Global Pulse

标签： North America

北美洲

  • From 7 countdowns to world record attempt: How UAE will ring in 2026 on New Year’s Eve

    From 7 countdowns to world record attempt: How UAE will ring in 2026 on New Year’s Eve

    The United Arab Emirates is orchestrating an extraordinary welcome for 2026 with meticulously planned New Year’s Eve celebrations that promise to redefine grandeur. Across the seven emirates, authorities have coordinated an elaborate series of events designed to attract global attention while ensuring seamless execution.

    Dubai’s Global Village will pioneer an innovative concept featuring seven distinct countdowns synchronized with different time zones, allowing visitors to experience multiple New Year arrivals. The sequential celebrations will commence with China at 8:00 PM, followed by Thailand (9:00 PM), Bangladesh (10:00 PM), India (10:30 PM), Pakistan (11:00 PM), Dubai (midnight), and concluding with Turkey at 1:00 AM. Each celebration will feature customized fireworks and drone displays representing the respective cultures.

    Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba district aims to enter the Guinness World Records with a spectacular 62-minute pyrotechnic display attempting to break five distinct records simultaneously. The production will incorporate a groundbreaking drone show utilizing 6,500 units performing coordinated maneuvers for twenty continuous minutes—an unprecedented technological achievement in aerial entertainment.

    Beyond the visual spectacles, comprehensive security and traffic management plans have been implemented across all emirates. Abu Dhabi Police have developed specialized security protocols while Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority will execute phased road closures to maintain smooth traffic flow during peak celebration hours.

    Downtown Dubai will extend festivities across eight consecutive days from December 31, 2025 through January 7, 2026. The extended program will feature live performances, immersive installations, and a grand parade culminating in a Bollywood-themed spectacle curated by renowned actor Shah Rukh Khan at Burj Park.

    The federal government has declared January 1, 2026 as an official public holiday for both public and private sectors, with federal employees receiving optional remote work privileges on January 2 where operationally feasible. This coordinated approach demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to establishing itself as a premier global destination for landmark celebrations.

  • Nod to Somaliland opposed

    Nod to Somaliland opposed

    China has aligned with a growing coalition of nations and international organizations in vehemently opposing Israel’s unprecedented recognition of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state. The diplomatic move, announced by Israel on Friday, has triggered a swift and widespread backlash across the international community.

    At an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sun Lei, articulated Beijing’s firm position. “China expresses grave concerns and firmly opposes this recognition,” stated Sun, emphasizing that the action dangerously escalates tensions throughout the Horn of Africa while directly threatening regional peace and stability.

    The recognition marks a historic departure as Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, had previously failed to gain formal recognition from any UN member state. Israel’s decision to establish full diplomatic relations with the breakaway region has drawn immediate condemnation from more than twenty nations, predominantly from Middle Eastern and African regions, alongside major international bodies.

    Notable among the critics are Somalia’s federal government, Egypt, Türkiye, Djibouti, the African Union, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the European Union. These entities have collectively reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

    Ambassador Sun underscored the fundamental principle of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter, describing it as an unshakable cornerstone of international law. “Somaliland is an integral part of Somali territory,” he asserted, reiterating China’s unwavering support for Somalia’s unity and territorial completeness.

    The Chinese diplomat characterized the Somaliland issue as exclusively Somalia’s internal affair, asserting that resolution must come through dialogue consistent with Somalia’s national conditions and constitutional framework. Sun urged external nations to cease unwarranted interference and specifically cautioned against countries aiding separatist forces to advance their own geopolitical interests.

    China called upon the relevant nation—implicitly Israel—to act responsibly by adhering to international law, heeding the international community’s consensus, and immediately rectifying what Beijing termed an “erroneous act.” Simultaneously, China urged Somaliland authorities to halt separatist activities and external collaborations, encouraging a return to dialogue with Somalia’s federal government.

    Looking forward, China committed to continuing its support for Somalia’s sovereignty while working with the international community to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities, advance political dialogue, and promote national unity, ultimately striving for peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the region.

  • Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan’s Ghamran Camp tribute to his childhood mentor

    Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan’s Ghamran Camp tribute to his childhood mentor

    In a pioneering cultural preservation effort, Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has established the Ghamran Camp as a transformative desert retreat that reconnects Emirati families with their ancestral traditions. The recently concluded inaugural sessions, held December 12-14 and December 26-28, 2025, provided fathers and sons with an immersive experience deliberately removed from modern technological distractions.

    The camp’s nomenclature carries profound personal significance for Sheikh Hamdan, honoring his childhood mentor Ghamran Al-Humairi. The Crown Prince’s formative desert experiences with his late brother Sheikh Rashid under Al-Humairi’s guidance inspired this initiative to transmit similar values of patience, determination and self-reliance to new generations.

    Ghamran Camp’s curriculum represents a comprehensive revival of traditional Bedouin practices. Participants aged 6-12 engage in falconry training, archery, camel harnessing techniques, and traditional crafts utilizing native Ghaf trees and palm fronds. The experience extends to cultural arts including Emirati poetry recitation and instruction in Al Sanea hospitality etiquette.

    Educational components incorporate ancestral survival skills such as celestial navigation, plant irrigation methods, and date palm cultivation. These activities are strategically designed to foster intergenerational knowledge transfer while reinforcing community cooperation through team-building exercises.

    The Crown Prince demonstrated personal commitment by participating with his children Sheikha and Rashid during the December 28 session. Participant feedback indicates the program successfully strengthened family bonds while providing practical understanding of ancestral desert lifestyles, achieving its dual objectives of cultural preservation and values transmission.

  • Over 3,600 flights cancelled, 30,000 delayed as ‘bomb cyclone’ hits parts of US

    Over 3,600 flights cancelled, 30,000 delayed as ‘bomb cyclone’ hits parts of US

    A severe winter storm system identified as Ezra has unleashed travel chaos across the United States, creating one of the most disruptive holiday travel scenarios in recent years. The powerful weather phenomenon, now escalating into a meteorological ‘bomb cyclone,’ has caused massive flight disruptions affecting tens of thousands of passengers during the critical year-end travel period.

    According to real-time data from FlightAware, the storm has resulted in the cancellation of over 3,600 flights since Friday, with more than 30,000 additional flights experiencing significant delays. On Monday alone, aviation authorities reported 751 cancellations and nearly 6,000 delays as of 3:25 PM Eastern Time.

    The situation has been particularly challenging for airlines operating at near-capacity during this peak travel season, leaving minimal flexibility for rebooking affected passengers. Major carriers including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways have implemented emergency measures, waiving change fees for travelers impacted by the severe weather conditions.

    Meteorologists from AccuWeather have warned that the intensifying bomb cyclone—characterized by rapidly dropping atmospheric pressure generating hurricane-force winds—is creating blizzard conditions across a massive corridor from Wisconsin to Maine. The storm has brought dangerous combinations of ice accumulation, flooding rainfall, and powerful winds, with temperatures experiencing wild fluctuations. Philadelphia, for instance, saw temperatures near 60 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday before an expected overnight plunge into the 20s.

    The transportation crisis extends beyond aviation, with road travel becoming increasingly perilous due to poor visibility, icy surfaces, and blowing snow. Multiple multi-vehicle pileups have been reported across affected regions, prompting authorities to advise against non-essential travel. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued warnings about dangerous driving conditions throughout the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions.

    Aviation operations have been severely hampered by the extreme weather. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented ground stops at multiple airports, including Washington’s Dulles International Airport due to high winds, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport where Delta Air Lines flights were specifically affected. Additional delays were reported at major hubs including Boston and Newark airports serving the New York metropolitan area, primarily due to low visibility and windy conditions.

    The financial impact on airlines has been immediate, with Delta’s shares falling nearly 3% in afternoon trading, while United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Air Group each experienced approximately 2% declines. The tightly interconnected nature of airline operations means that canceled flights leave aircraft and crews out of position, creating complex challenges for restoring normal schedules even after weather conditions improve.

  • Protecting what matters: The new rise of home insurance

    Protecting what matters: The new rise of home insurance

    The United Arab Emirates is witnessing a significant transformation in residential risk management as comprehensive home insurance emerges as a critical safeguard for property owners and tenants. This shift reflects growing awareness of diverse threats ranging from structural damage to digital vulnerabilities in an increasingly connected society.

    Modern home insurance policies in the UAE now extend beyond traditional property protection to address contemporary challenges. Standard coverage typically includes structural damage from fires, electrical faults, burst pipes, and natural events like sandstorms—particularly relevant in the region’s climate. The policies also protect valuable contents including electronics, furnishings, and personal items that represent substantial financial investments for most households.

    A notable evolution in coverage includes personal liability protection, which addresses accidents occurring within insured premises. This provision covers medical expenses, legal fees, and compensation costs when visitors sustain injuries or neighboring properties experience damage originating from the insured home.

    For severe incidents that render properties uninhabitable, insurance providers now offer temporary accommodation coverage. This benefit ensures residents can maintain housing continuity during repairs without bearing unexpected hotel or rental expenses—particularly valuable in a market with seasonal price fluctuations.

    The market has responded to specialized needs through innovative add-ons. Domestic helper coverage addresses medical emergencies and repatriation costs for household staff. Cyber protection safeguards against identity theft and online fraud, while worldwide coverage extends protection to valuables during international travel. Tenant-specific options also protect security deposits against accidental damage to rental properties.

    Financial institutions have reinforced this trend by requiring home insurance as part of mortgage agreements, ensuring collateral protection while encouraging responsible ownership. Premium structures remain accessible relative to coverage breadth, making comprehensive protection economically viable for most residents.

    This insurance evolution parallels the UAE’s growing real estate market and increasing asset values within homes. As households accumulate smart technologies, premium appliances, and high-value possessions, insurance provides a logical risk management solution. The convergence of frequent travel, digital dependency, and valuable residential investments has positioned home insurance as an essential component of modern living in the Emirates.

  • UAE condemns stabbing attack in Suriname claiming nine lives

    UAE condemns stabbing attack in Suriname claiming nine lives

    The United Arab Emirates has issued a formal condemnation of a devastating stabbing attack in Suriname that resulted in nine fatalities, including multiple children. The violent incident occurred on the outskirts of Paramaribo, the capital city of the South American nation, during the night of December 27-28, 2025.

    According to official police statements, an assailant armed with a sharp weapon killed four adults and five children in the attack. A sixth child and another adult sustained serious injuries and required immediate hospitalization. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene and were forced to open fire on the suspect, who was wounded in the legs and subsequently hospitalized.

    The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing the nation’s firm condemnation of such criminal acts and its unwavering rejection of all forms of violence targeting innocent civilians. The Ministry emphasized that such acts fundamentally undermine security and stability in communities.

    The UAE government extended its solidarity with the victims’ families and with both the government and people of Suriname following this tragic event. Officials also conveyed their sincere wishes for the swift recovery of those injured in the attack. This response aligns with the UAE’s consistent foreign policy position of condemning violence against civilians regardless of where such incidents occur globally.

  • Why 2026 may be the year investors need to revisit the bond side of their portfolio

    Why 2026 may be the year investors need to revisit the bond side of their portfolio

    Financial experts are identifying 2026 as a potential watershed moment for bond investments, particularly within emerging markets, creating what industry specialists describe as a “generational opportunity” for portfolio diversification. While equity markets captured global attention with record-breaking performances throughout 2025, fixed income sectors quietly generated exceptional returns that warrant investor consideration for the coming year.

    According to comprehensive market analysis, emerging market debt instruments significantly outperformed most other credit asset classes during 2025. J.P. Morgan indices reveal that EM hard currency sovereign bonds delivered approximately 13.8% returns through mid-December, while local currency debt instruments achieved an impressive 18% return. The high-yielding EM hard currency sovereign debt segment particularly excelled with 17% returns.

    Cathy Hepworth, head of PGIM’s emerging market debt team, attributes this performance to “the significant resilience exhibited by emerging market countries despite persistent headwinds throughout the year.” The weaker US dollar and less detrimental US policy impacts than initially feared contributed to this strong performance.

    Marc Seidner, Chief Investment Officer of Non-traditional Strategies at Pimco, emphasizes that fixed income currently presents investors with the opportunity to “lock in 6.5% or maybe 7.5%” returns through carefully constructed bond portfolios. He particularly favors bonds with durations in the two-to-five-year range, suggesting they can generate solid, “equity-like” returns without substantial exposure to lower-quality credits.

    Geographic opportunities appear concentrated in specific regions. Investment experts highlight promising prospects in Latin American nations including Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, alongside opportunities in South Africa, Ivory Coast, Turkey, and Serbia. In the Middle East, quasi-sovereign entities in both UAE and Saudi Arabia present attractive options, with examples including Mubadala, TAQA, DP World, Saudi Aramco, and the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

    Peter Boockvar, CIO at One Point BFG Wealth Partners, notes the particular advantage of emerging markets regarding debt concerns: “If the world is worried about debts and deficits, much of the emerging markets don’t have those problems.” He cites Brazilian two-year bonds yielding approximately 10% in mid-December, with real yields exceeding 10% due to benchmark rates of 15% against 4.5% inflation.

    The market has responded with substantial issuance activity. EM sovereigns, quasi-sovereigns, and corporates issued over $600 billion in debt during 2025, with Saudi Arabia’s $12 billion sovereign offering in January representing the Middle East’s largest single issue. Kuwait followed with an $11.3 billion offering in September.

    Looking toward 2026, Hepworth anticipates continued elevated issuance levels, particularly from quality Middle Eastern bonds driven by infrastructure investment needs. She identifies specific opportunity areas including “transmission grids, renewable power, telecom fibre, and transportation.”

    Investment vehicles for bond exposure vary from closed-end and open-end funds to Exchange Traded Funds and individual securities. The Chimera JP Morgan UAE Bond UCITS ETF, which tracks the J.P. Morgan MECI UAE Investment Grade Custom Index, delivered approximately 8% returns through mid-December 2025.

    Experts caution that bond allocation should align with investor age and risk tolerance. Younger investors might maintain smaller fixed income allocations, while middle-aged and older investors should consider increasing fixed income exposure over time, potentially beginning with traditional 60% stocks/40% bonds allocations.

    While emerging market bonds present compelling opportunities, investors must remain mindful of currency risks, political uncertainties, and the potential impact of elections on fiscal outlooks. As 2026 approaches, the fixed income market, particularly in emerging economies, offers sophisticated investors unique opportunities for diversification and yield generation in an otherwise equity-dominated landscape.

  • Paid parking to be introduced in Dubai International City from February 2026

    Paid parking to be introduced in Dubai International City from February 2026

    Dubai’s transportation landscape is set for a significant transformation as International City prepares to introduce paid parking facilities effective February 1, 2026. This development marks one of the final major residential communities in the emirate to transition from free to regulated parking systems.

    Authorities have already commenced infrastructure preparations, with official signage installed throughout the France and China clusters indicating forthcoming parking regulations. While parking meters remain to be installed, the visible notifications confirm the area’s classification under Code Q parking regulations, operational from 8:00 AM to midnight daily.

    The Parkin Company, Dubai’s official parking management entity, has published tariff structures indicating charges starting at Dh2 for thirty minutes, scaling up to Dh25 for extended sixteen-hour periods. This implementation follows similar recent rollouts in Academic City, Sports City, Studio City, and Outsource City throughout 2025.

    Residents have expressed widespread support for the measure, citing critical parking shortages that have plagued the community during evening hours. The affordability of International City has attracted numerous rent-a-car companies and commercial vehicles that dominate available spaces, creating particular challenges for residents returning from work after peak hours.

    Waqas Khan, a delivery professional residing in the area, noted: ‘Finding evening parking has become exceptionally difficult. This regulated system should guarantee available spaces when residents need them most.’

    The implementation aligns with Dubai’s broader Variable Parking Tariff Policy initiated in April 2025, which employs dynamic pricing during peak congestion periods (8-10 AM and 4-8 PM) to optimize space utilization and traffic flow. Off-peak hours maintain standard pricing structures, with exemptions applying on Sundays and public holidays.

    Property owner Najam Ahmed revealed the parking situation had previously compelled him to relocate to Al Qusais despite maintaining International City property: ‘As a businessman returning late with multiple vehicles, parking availability directly influenced my living arrangements. These changes may prompt my return to the community.’

    This systematic expansion of paid parking infrastructure represents Dubai’s continued commitment to addressing urban congestion through managed mobility solutions while balancing residential needs with commercial activities.

  • Trump cites ‘progress’ in peace dialogue as deal edges closer

    Trump cites ‘progress’ in peace dialogue as deal edges closer

    In a significant diplomatic development at his Mar-a-Lago estate, U.S. President Donald Trump characterized his Sunday meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “terrific,” acknowledging substantive advancements toward a peace agreement while conceding that complex territorial issues remain unresolved in Europe’s deadliest post-WWII conflict.

    The closed-door negotiations, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth alongside Ukrainian Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev, produced limited public details but notable optimism from both leaders. Trump announced that considerable progress had been achieved, particularly regarding security arrangements, though he emphasized the complexity of the process, stating, “This is not a one-day process deal. This is very complicated stuff.”

    President Zelensky revealed that approximately 90% of the peace framework had been agreed upon, with security guarantees constituting the cornerstone of the proposed agreement. The Ukrainian leader disclosed that Washington had offered “solid” 15-year security commitments with potential for extension, mirroring protections afforded to NATO members. This development suggests a potential compromise wherein Ukraine might suspend its NATO membership aspirations in exchange for equivalent security assurances from Western allies.

    The negotiations occur against a backdrop of competing peace proposals, including a 28-point plan believed to originate from Moscow and a 20-point Ukrainian counter-proposal. Kremlin spokesman Yury Ushakov revealed that Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a “broadly similar view” during their pre-summit discussion that temporary ceasefires would merely prolong the conflict. Moscow continues to insist on Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas and permanent retention of captured territories, including the Crimean Peninsula.

    European coordination appears integral to the process, with Zelensky and Trump conducting joint telephone discussions with key European leaders following their meeting. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a forthcoming gathering of Kyiv’s allies in Paris during early January, while Zelensky suggested potential multilateral talks in Washington next month.

    Despite the measured optimism, both leaders refrained from establishing concrete deadlines, though Trump projected clarity within “a few weeks” regarding the viability of successful conflict resolution. The U.S. president characterized the remaining territorial disputes as “thorny issues” but expressed confidence they would be resolved, noting, “Russia would like to see it end, and Ukraine would like to see it end, and I think it’s time to end.”

  • Three-time MVP Jokic suffers ‘gut-wrenching’ injury

    Three-time MVP Jokic suffers ‘gut-wrenching’ injury

    In a devastating turn of events during Monday night’s matchup, the Denver Nuggets not only suffered a decisive 147-123 defeat against the Miami Heat but potentially lost their franchise cornerstone to a severe knee injury. Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic was forced to exit the game following an accidental collision with teammate Spencer Jones late in the second quarter.

    The incident occurred when Jones inadvertently stepped on Jokic’s foot during defensive positioning, causing the Serbian center to collapse immediately while clutching his knee in apparent distress. Medical staff rushed to attend to the visibly pained superstar who required assistance to leave the court.

    Nuggets head coach David Adelman expressed profound concern following the game, stating, ‘The immediate reaction told us something was seriously wrong. While injuries are an unavoidable aspect of professional basketball, witnessing someone of Nikola’s caliber go down is particularly gut-wrenching.’

    The 30-year-old basketball virtuoso, who currently leads the NBA in both rebounds and assists this season, had been dominating play with 21 points and 8 assists prior to the injury. Jokic is scheduled to undergo comprehensive MRI scanning on Tuesday to determine the exact nature and extent of the damage.

    This development sends shockwaves through the NBA landscape, potentially altering the championship trajectory for the Nuggets. Jokic’s absence would create a monumental void in Denver’s lineup, given his unparalleled role as the team’s offensive orchestrator and defensive anchor. The basketball community now anxiously awaits the medical evaluation that will determine the recovery timeline for one of the league’s most dominant players.