyllic French island

    The Mediterranean island of Corsica has been shaken by a brazen assassination that violated longstanding cultural taboos, as former nationalist leader Alain Orsoni was fatally shot during his mother’s funeral service in the village of Vero. The 71-year-old, who had returned from exile in Nicaragua to bury his mother, was killed by a single shot fired from nearby scrubland during the ceremony.

    This killing represents a disturbing escalation in Corsica’s cycle of violence, where thirty-five people have been fatally shot in the past three years alone on the island of 350,000 inhabitants. The location and timing of the attack has stunned even those accustomed to the island’s vendetta culture, with close friend Jo Peraldi noting that ‘a cemetery is sacred in Corsica, just like a church.’

    Orsoni’s life story mirrors Corsica’s turbulent modern history. Having spent 15 years in prison for organizing bomb attacks against French state symbols during his nationalist activism, he later transitioned into football management, presiding over AC Ajaccio’s promotion to France’s top-flight Ligue 1. Despite his public role in sports, Orsoni maintained extensive security measures, including bullet-proof vests and armored vehicles, acknowledging constant threats to his life.

    Criminologist Alain Bauer described the killing as inevitable but noted the shocking circumstances: ‘An assassination in a graveyard in Corsica is surprising and it’s pretty certain there will be revenge killings.’ The investigation is now being handled by Paris judges specializing in organized crime alongside regional prosecutors in Marseille.

    The attack has prompted Cardinal François Bustillo, Bishop of Ajaccio, to call for an end to the bloodletting, warning against Corsica drifting ‘towards its demons.’ However, with the island’s clans having shifted from political violence to organized crime including money laundering, extortion, and drug trafficking, the prospects for peace remain uncertain as another vendetta cycle appears to have begun.