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First-Ever Attack-Defence Simulation Aligns with Real Corporate Needs Setting a New Benchmark for Local Cybersecurity Competitions

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – As cyberattacks grow increasingly complex, cybersecurity has become a critical domain of global concern and a talent shortage. According to the latest “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026” released by the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), nearly 30% of the 622 surveyed enterprises still lack dedicated cybersecurity staff. Specifically, only 26% of SMEs have a dedicated cybersecurity role, significantly lower than the 59% of large enterprises, reflecting a gap in resource allocation and technology adoption among SMEs.

Now in its sixth year, “HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge” continues to attract top cybersecurity talents from Hong Kong and beyond, showcasing the capability and vitality of the next generation of local and international cybersecurity professionals.
Now in its sixth year, “HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge” continues to attract top cybersecurity talents from Hong Kong and beyond, showcasing the capability and vitality of the next generation of local and international cybersecurity professionals.

To cultivate practical talent for the cybersecurity sector, the sixth “HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025” (HKCERT CTF Challenge) was successfully organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO), HKPC, and HKCERT. This year’s competition was elevated to the first-ever adoption of an attack–defence mode, closely replicating the network setup of real enterprises. Participants experienced first-hand hacking techniques, system vulnerability analysis, threat intelligence gathering, and coordinated response in a simulated real-world environment. Through completing multiple tasks within a limited time, the competition also allowed them to break through the traditional classroom theoretical framework, gain practical experience and build confidence. The event attracted around 1,940 young contestants, an increase of nearly 40% from last year’s 1,385 participants, reaching a record high for the competition. Contestants included teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Asia, and Europe, fostering cross-regional exchange and collaboration. In the finals, three local teams and one overseas team were awarded gold prizes in the Secondary School, Tertiary Institution, Open Category, and International Category respectively, while Sing Yin Secondary School received the “Best School Award”. The full list of awardees is available on the event website.

Participants Share Practical Experience Integrating AI into Attack and Defence
The competition was well received by contestants for its innovative format and realistic offensive and defensive environment, offering a valuable platform for learning and exchange. The winning team in the International Category, W&M, commented, “Our members are from Shanxi, Guangdong and Beijing. This was our first time competing together in the HKCERT CTF Challenge. The atmosphere and experience of the finals were excellent. The tasks were centred on an attack‑defence simulation, requiring us to find all vulnerabilities while patching our own systems and attacking other teams at the same time. Some vulnerabilities were discovered and exploited by other teams first, which kept the scores very close and made the competition incredibly tense and exciting”.

They added, “During the competition, we also applied lots of AI techniques for assistance, such as applying AI to analyse vulnerabilities and refine attack methods. In the future, AI may play a deeper role in areas like vulnerability detection and code analysis, but for now it cannot be fully relied upon—human oversight is still essential”.

HKCERT CTF Challenge has now been held for six consecutive years, with its scale expanding annually and participants showing continuous growth. Many secondary school students gain their first hands‑on exposure to cybersecurity through the competition and connect with university mentors, helping them shape their academic and career paths. Several past participants have gone on to compete in local and international events, committing to a future in the cybersecurity field. Beyond attracting overseas talent to exchange ideas in Hong Kong, HKCERT continues to build connections between cybersecurity professionals in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland. Top‑performing teams can gain direct entry into equivalent finals in Chinese Mainland. For example, participants from the previous HKCERT CTF Challenge 2024 advanced directly to the finals of the “Greater Bay Area Cup Cybersecurity Challenge”, where they secured the top four places in the Hong Kong and Macao category. This also provided local contestants with access to world‑class cybersecurity techniques, effectively promoting cross‑regional elite collaboration and talent development.

Finals Format Upgraded: Attack-Defence Mode Mirrors Real Enterprise Operations
The finals were comprehensively upgraded this year. In addition to increase the overall technical difficulty, the competition introduced an attack‑defence format for the first time that closely mirrors real enterprise cybersecurity operations. Teams played dual roles—both attackers and defenders—in an environment created with reference to the real-world systems. The tasks simulated incident response and live attack-defence scenarios commonly encountered in the cybersecurity field. Within a limited timeframe, participants had to do penetration testing, exploit vulnerabilities and attack, while patching their own systems and monitoring threats in real time against attacks from other teams. This parallel attack‑defence setup reflects actual workflow patterns in the industry, effectively training participants’ analytical abilities and adaptability under pressure. Through hands‑on practice in a likely enterprise environment, contestants developed multifaceted, industry‑aligned capabilities—laying a solid foundation for their future careers in cybersecurity.

Ms Candy CHAN, Assistant Commissioner (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of the DPO, highlighted the DPO’s commitment to enhancing Hong Kong’s cyber resilience, with one of its key initiatives being the nurturing of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. She emphasised that the DPO has been collaborating closely with academia and industry partners to foster a robust talent pipeline and build a safer digital environment in Hong Kong. She noted that this year marks the sixth edition of the HKCERT CTF Challenge, which has grown into one of Hong Kong’s most respected and anticipated cybersecurity competitions over the years. Beyond being a contest of technical prowess, the Challenge serves as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange and community building among the new generation of cybersecurity experts.

Ir Samson SUEN, General Manager of Digital Trust and Transformation Division of HKPC, stated, “HKCERT CTF Challenge has consistently aimed to build an international platform for technical exchange. Through high-intensity simulated contests, we enhance participants’ cyber defence skills and promote cross-regional interaction among emerging cybersecurity talents. This cultivates a new generation of globally competitive professionals in Hong Kong and strengthens the local talent pipeline. This year’s finals first introduced a simulation of real-world cybersecurity operations, enabling teams to experience both offensive and defensive roles in a recent cybersecurity team. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing practical skills and incident response capabilities”.

Fostering Cybersecurity Awareness Across All Sectors of Society
To further enhance cybersecurity awareness across the community, HKCERT has partnered with the DPO and the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of The Hong Kong Police Force, to launch the “Building a Secure Cyberspace 2026” campaign to promote cybersecurity awareness. The initiative includes various educational activities, such as an “AI-Generated Four-Panel Comic”contest, which encourages the public to make good use of AI tools while strengthening their understanding of cybersecurity. At the corporate governance level, HKCERT will publish a series of practical guidelines addressing emerging risks —such as AI applications and supply chain security—highlighted in the “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026”, to support business in establishing a robust protection framework. In particular for AI governance, the guidelines will offer actionable recommendations covering AI system security assessments, compliance rules for employees using public AI platforms, controls over sensitive data input, and methods for monitoring and defending against AI‑assisted attacks. These resources aim to help enterprises systematically enhance their cyber resilience across governance, technology, and awareness.

As Hong Kong accelerates the development of innovation and technology and advances its digital economy, strengthening cyber defence capabilities has become a key talent need. HKCERT will continue to support businesses and the public through incident response, security guidance, and cybersecurity awareness programmes. The HKCERT CTF Challenge continues to play a vital role in nurturing local talent, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and advancing public education. By enhancing the overall level of protection, the competition contributes to the sustainable development of the digital economy and reinforces Hong Kong’s long‑term competitiveness.

The seventh edition of HKCERT CTF Challenge will be held in November 2026, featuring more innovative attack-defence challenges and continuing to set up an international category to provide local contestants with a platform for technical exchange with top teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and overseas. Registration opens in September 2026, with finalists competing in the live finals in February 2027.

Hashtag: #HKCERT

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

About Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: .

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. […]

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 […]

A new standard of tropical luxury with panoramic golf, mountain and Andaman Sea views.

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – Banyan Group Residences, Thailand’s leading lifestyle property developer, proudly unveils Angsana Golf Residences Topaz, an exceptional new branded residential development within the iconic Laguna Phuket integrated resort. Designed to reflect the clarity, elegance and rarity of the topaz gemstone, these branded residences combine contemporary design with Phuket’s cultural heritage to deliver an elevated tropical lifestyle.

BGR Image

Comprising three elegantly curved low-rise buildings, each divided into two interconnected blocks, the architecture harmonises with the surrounding landscape. Tropical muted tones and Sino-Portuguese design accents subtly reference Phuket’s heritage, creating a balance of timeless elegance and modern sophistication.

The development offers spacious two- and three-bedroom residences, including exclusive penthouses with private rooftop pools and alfresco dining areas, as well as ground-floor residences with garden access. Inspired by Phuket’s natural contours, the building’s curved façades create a harmonious flow, while expansive terraces connect indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Communal facilities include a signature rooftop ring-shaped pool with panoramic 360-degree views of the golf course, mountains and ocean, alongside a peaceful ground-floor BBQ area set within lush tropical gardens – ideal for relaxation and social gatherings.

Bang Tao Beach: Phuket’s Most Prestigious Address

Located minutes from Bang Tao Beach, at the heart of one of Phuket’s most sought-after coastal destinations, Angsana Golf Residences Topaz offers residents a vibrant community environment, exceptional lifestyle amenities and strong long-term investment appeal.

Spanning over 1,000 acres of parkland, lagoons and 5km of beachfront, Laguna Phuket provides access to the award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket 18-hole course, luxury spas, fine dining establishments, the exclusive new RAVA Beach Club and curated year-round events. A seamless transportation network of shuttle buses and boats ensures convenient connectivity throughout the community.

Exclusive Ownership Benefits

Owners receive complimentary membership to Laguna Golf Phuket and The Sanctuary Club, Banyan Group’s signature programme offering benefits at over 100 luxury properties worldwide, including dining and spa privileges.

Through the Laguna Advantage programme, owners enjoy complimentary first-year property management, free insurance and priority access to leading international schools, as well as healthcare benefits through BDMS Chivawattana membership. Flexible deferred payment plans further enhance this investment opportunity.

Banyan Living: A Rental Management Solution

For owners seeking rental income, Banyan Living provides a comprehensive rental management solution, ensuring professional upkeep alongside strong returns and a worry-free ownership experience.

A Lifestyle of Tropical Elegance

With inspired design, a prime location and resort lifestyle, Angsana Golf Residences Topaz sets a new benchmark for tropical luxury living in Phuket — whether as a primary residence, holiday home or investment property.

Hashtag: #BanyanGroup

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

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 […]

Supporting Wellness and Preventive Care in Central

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 September 2025 – Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS) has opened its new flagship clinic on the 6th floor of Prince’s Building in Central. Designed to support preventive care and everyday health, the new facility offers a calm, thoughtfully curated environment for customers and visitors. Located within LANDMARK’s Prince’s Building, a heritage site with over 60 years of history, the new medical centre spans more than 10,000 square feet.

Quality HealthCare Opens New Flagship Clinic in Prince’s Building
Quality HealthCare Opens New Flagship Clinic in Prince’s Building

A Space Designed for Comfort and Care
The clinic reflects a people-first approach to healthcare, with interiors that prioritise comfort and customer experience. Natural light, greenery, and soothing features are integrated to create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. A subtle fruits and herbs inspired scent, created by local fragrance house Locoweed, enhances the sensory experience. The journey is further elevated by the thoughtfully designed attire for medical professionals, developed in collaboration with Shanghai Tang, adding a contemporary touch to the healthcare encounter.

Organised into six zones, including general practice, specialist services, health screening, dermatology, and a day procedure centre for endoscopy, the layout is designed for easy navigation and clinical practicality.

Preventive Care and Everyday Health Support
The new medical centre places particular emphasis on preventive care. A dedicated Health Assessment Zone and Endoscopy Day Procedure Centre enable early risk detection and ongoing health monitoring. The environment encourages open communication between customers and medical professionals, supporting long-term wellness and proactive health management.

The clinic brings together expertise across 14 medical specialties, offering integrated care that supports both everyday wellness and other healthcare needs. Services include areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, and health screening, alongside selected specialist disciplines to support prevention, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment in a coordinated setting.

A Thoughtful, Integrated Experience
To enhance continuity of care, the clinic is supported by a multidisciplinary team and an on-site customer care ambassador who assists individuals throughout their visit. Digital tools are also available to help customers schedule appointments, access results, and manage follow-up care seamlessly.

“We understand that visiting a clinic could be overwhelming,” said Elaine Chu, General Manager of Quality HealthCare. “That feedback has inspired us to create a space that feels welcoming, calm, and reassuring — where every detail supports the comfort and well-being of the people we care for. This new location truly reflects our commitment to being there for our customers, not just when they’re unwell, but throughout every stage of their health journey.”

* The above contents are prepared for information purposes only and do not constitute an offer or solicitation for services.
Hashtag: #QualityHealthCare #QHMS #FlagshipClinic

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

About Quality HealthCare Medical Services Limited

Rooted in Hong Kong as Dr. Anderson & Partners since 1868, Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS) has provided healthcare services for over 150 years. Today, we are one of Hong Kong’s major private healthcare providers.

We offer a wide range of services, including Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics & Imaging, Physiotherapy, Mental Health, and Wellness, through a network of over 1,650 service points across Hong Kong.

QHMS is committed to supporting the Government’s policy through various public-private partnership programmes to provide medical services to the public.

The QHMS App, our proprietary health and wellness mobile app, offers a range of features including e-ticketing for GP visits, e-booking, health records, video consultations, and health information, bringing healthcare services to everyone’s fingertips.

In October 2013, QHMS became part of Bupa, an international healthcare company.

For more information, visit .

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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 […]

Nile has entered a strategic partnership with Truecaller aimed at reinforcing consumer confidence and reducing fraud across Egypt’s fast-growing digital economy, as businesses face mounting pressure to prove the authenticity of their communications. The collaboration is designed to allow companies using Nile’s financial and digital services platform to verify their outbound calls and messages through Truecaller’s caller identification and business verification tools. By displaying verified brand information […]

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 […]

ETHZilla has launched a tokenised aviation product that allows accredited investors to gain exposure to commercial jet engines with a minimum outlay of $100, marking a new attempt to bring fractional ownership to a traditionally capital-intensive corner of the aircraft leasing market. The digital asset, named Eurus Aero Token I, represents an interest in lease income generated by two in-service commercial jet engines. According to the company, […]

BingX has announced a significant overhaul of its copy trading suite, introducing a new Copy Trading Plaza and a redesigned Lead Trader Homepage as it intensifies competition in the fast-growing social trading segment of the cryptocurrency market. The Panama City-based exchange said the upgrade is designed to streamline discovery, enhance transparency and provide more granular performance insights for users who follow so-called lead traders. The changes form […]

Greenland’s long-standing drive for full independence from Denmark is gathering renewed attention as political leaders and community voices weigh the implications of public remarks by United States President Donald Trump suggesting Washington could seek control of the Arctic territory. While calls for sovereignty have echoed across the island for decades, the latest geopolitical tension has prompted some Greenlandic Inuit to argue that the path towards independence must […]

BlackRock has unveiled plans to deploy its tokenised money market fund, BUIDL, through UniswapX, marking a further step by the world’s largest asset manager into decentralised finance infrastructure and signalling a deeper engagement with public blockchain liquidity. The move, disclosed on 11 February, will allow eligible participants to access the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund via Uniswap’s off-chain order routing protocol, UniswapX, which is designed to […]

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 […]

  Laboratories, whether in universities, hospitals or industrial research centres, rarely command public attention. Yet the integrity of their work often depends as much on routine maintenance and appropriate equipment as on scientific expertise. In recent years, lab managers across the Middle East and beyond have been reassessing how safety infrastructure is selected, maintained and upgraded, particularly as research volumes increase and regulatory scrutiny tightens. At the […]

Artificial intelligence has moved to the centre of global efforts to prevent satellite collisions and the cascading debris scenario known as Kessler syndrome, as space agencies and commercial operators face an increasingly crowded orbital environment. With more than 10,000 active satellites and tens of thousands of trackable debris fragments circling Earth, automated, data-driven tracking systems are becoming essential to keep spacecraft safe and critical services running. Advanced […]

BRP‑Rotax unveils its latest milestone in aviation with Aircraft Meets Racetrack. In an unprecedented accomplishment for the Bahrain International Circuit, Red Bull athlete and Rotax Ambassador Luke Czepiela became the first pilot to fly this Grand Prix track’s complete racing line from the air, showcasing the capabilities of Rotax powered aviation in a dramatic low‑level performance.

Gunskirchen, Austria – Newsaktuell – 10 February 2026 – In a demonstration of precision aviation, Luke Czepiela traced the full ideal line of the Bahrain International Circuit at low level, including short takeoffs and landings (STOL) on the start/finish straight. The achievement is documented in the short film Aircraft Meets Racetrack, the first project to emerge from BRP-Rotax’s Brand Ambassador partnership with Luke Czepiela, launched in 2025. The short film premiered during the Bahrain International Circuit’s official F1 pre‑season press conference today.

BRP-Rotax: Aircraft Meets Racetrack – Luke Czepiela Flies the Racing Line at Bahrain International Circuit

When Racing Meets Aviation

The project transfers what racing drivers follow on the ground with high precision accuracy into the sky. The circuit’s racing line becomes an aerial flight path, demanding exceptionally tight tolerances, high and low speeds, and uncompromising line discipline. Conducting the maneuver required extreme precision. Low altitude, shifting wind conditions, more than 495 light poles, and the narrow, enclosed layout of the Grand Prix track created an environment with virtually no margin for error.

“Flying a racing line from the air demands absolute control at low altitude and instant reaction in every phase,” said Czepiela, Rotax Brand Ambassador. “It is precision flying in its purest form.”

The flight was performed in a CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL equipped with the 160‑hp Rotax 916 iS engine. The aircraft’s lightweight STOL design, immediate throttle response, and exceptional power‑to‑weight ratio made the aerial replication of the racing line possible.

Production took place during the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Bahrain – marking the first time all project partners collaborated on‑site. Working closely with the Bahrain International Circuit, Red Bull Bahrain, and local authorities, the team implemented a comprehensive safety and operations plan. The track and airspace were fully closed to ensure uninterrupted filming, supported by constant air traffic coordination and emergency services on-site.

“With Luke Czepiela, we aimed to create something that authentically unites our two passions: racing and aviation,” said Peter Ölsinger, General Manager of BRP‑Rotax and Vice-President Sales, Marketing RPS‑Business & Communications. “This project represents technical precision, long‑standing partnerships, and the courage to pursue new creative paths.”

The film not only showcases a great achievement it underscores Rotax’s mission to connect disciplines, push boundaries, and deliver high‑performance experiences on the ground and in the air.

Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNgMGArCGBU
Presskit: https://newsroom.ketchum.at/Media.aspx?menueid=34496

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

AGMC has initiated construction on a substantial newBMW Group retail and service complex in Ras Al Khor, signalling another phase of its expansion across the United Arab Emirates. The automotive dealer, a long-established importer of BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles for Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, brought together industry partners, executives and dignitaries for a ceremonial groundbreaking that underscores its growing […]

  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 […]

Dubai International Financial Centre has expanded its urban footprint with the unveiling of The Residences, marking the first residential development within Phase A of the newly announced DIFC Zabeel District and signalling a strategic shift in the centre’s evolution from a business-focused zone to a fully integrated city district. The project, developed and overseen by DIFC Developments, introduces two residential towers comprising 463 homes, positioned as the […]

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the Institute of Energy Economics Japan have convened the 2026 UAE–Japan Industry-Academia Collaboration Steering Board meeting in Abu Dhabi, bringing senior policymakers, researchers and industry executives together to accelerate joint work across energy systems, advanced materials and industrial decarbonisation.

The closed-door session, hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology with Institute of Energy Economics Japan, reviewed progress under a multi-year framework that links laboratory research to commercial deployment. Participants focused on aligning research priorities with national transition goals in the United Arab Emirates and Japan while ensuring that projects move beyond pilot stages into scaled industrial use.

University officials said the meeting sharpened governance around joint programmes that span hydrogen value chains, grid resilience, carbon management and next-generation manufacturing. The steering board assessed ongoing work on hydrogen carriers and utilisation pathways, including ammonia and synthetic fuels, alongside studies on carbon capture, utilisation and storage that integrate process design with life-cycle analysis. Industry representatives pressed for faster timelines and clearer pathways to demonstration, citing capital discipline and the need for predictable policy signals.

Energy systems dominated the agenda as both countries seek to balance security, affordability and emissions goals. Japan’s import-dependent energy mix and the UAE’s role as a major producer and exporter create complementary incentives for collaboration, delegates noted. Research teams presented updates on high-efficiency electrolysers, advanced catalysts and thermal management, with an emphasis on reducing costs and improving durability under desert and maritime operating conditions.

Another thread centred on digitalisation and artificial intelligence in energy operations. Joint projects are examining how data-driven optimisation can cut losses across generation, storage and transmission, and how digital twins can accelerate plant design and maintenance. Academic leaders argued that co-developed datasets and shared testbeds are essential to attract industrial partners and ensure interoperability across markets.

Advanced materials and manufacturing featured prominently, reflecting interest from automotive, aerospace and heavy-industry partners. Researchers outlined progress in lightweight alloys, composites and coatings designed to withstand extreme temperatures while lowering energy intensity. Industry participants flagged workforce readiness as a bottleneck, urging expanded exchange programmes and co-supervised doctoral tracks to build skills that translate quickly to factory floors.

The steering board also reviewed funding structures and intellectual property frameworks. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to balanced IP arrangements that protect proprietary know-how while enabling publication and talent development. Officials highlighted the importance of predictable co-funding cycles to keep multi-year research teams intact and to de-risk private investment in demonstration assets.

Abu Dhabi’s role as host underscored the emirate’s ambition to serve as a convening hub for applied research and industrial partnerships. Delegates toured university laboratories and pilot facilities to evaluate readiness for scale-up, with particular attention to safety standards and integration with industrial sites. Discussions touched on regulatory alignment and standards development, areas seen as critical to shortening time-to-market for cross-border technologies.

Japanese participants emphasised the value of long-term academic partnerships in sustaining innovation during market cycles. They pointed to the need for rigorous techno-economic assessments to guide policy and investment decisions, and for transparent metrics to track emissions impacts across supply chains. UAE counterparts highlighted the opportunity to test solutions at scale and under demanding conditions, offering feedback loops that can refine designs before global deployment.

Beyond energy, the meeting explored collaboration in water-energy nexus research, climate-resilient infrastructure and systems engineering for smart cities. Presentations examined desalination efficiency, waste-to-value pathways and the integration of distributed resources, reflecting broader industrial interests in sustainability and circularity.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Al Ahly Sabbour Developments has marked a significant milestone in Oman’s real estate sector by officially breaking ground on its Wadi Zaha residential community in Sultan Haitham City, signalling progress after strong pre-construction sales that exceeded expectations. The developer announced that construction has commenced on the integrated neighbourhood after achieving 101 percent of its 2025 sales target, reflecting robust demand and confidence from […]

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