Global Pulse

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  • DAW Construction showcases PRC infrastructure expertise at Big 5 Global 2025

    DAW Construction showcases PRC infrastructure expertise at Big 5 Global 2025

    Dubai-based Dar Alwd Construction (DAW) made a significant impact at Big 5 Global 2025 by demonstrating its pioneering infrastructure solutions centered on advanced Polymer Resin Concrete (PRC) technology. The event served as a strategic platform for the construction firm to highlight its engineering expertise and sustainable material applications aligned with the UAE’s national development goals.

    In collaboration with Qatar German Pipes Company (QGPC), DAW presented comprehensive case studies showcasing PRC implementation across critical infrastructure projects. This next-generation material exhibits exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and extended service life while substantially reducing maintenance requirements. Current applications span sewerage networks, stormwater management systems, access chambers, manholes, and pipeline infrastructure across prominent developments including Al Juraiana and Nomad by Shurooq.

    The environmental advantages of PRC position it as a cornerstone material for sustainable infrastructure development. With minimal water absorption characteristics, reduced lifecycle emissions, and a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional concrete, PRC directly supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative. The material’s extended operational lifespan further enhances its sustainability credentials while delivering superior performance under demanding conditions.

    Tarek Musbah Abdul Rahman, General Manager of DAW Construction, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation: ‘Big 5 Global enables us to demonstrate how advanced materials transform infrastructure delivery. Our PRC experience proves that material innovation, backed by robust execution capabilities, achieves long-term performance and durability while supporting national infrastructure objectives.’

    Looking toward 2026, DAW plans to expand PRC implementation across upcoming projects, reinforcing its dedication to engineering excellence and sustainable construction practices. The company continues to integrate advanced materials and innovative engineering approaches to develop resilient, future-ready infrastructure solutions throughout the UAE.

  • Pakistan Educational and Cultural Board honoured

    Pakistan Educational and Cultural Board honoured

    DUBAI – The Pakistan Educational and Cultural Board (PECB) has been distinguished with the Gold Category Award during the second phase of the Ethraa Empowerment Programme, an initiative orchestrated by Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA). The accolade was presented during a formal ceremony at Emirates Towers on December 17, 2025, in recognition of PECB’s exemplary performance and distinguished social services within the community.

    Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the CDA, conferred the award and emphasized in her keynote address the critical importance of community partnership, civil society enhancement, and the instrumental role non-profit organizations play in advancing social development—core tenets of both Dubai and the wider UAE national vision.

    The Gold Category Award specifically honors institutions that exhibit superior service quality, sustainable governance frameworks, and the delivery of comprehensive support services to priority demographic groups. PECB, which oversees the Pakistan Education Academy and English Language Private School, stood out for its alignment with these rigorous criteria.

    Chairman Hassan Hokal and Vice-Chairman Rashid Ashraf accepted the award on behalf of PECB. They were accompanied by the principals of both institutions, Shamaela Ahmad and Muhammad Atif.

    In his acceptance speech, Mr. Hokal expressed profound gratitude to the CDA, noting that initiatives like the Ethraa Programme significantly bolster public confidence in non-profit entities while incentivizing continuous improvement in service quality. He described the recognition as a tangible manifestation of the Dubai Government’s commitment to social development, inclusivity, and sustainable community progress.

    Mr. Hokal further attributed this achievement to the concerted efforts of PECB’s leadership, board of governors, management, educators, and staff, acknowledging that support from students, parents, volunteers, and the broader community has been fundamental to their success.

    The Ethraa Programme serves as a strategic platform for promoting social welfare, institutional transparency, and community service, resonating with the vision of the Dubai Government and its leadership. PECB’s gold-tier selection underscores the organization’s successful integration into Dubai’s social development strategy and its substantial contributions to education and communal service.

    Looking forward, PECB reaffirmed its dedication to expanding its educational and social initiatives in accordance with governmental visions centered on tolerance, harmony, and sustainable development, pledging to maintain the highest professional standards in community service.

  • Dembele, Yamal to vie for Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

    Dembele, Yamal to vie for Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

    Dubai is set to host football’s elite at the 16th annual Globe Soccer Awards on December 28th at the luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel. The exclusive ceremony will crown winners across multiple categories following an unprecedented global voting process that garnered over 30 million fan votes.

    The awards feature intense competition across nine core categories including Best Men’s Player, Best Women’s Player, and various club honors. Paris Saint-Germain emerges as a dominant force with multiple nominations following their UEFA Champions League victory. The French club contends for Best Men’s Club alongside Barcelona, Chelsea, Flamengo, and Liverpool.

    Individual accolades showcase fascinating matchups with PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé and young Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal both vying for top honors. In the coaching category, PSG’s Luis Enrique faces formidable competition from Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Barcelona’s Hansi Flick, and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca.

    The women’s categories feature Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí attempting an unprecedented third consecutive Best Women’s Player victory against strong contenders including Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo.

    Adding significant star power to the event, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed his attendance. The Al Nassr forward also appears as a finalist in the Best Middle East Player category alongside notable footballers Salem Al-Dawsari, Karim Benzema, and Riyad Mahrez. Organizers promise a game-changing edition filled with surprises as the global football community gathers to celebrate the year’s outstanding achievements.

  • ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ review: Why the Gaza docufiction is a hard watch

    ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ review: Why the Gaza docufiction is a hard watch

    Acclaimed director Kaouther Ben Hania’s groundbreaking docufiction ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ has emerged as one of the most psychologically challenging cinematic experiences of the year, forcing audiences to confront the brutal realities of the Gaza conflict without the comfort of emotional detachment. The film reconstructs the tragic final hours of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who became trapped in a vehicle with six deceased family members after Israeli Defense Forces attacks, through an innovative blend of dramatic reenactment and authentic audio recordings.

    The narrative unfolds primarily through the perspective of Red Crescent rescue workers, whose increasingly desperate attempts to coordinate a safe evacuation reveal the bureaucratic and moral complexities of operating in active war zones. Palestinian actors Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, and Amer Hlehel deliver powerful performances as emergency responders navigating the impossible balance between protocol and human compassion. Hlehel’s portrayal of coordinator Mehdi proves particularly nuanced, presenting a character who must maintain clinical detachment despite overwhelming circumstances.

    Ben Hania’s directorial approach masterfully maintains tension throughout the production, interspersing moments of human connection and even humor among rescue workers with the grim reality of their mission. The film’s most controversial aspect—the incorporation of actual emergency calls and battlefield footage—creates an unprecedented immediacy that has left international audiences and festival jurors deeply affected. Following its Venice Film Festival premiere, the production received a historic 20-minute standing ovation, though many viewers acknowledged difficulty processing the raw emotional impact of the authentic audio elements.

    The director’s deliberate choice to focus on the rescue team’s perspective rather than recreating Hind’s direct experience demonstrates sophisticated narrative restraint, allowing audiences to comprehend the horror through the responders’ emotional breakdowns rather than explicit visual depiction. This technique ultimately creates a more profound meditation on trauma, empathy, and the psychological toll of humanitarian work in conflict zones. The film stands as both a memorial to a tragic individual loss and a broader commentary on the human cost of geopolitical conflicts.

  • Heavy rains, thunderstorms: UAE embassy issues warning to citizens in Oman

    Heavy rains, thunderstorms: UAE embassy issues warning to citizens in Oman

    The UAE Embassy in Muscat has issued an urgent advisory to Emirati citizens residing in or visiting Oman, urging extreme caution as a significant low-pressure system generates severe weather conditions across the Arabian Peninsula. This meteorological disturbance, tracking from west to east, has unleashed heavy rainfall and intense thunderstorms throughout the region, impacting Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman with particular severity.

    In response to the deteriorating conditions, the embassy emphasized the critical need for citizens to exercise utmost vigilance against hazards including flash flooding, waterlogged roadways, and powerful winds. Official safety protocols issued by Omani authorities must be strictly adhered to for personal safety.

    For emergency assistance, the embassy activated dedicated contact channels: 0097180024 and 0097180044444. Furthermore, citizens were strongly encouraged to register with the Tamheed service to ensure timely receipt of critical updates and support.

    This regional weather event has prompted widespread operational changes. Several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including the UAE, have preemptively implemented remote working arrangements and distance learning programs to mitigate risks and ensure public safety as the unstable conditions persist, significantly disrupting daily life and transportation networks.

  • Unstable weather: Dubai announces temporary closure of public parks, beaches

    Unstable weather: Dubai announces temporary closure of public parks, beaches

    Municipal authorities in Dubai and Ajman have implemented precautionary closures of all public recreational areas in response to deteriorating weather conditions across the United Arab Emirates. The Dubai Municipality confirmed the temporary shutdown of public beaches and parks on Thursday, December 18th and Friday, December 19th, while Ajman Municipality has extended its closure indefinitely until weather patterns stabilize.

    The decision follows meteorological warnings indicating an intensifying low-pressure system moving across the region, bringing substantial thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Weather experts project the most severe conditions will impact Abu Dhabi and Dubai during Thursday evening hours.

    This preventive measure prioritizes citizen safety amid forecasts of potentially hazardous conditions. Dubai authorities had previously issued advisories against marine activities, including swimming, due to dangerous sea conditions. Emergency services remain on high alert as the National Center of Meteorology continues monitoring the situation.

    Residents across affected emirates have received official guidance to minimize outdoor activities and strictly adhere to safety directives from local authorities. The coordinated municipal response demonstrates the UAE’s proactive approach to weather-related emergencies, with particular attention to protecting public spaces frequently utilized by residents and visitors.

  • Next Fed chair in ‘no-win scenario’ as selection process draws to a close

    Next Fed chair in ‘no-win scenario’ as selection process draws to a close

    As President Donald Trump’s decision on the next Federal Reserve chair approaches its final stage, the selection process has evolved into what analysts describe as a ‘no-win scenario’ for potential candidates. The president, who elevated Jerome Powell to the position in 2017, has expressed clear regret about that decision and now seeks a more compliant successor who will implement his preferred monetary policies.

    The contest has narrowed to two primary contenders: Kevin Hassett, Trump’s longtime economic adviser and director of the White House National Economic Council, and Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor who nearly secured the position during Trump’s first term. Both face significant challenges regarding their perceived independence and credibility.

    Financial experts warn that any chair perceived as beholden to presidential influence risks undermining public confidence in the Fed’s decision-making process. Such erosion of trust could paradoxically lead to higher borrowing costs—the exact opposite outcome Trump desires from his selection.

    Andy Laperriere of Piper Sandler captured the dilemma starkly: ‘Anyone who gets the job is damaged goods. You’re either going to be the guy who succeeds in getting what the president wants, which will not bode well for your treatment in the history books, or you’re going to be the guy who doesn’t get what the president wants, and he’s going to probably turn on you.’

    The selection process has taken unexpected turns in recent weeks. While Hassett initially appeared to be the frontrunner, Trump’s recent meeting with Warsh and praise for his qualifications has reintroduced uncertainty. Additionally, the president met with current Fed governor Christopher Waller, who is viewed as a strong defender of the institution’s independence but remains a long-shot candidate.

    Hassett has attempted to address concerns about his independence, stating in a recent CBS News interview that while he would listen to Trump’s opinions on interest rates, the president would have ‘no weight’ on final decisions. However, market reactions suggest Wall Street remains skeptical, with long-term Treasury yields rising since Hassett emerged as the likely pick.

    Warsh presents his own complications, having only recently adopted the low-interest-rate position favored by Trump. His historical warnings about inflation and criticism of the Fed’s bond-buying programs contrast sharply with the president’s current preferences.

    The broader context includes Trump’s aggressive efforts to influence Fed policy since returning to office, including attempts to remove governors and publicly criticize Powell. These actions have raised fundamental questions about the institution’s independence, with a pending Supreme Court case regarding the president’s authority to fire Fed officials potentially reshaping the central bank’s operational freedom.

    As Ellen Zentner of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management noted, the next chair will face unprecedented pressure: ‘Will the new chair be just as unflappable as Chair Powell and be able to cut through the criticism and make the decisions that are best for the economy and its people? That is the greater test of a Fed chair than if they can please the president.’

  • ‘An Arab won’t check me’: Israeli police beat Palestinian security guard at football match

    ‘An Arab won’t check me’: Israeli police beat Palestinian security guard at football match

    A disturbing incident of police brutality has emerged from Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium, where Qays Haddad, a 21-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel serving as head security guard, was violently assaulted by approximately 13 police officers during a December 8th football derby between Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Jerusalem.

    According to Haddad’s account published by Haaretz, the altercation began when three plainclothes detectives attempted to enter the stadium without properly identifying themselves. When Haddad performed his security duty by extending his hand to slow their entry, one detective reportedly responded with ethnic prejudice, stating “An Arab won’t check me” before revealing his police credentials.

    The situation rapidly escalated as the three detectives initiated the physical assault before summoning uniformed officers who joined the beating. Haddad described being handcuffed, punched repeatedly across his body, and subjected to racist epithets including being called an “Arab son of a bitch.” The violence was so severe that officers’ hands became bloodied from the assault, and Haddad lost consciousness for several minutes.

    Emergency medical response was deliberately delayed according to Haddad, who waited thirty minutes for an ambulance while vomiting blood and struggling to breathe due to choking injuries that left visible marks on his neck.

    When attempting to file an official complaint the following day, Haddad was reportedly told by a policewoman that “There’s no way a brother can file a complaint for another brother.” A formal investigation was eventually opened several days after the incident.

    The attack has left Haddad with lasting physical and psychological trauma, including difficulty eating, sleeping disturbances, and anxiety triggered by police sirens. The incident has sparked fear among Palestinian security personnel throughout Israel, with many reportedly hesitant to continue working alongside police forces.

    Israeli police issued a statement acknowledging a confrontation occurred but provided no details about the excessive force employed, instead suggesting complaints should be directed to “relevant authorities.”

    This case emerges amidst growing concerns about racism and political tensions in Israeli sports, including recent displays of banned extremist symbols at matches, censorship of critical fan expressions, and UEFA sanctions against Israeli teams for discriminatory behavior by supporters.

  • Flipperachi says he never expected ‘Fa9la’ to go viral in India

    Flipperachi says he never expected ‘Fa9la’ to go viral in India

    In a remarkable demonstration of music’s border-transcending power, Bahraini hip-hop sensation Hussam Aseem, professionally known as Flipperachi, has achieved unprecedented cross-cultural success with his viral track ‘Fa9la’. The song’s feature in the Bollywood film ‘Dhurandhar’ has propelled the artist to international recognition, particularly across the Indian subcontinent.

    The artist revealed in an exclusive City Times interview that while he anticipated some popularity for the track, the overwhelming response from Indian audiences exceeded all expectations. ‘I never imagined that the audience in India would feel my music this much, especially given that it’s in Arabic,’ Flipperachi confessed. This breakthrough underscores music’s universal language capabilities, proving linguistic barriers can be overcome through rhythmic expression.

    Cultural significance lies embedded within the track’s very title – ‘Fa9la’ utilizes the numeral ‘9’ to represent a specific Arabic letter that produces a heavier ‘S’ sound when written in English characters. The term colloquially translates to cultivating a vibrant atmosphere or embracing unrestrained enjoyment, typically within dance or celebratory contexts.

    Behind the scenes, the Bollywood incorporation occurred organically when the production team identified ‘Fa9la’ as the perfect auditory complement to a specific scene. Although Flipperachi wasn’t present during Akshaye Khanna’s improvisational dance performance to the track, viewing the finalized sequence created a surreal experience for the artist.

    This musical milestone has established groundwork for future collaborative ventures between Gulf and Indian artists. Flipperachi acknowledges the audience’s receptive nature as the primary driver behind such cross-cultural trends and expresses enthusiasm about potential partnerships with Indian musicians. While remaining discreet about specific upcoming projects, the artist confirmed that negotiations are underway for live performances in India, promising major announcements in the near future.

  • ‘Crazy’ reaction after vet Munyua upsets De Decker

    ‘Crazy’ reaction after vet Munyua upsets De Decker

    In an extraordinary display of resilience at Alexandra Palace, Kenyan veterinarian David Munyua authored one of the most remarkable stories in recent darting history by overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat former World Grand Prix champion Mike de Decker. The 30-year-old large animal vet, competing in his first professional tournament outside Africa, achieved a stunning 3-2 victory that sent shockwaves through the sport.

    The World Championship debutant appeared destined for elimination after dropping the opening two sets, including squandering opportunities in the second set. However, Munyua demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, claiming the subsequent two sets in deciding legs to force a dramatic finale. After being broken in the opening leg of the fifth set, the Kenyan qualifier produced a spectacular 135 checkout that propelled him to complete one of the tournament’s greatest comebacks.

    Munyua revealed the overwhelming response from his homeland, stating: ‘It’s going crazy back in my country – everybody is like ‘we did it’. Earlier today, most people were asking ‘this is the day now, are you ready?” The part-time athlete emphasized darts’ accessibility: ‘Darts is a simple game. You don’t need acres of land to play – you only need a room with a board and the darts.’

    The match featured an unusual interruption when the notorious ‘Ally Pally’ wasp landed on Munyua’s face during play. Demonstrating characteristic composure, the veterinarian attempted to capture the insect in his pocket rather than eliminate it. ‘I tried to put it in my pocket to stay with me because I love going through tough things,’ he explained. ‘I’ve seen how it’s been interfering with other players. You need maximum concentration, so when you have a little disturbance, you need to get over it.’

    Munyua balances his sporting ambitions with his veterinary practice, noting: ‘Being a veterinarian in my country and also a darts player, there are so many challenges you need to face to combine both. During the day, I’m dealing with my animals, but at night, I’m playing darts. I’m on call a lot of the time, so I can be throwing darts and then get a call.’

    The victorious Kenyan now progresses to face either Dutchman Kevin Doets or England’s Matthew Dennant in the second round. Meanwhile, despite acknowledging Munyua’s performance, De Decker expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Alexandra Palace crowd, criticizing their booing and whistling during the match on social media platforms.