Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • UAE, India, Saudi drive global airline growth with aircraft orders, passenger demand

    UAE, India, Saudi drive global airline growth with aircraft orders, passenger demand

    The global aviation sector is witnessing a dramatic geographical shift in growth dynamics, with the United Arab Emirates, India, and Saudi Arabia emerging as the industry’s primary engines of expansion. According to forecasts from aviation lessor Avolon, airlines are projected to achieve approximately $41 billion in profits during 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of profitability and signaling a complete departure from the pandemic-induced downturn.

    The scale of ambition in these regions is unprecedented. Collectively, these three nations have placed aircraft orders exceeding 3,000 planes—more than double their current active fleets—with approximately 900 deliveries scheduled within the next three years. This massive investment reflects both booming passenger demand and strategic national initiatives centered on tourism development and enhanced global connectivity.

    India’s aviation market stands out as one of the world’s fastest growing, having secured the position as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally. Indian carriers transport over 150 million passengers annually and have placed record orders for more than 1,300 aircraft, led by major carriers IndiGo and Air India. The International Air Transport Association projects sustained annual passenger traffic growth exceeding 6% through 2030, significantly outpacing global averages.

    The UAE maintains its dominance as the region’s premier international hub. Dubai International Airport processed nearly 90 million passengers in 2024, retaining its status as the world’s busiest airport for international travel. Abu Dhabi has simultaneously doubled terminal capacity at Zayed International Airport. Emirates and Etihad Airways collectively operate one of the planet’s largest widebody fleets, with over 500 additional aircraft on order.

    Saudi Arabia is pursuing one of the most aggressive aviation expansions globally under its Vision 2030 framework. The Kingdom aims to triple annual passenger numbers to surpass 330 million by 2030. This ambitious plan includes the establishment of new national carrier Riyadh Air, substantial fleet expansions at Saudia, and the development of King Salman International Airport designed to handle up to 120 million passengers annually.

    Despite favorable conditions including reduced fuel prices—which saved the industry approximately $8 billion in 2025—significant supply constraints present challenges. Order backlogs at manufacturing giants Airbus and Boeing now extend beyond 11 years, creating intense competition for delivery slots and driving lease rates higher. Widebody aircraft are experiencing particularly severe shortages as international routes drive most global capacity growth.

    The industry’s financial requirements are substantial, with global aircraft deliveries expected to reach $120 billion in value during 2026—a 20% increase from the previous year. Aviation lessors are projected to finance nearly half of these purchases, playing a crucial role in enabling fleet modernization and the transition to more fuel-efficient aircraft.

    With traditional Western markets reaching maturity, industry leadership increasingly recognizes that the coming decade of aviation growth will be fundamentally shaped by developments in the Gulf and South Asia regions, where massive infrastructure investments and government-backed aviation strategies are repositioning these nations at the center of the industry’s next expansion cycle.

  • Ex-Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte to face ICC hearing on February 23: Court

    Ex-Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte to face ICC hearing on February 23: Court

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially scheduled a pivotal hearing for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, commencing on February 23. This decision, handed down by ICC judges on Monday, dismisses defense claims regarding the 80-year-old former leader’s purported unfitness to participate in the proceedings.

    The upcoming session constitutes a ‘confirmation of charges’ hearing, a critical juncture in international law where the judicial panel will evaluate the sufficiency of evidence to advance the case to a full trial. ICC prosecutors have formally indicted Duterte on three distinct counts of crimes against humanity. The charges stem from his administration’s controversial anti-narcotics campaign, with prosecutors alleging his direct involvement in a minimum of 76 extrajudicial killings.

    This legal development represents a significant escalation in the international community’s scrutiny of Duterte’s ‘war on drugs,’ which drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations during his presidency. The hearing will determine whether the prosecution has established substantial grounds to believe Duterte committed the alleged crimes, potentially paving the way for the first trial of a former Southeast Asian head of state by the ICC.

    The case underscores ongoing tensions between national sovereignty and international justice mechanisms, particularly as the Philippines has withdrawn from the Rome Statute that established the ICC. Nevertheless, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed during the nation’s membership period.

  • Unrwa HQ in East Jerusalem set on fire after Israeli demolition

    Unrwa HQ in East Jerusalem set on fire after Israeli demolition

    The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has issued a strong condemnation following a suspected arson attack targeting its headquarters in occupied Jerusalem. This incident occurred merely days after Israeli authorities demolished the same facility, marking a significant escalation in hostilities against the UN body.

    Israeli media outlets reported that emergency services deployed eight firefighting units to the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood overnight to combat the blaze. Preliminary assessments indicate no immediate casualties, with investigations underway to determine the fire’s precise origin and cause.

    UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini responded vehemently via social media platform X, declaring the attack demonstrates ‘there are no limits to the defiance of the United Nations & international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.’ He characterized the destruction as part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle Palestinian refugee status and erase their historical narrative, emphasizing that refugee matters require political solutions rather than criminal acts.

    This fire follows Tuesday’s demolition of the UN compound by Israeli forces under the leadership of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The complex had been seized previously following Israeli legislation banning UNRWA operations. The agency serves as a critical humanitarian provider for approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, delivering essential services including education, nutrition, healthcare, and fuel distribution. Its potential closure threatens catastrophic collapse of vital support systems.

    Israel’s longstanding hostility toward UNRWA stems from the agency’s maintenance of refugee status for Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Nakba and their descendants. The conflict has turned deadly, with over 380 UNRWA employees killed during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly cautioned Israel that its actions violate international legal protections afforded to UN operations. In a January 8 correspondence to the General Assembly president, Guterres suggested potential recourse through the International Court of Justice, citing breaches of the 1946 Convention on UN Privileges and Immunities. He explicitly affirmed the inviolability of UN premises and condemned Israel’s interference as a clear violation of its international obligations.

  • Tired even before you open emails on Monday? Why traffic stress is ‘overloading’ UAE workers

    Tired even before you open emails on Monday? Why traffic stress is ‘overloading’ UAE workers

    Workplace wellness experts in the United Arab Emirates are calling for a fundamental rethinking of Monday work structures as new evidence reveals how traffic-related stress creates a productivity deficit before employees even reach their offices. Psychological and HR professionals indicate that the cumulative effect of stressful weekly commutes may be quietly driving workforce burnout across the Emirates.

    Clinical psychologist Fedaa Hasan of Aspris by Alkalma emphasizes that Mondays should function as ‘transition days’ rather than ‘pressure days’ for optimal performance. ‘When people start the week calmly, they perform better for the rest of it,’ Hasan notes, highlighting how the mental overload from congested commutes directly impacts workplace effectiveness.

    The scale of the problem is quantified in recent hiring trend analyses from Robert Walters, which reveals a significant disconnect: while 53% of employees acknowledge Mondays as highly valuable workdays, 62% actively avoid office commutes on that day. The primary deterrent isn’t work pressure itself but the stress associated with transportation logistics.

    Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, has documented a growing acceptance of flexible work arrangements among private companies. Their 2024 joint study demonstrated that adjusted start times and limited remote options could substantially alleviate peak-hour congestion on major thoroughfares including Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.

    HR directors report that the issue transcends mere distance. Suzanne Gandy, HR Director at Bayut and dubizzle, explains: ‘Regardless of distance, sitting in slow or congested traffic on Monday mornings proves mentally draining. Employees frequently arrive already feeling overloaded.’ The problem intensifies for working parents who simultaneously navigate school drop-offs during identical rush hours.

    Rehna Shajahan, Talent Acquisition Lead at Azizi Developments, observes that extended commutes from areas like Sharjah or Ajman to commercial centers often leave employees ‘physically present but mentally exhausted,’ undermining the collaborative benefits that office attendance is meant to foster.

    Psychological analysis indicates that Monday commutes trigger heightened stress responses as the body shifts from weekend recovery to workweek demands. This physiological reaction diminishes patience, concentration, and decision-making capacity throughout the day.

    While remote work presents a partial solution, HR leaders caution that it isn’t universally applicable. The emerging consensus favors tailored flexibility—whether through staggered arrivals, reduced early-day meeting pressures, or selective remote options—that preserves team cohesion while protecting employee wellbeing.

    Experts warn that without intervention, the repetitive cycle of Monday stress creates cumulative damage that may eventually manifest as widespread disengagement, reduced motivation, and clinical burnout across the UAE workforce.

  • Telecom fraud losses fall in Beijing as police step up crackdown

    Telecom fraud losses fall in Beijing as police step up crackdown

    Beijing has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in combating telecom fraud, with official data revealing a substantial reduction in financial losses alongside increased enforcement actions throughout 2025. The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau announced these results on Monday, highlighting a multi-faceted strategy that has positioned the city as a national leader in fraud prevention.

    According to Li Xiaoyan, an official from the bureau’s criminal investigation department, Beijing police prioritized anti-fraud operations through coordinated nationwide campaigns and enhanced interagency cooperation. Law enforcement conducted over 30 specialized operations targeting telecom fraud networks, resulting in the dismantling of more than 180 criminal hideouts and the detention of numerous suspects.

    The crackdown employed innovative tactics focusing on individuals returning from fraud-related activities abroad, leading to the arrest of over 600 returnees and creating a powerful deterrent effect against overseas criminal operations. In a parallel effort, authorities launched a specialized campaign targeting offline money transfer networks, disrupting more than 100 vehicle fleets used for fund movement and placing nearly 700 suspects under criminal detention.

    The financial impact has been substantial, with police successfully intercepting over 60 million yuan ($8.6 million) in fraudulent transfers and seizing 16 kilograms of gold. Beyond enforcement, Beijing police strengthened collaborative mechanisms with telecommunications providers, financial institutions, and internet companies to address fraud at its source.

    This public-private partnership proved highly effective, with authorities conducting more than 200 regulatory discussions with internet firms and intercepting over 2.1 million scam calls throughout the year. The comprehensive approach has significantly constrained criminal operating space while maximizing pressure on fraudulent operations.

    Complementing these enforcement measures, Beijing has expanded public education initiatives across residential communities and educational institutions. These awareness campaigns aim to equip citizens with the knowledge to identify and avoid potential scams, creating a more vigilant society against evolving fraud tactics.

  • Mexico’s president joins ARMY fan base in BTS concert push

    Mexico’s president joins ARMY fan base in BTS concert push

    MEXICO CITY — What began as a typical concert announcement has transformed into a matter of diplomatic significance, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum personally advocating for additional BTS performances following an instantaneous sell-out of the group’s scheduled shows. The unprecedented demand from the ARMY fanbase reached presidential levels, compelling Sheinbaum to address the situation during her official Monday news briefing.

    The president revealed she has undertaken extraordinary measures to secure more dates for the Korean supergroup, including direct communication with South Korea’s prime minister through formal diplomatic channels. “We have not yet received a response, but we hope it will be positive,” Sheinbaum stated regarding her request for expanded concert availability during BTS’s May visit.

    Simultaneously, the administration has engaged with concert promoter Ocesa to explore logistical possibilities for additional performances. However, the organizer has indicated that expanding the current schedule of May 7, 9, and 10 concerts at Mexico City’s 65,000-capacity GNP Seguros Stadium presents significant challenges.

    This presidential involvement continues Sheinbaum’s pattern of enthusiastic support for the band’s visit, which she previously characterized during her January 19 briefing as fulfilling a “historic request” from Mexican youth. Her comments celebrating BTS’s cultural impact gained international attention, featuring prominently in South Korean media outlets.

    The administration has coupled its advocacy for expanded access with consumer protection measures. Sheinbaum detailed collaborative efforts between Mexico’s consumer protection agency, Ocesa, and Ticketmaster Mexico to ensure pricing transparency and combat ticket scalping practices.

    Mexico’s status as a premier concert destination received further validation with Pollstar magazine naming GNP Seguros Stadium as the world’s top concert venue for 2025—the second consecutive year it has earned this distinction. The country has hosted landmark performances from global artists including Lady Gaga, Shakira, Oasis, and Bad Bunny throughout the year.

    BTS’s upcoming performances mark a significant return following the group’s nearly four-year musical hiatus during which members completed mandatory military service in South Korea. The group will release their new album “ARIRANG” on March 20 before embarking on an extensive world tour comprising over 70 dates across multiple continents through March 2027.

  • Russia, Ukraine say talks in UAE were ‘constructive’

    Russia, Ukraine say talks in UAE were ‘constructive’

    In a significant diplomatic development, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators convened for trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday, marking their first face-to-face discussions centered on a peace initiative promoted by former US President Donald Trump to resolve the nearly four-year conflict. Both Moscow and Kyiv characterized the preliminary negotiations as constructive despite acknowledging substantial challenges ahead.

    The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed journalists on Monday, emphasizing that while initial contacts should not be expected to yield immediate breakthroughs, the fact that discussions proceeded in a constructive manner represents a positive development. ‘It would be a mistake to expect any significant results from the initial contacts,’ Peskov stated. ‘But the very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive spirit can be viewed positively. However, there is significant work ahead.’ He further clarified that while no atmosphere of friendliness existed given the circumstances, constructive dialogue remains essential for negotiation progress.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed this sentiment, confirming that the Abu Dhabi meetings involved extensive discussions conducted in a constructive manner. This diplomatic effort occurred against a backdrop of continued military aggression, as Russian forces launched 138 drones overnight into Ukrainian territory, with impacts recorded at 11 locations according to Ukraine’s air force. These attacks, which disrupted electricity for millions amid sub-zero temperatures, prompted Kyiv to accuse Moscow of attempting to undermine the negotiation process.

    The talks, brokered by the United States, are scheduled to resume on February 1, according to US officials, indicating continued international engagement in seeking a resolution to the prolonged conflict that has devastated the region.

  • Malabar Gold & Diamonds: A Legacy Crafted in Gold

    Malabar Gold & Diamonds: A Legacy Crafted in Gold

    As India commemorates its 77th Republic Day, Malabar Gold & Diamonds emerges as a paradigm of how Indian enterprises are translating constitutional values into global business excellence. The jewelry giant, now ranked as the world’s fifth largest jewelry retailer, exemplifies India’s growing international economic influence through its unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary business practices.

    With an extensive network exceeding 420 showrooms across 14 countries, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has transformed from a domestic enterprise into an international powerhouse serving diverse consumer markets. The brand’s operational headquarters in the UAE underscores the strategic importance of Indo-Emirati bilateral relations, demonstrating how progressive business ecosystems facilitate responsible global expansion for Indian companies.

    The company’s distinctive approach balances centuries-old Indian design traditions with modern aesthetic sensibilities, operationalizing its philosophy of ‘Make in India; Market to the World.’ This strategy positions Indian craftsmanship as a dynamic, evolving art form while maintaining cultural authenticity and relevance in international markets.

    Beyond commercial success, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has established comprehensive ESG frameworks emphasizing ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and community impact. The brand recognizes that in the jewelry industry—where trust and provenance are paramount—ethical leadership constitutes both a business imperative and social responsibility.

    Republic Day 2026 provides a moment for reflection on how Indian-origin brands represent national values on the global stage. Malabar’s journey illustrates how constitutional principles of integrity, fairness, and inclusivity can guide international business practices while enhancing India’s soft power and economic diplomacy.

    The company’s expansion narrative mirrors India’s broader economic transformation from domestic-focused markets to global influence across manufacturing, technology, design, and retail sectors. As Indian enterprises increasingly shape international consumer experiences and redefine global benchmarks, Malabar Gold & Diamonds stands as a testament to how business excellence can embody national pride and global responsibility simultaneously.

  • India budget 2026-27: What NRIs, investors and taxpayers can expect

    India budget 2026-27: What NRIs, investors and taxpayers can expect

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present India’s Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive fiscal presentation and the third comprehensive budget under the NDA 3.0 government. This budget emerges against a complex backdrop of resilient economic growth projections, global trade volatility, and heightened expectations from both domestic and international stakeholders.

    India’s economy demonstrates remarkable momentum with a projected 7.4% growth rate for the current fiscal year, positioning the nation to potentially surpass Germany as the world’s third-largest economy by 2027-28. However, slowing nominal GDP growth to approximately 8%—the weakest in five years—creates tension between fiscal consolidation objectives and growth-oriented expenditure requirements.

    Key stakeholder groups anticipate targeted interventions:

    Non-Resident Indians seek clarity on overseas income taxation, streamlined reporting mechanisms, and enhanced repatriation procedures. With India receiving over $125 billion in annual remittances, these reforms could strengthen foreign exchange stability while encouraging greater investment participation from the diaspora community.

    Domestic taxpayers expect further refinements to the new tax regime following last year’s landmark reform that established tax-free status for annual incomes up to ₹1.2 million. Potential adjustments include expanded deduction frameworks, surcharge rationalization for high earners, and simplified capital gains structures.

    Investment communities prioritize policy continuity and regulatory predictability amid recent market corrections. Equity investors seek assurance regarding stable taxation frameworks, while analysts emphasize the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stability.

    The startup ecosystem advocates for enhanced deep-tech and artificial intelligence incentives, including improved R&D tax credits, reduced cloud infrastructure costs, and simplified ESOP taxation. Industry leaders emphasize the need for clearer GST treatment for SaaS exports and reduced compliance burdens that currently drive overseas incorporation.

    Infrastructure development remains central to India’s growth strategy, with experts calling for improved project execution models and revised funding mechanisms. The real estate sector seeks increased urban housing allocations and GST rationalization for under-construction properties to address supply constraints in emerging cities.

    Energy independence emerges as a critical theme, with industry proponents urging comprehensive tax rationalization across the oil and gas value chain. The electric vehicle sector anticipates recalibrated incentive schemes and strengthened domestic manufacturing support to reduce import dependency.

    Agricultural stakeholders emphasize implementation acceleration for previously announced initiatives, including credit schemes and productivity missions, recognizing that nearly half of India’s workforce depends on this sector for livelihood.

    Market analysts will ultimately judge the budget’s effectiveness based on credible fiscal consolidation pathways, borrowing strategy transparency, and targeted growth expenditure allocations, with particular attention to how the government balances household relief measures with long-term infrastructure priorities.

  • Winter in UAE: RAK Police issue reminder on camping rules, safety measures

    Winter in UAE: RAK Police issue reminder on camping rules, safety measures

    With the UAE experiencing its annual cool weather period, residents are flocking to outdoor recreational sites, particularly the mountainous regions of Ras Al Khaimah. This seasonal migration has prompted Ras Al Khaimah Police to issue comprehensive safety guidelines for campers seeking to enjoy the emirate’s natural landscapes.

    The law enforcement authority emphasizes the dual importance of environmental respect and personal safety during camping activities. Key regulations mandate that visitors minimize noise pollution to maintain peaceful conditions for all families, maintain safe driving distances between vehicles, and require helmet usage for all cycling activities. Additional directives prohibit stopping on trails and children leaning out of vehicle windows to prevent accidents.

    For vehicular safety, drivers must activate hazard lights in appropriate conditions and reduce speeds near populated camping areas. These measures form part of a broader initiative to ensure all visitors can enjoy Ras Al Khaimah’s natural attractions without compromising safety standards.

    The police department maintains adaptive response protocols for changing weather conditions, particularly during occasional rainfall periods. During unstable weather, authorities publicly advise against visiting valleys and mountainous areas, with specific warnings to avoid flood-prone zones and flowing water channels. Motorists receive instructions to reduce speeds and adhere to official directives during adverse conditions.

    These coordinated efforts represent Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to balancing tourism promotion with comprehensive safety management, ensuring the emirate remains a premier destination for winter recreational activities while prioritizing visitor protection.