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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has strengthened its presence in the Middle East with the opening of a second showroom in Dubai, underlining the marque’s confidence in sustained demand for ultra-luxury vehicles in the emirate and the wider Gulf. The new Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai City Walk showroom adds to the brand’s long-established location on Sheikh Zayed Road and reflects a strategy focused on proximity to clients and highly […]

UAE is steadily positioning itself as a global reference point for pharmaceutical innovation, backed by regulatory maturity, public-private collaboration and an explicit policy commitment to advancing healthcare, senior executives at Novartis say. The assessment reflects a broader shift in how multinational drugmakers view the Gulf state, not merely as a sales market but as a base for development, manufacturing and clinical collaboration. Valued at about $4.15bn, the […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Riyadh Air, the new full-service carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, has entered into a strategic partnership with Mastercard that both companies say is designed to reshape how travellers and businesses engage with airlines, payments and digital services. The agreement, announced as Riyadh Air advances preparations for its first commercial flights, signals an attempt to integrate financial technology into […]

By T N Ashok NEW YORK: For seven decades, American diplomats danced around Kashmir with the precision of tightrope walkers, carefully avoiding any gesture that might suggest the United States had chosen sides in South Asia’s most intractable territorial dispute. Maps were scrubbed of political meaning. Statements were lawyered into studied neutrality. From Truman to […]

The article India Have Reasons To Be Happy At Big U.S. Switch On The Status Of Kashmir appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Abu Dhabi is preparing to introduce electric seaglider services across the emirate by 2028, positioning the technology as a new pillar in its transport and tourism strategy after a multi-agency agreement signed on Friday set the framework for development, regulation and investment. The accord brings together the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Integrated Transport Centre operating as Abu […]

Millennium Hotels and Resorts is sharpening its expansion strategy by placing the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey at the centre of its global growth plans, using the region’s aviation reach, investment climate and tourism depth to connect Asia with a wider set of international markets. Executives at the Singapore-based hospitality group say the MENAT region has moved beyond being a strong operating base to become a […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sharjah Airport Authority has announced the launch of a new scheduled service by SpiceJet linking Ahmedabad Airport with Sharjah International Airport, expanding the airport’s international network and underscoring the growing demand for direct connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and India. The service adds capacity on a corridor that serves business travellers, tourists and families with close ties across the two regions. The […]

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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has emerged as the largest gaming market in the Middle East, accounting for about $1 billion of the region’s $2.52 billion consumer spending on video games, according to industry estimates compiled from market trackers and regional regulators. The scale of spending, combined with the highest average revenue per user in the region, underscores a structural shift in digital consumption driven by […]

An HBO television adaptation of the Baldur’s Gate franchise is moving forward, with plans to set the story directly after the events of Baldur’s Gate 3 and to blend new characters with familiar faces from the game’s world. The project places one of gaming’s most influential role-playing universes on the small screen at a moment when screen adaptations of interactive storytelling are gaining momentum. The series is […]

A $3tn pipeline of real estate and infrastructure projects across the Middle East and Africa between 2026 and 2030 is sharpening investor focus on the region’s capacity to sustain high growth into 2026, with the UAE expected to account for a substantial share of capital deployment, according to new industry assessments. Market projections point to project cash flows of about $795bn in the UAE over the same […]

The United Kingdom has expanded its sanctions regime against figures accused of fuelling Sudan’s civil war, imposing measures this week on six senior commanders and facilitators linked to atrocities and the recruitment of foreign fighters. These actions, announced by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the Sudan Regulations 2020, include asset freezes, travel bans and director disqualifications intended to disrupt financial and military support networks that […]

Dubai-based property developer Binghatti has priced a $500 million five-year sukuk after attracting demand that significantly exceeded the issue size, underscoring sustained investor appetite for higher-yield Gulf credit despite tighter global financial conditions. The Islamic bond was priced on Thursday with a profit rate of 8.375 per cent, equivalent to a spread of 461.3 basis points over US Treasuries, according to transaction details. Orderbooks climbed beyond $2.2 […]

Dubai authorities have announced a series of temporary road closures to facilitate the UAE Tour Women cycling race, with restrictions scheduled on Friday afternoon across key corridors of the city. The Roads and Transport Authority said the measures are designed to ensure the safe passage of riders while minimising disruption to motorists, public transport users and businesses. According to the RTA, the race will run between 12.50pm […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Jordan-based education technology company Alefredo has acquired United Kingdom tutoring firm Tutor House, marking its formal entry into the UK market and accelerating its push to build a hybrid learning platform spanning Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The deal brings Alefredo a network of more than 30,000 vetted tutors across multiple subjects and age groups, significantly expanding its reach beyond its home […]

Marathon Digital Holdings, the leading publicly traded Bitcoin miner, moved a substantial amount of its digital currency holdings this week, transferring around $87 million worth of Bitcoin across multiple trading desks and exchange addresses, according to on-chain tracking data. The largest portion of the movement was directed to the credit and trading firm Two Prime, which received more than 660 BTC, while other transfers were recorded to a […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Bank of Kuwait used the Kuwait Oil & Gas Show and Conference 2026 to underline its role as a leading financier to the energy value chain, engaging with policymakers, producers, service companies and investors as Kuwait accelerates long-term plans to modernise hydrocarbons infrastructure while managing the transition to lower-carbon operations. Held over three days in Kuwait City, the biennial industry gathering drew […]

Today’s biggest stars express individuality and confidence with natural diamonds

LOS ANGELES, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – At this year’s GRAMMY Awards, the Red Carpet sparkled with natural diamonds punctuating the looks of today’s most celebrated music artists.

Natural diamonds take center stage on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. From left to right: Addison Rae, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber, Olivia Dean
Natural diamonds take center stage on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. From left to right: Addison Rae, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber, Olivia Dean

Leading artists, performers and presenters showed up for music’s biggest night in diamond jewelry looks that spoke to creativity, individuality, glamour and power. From nominees Olivia Dean and Sabrina Carpenter to presenter Keltie Knight’s choices, natural diamonds expressed not only the timeless glamour and brilliance they’re known for, but their ability to amplify personal style. Natural diamonds were spotted in a range of tones from icy whites to deep whiskeys, and in settings from platinum to rose gold. Just as Hollywood stars are hitting the Red Carpet this year in Desert diamonds, the biggest new trend in natural diamonds, musical artists are experimenting with a bolder diamond palette, creating a more personality-driven red carpet.

Desert diamonds
Desert diamonds, ranging from warm whites to deep whiskeys, were spotted everywhere, including on presenter Keltie Knight, who opted for unique diamond and yellow gold hoops by RENNA, as well as a smattering of yellow gold, fancy-shaped diamond solitaire rings from the brand. Highlights also included power player J Balvin who chose a clean and classic tuxedo paired with a large cushion cut yellow diamond ring that added a nice balance to the traditionally masculine look.

Simple Drops
Simple drop earrings emerged as a quiet standout at the GRAMMYs, proving that restraint can be just as impactful as large statement pieces. Addison Rae and Madison Beer leaned into effortless glamour, choosing sleek diamond drops that framed the face with subtle movement and modern elegance. Billie Eilish brought her signature edge, using pared-back diamond drops to balance her bold black and white suiting. Kelsea Ballerini elevated the look in Sabyasachi, where refined diamond drops added softness and romance, while Reba McEntire turned to Martin Katz for timeless brilliance, opting for classic diamond drops that were sure to catch the eye.

Diamond Hoops for Men
Men are increasingly embracing minimalist yet impactful diamond hoop earrings as a refined accessory choice. Bad Bunny paired his sharp Schiaparelli tuxedo with a single diamond hoop earring, bringing a subtle but polished sparkle to his look that perfectly balanced his experimental sartorial vibe. Kaytranada’s red carpet presence and inclination for understated yet stylish accessories suggest that simple diamond hoops align naturally with his fashion-forward aesthetic. This trend points to a broader moment in men’s red carpet jewelry: pared-back diamond hoops that provide polished shine without overpowering the rest of the ensemble, signaling a move toward jewelry that feels personal, versatile, and modern.

Rings
Rings at the GRAMMYs reflected a dual trend of bold expression and refined delicacy, underscoring natural diamonds’ versatility. Sabrina Carpenter complimented her look in Chopard, opting for diamond rings that delivered impact without overpowering her look, while Sombr also made a striking impression with a diamond ring that was perfect high-jewelry shine to go with his existing sequined ensemble. In contrast, Olivia Dean showcased a more delicate approach in Cartier High Jewelry, layering elegant diamond rings that emphasized timeless sophistication perfectly echoing her Chanel gown. Miley Cyrus made perhaps the boldest ring statement of the night with several diamond rings stacked and worn over leather gloves.

Necklaces
Necklaces at the GRAMMYs showcased how natural diamonds can define both quiet refinement and bold presence on the red carpet. On the delicate end of the spectrum, Charlotte Lawrence in Messika exemplified understated luxury with a finely crafted diamond necklace that traced the neckline proving that less is more. In contrast, Hailey and Justin Bieber turned heads with matching Lorraine Schwartz statement diamond neck pieces that anchored their looks. Tate McRae also grabbed attention with a 50 carat Lorraine Schwartz necklace, while Pharrell Williams elevated his ensemble with a striking diamond necklace that blended artistry and scale. Together, these moments underscored a versatile necklace trend: from minimalist diamonds that whispered elegance to oversized, expressive pieces that commanded attention. Natural diamonds continue to serve as dynamic anchors in personal style storytelling.

Hashtag: #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds #diamonds #GRAMMYS




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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services.

De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are

discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit .

Featuring Renowned Actor Wang Zhuo Cheng and T-Pop Sensation BUS to Boost Thai–Chinese Tourism Economy

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2026 – ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, announces a major collaboration with leading public and private partners—including the Ministry of Culture (Thailand), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), KASIKORNBANK, CP AXTRA “Makro – Lotus”, Alipay +, and Tiger Balm—to host a world-class Chinese New Year celebration. Reinforcing its Destination Marketing strategy, ICONSIAM aims to position itself as one of the world’s premier Chinese New Year destinations through festivities that blend Thailand’s cultural heritage with revered Chinese traditions. A key highlight is ICONSIAM’s spiritually significant location, known as the “Dragon’s Belly,” a powerful symbol of prosperity along the most beautiful curve of the Chao Phraya River. To honor the Year of the Horse, a sacred statue of Guan Yu—the deity of honesty, loyalty, and righteousness, will be enshrined. The celebration will feature world-class entertainment led by renowned Chinese actor Wang Zhuo Cheng and T-Pop Sensation BUS, alongside dragon and lion dances, festive street food, shopping, and cultural experiences. ICONSIAM is confident that foot traffic and spending within the destination will grow by more than 10%, helping to stimulate overall economic activity and tourism in the first quarter. The event will take place from 12–17 February 2026 at River Park, ICONSIAM.

ICONSIAM A PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR 01

Mrs. Suma Wongphan, Executive Vice President of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd. said “This event reaffirms ICONSIAM’s role as a Global Experiential Destination that captivates visitors worldwide. Our ambition is not only to elevate Thailand’s tourism experience, but also to celebrate the deep-rooted ties between Thailand and China. We have curated a landmark festival that seamlessly blends traditional beliefs with contemporary artistry, creating a special experience to attract global audiences to witness the most magnificent Chinese New Year celebration along the Chao Phraya River. Alongside the cultural aspects, ICONSIAM enhances the festive experience through its ‘Lucky Angpao Mega Campaign’, offering over 8,300 prizes, with expectations of driving more than 10% growth in visitor traffic and 10% increase in consumer spending during the campaign period.”

ICONSIAM A PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR 02

The 2026 Chinese New Year season is expected to generate significant economic impact across Thailand’s tourism sector, aligning closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s strategy in setting the target of attracting 6.7 million Chinese visitors under ongoing visa-free measures. ICONSIAM is confident that the scale and creativity of this celebration will serve as a powerful catalyst in advancing Thailand’s tourism and retail sectors to global prominence.

The ICONSIAM A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026 key highlights include:

  • Landmark of Blessing: Visitors are invited to experience profound spiritual power at The Auspicious Guan Yu Shrine, featuring the enshrinement of five sacred manifestations of Guan Yu, brought directly from the People’s Republic of China for the first time in Thailand. Enhancing the experience is the Interactive Blessing Pavilion, showcasing the “Eight Auspicious Horses” through cutting-edge interactive technology that breathes new life into ancient mythology.
  • Prosperous Celebration: The riverside comes alive with a world-class cultural spectacle led by the appearance of globally renowned Chinese actor Wang Zhuo Cheng, who joins the grand procession of the legendary ‘Long Ma’ (Dragon Horse), a mythical creature stretching over 32 metres in length, symbolising success and progress. The celebration is further energised by a breathtaking performance of the dragon-horse dance by Thailand’s leading T-POP sensation BUS (Because of You I Shine), creating a powerful fusion of tradition and contemporary pop culture.
  • The Miracle of Fountain: At ICONSIAM’s iconic river curve — regarded as the most beautiful bend of the Chao Phraya, visitors will witness the mesmerising “Chao Phraya River Dragon Multimedia Water Feature,” the longest of its kind in Southeast Asia, featuring a choreographed spectacle of dancing fountains, light, and sound.

More than a celebration, ICONSIAM A PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026 is a cultural phenomenon that positions Bangkok as one of the world’s most compelling festive destinations. Be part of this extraordinary celebration from February 12–17, 2026, at River Park, ICONSIAM. Discover upcoming events and the latest updates via ICONSIAM’s Facebook at www.facebook.com/ICONSIAM or call 1338 for more information.

Hashtag: #ICONSIAMCNY2026 #ICONSIAMaProsperousChineseNewYear2026 #ICONSIAM

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

By Nitya Chakraborty Bangladesh, Nepal and now Myanmar. Indian foreign policy makers are clueless in dealing with the developing situation. Myanmar’s three phase general elections organized by the military junta ended on January 25 and the results were released on January 29 and 30. As expected, the military aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) […]

The article India Faces A Precarious Situation In Myanmar As China Supports Junta Led Rigged Elections appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Dubai-based luxury property developer Binghatti Holding Limited has instructed banks to arrange a series of fixed income investor calls starting Tuesday, 3 February 2026, as it prepares the ground for a benchmark-sized, five-year, US dollar-denominated sukuk offering, according to transaction details communicated to the market. The planned issuance will take the form of a Regulation S senior unsecured sukuk under the $1.5 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme […]

  • Sales after nine months up on previous year, increasing by some 6.1 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA considerably better than in previous year – efficiency measures having a clear impact
  • Incoming orders down on previous year, as expected, due to underlying economic conditions and absence of drupa effect
  • Successful positioning in security, defense, and energy technologies
  • Full-year forecast confirmed despite challenging environment

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY – News Aktuell – 5 February 2026 – After nine months of financial year 2025/26 (April 1 to December 31, 2025), developments at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) are in line with expectations. The company has achieved a considerable improvement in its profitability and is also resolutely pressing ahead with its strategic transformation, moving into new areas of business that are enjoying strong growth. Notwithstanding the challenging environment, sales after three quarters climbed to € 1,602 million – some 6.1 percent higher than the previous year’s figure of € 1,509 million – despite negative exchange rate effects amounting to around € 44 million compared with the equivalent period of the previous year. Business in Europe and with packaging and label printing presses saw particularly positive development during this period. At € 617 million, the sales figure for the third quarter was around 4 percent higher than in the equivalent quarter of the previous year and continued the quarter-on-quarter sales growth so far in the current financial year.

The HEIDELBERG Customer Portal is already the digital control center for over 3,000 print shops worldwide – a figure that is set to keep on growing.
The HEIDELBERG Customer Portal is already the digital control center for over 3,000 print shops worldwide – a figure that is set to keep on growing.

The adjusted operating result (EBITDA) after nine months increased significantly to € 114 million (adjusted figure for equivalent period of previous year: € 86 million) and the adjusted EBITDA margin improved considerably to 7.1 percent (equivalent period of previous year: 5.7 percent). Implementation of the personnel and efficiency measures envisaged in the plan for the future is having a clear impact. For example, production costs and total working costs improved compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. The personnel cost ratio was lower than in the first nine months of the previous year, falling to 36 percent (equivalent period of previous year, adjusted for special items: 39 percent). The company is expecting personnel costs as a whole to remain below the previous year’s figure for the rest of financial year 2025/26.

Incoming orders after nine months totaled € 1,628 million (previous year: € 1,823 million). Allowing for the fact that drupa resulted in the previous year being very strong, they were therefore in line with expectations. During the reporting period, the company saw a significant impact from negative exchange rate effects amounting to some € 46 million. Incoming orders in the third quarter stood at € 517 million (corresponding quarter of previous year: € 550 million). The development of incoming orders in the third quarter was particularly positive in the Americas Region, where they were up 17 percent on the equivalent quarter of the previous year.

HEIDELBERG pressing ahead with strategic transformation and tapping into new growth markets

Despite a market environment that remains challenging, HEIDELBERG is consistently pursuing its strategic transformation. Based on its strong industry and systems expertise, the company is systematically tapping into additional markets in the areas of defense, security, energy, charging infrastructure, and industrial system solutions. One key aspect of this process is combining all relevant activities under HD Advanced Technologies GmbH. This strategic further development is building HEIDELBERG a stronger future and opening up long-term growth opportunities.

In the HEIDELBERG Technology segment, sales after nine months totaled € 42 million – slightly higher than the previous year’s figure of € 41 million. Even though the development of sales is moderate at present, the strategic measures that have been initiated provide a basis for HEIDELBERG Technology to potentially make a much bigger contribution to business as a whole. In particular, the continuing strategy of tapping into new industries and the creation of new business models are raising expectations of a positive sales trend in the coming years.

“The measures we have initiated are confirmation of our growth plan,” says Jürgen Otto, CEO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. “Both strategically and operationally speaking, HEIDELBERG is extremely well positioned to actively hone this plan and leverage additional opportunities in dynamic future markets,” he adds.

Core business lays foundations for transformation

At the same time as new areas of business are being unlocked, the company’s core business is also developing robustly. In the Print & Packaging Equipment segment, HEIDELBERG is benefiting from its strong market position in packaging and label printing. In the reporting period, this segment’s sales increased to € 804 million (previous year’s figure: € 705 million). In the Digital Solutions & Lifecycle segment, the company is further expanding its role as a systems integrator – with hybrid printing, software, and service solutions as part of a digital ecosystem. In this segment, HEIDELBERG achieved nine-month sales of € 755 million (previous year’s figure: € 763 million).

“Our strength lies in the intelligent way we combine presses, software, and service operations,” says Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer. “By specifically expanding our digital printing portfolio and launching new high-performance systems such as the Jetfire 75, we are creating additional growth potential – both in our core business and beyond,” he emphasizes.

The free cash flow of HEIDELBERG after three quarters was € -81 million, an improvement on the previous year (equivalent period of previous year: € -97 million). As expected, however, it was still negative. This is due to the Polar acquisition and restructuring costs in the high single-digit million-euro range. The net result after taxes of € 17 million after nine months represented a significant increase (corresponding period of previous year: € -42 million).

Full-year forecast confirmed despite challenging environment

The company is confirming its forecast for financial year 2025/26. A healthy order backlog, the current efficiency measures, and systematic implementation of the strategy are laying the foundations for achieving its targets. In view of macroeconomic developments, taking into account the various opportunities and risks, and assuming the global economy does not see weaker growth than predicted by the relevant institutions, the company is expecting sales of around € 2,350 million in financial year 2025/26 (2024/25: € 2,280 million). In view of the significant exchange rate effects, the continuing weak macroeconomic situation, and the uncertain trade situation, the company is assuming the increase in the adjusted EBITDA margin will be toward the lower end of the predicted range of up to 8 percent (previous year: 7.1 percent).

Image 1: A team from the Hoifu Group, gathered around Chairman Ou Shun Chou (front row, sixth from the left), with HEIDELBERG representatives including Steven Hou, General Manager South China, and Michael Nilges, Managing Director of the Shanghai site (front row, seventh and eighth from the left), during acceptance testing for the 1,000th Speedmaster CX 104 at the HEIDELBERG site in Shanghai.

Image 2: The digital printing line at rubmedia includes a Jetfire 50 and a Versafire LV from HEIDELBERG, as well as the corresponding postpress equipment. The media house can use this line for the complete, industrialized in-house production of personalized and high-quality short runs.

Image 3: The HEIDELBERG Customer Portal is already the digital control center for over 3,000 print shops worldwide – a figure that is set to keep on growing.

Image material and further information about the company are available in the Investor Relations portal and Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg.com.

Important note:

This release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates by the management of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft. Even though the management is of the opinion that these assumptions and estimates are accurate, the actual future development and results may deviate substantially from these forward-looking statements due to various factors, such as changes in the overall economic situation, in exchange and interest rates, and within the print media industry. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft provides no guarantee and assumes no liability for future developments and results deviating from the assumptions and estimates made in this press release.
Hashtag: #HEIDELBERGDruckmaschinenAG

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

About HEIDELBERG

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is a leading technology company that has been standing for innovation, quality, and reliability in mechanical engineering worldwide for 175 years. With a clear focus on growth and as a total solution provider, HEIDELBERG is driving further development in the core areas of packaging and digital printing, software solutions, and lifecycle business with service and consumables so that customers can achieve maximum productivity and efficiency. The company is also focusing on expanding into new business areas such as high-precision plant engineering with integrated control systems, automation technology, robotics, and the growing green technologies sector. With its strong international presence in approximately 170 countries, the creative power and expertise of its roughly 9,500 employees, its own production facilities in Europe, China, and the USA, and one of the largest global sales and service networks, the company is ideally positioned for future growth.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has opened the second round of trilateral talks bringing together delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the United States, reinforcing the UAE’s growing role as a discreet diplomatic venue for high-stakes dialogue amid a protracted conflict in Eastern Europe. The discussions, convened under the auspices of the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follow an initial round held earlier and are designed to […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has launched a comprehensive study to guide the long-term redevelopment of Mussafah, signalling a renewed push to strengthen the district’s standing as a major industrial and investment hub while improving liveability for workers and surrounding communities. The Department of Municipalities and Transport said the first phase of the project will examine ways to revitalise Mussafah’s waterfront, with proposals centred on creating […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 February 2026 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today successfully launched its annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”, at the HKPC Building, with the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) as the strategic partner of the event. With the theme of “Empowering Hong Kong’s Innovation Ecosystem, Bridging Opportunities with the 15th Five-Year Plan”, the event brought together, both in online and offline, more than 500 government, business, industry leaders and approximately 16,000 viewers in Chinese Mainland to discuss how Hong Kong can proactively connect with the national “15th Five-Year Plan” and jointly promote innovation and industrial integration, helping enterprises achieve high-quality development and enhance international competitiveness.

The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officiated at the forum and expressed, “The country has consistently given strong support to Hong Kong’s development of innovation and technology. Whether in the ’14th Five‑Year Plan’ or in the recommendations for the ’15th Five‑Year Plan’, there is clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology hub”. He added, “Looking ahead, we will continue to proactively align with national development strategies, promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and further strengthen the linkage between technology and industry. We will encourage enterprises to devote more effort in research and development, expand the scope of technology applications, and nurture innovative enterprises with an international outlook and forward-looking vision, driving the economy toward a high value-added and more diversified future”.

The Honourable Sunny TAN, Chairman of Hong Kong Productivity Council, said in the closing remarks, “The ’15th Five-Year Plan’ brings significant and far-reaching development opportunities to Hong Kong. At the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s recent group study session, President Xi Jinping urged adopting a strategy whereby industry poses questions and science and technology provide the answers. HKPC will continue to play an active role in promoting innovation and industrial upgrading, closely echoing the overall development strategies of the national and HKSAR Government, and making good use of innovative technologies to address business challenges, providing comprehensive support to enterprises to accelerate their upgrading and transformation, enhance their competitiveness, and seize new opportunities”.

Unlocking Hong Kong’s Connectivity Advantages and Gathering Leadership Wisdom

The “ForeSight Visionary Leaders Panel” was held at the day, moderated by Mr Vincent WONG, Columnist and Media Veteran, and invited industry leaders including Ms ZHI Tao, Founder of Beijing Yunji Technology Ltd., Mr WANG Yong Chao, Founder and Chairman of Henan Oriental Materials Company Ltd., Mr Jonathan CHIU, President of Schneider Electric Hong Kong, Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of Hong Kong Productivity Council, to share their insights. The topic features three key areas of enterprise going global, technological empowerment and talent development, and delved into the practical experience of how enterprises can achieve innovation-driven and high-quality development under the national “15th Five-Year Plan” through Hong Kong’s role as a “bridgehead”, Chinese brands going international through Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s advantages in technical support and innovative talent gathering, and how it can provide the Chinese Mainland enterprises with a one-stop platform for upgrading and going globally.

Realising the Full Empowerment of Enterprises to “Go Global”

HKPC echoes the national and HKSAR Government’s development strategies to address business challenges and industrial technology needs. Over the years, HKPC has successfully assisted many Chinese Mainland and local enterprises in expanding overseas markets, with many of these expansions implemented in Southeast Asia, Europe, ASEAN and the Middle East, etc., achieving upgrades and internationalisation. In recent years, HKPC and OASES have jointly established an “introduction-application-growth-go global” service model to help enterprises go global, with success cases include Westwell, Yunji Technology, UNISEE, etc. HKPC will continue to work with OASES to leverage the advantages of “Made in Hong Kong” to help enterprises connecting the world through Hong Kong.

Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “Hong Kong possesses a robust financial system, deep talent pool, and an international environment that integrates with international regulations, standards and operation practices. Coupled with the government’s relevant industry policies and long-established overseas networks, Hong Kong provides unique support for Chinese Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as a base to go global, as well as for overseas enterprises to development in the GBA. OASES is dedicated to attracting global strategic enterprises from five strategic I&T sectors, actively aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. We provide comprehensive landing support services and assist enterprises in establishing their ‘first project’ in Hong Kong, fully leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Added'”.

At the same time, HKPC, as a member of the GoGlobal Task Force of the HKSAR Government, will continue to focus on providing “Six Tactics to Go Global” for enterprises through “The Cradle Go Global Service Centre” (The Cradle), including smart production, Technology research and development and evaluation, international standards and testing, professional services, training and on-site visits, and funding schemes, to support Hong Kong to leverage its unique advantages and empower enterprises to expand overseas with high quality.

Since its establishment in April, The Cradle has attracted more than 350 companies that have expressed interest in using its services. Among these, over 100 cases have entered a concrete follow‑up stage. Together with overseas expansion projects supported prior to its establishment, the cumulative total exceeds 450 cases.

For more details, please watch the video “Six Tactics to Go Global“.

Bringing the strengths of Government, Industry, Academia, Research and Investment to Build an Innovative Industrial Ecosystem

HKPC has been working closely with the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors to promote new industrialisation and enhance the new quality productive forces of industries, including:

  • The major project led by Harbin Institute of Technology on key technologies and equipment for circular economy: Provide dynamic identification and big data resource pool construction solutions for multi-source solid waste in megaurban agglomerations
  • The project led by Jiangsu University on wheat green smart processing and key technology integration and industrialisation demonstration: Provide core technical support such as AI and the Internet of Things
  • Tsinghua University: Jointly established a technology centre to focus on the industrial transformation of intelligent manufacturing and AI technology
  • Zuquan Research Institute of Fudan University: Signed a cooperation agreement to promote collaboration and transformation of scientific and technological outcomes between Shanghai and Hong Kong

HKPC will continue to promote cross-sectoral dialogue between government, industry, academia, research and investment, focusing on the implementation of future industries and technology applications, and helping to build Hong Kong into a key node in the global I&T value chain.

Click here to download the high-resolution photos

Photo caption:

  1. HKPC’s annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”, themed “Empowering the Innovation Ecosystem and Bridging Hong Kong with New Opportunities under the 15th Five‑Year Plan,” brought together numerous government and business leaders.
  2. The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered a speech as the guest of honour at the “ForeSight 2026”, pointing out that going forward, efforts will continue to proactively align with national development strategies and promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation.
  3. The Honourable Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Legislative Council Member, said in his closing remarks that the Productivity Council will leverage innovation and technology to address enterprises’ real pain points, provide all‑round support to help enterprises accelerate their upgrading and transformation, enhance competitiveness, and seize new opportunities.
  4. The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo‑po, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, GBM, GBS, MH, JP (centre); The Honourable Sunny Tan, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Legislative Council Member (second from right); Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (second from left); Mr Emil YU, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (far right); and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (far left), attended HKPC’s annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”.
  5. Moderated by veteran media professional Dr. Vincent WONG, industry leaders shared their insights at the “ForeSight Visionary Leaders Panel”.
  6. (From right to left) Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises; Mr Jonathan CHIU, President, Hong Kong, Schneider Electric Hong Kong; Mr WANG Yong Chao, Founder & Chairman of Henan Oriental Materials Company Limited; Ms ZHI Tao, Founder of Beijing Yunji Technology Ltd.; and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

Hashtag: #HKPC #Foresight2026

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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 business 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: .

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RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA