Global Pulse

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  • Over 4,500 runners from 71 countries sprint for cancer in UAE, set world record

    Over 4,500 runners from 71 countries sprint for cancer in UAE, set world record

    ABU DHABI – In an extraordinary display of global solidarity, Hudayriyat Island witnessed a historic gathering as 4,500 participants from 71 nations converged for the Abu Dhabi Cancer Run 2026, shattering the Guinness World Record for the most nationalities in a cancer awareness running event. The previous benchmark of 50 nationalities was dramatically surpassed in this vibrant demonstration of cross-cultural unity against a universal health challenge.

    The event, orchestrated by Plan B Group and presented by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, transcended athletic competition to become a powerful testament to communal support. This year’s edition placed particular emphasis on the crucial role of family networks in cancer journeys, highlighting how the disease impacts entire support systems beyond individual patients.

    Among the participants was Dr. Sonia Haboub, a cancer survivor and university professor whose personal narrative embodies the event’s spirit. Diagnosed with uterine cancer at 25 during what she believed was a routine London check-up, Dr. Haboub discovered running as psychological salvation during her recovery. “Running saved my life—especially mentally,” she revealed to Khaleej Times. “It helped me navigate post-trauma, depression, and profoundly difficult moments. Lacing up your shoes makes you realize you can overcome anything.”

    Dr. Harmeek Singh, Founder and Chairman of Plan B Group, shared his motivation stemming from his mother’s cancer experience eighteen years ago. “This platform strengthens our collective voice,” he stated. “While medical advancements continue, early detection remains our most powerful weapon. Annual check-ups are absolutely essential for saving lives.”

    The record was officially validated by Guinness World Records adjudicator Hanane Spiers, who conducted rigorous on-site verification of participants’ nationalities. Although organizers anticipated 78 nationalities, the confirmed count of 71 still represented a significant achievement. Spiers praised the event as “the pinnacle of record-breaking” for its community-building purpose.

    Dr. Stephen Grobmyer, Institute Chief of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Cancer Institute, noted the symbolic resonance between the UAE’s diverse population and cancer’s indiscriminate nature. “Cancer affects people of all nationalities,” he observed. “Celebrating diversity while supporting patients and families reflects our commitment to inclusive healthcare.”

    The event created an electrifying atmosphere with Kenyan drum performances, mascots, and live DJs, generating what participant Mungai Kirogoi described as unprecedented energy and positivity. For Dr. Haboub, watching thousands run together provided profound emotional security: “Sometimes it’s harder for the people around us than for the person who had cancer. When you see this solidarity, it reminds you that you’re not alone.”

  • Melania film beats box office predictions despite criticisms

    Melania film beats box office predictions despite criticisms

    A new documentary focusing on former First Lady Melania Trump has dramatically exceeded industry projections by generating over $7 million during its inaugural weekend in U.S. theaters. Titled ‘Melania: 20 Days to History,’ the film offers an intimate portrayal of her experiences in the weeks preceding her husband’s presidential inauguration in January 2025.

    Amazon MGM Studios acquired the global distribution rights for a record-breaking $40 million, supplemented by an additional $35 million allocated for promotional campaigns. This investment positions the project as the most costly documentary ever produced. Despite initial forecasts estimating a $5 million opening, the film’s performance stunned industry analysts and marked the most successful non-fiction debut in the past ten years.

    Directed by Brett Ratner—whose return to filmmaking follows previous allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has denied—the documentary has also drawn attention due to recent photographs circulating of Ratner with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Ratner’s representatives have not provided comments regarding these images.

    Audience demographics indicate particularly strong reception among older white women in politically conservative regions such as Texas and Florida. The film has earned an ‘A’ grade from CinemaScore based on viewer surveys and holds a 99% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, critical reception stands in stark contrast, with many professional reviewers dismissing the project as overtly staged propaganda. Some critics have described it as a ‘shameless infomercial’ and an ‘obsequious portrait’ of the Trump administration.

    Industry observers have questioned Amazon’s substantial financial commitment, suggesting potential political motivations behind the deal. Amazon has consistently denied these claims, stating that the acquisition was driven solely by anticipated customer interest. The agreement also includes rights to a subsequent docu-series centered on Melania Trump, which Amazon expects to perform well across its streaming platform in the coming months.

  • Mother of Savannah Guthrie, NBC News anchor, missing in Arizona

    Mother of Savannah Guthrie, NBC News anchor, missing in Arizona

    Authorities in Arizona have launched an intensive search operation for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of prominent NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, who vanished from her Tucson residence under circumstances described as deeply concerning by law enforcement.

    Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos disclosed that Nancy Guthrie was last confirmed seen at her home after 9:00 PM local time on Saturday. The family officially reported her disappearance on Sunday afternoon, triggering an immediate law enforcement response. Sheriff Nanos emphasized that evidence collected at the residence raised serious alarms, prompting the unusual involvement of homicide detectives in the investigation.

    While authorities refrained from specifying the exact nature of the concerning evidence, Sheriff Nanos confirmed that foul play hasn’t been eliminated from the investigation parameters. The case has been classified as a missing persons investigation with suspicious circumstances, deviating from standard protocol due to the nature of findings at the scene.

    Nancy Guthrie, according to official statements, suffers from compromised physical health but maintains normal cognitive function without reported memory issues. The Guthrie family has collaborated closely with Pima County Sheriff’s Department, issuing a formal statement through NBC News acknowledging the ongoing investigation.

    Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s flagship morning program Today, was notably absent from Monday’s broadcast as the network addressed the developing situation. The program shared a personal statement from Guthrie expressing gratitude for public support while emphasizing the family’s primary focus on her mother’s safe recovery.

    Search efforts continue throughout the Tucson area with law enforcement pursuing multiple investigative avenues to locate the missing octogenarian.

  • Trump threatens to sue Trevor Noah over Epstein joke at Grammys

    Trump threatens to sue Trevor Noah over Epstein joke at Grammys

    Former US President Donald Trump has threatened legal action against South African comedian Trevor Noah following a controversial joke made during the Grammy Awards ceremony. While hosting the prestigious music event, Noah quipped: “Song of the Year – that is a Grammy that every artist wants almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.”

    The remark prompted an immediate response from Trump via his Truth Social platform, where he vehemently denied any association with Epstein’s private island and characterized Noah’s comments as “false and defamatory.” Trump stated: “Noah said, INCORRECTLY about me, that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein Island. WRONG!!! I can’t speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close.” The former president concluded with a direct threat: “Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you!”

    Historical context reveals that Trump had acknowledged a previous association with Jeffrey Epstein but maintains they had a falling out around 2004, well before Epstein’s criminal activities came to light. No evidence has emerged placing Trump at Epstein’s private retreat, Little St James Island, and he has not been accused of any crimes by Epstein’s victims. Similarly, a spokesperson for former President Bill Clinton stated in 2020 that he had “never been” to Epstein’s island, and Clinton has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

    Epstein died in his New York prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, following his earlier conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. His private island, purchased in 1998, has been described by multiple survivors as a location where they were trafficked and abused.

    This incident continues Trump’s pattern of legal confrontations with media figures and organizations, including recent multi-billion dollar lawsuits against the BBC and ongoing disputes with the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Trevor Noah, the subject of Trump’s latest legal threat, gained prominence as host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central for seven years before stepping down in 2022.

  • UAE creators race to complete advertiser permits before January 31 deadline

    UAE creators race to complete advertiser permits before January 31 deadline

    The United Arab Emirates has ushered in a new era of digital content regulation as its mandatory advertiser permit system took full effect on January 31, 2026. The groundbreaking policy, initially announced in July and subsequently extended through October, represents a significant shift in how the Gulf nation oversees its burgeoning creator economy.

    Content producers across the Emirates shared predominantly positive experiences despite a weekend registration surge preceding the deadline. The permit system mandates that all individuals publishing promotional material online—whether compensated or not—obtain official authorization or face potential penalties reaching AED 500,000 (approximately $136,000).

    Dubai-based creator Yasmin M. reported an efficient application process completed within thirty minutes at an Amer Lounge service center. “The procedure was remarkably smooth,” she noted. “After presenting identification and a brief wait, officials processed my application despite my lack of prior trade licensing.”

    The regulatory framework requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, with provisions for minors to apply under guardian supervision. All permit holders must maintain valid electronic media trade licenses, renewable annually with a 30-day grace period following expiration. International visitors may participate through UAE-based licensed agencies.

    While most creators reported straightforward experiences, some encountered unexpected hurdles. Amina (pseudonym), whose application faced rejection without detailed explanation, has initiated an appeals process seeking clarification. “The system operated professionally,” she acknowledged, “but transparency regarding content standards would be beneficial.”

    The implementation has sparked diverse reactions across social platforms. Mariam Salih, a casual TikTok user with modest followership, pursued compliance as a precautionary measure. “I primarily create content for enjoyment,” she explained, “but regulatory compliance outweighs potential risks.”

    This regulatory development coincides with increased institutional support for UAE creators, including a recently announced Dh5-million fund for family-oriented content producers and Amazon’s Creators Foundry initiative. The simultaneous introduction of support mechanisms and compliance requirements signals the government’s dual approach to nurturing and regulating the digital content sector.

    As enforcement commences, the UAE joins global discussions about balancing creative expression, commercial opportunity, and regulatory oversight in rapidly evolving digital economies.

  • UAE weather: Red alert issued for thick fog; low of 14°C in Abu Dhabi

    UAE weather: Red alert issued for thick fog; low of 14°C in Abu Dhabi

    The United Arab Emirates’ National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has activated red and yellow weather alerts across multiple regions due to dense fog conditions significantly reducing horizontal visibility. These advisories remain in effect until 10:00 AM local time on Monday, February 2nd, 2026.

    Meteorological reports indicate predominantly fair to partially cloudy skies throughout the day, with low cloud formations anticipated over eastern territories. As nighttime approaches, heightened humidity levels are forecasted to envelop coastal and inland areas, creating optimal conditions for mist and fog development extending into Tuesday morning.

    Temperature readings show notable variations between major urban centers. Abu Dhabi residents experienced a minimum of 14°C with daytime highs reaching 27°C, while Dubai recorded slightly warmer conditions ranging from 16°C to 26°C. Humidity metrics fluctuated significantly between 25% and 90% across both emirates.

    Surface winds maintained light to moderate intensity, predominantly blowing from northwesterly directions at velocities of 10-20 km/h. Occasional southeasterly gusts reached 30 km/h, particularly affecting maritime zones. Marine conditions remained generally calm in both the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman, with slight wave activity reported.

    The NCM continues to advise motorists and maritime operators to exercise heightened caution during reduced visibility periods, implementing necessary safety protocols as per national weather emergency guidelines.

  • Envoy: youth exchanges can instill ‘vitality’

    Envoy: youth exchanges can instill ‘vitality’

    Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng has issued a compelling appeal for Washington to faithfully implement the bilateral agreements reached during the October summit between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump. Speaking at the 2026 China-US Youth Spring Festival Gala held at the Chinese embassy, Ambassador Xie emphasized that youth exchanges represent the fundamental cornerstone of Sino-American relations.

    The diplomatic address highlighted remarkable progress in intercultural collaboration throughout the past year, with thousands of students participating in scientific innovation programs, athletic competitions, and educational partnerships. Ambassador Xie revealed that many participants described their exchange experiences as ‘life-changing,’ enabling them to break free from information cocoons and dispel longstanding misconceptions about each other’s nations.

    Citing the critical importance of the bilateral relationship, Xie characterized youth exchanges as ‘spring plowing’ that instills vitality into diplomatic relations. The ambassador specifically referenced President Xi’s November 2023 ‘50,000 in Five Years’ initiative, which aims to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs. Current participation has already exceeded 40,000 students, creating significant people-to-people connections.

    The event featured prominent supporters including Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, who emphasized that people-to-people exchange constitutes ‘not a side project but a cornerstone’ of bilateral relations. Practical examples of successful exchanges included Montgomery County Public Schools’ ‘pickleball diplomacy’ program and University of Wyoming hockey teams conducting joint clinics and competitions in China, resulting in lasting personal connections that participants maintain through daily communication.

    Ambassador Xie concluded by advocating for enhanced collaboration in cutting-edge sectors including artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green energy development, positioning the next generation as leaders in addressing global challenges through cooperative innovation.

  • Tariffs, rising debt expected to sow ‘mess’, ‘chaos’ in US

    Tariffs, rising debt expected to sow ‘mess’, ‘chaos’ in US

    A gathering of prominent US economic experts at the Brookings Institution has delivered a sobering assessment of America’s current trade and fiscal policies, warning that recent measures will inevitably yield long-term economic disruption despite demonstrating surprising short-term resilience.

    The panel discussion, titled “One Year of ‘America First’ Trade Policy: What Did We Learn, and What Comes Next?”, examined the paradoxical performance of an economy that continues expanding slowly despite implementing policies that mainstream economists would traditionally predict would trigger stagnation or collapse.

    Ben Harris, Vice-President and Director of Economic Studies at Brookings, identified four unprecedented policy shocks implemented throughout the past year: tariff rates skyrocketing from 2.4% to 28% on average; net immigration plunging to near zero or negative levels; trillions in new debt accumulated outside recession or wartime conditions; and erosion of Federal Reserve independence through White House pressure and investigations.

    Harris proposed several theories explaining the economy’s unexpected endurance, including possible overstatement of shock impacts due to evasion and muted retaliation, offsetting stimuli from emerging technologies like AI investment, potential flaws in traditional economic models regarding short-term predictions, and the simple reality that full effects require time to materialize.

    Former White House official Nora Todd detailed how corporations have implemented sophisticated mitigation strategies, including absorbing tariff costs rather than passing them to consumers, stockpiling goods preemptively, and restructuring production chains to avoid tariffs entirely.

    Wendy Edelberg, Senior Fellow in Economic Studies, presented data showing tariffs have already elevated consumer prices by approximately half a percentage point, with further inflation anticipated. She emphasized that both imported goods and competing domestic products have become more expensive, disproportionately burdening low-income households and small businesses while ironically reducing manufacturing employment due to increased costs of imported inputs.

    Daniel H. Rosen, cofounder of Rhodium Group, highlighted the geopolitical consequences of current policies, noting that US allies are increasingly seeking alternative markets and strengthening economic ties with China. He advocated for a more nuanced trade approach that distinguishes between genuinely sensitive security concerns and the vast majority of economic exchange that presents no security threat.

    The consensus among experts indicates that while immediate catastrophic collapse has been avoided, the accumulated policies are creating structural vulnerabilities that will manifest as persistent inflation, supply chain fragmentation, eroded geopolitical trust, and ultimately significant economic disruption in the longer term.

  • Minnesota bid to thwart ICE crackdown blocked

    Minnesota bid to thwart ICE crackdown blocked

    A federal court has rejected Minnesota’s emergency motion to suspend a widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation within the state, a crackdown that has resulted in two civilian fatalities and triggered nationwide demonstrations. The ruling, delivered on Saturday by Judge Katherine Menendez, determined that the balance of harms did not conclusively justify an immediate injunction against the federal agency’s activities.

    Simultaneously, in a separate legal proceeding, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued a stern condemnation of the government’s tactics and mandated the release of a five-year-old boy and his father detained during the raids. Judge Biery characterized the operation as an ‘ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatizing children.’

    The controversial ‘Metro Surge’ operation, involving masked and heavily armed agents, has led to the detention of thousands of individuals across Minnesota communities. The aggressive tactics have ignited protests from coast to coast, with tens of thousands marching in Minnesota and demonstrations organized in Southern California by the grassroots ‘50501 movement’ as part of a national ‘ICE Out of Everywhere’ day of action.

    The backlash has extended internationally, with hundreds gathering in Milan, Italy, to protest the anticipated deployment of ICE agents during the upcoming Winter Olympics. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has explicitly stated these agents are not welcome in the city.

    According to data from the German publication Tagesspiegel, ICE officers have been involved in 31 firearm incidents since last summer, with at least 32 individuals dying in custody. The agency currently detains approximately 70,000 people, representing what critics describe as the tip of the iceberg regarding law enforcement violence in the United States. Research from the University of Illinois Chicago indicates approximately 250,000 people are injured annually during law enforcement encounters due to misconduct, with over 600 dying in police custody.

  • Tehran and Washington confirm dialogue

    Tehran and Washington confirm dialogue

    Diplomatic channels between Tehran and Washington remain active despite escalating military threats, as both nations confirmed ongoing communications while maintaining their defensive postures. The complex situation reveals a delicate balance between negotiation efforts and military preparedness.

    Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head Ali Larijani reported significant advancements in establishing structural frameworks for bilateral talks, directly countering media narratives emphasizing conflict. “Contrary to the hype of the contrived media war, structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing,” Larijani stated, indicating behind-the-scenes diplomatic activity.

    The United States simultaneously acknowledges dialogue while demonstrating military capability. President Donald Trump confirmed the diplomatic engagement but emphasized American naval power moving toward the region, creating a dual-track approach of negotiation leverage and military deterrence.

    Iranian leadership maintains a consistent position against initiating hostilities while promising forceful response to any aggression. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei asserted that Iran “would not start a war” but warned that any American offensive would trigger a regional conflict with consequences for U.S. assets and allies, particularly Israel.

    Army Chief Amir Hatami reinforced this stance, declaring Iranian forces at “full defensive and military readiness” and cautioning that any military miscalculation would endanger regional security and Israel’s stability. Hatami further emphasized that Iran’s nuclear expertise “cannot be eliminated” through military means.

    President Masoud Pezeshkian articulated Iran’s diplomatic philosophy during discussions with Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, emphasizing “dignity-based diplomacy” and conflict resolution through engagement within international law frameworks. He noted that broader military confrontation would serve neither nation’s interests.

    The fundamental negotiation impasse persists regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Washington demands uranium enrichment restrictions, missile capability limitations, and proxy support rollbacks, while Tehran insists any discussions must exclude its defensive capabilities from the agenda.