Global Pulse

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  • Watch: Two girls get lost in Dubai on NYE, reunited with father in touching moment

    Watch: Two girls get lost in Dubai on NYE, reunited with father in touching moment

    Dubai’s renowned New Year’s Eve celebrations at Burj Khalifa, which attract millions of spectators annually, presented familiar challenges of crowd management during the 2026 festivities. In a demonstration of exceptional civic preparedness, Dubai authorities successfully reunited an Omani father with his two daughters after they became separated near Dubai Mall amid the massive celebrations.

    The emotional reunion, captured on video, shows the distraught father sprinting toward his daughter before embracing her with visible relief. Overwhelmed by emotion, he covers his face while being reassured by security personnel that he was ‘in the House of Zayed.’ The father’s simple response—’Thank God’—epitomized the profound relief of the moment, while the girls’ brother broke into tears of joy upon seeing his siblings safe.

    This successful reunion was made possible by extensive pre-event planning from Dubai’s Event Security Committee, which established 37 comprehensive support tents across celebration sites. These facilities provided integrated services including police assistance, first aid, visitor guidance, lost property recovery, and specialized care for separated children.

    The incident underscores Dubai’s commitment to maintaining its status as one of the world’s safest cities, even during events of unprecedented scale. The systematic approach to crowd management and child protection protocols demonstrated how advanced planning and compassionate response mechanisms can transform potentially traumatic situations into stories of successful resolution.

  • How Israel’s recognition of Somaliland risks destabilising the region

    How Israel’s recognition of Somaliland risks destabilising the region

    A seismic shift in Horn of Africa geopolitics unfolded as Israel’s unilateral recognition of Somaliland’s independence triggered widespread protests and heightened security alerts across the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s December announcement formally acknowledging Somaliland’s sovereignty has drawn immediate condemnation from Somalia and raised alarms among international observers.

    The strategic significance of this move cannot be overstated. Somaliland occupies critical coastline along the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea maritime corridors that facilitate approximately 30% of global trade. This positioning has transformed the territory into a geopolitical prize amid escalating regional competitions.

    Security analysts warn that Israel’s endorsement has effectively inserted Somaliland into Middle Eastern power rivalries. Samira Gaid, a Horn of Africa security specialist, notes the development positions Somaliland within a broader contest involving Israel versus Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states—a dangerous geopolitical realignment.

    The recognition has exposed Somaliland’s internal vulnerabilities. Former Somali intelligence chief Fahad Yasin revealed that Hargeisa exercises limited control over extensive territories, particularly in northeastern regions and Awdal province where separatist movements have gained momentum. These areas have witnessed violent clashes and declarations of alternative regional states aligned with Somalia’s federal government.

    Regional armed groups including al-Shabab and Yemen’s Houthi movement have declared Israeli presence in Somaliland legitimate military targets. Abdul Malik al-Houthi specifically warned that any Israeli facilities would face immediate retaliation, potentially transforming the strategic waterways into conflict zones.

    Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud identified three primary motivations behind Israel’s move: potential Somaliland accession to the Abraham Accords, relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, and establishment of an Israeli military base along the Gulf of Aden. This latter objective particularly unsettles Red Sea states that perceive Israeli proximity as a national security threat.

    The recognition faces procedural challenges within Israel itself. Opposition leader Yair Lapid revealed that Netanyahu’s decision bypassed both government and security cabinet approval, raising questions about its legal validity under Israeli domestic governance procedures.

    International law experts note the move contravenes United Nations and African Union charters emphasizing respect for member states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. This unilateral action may establish a destabilizing precedent for separatist movements across conflict-prone regions, potentially encouraging similar claims in Ethiopia and other nations facing internal self-determination disputes.

    The development represents the latest manifestation of Middle Eastern powers projecting their rivalries into the Horn of Africa through port development, military bases, financial leverage, and political patronage networks—with Somaliland now becoming an unexpected flashpoint in this expanding strategic competition.

  • How K-beauty went from a viral trend to an economic powerhouse

    How K-beauty went from a viral trend to an economic powerhouse

    The Korean beauty industry has evolved from a cultural curiosity into a formidable global economic force, revolutionizing skincare standards worldwide. At the core of this transformation lies an unprecedented innovation engine that consistently delivers groundbreaking products—from snail mucin serums to salmon sperm formulations—that capture international attention through viral social media challenges.

    South Korea’s cosmetics sector achieved a monumental milestone in 2025, surpassing France to become the world’s second-largest beauty exporter after the United States. The domestic market alone reached a valuation of approximately $13 billion in 2024, with exports surging 15% in early 2025 to a record $5.5 billion, putting the nation on track to exceed $10 billion in annual beauty exports.

    The industry’s explosive growth is fueled by a sophisticated ecosystem comprising approximately 30,000 brands supported by specialized Original Development Manufacturers (ODMs). This infrastructure enables remarkably swift product development cycles—as brief as six months compared to the 1-3 years typical for Western brands—while maintaining competitive pricing through extensive automation.

    Major conglomerates like Amorepacific (controlling roughly half the domestic market) and LG Household & Health Care dominate the landscape, yet they actively collaborate with agile independent brands to maintain innovation momentum. This symbiotic relationship has proven extraordinarily effective, with Amorepacific reporting $6.2 billion in 2024 sales while acquiring pioneering brands like CosRX to enhance their innovative capabilities.

    Social media has been instrumental in K-beauty’s globalization, with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube creating unprecedented demand for concepts like ‘glass skin’ and multi-step routines. However, industry leaders acknowledge growing concerns about the psychological impact of beauty standards and excessive consumerism, prompting more responsible marketing approaches.

    Market dynamics continue to shift as Western multinationals increasingly incorporate K-beauty ingredients into their formulations, while Chinese market dominance wanes in favor of growing North American, European, and Middle Eastern markets. Despite challenges including Trump-era tariffs and intense competition squeezing profit margins, the South Korean government recently designated K-beauty a strategic national asset, ensuring continued institutional support for this extraordinary economic success story.

  • UAE: Over 300,000 workers take part in New Year festivities across 30 locations

    UAE: Over 300,000 workers take part in New Year festivities across 30 locations

    In a monumental nationwide celebration, the United Arab Emirates ushered in 2026 by hosting special New Year festivities for its workforce, with participation exceeding 300,000 laborers across more than 30 venues. Orchestrated under the unifying banner ‘With You and Through You, We Step into the New Year,’ the events showcased the nation’s profound commitment to its labor community.

    The celebrations, characterized by a vibrant array of activities, featured competitive games, captivating entertainment shows, and traditional folk dance performances. A highlight for many attendees was a series of high-value prize draws, with grand offerings including a brand-new car and international travel tickets, complemented by widespread gift distributions.

    This large-scale initiative was spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), which coordinated an extensive coalition of federal and local government partners. Key collaborators included the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICA), and the police headquarters of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Support was also extended by numerous municipalities, the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai).

    Enhancing operational and logistical support were entities such as the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Civil Defence authorities, the Dubai Event Security Committee, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, the National Ambulance service, and the Al Ihsan Charity Association.

    Demonstrating a robust culture of corporate social responsibility, several prominent private companies organized parallel events in solidarity with the national program. Notable participants included Sobha Constructions, Granada Europe Construction LLC, DULSCO Group, and Innovo Build LLC.

    This event is part of a sustained, strategic approach by MoHRE and its partners to honor the contributions of workers during national occasions. The initiative is designed to foster happiness, enhance overall well-being, and strengthen psychological and social stability within the workforce, thereby reinforcing their sense of community belonging and motivating their continued role in the nation’s development trajectory.

    The festivities were made possible through significant sponsorship from ten major corporations. DAMAC and Aldar Properties served as Diamond sponsors, while The Insurance Pool and Sobha Realty provided Platinum support. Gold category sponsors included du, Emarat, Electronic Document Centre, National Marine Dredging Company, and Al Ansari Exchange, with AW Rostamani Group contributing as a Silver sponsor.

  • Roberto Carlos released from Brazil hospital after heart procedure

    Roberto Carlos released from Brazil hospital after heart procedure

    SAO PAULO — Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has been successfully discharged from medical care after undergoing a scheduled coronary procedure earlier this week. The Vila Nova Star hospital confirmed the former Real Madrid defender’s release on Friday, though specific details regarding his condition were not disclosed.

    The 52-year-old international sports icon underwent a minimally invasive coronary angioplasty on Monday after medical examinations revealed arterial obstruction. This common cardiovascular procedure involves widening constricted arteries to restore optimal blood flow to the heart muscle.

    Medical protocols necessitated brief intensive care monitoring following the intervention, which is standard practice for such cardiac procedures. The hospital’s statement indicated successful completion of the treatment without reported complications.

    Roberto Carlos remains one of football’s most celebrated defensive players, renowned for his exceptional attacking capabilities from the left-back position. His distinguished career includes 125 international appearances for Brazil’s national team and eleven triumphant seasons with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

    The legendary defender achieved football’s highest honor by winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil, having previously reached the tournament’s final in 1998. His additional accomplishments include two Copa América championships (1997, 1999) and multiple club trophies during his tenure in Spain’s premier league.

  • Angelina Jolie visits Rafah crossing, meets aid workers delivering help to Gaza

    Angelina Jolie visits Rafah crossing, meets aid workers delivering help to Gaza

    Hollywood actress and former UNHCR special envoy Angelina Jolie conducted a high-profile visit to the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Friday, January 2, 2026. The humanitarian mission brought the acclaimed actress to the critical transit point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, where she engaged directly with Red Crescent personnel and aid truck drivers facilitating humanitarian deliveries into the conflict-devastated territory.

    According to eyewitness accounts from AFP journalists present at the location, Jolie’s visit focused on two primary objectives: assessing the medical condition of injured Palestinians being transferred to Egyptian medical facilities and evaluating the logistical challenges facing aid delivery operations. The Rafah crossing has served as the primary gateway for humanitarian assistance entering Gaza amid ongoing regional tensions.

    The visit underscores the continuing international concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with high-profile advocates like Jolie drawing global attention to the plight of civilians affected by the conflict. Her presence at the border highlights the critical role of humanitarian corridors in conflict zones and the challenges faced by aid organizations in delivering essential supplies under complex geopolitical circumstances.

    Jolie, who has extensive experience in humanitarian work through her former role with the United Nations refugee agency, represents a growing cohort of celebrity advocates using their platform to spotlight international crises. The timing of her visit coincides with increased diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian situation in the region, though specific outcomes from her assessment remain undisclosed.

  • UK records hottest and sunniest year ever in 2025, says weather service

    UK records hottest and sunniest year ever in 2025, says weather service

    Britain’s national meteorological service has confirmed that 2025 stands as the most exceptionally warm and sun-drenched year in the nation’s recorded history, eclipsing previous benchmarks and underscoring an accelerating climate transformation. According to Friday’s announcement from the Met Office, the average annual temperature reached 10.09°C (50.16°F), marginally surpassing the 2022 record of 10.03°C. This milestone represents only the second occasion since comprehensive record-keeping commenced in 1884 that the yearly mean temperature has breached the 10°C threshold.

    The meteorological data reveals a particularly concerning pattern: four of the most recent five years now rank among the top five warmest periods in over 140 years of documentation. This clustering of record-breaking temperatures within such a compressed timeframe provides compelling evidence of rapidly shifting climatic conditions. The persistent dominance of high-pressure weather systems combined with unusually elevated sea temperatures have been identified as primary drivers behind this unprecedented warming trend.

    Mark McCarthy, the Met Office’s Head of Climate Attribution, emphasized the broader implications: ‘While not every subsequent year will necessarily establish new records, the accumulated evidence from both direct weather observations and sophisticated climate modeling unequivocally demonstrates that human-induced global warming is fundamentally altering the United Kingdom’s climate profile.’

    This national phenomenon reflects wider global patterns. The World Meteorological Organization concurrently reported that the past decade constitutes the warmest ten-year period in recorded history. Similarly, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service projects that 2025 will likely rank as either the second or third warmest year globally in modern datasets, following 2024 which established itself as the hottest year worldwide and particularly affected Europe—the planet’s most rapidly warming continent.

  • Dubai Frame, parks host 39,000 visitors on New Year’s Eve

    Dubai Frame, parks host 39,000 visitors on New Year’s Eve

    Dubai concluded 2025 with extraordinary New Year’s Eve festivities that attracted thousands to its iconic landmarks and public spaces. The emirate’s renowned Dubai Frame and municipal parks collectively welcomed approximately 39,000 visitors during the December 31 celebrations, marking one of the most attended public events of the year.

    For the first time in its history, the architectural marvel Dubai Frame presented a special drone display alongside its traditional fireworks exhibition. This technological enhancement created a mesmerizing visual experience that complemented the pyrotechnic spectacle. The drone show represented Dubai’s continued innovation in entertainment technology and event presentation.

    The celebrations extended beyond the Dubai Frame, with coordinated fireworks displays occurring simultaneously across 40 different locations throughout the emirate. This distributed approach to fireworks allowed residents and visitors to enjoy the celebrations from multiple vantage points while reducing congestion at any single location.

    In preparation for the large turnout, Dubai Municipality implemented special measures to accommodate families and ensure comfortable viewing experiences. Fourteen public parks extended their operating hours until 1:00 AM, providing safe and spacious areas for celebration viewing. These extended hours demonstrated the city’s commitment to creating accessible and family-friendly entertainment options during major public events.

    The successful coordination of these celebrations highlighted Dubai’s ongoing capability to host large-scale public events while maintaining safety standards and visitor satisfaction. The combination of traditional fireworks with innovative drone technology also signaled the city’s forward-looking approach to public entertainment and tourism development.

  • Dubai Fountain to host New Year shows till Jan 7; some regular displays suspended

    Dubai Fountain to host New Year shows till Jan 7; some regular displays suspended

    Dubai’s iconic Fountain has announced an extension of its extraordinary New Year’s Eve performances through January 7, offering visitors an extended opportunity to witness the breathtaking spectacle that captivated audiences during the December 31 celebrations. While regular half-hourly evening displays face temporary suspension during specific hours, the special NYE production will continue its run with daily 7:30 PM presentations.

    Emaar Properties, the developer behind Downtown Dubai’s landmark attractions, revealed on Friday that the Fountain’s regular programming will maintain its 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM schedules before pausing during the special presentation window. Normal operations will resume at 9:00 PM each evening until the conclusion of the extended festival period.

    The New Year’s production represents a technological and artistic marvel, combining sophisticated water choreography with synchronized dancers performing on elaborately decorated floats, enhanced by cutting-edge laser projections and immersive sound design. Unlike the ticketed December 31 event, these extended performances are accessible to the public free of charge.

    Recent behind-the-scenes footage shared by Arab influencer Omar Farooq provided glimpses into the extensive preparations, showcasing dance rehearsals for parade segments, performers working within the fountain’s water systems, and even high-wire artists traversing between Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. The extension demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to maintaining holiday momentum while offering both residents and tourists continued access to world-class entertainment experiences.

  • UAE, 7 other nations call for urgent aid amid worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza

    UAE, 7 other nations call for urgent aid amid worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza

    A coalition of eight nations has issued a joint declaration expressing profound alarm over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where severe winter conditions have exacerbated an already critical crisis. The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt emphasized that torrential rains and storms have intensified civilian suffering amid persistently limited aid access.

    The ministerial coalition highlighted that nearly 1.9 million displaced Palestinians now face catastrophic living conditions, with many sheltering in inadequate camps where flooded tents, collapsed structures, and freezing temperatures have created life-threatening circumstances. The statement specifically noted that widespread malnutrition and the heightened risk of disease transmission pose particular dangers to children, women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

    Officials praised the efforts of UN agencies, including the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and other international humanitarian organizations operating under extremely challenging conditions. The ministers stressed the imperative for Israel to permit unimpeded humanitarian access, noting that any obstruction of aid delivery operations remains unacceptable given the critical nature of their mission.

    The coalition reaffirmed support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan advanced by US President Donald Trump, expressing commitment to contribute to its implementation. They emphasized that the plan offers a viable pathway toward maintaining ceasefire arrangements, ending hostilities, alleviating humanitarian suffering, and advancing Palestinian self-determination aspirations.

    Ministers called for immediate expansion of early recovery efforts, including provision of permanent shelter solutions to protect vulnerable populations from harsh winter conditions. They urged the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities by pressuring Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift restrictions on essential supplies including medical aid, clean water, fuel, and sanitation support.

    The joint statement concluded with an urgent appeal for immediate, full, and unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery through United Nations agencies, rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and hospitals, and the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions as outlined in President Trump’s comprehensive plan.