Toni Pons, the Catalan company whose hand-stitched espadrilles have become one of Spain’s more durable footwear exports, turns 80 this year. It marks the anniversary in the middle of an expansion push — and, increasingly, with the Gulf on the map as a retail market rather than a holiday one. The company closed 2025 with revenue of 32 million euros, three per cent up on the previous […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s skyline is packed with buildings designed to command attention, but The Pad in Business Bay stands apart by leaning deliberately towards the Dubai Water Canal, echoing the shape of an Apple iPod resting in its charging dock. Developed by Omniyat and designed by Hong Kong-based architect James Law, the residential tower is inclined at an angle of 6.5 degrees. Its unconventional profile […]
Telegram has introduced a rich text editor that allows users to publish structured, article-length content directly inside chats, groups and channels, marking a significant expansion beyond conventional instant messaging. The editor supports headings, tables, numbered and bulleted lists, quotations, code blocks, mathematical formulas and media embedded within the body of a message. Users can compose posts of more than 32,000 characters, removing the need to divide detailed […]
Dana Gas has temporarily shut the main production facilities at Iraq’s Khor Mor gas field after receiving what it described as credible security threats amid escalating regional tensions. The company said the precautionary suspension was intended to protect employees and infrastructure at the field in Sulaimani province. It was monitoring security conditions and coordinating with the Kurdistan Regional Government, provincial authorities and the federal government before deciding […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi is emerging as a leading long-term residential investment market as economic diversification, controlled development and stronger international capital flows reshape demand across the emirate. BlackBrick, a UAE real estate advisory firm, said the capital offered investors a combination of government-backed planning, limited prime supply and expanding employment sectors. Its assessment reflects growing interest in Abu Dhabi among overseas buyers seeking stability, […]
Microsoft energy executive Darryl Willis will speak at African Energy Week 2026 as governments and investors examine how artificial intelligence and data centres could reshape electricity development across the continent. Willis, Microsoft’s corporate vice-president for the energy and resources industry, is expected to address the links between AI, cloud computing, power generation and grid expansion at the conference in Cape Town from October 12 to 16. His […]
Citadel Securities has invested $400 million in cryptocurrency exchange Crypto. com, valuing the Singapore-based trading platform at $20 billion as established financial groups deepen their involvement in digital assets. The strategic investment will support Crypto. com’s expansion beyond cryptocurrency trading into tokenised securities, derivatives and other blockchain-based financial products. The transaction also gives the exchange a powerful institutional partner with extensive expertise in liquidity provision, pricing and […]
BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund held about 733,500 tokens valued at more than $47.5 billion on July 15, cementing its position as the dominant regulated Bitcoin investment product in the United States. The latest official portfolio data differs slightly from a widely circulated social media claim that the iShares Bitcoin Trust held 734,762 Bitcoin worth $47.1 billion. Holdings change each trading day as authorised participants create or […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2026 – TrendAI™, the enterprise AI security leader from Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), is celebrating its fourth consecutive year as a Champion in the Omdia Global Cybersecurity Leadership Matrix 2026. The report evaluated 24 security vendors across both Momentum and Leadership dimensions, recognizing TrendAI™ in the top three for continuous commitment to building one of the industry’s most capable and rewarding partner ecosystems.
According to Omdia, Champion status reflects strong channel management, robust market performance, and a proactive approach to advancing the cybersecurity partner ecosystem.
Matthew Ball, Chief Analyst at Omdia: “TrendAI™ reaffirmed its position as a Champion by focusing its portfolio on the unified TrendAI Vision One™ platform and establishing the Global Partner Office. A flexible consumption model increased recurring revenue and improved margin predictability, while the refreshed Partner Portal, expanded enablement, and AI-driven tools supported significant Partner Program adoption, partner-led renewals, and services-led growth globally.”
Sanjay Mehta, Senior Vice President, Global Partner Office at TrendAI™: “Omdia’s findings reflect the progress we are seeing across our global partner ecosystem as we continue to make the TrendAI™ Partner Program more impactful, profitable, and services-led. In the first half of 2026, partner-driven deal registration value grew 2.3x YoY, reaching $1.47 billion. This momentum reflects the trust partners are placing in TrendAI™, the strength of our platform-first strategy, and the growing opportunity for partners to deliver AI-powered security outcomes through TrendAI Vision One™.”
Omdia cited several partner-focused drivers behind this Champion designation:
The TrendAI™ partner-first approach is also reflected in the experiences of partners globally.
Rob Swainson, Director at Blue Cube Security: “It’s not just about great technology—it’s about having a partner that genuinely cares about helping us deliver the best outcomes for our customers, based on what’s right for each customer. That shared commitment to customer outcomes is what makes this partnership so valuable.”
To read a full copy of the report, visit our website.
Hashtag: #trendai #trendaivisionone #visionone #trendmicro #omdia
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TrendAI™, the global AI security leader and enterprise business unit of Trend Micro, empowers organizations with full AI visibility and consolidated security that inspires confidence, drives innovation, and eliminates risk. Trusted by the largest enterprises and governments across 185 countries, TrendAI™ secures the entire organization, from identities to infrastructure to data. Global Fortune 500 companies rely on TrendAI™ to cut risk and stop threats up to three months earlier, powered by world-leading threat and attack intelligence. Through deep ecosystem partnerships with market leaders like NVIDIA, Anthropic, AWS, Google, and Microsoft, TrendAI™ empowers your organization to securely drive forward at the speed of AI. AI Fearlessly. Learn more at trendaisecurity.com.
Guardian Fire Services has acquired Nebraska-based Midwest Protection Services, extending the Investcorp-backed fire and life safety platform into the Omaha market as consolidation accelerates across the US safety-services industry. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is Guardian’s second acquisition since Investcorp bought the Nashville-headquartered company from Northern Lakes Capital in December 2025, highlighting an early push to expand the platform through regional purchases. Midwest Protection Services […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Fynd has launched its artificial intelligence-powered fashion development platform, Fynd Create, across the Gulf Cooperation Council, targeting brands seeking to shorten design cycles, improve sourcing visibility and move collections into production faster. The platform brings trend forecasting, product design, range planning, technical specifications, supplier selection, manufacturing oversight, catalogue creation and logistics into one connected system. Fynd said early deployments with fashion businesses across […]
Artificial intelligence is making cyber attackers faster and more effective while creating new security weaknesses through autonomous software tools, malware and increasingly sophisticated social-engineering campaigns. ESET’s Threat Report for the first half of 2026 found that criminals are using AI less as a substitute for technical expertise than as a force multiplier. The technology is helping attackers prepare convincing lures, automate repetitive work, adapt malicious code and […]
De Beers plans to suspend production at its Venetia diamond mine in South Africa for two years as weak rough-stone prices and persistent trading pressures force the group to deepen cost cuts across its global operations. The proposed shutdown at the Limpopo mine will be accompanied by a rescheduling of capital expenditure on the underground project, which was developed at a cost of about $2.3 billion. The […]
Dubai’s diamond trade climbed to an all-time high of $41.7 billion in 2025, strengthening the emirate’s position as a central marketplace linking producers, manufacturers, traders and jewellery consumers. The value of diamonds traded through Dubai increased 16.2% from $35.8 billion in 2024, adding about $5.8 billion within a year. It surpassed the previous record of $40.9 billion established in 2011. Physical trade also reached a peak of […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – MEINONG ROBOT, a company from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) ecosystem, won the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition at LEAP East 2026, secured a US$10,000 equity-free award and gained exposure to global investors to accelerate its business expansion. Another park company, GenEditBio, also outperformed more than 500 competing startups and made it to the Top 6 Finalists.
Making its debut in the Asia-Pacific region, LEAP East chose Hong Kong as its host city, bringing together technology leaders, investors, policymakers and tech ventures. As the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, HKSTP participated alongside more than 30 park companies, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings from 8 to 10 July.
Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies across four key sectors: Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics, attracting more than 3,000 visits.
Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “LEAP East’s decision to land its first overseas edition in Hong Kong delivers three important messages to the I&T community. First, Hong Kong has become tech companies’ gateway into the global markets, which reflects the development and achievements of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem over the years and demonstrates the city’s unique ability to connect Middle Eastern capital, Asia-Pacific markets and supply chains in the Chinese Mainland, positioning Hong Kong as a true I&T hub. Second, the Middle East and other emerging markets represent the next strategic destination for tech companies. Driven by numerous application scenarios in smart cities, green energy and AI infrastructure, together with the ambitious transformation agenda under Saudi Vision 2030, these markets offer unprecedented growth opportunities for Hong Kong tech companies. Third, Hong Kong’s I&T community is demonstrating a growing global impact. From HKSTP executives and park companies contributing to international forums and thought leadership discussions, to HKSTP serving as the exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, and two park companies reaching the Top 6 of the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, with one securing the 2nd Runner-Up, all of these achievements underscore Hong Kong’s increasingly prominent position on the global I&T stage.”
In addition, Terry Wong, CEO, Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer, and Dr Charleston Sin, Head of AI & Data, took part in keynote sessions and panel discussions throughout the event. They shared strategic insights on HKSTP’s I&T ecosystem, biotech, smart cities, and AI, fostering international dialogue, inspiring new breakthroughs and collaborations, and further strengthening HKSTP’s influence within the global I&T ecosystem.
To strengthen connections between park companies and the international innovation community, HKSTP co-organised “Build East: Agentic AI Demo Day and Tour” with Minds by Animoca Brands one day before LEAP East 2026, inviting global investors and startups to gain first-hand insights into Hong Kong’s largest I&T ecosystem and explore cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
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Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.
Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.
Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.
More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 July 2026 – Lever Style Corporation (HKEX: 1346, “Lever Style”), the world’s premier apparel production platform, today reported financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2026.
For the first half of 2026, Lever Style recorded a return to top-line growth. Following a defensive strategy in 2025 aimed at managing credit risk, the Group recorded total revenue of US$113.2 million, representing a 23.8% increase compared to the same period last year. “This revenue expansion was driven by the 2 January 2026 acquisition of the AAG business, which has now been integrated into our operating platform, providing a broader foundation for our growth trajectory.” said William Tan, CEO of Lever Style.
Navigating Integration for Long-Term Value
“While revenue expanded substantially, net profit for the period grew to US$5.4 million, representing a by 1.8% increase, compared to the first half of 2025. This short-term pressure on our bottom line reflects one-off, upfront integration costs. These primarily included temporary staff duplication costs as we merged workflows, systems, and personnel. We regard these transitional costs as necessary investments to secure the structural, long-term profitability of the acquired business.” Mr. Tan added.
With the integration phase now largely completed, the group’s cost structure is better optimized, and the group will enjoy the operating leverage that enhanced scale provides.
Strategic Technology & In-House AI Solutions
The group’s platform-based strategy continues to progress, converting its operational capabilities from a traditional apparel supplier into a tech-enabled enterprise. During the period under review, Lever Style successfully developed and deployed its own PLM system, among other solutions. These internal enterprise systems are designed to enhance workflow transparency, accelerate speed-to-market, and reduce waste across the group’s asset-light supply chain.
Capitalizing on its expanding internal R&D capabilities, the group has also customized AI solutions to fit its specific business model. Rather than relying on generic off-the-shelf software, these proprietary tools support day-to-day merchandiser productivity and factory coordination, reinforcing Lever Style’s long-term competitive advantage.
Market Outlook: Premium Resilience in a K-Shaped Economy
“The US market—our primary market—has proven surprisingly resilient through the first half of 2026. However, underneath the headline figures lies a visible ‘K-shaped’ economic split: a highly promotional and pressured middle market where retail liquidity remains tight and consumers are value-sensitive, and a premium/affluent tier of high-income consumers whose discretionary spending remains relatively stable, sustaining steady demand for premium products and services.” Stanley Szeto, Executive Chairman of Lever Style, commented.
Lever Style remains largely insulated from mass-market volatility due to its focus on upscale designers and premium fashion brands. Because the group’s brand portfolio aligns with this more resilient premium sector of the market, it remains well-positioned to navigate current economic conditions.
Future Prospects & Financial Synergies
Looking toward the second half of 2026 and into 2027, the group’s strategic roadmap focuses on three primary operational and financial levers:
“The Group has completed the primary phases of integration, upgraded its technology base, and remains aligned with the more resilient segments of consumer demand. The Board remains confident in our underlying business model and our ability to deliver long-term value to shareholders.” Mr. Szeto concluded.
For more details, please visit: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2026/0713/2026071300602.pdf
Hashtag: #LeverStyle
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Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Lever Style (HKEX 1346) is the world’s premier apparel production platform for premium contemporary and designer brands such as Alexander Wang, Theory, Todd Snyder, and Aimé Leon Dore; active and performance brands such as Arc’teryx, Columbia Sportswear, Helly Hansen, Spanx, Skims, and J.Lindeberg; and digitally native brands and platforms such as Mizzen+ Main and Bonobos.
Our supply chain solutions encompass fashion design, prototype development, raw material procurement, production, quality control, and logistics. Our innovative, modularized multi-country platform delivers high-mix, low-volume orders and reduces excess inventory and stockouts. Our versatile approach is rooted in decades of technical expertise gained from working with many of the world’s highest-quality and most demanding brands. We support production for 175 brands through a network of more than 150 factories across eight countries: Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. A certified B Corp, Lever Style is a committed ESG leader in the apparel production sector.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gemcorp Capital has completed a $20 million Shariah-compliant structured financing in Saudi Arabia, marking the emerging-markets asset manager’s first direct lending transaction in the kingdom. The financing has been extended to SILQ, a Saudi financial technology platform that provides procurement, payment and funding services to small and medium-sized enterprises. The transaction gives Gemcorp an initial foothold in a market where growing companies often […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sharjah has secured exclusive rights to develop and operate BookXcess bookstores across the Middle East and Africa, extending the emirate’s publishing ambitions into large-scale international book retail. The agreement places Big Bad Wolf Sharjah, a subsidiary of the Sharjah Book Authority, in charge of developing, managing and marketing the Malaysian bookstore chain throughout both regions. The arrangement also gives the Sharjah entity responsibility […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai ADI Chain has secured a $50 million strategic investment to accelerate the international deployment of blockchain infrastructure designed for governments, enterprises and regulated digital-asset markets. The funding will support network expansion, institutional integrations and the development of applications that connect public blockchain technology with national payment systems, financial institutions and large corporate users. The company did not disclose detailed commercial terms of the […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi recorded a 21 per cent annual increase in new economic licences during the first quarter of 2026, signalling sustained investor demand and stronger business formation across commercial, professional and industrial activities. The number of active licences across the emirate rose 12 per cent between January and March compared with the same period last year. The expansion covered all three regions, with […]
SkyroCredit is a reusable, revolving digital credit line that provides access to a fixed credit limit without a plastic and without relying on the Visa or Mastercard networks. Once approved, a customer’s credit is available within the Skyro app and can be used instantly by scanning any QR Ph code, the Philippine QR payment standard accepted at more than 90% of merchant outlets nationwide. Leading merchants include SM, Mercury Drug, Watsons, Jollibee, McDonald’s, and DALI Supermarket. Customers can borrow, repay the amount they have used, and reuse the same credit limit without reapplying.
NasimAliev, Skyro co-founder, said:
“Our goal is to provide access to affordable credit for underserved communities across Southeast Asia at a time when everyday expenses continue to rise and consumers’ financial priorities are evolving.
“Today’s consumers need financial solutions built around real-life spending needs and changing financial priorities. With SkyroCredit, we bring flexible financial solutions to our customers’ fingertips. The credit line offers all the benefits of flexibility, including an interest-free grace period. This provides customers with maximum convenience for everyday use while even allowing them to save money through cashback.
“By expanding our portfolio of point-of-sale loans, cash loans, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) products to include flexible credit lines, we are building long-term customer relationships based on everyday use, responsible borrowing, and trust.”
Eligible customers receive initial credit limits of PHP 1,000 to PHP 10,000 (approximately USD 17 to USD 170), with the opportunity to increase their limit to as much as PHP 100,000 through regular, responsible use. Purchases carry 0% interest for up to 45 days. Every purchase also earns 1% cashback, which customers can redeem on future purchases through the app.
Skyro’s expansion into reusable digital credit addresses one of Southeast Asia’s largest financial inclusion opportunities by enabling sustained customer engagement. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the central bank of the Philippines, only half of Filipino adults have a formal financial account. As QR-based payment networks continue to expand across the region, Skyro can leverage this infrastructure to deliver accessible digital credit products that meet growing consumer demand.
Hashtag: #Skyro #SkyroCredit #DigitalCredit
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Skyro is a high-growth, digital-first fintech group delivering scalable, responsible access to financial services across high-potential emerging markets. Powered by proprietary data science, AI-driven credit decisioning and alternative data scoring, the company combines a mobile-native experience with modular fintech architecture to serve underserved customer segments at scale.
In just three years, Skyro has grown to serve over one million active customers in the Philippines, underpinned by a robust credit portfolio exceeding $200 million. The company’s strategic ambition is to establish itself as the preeminent full-spectrum financial services group across dozens of emerging markets worldwide.
Ticket sales have opened for the 23rd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, which will run from August 28 to September 6 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. ADNEC Group, a Modon company, said visitors can purchase admission through the exhibition’s official digital channels and Ticketmaster. The launch begins the public countdown to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest heritage, outdoor lifestyle and specialist trade events. ADIHEX 2026 […]
Interpol has announced 5,811 arrests and the interception of $293 million in illicit assets following a sweeping operation against cyber-enabled fraud across 97 countries and territories. Operation First Light 2026 targeted social engineering scams and related money laundering networks between January 15 and April 30. Authorities identified more than 142,000 victims, analysed 152,808 cases and blocked 31,014 bank accounts linked to suspected criminal proceeds. The China-funded operation […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai ADNOC Logistics and Services has ordered four next-generation liquefied natural gas carriers for about $900 million, expanding its shipping capacity as Abu Dhabi seeks a larger role in global gas supply and trading. The vessels, each capable of carrying 175,000 cubic metres of LNG, will be built at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai and delivered in 2029. The contract raises the company’s LNG newbuild […]
