Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • UAE National Day 2025: Indian musician AR Rahman composes special song for Eid Al Etihad

    UAE National Day 2025: Indian musician AR Rahman composes special song for Eid Al Etihad

    Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman has crafted a special musical tribute titled ‘Jamal Al Etihad’ (Beauty of the Union) in honor of the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations. The exclusive English-language composition represents a departure from the Indian maestro’s typical cinematic work, conceived as what Rahman describes as “a therapy of smile” for the nation.

    The project originated in 2023 when Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, approached Rahman with the vision of creating a musical gift for the UAE. Despite beginning work two years ago, global circumstances prompted the team to delay the release until this year’s celebrations.

    In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Rahman revealed his creative process involved developing multiple concepts before finalizing the current version. “It’s a simple, joyful tribute to the UAE and the values that bring the country together,” the composer explained. “The idea was to bring together the people who make this country what it is — workers, entrepreneurs, royalty, expats. Everyone is working towards something big for the UAE.”

    Describing the track as a “UAE-born creation,” Rahman emphasized its universal appeal. “It’s a vibe. Something you can enjoy in the car, in the desert, anywhere you feel like. It’s about being together, working together for greatness, and giving joy to each other.”

    The composition marks a rare English-language project for Rahman, who noted that creating music for a nation differs fundamentally from film scoring. “This is for hope,” he stated, capturing what he identifies as the UAE’s essential emotional quality: “If the UAE were a melody, it would be happiness.”

    The official unveiling occurred on November 29th at 9:30 PM at the Layali Al Wathba Theatre during the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi. The event, presented by Burjeel Holdings, featured free admission for all festival ticket holders, with doors opening at 7:00 PM. The musical presentation culminated in a three-minute fireworks display at 10:00 PM, creating one of the evening’s highlight moments.

    As the UAE approaches its 54th National Day, ‘Jamal Al Etihad’ serves as a musical embodiment of unity, generosity, and the joyful spirit characterizing the nation’s identity.

  • Dubai’s Global Village extends operating hours for UAE National Day

    Dubai’s Global Village extends operating hours for UAE National Day

    Dubai’s premier cultural entertainment destination, Global Village, has unveiled special operational adjustments in honor of the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations. The expansive theme park will extend its operating hours throughout the festive period from November 27th to December 3rd, adopting the unifying theme ‘United’ to commemorate the nation’s historic milestone.

    The extended schedule features enhanced visitor accessibility with operations running from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM from November 27th through December 1st. Subsequently, on December 2nd and 3rd, the park will maintain extended hours from 4:00 PM until midnight, providing ample opportunity for residents and tourists to immerse themselves in the celebrations.

    Beyond extended access, Global Village has curated an elaborate program of cultural festivities and technological spectacles. The celebration lineup includes sophisticated drone displays scheduled for 9:00 PM on December 1st and 2nd, complemented by pyrotechnic presentations from December 1st through 3rd. The entertainment roster features a special performance by renowned Khaleeji artist Khaled Mohammed on the main stage on December 1st.

    This strategic extension forms part of Dubai’s broader cultural initiatives to honor Emirati heritage and national identity. The extended operational framework allows visitors to experience the park’s diverse cultural pavilions, traditional performances, and culinary offerings during the celebratory period, enhancing the overall National Day experience for both domestic and international guests.

  • Airbus software upgrades for Philippine carriers to be completed by November 30

    Airbus software upgrades for Philippine carriers to be completed by November 30

    MANILA – Philippine aviation authorities have confirmed that mandatory software upgrades for Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will be fully completed by noon on Sunday, November 30, following global safety recommendations that caused significant flight disruptions across the archipelago.

    The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) announced that carriers have been working around the clock to implement the critical updates after receiving an urgent advisory from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The precautionary measure, while essential for passenger safety, resulted in widespread flight cancellations and delays throughout Saturday.

    Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez explained that the Department of Transportation prioritized safety above operational convenience. “We deemed it imperative to implement these precautionary measures to ensure the absolute safety of passengers and crew,” Lopez stated. “We sincerely apologize for the travel inconveniences caused by the necessary flight cancellations.”

    The emergency directive reached Philippine authorities at 1:00 AM local time on Saturday (9:00 PM Friday UAE time), affecting 75 aircraft operated by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. Each aircraft required approximately two hours to complete the software installation process.

    ACAP Executive Director Josen Perez de Tagle assured the public that airline operators have implemented comprehensive passenger notification systems to minimize disruption impacts. “Airlines are exerting maximum effort to notify all affected passengers and mitigate the consequences of this mandatory system upgrade,” de Tagle commented.

    In response to the travel disruptions, carriers have offered affected passengers multiple compensation options including full refunds, flexible rebooking arrangements, and electronic travel vouchers. Stranded passengers at various airports received complimentary meals, beverages, and essential medications during the operational pause.

    The software update initiative represents a localized response to a global aviation directive affecting approximately 6,000 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft worldwide, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern aviation safety protocols.

  • Tunisia arrests prominent opposition leader to enforce jail sentence

    Tunisia arrests prominent opposition leader to enforce jail sentence

    Tunisian authorities have escalated their suppression of political dissent with the arrest of prominent human rights activist Chaima Issa, who now faces a 20-year prison sentence. The detention occurred Saturday afternoon during a protest in the capital, according to legal representatives.

    This development follows Friday’s appellate court decision that confirmed lengthy prison terms for dozens of government critics, in a case that has drawn international condemnation. The 37 defendants, primarily opposition figures arrested in spring 2023, faced charges of “conspiracy against state security” and alleged membership in terrorist organizations.

    The judicial proceedings have been criticized by human rights organizations as fundamentally flawed. The initial trial in April concluded after merely three hearings without permitting closing arguments, resulting in sentences reaching 66 years imprisonment. While appellate judges reduced some penalties, they simultaneously increased others.

    Businessman Kamel Ltaief received the most severe sentence at 45 years, reduced from his original 66-year term. Opposition politician Khayam Turki’s sentence was adjusted to 35 years from 48. Notably, several prominent figures including Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Ghazi Chaouachi, Ridha Belhaj and Issam Chebbi saw their sentences increased from 18 to 20 years. Ben Mbarek has undertaken a month-long hunger strike protesting what he terms “arbitrary and unjust” detention.

    The court acquitted two defendants: Noureddine Boutar, director of private radio station Mosaique FM, and lawyer Lazhar Akremi. Feminist activist Bochra Belhaj Hmida and French intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy, both tried in absentia, had their 33-year sentences upheld.

    United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has denounced the proceedings, citing numerous legal violations and expressing serious concerns about political motivations behind the prosecutions.

  • Etihad Airways says A320 operations returned to normal

    Etihad Airways says A320 operations returned to normal

    Abu Dhabi’s national carrier Etihad Airways has successfully restored its Airbus A320 fleet to full operational capacity following the completion of a mandatory software upgrade. The airline confirmed on Saturday that all scheduled operations have returned to normal after implementing the required Airbus technical update across its entire A320 aircraft family.

    The technical deployment was executed during one of the busiest travel periods at Zayed International Airport, coinciding with the extended Eid Al Etihad holiday weekend. Despite the challenging timing, the airline’s engineering and operational teams completed the software installation with remarkable efficiency, minimizing disruptions to passenger travel schedules.

    In an official statement released November 29, 2025, Etihad management praised the exceptional performance of their technical personnel and ground operations staff. “Thanks to the extraordinary dedication of our operational and technical teams, the update was completed rapidly with minimal service impact,” the statement read.

    The airline extended gratitude to passengers for their patience and understanding during the brief implementation period. Company officials emphasized that safety protocols remain the carrier’s utmost priority, noting that the swift resolution demonstrates Etihad’s commitment to maintaining the highest aviation standards while ensuring passenger convenience.

    This successful technical deployment reinforces Etihad Airways’ reputation for operational excellence and technical proficiency in aircraft maintenance and software management. The seamless implementation during peak travel season highlights the airline’s robust contingency planning and crisis management capabilities within the competitive aviation industry.

  • Hong Kong high-rise fire: 13 Filipino workers still missing, Philippine Consulate says

    Hong Kong high-rise fire: 13 Filipino workers still missing, Philippine Consulate says

    HONG KONG — A devastating high-rise fire that engulfed a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has left thirteen Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) unaccounted for, according to the latest update from the Philippine Consulate. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, continues to prompt intensive search and verification efforts by authorities.

    Philippine Consul General to Hong Kong Romulo Victor Israel Jr., in a recent radio interview, disclosed that official records indicated 83 Filipinos registered as residents at the affected estate. While seventy individuals have been successfully located and confirmed safe, the whereabouts of thirteen remain unknown. Many of those accounted for had either returned to the Philippines or relocated prior to the tragic incident.

    A particular focus of concern is one missing Filipina who is suspected to have been inside the building during the fire. Authorities are actively investigating the possibility that she may be among the fatalities, with verification processes ongoing. Her family members and employer are assisting in the identification process of the yet-unrecognized victims.

    The Hong Kong government has provided temporary shelter for those displaced by the fire. Consul General Israel indicated that plans are also underway to support rehoming efforts and assist affected workers in seeking new employment opportunities, should their current employers be unable to retain them. In a positive development, one Filipina previously reported to be in intensive care is now confirmed to be in a stable condition.

  • BRIDGE Summit 2025 to host Jeff Zucker, Emily Maitlis, Jane Ferguson, Chuck Todd and other media leaders on trust and the future of storytelling

    BRIDGE Summit 2025 to host Jeff Zucker, Emily Maitlis, Jane Ferguson, Chuck Todd and other media leaders on trust and the future of storytelling

    Abu Dhabi prepares to host the inaugural BRIDGE Summit 2025 from December 8-10 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, assembling over 430 prominent media figures to confront the industry’s most pressing challenges. The landmark event will feature industry titans including Jeff Zucker (RedBird IMI), broadcasters Emily Maitlis and Jane Ferguson, and political commentator Chuck Todd addressing critical themes of trust reconstruction, narrative influence, and information governance amid rapid technological disruption.

    The summit’s comprehensive program will examine multiple dimensions of media transformation. Zucker will lead ‘The Comfort Crisis in Media’, analyzing how consolidation and emerging business models are reshaping editorial leadership. Maitlis will explore narrative framing in ‘Stories with an Agenda’, addressing misinformation concerns and trust restoration mechanisms.

    Ferguson and Todd will jointly present ‘Building a New Backbone for Journalism’, discussing political reporting’s evolution amid algorithmic influence and audience fragmentation. Concurrent sessions will investigate viral storytelling’s impact on economic behavior and political outcomes, with political economist Dr. Vuk Vuković demonstrating how narratives function as forces of change.

    The program will also highlight regional perspectives, with Faisal Al Agel and Munera Al Shiraifi detailing how authentic, value-driven content is reshaping Arab media consumption. Digital communication evolution will be examined through ‘Memes as a Media Business’, exploring how internet culture influences identity formation and brand behavior.

    Global entertainment adaptation strategies will be addressed by Warner Bros. Discovery’s Grigory Lavrov, while Moira Forbes and Stephanie Mehta will analyze longform journalism’s renaissance across digital platforms. The summit will further confront governance challenges with ‘Blueprints for Governing Digital Speech’, examining the balance between safety protocols and free expression.

    Conflict reporting transformation will be highlighted by journalist Plestia Alaqad, discussing how encrypted messaging and citizen journalism are revolutionizing high-risk environment coverage. Future workforce preparation will be addressed through LinkedIn’s Najat Abdelhadi’s session on automation’s impact on media roles by 2035.

    Organized under the BRIDGE Alliance mandate, this non-profit initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to global media cooperation and innovation ecosystem development. The event expects to draw over 60,000 participants alongside 300 exhibitors, establishing itself as the world’s largest debut media convergence forum.

  • Sri Lanka declares emergency as cyclone death toll hits 132; 176 missing

    Sri Lanka declares emergency as cyclone death toll hits 132; 176 missing

    Sri Lanka has activated emergency protocols following the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed 132 lives with 176 individuals still unaccounted for. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked special powers to coordinate large-scale relief operations as the nation grapples with its most severe natural disaster since 2017.

    The cyclone’s torrential rains have precipitated catastrophic flooding and landslides across the island nation, resulting in the destruction of over 15,000 residential properties. Official reports confirm that approximately 78,000 displaced citizens have sought refuge in government-operated temporary shelters, overwhelming existing infrastructure and resources.

    Military forces have executed complex rescue missions, including a 24-hour operation that successfully extracted 69 stranded bus passengers from Anuradhapura district. Among those rescued was a German tourist, highlighting the international dimension of the tragedy. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of roof collapses and aborted helicopter rescues due to dangerous weather conditions.

    Critical infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, with approximately one-third of the country experiencing power outages and water purification system failures. Remote districts including Badulla and Kandy remain largely inaccessible due to submerged roads and fresh landslides, creating isolated communities without essential supplies.

    International response initiatives have commenced, with India leading assistance efforts by dispatching two aircraft laden with relief supplies. An Indian naval vessel stationed in Colombo contributed its rations to support victims, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged additional aid resources.

    The Sri Lankan government has formally requested international assistance and established channels for financial contributions from overseas citizens. Meteorological reports indicate the cyclone is now progressing toward southern India, where Chennai Airport has preemptively cancelled 54 flights in anticipation of severe weather conditions.

    This catastrophe represents the most lethal natural event to strike Sri Lanka in eight years, eclipsed only by the 2003 floods that resulted in 254 fatalities and the 2017 disaster that claimed over 200 lives.

  • Palestinian death toll in Gaza tops 70,000, say health authorities

    Palestinian death toll in Gaza tops 70,000, say health authorities

    Health authorities in Gaza reported on Saturday that the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 70,100 since the onset of Israeli military operations in October 2023. The Gaza-based health ministry released an official statement confirming the devastating milestone, marking one of the deadliest conflicts in recent Middle Eastern history.

    The announcement comes amid ongoing hostilities that have transformed much of the coastal territory into landscapes of destruction. Visual evidence from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, captured in October 2024 photographs, shows entire city blocks reduced to rubble, with multi-story buildings completely collapsed and infrastructure devastated.

    The conflict, now entering its fourteenth month, continues to generate international concern regarding humanitarian conditions within the besieged territory. Medical facilities, already strained by years of blockade, have reported being overwhelmed by casualties while facing critical shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and functional facilities due to targeted attacks and general destruction.

    This latest death toll figure represents a catastrophic human cost that has drawn widespread international condemnation and repeated calls for ceasefires from various global organizations and nations. The numbers continue to climb daily as offensive operations persist across multiple regions of the Strip, with recent operations expanding into previously declared safe zones.

    The comprehensive toll includes combatants and civilians alike, with health officials noting that women and children constitute a significant percentage of the fatalities. Independent verification of exact numbers remains challenging due to access restrictions and the collapse of normal administrative functions within the territory.

  • UAE offers condolences to Indonesia over Sumatra flood victims

    UAE offers condolences to Indonesia over Sumatra flood victims

    The United Arab Emirates has formally expressed profound sympathy and solidarity with the Republic of Indonesia in the wake of devastating natural disasters that struck Sumatra Island. Catastrophic flooding and landslides, triggered by intense cyclonic rainfall, have resulted in massive casualties and widespread displacement throughout the region.

    In an official statement released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Emirates conveyed its deepest condolences and heartfelt compassion to both the Indonesian government and the families affected by this tragedy. The communication emphasized the UAE’s steadfast support for Indonesia during this period of national mourning and recovery efforts.

    The scale of the disaster continues to escalate as Indonesian disaster management authorities reported a sharp increase in casualties. The death toll has surged to 303 confirmed fatalities as of Saturday, representing a significant rise from the previous count of 174 victims. Rescue operations face substantial challenges reaching the most severely impacted zones where over 100 individuals remain unaccounted for.

    The geographical isolation of affected communities combined with damaged infrastructure has complicated emergency response efforts. Disaster relief teams are working tirelessly to overcome these obstacles while providing essential aid to survivors and coordinating recovery operations across the devastated regions of Sumatra.