Articles curated and written by students of Sunmarke School and Regent International School

Business & Finance

Trade Tensions Spike: Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland Dispute


Former US President Donald Trump has reiterated that he will “100%” go ahead with threatened tariffs on European countries unless they soften their opposition to his push to take control of Greenland. Trump says duties starting at 10 % from February, rising to 25 % in June, will apply to Britain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland until a deal is reached. Read the full article here

Landmark UN Ocean Deal Enters Force After Decades of Talks


The world’s first legally binding treaty to protect oceans and marine life in international waters has officially entered into force on January 17, 2026, after nearly two decades of negotiations. Known as the High Seas Treaty or the BBNJ Agreement, it establishes a global legal framework for conserving biodiversity in the high seas — areas beyond national jurisdiction that make up almost half the planet’s surface.


By Eliza, Year 11 student

Fortes News

Regent Celebrates Global SAT Success


A proud moment for Regent and our community! Our Year 13 student Arina scored an outstanding 1540 on the SAT, placing her in the top 1% globally.

Her focus, dedication, and perseverance reflect both her hard work and the supportive environment at Regent, where every student is empowered to succeed.

Sports Day at Sunmarke School


Sunmarke School’s Sports Day for Years 5 to 10 was packed with energy, teamwork, and unstoppable sporting spirit! From fast-paced track races to standout field events — long jump, high jump, javelin, football, relays, and more — our students pushed themselves, supported one another, and rose brilliantly to the challenge.

Click the link below to view the highlights and relive the action. 

News & Views

Passport Power 2026: Asia and Europe Dominate the Top Spots


The latest 2026 Henley Passport Index reveals which passports offer the most travel freedom based on how many countries their holders can visit without a visa. Singapore comes out on top, granting visa-free access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea with 188 each. European countries dominate the top tiers, while the United Arab Emirates has made significant gains in recent years. Traditional powers like the UK and US have slipped slightly, highlighting shifting trends in global mobility. Read the full story here


By Vivien, Year 9 student

Can AI Actually Reduce Creative Diversity? Here’s What Research Says


A new Wharton School study finds that while generative AI tools like ChatGPT can help individuals produce strong ideas, they may also lead teams to generate less diverse and more similar ideas, which can limit innovation and creativity overall. Researchers warn that relying on AI as a sole creative partner may cause groups to converge on similar responses instead of exploring novel possibilities. Read full story here


By Riccardo, Year 7 student

Local News

Dubai’s Ramadan Souq Returns for 2026


Dubai Municipality’s Ramadan Souq has returned for its fourth season, offering a convenient place to shop for Ramadan essentials ahead of the holy month. Open daily at the Grand Souq, the market runs from 10am to 10pm until 15 February, featuring competitive prices across food items, household goods and seasonal products. Alongside shopping, visitors can expect live entertainment, workshops and activities for children, as well as a selection of popular food pop-ups. Special products for Hag Al Laila, celebrated ahead of Ramadan, are also available. Read more here.

UAE Set to Launch Flying Taxis in 2026


Flying taxi services could take off in the UAE later this year, with Abu Dhabi expected as the first launch market. Archer Aviation and Joby are leading the race, pending certification and in-country testing this summer. The UAE’s busy airspace is seen as an ideal environment for safe and advanced operations — click here to read the full story.

Technology

ChatGPT to Show Ads Based on Conversations


OpenAI is testing ads in ChatGPT’s free version for US users and launching an $8 “Go” subscription tier with extra features. Ads will appear at the bottom of responses and are labeled as “sponsored,” but OpenAI says they won’t influence ChatGPT’s answers. Users can also turn off ad personalisation, and ads won’t appear in sensitive topics like health or politics — click here to read the full story

Tech Stocks Slide on Greenland Trade Tensions


U.S. tech shares led Wall Street lower Tuesday as renewed tariff rhetoric around Greenland rattled investors. Nvidia, Tesla, Meta, Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon all fell, putting pressure on the broader Nasdaq and S&P 500. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives called it a short-term “risk-off” move, highlighting it as a buying opportunity ahead of a robust tech earnings season and continued AI investment — click here to read the full story.

AI Recommendation of the Week

AI Tools to make life easier 

Narrato


Narrato is an AI content workspace designed for teams and solo creators alike. It helps you plan, research, draft and optimise content all in one place — from blog posts and landing pages to social captions and SEO briefs. With built‑in workflow tools, draft suggestions and topic clustering, it keeps your ideas organised and your output consistent.

Descript


Descript is a versatile content creation platform that uses AI to make audio and video editing as easy as typing. You can transcribe, cut, clean up audio, add captions and generate voiceovers — all within a single interface. For marketers creating podcasts, livestream edits or social reels, Descript turns complex editing into a simple, intuitive experience.

Sports and Entertainment

Venus Williams Makes History at 45


Venus Williams became the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles main draw at 45. The seven-time major winner put on a memorable performance against Olga Danilovic, showcasing her enduring skill and determination. She now turns her focus to doubles and the rest of her 2026 season.

Valentino Garavani, Fashion Icon, Dies at 93


Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani, famed for his signature “Valentino red” gowns, has died peacefully at 93. Over decades, he dressed stars from Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy to Julia Roberts and Zendaya. Valentino founded his label in 1959 with partner Giancarlo Giammetti, creating a global brand synonymous with elegance, precision, and timeless glamour. Tributes have poured in from designers, fans, and world leaders, celebrating his enduring legacy in haute couture. Read more

Wellness

Happy Hormones on Your Plate: Top Foods to Lift Your Mood


Certain foods can naturally help your body produce “happy hormones” like serotonin and dopamine — chemicals that support mood, emotional balance and overall well-being. Foods rich in healthy fats (like salmon and other fatty fish), antioxidants (such as berries), protein (like eggs), and nutrients like magnesium and B-vitamins (found in nuts, seeds and bananas) can help stimulate these feel-good compounds. Check out the list of happy foods


By Riccardo, Year 7 student

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