Greenlogue/AP Al-Baha Municipality has launched a one-hour lights-off campaign aimed at cutting carbon emissions and building public support for sustainability, joining a broader national effort to link local action with Saudi Arabia’s environmental targets. The “Al-Baha Green Hour” initiative saw non-essential lighting switched off in 28 buildings and across several neighbourhoods, while safety-related lighting remained in operation. The move, announced on March 28, was framed as both […]
du said its National Hypercloud has received certification and endorsement from the UAE Cybersecurity Council, a step the company described as making it the first compliant, secure and sovereign cloud infrastructure approved for deployment across both public and private sectors in the UAE. The announcement places the telecom group at the centre of a fast-moving contest over where sensitive data is stored, who controls the infrastructure, and […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Uber has launched a five-day promotion in the UAE offering 20 per cent off rides to selected destinations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in a campaign aimed at steering more residents and visitors towards local shopping, dining and cultural districts at a time when consumer-facing businesses are navigating softer momentum across the non-oil economy. The offer began on April 3 and runs until […]
Washington has doubled to $40 billion a US-backed maritime reinsurance facility aimed at coaxing commercial vessels back through the Strait of Hormuz, as the five-week war with Iran continues to unsettle one of the world’s most important trade arteries. The expanded programme, announced on Friday by the US International Development Finance Corporation and Chubb, adds AIG, Berkshire Hathaway, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Starr and CNA to the scheme, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai authorities said on Saturday that no fire or injuries were reported after debris from an aerial interception struck the façade of a building in the Marina district, an incident that briefly pushed one of the emirate’s best-known residential and leisure zones into the expanding shadow of regional conflict. The update came through the Dubai Media Office, which said emergency teams responded after […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has rolled out a Dhs1 billion economic incentives package aimed at easing pressure on businesses and households, with the measures taking effect from April 1 for a period of three to six months as the emirate seeks to cushion the fallout from regional instability and protect economic momentum. The package, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his […]
Staycations across the Northern Emirates and quieter destinations beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi are gaining momentum as UAE residents rethink holiday plans amid flight disruption and wider uncertainty linked to the Iran war. Hotels in Umm Al Quwain, Hatta, Al Ain and parts of Fujairah have reported firmer domestic demand, with some properties saying residents are choosing short road trips over overseas travel during the Eid period […]
Wall Street’s rush to treat hyperscalers as the safest way to profit from artificial intelligence is running into a harder question: whether all that spending will generate returns fast enough to justify the cost. Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta are pushing capital expenditure to extraordinary levels as they race to build data centres, secure chips and expand cloud capacity, but investors are facing a business model that […]
Flames pushed across scrub and recreational land east of Moreno Valley on Friday, forcing evacuation orders in Riverside County as a fast-moving wildfire spread under strong winds and sent smoke across nearby communities. The Springs Fire was reported around 11 a. m. on 3 April near Gilman Springs Road, and authorities said its cause was under investigation. Officials described the fire as burning in an unincorporated area […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has launched the pilot phase of “Ahlan”, a new mobile application designed to serve as a single digital identity for supporters attending football tournaments hosted by the Kingdom, as organisers step up preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. The platform is intended to bring together trip planning, ticketing, transport and stadium access in one system, with the first […]
Dubai Municipality has unveiled a Dh150 million plan to install electric-vehicle supercharging facilities across 600 public parking spaces at parks, beaches and recreational sites, in a move aimed at widening access to charging beyond roadsides, malls and fuel stations. The scheme, announced on Friday, is being rolled out with Emarat EV Charging Stations Company, known as UAEV, and its first phase will bring 75 supercharging stations serving […]
Iran struck Gulf energy infrastructure again overnight into Friday, setting fire to Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi refinery and damaging a power and water desalination plant, as US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could escalate by targeting more of Iran’s infrastructure if Tehran did not yield. The attacks sharpened fears that a conflict already disrupting shipping and fuel markets is moving deeper into the economic core of the […]
A UNESCO-Recognized Festival Reimagined Through Immersive Cultural Experiences, Iconic Entertainment, and Thailand’s Most Breathtaking Chao Phraya Riverfront Setting from April 10–15, 2026
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 April 2026 – ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, in collaboration with leading public and private sector partners, announces the return of its flagship Water Festival, “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN 2026.” Taking place from April 10–15, 2026 at River Park, this six-day riverside celebration reimagines Thailand’s most beloved New Year festival into a world-class cultural phenomenon—recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Designed as a true THAICONIC experience, the festival seamlessly blends the richness of Thai cultural heritage with contemporary entertainment, offering visitors an extraordinary multi-sensory journey. From exhilarating water festivities along the Chao Phraya River, featuring a spectacular 9-meter Thai elephant water landmark and family-friendly play zones to an unprecedented lineup of 76 top artists, vibrant Songkran parades led by iconic figures, and meaningful merit-making rituals with revered Buddha images and sacred waters from nine renowned temples, the celebration captures the full spirit of Songkran across every dimension. Building on its success in welcoming over 1.4 million visitors last year, ICONSIAM continues to elevate Songkran onto the global stage, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a premier cultural tourism destination while driving economic momentum and tourism growth in the second quarter of the year.
A Global Celebration Driving Thailand’s Festival Economy
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated, “Songkran remains one of the most significant drivers of Thailand’s festival economy, particularly across the tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this year’s Songkran period is projected to generate over 30.35 billion baht in domestic economic circulation—an increase of 6% from the previous year, with approximately 500,000 international visitors expected to travel to Thailand, reflecting a 4% year-on-year growth. These figures underscore Songkran’s growing status as a truly global festival and one of Thailand’s most powerful attractions for international travelers.
As a leader in creating iconic, world-class experiences, ICONSIAM continues to elevate ‘ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN 2026′ as a landmark celebration that showcases the rare and enduring beauty of Thai cultural traditions. Under the concept of ‘Splashing Fun, Joyful Celebrations, and Auspicious Thai New Year,’ the event brings together the very best of Thailand into one extraordinary riverside experience along the Chao Phraya River. More than a celebration, this festival is a powerful expression of national pride and cultural identity, reinforcing ICONSIAM’s position as a Global Experiential Destination. We are confident that this year’s event will further strengthen Bangkok’s reputation as one of the world’s most compelling cultural destinations, while driving tourism growth and stimulating economic momentum throughout the second quarter of the year.”
Highlights of the “4 THAICONIC Experiences – The Ultimate Songkran Journey”
THAICONIC WATER FESTIVAL – The Ultimate Riverside Water
ExperienceExperience Songkran like never before with an extraordinary water playground inspired by Thailand’s beloved national symbol, the elephant. At its heart stands a spectacular 9-meter-tall water-spraying installation created in collaboration with Dee SweetDrug Studio. The vibrant space also features a dedicated Kids Zone for family-friendly fun, alongside solar-powered drying zones —reflecting ICONSIAM’s commitment to sustainability.
THAICONIC ENTERTAINMENT – A Festival of Modern Icons
Immerse in an electrifying lineup of Thailand’s top artists and rising stars through dynamic mini concerts and live performances throughout the six-day celebration. Artists include Tle–Firstone, TeeTee–Por, Auau-Save, Daou–Offroad, KT Kratae, New Country, Sornram Namphet, and more.
THAICONIC HERITAGE – A Living Showcase of Thai Identity
Witness a magnificent Songkran parade that brings Thailand’s cultural legacy to life through elaborately designed floats inspired by historical eras. For the first time, cultural icons LingOrm, a popular Thai actress duo, and 4EVE, Thailand’s leading T-pop girl group, embody the Songkran Goddess “Rakshasadevi,” reinterpreting Thai tradition through a contemporary global lens. Visitors can further explore authentic Thai culture through traditional performances and regional culinary delights at SOOKSIAM, alongside over 170 dining options across ICONSIAM.
THAICONIC BLESSED BEGINNINGS – A Sacred Start to the Thai New Year
Embrace the spiritual essence of Songkran through a revered Buddha bathing ritual at River Park. Enhanced with holy water from nine esteemed temples across Thailand, this sacred ceremony symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and auspicious beginnings for the year ahead.
A Must-Visit Songkran Destination in Bangkok
Seamlessly blending cultural authenticity, rich traditions, and large-scale entertainment, ICONSIAM continues to redefine Songkran as a truly global celebration.
Join us at “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026,” where Thailand’s most cherished tradition is brought to life in an unforgettable riverside experience of water, culture, and joy—set against the iconic Chao Phraya River from April 10–15, 2026, with free entry for all visitors. As part of the celebration, international visitors dressed in traditional Thai attire will receive a 300-baht gift card, adding a special touch to their cultural experience.
For more information, please call 1338 or visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.
A Japanese-owned liquefied natural gas tanker has crossed the Strait of Hormuz, offering the clearest sign yet that tightly controlled commercial traffic may be resuming through one of the world’s most sensitive energy corridors after weeks of disruption linked to the war involving Iran. The vessel, SOHAR LNG, is the first Japan-linked LNG carrier confirmed to have made the passage since the conflict began on 28 February, […]
Oil prices jumped sharply on Thursday after US President Donald Trump said the United States would step up attacks on Iran over the coming weeks, stoking fears that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could last longer and tighten supplies of crude and refined fuels across global markets. West Texas Intermediate settled at $111.54 a barrel after surging more than 11%, while Brent closed near $109.03, extending […]
U. S. defence shares have failed to sustain the geopolitical bounce that often accompanies armed conflict, with the sector sliding in March even as tensions around Iran intensified. The NYSE Arca Defense Index, which tracks 34 large and small-cap companies, fell nearly 8% during the month, a steeper decline than the S&P 500’s roughly 5% drop, underscoring how investors have become more cautious about paying up […]
Greenlogue/AP TotalEnergies and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar have signed a binding agreement to create a $2.2 billion joint venture that will combine their onshore renewable energy activities across nine Asian markets, in a move that underlines how large energy groups are shifting capital towards power demand growth in the region. The partners said the new platform will be owned equally, based in Abu […]
Dubai has moved to shore up business confidence with a fresh set of fee deferrals and administrative easings under a wider AED1 billion support package, as the emirate seeks to protect cash flow, sustain hiring and cushion sectors exposed to regional disruption. The measures, announced this week and effective from 1 April, cover hotels, holiday homes and businesses across the wider economy for periods of three to […]
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – Green SM Indonesia and Bank Central Asia (BCA) today announced the signing of a five-year investment loan agreement with a total value of IDR 600 billion, marking the formalization of a long-term financial partnership between the two parties.
Green SM Indonesia has officially signed a IDR 600 billion investment loan agreement with BCA, strengthening its long-term financial foundation and advancing sustainable urban mobility in Indonesia.
The agreement marks the next phase of cooperation between Green SM Indonesia and BCA, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting sustainable, well-governed business development in Indonesia’s urban mobility sector.
The investment loan facility is intended to support Green SM Indonesia’s operational readiness and service continuity. The facility provides a stable financial structure to underpin the company’s disciplined growth approach and support consistent service delivery across its existing urban operations.
The signing builds on earlier cooperation between the two parties, which began with Green SM’s market launch in Jakarta in December 2024. Since then, BCA and Green SM Indonesia have collaborated on customer-focused programs and initiatives to improve service accessibility and raise awareness of environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The transition from cooperation activities to a formal financing arrangement reflects the maturation of this partnership and BCA’s support in Green SM Indonesia’s operational model and governance standards.
The cooperation also reflects BCA’s broader role in supporting business sectors that are adapting to evolving urban development needs, including shifts toward more efficient and forward-looking mobility solutions.
Representing BCA, Mr. Denny Haryanto, SVP Corporate Banking BCA said: “This agreement reflects our approach to supporting businesses with a long-term outlook. Sustainable transportation is increasingly important to Indonesia’s urban development. Through this cooperation, we support initiatives that align with long-term economic resilience and environmental responsibility.”
Mr. Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, said the agreement reflects trust built through consistent cooperation and shared values. “The investment loan agreement reflects recognition of the disciplined operating model and long-term development orientation that Green SM Indonesia has pursued since its early stages. The facility further strengthens the company’s financial foundation, supporting stable and consistent service delivery across the cities where it operates.”
Since commencing operations, Green SM Indonesia has established a presence in several major urban centers, including Jakarta, Makassar, Bekasi, Surabaya, and Bali. These cities face increasingly complex urban mobility requirements alongside rising expectations for cleaner, more responsible transport solutions. In the Indonesian market, Green SM provides all-electric taxi services that support routine urban travel while reducing emissions and noise. The company’s operating approach emphasizes reliability, professional service standards, and scalability aligned with city-level transport planning.
Through this agreement, Green SM Indonesia and BCA reaffirm their shared view that the transition to sustainable urban mobility requires not only electric vehicle technology but also sound financial structures, responsible governance, and long-term commitment. The investment loan agreement is a practical step to support that transition in Indonesia’s evolving mobility landscape.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About GSM & Green SM
GSM (Green Smart Mobility) is the world’s first company to operate an all-electric ride-hailing service across multiple platforms. As a pioneer in sustainable transportation, GSM has built the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and more responsible mobility model powered entirely by VinFast electric vehicles. GSM is committed to developing a future-ready mobility ecosystem and inspiring greener lifestyles in countries rapidly embracing sustainability.
Green SM is GSM’s official global brand, representing the company’s vision and values in every market it serves. In Southeast Asia, Green SM operates in Indonesia; under the name Xanh SM in Vietnam and Laos; and as Green GSM in the Philippines. Across all markets, the brand offers a refined travel experience with VinFast electric cars, professional drivers, and a service culture centered on safety and care.
Green SM represents progress toward a future where technology, the environment, and humanity advance together in harmony. The brand is committed not only to providing zero-emission transportation but also to fostering an environmentally conscious society in every market it serves.
Microsoft has unveiled a $10 billion investment plan for Japan running from 2026 to 2029, marking one of the company’s biggest artificial intelligence commitments in Asia and a major escalation from its earlier pledge in the country. The package, worth about 1.6 trillion yen, is aimed at expanding AI infrastructure, strengthening cyber defence cooperation with Tokyo and widening access to domestic cloud capacity for government agencies and businesses.
The announcement signals how sharply competition for AI infrastructure has intensified across Asia. Microsoft said the programme will focus on adding computing capacity inside Japan at a time when governments and corporations are demanding secure, local processing for sensitive workloads. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice-chair and president, disclosed the plan during a visit to Tokyo, where the company also set out training and security goals tied to the investment.
Under the plan, Microsoft intends to train one million engineers and developers by 2030, a figure that underlines the labour challenge facing Japan as it tries to scale AI use across the economy. The company is also expanding cybersecurity collaboration with the Japanese government, including work around threat intelligence and cybercrime prevention. Those elements give the package a dual purpose: commercial expansion for Microsoft and strategic support for a country that has made digital resilience and industrial competitiveness central to policy.
The new commitment builds on a smaller programme announced in April 2024, when Microsoft said it would invest $2.9 billion over two years to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan, while also launching wider digital skilling efforts, opening its first Microsoft Research Asia lab in the country and deepening cooperation on cybersecurity. The latest package therefore appears less like a standalone move than the next stage of a longer campaign to lock in market share and policy relevance in one of Asia’s most advanced economies.
Japan offers Microsoft an attractive mix of high-value enterprise customers, a technologically sophisticated manufacturing base and a government that has been openly supportive of industrial uses for generative AI. Tokyo’s policy stance has increasingly favoured the deployment of advanced digital tools to lift productivity, offset labour shortages and bolster economic security. That political environment has made Japan a focal point for global technology groups seeking not just customers, but durable alignment with state priorities on data sovereignty and national resilience.
Market conditions also help explain the scale of the move. Reuters reported that around one-fifth of working-age people in Japan are now using generative AI tools, showing that adoption has advanced but remains well below leading global levels, leaving substantial room for growth. At the same time, labour projections point to a steep shortage of AI and robotics specialists by 2040, raising the stakes for corporate training programmes and local infrastructure investment. For Microsoft, that creates an opening to sell both computing capacity and the wider ecosystem needed to make AI usable at scale.
Partnerships with local players will be central to execution. Microsoft said it would work with firms including SoftBank and Sakura Internet to expand domestic AI computing capacity and provide more secure local access to Azure services. That matters in Japan, where demand from public institutions and regulated industries often hinges on where data is processed and how operational control is shared. Collaboration with established domestic groups may also help Microsoft navigate competitive pressure from rival cloud providers and home-grown digital infrastructure ambitions.
Masdar and TotalEnergies have signed a binding agreement to combine their onshore renewable energy portfolios across nine Asian markets into a 50:50 joint venture valued at $2.2 billion, marking one of the more significant cross-border clean energy tie-ups involving Gulf and European players this year. The new platform, to be headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is set to become the exclusive vehicle through which the two companies develop, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s off-plan apartment market has continued to draw buyers despite geopolitical turbulence, with sales in March reaching AED 17.5 billion, or about $4.8 billion, and transaction volumes climbing to 7,983 deals, according to an analysis of Dubai Land Department data. The figures suggest that investor appetite in the emirate’s residential market has so far remained intact even as regional conflict has unsettled broader […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – ShopBack, the leading shopping and Cashback platform in Asia-Pacific, is pleased to announce that ShopBack Play is rapidly breaking the barriers between online shopping and gaming, making earning rewards effortless and fun for everyone.By seamlessly bridging mobile games with cash prizes, ShopBack has evolved from a simple shopping tool into a high-engagement “Play-to-Earn” ecosystem. To date, the platform has already given back over HK$5 million in Cashback to users through its gamified features.
As the city welcomes the festive break, ShopBack is set to catalyze this momentum with the launch of its 2026 Easter Egg Hunt. From April 3 to April 7, the campaign will welcome Gen Z and Millennial cohorts to download the official ShopBack App and discover a world of surprises — where every discovery is a chance to win, turning leisure into leverage and proving that in the modern retail landscape, entertainment is the “new currency”.
ShopBack launches the 2026 Easter Egg Hunt from April 3 to April 7, start hunting for capital—where gaming meets gaining.
The Quantifiable Rise of Gamified Earning
The shift from shopping to active “gaining” is backed by record-breaking engagement metrics within the ShopBack app: Over 1,200 curated game titles have been integrated and downloaded on ShopBack Play. Building on a track record of over HK$5 million in rewards already delivered to our community, the platform has cultivated a new class of “Super Earners.” The top-performing user has successfully extracted over HK$30,000 in Cashback rewards simply by mastering game milestones—positioning ShopBack Play as a sophisticated Cashback tool for avid gamers.
2026 Easter Egg Hunt: A Multi-Dimensional Reward Matrix
While traditional holiday campaigns focus on consumption, ShopBack’s Easter Egg Hunt focuses on Community and Catch-up. The 5-day campaign (April 3-7) introduces two flagship challenges designed to maximize player “yield”:
“Easter Egg Everyday” – The Blind Box Thrill: During dedicated daily Happy Hours, users who reach specific milestones in the app’s “Red Zone” will unlock surprise loot “Easter egg” boxes. These eggs contain instant Cashback rewards of up to HK$100, adding an element of high-stakes discovery to the daily routine.
“United to Unlock” – The Power of Solidarity: In a bold move toward social gamification, ShopBack introduces a collaborative community challenge. If collective participation reaches the 40,000 opt-in benchmark, a massive HK$20,000 prize pool will be unlocked, and every participant stands a chance to win.
A New Paradigm: Beyond the Transaction
“We are witnessing a transformation in retail, where shopping goes beyond a simple task or pastime. ShopBack Play redefines the experience as an engaging ‘treasure hunt’, enabling users to enjoy shopping while earning real rewards effortlessly,” says Mr. Arthur Wan, General Manager of East Asia Cluster at ShopBack. “With ShopBack Play, we have evolved past a simple Cashback upgrade into the next level of ‘Play-to-Earn’. This Easter, we aren’t just offering discounts; we are presenting an immersive hunt where the stakes are real, and the rewards are tangible. We are moving Hong Kong from Gaming to Gaining.”
This Easter, swap the chocolates for real rewards. Dive into ShopBack Play to earn real cash—making the holiday not just a treat, but a “treasure-filled” retreat.
Hashtag: #ShopBack
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ShopBack
Founded in 2014 in Singapore, ShopBack Group is the leading shopping, Cashback, and payments ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific, serving over 60 million users across 13 vibrant markets. Driven by a mission to make every shopping journey rewarding, the platform seamlessly integrates commerce with entertainment, pioneering the “Play-to-Earn” movement through its innovative ShopBack Play feature. Beyond consumer empowerment, ShopBack serves as a strategic growth engine for thousands of merchants and brands, providing sophisticated, performance-based marketing solutions that drive measurable outreach and high-intent engagement. With the expansion into ShopBack Pay, the Group continues to redefine the future of retail finance, offering a frictionless payment infrastructure that bridges the gap between digital rewards and real-world spending.
For further details and to start earning Cashback today, visit:
Britain has sharpened its language on security, raised its military ambitions and promised a larger defence budget, but the test now lies in whether those commitments produce forces that can respond quickly and credibly to a widening arc of threats from Europe to the Middle East. The question has come into sharper focus after London moved a nuclear-powered submarine into the Arabian Sea about a month into […]
https://www.shopback.com.hk/
