Global Pulse

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  • UAE’s non-oil foreign trade exceeds Dh3.8 trillion for first time in history

    UAE’s non-oil foreign trade exceeds Dh3.8 trillion for first time in history

    The United Arab Emirates has reached an unprecedented economic milestone by surpassing $1 trillion (AED 3.8 trillion) in non-oil foreign trade for the first time in its history. This remarkable achievement, announced on January 31, 2026, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, represents a 26% year-over-year increase and was accomplished five years ahead of the original 2031 target.

    According to newly reviewed government data, non-oil exports specifically surged to AED 813 billion, demonstrating extraordinary 45% growth compared to the previous year. The comprehensive trade performance shows consistent acceleration, with 2025 figures representing 27% growth over 2024, 44.3% over 2023, and nearly double the value recorded in 2021.

    The fourth quarter of 2025 proved particularly strong, marking the first time the UAE achieved AED 1.1 trillion in non-oil trade within a single quarter—a 33.1% increase supported by record-breaking non-oil exports of AED 234.4 billion during the period. This represents 53.2% growth compared to the same quarter in 2024.

    Sheikh Mohammed attributed this success to the UAE’s complete investment environment, expanded international partnerships, strengthened private sector collaborations, and firmly established global confidence in the nation’s economy. The export contribution to total non-oil trade reached 21.6% by end-2025, a significant increase from 14.1% recorded six years earlier in 2019, demonstrating substantial diversification progress.

    The Dubai Ruler congratulated national teams while encouraging doubled efforts and deeper private sector partnerships to build an even stronger economic future, signaling the country’s commitment to maintaining this accelerated growth trajectory.

  • Dubai’s GDP records 5.3% growth reaching Dh113.8 billion in third quarter of 2025

    Dubai’s GDP records 5.3% growth reaching Dh113.8 billion in third quarter of 2025

    Dubai has demonstrated robust economic expansion with its Gross Domestic Product climbing to Dh113.8 billion during the third quarter of 2025, marking a significant 5.3% year-on-year growth. This performance contributes to an overall 4.7% increase across the first nine months of the year, bringing the cumulative GDP to Dh355 billion.

    The announcement was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council, who attributed this economic success to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “Dubai’s economic progress is shaped by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed and realised through disciplined execution and collective effort,” stated Sheikh Hamdan. “These figures reflect clear priorities, strong institutions, and teams working with focus, commitment, and deep responsibility.”

    Several key sectors drove this impressive growth. The Health and Social Work sector emerged as the fastest-growing segment, posting a remarkable 15.4% expansion and contributing 1.5% to the overall GDP. The Financial and Insurance sector demonstrated equally strong performance with 8.5% growth, accounting for 12% of Dubai’s economic output during the first three quarters. The construction industry matched this momentum with an 8.5% growth rate, contributing 6.7% to the emirate’s GDP.

    Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s distinctive development approach: “Dubai’s growth reflects a dynamic economic ecosystem that puts people first, invests in talent, and builds prosperity on strong, sustainable foundations. Our sectors advance together, reinforcing one another through coordination, stability, and determination to achieve the leadership’s vision while continuously creating new opportunities for future generations.”

    The consistent economic performance throughout 2025 reinforces Dubai’s position as a global economic hub, with diversified sectors contributing to sustainable development and long-term prosperity.

  • UAE announces fuel prices: How much will a full tank cost in February 2026?

    UAE announces fuel prices: How much will a full tank cost in February 2026?

    The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed a nationwide decrease in fuel prices for February 2026, marking a welcome development for motorists across the nation. The Fuel Prices Monitoring Committee announced the revised rates on Saturday, January 31st, which will take effect from February 1st throughout the country.

    This pricing adjustment reflects the government’s monthly review mechanism that correlates domestic fuel costs with global oil market fluctuations, while incorporating operational expenses of distribution companies. The newly approved rates demonstrate a consistent reduction across all gasoline categories compared to January 2026 figures.

    Premium Super 98 gasoline will now retail at Dh2.45 per liter (previously Dh2.53), while Special 95 grade will be available at Dh2.33 per liter (down from Dh2.42). The more economical E-Plus 91 variant has been priced at Dh2.26 per liter, reduced from January’s Dh2.36 per liter.

    The financial implications for vehicle owners vary according to their automobile’s fuel tank capacity. Compact car owners with 51-liter tanks can anticipate savings between Dh4.08 and Dh5.10 per refill. Sedan drivers with 62-liter tanks will benefit from reduced costs ranging from Dh4.96 to Dh6.20, while SUV owners with 74-liter tanks will experience the most substantial savings of Dh5.92 to Dh7.40 per full tank refueling.

    This price reduction follows January’s increase, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the UAE’s fuel pricing system that responds to international market conditions. The transparent monthly announcement system allows residents to effectively budget their transportation expenses while maintaining alignment with global energy economics.

  • Epstein files: FBI memo says Israel ‘compromised’ Trump, Epstein had Mossad ties

    Epstein files: FBI memo says Israel ‘compromised’ Trump, Epstein had Mossad ties

    A recently declassified FBI memorandum from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files has revealed explosive allegations concerning foreign intelligence operations targeting former President Donald Trump’s administration. The document, originally compiled in 2020 as part of an FBI probe into electoral interference, contains claims from a confidential human source that suggests extensive foreign influence campaigns.

    The memorandum asserts that President Trump was potentially “compromised by Israel” through sophisticated influence operations. It further alleges that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein maintained connections with Israeli intelligence services, specifically identifying him as a “co-opted Mossad Agent” based on prior FBI intelligence. The document references Epstein’s decade-long association with Ehud Barak, former Israeli Prime Minister and military intelligence official, who reportedly visited Epstein’s New York residence on numerous occasions between 2013 and 2017.

    Central to the allegations is the role of Chabad-Lubavitch, a messianic ultra-Orthodox Jewish movement with Russian origins boasting approximately 90,000 members worldwide. The FBI source claimed the organization actively sought to “co-opt the Trump presidency” during his first term. The memo identifies Berel Lazar, a Chabad member and former Chief Rabbi of Russia, as both a close adviser to President Vladimir Putin and part of what the document describes as “state-sanctioned Judaism” used to monitor Russian-Jewish oligarchs.

    The investigation document further highlights Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, as a significant supporter of Chabad and a pivotal influence within Trump’s inner circle. It specifically notes that both Kushner and Ivanka Trump visited the gravesite of a prominent Chabad rabbi on the day of Trump’s electoral victory.

    The memorandum also revisits Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal, suggesting that negotiations involved indications that Epstein “belonged to intelligence” through conversations between his lawyer Alan Dershowitz and then-federal prosecutor Alex Acosta. Email correspondence between Epstein and Barak, where Epstein humorously denies working for Mossad, is cited as part of the evidentiary material.

    These revelations emerge from a substantial collection of Epstein-related documents recently released by the U.S. Justice Department, shedding new light on ongoing concerns about foreign influence in American political processes.

  • Iranian official says work on framework for negotiations with US is progressing

    Iranian official says work on framework for negotiations with US is progressing

    In a significant development in US-Iran relations, top Iranian security official Ali Larijani announced via social media platform X on Saturday that substantive progress is being made toward establishing a formal framework for bilateral negotiations. The senior security figure revealed that despite what he characterized as “artificial media warfare” creating a contrary atmosphere, structural foundations for diplomatic engagement are actively being developed. Larijani, who serves as a key security advisor within Iran’s political hierarchy, stopped short of providing specific details regarding the negotiation framework’s timeline, participants, or agenda items. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows recent warnings from Iranian military leadership against potential attacks by the United States or Israel. While American officials haven’t immediately responded to Larijani’s statement, the development suggests backchannel communications between the longstanding adversaries may be yielding concrete diplomatic structures. This potential breakthrough occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop that includes ongoing nuclear concerns, regional proxy conflicts, and economic sanctions that have significantly impacted Iran’s economy. The establishment of a formal negotiation framework would represent the most substantial diplomatic progress between the two nations since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

  • Special stamps welcome passengers at Dubai airport to celebrate UAE-Kuwait relations

    Special stamps welcome passengers at Dubai airport to celebrate UAE-Kuwait relations

    Dubai International Airport has become the stage for a unique diplomatic celebration as the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) implements special initiatives honoring the deep-rooted relations between the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Under the banner ‘UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever,’ the comprehensive program transforms the travel experience while strengthening cultural bonds.

    Arriving passengers are greeted with a distinctive passport stamp featuring the campaign slogan, while terminal halls showcase vibrant displays in Kuwaiti flag colors. A dedicated arrival lane adorned with dual national flags and campaign branding creates an immediate sense of diplomatic camaraderie. The welcoming experience extends further with distribution of symbolic gifts and appearances by popular cultural characters Salem and Salama, transforming routine immigration procedures into meaningful intercultural encounters.

    Complementing the airport activities, GDRFA Dubai has organized Souq Al-Mubarakiya at Alkhawaneej Walk from January 29 to February 1, featuring authentic Kuwaiti retail participation. This carefully curated market recreation offers visitors an immersive experience of Kuwait’s traditional heritage marketplace, effectively bringing a piece of Kuwaiti culture to Dubai residents and tourists alike.

    Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai, emphasized that these initiatives reflect the profound historical connection between the two nations. ‘Emirati-Kuwaiti relations represent deeply rooted bonds of brotherhood, built on decades of loyalty, principled positions, and mutual support,’ he stated, highlighting how these relations have evolved from the era of founding fathers to present-day Gulf unity.

    The comprehensive celebration program demonstrates how diplomatic relations can be expressed through creative public engagement, transforming administrative spaces into platforms for cultural exchange. By integrating traditional elements with modern airport operations, the initiative successfully bridges governmental diplomacy with people-to-people connections, reinforcing the shared values and historical ties that unite the two Gulf nations.

  • Kishan smashes 10 sixes as India crush New Zealand in T20 finale

    Kishan smashes 10 sixes as India crush New Zealand in T20 finale

    In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Ishan Kishan delivered a record-shattering performance that propelled India to a commanding 46-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 series finale at Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday. The emphatic win secured a comprehensive 4-1 series triumph for the hosts just weeks before the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.

    Returning to the lineup after missing the previous match due to minor injury concerns, Kishan unleashed an extraordinary assault on New Zealand’s bowling attack, hammering an astonishing 10 sixes on his way to a blistering 103 runs from just 43 deliveries. His explosive innings formed the cornerstone of India’s formidable total of 271-5, the highest team score in the series.

    The left-handed batsman demonstrated particular ruthlessness against spinner Ish Sodhi during the 12th over, where he blasted four boundaries and two maximums in a seven-ball sequence that yielded 29 runs. Kishan’s dominant performance was complemented by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed a powerful 63 runs including three consecutive sixes in a single Jacob Duffy over.

    New Zealand’s response began promisingly with opener Finn Allen matching Kishan’s aggression, smashing six sixes in his 38-ball 80 that provided early momentum. Together with Rachin Ravindra (30), Allen forged a century partnership that kept the visitors competitive in the chase. However, the middle order collapsed under pressure from India’s varied bowling attack.

    Seamer Arshdeep Singh emerged as the destruction chief with a career-best performance of 5-51, his first five-wicket haul in T20 Internationals. Spinner Axar Patel provided crucial support with figures of 3-33, including the vital wickets of Allen and Glenn Phillips that effectively derailed New Zealand’s pursuit.

    The comprehensive victory not only sealed the series but also served as an emphatic statement of intent from the Indian team ahead of next month’s global tournament, demonstrating both batting firepower and bowling depth that will make them formidable contenders.

  • Watch: Cars flip, crash into others as drivers lose focus on Abu Dhabi roads

    Watch: Cars flip, crash into others as drivers lose focus on Abu Dhabi roads

    The Abu Dhabi Police have launched a stark public awareness campaign targeting the growing menace of distracted driving, releasing alarming surveillance footage that captures the severe consequences of momentary lapses in attention. The newly published video compilation graphically illustrates a series of preventable roadway catastrophes, including vehicles careening off their lanes, overturning, and violently colliding with other cars.

    This visual evidence, compiled through coordination with the Monitoring and Control Center, serves as an educational tool demonstrating how driver negligence can instantly transform routine travel into life-altering tragedies. Authorities emphasize that distractions—whether from mobile devices, in-car systems, or other interruptions—require only seconds to create devastating outcomes.

    In their official statement accompanying the footage, police officials issued a sobering reminder: “Life possesses greater value than any message or telephone call.” The campaign forms part of broader initiatives to enhance traffic safety awareness and reduce dangerous behaviors that jeopardize all road users. This public warning follows previous alerts from UAE authorities regarding similar incidents where inattentive drivers caused serious accidents by failing to observe traffic conditions.

    The police department’s strategy employs actual accident documentation to create visceral impact, hoping the dramatic visuals will encourage drivers to prioritize concentration behind the wheel. This approach reflects increasing concern over distraction-related incidents throughout the Emirates and represents ongoing efforts to combat preventable accidents through education and enforcement.

  • Pakistan seal T20 series after Australia fail trial by spin

    Pakistan seal T20 series after Australia fail trial by spin

    Pakistan secured a decisive 2-0 series victory against Australia in their three-match Twenty20 encounter following a commanding 90-run triumph in Lahore on Saturday. The match showcased Pakistan’s spin-bowling dominance as they comprehensively outplayed the visiting Australian side.

    Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 198-5, propelled by captain Salman Agha’s impressive 76 runs and Usman Khan’s swift 53. The partnership provided crucial momentum despite early setbacks, including the continued batting struggles of former captain Babar Azam.

    Australia’s response quickly unraveled against Pakistan’s five-pronged spin attack, collapsing to 29-3 within the first five overs. The visitors never recovered, eventually being dismissed for a meager 108 in under 16 overs. All-rounder Shadab Khan proved particularly destructive with ball in hand, claiming 3-26.

    The comprehensive defeat serves as a significant reality check for Australia, who arrived without several key players but suffered the embarrassment of losing all ten wickets to spin bowling. This performance raises serious concerns about their preparedness for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in similar subcontinental conditions across India and Sri Lanka.

    Cameron Green provided the only notable resistance with 35 runs, but his dismissal effectively ended Australia’s fading hopes. The match also highlighted selection controversies, with Matt Renshaw—freshly included in Australia’s World Cup squad—managing only two runs, while omitted player Matt Short top-scored for the visitors with 27.

  • US warns Iran against unsafe actions during naval drills in Strait of Hormuz from Feb 1

    US warns Iran against unsafe actions during naval drills in Strait of Hormuz from Feb 1

    The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has delivered a formal caution to Iran regarding its upcoming military exercises in the geopolitically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is scheduled to commence two days of live-fire naval drills starting February 1st, prompting concerns from American military leadership about potential regional destabilization.

    In an official statement released Saturday, CENTCOM emphasized that while the United States acknowledges Iran’s right to conduct operations in international waters, any “unsafe or unprofessional behavior” during these maneuvers could severely compromise maritime security. The command specifically outlined several prohibited actions including armed overflights of U.S. military vessels, high-speed boat approaches on collision courses, and training weapons on American forces.

    The strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz cannot be overstated—this narrow passage serves as one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors, with approximately 100 commercial vessels transiting daily. Any disruption to navigation through this channel could have immediate consequences for global energy markets and international trade flows.

    CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional military conduct while vowing to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel and assets deployed throughout the Middle East. The command urged Iranian forces to exercise similar restraint and adherence to established international norms during their scheduled exercises.