Global Pulse

博客

  • The blueprint of a coffee empire: Roasters grows from Jumeirah villa to world record holder

    The blueprint of a coffee empire: Roasters grows from Jumeirah villa to world record holder

    DUBAI – What began as a personal quest for coffee perfection in a Jumeirah villa has transformed into a record-breaking global brand that has redefined Dubai’s premium coffee culture. Roasters, co-founded by CEO Konstantin Harbuz and his wife, has evolved from a curiosity-driven project into a prestigious empire with 11 locations across the city.

    The journey started with a simple vision: create a space serving the world’s finest coffee. Their inaugural villa location featured pioneering elements including Dubai’s first coffee shop rooftop terrace, VIP rooms, and live roasting facilities. By 2021, overwhelming customer response—evidenced by consistent weekend queues—captured the attention of major developers Dubai Holding and Emaar, leading to simultaneous flagship openings at JBR and Dubai Mall.

    Behind the brand’s exceptional standards lies a deeply personal approach. The founders travel extensively to source rare beans from 24 coffee-producing countries, including exclusive Cup of Excellence winners. Operational excellence is maintained by over 300 employees, with quality assurance led by certified Q graders and a head roaster ensuring uncompromising standards across all locations.

    The Roasters differentiation strategy combines champion-level coffee consistency with strategic location planning. The company employs a data-driven approach analyzing demographics, customer mentality, and emerging trends in each district, adapting branches to neighborhood characteristics while maintaining core identity.

    In a landmark achievement, Roasters secured the Guinness World Record for the world’s most exclusive coffee experience through carefully sourcing limited coffee lots and navigating rigorous verification processes. The accomplishment generated extraordinary global exposure, with over 1,000 international media outlets covering the story within two weeks.

    Beyond premium beans, the brand has developed substantial culinary offerings including all-day dining, artisan bakery items, signature desserts, and recently introduced caviar and truffle menus that have gained remarkable popularity.

    The company’s expansion strategy includes four additional UAE locations in 2026 to strengthen GCC presence, followed by international expansion beginning with a Hong Kong flagship opening in April 2026. This marks the start of Roasters’ mission to share Dubai-born coffee excellence globally.

    Reflecting on the brand’s evolution, Harbuz emphasizes the profound fulfillment derived from serving over 750,000 guests in 2025 alone. Most earnings are reinvested into growth and personnel development, representing the founders’ commitment to giving back to Dubai by positioning the city as a true global coffee capital.

  • Minnesota governor slams ‘another horrific shooting’ by federal agents

    Minnesota governor slams ‘another horrific shooting’ by federal agents

    Minnesota’s political landscape faces renewed turmoil as Governor Tim Walz publicly condemned federal immigration authorities for what he termed ‘another horrific shooting’ in Minneapolis. The incident occurred less than three weeks after the fatal shooting of civilian Renee Good by federal agents, further escalating tensions in the region.

    According to eyewitness accounts and circulating unverified footage, the altercation involved multiple gunshots near the intersection of 26th Street W and Nicollet Avenue. The video evidence suggests at least one individual wearing law enforcement gear marked ‘POLICE’ was present during the disturbance where a person appeared to be shot.

    The Minneapolis city administration confirmed awareness of the incident involving federal law enforcement personnel but withheld further details pending investigation. Governor Walz utilized social media platform X to express his outrage, stating: ‘I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening.’

    The governor issued a direct appeal to presidential leadership, demanding: ‘The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.’ This statement references the substantial deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to the Democratic-led city as part of President Donald Trump’s nationwide initiative to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.

    The current crisis builds upon existing community unrest stemming from the January 7th shooting of Renee Good, a United States citizen, by federal agents. Medical examiners classified Good’s death as a homicide, though this designation doesn’t inherently imply criminal wrongdoing. Officer Jonathan Ross, who discharged the fatal shots, remains on active duty without suspension or criminal charges.

    Public outrage intensified further this week with the detention of a five-year-old child during an operation targeting his father, adding another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota.

  • Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over China trade deal

    Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over China trade deal

    In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods should Prime Minister Mark Carney finalize a trade agreement with China. The warning was issued via Trump’s Truth Social platform on Saturday, where he specifically targeted Canada’s potential role as a transit point for Chinese products entering the United States.

    The confrontation follows Carney’s recent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he criticized great power politics without directly naming Trump. The Canadian leader’s subsequent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping resulted in announcements of a bilateral trade agreement covering electric vehicles and agricultural products—a development Trump initially praised but now vehemently opposes.

    Trump’s rhetoric has intensified considerably, referring to Carney as ‘Governor Carney’ and reviving previous characterizations of Canada as America’s ’51st state.’ This linguistic framing accompanies substantive policy threats, including the withdrawal of Canada’s invitation to join the newly formed ‘Board of Peace,’ an international conflict resolution body proposed by the Trump administration.

    The underlying tensions reflect broader strategic disagreements, including Canada’s opposition to Trump’s proposed missile defense system in Greenland (dubbed ‘The Golden Dome’) and fundamental differences regarding NATO and international governance structures. Carney’s assertion that Canada’s relationship with China has become ‘more predictable’ than its relationship with Trump’s America highlights the profound shift in North American dynamics.

    Trade experts observe that Canada’s diplomatic recalibration toward China stems from persistent uncertainty in U.S.-Canada relations, particularly since Trump’s return to office last year brought new tariffs on Canadian goods. The ongoing review of the countries’ free trade agreement adds another layer of complexity to these developments.

    Both the White House and Carney’s office have declined to comment on whether the referenced China-Canada trade agreement has been formally implemented, leaving the precise catalyst for Trump’s latest threat unclear.

  • Snow, ice hit western, central US as massive storm sweeps nation

    Snow, ice hit western, central US as massive storm sweeps nation

    A formidable Arctic onslaught has unleashed a cascade of snow and freezing rain across the western and central United States, advancing relentlessly toward the Northeast. This immense weather system poses severe threats of widespread blackouts, transportation gridlock, and perilously cold conditions for tens of millions of Americans.

    In anticipation of the storm’s fury, which the National Weather Service (NWS) warned could produce ‘catastrophic’ ice accumulations, consumers engaged in frantic stockpiling, emptying supermarket shelves. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that a staggering 240 million individuals could feel the storm’s impact, prompting at least 16 states and Washington D.C. to preemptively declare states of emergency.

    The travel sector experienced immediate disruption, with over 3,400 U.S. flights canceled and an additional 1,100 delayed on Saturday alone, according to data from FlightAware. Southern metropolises like Dallas saw temperatures plunge to 21°F (-6°C) amid freezing rain. Houston Mayor John Whitmire urgently advised the city’s residents to secure themselves in place for the next 72 hours, with warming centers being activated to assist those in need.

    Officials in Texas sought to provide assurances that the state’s power grid was substantially more resilient than during the catastrophic failure five years prior, which had left millions without electricity in deadly conditions. The storm has already deposited up to six inches (15 cm) of snow in parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas.

    Meteorologists project the system will subsequently batter the densely populated mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions before a lingering frigid air mass sets in. The NWS cautioned that icy surfaces from snow and sleet will present persistently dangerous travel conditions well into the following week. Consequently, the federal government announced the preemptive closure of its offices on Monday.

    The scientific community attributes the storm’s intensity to a distorted polar vortex—a vast area of cold, low-pressure air in the Arctic. This system, which typically remains compact, has stretched and sent Arctic air spilling into North America. While a growing body of research suggests climate change may be increasing the frequency of such polar vortex disruptions, the phenomenon remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate, intertwined with natural climate variability.

    Amid the crisis, political figures responded differently. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned that mere minutes outdoors could pose serious health risks, urging citizens to protect property and check on vulnerable neighbors. Conversely, former President Donald Trump, from Washington, used the event to question the reality of global warming on his social media platform.

    Authorities issued grave warnings about life-threatening wind chills, potentially diving below -50°F (-45°C) in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, where frostbite can occur within minutes. The severe conditions have also forced the rescheduling of numerous professional and collegiate sporting events.

  • Dubai’s Emirates cancels some flights to US ahead of Storm Fern

    Dubai’s Emirates cancels some flights to US ahead of Storm Fern

    Dubai-based Emirates Airline has proactively canceled multiple flights to and from the United States in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern, a massive weather system forecasted to bring severe conditions across a significant portion of the country. The cancellations, affecting routes through Thursday and Friday, are a direct response to warnings of heavy snowfall, potential infrastructure damage, and widespread travel chaos.

    The storm is predicted to impact an estimated 175 million people across a staggering 2,000-mile corridor, stretching from Texas and the Great Plains to the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states. In preparation, Texas has already declared a state of emergency. Forecasters are warning of apocalyptic conditions, including a 1,500-mile ‘snow zone’ capable of producing record-breaking accumulations, ‘crippling ice,’ and freezing rain that could lead to prolonged power outages by damaging critical infrastructure.

    Specific canceled Emirates flights include EK203/204 and EK201/202 on the Dubai-New York route for January 25th and 26th. Additional axed services involve flights to Dallas (EK221/222), Washington D.C. (EK231/232), and transatlantic routes from Milan and Athens to New York and Newark. The airline has explicitly stated that passengers booked on these flights, including those connecting through Dubai, will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. All affected travelers are being urged to contact their booking agents or the airline directly to reschedule.

    The mid-Atlantic region, particularly Virginia and Maryland, is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with projections of more than a foot of snow. Major urban centers are also on high alert. New York City, the nation’s financial capital, is forecast to receive up to 12 inches of snow, exacerbating an existing cold snap that recently delivered the city’s coldest temperature this winter at 16°F (-9°C), feeling like -17°C with wind chill. The airline’s decision underscores the severe and far-reaching impact Storm Fern is anticipated to have on domestic and international travel networks.

  • Climber delays rope-free skyscraper challenge over rain

    Climber delays rope-free skyscraper challenge over rain

    Renowned American free solo climber Alex Honnold has postponed his highly anticipated rope-free ascent of Taipei 101 due to unfavorable weather conditions. The 508-meter (1,667-foot) skyscraper, among the world’s tallest structures, presented wet surface conditions that forced a 24-hour delay for safety reasons.

    Honnold, who achieved global recognition for his unprecedented rope-free climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan in 2017, expressed disappointment but emphasized safety considerations. ‘Sadly it’s raining in Taipei right now so I don’t get to go climbing,’ the 40-year-old climber stated on Saturday.

    The architectural marvel features eight distinct sections designed to resemble bamboo segments, creating unique climbing challenges with slight overhangs. Netflix, which will stream the event live, has implemented a 10-second delay protocol as a precautionary measure. ‘We’ll cut away. Nobody expects or wants to see anything like that to happen,’ explained Netflix executive Jeff Gaspin.

    The climb, now rescheduled for Sunday, represents a lifelong ambition for Honnold, who is married with two children. His historic El Capitan ascent was documented in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Free Solo,’ showcasing his extraordinary climbing prowess on the 915-meter granite face.

    This attempt follows French climber Alain Robert’s 2004 ascent using safety equipment, which required four hours to complete. Honnold’s approach will involve three distinct phases: navigating an initial 113-meter section of sloping steel and glass, conquering the eight bamboo-inspired segments, and finally scaling the tower’s spire.

    Netflix officials confirmed that ‘safety remains our top priority’ while acknowledging the significance of this athletic achievement in the mountaineering world.

  • UAE President says learning ‘reinforces identity’ on International Day of Education

    UAE President says learning ‘reinforces identity’ on International Day of Education

    On International Day of Education, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan articulated a powerful vision for learning as both an instrument of national development and a guardian of cultural identity. In his address, the President emphasized that education remains “a fundamental pillar of the UAE’s long-term strategic vision,” specifically designed to reinforce national values while driving progress.

    The country’s educational framework, according to the President, serves dual purposes: empowering youth to become “active partners” in national advancement while simultaneously preserving Emirati heritage. This approach positions education as critical infrastructure supporting the nation’s priorities across knowledge sectors, technological innovation, and economic diversification.

    Echoing this sentiment, Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, utilized social media platform X to recognize the collective effort behind the nation’s educational achievements. She celebrated “teachers, families, and learners across the UAE who make education a shared national effort,” highlighting the collaborative nature of the country’s learning ecosystem.

    The Minister further elaborated on the practical orientation of UAE’s educational strategy, noting the commitment to providing “every learner with practical skills to thrive.” This skills-based approach, she explained, directly serves national economic objectives by preparing citizens of all ages to contribute to a competitive economy while enhancing the country’s international standing.

    Both leaders framed education as an indispensable investment in the nation’s future prosperity, with Al Amiri concluding that through collective effort, the UAE prepares its people “for a more prosperous tomorrow for all.”

  • Rescuers dig for six missing, youngest 15, in New Zealand landslide

    Rescuers dig for six missing, youngest 15, in New Zealand landslide

    Emergency crews in New Zealand are engaged in a critical search operation for six individuals, including a 15-year-old teenager, following a catastrophic landslide that engulfed a popular campsite near Mount Maunganui on Thursday. The disaster, triggered by torrential rains that saturated an extinct volcano’s slopes, sent a massive wall of mud and debris crashing onto holidaymakers, demolishing facilities and vehicles.

    A multi-agency response team comprising search and rescue specialists, contractors operating heavy excavators, and police dog units has been working relentlessly through the night and into a second day. Initial reports from the scene indicated voices calling for help from beneath the rubble immediately after the collapse, but no further signs of life have been detected since, according to witnesses and officials.

    The recovery operation, described by Fire and Emergency assistant national commander David Guard as a ‘complex and high-risk environment,’ is proceeding with painstaking caution. The somber mood at the site was underscored when machinery was halted and a hearse was witnessed departing, though officials have refrained from confirming any fatalities out of respect for the families awaiting news.

    Assistant Police Commissioner Tim Anderson confirmed the six missing persons while acknowledging efforts to verify the whereabouts of three other campers who may have left the area. ‘Not as of today, but we live in hope,’ Anderson stated regarding potential survivors.

    The tragedy has prompted serious questions regarding preventative measures, as reports emerged of a smaller landslip at the same location earlier that day. Local Tauranga mayor Mahe Drysdale acknowledged these concerns, stating ‘Those questions will be answered,’ while noting some individuals had reportedly moved away from the initial minor slip.

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed the nation’s anguish after speaking with affected families, describing their state as ‘highly anxious, clearly hopeful.’ The incident marks another devastating weather-related tragedy after two fatalities were confirmed from a separate landslide in nearby Tauranga, one of whom was identified as a Chinese national.

  • ‘It felt like doomsday’: Karachi mall inferno came after ignored warnings, delayed response

    ‘It felt like doomsday’: Karachi mall inferno came after ignored warnings, delayed response

    A catastrophic fire that engulfed Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping complex on January 17th has exposed critical safety failures and institutional neglect, resulting in one of Pakistan’s deadliest urban disasters in recent memory. The inferno claimed at least 67 lives with 15 individuals still missing and presumed dead, according to police official Asad Ali Raza.

    Survivors described apocalyptic scenes as smoke rapidly filled the multi-story building within seconds, plunging the complex into complete darkness. Muhammad Imran, a shop owner with pre-existing health conditions, recounted the horror: ‘It felt like doomsday. You couldn’t see the person next to you.’ His escape, along with dozens of others, was severely hampered by locked emergency exits and inadequate ventilation systems.

    Investigative findings reveal that Gul Plaza had been operating in violation of building safety standards for over a decade. Documents obtained by Reuters show the provincial Sindh Building Control Authority had filed multiple court cases regarding safety compliance issues dating back to 1992, with the most recent inspections in 2023-2024 categorizing the building’s fire safety systems as ‘unsatisfactory’ across critical categories including alarm systems, emergency lighting, and firefighting equipment.

    The tragedy was compounded by delayed emergency response and inadequate resources. While provincial spokesperson Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani stated the first fire vehicles arrived within 10 minutes of the initial emergency call, survivors reported watching the complex burn as firefighters struggled with equipment limitations and logistical challenges. The blaze, fueled by flammable materials and over 50 gas cylinders stored within the building, raged for nearly two days before being fully extinguished.

    The human toll continues to unfold as families await DNA identification of remains. Many of the missing were shop employees and traders who reportedly helped others escape before succumbing to the flames themselves. The disaster has left Karachi’s commercial community traumatized and questioning how repeatedly identified safety violations were allowed to persist unchecked.

  • Wife of Uganda’s opposition leader recounts how armed men attacked her at her home

    Wife of Uganda’s opposition leader recounts how armed men attacked her at her home

    KAMPALA, Uganda — The residence of Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine became the scene of a violent intrusion Friday night as armed men in military attire forcibly entered the property seeking information on his whereabouts. Barbara Kyagulanyi, the politician’s wife commonly known as Barbie, sustained injuries during the confrontation and is currently receiving medical treatment at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala.

    According to eyewitness accounts from Ms. Kyagulanyi, approximately two dozen uniformed personnel breached the security perimeter of the compound while the opposition leader remained in hiding following recent presidential elections. The assailants allegedly subjected her to physical assault and intimidation tactics in an attempt to extract information regarding her husband’s location.

    The incident occurred amidst heightened political tensions following the January 15 electoral process that saw President Yoweri Museveni declared victor with 71.6% of ballots. Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party has formally rejected the official results, citing widespread irregularities and alleging electoral manipulation.

    Digital evidence captured during the raid, subsequently circulated on social media platform X, depicts moments of the altercation that culminated in Ms. Kyagulanyi losing consciousness. Medical reports indicate she received treatment for physical trauma and acute anxiety following the episode.

    Political analysts have raised concerns regarding escalating patterns of intimidation against opposition members. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, current army chief and presidential son, has previously engaged in inflammatory rhetoric targeting Wine through social media channels, though no direct evidence links him to Friday’s events.

    International observers including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres have called for restraint and adherence to constitutional principles. The electoral process was previously marred by nationwide internet restrictions and technical failures in biometric voting systems, particularly affecting opposition strongholds.

    President Museveni, who will now commence his seventh term extending his rule toward five decades, maintains support from constituents who credit his administration with maintaining regional stability. Meanwhile, NUP leadership reports numerous party members remain detained or unaccounted for since the election.