Global Pulse

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  • Explained: Why UAE residents will get 4-day Eid Al Fitr break this year

    Explained: Why UAE residents will get 4-day Eid Al Fitr break this year

    The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed the commencement of Ramadan on February 18, 2026, setting the stage for a significant four-day Eid Al Fitr holiday period that residents are eagerly anticipating. According to the UAE public holiday calendar, the break will encompass Shawwal 1 to 3, with the exact dates contingent upon the official sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.

    Astronomical calculations indicate two potential scenarios for the holiday period. If the crescent moon is sighted on March 18 (the 29th day of Ramadan), Eid celebrations will begin on March 19, resulting in a four-day break extending through March 22. Should the crescent not be visible on March 18, requiring a full 30-day Ramadan, Eid will commence on March 20, yet residents will still receive a four-day holiday thanks to a UAE Cabinet resolution that designates the 30th day of Ramadan as an official holiday when the month completes its full cycle.

    Strategic planning enables residents to maximize this holiday period. By utilizing annual leave from March 16-19, employees can potentially enjoy a nine-day continuous break from March 14 through March 22, incorporating both weekends and the official Eid holidays.

    The anticipation of the extended break is already influencing commercial activities across the Emirates. Tailors have ceased accepting new orders for traditional Eid outfits due to high demand, while retailers are actively restocking shelves in preparation for the festive season. This period of spiritual reflection and fasting gradually transitions into widespread celebration throughout UAE communities, with early signs of festive preparations emerging well before the official moon sighting.

  • Shipfinex FZCO secures IPA from VARA for virtual asset Broker-Dealer Licence

    Shipfinex FZCO secures IPA from VARA for virtual asset Broker-Dealer Licence

    Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has granted In-Principle Approval (IPA) to Shipfinex FZCO for a Broker-Dealer licence, marking a transformative development in maritime finance. The digital platform, dedicated to democratizing access to the maritime economy, has successfully met VARA’s stringent preliminary requirements for compliance, security, and operational capabilities.

    This regulatory milestone accelerates Shipfinex’s mission to revolutionize ship ownership through fractional investment opportunities. By leveraging Distributed Ledger Technology, the company tokenizes maritime assets into Maritime Asset Tokens (MAT), enabling both individual and institutional investors to purchase fractional ownership rights in vessels—an asset class historically dominated by large institutional funds.

    Capt Vikas Pandey, founder and CEO, emphasized the significance of VARA’s endorsement: “This approval validates our commitment to establishing a fully regulated, secure, and transparent ecosystem for shipping finance. Dubai’s emergence as a global virtual asset hub aligns perfectly with our operational standards and investor protection protocols.”

    Vivek Seth, Chairman of Shipfinex, highlighted the industry’s transformation: “While maritime remains a cornerstone of global commerce, its financial structures have stagnated for decades. This approval signifies the successful integration of traditional shipping reliability with digital economy efficiency.”

    CFO Dipak Karki characterized the development as “an evolutionary step for ship finance” that enhances both debt and equity markets through technological innovation. The platform will provide a transparent marketplace for shared vessel ownership, now backed by world-class regulatory validation.

    Shipfinex will now advance toward fulfilling remaining conditions to obtain full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licensing, promising investors a seamless, governed environment for maritime asset participation with complete security and transparency.

  • Is dopamine fasting key to doomscrolling and online addiction?

    Is dopamine fasting key to doomscrolling and online addiction?

    In an era of endless digital stimulation, a Dubai-based entrepreneur’s personal revelation highlights the neurological realities behind compulsive scrolling and impulse behaviors. Elissa, a 43-year-old expat mother of three, discovered her seemingly harmless phone habits were fundamentally altering her brain chemistry and emotional state.

    The turning point came when her youngest son observed that she appeared consistently angry when offline but smiled continuously during screen time. This prompted professional consultation that revealed her ‘me-time’ scrolling sessions were actually overstimulating her brain’s reward system through constant micro-releases of dopamine—the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and motivation.

    Contrary to popular psychology trends that villainize dopamine, specialists clarify this neurotransmitter isn’t inherently negative. Dr. Rajasekaran, a specialist psychiatrist at OPENMINDS Centre for Psychiatry, Counselling and Neuroscience, explains: ‘Dopamine is critical for motivation, cognition, and mood regulation. The issue emerges when modern stimuli—social media notifications, abundant entertainment options, and accessible pleasures—constantly trigger phasic dopamine releases.’

    This continuous high-intensity stimulation desensitizes dopamine receptors, making ordinary experiences feel less rewarding and creating cycles of compulsive behavior. The solution, however, isn’t the social media-popularized concept of ‘dopamine fasting’—a misleading term suggesting complete abstinence from dopamine-producing activities.

    Instead, experts recommend recalibrating the brain’s reward system through balanced activities that promote tonic dopamine release: steady-state pursuits like reading, exercise, or creative endeavors. Elissa’s successful intervention involved replacing scrolling with evening walks and reading, resulting in improved mood and presence that even her children noticed.

    The clinical approach focuses on restoring neurological sensitivity rather than eliminating dopamine itself. By reducing high-intensity stimulation, the brain gradually regains its ability to find satisfaction in everyday experiences, improving focus, emotional regulation, and overall mental wellness without resorting to extreme restrictions.

  • Travel: What to see and visit in Switzerland apart from the Alps

    Travel: What to see and visit in Switzerland apart from the Alps

    While Switzerland’s Alpine landscapes draw millions annually, the country conceals remarkable cultural treasures beyond its famous peaks. With over 23 million visitors each year, most concentrate on mainstream destinations, yet these five lesser-known locations offer profound historical and architectural experiences.

    Murten (Morat): This medieval jewel in the Fribourg region presents impeccably preserved fortifications dating to 515 AD. Visitors can walk ancient ramparts constructed from gravel, tuff, and sandstone, offering panoramic views of Lake Murten. The town features a meticulously restored 1816 tower clock, Gothic architecture, and picturesque lakeside settings. Nearby Vully vineyards provide additional old-world charm.

    Saint-Ursanne: Nestled along the Doubs River in the Jura canton, this town legendarily founded by Irish monk Ursicinus features a central fountain monument to its patron saint. Designated the ‘Pearl of Jura,’ its heritage includes medieval churches, a dedicated hermitage, and the historically significant 1565 Tithing House with its remarkable staircase and updated 1788 interior features.

    Neuchatel: As the epicenter of Swiss watchmaking, this western capital blends technological innovation with medieval architecture. The old town contains the 12th-century Neuenburg Castle (now cantonal offices), a collegiate church, and the distinctive late-19th-century Red Church (Basilica of Our Lady). Weekend farmers markets showcase regional produce and specialties.

    Guarda: At 1,650 meters altitude in eastern Engadine, this unique village features decorative façade graffiti on well-preserved Engadine houses. With only 160 residents, its cobbled streets lead to the Schellen-Ursli Museum, inspired by Alois Carigiet’s 1945 children’s book, displaying period artifacts and vintage furnishings.

    Olten: Located 75km from Zurich along the Aare River, this Renaissance architecture showcase features half-timbered houses and the reconstructed 1803 wooden bridge originally built in 1295. The Haus Der Museen complex presents natural history, local archaeology, and regional development exhibits, while the Aare Gorge offers spectacular geological formations with accessible pathways.

  • Michelle Yeoh gets Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition

    Michelle Yeoh gets Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition

    Acclaimed actress Michelle Yeoh, celebrated for her groundbreaking roles in international cinema, was formally honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 18, 2026. The Malaysian-born performer, whose career spans decades and genres, received this prestigious recognition for her exceptional contributions to the global film industry.

    During the emotional ceremony, Yeoh reflected on her unconventional journey from Malaysia to Hollywood stardom, acknowledging moments of self-doubt about her place in the industry. “The path from Malaysia to here wasn’t a straight line,” she confessed to attendees. “There were moments that I wondered if I belonged.”

    The Oscar-winning actress credited her enduring success to participating in transformative projects that resonate across cultural boundaries. “I was fortunate to be part of stories that crossed borders and languages,” Yeoh stated. “Stories that reminded us how deeply connected we all are.”

    Yeoh’s filmography includes landmark works such as ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,’ which brought wuxia cinema to Western audiences, her role as Wai Lin in the James Bond film ‘Tomorrow Never Dies,’ and her Academy Award-winning performance in the multiverse adventure ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once.’ Her career represents a bridge between Eastern and Western cinematic traditions, demonstrating the universal appeal of compelling storytelling.

    The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce selected Yeoh for this honor recognizing both her artistic excellence and her role in advancing representation in global cinema. The star placement coincides with Yeoh’s continued involvement in major film projects, maintaining her status as one of the industry’s most respected international performers.

  • Financial support with a festive upside as CashNow launches rewards campaign

    Financial support with a festive upside as CashNow launches rewards campaign

    In response to shifting financial patterns during Ramadan, digital lending platform CashNow has launched a limited-time promotional campaign combining short-term liquidity solutions with festive incentives. The initiative addresses the seasonal compression of expenses that characterizes this period, when multiple financial obligations converge despite regular income schedules.

    The Festive Rewards program automatically enrolls loan applicants in a raffle system offering potential multipliers on borrowed amounts. Participants can receive refunds of 2x, 4x, or even 10x their loan value through a transparent drawing mechanism. This supplementary incentive attaches to CashNow’s core service of providing immediate digital loans up to Dh5,000 with minimal documentation requirements.

    Financial experts note that Ramadan typically creates distinctive cash flow challenges for households, characterized not by long-term affordability issues but by temporary timing mismatches between income and expense cycles. The digital micro-loan model specifically targets these short-term liquidity gaps without positioning itself as a long-term financing solution.

    The platform maintains its operational framework of transferring approved amounts directly to users’ digital wallets, emphasizing both accessibility and security. The raffle structure is explicitly designed as opportunity-based rather than guaranteed, maintaining realistic expectations while adding potential value for users already considering short-term financial support.

    This dual approach of addressing immediate liquidity needs while incorporating seasonal rewards reflects evolving trends in digital financial services during periodsof increased financial activity. The campaign runs throughout the Ramadan season, aligning with traditional patterns of elevated household spending and financial transfers.

  • Gargash Group partners with Adyen to drive next-level payment innovation

    Gargash Group partners with Adyen to drive next-level payment innovation

    In a significant move to accelerate its digital transformation journey, UAE-based conglomerate Gargash Group has entered into a strategic partnership with global financial technology leader Adyen. The collaboration was formally established during a signing ceremony at the Mercedes-Benz Brand Center in Dubai Design District, marking a pivotal step in the Group’s commitment to technological advancement and customer experience enhancement.

    The implementation phase has commenced with the deployment of Adyen’s unified payment platform across Sixt UAE operations, a key entity within the Gargash portfolio. This integrated system enables seamless payment processing through multiple channels including online, physical stores, and mobile interfaces. The comprehensive solution handles diverse transaction types from deposits and pre-authorizations to refunds, chargebacks, and toll payments within a single centralized framework.

    Early results demonstrate substantial operational improvements, particularly in reducing manual processing requirements and enhancing reconciliation accuracy. The platform’s 360-degree transaction visibility has significantly strengthened data integrity, audit controls, and organizational transparency.

    Walid Hizaoui, Group Chief Strategy Officer at Gargash Group, emphasized the strategic nature of this initiative: “Our collaboration with Adyen represents a deliberate advancement in our digital transformation agenda, focusing on operational efficiency through automation, robust systems, and scalable data integrity. This partnership accelerates our AI and digital capabilities while building future-ready operations across the organization.”

    Daumantas Grigaravicius, Head of Middle East at Adyen, highlighted the benefits: “By consolidating complex payment processes onto a unified platform, we’re reducing friction, enhancing control, and creating smoother experiences for both customers and operational teams.”

    The partnership aligns with Gargash Group’s broader commitment to governance, sustainable partnerships, Emiratisation, digital enablement, and community engagement. This technological integration supports the UAE’s national objectives for sustainable economic development, positioning the Group as a forward-looking enterprise dedicated to creating lasting value for stakeholders and the wider community.

  • In Photos: Priyanka Chopra stuns in a saree-inspired gown at ‘The Bluff’ premiere

    In Photos: Priyanka Chopra stuns in a saree-inspired gown at ‘The Bluff’ premiere

    Global entertainment icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas commanded attention at the Australian premiere of her latest cinematic venture, ‘The Bluff,’ delivering a masterclass in sartorial elegance that celebrated her cultural heritage. The February 19, 2026, event witnessed the actress-producer gracing the red carpet in an exquisitely crafted gown that artfully reinterpreted the traditional Indian saree through contemporary haute couture.

    The custom-designed ensemble seamlessly blended Eastern and Western aesthetics, featuring intricate draping techniques reminiscent of classic saree styling while incorporating modern structural elements. Chopra’s fashion choice, characterized by its sophisticated silhouette and premium fabric selection, demonstrated her consistent ability to utilize high-profile appearances as platforms for cultural representation and fashion innovation.

    Complementing her dramatic attire with refined jewelry and polished styling, the multi-hyphenate entertainer engaged enthusiastically with media representatives and admirers, radiating confidence throughout the proceedings. Her appearance generated substantial social media engagement, with fashion commentators and cultural observers applauding her thoughtful sartorial narrative.

    The premiere event also served as a strategic promotional platform for ‘The Bluff,’ an anticipated production that showcases Chopra’s continued expansion within the international entertainment landscape. Industry analysts noted the significance of her sustained global influence, bridging diverse entertainment markets while maintaining strong connections to her cultural origins through deliberate stylistic choices.

  • Ramadan fatigue? Your gut may be the reason

    Ramadan fatigue? Your gut may be the reason

    As Ramadan progresses beyond its initial days, many fasting individuals encounter a puzzling phenomenon: instead of experiencing renewed energy after Iftar, they face pronounced fatigue, bloating, and discomfort. Nutrition science now reveals that these symptoms originate not from fasting itself but from underlying digestive system imbalances that the fasting period exposes.

    The human gut microbiota, comprising trillions of beneficial bacteria, plays a crucial role in nutrient extraction, vitamin production, and immune defense coordination. Remarkably, approximately 70% of the body’s immune functionality connects directly to gut health. When this microbial equilibrium becomes disrupted, the body manifests various symptoms including acidity, constipation, low energy, and increased susceptibility to illness.

    During fasting hours, the digestive system undergoes a beneficial cleansing process, clearing residual food particles and excess bacteria. The challenge typically emerges at Iftar when individuals frequently consume large quantities of comfort foods rapidly, particularly fried items, sweets, and sugary beverages. This abrupt dietary onslaught overwhelms the digestive system, triggering fermentation processes that produce gas, inflammation, and that characteristic heavy, sleepy sensation.

    The post-Iftar fatigue stems not from nutritional deficiency but from the enormous metabolic effort required for digestion. Efficient energy production depends significantly on optimal nutrient absorption facilitated by beneficial gut bacteria. When these microorganisms are diminished, absorption of critical nutrients like iron and B-vitamins declines, resulting in persistent fatigue despite adequate food intake.

    Fasting inherently provides an opportunity to reset the gut environment, but achieving balance requires conscious dietary support. Nutrition experts emphasize breaking fasts gradually with dates and water, beginning with light soups, and avoiding excessive consumption during the initial hour. Incorporating vegetables, fruits, and probiotic-rich fermented dairy products supports microbial health. For Suhoor, recommendations include whole grains, proteins, and adequate hydration.

    Additionally, the increased illness incidence during Ramadan frequently connects to dehydration, sleep disruption, and high sugar consumption compounded by gut imbalance rather than fasting itself. Since immune cells maintain close communication with gut bacteria, enhancing digestive health directly strengthens natural defense mechanisms.

    Ramadan represents both a spiritual reset and a biological opportunity. When fasting combines with mindful eating practices and gut microbiome support, many individuals report improved mental clarity, sustained energy levels, and enhanced digestive comfort throughout the holy month.

  • Al Maya: Honouring the sacred traditions

    Al Maya: Honouring the sacred traditions

    As the UAE transitions into the sacred month of Ramadan, Al Maya Group demonstrates how four decades of community integration have shaped its distinctive approach to seasonal retail. The homegrown supermarket chain, established in the 1980s, has evolved beyond conventional grocery services to become an institution deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Emirati society.

    During Ramadan, Al Maya’s operational transformation becomes particularly evident. Stores undergo comprehensive merchandising shifts, prioritizing essential ingredients that define traditional Suhoor and Iftar meals. Shelves prominently feature dates, lentils, rice, fresh fruits, and specialty beverages that cater to the fasting period’s nutritional needs. The retailer’s product assortment consciously reflects the UAE’s multicultural demographics, offering diverse regional specialties that enable various ethnic communities to maintain their culinary traditions.

    The shopping environment undergoes deliberate recalibration to align with Ramadan’s distinctive rhythm. Store layouts emphasize accessibility and purposeful navigation rather than impulsive purchasing, creating a calm atmosphere conducive to family shopping expeditions. Display strategies focus on meal preparation and hospitality essentials, mirroring the month’s emphasis on gathering and shared nourishment.

    Kamal Vachani, Deputy CEO and Group Director at Al Maya Group, emphasizes the philosophical underpinnings of their approach: “Ramadan fundamentally reinforces our organizational ethos of compassion, generosity, and communal solidarity. We perceive our role as enabling family preparations while serving as a dependable community partner throughout the holy month.”

    The supermarket’s significance transcends commercial transactions, functioning as an informal community nexus where daily shopping rituals intersect with cultural traditions. This longstanding presence in residential neighborhoods fosters continuity and familiarity during a period when households prioritize traditional practices and collective gatherings.