Global Pulse

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  • Ramadan 2026: Top tips for dressing elegantly for iftar and suhoors

    Ramadan 2026: Top tips for dressing elegantly for iftar and suhoors

    As the holy month of Ramadan approaches in 2026, fashion enthusiasts are redefining modest wear through innovative designs that harmonize tradition with contemporary aesthetics. The crescent moon not only signals spiritual reflection but also inspires a sophisticated sartorial transformation across Muslim communities worldwide.

    Design visionaries are revolutionizing traditional garments by incorporating modern cuts and premium fabrics. Flowy abayas adorned with intricate embroidery and kurta sets complemented by statement jackets exemplify this fusion. Dubai-based stylist Mohna Sharma emphasizes that ‘Ramadan fashion prioritizes comfort, modesty, and effortless elegance. Lighter pastel shades and breathable natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk-satin materials dominate collections, ensuring both comfort and polished appearance during fasting hours.’

    The retail landscape experiences significant transformation during Ramadan, with Shop Mulmul’s senior fashion stylist Riddhima Tewari reporting a 40% surge in demand for contemporary styles over classic pieces. Younger consumers favor longer choga-style sets with contrasting colors, while senior patrons experiment with shorter kurtas and farshi-style salwars, often completed with complementary dupattas for modest refinement.

    Comfort remains paramount in Ramadan fashion selections. Italian luxury brand Santoni’s president Giuseppe Santoni advocates for ‘natural materials and soft textures that ensure breathability.’ The brand’s capsule collection features metallic-finished footwear with crystal details that provide subtle festive character without compromising comfort.

    Celebrity style influences continue shaping Ramadan fashion trends, with flowy silhouettes like shararas and Anarkali suits gaining prominence for their sophisticated charm. Beyond personal attire, Tewari notes increased demand for intricately embroidered cotton sets suitable for gifting and formal occasions throughout the year.

    Styling techniques emphasize layered elegance during the holy month. Sharma recommends ‘pairing linen pants or straight-fit jeans with full-sleeve tops and lightweight kaftans or abayas as outer layers.’ For iftar gatherings, embroidered kaftans and statement maxi dresses in silk or satin provide subtle sheen, elevated by minimal accessories like delicate necklaces or statement bracelets.

    Men’s fashion similarly focuses on lightweight cotton or linen pants paired with soft shirts that maintain refinement while ensuring comfort. The overarching philosophy, as Santoni articulates, involves ‘curating a purposeful wardrobe focused on quality over quantity, with items that transition seamlessly across various moments while maintaining refined elegance.’

    Prevailing trends include flowy kaftans and maxis, lightweight Chikankari suits, modern ghararas with royal heritage elements, and regal Anarkali suits for evening events. The color palette favors sophisticated understated tones like ivory, beige, olive, charcoal, deep blue, and soft gold, while decorative elements feature golden and silver zari work alongside gota pattis and delicate hand-crafted threadwork. Daywear embraces dewy blues, seafoam greens, and soft lilacs, while evenings showcase vibrant fuchsia, oranges, purples, and bright reds.

  • Police complaint filed against Elbit Systems UK over Gaza atrocities

    Police complaint filed against Elbit Systems UK over Gaza atrocities

    Human rights advocates have formally requested the London Metropolitan Police to launch a criminal investigation into Elbit Systems UK Ltd, citing the company’s alleged involvement in Gaza conflict atrocities. The Public Interest Law Centre, supported by Campaign Against Arms Trade, submitted a comprehensive legal complaint to the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command (SO15).

    The legal action targets four current and former British directors of the Israeli-owned defense contractor for potential complicity in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide under the International Criminal Court Act 2001. The complaint argues that corporate officials could face charges for aiding and abetting international law violations through their supply chain operations.

    Elbit Systems Ltd, headquartered in Israel, has served as a primary weapons and technology supplier during Gaza hostilities that commenced in October 2023. The UK subsidiary represents a critical component of the company’s international distribution network, according to legal representatives.

    The complaint was filed on behalf of a Palestinian UK resident whose family remains in Gaza, highlighting the personal connection to the alleged crimes. The Public Interest Law Centre’s statement emphasized that the Metropolitan Police’s response would demonstrate the practical validity of international justice legislation, stating: ‘Whether the Met chooses to investigate this complaint will show whether the ICC Act 2001 is worth the paper it’s written on.’

    The legal challenge emerges alongside new research published in The Lancet Global Health indicating conflict fatalities may significantly exceed official estimates. The Gaza Mortality Survey documented approximately 75,200 violent deaths between October 2023 and January 2025—approximately 35% higher than Palestinian health ministry figures. The study corroborated that 56% of casualties were women, children, and elderly individuals.

    Elbit Systems, employing 20,000 staff with $2 billion annual revenue, frequently faces activism from pro-Palestinian groups in Britain. Recent legal developments saw prosecutors drop aggravated burglary charges against Palestine Action activists who targeted an Elbit facility near Bristol in August 2024.

  • Beijing Spring Festival temple fairs blend tradition with technology

    Beijing Spring Festival temple fairs blend tradition with technology

    Beijing’s iconic Spring Festival celebrations have entered a new era as traditional temple fairs seamlessly integrate advanced technological experiences alongside centuries-old cultural practices. Two distinct but parallel events demonstrated this fusion during the recent holiday period.

    The 13th Badachu Spring Festival Cultural Temple Fair commenced on Tuesday, presenting a vibrant tapestry of Beijing-style folk customs, contemporary Guochao (China-chic) marketplaces, and immersive theatrical performances. This event offered residents a comprehensive cultural experience deeply rooted in traditional Lunar New Year celebrations.

    Simultaneously, Haidian District launched its pioneering Spring Festival Science and Technology Temple Fair on Thursday, creating an unprecedented blend of technological innovation and international culture. The exhibition assembled more than 150 interactive installations from over 70 enterprises, transforming the conventional temple fair concept into a forward-looking technological showcase.

    Children were photographed interacting with humanoid robots at the technology-focused fair, representing the harmonious coexistence of ancient festival traditions and modern innovation. The events collectively demonstrated how Chinese cultural institutions are evolving to incorporate technological elements while preserving their historical significance, creating new experiential dimensions for festival attendees.

    The parallel celebrations highlight Beijing’s unique approach to cultural preservation through innovation, establishing a new template for how traditional festivals can remain relevant to younger generations while maintaining their cultural authenticity.

  • UAE early years admissions: What the new age rule changes mean for your child

    UAE early years admissions: What the new age rule changes mean for your child

    In a significant policy shift, the UAE Ministry of Education has introduced revised guidelines for early childhood admissions, providing enhanced flexibility for families with children born during specific periods. The updated framework specifically addresses students born between September 1 and December 31, 2022, who will now have the option to enroll in either Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) or Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) for the 2026-2027 academic year.

    This reversal from previous mandatory placement protocols has generated considerable discussion among educational institutions and families across the Emirates. School administrators have swiftly adapted their admission procedures to accommodate the revised guidelines while maintaining focus on developmental appropriateness for each child.

    Educational leaders emphasize comprehensive assessment methodologies that evaluate multiple dimensions of readiness. Lee Hole, Principal of Dubai British School, notes: “Our primary objective remains ensuring optimal placement where each child can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. We conduct thorough evaluations to understand every applicant’s unique developmental profile.”

    Parental responses reflect both appreciation for increased flexibility and thoughtful consideration of the implications. Aisha Rahman, mother of an October 2022-born child, expressed relief: “This policy modification demonstrates governmental responsiveness to parental concerns. We can now make decisions based on developmental readiness rather than arbitrary chronological thresholds.”

    The transitional implementation for the 2026-2027 academic year applies exclusively to newly registering students not previously enrolled in the KHDA system. Existing students will continue their educational progression without disruption to their current pathways.

    School readiness assessments now incorporate structured evaluation frameworks aligned with Birth to Five Matters guidelines, focusing on emotional security, independence, curiosity, and challenge resilience alongside academic preparedness. Institutions have developed comprehensive transition programs including orientation workshops, familiarization visits, and gradual integration protocols to support successful adaptation.

    This policy adjustment represents a one-time measure for the specified birth cohort, with placement decisions to be determined through collaborative consultation between parents and educational professionals, prioritizing children’s best interests and developmental needs.

  • Where to watch ‘Chatha Pacha’ with cameos by Khalid Al Ameri, Mammootty

    Where to watch ‘Chatha Pacha’ with cameos by Khalid Al Ameri, Mammootty

    The Malayalam action drama ‘Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies’ has transitioned to digital platforms following its successful theatrical run, now available for global audiences on Netflix. Directed by Adhvaith Nayar, nephew of Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal, and scripted by Sanoop Thykoodam, the film presents an unconventional narrative centered on three brothers establishing an amateur wrestling arena inspired by WWE spectacles in the historic setting of Fort Kochi.

    Beyond its primary cast featuring Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, and Vishak Nair, the production gained significant attention for its strategic celebrity cameos. Mammootty, another towering figure in Indian cinema, delivered a memorable supporting appearance that critics highlighted as particularly impactful. Meanwhile, the film marked the Indian cinema debut of Khalid Al Ameri, the prominent Emirati digital storyteller and social media personality renowned throughout the Arab world.

    The project carries substantial creative credentials with Cannes-winning filmmaker Shihan Shoukath serving as creative producer. Further elevating its artistic stature, the legendary musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy—celebrated for their work on Bollywood classics like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and ‘Rock On!!’—contributed the soundtrack, marking their inaugural venture into Malayalam cinema.

    Despite receiving mixed critical assessments upon its January 22 theatrical release, the film achieved notable commercial success, currently holding the distinction of highest-grossing Malayalam production of 2026. Its digital release now expands its accessibility to international viewers, particularly resonating with Gulf-based Malayali communities who maintain strong cultural connections to both the region’s wrestling subculture and the featured performers.

  • Elevix launch signals new push toward structured startup enablement in the GCC

    Elevix launch signals new push toward structured startup enablement in the GCC

    Dubai has become the launchpad for Elevix, a groundbreaking digital capability center designed to transform startup execution throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The platform, which officially debuted this week, represents a significant advancement in structured startup enablement by connecting entrepreneurs with vetted partners across critical business functions including finance, compliance, legal, HR, technology, artificial intelligence, marketing, and revenue acceleration.

    Founded by Deepak Ahuja and Anishkaa Gehani, Elevix emerges as a strategic response to the fragmented service networks that have long plagued the GCC startup ecosystem. With over 50,000 startups currently operating across the region, founders have consistently faced operational delays, inefficiencies, and costly missteps due to disconnected support systems.

    The subscription-based digital ecosystem enables entrepreneurs to navigate seamlessly from incorporation to scaling operations, addressing what co-founder Deepak Ahuja identifies as ‘a clear and recurring founder pain point — access to the right support at the right time.’ Ahuja emphasizes that ‘too many startups lose momentum navigating fragmented systems,’ positioning Elevix as ‘a bridge between ambition and delivery.’

    Co-founder Anishkaa Gehani further elaborated that early-stage startups typically struggle not from lack of vision but from ‘lack of coordinated execution support.’ The platform specifically tailors its services to the MENA startup environment, combining vetted service providers, strategic advisory, and market enablement within a single digital infrastructure.

    Elevix has been developed with strategic backing and ecosystem insight from iAccel GBI, one of MENA’s leading go-to-market accelerators for technology startups, signaling strong industry confidence in the platform’s potential to reshape the regional startup landscape.

  • Schools in India’s Noida face fresh bomb threats amid CBSE exams

    Schools in India’s Noida face fresh bomb threats amid CBSE exams

    Educational institutions across Noida and Greater Noida within India’s National Capital Region confronted renewed bomb threat incidents on Thursday, marking the latest in a series of security scares that have persisted for several weeks. The threatening emails arrived as students were actively participating in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board examinations, creating substantial disruption during this critical academic period.

    According to Noida police authorities, approximately twelve schools received identical threatening communications, prompting immediate implementation of emergency protocols. Students and faculty members were systematically evacuated to secure locations while specialized bomb disposal units and canine detection teams conducted comprehensive sweeps of the premises. Despite the thorough security response, no suspicious devices or materials were discovered during these operations.

    This security episode follows the recent apprehension of six individuals in Greater Noida earlier this month, who were operating an illicit online betting network utilizing sophisticated concealment methods including fabricated email accounts and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers to mask their identities.

    Police representatives have confirmed the restoration of normalcy across all affected institutions, emphasizing their commitment to treating all bomb threats with utmost seriousness regardless of their likely hoax nature. Authorities have concurrently issued public advisories urging citizens to disregard unverified rumors and rely exclusively on official information channels for updates regarding security matters.

    The recurring threat pattern has raised significant concerns about the psychological impact on students during examination season and the allocation of security resources to address potentially fraudulent threats.

  • Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale transports visitors through time

    Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale transports visitors through time

    RIYADH — The third Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, now open at JAX District’s repurposed warehouses until May 2, presents a profound exploration of movement, migration, and temporal transitions through diverse artistic mediums. Titled ‘In Interludes and Transitions’ (Arabic: ‘Fil hil wal terhal’), the exhibition features 68 international artists, including over 25 newly commissioned works, curated by Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed.

    Bangladeshi artist Sarker Protick’s photographic series ‘Awngar’ investigates British colonial railway infrastructure in historic Bengal, connecting coal mining regions across Bangladesh and India. His luminous photographs examine how transportation networks shaped South Asian identity while subtly commenting on colonialism’s environmental legacy.

    Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj presents ‘Very volcanic over this green feather,’ an installation born from childhood memories of the Kosovo War that transforms trauma into imaginative resistance. ‘Fantasy and invention are not escapes, they are necessities,’ Halilaj explained, describing his work as advocating ‘tenderness and vulnerability as political positions.’

    French sculptor Théo Mercier’s ‘House of Eternity’ creates archaeological fiction from 400 tonnes of locally sourced sand, resembling ancient desert monoliths. This paradoxical installation—both permanent and ephemeral—will be returned to its original dunes post-exhibition, highlighting sand as both allegory and exploited resource.

    The biennale’s opening ceremony featured Mohammed Alhamdan’s procession performance ‘Folding the Tents,’ with roaring Chasse cars heralding Saudi Arabia’s growing contemporary art scene. Notable video works include Raqs Media Collective’s ‘Something Rare to Lose’ and Saudi artist Ahaad Alamoudi’s dreamlike imagery exploring elusive pursuit.

    UAE connections appear through Abu Dhabi-born Afra Al Dhaheri’s plexiglass dining table and Abdullah Al Saadi’s ‘The Slipper’s Journey’ with found stones. Curators Razian (Jameel Arts Centre) and Ahmed (Ishara Art Foundation) bring extensive Gulf region experience, shaping the biennale into a platform for empathetic dialogue.

    Against global political tensions, this multi-month event invites rhythmic contemplation of shared human journeys—from Arabian nomadic traditions to modern migrations—affirming art’s capacity to document transformation while fostering continuity.

  • Digital publishing: How writers are discovering new ways to reach readers

    Digital publishing: How writers are discovering new ways to reach readers

    The global publishing landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as digital platforms empower a new generation of writers to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with millions of readers worldwide. This revolution, accelerated during pandemic lockdowns, has created unprecedented opportunities for diverse voices to flourish.

    When COVID-19 confined people to their homes, Delhi homemaker Varsha Shrivastava discovered her literary voice through Pratilipi, a mobile publishing application. Without formal training or publishing aspirations, she began typing stories on her phone that would eventually culminate in the ‘Murdon ki Train’ trilogy, amassing over 17 million reads. ‘It was my very first story, and I never imagined it would travel this far,’ Shrivastava reflects, noting how this accidental beginning launched her writing career.

    Her experience exemplifies a broader movement where digital platforms are creating entirely new storytelling ecosystems. Pratilipi, founded in Bengaluru a decade ago with the Sanskrit-derived philosophy of ‘copy’—suggesting stories both mirror and shape society—has grown into one of India’s largest self-publishing platforms. It now hosts literature in 12 regional languages including Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, and English, featuring over 15 million stories from more than one million authors with nearly 10 million active readers.

    The platform’s impact extends beyond text, with successful adaptations into multiple media formats. Priya Yadav’s ‘Bedard Piya’ has been transformed into a generative AI-animated series with Teevra Studios, while Priti Jadhav’s ‘Charitraheen’ is being developed for screen adaptation through Roy Kapur Films. Seema Jain’s short story ‘Bahurani’ has had rights acquired by The Viral Fever (TVF), and Vinod Kumar Dave’s ‘Kaali Parchai’ has evolved into a motion-comic episodic series under Pratilipi Films.

    This democratization of publishing represents a fundamental shift from the traditional model where, according to Pratilipi CEO Ranjeet Pratap Singh, ‘less than one per cent of submissions would be published.’ Digital platforms have eliminated these barriers, allowing writers from any location to publish instantly, build readerships, receive real-time feedback, and generate income. The ecosystem includes international players like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, which has enabled global distribution, along with Google Play Books, Kobo Writing Life, and Apple Books.

    A particularly significant aspect of this transformation is the prominence of women writers, who constitute approximately 55% of Pratilipi’s authors and dominate its top performer lists. Many writing in their mother tongues, these women are finding not only readers but creative confidence and identity through platforms that celebrate stories rooted in lived experience rather than commercial predictability.

    The revolution continues to expand as niche interests flourish and success becomes determined by reader engagement rather than publisher approval. This seismic shift has created a fluid storytelling universe where literature becomes accessible to anyone with a story worth telling, fundamentally redefining what it means to be a published author in the digital age.

  • Gaza death toll was a third higher than official figures, says Lancet study

    Gaza death toll was a third higher than official figures, says Lancet study

    A groundbreaking epidemiological study published in The Lancet Global Health journal has revealed a stark discrepancy in Gaza conflict mortality data, estimating that violent deaths during the first 16 months of hostilities significantly exceeded official reports. The comprehensive survey, conducted by an international team of demographers, economists, and epidemiological experts, calculated approximately 75,200 violent fatalities occurred between October 7, 2023, and January 5, 2025—representing a 35 percent increase over the Palestinian health ministry’s documented count of 49,090 during the same period.

    The Gaza Mortality Survey employed rigorous methodological approaches, interviewing 2,000 representative households encompassing 9,729 individuals across Gaza. Experienced Palestinian pollsters collected detailed familial mortality data, with findings indicating that 3.4 percent of Gaza’s population suffered violent deaths during the survey period. The research validated that demographic distributions reported by health officials—showing 42,200 women, children, and elderly victims comprising 56 percent of total fatalities—were remarkably accurate.

    Professor Michael Spagat, an economics expert at Royal Holloway and study co-author, highlighted additional conflict-related mortality, estimating approximately 8,200 further deaths attributable to indirect effects including malnutrition and untreated diseases. The research team emphasized that health ministry figures provided a conservative baseline rather than an overcount, with multiple independent methodologies confirming the reliability of administrative casualty recording systems despite extreme operational conditions.

    The findings gain further credibility through correlation with independent analyses, including a November estimate from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research that calculated 78,318 fatalities through December 2024. While Israeli authorities have historically questioned Palestinian health ministry data, a military official recently acknowledged approximately 70,000 Gaza deaths, aligning more closely with the new epidemiological findings than previous official estimates.