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HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – VinFast today officially announced its entry into Indonesia’s e-scooter market through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with strategic dealers in the country. The milestone marks a significant step in VinFast’s international expansion of its electric two-wheeler business and reaffirms the Company’s long-term commitment to one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most dynamic motorcycle markets.

VinFast signed strategic MoUs with its first e-scooter partners in Indonesia.
VinFast signed strategic MoUs with its first e-scooter partners in Indonesia.

Accordingly, VinFast has signed strategic MoUs with its first partners in Indonesia, including K3, Citra Abadi Sedaya, PT Bevos Auto Mandiri, PT Sapta Jaya, MotorArt, PT Sinergies Dua Kawan, and PT HINU. These partners have long-standing experience in the distribution of automobiles and motorcycles, strong professional operational capabilities, deep market understanding, and the ability to rapidly deploy operations in line with VinFast’s standards.

VinFast will begin rolling out its distribution network in the Jabodetabek area — Indonesia’s largest economic and urban center — from the second quarter of 2026, with plans to expand to other regions nationwide.

In Indonesia, VinFast plans to introduce a portfolio of battery-swapping e-scooters, including VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, VinFast Flazz and VinFast Viper, alongside additional new models to be launched in due course. The product lineup has been carefully engineered and calibrated to suit Indonesia’s tropical climate, dense urban traffic conditions, and everyday commuting patterns.

Throughout 2026, VinFast aims to further expand its footprint to hundreds of authorized dealerships and service workshops nationwide. The Company’s development strategy in Indonesia is designed as an integrated ecosystem, combining retail and after-sales networks, financing solutions, charging and battery-swapping infrastructure through cooperation with V-Green, and partnerships with leading financial institutions.

Prior to this announcement, VinFast had unveiled its strategy to internationalize its electric two-wheeler business and signed agreements with dealers in the Philippines. According to its roadmap, the Company will accelerate expansion across five priority markets in 2026, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia. These countries represent high-growth economies with substantial urban mobility demand and a clear transition toward sustainable transportation solutions.

Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, stated: “Indonesia is a strategic market in VinFast’s global e-scooter expansion journey. Partnering with leading local dealers underscores our partners’ confidence in VinFast’s product quality, service standards, flexible battery-swapping model, and long-term vision. We are committed to accompanying Indonesian consumers on their transition toward a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future of mobility.”

Indonesia stands among the world’s largest motorcycle markets, characterized by rapid urbanization, high population density in major cities, and increasing policy and consumer momentum toward environmentally friendly transportation. These structural factors create substantial headroom for the growth of the e-scooter segment. Indonesian dealers have expressed strong confidence in VinFast’s long-term potential in the country, citing its comprehensive green mobility ecosystem, large-scale manufacturing capabilities, and proven ability to execute swiftly across multiple international markets.

After two years of presence in Indonesia, VinFast has introduced a broad range of electric vehicles, from electric SUVs to models optimized for transportation services, and has commenced operations at its Subang facility. Concurrently, the Company has expanded its integrated ecosystem, including dealership and after-sales networks, charging infrastructure in collaboration with V-Green, and partnerships with leading banks and financial institutions. Through pioneering and customer-centric policies, VinFast continues to lower barriers to EV adoption and enable Indonesian consumers to participate in the global green mobility revolution.

Hashtag: #VinFast

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Bitcoin crossed the symbolic threshold of one US dollar 15 years ago, a modest valuation milestone that has since acquired outsized significance as the digital asset evolved from an obscure experiment into a global financial phenomenon influencing markets, regulation, and technology debates. The moment, marked in early February 2011 on a handful of online trading forums and exchanges, is now widely cited as the point at which […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026

2025 Annual Results – Financial Highlights

(Figures for the corresponding period in 2024 are shown in brackets)

  • Consolidated revenue: HK$1,046million (HK$695million)
  • Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company:
    HK$69 million (HK$230million)
  • Basic loss per share: 3.38 HK cents (11.29 HK cents)
  • No final dividend (No final dividend)

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD”, SEHK: 00432) has announced its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025.

The consolidated revenue of PCPD and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) amounted to HK$ 1,046 million, representing an increase of 51% compared to the revenue of HK$ 695 million in 2024.

The consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year of 2025 was HK$ 69 million, compared to the net loss of HK$ 230 million in 2024.

Basic loss per share for 2025 was 3.38 Hong Kong cents compared to the loss per share of 11.29 Hong Kong cents for the previous year.

The Board of Directors has not recommended the payment of a final dividend for the year ended December 31, 2025.

In 2025, PCPD achieved robust full-year results, driven by the sustained surge in international travel across our key Asian markets, our operational strengths, and the continued recognition of our high-quality portfolio. This performance was underpinned predominantly by contributions from two segments: Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono, our hospitality business in Hokkaido, which delivered a notable rise in occupancy and revenue, and our ski and recreation operations in Niseko, Hokkaido, which also saw a surge in demand and revenue.

Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono, our hotel operations in Hokkaido, delivered a robust performance in 2025, as the boom in Japan‘s tourism sector continued throughout the year, again with record-breaking tourist arrivals. The average occupancy rate of Park Hyatt Niseko increased by 4 percentage points.

During the winter season of 2024/2025, total ski-lift and gondola rides increased 9% year-on-year. The travel surge continued to drive robust demand for our recreational business in Niseko well beyond the cold months.

In Phang Nga, Thailand, the Group has sold or reserved 40% of Phase 1A villas. The Group’s revenue from its property development in Thailand totalled HK$14 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to no revenue in 2024.

We formed a strategic alliance with Hotel Properties Limited in Singapore to bring a Four Seasons Resort and Branded Residences to the prestigious integrated resort community of Aquella in Phang Nga. The move represents a significant milestone in PCPD‘s long-term vision of transforming Aquella into a visionary integrated resort destination that effortlessly blends luxury living, recreation and exceptional service.

In Jakarta, Indonesia, the occupancy of our premium commercial building, Pacific Century Place, Jakarta (“PCP Jakarta”), was stable throughout the year, and the project remained a consistent revenue contributor to the Group. As of December 31, 2025, the office space committed occupancy was 87%, compared to 85% in the previous year.

Development of the superstructure of the Group‘s project at 3–6 Glenealy, Central, Hong Kong, has been progressing well. We have reached a key structural milestone, with the superstructural work now completed and installation of the curtain walls progressing at pace. The name of the development has also been unveiled as “Central Residence by the Park”, and its completion is scheduled for the first half of 2026.

In the long run, we remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term outlook for property sectors in Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. With PCPD‘s disciplined execution and proactive risk management, we have confidence in our ability to drive continued growth and deliver sustained value.

Mr. Benjamin Lam, PCPD’s Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director, said: “We will maintain our prudent yet proactive approach, allocating resources carefully and pursuing value-enhancing initiatives. Our priority remains to drive sustainable growth, improve profitability, and deliver solid returns to shareholders and stakeholders.”

Hashtag: #PacificCenturyPremiumDevelopments

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PCPD

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD” or the “Group”, SEHK: 00432) is principally engaged in the development and management of premium-grade property and infrastructure projects as well as premium-grade property investments. PCCW Limited (“PCCW”, SEHK: 00008) is the single largest shareholder of the Group.

Abu Dhabi-based technology group G42 has signed a $1bn framework cooperation agreement with a Vietnamese consortium led by FPT Corporation and Viet Thai Group, marking one of the largest cross-border technology collaborations aimed at building sovereign artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in Southeast Asia. The agreement sets out a multi-year plan to deploy large-scale cloud capacity across three data centre locations in Vietnam, alongside the development of […]

South Africa’s central bank is open to drawing on new repurchase agreement facilities from the European Central Bank should they become available, Governor Lesetja Kganyago said, signalling a pragmatic approach to shoring up foreign-currency liquidity as global financial conditions remain uneven. Speaking on the margins of international central-bank meetings, Kganyago indicated that access to euro liquidity via ECB repo lines would add a useful layer to South […]

Sovereign credit prospects across the Middle East are set to remain stable through 2026, underpinned by resilient economic fundamentals, disciplined fiscal management and sizeable financial buffers, even as the region navigates elevated geopolitical tensions and softer oil prices, according to an assessment by S&P Global Ratings. The ratings agency points to strong government balance sheets and a steady expansion of policy flexibility as key factors insulating most […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   ADNOC Gas plc reported a net income of $5.2 billion for the fiscal year ended 2025, marking a 3 per cent rise compared with the previous year and underscoring the company’s capacity to generate resilient returns amid volatile commodity markets. The Abu Dhabi-based integrated gas producer said the result was achieved despite an average Brent crude oil price of $69 per barrel for the […]

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Quantum computing is emerging as a strategic lever for India’s ambition to secure a leading role in the global technology order, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu arguing that early investments and coordinated policy could reshape the country’s IT and industrial landscape. Speaking in Amaravati, Naidu said quantum technologies had the potential to redefine computing power, cybersecurity, materials science and drug discovery, placing India at a critical juncture as global competition accelerates.

Naidu’s remarks came as Andhra Pradesh positions itself as a focal point for quantum research and commercialisation through its Quantum Valley initiative, which aims to bring together academic institutions, global technology firms and startups on a single platform. The programme is designed to move beyond theoretical research and translate quantum science into deployable applications, an area where many countries are racing to gain first-mover advantage.

Quantum computing differs fundamentally from classical computing by using quantum bits, or qubits, that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows certain calculations to be performed exponentially faster, opening pathways in optimisation problems, climate modelling, financial risk analysis and cryptography that are currently beyond reach. Governments in the United States, China and the European Union have committed billions of dollars to quantum research, viewing it as both an economic and national security priority.

Naidu said India’s strength lay in its deep pool of engineering talent and its established position in information technology services, but warned that relying solely on legacy software models would leave the country vulnerable as the technology cycle shifts. He argued that quantum computing, when combined with artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors, could create a new technology stack in which India could compete at the highest level rather than remain a downstream adopter.

The Andhra Pradesh government has pitched Quantum Valley as a long-term ecosystem rather than a single project. Plans include dedicated research facilities, incentives for private investment, and partnerships with universities and multinational technology companies working on quantum hardware, algorithms and error correction. Officials involved in the programme say the aim is to create an environment similar to established innovation clusters, where research, talent and capital reinforce one another.

India’s broader policy environment has also begun to align with these ambitions. The national quantum mission, approved by the Union government, outlines funding for quantum computing, communications and sensing over the coming years, with a focus on building indigenous capabilities. Research groups at institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science and several Indian Institutes of Technology are already active in quantum algorithms and materials research, while startups are exploring niche applications in logistics, finance and healthcare.

Industry analysts note that quantum computing remains at an early stage globally, with practical, large-scale systems still years away. Current machines are limited by qubit stability and error rates, and most commercial use cases are experimental. However, the pace of progress has intensified, with steady advances in hardware architectures and hybrid models that combine classical and quantum computing. Countries that invest early in skills and research infrastructure are expected to gain disproportionate benefits once the technology matures.

Naidu acknowledged these challenges, stressing that quantum computing should be approached as a marathon rather than a sprint. He said sustained investment, patient capital and close collaboration between government, academia and industry would be essential to avoid fragmented efforts. He also emphasised the importance of education and workforce development, arguing that quantum science should be integrated into advanced engineering curricula to build a pipeline of specialised talent.

Bitcoin has surrendered all the gains it notched after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, sliding amid thin liquidity and shifting expectations over US monetary policy, a move that has unsettled broader digital asset markets and revived questions about the sector’s resilience in a tightening financial environment. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell below $61,000 during the week, a level last seen before Trump’s election victory, before […]

Amazon delivered a jolt to markets with a strategic and financial update that re-framed how investors assess the company’s growth engine, profit profile and long-term ambition, prompting analysts to rethink assumptions that had weighed on the stock for much of the past year. The announcement combined a sharp improvement in operating leverage with a clearer articulation of where capital and management attention will be concentrated, signalling a […]

The B2B cross-border trade payment market is immense, yet remain highly underserved

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – According to the World Bank, SMEs account for approximately 90% the world’s businesses and contribute 65% of the global cross-border trade. SMEs play a pivotal rolein most economies, particularly in emerging markets. Estimates from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggest that B2B cross-border trade payment market for SMEs is worth approximately $20 trillion.

However, traditional commercial banks have been facing multiple challenges in serving SMEs, including strict compliance and risk control requirements, lower profit generating, and license limitations, resulting in a large unmet demand through formal financial systems.

XTransfer’s field research in emerging markets indicates that many SMEs resort to illicit settlement channels like underground banks out of necessity. In fact, the trade volume processed through these unofficial avenues could be 2 to 5 times larger than the official import and export figures.

Compared to other segments, B2B cross-border payment presents vast opportunities

In the cross-border payment industry, services can be categorised into four segments based on money flows:

Four segments in cross-border payment industry.
Four segments in cross-border payment industry.

Marketplace 2B
These businesses provide payment processing services for sellers on e-commerce platforms. Risk control is primarily based on e-commerce platform’s integrated of data streams (e.g., merchant details, logistics, transaction history). With relatively low technical barriers and compliance capabilities, the industry is highly saturated.

B2B
Focused on traditional cross-border trade enterprises, this segment has huge potential but features high risk control complexity and high barriers. Payment service providers must individually verify the entire information flow pertaining to each transaction (including buyer/seller details, orders, logistics, contracts, etc.), which results in many companies attempting to enter, but few succeed.

C2C
This primarily covers cross-border remittances between individuals. The overall market scale is relatively small, with limited use cases.

C2B
This is the most well-established segment, dominated by cross-border payment giants such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Stripe. The market is saturated with intense competition.

As a reference, the C2B cross-border payment industry has evolved dramatically over the last five decades, especially in the past ten years. Mobile wallet providers in China, the U.S. and Europe drove the mobile payment revolution, establishing a well-established cross-border settlement and risk control platform dominated by card schemes and wallets like PayPal. The system features significant advantages, including efficient transaction processes and unified risk control standards.

In contrast, B2B cross-border payments still primarily rely on traditional bank transfers. The sector as a whole is still on the cusp of the “mobile payment revolution” and has not yet formed a unified clearing mechanism or a standardized risk control system.

The payment sector need a new platform.
The payment sector need a new platform.

However, this development gap also points to a huge market opportunity. The B2B cross-border settlement market for SMEs desperately needs a shake-up. Service providers that possess a deep understanding of global customer needs and are equipped with technological and compliance capabilities will unleash vast growth potential in this space.

Beyond Borders: XTransfer Insights is a thought-leadership series that shares XTransfer’s perspectives on the forces shaping global trade and financial services. Through research-driven insights and real-world observations, it highlights emerging trends, key challenges, and opportunities across international markets.
Hashtag: #XTransfer #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #whitepaper





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Larsen & Toubro is set to expand its data centre footprint to 32 megawatts by the end of March, commissioning 18 MW of new capacity as the engineering major sharpens its focus on digital infrastructure alongside emerging opportunities in green hydrogen and semiconductors.

The additional capacity will lift the group’s operational data centre load from the existing 14 MW, marking a decisive step in a segment that has become a core pillar of its technology-led growth strategy. The commissioning is scheduled to be completed before the close of the financial year, aligning with strong demand from cloud service providers, hyperscalers and large enterprises accelerating their migration to outsourced digital infrastructure.

Larsen & Toubro has steadily built its data centre business over the past few years, leveraging its engineering, procurement and construction capabilities to develop facilities that meet high standards for power efficiency, uptime and scalability. Executives have previously indicated that the group’s focus is on delivering carrier-neutral and hyperscale-ready campuses in key metros, where demand continues to outpace supply despite a wave of new announcements by domestic and global operators.

Industry estimates show that data consumption growth, artificial intelligence workloads and stricter data localisation norms are driving sustained investment in capacity across Asia. India remains one of the fastest-growing markets in this space, with several multinational cloud companies committing to expand their presence. Against this backdrop, L&T’s move to lift capacity by more than double underscores its intention to be a long-term player rather than a peripheral builder.

The data centre expansion is being pursued alongside the company’s ambitions in newer industrial segments. L&T has signalled that it is actively pursuing orders related to electrolysers, a critical component for producing green hydrogen, as governments and industrial groups accelerate decarbonisation plans. Electrolyser manufacturing and deployment are viewed as strategic areas where the company’s heavy engineering background can be translated into repeatable, export-oriented businesses.

Management has also reiterated interest in the semiconductor ecosystem, particularly in supplying equipment, engineering services and infrastructure for chip fabrication and assembly units. While L&T is not positioning itself as a chipmaker, it aims to capture value across the supply chain as multiple semiconductor projects move from proposal to execution stages. The company has indicated that it is evaluating opportunities linked to cleanroom construction, precision engineering and advanced manufacturing systems required by chip plants.

Analysts tracking the capital goods sector note that diversification into data centres and clean energy-linked manufacturing provides a hedge against cyclicality in traditional infrastructure spending. Order inflows from transport, hydrocarbons and power transmission remain important for L&T, but newer verticals are expected to deliver higher margins and longer visibility once scale is achieved.

The data centre business, in particular, benefits from predictable long-term contracts and rising demand for energy-efficient facilities. Power availability and cooling efficiency have become critical differentiators as operators seek to control operating costs and meet sustainability targets. L&T has highlighted its emphasis on optimised designs, modular construction and integration of renewable energy where feasible, in response to customer requirements.

From a financial perspective, the 18 MW commissioning is not expected to materially strain the balance sheet, given the group’s strong cash flows and diversified revenue base. The company has historically funded growth through a mix of internal accruals and selective partnerships, and similar structures are being explored for digital infrastructure projects to manage risk and accelerate execution.

Market participants also point to the broader ecosystem benefits of large data centre builds, including demand for electrical equipment, cooling systems, specialised construction and long-term maintenance services. This creates opportunities for L&T to cross-leverage capabilities across its subsidiaries and verticals, reinforcing the strategic rationale behind the expansion.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – Asia Coach Group Limited announced today its partnership with seasoned business consultant Rick Tam to launch the “Business Breakthrough” enterprise training programme, designed to help Hong Kong SME owners strengthen their business models, improve cash flow, and enhance financing capabilities.

Rick Tam, Founder of "Business Breakthrough" Coaching Programme for Hong Kong SMEs
Rick Tam, Founder of “Business Breakthrough” Coaching Programme for Hong Kong SMEs

Challenging Business Environment Demands New Solutions

Hong Kong’s SMEs are facing unprecedented operational pressures. According to a survey by CPA Australia, 37% of small businesses in Hong Kong struggle to obtain external financing. Data from Airwallex further reveals that 96% of SMEs have experienced cash flow difficulties in the past year. With property asset values declining, banks’ insistence on property collateral for loans has left many enterprises in financial distress.

Responding to Market Needs with Systematic Business Upgrade Solutions

“Hong Kong has never lacked capital—what’s missing is the mechanism to connect businesses with it,” Rick Tam noted. The programme addresses common pain points faced by local SMEs, including declining profits, low business valuations, tight cash flow, and recruitment challenges. Built upon the four-pillar framework of “Commerce, Strategy, Breakthrough, and Structure,” the curriculum covers stabilising cash flow and enhancing financial flexibility, repositioning businesses and improving client quality, reshaping product value and expanding profit margins, as well as systematising operations and attracting investors. The programme commits to helping participants improve cash flow, increase business value, and strengthen their business models within 90 days.

Four Practical Tools for Immediate Application

Participants will acquire four core tools: the “Cash Flow Vortex System” for rapid assessment of financial status and establishing safety buffers; the “A.T.C. Client Leverage Ladder” for repositioning and enhancing client value; the “High-Value Breakthrough Method” for creating products with greater value and trust; and the “Marketing Triangle Matrix” for integrating human resources, client bases, and operational systems to plan business expansion. The programme adopts a six-step progressive model—from restructuring business models, improving profit margins, attracting capital injection, building high-performance teams, and systematising operations, to ultimately helping business owners reclaim their time and freedom.

Instructor Credentials

Programme instructor Rick Tam is a graduate of the University of Hong Kong’s Business School and currently serves as CEO of two family offices and chief consultant to several others. He holds the CFPCM Certified Financial Planner designation. Tam has founded more than nine brands spanning wealth management, securities, and food and beverage sectors, and has guided over 1,000 participants through business expansion.

As Hong Kong’s economy seeks transformation, channelling capital precisely into the real economy through the “Business Breakthrough” approach offers more than a lifeline for SMEs—it injects vital momentum into Hong Kong’s long-term economic development.

Hashtag: #RickTam #AsiaCoach

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Apple Pay users across multiple regions are being targeted by a coordinated phishing operation that security researchers describe as more sophisticated than conventional digital fraud, exploiting trust in familiar branding and the pressure of urgent security warnings to extract sensitive payment credentials. The campaign blends carefully designed emails with follow-up phone calls, a hybrid tactic that has enabled attackers to bypass user scepticism and some automated security […]

Documents released by the United States Justice Department have revealed how Jeffrey Epstein’s web of influence extended into India, underscoring the disgraced financier’s sustained efforts to cultivate relationships with prominent figures across business, politics and academia long before his arrest and death. The files, unsealed as part of litigation connected to Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, include exchanges indicating contact between Epstein and Anil Ambani over a period […]

SpiceJet has expanded its international network with the launch of direct services linking Sharjah with key cities, adding fresh capacity to one of the Gulf’s busiest short-haul corridors and reinforcing Sharjah Airport’s position as a major gateway for travellers between the UAE and the subcontinent.

The new services mark SpiceJet’s return to Sharjah after a prolonged period of network consolidation, coming as demand for point-to-point travel continues to rise among expatriate workers, small businesses and leisure passengers. Airline executives said the route selection reflects sustained passenger flows and a preference for nonstop connections that reduce travel time and reliance on larger hub airports.

Sharjah Airport Authority confirmed that the additional frequencies strengthen the airport’s connectivity with South Asia, which remains among its most significant source markets for both inbound and outbound travel. Passenger traffic on these routes is underpinned by labour mobility, family visits, education links and growing trade ties, particularly in manufacturing, retail and services. Airport officials have previously indicated that traffic volumes on South Asia routes have shown steady recovery and expansion following the disruption of earlier years.

SpiceJet’s Sharjah operations are being introduced at a time when the carrier is gradually rebuilding its international footprint. The airline has focused on deploying narrow-body aircraft on high-density, short-haul sectors where cost discipline and quick turnarounds are critical. Industry analysts note that Gulf routes, especially those linking secondary airports, offer relatively stable yields due to consistent demand and limited seasonality.

The Sharjah services place SpiceJet in direct competition with established operators that already serve the corridor, including full-service and low-cost carriers. Competition on pricing and schedules is expected to intensify, benefiting passengers through wider choice and more flexible travel options. Aviation consultants say Sharjah’s appeal lies in lower operating costs compared with larger hubs, as well as its proximity to northern emirates with sizable expatriate populations.

Sharjah Airport has pursued a strategy of attracting airlines that focus on value-driven travel rather than purely premium traffic. The airport’s ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including terminal enhancements and airside capacity improvements, have been designed to handle rising passenger volumes while maintaining quick processing times. Officials have highlighted that improved facilities support airlines seeking efficient operations without the congestion associated with mega hubs.

For SpiceJet, the move also aligns with broader efforts to stabilise operations and restore market confidence. The airline has worked to address fleet availability and financial pressures, while selectively adding routes that promise strong load factors. Aviation sector observers say disciplined network growth is essential for carriers operating in a competitive low-cost environment, particularly as fuel prices, leasing costs and currency movements continue to influence margins.

Travel industry executives point out that Sharjah’s catchment area extends well beyond the emirate itself, drawing passengers from neighbouring regions who prefer a less crowded airport experience. This has helped Sharjah maintain its relevance despite intense competition from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The addition of SpiceJet flights is expected to further diversify the airport’s airline mix and strengthen its role as a regional connector.

The launch also reflects a wider trend of carriers re-evaluating secondary Gulf airports as viable alternatives for international expansion. With bilateral air service agreements allowing incremental capacity growth, airlines are increasingly targeting routes that balance volume with operational efficiency. Analysts say this approach is particularly attractive for carriers seeking to rebuild international revenues without overextending resources.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Riyadh Air, the new full-service carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, has entered into a strategic partnership with Mastercard that both companies say is designed to reshape how travellers and businesses engage with airlines, payments and digital services. The agreement, announced as Riyadh Air advances preparations for its first commercial flights, signals an attempt to integrate financial technology into […]

Bitcoin is being watched closely by traders after comments from market strategist Tom Lee pointed to continuing strain across digital assets, even as the world’s largest cryptocurrency shows signs of stabilising above key technical levels. The benchmark token has hovered well below earlier peaks, reflecting a broader unease among investors grappling with tighter financial conditions, regulatory scrutiny and uneven demand for risk assets. Lee, a co-founder of […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s financial services regulator has imposed a $504,000 penalty on Ark Capital Management Limited after finding serious weaknesses in the firm’s market abuse controls and failures in regulatory disclosure within the Dubai International Financial Centre. The enforcement action by the Dubai Financial Services Authority follows an investigation that concluded Ark Capital did not maintain adequate systems to detect, escalate and assess potentially abusive […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has emerged as the largest gaming market in the Middle East, accounting for about $1 billion of the region’s $2.52 billion consumer spending on video games, according to industry estimates compiled from market trackers and regional regulators. The scale of spending, combined with the highest average revenue per user in the region, underscores a structural shift in digital consumption driven by […]

Saudi Arabia’s flagship development drive remains anchored to an ambition that exceeds $1 trillion in combined value, even as authorities adjust timelines, scope and sequencing across some of the Kingdom’s most high-profile projects. A new assessment by Fitch Ratings said the combined value of five major giga projects — NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea Global, ROSHN and Diriyah — is still expected to surpass that threshold at completion, […]

A $3tn pipeline of real estate and infrastructure projects across the Middle East and Africa between 2026 and 2030 is sharpening investor focus on the region’s capacity to sustain high growth into 2026, with the UAE expected to account for a substantial share of capital deployment, according to new industry assessments. Market projections point to project cash flows of about $795bn in the UAE over the same […]

The United Kingdom has expanded its sanctions regime against figures accused of fuelling Sudan’s civil war, imposing measures this week on six senior commanders and facilitators linked to atrocities and the recruitment of foreign fighters. These actions, announced by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the Sudan Regulations 2020, include asset freezes, travel bans and director disqualifications intended to disrupt financial and military support networks that […]

Dubai-based property developer Binghatti has priced a $500 million five-year sukuk after attracting demand that significantly exceeded the issue size, underscoring sustained investor appetite for higher-yield Gulf credit despite tighter global financial conditions. The Islamic bond was priced on Thursday with a profit rate of 8.375 per cent, equivalent to a spread of 461.3 basis points over US Treasuries, according to transaction details. Orderbooks climbed beyond $2.2 […]

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