Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Havelock One Interiors has completed the full fit-out of SOCO, a new family entertainment concept developed by Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment and launched at City Centre Mirdif in Dubai, marking another high-profile addition to the region’s expanding leisure and lifestyle sector. The Bahrain-headquartered interior fit-out specialist said the project involved the turnkey delivery of a multi-zone “social jungle” environment designed to blend interactive […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Red Sea Museum will open a major exhibition titled Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea on February 25, running until May 29, 2026, placing centuries of seafaring history at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s expanding cultural agenda. Organised by the Museums Commission under the Ministry of Culture, the showcase is set to feature artefacts recovered from shipwrecks, navigational tools, archival […]
Anthropic has entered a dispute with the United States Department of Defense over the proposed military use of its flagship artificial intelligence system, Claude, underscoring a widening rift between Silicon Valley’s safety-first rhetoric and Washington’s expanding appetite for advanced AI in national security. The San Francisco-based company, founded in 2021 by former OpenAI researchers including chief executive Dario Amodei and president Daniela Amodei, has built its brand […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai AD Ports Group has reported a sharp rise in revenue and profit for the year ended 31 December 2025, underlining the resilience of Abu Dhabi’s maritime and logistics sector amid shifting global trade patterns. Preliminary unaudited results released on Friday show revenue climbed 20 per cent year on year to AED20.8 billion, while net profit rose 17 per cent to AED2.1 billion. Earnings […]
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have been thrust into a privacy storm after two Harvard students demonstrated how the device can be modified to identify strangers in real time and pull up personal information, raising fresh concerns about how wearable technology intersects with facial recognition. The students, who detailed their experiment publicly, created a system they called I-XRAY, linking Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses to facial recognition software and […]
Berlin is tightening controls on its defence sector as it expands military spending and confronts strategic risks posed by deep economic ties with China and reliance on foreign suppliers, especially from the United States. The federal government’s action reflects growing anxiety that Germany’s defence companies, including key suppliers and manufacturers, could be exposed to undue influence or supply chain disruptions if anchored too closely to geopolitical rivals. […]
Russia has moved to block WhatsApp across its territory, citing alleged breaches of domestic legislation, in a decision that signals a sharper turn towards state-aligned digital platforms and tighter control over online communications. Telecoms watchdog Roskomnadzor said access to the Meta-owned messaging service had been restricted following what officials described as repeated failures to comply with data localisation and content moderation rules. The regulator argued that foreign […]
South African share prices rose on Thursday as investors balanced optimism over global market trends with caution ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s keynote address to Parliament and the release of critical domestic economic information. The benchmark Johannesburg Stock Exchange Top-40 index climbed around 0.5 per cent during early trade, buoyed by gains in resource and financial stocks, while the rand strengthened modestly against the US dollar, reflecting […]
A team of neuroscientists has identified a protein that appears to restore the regenerative capacity of ageing brain cells, a finding that could reshape approaches to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease. Experiments show that increasing levels of the protein DMTF1 in older laboratory models revives neural stem cells that had lost their ability to renew and support memory and learning. The research, conducted by investigators at leading […]
Gold purchases across Hong Kong have gathered pace as households and small investors stock up on bullion and coins ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations, with dealers reporting brisk trade while global prices hover close to historic highs.
Retail counters in districts such as Sheung Wan, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay have seen steady queues for small bars and commemorative coins traditionally exchanged as gifts during the festive season. Traders say customers are focusing on one-tael bars and smaller denominations that are easier to present in red packets, reflecting a blend of cultural practice and financial caution.
International gold prices have been supported by expectations of looser monetary policy in major economies, persistent geopolitical tensions and sustained central bank buying. Spot prices have traded near record levels in recent weeks, reinforcing bullion’s appeal as a store of value. Silver has also drawn interest, though gold remains the dominant choice for gift-giving in Hong Kong.
Local jewellers and bullion dealers describe a noticeable shift in purchasing patterns compared with previous years marked by pandemic restrictions and subdued retail activity. Cross-border travel between Hong Kong and mainland cities has normalised, reviving tourist flows that are critical for the territory’s jewellery trade. Shop owners say visitors from across the boundary are contributing to higher volumes, particularly in high-purity investment-grade products.
Industry data from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department show that jewellery, watches and clocks sales have rebounded since border controls were lifted, though monthly figures remain sensitive to price swings. Analysts note that high gold prices can dampen jewellery demand, yet investment-led buying often offsets this when households view bullion as a hedge against currency volatility or equity market fluctuations.
The Lunar New Year period is traditionally one of the busiest seasons for precious metals across Chinese communities worldwide. Gold symbolises prosperity and good fortune, and gifting bullion is considered auspicious. Dealers in Hong Kong say that beyond cultural motivations, clients are also reacting to global uncertainties, including conflicts in the Middle East and Europe and uneven economic growth in major markets.
Bank wealth managers in the city report increased inquiries about gold-backed exchange-traded funds and structured products linked to precious metals. While retail investors still favour physical holdings for gifting, more sophisticated clients are diversifying through financial instruments. Analysts at several global banks have projected that gold could remain supported if the US Federal Reserve begins cutting interest rates later this year, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.
At the same time, some economists caution that demand could moderate if prices extend gains too rapidly. Jewellery manufacturers operate on tight margins, and elevated bullion costs can squeeze profitability or prompt consumers to reduce the weight of items purchased. Silver, which trades at a lower price point, has benefited from substitution among price-sensitive buyers, though its cultural resonance is weaker than gold’s.
Central bank purchases have emerged as a significant structural driver in the global market. Data from the World Gold Council indicate that official sector buying has reached multi-decade highs, led by emerging market institutions seeking to diversify reserves. This trend has added a floor to prices even as speculative positioning fluctuates on futures exchanges in New York and Shanghai.
Hong Kong’s role as a conduit for precious metals into mainland markets remains important, despite structural shifts in trade flows over the past decade. The territory’s free-port status and established refining and logistics infrastructure continue to attract regional trading activity. Market participants say that any sustained premium between onshore and offshore prices can influence cross-border arbitrage and inventory movements.
Currency dynamics also play a role. The Hong Kong dollar’s peg to the US dollar means local bullion prices closely track movements in the greenback. A softer US currency typically supports higher gold prices globally, while a stronger dollar can temper gains. For residents holding savings in local currency, gold’s performance is effectively tied to broader US monetary policy.
Retailers note that beyond bars and coins, demand for lightweight jewellery pieces suitable for gifting children has risen. Designers are incorporating zodiac motifs for the coming year, adding a seasonal dimension to sales. Some shops have introduced limited-edition products to capitalise on festive sentiment, combining craftsmanship with investment appeal.
Apple has secured a patent outlining a flexible database architecture that could alter the direction of its productivity and data management software, including FileMaker and the iWork suite, while signalling a more assertive move into structured enterprise data. The patent, published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, describes a system capable of handling dynamic schemas, varied data types and adaptive query mechanisms. Rather than relying […]
RIYADH – Ruyah Faidah (Vision Plus), the Saudi subsidiary of the digital tech leader 3D Factory Korea, has reached a historic milestone with its landmark project atop Al-Hada Mountain. The company announced today that the installation has received official pre-approval from Guinness World Records for the “World’s Highest Mountain Media Facade.” Standing at an altitude of 1,738 meters, the massive digital installation functions as a strategic “digital […]
Food queues are lengthening, blackouts are stretching into the night and petrol stations stand dry across Cuba as tighter US sanctions and a collapse in tourism compound a severe fuel shortage, pushing daily life on the island towards what many residents describe as a breaking point. Authorities in Havana have acknowledged acute constraints on diesel and petrol supplies, attributing the shortfall to tougher enforcement of US measures […]
By Nantoo Banerjee The excitement over the finalization of the first tranche of the Indo-US trade deal during last weekend after months of negotiations and uncertainties may be irrational, if not too early, as it remains unclear about the US attitude towards India’s multi-alignment global trade and economic strategy combining countries such as Russia and […]
A courtroom in Santa Fe has become the focal point of a high-stakes test of whether a social media company can be held liable for product design choices that prosecutors say enabled the sexual exploitation of minors. New Mexico’s civil case against Meta Platforms has reached trial, marking the first time a US state attorney general’s action over child safety on a major platform has been argued […]
From Routine Check-ups to Advanced Endoscopy: Building a “Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery” Lifeline for Every Stage of a Pet’s Life
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – As a leading animal medical institution in Hong Kong, the Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC) has always been committed to providing the most comprehensive and reliable health protection for pets. To further enhance its “General Family Vet” care experience, VEC is pleased to announce the official appointment of Dr. Martin, a professional general practitioner. Dr. Martin will lead a wide range of outpatient services, covering everything from routine physical examinations, dental care, and geriatric/pediatric care to advanced endoscopic procedures. This appointment reinforces VEC’s one-stop health commitment of “from prevention to recovery,” serving as a trusted medical backbone for pet owners.
VEC is dedicated to integrating its professional 24-hour emergency mechanism with in-depth general care. Equipped with advanced medical systems—including sophisticated operating theaters, Intensive Care Units (ICU), and CT scanners—VEC ensures precision in every step from routine screenings to deep diagnostics. Through a rigorous triage process, the centre can immediately respond to emergencies such as accidental ingestion of foreign objects, ensuring no delay in life-saving treatment. This round-the-clock intensive care capability provides the most stable support for endoscopy, dental care, and soft tissue surgery, achieving seamless protection from preventive medicine to the recovery phase.
Starting from Prevention: Building a Health Defense Line for the Entire Life Cycle
VEC’s professional dental care services for cats and dogs aim to maintain healthy teeth and gums, ensuring pets live longer and healthier lives. Many pet owners may be unaware that dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets; up to 80% of dogs and cats begin to suffer from dental problems around the age of three. Dental disease not only causes discomfort but can also allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, leading to more serious conditions such as kidney, heart, and metabolic diseases.
Regular dental care helps prevent various health issues and reduces the risk of pain or gum infections. Early detection of dental problems significantly improves a pet’s quality of life. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Martin excels at handling the diverse care needs of pets from puppy/kittenhood to their senior years. He firmly believes that excellent medical care should not stop at “treatment” but must begin with “prevention.”
“The role of a general family vet is to accompany pets through every stage of their lives,” says Dr. Martin. “Through regular physical exams, oral care, and ultrasound monitoring, we can detect potential health risks early and intervene before a disease develops. This not only alleviates the pet’s suffering but also significantly enhances their quality of life.” Dr. Martin also reminds pet owners: “Prevention is better than cure. Owners should pay attention to subtle but persistent changes in daily life, such as appetite, water intake, weight, and behavior patterns. These are often the most overlooked aspects of a health check-up.”
Case Study: Advanced Endoscopy Saves Pet from Major Surgery
Dr. Martin holds a keen interest in endoscopy and soft tissue surgery, utilizing advanced equipment for precise diagnosis. He recently handled a memorable emergency case involving Taro, a mischievous Jack Russell Terrier. While his owner was playing a board game, Taro curiously swallowed a die, leading to immediate vomiting and loss of appetite.
Facing this critical situation, Dr. Martin leveraged his clinical experience to perform an endoscopic procedure during the “golden window” of time. This allowed him to successfully retrieve the foreign object from Taro without the need for invasive surgery, avoiding the trauma and risks associated with traditional laparotomy. Taro recovered rapidly after the procedure and was able to return home the same day.
Dr. Martin’s diagnostic and treatment philosophy aligns perfectly with VEC’s core values. Supported by VEC’s robust 24-hour emergency infrastructure and high-end equipment, Dr. Martin provides immediate, high-level endoscopic treatment for sudden cases like Taro’s, saving critical time and reducing the risks associated with hospital transfers.
Seamless Trilingual Communication: Caring for the Vet-Patient Relationship with a “Family-First” Heart
Beyond his medical expertise, Dr. Martin’s linguistic advantages provide transparency and psychological support for pet owners. Graduating from the University of Edinburgh in 2018, Dr. Martin is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Not only can he manage various soft tissue surgeries and endoscopic treatments, but his “internal and external” versatility allows him to communicate accurately and warmly with pet owners from diverse backgrounds, helping them choose the most suitable treatment plans.
He practices medicine under the philosophy of “Caring for pets and owners with a family-first heart.” Dr. Martin believes that effective communication can alleviate the anxiety owners feel when their pets are ill, building a deep bond of trust. “I hope every owner who enters the consultation room can feel the sincerity of ‘treating pets as our own,’” he adds. “When we treat patients as family, the diagnosis becomes deeper and the treatment warmer.” This human-centric communication model helps address not only the pet’s physiological pain but also supports the owner through the ups and downs of the treatment process.
By combining VEC’s powerful hardware and 24-hour emergency system with compassionate, detailed communication, the addition of Dr. Martin ensures that the “General Family Vet” experience remains person-centered, helping pet families build a stronger and more transparent health defense line.
VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre (Belcher’s Street) Address: Shop B2-C, G/F, Luen Wai San Chuen, 136-142 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Scope of Service: Open 24/7, providing 24-hour emergency and inpatient services, house-call services, and professional support for emergencies at any time.
VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre (Davis Street) Address: Shop C & H, G/F, Luen Kee San Chuen, 9-9C Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Scope of Service: Providing specialized internal medicine, various surgical and orthopedic procedures, and outpatient services.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre
VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre possesses advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Our team is comprised of experts certified by the Veterinary Surgeons Board, registered veterinarians, and professionally trained staff. We provide excellence in medical services, covering various specialties, surgery (including cardiology), and animal acupuncture to meet every need of your pets.
Bluesky has introduced a drafts feature that allows users to save unfinished posts on their own devices, a change that closes one of the most noticeable gaps between the decentralised network and larger rivals while signalling that the platform is shifting from experimental roots towards day-to-day usability. The update enables posts to be paused and resumed without being published, a basic function long taken for granted […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi’s economy gathered pace in the third quarter of 2025 as real GDP reached 325.7 billion dirhams, equivalent to $88.68 billion, marking a year-on-year expansion of 7.7%, official data showed, underlining the emirate’s continued shift towards a broader growth base even as hydrocarbons remain a central pillar. Figures released by the Abu Dhabi Statistics Centre indicated that the non-oil economy expanded by […]
A sweeping showcase of colour, handwork and heritage brought Dubai Fashion Week to a close on Friday as designer Manish Malhotra presented a collection framed as a tribute to India’s artistic traditions, placing couture craft at the centre of the region’s fast-growing luxury calendar. Staged as the final show of the season, the presentation unfolded as a polished runway narrative that blended formal silhouettes with ornate surface […]
Bitcoin has surrendered all the gains it notched after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, sliding amid thin liquidity and shifting expectations over US monetary policy, a move that has unsettled broader digital asset markets and revived questions about the sector’s resilience in a tightening financial environment. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell below $61,000 during the week, a level last seen before Trump’s election victory, before […]
Supreme Court scrutiny of WhatsApp’s data practices intensified as the top court questioned whether the messaging platform’s policies align with constitutional guarantees on privacy and informed consent, while warning its parent company that operating in the country requires adherence to domestic law. The bench’s observations came amid an ongoing legal challenge to the 2021 privacy policy and regulatory penalties that have placed Meta and WhatsApp under sustained pressure from both courts and competition authorities.
At the centre of the proceedings is the 2021 update to WhatsApp’s terms, which expanded data-sharing with its parent entity, Meta Platforms. Petitioners have argued that the policy compelled users to accept broader data sharing to continue using the service, undermining free consent and diluting privacy protections recognised as a fundamental right. Judges asked pointed questions on whether users were given a genuine choice, and whether the policy met standards set by constitutional jurisprudence on proportionality and necessity.
The court also weighed in on enforcement actions taken by competition regulators, including a penalty of Rs 213 crore imposed for alleged abuse of market dominance through the policy change. While the competition case proceeds separately, the bench indicated that regulatory findings cannot be viewed in isolation when fundamental rights are implicated. The judges sought clarity on how WhatsApp segregates user data, what information is shared across Meta’s ecosystem, and whether safeguards claimed by the company are verifiable in practice.
During the hearing, the bench underlined that digital platforms operating at scale must respect constitutional norms. A warning was issued that companies unwilling to comply with domestic law cannot insist on unfettered market access. The remark was interpreted as a signal that economic presence does not confer immunity from judicial scrutiny, especially when services have become essential communication infrastructure for millions.
WhatsApp, represented by senior counsel, maintained that the 2021 update did not expand data sharing with Meta for personal messaging, stressing that end-to-end encryption remains intact. The company argued that the policy clarified existing practices related to business messaging and interoperability, and that users who did not accept the update could continue using core features for a limited period. Counsel also pointed to privacy controls and transparency reports as evidence of compliance.
Judges, however, questioned whether technical assurances suffice when consent mechanisms are contested. They asked if an opt-out that effectively restricts service access can be considered voluntary, and whether users were adequately informed of the scope and implications of data sharing. The court referenced earlier rulings that emphasise informed consent as a cornerstone of data protection, especially where asymmetry of power exists between platforms and users.
The case unfolds against a broader regulatory backdrop. A comprehensive digital personal data protection framework is being operationalised, setting clearer obligations for consent, purpose limitation and data minimisation. While the new regime applies prospectively, the court signalled that constitutional standards apply regardless of statutory timelines. The bench noted that platform conduct during transitional periods remains subject to judicial review.
Industry observers say the proceedings could have ripple effects across the technology sector. Messaging and social media platforms rely on integrated data ecosystems to monetise services, particularly through business messaging and targeted advertising. Judicial insistence on granular consent and strict separation of data could require costly re-engineering of systems and clearer disclosures to users.
For Meta, the stakes extend beyond this single policy. The company has faced competition probes and content moderation challenges across multiple jurisdictions, reflecting a global push to rein in Big Tech. A strong judicial stance in one of its largest markets may influence how policies are drafted elsewhere, especially in countries with robust constitutional privacy protections.
Hundreds of previously unknown marine species have been identified on the deep Pacific seabed after scientists completed one of the most detailed biological surveys ever conducted in waters now being eyed for mineral extraction, raising fresh questions over how mining could alter a largely unexplored ecosystem. The findings stem from a five-year international research effort that logged more than 160 days at sea, focusing on remote stretches […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gold prices have swung with an intensity more often associated with speculative equities, unsettling investors who have long treated the metal as a steady store of value. Sharp intraday moves, rapid reversals and heavy retail participation have given bullion trading a momentum-driven character that echoes the behaviour of so-called meme stocks, challenging assumptions about how gold responds to risk, inflation and monetary policy. […]
A coordinated cyber-espionage campaign attributed to the Chollima advanced persistent threat group has drawn attention from security researchers after attackers used malicious Windows shortcut files to deliver a multi-stage malware payload aimed at activists and analysts tracking North Korea. Investigations show the operation unfolded in March 2025 and targeted individuals engaged in policy research, human rights advocacy and security analysis related to the Korean peninsula. The […]
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