Global Pulse

标签： Asia

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  • UAE banks to stay resilient despite real estate slowdown, says report

    UAE banks to stay resilient despite real estate slowdown, says report

    The UAE banking system maintains robust stability despite emerging headwinds in the property sector, according to a comprehensive assessment by Moody’s Ratings. While financial institutions maintain significant exposure to real estate through corporate lending and mortgage portfolios, multiple protective mechanisms have effectively contained systemic risks.

    Regulatory interventions have played a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial ecosystem. The Central Bank of the UAE’s 2022 mandate capping construction and real estate exposure at 30% of credit risk-weighted assets has proven particularly effective. Current aggregate exposure remains comfortably below this threshold at approximately 18.3%, providing substantial capacity for additional sector financing if required.

    The composition of bank lending has undergone notable transformation since 2021. Real estate and construction financing declined consistently through 2024 before experiencing a modest 4% year-on-year increase by September 2025, largely attributable to declining interest rates. This sector now constitutes 12% of total loans, significantly reduced from 19% in December 2021.

    Concurrently, personal consumption loans have expanded substantially, growing approximately 18% year-on-year by December 2024 and maintaining similar momentum through September 2025. These loans, representing 23% of total gross lending, include mortgage components that maintain indirect property market exposure.

    Developer financing patterns have evolved considerably, with increased diversification away from project-specific bank loans. Since 2023, real estate entities have issued nearly $12 billion in sukuk, bonds, and hybrid debt instruments, with maturities averaging around $2 billion annually between 2027 and 2030.

    Financial metrics indicate strong fundamental health across the banking sector. Core liquidity ratios stood at 23% of total assets by June 2025, while non-performing loans reached a record low of 2.9% during the same period. Provision coverage remains robust at well above 100%, providing additional buffers against potential market softening.

    Although net interest margins may face pressure as monetary policy eases, solid non-interest income and cost discipline are expected to mitigate impacts on overall profitability. The return on assets, while potentially moderating from the record 1.9% achieved between December 2023 and June 2025, is projected to remain at solid levels.

  • ‘Blurring the green line’: Israel advances plan to expand boundary into West Bank

    ‘Blurring the green line’: Israel advances plan to expand boundary into West Bank

    Israeli authorities have greenlit a contentious settlement expansion project that would effectively extend Jerusalem’s municipal boundaries deeper into the occupied West Bank, a move critics are labeling as de facto annexation. The plan, approved last week according to Israeli anti-settlement organization Peace Now, involves constructing a new neighborhood for the Adam settlement (also known as Geva Binyamin) northeast of occupied East Jerusalem.

    Despite being presented as merely an expansion of the existing Adam settlement, the project would actually establish a disconnected enclave with no physical connection to the main settlement. This strategic placement would mark the first formal extension of Jerusalem’s boundaries into West Bank territory since Israel’s occupation began in 1967.

    Peace Now condemned the move, stating: ‘Under the guise of establishing a new settlement, the government is carrying out de facto annexation through the back door. The new settlement will function in every way as a neighborhood of Jerusalem, with its designation as part of Adam settlement serving merely as a pretext to conceal applying Israeli sovereignty to West Bank areas.’

    Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth described the plan as part of a broader strategy of ‘blurring the boundaries of the Green Line’—the 1949 armistice line separating Israel from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The proposal includes hundreds of housing units intended for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community, to be built on land separate from the main settlement, with previous discussions including possible bridge construction to connect them.

    The blueprint indicates construction would begin from the Neve Yaakov settlement in East Jerusalem, effectively enlarging Jerusalem’s jurisdiction for the first time in over five decades. Final approval is expected soon, with implementation possible within few years amid intensified efforts to expand Israeli control over Palestinian lands.

    Knesset member Gilad Kariv has submitted an urgent inquiry to Housing Minister Haim Katz regarding potential annexation intentions, warning the move would ‘exacerbate friction between Israelis and Palestinians’ and create unnecessary tensions. Kariv added that the plans contradict Israel’s international commitments and reflect Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ‘complete capitulation to his extremist partners.’

    This development coincides with other far-reaching measures approved recently that critics say entrench annexation and weaken the Palestinian Authority’s limited self-rule. These include a proposal allowing authorities to legalize confiscation of unregistered ‘abandoned’ land by reclassifying it as ‘state land’—a process prohibited under international law for occupying powers due to its irreversible nature and use as a sovereignty assertion tool.

    The approval follows last week’s measures expanding Israel’s civil control in Areas A and B, where major Palestinian cities are located and which have officially been under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction since the Oslo Accords.

  • From Dubai courts to world No. 1: Riyan Malhan’s badminton rise

    From Dubai courts to world No. 1: Riyan Malhan’s badminton rise

    In an extraordinary sporting achievement, 15-year-old Dubai resident Riyan Malhan has ascended to the top position in the Badminton World Federation’s Under-19 global rankings. The Indian-origin teenager has accomplished this remarkable feat while competing against older athletes, establishing himself as the first player from both the UAE and West Asia to reach such heights in junior badminton.

    Malhan’s journey to the pinnacle of youth badminton represents a significant departure from his family’s academic background. His rapid rise through the ranks has been characterized by consistent medal-winning performances at international competitions. In 2024, he made history by securing a medal at the Badminton Asia U17 and U15 Junior Championships in Chengdu, China. His success continued through 2025 with a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Games and most recently, a gold medal at an international tournament in Hungary.

    The young champion attributes his success to intensified training regimens and comprehensive skill development. ‘My training has been much more intense, my fitness has improved significantly,’ Malhan stated in an interview. ‘My coaching team has systematically addressed all my weaknesses to transform me into a more complete player.’

    Malhan has expressed profound gratitude for the support ecosystem in the UAE, specifically acknowledging the UAE Badminton Federation and its president Noura Al Jasmi. He emphasized that without the backing of his coaches and the sports talent development committee, his achievement would not have been possible.

    Dubai’s emergence as a global badminton hub has provided Malhan with unique advantages. The city regularly hosts elite players including Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and world bronze medalist Lakshya Sen. Malhan has had the opportunity to train regularly with world number three Anders Antonsen of Denmark, whose mentorship has substantially contributed to his technical development.

    Looking ahead, Malhan has set his sights on representing the UAE at the Youth Olympic Games, with his ultimate ambition being competition at the Summer Olympic Games. Inspired by legendary Chinese player Lin Dan, Malhan recognizes that reaching these goals will require continued dedication and rigorous preparation in Dubai’s world-class training environment.

  • Indian student found dead in US took his life, says roommate at UC Berkeley

    Indian student found dead in US took his life, says roommate at UC Berkeley

    The University of California, Berkeley community is grappling with the tragic loss of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old postgraduate student from Karnataka, India, whose apparent suicide has revealed troubling signs of mental health deterioration among international students.

    According to close friend and roommate Baneet Singh, Sreenivasaiah exhibited concerning behavioral changes in his final weeks, dramatically reducing food intake to survive primarily on chips and cookies while withdrawing from social engagement. Singh’s poignant LinkedIn testimony, subsequently made private, described how Sreenivasaiah had reached a state of profound indifference, exemplified by attending classes in a red bathrobe while expressing complete apathy toward his appearance and surroundings.

    The promising young scholar, an IIT Madras alumnus holding a patent for a “microchannel cooling system for hyperloop,” was pursuing his master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. His professional profile revealed passions for deep-tech innovations in soft materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials, with previous research experience at Unilever India from September 2023 to June 2024.

    The tragedy has triggered cross-continental responses, with Indian authorities mobilizing support systems. The Consulate-General of India in San Francisco has extended heartfelt condolences and committed to facilitating repatriation procedures while providing comprehensive assistance to the grieving family. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has formally requested the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to extend necessary support to Sreenivasaiah’s parents, who remain in denial about their son’s death, insisting they will only accept the reality upon seeing his body.

    This incident has reignited critical conversations about mental health support systems for international students facing academic pressure and cultural adjustment challenges. The case echoes similar mental health crises among Indian students abroad, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced psychological support mechanisms within academic institutions worldwide.

  • AX Premium Properties secures 2nd position in top sales at DAMAC Annual Awards 2025

    AX Premium Properties secures 2nd position in top sales at DAMAC Annual Awards 2025

    AX Premium Properties has solidified its standing as a premier real estate brokerage firm in the United Arab Emirates after achieving second position in Top Sales at the acclaimed DAMAC Annual Awards 2025. This distinguished accolade highlights the company’s consistent market excellence and robust operational capabilities within the competitive UAE property sector.

    The DAMAC Annual Awards represent one of the region’s most esteemed recognitions in real estate, honoring agencies that demonstrate exceptional sales performance and industry leadership. Placing second among numerous prominent brokerages signifies AX Premium Properties’ strategic execution and sustained growth trajectory in a dynamic market environment.

    Nadeem Sufy, Chief Executive Officer of AX Premium Properties, remarked on this accomplishment: ‘Attaining second position in Top Sales at the DAMAC Annual Awards 2025 constitutes a significant achievement for our entire organization. This recognition validates our methodical approach, profound market knowledge, and relentless dedication to client value creation. Our continued presence among elite agencies underscores the robustness of our collaboration with DAMAC and our pursuit of excellence.’

    The company has maintained consistent performance through strategic expansion initiatives, client-focused advisory services, and a results-driven sales culture. Its enduring partnership with DAMAC has been instrumental to its success, founded on mutual trust, operational transparency, and aligned objectives for market leadership.

    Looking forward, AX Premium Properties remains committed to enhancing its market position, broadening its operational scope, and establishing new industry standards for performance and client satisfaction throughout the UAE’s real estate landscape.

  • A mediterranean Iftar experience at Ancora

    A mediterranean Iftar experience at Ancora

    InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay’s Ancora restaurant is elevating Ramadan traditions with a distinctive Mediterranean-inspired Iftar experience. Throughout the holy month, guests can partake in sunset gatherings at the venue’s outdoor terrace, which offers panoramic vistas of the Dubai Water Canal and the iconic Burj Khalifa.

    The culinary journey features expertly curated live barbecue stations preparing dishes to order, complemented by an extensive selection of both Mediterranean specialties and traditional Ramadan favorites. This alfresco dining experience capitalizes on Dubai’s pleasant evening climate during this period, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Enhancing the ambiance are live harp performances that provide serene musical accompaniment throughout the evening.

    Priced at 225 AED per person, the Iftar service operates daily from sunset until 9:00 PM. The restaurant extends special rates for corporate groups, offering an exclusive price of 165 AED per person for bookings of eight or more guests. Children aged 6-12 dine at half price (112.50 AED), while those under six enjoy complimentary dining. IHG One Rewards members receive an additional 25% discount on the standard rate.

    This culinary offering combines Mediterranean gastronomic excellence with Ramadan traditions against the backdrop of Dubai’s glittering skyline. The experience is designed to accommodate various gathering types including family celebrations, friendly gatherings, and corporate functions.

    Reservations are available through multiple channels: the official website at ancoradubai.com, via Instagram direct messages to @ancoradubai, or through WhatsApp at +971 52 620 0344.

  • Under the Ramadan sky: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

    Under the Ramadan sky: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

    As Dubai enters the holy month of Ramadan, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai has unveiled an extensive program of curated culinary and cultural experiences designed to foster community connection and spiritual reflection. The hotel’s 2026 Ramadan offerings transform its premium venues into spaces for traditional celebration and contemporary contemplation.

    The hotel’s lobby sets the tone with ‘House of Light,’ an immersive installation by Studio Morcos that creates a serene environment for reflection and spiritual contemplation. This artistic intervention captures the essence of Ramadan through light and space, offering guests an elevated experience from the moment of arrival.

    Across its dining establishments, the hotel presents diverse Iftar experiences catering to different preferences and budgets. Al Qamar Iftar takes place on The Terrace with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa, where guests break their fast beneath the crescent moon to the accompaniment of live oud music. The international buffet spans Asian wok stations, Middle Eastern grills, Indian tandoors, and Western favorites, featuring show-stopping live cooking stations including whole lamb ouzi and traditional shawarma.

    Kitchen6 offers a warm, communal Iftar setting centered around its six interactive kitchens where chefs prepare international dishes live. The extensive buffet combines Middle Eastern specialties with global flavors and an impressive dessert display.

    Rang Mahal presents a distinctive approach with a three-course, family-style sharing menu inspired by historic spice routes. The restaurant reinterprets India’s diverse culinary traditions through a contemporary lens, balancing heritage flavors with modern finesse.

    For the late-night Suhoor meal, Nomadia Lounge & Terrace provides a relaxed social setting where guests can extend their evening with an à la carte selection in a sophisticated atmosphere.

    The comprehensive Ramadan program demonstrates the hotel’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences that honor tradition while providing modern luxury comforts throughout the holy month.

  • 10-month-old dies in car crash, gives life to 5 becoming Kerala’s youngest donor

    10-month-old dies in car crash, gives life to 5 becoming Kerala’s youngest donor

    In a profound act of compassion amidst unimaginable tragedy, a 10-month-old infant from Kerala has become the state’s youngest organ donor following a fatal road accident. Alin Sherin Abraham sustained catastrophic injuries on February 5 when the vehicle carrying her collided with another in Kottayam district, ultimately resulting in brain death declaration.

    Despite their devastating loss, parents Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John made the courageous decision to donate their daughter’s organs through Kerala’s State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (K-SOTTO). The infant’s medical legacy includes her liver, both kidneys, heart valves, and corneal tissues—gifts that would ultimately transform five lives.

    The complex logistical operation involved multiple medical institutions across Kerala. Alin’s heart valves were transported to Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute in Thiruvananthapuram, while her liver was allocated to KIMS Hospital. Both kidneys were designated for transplantation at Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, with her corneas preserved at the Eye Bank for future vision restoration procedures.

    Medical authorities revealed specific recipient details: both kidneys would benefit a 10-year-old girl undergoing treatment at Government Medical College, while a six-month-old infant from Thiruvananthapuram would receive the liver transplant. Though initial plans involved aerial transport, the organs were ultimately conveyed via road due to nighttime flight restrictions, with local police and medical teams coordinating the critical transfer.

    Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced official honors for the infant donor, stating: “Little Alin has granted a new lease of life to five others, a monumental act of compassion that reflects the true spirit of Kerala.” The Chief Minister further acknowledged healthcare professionals, police personnel, and support teams whose coordinated efforts enabled the successful transplants.

    This case represents both the heartbreaking realities of road safety challenges and the extraordinary potential of organ donation systems. Alin’s story has sparked renewed discussions about pediatric organ donation protocols and infrastructure capabilities within India’s public healthcare framework.

  • Vision and devotion: A comprehensive guide to eye care

    Vision and devotion: A comprehensive guide to eye care

    As Muslim communities worldwide prepare for Ramadan 2026, leading ophthalmologists from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi have issued comprehensive guidance for maintaining optimal eye health during the holy month. The period of spiritual reflection brings significant changes to daily routines—including altered sleep patterns, fasting, and extended nighttime activities—that necessitate special consideration for ocular wellness.

    Retinal Health Considerations
    According to Medical Director Dr. Nicola Ghazi, MD, fasting can potentially enhance metabolic health, creating an opportunity for physical renewal. However, the retina—the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye—requires particular attention for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. While fasting may improve metabolic control, the manner of breaking the fast at Iftar becomes critically important for maintaining stable blood glucose levels.

    Dr. Ghazi emphasizes that dramatic fluctuations in sugar levels between fasting hours and heavy Iftar meals can adversely affect the delicate blood vessels supplying the retina. This is especially concerning for those with diabetic retinopathy, a condition that threatens vision. The specialist advises against consuming sugary foods when breaking the fast, as they trigger rapid blood sugar spikes that may exacerbate diabetes and increase hunger. Instead, balanced meals containing complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats are recommended. A protein-rich Suhoor combined with adequate hydration may help maintain steadier glucose levels throughout daylight hours.

    Glaucoma Management Protocols
    Dr. Jason Goldsmith, MD, Head of Glaucoma Service, addresses concerns regarding intraocular pressure control during Ramadan. Often termed the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma involves elevated eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. Dr. Goldsmith stresses that consistent adherence to prescribed treatment remains paramount for glaucoma patients during the fasting period.

    Addressing common concerns about medication invalidating fasts, Dr. Goldsmith clarifies that medicated eye drops do not provide nutrition and typically do not break the fast. However, skipping even a single dose can precipitate dangerous pressure spikes. The expert recommends using the “punctal occlusion” technique—applying gentle pressure to the inner eye corner for one to two minutes after administering drops—to minimize systemic absorption. Maintaining treatment consistency is essential to prevent irreversible vision deterioration.

    Corneal Hydration Strategies
    Dr. George Corrent, MD, PhD, Head of Cornea and Refractive Service, highlights the importance of ocular surface hydration in the arid UAE climate. The cornea, being the eye’s outermost protective layer, becomes vulnerable to dehydration during fasting hours. Reduced bodily hydration levels diminish tear production, leading to symptoms including burning sensations, grittiness, and intermittent blurred vision.

    To counteract dehydration-related dry eye syndrome, Dr. Corrent advocates for “pre-emptive hydration”—consuming sufficient water between Iftar and Suhoor to maintain healthy tear film integrity. For individuals spending prolonged periods in prayer or engaging with digital screens, preservative-free artificial tears can provide supplementary relief. Proper corneal hydration ensures sustained visual clarity and comfort throughout daily activities.

    All specialists concur that any sudden visual changes—including vision decrease, new floaters, or shadow-like appearances across the visual field—require immediate medical evaluation rather than waiting until Eid celebrations conclude.

  • Ramadan appeal: UNHCR seeks Zakat, Sadaqah as funding cuts hit refugee aid

    Ramadan appeal: UNHCR seeks Zakat, Sadaqah as funding cuts hit refugee aid

    With humanitarian budgets facing unprecedented constraints, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is intensifying its call for Zakat and Sadaqah donations during Ramadan to address critical gaps in refugee assistance programs worldwide. The appeal comes as funding reductions force suspensions of essential services including medical care, education, child protection, and shelter provisions across multiple crisis zones including Egypt, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Bangladesh.

    The agency’s recently released 8th Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report reveals that nearly 60% of all Zakat and Sadaqah contributions in 2025 originated from MENA region donors, with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia emerging as leading contributors. The report highlights how faith-based giving is increasingly serving as a vital humanitarian lifeline amid tightening budgets.

    Notable initiatives include the Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which supported approximately 70,000 forcibly displaced people across seven nations through country-wide fundraising campaigns. The Refugee Zakat Fund demonstrated significant impact, raising over $23 million in Zakat contributions—surpassing previous records—while assisting more than 579,000 refugees and internally displaced persons across 17 countries. Complementary Sadaqah contributions reached nearly $16 million, supporting over 453,000 individuals across 18 nations.

    Collectively, strategic partnerships and campaigns generated $39 million in 2025, enabling assistance to more than one million people across 25 countries. This effort was bolstered by 45 major donors and Islamic institutions alongside tens of thousands of online supporters who entrusted UNHCR with their charitable distributions.

    Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor to the High Commissioner for Refugees for Islamic Philanthropy and Regional Representative to GCC countries, emphasized the tangible consequences of funding reductions: ‘Amidst a year of unprecedented budget cuts, the humanitarian lifeline has been left fraying with millions of displaced families hanging on by a thread. These cuts are not abstract figures—they are felt in the lives of real people who, after being forced to flee their homes, are being pushed to the edge of survival every day.’

    The report also documents expanded geographical reach, with Islamic philanthropy extending to four new countries in 2025: Brazil, Colombia, the Central African Republic, and Botswana. Sadaqah Jariyah activities reached Bangladesh, where 280,000 people gained improved access to clean water for communities, agriculture, and livestock.

    Since its establishment in 2017, the Refugee Zakat Fund has raised over $300 million from more than 70,000 donors, supporting nearly 10 million beneficiaries across 36 countries. Endorsed by 18 fatwas, the Fund stands as a legitimate mechanism for mobilizing Islamic charitable resources to address global displacement crises.