Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai-based luxury property developer Damac Real Estate Development Limited has returned to the debt capital markets with a $600 million Islamic bond that drew strong investor demand, signalling sustained appetite for Gulf real estate credit despite higher-for-longer global interest rates. The 3.5-year benchmark sukuk attracted an orderbook topping $1.7 billion, excluding interest from joint lead managers, allowing pricing to tighten materially from initial […]
Sony is keeping the PlayStation 6 firmly out of public view even as speculation over its arrival intensifies, with industry signals suggesting the company is prioritising longevity and performance gains for the PlayStation 5 rather than rushing a generational shift. Market expectations have clustered around a PS6 launch window between 2027 and 2029, but Sony’s current strategy points to a longer runway for the PS5, underpinned by […]
By T N Ashok WASHINGTON: In the corridors of power, where messaging is currency and optics are everything, President Donald Trump faces a political paradox that threatens to undermine his party’s prospects in November’s midterm elections: his administration’s economic achievements are being systematically overshadowed by images of masked federal agents confronting protesters in Minneapolis. The […]
A materials engineering breakthrough that allows perforated aluminium structures to float indefinitely is prompting fresh thinking about ship safety, offshore platforms and ocean-energy systems, with researchers demonstrating that ordinary metal can be made effectively unsinkable by altering its surface at the microscopic level. The advance centres on aluminium tubes whose surfaces are engineered to repel water so strongly that air becomes permanently trapped inside them. Even when […]
Souq Al Jubail welcomed more than 5.8 million shoppers during 2025, reinforcing its position as a central wholesale and retail marketplace and a critical node in Sharjah’s food supply chain. The footfall milestone reflects sustained demand across seafood, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetable categories, alongside complementary services that support traders, households and hospitality operators across the emirate. Located on the Sharjah waterfront, the souq operates as an […]
OpenAI is exploring the creation of a social media platform designed to sharply limit automated accounts, a move that would place the artificial intelligence firm in direct competition with X while signalling a broader push to shape how online discourse functions in an age increasingly defined by generative systems. People familiar with the matter say the idea has moved beyond casual internal discussion, with early-stage work examining […]
A warning from a long-standing crypto fund manager has reignited debate over Bitcoin’s long-term viability, with claims that the world’s largest cryptocurrency could face a structural security breakdown within the next seven to eleven years unless its economic model changes. Justin Bons, founder and chief investment officer of Cyber Capital, has argued that Bitcoin’s reliance on declining block subsidies will eventually undermine the incentives that secure its […]
atNorth has unveiled plans to build a new high-density data centre in Stockholm, strengthening its Nordic presence as cloud providers, enterprises and artificial intelligence developers push demand for low-carbon digital infrastructure across Europe. The Iceland-based operator said the Stockholm facility would be designed to support compute-intensive workloads, including high-performance computing and AI training, with a focus on energy efficiency and heat reuse. The project adds to atNorth’s […]
Video games once trained patience through repetition and failure, according to a senior psychologist who says the design logic of modern titles has altered how younger players engage with attention, effort and reward. Speaking in his professional capacity, the president of Drugzone Pharmaceuticals Inc said the shift from finite, skill-based progression to systems built around constant engagement marks a decisive break from the gaming culture of the […]
SpaceX is weighing internal consolidation across Elon Musk’s corporate universe as it prepares for what investors describe as one of the largest public listings ever attempted, with discussions touching on potential combinations involving Tesla or the artificial intelligence venture xAI, according to people familiar with the matter. The deliberations, still exploratory, reflect a broader strategy to position SpaceX as the backbone of a vertically integrated space, energy […]
Central Bank of the UAE has rolled out the region’s first biometric payment system based on facial and palm recognition, marking a significant shift in how retail transactions may be authenticated across the country. The initiative aligns with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and the central bank’s wider effort to create a secure, inclusive and innovation-led payments ecosystem, while reducing reliance on cards, cash and mobile devices. […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Etihad Rail has taken a significant step towards reshaping freight transport in the Gulf after completing a magnetic levitation freight trial with Italy-based technology firm IronLev, marking the first time such a system has been tested in the Middle East. The trial, conducted at the Al Faya Depot, demonstrated the ability of a maglev platform to move heavy cargo efficiently, signalling a potential […]
The Group was also ranked third in Thailand under the international “Best Place to Work in Thailand 2025” certification, reinforcing ONYX’s commitment to sustainable people management and a strong corporate culture.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OuReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group has been recognised as the seventh Best Place to Work in the Asia-Pacific region for 2025, awarded by Best Places to Work, an internationally recognised organisation specialising in workplace assessment and employee experience benchmarking. The recognition reflects the Group’s people-centric workplace practices and a culture that places equal emphasis on employee development and service excellence, and is further reinforced by ONYX’s third-place ranking in Thailand under the “Best Place to Work in Thailand 2025” certification, highlighting the Group’s long-standing focus on sustainable people management and a strong, values-driven corporate culture.
With a diverse portfolio spanning hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences under well-established brands including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to strengthen its position across key strategic markets in the region. As the Group approaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, these accolades further highlight ONYX’s long-standing commitment to building a resilient organisation powered by engaged and capable people.
The “Best Places to Work” certification is an internationally recognised programme that benchmarks organisational excellence in human resource practices and employee engagement. Certification is awarded through a comprehensive evaluation covering employee engagement, employee experience, and the effectiveness of HR policies and practices. In this year’s assessment, ONYX Hospitality Group demonstrated strong performance across multiple dimensions, including a supportive work environment, an open and inclusive corporate culture, and a people development strategy closely aligned with the Group’s regional business direction.
One of the key pillars supporting ONYX’s evolution as a trusted workplace is ONYX Academy, the Group’s comprehensive learning and development institute. ONYX Academy delivers structured programmes spanning foundational skills training, advanced role-specific competency development, and clearly defined career pathways for employees at all levels. By prioritising both future-ready capabilities and practical, applicable skills, the Academy equips team members for sustainable personal and professional growth.
The effectiveness of ONYX Academy has also been recognised at an industry level through multiple honours at the EXA: Employee Experience Awards 2025, including awards for the General Manager Development Programme (GM Track), the NextYou Initiative, the HR Leadership Enhancement Programme, and the Group’s ESG initiatives. These accolades further underscore ONYX Hospitality Group’s long-term and focused commitment to meaningful employee development.
Alongside capability building, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to foster a corporate culture rooted in openness and dynamism, encouraging employees to think creatively, experiment, and contribute new ideas. The Group actively supports agility and adaptability by creating space for diverse voices across the organisation. Employee well-being is also prioritised through the ONYX Cares programme, which holistically supports physical and mental health, relationships, and team engagement—contributing to a work environment that nurtures both individual fulfilment and organisational growth.
Saranya Watanasirisuk,Senior Vice President, Corporate Human Resources, commented: “At ONYX Hospitality Group, we believes that our people are the foundation for delivering exceptional experiences and service. Our success in human resource management is driven by strong leadership support at every level, enabling employees to grow across all dimensions. This commitment spans from recruitment and holistic learning systems to cultivating an environment that encourages creativity, experimentation, and the full expression of individual potential. These efforts have positioned ONYX not only as an employer of choice, but also as an organisation trusted by partners and guests alike.”
Receiving the “Best Place to Work” Certification at both national and regional levels marks another significant milestone for ONYX Hospitality Group. The achievement reinforces its commitment not only to being a regional leader in hospitality management, but also to being an organisation that genuinely values its people.
Looking ahead, ONYX remains dedicated to continuously enhancing the workplace environment and delivering meaningful employee experiences that support long-term growth and sustained competitiveness.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group:
ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers in Southeast Asia where their expertise lies. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food and beverage. With over five decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.
Kaspersky has introduced a new online tool aimed at helping industrial companies in the Middle East quantify cyber risk in operational technology environments, as manufacturers, energy firms and utilities face mounting pressure to justify cybersecurity spending with clearer financial metrics. The cybersecurity company said the OT Cybersecurity Savings Calculator is designed to translate technical exposure in industrial control systems into potential monetary losses, allowing executives to […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday unveiled the PolyUResearch Excellence Report at a high-profile forum co-hosted with Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. The landmark report provides a comprehensive evaluation of PolyU research achievements and impact, reaffirming the University’s position as a global innovation powerhouse. The event, “Research Excellence Report Launch cum Impact Forum: Innovating for Global Impact”, drew around 100 distinguished attendees, including academic leaders from other tertiary institutions in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, industry partners and policymakers. According to Clarivate, PolyU achieved a remarkable 65% surge in high-impact research output and a 55% rise in highly cited papers from 2020 to 2024, and led all University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions in research publications in 2024, underscoring its position at the forefront of Hong Kong’s academic excellence.
The event was officiated by Prof. Timothy TONG, Chairman of the Research Grants Council (RGC); Mr Osher GILINSKY, Vice President for Asia Pacific, Academia and Government, Clarivate; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, who delivered opening remarks.
Celebrating PolyU’s exceptional research achievements and their far-reaching impacts on society, the Nation and the world, Prof. Tong stated, “The PolyU Research Excellence Report vividly demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development, reflecting the dedication and innovation of its faculty, researchers and students.” Prof. Tong commended PolyU for its effective use of research resources, noting the significant advancements in AI-driven medical breakthroughs, climate solutions and sustainability. He further emphasised the RGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting research that addresses major societal challenges, exemplified by initiatives such as the Research Impact Fund. Additionally, he reaffirmed the RGC’s partnership with universities in strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a global knowledge hub.
Recognising PolyU’s outstanding global research performance, Mr Gilinsky elaborated, “In recent years, PolyU has demonstrated high research productivity in high quality, driving for high impact for the society. PolyU was granted 1,020 patents between 2020 and 2024, the second highest among UGC-funded universities. To enhance research translation, PolyU has formed partnerships with companies including NVIDIA, Huawei and Alibaba. These achievements illustrate PolyU’s international connectivity, diverse disciplinary strengths and strong culture of research translation. Leveraging its strength with the Chinese Mainland resources, PolyU is also accelerating knowledge transfer and identifying emerging areas for discovery, particularly in AI-powered healthcare, sustainable engineering, advanced manufacturing and smart city development—fields where it aims for global leadership.”
Prof. Chao emphasised, “The report is a testament to years of dedicated effort, groundbreaking innovation and the unwavering commitment of the PolyU academic community. In 2025, we are proud to have 21 PolyU scholars named Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate, while 428 rank among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists—placing PolyU second among Hong Kong tertiary institutions. Our Strategic Plan 2025/26 – 2030/31, themed ‘Unite to Meet Challenges, Innovate to Benefit Society,’ will further empower PolyU to deliver even more transformative contributions to society.”
Clarivate has been forging continuous collaborations with numerous institutions, including co-authoring the report series The impact of research undertaken by universities in Hong Kong with UGC in 2022. Produced by Clarivate using authoritative data from the Web of Science, the PolyU Research Excellence Report delivers a comprehensive assessment of the University’s overall research performance and achievements, highlighting PolyU’s global leadership in engineering, advancements in powering medical research with emerging AI technologies, and unique contributions to the hospitality, fashion and textile, design and art disciplines that distinguish the University on the global stage.
PolyU’s strengths are exemplified by its leadership in Hong Kong’s research output growth, achieving the highest number of publications among UGC‑funded universities in 2024. Nearly 40% of its outputs are internationally co-authored, while 27% involve QS Top 50 university partners. The quality and impact of the University’s research output are further evidenced by its strong disciplinary performance. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, seven PolyU disciplines rank in the global Top 30, while, overall, 26 disciplines are listed among the world’s Top 100, underscoring the breadth and depth of the University’s academic excellence across multiple fields.
Following the report launch, the Impact Forum featured a high-level panel discussion on “Innovations and Challenges in Research Evaluation”. The discussion facilitated insightful exchanges between the panel and attendees on evolving approaches to research assessment, the importance of measuring societal impact and strategies for fostering cross-institutional collaboration.
Engineering Leadership: Ranked 6th globally in Engineering and 2nd in Civil Engineering (Subject Rankings of U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2025-2026), with research supporting Hong Kong’s Cross Bay Link project and national space missions. PolyU engineering publications grew by 68% between 2020-2024, with 38% of Hong Kong’s engineering publications affiliated with the University in 2024.
AI-driven Medical Innovations: 261 patents in Computing and Control solutions, including LungRT Pro (a radiotherapy support system), Scolioscan® (radiation-free scoliosis diagnosis) and STARS (a smartphone-based vision screening tool for children). These life‑changing innovations demonstrate PolyU’s strong interdisciplinary integration across computer science, optometry, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation sciences and nursing.
Unique Disciplines: Global top rankings in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Textile Science and Engineering (1st and 5th respectively in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025), as well as Art and Design (22nd in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Groundbreaking work includes smart wearables for stroke patients, AI-powered tourism demand forecasting platforms and sustainable community design projects.
Collaborative Impact: Over 600 international collaboration agreements with 390+ institutions across 45 countries and regions, and 3,100+ collaborative projects in the Chinese Mainland. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 40% of its high-quality research publications were co-authored with international institutions. PolyU Unicorn startups have created over 5,000 international job opportunities and generated significant economic value.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai-based Danube Properties has appointed former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee as its Global Ambassador, a move aimed at strengthening the developer’s international presence and sharpening its brand messaging across key overseas markets. The announcement, made by founder and chairman Rizwan Sajan, positions the retired cricketer as the face of Danube Properties’ outreach to global audiences, leveraging Lee’s worldwide recognition and credibility […]
Saudi Arabia has begun a broad recalibration of its most ambitious development schemes, signalling a more pragmatic approach to spending after months of official messaging about fiscal discipline. Authorities have ordered sweeping reviews across several headline projects spanning Neom, Jeddah and Riyadh, as pressure mounts to balance long-term transformation goals with near-term economic realities. The shift became visible with the decision to delay the 2029 Asian Winter […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has begun opening its high-value property market to smaller global investors by allowing completed homes to be bought and sold in fractional digital shares through blockchain-based platforms, a move that could reshape how international capital enters the emirate’s real estate sector. The approach, known as real-estate tokenisation, allows a finished apartment or villa to be divided into hundreds of digital units, each […]
Hong Kong’s first exchange-traded fund directly tracking physical gold prices posted a sharp rise on its trading debut on Thursday, underscoring renewed investor appetite for safe-haven assets as bullion climbed to a fresh all-time high in international markets.
The Hang Seng Gold ETF gained more than 9% within hours of listing, according to exchange data, drawing robust turnover from institutional and retail investors seeking exposure to gold without holding the metal outright. The launch coincided with spot gold touching a record level just below $2,500 an ounce, driven by a combination of monetary policy expectations, geopolitical uncertainty and sustained central bank demand.
Market participants said the strength of the debut reflected pent-up demand in Hong Kong for simple, exchange-based gold products that track global prices more closely. While futures-linked and commodity-basket funds have existed for years, the new ETF is structured to mirror spot prices using physical gold holdings, reducing tracking error and rollover costs.
Gold’s advance has been underpinned by expectations that major central banks are approaching an inflection point in interest-rate policy. Slowing inflation in the United States and Europe has reinforced the view that rate cuts could come later this year, weakening the dollar and lowering the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold. The metal has also benefited from persistent buying by central banks seeking to diversify reserves amid currency volatility and sanctions-related risks.
In Hong Kong, the ETF’s issuer said the product was designed to meet demand from investors who view gold as both a hedge against macroeconomic shocks and a portfolio diversifier. The fund allows trading in local currency during market hours, offering an alternative to offshore accounts or over-the-counter bullion purchases.
Analysts noted that the timing of the launch proved advantageous. Global gold prices have risen by more than 20% over the past year, supported by strong inflows into bullion-backed products in Asia and the Middle East. In contrast, flows into some gold ETFs listed in North America had been uneven earlier in the cycle, reflecting higher real yields and competition from cash-like instruments. That pattern has shifted as expectations around policy easing firmed.
Hong Kong’s exchange has been seeking to broaden its commodity and currency-linked offerings to attract regional capital, particularly from mainland investors using cross-border trading channels. Although access rules vary by product, fund managers said interest from family offices and private banks was a key driver of early demand for the gold ETF.
Spot gold’s climb to record territory has also been fuelled by geopolitical tensions spanning Eastern Europe and the Middle East, alongside concerns about sovereign debt sustainability in several advanced economies. Such factors have reinforced gold’s role as a store of value during periods of heightened uncertainty.
Bullion dealers in Asia reported steady physical demand from jewellery manufacturers and investors, even as higher prices tempered buying in some price-sensitive markets. Premiums in major trading hubs narrowed but remained positive, signalling underlying support rather than speculative excess.
The strong opening performance of the Hang Seng Gold ETF contrasts with more subdued debuts for some equity-linked funds in the city this year, highlighting the divergence between defensive assets and riskier sectors. Equity markets in the region have faced headwinds from uneven growth prospects and regulatory uncertainty, pushing some investors to rebalance portfolios towards commodities and hard assets.
Industry observers cautioned that gold prices can be volatile in the short term, particularly if inflation data or central bank guidance shifts market expectations. A stronger-than-expected rebound in growth or a delay in policy easing could trigger profit-taking after the metal’s sharp run-up. Even so, many strategists maintain that structural factors, including reserve diversification by monetary authorities and long-term fiscal pressures, provide a supportive backdrop.
Google has moved decisively to narrow the gap between smartphones and personal computers, unveiling an Android desktop interface that brings taskbars, resizable windows and advanced window management to the world’s most widely used mobile operating system. The changes, rolling out across tablets, foldables and external-display setups, position Android to compete more directly with Windows and macOS while reframing how everyday computing tasks can be performed across devices. […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi-listed Saudi Arabian Refineries Company has moved to expand its property footprint after confirming the acquisition of a commercial land parcel in Riyadh for SAR 33 million, equivalent to about $8.8 million, following a successful public auction. The transaction places the capital’s commercial real estate market back in focus as listed companies selectively add assets aligned with long-term development and diversification strategies. The […]
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has put fresh emphasis on the need for the electric vehicle and technology company to build and operate its own semiconductor fabrication facility, which he calls a “TeraFab”, to sustain the firm’s ambitions in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and robotics. Musk outlined the plan on an earnings call this week, framing it as a strategic response to looming chip supply constraints that […]
Shares of cloud security firm Netskope moved higher after Telefónica Tech UK & Ireland unveiled a fully managed Security Edge service built on the Netskope One platform, signalling a deeper alignment between a global telecoms group and a fast-growing specialist in cloud and data protection. The service positions Telefónica’s UK and Ireland technology arm as a one-stop provider of secure access for enterprises grappling with hybrid work, […]
Hyperliquid’s native token, HYPE, climbed past the $30 mark as a sharp increase in activity linked to silver trading propelled volumes across the decentralised derivatives platform. The move capped a multi-day rally that has drawn attention from both crypto-native traders and traditional commodities participants experimenting with on-chain markets. Market data showed HYPE posting gains of roughly 50 per cent over three sessions, coinciding with a spike in […]
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