Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate International Holding Company and the United States’ Development Finance Corporation have agreed to jointly deploy capital across emerging and frontier markets, marking one of the most ambitious investment alignments yet between a Gulf corporate heavyweight and Washington’s global development finance arm. The agreement, announced by both parties, sets out a framework to invest at scale in sectors considered critical […]
Apple has agreed to a multiyear partnership with Google that will see the Gemini artificial intelligence model integrated into Siri, marking one of the most significant shifts in Apple’s approach to core software in over a decade. The agreement, valued at about $1 billion a year, is aimed at delivering a substantially more capable version of Siri by 2026, as competition in generative AI intensifies across […]
By K Raveendran Oil prices have jumped roughly six percent in the span of a week, pushing benchmarks to around $63 a barrel and jolting a market that had grown accustomed to softer expectations closer to $50. The move has been swift enough to prompt talk of an over-reaction, not least because traders have already […]
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2026 – Running shoes brand Xtep has announced that it will form a joint venture with Bonia, a distributor with over 50 years of market expertise in Malaysia, to jointly develop the Malaysian market. Analysts indicate that this move will accelerate Xtep’s drive to become the leading running brand in Southeast Asia. Notably, this new strategic direction also involves an adjustment to Xtep’s previous business cooperation model in Malaysia. In line with Xtep Group’s overall strategic shift, the company’s business model in Malaysia will be upgraded from a single exclusive distribution arrangement to a muti-channel setup. The former exclusive distributor, VGO, will transition to a “non-exclusive distributor” and remain a key partner for Xtep in deepening its local market presence. Before Xtep’s partnership with Bonia, VGO served as Xtep’s exclusive partner in Malaysia. As the initial partner facilitating Xtep’s entry into the Malaysian market, VGO laid a solid foundation for the brand’s successful entry. Xtep will continue its collaboration with VGO to advance the Xtep brand’s development through channels where VGO holds particular strength. Meanwhile, Bonia will focus on maximizing Xtep’s brand visibility in Malaysia’s core commercial districts and running brand hubs.
Xtep Expands Overseas: Deep Restructuring of Malaysian Channels Marks Entry into Intensive Global Strategy Phase
Chinese media reports highlight Malaysia as Xtep’s springboard for expansion into Southeast Asia, emphasizing that this business model transformation is crucial for implementing the “Chinese Root, World-Class Running Shoes” strategy proposed in 2022. Bonia’s sales network spans Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian markets. The company maintains strong, stable relationships with major shopping centers in these countries, possesses deep insights into local consumer needs, and has solid cross-border retail operation capabilities.
The first store under Xtep’s partnership with Bonia opened in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur. According to Xtep, this3,262-square-foot professional running flagship store displays performance running products by function and features services such as a trial running zone and foot shape and gait analysis, allowing runners to experience world-class running technology. This store also showcases stories of local runners and photos from local running events to enhance runners’ sense of belonging.
Running culture in Malaysia is maturing. Data from the World Bank and Euromonitor International shows that Malaysia has the largest sportswear and footwear market in Southeast Asia. The Malaysian Sports Culture Index 2023 survey revealed that 63% of respondents cited jogging as their favorite sport. In terms of road racing popularity, the 2024 Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon attracted over 40,000 participants.
Xtep entered the Malaysian market in 2024 and has consistently employed an operational strategy of “Professional-to-mass influence” coupled with a cultural strategy of “adapting to local conditions”. The brand has connected with local consumers through events and running communities. During its partnership with VGO, Xtep organized several large-scale running events in Malaysia, including the “10KM Time Challenge” held in Penang in August 2024, which attracted top athletes from Indonesia, Singapore, Uganda and Kenya. With Malaysia emerging as a strategic hub for international growth, Xtep envisions the country as both a blueprint for overseas expansion and a dynamic showcase of its running heritage.
Hashtag: #Xtep
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Apple has rolled out a new subscription package aimed at video producers, podcasters and social media professionals, launching a “Creator Studio” bundle priced at $12.99 per month as the company deepens its push into the creator economy and recurring services revenue. The bundle brings together a suite of Apple-developed applications focused on video editing, audio production and graphics, integrating tools that were previously sold separately or bundled […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2026 – Today, KGI has released its 2026 Global Market Outlook, covering markets in the US, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.
(From left) James Chu, Chairman at KGI Securities Investment Advisory; James Wey, Head of International Wealth Management at KGI; Cusson Leung, Chief Investment Officer at KGI
After a turbulent year of trade disruptions and policy uncertainty under President Trump, investors face new questions. China has unveiled its 15th Five-Year Plan, as policymakers aim to support domestic growth amid global challenges. The market outlook for 2026 is shaped by interest rate decisions, economic resilience, and shifting international dynamics.
Under this backdrop, we propose the “LEAD” strategy for 2026:
Liquidity Shift
Earnings Focused
Adding Credit
Diversified Assets
Cusson Leung, Chief Investment Officer at KGI, says: “Looking ahead to 2026, investors can adopt a LEAD strategy: L stands for Liquidity Shift, benefiting from a weakening US dollar and interest rate cuts, with funds expected to flow to non-US dollar and Asian currencies; E stands for Earnings Focused, focusing on earnings growth to support valuations and allocating to US, European, and Japanese stocks; A stands for Adding Credit, locking in the credit of leading companies and increasing holdings of A-rated investment grade bonds; and D stands for Diversified Assets, responding to the upward trend in both stocks and bonds by including alternative assets to optimize asset allocation.”
Macro & US Markets The US economy will experience a more pronounced downturn in 4Q25, which will extend into 1H26, and this will have a negative impact on consumption, slowing investment activity. Nevertheless, AI-driven productivity gains should provide some support, with US GDP growth in 2026 forecast at 2.2%. The eurozone will see moderate growth, with Germany benefiting significantly from fiscal expansion and economic improvement. Japan’s economy will strengthen on domestic demand, aided by additional fiscal stimulus. China has demonstrated resilience under trade protectionism in 2025. With inflation risks easing and labor market risks rising, the US Fed cut the interest rates in September 2025, with a total reduction of 75 bps in 2025, followed by an additional 50-75 bps in 2026.
Regarding US stocks, AI-driven productivity gains and cost reductions should sustain solid profitability, with S&P 500 earnings projected to grow by 13.55% year-on-year (YoY) in 2026. However, higher risk premiums may cap valuation upside, leading us to project a year-end target of 7,650 points. Market performance will reflect risk-driven declines in 1Q26, stabilize and recover in 2Q26, and rally significantly around the midterm elections in 4Q26. By sector, among AI-related themes we favor technology, semiconductors, utilities (on higher power demand), machinery for advanced manufacturing, and industrial REITs. Non-AI beneficiaries include aerospace and defense (on higher military spending), pharmaceuticals (on tariff benefits), and capital market segments (supported by active investment banking). As for fixed income, US economic weakness and Fed rate cuts will drive Treasury yields lower, with 10-year yields expected to fall to 3.5-3.7% by 2Q26. We recommend allocating to US Treasuries or high-rated investment-grade corporate bonds in 1H26, then rotating into high-yield bonds in 2H26 as policy rates and economic conditions reach a bottom.
James Chu, Chairman at KGI Securities Investment Advisory, says:“AI is triggering a new productivity revolution, supporting economic growth and strengthening corporate earnings. While the US economy is expected to slow, a recession remains unlikely, and the short-term impact of tariff policies should gradually fade by the first quarter of 2026. Although the Fed may shift from cutting rates at every meeting to cutting at alternating meetings, the overall environment remains a rate-cutting cycle. In a non-recession backdrop, lower interest rates should continue to support equity market performance.”
Mainland China and Hong Kong Markets In terms of the macroeconomy, with the conclusion of trade agreements among many countries, risks have subsided. However, due to external drag, China’s GDP growth is expected to slow slightly to 4.6% in 2026. In 2026, investors should focus on four key areas for Hong Kong and mainland China markets: (1) In the consumption sector, domestic demand continued to be the core growth driver, contributing more than half of GDP. As the “trade-in” effect diminishes, the central government is expected to implement the “15th Five-Year Plan” and economic conference plans, launching a new round of subsidies covering culture, entertainment, and sports to continuously boost consumer spending. (2) In the financial market, risk appetite has increased. Given the narrowing spread between bond yields and fixed deposit rates, large amounts of savings are flowing into the capital market seeking returns. The fundamentals of the banking and insurance industries have bottomed out, and the credit structure is accelerating its shift from real estate to supporting the real economy. (3) Regarding the issue of “anti-involution,” the PPI remains weak, and capacity reduction has become a focus. Compared to 2015, this round involves more downstream private enterprises and needs to consider employment, presenting greater challenges. While industry consolidation is expected to be lengthy, the impact is controllable and beneficial for long-term healthy development. (4) Regarding new quality productive forces, this will replace real estate and infrastructure as the main investment focus. Digital infrastructure supports AI and embodied intelligence, and humanoid robots are expected to see commercialization in 2026, “iPhone moment.” Leading companies with core technological autonomy in innovative drugs will enjoy higher valuation premiums.
Overall, we are optimistic on Hang Seng Index. We expect the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts to drive fund inflows to the Hong Kong and mainland stock markets. Based on an upward revision of the forward PE ratio to 13.5x and 8% earnings growth, we set a target of 30,000 points for the Hang Seng Index by the end of 2026, representing a potential upside of approximately 14%. As confidence recovers, the investment style is expected to shift from defensive to growth stocks. Recommended 12 stocks: XPeng Motors (9868), UBTECH (9880), Tencent Holdings (700), Alibaba (9988), China Hongqiao (1378), AIA Group (1299), Ping An Insurance (2318), China Merchants Bank (3968), Akeso Biopharma (9926), Pop Mart (9992), Tencent Music (1698), and Sino Land (83).
Cusson Leung, Chief Investment Officer at KGI, says: “2026 marks a crucial turning point for the Chinese economy. While the market anticipates GDP growth to slow to 4.6%, “new quality productive forces,” resembling humanoid robots, is taking over as a new growth engine. The most critical signal in the market is the “awakening” of idle cash—massive savings are flowing from low-interest fixed deposits to the capital market seeking returns. With risk appetite returning and policy support intensifying, now is the time to shift investment strategies from “defensive” to “growth.” Driven by both valuation repair and earnings growth, we are optimistic that the Hang Seng Index will reach 30,000 points, and the allocation value of Hong Kong and mainland China stocks has reappeared.”
Taiwan Market Compared to the dot-com era bull run, which lasted almost five years, the current AI frenzy has been around for about three years, suggesting that the uptrend is still in its middle phase and could extend through 2026.
AI plays are trading at high PEs, such valuations are backed by strong fundamentals. In fact, the PEG ratio of Taiwan’s AI supply chain has yet to surpass 1x. We estimate that aggregate earnings of AI plays will grow by 21% YoY in 2026, following impressive upticks of 35% in 2024 and 43% in 2025. AI stocks now account for more than 60% of TAIEX earnings, and with the ongoing AI arms race, overall TAIEX earnings growth is projected to accelerate from 14% in 2025F to 20% in 2026.
Although the AI frenzy should keep the bull market intact, volatility will rise in tandem due to: (1) substantial cumulative gains, and the fact that valuations are approaching historic highs; (2) policy and political uncertainty surrounding the US midterm elections; and (3) potential changes in the US Fed’s rate-cut pace. We expect the TAIEX to repeat a “smile-curve” pattern, featuring continued strength in 1Q26, followed by healthy corrections in 2Q-3Q26 before closing the year with a renewed upswing.
We think investors need to pay attention to two major themes. The first is a broad-based product spec upgrade trend across the AI supply chain, which will drive the industry into a new growth phase, with beneficiaries including foundries, GPU and ASIC designers, advanced packaging (such as CoWoS), and ODMs, as well as testing interfaces, memory, thermal solutions, CCL, ABF substrates, PCBs, switches, and power component suppliers amid strong AI computing demand and ongoing GPU platform upgrades. The second is diversification and defensive asset allocation. Innovations in consumer electronics, such as foldable iPhones and smart wearables, will provide growth opportunities, while companies with resilient domestic demand and stable high dividend yields offer a balanced strategy combining growth and income. Overall, investors should strike a balance between growth and resilience against volatility in their portfolios, in the face of market fluctuations.
James Chu, Chairman at KGI Securities Investment Advisory, says:“The solid earnings growth driven by AI and still reasonable valuations form a strong foundation for the ongoing bull market in Taiwanese equities. With AI adoption accelerating across enterprises and consumers, demand for computing power is rising rapidly. Yet supply remains constrained by chip and power bottlenecks, meaning hardware suppliers are likely to face continued shortages through 2026. Taiwan’s AI supply chain is set to remain a key beneficiary, particularly those tied to next-generation specification upgrades.”
Singapore Market In 9M25, the overall performance of Singapore’s economy was better than expected as the global trade tensions eased after the US pivoted on its reciprocal tariffs and reached deals with its major trading partners. The manufacturing, wholesale trade and finance & insurance sectors remained the growth pillars of the Singapore economy, and each sector delivered decent growth. In particular, manufacturing’s growth has been robust, driven by the electronics, transport engineering and biomedical manufacturing clusters. The full year outlook is upbeat, as the growth momentum shall continue till the end of the year.
Looking ahead, the global economic outlook for 2026 suggests slower GDP growth for most of Singapore’s key trading partners, including China and the Eurozone, largely due to the impact of US tariffs, which will temper demand for Southeast Asian exports, though US growth is expected to remain resilient from AI investment. Consequently, Singapore’s outward-oriented sectors, particularly manufacturing and trade-related services, are projected to expand at a slower pace than in 2025, although the electronics and related sectors will benefit from AI demand, while some precision engineering and biomedical output may moderate domestically, the construction sector is set to grow, but consumer-facing sectors are likely to remain subdued. However, the relatively low interest rates and continuous government support shall buffer the impact of the slowdown, and the capital market will still benefit from the upward re-rating catalysts.
Chen Guangzhi, Head of Research at KGI Singapore, says: “Thanks to trade de-escalation and the AI wave, Singapore experienced significant economic expansion in 2025. Proactive government initiatives turbo-charged the equity bull run, and this strong momentum is expected to deliver an optimistic economic outlook for 2026.” Hashtag: #KGI #MarketOutlook
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
KGI
KGI* has been a leading financial institution in Asia since 1997. Our scope of business encompasses wealth management, brokerage, fixed income, and asset management. We are committed to offering a comprehensive range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, and individual clients throughout Asia. Backed by KGI Financial Group, we have a robust footprint in Asia, covering Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand^.
*KGI refers to KGI Asia Limited and its affiliates. ^an investee enterprise of KGI Securities, not a subsidiary.
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President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country conducting business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on trade with the United States, signalling a sharp escalation in Washington’s economic pressure as the White House weighs its response to unrest inside Iran marked by widespread anti-government protests. The warning was delivered via a post on Truth Social, where Trump said the measure would take effect immediately […]
Abu Dhabi has constituted the board of its new sovereign investment platform, L’IMAD Holding Company, marking another step in the emirate’s drive to broaden revenue streams and deepen its presence in global deal-making. The formation of the board, announced by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, places the vehicle alongside a growing roster of state-backed investors tasked with deploying capital across sectors seen as strategic to long-term growth. […]
NAIROBI, KENYA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2026 – Swiss-Belhotel International, has signed a management agreement for The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, Kilimani, Nairobi, with Albushra Real Estate Limited, marking the global debut of its newest brand concept and underscoring the group’s strategic expansion across Africa. The latest signing builds on the group’s established presence in East Africa, where Swiss-Belhotel International operates multiple properties.
Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA and India, Swiss-Belhotel International and Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Shakul, CEO of Albushra Real Estate Limited
Scheduled to open within the next 12 months, The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, is strategically located in Kilimani, one of Nairobi’s most dynamic and sought-after districts. It features 155 well-appointed guest rooms, complemented by an extensive range of lifestyle and business facilities, including two food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym, a rooftop swimming pool, a dedicated ladies’ sauna, and expansive ballroom and meeting facilities.
Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Shakul, CEO of Albushra Real Estate Limited, said: “The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel represents a bold and future-focused development for Nairobi. Our vision was to create a modern hospitality and lifestyle destination that reflects the energy of the city while meeting the evolving expectations of today’s traveller. Partnering with Swiss-Belhotel International, with its global expertise and strong operational standards, ensures that this project will set a new benchmark in the market.”
Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, added: “The launch of The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel marks a significant milestone for our group as we introduce a new brand to our global portfolio. Africa continues to be a key focus market for Swiss-Belhotel International, and Nairobi, in particular, offers tremendous potential. This signing reflects our confidence in the city’s long-term growth and our commitment to delivering brands that are relevant, contemporary, and market-driven.”
Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, SVP – Operations & Development, EMEA and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, stated: “The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel has been carefully conceptualised to resonate with the next generation of travellers – those seeking authenticity, smart design, and social connectivity without compromising on comfort or service quality. This signing not only strengthens our footprint in Kenya but also underscores our broader expansion strategy across Africa and emerging markets.”
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Shares of Larsen & Toubro fell sharply in early trading on January 13, extending losses after reports indicated that Kuwait is weighing the cancellation of oil and gas project tenders with an estimated value of $8.7 billion, a development that unsettled investors exposed to the company’s hydrocarbons order book. The stock dropped close to 3 per cent during morning deals, touching a one-month […]
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 January 2026 – Ho Chi Minh City Development Commercial Bank (HDBank, ticker symbol: HDB) has successfully issued a second tranche of international green bonds worth US$50 million to the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, completing its $100 million international green bond initiative in 2025.
HDBank’s international green bond programme strengthens funding diversification and supports sustainable, green and inclusive finance initiatives in Vietnam.
The announcement was made at “The USD100 Million Green Bond Issuance Disclosure Ceremony” recently held between HDBank and its green bond investors including FMO, BII and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – a member of the World Bank Group in the presence of the Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands and representatives from the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
The bonds included $30 million privately issued to FMO and $20 million to BII. The first tranche was issued to IFC, which facilitated the participation of FMO and BII in the second tranche.
The bonds have a three-year term, are non-convertible and unsecured and issued without warrants.
Nguyen Huu Dang, HDBank’s CEO, said: “Sustainable development goals lie at the heart of HDBank’s strategy, which is centred on delivering the best value for customers, partners and the community. This international green bond initiative marks an important stepping stone on our journey towards achieving those goals.”
The issuance help diversify HDBank’s funding sources, support its sustainable growth strategy and create a foundation for it to continue attracting additional international capital for green finance, sustainable development and inclusive finance initiatives in Vietnam.
This, in turn, helps customers access capital to deploy solar energy projects, electric vehicles, green buildings, and other energy-saving solutions.
Projects financed by the green bond proceeds must undergo rigorous screening, meet environmental and social risk management requirements, and comply with eligibility criteria under the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. These projects are expected to reduce approximately 102,000 tons of CO₂ over 10 years, improve environmental quality and contribute to Vietnam’s Net Zero 2050 commitment.
Weichuan Xu, IFC’s lead for the Financial Institutions Group in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR, said the issuance marked a significant step in expanding HDBank’s climate finance portfolio and advancing Vietnam’s economic and social progress.
“The funds raised will support projects that foster sustainable industries, generate jobs and strengthen communities,” he added.
Representatives from FMO and BII also highlighted the transaction as a strong signal of the growing readiness and potential of Vietnam’s sustainable finance ecosystem, helping attract more capital for climate-responsible projects.
With this milestone, HDBank reinforces its commitment to sustainable finance and the long-term prosperity of its customers, partners and the community, while expanding its presence on the global financial map.
Hashtag: #HDBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Dubai’s financial regulator will bar privacy-enhancing cryptoassets from operating inside its main international finance hub from January 12, 2026, sharpening the emirate’s stance on anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance while tightening how stablecoins can be issued and used. The decision by the Dubai Financial Services Authority applies within the Dubai International Financial Centre and prohibits regulated firms from trading, holding, promoting or facilitating privacy tokens and transaction-obfuscation […]
Germany’s opposition leader Friedrich Merz has suggested that a long-stalled trade agreement between the European Union and India could be clinched by the end of January, injecting momentum into negotiations that Brussels and New Delhi have struggled to close for more than a decade as global supply chains remain under strain from geopolitical frictions.
Speaking at a policy forum, Friedrich Merz said the bloc and India were “closer than many assume” to resolving key differences, adding that the economic case for a deal had sharpened after prolonged disruptions linked to strategic competition between major powers. His comments come as European manufacturers continue to grapple with uneven access to critical inputs following China’s tightening of export controls on minerals vital for electric vehicles, electronics and defence applications.
Negotiations for an EU–India free trade agreement were relaunched in 2022 after an eight-year hiatus, with both sides aiming to expand trade that exceeded €120 billion in goods and services last year. Officials involved in the talks say progress has been made on tariff reductions and rules governing digital trade, though sensitive areas such as agriculture, labour standards and intellectual property remain contentious. Merz’s remarks underscore a growing sense in Berlin and other capitals that the agreement has moved from a strategic aspiration to an economic necessity.
Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has been among the strongest advocates of diversifying trade ties beyond China, particularly after export controls imposed by Beijing on gallium, germanium and graphite created months of bottlenecks for automotive and renewable energy firms. Those controls, introduced amid the broader U. S.–China trade dispute, highlighted vulnerabilities in Europe’s dependence on a narrow set of suppliers for critical raw materials.
Executives in the auto sector say shortages of battery-grade materials last year forced production adjustments and delayed investment decisions. While some supply has since stabilised, industry groups argue that long-term resilience requires deeper partnerships with alternative producers and manufacturing hubs. India, with its expanding industrial base and policy push to attract foreign investment, has emerged as a central pillar of that strategy.
European officials note that the proposed agreement would not only cut tariffs—currently as high as 60 per cent on some vehicles entering India—but also establish clearer rules for public procurement and data flows. For India, the deal promises greater access to the European market for pharmaceuticals, textiles and IT services, while also encouraging technology transfer and skills development.
Trade analysts caution that closing the pact by late January would require political compromises on both sides. European negotiators have pressed for stronger environmental and labour commitments, while Indian counterparts have sought flexibility to protect small farmers and domestic manufacturers. Still, the geopolitical context is shifting calculations. The European Union has accelerated its “open strategic autonomy” agenda, seeking to balance openness with security of supply, and India has signalled willingness to align more closely with Western economies without abandoning its strategic independence.
Merz’s intervention also reflects domestic pressures within Germany, where exporters are seeking new growth markets as demand in China cools. German industry groups have repeatedly urged policymakers to prioritise agreements with fast-growing economies, arguing that delays risk ceding ground to competitors from East Asia and North America.
The broader backdrop includes intensifying scrutiny of China’s role in global supply chains. Beijing has defended its export controls as legitimate measures to safeguard national security and manage resources, but the ripple effects have reinforced calls in Europe for diversification. The European Commission has already launched initiatives to secure access to lithium, cobalt and rare earths through partnerships in Africa, Latin America and Asia, with India seen as both a market and a manufacturing partner.
Diplomats familiar with the EU–India talks say technical chapters are largely drafted, leaving political decisions to bridge remaining gaps. Any agreement would still need approval from member states and the European Parliament, a process that could extend beyond the negotiating deadline even if a political deal is struck.
Greenlogue/AP Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar has signed a long-term power purchase agreement for a 150-megawatt solar photovoltaic project in Angola, marking its first contracted power deal in the country and extending the company’s African portfolio at a time when regional governments are accelerating grid expansion and energy diversification. The agreement covers the Quipungo Solar PV project, located in Angola’s southern region, and was […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Basic Industries Corporation has agreed to divest its European petrochemicals arm and its engineering thermoplastics operations across the Americas and Europe, marking a significant portfolio shift by the chemical producer as it sharpens its focus on core businesses. The company said it has signed a definitive agreement with Germany’s AEQUITA SE & Co. KGaA to sell 100 per cent of its shares […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi-based developer Dar Global has confirmed plans to launch two Trump-branded luxury developments in Riyadh and Jeddah with a combined value of about $10 billion, marking one of the most ambitious foreign-branded property ventures tied to the kingdom’s urban transformation drive. Chief executive Ziad El Chaar said the projects will anchor premium hospitality, residential and leisure offerings in locations central to Saudi Arabia’s […]
Samsung Electronics has warned that a tightening supply of memory chips risks pushing up prices for televisions, smartphones and home appliances, broadening the impact of a global shortage driven by surging demand for artificial intelligence hardware. The caution underscores how constraints in a core component are rippling across consumer electronics at a time when manufacturers are racing to invest in AI-centric products. Speaking on the outlook […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Price cuts on a Donkey Kong-themed wireless controller are drawing attention across the Nintendo accessories market, as retailers deepen discounts on officially licensed hardware designed for both current and next-generation consoles. The promotion centres on the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller: Donkey Kong Edition, now selling for $41.61, down from $60, with select shoppers able to apply an additional coupon that lowers the […]
Publisher Hooded Horse has imposed a blanket ban on the use of AI-generated assets across all games it releases, marking one of the clearest industry rejections of generative art tools at a time when many studios are experimenting with them. The policy applies to every stage of development and is written directly into publishing contracts, making compliance a legal as well as creative requirement. The stance was […]
Dell has acknowledged that withdrawing its XPS laptop range damaged customer trust and weakened its premium credentials, prompting the company to restore the line with new models unveiled at CES 2026. The admission marks a rare public reversal by a major technology manufacturer and signals a recalibration of Dell’s strategy in the high-end personal computer market. Speaking during product briefings in Las Vegas, Dell executives conceded that […]
BYD has begun integrating advanced LiDAR sensing into some of its lowest-priced electric vehicles, a move that signals a sharp escalation in the race to make assisted and autonomous driving features available to mass-market buyers. The Chinese automaker has confirmed that models including the Seagull and Dolphin will carry LiDAR-based perception as part of its proprietary “God’s Eye” driver-assistance system, despite starting prices that hover around the […]
Senate Republicans are accelerating plans to bring a sweeping cryptocurrency bill to a vote, betting that momentum and industry pressure can overcome lingering Democratic reservations even as bipartisan talks remain unsettled. The move was confirmed late on Friday by the chair of the Senate Banking Committee, who said the panel would press ahead with scheduling despite parallel efforts by the Senate Agriculture Committee to refine a cross-party […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Nintendo has opened preorders for a new Light Purple and Light Green Joy-Con 2 controller set priced at $100, expanding the accessory line-up for the forthcoming Switch 2 ahead of a February 12 release. The controllers are listed across major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target and GameStop, signalling a coordinated retail push as Nintendo prepares the next phase of its hardware cycle. […]
Robinhood Markets has set out plans to build an Ethereum layer-2 network as part of a broader push to deepen its role in crypto trading, tokenised equities and on-chain yield products, arguing that anchoring the project to Ethereum’s security is central to winning user trust and regulatory confidence. The brokerage, best known for commission-free equity trading, says the layer-2 is designed to handle higher transaction volumes at […]
By K Raveendran Oil prices have jumped roughly six percent in the span of a week, pushing benchmarks to around $63 a barrel and jolting a market that had grown accustomed to softer expectations closer to $50. The move has been swift enough to prompt talk of an over-reaction, not least because traders have already […]
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