Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Object 1 expands into UAE Capital; launches flagship sales gallery in Abu Dhabi

    Object 1 expands into UAE Capital; launches flagship sales gallery in Abu Dhabi

    Award-winning real estate developer Object 1 has marked a strategic expansion into Abu Dhabi with the inauguration of its premier sales gallery in the UAE capital. The milestone event signals the company’s ambitious plan to strengthen its footprint across the Emirates.

    To commemorate this significant launch, Object 1 hosted an exclusive networking gathering titled ‘Meet & Greet: Exploring Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate Market’ at the illustrious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The high-profile event attracted over 1,000 distinguished guests, including senior government representatives, VIP personalities, prominent agency leaders, and top-tier brokerage professionals. Celebrated media host Kris Fade facilitated the evening’s proceedings, creating an engaging and dynamic atmosphere for participants.

    CEO Tatiana Tonu emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion, stating: ‘Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, presenting exceptional opportunities for lifestyle-oriented developments. Our new Sales Gallery establishment and this networking initiative demonstrate our dedication to fostering stronger connections with local partners and clients. This platform enables industry professionals to exchange market insights, identify collaborative ventures, and interact directly with potential investors.’

    The company has identified Abu Dhabi as a priority market for future growth, with several upcoming projects already in development on Reem Island. A specialized team will oversee these design-focused, high-quality developments specifically tailored to meet Abu Dhabi’s evolving market requirements.

    This expansion builds upon Object 1’s remarkable success in Dubai, where the developer has achieved top-fifteen status within just three years of operation. The first half of 2025 witnessed substantial growth in both sales value and transaction volume compared to the same period last year. Since inception, the company has sold more than 2,680 units and manages an extensive development portfolio exceeding 4.5 million square feet across premium communities including JVC, JVT, Al Furjan, Sports City, Jumeirah Garden City, and Dubai Land Residence Complex. Their current portfolio comprises 17 active projects emphasizing wellness, sustainability, and community-centric living concepts.

    Abu Dhabi’s robust market fundamentals, characterized by growing buyer demand and increased interest from high-net-worth individuals and international investors across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, provide an ideal environment for Object 1’s expansion. The emirate’s economic diversification strategy and attractive investment returns position it as a prime market for sustainable long-term growth. Object 1’s entry into Abu Dhabi represents a new chapter in its expansion strategy, leveraging its proven success record and design-led methodology to meet the sophisticated expectations of the capital’s real estate market.

  • This Week in Golf: Global golf winds down with high stakes in Mauritius and Thailand

    This Week in Golf: Global golf winds down with high stakes in Mauritius and Thailand

    The international golf circuit approaches its 2025 finale with parallel narratives of triumph and aspiration unfolding across two continents. While established professionals compete for prestige in the Indian Ocean, emerging talents battle for career-defining opportunities in Southeast Asia.

    The DP World Tour concludes its Opening Swing segment at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, boasting a $1.2 million purse co-sanctioned with South Africa’s Sunshine Tour. Heritage La Reserve Golf Links hosts defending champion John Parry, whose remarkable 2024 victory propelled him to an 11th-place Race to Dubai finish and secured his PGA Tour credentials. The Englishman’s return to defend his title contrasts with modern trends where champions frequently skip such events.

    A formidable international contingent includes recent DP World Tour winner Jayden Schaper of South Africa, UAE-based European veterans Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium) and Dominic Foos (Germany), alongside numerous Sunshine Tour competitors. The tournament’s significance extends beyond its prize money, as early-season performance frequently establishes momentum for the entire campaign.

    Concurrently, Thailand’s Lake View Resort & Golf Club hosts the Asian Tour Final Qualifying School, where five grueling rounds will determine professional futures. This crucible of competition represents golf’s foundational pyramid structure, where marginal differences separate success from obscurity. Participants recognize that sustained performance under pressure could launch continental touring careers.

    The global tour schedule resumes January 15-18, 2026 with the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort, featuring headliners Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. This prestigious event inaugurates the DP World Tour’s International Swing segment, offering early-season opportunities before the championship calendar intensifies.

  • Dubai RTA uses drones to clean traffic signals in pilot project, cutting time, costs

    Dubai RTA uses drones to clean traffic signals in pilot project, cutting time, costs

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched an innovative pilot program utilizing drone technology to clean traffic signals, marking a significant advancement in urban maintenance operations. The initiative, which recently completed its first phase at the Marrakech Street-Rebat Street intersection, demonstrates remarkable efficiency improvements with drones capable of cleaning one signal side in just three to four minutes.

    The drone-based cleaning system has achieved substantial operational benefits, reducing cleaning time by 25-50% and cutting costs by up to 15% compared to traditional methods. According to Abdulla Ali Lootah, Director of Roads and Facilities Maintenance at RTA, future technological enhancements could potentially increase cost savings to 25%.

    This technological approach addresses multiple objectives simultaneously: enhancing worker safety by eliminating the need for manlifts and heavy equipment, reducing environmental impact through decreased fuel and water consumption, and minimizing traffic disruptions through shorter operational windows. The project represents RTA’s strategic commitment to implementing smart solutions and advanced technologies for urban infrastructure management.

    The successful metro station facade cleaning initiative earlier this year paved the way for this expanded application of drone technology. RTA officials emphasize that the current pilot phase will continue with thorough assessments of cleaning methodologies, focusing particularly on maintaining highest safety standards while ensuring no adverse impact on traffic flow. This innovation aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of transforming urban maintenance through technological integration and smart city solutions.

  • Millions are pledged to a Syrian Australian man who stopped a gunman and became a national hero

    Millions are pledged to a Syrian Australian man who stopped a gunman and became a national hero

    SYDNEY, Australia – In a stunning act of courage that has captivated global attention, Syrian-Australian shopkeeper Ahmed al Ahmed single-handedly subdued one of the gunmen during Sunday’s horrific attack at Bondi Beach. The 44-year-old Muslim father, who previously served as a police officer in Syria, tackled the armed assailant during Hanukkah celebrations, wresting a shotgun from his grip and turning the weapon against him.

    The confrontation occurred as al Ahmed was simply enjoying an evening coffee with a friend near the popular beachfront. Security footage capturing his heroic intervention has since been viewed millions of times worldwide, showcasing his swift response to the unfolding violence that claimed 15 lives.

    Currently hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds to his left arm, al Ahmed faces an extensive recovery period estimated at six months. Despite his injuries, the ‘quiet and humble’ family man has reportedly told New South Wales Premier Chris Minns that he would take the same action again without hesitation.

    Australia’s leadership has universally praised al Ahmed’s bravery. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited him in hospital, declaring the shopkeeper ‘represents the best of our country’ and ‘an example of the strength of humanity.’ Governor General David Hurley and former U.S. President Donald Trump have similarly hailed his actions.

    The Australian public has responded with overwhelming support, contributing over AU$2.3 million through a crowdfunding campaign established by strangers moved by his heroism. Billionaire investor William Ackman notably donated AU$99,000 to the cause.

    Al Ahmed’s background reveals a history of service. Having emigrated from Syria’s Idlib region in 2006 before the civil war, he previously served in Syrian police and security forces. His parents, who recently reunited with him in Sydney, described how his ‘conscience and soul’ compelled him to act during the attack.

    His heroism represents one of several courageous acts that emerged from the tragedy. Married couple Boris and Sofia Gurman and 62-year-old Reuven Morrison were all killed while attempting to intervene against the attackers, according to family statements.

    In a nation grappling with one of its darkest episodes of hate-fueled violence, al Ahmed’s selfless actions have provided a powerful counter-narrative of unity and courage. As his father Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed noted: ‘He doesn’t discriminate between one nationality and another, especially here in Australia there’s no difference between one citizen and another.’

  • Goa nightclub owners arrested at Delhi airport after extradition from Thailand

    Goa nightclub owners arrested at Delhi airport after extradition from Thailand

    Indian authorities have formally arrested Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the proprietors of a Goa nightclub where a catastrophic fire claimed 25 lives earlier this month. The brothers were taken into custody at New Delhi’s international airport on Tuesday following their deportation from Thailand.

    The dramatic extradition concludes an international manhunt that began after the December 6th tragedy at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in North Goa. The siblings had fled to Phuket, Thailand, within hours of the devastating blaze that also left numerous patrons and staff members critically injured.

    Thai law enforcement officials detained the brothers at a Phuket resort after Indian authorities initiated passport suspension procedures and formally requested cooperation under the bilateral extradition treaty. The 2015 agreement between India and Thailand facilitated the swift transfer, with Thai officials confirming all legal protocols were meticulously followed throughout the deportation process.

    According to criminal charges filed by Goa Police on December 7th, the Luthra brothers organized a fire performance at their establishment without implementing essential safety measures. The First Information Report indicates they knowingly operated without emergency exits on both ground and deck levels while failing to provide basic fire safety equipment during the pyrotechnic display.

    The accused are scheduled to appear before Delhi’s Patiala House court before being transferred to Goa to face charges related to the fatal incident that predominantly affected tourists and employees. An Indian law enforcement team coordinated international logistics to ensure the brothers’ return, demonstrating strengthened judicial cooperation between the two nations.

  • Citi Developers unveils AMRA, the world’s first integrative wellness resort

    Citi Developers unveils AMRA, the world’s first integrative wellness resort

    UMM AL QUWAIN – Citi Developers has unveiled AMRA, a groundbreaking integrative wellness resort project positioned as the world’s first of its kind. Located within a rare Blue Carbon lagoon environment in Umm Al Quwain, this development represents a significant pivot for the developer from premium residential projects to holistic wellness hospitality.

    The resort spans three towers featuring 820 fully serviced residences specifically designed to promote mindful living and longevity. Unlike temporary wellness retreats, AMRA is conceived as a permanent lifestyle destination where every architectural and operational element intentionally incorporates wellness principles. The design leverages the neuroscience-backed ‘Blue Mind’ concept, utilizing uninterrupted sea views, water-centric architecture, and biophilic elements to foster mental clarity and human connection.

    CEO Zoraiz Malik announced the project marks the company’s strategic expansion into the resorts sector, stating: “AMRA represents our evolution from building homes to building holistic lifestyles. This project will serve as the foundation for AMRA Resorts as a standalone global brand.”

    The development partners include internationally recognized design firms 1508 London and Trush Design, alongside hospitality operators Valor Hospitality, Blue Coral Concept, and Eden Art Gallery. Amenities will encompass cryotherapy chambers, hydrotherapy pools, meditation decks, multiple wellness pavilions, and nutrient-focused dining concepts emphasizing organic, sustainably sourced cuisine.

    Adding celebrity endorsement, actor couple Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson have both invested in the project and front its global campaign. Jackson described the resort as “incredibly grounding,” while Westwick emphasized its “intentionality behind every detail.”

    From an investment perspective, AMRA offers a 70/30 payment plan with three years post-handover flexibility. The project is scheduled for completion in Q4 2028, with the development positioned as both a lifestyle destination and long-term financial opportunity.

  • Wall Street banks prepare for round-the-clock stock trading, reluctantly

    Wall Street banks prepare for round-the-clock stock trading, reluctantly

    A seismic shift toward continuous stock trading is transforming US financial markets, yet major Wall Street institutions are approaching this revolution with significant reservations. The impending reality of near-24-hour weekday trading, accelerated by regulatory changes and exchange initiatives, faces substantial resistance from banking giants concerned about operational risks and questionable returns.

    Nasdaq’s recent regulatory filing to enable 23-hour daily trading sessions represents the most concrete step toward nonstop markets, following NYSE Arca’s approved proposal for 22-hour trading. This structural transformation, targeted for full implementation by late 2026, responds to growing global investor demand for extended access to US markets but introduces complex challenges for market intermediaries.

    Senior executives from JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley express deep concerns regarding the multibillion-dollar infrastructure investments required. The necessity for enhanced risk management systems, overnight staffing, and technological upgrades presents substantial financial commitments without clear revenue projections. As one analyst noted, institutions perceive this primarily as an operational burden rather than a profit opportunity.

    Critical risk factors include potentially inadequate overnight liquidity, which could exacerbate volatility and widen bid-ask spreads during extended sessions. Bank of America’s Sonali Theisen emphasized the imperative for robust investor protections before market-wide implementation, highlighting concerns about managing market-moving events outside traditional hours.

    Proponents argue that extended hours will benefit international investors and improve market accessibility. Retail brokerage Robinhood anticipates full market participation within years, while Citadel Securities committed to meeting investor demand regardless of timing. However, skeptics question the immediate viability, with Citigroup’s Michael Masone projecting meaningful adoption might not materialize until 2027-2028.

    The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation’s parallel development of continuous clearing capabilities, combined with necessary updates to securities information processors, creates the technical foundation for this transformation. Industry projections suggest 1-10% of total equity volume could eventually migrate to extended sessions, potentially creating a multibillion-dollar segment—though not without overcoming substantial operational hurdles first.

  • ‘Jassi Weds Jassi’ premieres in Dubai to a packed house

    ‘Jassi Weds Jassi’ premieres in Dubai to a packed house

    Dubai’s Grand Cineplex at Grand Hyatt witnessed an enthusiastic reception for the international premiere of ‘Jassi Weds Jassi’ on December 11, 2025. The romantic comedy attracted a diverse audience that mirrored the city’s cosmopolitan character, with strong attendance from Indian, Pakistani, and Arab communities creating a vibrant celebratory atmosphere.

    Directed by Paran Bawa and produced through Divinity Studios by Soma Singh Deo and Mazahir Abbas, the film transports viewers to 1996 Haldwani (now in Uttarakhand) for a nostalgic romantic journey. The production features Harshvardhan Deo in the titular role alongside an accomplished ensemble cast including Ranvir Shorey, Sikandar Kher, Sudesh Lahiri, Grusha Kapoor, Manu Rishi Chaddha, and Rehmat Rattan.

    The narrative centers on Jaspreet (Jassi), an incurable romantic who firmly believes in destined love. His world undergoes delightful chaos when he develops feelings for Jasmeet (Rehmat Rattan), only to encounter an unexpected romantic rival named Jaswinder (Sikandar Kher), who also goes by Jassi. This coincidence sets in motion a chain of comedic misunderstandings, heartfelt emotions, and romantic entanglements, all infused with authentic Punjabi cultural elements.

    Director Paran Bawa characterized the film as ‘pure madness in the best way possible,’ emphasizing its celebration of love, emotional depth, and energetic chaos. Producer Mazahir Abbas stated their objective was to deliver a wholesome, family-oriented cinematic experience designed to maintain audience engagement and smiles throughout. Lead actor Harshvardhan Deo described his portrayal of Jassi as particularly enjoyable, noting the character’s endearing qualities as an innocent dreamer motivated by love, playful mischief, and natural charm.

    The film has commenced theatrical screenings across UAE cinemas, offering audiences a lighthearted escape into romantic comedy grounded in cultural specificity and universal emotions.

  • First EU airline flight in 35 years lands in Baghdad today

    First EU airline flight in 35 years lands in Baghdad today

    In a landmark development for Iraqi aviation, Greece’s Aegean Airlines successfully landed at Baghdad International Airport on Tuesday, marking the first scheduled European carrier arrival in 35 years. The historic flight signifies a major step in Iraq’s reintegration into international air travel networks following decades of isolation due to security concerns.

    The newly established Baghdad-Athens route will initially operate with two weekly flights, with Iraqi transport officials indicating potential expansion based on passenger demand. This aviation breakthrough represents what the Iraqi Transport Ministry described as “Iraq’s return to the European aviation map” and heralds “a new phase of recovery for Iraq’s aviation sector.”

    European airlines ceased direct flights to Baghdad in the early 1990s following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait and subsequent international sanctions. The security situation further deteriorated after the 2003 US-led invasion, which triggered extended periods of civil conflict, sectarian violence, and jihadist activity that made commercial aviation operations untenable.

    The Greek carrier had previously demonstrated confidence in Iraq’s northern region by initiating flights to Erbil, capital of the relatively stable autonomous Kurdistan region. This strategic expansion southward to Baghdad suggests growing international confidence in Iraq’s improving security conditions and economic potential.

    Aviation analysts note that restored European air connections could significantly boost business travel, diplomatic exchanges, and economic development opportunities for Iraq as it continues to rebuild infrastructure and international relationships after years of conflict and isolation.

  • Wuxi Winter Bazaar creates cross-cultural gathering

    Wuxi Winter Bazaar creates cross-cultural gathering

    The 2025 Winter Bazaar at Erquan Square in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, transformed into a vibrant international marketplace on December 14th. This cultural extravaganza featured merchants from diverse global backgrounds showcasing their nations’ distinctive culinary specialties and artisanal crafts. The event successfully bridged cultural divides by creating an immersive environment where international visitors and local residents could interact through shared appreciation of global traditions. The bazaar’s strategic timing during the winter season provided both seasonal shopping opportunities and cultural enrichment. The convergence of international vendors and local attendees demonstrated how commerce can serve as a vehicle for cross-cultural understanding and community building. The event’s organization highlighted Wuxi’s growing role as a hub for international cultural exchange within the Yangtze River Delta region. Visitors experienced a microcosm of global culture through direct engagement with authentic international products and personal interactions with vendors representing their home countries’ traditions.