Arabian Post Staff -Dubai State television in Tehran has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after a large-scale military offensive by the United States and Israel that struck multiple targets across Iran’s territory. The announcement marked a dramatic turn in the months-long escalation between Tehran and its adversaries, unfolding as Iranian officials declared a period of national mourning and vowed to continue counter-attacks against […]
South Korea has approved the export of high-precision digital map data to Google, reversing a stance that had restricted full functionality of Google Maps for nearly two decades and placing strict security conditions on how the information can be used.
The decision, confirmed by government officials in Seoul, means that Google will be able to access detailed geospatial data that had until now been kept on domestic servers. For years, South Korea was among a small group of countries where Google Maps could not provide full navigation and mapping services comparable to those available elsewhere, largely because authorities refused to allow sensitive map data to be transferred overseas.
At the centre of the dispute has been a law requiring foreign companies to store high-resolution map data within the country and to obscure sensitive military and national security sites. Successive administrations had argued that exporting such data could pose security risks, given the peninsula’s unresolved conflict with North Korea and the concentration of military facilities across the country.
Government officials said the new approval was contingent on compliance with domestic security requirements. Google must ensure that certain locations, including military bases and other designated facilities, remain blurred or restricted. Authorities also require that the company adhere to data protection rules and co-operate with regulators in the event of security concerns.
Google has sought access to South Korea’s detailed mapping data for more than a decade, arguing that restrictions placed it at a disadvantage compared with domestic platforms such as Naver and Kakao, which provide comprehensive navigation services. Visitors to South Korea have long found that Google Maps lacked turn-by-turn driving directions and detailed public transport information, relying instead on locally licensed data sets with limited functionality.
The dispute dates back to 2007, when Google first requested permission to export high-resolution maps. Further requests were submitted in 2016 and 2023, but regulators rejected them, citing national security. The approval now marks a significant policy shift as Seoul seeks to balance security concerns with digital competitiveness and foreign investment.
Officials familiar with the review process said the government assessed technological safeguards, including the ability to mask sensitive sites automatically and to comply with takedown requests. The review involved multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and security agencies, reflecting the political sensitivity of the issue.
The move comes at a time when South Korea is positioning itself as a hub for advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and smart city development. High-precision mapping is considered a critical component of these sectors. Industry analysts note that restrictions on cross-border data flows can deter global technology firms and complicate integration into international digital ecosystems.
Domestic mapping companies have built strong businesses under the existing regulatory framework. Naver’s Map service and KakaoMap dominate local navigation, offering features tailored to South Korean users, including real-time traffic data and detailed indoor mapping for shopping centres and transit hubs. Some industry observers say opening access to global competitors could intensify competition, though others argue that the overall market may expand as services improve.
Security experts have long warned that high-resolution mapping data could be exploited for hostile purposes if improperly handled. South Korea’s proximity to North Korea, where tensions periodically flare over missile tests and military exercises, has shaped policymaking on sensitive technologies. The government’s conditions are designed to mitigate such risks while avoiding outright prohibition.
Civil society groups have also raised privacy concerns, urging regulators to ensure that location data collected through mapping services is not misused. South Korea has some of the world’s most stringent personal data protection laws, and regulators have previously imposed fines on global technology firms for breaches.
The approval aligns South Korea more closely with other advanced economies that permit cross-border transfer of geospatial data subject to safeguards. Countries such as Japan and members of the European Union allow global platforms to operate mapping services with local compliance requirements, rather than mandating domestic data storage.
For foreign tourists and business travellers, the change is expected to improve usability of Google Maps within South Korea. Travel industry representatives have long argued that the limitations caused confusion for visitors accustomed to relying on Google’s navigation tools. Enhanced functionality could support tourism and international business activity, particularly in major cities such as Seoul and Busan.
Technology policy specialists say the decision reflects a broader recalibration of digital regulation. As data becomes central to economic growth, governments are reassessing rules designed in an earlier era of the internet. South Korea has faced pressure from trade partners to ease data localisation requirements, especially under digital trade provisions in bilateral and regional agreements.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Etihad Rail’s passenger service is taking shape as the United Arab Emirates’ newest intercity transport option, promising fast, comfortable and reliable rail travel across the country when it begins operations in 2026. Designed as a modern alternative to long-distance driving, the network will link 11 cities and regions with trains capable of carrying around 400 passengers at speeds up to 200 km/h, targeting […]
Threat actors are exploiting a legacy Windows feature to deliver remote access malware while sidestepping conventional browser safeguards and some endpoint monitoring tools, according to new findings from cybersecurity researchers. Investigators at Cofense Intelligence have identified an ongoing campaign in which attackers abuse the Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol, known as WebDAV, in combination with Windows File Explorer. The technique allows malicious files hosted on remote […]
Block, Inc. disclosed a strategic increase in its Bitcoin holdings during the fourth quarter of 2025, purchasing 340 bitcoins valued at roughly $22 million and bringing its total treasury reserve to about 8,883 BTC. The acquisition forms part of the fintech company’s long-term asset allocation strategy, underscoring its continued commitment to digital asset accumulation even as broader market conditions fluctuate. This move emerged alongside earnings results that […]
Trading activity across major perpetual-futures decentralized exchanges has weakened, with key protocols reporting lower volumes as market sentiment across digital assets shows persistent strain. Data compiled by industry trackers indicates that the leading perpetual DEX, Hyperliquid, saw its trading volume fall by about 15.5 per cent over one 24-hour period, even as it remained by far the largest venue by daily activity. Hyperliquid processed roughly $60.3 billion […]
By K Raveendran A trial court’s decision to throw out the Delhi excise policy case against Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and 21 others triggers a political and institutional reckoning that goes far beyond the fate of one prosecution. By sharply criticising the Central Bureau of Investigation for procedural violations, dependence on hearsay and disregard for […]
Saudi Arabia is accelerating development of a vast unconventional gas field in the Arabian Desert, drawing on techniques refined in North America’s shale boom to reshape its energy mix and bolster state revenues. Southeast of the giant Ghawar oilfield, the state-controlled Saudi Aramco is pressing ahead with the multi-billion-dollar expansion of the Jafurah basin, the kingdom’s largest non-associated gas field. Executives have described the project as a […]
Abu Dhabi is preparing to export increased volumes of its flagship Murban crude for April delivery as part of a broader effort by Gulf producers to strengthen supply ahead of a pivotal OPEC+ gathering and amidst mounting geopolitical uncertainties. The state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has offered additional barrels to its partners in the onshore concession that produces the light, low-sulphur grade, traders said. It remains […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai President Donald Trump announced early on Saturday that the United States military had launched “major combat operations” in Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in long-running tensions between Washington and Tehran. Trump said the strikes were intended to target what he described as imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime, and declared that American forces were acting to protect the United States, its military […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s largest paid public parking operator has asked the Roads and Transport Authority to revise its tariff grid and seasonal card structure, a move that could lift the weighted average fee motorists pay across the city. Parkin confirmed on Wednesday that it submitted a formal request to the RTA earlier this month, proposing adjustments to standard parking charges and to the pricing of […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has achieved firm pricing on a dual-tranche dollar bond sale, drawing robust global demand that allowed spreads to tighten sharply from initial guidance and underscored sustained investor appetite for high-grade Gulf sovereign debt. The emirate priced a five-year tranche at a 3.75 per cent coupon with a reoffer price of 99.824 per cent, equating to a spread of 20 basis points […]
Light rainfall and a dip in temperatures are expected across parts of the UAE early next week, as forecasters point to unstable weather conditions developing over the country. Authorities have advised residents and mariners to monitor updates, with maritime activity set to be affected by rougher seas in the Arabian Gulf by nightfall. The National Center of Meteorology has indicated that cloud cover will increase over coastal […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Metal Park, the integrated downstream metals ecosystem based in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, has entered a strategic agreement with Germany’s Frindt Consulting to roll out digital laser cutting services aimed at reshaping fabrication workflows across the Gulf. The collaboration is designed to embed advanced digital platforms into Metal Park’s production network, enabling automated order processing, real-time design optimisation and precision-driven laser cutting […]
OpenAI has secured an unprecedented $110 billion investment commitment from Amazon, Nvidia and SoftBank, propelling the artificial intelligence company into what could be the largest private funding round in history and sharply intensifying competition in the AI sector. The financial injection comes as the developer of the ChatGPT generative AI platform prepares for a potential public offering later this year and looks to expand its global infrastructure […]
A wave of class-action lawsuits filed by individual customers against large corporations has brought Washington’s tariff reversal into a new legal front, as shippers and retail buyers press for restitution of fees they say were unlawfully imposed. Plaintiffs have targeted delivery giant FedEx and eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica, which owns the Ray-Ban brand, arguing that costs passed on to consumers after a Supreme Court ruling invalidating former President […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Fynd, the Mumbai-headquartered AI-native retail technology company backed by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, has formally entered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a strategic push to drive unified commerce among leading retailers and enterprise brands. The company’s launch in Riyadh is anchored in partnerships with established local players such as NICE, where its technology is already being used to enhance omnichannel operations, bridging […]
Bitcoin weakened sharply amid a broader shift in investor sentiment after the release of United States inflation figures that showed producer prices rising more than expected, prompting traders to dial back risk exposure and temper expectations of near-term interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The world’s largest cryptocurrency slipped back toward the key $65,000 level, erasing much of the mid-week rally that had pushed prices toward […]
DENPASAR, BALI – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – Green SM has launched its operations in Bali through a strategic partnership with Taksi Komotra, introducing an all-electric taxi service to support the island’s sustainable tourism and urban mobility agenda. To celebrate the 238th anniversary of Denpasar City, Green SM is offering a limited-time 25 percent fare promotion, with discounts of up to IDR 238,000 per trip.
Green SM’s professional drivers are ready to provide high-quality, safe, and eco-friendly service.
Under the partnership structure, Green SM provides the technology platform, all-electric vehicle fleet, operational standards, and driver development system, while Taksi Komotra contributes its established local expertise and network across Bali. The collaboration integrates electric mobility technology with on-the-ground operational capabilities to deliver a scalable, governance-driven transportation model.
Operations in Bali are implemented under Green SM’s “5 Green Promises” service commitment framework. Established as a foundational operating standard since the company’s inception, the framework ensures that each ride delivers an excellent customer experience, professional drivers, high-quality and safe vehicles, fair and transparent pricing, and a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability.
The service operates an all-electric fleet that produces no exhaust emissions or fuel combustion. All vehicles are maintained under strict technical and safety protocols to ensure consistent service performance while contributing to cleaner air and quieter urban environments.
A central pillar of the launch is the Green SM Driver ecosystem. Drivers are positioned as professional green mobility ambassadors guided by five core values: Respect, Professionalism, Dedication, Discipline, and Competitive Income with Stable Career Pathways. Structured training, transparent earnings mechanisms, and disciplined service governance aim to elevate driving into a respected profession while maintaining safety and reliability as foundational standards. This framework aligns income stability with environmental responsibility, reinforcing the role of drivers in supporting Bali’s sustainable tourism trajectory.
The launch comes amid rising mobility demand driven by tourism growth and daily transportation needs across the island. The Indonesia Tourism Outlook 2025 report notes a sustained shift toward environmentally responsible travel, underscoring the relevance of electric mobility in long-term development planning. According to projections from Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), green employment nationwide is expected to reach 4.8-5.3 million by 2029, reflecting the broader economic potential of sustainable industries.
Mr. Deny Tjia – Green SM Indonesia Managing Director (third from left), Mr H. Hasbi – Chairman of Komotra Taxi Bali (second from left), along with representatives from government agencies at the launch ceremony.
Mr. Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, said: “The partnership with Taksi Komotra reflects our long-term commitment to building a high-quality, well-governed mobility ecosystem in Indonesia. By combining electric vehicles with professional driver development and clear operational standards, we aim to support Bali’s sustainable tourism ambitions while delivering safe, reliable, and comfortable rides for the community.”
H. Hasbi, Chairman of Koperasi Komotra, said: “We are proud to partner with Green SM to introduce electric taxis in Bali. Electric mobility will become part of the new standard for tourism and daily transportation on the island, and this collaboration helps us better serve local residents and visitors while preparing for the future of sustainable transport.”
The Bali launch marks another strategic milestone in Green SM’s expansion in Indonesia, following earlier operations in key markets including Jakarta, Makassar, Bekasi, and Surabaya. In these cities, the service has been positively received by local residents and international visitors alike, who value its clean electric fleet, professional drivers, and structured safety standards that enhance travel confidence.
With its growing presence across the country, Green SM continues to build a scalable electric mobility ecosystem that balances environmental responsibility, service excellence, and inclusive economic growth.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About GSM and Green SM
GSM (Green Smart Mobility) is the world’s first company to operate a fully electric ride-hailing service across multiple platforms. As a pioneer in sustainable transportation, GSM has laid the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and more responsible mobility model powered entirely by VinFast electric vehicles. Founded by Vingroup Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, GSM is committed to building a future-ready mobility ecosystem while promoting more environmentally conscious lifestyles in markets that are rapidly embracing sustainability.
Green SM is GSM’s official global brand, representing the company’s vision and values in every market it serves. In Southeast Asia, the brand operates as Green SM in Indonesia, Xanh SM in Vietnam and Laos, and Green GSM in the Philippines. Across all markets, the service consistently delivers a modern travel experience through VinFast electric vehicles, professional drivers, and a service culture that prioritizes safety and passenger comfort.
Green SM symbolizes progress toward a future where technology, people, and the environment move forward in harmony. Beyond providing zero-emission transportation, the brand is also committed to fostering environmentally aware communities in every market where it operates.
About Taxi Komotra Taksi Komotra Bali is part of the Koperasi Mobil Transport Bali, which was established in 1993 under its original name, KOMITRA Bali. In 1996, the cooperative officially changed its name to KOMOTRA Bali and has continued to grow as one of Bali’s local transportation operators.
Today, Taksi Komotra Bali manages two core transportation services: rural bus services and taxi operations. For more than three decades, Komotra Bali has remained committed to providing safe and reliable transportation while supporting local mobility and the tourism sector across the Island of the Gods.
Anthropic has declined to proceed with a revised artificial intelligence contract offered by the US Department of Defense, citing concerns that changes to the agreement would weaken safeguards tied to its core safety commitments and restrictions on military applications. The San Francisco-based company, founded by former OpenAI executives including Dario Amodei and Daniela Amodei, confirmed it would not accept amendments to a previously negotiated arrangement that it […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – In his 2026-27 Budget announced on Wednesday (25 February), Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) outlined areas for comprehensively reinforcing the city’s position as a leading international financial hub.
Despite the complex and ever-changing external environment, Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong’s financial market had performed strongly and the city’s financial system remains robust.
HKSAR’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan (second left), outlines areas for comprehensively reinforcing the city’s position as a leading international financial hub
In 2025, Hong Kong ranked first globally for funds raised through initial public offerings.
“We will continue to consolidate our existing strengths, tap into emerging fields, strengthen market systems and risk control and deepen financial co-operation in the Greater Bay Area,” Mr Chan said. “By doing so, we will enhance Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre on all fronts and contribute to the national strategic goal of ‘accelerating China’s development as a financial powerhouse’ “.
With Hong Kong being the world’s largest hub for offshore Renminbi (RMB) business, the Financial Secretary said the city would leverage its unique strengths and proactively align with national development strategies.
For advancing the internationalisation of the RMB, Mr Chan said Hong Kong would facilitate the wider use of RMB in activities such as trade and cross-boundary business; reduce transaction costs; enrich product offerings in the offshore RMB market; improve price discovery in the short-to-medium-term-interest-rate market; and attract high-quality issuers to increase RMB bond issuance in Hong Kong.
In 2025, the stock market delivered a stellar performance. The Hang Seng Index rose by 28 per cent over the year. The daily turnover surged by 90 per cent to a historic high of close to $250 billion (US$32 billion).
Mr Chan said the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) would continue enhancing the securities market, attracting issuers and boosting market efficiency.
“We will also introduce the next stage of reforms, including enhancing the regulatory regime for listed companies, providing specific guidelines for overseas companies seeking secondary listing in Hong Kong, offering more overseas markets as recognised exchanges, and continuing to explore with the market the provision of an over-the-counter trading platform for delisted stocks or those requiring special handling.
“The electronic bond-trading platform will also be launched in the second half of this year, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global fixed income and currency hub,” he said.
To attract more family offices and funds to set up in Hong Kong, Mr Chan said Hong Kong would enhance the tax regime, including expanding the scope of “fund” to cover specific funds-of-one, as well as classifying digital assets, precious metals, and specified commodities, etc. as qualifying investments eligible for tax concessions.
Regarding the development of digital assets, the Government published the second policy statement for developing Hong Kong into a global hub for digital asset innovation through the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework.
A bill will be introduced this year to establish licensing regimes for, among others, digital asset dealing and custodian service providers.
“We will also explore the adoption of electronic signature for bond issuance documents and the digitalisation of bearer bonds,” Mr Chan said.
To promote the application of fintech and enhance the efficiency of the asset management market, the CMU OmniClear, a market infrastructure operator established by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, will establish a digital asset platform this year. It will support the issuance and settlement of digital bonds. The platform will also be gradually extended to other digital assets and linked with other tokenisation platforms in the region, consolidating Hong Kong’s leading role in the realm of digital assets.
In order to build an international gold trading market in Hong Kong, Mr Chan said the Government would explore offering tax incentives for eligible institutions conducting gold trading and settlement in Hong Kong; assist the industry in setting up an industry-led trade association to consolidate resources, step up promotion, and foster ties with industry stakeholders from around the world; and help the industry keep abreast of the latest gold market developments, acquire relevant skills and develop a training framework.
By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: When Narendra Modi walked into the Knesset and told Israel’s parliament during his visit to Israel on February 25-26, that “peace and stability in West Asia are directly linked to India’s security,” he was doing more than delivering a diplomatic courtesy. He was planting a flag. India, under its […]
Searches on Airbnb by Malaysian travelers in 2025 increased year-on-year by over 200% for check-ins during Ramadan and by nearly 50% for check-ins during Hari Raya.
Group travel continues to lead festive travel patterns.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – With Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Hari Raya falling in close succession in early 2026, Malaysians are planning ahead for meaningful reunions and shared celebrations.
Airbnb data shows that searches in 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins during Ramadan grew by over 200% year-on-year, reflecting heightened festive travel intent*. Searches during the same period for travel during Hari Raya also grew by nearly 50%**, as families and friends plan trips to reconnect and celebrate together.
Festive travel spreads beyond major cities
While Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh and Malacca emerged as the most popular domestic destinations during the festive season***, travel demand extended well beyond urban hubs.
Hari Raya saw growing interest in states such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Perak, reflecting the enduring balik kampung tradition. Meanwhile, Chinese New Year saw travel dispersed even further afield to East Malaysian destinations including Kuching, Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah***.
International travel also peaked during the festive stretch, with Malaysians leveraging public holidays for overseas getaways. Top outbound destinations searched included Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, as well as Perth, Australia.***
Togetherness drives travel behaviour – Group and family travel dominate
Whether travelling within the country or heading overseas, Malaysians continue to centre their celebrations on togetherness and shared moments. Across all three celebrations, group and family stays accounted for an average of over 80% of the searches, underscoring a clear preference for shared travel experiences.****
Searches by Malaysians for entire homes increased by an average of approximately 95% during the festive period– signalling a preference for stays that can comfortably host families and larger groups for family reunion****.
Top searched amenities for this period included pools, washing machines, Wi-Fi, parking and air conditioning, highlighting the practical considerations that shape longer festive stays***.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head, India and Southeast Asia, states, “Festive moments in Malaysia are deeply rooted in togetherness. With major celebrations converging this year, we’re seeing travel become an integral part of how Malaysians reconnect, whether returning home for balik kampung, gathering with extended family, or planning meaningful getaways. On Airbnb, we’re seeing strong demand for larger homes that allow families and friends to celebrate comfortably, reflecting how shared spaces continue to shape the way people travel during important cultural moments.”
*Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made between Jan-Dec 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins between 18-20 February 2026 vs searches made between Jan-Dec 2024 for check-ins between 1-3 March 2025
**Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made between Jan-Dec 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins between 20-22 March 2026 vs searches made between Jan-Dec 2024 for check-ins between 30 March – 1 April 2025
***Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made between Jan-Dec 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins between 16-18 February 2026 (CNY), 18-20 February 2026 (Ramadan) and 20-22 March 2026 (Hari Raya) vs searches made between Jan-Dec 2024 for check-ins between 28-30 January 2025 (CNY), 1-3 March 2025 (Ramadan) and 30 March-1 April 2025 (Hari Raya)
**** Based on Airbnb internal data of searches by Malaysian guests in 2025 for check-ins between 16-18 February 2026 (CNY), 18-20 February 2026 (Ramadan) and 20-22 March 2026 (Hari Raya) for group, family travel and entire homes.
Hashtag: #Airbnb
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million Hosts who have welcomed 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.
Atlassian has moved to embed autonomous artificial intelligence agents directly into Jira, unveiling an open beta that allows teams to assign tasks, automate workflows and connect enterprise systems through agent-driven collaboration. The Australia-founded software group said the new capability enables AI agents to operate alongside human users inside Jira, carrying out actions such as creating and updating tickets, triaging issues, assigning work and responding to project changes […]
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong
