Global Pulse

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  • UAE billionaires richest in Mena, make Dh110 billion more in 2025

    UAE billionaires richest in Mena, make Dh110 billion more in 2025

    The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as the Middle East’s premier wealth hub, with its billionaire class experiencing a remarkable 21.6% wealth expansion in 2025. According to the comprehensive Billionaire Ambitions Report published by Swiss banking giant UBS, the collective fortune of UAE billionaires surged by $30 billion (Dh110 billion), elevating their total wealth to $168.7 billion (Dh619 billion) from $138.7 billion the previous year.

    This substantial growth has been fueled by robust macroeconomic performance and strategic policy initiatives that continue to attract global capital. The UAE now hosts 19 billionaires, having gained two new members while witnessing one departure during the reporting period. This places the Emirates significantly ahead of regional competitors, with Israel’s billionaire wealth standing at $108.1 billion and Saudi Arabia’s at $81 billion.

    The nation’s appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals received further validation through the 2025 Private Wealth Migration Report by Henley & Partners, which projects approximately 9,800 millionaires will relocate to the UAE alongside an estimated $63 billion in associated capital this year. This migration trend has been exemplified by high-profile moves such as British steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal’s relocation to the Emirates, citing favorable tax environments and business-friendly policies.

    Concurrently, the region is preparing for an unprecedented intergenerational wealth transfer. UBS analysis indicates that across the Middle East and Africa, heirs are positioned to inherit at least $152.7 billion (Dh560.4 billion) over the coming 15 years. The UAE is expected to witness the second-largest transfer in the region at $31.9 billion (Dh117 billion), trailing only Israel’s projected $48.4 billion transfer.

    Niels Zilkens, Head of Wealth Management Middle East at UBS GWM, emphasized that the substantial wealth accumulation reflects both dynamic entrepreneurship and the accelerating transfer of assets to subsequent generations. Benjamin Cavalli, Head of Strategic Clients and Global Connectivity at UBS Global Wealth Management, noted that as families become increasingly international, the focus is shifting from wealth preservation to empowering heirs to succeed independently while maintaining responsible stewardship of family legacies.

  • Abu Dhabi GP: How Emiratis and expats come together to help F1 fans

    Abu Dhabi GP: How Emiratis and expats come together to help F1 fans

    Beneath the glamorous surface of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, where cutting-edge engineering marvels race before celebrities and motorsport enthusiasts, an essential workforce operates with quiet dedication. The event’s volunteer corps, comprising both Emiratis and expatriates, has evolved into a fundamental component of the Middle East’s premier motorsport spectacle.

    Since importing 350 British volunteers for the inaugural 2009 event, the Abu Dhabi GP has transformed into a catalyst for national participation. The Emirates Foundation, a governmental organization, now mobilizes over 450 volunteers for the season finale at Yas Marina Circuit. These individuals undergo rigorous preparation through the Volunteers.ae platform, followed by comprehensive two-day training featuring team-building exercises and communication workshops.

    The volunteer ecosystem demonstrates remarkable specialization, with roles spanning grandstand ushering, multilingual assistance (including Japanese, French, Italian, and English), protocol support for VVIP guests, and dedicated services for people of determination. Club car drivers and sign language experts further enhance the inclusive experience.

    Mohammed Al Abbasi, Senior Projects Lead at Emirates Foundation and a 16-year event veteran, observes expanding participation from across the Emirates. “Volunteers now come from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah,” he notes, emphasizing the growing culture of civic engagement. “Many return annually because they want to give back.”

    Personal narratives underscore the program’s impact. Salama Al Hamadi, a 27-year-old Emirati mechanical engineer, transitioned from track marshal to administrative duties, valuing the teamwork principles learned trackside. Indian expatriate Rish embraces photographic responsibilities, appreciating the global networking opportunities. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Emirati Mohammed Yazeed bin Dhabban, once an awe-struck spectator, now gains practical event management experience while representing his nation with pride.

    This volunteer infrastructure not only supports the logistical demands of a world-class event but also fosters cross-cultural exchange and professional development, solidifying the Abu Dhabi GP’s legacy beyond mere competition.

  • UAE: Now, use Apple Watch to detect hypertension

    UAE: Now, use Apple Watch to detect hypertension

    The United Arab Emirates has become the inaugural market for Apple Watch’s revolutionary hypertension detection capability, introducing a transformative approach to cardiovascular health monitoring. This groundbreaking feature, activated on December 3rd, 2025, enables users to identify potential chronic high blood pressure through their wearable device instead of traditional blood pressure cuffs.

    Hypertension represents the predominant risk factor for catastrophic health events including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease, affecting an estimated 1.3 billion adults worldwide. The condition frequently remains undiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature and infrequent medical consultations.

    Apple’s development team employed sophisticated machine learning algorithms trained on comprehensive data from multiple research studies involving more than 100,000 participants. The technology underwent rigorous clinical validation through trials with over 2,000 subjects, ensuring scientific credibility.

    The detection mechanism operates through the watch’s optical heart sensor, which analyzes vascular responses to cardiac activity. The algorithm continuously processes data in 30-day cycles, providing notifications when consistent hypertension patterns emerge. These alerts empower users to pursue lifestyle modifications or medical interventions that could potentially prevent severe health complications.

    While the technology isn’t infallible, projections indicate it could identify over one million previously undiagnosed hypertension cases within its first year of implementation. Users receiving notifications are advised to conduct seven days of traditional blood pressure monitoring using certified equipment and consult healthcare professionals for comprehensive assessment.

  • Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t regret choosing ‘Titanic’ over ‘Boogie Nights’

    Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t regret choosing ‘Titanic’ over ‘Boogie Nights’

    In a revealing interview with Deadline, acclaimed Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has definitively addressed longstanding speculation about his career choices, expressing absolutely no remorse for selecting James Cameron’s Titanic over Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights in 1997. The 51-year-old Oscar winner clarified previous comments that had been misinterpreted as regret, explaining they originated from his profound admiration for Anderson’s groundbreaking work rather than any dissatisfaction with his own path.

    DiCaprio characterized Boogie Nights as a cultural milestone for his generation, describing it as the arrival of a new cinematic titan whose storytelling resonated deeply with contemporary audiences. He emphatically stated that Mark Wahlberg’s performance as Eddie Adams/Dirk Diggler couldn’t have been improved upon, acknowledging Wahlberg’s perfect embodiment of the role originally offered to him.

    The actor reflected on the fortunate position he found himself in during that pivotal career moment, expressing gratitude for having been part of Titanic’s monumental success while maintaining creative autonomy throughout his subsequent career choices. DiCaprio emphasized the impossibility of undertaking both projects simultaneously given scheduling constraints, but noted the poetic symmetry of eventually collaborating with Anderson decades later on new projects.

    This retrospective analysis provides valuable insight into Hollywood decision-making processes at the highest level, demonstrating how career-defining choices can shape an actor’s trajectory while maintaining professional relationships that may eventually come full circle through later collaborations.

  • George Clooney is curious about Travis Kelce’s post-retirement plans

    George Clooney is curious about Travis Kelce’s post-retirement plans

    In a revealing episode of the New Heights podcast, NFL superstar Travis Kelce engaged in a dynamic conversation with Academy Award-winning actor George Clooney about his burgeoning acting career and potential post-retirement plans. The 36-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end provided insights into his recent role in Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2 sequel, where he portrayed a hotel waiter in the golf comedy that premiered last July.

    During the candid exchange, Clooney expressed curiosity about Kelce’s potential transition to acting following his football career. “So wait. Is this gonna be—I know you’re not gonna retire—when you retire, is this are you gonna go into some show business? Are you gonna act more?” Clooney inquired, showcasing genuine interest in the athlete’s Hollywood prospects.

    Kelce responded with characteristic humility and enthusiasm, stating, “As long as I’m getting asked by guys like Adam Sandler, you know, my heroes growing up, man, I’m gonna be there in a heartbeat. I don’t know how much skill I have, but I’ll be the best teammate on set and have some fun with you.”

    The conversation took a humorous turn when Kelce suggested the film might have been “10 times better” had Clooney played the waiter role instead. The veteran actor quipped back, “Dude, I play a great waiter. You have no idea,” while revealing he hadn’t been approached for the project.

    Both speakers praised Adam Sandler’s collaborative spirit, with Clooney noting their thirty-year basketball friendship and describing the comedian as “such a good egg” and “fun to work with.” Kelce’s acting portfolio continues to expand beyond Happy Gilmore 2, including his role as Ed Laclan in FX’s Grotesquerie and appearances on Amazon’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? game show.

  • Etihad Rail launch: High-speed UAE passenger network to begin operations in 2026

    Etihad Rail launch: High-speed UAE passenger network to begin operations in 2026

    The United Arab Emirates is poised to revolutionize its transportation infrastructure with the scheduled 2026 launch of the Etihad Rail passenger network. This ambitious high-speed rail system will seamlessly connect 11 key urban centers and regions across the emirates, fundamentally reshaping domestic travel patterns and economic connectivity.

    Spanning 900 kilometers from Ghuweifat in Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the eastern coast, the network promises to dramatically reduce inter-emirate travel times. Projections indicate a mere 57-minute journey between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route will take approximately 100 minutes—less than half the current road travel duration. The Ruwais-Abu Dhabi connection will be completed in just 70 minutes.

    Beyond transportation benefits, Etihad Rail represents a strategic national investment expected to serve as the country’s economic backbone. Urban planning experts anticipate the network will stimulate suburban development as residents gain convenient access to urban centers via rail. The project aligns strongly with the UAE’s sustainability objectives and Net Zero 2050 initiative by potentially removing hundreds of cars from roadways daily.

    International partnerships have been established to ensure operational excellence. Etihad Rail recently formed a joint venture with global transport leader Keolis, creating Etihad Rail Mobility. This entity will oversee comprehensive operations including train services, multimodal connections (buses, taxis, parking), and staff training programs.

    Station infrastructure will feature three distinct categories: operational maintenance depots, freight terminals, and passenger stations. Key locations already announced include Sakamkam in Fujairah and University City in Sharjah, with potential connectivity to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.

    The rail service will utilize modern trains capable of reaching speeds up to 200 km/h, each accommodating 400 passengers across economy, family, and business class configurations. Stations will incorporate automated barrier systems similar to Dubai Metro, along with advanced ticketing machines for seamless journey planning.

    With an anticipated capacity of 36 million annual passengers by 2030, Etihad Rail represents one of the most significant infrastructure developments in recent UAE history, promising to enhance economic integration, reduce environmental impact, and transform how residents navigate the federation.

  • Why Gen-Z is rethinking failure and how to navigate it

    Why Gen-Z is rethinking failure and how to navigate it

    Generation Z finds itself at a critical crossroads, compelled to fundamentally redefine societal notions of failure and accountability in an era of unprecedented digital connectivity. Unlike previous generations, today’s youth navigate a world where global awareness amplifies personal anxieties about career aspirations and financial stability.

    The digital revolution has created what psychologists term ‘the comparison paradox’ – constant exposure to curated success stories worldwide has generated unprecedented pressure while simultaneously revealing systemic inequalities. This generation grapples with existential questions about meritocracy’s validity when confronting repeated setbacks in achieving promised lifestyles.

    Contemporary analysis reveals Gen Z’s distinctive approach to failure attribution. Where previous generations typically internalized setbacks, digital natives demonstrate heightened awareness of institutional and systemic barriers. This perspective shift represents both adaptive resilience and potential avoidance of personal accountability, creating complex psychological dynamics.

    Mental health experts identify this generational characteristic as ‘contextualized failure assessment’ – the ability to recognize how external factors contribute to personal outcomes without completely absolving individual responsibility. This balanced approach allows for constructive criticism of systems while maintaining personal agency.

    The article draws from personal narrative illustrating this evolution: from dishwashing positions to editorial mastheads, demonstrating how perceived failures transformed into foundational experiences. This journey exemplifies Gen Z’s emerging paradigm where setbacks become data points rather than destiny determinants.

    Professional psychologists note this generation’s development of ‘productive resilience’ – building support networks and self-empathy practices that acknowledge systemic challenges while cultivating personal growth. This represents a significant departure from traditional ‘pull yourself up by bootstraps’ mentality, incorporating both structural awareness and personal accountability.

    Ultimately, Generation Z’s redefinition of failure may represent the most significant psychological adaptation to digital transformation, creating new frameworks for success measurement that acknowledge both personal effort and systemic realities in our interconnected world.

  • Arne Slot searches for positives as Liverpool drop points again

    Arne Slot searches for positives as Liverpool drop points again

    Liverpool’s concerning run of form persisted as they narrowly avoided a disastrous defeat against Sunderland, managing only a 1-1 draw in Wednesday’s Premier League clash. The match represented another setback for manager Arne Slot’s squad following their promising 2-0 victory over West Ham United just days earlier.

    Florian Wirtz’s deflected effort in the 81st minute ultimately rescued a point for the struggling champions, preventing what would have marked their tenth loss in fourteen competitive fixtures this season. The pattern of inconsistent performances continues to define Liverpool’s campaign, characterized by moments of progress followed by significant regression.

    Slot acknowledged the team’s persistent difficulties in his post-match comments, stating to BBC: ‘Repeatedly this season, we’ve conceded from limited opposition opportunities. While fortunate not to suffer defeat tonight—a scenario that would have resulted in loss in previous weeks—our inability to secure victory remains troubling.’

    The Dutch manager highlighted Liverpool’s fundamental deficiency in offensive effectiveness, noting: ‘After fourteen matches, our production from open play and set pieces remains insufficient.’ Statistical analysis supported Slot’s assessment, revealing Liverpool’s overwhelming possession dominance and pass completion rates more than doubling Sunderland’s, yet yielding minimal genuine scoring threats until Wirtz’s fortunate intervention.

    Slot elaborated to Sky Sports: ‘Similar to the West Ham match, we created limited opportunities while conceding few. The deflection goal against us exemplified misfortune, but ultimately we required luck when Alisson faced one-on-one situations.’

    The match nearly concluded in dramatic fashion during added time when Wilson Isidor bypassed goalkeeper Alisson Becker, only to see his goalbound effort miraculously cleared off the line by Federico Chiesa. Slot praised the defensive commitment: ‘That clearance demonstrates the absolute effort required—continuous effort ultimately prevented certain defeat.’

    The result leaves Liverpool seeking solutions to their scoring inefficiency and defensive vulnerabilities as they navigate a season increasingly defined by underperformance relative to expectations.

  • Dubai: Mountaineer, 64, scales Mount Gori Chen in Himalayas

    Dubai: Mountaineer, 64, scales Mount Gori Chen in Himalayas

    In an extraordinary demonstration of human resilience, 64-year-old Dubai resident and veteran mountaineer Jayesh Choksi has successfully summited Mount Gori Chen in the Eastern Himalayas. The challenging ascent to 6,488 meters (21,286 feet) near the contentious India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh represents another significant achievement in Choksi’s extensive climbing career spanning numerous global peaks.

    The December expedition carried symbolic significance beyond personal accomplishment. Choksi proudly planted the flag of Dubai-based Kanz Jewels at the summit, creating a powerful visual statement against the breathtaking Himalayan backdrop after days of strenuous climbing through difficult terrain and extreme altitude conditions.

    Reflecting on his achievement, Choksi offered an inspirational perspective: “Dreams don’t retire, they climb higher. At 64, I wanted to remind everyone that passion and courage can take you to unimaginable heights.” His accomplishment challenges conventional perceptions about age limitations and physical achievement.

    Anil Dhanak, Managing Director of Kanz Jewels, extended congratulations to the mountaineer, noting that Choksi’s triumph perfectly embodies the jewelry brand’s core values of resilience, ambition, and pushing beyond perceived limitations. The successful expedition serves as a metaphor for overcoming challenges regardless of age or circumstance.

    The ascent of Mount Gori Chen, while not among the world’s highest peaks, presents significant technical challenges and requires substantial mountaineering expertise, particularly given its remote location and proximity to sensitive border areas. Choksi’s accomplishment highlights the growing trend of older athletes continuing to pursue ambitious physical challenges and redefining expectations of aging.

  • As Trump hosts Congo and Rwanda’s leaders for peace deal, here’s what to know about the conflict

    As Trump hosts Congo and Rwanda’s leaders for peace deal, here’s what to know about the conflict

    In a significant diplomatic initiative, U.S. President Donald Trump convened the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda at the White House on Thursday to formalize a peace agreement addressing one of Africa’s most protracted conflicts. This high-stakes mediation effort seeks to resolve tensions that have persisted for over two decades in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern regions.

    The conflict, which traces its origins to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, has recently escalated with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group capturing strategic cities including Goma and Bukavu earlier this year. Despite previous mediation attempts by Qatar and the United States, ceasefire violations have continued with both M23 rebels and Congolese forces accusing each other of breaching agreements.

    At the heart of the dispute lies complex ethnic tensions between Hutu and Tutsi communities, with Rwanda alleging that Congo provides sanctuary to Hutu militias responsible for the genocide, while Congo accuses Rwanda of backing Tutsi-dominated M23 rebels under the pretext of protecting ethnic Tutsis. United Nations experts estimate approximately 6,500 M23 fighters currently operate in eastern Congo, with up to 4,000 Rwandan forces reportedly deployed in the region.

    The geopolitical significance of Congo’s mineral wealth adds considerable complexity to the conflict. As the world’s largest cobalt producer and a leading supplier of coltan—essential minerals for electric vehicles, electronics, and defense systems—the region’s resources have attracted international interest from both China and the United States. A recent UN report indicated Rwanda may be benefiting from fraudulently exported minerals from M23-controlled territories, though Rwandan authorities deny these allegations.

    Despite the region’s immense natural wealth, approximately 60% of Congo’s 100 million citizens live below the poverty line, with conflict over resources perpetuating instability. The Trump administration’s mediation reflects Washington’s strategic interest in securing critical mineral supplies amid growing competition with China, which currently dominates rare earth element processing.