Rolling road closures are under way across Al Dhafra as the UAE Tour begins its latest edition, with authorities in Abu Dhabi implementing phased traffic diversions to accommodate the opening stage of the WorldTour cycling race. Organisers confirmed that the first stage, set against the sweeping desert highways of the Al Dhafra region, will see intermittent road blocks along key routes from morning until late afternoon, depending […]
International Holding Company, the Abu Dhabi-based investment conglomerate known as IHC, has posted full-year 2025 revenue of AED111.4 billion, a rise of 29.1 per cent from a year earlier, while profit after tax climbed 35.1 per cent to AED34.7 billion, reflecting what the group described as disciplined execution and tighter cost management across its expanding portfolio. The audited results mark another year of strong expansion for […]
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 […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al Nassr’s starting line-up on Saturday night and marked the occasion with the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Al Fateh, reinforcing his influence on the Riyadh club’s title ambitions. Back in action after missing the previous fixture, the Portugal captain needed little time to reassert himself. Leading the line with customary authority, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in […]
Elon Musk’s social network X is advancing plans to embed cryptocurrency and stock trading features directly into users’ timelines as part of a broader push to transform the platform into a financial ecosystem. Executives at the company have signalled that a limited external beta of its integrated financial services, known as X Money, is anticipated within weeks, marking a major milestone in Musk’s vision of merging social […]
Bitcoin surged past 69,000 dollars on major exchanges on Tuesday, regaining a price level that has carried both symbolic and technical weight since the previous market cycle. The move marks a rebound from a bout of volatility that had pulled the world’s largest cryptocurrency below key support zones earlier this quarter, drawing renewed attention from institutional investors and retail traders alike. Data from leading trading platforms […]
New Delhi has approved a proposal worth about $39 billion to expand the country’s fleet of Rafale fighter aircraft, marking one of the largest defence procurement decisions in its history and signalling a further shift towards advanced Western platforms in its combat air strategy.
The clearance by the defence ministry paves the way for negotiations with France’s Dassault Aviation for additional Rafale jets, building on an earlier $8.7 billion contract for 36 aircraft for the Air Force, deliveries of which were completed in 2024. A separate agreement has also been signed for 26 Rafale-M naval variants intended for deployment aboard aircraft carriers, underscoring a broader push to strengthen maritime air power.
New Delhi pushes major Rafale fleet expansion as it seeks to address concerns over squadron strength and ageing aircraft. The Air Force’s sanctioned strength stands at 42 squadrons, yet operational numbers have hovered well below that benchmark for years, raising debate within strategic circles over preparedness along contested borders with China and Pakistan.
Officials familiar with the procurement process say the new proposal reflects both operational requirements and long-term modernisation goals. India’s fleet still includes a significant number of Soviet-era MiG-21s and other legacy platforms, many of which are due for phased retirement. The Rafale, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter equipped with advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems and long-range precision weapons, has been positioned as a key element in bridging capability gaps.
The initial induction of 36 Rafales was widely viewed as a stopgap measure after the earlier Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft tender was scrapped amid cost and contractual disputes. Since their deployment at Ambala and Hasimara air bases, the aircraft have been integrated with India-specific enhancements, including advanced radar and electronic countermeasures. Defence planners argue that expanding the Rafale fleet would provide logistical and training efficiencies compared with diversifying further across multiple foreign platforms.
The naval variant, Rafale-M, has been selected to operate from the INS Vikrant, the country’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, and potentially from INS Vikramaditya. Naval aviation officials have indicated that the twin-engine aircraft meets requirements for carrier-based operations, including ski-jump take-offs and arrested landings, following evaluation trials against competitors such as Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Strategic analysts view the combined air force and naval acquisitions as part of a wider recalibration of procurement policy. Over the past decade, New Delhi has sought to balance self-reliance initiatives with the need for timely capability upgrades. Programmes under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” framework aim to boost domestic manufacturing, yet complex fighter development remains a long-term endeavour. The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, has entered service and secured additional orders, but it is not seen as a direct substitute for heavier multirole platforms like the Rafale.
Financial implications are significant. A $39 billion outlay would rank among the largest defence capital expenditures, at a time when the government is managing competing demands from infrastructure, welfare and economic stimulus. Officials have indicated that staggered payments and potential technology transfers could form part of negotiations, with an emphasis on local industry participation.
Previous Rafale contracts were accompanied by offset obligations requiring Dassault and its partners to invest in the domestic aerospace ecosystem. Whether similar provisions will apply to the expanded deal remains a subject of scrutiny, particularly as policymakers seek to deepen supply-chain integration and reduce long-term import dependence.
Diplomatically, the move reinforces defence ties with France, which has emerged as a key security partner in the Indo-Pacific. Bilateral cooperation spans joint exercises, maritime surveillance and submarine technology. Paris has consistently supported India’s strategic autonomy, a factor often cited by policymakers as attractive compared with other major arms suppliers.
Political debate is likely to accompany the procurement, as the earlier Rafale deal became a focal point of parliamentary contestation over pricing and process transparency. Government representatives have maintained that all procedures were followed in accordance with defence acquisition rules, and that operational urgency justified the intergovernmental route adopted at the time.
Air power specialists argue that a larger Rafale fleet would enhance interoperability and deterrence. The aircraft’s ability to carry Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles and SCALP cruise missiles has been highlighted as a force multiplier. Integration with indigenous weapons and network-centric warfare systems is also under way, reflecting a hybrid approach that blends imported hardware with domestic innovation.
Beyond immediate operational considerations, the proposal signals continuity in defence planning that spans successive administrations. India remains among the world’s largest arms importers, yet officials have reiterated ambitions to transition towards greater domestic production capacity over the coming decade. Achieving that balance, while sustaining readiness across land, sea and air domains, presents both fiscal and industrial challenges.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Asus has introduced its latest dual-display laptop in the United Arab Emirates, positioning the Zenbook Duo UX8407AA as a flagship productivity device built around Intel’s Core Ultra platform and a redesigned twin-screen form factor. The launch marks a renewed push by the Taiwan-headquartered manufacturer to popularise multi-screen computing beyond niche creative users. The Zenbook Duo features two 14-inch 3K OLED panels branded as […]
Coinbase reported fourth-quarter earnings that fell short of market expectations after transaction revenue dropped below the $1 billion mark, underscoring the pressure on retail trading volumes as digital asset prices cooled towards the end of the year. The largest US-listed cryptocurrency exchange said total revenue declined from the previous quarter as trading activity moderated across its retail and institutional platforms. Transaction revenue, which remains the core driver […]
Construction of the first 200 megawatts of the Stargate Data Centre project in the UAE is advancing, according to ALEC Holdings, as structural works near completion and major mechanical and electrical installations gather pace. ALEC, a subsidiary of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, informed the Dubai Financial Market that building structures have been erected and that mechanical, electrical and plumbing works are well under way. The update […]
Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC Gas signalled a marked increase in investment alongside a record financial performance, projecting capital expenditure of $4 billion to $4.5 billion for this year and laying groundwork for expanded processing capacity across key facilities as it pursues its multi-phase Rich Gas Development project. The state-owned company reported full-year net income of $5.2 billion for 2025, a 3 per cent rise from the prior year, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai United Arab Emirates authorities have formalised agreements to begin the fourth phase of a sweeping national airspace restructuring programme, a move designed to strengthen capacity, improve safety and support projected growth in passenger and cargo traffic across the federation’s airports. The General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the latest phase will refine route structures, optimise sectorisation and deploy advanced air traffic management technologies […]
Russia has launched a Proton-M carrier rocket carrying a meteorological satellite into orbit, marking a further step in Moscow’s efforts to sustain and upgrade its space-based weather monitoring network amid sweeping international sanctions and technical challenges. The heavy-lift rocket blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, operated by Russia under a long-term lease, placing the satellite into a designated orbit after a multi-stage ascent. Roscosmos, the […]
Forecasters are positioning what has been one of the weakest La Niña events in years to diminish through the first half of 2026, with climatologists projecting a transition to neutral Pacific conditions between February and April. This shift, shaped by evolving ocean-atmosphere interactions across the equatorial Pacific, could lessen the climatic imprint of La Niña on global weather patterns and open the way for the next stage […]
YZi Labs is carving out a niche in venture capital by backing ideas that remain largely theoretical, wagering on founders who are attempting to build products and platforms that do not yet exist. Speaking about the firm’s strategy, managing partner Ella Zhang says YZi Labs is guided less by market cycles and more by what she calls “first principles thinking” — a focus on fundamental technological shifts […]
Amsterdam is set to host one of Europe’s most closely watched digital asset gatherings as Dutch Blockchain Week 2026 returns from 22 to 28 June, with organisers signalling a broader international footprint and stronger corporate backing than previous editions. Event coordinators say leading exchanges, fintech firms, venture capital funds and regulatory specialists have confirmed participation, underscoring the Netherlands’ growing role as a gateway for blockchain innovation within […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Doha’s flagship agriculture exhibition has drawn more than 300 exhibitors this year, with Nasser Bin Khaled Heavy Equipment unveiling a broad portfolio of advanced machinery aimed at boosting farm productivity and landscaping efficiency across arid environments. Staged at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, AgriteQ 2026 has cemented its position as one of the Gulf’s most prominent agricultural platforms, bringing together manufacturers, distributors […]
The partnership will create a strategic wealth corridor between Dubai and Hong Kong, enabling institutional‑grade RWA tokenization that connects Middle Eastern capital with Asia‑Pacific opportunities. By combining FOM’s AI‑driven investment intelligence and family‑office expertise with DMCC’s regulated, commodity‑rich ecosystem, the collaboration aims to unlock fractional, cross‑border ownership of high‑value assets, enhance liquidity for traditionally illiquid holdings, and accelerate the adoption of compliant, on‑chain wealth solutions for ultra‑high‑net‑worth investors and family offices.
The event, hosted by FOM with the support of InvestHK, convened over 100 high‑profile representatives from global family offices and institutional investors, including notable participants from Sunwah Group, CT Bright (CP Group), Keyestone Group, Lee Kum Kee Group, MindWorks Capital, Park Capital Group, E Fund Asset Management Hong Kong, K. Wah, and many others.
Dr. Anina Ho, Founder & CEO, FOM, stated “Today we formalize our collaboration on cross-border digital asset and RWA initiatives between Dubai and Hong Kong. This partnership bridges two of Asia’s leading financial hubs, creating institutional-grade solutions for family offices navigating digital wealth transformation.”
Belal Jassoma, Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC, added, “This partnership reflects the next phase of digital asset adoption – moving beyond experimentation to institutional‑grade infrastructure. By connecting Dubai and Hong Kong as twin hubs for regulated real‑world asset tokenization, we are strengthening the framework through which family offices and institutional players can operate with confidence. Through DMCC’s Crypto Centre, Wealth Hub and other ecosystems and Dubai’s regulatory frameworks, combined with FOM’s strong family offices network, this collaboration establishes a practical wealth corridor that enhances cross‑border collaboration, transparency, and long‑term business expansion across two of the world’s most dynamic trade centers.”
Key value propositions
1. Establishing a powerful UAE-HK wealth corridor
Under the MOU, FOM and DMCC will collaborate to integrate the Middle East and Hong Kong financial ecosystems, leveraging DMCC’s specialized licensing, corporate structuring capabilities, and free‑trade zone advantages alongside FOM’s cutting‑edge digital asset solutions and connectivity to Hong Kong. This strategic alliance is poised to help family offices and high‑net‑worth individuals (HNWIs) in Dubai and Hong Kong capture the surging demand for compliant, institutional‑grade digital asset and alternative investment solutions, while maintaining strong governance and operational efficiency.
The initiative positions Dubai and Hong Kong as twin hubs for regulated RWA tokenization, connecting Middle Eastern capital with Asia‑Pacific opportunities through secure, transparent, and institutionally robust digital asset infrastructure. For family offices, this means greater diversification, improved risk‑adjusted returns, and streamlined access to global opportunities without compromising regulatory compliance.
2. Enhancing digital asset ecosystem
Through the strategic partnership, FOM and DMCC will develop robust frameworks for tokenizing RWAs including real estate, commodities, and other institutional-grade assets, thereby establishing standards for asset custody, settlement, compliance, and cross-border tokenization operations. This UAE-Hong Kong wealth corridor will not only facilitate capital flows but also provide a transparent and compliant environment for digital asset issuance, trading, and reporting, empowering family offices and institutional investors with confidence and clarity in private‑market deal‑making and public‑market participation.
Shaping the future of RWA tokenization
Following the MOU signing, the event featured insightful panel discussions titled “Turning Real‑World Assets into Digital Wealth” and “Everyday Digital Wealth: Stablecoins, Payments and Tokenized Income,” along with a fireside chat on “The Future of Digital Asset Platforms.” These discussions examined how Dubai and Hong Kong can collaboratively advance regulated structures, stable‑wealth solutions, and real‑world applications for institutional and family capital.
Distinguished panelists and speakers included Dr. Anina Ho, Founder & CEO, FOM; Mr. Belal Jassoma, Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC; Mr. Ben Zhou, Co-Founder & CEO, Bybit; Mr. Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP; Ms. Denise Zhou, Chief Strategy Officer, FOM; Mr. Henri Arslanian, Co‑Founder, Nine Blocks Capital; Mr. Jesse Guild, Vice President, Product Management, Crypto & Digital Assets, Mastercard; Mr. Lennix Lai, Chief Commercial Officer, OKX; Ms. Lingling Jiang, Partner, DWF Labs; and Mr. Yat Siu, Co‑Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands. Together, these leaders exchanged insights on how emerging technologies, including blockchain, AI, and quantum computing are reshaping asset management and cross‑border investment frameworks. The event showcased the powerful synergy between Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem and Dubai’s regulatory excellence, creating the foundation for global RWA leadership.
The strategic partnership between FOM and DMCC unites cutting-edge technology with world-class regulatory framework to establish a UAE-Hong Kong wealth corridor, connecting cross-border capital flows, enabling compliant digital transformation, and powering institutional-grade RWA opportunities for family offices and institutional investors.
Photos and photo captions:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FfQLNGYvDLKEoHWqKNxKyIK64tGU0aAC?usp=sharing
General Disclaimer
The press release is distributed solely as a corporate announcement of a strategic partnership and event recap, and not as an offer or solicitation to acquire any specific investment product, token, fund, or securities.
The information herein is based on sources believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Recipients should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified advisors before investing. No liability is accepted for decisions based on this material.
Hashtag: #FOM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
FutureOne MENA (“FOM”) is a pioneering consultancy firm focused on connecting family offices with future technology, with a particular emphasis on tokenization and RWAs, enabling them to access, structure, and invest in next-generation finance. FOM integrates comprehensive market analysis with proprietary multi-agent AI systems to deliver actionable insights across technology, political, economic, financial, and security dimensions. As the cornerstone of the AFFLUENCE Integrated Ecosystem, FOM connects QonBay (digital payments), FutureOne MENA (family office network), FutureOne Bloom (ESG finance), FutureOne Capital (asset management & RWA), and FutureRyse (quantum AI optimization), empowering investors with intelligent tools for portfolio optimization, deal analysis, and strategic engagement with tokenized assets. For more information, please visit 
www.futureonemena.com.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (“DMCC”) is a leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai. We make it easier for our members to do business, helping them access the world’s fastest growing markets from a dynamic district that offers everything they need to thrive. This approach is why we are the preferred location for over 26,000 top multinationals and high-impact startups, contributing significantly to Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade and innovation. DMCC is where the world does business. For more information, please visit dmcc.ae.
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 […]
Dubai has confirmed plans for the first four stations of its underground Dubai Loop transport system, linking Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Mall in an initial phase designed to transform short-distance urban travel. Authorities say the network will ultimately expand to 19 stations, with a fleet of 100 specialised vehicles capable of moving up to 13,000 passengers a day. The project, valued at approximately AED 2.5 […]
Bitcoin has extended its downturn this week, showing little sign of sustainable recovery as selling pressure dominates trading activity and key technical support levels come under threat. The world’s largest cryptocurrency slid below the pivotal $70,000–$72,000 range and is testing lower thresholds that many traders identify as critical, with some models indicating potential further declines before major support is confirmed. Indicators across daily and weekly charts point […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Aramco has begun selling oil produced from its Jafurah field, marking the first reported export linked to the kingdom’s $100 billion unconventional gas development and signalling a new phase in one of the world’s largest energy projects. The state-controlled energy giant confirmed that condensate and associated liquids from Jafurah have entered commercial channels, underscoring Riyadh’s push to monetise resources from a field […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s property market set a new benchmark on 26 January after recording Dh15.6 billion in real estate transactions in a single day, the highest daily value ever logged, according to figures released by the Dubai Land Department. The total was generated through 1,501 transactions, underscoring the scale and depth of activity across land plots, residential units and entire buildings. Sales alone accounted for […]
By Nitya Chakraborty Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers in the Government as also loyal experts are having a pathetic time in explaining the great benefits that the Indo-US Trade Deal are conferring to India, especially the agricultural sector which is one of the major focus area of the US President Donald Trump. Commerce […]
The article Armed With Robust Subsidies, US Farm Producers To Flood Indian Market With Cheaper Goods appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
