Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A drone strike triggered a fire at a fuel tank terminal in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi’s industrial zone, prompting an emergency response that authorities said brought the situation under control without disrupting operations. Abu Dhabi’s media office stated that local authorities dealt swiftly with the blaze after a drone targeted the facility. The fire was contained and no injuries were reported. Officials added that […]
Trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market will pause on Monday and Tuesday after the Securities and Commodities Authority announced a temporary closure of the country’s capital markets amid heightened regional uncertainty. The regulator confirmed that activity across the UAE’s bourses will be suspended on 2 and 3 March 2026, adding that it is closely following developments in the region and will […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Amazon’s cloud operations in the United Arab Emirates were hit by power and connectivity failures after unidentified objects struck a data centre site, triggering a fire that forced authorities to cut electricity to parts of the facility and disrupting services across the region. Amazon Web Services, the cloud-computing arm of Amazon, said on its public status page that two clusters of data centres […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE has activated an advanced national crisis management system aligned with international standards, according to Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, Chairman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, outlining a coordinated action plan designed to strengthen preparedness and response across federal and local entities. Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Al Neyadi detailed how the authority’s integrated framework brings together early warning mechanisms, unified […]
Huawei is set to announce an open-source project centred on its A2A-T software, a move designed to accelerate the adoption of agent-to-agent communication standards across enterprise and industrial ecosystems. The Shenzhen-based technology group has indicated that the A2A-T framework will be made available to developers and research institutions under an open governance model, allowing external contributors to refine and extend the protocol stack. The initiative is positioned […]
Kenya’s government has moved to repurchase about $415 million of its outstanding Eurobonds due in 2028 and 2032, a strategic manoeuvre designed to ease looming repayment pressures and recalibrate the nation’s external debt profile. The tender offer, which attracted substantial investor interest, comes amid broader efforts to manage refinancing risk and sustain fiscal stability as the East African economy navigates tight debt dynamics. Officials confirmed that all […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Metal Park, the integrated downstream metals ecosystem based in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, has entered a strategic agreement with Germany’s Frindt Consulting to roll out digital laser cutting services aimed at reshaping fabrication workflows across the Gulf. The collaboration is designed to embed advanced digital platforms into Metal Park’s production network, enabling automated order processing, real-time design optimisation and precision-driven laser cutting […]
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi has signed a 50-year land lease agreement with Galadari Brothers’ Heavy Equipment Division to develop a large-scale logistics and distribution hub at KEZAD A in Al Ma’mourah, marking another long-term industrial commitment within Abu Dhabi’s flagship manufacturing and trade zone. The agreement covers a 150,000 square metre plot and represents an investment of AED75 million by Galadari to establish a purpose-built facility […]
Ellah Lakes Plc, the Lagos-listed agro-industrial group, confirmed its bid to raise up to ₦235 billion through a public offer for subscription did not reach the minimum subscription threshold required to proceed with share allotment, leading to a full refund of investor funds. The offer, which targeted up to 18.8 billion ordinary shares priced at ₦12.50 each, opened in November and closed in December but failed to […]
Mr Chan said Hong Kong would be stepping up support measures such as computing power, land and capital, to enhance the city’s influence as a global source of original innovation.”Hong Kong’s strengths in innovative scientific research and commercialisation of research outcomes lie in our internationalised qualities, strong research capabilities, support of financial sector and a rich pool of high-calibre talents,” Mr Chan said.
He added that the Government is pressing ahead with the industrialisation of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepening its integration across various industries, while encouraging wider AI application, referred to as AI+, with an initial focus on life and health technology and embodied AI.
“I will establish and chair the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy to formulate strategies and create favourable conditions for AI to empower the transformation and development of industries,” Mr Chan said.
“We are making proactive efforts to align with the National AI+ Initiative by promoting ‘industries for AI’ and ‘AI for industries’ through application.”
The Financial Secretary highlighted that the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute Company Limited will come into operation in the second half of this year, to promote AI+ development and transformation of R&D outcomes and advise the Government on relevant matters.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, echoed the need for holistic development of AI+ development. “When you talk about AI, you cannot just talk about AI research, or just talk about the infrastructure, we have to do it together. Actually, that is what we have been doing in the past three years. Everything is very important.”
Central to the Government’s efforts in promoting I&T is the San Tin Technopole area in the Northern Metropolis development.
“The San Tin Technopole will provide a large piece of land which can help accelerate the commercialisation of R&D results and provide industrial space for prototyping, pilot and mass production,” Mr Chan said. He proposed injecting $10 billion (US$1.28 billion) as initial capital to take forward the development, while leveraging market resources to accelerate the progress.
Mr Chan also earmarked $10 billion (US$1.28 billion) to accelerate the development of the Hetao Hong Kong Park by engaging the market to speed up the disposal of the remaining land parcels under Phase 1 development, providing key infrastructure, further strengthening support to start-ups and establishing a venture fund.
Mr Chan set aside about $220 million (US$28 million) to establish in Hong Kong the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside the Chinese Mainland. This, he said, reflects the Government’s commitment to implementing the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation signed with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to promote industrial collaboration.
The Budget also sets out support measures for various technology-related emerging industries. Among them is the aerospace industry. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises will take the lead to identify aerospace enterprises to develop in Hong Kong. Also, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited would review the relevant listing requirements to facilitate and attract the listing of aerospace enterprises in Hong Kong.
Noting that low earth orbit satellites can support the development of high-end industries, Mr Chan said the Government would proactively expand telecommunications infrastructure, streamline the relevant licensing regime and promote future 6G applications.
Meanwhile, the $10 billion (US$1.28 billion) Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, introduced by the Government to channel market capital to invest in emerging fields of strategic importance, such as life and health technology, AI and robotics, as well as future industries, is expected to commence operation within this year.
“The key is to popularise the understanding and use of AI by all levels of society,” Mr Chan said.
Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #Budget #Innovation #Technology #AI
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Gold prices firmed in early trade on Thursday as a softer dollar and renewed demand for defensive assets lent support, with investors assessing signals from Washington on tariffs and monitoring diplomatic exchanges between the United States and Iran. Spot gold rose 0.4 per cent to $5,192.28 per ounce by 0500 GMT, extending gains after touching a more than three-week high earlier in the week. US gold futures […]
Abu Dhabi recorded a sharp rise in new business licences during 2025, underscoring continued momentum in the emirate’s drive to broaden its non-oil economy and attract private investment. The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, the regulatory arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said new economic licences climbed 29 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024. Renewed licences rose 20 per cent over the same period, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has appointed a syndicate of international and regional banks to lead its first sovereign bond sale of 2026, launching a dual-tranche, dollar-denominated benchmark with initial price thoughts set at 50 basis points over US Treasuries for five years and 55 basis points for 10 years. The transaction marks the emirate’s opening return to global capital markets this year and is structured […]
UAE and Czech Republic have stepped up efforts to widen economic cooperation across advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital industries, with ministers from both countries reviewing a slate of joint projects targeted for rollout in 2026. Talks between UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela focused on expanding collaboration in sectors described as central to the […]
The theme of the 2026-27 Budget, the fourth Budget of the current-term Government, is “Driving High-quality, Inclusive Growth with Innovation and Finance”.
“Over the past year, as a result of the booming economy and capital market, our tax revenue has increased. Coupled with the reinforced fiscal consolidation programme gradually bearing fruit, our public finances have improved sooner than expected,” Mr Chan said.
The Financial Secretary revealed that Hong Kong’s Consolidated Account was expected to register a surplus of $2.9 billion in the current fiscal year, instead of a deficit of about $67 billion as originally estimated. The Operating Account for 2025-26, which was originally estimated to record a deficit of about $3 billion, will register a surplus of $51.3 billion, he said.
It was also confirmed that Hong Kong’s economy expanded by 3.5% in 2025, with growth forecast to be between 2.5% and 3.5% for 2026.
Mr Chan noted that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and he stressed the need for Hong Kong to actively align with the Plan.
“Our country’s sustained high-standard two-way opening-up, coupled with scientific and technological innovation, have presented us with new opportunities,” he said. “We must embrace the 15th Five-Year Plan with an innovative mindset, fostering new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions.”
Mr Chan set out a series of measures to drive I&T development, including establishing the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy; taking forward the Sandy Ridge data facility cluster project; promoting AI training; and accelerating digital intelligence transformation of the Government.
“We are pressing ahead with the industrialisation of AI and deepening its integration across various industries, while encouraging wider AI application, thereby achieving the target of adoption and utilisation by all,” he said.
The International Clinical Trial Academy will, he said, also be established to help enable the Chinese Mainland’s biomedicine technology to go global, attract foreign investment, and help develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.
To facilitate the development of new industrialisation, the Budget has earmarked resources for establishing in Hong Kong the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside the Mainland, and the New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme will be launched.
The Government will promote the full integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation through key infrastructure, including the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and the San Tin Technopole in the Northern Metropolis.
To support financial services, Hong Kong will proactively align with national development strategies, advance the internationalisation of the Renminbi, and continuously reform the securities market.
The Government will legislate this year to enhance tax regimes for family offices and funds, as well as establish licensing regimes for digital asset dealing and custodian service providers.
“Despite the complex and ever-changing external environment, Hong Kong’s financial market has performed strongly and our financial system remains robust,” Mr Chan said. “We will continue to consolidate our existing strengths, tap into emerging fields, strengthen market systems and risk control and deepen financial co-operation in the GBA (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area).”
Noting that Hong Kong saw a year-on-year 12 per cent increase in visitor arrivals last year, which had created business and job opportunities for related sectors, the Budget will allocate $1.66 billion (US$212 million) to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
“The HKTB will scale up its flagship events and promotion, introducing new elements and extending event duration, and organise more signature festive events to highlight Hong Kong’s East-meets-West uniqueness,” Mr Chan said.
The Budget also earmarks an additional funding of $1 billion (US$128 million) for the Built Heritage Conservation Fund to enrich city culture. Elsewhere, the Government will launch the Northern Metropolis Urban-rural Integration Fund as a pilot scheme to support rural tourism projects.
To further promote sports development in Hong Kong, the Financial Secretary will inject $1.2 billion (US$154 million) to the sports portion of the Arts and Sports Development Fund.
Mr Chan said that the global environment has remained volatile over the past year, and Hong Kong has continued to undergo economic transformation.
“Technological innovation, in particular the development of AI, has brought us a mix of opportunities and challenges. Yet, Hong Kong has always thrived amid changes and progressed through innovation. We must make full use of our strengths and leverage the resolute support of our country to speed up and scale up our economic development sustainably for creating better development opportunities for the people and enhancing their quality of life,” Mr Chan said.
For more details on the 2026-27 Budget, click here.
Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #Budget #Inclusive #Growth #Innovation #Finance
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/https://x.com/Brand_HK/https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isdhttps://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi has launched construction of a AED150 million baby food manufacturing facility aimed at strengthening food security, expanding local production and easing supply concentration risks in the Gulf’s infant nutrition market. The project, located within KEZAD’s industrial ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, is expected to produce a range of infant and toddler nutrition products, including powdered milk formula and fortified […]
Hyundai Motor Group has proposed establishing hydrogen fuel-cell infrastructure across Canada as part of South Korea’s effort to secure a multibillion-dollar contract to build a new class of submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy, executives involved in the bid have said. The move, designed to appeal to Ottawa’s focus on broader industrial benefits beyond defence capabilities, envisages hydrogen production and refuelling corridors that could serve heavy-duty transport […]
Vast peatlands beneath the Congo Basin’s blackwater lakes are releasing carbon that has been locked away for millennia, according to new scientific findings that raise fresh concerns about the stability of one of the planet’s largest tropical carbon stores. Researchers studying Africa’s most extensive tropical peat complex have identified that a notable share of carbon dioxide escaping from the region’s dark, tannin-rich lakes originates from ancient peat […]
By Nitya Chakraborty Only a week has passed since the BNP supremo Tarique Rahman has taken over as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh after the resounding victory of his party in the February 12 national elections. The 60 year old PM who is back to the country after an exile of 17 years in Britain, […]
The article US-China Rivalry Suddenly Intensifies In Bangladesh As Tarique Takes Over As PM appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Matein Khalid I dedicate this post to my dear friend Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah who has Ferrari in his spirit, bloodstream as well as in his garages. I went gaga on the Ferrari IPO in 2015 as I viewed the world’s preeminent luxury car maker as unique since it restricted supply to an elite global community rather than peddled product to any joe who could afford a […]
Nordic data centre operator atNorth has confirmed plans to develop a 300MW high-density colocation campus in Sollefteå Municipality, Sweden, marking one of the largest artificial intelligence-focused infrastructure projects announced in the region. The facility, to be built at the Hamre Industrial Park, is scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2028. Company executives said the campus is designed to meet accelerating demand for AI and […]
Producer prices in the Republic of Korea rose for a fifth straight month in January, driven by firmer semiconductor prices and higher agricultural costs, according to central bank data that point to lingering pipeline inflation pressures in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Figures released by the Bank of Korea showed the producer price index increased on both a monthly and annual basis, extending a run of gains that began in early autumn. Officials attributed the latest rise largely to a rebound in memory chip prices and elevated food-related costs, reflecting supply constraints and weather-related disruptions.
Semiconductors, a cornerstone of the country’s export-led economy, played a decisive role. Prices for key memory products, including DRAM and NAND flash, strengthened as global demand for data centres and artificial intelligence applications continued to absorb inventories. After a prolonged downturn that weighed on manufacturing output through 2023, chipmakers have benefited from tighter supply and renewed investment in high-performance computing, pushing upstream prices higher.
Industry analysts say the upturn in chip prices has filtered through supply chains, lifting overall producer prices even as energy costs have remained comparatively stable. Manufacturing accounts for a substantial share of Korea’s producer basket, meaning swings in technology components can exert an outsized influence on headline figures.
Agricultural products also recorded notable gains. Unfavourable weather conditions and higher input costs contributed to increases in fruit, vegetable and livestock prices. Food-related producer costs are closely watched because they can pass through to consumer prices with a lag, particularly in a country where household spending on fresh produce forms a visible part of the inflation basket.
The latest data suggest cost pressures remain uneven across sectors. While energy prices have moderated from peaks seen after geopolitical disruptions in global oil and gas markets, certain industrial materials and processed foods have shown persistent firmness. Service-sector producer prices, including transport and logistics, have also edged higher, reflecting wage adjustments and operating expenses.
Economists note that sustained increases in producer prices can eventually feed into consumer inflation, although the transmission is neither automatic nor immediate. Consumer price growth has eased from multi-year highs reached in 2022, but remains sensitive to food and housing costs. The central bank has kept its benchmark interest rate at a restrictive level since early 2023 in a bid to anchor inflation expectations and support financial stability.
Policy deliberations in Seoul have balanced the need to contain price pressures against concerns over slowing domestic demand and household debt. Export performance has improved alongside the semiconductor recovery, yet construction activity and private consumption have shown mixed signals. A continued rise in producer prices may complicate the timing of any monetary easing, particularly if global commodity prices remain volatile.
The global context adds another layer of uncertainty. Demand for advanced chips linked to artificial intelligence has bolstered Korea’s trade outlook, but cyclical risks persist in other manufacturing segments, including petrochemicals and steel. At the same time, agricultural markets remain exposed to climate variability, which can amplify price swings and affect food security.
Market participants are closely monitoring whether the current producer price trend represents a stabilisation after last year’s weakness or the beginning of a more entrenched cost cycle. Some analysts argue that the semiconductor rebound is structural, underpinned by sustained capital expenditure in cloud infrastructure and next-generation devices. Others caution that technology demand can be volatile, and that inventory adjustments may re-emerge later in the year.
For policymakers, the composition of producer price growth is as important as the headline number. Increases concentrated in export-oriented sectors may bolster corporate earnings and investment, whereas broad-based gains across consumer-linked industries could signal renewed inflationary momentum. The central bank has indicated it will continue to assess data on prices, wages and growth before making any shift in its policy stance.
Businesses, meanwhile, face decisions on whether to absorb higher input costs or pass them on to customers. Large technology firms may have greater pricing power in global markets, but small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in food processing and retail supply chains, operate on thinner margins.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will lead a delegation of 21 Hong Kong tech companies and institutions to showcase at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026—the world’s premier connectivity event, and debut at 4 Years From Now (4YFN) 2026—a global stage for start-ups, taking place concurrently 2-5 March in Barcelona, Spain.
Building on the momentum from MWC 2025—the Delegation will be featuring solutions beyond the Connectivity category, covering focus areas across Devices and Systems, Digital Transformation and support from Ecosystem Partners. The Pavilion duet ought to give a more comprehensive picture of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities in engaging global telecom leaders, enterprise decision-makers, industry partners, and investors, bridging cutting-edge research and development (R&D) into real-world applications and propelling Hong Kong’s I&T sector onto the international stage.
Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development, HKSTP said, “MWC is a global bellwether for communications technology and tech companies at any stage, to connect with the industry and investors, to have a solid ground that validate solutions, catalyse pilot projects, accelerate commercialisation, and scale internationally.”
Iris Wong, Director, Merchandise Trade and Innovation / Director, External Relations, HKTDC, said, “The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is an ideal platform for Hong Kong tech enterprises to present their latest R&D achievements at major international tech gatherings, support their journey to explore overseas markets, while highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths as an international innovation and technology hub.”
A series of dialogues and exchanges, spanning from networking reception and themed talks to pitching sessions, will take place throughout the events at the Pavilion to facilitate partnerships and investment opportunities for innovative solutions that are market-ready with high potential for market expansion, in particular, Asmote and Cresento under “Connectivity” make stellar examples of the notion:
HKSTP continues to join hands with HKTDC to support Hong Kong tech enterprises to “go global” by jointly organising the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion to build bridges linking tech companies with the world. This expedites the industry’s progress in internationalisation to meet the growing demand for I&T globally. This will attract talents, facilitate forward-looking investments and explore opportunities globally, realising the mission of entrepreneurs to reach out to the world and further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T hub.
Mobile World Congress Barcelona (MWC) & 4 Years From Now (4YFN)
Date: 2-5 March 2026
Venue: Fira Gran Via, Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Hong Kong Tech Pavilion:
MWC – Booth 6E44 at Hall 6
4YFN – Booth 8.1B31 at Hall 8.1
Please visit https://bit.ly/MWC2026HKTech for more information on Hong Kong Tech Pavilion and the exhibitors.
Appendix: Full list of 21 tech entities showcasing at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion during MWC and 4YFN 2026 (in alphabetical order)
| No. | Name of Tech Company / Institution | Category |
| MWC 2026 – Booth 6E44 at Hall 6 | ||
| 1 | Entoptica Limited | Devices & Systems |
| 2 | eSIX | Connectivity |
| 3 | Faraconix Technologies Co., Ltd. | Connectivity |
| 4 | FreightAmigo Services Limited | Digital Transformation |
| 5 | Glassdio Scientific Company Limited | Connectivity |
| 6 | Harvest Elite International Limited | Digital Transformation |
| 7 | HongKong Umedia Limited | Devices & Systems |
| 8 | iASPEC Services Limited | Digital Transformation |
| 9 | InvestHK | Ecosystem Partners |
| 10 | Robocore Technology Limited | Devices & Systems |
| 11 | Shannon & Turing Technology Limited | Connectivity |
| 12 | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University | Ecosystem Partners |
| 13 | Xeroptix Technology | Devices & Systems |
| 4YFN 2026 – Booth 8.1B31 at Hall 8.1 | ||
| 14 | AIGM Limited | Digital Transformation |
| 15 | BWSea Technology (HK) Co., Limited | Digital Transformation |
| 16 | Cresento Limited | Devices & Systems |
| 17 | GoGoChart Technology Limited | Digital Transformation |
| 18 | HairCoSys Limited | Devices & Systems |
| 19 | KNQ Technology Limited | Digital Transformation |
| 20 | Solos Technology Limited | Devices & Systems |
| 21 | Vista Innotech Limited | Devices & Systems |
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org
By Nantoo Banerjee The global AI impact summit 2026 in Delhi, last week, couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time when the world continues to be somewhat skeptical about adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its limitations and potential consequences. Thanks to the pioneering effort by firms such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta and […]
The article India Should Adopt ‘Trustworthy’ AI Tools To Stay Safe And Transparent appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
