Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • LuLu expands UAE retail footprint with Adnoc tie-up, plans five new stores

    LuLu expands UAE retail footprint with Adnoc tie-up, plans five new stores

    In a strategic move reshaping the UAE’s retail landscape, LuLu Group International has entered a transformative partnership with ADNOC Distribution to launch five new convenience stores across next-generation roadside destinations. The collaboration commenced with the inauguration of the inaugural LuLu Daily outlet at The Hub by ADNOC on Saadiyat Island, marking a significant evolution in integrated retail experiences.

    The newly opened 16,566 square foot facility represents a paradigm shift in convenience retail, strategically positioned within ADNOC’s innovative Hub concept that merges traditional fuel services with comprehensive lifestyle amenities. This next-generation retail environment combines dining options, shopping facilities, co-working spaces, fitness areas, and family recreation zones, effectively transforming conventional service stations into vibrant community hubs.

    Senior executives from both corporations formalized the long-term alliance through the signing of strategic memoranda of understanding, committing to establish four additional LuLu Daily stores at various Hub locations nationwide by mid-2027. The partnership aligns with both organizations’ objectives to capitalize on evolving consumer behavior patterns and mobility trends across the Emirates.

    Yusuffali M.A., Chairman of LuLu Group International, emphasized the partnership’s core focus on elevating customer convenience while delivering premium retail and culinary experiences along major transportation corridors. He expressed conviction that this collaboration would effectively address the UAE’s dynamic lifestyle requirements while establishing foundations for sustained bilateral cooperation.

    Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, characterized the Saadiyat Island launch as a pivotal milestone in the company’s strategy to expand customized roadside retail offerings. He highlighted the Hub model’s inherent flexibility in adapting to specific community needs, enabling delivery of tailored retail and mobility solutions across diverse demographic segments.

    The new LuLu Daily outlet features an extensive product assortment including fresh produce, grocery essentials, meat and dairy products, bakery items, beauty products, toys, and household necessities. Designed with convenience as a paramount consideration, the store incorporates self-checkout systems and optimized parking access, reflecting both companies’ customer-centric operational philosophy.

    This retail integration initiative positions quality grocery and fresh food offerings within immediate proximity of residential communities and high-traffic mobility routes, further consolidating the UAE’s status as the region’s most innovative and dynamic retail market.

  • Global wellness movement elevates sardines as experts call for a reset in metabolic health

    Global wellness movement elevates sardines as experts call for a reset in metabolic health

    In a significant shift within global nutritional guidance, the Medical Wellness Association (MWA) has officially designated 2026 as ‘The Year of the Sardine,’ positioning the humble fish at the forefront of a worldwide metabolic health revolution. This declaration comes amid deteriorating wellness metrics across developed nations, prompting experts to advocate for a fundamental dietary overhaul centered on nutrient-dense, affordable foods.

    MWA President Dr. Christopher Breuleux emphasizes the urgent need to address metabolic dysfunction—a primary driver behind escalating rates of heart disease, diabetes, fatty-liver disease, and certain cancers. The association’s initiative aims to educate consumers globally about the transformative health benefits of nutritionally rich foods, with sardines emerging as an optimal choice.

    James Michael Lafferty, Founding Board Member and Faculty at MWA, clarifies the scientific rationale behind this recommendation: ‘Chronically elevated insulin acts as a storage hormone, prompting the body to accumulate visceral fat around organs when persistently high.’ He identifies conventional low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets as primary contributors to metabolic decline, noting that blood sugar elevation often represents the final stage of decades-long silent damage.

    Sardines offer a powerful nutritional solution to this crisis. They provide high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids without carbohydrates, resulting in minimal insulin response. Additionally, they deliver exceptional concentrations of essential vitamins and minerals while ranking among the world’s most cost-effective animal proteins.

    The nutritional value and safety of sardines depend significantly on sourcing and processing methods. Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan, CEO and President of Mega, highlights the importance of origin and freshness: ‘Where the fish comes from and how quickly it’s processed determine its ultimate nutritional value.’ Her company’s ‘catch to can in 12 hours’ protocol, utilizing pristine South Pacific waters, has earned Mega the world’s sole ‘Superfood’ certification for sardines from MWA.

    Market projections indicate substantial growth for the sardine industry, with anticipated acceleration from 7.5% to over 10% annually beginning in 2026. This surge reflects growing scientific validation and consumer awareness about metabolic health management through dietary choices.

    This movement represents more than nutritional trend—it embodies a fundamental rethinking of lifestyle disease management. As Lafferty concludes: ‘Type two diabetes is not a lifelong condition by default. With discipline, it can be reversed through strategic dietary intervention.’ Once considered mere pantry staples, sardines now stand at the intersection of scientific research, economic accessibility, and global wellness advancement.

  • Majority of Arabs oppose normalisation with Israel, pan-Arab survey finds

    Majority of Arabs oppose normalisation with Israel, pan-Arab survey finds

    A comprehensive pan-Arab survey conducted by the Arab Center Washington DC has revealed that more than a quarter of Arabs perceive Israel as the most significant threat to their region. The 2025 Arab Opinion Index (AOI), the largest public opinion survey in the Arab world, gathered data from 40,130 respondents across 15 Arab nations between November 2024 and August 2025.

    The findings demonstrate significant regional variations in threat perception. While 28% of all Arab respondents identified Israel as their foremost national security concern, this perception was most pronounced in the Mashreq (Levant) region at 58% and the Nile Valley at 38%. Conversely, the Maghreb and Gulf regions registered the lowest threat assessment of Israel at just 9% each, though these areas also recorded the highest rates of non-response to the question.

    Iran and the United States emerged as secondary regional concerns, with both nations polling equally at 16% in the Mashreq. In the Gulf specifically, 14% of respondents identified Iran as their primary security threat. Notably, fewer than 8% of respondents across the Maghreb, Nile Valley, and Gulf regions viewed the United States as a major threat.

    The survey provided unprecedented insight into Syrian public opinion following the fall of the Assad regime. A striking 88% of Syrian respondents believe Israel is actively working to undermine Syrian security and stability, while 70% oppose any normalization agreement that doesn’t include return of the Golan Heights annexed in 1967.

    Regarding the Palestinian cause, an overwhelming 80% of Arabs believe it represents a collective Arab concern rather than solely a Palestinian issue. Support for this position exceeded 90% in Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia registered the lowest agreement at 62%, though 30% of Saudi respondents declined to answer.

    The survey further revealed declining support for normalization with Israel, with 87% of all respondents opposing recognition of the Jewish state—a two-percentage-point increase from the previous survey cycle. Only 6% expressed support for recognition, with half of those conditioning their approval on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

    Methodologically, the comprehensive study employed face-to-face interviews across most regions, though researchers resorted to telephone surveys in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia due to security considerations. The findings provide crucial insights into evolving geopolitical attitudes across the Arab world.

  • Super Rugby turns 30, hoping a faster game attracts more fans

    Super Rugby turns 30, hoping a faster game attracts more fans

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — As Super Rugby commemorates its 30th anniversary with Friday’s opening clash between the Highlanders and defending champions Crusaders, the Southern Hemisphere’s premier club competition demonstrates remarkable resilience despite evolving challenges. The tournament’s journey began on March 1, 1996, when the Hurricanes faced the Blues in what marked rugby union’s early professional era, with no certainty about the competition’s longevity. Initially spanning twelve teams across Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, the championship disrupted traditional provincial loyalties while gradually expanding to incorporate eighteen teams including Argentine, Japanese, and Pacific franchises before consolidating into its current eleven-team format following pandemic adaptations. The 2020 withdrawal of South Africa’s four teams to Northern Hemisphere competitions raised existential concerns, yet Super Rugby has persisted through strategic recalibration. Tournament organizers confirm no immediate expansion plans or active negotiations for South Africa’s return, focusing instead on consolidating existing structures. Chief Executive Jack Mesley emphasized during a New Zealand DSPN podcast interview: “Super Rugby has undergone numerous transformations. Our priority remains strengthening fan engagement and financial stability for our clubs in this region.” While the competition once arguably stood as the world’s finest club rugby tournament, it now faces quality comparisons and attendance challenges against European leagues. Australian viewership and attendance figures, though improving, pale against domestic rivals—the NRL’s 4.3 million annual attendees and AFL’s 8.2 million spectators highlight the competitive sporting market. Recent seasons have introduced multiple law amendments aimed at accelerating gameplay, reducing dead time, and enhancing spectator experience. For the 2026 season, innovations target increased ball-in-play duration and reduced television official interventions. Organizers report eliminating over four minutes of dead time through rule modifications and officiating emphasis. “These changes reflect our commitment to delivering rugby’s most entertaining competition,” stated organizers, promoting “quick taps, faster restarts, and attacking rugby.” However, the changes face criticism from figures like former French referee Mathieu Raynal, who argues Southern Hemisphere priorities sacrifice structural elements like mauls and scrums for spectacle. “We defend these traditional elements and resist directions from countries with empty stadiums seeking to recreate spectacle at any cost,” Raynal commented. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh countered these criticisms by highlighting the Southern Hemisphere’s nine Rugby World Cup victories out of ten tournaments. “World Cup success stems from strong domestic leagues,” Waugh asserted. “We operate in the world’s most congested sports market and serve as the canary in the coal mine for rugby’s evolution.” The fundamental challenge remains balancing entertainment value for casual fans with high-performance preparation for international test matches.

  • Farhan, spinners lead Pakistan to easy USA win in T20 World Cup

    Farhan, spinners lead Pakistan to easy USA win in T20 World Cup

    Pakistan delivered a commanding performance against the United States in their Group A T20 World Cup encounter in Colombo on Tuesday, securing a comprehensive 32-run victory that avenged their shocking defeat to the same opponent two years prior.

    Opener Sahibzada Farhan orchestrated Pakistan’s strong batting display with an impressive 73 runs from just 41 deliveries, featuring five sixes and six boundaries. The 29-year-old batsman reached a significant career milestone during his innings, surpassing 1,000 T20 international runs in his 41st match. He received substantial support from former captain Babar Azam, who contributed a brisk 46 from 32 balls, including four fours and one six.

    The foundation was established early as Farhan and opening partner Saim Ayub (19 from 17 balls) put on 54 runs within the first five overs. Despite a brief stumble that saw two quick wickets fall in the sixth over to USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk, Pakistan recovered emphatically through an 81-run third-wicket partnership between Farhan and Azam that dominated the middle overs.

    Pakistan’s final total of 190-9 was somewhat tempered by a late collapse that saw five wickets fall for just 13 runs in the final two overs, with van Schalkwyk emerging as the most successful American bowler with figures of 4-25.

    In response, the United States batting lineup struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack. Leg-spinner Usman Tariq proved particularly destructive, claiming 3-27, while all-rounder Shadab Khan supported with 2-26. Despite valiant efforts from Shubham Ranjane (51 from 30 balls) and Shayan Jahangir (49 from 34 balls), the American innings stalled at 158-8, unable to maintain the required run rate against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.

    The victory marks Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the tournament following their narrow three-wicket triumph over the Netherlands last Saturday. Captain Salman Agha described the performance as “clinical” while acknowledging room for improvement in powerplay bowling ahead of their highly anticipated match against arch-rivals India on Sunday—a fixture that was only confirmed after the Pakistani government reversed its initial boycott decision.

  • Al Layan Oasis: What Dubai’s newest attraction will look like

    Al Layan Oasis: What Dubai’s newest attraction will look like

    Dubai is poised to enhance its iconic skyline with the introduction of Al Layan Oasis, a groundbreaking attraction scheduled to open in February 2026. This ambitious project represents the latest addition to the emirate’s extensive portfolio of world-class destinations, blending innovative architectural design with traditional Arabian cultural elements.

    The development promises to transform the desert landscape into a lush, technologically advanced sanctuary featuring state-of-the-art visitor facilities, immersive experiential zones, and sustainable environmental design. Preliminary renderings suggest the oasis will incorporate advanced climate control systems to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round, revolutionary water conservation technologies, and botanical gardens showcasing regional flora.

    Tourism analysts project Al Layan Oasis will significantly boost Dubai’s appeal as a premium travel destination, potentially increasing annual visitor numbers by an estimated 12-15%. The attraction’s design philosophy appears to merge cutting-edge sustainability practices with luxury entertainment experiences, creating what developers describe as ‘a harmonious dialogue between traditional Bedouin heritage and futuristic innovation’.

    This development continues Dubai’s strategic expansion beyond traditional shopping and luxury tourism into experiential and educational attractions. Industry observers note the timing aligns with the emirate’s broader economic diversification goals and its positioning as a global leader in innovative tourism infrastructure.

  • China’s panda diplomacy is becoming a liability for Beijing

    China’s panda diplomacy is becoming a liability for Beijing

    Japan marked a historic diplomatic milestone on January 27th as the nation bid farewell to its last remaining giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, who were returned to China ahead of schedule. This departure signifies the first time since 1972—when diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing were normalized—that Japan finds itself without any pandas within its borders.

    The repatriation of these beloved creatures occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the two Asian powers. The situation deteriorated notably following November comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting potential military response to Chinese actions toward Taiwan, which provoked strong objections from Beijing.

    China’s longstanding practice of ‘panda diplomacy’ dates back to the 7th century Empress Wu Zetian, who gifted bears to Japan as goodwill gestures. Modern panda diplomacy emerged in the 1970s as China sought to build international relationships, presenting pandas to major economies including the US, France, and the UK. Since 1984, due to declining wild populations, China has transitioned to long-term loan agreements requiring host countries to pay up to $1 million annually in conservation fees.

    The current reduction in panda loans—from 21 countries in 2019 to 16 today—reflects both diplomatic considerations and domestic pressures. Pandas hold profound emotional significance for the Chinese public as national treasures, and perceived mistreatment abroad can generate substantial backlash. This sensitivity was demonstrated when panda Le Le’s death at Memphis Zoo in 2023 sparked accusations of mishandling on Chinese social media.

    Despite being a soft power tool, panda diplomacy faces limitations beyond geopolitical tensions. Conservationists criticize the practice for using animals as political pawns, while questions persist about its actual conservation impact despite the significant fees involved. The International Union for Conservation of Nature still classifies giant pandas as ‘vulnerable.’

    The early recall of Japan’s pandas and suspension of negotiations for new loans illustrates how these charismatic animals remain entangled in the complex web of international relations, serving as both ambassadors and indicators of diplomatic climates between nations.

  • Shaheen Malik: An acid attack survivor’s fight for justice and dignity

    Shaheen Malik: An acid attack survivor’s fight for justice and dignity

    In a courageous fight against systemic injustice, Indian acid attack survivors are confronting legal limitations and deep-rooted social stigma. Shaheen Malik, a prominent disability rights activist who has endured 25 surgeries since her 2009 attack, leads this battle through her Brave Souls Foundation.

    The critical legal gap centers on India’s 2016 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, which currently recognizes only survivors with visible disfigurement from externally applied acid. This exclusion leaves victims like Ruman (name changed), who was forced to ingest acid during domestic violence in 2019, without access to compensation and rehabilitation benefits. At 28 years old, Ruman weighs merely 21kg due to severe internal injuries and requires constant medical supervision.

    Malik’s petition to the Supreme Court in December seeks to amend this legislation to include internal injuries from forced acid ingestion. “For these survivors,” Malik explains, “the disfigurement is internal but their lives are extremely challenging as they struggle to breathe, speak and swallow despite numerous surgeries.”

    The legal landscape remains grim. Conviction rates in acid attack cases are alarmingly low, with National Crime Records Bureau data showing only 43 of 703 pending cases disposed in 2023, resulting in just 16 convictions. Meanwhile, reported cases have increased from 176 in 2021 to 207 in 2023.

    In a significant development, the Supreme Court recently directed all states to provide yearly reports on acid attacks, case dispositions, and rehabilitation schemes. The court strongly condemned these attacks and called for extraordinary measures including auctioning attackers’ assets to compensate victims and shifting the burden of proof onto the accused.

    Despite legal mandates requiring free treatment, survivors face practical barriers. “Many private hospitals refuse admission without court orders,” Malik reports, “and even then, treatment is often delayed or discontinued midway.”

    Social isolation compounds these challenges. Survivors face discrimination in housing and daily life, with many landlords refusing to rent properties due to superstitions or discomfort with visible scars. Malik herself currently struggles to find new office space for her foundation amid this prejudice.

    Through the Brave Souls Foundation, established with fellow survivor Laxmi Agarwal in 2021, approximately 50 survivors receive shelter, legal aid, and economic support. The organization serves as a critical lifeline for those shunned by society and their families.

    Malik, despite recently facing the acquittal of her own attackers after a 16-year legal battle, remains determined: “I fought for justice for myself. But now I’m fighting for other survivors. I want my case to be an example that perpetrators won’t walk free.”

  • Gaza’s displaced girls channel war pain through boxing in makeshift ring

    Gaza’s displaced girls channel war pain through boxing in makeshift ring

    In the sprawling displacement camps of southern Gaza, an unconventional form of therapy is taking root amid the rubble of conflict. Dozens of young Palestinian girls, aged 8 to 19, are channeling their wartime trauma through disciplined boxing training in a remarkably improvised athletic facility.

    Osama Ayub, a former boxing coach whose Gaza City club and home were obliterated during the Israel-Hamas conflict, has established a unique sanctuary for displaced youth. Now residing in Khan Yunis, Ayub conducts free training sessions three times weekly for 45 aspiring boxers, using equipment crafted from scavenged materials. The training ring, constructed from wooden planks without protective mats or safety measures, stands as a testament to both resourcefulness and desperation.

    ‘These girls carry profound psychological wounds from continuous bombardment and personal loss,’ Ayub explained. ‘Through boxing, they discover an emotional outlet to express their pent-up pain and frustration.’ The sessions provide crucial psychological relief for children who have endured unimaginable trauma, with many having lost family members and homes.

    Among the participants, 14-year-old Ghazal Radwan aspires to become an international champion who will ‘raise the Palestinian flag worldwide.’ Her teammate Rimas, 16, continues training despite the ongoing conflict, though she acknowledges the severe equipment shortages: ‘We train on sand and need proper gloves, shoes, and punching bags.’

    The initiative faces substantial challenges due to Israel’s strict blockade on Gaza, which severely restricts construction materials and sports equipment. Building supplies are routinely denied entry by Israeli officials, complicating even basic facility maintenance. In January, Palestinian authorities reported that Israel blocked a shipment of artificial turf donated by China for sporting facilities.

    Ayub has appealed to the international community for support, emphasizing that proper training equipment and opportunities for international competition would provide vital psychological reinforcement for Gaza’s traumatized youth. The boxing program represents one of many grassroots efforts emerging across Gaza to address the massive mental health crisis among children affected by prolonged conflict and displacement.

  • Lebanon, Jordan seek solutions after Damascus bans non-Syrian trucks

    Lebanon, Jordan seek solutions after Damascus bans non-Syrian trucks

    A sudden regulatory shift by Syrian authorities prohibiting foreign commercial trucks from entering its territory has triggered significant logistical disruptions and prompted urgent diplomatic engagement from neighboring Lebanon and Jordan. The policy directive, enacted on Saturday, mandates that all non-Syrian freight carriers must unload their cargo at designated border zones, effectively barring them from transiting through Syrian road networks.

    Visual evidence from the Masnaa border crossing revealed extensive queues of stranded Lebanese trucks, illustrating the immediate impact of Damascus’s decision. Lebanese transportation official Ahmad Tamer clarified that this measure represents a broader regulatory action rather than a targeted sanction, with approximately 500 Lebanese trucks typically crossing into Syria daily. Concurrently, Jordanian authorities reported similar operational challenges at the Nassib crossing, where roughly 250 Jordanian trucks undergo daily processing.

    The Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs characterized the move as part of ongoing efforts to systematize cargo movement through national ports. However, Lebanese transport associations have voiced strong opposition, warning through official channels about potentially severe economic repercussions given Syria’s critical role as Lebanon’s sole land conduit to Gulf markets.

    This trade disruption occurs against a backdrop of gradual diplomatic normalization. Mere days before the truck ban implementation, Lebanese and Syrian officials finalized an agreement transferring 300 Syrian prisoners from Lebanese to Damascus custody, signaling continued efforts to rebuild bilateral relations despite current trade complications.