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Qatar power venture clinches $990m Japan financing

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Ras Abu Fontas Power, the company behind one of Qatar’s key power and water infrastructure projects, has secured a financing agreement worth about $990 million with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, strengthening the long-term funding base for the Facility E power and desalination project south of Doha. The JBIC funding represents part of a larger co-financing package totalling approximately $2.97 billion, assembled […]

Gold vaults past $5,000 as risk appetite fades

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   Gold surged beyond the $5,000-an-ounce mark on Monday, setting a fresh record as investors moved decisively into the traditional safe haven amid heightened geopolitical tensions and expectations that monetary policy in major economies will stay supportive. The rally gathered pace in early Asian trading, with spot prices climbing 1.79% to $5,071.96 an ounce by 0159 GMT after touching an intraday peak of […]

Ras Al Khaimah sets legal framework for autonomous vehicles

Ras Al Khaimah has enacted a new law establishing a comprehensive legal and technical framework for the testing, deployment and operation of autonomous vehicles, positioning the northern emirate among the jurisdictions in the region seeking to regulate emerging transport technologies with an emphasis on safety, security and data protection. The legislation, approved by the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, lays out the conditions under which autonomous vehicles […]

Adnoc first Emirati brand to enter global top 100

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has become the first Emirati brand to secure a spot among the world’s 100 most valuable brands, highlighting its expanding global footprint and brand strength. The Brand Finance annual league table shows ADNOC’s brand value climbed 11 per cent year-on-year to US$21.13 billion for 2026, marking growth of more than 350 per cent since 2017 and placing it ahead of a number […]

Snowflake expands AI Data Cloud footprint into AWS UAE

Snowflake has rolled out its AI Data Cloud on Amazon Web Services’ UAE region, a move designed to help enterprises build and deploy artificial intelligence workloads while keeping data residency and latency requirements in check. The expansion gives organisations operating in the Gulf access to Snowflake’s platform within the AWS Middle East Region, aligning with regulatory expectations that data generated in the country can be processed locally. […]

UAE hotel revenues hit record levels as tourism demand strengthens

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The United Arab Emirates’ hospitality sector has posted a substantial rise in hotel revenues in 2025, with total takings reaching around AED 44.4 billion for the period from January to November, marking an 8.8 per cent uplift compared with the same span a year earlier, driven by stronger average daily rates and robust demand across key markets. This performance underscores the UAE’s ongoing […]

McLaren aligns with Hedera on fan collectibles

McLaren Racing has entered a partnership with distributed ledger platform Hedera to roll out free digital collectibles for fans across its Formula One and IndyCar operations, marking a further step by elite motorsport teams into blockchain-backed fan engagement without paywalls. The agreement makes Hedera an official partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team and Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, with the collaboration centred on issuing no-cost digital items […]

Revolut abandons US bank takeover, pivots to licence

Revolut has shelved plans to buy a United States bank and is instead pursuing a fresh regulatory pathway as it recalibrates its long-delayed push into the world’s largest retail finance market. The London-based digital banking group has begun laying the groundwork for an application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national banking licence, according to people familiar with the company’s strategy, marking […]

Microsoft strengthens Mercedes F1’s data-led push

Microsoft and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team have entered a multi-year partnership that places cloud computing and enterprise artificial intelligence at the centre of one of the sport’s most analytics-intensive operations, extending from race-weekend decision-making to long-term car development and factory workflows. The agreement positions Microsoft as the team’s official cloud and AI partner, with Azure, Microsoft Fabric and Copilot technologies set to be woven into […]

Vertiv rolls out AI-led data centre maintenance

Vertiv has unveiled an artificial intelligence-based predictive maintenance service designed to help data centre operators manage the growing operational strain created by high-density computing and AI-driven workloads. The service, branded Vertiv Next Predict, is positioned as a response to the rising complexity of power and cooling infrastructure as operators race to support advanced computing environments. The company said the new platform uses machine learning models, real-time sensor […]

Bitcoin retreat highlights macro nerves and whale buying

Bitcoin slipped below a widely watched technical floor this week, extending a pullback that traders say reflects broader unease over global macro conditions even as large holders quietly add to positions. The move saw the largest cryptocurrency trade under a descending support line associated with a bearish flag formation, a pattern often read as a continuation signal after a sharp run-up. Market participants pointed to a mix […]

Armstrong pitches tokenisation as wealth equaliser

Coinbase chief executive Brian Armstrong has argued that the growing divide in global wealth stems from structural barriers in capital formation and ownership, positioning blockchain-based tokenisation as a way to broaden access to assets traditionally controlled by a narrow segment of society. Tokenised finance framed as a path to wider ownership has become a recurring theme in Armstrong’s public remarks, investor communications and policy-facing discussions, where he […]

First Abu Dhabi Bank backs landmark Open Masters Games debut

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai First Abu Dhabi Bank has been named the Official Banking Partner for the first-ever Open Masters Games to be staged in the Middle East, a move that aligns a leading regional lender with an international sporting event built around lifelong participation, health and social connection. The partnership brings First Abu Dhabi Bank into the inaugural Middle East edition of the Open Masters Games, […]

NYU Abu Dhabi links oral bacteria to obesity risk

Evidence emerging from a long-running population study in the UAE is sharpening the focus on the mouth as an early warning site for metabolic disease, with researchers identifying distinct patterns of oral bacteria associated with obesity and related conditions. The findings, drawn from analyses within the UAE Healthy Future Study, suggest that shifts in the oral microbiome could help flag metabolic risk earlier than conventional markers and […]

Dubai Silicon Oasis set for Dh12.8bn expansion

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has approved a Dh12.8bn expansion of Dubai Silicon Oasis, signalling a renewed push to scale the emirate’s knowledge economy and deepen its appeal to global technology, research and advanced manufacturing firms. The programme was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and positions the zone for a new phase […]

Abu Dhabi sharpens legal framework for medical tourism growth

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   Abu Dhabi has moved to reinforce its ambitions as a regional hub for medical tourism by convening a specialised forum examining the legal and regulatory foundations that underpin the sector, with a focus on aligning local legislation with international best practice while safeguarding patient rights and encouraging sustainable investment. Hosted virtually by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the forum brought together legal […]

India gains backing on chips and AI

Strong international validation for India’s ambitions in semiconductors and artificial intelligence has emerged during Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s visit to Veldhoven, the Netherlands, where he held discussions centred on advanced manufacturing technologies and long-term collaboration. Vaishnaw described the engagement as a major opportunity to understand cutting-edge systems and align partnerships that could accelerate India’s high-technology ecosystem.

The visit to Veldhoven, home to the world’s most sophisticated chipmaking equipment capabilities, comes at a time when New Delhi is pushing to anchor itself more firmly in global semiconductor supply chains while building domestic capacity. Vaishnaw indicated that interlocutors acknowledged India’s policy direction and scale as compelling factors for deeper cooperation across semiconductors and artificial intelligence, two areas that are increasingly intertwined in next-generation computing and industrial automation.

Discussions during the trip focused on lithography technologies, supply-chain resilience and skills development, according to people familiar with the engagements. India’s pitch rests on a combination of policy incentives, a large engineering workforce and expanding demand from electronics, automotive and data-driven sectors. Officials accompanying the minister underlined that partners in Europe see India as a credible long-term manufacturing and innovation base rather than merely a consumption market.

The Netherlands occupies a critical position in the global chip industry because of its dominance in extreme ultraviolet lithography, a technology essential for producing advanced semiconductors. India’s engagement with Dutch stakeholders is therefore viewed as strategically important, particularly as countries and companies diversify supply chains amid geopolitical and commercial pressures. Vaishnaw’s meetings sought to map pathways for collaboration spanning equipment ecosystems, materials, precision engineering and research linkages.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently in the conversations, reflecting the convergence between advanced chips and AI workloads. Executives and policymakers discussed how specialised processors, high-performance computing and data infrastructure underpin AI deployment across sectors such as healthcare, mobility, energy management and public services. Indian officials emphasised the country’s growing base of AI startups, public digital platforms and applied research, arguing that closer alignment with global technology leaders would strengthen both sides.

The endorsement referenced by Vaishnaw also reflects broader international assessments of India’s semiconductor strategy, which combines fiscal incentives with infrastructure support and regulatory facilitation. Several fabrication and assembly projects have been announced across different states, while partnerships with global firms aim to address gaps in design, packaging and testing. Industry analysts note that execution risks remain, including timelines, talent depth in specialised manufacturing and integration into mature supply networks, yet acknowledge that momentum has improved.

From the Dutch perspective, collaboration with India offers access to a fast-growing market and diversification beyond traditional hubs. European technology firms have been recalibrating their engagement with Asia, balancing commercial interests with strategic considerations. India’s emphasis on trusted partnerships and standards-based cooperation resonates in this context, particularly in areas linked to critical technologies.

Vaishnaw’s visit also included interactions with research institutions and industry representatives to understand best practices in precision manufacturing and workforce training. Officials highlighted the importance of skilling programmes that align academic curricula with industry needs, a factor seen as decisive for sustaining semiconductor operations. India has been expanding such initiatives, including specialised training for chip design and manufacturing processes.

The talks in Veldhoven are part of a broader diplomatic and industrial outreach aimed at positioning India within high-value segments of global technology chains. Previous engagements with partners in East Asia and North America have similarly stressed co-development, supply assurance and innovation partnerships rather than transactional sourcing. The Netherlands visit adds a European dimension to that strategy.

Microsoft restores access after productivity outage

Access to Microsoft’s cloud-based productivity tools was restored after a widespread disruption interrupted email, security and compliance services for users across multiple regions, the company said, following hours of degraded performance that affected businesses, governments and schools. Microsoft confirmed that the incident disrupted several Microsoft 365 services, including Outlook, Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Purview, with users reporting problems sending and receiving email, delays in threat alerts and […]

Jewels of Emirates Show opens in Sharjah

Jewellery manufacturers, designers and traders from across three continents are set to converge in Sharjah as the Jewels of Emirates Show 2026 opens on 28 January at the Expo Centre Sharjah, positioning the emirate as a key meeting point for the regional and global jewellery trade at the start of the year. Organisers say the four-day exhibition will feature about 180 exhibitors representing the Middle East, Asia […]

NMK Beyond launches immersive Dubai tech hub

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai NMK Electronics has unveiled NMK Beyond, a 21,500 sq ft immersive technology hub positioned in Dubai’s urban core, marking a significant expansion of the company’s footprint in professional audio-visual and integrated solutions. The facility is designed to function as a live, hands-on environment where enterprise clients, systems integrators, consultants, educators and content creators can experience end-to-end technology workflows rather than static product displays. […]

Taara’s ground-based laser bet reshapes global internet race

Taara, a California-based connectivity venture built around high-capacity laser links, has formally separated from Alphabet, marking a decisive shift in how ultra-fast internet could be delivered to hard-to-reach regions. The spin-out places the spotlight on a terrestrial alternative to satellite broadband, with the company arguing that its ground-based approach can deliver fibre-like speeds at lower cost and with fewer regulatory hurdles. Born inside Alphabet’s experimental “moonshot” unit, […]

Marriott is a credible FIFA World Cup hospitality play in 2026

Matein Khalid Marriott (MAR) is the world’s preeminent hospitality business with 1.7 million hotel rooms located in 9800 properties in 140 countries. Sadly, its shares were a Cinderella last year, underperforming the S&P 500 index with only a 14% return due to the decline in inbound foreign travel to the US triggered by Trump’s tariff threats, immigration crackdown and restrictive visa rules. Hopefully, Marriott will prove a […]

VinFuture Opens Call for Excellent Scientific Breakthroughs for the 6th Season

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2026 – The VinFuture Prize officially announces the launch of its 2026 season and opens the nomination period until 2:00 PM on April 17, 2026 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Eligible nominations must pertain to scientific or technological inventions and solutions that demonstrate clear, measurable benefits for millions of people worldwide and must be submitted by distinguished individuals or reputable institutions within the global science and technology community.

All nominations will undergo a rigorous screening and evaluation process conducted by the VinFuture Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, which comprise leading scientists from around the world, including laureates of prestigious international awards such as the Nobel Prize, the Turing Award, and the Millennium Technology Prize.

The evaluation process is scheduled to be completed by September 2026, with the 6th VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony slated for early December 2026. Nominations submitted after April 17, 2026 will automatically be considered for the 2027 season.

In order to provide comprehensive information and strengthen engagement with its global network of nomination partners, the VinFuture Foundation will host two international webinars in the first quarter of 2026, featuring insights and perspectives from representatives of the Prize Council, the Pre-Screening Committee, and VinFuture Laureates. The first webinar will take place at 8:00 AM on January 26, 2026 (Hanoi time).

In 2026, the VinFuture Prize will continue the implementation of its Top Nominators Recognition Program, formally acknowledging the exceptional contributions of scientists whose discernment and scholarly leadership are instrumental in identifying and nominating scientific and technological achievements of transformative significance for humanity.

Having completed five successive and highly successful award cycles, the VinFuture Prize has established itself as a globally respected distinction within the international science and technology community. To date, it has received a cumulative total of 6,132 nominations from nearly 110 countries and territories and has recognized 48 outstanding scientists whose pioneering work has delivered profound, enduring, and far-reaching benefits to humanity.

Many of the achievements recognized by the VinFuture Prize are closely aligned with major milestones in human progress, ranging from global networking technologies, PERC solar cells, lithium-ion battery energy storage, and artificial intelligence to essential fields such as sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and environmental protection. Reflecting its expanding international reach, VinFuture’s global nomination partner network now includes nearly 15,000 scientists worldwide.

Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the VinFuture Foundation, stated: “After five years of establishment and development, VinFuture Prize has steadily affirmed its position as one of the world’s leading global science prizes, where outstanding scientific excellence is honored in parallel with social responsibility and the long-term interests of humanity. As we enter the 2026 season, we anticipate that nominations will continue to demonstrate the pivotal role of science and technology in addressing global challenges in a comprehensive manner, thereby advancing breakthrough solutions with strong applicability and the capacity to generate positive and sustainable impacts on a global scale.”

With its established international stature and credibility, VinFuture has contributed meaningfully to positioning Viet Nam as an emerging hub for global knowledge exchange and scientific collaboration. Numerous VinFuture partners have traveled to Viet Nam to engage in academic exchanges, share professional expertise, and strengthen ties with the domestic scientific community. Notable participants include Professor Aldo Steinfeld of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), recipient of the 2024 SolarPACES Lifetime Achievement Award; Professor Kurt Kremer, Honorary Director of the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Germany); and Professor Chuanbin Mao of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (China), ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in biomedical engineering…

Through VinFuture, many Vietnamese scientists have likewise gained access to, and established collaborations with, leading global researchers, actively engaging with the international scientific community to help shape a sustainable future for Vietnam and for humanity at large.

Hashtag: #VinFuture

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

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