Global Pulse

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  • Mediclinic City Hospital unveils UAE’s First “Tree of Life” to honour organ donors and inspire life-saving giving

    Mediclinic City Hospital unveils UAE’s First “Tree of Life” to honour organ donors and inspire life-saving giving

    Mediclinic City Hospital has inaugurated the United Arab Emirates’ pioneering Tree of Life installation, establishing a national landmark in the promotion of organ donation awareness. This unique memorial, the first of its kind within the UAE, stands prominently within the hospital’s lobby as a permanent tribute to both living and deceased organ donors whose profound generosity has facilitated life-saving transplants and transformed numerous lives.

    The ceremonial unveiling on January 27th coincided with the four-year anniversary of the passing of Viggo Sørensen, a 17-year-old whose family’s decision to donate six organs ultimately saved five individuals. This poignant connection underscores the installation’s core mission: to reframe organ donation as a powerful continuum of life rather than an endpoint.

    Nathalie Grall, Viggo’s mother, articulated this perspective during the unveiling: “Viggo’s life did not conclude with his passing; it persists through the lives he rescued. Witnessing this Tree of Life unveiled in his honor, and in recognition of all donors, is profoundly emotional. We aspire for it to inspire others to perceive organ donation not as loss, but as an extraordinary gift of hope and enduring love.”

    The event gathered key stakeholders including three living donors, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Mediclinic’s executive leadership, senior hospital management, and clinical specialists from transplant, dialysis, and intensive care units. This diverse participation highlighted the collaborative essence of organ donation and transplantation ecosystems.

    Hein van Eck, CEO of Mediclinic Middle East, emphasized the initiative’s significance: “We are profoundly moved by the generosity of those who elect to donate life. The Tree of Life constitutes a perpetual homage to organ donors and their families, and we anticipate it will motivate others to contemplate this profound act of giving.”

    In subsequent months, Mediclinic City Hospital will extend invitations to additional organ donors and their families to inscribe their names upon the installation, gradually expanding this living memorial to encompass more legacies of life-saving decisions. The hospital reaffirms its commitment to advancing organ donation initiatives and cultivating a culture characterized by compassion, awareness, and informed choice within the UAE’s healthcare landscape.

  • Watches: MB&F reinvents the chronograph with the LM Sequential Flyback EVO

    Watches: MB&F reinvents the chronograph with the LM Sequential Flyback EVO

    In a bold departure from traditional watchmaking conventions, MB&F has unveiled the LM Sequential Flyback EVO, representing a fundamental reengineering of chronograph technology. Rather than iterating on existing designs, Maximilian Büsser’s horological concept laboratory has completely rethought the chronograph from first principles, creating what may be the most significant advancement in timing complications in recent history.

    The LM Sequential Flyback EVO builds upon the groundbreaking foundation established by its 2022 predecessor, which earned the prestigious GPHG Aiguille d’Or award for its innovative approach. This latest evolution introduces the flyback function to the EVO family for the first time, crafted in grade 5 titanium with a striking aquamarine dial plate.

    At the heart of this technological marvel is Stephen McDonnell’s mechanical genius, previously demonstrated in the LM Perpetual. The timepiece features two fully independent chronographs, each with dedicated seconds and minutes displays and separate pushers. The revolutionary Twinverter mechanism at the nine o’clock position operates as a binary switch that can simultaneously control both chronographs—starting, stopping, or alternating between them with a single press.

    This architecture enables unprecedented timing capabilities, from split-second comparisons to cumulative tracking across multiple simultaneous events. The integrated flyback function allows for instantaneous resetting and restarting of running chronographs, significantly enhancing practical usability.

    The mechanical sophistication required to make this complex system reliable is extraordinary. McDonnell’s solution incorporates internally jewelled vertical clutches combined with specially developed jewelled rollers within the flyback system, minimizing friction and energy loss despite two chronographs sharing the same movement.

    Visually, the timepiece maintains the distinctive EVO aesthetic with its bezel-free design that opens the dial beneath the domed sapphire crystal. The inclined time display at six o’clock improves legibility while creating a more intimate connection between the watch and wearer.

    Priced at CHF 168,000, the LM Sequential Flyback EVO represents not just technical achievement but a philosophical statement about the future of high-complication watchmaking—demonstrating that true innovation lies not in adding complexity but in making complexity feel intuitive and human-centered.

  • UAE FMCG growth accelerates in 2025 as premiumisation and e‑commerce reshape retail

    UAE FMCG growth accelerates in 2025 as premiumisation and e‑commerce reshape retail

    The United Arab Emirates’ retail sector demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025, with the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market achieving 6.8% value growth according to NielsenIQ’s comprehensive State of the Nation report. This robust expansion was primarily fueled by a substantial 4.9% surge in consumption volumes, augmented by a 2% increase in unit values, signaling a strong consumer-led recovery in the post-pandemic era.

    A transformative shift characterized the Emirates’ retail landscape as consumers simultaneously pursued both affordability and premium quality products while accelerating their migration toward digital shopping channels. While Modern Trade maintained its position as the dominant retail channel, e-commerce emerged as the fastest-growing platform during the fourth quarter, capturing increasing market share as shoppers embraced online grocery services for their convenience and competitive pricing.

    Notable category performance revealed Snacking as the UAE’s fastest-growing FMCG segment, reflecting heightened demand for convenience foods and impulse purchases. Concurrently, the market exhibited pronounced premiumization trends, with premium brands outperforming both value and mid-tier competitors. This aligns with evolving consumer sentiment, where 70% of UAE consumers expressed willingness to pay premium prices for superior quality products despite ongoing inflationary pressures.

    The Tech & Durables sector surpassed FMCG performance with 6.3% value growth in 2025, driven by sustained demand for telecommunications products, large home appliances, and consumer electronics. Major shopping events including Singles Day, Cyber Monday, and seasonal discount festivals generated substantial online traffic, solidifying e-commerce as the preferred purchasing route in this category.

    Promotional activity remained stable throughout the year, primarily supported by the Dubai Shopping Festival. Temporary Price Reductions continued to dominate promotional strategies, though their overall efficiency moderated compared to previous years, indicating intensifying competitiveness across retail channels.

    Product diversification reached new heights with the FMCG market recording 134,271 active SKUs, reflecting significant expansion as brands broadened their offerings and digital-first emerging brands tapped into the increasingly sophisticated consumer base. The T&D category similarly experienced over 20% year-on-year growth in available brands, driven by affordable innovators and expanding online marketplaces.

    Regional comparisons revealed contrasting dynamics, with Saudi Arabia’s FMCG market contracting by 1% in value due to flat volumes and declining unit values. However, the Kingdom demonstrated stronger momentum in Tech & Durables, posting 13.7% value growth—more than double the UAE’s rate—driven by seasonal promotions and digital marketplace activity.

    Andrey Dvoychenkov, NielsenIQ General Manager for the Arabian Peninsula and Pakistan, noted the data reflects ‘strong resilience amid evolving consumer and pricing dynamics,’ emphasizing that ‘while Modern Trade remains dominant, it is e-commerce that is reshaping growth across FMCG and Tech & Durables.’ The report concludes that the regional retail environment is now defined by digital acceleration, value-premium polarization, and heightened promotional intensity, presenting both challenges and significant opportunities for brands and retailers capable of balancing affordability, quality, and digital execution.

  • UAE launches new platform Bayan as ‘single source of truth’ for health data

    UAE launches new platform Bayan as ‘single source of truth’ for health data

    The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a groundbreaking digital health platform named ‘Bayan,’ designed to serve as the nation’s definitive source for comprehensive healthcare data. This innovative system, introduced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) during the World Health Expo, represents a significant leap forward in health information management.

    Bayan functions as an extensive enterprise data warehouse that consolidates over 300 health indicators through more than 45 interactive dashboards. The platform integrates critical information spanning disease prevalence rates, medical professional licensing, hospital bed availability, and medical education statistics. By connecting both historical records dating back to 2005 and real-time data streams, Bayan provides unprecedented visibility into the UAE’s healthcare landscape.

    Dr. Alya Zaid Harbi, Director of the Statistics and Research Center at MoHAP, emphasized the platform’s transformative potential. “Bayan represents a national unifier that connects fragmented data from electronic medical records, national health surveys, and even non-health sectors including education and traffic systems,” she explained during a live demonstration. “This integration enables evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning for the nation’s healthcare future.”

    The platform employs advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping technology to identify disease clusters, monitor workforce distribution gaps, and project future healthcare demands. This capability allows officials to visualize trends and make data-driven predictions, such as forecasting specific medical needs through 2030.

    Beyond its analytical functions, Bayan hosts national disease registries for conditions including cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and disabilities. The system also tracks medical education pipelines, monitoring student enrollment and graduation rates across universities to inform workforce development strategies.

    Developed over three years, the platform incorporates rigorous data validation protocols and business rules to ensure information quality and reliability. This comprehensive approach positions Bayan as a model for digital health transformation, potentially setting new standards for healthcare data management globally.

  • At least 21 dead after boat sinks on Sudan’s River Nile

    At least 21 dead after boat sinks on Sudan’s River Nile

    A devastating maritime accident on the Nile River has resulted in significant loss of life, with at least 21 fatalities confirmed after a passenger vessel capsized in Sudan’s River Nile state. The tragedy occurred Wednesday evening in the Shendi area when the small boat, transporting approximately 30 passengers between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, succumbed to powerful waves according to eyewitness accounts.

    The Sudan Doctors Network, which provided initial casualty figures to the BBC, reported that victims included vulnerable groups such as women, elderly individuals, and children. Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan, the network’s spokesperson, confirmed that six individuals survived the incident while rescue operations continue with the expectation of recovering additional victims.

    Medical authorities have urgently appealed for enhanced rescue capabilities, calling for specialized teams and equipment to accelerate search efforts. The organization emphasized the preventable nature of such disasters, highlighting systemic failures in river transport safety regulations and infrastructure.

    This incident exposes critical vulnerabilities in Sudan’s transportation network, where traditional boats serve as essential transit means across the Nile due to insufficient bridge infrastructure, particularly in rural regions. The tragedy occurs against the backdrop of nationwide instability stemming from the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has strained resources and infrastructure despite River Nile State remaining outside direct combat zones.

    Dr. Hassan attributed the disaster to inadequate regulatory oversight, noting that many Nile vessels operate as private enterprises without proper safety protocols or government supervision. Authorities had not issued an immediate response to these allegations at the time of reporting.

  • UAE weather: Red, yellow alerts issued for fog as visibility decreases

    UAE weather: Red, yellow alerts issued for fog as visibility decreases

    The United Arab Emirates experienced significant fog conditions for the third consecutive day on Thursday, February 12, 2026, prompting meteorological authorities to issue safety alerts. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) implemented both red and yellow fog alerts effective until 10:00 AM as visibility dramatically decreased across the nation.

    According to the NCM’s forecast, UAE skies remained generally fair to partly cloudy throughout Thursday, with mist formation anticipated over certain coastal regions. Temperature readings varied between 15°C and 33°C, with Dubai reaching a high of 32°C while Abu Dhabi recorded 31°C.

    Meteorological conditions included the appearance of low clouds eastward on Thursday morning, with forecasts indicating increasing humidity levels overnight and into Friday morning. Winds remained light to moderate, blowing from southeasterly to northeasterly directions at speeds of 10-20 km/h, occasionally reaching 30 km/h. Maritime conditions remained calm with slight seas reported in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.

    Abu Dhabi Police issued warnings to motorists, emphasizing the importance of adhering to reduced speed limits displayed on electronic road signboards. The advisory specifically highlighted the need for heightened attention during low-visibility conditions caused by the dense fog.

    The persistent fog conditions represent a recurring weather pattern during this period, requiring continued public awareness and precautionary measures for transportation safety.

  • KT LUXE to host inaugural healthy ageing summit with OMICS partnership

    KT LUXE to host inaugural healthy ageing summit with OMICS partnership

    Dubai is poised to become the epicenter of the global healthy aging conversation as KT LUXE, the premium lifestyle division of Khaleej Times, announces its inaugural Healthy Ageing Summit scheduled for May 21, 2026. The landmark event will convene at the Mandarin Oriental on Jumeirah Beach Road, bringing together pioneering experts across science, medicine, technology, finance, and lifestyle design to fundamentally redefine what it means to age well in the modern era.

    The summit represents a strategic expansion for KT LUXE beyond editorial content into premium live experiences, marking a significant milestone in the platform’s evolution. Unlike traditional longevity discussions focused merely on extending lifespan, this gathering will prioritize healthspan enhancement—the quality of healthy years lived—through innovative approaches that bridge cutting-edge research with practical applications.

    A cornerstone of the event is the exclusive partnership with OMICS Precision Health Centre, a leader in translational geroscience and healthspan medicine. This collaboration will feature the KT LUXE x OMICS Healthspan Circuit, offering VIP delegates advanced diagnostics, biomarker analysis, and personalized health insights designed to optimize long-term wellbeing.

    Charles Yardley, Chief Executive Officer of Khaleej Times, emphasized the summit’s significance: “Healthy ageing transcends wellness trends—it represents a profound societal, financial, and lifestyle shift. Through this summit, KT LUXE is committed to leading this critical dialogue with depth, credibility, and purpose.”

    Dr. Mishkat Shehata, Chief Medical Officer at OMICS, elaborated on their approach: “Merely extending lifespan without improving quality of life is insufficient. Our focus is on combining deep biomarker insights with clinical medicine and cutting-edge technology to help patients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives for longer.”

    The curated program will feature six content tracks spanning regenerative medicine, preventive clinics, consumer health technology, human performance optimization, healthspan-focused financial planning, and the role of mental health in longevity. Jan Gerber, founder of Paracelsus Recovery, highlighted the psychological dimension: “Chronic stress, loneliness, and untreated psychological suffering age us faster than any disease. Healthy ageing begins in the mind, not the mirror.”

    The agenda will include keynote presentations, expert panels, fireside conversations, and curated roundtables featuring globally recognized experts alongside regional leaders. Confirmed participants include healthspan thought leader Dr. Mishkat Shehata, local businessman Jason Hellowell sharing patient experiences, and UK-based holistic wellness practitioner Monica Thompson-Mayali.

    Ted Kemp, Chief Content Officer at Khaleej Times, noted: “We’re creating a platform where science, innovation, and lived experience converge to help people think more proactively about how they age.” Attendance is limited to high-net-worth individuals, C-suite executives, family office principals, senior decision-makers, and healthcare leaders, with tickets available in limited quantities.

  • Ramadan 2026: Sharjah announces reduced working hours for public sector employees

    Ramadan 2026: Sharjah announces reduced working hours for public sector employees

    The Emirate of Sharjah has officially unveiled revised working schedules for its public sector employees during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan in 2026. According to Wednesday’s announcement from the Department of Human Resources, standard working hours from Monday through Thursday will be reduced to 9:00 AM until 2:30 PM throughout the sacred month.

    The anticipated commencement of Ramadan falls on either February 18 or 19, 2026, pending the official sighting of the crescent moon on February 17. This scheduling adjustment aligns with earlier directives from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, which established consistent reduced hours across federal entities.

    Special provisions have been made for Friday operations, with working hours scheduled from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon. However, the regulations acknowledge necessary exceptions for employees whose specific job requirements demand alternative scheduling arrangements.

    Departments operating on shift-based systems retain autonomy to determine appropriate start and end times according to their operational needs and work systems. Additionally, federal ministries and entities have been granted flexibility to implement remote working options for up to 70% of their workforce on Fridays, following established regulatory frameworks.

    The announcement reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to accommodating religious observances while maintaining governmental operational efficiency. Similar working hour reductions are expected to be implemented across other emirates and private sector organizations as Ramadan approaches, continuing the nation’s tradition of respecting cultural and religious practices within the workplace.

  • Exclusive: Bhumi Pednekar on ‘Daldal’, imposter syndrome and why she’s done being hard on herself

    Exclusive: Bhumi Pednekar on ‘Daldal’, imposter syndrome and why she’s done being hard on herself

    In a candid revelation, acclaimed Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar has opened up about her transformative journey in the industry, her most challenging role to date in the crime thriller ‘Daldal’, and her personal battle with imposter syndrome. The interview, conducted on February 11, 2026, provides unprecedented insight into the actress’s creative process and personal evolution.

    Pednekar identified her role as DCP Rita Ferreira in ‘Daldal’ as her most demanding performance yet, describing the character as ‘complex and broken’ with minimal dialogue. ‘This character was a product of a failed system,’ Pednekar explained. ‘She doesn’t know how to receive love and praise. There was so much going on internally with so little externally for me to express.’

    The actress detailed her meticulous preparation for the de-glamorized police role, consciously avoiding conventional portrayals of law enforcement officers. ‘She’s a petite, broken girl with red eyes and eye bags – unlike any cop representation we’ve seen,’ Pednekar noted, crediting directors Suresh Triveni and Amrit Raj Gupta for creating a nurturing environment that allowed for nuanced performances.

    When asked about the series’ critical success, Pednekar attributed it to the production team’s unwavering commitment to authenticity. ‘We made the show with incredible honesty and attention to detail,’ she revealed. ‘If natural light was needed, we waited three hours to shoot. The audience recognized this dedication to craft.’

    The conversation turned personal as Pednekar discussed her ongoing struggle with imposter syndrome, drawing parallels to her character in ‘Daldal’. ‘All of us feel that when good things happen, it’s too good to be true,’ she confessed. ‘It’s a healing journey, and I’m learning to celebrate myself in an industry that often tells women not to.’

    After a decade in Bollywood, Pednekar outlined her evolved perspective on success: ‘I’ve been excessively hard on myself, measuring achievement solely by film performance. Now I’m detaching from that mindset. True ambition isn’t just about success—it’s about creating impact through cinema, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship.’

    The actress also discussed her entrepreneurial venture Back Bay Life, explaining her voluntary break from acting to focus on building ‘a legacy brand with better, safer standards in the beverage industry.’

    Addressing the challenges of digital life, Pednekar spoke frankly about online toxicity: ‘Social media overwhelms everyone. I’ve spent nights crying over cruel comments and seen my family affected. People don’t realize the mental health repercussions of their digital actions.’

    Looking ahead, Pednekar expressed excitement about her upcoming romantic comedy with Imran Khan, describing it as ‘an evolved, mature examination of relationships’ drawn from Khan’s personal experiences. The project marks Khan’s highly anticipated return to cinema after a significant hiatus.

  • Epstein survivor calls on Palace to search Andrew’s files

    Epstein survivor calls on Palace to search Andrew’s files

    A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse has issued a direct challenge to Buckingham Palace, urging proactive disclosure of all communications between Prince Andrew and the convicted sex offender. Juliette Bryant, who endured abuse by Epstein in the early 2000s, expressed cautious appreciation for King Charles’s recent statement indicating readiness to support police investigations but emphasized the need for concrete action rather than diplomatic rhetoric.

    Speaking from her Cape Town residence, the 43-year-old former model articulated her expectations: ‘Verbal commitments represent merely the initial step. Authentic accountability necessitates comprehensive examination of Prince Andrew’s electronic correspondence and archival records.’ Bryant clarified that while she never encountered Andrew personally and levels no specific allegations against him, she believes institutional transparency remains paramount for justice.

    Buckingham Palace responded through an official spokesperson, reiterating the monarch’s ‘profound concern’ regarding the allegations while maintaining that specific claims should be addressed by Prince Andrew himself. The Palace affirmed cooperation with Thames Valley Police if formally approached and extended continued sympathies to abuse victims.

    The renewed scrutiny follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of over three million Epstein-related documents, including photographs depicting Andrew in unconventional poses and evidence suggesting he shared confidential government information with Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy. Bryant described her traumatic experiences with Epstein’s manipulation network, characterizing Ghislaine Maxwell as a terrifying enabler who should remain incarcerated.

    This development represents growing pressure on royal institutions to demonstrate substantive engagement with historical abuse cases rather than issuing carefully worded statements. Victims and advocates alike await tangible investigative actions that might finally provide resolution to this enduring scandal.