Global Pulse

标签： Asia

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  • Hag Al Laila in UAE: Celebrating mid-Shaban night is permitted, Fatwa Council says

    Hag Al Laila in UAE: Celebrating mid-Shaban night is permitted, Fatwa Council says

    In a significant strategic move set to reshape the regional business services landscape, Helen & Sons and BBK have officially announced the formation of a comprehensive joint venture. This partnership is designed to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both entities to deliver enhanced support services to businesses operating throughout the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

    The collaboration unites Helen & Sons’ established reputation and deep-rooted local market knowledge with BBK’s specialized financial and advisory prowess. The synergy created by this alliance is expected to offer clients a more integrated and robust suite of services, encompassing strategic consultancy, financial advisory, and operational support tailored to the unique demands of the Gulf market.

    This expansion initiative is a direct response to the growing complexity and dynamism of the GCC business environment. By pooling their strengths, the joint venture aims to become a premier one-stop solution for corporations, SMEs, and investors seeking to navigate regulatory frameworks, optimize growth strategies, and capitalize on emerging economic opportunities in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, in addition to the UAE.

    The venture signifies a confident investment in the region’s economic future, anticipating increased cross-border trade and development projects. It is poised to set a new standard for quality and comprehensiveness in business support services, fostering a more connected and efficient commercial ecosystem across the GCC.

  • Israeli violations in Gaza hinder peace plan efforts: UAE, Saudi, 6 other nations warn

    Israeli violations in Gaza hinder peace plan efforts: UAE, Saudi, 6 other nations warn

    In a significant corporate development poised to reshape the regional business landscape, two prominent entities—Helen & Sons and BBK—have officially entered into a strategic joint venture. This partnership is strategically designed to substantially broaden the scope and depth of comprehensive business support services throughout the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

    The collaboration merges the distinct strengths and market expertise of both organizations. Helen & Sons brings to the table its established reputation and deep-rooted operational experience within the region. Conversely, BBK contributes its specialized knowledge and robust service portfolio, creating a synergistic alliance aimed at delivering unparalleled value to a diverse client base, ranging from burgeoning startups to large-scale multinational corporations.

    The newly formed venture will offer an integrated suite of solutions, anticipated to encompass critical areas such as strategic financial advisory, meticulous management consulting, streamlined operational support, and tailored market entry strategies. This initiative is a direct response to the escalating demand for sophisticated, localized business services, fueled by the GCC’s dynamic economic expansion and diversification efforts away from hydrocarbon dependency.

    Industry analysts project that this alliance will not only enhance competitive offerings in the market but also act as a significant catalyst for economic growth. By facilitating smoother business operations and providing expert guidance, the partnership is expected to attract further foreign investment and bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Gulf region. The move underscores a growing trend of strategic consolidations aimed at capturing a larger market share and addressing the complex needs of businesses navigating the promising yet challenging GCC economic environment.

  • Iran’s Khamenei says recent anti-government protests akin to ‘coup’

    Iran’s Khamenei says recent anti-government protests akin to ‘coup’

    In a significant address marking the 47th anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s return from exile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei characterized recent nationwide protests as resembling an attempted coup against the Islamic Republic. Speaking on Sunday, Khamenei detailed what he described as coordinated attacks on state institutions, including police facilities, government centers, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps bases, financial institutions, and mosques, with particular emphasis on Quran desecration incidents.

    The Supreme Leader’s remarks came amid escalating tensions with the United States, following Washington’s deployment of military assets to the region. Khamenei issued a stark warning that any American-initiated conflict would inevitably expand into a regional confrontation, while simultaneously accusing the U.S. of seeking to reestablish its historical dominance over Iran’s resources and political system.

    Official Iranian sources acknowledge approximately 3,000 fatalities during the unrest but maintain that security personnel and civilian bystanders constituted the majority of casualties, attributing the violence to externally orchestrated terrorist operations. This stands in sharp contrast to documentation from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which has verified 6,713 deaths predominantly among demonstrators.

    The protests initially emerged as economic demonstrations against rising living costs but rapidly evolved into a broad-based anti-government movement. Iranian authorities have consistently attributed the escalation to foreign interference, specifically pointing to the United States and Israel as instigators of what they term organized riots.

    Khamenei’s historical contextualization referenced the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed Pahlavi monarchy, framing current tensions as a continuation of resistance against American hegemony. He asserted that while such seditious events have occurred previously and may recur, the state possesses both the capability and determination to suppress them effectively.

  • Israel announces pilot reopening of Rafah crossing

    Israel announces pilot reopening of Rafah crossing

    In a significant humanitarian development, Israeli authorities announced the provisional reopening of the Rafah border crossing on Sunday, February 1st, 2026. This strategic passage—Gaza’s primary connection to the external world—resumed operations under a carefully monitored pilot program designed to assess operational capabilities before full-scale implementation.

    The reopening forms a critical component of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement initially enacted on October 10, 2025. The Office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an agency operating under Israel’s Defense Ministry, clarified that the crossing would initially accommodate pedestrian transit exclusively. ‘Today’s operational test aims to evaluate crossing mechanisms and procedures,’ an official statement noted.

    Visual evidence from social media platforms confirmed the arrival of European Union delegation members at Rafah on Sunday morning. These officials comprise part of the international task force commissioned with managing crossing operations. Israeli authorities indicated that bidirectional movement of Palestinian residents would commence the following day (Monday), pending comprehensive Israeli security approval.

    The reactivation of this vital corridor represents the most substantial opportunity for civilian movement since the ceasefire implementation, potentially affecting thousands seeking medical treatment, family reunification, and international travel. Satellite imagery dated January 29th had previously revealed substantial accumulation of transport vehicles near the crossing zone, highlighting long-standing humanitarian supply chain challenges.

    This development occurs amid continuing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region, with international observers closely monitoring the crossing’s operational sustainability and its broader implications for regional humanitarian access.

  • Top Chinese mainland, Hong Kong finance education institutions ink partnership to deepen ties

    Top Chinese mainland, Hong Kong finance education institutions ink partnership to deepen ties

    In a significant move to strengthen financial education collaboration, Tsinghua University’s PBC School of Finance (PBCSF) and the Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF) have formally established a strategic partnership through a memorandum of understanding. The agreement, signed recently in Hong Kong, creates a comprehensive framework for joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and leadership development programs tailored for the financial sector.

    The newly forged alliance will facilitate knowledge sharing through coordinated events, specialized seminars, and academic conferences addressing pressing financial topics. Both institutions have committed to launching joint research and development programs focusing on areas of mutual interest and strategic importance.

    Enoch Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the AoF, emphasized that this partnership will significantly expand the Academy’s network within mainland China while reinforcing its position as a premier hub for developing future financial industry leaders. The collaboration represents a strategic advancement in cross-border financial education cooperation.

    Dean Jiao Jie of PBCSF expressed enthusiasm for the deepened cooperation, highlighting potential collaborative ventures in international financial policy, innovative fintech research, and the development of technology-driven financial ecosystems. The partnership brings together PBCSF’s unique background as a joint venture between Tsinghua University and China’s central bank, established in 2012, with the AoF’s strong connections to Hong Kong’s financial regulatory authorities.

    The timing of this agreement coincides with a recent forum hosted by PBCSF in Hong Kong, supported by the AoF, which explored strategies to enhance the city’s global competitiveness in financial services. This collaboration signals a strengthened commitment to advancing financial education and leadership development across the Greater China region.

  • Sheikh Hamdan unveils Dh500-million revamp of Dubai’s Umm Suqeim Beach

    Sheikh Hamdan unveils Dh500-million revamp of Dubai’s Umm Suqeim Beach

    In a strategic maneuver set to redefine the corporate support landscape across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), two of the UAE’s most prominent business facilitation firms, Helen & Sons and BBK Partnership, have officially announced the formation of a powerful joint venture. This alliance marks a significant consolidation of expertise aimed at delivering an unparalleled, integrated suite of services to local, regional, and international enterprises.

    The newly forged partnership synergizes the distinct strengths of each entity. Helen & Sons brings to the table its formidable legacy and deep-rooted proficiency in company formation, corporate structuring, and bespoke company secretarial services. Conversely, BBK Partnership is widely acclaimed for its robust advisory capabilities, particularly in management consulting, financial advisory, and intricate tax and regulatory compliance matters.

    By merging these complementary service portfolios, the joint venture is strategically positioned to function as a single-point solution provider. It will empower businesses—from ambitious startups to large multinational corporations—to navigate the complex regulatory and commercial environments of the UAE and the wider GCC region with greater efficiency and strategic insight. The collaboration is expressly designed to eliminate the friction of engaging multiple consultants, thereby streamlining market entry, ongoing operations, and strategic expansion initiatives.

    The underlying impetus for this consolidation is the region’s rapidly accelerating economic diversification agenda, exemplified by initiatives like the UAE’s ‘Projects of the 50’ and Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’. These national visions are catalyzing an immense influx of foreign investment and entrepreneurial activity, creating an unprecedented demand for sophisticated, end-to-end business support services. This joint venture is a direct response to that demand, aiming to capture a substantial share of this growing market by offering a value proposition that is greater than the sum of its parts.

    Industry analysts perceive this move as a bellwether for the sector, anticipating a wave of similar strategic consolidations as service providers seek to scale their offerings and enhance competitive advantage in a booming market. The combined entity is expected to leverage its expanded geographic footprint and pooled talent resources to set a new industry benchmark for quality and comprehensiveness in corporate advisory services.

  • UAE alerts public to risks from phishing, SMS scams; 35% rise in fake messages

    UAE alerts public to risks from phishing, SMS scams; 35% rise in fake messages

    The United Arab Emirates’ Cyber Security Council (CSC) has issued a stark public warning following a dramatic 35% annual increase in fraudulent messaging campaigns targeting citizens and residents. Authorities report that sophisticated phishing and SMS scams now represent one of the most pressing digital security threats in the region.

    According to the Council’s latest advisory, cybercriminals are employing increasingly advanced deception techniques, including impersonating government agencies, financial institutions, and trusted commercial entities. These fraudulent communications typically create false urgency, promise unrealistic rewards, and specifically target victims’ personal and financial information.

    The CSC emphasized several critical red flags for identifying malicious messages: lack of personalization, offers that appear ‘too good to be true,’ requests for sensitive data, and originating from unknown contacts. Common scam templates include messages proclaiming ‘You have won a prize,’ ‘Verify your bank account,’ or ‘You are entitled to a refund.’

    Official recommendations urge the public to immediately delete suspicious messages, refrain from interaction, block unknown numbers, and report incidents to authorities. The Council further advised installing spam-blocking applications, regularly clearing untrusted messages, and rigorously verifying any communication requesting personal or financial details.

    The escalating threat landscape necessitates enhanced individual cybersecurity awareness as the first line of defense. The CSC positioned these preventive measures as complementary to broader government initiatives addressing evolving digital challenges in an era of rapid technological transformation.

  • ‘Sanford and Son’ star Grady Demond Wilson dies at 79

    ‘Sanford and Son’ star Grady Demond Wilson dies at 79

    The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Grady Demond Wilson, the celebrated actor renowned for his portrayal of Lamont Sanford in the classic television series ‘Sanford and Son,’ who passed away at his Palm Springs residence this Friday. He was 79 years old.

    His son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed the tragic news to media outlets, revealing that his father’s death resulted from complications associated with cancer. While the specific type of cancer was not disclosed, Demond Jr. expressed profound grief and admiration, stating, ‘I loved him. He was a great man.’

    Born on October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia, Wilson’s journey to stardom began in New York City, where he cultivated a passion for acting from a young age, even gracing Broadway stages as a child. His life took a patriotic turn when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with distinction during the Vietnam War and sustaining combat injuries.

    Upon returning to civilian life, Wilson reignited his theatrical career, honing his craft in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions before making the pivotal move to Hollywood. His breakthrough arrived in 1971 with a guest appearance on ‘All in the Family,’ which swiftly led to his iconic casting alongside Redd Foxx in ‘Sanford and Son.’ The NBC sitcom, which aired from 1972 to 1977, became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Wilson’s status as a household name.

    His television legacy continued with leading roles in the 1978 sitcom ‘Baby… I’m Back!’ and a portrayal of Oscar Madison in ‘The New Odd Couple’ from 1982 to 1983. Wilson’s versatile career included appearances in numerous popular series such as ‘Mission: Impossible,’ ‘The Love Boat,’ and ‘Girlfriends,’ as well as roles in films including ‘Cotton Comes to Harlem,’ ‘The Organization,’ and ‘Full Moon High.’

    Beyond his professional achievements, Wilson was a devoted family man. He married model Cicely Johnston in 1974, and together they built a family of six children and several grandchildren, leaving behind a rich personal legacy alongside his enduring contributions to American television.

  • England wins rain-hit 2nd T20 against Sri Lanka by 6 wickets to clinch series ahead of World Cup

    England wins rain-hit 2nd T20 against Sri Lanka by 6 wickets to clinch series ahead of World Cup

    England secured a commanding 2-0 series lead against Sri Lanka with a dramatic six-wicket victory in the second T20 international at Pallekele on Sunday. The match, twice interrupted by rain, culminated in a thrilling finish as England chased down a revised DLS target of 168 runs with just two deliveries remaining.

    Tom Banton emerged as the match-winner with an explosive unbeaten 54 off 33 deliveries, featuring three sixes and four boundaries. His innings provided the crucial momentum England needed to overcome the weather-adjusted target. Captain Jos Buttler contributed significantly with 39 runs from 29 balls before being dismissed in the 10th over.

    Sri Lanka had posted a competitive 189-5 in their allotted 20 overs, with Pavan Rathnayake top-scoring with a rapid 40 from just 22 deliveries. The hosts started strongly with Pathum Nissanka (34) and Kamil Mishara (36) putting on 56 runs for the first wicket. Kusal Mendis added further impetus with 32 from 17 balls before England’s bowlers staged a mid-innings recovery.

    Jofra Archer (2-42) made the crucial breakthrough by dismissing Nissanka, while Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid applied pressure during the middle overs. The match was significantly affected by weather conditions, with a 75-minute rain delay forcing a reduction to 17 overs per side and the implementation of the DLS method.

    England’s chase appeared uncertain at 57-2 when the rain arrived, placing them behind the required DLS par score. However, the restart saw Banton and Harry Brook (36 from 12 balls) unleash a devastating partnership of 49 runs from just 20 deliveries. Sam Curran provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 20 from 14 balls to seal the victory.

    The series concludes with the final T20 scheduled for Tuesday at the same venue, serving as both teams’ final preparation before the T20 World Cup begins on Saturday.

  • Reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing expected February 2, officials say

    Reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing expected February 2, officials say

    The Rafah border crossing, Gaza’s primary gateway to the outside world, is scheduled to resume operations on February 2nd following extensive coordination between Israeli, Egyptian, and European Union authorities. This development marks a significant humanitarian breakthrough after the crossing remained largely shuttered for nearly two years under Israeli military control.

    According to COGAT, the Israeli military unit overseeing humanitarian coordination, the crossing will operate exclusively for pedestrian traffic in both directions. A preliminary pilot program was conducted on February 1st to assess operational readiness and security protocols. The reopening follows stringent security arrangements and comes as part of the initial phase of US-mediated peace initiatives aimed at resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict.

    The reactivation of Rafah crossing holds particular importance for Gaza’s medical evacuation crisis. Palestinian health authorities report approximately 20,000 patients awaiting urgent medical treatment abroad, many with severe injuries from the prolonged conflict. Initial operations will prioritize the evacuation of critically ill patients accompanied by family members, with an estimated 200 individuals permitted to cross into Egypt daily during the initial phase. Meanwhile, approximately 50 people per day will be authorized to return to Gaza, primarily those who fled during earlier stages of hostilities.

    Israeli defense officials indicate the crossing can process between 150-200 people daily in both directions combined. All crossing lists require prior approval from Israeli authorities following submission by Egyptian officials. This carefully controlled operation unfolds against a backdrop of continued tension, with recent airstrikes and violations of the October ceasefire underscoring the fragile nature of the current truce. The broader peace plan envisions eventual Palestinian technocratic governance, Hamas disarmament, and Israeli troop withdrawal supported by an international peacekeeping force, though significant disagreements persist regarding implementation.