By K Raveendran As 2026 approaches, the global oil market is heading into a year that could decisively reshape price dynamics, fiscal planning in producing states, and energy security calculations for importing economies. The defining feature of the coming year is not demand destruction or geopolitical shock, but the growing weight of surplus supply. Market […]
By Umesh Sangaralingam The influx of private capital into Middle East markets is securing the region’s place as an evolving global investment hub. With sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, family offices, and fund managers all increasing allocations, capital commitments are increasing at scale—but it’s not an equal field of opportunity for private investment firms in the region. Capital isn’t the sole defining factor that’s separating private […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – Woodfibre LNG recently marked 2025 as a year of significant progress across construction, environmental protection and community partnerships, as the project moved deeper into its development phase toward delivering responsibly produced Canadian liquefied natural gas to global markets.
Over the past year, the project advanced from planning into visible, on-the-ground execution. Major construction milestones included the pouring of foundations for key modules, continued progress on marine piling, and further implementation of modular construction techniques designed to reduce on-site footprint while accelerating delivery timelines.
These advancements were achieved through close collaboration with project partners, suppliers and contractors, and in partnership with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).
In 2025, Woodfibre LNG, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continued to operate its floatel workforce accommodation solution, designed to minimise pressure on local housing and community services. As of November, two floatels were in active operation, providing high-quality, safe and comfortable living conditions for the project workforce while supporting construction efficiency.
Environmental protection remained a central focus throughout the year. The project’s Marine Mammal Monitoring Programme, which includes hydroacoustic monitoring, exclusion zones and shore-based observation posts, delivered measurable outcomes by enabling real-time operational decisions, including pauses to marine activities when marine mammals entered exclusion areas.
In parallel, remediation of legacy materials from the former pulp mill site continued, with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of historical waste removed. These efforts have contributed to improving site conditions for both local communities and marine and terrestrial ecosystems in Howe Sound.
Woodfibre LNG’s Operator Training Programme, delivered in partnership with the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), progressed throughout the year. The programme’s first cohort of graduates transitioned into full-time roles, supporting the development of long-term, skilled local employment opportunities linked to the project.
Through its Community Partnership Programme (CPP), Woodfibre LNG continued to invest in local communities across the Sea-to-Sky corridor. In 2025, the programme surpassed $1 million in total grants since its inception, supporting initiatives in sports, healthcare, emergency services, arts and culture, and youth development.
Luke Schauerte, CEO of Woodfibre LNG, said, “2025 has been a year of significant progress for Woodfibre LNG. We are proud of what our team and partners have accomplished together and look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.”
With more than half of the project’s development now complete, Woodfibre LNG remains focused on advancing construction safely and responsibly, while maintaining strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, local stakeholders and regulators.
As the project looks ahead to 2026, Woodfibre LNG continues its work toward delivering lower-carbon, responsibly produced Canadian energy to international markets.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Woodfibre LNG
The Woodfibre LNG Project is owned by Woodfibre LNG Limited Partnership, owned 70 per cent by Pacific Energy Corporation (Canada) Limited and 30 per cent by Enbridge Inc. The Woodfibre LNG facility is being built on the site of the former Woodfibre pulp mill site, which is located about seven kilometres southwest of Squamish, B.C. Woodfibre LNG will source its natural gas from Pacific Canbriam Energy, a Canadian company with operations in Northeastern British Columbia. Pacific Canbriam is an industry leader in sustainable natural gas production. Woodfibre LNG and Pacific Canbriam Energy are subsidiaries of Pacific Energy Corporation Limited. Woodfibre LNG is the first industrial project in Canada to recognise a non-treaty Indigenous government, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), as a full environmental regulator.
By Ashis Biswas How serious is the slogan for wresting the seven sister states in India’s northeast region, raised by Islamic extremists in Bangladesh, for New Delhi? For a proper assessment of the political challenge this poses for India, a brief study of background information is necessary. Bangladesh sought to revive old links with Pakistan […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 December 2025– MyRepublic today announced the launch of Card Sub, a new subscription-based service designed for Trading Card Game (TCG) enthusiasts. Card Sub offers subscribers a convenient way to receive Magic: The Gathering (MTG) products monthly, including access to premium booster packs not typically available through standard retail purchases.
MyRepublic Launches Card Sub, Singapore’s First Subscription Service for Trading Card Game Fans
Card Sub introduces a structured monthly subscription model in which customers pay a fixed monthly rate and receive up to 3 Play Booster packs or 2 Play booster boxes from the current MTG release. In addition, subscribers will receive free premium booster packs or boxes. These premium boosters may include Collector Booster Packs or Boxes, such as the highly sought-after Final Fantasy Collector Booster, which is constantly sold out worldwide which features the extremely valuable serialised Golden Chocobo card
“The trading card community in Singapore is incredibly passionate, and Card Sub is our small way of adding value to that ecosystem,” said Terry Williams, Head of Consumer at MyRepublic. “As TCG players ourselves, we wanted to offer something to the community to provide an easier access to the latest release every month, and the chance to secure premium packs that might not be readily accessible to players. We see Card Sub as a community-driven initiative, open to all who share a passion for growing the hobby.”
The subscription tiers available at launch are:
MyRepublic Card Sub Plans
Card Sub will be available to both MyRepublic and non-MyRepublic customers. All product redemptions will take place in person at the upcoming Card Arena by MyRepublic, located at Suntec City. Customers will redeem their Premium booster or box in-store.
Card Sub is positioned to serve cost-conscious TCG consumers by providing reliable monthly access to boosters with the added benefit of premium packs or boxes at no additional charge. The inclusion of Collector Boosters in the premium pool provides an opportunity for subscribers to obtain higher-value products through a predictable monthly model. MyRepublic also plans to expand Card Sub to additional TCG franchises, including Pokémon.
Card Sub is open for sign-up at cardsub.net and available to everyone in Singapore. Monthly redemption of subscription items will be fulfilled exclusively at:
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MyRepublic
MyRepublic is an award-winning telecom operator whose values lie in the future of connectivity, the next opportunity to disrupt, and innovations that will make a real difference. The provider’s priority is to redefine broadband and mobile connectivity in the markets it operates and empower customers to understand what a true modern connectivity experience can be.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 December 2025 – Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s national academy of sciences and a leading research institution, invites outstanding students worldwide to apply for the 2026 Fall semester of its Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP). Applications are now open until 1 February 2026 (GMT+8).
TIGP offers 14 fully funded interdisciplinary PhD programs spanning the sciences and humanities. The Program provides a rigorous research environment supported by Academia Sinica’s world-class faculty, research facilities and extensive international collaborations.
Admitted students receive a monthly stipend of NTD 40,000 (approximately USD 1,200) for the first year. The stipend will be extended for more years for student with good academic performance. Outstanding students may also receive an additional NTD 6,000 per month through the TIGP Research Performance Fellowship.
With a diverse academic community and a comprehensive doctoral training program, TIGP offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced research in a globally connected setting.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 December 2025 – Dhanarak Asset Development Co., Ltd. (DAD), the state-owned enterprise responsible for managing Thailand’s Government Complex, has announced the successful transformation of the site into a pioneering green and walkable urban prototype, positioning it as a model for sustainable government-led city development.
City of Green Lifestyles by Dr. Nalikatibhag Sangsnit
Under the leadership of Dr. Nalikatibhag Sangsnit, President of DAD, the multi-year redevelopment program reimagines state-owned land, one that treats public land not as a bureaucratic perimeter, but as shared civic infrastructure that prioritizes people, health, and nature.
Dr. Nalikatibhag Sangsnit, DAD’s President
“For decades, government districts in Thailand were designed to manage paperwork, not people,” Nalikatibhag said. “We wanted to reverse that logic. A city, especially a city owned by the state, must first work for human life: how people walk, how they rest, how they breathe, and how they coexist with nature in their daily routines.”
Before-and-after comparison of Government Complex Bangkok after its green redevelopment
From Bureaucratic Grey to Green Living
The centrepiece of the initiative is the newly opened 5.1-rai landscaped connector between Buildings B and C, a site that once functioned primarily as a traffic corridor and noise buffer. The area has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly green passage linking offices, transit access points and communal spaces within the Government Complex.
Designed as urban infrastructure, a climate buffer reduces heat, improves water absorption and supports daily movement across the site. It also opens previously restricted government land to wider public use, blurring the boundary between administrative space and the city around it.
The project aligns with Thailand’s broader sustainability frameworks, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and the government’s bio-circular-green (BCG) economic model. Design features focus on expanding tree canopy, increasing permeable surfaces and creating flexible areas that can support exercise, informal gatherings and community activity.
A Scalable Blueprint for State-Led Urban Transformation
Over the past six years, DAD has increased green spaces within the Government Complex by more than 47 rai, and when combined with adjacent landscaped zones, the total reaches over 138 rai, creating one of northern Bangkok’s largest continuous public green areas.
Nalikatibhag describes the City of Green Lifestyles concept not as a one-off redevelopment, but as a template for future public-sector land use, particularly in rapidly urbanising Asian cities where governments remain among the largest landowners.
“This is about proving that sustainability is not an added cost or a branding exercise,” he said. “When green infrastructure is designed as part of the system, when it improves health, reduces stress, lowers energy demand and invites public use, it becomes economically rational and socially inevitable. The role of the state is not only to regulate cities, but to set an example of how cities should be lived in.”
Global Recognition for Innovation
DAD’s sustainability efforts have earned international acclaim. In 2025, the company became the only public-sector organisation to win the Asia-level International Innovation Awards for two consecutive years, recognising its Government Complex Smart City initiative and the GCC Super Application, a digital platform integrating transport, navigation, and public services within the complex.
The awards, selected from more than 160 entries across 30 countries, underscore Thailand’s growing leadership in sustainable and technology-driven public sector transformation.
Redefining the Role of the State in City-Making
Unlike large-scale urban megaprojects, the Government Complex Bangkok initiative relies on system-based, incremental transformation, repurposing existing assets instead of acquiring new land. Urban policy analysts note that this approach provides a scalable blueprint for other governments managing extensive real estate portfolios.
“A government city should not feel separate from everyday life,” Dr. Nalikatibhag said. “If public space eases the intensity of daily life, improves health and restores a sense of balance between people and nature, then governance itself becomes more humane.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Dhanarak Asset Development Co., Ltd.
Dhanarak Asset Development Co., Ltd. is a state-owned enterprise under Thailand’s Ministry of Finance, responsible for managing and developing the Government Complex and related assets. DAD is committed to advancing sustainable, human-centered urban development and creating models for environmentally and socially responsible government infrastructure.
By Nantoo Banerjee US President Donald Trump may have problems with Russia, Venezuela and a host of other states and has every right to decide on the US trade and diplomatic policies to deal with those countries. But he has no right to thrust upon other free nations his likes, dislikes and prejudices. Unfortunately, he […]
The accolade marks another major milestone for the reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 December 2025 – Cannubi by Umberto Bombana at Dusit International’s reimagined flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, has been awarded One Michelin Star in The Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 – the first time an Italian restaurant in Thailand has received the distinction.
Curated by renowned chef Umberto Bombana (right), Cannubi by Umberto Bombana at Dusit Thani Bangkok has made history as the first Italian restaurant in Thailand to receive one Michelin star. His vision is brought to life in Bangkok by Executive Italian Chef Andrea Susto (left).
Curated by the renowned Chef Umberto Bombana – best known for his Hong Kong flagship, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, the world’s only three-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant outside Italy – Cannubi by Umberto Bombana reflects the chef’s lifelong dedication to exceptional produce, terroir, and refined Italian cooking.
His philosophy is brought to life in Bangkok by his longtime protégé, Executive Italian Chef Andrea Susto, who works with the finest locally sourced and imported ingredients to craft classically rooted dishes refined with contemporary technique. Seasonal à la carte offerings, tasting menus, a set lunch experience, and a celebrated white truffle menu – honouring Bombana’s reputation as The King of White Truffles – are complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list of more than 350 labels chosen for their heritage, character, and quality.
Cannubi by Umberto Bombana’s design plays an equal role in shaping the dining experience. Situated on the lobby level of the reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok, the two-level space looks out over the hotel’s dramatic nine-storey waterfall. Inside, the main dining room is crowned with intricately carved golden teakwood panels preserved and meticulously restored from the original hotel’s Benjarong restaurant. These heritage teak elements, combined with flowing lines and atmospheric lighting, create a warmly intimate setting, complemented by private dining rooms accommodating six and twelve guests.
“To be recognised as the first Italian restaurant in Thailand to receive a Michelin Star is a tremendous honour,” said Chef Umberto Bombana. “Cannubi by Umberto Bombana is a project very close to my heart, created to express the truth and soul of Italian cuisine through integrity, passion, and respect for exceptional ingredients. Seeing this spirit recognised in Bangkok means the world to me. I am incredibly proud of Chef Andrea Susto and our entire team. This accolade also reflects the vision of the new Dusit Thani Bangkok, where craftsmanship and creativity shape every detail.”
Cannubi by Umberto Bombana’s Michelin Star adds to a remarkable year for Dusit Thani Bangkok, which, since reopening in September 2024, has received one Michelin Key and earned its place among the world’s top 100 hotels, ranking #60 on the inaugural extended list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The restaurant’s achievement further strengthens the hotel’s emergence as one of the region’s most compelling new dining destinations, with Pavilion, Dusit Gourmet, 1970 Bar, and the dramatic rooftop venue, Spire Rooftop Bar, among the other standout options.
Cannubi by Umberto Bombana is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, please visit dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok.
Hashtag: #DusitHotels
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Dusit Thani Bangkok
Part of the landmark Dusit Central Park development, Dusit Thani Bangkok is a reimagined icon that blends timeless Thai elegance with contemporary sophistication. With a prime location overlooking Lumpini Park in the heart of the city, the 257-key property redefines luxury with all park-view accommodations and sets the scene for unforgettable experiences with world-class dining and peerless event venues.
More than just a hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok brings classic grandeur to life and invites discerning travellers to experience a vibrant blend of modern elegance and timeless charm inspired by the original hotel’s rich heritage and Dusit’s unique brand of gracious Thai hospitality.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes close to 300 properties operating under a total of nine brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, Dusit Hotels, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding PSC has entered the United States residential property market through a new joint venture to build a 54-storey tower on the Hudson waterfront, marking a strategic push by the developer to diversify earnings and deepen exposure to mature, dollar-denominated real estate markets. The company said it has partnered with US developer Related Companies and Jersey City firm Panepinto […]
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 December 2025 – Although wellness conversations are rising, many Malaysians still struggle with consistent daily self-care. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, 54.4% of Malaysian adults are overweight or obese, highlighting widespread lifestyle-related health risks linked to poor diet, inactivity, and inconsistent preventive care. As healthcare costs continue to increase and lifestyle-driven diseases become more common, practical and preventive self-care at home has never been more crucial.
In response to this growing need, Alpro Group Malaysia (parent company of Alpro Pharmacy, Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy chain) today launched the 2026 Health & Habit Calendar, a nationwide self-care education initiative developed to bring simple, credible, and actionable health guidance into Malaysian households throughout the year.
Drawing from daily patient engagements across Alpro’s nationwide network, this calendar compiles real-world self-care gaps frequently observed by pharmacists. It further includes insights curated together with family doctors, nutritionists, and dietitians to ensure each habit is both practical and medically credible.
The 2026 Health & Habit Calendar covers five key foundations of daily wellbeing like nutrition: healthier everyday food choices; rest: better sleep routines and fatigue reduction; movement: simple physical activities suitable for all ages; emotional Wellbeing: stress management and mindful practices; preventive care: small reminders that reduce long-term health risks.
The cover of the calendar presents easy-to-follow habits designed to support gradual, sustainable lifestyle improvement, making self-care more achievable for Malaysian families.
“Most people only start thinking about their health after something goes wrong, and as pharmacists, we see this every day,” said Pharmacist Lim En Ni, Chief Pharmacist and Engagement Director of Alpro Group. “This calendar brings self-care earlier into daily life. When families practice small habits consistently, it can significantly reduce long-term health risks.”
Beyond health education, the initiative also embodies a strong social mission. 100% of proceeds from the 2026 Health & Habit Calendar will be donated to the Alpro Foundation’s Growing Stars Project, providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children nationwide. Each calendar purchased directly contributes to improving both community health and children’s access to education.
The 2026 Health & Habit Calendar is now available for purchase online via Alpro OneClick: https://bit.ly/Alpro-2026-HealthandHabitCalendar . Customers may also receive the calendar with a minimum spend of RM288 at any Alpro subsidiary, including Alpro Pharmacy, Alpro Sugi Pharmacy, Alpro OptiSaver, and Alpro Baby. Members of the public, organisations, and corporate partners are encouraged to support this initiative and help make preventive self-care a visible, daily habit in Malaysian homes.
Hashtag: #Alpro
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Alpro Group
Founded in 2002, Alpro Group’s ecosystem has grown to include Alpro Pharmacy, Apotek Alpro, Alpro スギ (Sugi) Pharmacy, Alpro Physio, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Baby, Alpro OptiSaver, Alpro Audiology, and Alpro Health. Supported by a team of more than 1,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians, physiotherapists, optometrist and many others, Alpro serves over 5 million families in Malaysia and Indonesia through its extensive network of 500 physical outlets.
Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the region to offer product liability insurance of MYR 1 million in Malaysia and IDR 3 billion in Indonesia, ensuring the supply of genuine medications and enhancing consumer trust.
With the vision of a healthy and vibrant world, Alpro Group aims to become the No. 1 prescription pharmacy chain in Southeast Asia.
MAURITIUS – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 December 2025 – UMSOCIAL, the social trading ecosystem powered by Ultima Markets, continues to empower traders with a transparent and secure way to share strategies, watch real market activity and copy trades in real time. Ultima Markets is an award-winning CFD broker and the first multi-asset trading broker to join the United Nations Global Compact.
UMSOCIAL has grown steadily over the past two years. Today, UMSOCIAL offers over 2,000 live strategies, with more than 10,000 trading accounts actively copying trades on the platform. This growth shows that traders are looking for a place where learning and trading can happen together.
“UMSOCIAL is not just about copying trades. It’s about learning, growing, and sharing success together,” said Jack Li, Regional Business Director at Ultima Markets. “Every Follower has the potential to become a Master. That’s the spirit behind our message: Follow Today, Master Tomorrow.”
A Connected Experience for Both Beginners and Skilled Traders
For beginners, UMSOCIAL provides an accessible way to learn from real-time market activity and trading strategies. New users can review verified performance records, understand trading styles, and mirror strategies from skilled traders in real time. As a social trading app, UMSOCIAL fosters a supportive learning experience for those who are new to markets.
At the same time, seasoned traders gain a structured platform to share their expertise, build credibility within the community, and earn performance-based fees tied to their strategy outcomes.
UMSOCIAL brings both beginner and skilled traders into one cohesive environment. This unified ecosystem supports education, transparency, and professional recognition, enabling every participant to engage with markets at their own pace while benefiting from clear and data-driven insights.
Powered by State-of-the-art Technology and Full Transparency
UMSOCIAL is built on Ultima Markets’ advanced technology infrastructure and strong focus on visibility, ensuring a secure and consistent experience across all user interactions. Every transaction is processed with fast order matching, stable connectivity, and full visibility. Traders can manage their accounts, monitor performance, or switch strategies at any time with just a few clicks.
The platform continues to evolve as one of today’s leading copy trading platforms, offering faster trade execution, real-time insights, and user-friendly tools. Ultima Markets remains focused on building a reliable, fair, and engaging environment where traders can grow and succeed together.
Start your journey with UMSOCIAL by Ultima Markets and trade smarter together.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets is a licensed, award-winning, multi-asset broker offering access to over 250 CFD instruments across forex, commodities, indices and shares. The company was recently awarded Most Advanced Multi-Asset Trading Platform Europe 2025 and is the first CFD broker to join the UN Global Compact.
CFDs are complex instruments and involve a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you fully understand the risks before trading.
Disclaimer
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Past performance of Masters on UMSOCIAL does not guarantee future results. Trading involves risk, and you are fully responsible for your own trading decisions.
Brazil’s youngest investors are reshaping the country’s crypto economy, pushing demand beyond speculative trading towards stablecoins and tokenised income products that mirror traditional fixed income while operating on blockchain rails. Platforms catering to this shift say participation from users in their late teens and twenties has climbed sharply, reflecting a broader generational move towards digital-first savings tools amid stubbornly high interest rates and volatile global markets. Data […]
Seef Properties has signed a lease agreement with UAE-based D’lish Café to open the brand’s first outlet in Bahrain at Al Liwan, adding a new premium food and beverage concept to the mixed-use destination in the Seef District of Manama. The deal underscores continued demand for curated dining experiences within lifestyle-led developments and reflects a broader push by property owners to anchor retail assets with recognisable regional brands.
The café, known for its contemporary menu and design-led spaces, is expected to occupy a prominent location within Al Liwan, a development that blends retail, leisure, dining, and community spaces. Executives involved in the agreement said the move aligns with Al Liwan’s positioning as a social hub rather than a conventional shopping centre, where food-led concepts play a central role in footfall generation and dwell time.
Seef Properties described the agreement as part of a wider strategy to deepen its portfolio of lifestyle tenants that appeal to both residents and visitors. The company has been recalibrating its leasing mix across assets to prioritise experiential retail, particularly dining formats that combine casual accessibility with premium presentation. Al Liwan, which hosts a range of cafés, restaurants, and entertainment offerings, has emerged as a flagship for that approach.
For D’lish Café, the Bahrain opening marks its first international expansion, signalling confidence in the kingdom’s dining market and its ability to support differentiated concepts. The brand has built a following in the UAE by focusing on high-quality ingredients, visually distinctive interiors, and menus designed to cater to breakfast, lunch, and evening socialising. Industry observers note that such all-day dining formats have gained traction across Gulf cities as consumer preferences shift towards flexible, experience-driven venues.
Executives familiar with the project said the Bahrain outlet will mirror the brand’s core identity while incorporating local design cues to resonate with the Al Liwan setting. Fit-out work is expected to proceed in line with Seef Properties’ guidelines for sustainability, accessibility, and integration with surrounding public spaces. While an opening date has not been formally announced, preparations are under way to align the launch with peak seasonal footfall at the destination.
The agreement comes at a time when Bahrain’s retail real estate sector is navigating structural changes driven by evolving consumer behaviour. Traditional mall formats have faced pressure from e-commerce and shifting spending patterns, prompting developers to emphasise food, leisure, and community experiences that cannot be replicated online. Analysts tracking the sector say developments that successfully curate strong dining line-ups are better positioned to maintain occupancy levels and rental stability.
Al Liwan’s tenant mix reflects that strategy, with food and beverage outlets accounting for a significant share of leasable space. The addition of D’lish Café is expected to complement existing concepts by targeting a demographic that values premium yet approachable dining. Seef Properties executives have previously indicated that tenant selection is guided by brand strength, operational track record, and the ability to contribute to a cohesive destination experience rather than standalone retail performance.
For D’lish Café, the Bahrain market offers exposure to a consumer base known for high per-capita spending on dining and a strong café culture. Manama’s Seef District, in particular, attracts a mix of residents, office workers, and visitors, providing a diversified customer base. Market analysts note that UAE-based brands expanding into Bahrain often view the kingdom as a strategic entry point for broader regional growth due to regulatory familiarity and cultural alignment.
The partnership also highlights increasing cross-border collaboration within the Gulf’s retail and hospitality sectors. As regional brands mature, developers are leveraging these names to differentiate projects and reinforce destination branding. At the same time, café and restaurant operators are seeking locations that offer built-in footfall and a lifestyle context aligned with their brand positioning.
UAE businesses used the Ambiente exhibition in Germany to project the country’s ambition to become a central hub in the global consumer goods trade, as officials and exporters sought to convert visibility into long-term commercial partnerships across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The country’s pavilion at the Ambiente fair in Frankfurt brought together manufacturers, designers and trading firms spanning homeware, lifestyle products, gifting and sustainable consumer goods. Organisers said the collective presence was designed to showcase both scale and diversity, with an emphasis on export readiness and cross-border collaboration rather than one-off transactions. The participation formed part of a wider strategy to deepen the UAE’s role in global supply chains at a time when buyers are reassessing sourcing models and regional diversification.
Ambiente is regarded as one of the world’s largest platforms for consumer goods, drawing tens of thousands of buyers, retailers and distributors each year. For UAE exhibitors, the event offered access to European retail networks and international wholesalers seeking alternatives to traditional manufacturing centres. Trade officials accompanying the delegation said meetings during the fair focused on long-term contracts, private-label manufacturing and co-branding arrangements, reflecting a shift towards higher-value engagement.
UAE Ministry of Economy representatives described the fair as a strategic opportunity to align the country’s manufacturing and re-export capabilities with evolving global demand. Officials highlighted the UAE’s logistics infrastructure, trade finance ecosystem and network of comprehensive economic partnership agreements as key advantages in attracting buyers looking for reliability and speed to market. The country has expanded its non-oil exports steadily, with consumer goods playing a growing role alongside metals, plastics and food products.
Exhibitors at the pavilion reported interest from buyers in sustainable materials, contemporary design and flexible production runs. Several companies said European retailers were exploring joint development of products that could be produced in the UAE and distributed across the Gulf, Africa and South Asia. This approach reflects a broader trend among global brands to shorten supply chains while retaining access to multiple consumer markets from a single base.
Frankfurt has become an important meeting point for this recalibration, as trade fairs increasingly serve as venues for strategic sourcing discussions rather than simple product showcases. Industry analysts note that manufacturers from emerging hubs are gaining attention as buyers weigh cost pressures, geopolitical risk and sustainability commitments. The UAE’s pitch at Ambiente centred on stability, regulatory clarity and the ability to integrate manufacturing, warehousing and distribution within a single jurisdiction.
Design-led firms from the UAE also used the exhibition to challenge perceptions that the country’s consumer goods sector is limited to trading and re-export. Several brands showcased original collections developed in collaboration with regional designers, blending Middle Eastern aesthetics with international trends. This creative emphasis was aimed at differentiating UAE products in a crowded marketplace and appealing to premium and mid-market retailers.
Sustainability featured prominently in discussions at the pavilion. Companies highlighted the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient production processes and compliance with European environmental standards. Officials said this focus was essential for competitiveness, as regulatory and consumer scrutiny in Europe continues to intensify. The UAE has invested in sustainability frameworks and industrial policies intended to support greener manufacturing, which exhibitors said helped build confidence among buyers.
The fair also underscored the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in the UAE’s export strategy. Many participating firms were SMEs seeking first-time entry into European markets. Trade support bodies facilitated introductions and provided guidance on certification, packaging requirements and logistics, reflecting an effort to reduce barriers for smaller exporters. Business owners said the ability to present as part of a national pavilion enhanced credibility and opened doors that would be difficult to access independently.
Kenya’s leadership has renewed its push to project the country as a future developed economy, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki rejecting claims that the ambition is unrealistic and arguing that structural reforms, demographic momentum and targeted investment are laying the groundwork for first-world status. Speaking at a public forum on economic transformation, Kindiki said scepticism about Kenya’s trajectory often ignored long-term planning frameworks and measurable gains in […]
Rivian has begun deploying a major software update that introduces Universal Hands-Free Driving across supported highways, alongside expanded digital key functionality on both iOS and Android devices, marking a significant step in the electric vehicle maker’s push to narrow the software gap with more established rivals. The update, delivered over the air to owners of the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, enables drivers to operate their vehicles […]
Greenlogue/AP A major commitment by Alterra to a renewables platform run by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners is set to channel long-term capital into clean power, storage and transmission projects across multiple markets, strengthening the scale and pace of energy transition investment worldwide. Alterra, the UAE’s climate investment vehicle with a stated target of deploying $30 billion by the end of the decade, confirmed it is investing in a […]
Proton VPN has moved into third position in TechRadar’s global VPN rankings, overtaking ExpressVPN and marking a notable shift in a market where privacy assurances and corporate ethics are becoming decisive factors for users. The change places the Switzerland-based provider behind only NordVPN and Surfshark in one of the most closely watched consumer technology comparisons, signalling how competition among virtual private network services is increasingly shaped by […]
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has opened an eight-kilometre alternative road that gives direct access to tourist camps in the Al Awir area, easing movement for visitors and service providers and diverting heavy seasonal traffic away from internal desert tracks. The new corridor connects Al Awir Road with clusters of licensed camps, reducing travel time and improving safety during peak desert activity periods. Officials said the alignment […]
SK hynix has secured a significant validation for its enterprise memory portfolio after completing Intel’s Data Center Certified process for a 256GB DDR5 RDIMM designed for the Xeon 6 server platform, marking a first for a module built on 32-gigabit die technology. The certification positions the South Korean chipmaker at the forefront of high-capacity memory deployment for data centres facing sharp increases in workload density driven by […]
By Nitya Chakraborty The political developments in Bangladesh including violence against any one opposing the fundamentalists are having dangerous consequences for India involving the security and geopolitical stability in the sub continent. According to this writer who has been following the churnings in the newly liberated nation since 1971, the outlook for India in terms […]
Saudi Arabia is preparing to lift crude oil shipments at the start of 2026, a move that underscores mounting concerns about excess supply as global demand growth remains uneven. Allocations to buyers across Asia, Europe and North America are set to rise, according to trade and shipping data reviewed by market participants, pointing to a more assertive sales posture by the world’s largest exporter after months of […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has finalised a $2 billion green financing facility backed by the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, strengthening its funding base for lower-carbon projects as it seeks to align hydrocarbon operations with long-term energy transition goals. The facility, structured under ADNOC’s Sustainable Finance Framework, is earmarked for eligible investments across the company’s upstream, downstream and chemicals businesses, including emissions-reduction technologies, […]
By K Raveendran As 2026 approaches, the global oil market is heading into a year that could decisively reshape price dynamics, fiscal planning in producing states, and energy security calculations for importing economies. The defining feature of the coming year is not demand destruction or geopolitical shock, but the growing weight of surplus supply. Market […]
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By Nitya Chakraborty The political developments in Bangladesh including violence against any one opposing the fundamentalists are having dangerous consequences for India involving the security and geopolitical stability in the sub continent. According to this writer who has been following the churnings in the newly liberated nation since 1971, the outlook for India in terms […]
