Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • UAE: 91-year-old Kerala expat becomes oldest author at Sharjah book fair

    UAE: 91-year-old Kerala expat becomes oldest author at Sharjah book fair

    At 91, Al Haj N. Jamaluddin, a UAE-based Indian educationist and poet, is set to become the oldest author to host a book signing session at the Sharjah International Book Fair. On November 15, Jamaluddin will meet readers at the Sharjah Expo Centre, where he will sign copies of ‘Zamzam,’ the Arabic translation of his Malayalam poetry collection. The book, first launched at the fair in 2023, has now reached Arabic-speaking audiences, fulfilling Jamaluddin’s long-held dream of transcending linguistic barriers. Joining him will be Karima El Azizi, Secretary to the CEO’s Office at the Sharjah Book Authority, who will also be signing her latest work.

    Jamaluddin describes ‘Zamzam’ as a cultural bridge between his two homes: Kerala, where he was born, and the UAE, where he has lived since 1965. The poetry collection delves into his life experiences, Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, and Islamic history, including the early arrival of Islam in southern India. ‘The UAE and my homeland, Kerala, share a bond that goes back centuries,’ he said. ‘Being able to share our stories in Arabic means a lot to me.’

    Before his literary pursuits, Jamaluddin dedicated decades to education. He is the founder and chairman of Crescent English High School in Dubai, established in 1984 to provide affordable quality education to low- and middle-income families. Even at 91, he continues to visit the school daily, finding inspiration in the children. ‘When I’m with the children, I forget everything,’ he once told Khaleej Times. ‘They make me feel alive. As long as I can, I’ll keep going.’

    Born in Kollakadavu, Kerala, Jamaluddin’s life parallels the UAE’s transformation. Arriving in Dubai in the mid-1960s, he worked with the Bank of Oman (now Mashreq Bank) until 1983 and played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Relief Committee, which later facilitated consular services for Indian expats and direct flights between Kerala and Dubai. Despite lucrative job offers, he chose to focus on education and literature, believing that ‘books and schools are what endure.’

    Jamaluddin’s curiosity remains undiminished. He writes regularly, reads daily, and stays connected with former students worldwide. When asked about his motivation, he said, ‘As long as I can learn, I’ll keep writing. Age is not an obstacle, but a reminder that time is precious.’

  • Heroes of Hope bring colour and creativity to Earth Lounge at DP World Tour Championship

    Heroes of Hope bring colour and creativity to Earth Lounge at DP World Tour Championship

    The DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates witnessed a heartwarming fusion of art and sport as young athletes from Heroes of Hope, a UAE-based non-profit sports academy for people of determination, collaborated with local abstract artist Rabab Tantawy to complete a stunning mural at the Earth Lounge. The vibrant artwork, located beside the 16th green, added a fresh and creative touch to the championship venue as it prepared to crown its 2025 champion from November 13–16. The mural, blending traditional oil paint with contemporary spray art techniques, symbolized the inclusive spirit of the event. The young participants, including Noah Evans, Thomas O’Brien, and Marwan Al Khaja, have been part of a golf coaching programme at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, a partnership between the DP World Tour and Heroes of Hope. This initiative aims to provide people of determination with opportunities to engage with golf both on and off the course. The programme culminated with a final lesson from one of the tournament’s leading players, offering the young athletes a memorable experience of the championship atmosphere. Noah, a Year 7 student at Dubai Heights Academy, shared his passion for golf, which he has been playing for three years alongside his father. His father, Tom, highlighted how the sport has boosted Noah’s confidence, hand-eye coordination, and overall well-being. The family expressed gratitude to Heroes of Hope, DP World, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, and the DP World Tour for their unwavering support, enabling Noah and his peers to participate in such enriching activities.

  • Tommy Fleetwood Academy expands to Abu Dhabi, elevating golf development in the UAE

    Tommy Fleetwood Academy expands to Abu Dhabi, elevating golf development in the UAE

    In a significant stride for golf development in the UAE, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy (TFA) has officially opened its doors at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. This expansion marks a new chapter for the sport in the region, coinciding with the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The academy’s launch follows a comprehensive upgrade of Yas Links’ training facilities, now operating fully under the TFA brand. This move strengthens the partnership between Viya Golf and Tommy Fleetwood, one of golf’s most respected figures, and cements Yas Links’ reputation as a hub for golf excellence in the Middle East.

    Tommy Fleetwood, the academy’s founder, expressed his deep connection to the UAE, describing it as a ‘second home’ for him and his family. He emphasized the academy’s mission to give back to the region that has supported his career. ‘We’ve built something truly special in Dubai, and expanding to Abu Dhabi is a privilege. I’m proud of the community we’ve created and the opportunity to inspire more golfers,’ Fleetwood said.

    The new facility boasts cutting-edge technology, including two swing studios with advanced simulators, an indoor putting studio, and world-class training systems like PLATFORM Golf, Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and Sam PuttLab. These resources, combined with TFA’s proven player-development philosophy, aim to elevate golf performance at all levels.

    Karl Whitehead, Cluster Manager at Viya Golf, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, ‘Abu Dhabi continues to lead in growing the game, and TFA’s expertise and technology will further enhance this vision.’ Chris May, CEO of Viya Golf, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the academy’s alignment with Viya’s commitment to excellence and player development.

    The launch aligns with rising golf participation in Abu Dhabi, supported by expanded junior and ladies’ programs and the club’s largest-ever team of PGA professionals. As the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship puts Yas Links on the global stage, the new academy underscores Viya’s mission to make golf more accessible, inclusive, and performance-driven across the Middle East.

  • China needs its youth to spend but they are embracing frugality

    China needs its youth to spend but they are embracing frugality

    China’s economic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a growing trend of frugality among its younger generation. Despite the government’s efforts to stimulate domestic consumption, recent graduates and young professionals are increasingly cautious about spending. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high at nearly 20%, and the ongoing property crisis has made homeownership seem like a distant dream for many, particularly in urban centers. This climate of uncertainty has led to a surge in minimalist lifestyles, with social media influencers like Zhang Small Grain of Rice promoting cost-saving strategies, from using basic soap for all cleaning needs to showcasing budget-friendly clothing and accessories. Others, such as Little Grass Floating In Beijing, focus on budget eating, preparing meals for as little as $1. These trends reflect a broader shift in consumer behavior, as young people prioritize saving over spending, driven by fears of job insecurity and economic instability. Economists warn that this reluctance to spend could have long-term implications for China’s economy, which has traditionally relied on investment and exports. The transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a high-tech one has further exacerbated the issue, as many new industries require fewer workers. Despite government incentives to boost consumption, such as subsidies for replacing old cars and appliances, these measures have had limited success. The cultural inclination towards frugality, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, continues to shape consumer behavior, posing a significant challenge to policymakers aiming to rebalance the economy.

  • How the Japan PM’s Taiwan remarks provoked the fury of China

    How the Japan PM’s Taiwan remarks provoked the fury of China

    Recent developments in East Asia have reignited tensions between Japan and China, centering on the contentious issue of Taiwan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks suggesting that Japan could deploy its self-defence forces in response to a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan have sparked a diplomatic row. This statement, made during a parliamentary session, has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, with China’s foreign ministry labeling it as ‘egregious’ interference in its internal affairs. The situation escalated further when Xue Jian, China’s consul general in Osaka, made a provocative comment on social media, which was later removed but not before causing significant diplomatic friction. Both nations have lodged formal protests against each other, highlighting the deep-seated historical animosities and strategic ambiguities that continue to shape their relations. Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance on China and strong support for Taiwan, has defended her comments as consistent with Japan’s traditional position, though she has pledged to be more cautious in her future statements. This incident underscores the delicate balance of power in the region, with Japan’s alignment with the US and its increased defence spending raising alarms in Beijing. The longstanding policy of ‘strategic ambiguity’ maintained by both the US and Japan regarding Taiwan’s defence has been a cornerstone of regional stability, but Takaichi’s recent remarks suggest a potential shift in this approach. As both nations navigate this latest flare-up, the implications for regional security and diplomatic relations remain uncertain.

  • Former Northern Ireland lord chief justice says UK wrong to strip Shamima Begum of citizenship

    Former Northern Ireland lord chief justice says UK wrong to strip Shamima Begum of citizenship

    Sir Declan Morgan, the former Lord Chief Justice of Ireland (2009-2021), has publicly criticized the UK government’s decision to revoke Shamima Begum’s citizenship. Speaking at the launch of a new report by the Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice, which he chairs, Morgan argued that the practice of citizenship deprivation disproportionately affects British ethnic minorities and is inconsistent with human rights obligations. The report, unveiled at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) in Westminster, is the result of a three-year review and highlights significant flaws in British counter-terror legislation. Begum, a London-born woman who traveled to Islamic State-controlled territory at age 15 in 2015, was stripped of her British citizenship in 2019 by the Conservative government. Her legal team argued that the decision was unlawful, but the Supreme Court refused to hear her appeal. Morgan emphasized that under the commission’s proposals, Begum’s citizenship could not have been revoked. He urged the government to adopt the commission’s recommendations, which include repatriating British nationals from conflict zones and tightening the definition of terrorism. The report also criticizes the lowering of the threshold for citizenship deprivation and the weakening of procedural protections, noting that these practices disproportionately impact minority ethnic communities. Former attorney general Dominic Grieve, a commission member, pointed out that the UK stands out among countries like the US, Canada, and Australia for its refusal to repatriate citizens from conflict zones. The report calls for a more humane and consistent approach to counter-terrorism, emphasizing the need to protect human rights and avoid arbitrary decisions.

  • Chinese scholar honored with Russia’s ‘Labors Reward’ medal at Kremlin

    Chinese scholar honored with Russia’s ‘Labors Reward’ medal at Kremlin

    Professor Wang Wen, a distinguished academic and dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies and the School of Global Leadership at Renmin University of China, has been honored with the Jubilee Medal For Labors Reward by the Free Economic Society of Russia (VEO). This prestigious accolade recognizes his significant contributions to fostering academic and public exchanges between China and Russia. The award ceremony took place at the State Kremlin Palace during the VEO’s 260th-anniversary celebration. The Labors Reward medal, awarded once every decade to no more than 15 individuals, is one of Russia’s highest academic honors. This year’s recipients include prominent Russian academicians, senators, and business leaders, with Professor Wang being the sole Chinese honoree. His recognition marks a significant milestone in China-Russia academic collaboration and underscores China’s increasing influence in global scholarly discourse.

  • How an Afghan child bride became one of Europe’s top bodybuilders

    How an Afghan child bride became one of Europe’s top bodybuilders

    Roya Karimi, once a child bride in Afghanistan, has transformed her life to become one of Europe’s top bodybuilders. Now 30, she is set to compete in the World Bodybuilding Championships, marking a remarkable rise in a sport she embraced professionally less than two years ago. Her journey began in 2011 when she fled Afghanistan with her mother and young son, seeking refuge in Norway. There, she rebuilt her life, pursued education, and became a nurse, all while meeting her second husband, Kamal Jalaluddin, a fellow bodybuilder who became her staunch supporter. Bodybuilding became a turning point for Roya, helping her reclaim her identity and break free from the mental and social constraints she faced in Afghanistan. Despite facing criticism and threats on social media for her bold appearance, Roya remains undeterred, using her platform to inspire women in Afghanistan, where rights have severely regressed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Her victories in competitions like the Stoperiet Open and Norway Classic 2025 have cemented her status as a trailblazer. As she prepares for the world championships in Barcelona, Roya aims to make history for Afghan women, proving that resilience and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

  • Moment newly opened bridge partially collapses in China

    Moment newly opened bridge partially collapses in China

    A recently inaugurated bridge in China’s southwestern Sichuan Province experienced a partial collapse, raising concerns about infrastructure safety. Local authorities swiftly responded to the incident, confirming that no casualties were reported. The collapse occurred shortly after the bridge’s opening, prompting immediate investigations into the structural integrity and construction standards. Officials emphasized that emergency protocols were effectively implemented to ensure public safety. This incident has sparked widespread discussions on the quality control measures in China’s rapidly expanding infrastructure projects. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the event underscores the critical need for rigorous safety assessments in public construction endeavors.

  • Sudanese women describe sexual violence and beatings while escaping el-Fasher

    Sudanese women describe sexual violence and beatings while escaping el-Fasher

    Women who escaped the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) brutal takeover of Sudan’s el-Fasher have recounted harrowing tales of sexual violence, beatings, and killings as they fled to nearby towns. These survivors shared their testimonies with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) after reaching Tawila, 50 kilometers away, with some walking as far as al-Dabbah, a staggering 1,500 kilometers from el-Fasher—a journey that took nine days. Amina, one of the survivors, described the horrors she witnessed: ‘There were many bodies on the roads, dead people everywhere, and many children in the streets who had lost their families. Rape happened before our eyes, and killings too.’ Fatima, another survivor, recounted being beaten in front of her daughter, whom she had been carrying on her back. ‘They ordered me to put her down and started whipping me. They hit me on the chest with my mobile phone, and my children began screaming and crying,’ she said. Soraya, who was sexually assaulted during her escape, lamented the inhumane treatment: ‘They searched us in an inhumane way. A man searching a woman like that, she is not your wife, you cannot touch her in such a way.’ The RSF’s violence extended to mass killings, with survivors reporting that women were beaten and killed in the streets. ‘We left so many corpses behind us. If you cannot hide well, they will kill you,’ one woman said. According to the UNFPA, nearly 82,000 of the 260,000 civilians in el-Fasher have fled since the RSF seized the city, while others remain trapped. Satellite images confirm that a critical exit route was recently closed by the RSF. The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab corroborated reports of civilians being killed near a makeshift wall constructed around the city. Video footage reviewed by Middle East Eye showed dead bodies and executions near the wall. Survivors also reported that young men were forcibly accused of being soldiers, leading to their imprisonment or execution. Amira, whose husband is missing, said, ‘From our group that left el-Fasher, they took 60 young men. My husband is still missing. We don’t know where he is or where he went.’ Soraya, who lost her 16-year-old twin sons, added, ‘I don’t know whether they are alive or dead.’ The RSF’s atrocities included looting and burning homes, seizing livestock, and destroying crops. Nadia, whose son was killed, said, ‘Nothing they took from me hurt as much as his death. He was a teacher at the school. He had gone to university. He was responsible for the whole household. They killed him.’ The RSF’s actions in el-Fasher, documented by its own fighters and satellite imagery, are part of a broader conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF over plans to integrate the RSF into the regular army. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced 13 million people. Middle East Eye has reported that the United Arab Emirates is supplying the RSF with weapons through a complex network of supply lines across Libya, Chad, Uganda, and Somalia. Both the RSF and SAF have been accused of war crimes, with the RSF facing allegations of genocide in Darfur.