News related to
Operations

Cohere has raised $500 million in new funding, propelling its valuation to an impressive $6.8 billion as the company accelerates its push to reshape enterprise AI. This significant investment will bolster its efforts to expand its security-first agentic AI platform, a product designed to enhance organizational productivity through advanced, secure artificial intelligence. The AI sector has seen rapid growth over the last few years, with businesses increasingly […]

Samsung has commenced local production of laptops in India, marking a significant shift in its manufacturing strategy. The move follows growing trends in the global tech industry, where companies are increasingly decentralising their manufacturing to cater to regional markets and mitigate supply chain risks. The tech giant’s decision to set up its laptop assembly line in India comes as part of a broader push to diversify its production capabilities and tap into the country’s emerging manufacturing ecosystem.

The new facility, which is located in Noida, is expected to meet rising demand for Samsung laptops in India and other parts of Asia. The plant will focus on assembling a range of models, from entry-level to premium devices, with an emphasis on enhancing the supply of high-performance laptops. By doing so, Samsung aims to capitalise on the Indian government’s incentive schemes aimed at boosting local manufacturing and creating jobs in the sector.

India has become an increasingly attractive destination for global manufacturers due to its robust infrastructure, competitive labour costs, and a growing pool of skilled engineers and technicians. Samsung’s decision to invest in local laptop production highlights the country’s status as a strategic hub for tech companies looking to scale operations. The move also aligns with the Indian government’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing leader under the “Make in India” initiative, which encourages foreign companies to establish production bases in the country.

The South Korean company has been investing heavily in India over the past few years, with a significant focus on expanding its footprint in consumer electronics, particularly smartphones. The expansion of laptop production further strengthens its position in the Indian market, where the demand for personal computing devices has been steadily increasing. India, with its young population and rapid digitalisation, presents a lucrative market for tech companies. By establishing local manufacturing units, Samsung can not only meet this demand more effectively but also potentially lower the cost of its devices by reducing import duties and other logistical expenses.

Samsung’s Noida plant will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, allowing the company to ensure that its laptops meet international quality standards. The facility is expected to produce several million units annually, with an eye on both the domestic and export markets. This localisation strategy is expected to significantly cut down on shipping costs and delivery times, giving Samsung a competitive edge over other international brands that continue to import their devices into the country.

The move comes at a time when India is becoming increasingly attractive to global technology firms. Companies like Apple, Dell, and HP have already ramped up their manufacturing presence in India in recent years. India’s well-established electronics sector, supported by the government’s push to improve infrastructure and streamline regulatory processes, has led to a surge in foreign direct investment in the country’s tech manufacturing ecosystem.

Samsung’s expansion into laptop production also reflects the growing importance of India in the global supply chain. The country’s status as a low-cost production base, combined with its large consumer market, makes it an attractive location for companies looking to avoid the risks associated with heavy dependence on single countries, such as China. By shifting some of its manufacturing operations to India, Samsung can reduce its exposure to potential disruptions in China, which has long been the dominant player in global electronics manufacturing.

This shift is also likely to have broader implications for the Indian tech industry. With global giants like Samsung setting up local production lines, it is expected that the country will see an increase in the number of skilled jobs in the tech sector. Additionally, the growing demand for locally manufactured devices may spur innovation in the country’s tech ecosystem, encouraging the development of homegrown talent and technologies. This would not only strengthen India’s position as a manufacturing hub but also lay the foundation for the growth of its own tech startups.

Dubai Metro has taken a significant step forward with the integration of artificial intelligence into its operational maintenance model, marking a notable enhancement in its rail system’s efficiency and safety protocols. The shift to AI-powered solutions aims to revolutionise how maintenance is approached, ensuring quicker response times and more proactive management of the city’s rapidly expanding metro infrastructure.

The new AI technology focuses on automating the detection of faults and predicting potential breakdowns before they occur. This shift towards predictive maintenance is in line with Dubai’s wider goals of improving transportation infrastructure through innovation. AI’s role in this transformation goes beyond simply automating tasks; it serves as a core tool in enabling more intelligent decision-making for the Dubai Metro’s operations.

With a network that spans 75 kilometres and operates across multiple lines, the Dubai Metro has grown to be one of the most recognised urban transit systems in the world. Over 200,000 passengers rely on the metro each day, making it essential to maintain high levels of safety and operational reliability. By integrating AI, the metro can now leverage real-time data to monitor equipment and infrastructure, identifying anomalies that would otherwise be overlooked by human inspection.

AI-driven algorithms allow for continuous analysis of various parameters, including train speed, track conditions, and mechanical performance. This data is gathered via sensors installed across the metro system, from trains to trackside infrastructure. When any irregularities are detected, the system alerts maintenance teams, prioritising interventions based on urgency and potential impact. The technology also facilitates remote diagnostics, reducing the need for engineers to physically inspect the system unless absolutely necessary.

This predictive maintenance model promises to cut costs and downtime significantly. According to experts, the AI system is expected to reduce unplanned disruptions by up to 30%, which will directly benefit both passengers and operational teams. Reduced downtime means trains will spend less time off-track for repairs, contributing to a smoother, more reliable service.

The integration of AI into the Dubai Metro’s maintenance strategy is expected to pave the way for similar technological applications across other sectors of the city’s public transportation network. With Dubai’s long-term plans to further expand its metro network, AI will be crucial in ensuring that the growth of this infrastructure remains sustainable and efficient.

However, the implementation of such sophisticated technology also poses challenges, particularly in terms of data privacy and system security. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into the operational framework of Dubai Metro, it is essential to establish robust cybersecurity measures to prevent potential hacking or system failures. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, which oversees metro operations, has already placed emphasis on maintaining secure networks, working closely with experts to safeguard sensitive operational data.

AI’s potential in transforming public transport is not unique to Dubai. Several cities globally are also exploring how AI can be applied to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of urban rail systems. In Europe and Asia, metros have begun adopting similar technologies to improve service reliability and reduce the environmental impact of their operations. Dubai’s adoption of AI technology, however, stands out as a benchmark for its scope and ambition, setting a new standard for metro operations in the region.

Greenlogue/AP Oman Data Park has formed a strategic alliance with Solar Wadi to establish the Sultanate’s inaugural green energy data centre, powered by solar generation. The collaboration marks a significant step in aligning ODP’s technological infrastructure with Oman’s net-zero ambitions, as the data centre is set to harness sustainable energy to lower operational emissions and improve grid resilience. ODP, long regarded as the nation’s leading provider of […]

Iracemápolis, São Paulo – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 August 2025 – In the early hours of August 16 (Beijing time), GWM’s Brazil plant officially commenced operations, marked by a grand ceremony for the rollout of its first vehicle, the HAVAL H6 GT. The plant, located in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, was acquired from Daimler Group and has since been upgraded into an intelligent manufacturing base. As GWM’s […]

The United Arab Emirates’s cloud-seeding programme continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing water resources, generating between 168 million and 838 million cubic metres of extra rainfall annually, of which 84 million to 419 million cubic metres is usable water—significant volumes in a country where the total annual rainfall stands at approximately 6.7 billion cubic metres.

Efforts are particularly intensive in 2025, with 185 cloud-seeding missions already carried out to date, including 39 operations in July alone. These missions, executed using advanced tools such as hygroscopic flares, nanomaterials and electric-charge emitters, aim to raise rainfall by 10 to 25 per cent under favourable conditions.

The programme is backed by a technologically advanced infrastructure. The UAE employs a fleet of four dedicated aircraft, 12 trained pilots, and utilises more than 60 weather stations, an integrated radar network, and the Emirates Weather Enhancement Factory, which produces high-quality seeding flares. With over 900 flight hours each year, the initiative represents a significant operational commitment.

New investments have further enhanced the programme’s precision and effectiveness. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine-learning tools enables real-time analysis of meteorological data, optimising cloud-seeding timing and target areas. Additionally, nano-enhanced flares, with superior rain-inducing capabilities, are being developed and deployed.

Scientific assessment supports the programme’s efficacy. A statistical study comparing historical rainfall data found that cloud seeding has contributed to a 22.8 per cent average increase in annual surface rainfall over seeded zones between 2010 and 2019. Other estimates suggest enhancements of up to 30–35 per cent in clear atmospheres and 10–15 per cent in more humid environments.

On the cost front, cloud seeding remains economical. Harvestable water produced through cloud seeding costs just $0.01 to $0.04 per cubic metre, compared with approximately $0.31 per cubic metre from advanced desalination plants. This makes rain enhancement a compelling supplementary strategy in the face of rising demand and declining groundwater levels.

While cloud seeding bolsters water availability, it does not function in isolation. Broad concerns remain regarding drainage infrastructure, which has demonstrated limitations during extreme rainfall events. For instance, heavy storms in April 2024 overwhelmed urban systems—while some speculated about cloud-seeding’s role, authorities and experts concluded that infrastructure constraints and climate-change-driven weather intensity were the primary causes.

Nevertheless, those involved in the research highlight the programme’s strategic importance. Alya Al Mazroui, Director of the UAEREP, emphasises its growing global recognition and potential applicability in other water-scarce regions. The programme—which is administered under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and backed by the National Centre of Meteorology—continues to drive innovation in rain enhancement science.

ADNOC Group’s six publicly listed entities posted a combined net profit of USD 4.7 billion for the first half of 2025, underscoring how the widespread deployment of advanced artificial intelligence across operations has sharpened efficiency and underpinned robust growth.

At the heart of this transformation lies MEERAi, ADNOC’s proprietary AI platform. It is deployed across ADNOC Gas, ADNOC Distribution, ADNOC Drilling, ADNOC Logistics & Services, Fertiglobe and Borouge, delivering real-time, data-driven insights that are elevating decision-making and operational precision across the board.

ADNOC Gas achieved a record Q2 net income of USD 1.385 billion, marking a 16 per cent year-on-year rise, while EBITDA increased 8 per cent to USD 2.256 billion, propelled by surging local demand and operational prowess. Investors will see the payoff as the board approved an interim dividend of USD 1.792 billion, up 5 per cent, due for disbursement in September 2025. MEERAi’s impact was central in guiding the board’s strategic decisions.

ADNOC Distribution delivered its highest first-half EBITDA to date—USD 566 million, up 10 percent—with net profit climbing 12.2 percent to USD 358 million. Fuel volumes surged to a record 7.62 billion litres, and non-fuel retail gross profit lifted 14.9 percent. The AI-driven enhancements include predictive fuel-demand forecasting, intelligent assortment planning and hyper-personalised customer offerings. The company introduced MEERAi to its board for real-time strategic oversight, and it expects to distribute a USD 350 million dividend in October 2025.

ADNOC Drilling also delivered standout performance, with management attributing its ability to scale through diverse energy cycles to advanced technologies including AI. The board approved a USD 217 million second-quarter dividend in August 2025. The company is also pursuing regional expansion, including a majority stake acquisition in SLB’s land drilling business across Kuwait and Oman.

Borouge’s AI, digitalisation and technology programme generated USD 307 million in value, including an AI-powered control room in collaboration with Honeywell and integration with MEERAi. New product innovations such as medical-grade polyolefins and recyclable packaging also featured prominently.

Meanwhile, ADNOC’s broader push to harness AI is also playing a central role in its clean-energy pivot. Following earlier investments in AI tools like RoboWell and AR360, which generated USD 500 million in value and reduced around one million tonnes of CO₂ emissions between 2022 and 2023, the company is now deploying AI to advance low-carbon energy frontiers including hydrogen and carbon management, in partnership with entities such as SOCAR, Microsoft and Masdar.

Across all six listed companies, the near-term financial performance echoes the effectiveness of ADNOC’s strategy of embedding AI across both core operations and emerging markets. The unified deployment of MEERAi is not just enhancing control-room functions, but reshaping boardroom dynamics, driving smarter strategy execution, operational optimisation, emissions reduction and product innovation.

Key players in this transformation include the leadership of ADNOC Distribution, championing digital retail evolution; ADNOC Drilling’s CEO Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi, who has publicly credited AI for the company’s resilience and growth momentum; and the broader ADNOC executive team, aligning technology and energy transition goals. Their collective efforts are reinforcing ADNOC’s position as a global energy player committed to leveraging AI for sustainable value creation.

Advertisements

Oracle’s aggressive expansion in AI and cloud services has set the stage for a major shift in the tech industry, with analysts predicting the company could achieve a $1 trillion market valuation by 2030. As one of the largest tech giants globally, Oracle’s growth trajectory is bolstered by significant revenue gains and strategic partnerships, positioning it to challenge established players like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. […]

Binance’s Chief Security Officer, Jimmy Su, has identified North Korean hacking groups as one of the most significant threats facing the cryptocurrency sector in 2025. As the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance has been at the forefront of monitoring and responding to cyber threats. Su’s recent statements have highlighted the urgency of addressing the escalating risk posed by North Korean cyber actors targeting the crypto industry.

The North Korean government has long been linked to a series of cyberattacks aimed at funding its regime through illicit means, with cryptocurrency exchanges being prime targets. These attacks have become more sophisticated over time, with state-backed hackers employing advanced techniques to infiltrate systems and steal millions of dollars’ worth of digital assets. Experts argue that this is part of a broader strategy to bypass international sanctions imposed on North Korea.

Su’s comments, made during an industry event in early 2025, point to a clear rise in the volume and sophistication of these attacks. According to Binance’s internal threat intelligence, these cybercriminals are using increasingly advanced malware, social engineering tactics, and even direct network intrusions to steal sensitive data and crypto assets.

An ongoing investigation by Binance’s security team revealed that these hackers have been exploiting vulnerabilities in the infrastructure of crypto exchanges and DeFi platforms. In some cases, they have used phishing emails and fake job offers to target employees of key financial institutions, hoping to gain access to privileged systems. Such tactics are a clear indication of a well-coordinated operation with global ambitions.

One of the most concerning trends identified is the use of sophisticated ransomware attacks, which have forced some exchanges to pay hefty ransoms to prevent the loss of critical data. The high-profile hacks have raised questions about the resilience of the global financial ecosystem to such breaches, especially as more governments and institutions begin to integrate blockchain technology into their operations.

North Korean actors, according to cybersecurity experts, have also shown an increasing willingness to attack smaller and lesser-known exchanges. This shift in focus comes as these platforms often lack the robust security protocols that larger exchanges like Binance and Coinbase have implemented. As a result, they are seen as softer targets, vulnerable to exploitation.

The financial implications of these attacks are staggering. Since 2019, estimates suggest that North Korean hackers have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency. This is in addition to the $250 million reportedly taken from a major South Korean exchange in 2023. The stolen funds are typically laundered through complex networks of wallets and mixers, making it challenging for authorities to track and recover the stolen assets.

Su’s remarks have sparked a broader discussion about the need for improved cybersecurity measures within the cryptocurrency sector. Many industry leaders have called for a more collaborative approach, involving private companies, governments, and international law enforcement agencies. A unified strategy could help create a more secure environment for the rapidly expanding digital asset market.

The North Korean government has long denied any involvement in cyberattacks. However, international cybersecurity firms have linked numerous incidents to Pyongyang’s operatives, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the country’s cyber espionage efforts. Furthermore, it is widely believed that these hacking groups are funded by the regime to help finance its nuclear weapons programme and other illicit activities.

Efforts to combat these threats have led to increased investment in security technology, including more advanced encryption methods, real-time monitoring tools, and fraud detection systems. In addition to these technological solutions, some exchanges are considering implementing stricter Know-Your-Customer regulations to combat money laundering and ensure compliance with international financial rules.

As the stakes continue to rise, both industry players and regulators face a significant challenge. The rapid growth of blockchain technologies, along with the increasing use of decentralised finance applications, has created a complex and evolving landscape where traditional security measures are often inadequate. As a result, companies must remain vigilant and proactive in defending against cyber threats from state-sponsored actors like North Korea.

While North Korea’s cyber campaign remains a major concern, it is not the only threat facing the cryptocurrency sector. Other nation-states, including Iran and Russia, have been linked to similar activities, further complicating efforts to secure the digital assets market. However, the ongoing attention on North Korean actors serves as a reminder of the global reach and scale of the problem.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has announced the commencement of seasonal flights connecting the UAE capital to Yekaterinburg, Russia, marking an important step in the airline’s expansion strategy. The new service, which will operate during the winter months, offers a direct, low-cost option for travellers between the two regions, catering to the rising demand for affordable travel during peak seasons.

The flights, operating non-stop, provide an efficient travel option for those seeking to connect between the UAE and Russia. Air Arabia’s Abu Dhabi-based operations have grown rapidly, with the airline seeking to solidify its position as a key player in the region’s budget airline sector. The new route to Yekaterinburg highlights the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between the Middle East and Russia, particularly as demand for travel has surged.

Yekaterinburg, one of Russia’s major cultural and industrial hubs, has become a significant destination for business and leisure travel from the UAE. The city, which is located in the Ural region, is known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and strategic importance as an economic centre. The direct flight to this city will make it easier for both tourists and business professionals to travel, bolstering the already strong ties between Russia and the UAE.

This launch also reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry, where low-cost carriers are rapidly expanding their international routes to cater to an increasing number of travellers looking for budget-friendly travel options. As competition intensifies among airlines, Air Arabia’s expansion is timely, offering more affordable alternatives to traditional, higher-priced carriers, and positioning the airline as a competitive force in the region.

The decision to introduce seasonal flights also underscores Air Arabia’s flexibility in adapting to seasonal travel demand. As the winter season typically sees an uptick in travel, the airline is poised to cater to holidaymakers and those travelling for business, aligning with the growing interest in international travel. By offering this seasonal route, Air Arabia aims to provide its customers with more options without compromising on affordability.

For the UAE market, this development is significant. As the country continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for travel and tourism, having direct air links to cities in Russia, such as Yekaterinburg, provides an added dimension to the UAE’s international appeal. The move comes as part of a wider strategy to enhance bilateral relations between the UAE and Russia, focusing on expanding both tourism and business opportunities.

Air Arabia’s service to Yekaterinburg is also expected to appeal to a broader demographic, especially Russian nationals residing in the UAE. The ease of direct travel will foster stronger connections between these communities and provide greater access to the cultural and economic opportunities of both countries. With Russia being a major trading partner of the UAE, the new flight route is expected to foster greater collaboration in both sectors.

The airline has also taken steps to ensure that its passengers are well catered for. In line with its low-cost offering, the airline continues to provide high-quality service at an affordable price, which includes modern aircraft with amenities that appeal to a wide range of customers.

– Public funds and public welfare capital accelerate circular technology – DÜSSELDORF/BERLIN – Newsaktuell – 15 August 2025 – The non-profit cooldown°earth foundation congratulates its portfolio company matterr on receiving funding confirmation from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the EFRE/JTF program “Produktives.NRW.” Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Mona Neubaur presented the funding approval on August 6 in Düsseldorf. Pictured (from left to […]

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 August 2025 – SUNRATE, the global payment and treasury management platform, today announced it has secured a payment business licence in China following its successful acquisition of a 100% stake in Transfar Pay, a unit of Shenzhen-listed Transfar Group. The RMB 315 million (USD 43.8 million) acquisition has received approval from relevant Chinese regulatory authorities. This transaction had been previously […]

Singapore has firmly established itself at the forefront of global digital finance innovation, particularly in the realm of tokenized assets. The city-state’s embrace of blockchain technology is reshaping the investment landscape, enabling quicker, more accessible, and transparent transactions. As financial institutions, startups, and regulatory bodies collaborate, Singapore is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the tokenization of assets.

Tokenization, the process of converting assets into digital tokens on a blockchain, has garnered significant attention for its potential to revolutionize various sectors, from real estate to commodities. In Singapore, tokenized finance is progressing from pilot projects to full-scale adoption, driving the country’s financial ecosystem towards greater efficiency and market accessibility.

One of the main driving forces behind Singapore’s success in this area is its robust regulatory framework. The Monetary Authority of Singapore has been instrumental in fostering innovation by providing a clear set of rules that encourage experimentation while maintaining investor protection. This regulatory clarity has given businesses the confidence to explore tokenized finance solutions without fear of running afoul of the law.

The growth of blockchain technology in Singapore has been swift, particularly in sectors like real estate, where tokenized property shares allow for fractional ownership. Investors no longer need substantial capital to gain exposure to high-value properties. Instead, they can purchase smaller stakes in tokenized properties, broadening the pool of potential investors and promoting liquidity in traditionally illiquid markets.

Equally noteworthy is the role of Singapore’s thriving fintech sector. The city has seen a surge in startups developing blockchain-based solutions, ranging from platforms for trading tokenized securities to services that facilitate the creation and management of digital assets. This startup ecosystem is supported by venture capital, which has flooded the market with investment, accelerating the development of blockchain applications in finance.

Global players are also taking note of Singapore’s advancements in tokenization. International banks and financial institutions are increasingly setting up operations in the city, attracted by the favourable regulatory environment and the city’s growing reputation as a hub for blockchain and digital asset innovation. For instance, HSBC and Standard Chartered have partnered with local firms to explore tokenized securities and digital asset offerings, cementing Singapore’s status as a global leader in this space.

The introduction of projects like Project Ubin has been pivotal in demonstrating the benefits of blockchain technology within the financial services sector. Initiated by the MAS, Project Ubin explored the use of blockchain for the clearing and settlement of payments, offering proof of concept for tokenized digital currencies. This project not only advanced the understanding of blockchain within financial markets but also helped to strengthen Singapore’s position as a blockchain innovation leader.

The government’s commitment to blockchain and tokenization goes beyond regulation. Singapore has also established itself as a key player in blockchain research and development, with several academic institutions focusing on the technology’s financial applications. Collaborations between private companies and research bodies ensure that Singapore stays at the cutting edge of blockchain development.

Tokenization also promises to democratize finance, giving more people access to investment opportunities that were once restricted to the wealthy. By lowering the barriers to entry, tokenized assets open up new possibilities for retail investors, who can now invest in a wide range of tokenized products with much smaller capital commitments.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. As tokenization grows, concerns about security, compliance, and the stability of the underlying blockchain systems need to be addressed. Singapore’s regulatory bodies are aware of these risks and continue to refine regulations to ensure that tokenized markets remain secure and trustworthy. The development of more sophisticated security protocols and smart contract auditing tools is expected to further strengthen the ecosystem.

Lumen Technologies has surpassed a significant milestone by crossing the 1,000-customer mark on its expanding Network-as-a-Service platform. This achievement underscores the growing demand for flexible, scalable enterprise connectivity solutions as businesses accelerate their digital transformations. NaaS, which enables organisations to streamline and scale their network infrastructure without the need for heavy investments in hardware, has become an essential offering in today’s fast-evolving technology landscape. The milestone reflects […]

Greenlogue/AP Emirates Water & Electricity Company has formally invited bids for a new combined-cycle gas turbine power plant—dubbed Taweelah C—designed to be carbon-capture ready. The facility, to be located within the Al Taweelah Power and Desalination Complex around 50 kilometres north-east of Abu Dhabi, is slated to deliver up to 2.5 gigawatts of electricity and is expected to commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2028. […]

CI Financial has been officially taken private by Mubadala Capital following the completion of all necessary approvals, effective 12 August 2025. The deal, structured under a statutory plan of arrangement governed by Ontario’s Business Corporations Act, sees Mubadala Capital purchasing all outstanding common shares of CI Financial for C$32 per share, valuing the company’s equity at approximately C$4.7 billion and implying an enterprise value near C$12.1 billion. […]

Accumulated losses for the Abu Dhabi-listed Invest Bank now stand at AED 1.653 billion, equivalent to 51.6 per cent of its paid-up capital, down slightly from AED 1.69 billion at the end of March 2025. These losses, originating from legacy impairments dating back to the first quarter of 2018, remain a substantial drag on the bank’s financial health.

The Government of Sharjah, which acts as the majority shareholder, has bolstered the bank’s liquidity through a capital injection and strategic measures designed to de-risk the balance sheet. These interventions include a comprehensive capital restructuring plan adopted in 2023 and the institution of a guarantee agreement covering up to AED 3 billion of impaired assets.

Despite the persistent burden of past impairments, the bank’s losses have shown a modest reduction, signalling the early results of the corrective strategy. The 2023 restructuring plan introduced a rights issue that raised the Government of Sharjah’s ownership to approximately 88.11 per cent, accompanied by a guarantee mechanism offering protection against further asset write-downs.

In parallel, Sharjah moved to diversify its holdings by transferring around 20.48 per cent of its stake to the Sharjah Social Security Fund in December 2024. After this transfer, Sharjah’s direct stake stood at about 70.06 per cent, while the Social Security Fund held approximately 18.04 per cent and other shareholders accounted for the remaining nearly 11.9 per cent.

Implementing this layered support strategy, which combines equity infusion, strong shareholder backing, and balance sheet protection, reflects an effort to restore the bank to a sustainable footing. The guarantee agreement, now active since September 2023, stipulates a five-year term and includes a cap of AED 800 million per calendar year, with no cap in the final year.

These developments are unfolding against a backdrop of stringent regulatory expectations and internal governance refinements undertaken in 2024. Invest Bank has sought to strengthen oversight mechanisms and align its policies with Central Bank of the UAE and Securities & Commodities Authority frameworks.

Where analysts had previously flagged the bank’s loss ratio—over two-thirds of capital—as a red flag, the current trajectory points to a gradual stabilisation. That being said, the legacy burden remains sizeable, and the effectiveness of the restructuring continues to hinge on the realisation of impaired assets and sustained shareholder support.

On the ground, Invest Bank continues operations across the UAE, including branches in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with a Beirut branch in liquidation following a regulatory decision.

Nigeria’s push toward becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030 is gaining momentum, driven by a growing tech ecosystem supported by both government initiatives and global tech giants. The country’s digital economy is set to play a central role in this ambitious vision, with significant emphasis on talent development and digital infrastructure. The inaugural edition of GITEX NIGERIA, scheduled for 1-4 September 2025 in Abuja and Lagos, […]

A wave of infernos driven by soaring temperatures has engulfed southern Europe, prompting widespread evacuations, mounting fatalities and an unprecedented emergency response. Greece is enduring its fiercest wildfires as blazes near Patras and the islands of Chios and Zakynthos surge into homes, forests and industrial sites, under relentless heat and gusting winds. Nearly 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft have been mobilised to contain the flames, while multiple […]

DHL Express purchases 2,400 metric tons of SAF from Cathay Group to be used on flights operated by Air Hong Kong, an express all-cargo carrier and wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay. The SAF will be used on Air Hong Kong flights departing from Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita and Singapore Changi airports. The new agreement underscores both parties’ commitment to lower-carbon air logistics and driving the production and […]

Abu Dhabi-listed Lulu Retail Holdings has posted a modest profit increase for the second quarter of 2025, with net earnings reaching $57 million, up by 2% year-on-year. The retail giant’s revenue for the quarter rose by nearly 5%, hitting $2 billion. This growth was primarily attributed to like-for-like sales growth of 2.1%, reflecting strong consumer demand across its diverse range of products. In the first half of […]

Atlassian has forged a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to enhance cloud adoption across its client base and integrate advanced artificial intelligence features into its collaboration platforms. This multi-year agreement is designed to combine the strengths of both companies, enabling businesses to leverage cutting-edge technology to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and innovation. The partnership aims to expand Atlassian’s suite of tools, such as Jira, Confluence, and Trello, […]

Hyperliquid, a decentralised exchange platform, has resolved a significant technical issue that temporarily hindered user access to its trading services. The glitch, reported by users in various online communities, involved a disruption that prevented some traders from executing orders and impacted the platform’s ability to update prices accurately. The malfunction, which occurred during a period of high trading volume, raised concerns about the reliability of the system, with some users expressing frustration over the lack of transparency and communication from the platform’s support team.

The issue first came to light after multiple reports surfaced from users who found themselves unable to place or complete transactions, while others faced price slippage due to delays in the system’s updates. The disruption coincided with a surge in demand for certain assets, leading to increased pressure on the platform’s infrastructure. Hyperliquid acknowledged the problem in a statement, revealing that it was related to a backend technical failure in its order-matching system, which handles the execution of trades.

Technical teams at Hyperliquid worked quickly to address the malfunction, with a fix implemented within several hours. The platform’s engineers carried out a series of updates to its infrastructure and order-matching logic, designed to prevent such issues from recurring. Hyperliquid assured its users that it was closely monitoring the situation and would continue to improve its systems to ensure a smooth trading experience in the future.

This glitch on Hyperliquid is part of a wider trend that has raised concerns about the stability of decentralised exchanges, which rely on smart contract-based mechanisms to execute transactions. While decentralised platforms are often touted as more secure and resistant to manipulation, they can face unique technical challenges that centralised exchanges do not. These issues range from software bugs to network congestion and other performance bottlenecks, particularly during periods of heightened activity.

In light of this disruption, many users have called for greater transparency from decentralised exchange platforms regarding their technical operations. Some have questioned whether such glitches could undermine trust in the decentralised finance space, which is increasingly seen as an alternative to traditional financial systems. The DeFi ecosystem has seen explosive growth in recent years, with millions of dollars flowing through platforms like Hyperliquid. However, incidents like this highlight the vulnerabilities inherent in even the most sophisticated blockchain-based systems.

Hyperliquid’s response to the outage, including the quick deployment of a fix, has been largely positive among the platform’s users, although many are still wary of potential future disruptions. Several traders noted that while the issue was resolved swiftly, the lack of clear communication from the platform during the downtime was a point of contention. Some have suggested that platforms like Hyperliquid could benefit from providing users with more detailed updates in real time, especially during periods of service disruption.

The incident has also sparked a broader conversation within the DeFi community about the need for better infrastructure and risk management protocols. Experts have pointed out that while decentralised exchanges offer innovative features such as privacy and self-custody of funds, their technological foundations must be solid enough to handle spikes in demand without compromising the user experience.

BAODING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2025 – Great Wall Motor (GWM) has combined sport, technology, and industrial pride in a landmark event—the 2025 GWM Smart Factory Half Marathon—held inside its Xushui Smart Factory in Baoding, Hebei Province. Over 10,000 runners raced through stamping, welding, and assembly workshops, surrounded by a living showcase of China’s cutting-edge automotive manufacturing. From the rhythmic movements of robotic […]

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA