Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Stage set for season-opening Dubai 2026 Para Athletics GP

    Stage set for season-opening Dubai 2026 Para Athletics GP

    Dubai has become the epicenter of elite para athletics as the 17th Fazza International Para Athletics Championships commences, marking the inaugural Grand Prix event of the 2026 season. Under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this prestigious competition brings together 500 elite athletes representing 56 nations at the Dubai Club for People of Determination grounds from February 10-13, 2026.

    The championship serves as a critical qualifying platform for major international events throughout the 2026 athletic calendar, including the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July and the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games in October. Athletes are competing to achieve minimum qualification standards that will secure their participation in these premier competitions.

    India has deployed its strongest contingent featuring 50 elite competitors, including reigning Paris 2024 Paralympic champions Sumit Antil (F64 javelin) and Navdeep (F41 javelin), alongside two-time Paris 2024 medalist Preeti Pal and Simran, bronze medalist in women’s 200m T12.

    European representation is highlighted by Belgium’s Maxime Carabin, a two-time Paris 2024 Paralympic champion and five-time world champion who secured three gold medals at the Kobe 2024 World Championships. Canada’s Austin Smeenk, gold medalist in men’s 800m T34 and bronze medalist in men’s 100m T34 at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, adds further international star power to the competition.

    The host nation UAE fields 65 athletes, including several Paralympic medalists. Young standout Mohammed Youssef Othman, bronze medalist at the New Delhi World Championships, leads the home team’s track events. The women’s campaign features Rio 2016 medalists Sara Aljeneibi (women’s shot put F33), Noura Alktebi (women’s shot put F32), and Kobe 2024 world champion Maryam Alzeyoudi (women’s shot put F40).

    Othman expressed his aspirations ahead of the competition: ‘My preparations have been optimal for the new season. I aim to deliver a powerful performance at our home event and maintain momentum throughout the competitive season, with the Asian Para Games representing my primary objective.’

    The championship will be streamed live globally through the Dubai Club for People of Determination’s official YouTube and Facebook channels, ensuring worldwide accessibility to these elite athletic performances.

  • Father of US-based Hong Kong activist convicted under national security law

    Father of US-based Hong Kong activist convicted under national security law

    In a groundbreaking legal proceeding under Hong Kong’s domestic security legislation, a 69-year-old man was convicted Wednesday for attempting to access financial assets belonging to his daughter, a U.S.-based activist designated as an absconder by local authorities.

    Kwok Yin-sang became the first individual prosecuted under Article 23 legislation for allegedly trying to withdraw funds from an insurance policy under his daughter’s name. His daughter, Anna Kwok, serves as executive director of the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council and has been subject to an HK$1 million (approximately $127,900) bounty offered by Hong Kong authorities in 2023 for information leading to her arrest.

    The prosecution argued that Kwok knowingly attempted to handle assets of a designated absconder, despite his not guilty plea. Acting Principal Magistrate Cheng Lim-chi determined that Kwok must have been aware of his daughter’s status when he sought to cancel the insurance policy originally purchased during her childhood.

    Defense attorney Steven Kwan contended there was no evidence indicating the funds were intended for transfer to Anna Kwok and requested a minimal 14-day imprisonment sentence. While the charge carries a maximum seven-year penalty, the case was heard in magistrates’ courts where sentences are capped at two years. Sentencing is scheduled for February 26.

    International human rights organization Amnesty International condemned the conviction as politically motivated. Spokesperson Joey Siu warned the verdict “sets a dangerous precedent, designed to terrify and silence others who continue to speak out about Hong Kong issues from overseas.”

    The case emerges within broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Hong Kong’s national security laws. United States officials previously sanctioned six Chinese and Hong Kong officials in 2025, alleging involvement in “transnational repression” through extraterritorial application of security laws. China responded with counter-sanctions against U.S. officials and NGO leaders.

    Both Chinese and Hong Kong governments maintain that the security laws are essential for maintaining stability in the former British colony, which returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. The legislation followed massive anti-government protests in 2019 and has resulted in numerous activist arrests, silencing, or overseas exile.

  • UAE lobbied pro-Israel groups to level antisemitism charges against Saudi Arabia

    UAE lobbied pro-Israel groups to level antisemitism charges against Saudi Arabia

    According to disclosures from current and former U.S. officials to Middle East Eye, the United Arab Emirates has attempted to enlist pro-Israel lobbying organizations in Washington to amplify its ongoing diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia. The effort represents a strategic maneuver by Abu Dhabi to capitalize on relationships forged through the 2021 Abraham Accords, which normalized UAE-Israel relations.

    The American Jewish Committee (AJC), a prominent pro-Israel group with significant Washington influence led by former Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch, reportedly faced Emirati pressure to issue statements expressing concern about alleged antisemitic rhetoric emanating from Saudi Arabia. While AJC maintained public neutrality in the Gulf dispute, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) published a January statement criticizing what it described as ‘openly antisemitic dog whistles’ from Saudi voices opposing the Abraham Accords.

    This lobbying campaign occurs against the backdrop of deteriorating UAE-Saudi relations, once close allies whose partnership has fractured over conflicting geopolitical interests in Yemen, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa. The rivalry has extended into social media warfare, with Saudi commentators accusing the UAE of regional destabilization while Emirati supporters label Saudi Arabia as harboring extremists.

    The diplomatic tensions complicate U.S.-brokered normalization efforts between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which had advanced under both Trump and Biden administrations before being derailed by the Gaza conflict. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who previously entertained normalization talks, has since condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocidal and insisted on Palestinian statehood as a precondition for any diplomatic agreement.

  • UAE expresses solidarity with Morocco over deadly floods

    UAE expresses solidarity with Morocco over deadly floods

    The United Arab Emirates has formally expressed its profound condolences and unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom of Morocco following catastrophic flooding that has ravaged multiple regions. Through an official declaration from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa), the Emirates conveyed heartfelt sympathies to both the bereaved families and the Moroccan nation, while extending wishes for the rapid recovery of all injured individuals.

    The devastating weather event has claimed at least four lives, including a two-year-old child, with an additional individual reported missing. Moroccan authorities confirmed these casualties occurred when a vehicle was unexpectedly engulfed by sudden torrents near Tetouan. Rescue operations successfully recovered the victims’ bodies between Saturday night and Sunday morning, with ongoing search efforts for the missing person.

    This natural disaster has prompted one of the largest emergency responses in recent Moroccan history, with official reports indicating the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents since the flooding commenced. Northwestern provinces have endured particularly severe rainfall over the past week, exacerbating the already critical situation.

    This tragedy echoes previous weather-related disasters in the region, notably the December flooding in Safi that resulted in 37 fatalities—Morocco’s most deadly climate event in the past ten years. The current meteorological crisis extends beyond Moroccan borders, with neighboring Algeria reporting two flood-related deaths including a child, and Tunisia experiencing at least five casualties during its heaviest rainfall in seventy years.

    Further north, Iberian nations Portugal and Spain have simultaneously battled severe storms and torrential rains, suggesting a broader regional weather pattern affecting Northwestern Africa and Southern Europe. The interconnected nature of these events highlights growing concerns about climate volatility in the Mediterranean region.

  • 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.