Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • UAE, the Philippines sign CEPA during Marcos visit; what this means for both nations

    UAE, the Philippines sign CEPA during Marcos visit; what this means for both nations

    In a significant diplomatic ceremony witnessed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the two nations solidified a groundbreaking Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Abu Dhabi on January 13, 2026. This landmark trade deal marks President Marcos’ first international visit of the year and coincides with his participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

    The newly ratified agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for enhanced economic collaboration, representing a strategic evolution in bilateral relations between the Gulf nation and the Southeast Asian archipelago. Sheikh Mohamed characterized the partnership as reflecting a shared vision to broaden cooperation that serves mutual interests, expressing confidence that the CEPA would significantly advance both countries’ development objectives.

    From the UAE perspective, this agreement constitutes a pivotal component of the nation’s ambitious foreign trade strategy targeting $1.1 trillion in non-oil foreign trade by 2031. Current trade metrics demonstrate robust growth, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching $940 million in 2024 and showing a remarkable 22.4% year-on-year increase during the first three quarters of 2025. Economic projections indicate the partnership could boost UAE GDP by approximately $2.4 billion by 2032.

    For the Philippines, this historic agreement represents their first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern nation, providing unprecedented market access to the region. The CEPA is designed to eliminate tariffs, reduce trade barriers, and stimulate investment flows across key sectors including electrical equipment, financial services, agriculture, and precious metals. The agreement additionally facilitates private-sector collaboration, strengthens supply chain resilience, promotes knowledge transfer, and empowers small and medium enterprises to expand globally.

    The UAE-Philippines CEPA joins 31 other agreements under the UAE’s comprehensive trade program, which has already contributed to record non-oil trade figures of $810 billion in 2024, marking a 14% annual increase. Fourteen of these agreements are currently operational, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to rules-based trade as a mechanism for economic diversification and global business expansion.

  • Exam season begins in UAE: CBSE schools conduct board practicals, prelims

    Exam season begins in UAE: CBSE schools conduct board practicals, prelims

    Educational institutions across the United Arab Emirates affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have commenced the critical examination period for Grades 10 and 12. The current phase, running through February 14, 2026, encompasses practical assessments, internal evaluations, and preliminary examinations that carry substantial weight in final academic results.

    The CBSE board has emphasized the significance of these assessments, urging all educational stakeholders to approach them with maximum seriousness. This examination window represents a pivotal academic milestone for thousands of students throughout the UAE, characterized by intensive laboratory sessions, extended revision periods, and the challenging balance between academic preparation and emotional health.

    Educational leaders have implemented comprehensive strategies to ensure both academic readiness and psychological support. Woodlem Park School in Ajman initiated structured orientations for parents, students, and faculty, complemented by mock practical examinations to familiarize candidates with assessment protocols. Principal Bhanu Sharma highlighted the institution’s dual focus on academic excellence and emotional welfare, incorporating specialized sessions on stress management, nutritional guidance, and healthy study routines conducted by certified professionals.

    In Abu Dhabi, Shining Star International School has nearly completed its practical examination schedule. Principal Abhilasha Singh reported that preparation began prior to the winter break, with students participating in mock tests and additional classes throughout the holiday period. The school has maintained teacher availability for continuous support, with plans for targeted revision sessions following the preliminary examinations scheduled for January 19.

    JSS Private School in Dubai has implemented sophisticated logistical planning to accommodate students undertaking multiple assessments, including those preparing for competitive entrance examinations. The school has established specialized support systems including a tele-counselling helpline titled ‘YOU Matter – Help Is Just a Call Away,’ daily meditation practices, and emotional monitoring through the Upstrive application to track student wellbeing indicators.

    This coordinated approach across UAE educational institutions demonstrates a evolving paradigm in examination management that prioritizes both academic achievement and student mental health during high-pressure assessment periods.

  • UAE experts warn couples not to ignore travel risks during pregnancy

    UAE experts warn couples not to ignore travel risks during pregnancy

    Medical professionals in the United Arab Emirates are issuing urgent warnings to expectant couples regarding travel risks during advanced pregnancy stages. This advisory follows a concerning clinical case in Dubai that demonstrates how seemingly minor incidents can trigger delayed serious complications.

    A 36-week pregnant woman experienced a sudden vehicle braking incident without direct abdominal impact or immediate discomfort. Despite no apparent injury, she developed lightheadedness and weakness approximately one week later at 37 weeks gestation. Medical examination revealed abnormally low blood pressure, leading to diagnostic imaging that confirmed placental abruption—a partial separation of the placenta from uterine walls that compromises fetal oxygen supply and maternal health.

    Dr. Meera T. Anto, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist at International Modern Hospital, Dubai, emphasizes that weeks 39-40 represent particularly critical periods. “The baby’s head becomes deeply engaged, the cervix softens in preparation for delivery, and labor can commence without warning,” she explains. “A woman can transition from normalcy to active labor or medical distress within minutes.”

    Medical authorities note that internal stress from sudden movements or jerks can affect placental integrity without visible external indicators. Extended travel additionally poses risks including dehydration, blood pressure fluctuations, reduced uterine blood flow, and increased contraction frequency. Complications may manifest hours or days after the initiating event, creating dangerous diagnostic delays.

    Healthcare providers recommend immediate medical consultation for pregnancy-related dizziness, faintness, reduced fetal movement, uterine tightening, back pain, vaginal bleeding, or subjective feelings of abnormality. Doctors emphasize that maternal intuition often detects subtle changes before monitoring equipment registers abnormalities.

    The successful resolution of the Dubai case through careful monitoring and normal delivery represents optimal outcomes, but specialists caution that results could easily have been tragic. Experts advise limiting routine commuting after 38 weeks even in low-risk pregnancies and maintaining proximity to medical facilities during late gestation periods.

  • Noble Legacy Masters target back-to-back titles in Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 3

    Noble Legacy Masters target back-to-back titles in Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 3

    The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) Season 3 prepares to launch with reigning champions Noble Legacy Masters positioning themselves for a historic title defense. Fresh off their dramatic Season 2 victory at Emirates Golf Club in February 2025, the team enters the new campaign with reinforced confidence and strategic roster enhancements.

    Co-owner Achal Ghai emphasized the league’s maturation, noting significant improvements in organizational structure. “The player auction demonstrated remarkable evolution in its third season,” Ghai stated. “The process felt exceptionally fair, well-structured, and balanced for all franchise owners, indicating positive directional movement for the competition.”

    The champions have implemented calculated squad development strategies focusing on quality, diversity, and adaptability—essential attributes for a tournament spanning multiple courses across four intensive competition days. Their roster now features increased low-handicap talent and improved overall balance, providing competitive advantages across varying course conditions.

    Beyond technical prowess, team chemistry remains paramount. Ghai highlighted lessons from their previous triumph: “Team-building proves absolutely crucial. Last season demonstrated how profoundly chemistry and collective belief impact performance. We’ve deliberately reinforced these elements while maintaining our competitive hunger.”

    The UGC continues revolutionizing amateur golf in the UAE through its franchise model, drawing comparisons to cricket’s Indian Premier League. With 10 corporate teams, 160 athletes, and over 350 scheduled rounds, the league has established itself as a transformative force in regional golf.

    As the February 5th season commencement approaches, Noble Legacy Masters project unwavering determination to achieve consecutive championships in a league that continues redefining corporate competitive golf standards in the United Arab Emirates.

  • Saudi Arabia prohibits use of God’s name on packaging items

    Saudi Arabia prohibits use of God’s name on packaging items

    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has implemented a significant prohibition against the commercial use of divine names on consumer packaging and bags. The new regulation, announced by ministry spokesman Abdulrahman Al Hussain on Monday, specifically targets the printing of ‘The Most Beautiful Names of Allah’ on items that could potentially lead to disrespect or inappropriate handling.

    The policy stems from concerns that disposable or utilitarian items like shopping bags and product packaging may be subjected to improper treatment after use, thereby desecrating the sacred names. Al Hussain emphasized that the ban applies specifically to commercial establishments and aims to ensure proper reverence for divine attributes.

    In an official statement released on social media platform X, the ministry clarified: ‘Out of respect for glorifying and safeguarding the Most Beautiful Names of Allah, commercial establishments are prohibited from printing these names or the Divine Name on anything that may subject them to disrespect.’ The announcement specifically identified bags and packaging materials as primary concerns due to their transient nature and potential for improper disposal or usage.

    The regulatory move reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to maintain religious sanctity in commercial practices and public life. The ministry did not specify penalties for violations but indicated the policy would be enforced through existing commercial compliance mechanisms. This decision aligns with the kingdom’s broader cultural and religious policies aimed at preserving Islamic values in all aspects of society, including commercial activities.

  • Turkey hunts for new security alliances as regional tensions rise

    Turkey hunts for new security alliances as regional tensions rise

    Turkey is actively pursuing a strategic realignment of regional security dynamics through enhanced military cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, according to sources and analysts familiar with the matter. This initiative represents Ankara’s broader ambition to establish a multilateral security framework independent of traditional Western alliances.

    Recent diplomatic movements indicate Turkey’s interest in joining the bilateral security pact established between Riyadh and Islamabad in September 2025. This agreement, which treats any aggression against one nation as aggression against both, encompasses comprehensive military cooperation—including potential access to Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.

    Multiple Turkish sources confirm that security relations with Saudi Arabia have significantly deepened in recent years, though they emphasize that a NATO-style alliance remains premature. Instead, Ankara envisions a defensive cooperation mechanism that would initially include Pakistan and Saudi Arabia while potentially expanding to other regional actors.

    President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled to visit Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in March 2026. During these meetings, security cooperation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

    Analysts suggest this emerging partnership would leverage Saudi Arabia’s financial resources, Pakistan’s military experience, and Turkey’s defense infrastructure. Dr. Cinzia Bianco of the European Council on Foreign Relations notes that Riyadh would likely serve as a conduit facilitating Pakistani-Turkish cooperation across intelligence sharing, defense industry collaboration, and operational interoperability throughout MENA and Red Sea theaters.

    Regional security experts, including Murat Yeşiltaş of the SETA Foundation, indicate that these developments align with Turkey’s broader strategy to create regional stabilization mechanisms following potential political changes in Syria. Such cooperation could simultaneously counter Iranian proxy networks while addressing Israeli security concerns through multilateral frameworks rather than confrontation.

    This initiative follows several failed regional security proposals, including Egypt’s NATO-modeled Arab defense force—blocked by Gulf nations in September—and Turkey’s earlier effort to establish an anti-ISIS coalition with Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.

    Kadir Temiz of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies observes that medium-sized regional powers are increasingly assuming security responsibilities, potentially aligning with Washington’s interest in reducing direct military engagement in the Middle East. This emerging security architecture represents a fundamental shift toward regional solutions for regional challenges, potentially creating a new balance of power independent of both Western and Iranian influence.

  • Iran-US tensions won’t impact UAE, says DP World CEO

    Iran-US tensions won’t impact UAE, says DP World CEO

    Amid escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, DP World’s Group Chairman and CEO Sultan bin Sulayem has emphatically declared that the United Arab Emirates remains insulated from regional conflicts and continues to be a secure environment for international business operations. The statement came during the inauguration ceremony of the Petrochem Terminal and Corporate Headquarters at Jebel Ali Free Zone on Tuesday.

    Bin Sulayem contextualized current tensions within historical perspective, noting that the eight-year Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) represented the most significant regional crisis for the UAE without disrupting economic stability. He specifically referenced previous confrontations involving Israel, the US, and Iran that similarly failed to impact Emirati business operations.

    The current escalation stems from widespread protests within Iran that have reportedly resulted in over 500 fatalities, prompting threatening rhetoric from US President Donald Trump and counter-warnings from Iranian officials regarding potential strikes on Israel. Despite these developments, Bin Sulayem expressed confidence that maritime commerce—the lifeblood of Dubai’s economy—would remain uninterrupted.

    Highlighting the UAE’s exceptional safety credentials, the executive noted that Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah consistently rank among the world’s five safest cities according to Numbeo’s global metrics. This security framework, combined with DP World’s expansive global footprint across 146 locations and 94 international terminals, reinforces the organization’s capacity to maintain operational continuity regardless of regional tensions.

    Bin Sulayem concluded by inviting increased international investment, citing Petrochem Middle East’s recent Dh300 million expansion within Jebel Ali Free Zone as evidence of continued business confidence in Dubai’s stable economic environment.

  • Tom Phillips to lead Ladies European Tour towards global growth and innovation

    Tom Phillips to lead Ladies European Tour towards global growth and innovation

    In a strategic move to accelerate international development, the Ladies European Tour (LET) has announced the appointment of Tom Phillips as its incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective April 6, 2026. Phillips transitions from his current role as Director of Middle East for the DP World Tour, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in expanding golf’s presence throughout the region.

    With over 25 years of global golf industry experience, Phillips brings substantial expertise to his new position. During his tenure with the DP World Tour, he managed a 30-member UAE team and achieved significant milestones including securing the landmark DP World title partnership. His oversight extended to six Middle East tournaments, featuring three prestigious Rolex Series events with collective prize funds surpassing $35 million.

    Marta Figueras Dotti, Chair of the LET Board, emphasized Phillips’ qualifications: “Tom is a highly respected leader with deep international experience and a strong track record of delivering sustainable growth. His commercial expertise, collaborative approach, and passion for the game make him the ideal candidate to guide the LET as we continue building momentum for our players and our Tour.”

    Liz Moore, Chair of the LPGA-LET Joint Venture Board of Directors, echoed this sentiment: “Tom brings a global perspective and clear understanding of how to grow professional sport in ways that benefit athletes, partners, and fans alike. We anticipate dynamic leadership that will significantly advance the LET’s development.”

    Phillips’ extensive career includes notable achievements across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Prior to joining the DP World Tour in 2019, he collaborated with six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo to expand the Faldo Series to 40 tournaments across 30 countries. He subsequently led the Hong Kong Golf Association, overseeing operations including the Hong Kong Open. His professional background also includes senior business development roles with Mission Hills in China, where he negotiated long-term partnerships with global sports entities including FC Barcelona, the NBA, and the PGA of America.

    “The Ladies European Tour possesses both a proud history and an exciting future,” Phillips stated. “I’m honored to assume this role and look forward to collaborating with the board, team, and players to further strengthen the Tour, expand its global reach, and create enhanced opportunities for women in professional golf.”

    Having resided and worked extensively in Asia and the Middle East since 2005, Phillips will relocate to the UK upon commencing his CEO duties in April, bringing valuable regional expertise to the international landscape of women’s professional golf.

  • Team formed to investigate the loss of 29 cultural relics

    Team formed to investigate the loss of 29 cultural relics

    Chinese cultural authorities have established a specialized investigative team following revelations that 29 significant cultural relics have disappeared from Guizhou Provincial Museum’s collections over a twenty-two year period. The provincial Department of Culture and Tourism confirmed the formation of this task force on Tuesday in response to mounting media reports about the missing artifacts.

    The investigation centers on artifacts that were documented as either lost or stolen between 1986 and 2008, representing a substantial gap in the museum’s collection management history. In a proactive measure, the museum has officially registered these missing items with China’s Stolen (Lost) Cultural Relics Information Publishing Platform, a national database designed to assist both law enforcement and cultural authorities in recovering pilfered cultural heritage.

    The cultural department’s statement emphasized that any individuals found responsible for the disappearances would face strict legal and regulatory consequences following the completion of the investigation. Additionally, the department has issued a province-wide directive urging all museums to immediately strengthen their collection management protocols and enhance security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

    This case has drawn significant attention to the ongoing challenges facing cultural preservation institutions in safeguarding historical artifacts, particularly those spanning extended periods of institutional management. The investigation represents one of the most comprehensive responses to museum collection losses in recent years within China’s cultural heritage sector.

  • Zand adopts XDC Network to advance blockchain-powered payments

    Zand adopts XDC Network to advance blockchain-powered payments

    In a landmark development for Middle Eastern fintech, UAE-based digital banking pioneer Zand has officially integrated with the enterprise-grade XDC Network blockchain. This strategic partnership, announced on January 13, 2026, represents a significant advancement in blockchain-powered financial infrastructure for institutional clients.

    The collaboration enables Zand’s corporate and institutional clients to utilize XDC Network for digital asset custody services through Zand’s regulated platform, pending necessary regulatory approvals. This integration facilitates faster, more transparent, and cost-effective financial transactions while maintaining regulatory compliance.

    A key application of this technology integration involves revolutionizing gold trading markets through ComTech Gold, which merges traditional gold investment benefits with blockchain technology advantages. This creates enhanced security, transparency, and efficiency in precious metal transactions.

    Michael Chan, CEO of Zand, emphasized the transformative potential: “We are entering a new era where blockchain technology serves as the foundation for more efficient and inclusive banking solutions. This collaboration supports our vision of building blockchain-powered financial products that bridge traditional and decentralized finance.”

    Ritesh Kakkad, Co-Founder of XDC Network, highlighted the partnership’s significance: “Our collaboration with Zand brings together compliance, innovation, and real-world utility – demonstrating how blockchain technology powers the next generation of global payments and asset tokenization.”

    The XDC Network’s ISO 20022 compliance ensures future-proof interoperability and enhanced regulatory alignment, positioning the platform at the forefront of financial technology standards. This development marks a substantial step toward mainstream blockchain adoption in Middle Eastern banking and financial services.