News related to
ISIS

Saudi Arabia ordered Iran’s military attaché, his assistant and three other embassy staff to leave the kingdom within 24 hours after declaring them persona non grata, marking one of Riyadh’s sharpest diplomatic steps since the current regional war began. The Saudi foreign ministry said the expulsions were tied to what it called continued Iranian attacks on Saudi territory, after waves of missiles and drones were launched at […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that its power infrastructure could be targeted unless Tehran ensures the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, signalling a marked escalation in tensions that has unsettled global energy markets and heightened fears of a wider regional confrontation. The ultimatum, delivered during a public address on Saturday, reverses the tone struck a day […]

Iran has signalled that Japanese-linked vessels could be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz, opening a narrow diplomatic channel for one of Asia’s biggest energy importers as the waterway remains severely disrupted by the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Kyodo reported on Saturday that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was prepared to support the transit of Japan-related ships after consultations between officials from […]

By Anjan Roy The West Asia crisis has now morphed into a global economic challenge, with the latest strikes by Israel on the South Pars gas field and Iranian attacks on the Qatari gas facilities in the adjacent North Dome gas field of Qatar. Undoubtedly, the war has escalated and there is little control over […]

The article Another Global Economic Meltdown Seems Real As War Spreads To World’s Largest Gas Field appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Global energy markets are confronting a prolonged disruption after Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas complex, the largest of its kind, was forced offline following a series of strikes that analysts say could reshape supply dynamics for years. The shutdown, triggered by a drone attack attributed to Iran earlier this month and compounded by subsequent retaliatory exchanges linked to an Israeli strike on the South Pars gas […]

By Nitya Chakraborty The U.S.-Israel combo’s war against Iran entered its 20th day on March 19 with global diplomats monitoring closely the Chinese reaction to the continued decimation of Iran’s leadership and key installations by Trump and Netanyahu and also Tehran’s fierce retaliatory attacks against Israel as also the US allies in West Asia including […]

The article Decoding China-U.S. Relations Amidst Trump-Netanyahu’s War Against Iran appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

President Emmanuel Macron has named France’s next-generation aircraft carrier “Free France,” invoking the legacy of wartime resistance as Paris accelerates plans to modernise its naval power and reinforce strategic autonomy in an increasingly contested global security environment. The announcement marks a symbolic and operational milestone in France’s long-term defence planning, linking the future flagship vessel to the spirit of the Free French Forces that rallied under Charles […]

Advertisements

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Qatar Development Bank has launched a package of emergency financing measures aimed at stabilising supply chains and supporting businesses in food and healthcare sectors as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East strain trade flows and drive up costs. The state-backed lender is introducing targeted programmes to ease access to credit for wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers grappling with inventory shortages and rising input prices. […]

Tesla is assessing temporary policy changes for its Supercharger network across Gulf countries following heightened regional security tensions linked to Iran, amid unverified claims circulating online that the company has already made charging free in the region. No official confirmation has been issued by Tesla or its chief executive Elon Musk that all Supercharger services in Gulf Cooperation Council markets have been made free of charge. Industry […]

China has announced emergency humanitarian assistance for Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, signalling a widening diplomatic and relief effort across a region grappling with economic strain and security volatility. Beijing’s foreign ministry said the aid would target urgent humanitarian needs, including medical supplies, food assistance and reconstruction support in areas affected by conflict and economic disruption. The move reflects China’s growing engagement in Middle Eastern affairs, where […]

Greenlogue/AP Escalating conflict involving Iran has triggered sharp volatility across global energy markets, prompting a stark warning from the United Nations’ climate leadership that the turmoil exposes structural dependence on fossil fuels and reinforces the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy systems. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, described the disruption as a clear demonstration of how geopolitical shocks tied […]

Arabian Post Special Missile and drone strikes linked to the widening confrontation around Iran have forced Gulf governments to confront a reality long considered unlikely: the region’s economic hubs, energy infrastructure and aviation networks can no longer assume insulation from large-scale conflict. Airports, oil terminals and urban centres across the Gulf have experienced disruptions as Iranian projectiles and drones targeted sites tied to military or logistical support […]

Dubai’s real estate market has begun to show signs of renewed activity even as equity investors continue to retreat from property-linked shares, highlighting a widening divide between the city’s physical property transactions and the performance of listed real estate companies on the Dubai Financial Market. Data from early March trading and transaction records point to a sharp recovery in property deals during the second week of the […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   Capital from a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has flowed into Hong Kong-based Dignari Capital Partners, strengthening investor interest in real estate-linked private credit across developed markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The commitment targets Dignari’s Asia Pacific Developed Markets Private Credit Strategy, a fund designed to finance property-related opportunities through structured lending and credit investments. The sovereign wealth fund’s wholly owned […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Human Rights Institution has issued a strong condemnation of Iranian military attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, describing the strikes as a grave violation of sovereignty and a direct threat to civilian safety and fundamental human rights. The institution said the attacks, which have involved missiles and drones striking or attempting to strike locations across the country since late February, amount to […]

Britain’s counter-drone and air-defence units have shot down multiple Iranian drones across the Gulf theatre as London expands what it describes as a strictly defensive military posture, with ministers arguing the operations are aimed at protecting British personnel, allied states and vital regional infrastructure rather than joining any offensive campaign against Tehran. The latest intercepts come as tensions around the Gulf and the wider Middle East continue […]

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Months before the current geopolitical crisis hit global markets, Asia Pacific (APAC) executives had begun shielding their businesses by shortening supply chains and focusing on regional trade. Forvis Mazars’ C-suite barometer 2026: Adapting in uncertainty shows this proactive approach, alongside with efficiency-driving AI investments, is now key to navigating today’s global challenges.
While the number of APAC leaders expecting revenue growth had dropped to 67% (down from 80% in 2025) ahead of this year, underlying business confidence had notably strengthened to 41% (up from 30% in 2025). This contrast, lower growth expectations yet stronger confidence, highlights a resilience paradox: leaders are separating financial outlook from global turmoil, actively reinventing their operations to endure anticipated shocks rather than waiting for conditions to improve.
Key findings for APAC:
  • Measured confidence amidst geopolitical volatility: Amidst ongoing geopolitical volatility, APAC leaders remain acutely aware of the shifting landscape. Notably, 29% cite geopolitical instability and social unrest as a top trend impacting their organisation over the next 12 months, outpacing the global average of 26% and tying with regulatory pressures. Consequently, growth expectations are tempered: while 83% still anticipate positive growth in 2026, this trails the global average of 92% and marks a decline from 84% in 2025.
  • Expansion turns inward: Driven by geopolitical and tariff risks, expansion plans have shifted to regional neighbours, with China (36%), Australia (29%) and Hong Kong (29%) as the top destinations.
  • AI is a net job creator: Defying global displacement fears, 43% of APAC leaders say AI has created new roles in their organisation, significantly outpacing the 28% who say it replaced them.
  • The sustainability gap: While 91% are confident in meeting reporting compliance, only 73% feel prepared to manage the actual physical impacts of climate change.
The APAC resilience paradox: Building structural resilience despite lower revenue expectations
The anticipated dip in revenue expectations was primarily driven by converging pressures that have only intensified: economic uncertainty, political instability and intensifying competition. Yet, this foresight did not dampen investment. In a clear sign that businesses are fortifying their foundations, investment in human capital remains strong across the region, with 63% of APAC respondents plan to increase spending on acquiring new talent and 68% intend to upskill their workforce.
APAC’s underlying optimism is supported by a high level of operational readiness. Even as geopolitical instability remains a top concern, 76% of executives express confidence in their organisation’s preparedness to manage it. This sentiment extends to navigating supply chain challenges (85%) and new regulatory requirements (91%), showing that leaders are turning global disruptors into manageable areas of control.

Rick Chan, Managing Partner Singapore, Head of Audit & Assurance APAC and Member of Group Governing Board, Forvis Mazars, observed, “Asia Pacific has always had to move fast. The region’s businesses are built on agility – on reading the market, adjusting quickly and staying close to customers. That DNA is proving invaluable right now. The data shows leaders are transitioning from short-term firefighting to building lasting resilience. By investing in localised supply chains and AI, they are taking highly practical steps to insulate their operations against escalating geopolitical risks and secure long-term growth.”
The strategic pivot: strengthening intra-regional trade
The barometer reveals a fundamental change in how APAC firms plan to grow. Rather than facing global trade barriers head-on, executives are pivoting to markets closer to home. The top three expansion destinationsareChina (36%), Australia (29%) and Hong Kong (29%).
This inward shift is a direct, data-driven response to rising global tensions. A striking 67% of APAC leaders who revised their expansion plans this year cited geopolitical instability as the primary driver, making it the top catalyst for changing global strategies. Furthermore, 42% cite costs and operational issues due to tariffs as their biggest challenge when entering new markets. Facing these dual threats, APAC businesses have pragmatically shortened their supply chains to secure growth in neighbouring markets where geopolitical and tariff risks are more manageable.

The growth engine: AI as a workforce catalyst
In an environment where operational margins are under pressure, AI has become a critical tool for efficiency. Notably, the data indicate that AI is a net job creator in the region. 43% of APAC C-suite leaders report that AI has already prompted the creation of new roles, compared to 28% who report job replacements.

While 47% of executives rank AI as their top technology priority, their approach is disciplined. APAC leaders are prioritising high-impact applications such as forecasting (65%), knowledge acquisition, banking and retrieval (61%), client services, recommendations, relationships (61%), and operational efficiency, including automation (60%). Interestingly, they are achieving these gains with leaner investment; 41% (versus 35% globally) allocate less than 10% of their budget to AI, suggesting a focus on cost-effective, high-return AI adoption.
The blind spot: the sustainability gap – compliance versus operational resilience
While the report highlights strategic maturity in technology and trade, it reveals a critical disconnect in sustainability. Although 91% of APAC executives express confidence in meeting sustainability reporting compliance, only 73% feel prepared to manage the actual physical and operational impacts of climate change. This disparity indicates that while they are confident in meeting regulatory expectations, the priority now is to bridge the gap between compliance and reality, specifically by strengthening supply chains and building physical resilience against tangible climate risks.
Chester Liew, Partner, Head of Risk Consulting & Sustainability, Forvis Mazars in Singapore, said, “High confidence in reporting compliance is an encouraging baseline, but paperwork does not protect operations. The foresight APAC leaders are demonstrating in navigating geopolitical risks must now be urgently applied to climate risks. With regulatory timelines providing some breathing room, the prudent next step is to pivot resources from disclosure to physical defence – ensuring that supply chains and physical assets can actually withstand extreme weather and emerging environmental shocks.”
Forvis Mazars’ 2026 C-suite barometer survey captures insights from 3,012 senior executives worldwide prior to the US-Israeli war with Iran in February 2026. This independent research was conducted in October and November 2025 and captures the views of C-suite leaders at for-profit organisations with annual revenues of over US$1 million across 40 countries, including 260 respondents from seven markets in the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Findings reflect executive sentiments at the time of fieldwork.

Hashtag: #ForvisMazars #ForvisMazarsSingapore #APACBusiness #BusinessOutlook2026 #ExecutiveInsights #LeadershipTrends #AIAdoption #DigitalTransformation #Sustainability #ClimateResilience




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

Forvis Mazars in Singapore

About Forvis Mazars in Singapore
Forvis Mazars Group SC is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading professional services network. Operating as an internationally integrated partnership in over 100 countries and territories, Forvis Mazars Group specialises in audit, tax and advisory services. The partnership draws on the expertise and cultural understanding of over 40,000 professionals across the globe to assist clients of all sizes at every stage in their development. Forvis Mazars in Singapore is part of the Forvis Mazars Group. Our clientele benefits from the combined expertise of 400+ Singapore-based professionals and our international team.

About Forvis Mazars APAC
Present in Asia Pacific since 1997, Forvis Mazars operates in more than 15 countries and territories in the region and draws on the expertise of over 10,100 professionals in more than 60 offices. We work as one integrated team, leveraging expertise, scale and cultural understanding to deliver exceptional and tailored services in audit and accounting, as well as tax, financial advisory, outsourcing, consulting, sustainability and legal services.

| |

Switzerland’s federal government is preparing to determine how much additional capital UBS Group AG must hold as regulators complete a major overhaul of banking rules following the collapse of Credit Suisse. The decision, expected in April, will set the tone for one of the most significant regulatory shifts in the country’s financial sector since the emergency takeover that reshaped Swiss banking. Authorities are weighing stricter capital requirements […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Aluminium Bahrain BSC, operator of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter, has begun a phased shutdown of part of its production capacity in an effort to conserve dwindling raw-material supplies as shipping routes in the Gulf face severe disruption. The company, widely known as Alba, confirmed that it has taken three production lines offline, representing about 19 per cent of its annual output […]

Rising oil prices linked to the war involving Iran are creating fresh economic strain for Indonesia just as millions prepare for the annual Eid al-Fitr travel surge, placing President Prabowo Subianto’s administration under mounting pressure to shield consumers from higher fuel costs.

Energy markets have been rattled by escalating conflict across the Persian Gulf, where attacks on shipping routes and oil infrastructure have disrupted global crude supplies. A large share of the world’s petroleum exports passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor connecting Gulf producers with international markets. Disruption to tanker traffic through this chokepoint has pushed benchmark crude prices sharply higher, triggering fuel price increases across Asia and raising fears of supply shortages in import-dependent economies.

Indonesia faces particular vulnerability because it relies heavily on imported energy. Around a quarter of its crude oil and roughly a third of liquefied petroleum gas supplies originate in the Middle East. Shipping disruptions in the Gulf have already complicated trade flows, with tanker movements slowed by security risks and insurance costs rising for vessels operating in the region. Market volatility has driven crude prices beyond the psychological threshold of $100 per barrel, fuelling concern that further escalation could drive them even higher.

The timing of the price shock has heightened the challenge for Jakarta. Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, triggers one of the largest annual travel movements in the country as families journey from major cities to hometowns across the archipelago. State energy company Pertamina anticipates gasoline demand during the holiday period to climb by more than 10 per cent, intensifying pressure on supply chains already strained by global market turbulence.

Authorities have attempted to reassure the public that domestic fuel supplies remain sufficient. Officials say government stockpiles and logistics networks can support the expected surge in consumption during the festive season. At the same time, policymakers have signalled that subsidised fuel prices will remain unchanged until the Eid holidays conclude, a move designed to prevent abrupt increases in transport costs during the peak travel period.

Holding prices steady carries significant fiscal implications. Indonesia already devotes substantial resources to energy subsidies, allocating more than 380 trillion rupiah in the state budget to keep fuel and electricity costs manageable for households and businesses. Sustaining those subsidies while global oil prices rise could widen the fiscal deficit or force adjustments elsewhere in the budget.

Economists warn that prolonged turbulence in global oil markets may reverberate across the broader economy. Higher crude prices increase the cost of imports and can erode Indonesia’s trade balance, particularly because the country has transitioned from being an oil exporter to a net importer over the past two decades. Analysts estimate that each $10 increase in the price of oil could shave hundreds of millions of dollars from the country’s trade surplus while raising domestic inflationary pressures.

Currency markets have already reacted to the geopolitical shock. The rupiah has faced downward pressure amid investor concerns about rising energy import costs and potential fiscal strain from expanded subsidies. A weaker currency makes fuel imports more expensive, compounding the burden on state finances and increasing the risk that domestic prices may eventually need to adjust.

Officials are exploring alternative strategies to mitigate the impact. One approach involves diversifying crude imports away from the Middle East by securing additional shipments from suppliers such as the United States and other regions less affected by the conflict. Authorities are also considering longer-term measures including accelerated blending of biofuels and the expansion of renewable energy capacity to reduce dependence on imported oil.

Energy security has become a central concern for policymakers across Southeast Asia as the Gulf crisis unfolds. Countries throughout the region rely heavily on imported petroleum and have limited capacity to absorb sustained price shocks. Governments have begun introducing conservation measures, adjusting subsidies, and seeking alternative suppliers as they attempt to stabilise domestic markets.

Indonesia’s logistical challenges are magnified by its geography. The archipelago spans more than 17,000 islands, making fuel distribution complex even during stable market conditions. Sudden shifts in global prices can ripple quickly through domestic supply chains, affecting transportation costs, food prices, and broader consumer inflation.

Political pressures add another layer of complexity for the administration. Public sensitivity to fuel prices has historically been high, and previous attempts to reduce subsidies have sparked protests and social unrest. Managing the current crisis therefore requires balancing fiscal prudence with the need to maintain social stability and support economic growth.

Market analysts say the duration of the Middle East conflict will determine how severe the economic impact becomes. If disruptions to shipping lanes and energy infrastructure persist, global crude supplies could tighten further, pushing prices to levels that strain government budgets and household finances alike. A prolonged crisis could also prompt broader shifts in energy policy, encouraging faster investment in domestic energy resources and renewable alternatives.

By K Raveendran #Oil markets have entered a phase of acute uncertainty as military escalation involving strikes on Iran and the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz begin to reverberate through global energy supply chains. Within just over a week of the disruption, more than 12 million barrels of oil equivalent per day of […]

The article Analysts See Prolonged War Cutting Up To 70% Of Crude Output appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has cut crude oil production by about two million barrels per day after shutting down major offshore fields as conflict around Iran disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the world’s largest exporter to scale back output and reroute supplies. Production has fallen to around eight million barrels per day, down from more than 10 million barrels per day earlier […]

Cuba has confirmed that discussions are under way with officials from the United States as Washington intensifies economic and diplomatic pressure on the island, raising tensions between the neighbouring nations separated by just 90 miles of water across the Florida Straits. Havana said contacts with US representatives have taken place through diplomatic channels, signalling a cautious attempt to maintain dialogue even as relations remain strained under policies […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Brent crude could average more than $100 a barrel in March as escalating conflict and shipping disruptions in the Gulf tighten global supply, according to a revised outlook from Goldman Sachs that underscores mounting volatility in energy markets. The investment bank said benchmark Brent prices are expected to average above the $100 mark during March before easing to around $85 a barrel in […]

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA