Global Pulse

标签： North America

北美洲

  • Dubai leads global surge in ‘branded residences’ as wellness takes centre stage

    Dubai leads global surge in ‘branded residences’ as wellness takes centre stage

    The global luxury real estate landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with Dubai emerging as the epicenter of a new era in branded residences. According to Knight Frank’s comprehensive Residence Report 2025-2026, which analyzed over 1,000 active and pipeline developments across 83 countries, the market has evolved from niche offering to core developer strategy.

    The Middle East commands approximately 27% of the global branded residence pipeline, with Dubai achieving unprecedented performance metrics. The city recorded $8.2 billion in home sales exceeding $10 million through June 2025—the highest global total—demonstrating its dominance in the ultra-prime property sector.

    A paradigm shift is occurring in what constitutes luxury value. Flashy amenities are declining in appeal while wellness integration, longevity-focused design, and everyday livability are becoming the primary value drivers. Developments now prioritize health-led living through dedicated clinics, community wellness programs, and sensory-focused architecture, as exemplified by London’s Surrenne and Dubai’s SHA Emirates.

    Three significant trends are reshaping the market:

    1. **Brand Diversification**: Beyond traditional hotel partnerships, fashion labels, restaurants, and wellness brands are entering real estate. Dubai showcases this through Bulgari Residences at Jumeirah Bay with distinctive Italian design and upcoming Bentley-branded towers targeting ultra-prime buyers.

    2. **Standalone Privacy**: Properties are increasingly designed as self-contained experiences rather than hotel attachments. Developments like Raffles Residences on The Palm offer exclusive amenities without shared spaces with hotel guests, providing complete privacy while maintaining five-star service standards.

    3. **Master-Planned Communities**: Beyond individual towers, developers are creating comprehensive branded ecosystems. Dubai Hills Estate and Sobha Hartland combine multiple residences with shared amenities including golf courses, private clubs, and cultural hubs, creating immersive lifestyle-oriented neighborhoods.

    Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, notes that Dubai’s regulatory frameworks, tax incentives, and infrastructure have enabled it to translate global trends into exceptional market performance. Unlike mature hubs facing regulatory pressures and higher borrowing costs, the UAE provides a supportive environment for wealthy buyers seeking both lifestyle enhancement and long-term investment.

    Will McKintosh, Regional Partner at Knight Frank MENA, confirms the UAE’s position as an outperformer in the global luxury residential landscape. Market dynamics are driven by substantial inward migration fueled by safety, world-class amenities, and overall quality of life rather than speculative investment.

    As the market progresses into 2026, industry experts anticipate continued high demand with increased investor selectivity. Prime and super-prime assets offering genuine differentiation through brand credibility, design excellence, and authentic community creation will likely outperform projects focused merely on immediate appeal.

  • UAE announces new public school hours after change in Friday prayer time

    UAE announces new public school hours after change in Friday prayer time

    The United Arab Emirates has introduced significant adjustments to public school operating hours in response to nationwide changes in Friday prayer timings. Effective January 9, 2026, government educational institutions will implement staggered dismissal schedules to align with the newly established prayer time of 12:45 PM across the country.

    Under the reconfigured framework, kindergarten facilities will operate from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Cycle 1 educational levels will follow two distinct schedules: either 7:10 AM to 10:30 AM or 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. For Cycles 2 and 3, gender-specific timing arrangements will be implemented, with boys attending from 7:10 AM to 10:30 AM and girls from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

    Simultaneously, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has mandated that all private educational institutions and early childhood centers operating within private schools must conclude instructional activities no later than 11:30 AM on Fridays. This synchronization effort follows extensive consultations between educational regulatory bodies and academic institutions throughout the Emirates.

    For advanced academic levels encompassing Grade 6 (Year 7) and above, educational establishments may pursue authorization to implement digital learning platforms on Fridays. Such transitions require comprehensive parental consultation and formal approval from the KHDA, reflecting the education sector’s adaptive response to evolving societal patterns.

    The strategic recalibration of academic schedules demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to harmonizing educational operations with religious observances, ensuring both spiritual obligations and academic requirements receive appropriate consideration within the national framework.

  • Over 40,000 people shot in US in 2025: Gun Violence Archive

    Over 40,000 people shot in US in 2025: Gun Violence Archive

    Preliminary data released by the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) reveals that firearm violence continued to plague American communities throughout 2025, with more than 40,000 individuals shot across the nation. The nonprofit organization, which has tracked gun-related incidents since 2013, documented approximately 14,600 fatalities and over 26,100 injuries from shooting incidents last year.

    The statistics paint a disturbing picture of mass shooting events, with the country experiencing at least 407 separate incidents meeting the criteria of four or more victims killed or injured—excluding perpetrators. Particularly alarming are the figures involving minors: 224 children aged 11 or younger lost their lives to gunfire, while 461 sustained injuries. Among adolescents (ages 12-17), the tragedy deepened with 1,030 fatalities and 2,733 wounded.

    GVA’s methodology distinguishes between different categories of gun deaths, excluding suicides from their primary statistics. However, referencing preliminary estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the archive reported an additional 24,000 firearm suicide deaths in 2025.

    While local media outlets noted a continued decline in shooting-related casualties for the fourth consecutive year since 2021, the sheer scale remains staggering. The data indicates that even with decreasing numbers, an average of more than 110 people were killed or injured by gun violence daily throughout last year, highlighting the persistent challenge of firearm safety in American society.

  • Woman killed in suspected mountain lion attack in US

    Woman killed in suspected mountain lion attack in US

    Colorado wildlife authorities are investigating the state’s first fatal mountain lion attack in over two decades after a female hiker was found dead on a remote trail Wednesday. The incident occurred on Crosier Mountain Trail, a secluded area north of Denver near Rocky Mountain National Park where cell service is frequently unreliable.

    According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) spokesperson Kara Van Hoose, a group of fellow hikers discovered the victim’s body and observed a mountain lion in the immediate vicinity. After successfully driving the predator away by throwing rocks, they confirmed the woman had no pulse and immediately reported the incident to authorities.

    CPW officers responded swiftly to the scene, where they located and shot the mountain lion, though the animal initially fled. Following an extensive search operation involving multiple agencies—including the Larimer County sheriff’s office, Estes Park police, and volunteer firefighters—two mountain lions were ultimately euthanized in accordance with state wildlife protocols mandating that animals responsible for human fatalities must be put down for public safety.

    Investigators are currently examining both euthanized animals for forensic evidence, including human DNA, to determine whether one or multiple lions were involved in the attack. Should neither animal prove to be responsible, the search for the actual attacker will continue.

    The victim, who was hiking alone according to preliminary reports, exhibited clear signs of a mountain lion attack. Her identity has not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin.

    The CPW utilized multiple search methodologies, including helicopter surveillance originally conducting deer population surveys and scent-tracking dogs handled by experienced houndsmen. Mountain lion attacks remain exceptionally rare in Colorado, with only 28 documented incidents—both fatal and non-fatal—recorded since 1990.

    Also known as pumas, cougars, or panthers, these solitary predators primarily inhabit 15 western U.S. states and typically avoid human interaction, spending most of their time hunting prey across their extensive territories.

  • Elon Musk’s Grok AI alters images of women to digitally remove their clothes

    Elon Musk’s Grok AI alters images of women to digitally remove their clothes

    Elon Musk’s social media platform X confronts mounting criticism as users exploit its Grok AI chatbot to generate non-consensual sexualized imagery. Investigations reveal the tool’s capability to digitally strip clothing from photographs of women, fabricating bikini-clad appearances and placing subjects in explicit scenarios without authorization.

    Journalist Samantha Smith described the profound personal impact after encountering a manipulated image resembling her. “The experience felt dehumanizing,” she stated. “Though not an actual photograph, the visual representation felt authentically violating—comparable to unauthorized nude dissemination.”

    This controversy emerges amidst UK legislative developments targeting such technologies. A Home Office spokesperson confirmed impending bans on nudification tools, warning that providers could face imprisonment and significant financial penalties. Regulatory body Ofcom emphasized platforms’ legal obligation to mitigate risks of illegal content exposure, though stopped short of confirming specific investigations into X or Grok.

    Grok operates as a freely accessible AI assistant with premium tiers, enabling users to generate contextual responses and manipulate images through integrated editing features. Critics note the platform’s prolonged tolerance of sexually explicit content generation, including previously reported AI-generated pornography featuring celebrity Taylor Swift.

    Durham University law professor Clare McGlynn accused X of permitting systemic abuse: “The platform demonstrates capability to prevent these violations but appears to enjoy impunity. Regulatory challenges remain absent despite months of unchecked image distribution.”

    Ironically, XAI’s acceptable use policy explicitly prohibits “depicting likenesses of persons in pornographic manner.” Ofcom reinforced that UK law categorizes AI-generated sexual deepfakes as illegal non-consensual intimate imagery, requiring platforms to implement protective measures and rapid removal protocols.

  • US debt surge leaves China, Japan holding the bag in 2026

    US debt surge leaves China, Japan holding the bag in 2026

    WASHINGTON — The United States is confronting an unprecedented fiscal milestone as interest payments on its national debt surge past the $1 trillion threshold in 2026, creating global economic ramifications that particularly affect major Asian holders of US Treasuries.

    According to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, this staggering interest payment level has become the ‘new norm’ as America’s national debt approaches $39 trillion. The situation represents a dramatic escalation from just five years prior, when net interest payments stood at $345 billion in fiscal year 2020, reaching $970 billion by 2025.

    The Congressional Budget Office projects these payments could exceed $1.5 trillion by 2030 and surpass $2.2 trillion by 2035, creating what hedge fund manager Ray Dalio characterizes as a potential ‘debt death spiral’ with grave implications for global financial stability.

    This fiscal reality places particular pressure on Japan and China, Washington’s largest foreign creditors holding $1.2 trillion and $689 billion in US Treasuries respectively. The Trump administration’s increased debt issuance to cover growing deficits means Washington will increasingly look to Asian markets to absorb Treasury offerings.

    However, economic analysts question why Tokyo and Beijing would increase exposure to US debt amid such uncertainty. While both nations require substantial dollar reserves as major trading economies, Washington’s current fiscal trajectory and political volatility create significant disincentives.

    The situation creates complex policy dilemmas for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, whose ‘Sanaenomics’ strategy depends on a weaker yen maintained through the Bank of Japan’s ultra-low interest rates. This approach could clash with President Trump’s apparent desire for a weaker dollar, creating potential currency policy conflicts.

    Meanwhile, China’s Xi Jinping sees an opportunity to accelerate yuan internationalization efforts. According to Cornell University’s Eswar Prasad, while China has nominally opened its markets, it must still build stronger international capital markets frameworks and establish central bank independence to build investor trust.

    Financial institutions are adjusting their outlooks accordingly. Deutsche Bank projects the trade-weighted dollar will decline by approximately 10% through 2026, potentially ending what analysts describe as an ‘unusually long dollar bull cycle.’ Goldman Sachs strategists additionally warn that concerns about Federal Reserve independence under Trump’s pressure campaigns could create additional market volatility.

    The coming year may represent a significant inflection point in global currency dynamics as US debt concerns intensify and Asian creditors reconsider their strategic positions in Treasury markets.

  • ‘Decades-long contributions’: Dubai Ruler lauds Great Arab Minds Award winner Charbel Dagher

    ‘Decades-long contributions’: Dubai Ruler lauds Great Arab Minds Award winner Charbel Dagher

    In a significant recognition of academic excellence, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has conferred the esteemed Great Arab Minds Award in Literature and Arts for 2025 upon Professor Charbel Dagher. The announcement made on January 2, 2026, highlights decades of transformative scholarship that has reshaped understanding of Arab cultural heritage.

    Professor Dagher, an eminent scholar of Arabic Literature, has produced an extraordinary body of work comprising over ninety publications across multiple genres including poetry, novels, and comprehensive literary studies. His research provides groundbreaking analysis of Arabic literature and art as dynamic expressions continually evolving within their historical, social, and cultural frameworks.

    The award specifically recognizes Professor Dagher’s pioneering examinations of modern Arabic poetry, early Arabic novels and theater, and major artistic transformations throughout Arab history. His interdisciplinary approach has created vital connections between Arabic literary traditions and broader civilizational contexts, significantly expanding the global appreciation and reach of Arab cultural contributions.

    Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the profound impact of Dagher’s work in deepening contextual understanding of Arab cultural heritage, noting that his scholarship has fundamentally enriched academic discourse while making Arab artistic and literary traditions more accessible to international audiences. The recognition underscores Dubai’s commitment to celebrating intellectual achievements that bridge cultural divides and promote cross-cultural dialogue through academic excellence.

  • Fakeeh University Hospital sets new benchmarks in advanced gene therapy

    Fakeeh University Hospital sets new benchmarks in advanced gene therapy

    Dubai’s Fakeeh University Hospital has established itself as a global hub for advanced gene therapy, achieving significant medical milestones that position the United Arab Emirates at the forefront of specialized healthcare innovation. The hospital has pioneered groundbreaking treatments for rare genetic and neuromuscular disorders, marking a transformative moment for regional medical capabilities.

    In a landmark achievement for Middle Eastern healthcare, the facility became the first in the region to administer Duvyzat (givinostat), an advanced therapeutic agent for managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This devastating inherited neuromuscular condition predominantly affects male children, causing progressive muscle deterioration, mobility loss, and severe cardiorespiratory complications. Timely intervention with sophisticated treatments like Duvyzat proves crucial in decelerating disease advancement while enhancing both longevity and life quality for young patients.

    Concurrently, the hospital has accomplished another world-class medical breakthrough by delivering among the earliest intrathecal gene therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), commercially known as ITVISMA. This severe genetic disorder involves the degeneration of motor neurons, leading to progressive muscular weakness, respiratory impairment, and complete loss of motor function. Gene-based interventions have revolutionized treatment outcomes for pediatric patients, especially when administered promptly within comprehensive, multidisciplinary clinical settings.

    These medical advancements significantly bolster Dubai’s emerging reputation as a destination for world-class tertiary care, attracting international patients seeking cutting-edge treatments previously unavailable in the region. The hospital’s pioneering work not only addresses critical healthcare gaps for rare diseases but also demonstrates the UAE’s growing capacity to compete with leading Western medical institutions in specialized therapeutic domains.

  • Mamdani sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor

    Mamdani sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor

    NEW YORK – In a landmark ceremony on January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office as New York City’s 110th mayor, marking a historic milestone as the first Muslim leader to govern America’s most populous metropolis. The 34-year-old Democrat, born in Uganda, assumed leadership with an ambitious progressive agenda targeting the city’s affordability crisis.

    During his inauguration address at City Hall, Mayor Mamdani articulated a transformative vision centered on three core principles: safety, affordability, and abundance. He promised a municipal government that “truly reflects the diverse communities it serves” while demonstrating unwavering resolve against corporate interests and complex urban challenges.

    The newly inaugurated executive detailed specific policy initiatives including rent stabilization measures, increased taxation on ultra-wealthy residents, complimentary public bus transportation, universal childcare provisions, and experimental municipally-operated grocery establishments. These proposals echo campaign promises that resonated strongly with working-class New Yorkers struggling with rising living costs.

    Mamdani’s political ascent culminated in his November 2025 electoral victory over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a win that signaled the city’s embrace of progressive politics and diverse leadership. His administration now faces the formidable task of addressing systemic inequality while managing the complexities of governing over 8 million residents.

    The inauguration ceremony attracted diverse attendees from across the five boroughs, with many celebrating the symbolic importance of a Muslim leader assuming the city’s highest office. Observers note that Mamdani’s leadership could influence national conversations about representation in American politics.

  • US slashes proposed tariffs on Italian pasta imports

    US slashes proposed tariffs on Italian pasta imports

    The United States has significantly scaled back its threat to impose punitive tariffs exceeding 100% on imported Italian pasta, following constructive negotiations with producers. The Trump administration had initially proposed a staggering 91.74% tariff on 13 Italian pasta manufacturers, alleging they were selling products at “less than normal value” in a practice known as dumping. This would have compounded the existing 15% tariff on EU goods, potentially more than doubling pasta prices for American consumers.

    On Thursday, the Italian Foreign Ministry announced a major resolution, with tariffs now reduced to a range between 2.26% and 13.98% following demonstrated cooperation from Italian companies. The settlement averts what would have been a severe economic burden on US consumers and a diplomatic challenge for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who maintains one of Europe’s closer relationships with President Trump.

    The US Commerce Department confirmed in a statement that Italian pasta makers had “addressed many of Commerce’s concerns” following its preliminary determination. The department will continue engaging with interested parties before issuing a final determination. This decision reflects a pattern of the Trump administration initially proposing aggressive tariffs before subsequently moderating them, as seen recently with postponed furniture tariffs and exemptions for certain food imports including coffee and bananas.

    While economists consistently warn that protectionist tariffs ultimately increase consumer costs, this particular case involved a relatively small segment of total Italian pasta imports to the US. The resolution demonstrates how bilateral engagement can modify trade policy approaches even within the administration’s broader America First manufacturing agenda.