Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Citi Developers unveils AMRA, the world’s first integrative wellness resort

    Citi Developers unveils AMRA, the world’s first integrative wellness resort

    UMM AL QUWAIN – Citi Developers has unveiled AMRA, a groundbreaking integrative wellness resort project positioned as the world’s first of its kind. Located within a rare Blue Carbon lagoon environment in Umm Al Quwain, this development represents a significant pivot for the developer from premium residential projects to holistic wellness hospitality.

    The resort spans three towers featuring 820 fully serviced residences specifically designed to promote mindful living and longevity. Unlike temporary wellness retreats, AMRA is conceived as a permanent lifestyle destination where every architectural and operational element intentionally incorporates wellness principles. The design leverages the neuroscience-backed ‘Blue Mind’ concept, utilizing uninterrupted sea views, water-centric architecture, and biophilic elements to foster mental clarity and human connection.

    CEO Zoraiz Malik announced the project marks the company’s strategic expansion into the resorts sector, stating: “AMRA represents our evolution from building homes to building holistic lifestyles. This project will serve as the foundation for AMRA Resorts as a standalone global brand.”

    The development partners include internationally recognized design firms 1508 London and Trush Design, alongside hospitality operators Valor Hospitality, Blue Coral Concept, and Eden Art Gallery. Amenities will encompass cryotherapy chambers, hydrotherapy pools, meditation decks, multiple wellness pavilions, and nutrient-focused dining concepts emphasizing organic, sustainably sourced cuisine.

    Adding celebrity endorsement, actor couple Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson have both invested in the project and front its global campaign. Jackson described the resort as “incredibly grounding,” while Westwick emphasized its “intentionality behind every detail.”

    From an investment perspective, AMRA offers a 70/30 payment plan with three years post-handover flexibility. The project is scheduled for completion in Q4 2028, with the development positioned as both a lifestyle destination and long-term financial opportunity.

  • Wall Street banks prepare for round-the-clock stock trading, reluctantly

    Wall Street banks prepare for round-the-clock stock trading, reluctantly

    A seismic shift toward continuous stock trading is transforming US financial markets, yet major Wall Street institutions are approaching this revolution with significant reservations. The impending reality of near-24-hour weekday trading, accelerated by regulatory changes and exchange initiatives, faces substantial resistance from banking giants concerned about operational risks and questionable returns.

    Nasdaq’s recent regulatory filing to enable 23-hour daily trading sessions represents the most concrete step toward nonstop markets, following NYSE Arca’s approved proposal for 22-hour trading. This structural transformation, targeted for full implementation by late 2026, responds to growing global investor demand for extended access to US markets but introduces complex challenges for market intermediaries.

    Senior executives from JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley express deep concerns regarding the multibillion-dollar infrastructure investments required. The necessity for enhanced risk management systems, overnight staffing, and technological upgrades presents substantial financial commitments without clear revenue projections. As one analyst noted, institutions perceive this primarily as an operational burden rather than a profit opportunity.

    Critical risk factors include potentially inadequate overnight liquidity, which could exacerbate volatility and widen bid-ask spreads during extended sessions. Bank of America’s Sonali Theisen emphasized the imperative for robust investor protections before market-wide implementation, highlighting concerns about managing market-moving events outside traditional hours.

    Proponents argue that extended hours will benefit international investors and improve market accessibility. Retail brokerage Robinhood anticipates full market participation within years, while Citadel Securities committed to meeting investor demand regardless of timing. However, skeptics question the immediate viability, with Citigroup’s Michael Masone projecting meaningful adoption might not materialize until 2027-2028.

    The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation’s parallel development of continuous clearing capabilities, combined with necessary updates to securities information processors, creates the technical foundation for this transformation. Industry projections suggest 1-10% of total equity volume could eventually migrate to extended sessions, potentially creating a multibillion-dollar segment—though not without overcoming substantial operational hurdles first.

  • ‘Jassi Weds Jassi’ premieres in Dubai to a packed house

    ‘Jassi Weds Jassi’ premieres in Dubai to a packed house

    Dubai’s Grand Cineplex at Grand Hyatt witnessed an enthusiastic reception for the international premiere of ‘Jassi Weds Jassi’ on December 11, 2025. The romantic comedy attracted a diverse audience that mirrored the city’s cosmopolitan character, with strong attendance from Indian, Pakistani, and Arab communities creating a vibrant celebratory atmosphere.

    Directed by Paran Bawa and produced through Divinity Studios by Soma Singh Deo and Mazahir Abbas, the film transports viewers to 1996 Haldwani (now in Uttarakhand) for a nostalgic romantic journey. The production features Harshvardhan Deo in the titular role alongside an accomplished ensemble cast including Ranvir Shorey, Sikandar Kher, Sudesh Lahiri, Grusha Kapoor, Manu Rishi Chaddha, and Rehmat Rattan.

    The narrative centers on Jaspreet (Jassi), an incurable romantic who firmly believes in destined love. His world undergoes delightful chaos when he develops feelings for Jasmeet (Rehmat Rattan), only to encounter an unexpected romantic rival named Jaswinder (Sikandar Kher), who also goes by Jassi. This coincidence sets in motion a chain of comedic misunderstandings, heartfelt emotions, and romantic entanglements, all infused with authentic Punjabi cultural elements.

    Director Paran Bawa characterized the film as ‘pure madness in the best way possible,’ emphasizing its celebration of love, emotional depth, and energetic chaos. Producer Mazahir Abbas stated their objective was to deliver a wholesome, family-oriented cinematic experience designed to maintain audience engagement and smiles throughout. Lead actor Harshvardhan Deo described his portrayal of Jassi as particularly enjoyable, noting the character’s endearing qualities as an innocent dreamer motivated by love, playful mischief, and natural charm.

    The film has commenced theatrical screenings across UAE cinemas, offering audiences a lighthearted escape into romantic comedy grounded in cultural specificity and universal emotions.

  • First EU airline flight in 35 years lands in Baghdad today

    First EU airline flight in 35 years lands in Baghdad today

    In a landmark development for Iraqi aviation, Greece’s Aegean Airlines successfully landed at Baghdad International Airport on Tuesday, marking the first scheduled European carrier arrival in 35 years. The historic flight signifies a major step in Iraq’s reintegration into international air travel networks following decades of isolation due to security concerns.

    The newly established Baghdad-Athens route will initially operate with two weekly flights, with Iraqi transport officials indicating potential expansion based on passenger demand. This aviation breakthrough represents what the Iraqi Transport Ministry described as “Iraq’s return to the European aviation map” and heralds “a new phase of recovery for Iraq’s aviation sector.”

    European airlines ceased direct flights to Baghdad in the early 1990s following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait and subsequent international sanctions. The security situation further deteriorated after the 2003 US-led invasion, which triggered extended periods of civil conflict, sectarian violence, and jihadist activity that made commercial aviation operations untenable.

    The Greek carrier had previously demonstrated confidence in Iraq’s northern region by initiating flights to Erbil, capital of the relatively stable autonomous Kurdistan region. This strategic expansion southward to Baghdad suggests growing international confidence in Iraq’s improving security conditions and economic potential.

    Aviation analysts note that restored European air connections could significantly boost business travel, diplomatic exchanges, and economic development opportunities for Iraq as it continues to rebuild infrastructure and international relationships after years of conflict and isolation.

  • Wuxi Winter Bazaar creates cross-cultural gathering

    Wuxi Winter Bazaar creates cross-cultural gathering

    The 2025 Winter Bazaar at Erquan Square in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, transformed into a vibrant international marketplace on December 14th. This cultural extravaganza featured merchants from diverse global backgrounds showcasing their nations’ distinctive culinary specialties and artisanal crafts. The event successfully bridged cultural divides by creating an immersive environment where international visitors and local residents could interact through shared appreciation of global traditions. The bazaar’s strategic timing during the winter season provided both seasonal shopping opportunities and cultural enrichment. The convergence of international vendors and local attendees demonstrated how commerce can serve as a vehicle for cross-cultural understanding and community building. The event’s organization highlighted Wuxi’s growing role as a hub for international cultural exchange within the Yangtze River Delta region. Visitors experienced a microcosm of global culture through direct engagement with authentic international products and personal interactions with vendors representing their home countries’ traditions.

  • University hall symbol of China-Bangladesh cooperation: Ambassador Yao

    University hall symbol of China-Bangladesh cooperation: Ambassador Yao

    In a significant demonstration of bilateral cooperation, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan conducted a joint inspection of the proposed China-Bangladesh Friendship Residential Hall on December 15. The diplomatic and academic leaders were accompanied by a specialized team of Chinese experts during their assessment of the upcoming facility.

    Ambassador Yao announced during a press briefing that construction is scheduled to commence within the first half of the coming year, marking a tangible advancement in the educational collaboration between the two nations. The residential complex represents a strategic investment in Bangladesh’s educational infrastructure with particular focus on supporting women’s access to higher education.

    Professor Khan expressed profound appreciation for China’s sustained support within Bangladesh’s education sector, characterizing the project as a foundational platform for enhanced cooperation in talent development, scientific research partnerships, and cross-cultural youth exchanges. He emphasized the hall’s role in perpetuating Sino-Bangladeshi friendship across generations.

    Ambassador Yao highlighted educational collaboration as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, describing the student-centered initiative as part of a broader women-focused livelihood program. The project is envisioned as a model for future Sino-Bangladeshi educational partnerships.

    According to reports from Bangladesh’s Daily Star citing the university’s Public Relations Office, the completed facility will provide accommodation for approximately 1,500 female students, addressing critical infrastructure needs while strengthening people-to-people connections between China and Bangladesh.

  • Massive sauropod discovered in Chongqing

    Massive sauropod discovered in Chongqing

    Paleontologists have identified a colossal new dinosaur species that roamed the terrain of present-day Chongqing approximately 160 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period. The monumental discovery, formally classified as Mamenchisaurus sanjiangensis, was detailed in a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports.

    The fossilized remains were originally unearthed in 2015 within Chongqing’s Hechuan district, a region situated at the convergence of the Jialing, Fujiang, and Qujiang rivers—a geographic feature that inspired the species’ nomenclature. With an estimated body length reaching 24 meters, comparable to the dimensions of a modern blue whale, this sauropod represents one of the most substantial dinosaur specimens ever recovered from the municipality.

    Research led by Dai Hui of the Chongqing Institute of Paleontology revealed that although the newly identified species shares close phylogenetic relationships with Mamenchisaurus hochuanensis, meticulous analysis of skeletal structures confirmed its distinct taxonomic status. The remarkably preserved fossil assemblage includes an extensive series of cervical, dorsal, and caudal vertebrae, alongside pelvic elements and portions of the left limb.

    This significant paleontological breakthrough emerged from the Upper Shaximiao Formation, a stratigraphic layer renowned for yielding numerous iconic Chinese dinosaur discoveries. The excavation and subsequent analysis mark a substantial advancement in Chongqing’s paleontological capabilities, providing crucial insights into sauropod diversification across East Asia during the Jurassic era. Mamenchisaurus sanjiangensis constitutes the eleventh novel dinosaur species identified in China throughout 2024, elevating Chongqing’s confirmed dinosaur species tally to fifteen.

  • Look: Overcast skies in Sharjah as unstable weather continues in UAE

    Look: Overcast skies in Sharjah as unstable weather continues in UAE

    Sharjah, UAE – December 16, 2025 – The United Arab Emirates continues to experience a period of meteorological instability, with Sharjah notably witnessing consistently overcast skies. The persistent cloud cover and unstable atmospheric conditions have become a defining feature of the region’s weather pattern this week.

    Meteorological analysts attribute this prolonged period of instability to a convergence of regional climatic factors, including shifting wind patterns and unusual pressure systems affecting the Arabian Peninsula. While the UAE typically experiences predominantly sunny weather, such extended periods of cloud cover during December represent a notable deviation from seasonal norms.

    Local authorities have maintained weather advisories, recommending residents and visitors stay informed about developing conditions. The National Center of Meteorology continues to monitor atmospheric developments closely, providing regular updates through official channels.

    The visual landscape of Sharjah has been transformed by the extensive cloud formations, creating dramatic skyscapes that have attracted photographic interest among residents and weather enthusiasts alike. The continued instability serves as a reminder of the dynamic and evolving nature of regional climate patterns in the Gulf region.

  • UAE plastic ban 2026: Phase 2 targets single-use cutlery, bags, containers from January

    UAE plastic ban 2026: Phase 2 targets single-use cutlery, bags, containers from January

    The United Arab Emirates is intensifying its war on plastic pollution with the implementation of Phase Two of its comprehensive plastic ban, scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) formally announced this significant environmental policy expansion on December 16, 2025.

    This forthcoming phase substantially widens the scope of prohibited items, targeting an extensive array of single-use consumer products that contribute significantly to environmental degradation. The ban will comprehensively restrict the import, manufacturing, and commercial trade of beverage cups and their lids; all forms of cutlery including spoons, forks, knives, and chopsticks; disposable plates; drinking straws; beverage stirrers; and food containers manufactured from Styrofoam materials.

    Concurrently, the legislation imposes stringent regulations on single-use bags, applying to all constituent materials including paper, with a specific thickness threshold of 50 microns. Bags falling below this micron measurement will be prohibited from circulation within the UAE market.

    The policy framework incorporates strategically designed exemptions to balance environmental objectives with practical economic considerations. Products manufactured explicitly for export markets are permitted, provided they are clearly labeled for international distribution and remain outside domestic circulation. In a move to bolster local sustainability initiatives, items produced from recycled materials within the UAE receive exemption status, effectively supporting and stimulating the national recycling industry.

    Additional exemptions maintain practicality for essential services, including medicine bags, refuse collection bags, very thin plastic wrapping necessary for fresh food preservation (meat, vegetables, bread), and substantial shopping bags designed for clothing, electronics, and toy retailers.

    MOCCAE has issued a formal appeal to all commercial establishments, retail markets, and supply chain stakeholders to ensure full compliance with the new regulations. The ministry emphasizes the critical role of private sector cooperation in achieving the nation’s ambitious environmental protection goals and advancing sustainable development objectives.

    This second phase builds upon the foundational measures implemented on January 1, 2024, when Phase One initially prohibited the import, manufacture, and trade of all single-use plastic shopping bags, including those marketed as biodegradable. The sequential implementation demonstrates the UAE’s methodical approach to environmental policy transformation.

  • UAE: Fire erupts in Sharjah Industrial Area, eyewitnesses report

    UAE: Fire erupts in Sharjah Industrial Area, eyewitnesses report

    A significant industrial fire broke out in Sharjah’s Industrial Area 6 on Tuesday afternoon, December 16, 2025, sending massive plumes of dark smoke billowing across the commercial district. The blaze, which ignited shortly after 2:00 PM local time, rapidly engulfed a large warehouse facility, with intense flames visible from considerable distances and audible cracking sounds echoing throughout the industrial complex.

    Eyewitness accounts and video evidence captured by nearby workers revealed a scene of organized chaos as employees attempted to salvage materials and personal belongings from adjacent warehouses threatened by the spreading flames. Despite the dramatic nature of the emergency, witnesses reported maintained composure among workers, with no visible signs of panic despite the proximity of the advancing fire.

    Emergency services responded promptly to the incident, with multiple firefighting units deployed to the location. Preliminary reports indicate at least five fire trucks were dispatched to combat the blaze and prevent its spread to neighboring facilities. The rapid response from Sharjah’s civil defense teams appeared to contain the situation effectively, though official damage assessments and cause investigations remain ongoing.

    The incident occurred during peak business hours, forcing workers to abruptly abandon their regular tasks to address the emergency. Industrial operations in the immediate vicinity were temporarily suspended as safety precautions were implemented throughout the affected area. The event highlights the ongoing fire safety challenges faced by industrial zones containing combustible materials and high-density storage facilities.