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Ras Al Khaimah ushered in 2026 with a choreographed New Year’s Eve display that combined fireworks and drone technology on a scale not previously attempted in the emirate, securing a Guinness World Records title for the largest aerial image of a phoenix formed by multirotor drones. The 15-minute presentation unfolded along the waterfront, drawing large crowds and positioning the northern emirate at the centre of global attention as midnight celebrations rolled across time zones.

Officials confirmed that thousands of drones were deployed in tightly synchronised formations above the coast, producing a series of animated images that culminated in the phoenix, a symbol chosen to reflect renewal and ambition. The aerial sequence was interwoven with precision fireworks launched from multiple barges and shoreline points, creating a layered effect across sea and sky. Guinness adjudicators on site verified the specifications shortly after the display concluded, confirming the new benchmark had been met.

The event formed part of Ras Al Khaimah’s wider strategy to build a reputation for large-scale, family-friendly celebrations that draw international visitors beyond the traditional holiday hotspots. Organisers said months of preparation were required to coordinate aviation safety, maritime controls and public access, with authorities temporarily restricting airspace and marine traffic during the performance window. Emergency services and transport agencies operated under special plans to manage the influx of spectators along the coastal stretch.

Tourism officials described the New Year event as a showcase of how technology is reshaping public celebrations worldwide. Drone-based performances have grown rapidly over the past decade as an alternative to fireworks, offering reusable hardware, programmable precision and reduced debris. By combining both elements, the emirate aimed to deliver visual impact while demonstrating technical capability. Industry specialists note that such hybrid shows demand advanced software, redundant navigation systems and real-time monitoring to avoid collisions or signal loss.

Local hospitality operators reported strong occupancy across hotels and resorts, with restaurants and public viewing areas reaching capacity well before midnight. The celebrations extended across several zones, allowing visitors to experience the show from beaches, promenades and elevated vantage points. Authorities encouraged spectators to use public transport and designated parking areas to ease congestion, a measure that helped maintain steady pedestrian flows before and after the countdown.

The Guinness title adds to a growing list of high-profile achievements used by destinations to differentiate themselves in a competitive tourism market. Record-driven events have become a common tool to generate global media coverage and social media traction, though experts caution that they require careful balancing of spectacle, safety and sustainability. In this case, organisers highlighted the use of digitally controlled drones to minimise environmental impact compared with traditional fireworks-only displays, while acknowledging that pyrotechnics remain a key draw for audiences.

Cultural planners involved in the programme said the phoenix motif was selected to resonate across diverse audiences while aligning with the emirate’s long-term development narrative. The animated sequence depicted the bird rising and spreading its wings before dissolving into abstract patterns, followed by a countdown rendered in light above the water. Fireworks then traced the skyline in timed bursts, synchronised to a musical score broadcast along the shore.

The success of the event is likely to influence planning for future festivals and national celebrations, both within the emirate and across the region. Drone show providers are already expanding fleets and investing in higher-capacity batteries, brighter LEDs and more resilient communications links to support increasingly complex formations. Analysts say destinations that master these capabilities early can scale performances quickly for major occasions.

“The Forever Gifts: A Natural Diamond Series” the ultimate destination for bespoke natural diamond master creations in Hong Kong, launched with a line-up of activities at Lane Crawford’s flagship retail space in IFC mall. Renowned actress Charmaine Sheh, fashion trendsetter Hilary Tsui, VIPs, media members and influencers from Hong Kong and China were invited to explore exquisite natural diamond collections, thoughtfully curated by Lane Crawford.

This special series starts with a selection of contemporary fine jewellery brands, each offering a unique design story and a commitment to creativity and excellence. They include State Property, YEPREM, Mio Harutaka, KORLOFF and Claudia Ma Fine Jewellery. “This collaboration marks an important moment for Lane Crawford. Together with De Beers, we’re creating a destination that celebrates the beauty of natural diamonds through exceptional craftsmanship and global creativity. This exclusive space reimagines how clients engage with fine jewellery – bringing artistry, innovation, and the opportunity to design something truly personal.” Emily Wong, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Lane Crawford.

The exclusive event brought a series of interactive workshops led by experts Jodine Bolden and Samantha Sibley from the De Beers Institute of Diamonds alongside London-based multi-disciplinary artist Annette Fernando.

At the natural diamond workshop, participants gained hands-on experience on rough diamond sorting, polished diamond grading, and differentiation of natural diamonds versus synthetics. Participants also had the unique opportunity of viewing a nearby 297-carat rough diamond and kimberlite carrying a 22-carat rough diamond. Also on display was a gem called “Beating Heart”, a 0.329-carat rough diamond that features a smaller diamond moving freely inside its larger counterpart, a rarity that showcases the extraordinary conditions under which diamonds can form. This exquisite piece, recovered by De Beers Group and analyzed at the facilities of De Beers Institute of Diamonds, is recorded on the Tracr platform, giving insight into its history and heritage. Upon completion of the workshop, each participant received a natural diamond masterclass certificate from the De Beers Institute of Diamonds.

“We are pleased to partner with Lane Crawford for this special series of events to proudly recognize the enduring value of natural diamonds, and to honour the artists who continue to bring life to these creations.” says Loletta Lai, Vice President, Natural Diamonds APAC De Beers Group.

Complementing the technical insight offered by the De Beers Institute of Diamonds, artist Annette Fernando shared her art creations inspired by natural diamonds, named The Multi-Faceted Self. Through a reflective coloring workshop, Annette invited participants to explore the transformative journey of natural diamonds as a metaphor for personal growth and resilience.

The partnership between A Diamond is Forever and Lane Crawford spotlights crafted natural diamond pieces sourced and styled from around the globe, the most treasured gifts ever! These iconic legacy brands and exciting new talent alike, all centered around the timeless beauty of natural diamonds, come together at Lane Crawford, the ultimate destination for discovery, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury.

Featured Brands

Claudia Ma Fine Jewellery
Claudia Ma, driven by a passion for modern high jewelry and an unwavering dedication to quality, founded her eponymous brand, Claudia Ma, in 2000. With a distinctive design sensibility and an eye for artistic aesthetics, she masterfully reinterprets classic themes through innovative modern expressions. Her creations have earned widespread acclaim for their signature style and exceptional craftsmanship. Over the years, Claudia has collaborated with renowned names such as Shanghai Tang, Lane Crawford, and De Beers Group Forevermark, solidifying her brand’s standing in Hong Kong’s fine jewelry landscape.

Her latest work draws inspiration from the barbell as a symbol of balance, focus, and strength. Crafted in 18k gold and accented with natural diamonds, these versatile pieces embody resilience while seamlessly elevating everyday style.

According to Claudia, “Natural diamonds and craftsmanship go hand in hand. Craftsmanship brings out the diamond’s inner brilliance, while my design presents this timeless classic in a modern way for generations to enjoy. Without this artistry, even the finest diamond remains just a hidden treasure.”

State Property
An award-winning contemporary fine jewellery label from Singapore, State Property fuses modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Founded in 2015 by a jeweller and an industrial designer, the brand draws inspiration from culture, literature, and history—bringing to life structured silhouettes in precious metals that embrace the softness of the human form.

“There’s an emotional gravity with natural diamonds that’s hard to replicate, State Property shares. “Their rarity, beauty, and resilience make them extraordinary. Each one a fragment of the earth’s story, time in a crystallised form. We’re drawn to materials that carry meaning, and diamonds embody permanence, memory, and the quiet luxury of time. At State Property, we strive to have those same qualities reflected in our own work — creating jewellery with intention, designed to endure and be cherished across generations.”

YEPREM
Known for its avant-garde creations, House of YEPREM is a family-run brand that continues to push the boundaries of contemporary diamond jewellery. With a legacy rooted in timeless craftsmanship and visionary design, YEPREM’s striking pieces are now celebrated across America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

“Natural diamonds are the ultimate expression of authenticity and endurance, virtues that mirror YEPREM’s journey and craftsmanship. Born from time, pressure, and perseverance, each diamond holds the essence of transformation and strength. Their inherent brilliance and purity transcend trends, embodying emotion and individuality. In YEPREM’s world, a natural diamond is not merely a material, it is the foundation upon which stories of resilience and radiance are told.”

Mio Harutaka
Crafted in Japan by local artisans, MIO HARUTAKA channels the beauty of Mother Nature into every design. The brand, founded in 2011, is committed to achieving diamond traceability and sustainability while maintaining exceptional artisanal craftsmanship. Harutaka shares: “Craftsmanship is essential—it accounts for almost everything. All of these details depend entirely on the skills of the craftsmen. Craftsmanship is what allows me to welcome close, hands-on appreciation, knowing that each piece will meet that level of scrutiny with confidence and beauty.”

KORLOFF
Since 1978, KORLOFF has been a symbol of true femininity—magnetic, adventurous, and bold. Renowned for crafting exquisite bespoke jewelry, each piece reflects daring designs and the unmatched artistry of French craftsmanship, showcasing the Maison’s boundless creativity and passion. “Our story began with a diamond, the Black Korloff, the largest brilliant-cut natural black diamond in the world. Its uniqueness, shaped over millions of years, continues to inspire us every day as a symbol of mystery, transformation, and the magic of nature. Natural diamonds possess an authenticity and depth that no other material can replicate. They remind us that beauty is born from time, pressure, and light, forces that mirror the creative journey behind each Korloff jewel.”

Meet the De Beers Institute of Diamonds Experts:

Jodine Bolden, Director of Education De Beers Institute of Diamonds
Jodine has previously developed her career as an operations line manager within large FMCG companies, and European HR Management roles within the luxury Health & Beauty industry where she first developed her passion for creating exceptional consumer experiences. After moving to De Beers, she worked as HR Manager for 5 years and discovered her fascination for diamonds as she supported various global functions across the De Beers estate, she then involved creating the Institute of Diamonds Education Service and developing each course that they now offer to their clients.

Since 2018 the De Beers Institute of Diamonds Education Service has provided education on a range of diamond subjects including, Rough Diamond Sorting, Polished Diamond Grading and Laboratory-Grown Detection.

Samantha Sibley, Technical Liaison Manager De Beers Group, UK
With over 30 years’ experience in De Beers’ research, development and commercial teams, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the characteristics of both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds. She has been involved in the development of De Beers Group’s current and previous suites of verification instruments and currently also facilitates training and educational courses around the world on the use of these instruments for accurate screening results. Other projects involve research into irradiation and HPHT colour treatments and the utilisation of this information to develop screening processes within the De Beers grading laboratories.

Sam has a BTEC Higher National Certificate in Physics, is a diamond fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (DGA) and holds a team leader qualification from Leadership Management UK and the Chartered Management Institute. She has presented on diamond topics globally and has had first-hand experience of the diamond industry over many years through visits to mines, cutting centres, polishing factories, gemmological laboratories and tradeshows.

Annette Fernando, Commissioned Artist, “The Multi-Faceted Self” at The Forever Gifts: A Natural Diamond Series
Annette Fernando (b. 1991, London) is a multi-disciplinary artist and curator. She holds a BA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins and is currently pursuing an MA in Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, where she was awarded the prestigious Cultural Leaders Scholarship.

Fernando’s artistic repertoire spans drawing, printmaking, painting, and film. Fernando’s current work is driven to immortalise natures scenes, capturing the beauty of moments often overlooked through various mediums. Fernando’s work has garnered significant recognition, including winning the Jerwood Drawing Prize in 2014 and selections for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2021 and 2023. Her pieces are held in public and private collections across the USA, France, Hong Kong, and the UK.

Hashtag: #adiamondisforeverhk #lanecrawford #adiamondisforever #theforevergifts #naturaldiamonds #diamonds

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About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal

opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

About Lane Crawford

Founded in 1850, Lane Crawford is an iconic luxury department store, with a mission to search the world for the most exciting talent and product, to create the ultimate luxury edit of fashion and lifestyle for its customers across Greater China. Featuring the largest own-bought designer portfolio across Womenswear, Menswear, Beauty & Wellbeing,

Home and Lifestyle, and Fine Jewellery in the region, Lane Crawford constantly evolves its product, experience, and services offer to embrace the most innovative and relevant designers and exceptional craftsmanship of the season, and to reflect the dynamic pace of its market and customers.

With four stores in Hong Kong; and three stores across Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu, supported by a global digital flagship, and a purpose-built ecommerce site for China and WeChat store, Lane Crawford is Greater China’s first and only omni-channel luxury fashion retailer. Each store is personalised to its location and designed to provide sensory experience, fusing fashion, design, art and music, while offering exceptional service.

Lane Crawford is a part of The Lane Crawford Joyce Group, Asia’s premier fashion retail, brand management and distribution group, which also includes cutting-edge fashion boutique Joyce; and fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brand management and distribution business ImagineX Group.

As crowds gathered for the New Year Countdown, they were able to enjoy a new format experience, with this year’s main event taking place at the Chater Road pedestrian zone in Central, sitting next to the Winter Wonderland display, which transformed Statue Square Gardens into a magical Christmas Town complete with a magnificent 20-metre tree and charming decorations.

A series of events including music performances and a light show were arranged by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) with the aim of conveying positive energy, care, and blessings of peace to both locals and visitors, and to welcome a hopeful new year together.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government had anticipated a large number of visitors during the festive season, which included a four-day long weekend over Christmas, while January 1 coincided with the start of a three-day long holiday on the Chinese Mainland.

The Government said the number of non-Chinese Mainland visitors reached a post-Covid record every day during the Christmas holiday with around 50,000 visitors daily from December 25 to 27, accounting for around 33% of the total number of travellers during that period.

This influx of festive visitors provided a further boost to Hong Kong’s tourism sector. In 2025, Hong Kong received 50 million visitors, marking a 12% year-on-year rise. This included 38 million visitors from the Chinese Mainland (up 11% year-on-year) and 12 million non-Chinese Mainland visitors (up 15% year-on-year).

In the Euromonitor International Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025, Hong Kong ranked second globally for international arrivals, behind only Bangkok.

The large number of visitors over festive period provided further impetus to the local tourism industry, which had already been buoyed by a series of mega events at the new Kai Tak Sports Park. Since its opening in March 2025, KTSP has become a new hub for major sports and entertainment events.

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #tourism #megaevents #newyear #countdown #kaitaksportspark

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A landmark entertainment destination has begun operations at Qiddiya City on 31 December 2025, as Six Flags Qiddiya City opened to the public near Riyadh, marking the flagship attraction of the sprawling Saudi project and the first Six Flags theme park outside North America. The launch ceremony took place under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Governor of Riyadh Province, with senior officials and tourism sector leaders attending to celebrate what organisers described as a major milestone in the Kingdom’s leisure and tourism expansion.

Six Flags Qiddiya City debuted with an array of attractions designed to appeal to global visitors and local families alike, with the signature offering being Falcons Flight, a steel roller coaster that now holds records as the tallest, fastest and longest of its kind in the world. The coaster reaches speeds of roughly 155 mph and rises to approximately 640 feet, dwarfing many existing high-thrill installations. Other record-setting rides include Iron Rattler, the tallest tilt coaster, and Spitfire, the tallest inverted coaster, alongside a total lineup of 28 rides and attractions across six themed lands.

Park president Brian Machamer described Six Flags Qiddiya City as more than a collection of rides, pitching the venue as a fully immersive theme park where music, themed environments and guest experience are integrated throughout, distinguishing it from traditional amusement parks in North America. He said the design and storytelling elements aim to create a cohesive environment that extends beyond individual attractions.

The opening is a cornerstone of Qiddiya City’s broader vision as a global entertainment and cultural hub. Spanning hundreds of square kilometres on the edge of the Tuwaiq Mountains roughly 45 km from downtown Riyadh, Qiddiya is envisioned as a master-planned destination where entertainment, sports, arts and education converge. Six Flags Qiddiya City represents the first operational phase of this masterplan, with additional attractions including a water theme park, motorsport and esports facilities, performance venues and residential neighbourhoods planned over the next decade.

Officials noted that the park’s launch aligns with national priorities to diversify the economy under Vision 2030, an ambitious strategy championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reduce reliance on oil revenues and accelerate growth in tourism and leisure sectors. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the significance of the Six Flags project in positioning the Kingdom on the global entertainment map, underscoring efforts to attract millions of visitors annually.

The park offers international food and retail outlets, themed entertainment spaces and technology-enhanced guest services to meet global standards. Ticket pricing was set to attract a broad demographic, with adult entry priced at around SR325 and children’s tickets at SR275, while infants under four are admitted free. Early visitor feedback pointed to enthusiastic reception, particularly for the record-breaking coasters and themed environments.

While the opening has been widely hailed as a transformative moment for entertainment in the Middle East, analysts and industry observers have also pointed to challenges. Six Flags’ broader corporate position following its merger with Cedar Fair includes ongoing portfolio evaluations and adjustments to its existing parks, which have seen closures and operational reassessments in North America. The international expansion represented by Qiddiya carries strategic importance but also introduces new operational and financial dynamics for the company.

Local business leaders have emphasised the anticipated economic impact of the park and the wider Qiddiya development, citing job creation, supply chain opportunities and tourism revenue growth. Community groups in the Riyadh region have expressed optimism about increased cultural and entertainment offerings, while some critics have raised questions about the sustainability of mega-projects in fluctuating economic conditions. Government planners maintain that phased development and diversified attractions will help ensure long-term viability.

Prime Minister celebrated the New Year together with Malaysians and officially kicked off Visit Malaysia 2026 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, amid captivating pyromusical fireworks, drone formations, laser shows, and stunning 3D anamorphic projections, alongside a star-studded lineup of top artistes

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 January 2026 – Malaysia ushered in the New Year on a high note as the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Countdown Festival culminated in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The landmark event, a strategic collaboration between The Fame Events, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), serves as an iconic curtain-raiser that ignited the national momentum and aspirations for the VM2026 campaign.

The highlight of the night was the countdown moment led by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia as the Guest of Honour, who joined thousands of Malaysians and visitors to welcome the New Year. Underscoring the national significance of the occasion, the celebration was also attended by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.

YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, stated: “This celebration was a symbolic event to ignite the momentum for VM2026 while welcoming the world to our shores. Malaysia is now fully ready to showcase its unique culture, creativity, and the warm hospitality of its people. It marks a strong head start towards our aspiration of 43 million international visitor arrivals, further solidifying our position on the global tourism map.”

The VM2026 Countdown Festival stood as a grand manifestation of Malaysia’s excellence on the global stage. Drawing thousands of domestic and international visitors, the New Year’s Eve celebration featured a breathtaking multimedia extravaganza, seamlessly integrating pyromusical fireworks, drone formations and laser projections. A key highlight was the stunning 3D anamorphic display starring the campaign’s beloved Malayan Sun Bear mascots, Wira and Manja.

The main stage was also graced by a stellar lineup of renowned local artistes, including Shila Amzah, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Vanessa Reynauld, Kidd Santhe, The Kuans, KLP48, Nazu, Rezza Shah, Danson Ooi, Euzen, and Penny. Their performances were complemented by dedicated cultural showcases that blended traditional rhythms with modern beats, elevating the celebratory atmosphere of the night.

The VM2026 Countdown Festival was a wider festive programme that began as early as 26 December 2025, extending the celebrations beyond the heart of the city. Parallel events and activities were held, offering visitors a glimpse of Malaysia’s rich heritage and creative spirit while embodying the essence of Truly Asia.

These included the VM2026 Bazaar at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, VM2026 Arts & Culture Showcase at Fahrenheit 88, featuring cultural pop-ups, interactive experiences such as batik art, porcelain making, wau decoration among others and showcases that drew strong public participation over several days. Malaysia’s vibrant food scene was brought to life at the VM2026 Bukit Bintang Food Bazaar, Lot 10, presenting a curated mix of traditional cuisines, local favourites and contemporary delights.

The build-up was further amplified by daily live 10 iconic DJs, flash mobs at the Bukit Bintang Crossing, Malaysia’s very own infamous Shibuya crossing and busking performances across key locations, creating a steady prelude to the countdown and sparking excitement both on the ground and across social media.

VM2026 provides a platform to bring Malaysia’s narrative to the global stage, guided by five strategic pillars: sustainability, cultural heritage, nature-based adventure, digital innovation, and global connectivity. However, these strengths will only truly shine when celebrated together by all Malaysians.

The festival was organised with the strong support of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Tourism Malaysia as key partners. The success of the event was also made possible through collaboration with strategic partners, including Istana Budaya, the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), the National Heritage Department, and the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation.

As the immersive countdown finale illuminated the Kuala Lumpur skyline, the VM2026 Countdown Festival marked a confident and celebratory opening to the tourism year ahead, reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness to welcome the world in 2026.

The year 2026 will be anchored by a series of mega events, including major festive celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, which will showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity while enhancing visitor experiences through a vibrant presentation of local arts, heritage, and entertainment.

This momentum will be driven by the implementation of a wide range of high-impact tourism events and programmes, encompassing cultural festivals, conventions, and MICE activities (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), as well as large-scale tourism exhibitions. Adopted on a nationwide scale, this approach aims to expand tourism reach, encourage longer visitor stays, and provide meaningful opportunities for travellers to experience the distinct cultural identities of Malaysia’s diverse regions.

Hashtag: #VM2026Countdown #VisitMalaysia2026 #SurrealExperiences #MalaysiaTrulyAsia

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The inaugural flight, VN39, departed Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 10:45 p.m. on December 15 aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and landed safely at Copenhagen Airport after more than 12 hours of flight, carrying over 200 passengers to the Danish capital. The return flight, VN38, departed Copenhagen at 10:50 a.m. local time on December 16 and arrived in Ho Chi Minh City later the same day, serving more than 300 passengers.

The Ho Chi Minh City to Copenhagen route will operate three times per week. Flights depart Ho Chi Minh City on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, while return flights from Copenhagen operate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. This new service enhances connectivity between Vietnam and Denmark, as well as the broader Northern European region, while meeting the increasing travel demand of the Vietnamese community in the area, estimated at approximately 70,000 people. It is also expected to further boost the growing number of Northern European visitors to Vietnam.

Dang Anh Tuan, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, said: “Copenhagen represents a strategic market in Vietnam Airlines’ European network growth. Our nonstop service dramatically reduces travel time between Vietnam and Denmark, enhances our competitive edge, and creates new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange across Northern Europe. This direct connection will deliver clear benefits to passengers, enterprises, and the Vietnamese community in the region.”

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is widely recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities and serves as a key transportation hub for the entire Scandinavian region. From Copenhagen Airport, passengers can conveniently connect to Sweden, Norway, and Finland via a modern infrastructure and efficient transport network. As a result, the new route not only meets travel demand to Denmark but also provides faster and more convenient access to the broader Northern European region compared with previous itineraries requiring transit stops.

Copenhagen is considered a high-potential market, particularly during the winter season when Northern European travelers seek warm-weather destinations such as Vietnam. With the launch of this route, Vietnam Airlines becomes one of the few Southeast Asian carriers offering direct service to Northern Europe, further strengthening its European network, which currently includes Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Milan, and Moscow.

The nonstop Ho Chi Minh City to Copenhagen service also marks a significant milestone in Vietnam Airlines’ 30-year development journey, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to expanding intercontinental connectivity, enhancing the role of the national flag carrier, and continuing to showcase the image, culture, and people of Vietnam to the world.

Hashtag: #VietnamAirlines

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By K Raveendran As Indian corporates step into the new year buoyed by stronger growth momentum and easing inflationary pressures, a sense of anticipation is spreading across boardrooms and policy circles alike over a dispute that dwarfs most corporate battles seen in the country’s history. At the heart of this confrontation lies the Indian government’s […]

The article Sensation Building Up Around Country’s Biggest Ever Arbitration Award appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The programme generated approximately Rp5.5 billion in premium sharing, which will be distributed to 76 Village Unit Cooperatives (KUDs), benefitting more than 30,000 smallholders. The initiative underscores Asian Agri’s long-term commitment to improving smallholder welfare while advancing environmentally responsible palm oil management.

Head of Partnership at Asian Agri, Rudy Rismanto, said RSPO certification plays a critical role in expanding market access for smallholder-produced palm oil.

“Through RSPO certification, palm oil produced by our partner smallholders can be accepted in global markets, including Europe, which requires sustainably produced products,” Rudy said. “The premiums received are reinvested to improve productivity, upgrade infrastructure, strengthen KUD facilities and support alternative sources of income. In this way, sustainability delivers tangible economic benefits for smallholders.”

Rudy emphasised that Asian Agri’s sustainability approach goes beyond environmental stewardship to include social and economic impact.

“Through strong collaboration with smallholders, we ensure that sustainable practices also translate into improved livelihoods. This reflects Asian Agri’s philosophy of creating benefits for society, the environment, customers, and ultimately the company itself—so that sustainability and prosperity grow together.”

Representing partner cooperatives, Subiyono, Head of Karya Bersama KUD, said the premium sharing scheme has delivered clear and measurable benefits.

“The premium has provided meaningful support to both smallholders and the cooperative,” he explained. “In 2026, we plan to allocate these funds to improve and maintain roads that serve as the main access routes for transporting Fresh Fruit Bunches to palm oil mills. Better infrastructure will help ensure smoother operations for smallholders.”

Karya Bersama KUD is currently participating in a replanting partnership with Asian Agri. The replanted oil palm area, now 49 months old, has achieved an average productivity of 2 tons per hectare per month.

Similarly, Waluyo, Head of Makmur Rezeki KUD, highlighted how the premium strengthens institutional capacity while supporting sustainable practices.

“The funds are allocated to strategic priorities, including improvements to fertiliser and herbicide warehouses, road upgrades, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for smallholders, and the installation of owl nesting boxes as part of natural pest control,” he said. “These initiatives enable more environmentally friendly and efficient plantation management.”

According to Waluyo, the programme also reinforces smallholders’ commitment to sustainability.

“This support not only improves cooperative facilities and operations but also strengthens members’ dedication to sustainable practices. We hope Makmur Rezeki KUD can continue to grow together with Asian Agri, so the benefits can be felt more widely by our members and surrounding communities.”

Through the Certified Palm Oil Premium Sharing Programme, Asian Agri, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continues to invest in the long-term resilience of smallholders and cooperatives, ensuring that sustainable palm oil development delivers enduring social, economic, and environmental benefits for generations to come.
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About Asian Agri

Founded in 1979, Asian Agri is one of Indonesia’s foremost companies in crude palm oil production, managing over 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and employing over 20,000 people.

As a pioneer of the Indonesian Government’s Smallholder Transmigration Core Plantation Programme (PIR-Trans), Asian Agri has partnered with 30,000 scheme smallholders in Riau and Jambi, who collectively manage 60,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. The company also fosters partnerships with independent smallholders to enhance their welfare and drive socio-economic growth.

Committed to sustainable practices, Asian Agri upholds a zero-burning policy and implements plantation best management practices to help smallholders boost productivity, increase crop yields, and improve supply chain traceability while supporting their journey towards certification. Asian Agri’s mills leveraged advanced technology and self-generated green energy to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Asian Agri’s plantations, as along with their scheme smallholder plantations, are full Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) certified, underscoring the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable palm oil production.

Please visit Asian Agri’s website for more information.

William Zhang, President of Enterprise Business at Huawei Thailand, stated, “The new power system faces trends such as green energy integration and interactive power consumption. Digitalization and intelligence are key to addressing these challenges. As critical nodes in the grid, substations must be upgraded to enhance overall reliability. The solution we launched with PEA uses optical-visual linkage and AI-based predictive maintenance to enable intelligent inspections and efficient O&M, ensuring substations run safely, reliably, and efficiently.”

Pantong Thinsatit, Assistant Governor for Grid Network Operations at PEA, added, “Digital transformation is essential for high-quality development in the power industry. PEA is accelerating substation intelligence by harnessing innovation to reshape energy services. We’ve deployed intelligent unattended systems in 467 substations, using cutting-edge technology to ensure safe operations. Moving forward, we will push for full automation, eliminate data silos, and integrate smart poles, license plate recognition, battery monitoring, and emergency buttons for rapid, precise responses. This will make intelligent substations central to the energy ecosystem and provide a replicable model for industry-wide digital transformation.”

Traditional substations often struggle with three major issues: limited security monitoring, inefficient and error-prone manual inspections, and outdated cabling that causes high latency and poor stability, restricting multi-service processing and intelligent scheduling. Huawei’s solution tackles these challenges with three core capabilities:

Perimeter Protection—All-Weather Digital Security

Using fiber optic sensing and AI algorithms, the system automatically detects intrusions, links with video surveillance devices, and allows remote verification—shifting from reactive to proactive security with round-the-clock monitoring.

Intelligent Inspection—Innovative Maintenance

Multi-scenario AI inspection algorithms, computer vision models, and cloud-edge collaboration support automatic meter reading and transformer oil leakage warnings, enabling real-time remote management and minute-level fault responses.

Full Connectivity—Comprehensive Sensing Network

Intra-station passive optical networks (PONs) significantly reduce deployment time and costs, forming the power grid’s “nervous system” to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity for intelligent O&M.

This joint achievement underscores Huawei and PEA’s progress in technological innovation and ecosystem cooperation. Looking ahead, Huawei will continue to work closely with Thai power companies and partners to accelerate the digital and intelligent transformation of the power sector.
Hashtag: #Huawei

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

A “One-of-a-Kind” Branded Asset on the Global Map

Speaking at the seminar “Advancing to the Sea with ESG++ Mega-Cities: A Strategy for Sustainable Investment,” Dr. Le Xuan Sang, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics and World Economy, emphasized that for investors, a “branded real estate asset” must meet four criteria: An unmatched location, elevated development standards, limited supply, and a compelling story recognized by global markets. “Vinhomes Green Paradise meets all four,” Sang shared.

He highlighted the integrated ecosystem of the Vinhomes Green Paradise urban development, where affluent residents can enjoy a full spectrum of experiences within one cohesive environment, from work, leisure, wellness, and recreation to business trips and retirement living. When every component reaches a premium standard, the project’s merits speak for themselves.

In Southeast Asia, he noted, it is exceptionally difficult to find a coastal megacity of comparable scale that not only aligns with ESG++ benchmarks but is also connected to high-speed infrastructure and backed by a powerhouse metropolis like Ho Chi Minh City.

“It is entirely justified to call this a rare, hard-to-find branded real estate asset,” he said.

Supporting this viewpoint, Associate Professor Dr. Architect Hoang Manh Nguyen, Chairman of the Institute for Green Urban Science & Technology, highlighted Can Gio’s unparalleled ecological advantage, “backed by forest, facing the sea”, a combination almost impossible to replicate globally and one that carries immense economic value.

He further underscored the “expensive” and “highly complex” nature of ESG++ coastal reclamation cities. Vinhomes Green Paradise being recognized by New7Wonders as the first official participant for the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” title is, in his view, strong evidence that it represents a new global benchmark in urban innovation.

“This places Vinhomes Green Paradise among the world’s truly ‘singular’ real estate assets, naturally becoming a prime target for elite residents and discerning investors,” he stated.

From a legal and institutional perspective, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Tuyen, Vice Chairman of the University Council and Head of the Faculty of Economic Law at Hanoi Law University, noted that the distinction of “branded real estate” lies in clear legal frameworks, stable planning, and professional operations, attributes that can withstand the test of time and policy shifts. These are precisely the strengths of Vinhomes Green Paradise, further reinforced by the credibility of the Vingroup brand.

ESG++ Assets: A Long-Term “Safe Harbor” with 25–30% Appreciation Potential

Discussing the issue in greater depth, Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Manh Nguyen asserted that urban livability is the key determinant of real estate value. Locations with cleaner air, lower noise levels, better mobility, richer landscapes, and more refined amenities will always command higher prices and more sustainable appreciation. ESG++ urban models elevate quality of life to a new tier, not only “green” in terms of vegetation and water bodies but green in energy, operations, and lifestyle.

“With these advantages, Vinhomes Green Paradise is not only a pioneer in the development of green coastal cities but also has tremendous potential to preserve and grow value over time,” he noted.

Vinhomes Green Paradise has been described as a “precious gem”, a unique asset on the global real estate map.

Aligning with this view, Dr. Le Xuan Sang added that globally, capital is shifting clearly toward asset classes that deliver growth, sustainability, and climate resilience. Beyond ESG++, the added layers of regeneration and climate adaptation make qualifying assets exceedingly rare.

The demand for ESG++ coastal cities will grow strongly, while supply will remain extremely limited, representing less than 1% of global inventory over the next 10-20 years. This scarcity ensures enduring value and makes speculative fears, such as panic buying or price collapse, highly unlikely.

“When supply is extraordinarily low while demand from the global middle and upper class continues to surge, ESG assets naturally become a ‘blue-chip’ category, scarce, highly valued, and exceptionally defensive across economic cycles,” he explained.

“Today, this elite and exceptionally scarce asset may appear expensive relative to average incomes. But securing a property like the one in Can Gio will be an extraordinary challenge in five to ten years, as the economy expands and incomes rise,” Nguyen Quang Tuyen said.

He added that in OECD countries, urban areas meeting ESG standards are often the focus of state investment in core infrastructure, public services, and high-quality social amenities, creating a robust value foundation. Once this foundation stabilizes, real estate values in these areas tend to rise steadily, often outpacing comparable non-ESG locations.

Multiple international reports show that ESG cities typically achieve 25-30% appreciation, sometimes at a rate 1.5-2 times faster than neighboring districts. Consequently, securing a position in Vinhomes Green Paradise at this stage offers investors a primary-market advantage, akin to sourcing raw value directly from the origin before it reaches the broader retail market.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes

https://vinhomes.vn/en

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Venezuela has begun shutting oil wells in its prolific Orinoco Belt after storage filled up and inventories swelled, a move that underscores the operational strain facing the state producer as financial pressure from Washington tightens. The cutbacks, which started on 28 December, are set to lower heavy crude output by at least a quarter in the belt that holds the world’s largest known oil deposits, according to people familiar with internal operations.

Petroleos de Venezuela SA, known as PDVSA, is aiming to bring Orinoco production down to about 500,000 barrels a day, the people said. That reduction equates to roughly 15% of the country’s total output of around 1.1 million barrels a day. The wells were idled as tanks reached capacity and export bottlenecks left little room to keep pumping.

The Orinoco Belt, stretching across eastern Venezuela, has been the backbone of the nation’s oil recovery over the past two years as PDVSA revived projects, leaned on foreign partners and relied on intermediaries to place barrels abroad. Heavy crude from the belt requires blending and specialised handling, making storage constraints particularly acute when exports slow or logistics falter.

The curtailment comes amid a renewed effort by the Donald Trump administration to financially squeeze Caracas. Measures have focused on limiting cash flows and tightening scrutiny of trade channels that had allowed Venezuelan oil to reach global markets. While PDVSA has navigated sanctions for years through complex trading arrangements, the latest actions have reduced the room for manoeuvre.

Operationally, the impact is immediate. Engineers have prioritised shutting wells with higher water cut or maintenance needs, while keeping strategic upgraders running to preserve reservoir integrity. Restarting heavy-oil wells can be costly and time-consuming, raising the risk that some output may not return quickly even if conditions improve.

For the government in Caracas, the setback dents a fragile rebound that had lifted production from historic lows. Oil remains the main source of hard currency, funding imports and social spending. Lower volumes threaten fiscal plans at a time when inflation has moderated but public finances remain stretched.

Internationally, the cuts add a layer of uncertainty to heavy crude markets. Refineries in Asia and the United States Gulf Coast have relied on Venezuelan grades as substitutes for similar barrels from elsewhere. Traders said tighter availability could widen discounts and prompt buyers to seek alternatives from Canada or the Middle East.

PDVSA’s partners in the Orinoco Belt, including joint ventures with foreign companies, are also affected. Output reductions translate into lower liftings for partners and could complicate investment decisions. Several projects had been ramping up after maintenance and drilling campaigns, betting on stable export routes.

The government has framed the situation as a temporary adjustment driven by logistics rather than geology. Officials argue that reserves remain intact and that production can rebound once storage is freed and exports normalise. Behind the scenes, PDVSA has been exploring options to lease additional floating storage and accelerate shipments to Asia, though payment and insurance hurdles persist.

Analysts note that the episode highlights structural weaknesses. Venezuela’s oil infrastructure has suffered years of underinvestment, leaving little buffer when trade flows are disrupted. Power outages, pipeline leaks and equipment shortages have repeatedly constrained operations, forcing stop-start cycles that erode efficiency.

In the broader geopolitical context, the pressure campaign reflects Washington’s leverage over energy finance and shipping. Even when licences allow limited trade, banks, insurers and carriers often tread cautiously, amplifying the impact on producers like PDVSA. The result is a stopgap approach that prioritises managing bottlenecks over long-term optimisation.

Hashtag: #cryptoexchange #Bitcoin #Crypto #Exchange #AZX #DeFi

https://www.azverse.xyz
https://x.com/AZX_Dex
https://medium.com/@off_social_azx

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About AZX

AZX is a high-performance order-book DEX built on the innovative Axis technology. Aiming to “Compose All Finance“, AZX envisions providing feasible solutions to the fundamental challenges in cross-ecosystem asset flow and integration, offering a compelling long-term narrative around financial infrastructure innovation. As an auditable, high-performance bridge connecting traditional finance and decentralized finance, AZX positions itself at the forefront of the next evolution in global finance, with an ultimate ambition that goes beyond building another crypto DEX: to empower users and developers with the foundational layer to compose financial applications that were previously impossible.

Under the MoU, Vingroup, Exposure, and the City of Kinshasa, through its relevant authorities, will collaborate to study and promote the procurement and deployment of VinFast’s fully electric vehicles, including electric buses, electric cars, and electric scooters, to meet the transportation needs of the city and its residents. In parallel, the parties will jointly develop a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem encompassing charging infrastructure and after-sales services.

To support the transition to electric mobility, the cooperation will focus on modernizing and greening Kinshasa’s transportation system across public transport services, mobility solutions for government officials and civil servants, and transportation options for the general public.

Vingroup, through its subsidiary VinFast, will provide detailed commercial and technical proposals for vehicle fleets, including buses, cars, and scooters. Exposure will be responsible for developing a detailed preliminary business plan for vehicle procurement and infrastructure development, as well as initiating the necessary local administrative and legal procedures for importation, distribution, and operations. Meanwhile, the City of Kinshasa will review and propose appropriate incentive mechanisms, covering tax policies, regulatory frameworks, and access to infrastructure, to encourage the development and adoption of green mobility. A designated focal authority will also be appointed to manage and oversee the electric bus fleet.

During the initial phase, expected to run from now through the end of Q1 2026, the parties have agreed on a roadmap to conclude formal contracts to operationalize the above objectives. Under this roadmap, VinFast is expected to supply approximately 500 electric buses and 1,000 electric cars for public fleet operations in Kinshasa. Over the same period, VinFast and Exposure plan to implement supply and distribution agreements to introduce between 10,000 and 20,000 electric cars and between 50,000 and 100,000 VinFast electric scooters to the local market.

In pursuit of a comprehensive green ecosystem, the parties will cooperate in developing an extensive charging station network and an authorized service workshop system, ensuring stable operations and convenience for electric vehicle users.

Specifically, Vingroup reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and positive local impact through knowledge transfer and human resource development. These initiatives include training programs for drivers, technicians, and on-site operations personnel, as well as technical design support for electrified transportation infrastructure. Exposure will undertake technical and economic assessments of the charging network and vehicle maintenance and repair facilities. For its part, the City of Kinshasa has committed to supporting land allocation, identifying locations for charging stations, and ensuring reliable power supply solutions, thereby establishing a solid infrastructure foundation for Vingroup’s green mobility ecosystem in the city.

Mr. Jésus-Noël SHEKE WA DOMENE, Provincial Minister of Planning, Budget, Public Service, Employment, Tourism, Transport and Urban Mobility, representative of the City of Kinshasa stated: “The City of Kinshasa highly values our cooperation with Vingroup in advancing green and smart mobility solutions. This is a strategic step aligned with the city’s sustainable urban development vision, aiming to reduce environmental impacts, improve transportation infrastructure, and deliver long-term benefits to our citizens. We believe this partnership will help transform Kinshasa into a dynamic, modern, and livable city in the region.”

Mrs. Phuong NGUYEN, General Director of Vingroup Africa shared: “Vingroup is honored to partner with the City of Kinshasa on the journey toward building a modern, civilized, and sustainable living environment. The deployment of green and smart mobility solutions will not only gradually transform Kinshasa’s urban transportation landscape, but also create long-term, tangible value by improving quality of life for residents and supporting the city in achieving its future sustainable development goals.”

Previously, the Government of Kinshasa and Vingroup also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore large-scale urban development projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under the MoU, the two parties will jointly study and develop a large riverside urban project covering approximately 6,300 hectares, strategically located within the capital’s urban expansion plan.

The mega urban development is expected to include residential areas, villas, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, hotels, entertainment complexes, and future government and ministerial offices, positioning it as a new tourism destination and a landmark of Kinshasa’s development. The city is expected to allocate land for the project in accordance with the agreed cooperation framework.

These strategic agreements underscore Vingroup’s international vision and growing global presence, reaffirm its pioneering role in green mobility, and further deepen economic cooperation between Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as both countries pursue green growth and sustainable development.

Vingroup is Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, operating across six core sectors: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture and Social Enterprises, guided by the vision of “To Create a Better Life for People”.

With a strong track record, scale, and proven capabilities, Vingroup continues to expand its international footprint. The Group was recognized by TIME magazine (USA) in the “TIME World’s Best Companies 2025” list, ranking among the world’s top 1,000 companies for outstanding contributions to sustainable development, innovation, and global impact.Hashtag: #Vingroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

An SUV that delivers both sophistication and an industry-leading peace-of-mind ownership experience.

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 December 2025 – Middle Eastern buyers have long gravitated toward vehicles that project elegance, presence, and purpose. As electric mobility accelerates across the region, design continues to be a major factor in purchase decisions. VinFast responds to this expectation with the VF 8, an electric SUV whose aesthetic is rooted in European sophistication yet thoughtfully shaped to resonate with Middle Eastern roads, lifestyles, and sensibilities.

The VF 8’s exterior was developed around a design philosophy VinFast calls “Dynamic Balance”. Rather than relying on overt aggressiveness, the VF 8 uses tension between smooth surfaces and crisp lines, balancing gentle curves with sharper transitions to create a silhouette that feels modern without chasing trends, a consideration particularly relevant in the Middle East.

Its LED lighting signature, highlighted by a full-width tail lamp and the recognizable V-shaped graphic, establishes a strong visual identity from a distance. Confident proportions and a purposeful stance allow the vehicle to project stability on wide highways and in dense city environments.

Inside the VF 8, VinFast has created a cabin that blends practicality with an understated, premium feel. A panoramic sunroof brightens the interior and creates a sense of openness that local buyers often value. Premium vegan leather, color-selectable ambient lighting, and a streamlined dashboard contribute to a cabin that feels calm and contemporary. At the center of this environment is a 15.6-inch floating infotainment display that anchors the cockpit while reducing physical clutter. The seats, spacious in both rows, are designed with long-distance comfort in mind, and ventilation and heating functions in the Plus variant provide flexibility across seasonal shifts in the region.

Design and engineering intersect to elevate everyday usability. The VF 8’s aerodynamic profile supports range efficiency and improves ride stability. Wide outward visibility, paired with intelligent LED lighting, enhances confidence during night driving and intercity travel. The vehicle’s smart functionalities, including update capability and advanced driver-support technologies, are built into the design in a way that maintains the cabin’s clean, minimal aesthetic without overwhelming the driver.

The VF 8’s design narrative is strengthened by an ownership experience that has become one of VinFast’s defining attributes. Its long-term warranty coverage extends for ten years or 200,000 km on the vehicle, alongside a ten-year battery warranty with unlimited mileage, delivering assurance that resonates strongly with Middle Eastern buyers who prioritize durability and long-term value. This is reinforced by a comprehensive aftersales framework that includes five years of free scheduled service up to 100,000 km, 24/7 roadside assistance with mobile service support, guaranteed access to replacement parts around the clock, and the inclusion of home charging solutions with access to DC fast-charging networks. Together, these policies align with the SUV’s design intention: a vehicle created not only to be admired, but to be lived with confidently for years.

This positioning comes as VinFast closes out one of the most consequential years in its history. The company has inaugurated its Subang manufacturing plant in Indonesia, marking a major expansion of its global production footprint, while momentum in Vietnam continues to accelerate. With record monthly deliveries and multiple models leading their respective segments, VinFast is on track to finish the year as the best-selling automotive brand in its domestic market, underscoring the speed and scale of its transition from an emerging EV player to an established market leader.

Hashtag: #VF8 #VinFast

https://me.vinfast.com/en

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone.

VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia.

Learn more at: https://me.vinfast.com/en

The recognition of MIR Holding subsidiaries at FO.GE.CA illustrates the potential of African companies to establish themselves beyond their domestic markets

DAKAR, SENEGAL – EQS Newswire – 29 December 2025 – In the margins of the 18th edition of the Forum of Operators for the Guarantee of Economic Emergence in Africa (FOGECA), held from 18 to 20 December 2025 in Dubai, several subsidiaries of MIR Holding SAS (https://MIRHolding.Odoo.com) were recognized for the quality of their achievements, their operational structuring, and their ability to operate sustainably in demanding international economic environments.

FOGECA has established itself as a high-level economic forum bringing together each year business leaders, investors, financial institutions and public decision- makers from Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The distinctions awarded during the forum aim to recognize companies that demonstrate, beyond discourse, a genuine capacity for execution, strong governance, and measurable, long-term value creation.

Three companies recognized across strategic sectors

Among the MIR Holding group entities recognized this year are three companies operating in key strategic sectors:

JC Maclean International, specializing in high-end fit-out and interior design for residential, commercial and corporate projects. Based in Dubai, the company has distinguished itself through its technical rigor, its ability to manage complex projects, and its strict adherence to international standards in quality, timelines and safety.

Moustev Limousine Dubai, a premium VTC and chauffeur-driven transport company, recognized for its integrated approach and its capacity to support corporate clients in managing their mobility needs, particularly in multicultural and multi-country contexts. Its model is built on service reliability, operational responsiveness and adaptability to both local and international environments.

Majestic Living Properties, a real estate platform focused on development, marketing and investment advisory for residential and commercial assets. The company was recognized for its vision of real estate investment, combining transparency, asset quality and customer experience, particularly across Africa–Middle East investment flows.

A recognition rooted in long-term structuring

For MIR Holding SAS, these distinctions are not an end in themselves but rather the outcome of a long-term structuring process. They reflect the ability of companies originating from an African group to grow, attract talent and operate successfully within major global economic hubs, while maintaining a pragmatic and disciplined understanding of markets.

Present in Dubai during the forum, Mouhamad Dieng, Founder and CEO of MIR Holding and President of the Mouhamad Rassoul Dieng Foundation, emphasized that this trajectory is above all the result of entrepreneurial discipline, method and long- term vision.

“These distinctions primarily recognize the work of committed teams and the strength of business models built to last. They demonstrate that starting from local realities, and remaining demanding in terms of structuring and governance, it is possible to build companies capable of operating at the highest international level,” he stated.

Originally from Senegal, Mouhamad Dieng highlighted that this international recognition also carries a message of inspiration for young Senegalese and African entrepreneurs, illustrating a path to success grounded in hard work, rigor and the ability to think globally without renouncing one’s roots.

A strong signal for Senegal’s economic ecosystem

At a time when Senegal is seeking to strengthen the role of its private sector within regional and international value chains, the recognition of MIR Holding subsidiaries at FOGECA illustrates the potential of African companies to establish themselves beyond their domestic markets.

Through its various entities, MIR Holding SAS continues to pursue a development strategy based on the structuring of robust companies, the upgrading of service offerings, and expansion into high-value markets, particularly between Africa and the Middle East.

The distinctions awarded in Dubai are part of a broader dynamic in which credibility is built through results, consistency and the ability to generate tangible economic impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MIR Holding.

Hashtag: #MIRHolding

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The United Arab Emirates is on course to generate more than one million additional jobs by 2030, placing it among the world’s fastest-expanding labour markets as economic diversification, technology adoption and population growth intensify demand for skilled workers, according to a workforce outlook released by ServiceNow.

The projection underscores the scale of change under way in the UAE’s employment landscape, where public and private sector investment is being channelled into advanced industries, digital services, clean energy, logistics and financial technology. Policymakers have positioned job creation as a central pillar of national economic strategy, linking employment growth to productivity gains, innovation and long-term competitiveness.

ServiceNow’s analysis indicates that the strongest employment momentum is emerging in technology-led roles, particularly in cloud computing, artificial intelligence operations, cybersecurity, data analytics and enterprise software services. Demand is also rising for professionals who can combine technical skills with business process expertise, reflecting the increasing automation of workflows across government entities, banks, energy companies and logistics firms.

This expansion is unfolding alongside steady population growth driven by immigration, as professionals from Asia, Europe and Africa relocate to the UAE for work opportunities. Labour market specialists say the inflow of skilled workers has become an economic asset, helping employers fill gaps in high-value roles while supporting consumption and domestic demand.

Beyond technology, job creation is expected to be broad-based. Construction and real estate continue to absorb labour as infrastructure spending remains strong, while tourism, hospitality and aviation are benefitting from sustained visitor growth and expanding airline capacity. Healthcare and education are also projected to add sizeable numbers of jobs as authorities invest in social infrastructure to support a larger and more diverse population.

The digital transformation of government services has emerged as a significant employment driver. Federal and emirate-level entities are accelerating the shift towards paperless operations, data-driven decision-making and AI-enabled public services. This has increased demand for systems architects, digital policy specialists and programme managers who can oversee complex technology deployments while ensuring regulatory compliance and data security.

Employers are also rethinking workforce structures as automation changes how tasks are performed. Routine administrative roles are increasingly being replaced or augmented by software platforms, while new positions are emerging in system oversight, process design and user experience management. Analysts say this transition is not eliminating jobs at scale but reshaping them, with a premium placed on adaptability and continuous learning.

Education and training institutions are responding by expanding programmes focused on digital skills, coding, data science and cyber resilience. Partnerships between universities, vocational institutes and multinational firms are becoming more common, aimed at aligning curricula with labour market needs. Corporate upskilling initiatives are also gaining traction as employers seek to retrain existing staff rather than rely solely on external hiring.

Wage dynamics are expected to reflect these shifts. Salaries in high-demand technology and specialist roles have been rising faster than the broader market, while competition for experienced professionals has intensified. Human resources consultants note that non-salary benefits, including flexible working arrangements, career progression pathways and residency incentives, are increasingly important in attracting and retaining talent.

The ServiceNow report places the UAE’s projected job growth ahead of many mature economies, where ageing populations and slower productivity gains are constraining employment expansion. By contrast, the UAE’s relatively young workforce, openness to foreign talent and willingness to adopt new technologies are seen as structural advantages.

Challenges remain, particularly around ensuring that job creation keeps pace with population growth and that skills mismatches do not widen. Economists warn that without sustained investment in education and training, shortages could emerge in critical areas, potentially pushing up labour costs and slowing project delivery. There is also a need to integrate more nationals into private-sector roles, a long-standing policy objective supported by wage subsidies, training schemes and regulatory measures.

The symposium comes at a critical moment, as shared challenges across health, nutrition, education, and caregiving continue to shape early childhood development outcomes in Indonesia and globally, where many young children continue to face barriers to healthy development, from gaps in nutrition and care to limited access to quality early learning.

These challenges highlight the need for closer coordination across health, education, parenting, and social protection to ensure children receive holistic and equitable support from the earliest years.

Without strong cross-sector collaboration, Indonesia risks losing momentum in building its human capital and realising its demographic dividend towards Indonesia Emas 2045.

In partnership with key government ministries and cross-sector organisations, Tanoto Foundation convened the symposium as a platform to align policy, practice, and evidence across sectors, bringing together representatives from central and local government, international organisations, academia, civil society, and philanthropy.

The symposium featured two main discussion tracks focused on health and education, and parenting in early childhood.

The morning segment, “Synergising Health and Education for ECED”, focused on integrating health, nutrition, and early learning services, highlighting innovations in growth and development monitoring, nutrition interventions, and early stimulation within primary service systems.

The afternoon session, “Parenting and Early Learning”, placed families and caregivers at the centre of the ECED ecosystem, exploring responsive caregiving, interaction-based learning, and policy support to strengthen parents’ capacity to nurture children’s development.

Indonesian Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin officially opened the symposium, emphasising the decisive importance of early childhood for national development.

“The age of 0 to 5 years is a highly decisive phase in determining whether a person will grow into a healthy, intelligent adult who can contribute to the nation, including to increase per capita income,” the Minister said.

“If we do not act quickly, we risk missing Indonesia’s demographic dividend. This is our responsibility to our children.”

The Government of Indonesia has reaffirmed early childhood development as a national priority through the Long-Term National Development Plan 2025 to 2045 and the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2025 to 2029, with Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development (PAUD-HI) designated as a key performance indicator.

Opening the afternoon session, Indonesian Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, highlighted the symposium’s contribution to policy strengthening.

“This forum brings together strategic cross sector perspectives. We encourage the resulting recommendations to be used to strengthen policies, regulations, and service innovations for early childhood development,” she said.

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Stella Christie, underscored the importance of science-based parenting and high-quality interaction.

“Caregiving with optimal interaction between children and caregivers has the greatest potential to maximise child development,” she said. “No technology, including artificial intelligence, can replace the power of human interaction.”

She added that children learn through curiosity, imitation, and everyday experiences, making responsive and evidence-based parenting critical for brain development and lifelong learning.

CEO of Tanoto Foundation Benny Lee reaffirmed the Foundation’s long-term commitment to early childhood development as a cornerstone of human potential.

“The early years are when the foundations of brain development, health, and character are formed,” Benny said.

“This is not the work of one institution. It requires a truly supportive ecosystem built through collaboration among government, civil society, academia, and philanthropy.”

He emphasised that Tanoto Foundation, founded by Sukanto Tanoto, Founder and Chairman of Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), views early childhood development as a primary investment, where collective action can deliver lasting and sustainable impact. “This symposium is about ensuring that every child receives the strongest possible start in life, every parent receives the support they need, and every sector moves forward together,” he said.

The symposium brought together up to 200 participants, with speakers from government, development organisations, academia, research institutions, and philanthropy.
Hashtag: #RGE #TanotoFoundation #Philanthropy #Indonesia #ECED #EarlyChildhood #Healthcare

https://www.tanotofoundation.org/en/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Tanoto Foundation

At Tanoto Foundation, we unlock human potential, help communities thrive, and create lasting impact. Founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, we are an independent family foundation that believes in providing every person with the opportunity to realise his or her full potential. To do so, we catalyse systems change in education and healthcare. Our approach is impact-first, collaborative, and evidence-based. We invest for the long term and strive to develop leaders who can drive sustained, positive outcomes.