Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Kuwait has foiled an alleged ISIS-linked plot to attack a vital facility using a specially built drone and explosives, arresting a citizen before the planned operation could be carried out. The Interior Ministry said the State Security Service uncovered the plan after intensive monitoring and surveillance. Investigators found that the suspect had received training in manufacturing explosives and drones and had constructed a […]
The UAE’s new restrictions on social media access for children under 15 could reach far beyond conventional social networks, drawing gaming, streaming, education, ecommerce and other digital services into a widening child-safety compliance regime. Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2026 sets 15 as the minimum age for maintaining a personal social media account. Children below that threshold cannot create, use or operate covered accounts or access features […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has emerged among the world’s 10 leading destinations for private artificial intelligence investment, strengthening its position in a global race to secure capital, computing capacity and specialised talent. The World Development Report 2026, The Promise of Artificial Intelligence, places the Kingdom among a relatively small group of economies attracting substantial private investment into AI. The assessment comes as Riyadh directs more […]
Experts say a self-contained, service-led residential format built for multigenerational ownership is emerging at the very top of the market — and that demand for it is rising worldwide.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 August 2026 – Experts in premium residential real estate note that a distinct new category is forming at the top of the market, and that demand for it is rising around the world. Property market specialists describe the emerging tier as the presidence: a self-contained community of private residences bound together by shared infrastructure and anchored by a five-star hotel under an international brand — a format designed to be lived in and passed down across generations, rather than simply owned.
The trend reflects a structural shift in global wealth. According to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026, the number of individuals worth more than US$30 million climbed from 551,435 to 713,626 between 2021 and 2026 — a gain of more than 160,000, equivalent to 89 people crossing that threshold every day. Forbes, meanwhile, records 3,428 billionaires worth a combined US$20.1 trillion.
This wealth is also increasingly mobile. Henley & Partners projects that 165,000 high-net-worth individuals will relocate internationally in 2026 — a 16 per cent rise on the record 142,000 of 2025 — as affluent families build cross-border portfolios of homes and residence rights rather than tying themselves to a single jurisdiction. The appetite for professionally serviced, brand-anchored homes is visible in the development pipeline: Savills reports that the number of branded residential schemes worldwide grew 19 per cent in 2025, to around 910, and is on course to reach 1,747 by 2032, with the Middle East and North Africa the fastest-growing region over the past five years, at 187 per cent.
As the apex of the wealth pyramid rises, specialists say, demand at the very top is moving away from headline price-per-square-foot toward space, privacy, wellbeing, autonomy and a home that can be held and handed down across generations. The case for treating this as a distinct category was set out in a recent column by real estate adviser Ku Swee Yong, CEO of International Property Advisor Pte Ltd and an adjunct faculty member at Singapore Management University, where he teaches Real Estate Investments & Finance.”Luxury residence has a new crown, and it has a name: presidence,” he writes.
According to the expert, a property of this kind should meet several defining criteria: it should occupy an exceptional location among peer residences, be built to the highest standards of quality, provide space, a healthy natural environment, security and self-sufficiency, and create a place where owners and their families can live out every stage of life — building careers, raising children, enjoying leisure, prioritising health and wellbeing, welcoming family and friends, and ultimately passing the home down through generations. Privacy in this case does not mean isolation: rather than retreating behind their own gates, members of the presidence become part of a carefully formed community of peers, surrounded by people with comparable values, interests and ways of life.
These principles are, in practice, being formalised into a fuller set of criteria that distinguish a presidence from a conventional luxury development. At its most complete, the format is defined by:
A five-star hotel operated by an international brand present in at least three countries, located within the development;
A single estate of 200 hectares (around 500 acres) or more;
Full-spectrum infrastructure within one perimeter — indoor and outdoor sport, a central clubhouse, wellness, dining, parks and natural areas, a medical centre, recreation and security, plus a lifestyle anchor such as a golf, equestrian or yacht club;
A clear separation of public and private zones, with residences kept behind their own multi-layered security perimeter and isolated from guest-facing spaces such as the hotel, restaurants and spa;
A 24/7 premium service model featuring a dedicated resident care team, concierge services, standardised service-level agreements (SLAs), and a digital platform for managing every household and lifestyle need;
A unified architectural code governing the style and coherence of every building on the estate;
An equal-neighbour principle, under which a community of like-minded owners who can enjoy privacy while remaining part of an engaging social environment is formed.
Fully integrated examples remain rare worldwide, and demand, specialists say, is running ahead of supply as the number of ultra-wealthy households continues to grow.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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XRP trading on Binance has entered a markedly calmer phase, with its 30-day realised volatility falling to about 0.34, the lowest level in roughly three months, as traders assess whether reduced price swings could set the stage for a larger market move. The decline represents a sharp reversal from June, when the same volatility measure climbed to about 0.53 amid heavier trading activity and wider price fluctuations. […]
Google has unveiled its Pixel 11 smartphone range with higher starting prices, a new Tensor G6 processor and deeper Gemini integration, placing artificial intelligence at the centre of its latest challenge to Apple and Samsung. The Pixel 11 starts at $899, while the Pixel 11 Pro is priced from $1,099 and the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL from $1,299. All three models are available for pre-order and […]
North Korea-linked hackers exploited a previously unknown Windows vulnerability to gain the highest level of system privileges while targeting defence, aerospace and aviation organisations across several countries. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2026-68820, affects the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock, known as AFD. sys. Microsoft patched the vulnerability on August 11 after it was found being actively exploited as part of the long-running Operation Dream Job cyber-espionage […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Space42 and Leonardo DRS have agreed to combine secure satellite communications with advanced military mission systems, opening a new avenue for sovereign defence capabilities and resilient command networks across the UAE. The memorandum of understanding creates a framework for integrating Leonardo DRS’s command, control and intelligence technologies with Space42’s satellite infrastructure and AI-enabled communications. The companies plan to explore jointly designed capabilities supporting […]
By K Raveendran Another session of Parliament has closed with an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu. Repeated adjournments, slogan-shouting, demonstrations inside and outside the chambers and legislation moving through amid uproar have again raised the question of whether Parliament is performing the function for which representative democracy created it. The problem is no longer simply […]
Nintendo will begin officially selling the Nintendo Switch 2 and original Switch in Indonesia in December, giving the Japanese games company its first direct hardware presence in Southeast Asia’s largest economy while leaving a significant gap in its digital offering.
The December 2026 launch was announced by Nintendo executive officer Juro Takeuchi at a business conference in Jakarta. Distribution will be handled by PT Nusantara Interactive Niaga, part of the Salim Group, with Nintendo’s Singapore operation involved in the market rollout. Prices and a precise sales date have yet to be disclosed.
Nintendo’s move formalises a market that has for years relied heavily on imported consoles and third-party retailers. Switch systems and games have long been available in Indonesia through unofficial distribution channels, but an authorised presence should improve access to locally supported products, warranties and retail partnerships.
The expansion arrives more than a year after Nintendo launched the Switch 2 in its major markets. The successor to the original Switch has become a substantial part of the company’s hardware business, with cumulative shipments reaching 23.68 million units by the end of June. Nintendo shipped another 3.82 million Switch 2 consoles during the April-June quarter, while lifetime shipments of the original Switch exceeded 156 million units.
Indonesia offers Nintendo considerable scale. Estimates of the country’s gaming population vary considerably depending on methodology, platform and definition of an active player. Government-linked figures have previously placed the number above 174 million, while officials this year have cited more than 200 million active gamers. The market is valued at roughly $2 billion annually, although mobile gaming accounts for a large proportion of participation.
That mobile-heavy profile makes Nintendo’s challenge different from simply putting consoles into more shops. Smartphone games have built enormous audiences through free-to-play models, localised payment systems and low barriers to entry. Nintendo must persuade consumers to spend substantially more on dedicated hardware and premium software, while competing for attention with mobile titles, personal computers and rival console ecosystems.
One potential obstacle is the absence of a dedicated Indonesian Nintendo eShop when the hardware goes on sale. Buyers seeking digital games will not initially receive a local storefront alongside the official console launch. Players have commonly used Nintendo Accounts registered in supported territories to gain access to digital purchases, but that workaround is less convenient than a domestic store with local pricing and payment options. Nintendo has not given a timetable for introducing an Indonesian eShop.
The omission is commercially significant because digital distribution has become central to Nintendo’s software business. Digital sales reached 132.7 billion yen in the quarter ended June, up 90% from a year earlier, and represented 61.5% of dedicated video-game platform software revenue. That category includes downloadable packaged titles, download-only software, add-on content and Nintendo Switch Online.
Nintendo nevertheless has an advantage in Indonesia through established brand recognition. Franchises including Mario, Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing have maintained large followings even without a formal local hardware operation. Official distribution could also make it easier for major retailers to carry consoles, accessories and physical games with more predictable supplies and after-sales arrangements.
The timing gives Nintendo a new market as Switch 2 enters its second full year. The company is supporting the platform with a widening catalogue of first-party and third-party games while maintaining compatibility with much of the original Switch software library. Nintendo has said regular software releases are important to expanding the installed base, particularly as consumers decide whether to move from the original system.
Indonesia could also provide a test for Nintendo’s broader Southeast Asian strategy. The company already operates official services in markets including Singapore and Malaysia, but the region remains fragmented by differences in income, digital payments, retail infrastructure and consumer preferences. Indonesia’s size makes it attractive, while its dependence on mobile gaming and sensitivity to hardware pricing create a more demanding commercial environment.
Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has filed a civil lawsuit against North Korea and the Lazarus Group over the $1.5 billion cyberattack that emptied one of its wallets in February 2025, escalating its effort to recover assets from the largest cryptocurrency theft on record. The exchange has also secured a preliminary injunction from the US District Court for the District of Columbia that freezes identified digital assets linked […]
Suspected China-linked hackers used autonomous artificial intelligence agents to compromise Taiwan government systems, marking a significant escalation in the use of AI for cyber espionage and exposing how software agents can now execute complex attacks with limited human direction. The campaign unfolded over four days at the beginning of July and targeted 21 government systems. The attackers deployed as many as eight AI agents simultaneously to map […]
Nvidia is joining forces with six of the world’s biggest investment groups to mobilise more than $500 billion for artificial intelligence infrastructure, creating financing platforms designed to expand access to the computing capacity underpinning the global AI boom. The chipmaker has signed memorandums of understanding with Apollo, BlackRock, Blackstone, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs and KKR. The firms plan to establish independent platforms that will provide dedicated pools of […]
South Korea has approved the removal of the 1 million won threshold from its cryptocurrency Travel Rule, requiring regulated virtual asset businesses to exchange sender and recipient information for transfers of every size as Seoul tightens safeguards against money laundering. The Cabinet approved amendments to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Reporting and Using Specified Financial Transaction Information on Tuesday, August 11. The expanded Travel Rule […]
Greenlogue/AP A consortium led by EDF power solutions has reached financial close on Oman’s 120-megawatt Jaalan Bani Bu Ali Wind Independent Power Project, clearing a key hurdle for construction and commercial operation targeted for the third quarter of 2027. EDF power solutions is developing the project with Al Khadra Partners, part of the Hind Bahwan Group, and OQ Alternative Energy. The partners secured financing after signing a […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai dubizzle Cars has partnered with Al-Futtaim Auto Centers to offer prepaid vehicle maintenance packages to buyers in the UAE, extending the online marketplace’s reach deeper into aftersales services and the wider car-ownership cycle. The agreement gives customers purchasing eligible vehicles through dubizzle Cars access to Al-Futtaim Auto Centers’ servicing network. The offering covers scheduled maintenance by certified technicians, quality parts, mobile servicing and […]
Ravencoin is confronting the prospect of a deep blockchain reorganisation that could reverse several days of transactions after a critical software vulnerability allowed invalid blocks to enter its ledger. Two of the network’s largest mining pools, 2Miners and RavenMiner, are building an alternative chain from block 4,487,775, the last block before the first known invalid block appeared on August 7. Together, the pools control a majority of […]
MoneyGram has expanded its crypto-to-cash infrastructure to Solana, allowing wallets, exchanges and decentralised applications on the blockchain to connect directly with the payments company’s worldwide network for converting digital assets into local currency. The launch brings MoneyGram Ramps to the Solana ecosystem through a single application programming interface. Developers can now offer cash deposits in more than 25 countries and cash withdrawals across more than 170 countries […]
Coinbase has chosen Abu Dhabi as its international base for tokenised securities after securing regulatory approval to arrange investment transactions and provide custody services within Abu Dhabi Global Market, accelerating its expansion beyond cryptocurrency trading into blockchain-based capital markets. The Financial Services Permission granted by ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority gives the US-listed crypto exchange the regulatory foundation to develop tokenised investment products from the emirate. Coinbase […]
Pokémon trading cards are evolving from childhood collectibles into a multibillion-dollar alternative asset market, prompting blockchain companies to build digital trading systems around physical cards stored securely in vaults. The technology can speed up transactions, but attracting enough buyers and sellers remains the larger challenge. Estimates put the wider trading-card market at roughly $10 billion to $15 billion, while the value of graded cards alone has been […]
Anthropic is introducing invisible, machine-readable markings into Claude-generated text and supported files, adding a new layer of provenance as artificial intelligence companies face tougher transparency requirements in Europe. The system is designed to follow generated material beyond the Claude interface, although the company acknowledges that substantial editing can defeat detection. Claude models launched on or after August 2, 2026 are being designed to support the marking system […]
Chief Sales Officer Visits Hong Kong, Partners with VSC Building Products Company Limited to Mark a New Chapter
Championing Design Excellence, Innovation and Sustainable Water Technologies
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2026 – Hansgrohe Group, one of the world’s leading premium bathroom and kitchen brands, celebrates its 125th anniversary with an official visit to Hong Kong by Christophe Gourlan, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Sales Officer of Hansgrohe Group. As a key stop in the Group’s Asia anniversary programme, the visit reaffirms Hansgrohe’s long-term commitment to the Hong Kong market and formally introduces VSC Building Products Company Limited as the brand’s newly authorised distributor in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a new phase of growth and collaboration.
Mr. Christophe Gourlan, Chief Sales Officer and Member of the Executive Board of Hansgrohe Group (third from left); Mr. Stefan Liebl, Head of Sales, APAC of Hansgrohe (second from left); Mr. Martin Low, Managing Director of Hansgrohe (first from left); Mr. Patrick Lau, Executive Director of Hong Kong Shanghai Alliance Holdings Limited (third from right); Mr. Victor Wong, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Hong Kong Shanghai Alliance Holdings Limited (second from right); and Mr. Alan Siu, Managing Director of VSC Greater China (first from right), officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the cocktail reception, witnessing this important moment together.
The anniversary celebrations in Hong Kong also mark a significant milestone for the premium hansgrohe brand locally — the grand opening of a dedicated hansgrohe display at the VSC A&D Centre, located at 1/F, East Town Building, 41 Lockhart Road, Wanchai. The newly unveiled showroom showcases multiple award-winning collections and the latest innovations, offering architects, designers, developers and consumers an immersive experience of the brand philosophy: “Life is Waterful.”
125 Years of Heritage: Where Design Meets Innovation
Founded in 1901 in Schiltach, Germany, in the Black Forest, Hansgrohe has evolved from a small workshop into a globally renowned premium brand with a presence in over 150 countries. For 125 years, the company has been synonymous with German engineering excellence, technological innovation and award-winning design, earning prestigious international accolades including the iF Design Award, Red Dot Design Award and German Design Award.
Among its most iconic and celebrated product innovations are:
Raindance series, including the new Raindance Alive, redefining showering with distinctive spray technology and elegant aesthetics; Rainfinity, offering a new dimension of immersive showering with ultra-soft PowderRain spray and avant-garde design; Pulsify, a compact shower solution ideal for urban living, featuring water-saving PowderRain technology; Finoris faucet collection, equipped with a pull-out spray and dual spray modes, combining flexibility with contemporary design; Kitchen innovations such as Talis M54 and Metris M71, enhancing kitchen functionality with precision engineering and premium materials.
Hansgrohe’s pioneering technologies include Select technology, enabling intuitive control of water flow at the touch of a button, alongside sustainability-driven innovations such as EcoSmart, AirPower and CoolStart, significantly reducing water and energy consumption without compromising comfort.
Under its ambitious “ECO 2030” initiative, Hansgrohe aims to equip all products with water-saving technologies by 2030, embedding sustainability at the core of product development.
Today, approximately 200 employees worldwide are dedicated to research, development and innovation management. The Group operates innovation centres in the Black Forest and, since 2023, in Shanghai, strengthening localisation and responsiveness to the China and Asia-Pacific markets. Products launched within the past three years account for approximately 30% of the Group’s total revenue — a testament to its dynamic innovation pipeline and market competitiveness.
Deepening Presence in Hong Kong: A New Milestone with VSC
Looking ahead, the collaboration between Hansgrohe and VSC will focus on enhancing customer touchpoints and brand visibility across Hong Kong. Key initiatives include strengthening point-of-sale presentation, elevating experiential showroom displays, and supporting trade partners through comprehensive product training, marketing activations and after-sales excellence.
VSC has also outlined a strategic development plan encompassing showroom enhancements, PR and digital marketing campaigns, product portfolio alignment and sales team training, reinforcing the brand’s position in Hong Kong’s high-end residential and commercial project segments.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Christophe Gourlan, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Sales Officer of Hansgrohe Group, said:
“Hong Kong remains an important market for Hansgrohe, and our 125th anniversary is a meaningful moment to reaffirm our long-term commitment to the region. With VSC as our new authorised distributor for the hansgrohe brand, we are strengthening our ability to bring premium German quality, innovation and sustainable water experiences closer to customers, designers and trade professionals. We also deeply appreciate the continued support of our long-term partners, including H2O, as we build the next chapter of Hansgrohe’s growth in Hong Kong together.”
Hashtag: #HansgroheGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hansgrohe
Founded in 1901 in the Black Forest, Germany, Hansgrohe stands for holistic bathroom and kitchen experiences that combine water- and energy-saving technologies, intelligent functionality and long-lasting quality. With timeless design and innovative premium products, the brand supports sustainable lifestyles and transforms everyday water routines into extraordinary experiences.
About VSC Building Products Company Limited
Established in 1997, VSC Building Products Company Limited specialises in supplying sanitary ware, fittings and kitchen cabinet solutions for commercial buildings, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, residential developments and airports. The company provides free consultation and design services, logistics coordination, technical support and kitchen installation.
In April 2013, VSC opened its first Architectural & Design Centre in Hong Kong. The company has also recently introduced integrated Smart Toilet IoT solutions, enhancing both user experience and property management efficiency.
Enquiries: VSC A&D Centre 1/F, East Town Building, 41 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2238 2628 Fax: (852) 2169 2980 Email: showroom@vschk.com
Suisun City in Northern California has declared a state of emergency after malicious software compromised municipal computer systems, disrupting 911 routing, police and fire dispatch and several government services. Emergency calls continued to be answered after dispatch operations were shifted to Solano County. The cyberattack struck at about 5.45 am on Friday, August 7, forcing officials to shut down the city’s entire information technology network. The shutdown […]
The United States has imposed sanctions on cryptocurrency platform Shelbit, its founder Siavash Kayvanpour and affiliated companies after investigators linked the network to billions of dollars in digital-asset flows involving Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other sanctioned entities. The action by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control places Shelbit and associated entities on Washington’s sanctions list, effectively freezing assets under US jurisdiction and exposing […]
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