BlackRock’s transfer of more than $74 million in bitcoin to Coinbase has drawn scrutiny across cryptocurrency markets, highlighting institutional behaviour and sparking fresh debate on the purpose of large-scale asset movements among major financial players. On the blockchain, wallets linked to the world’s largest asset manager deposited 1,134 bitcoin — valued at roughly $75 million — into Coinbase Prime over a brief window, an action that analysts […]
Two drones struck close to the United States Embassy compound in Riyadh, according to Saudi authorities and US officials, in an incident that heightens tensions across West Asia and draws Saudi Arabia more directly into a confrontation involving Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv. No casualties were reported at the diplomatic mission, but the blasts prompted heightened security measures around foreign embassies in the Saudi capital and a […]
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026– VinFast announced the completion of its strategic structuring into three automotive brand linesand officially unveiled two new flagship ultra-luxury models: the Lac Hong 800S and the Lac Hong 900S. The two vehicles join the Lac Hong line – VinFast’s ultra-luxury marque – alongside its established VF mass-market passenger vehicle range and Green commercial mobility brand.
Lac Hong 900S
Under this clearly defined brand structure, Lac Hong represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury, conceived to honor national pride and currently comprising the 900 LX, 900S and 800S models. The VF line encompasses a comprehensive portfolio of mass-market passenger EVs across segments, from VF 3 to VF 9, including the seven-seat VF MPV 7. Meanwhile, the Green brand is purpose-developed for commercial and service mobility solutions, featuring models such as Limo Green, Herio Green, Nerio Green and Minio Green.
Alongside the structured and clearly defined development of its three strategic brand lines, VinFast has officially unveiled two new ultra-luxury models, the Lac Hong 800S and 900S. These additions expand the Lac Hong ultra-luxury collection, complementing the flagship 900 LX (including a world-leading advanced armored version) introduced in 2025.
Inspired by Vietnam’s cultural heritage and embodying the courage, intellect and stature of the nation, the new models deliver design and craftsmanship on par with the world’s most prestigious ultra-luxury vehicles. The Lac Hong 800S projects a bold, powerful and refined aesthetic, while the Lac Hong 900S reflects timeless, classical values expressed through enduring elegance.
Both models share a cohesive, brand-specific design language enriched with symbolic detailing and premium materials. The grille features straight vertical slats inspired by the resilience of Vietnamese bamboo, while the wing-shaped emblem evokes the Lac bird in ascent. Decorative motifs derived from the Dong Son bronze drum and terraced rice fields are thoughtfully integrated and intentionally repeated across exterior and interior elements, celebrating cultural heritage and national pride. Notably, the “Lac Hong” wordmark is crafted in a calligraphic style and rendered in genuine gold-plated alloy, creating a distinctive and sophisticated brand signature.
Lac Hong 800S
Inside the cabin, the Lac Hong 800S and 900S are meticulously appointed with top-tier materials including Nappa leather, rare woods and refined gold-plated accents.
Both vehicles integrate advanced intelligent technologies and comprehensive safety systems, complemented by ultra-luxury amenities such as zero-gravity executive seating, automatic power-assisted doors and premium entertainment systems from globally renowned brands. The Lac Hong 900S further enhances exclusivity with a privacy partition separating the cockpit and rear cabin, a starlight headliner, a large-format projection entertainment system and a foldable executive workstation for second-row occupants. Together, these features transform each vehicle into a sophisticated mobile environment for travel, productivity and immersive leisure.
In terms of performance, both models are equipped with an all-new fully active suspension system engineered to deliver exceptional ride comfort and dynamic stability. They can be configured with a tri-motor powertrain comprising one front motor and two rear motors, generating a combined output of up to 460 kW and ensuring commanding performance aligned with their ultra-luxury positioning.
The Lac Hong 800S and 900S are scheduled for commercial launch in 2027.
Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Automotives at VinFast, stated: “Following a period of accelerated growth – achieving the No.1 position in Vietnam and establishing our presence in key regional markets – the completion of our three-brand structure lays the foundation for our next phase of development: structured, professional and breakthrough-driven. The Lac Hong 800S and 900S stand as further proof of VinFast’s technological mastery, product development capability and advanced manufacturing expertise. We believe products created by Vietnamese intellect, craftsmanship and resilience not only inspire national pride but also convey a powerful message about Vietnam’s cultural heritage and technological stature in this new era of global advancement.”
To date, VinFast has developed and introduced more than 15 electric vehicle models and has maintained an undisputed leadership position in Vietnam for the past 16 consecutive months. In 2025 alone, the Company set a national sales record with 175,099 vehicles delivered in Vietnam, further solidifying its status as the country’s most beloved automotive brand./.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
France will expand its nuclear arsenal to reinforce Europe’s deterrence posture as uncertainty grows over the durability of United States security guarantees, President Emmanuel Macron has said, signalling a significant recalibration of Paris’s strategic doctrine. Macron declared that France would “adapt and strengthen” its nuclear forces in response to a deteriorating security environment, pointing to Russia’s war in Ukraine and mounting questions in European capitals about Washington’s […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy company of Qatar, has halted production at its liquefied natural gas export facilities following Iranian drone strikes, triggering a major surge in global gas prices and underscoring vulnerabilities in energy markets. The suspension of operations at the Ras Laffan and Mesaieed Industrial City complexes, which together constitute the largest LNG export infrastructure in the world, has removed roughly one-fifth […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Airports will restart a limited number of flights from Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International this evening, March 2, following a period of disruption that left thousands of passengers stranded and forced widespread cancellations. The operator said only a small number of services will operate during the initial phase and urged travellers not to proceed to either airport […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A drone strike triggered a fire at a fuel tank terminal in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi’s industrial zone, prompting an emergency response that authorities said brought the situation under control without disrupting operations. Abu Dhabi’s media office stated that local authorities dealt swiftly with the blaze after a drone targeted the facility. The fire was contained and no injuries were reported. Officials added that […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – AgileAsia has recently entered into a lifelong learning partnership with SMU Academy to deliver practitioner-led sustainability and ESG programmes, hosted by SMU Academy.
As part of this partnership, AgileAsia will contribute its deep industry expertise in ESG strategy, sustainability transformation, and organisational change. At the same time, SMU Academy will bring its applied learning framework and established professional training infrastructure. By combining industry-grounded insight with academic rigour, the collaboration will deliver sustainability-focused programmes that equip organisations and working professionals with structured, credible pathways to develop real-world sustainability capabilities.
Delivering Sustainability Education Through SMU Academy AgileAsia’s industry specialists and the academic leadership of SMU Academy co-develop certified sustainability courses. AgileAsia provides sustainability professionals with hands-on industry experience as trainers, while SMU Academy serves as the academic host and programme platform. This integrated model allows participants to gain applied industry insight within a recognised university-backed learning environment.
The collaboration is structured to help organisations move beyond sustainability intent towards practical execution. Programme content emphasises equipping professionals with practical skills that respond to climate risk, ESG reporting requirements, regulatory awareness, and the operational realities of cross-functional organisational change.
This approach responds to growing demand from organisations seeking structured, SkillsFuture-supported sustainability training that is both implementation-focused and academically grounded.
Responding to Industry and Regulatory Needs The partnership was shaped by a convergence of industry demand, evolving regulatory expectations, and increasing client need for formal ESG upskilling. Organisations across sectors are navigating sustainability disclosure requirements, decarbonisation targets, and stakeholder scrutiny, while often lacking the internal capability to translate strategy into action.
“SMU Academy was a natural academic partner for us due to its strong emphasis on applied learning, sustainability thought leadership, and close engagement with industry and government stakeholders,” said Sharan Mangalore, CEO of AgileAsia. “Its focus on professional education aligns closely with our delivery philosophy, making this lifelong learning partnership a strong strategic fit for advancing practical sustainability capability-building.”
The Sustainability Project Management course addresses common execution gaps faced by organisations, equipping professionals with structured project governance, stakeholder management, and delivery approaches tailored to ESG initiatives. The CRO programme, on the other hand, focuses on building practical capability in climate risk assessment, resilience planning, and organisational adaptation to climate-related disruption.
Across both programmes, participants engage with applied case studies, practical tools, and methodologies that can be directly contextualised to their organisations.
Audience and Organisational Impact This partnership builds on AgileAsia’s experience in enterprise transformation and leadership development, translating sustainability principles into structured execution frameworks that address real organisational challenges.
What’s Next for the Partnership As a long-term collaboration, it reflects a shared commitment to developing future-ready sustainability professionals through applied, university-hosted education pathways.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AgileAsia
AgileAsia is a leading professional training and certification provider headquartered in Singapore. With over a decade of experience, the company has partnered with enterprises, government agencies and education institutions across Asia to deliver transformative learning in Agile, Sustainability (ESG) and Generative AI.
In the Sustainability (ESG) space, AgileAsia is recognised for delivering comprehensive, industry-relevant programmes in collaboration with international ESG bodies. Their courses are facilitated by industry practitioners with decades of hands-on ESG experience across sectors such as maritime, finance, and manufacturing.
Spain has formally prohibited the United States from using its military bases on Spanish soil as launching points for attacks on Iran, a move that forced the departure of several U. S. aircraft and highlighted growing diplomatic strain between Madrid and Washington amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Spain’s decision applies specifically to operations directed at Iran and reaffirms its interpretation of sovereignty and international […]
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank said on Monday that technical problems were disrupting access to parts of its digital banking platforms, affecting customers using its website and mobile application, as broader technology infrastructure challenges unfolded across the Gulf. The lender, one of the largest financial institutions in the United Arab Emirates, acknowledged service interruptions and said teams were working to restore full functionality. Customers reported difficulties logging into […]
Trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market will pause on Monday and Tuesday after the Securities and Commodities Authority announced a temporary closure of the country’s capital markets amid heightened regional uncertainty. The regulator confirmed that activity across the UAE’s bourses will be suspended on 2 and 3 March 2026, adding that it is closely following developments in the region and will […]
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Newsaktuall – 2 March 2026 – Compax, a leading solution provider in the MVNO and telco space, will continue to support Airalo, the world’s first and largest eSIM platform.
Airalo and Compax have extended their partnership for another five years, ensuring Airalo continues to run on the powerful Compax backend platform. This technology allows Airalo to quickly launch and manage data plans across more than 200 destinations. By using the Compax real-time charging system, Airalo can accurately track data usage and set custom pricing independently, without having to rely on the technical systems of local phone carriers. This total control ensures that Airalo can offer its 20 million users the most flexible and competitive travel eSIM rates on the market.
Compax is proud to support Airalo as it continues to launch new products and services, ensuring its 20M+ customers can stay connected seamlessly across more than 200 destinations, regardless of their travel plans.
“At Airalo, our goal is to provide our customers with reliable connectivity and a seamless experience. Extending our partnership with Compax MVNE for another five years ensures we have the technical foundation to keep that promise,” explained Peter Nussbaumer, VP of Networks at Airalo. “Compax MVNE’s platform gives us the independence to launch new products and manage complex global data plans in real-time, allowing us to stay agile and focus on what matters most: keeping our 20 million users connected, no matter where their journey takes them.”
“The Airalo team set out to transform the way travelers enjoy connectivity abroad forever and they are not falling short on their goal. It’s an absolute pleasure for us to be a part of their journey and assist them on their mission. Connectivity is at the heart of everything we do in our modern ways of life and the Airalo offering is perfectly tuned to that beat.” said Werner Kohl, CEO of Compax.
Hashtag: #CompaxMVNE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Compax
Compax is a leading BSS/OSS software provider for the telecommunications industry. Its business software suite covers the full spectrum required to cover areas such as DSL, FTTH, MVNO and related industries: Apps and portals for customer orders and selfcare, convergent product catalog, CPQ, order management, CRM, contact center, billing, accounting, payments, online charging, and retail management. Compax enables operators to bring new services, offers, and brands to market with a quick turnaround and covering B2B, B2C, and B2B2X scenarios. Relying on proven agile methodology, Compax successfully serves top brands around the globe.
About Airalo Airalo, founded in 2019, is the world’s largest travel eSIM platform. Trusted by over 20 million travelers, Airalo offers eSIM packages in 200+ destinations, empowering users to connect to mobile networks worldwide instantly. With a remote team of over 300 people, spanning more than 50 countries, Airalo is committed to making mobile connectivity on the move easier, more affordable, and accessible to all.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Amazon’s cloud operations in the United Arab Emirates were hit by power and connectivity failures after unidentified objects struck a data centre site, triggering a fire that forced authorities to cut electricity to parts of the facility and disrupting services across the region. Amazon Web Services, the cloud-computing arm of Amazon, said on its public status page that two clusters of data centres […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia’s state-owned energy behemoth Saudi Aramco shut down its massive Ras Tanura oil refinery on Monday after the facility was struck by drones amid a widening Middle East conflict that has drawn in regional powers and global markets. The refinery, one of the kingdom’s most critical energy assets with a processing capacity of about 550,000 barrels per day and a vital crude […]
Complete Ecosystem for Aesthetic Practice Success What sets DUBIMED apart is its holistic approach to supporting aesthetic medical practices. Beyond simply supplying equipment, the company delivers a complete ecosystem of services designed to ensure clinical success from day one. “Every practice has unique needs,” explains a senior DUBIMED representative. “Our mission is to provide not just the technology, but the knowledge, support, and infrastructure that transform equipment […]
By K Raveendran Brent crude ended the week near seven-month highs at roughly $73 a barrel, extending gains of about 16 per cent since the start of the year and injecting a fresh layer of uncertainty into the global macro outlook. Traders are now modelling far wider trading bands for the coming sessions, with several […]
China has condemned air and missile strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, declaring they violate international law and heighten the risk of a broader regional conflict. Beijing’s foreign ministry said the attacks undermine the sovereignty of a UN member state and threaten stability across West Asia at a time of already acute tensions. Speaking in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao […]
India’s economic expansion has moderated to 7.8 per cent, yet the country continues to outpace other major economies, reinforcing its position as the fastest-growing large market amid a fragile global backdrop.
Official data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation showed that gross domestic product growth eased compared with earlier quarters, reflecting softer manufacturing momentum and uneven external demand. Even so, the figure places India ahead of the United States, China, Japan and the euro area, where growth rates remain significantly lower.
The government’s updated projections under the revised national accounts data series marginally lifted the full-year estimate for the financial year ending March 31. Growth for 2025/26 is now projected at 7.6 per cent, supported by strong domestic consumption, resilient services exports and sustained public capital expenditure. The revision follows adjustments in base year calculations and improved data capture across informal and digital sectors.
Finance ministry officials have maintained that macroeconomic fundamentals remain intact. Gross fixed capital formation has shown steady expansion, underpinned by infrastructure outlays in transport, railways and energy. Private sector investment has begun to recover after a prolonged period of balance sheet repair, although it has not yet matched the pace of public spending.
Manufacturing output, a key pillar of the government’s production-linked incentive schemes, displayed mixed trends. Electronics and pharmaceuticals recorded robust growth, aided by global supply chain realignments and incentives aimed at boosting exports. However, textiles and certain consumer durables segments faced headwinds from weaker global demand and inventory corrections.
Agriculture provided a stabilising force despite weather-related uncertainties linked to El Niño conditions earlier in the year. Official estimates indicate that foodgrain production remained broadly stable, while rural consumption showed gradual improvement following targeted welfare transfers and support prices for key crops.
Services continued to drive overall growth. Information technology exports, financial services and travel-related activity expanded steadily. The rebound in tourism and aviation, alongside strong digital payments growth, contributed to higher value-added in contact-intensive sectors. Data from the Reserve Bank of India indicate that credit growth has remained in double digits, reflecting demand for retail loans and working capital financing.
Inflation dynamics have been closely monitored. Consumer price inflation eased from earlier peaks but remains sensitive to food price volatility and global energy movements. The central bank has maintained a cautious stance, balancing price stability with growth objectives. Monetary policy decisions have focused on anchoring inflation expectations while ensuring adequate liquidity for productive sectors.
Global comparisons underscore India’s relative strength. The International Monetary Fund has projected growth in advanced economies at below 2 per cent, with China expected to expand at a more moderate pace compared with its historical averages. Analysts note that India’s domestic demand-led model offers insulation against external shocks, though it remains exposed to commodity price swings and geopolitical tensions affecting trade routes.
Fiscal policy has remained expansionary but calibrated. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal consolidation, targeting a gradual reduction in the deficit as revenue buoyancy improves. Tax collections have exceeded budgeted estimates in several quarters, aided by stronger compliance and digital tracking systems under the goods and services tax framework.
Labour market indicators present a nuanced picture. Urban employment has improved, particularly in construction and services, yet concerns persist regarding job creation in high-value manufacturing. Economists argue that sustaining growth above 7 per cent will require deeper structural reforms, including land and labour flexibility, skilling initiatives and streamlined regulatory processes.
Foreign direct investment inflows have fluctuated amid global capital reallocation, but India remains a preferred destination for long-term investors seeking exposure to a large consumer base and expanding digital infrastructure. Sovereign bond inclusion in global indices is expected to broaden the investor base and reduce borrowing costs over time.
External sector performance has been mixed. Merchandise exports faced pressure from slowing global trade volumes, while services exports and remittances provided offsetting support. The current account deficit remains manageable, supported by strong capital inflows and healthy foreign exchange reserves.
Corporate earnings trends indicate resilience across banking, infrastructure and select manufacturing firms. Equity markets have responded positively to growth data, though volatility persists amid global uncertainty. Rating agencies have acknowledged India’s stable outlook, citing prudent macroeconomic management and structural reforms.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gold prices climbed to fresh highs this week, intensifying debate across financial markets after social media accounts claimed the metal had surged beyond $5,400 an ounce. Trading data from major exchanges, however, show bullion advancing strongly but remaining well below that level, underscoring the volatility and misinformation that often accompany sharp market moves. Spot gold has been hovering near record territory above the […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Major airports across the Gulf and wider Middle East continued to experience widespread flight cancellations and operational standstills as the airspace turmoil triggered by intensified military strikes on Iran extended into Monday. Key civil aviation hubs, including Dubai International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International and Doha’s Hamad International, remained shut or under severe restrictions, disrupting global air traffic flows and stranding tens of thousands […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The Asian Football Confederation has postponed a series of high-profile continental club fixtures in the West Region, including the coveted match between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al Nassr and Emirati side Al Wasl that was due to be played in Dubai this week, as escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupt sporting calendars. The governing body announced that first-leg ties in the AFC […]
A critical security vulnerability in the open-source AI assistant OpenClaw has exposed developers to silent takeovers of their automated workflows, raising fresh concerns about the risks tied to rapidly deployed autonomous coding tools. OpenClaw, a widely adopted AI personal assistant with more than 100,000 stars on GitHub, is designed to manage developer tasks across local machines, messaging platforms and integrated development environments. Security researchers disclosed that a […]
Federal authorities are stepping up efforts to draw major technology companies into closer cooperation with surveillance and intelligence operations, relying on a mix of legal compulsion, regulatory leverage and private negotiations that civil liberties advocates argue could erode constitutional safeguards. Interviews with policy analysts, court records and public disclosures from technology firms show a pattern in which agencies expand demands for user data, metadata and technical assistance, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia’s benchmark Tadawul All Share Index suffered a sharp sell-off at the open of trading on Sunday, with equities tumbling more than 4 per cent as geopolitical conflict tied to escalating tensions involving Iran and Western forces rattled investor confidence across the Gulf. Traders dumped risk assets within the first minutes of trading, driving the benchmark down to levels not seen in […]
