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 […]
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has expanded its retail footprint in Dubai with the opening of a second showroom at City Walk, reinforcing the marque’s confidence in sustained demand for ultra-luxury vehicles across the Middle East and signalling a sharper focus on experiential retail in one of its strongest global markets. The new City Walk space complements the brand’s long-established presence on Sheikh Zayed Road and is designed to […]
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 […]
Greenlogue/AP Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company has confirmed the completion of two major infrastructure projects in the Qassim Region at a combined cost exceeding 48 million Saudi Riyals, marking a key step in upgrading water and sewage services for communities in the central province. The initiatives, executed under the company’s long-term expansion strategy, include extensive drinking water pipeline installations in Buraidah and comprehensive sewage network construction in […]
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:
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.
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.
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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.
Global growth in the mobile games market slowed markedly through 2025, with spending increases tapering and downloads flattening across major regions, according to fresh analysis by data firm AppMagic, reinforcing a shift from the hyper-growth years of the pandemic to a more mature and competitive phase for the industry. The research indicates that while mobile gaming remains the largest segment of the global games business by user […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Kuwait has set out a long-term plan to lift crude oil production capacity to 4 million barrels per day by 2035, up from about 3 million bpd at present, signalling a renewed push to secure upstream growth while managing the pressures of energy transition and market volatility. The target was outlined by Nawaf S. Al-Sabah, deputy chairman and chief executive of Kuwait Petroleum […]
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.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has strengthened its presence in the Middle East with the opening of a second showroom in Dubai, underlining the marque’s confidence in sustained demand for ultra-luxury vehicles in the emirate and the wider Gulf. The new Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai City Walk showroom adds to the brand’s long-established location on Sheikh Zayed Road and reflects a strategy focused on proximity to clients and highly […]
Big technology groups have entered earnings season facing a sharper set of questions from investors as capital expenditure tied to artificial intelligence accelerates while core cloud businesses show steadier, more measured growth. Quarterly disclosures from the largest United States-based technology companies point to a widening gap between the scale of investment being committed to AI infrastructure and the pace at which that spending is translating into clearly […]
UAE is steadily positioning itself as a global reference point for pharmaceutical innovation, backed by regulatory maturity, public-private collaboration and an explicit policy commitment to advancing healthcare, senior executives at Novartis say. The assessment reflects a broader shift in how multinational drugmakers view the Gulf state, not merely as a sales market but as a base for development, manufacturing and clinical collaboration. Valued at about $4.15bn, the […]
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 […]
Millennium Hotels and Resorts is sharpening its expansion strategy by placing the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey at the centre of its global growth plans, using the region’s aviation reach, investment climate and tourism depth to connect Asia with a wider set of international markets. Executives at the Singapore-based hospitality group say the MENAT region has moved beyond being a strong operating base to become a […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sharjah Airport Authority has announced the launch of a new scheduled service by SpiceJet linking Ahmedabad Airport with Sharjah International Airport, expanding the airport’s international network and underscoring the growing demand for direct connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and India. The service adds capacity on a corridor that serves business travellers, tourists and families with close ties across the two regions. The […]
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 […]
Building on the strong momentum of its inaugural year, the upcoming edition promises an even more refined and harmonious dialogue of visual and gastronomic arts. The culinary journey at DBS ARTable 2026 will ascend to new heights with an extraordinary 4-hand dining experience curated by two acclaimed chefs from “Culinary Class Wars Season 2” – Jun Lee, Executive Chef of Seoul’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Soigné and Yun Na-ra, Owner & Chef of Yunjudang Brewmaster.
DBS ARTable, presented by Tatler, is a flagship initiative under the bank’s “DBS Culinary Delights”, catering to the aspirational preferences of its wealth clients. DBS remains dedicated to offering unparalleled experiences that blend sophisticated advisory with personal touches.
Hashtag: #DBS
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DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Jordan-based education technology company Alefredo has acquired United Kingdom tutoring firm Tutor House, marking its formal entry into the UK market and accelerating its push to build a hybrid learning platform spanning Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The deal brings Alefredo a network of more than 30,000 vetted tutors across multiple subjects and age groups, significantly expanding its reach beyond its home […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Bitcoin fell sharply on Friday, sliding to a 16-month low and briefly testing the psychologically important $60,000 level as a broad sell-off in technology shares spilled into risk-sensitive assets, intensifying volatility across global markets. The world’s largest cryptocurrency touched an intraday low close to $60,000 before rebounding, trading modestly higher later in the session at around $64,000 as buyers stepped in. The […]
Bitcoin could move towards the $50,000 mark even as confidence in the crypto market remains fragile, according to comments by Tom Lee, who has described price action across digital assets as a major disappointment against a backdrop of conditions that have historically favoured rallies. Trading has been subdued across large cryptocurrencies, with bitcoin struggling to convert long-standing bullish narratives into sustained momentum. Lee, a prominent market strategist […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Bank of Kuwait used the Kuwait Oil & Gas Show and Conference 2026 to underline its role as a leading financier to the energy value chain, engaging with policymakers, producers, service companies and investors as Kuwait accelerates long-term plans to modernise hydrocarbons infrastructure while managing the transition to lower-carbon operations. Held over three days in Kuwait City, the biennial industry gathering drew […]
Substack has confirmed that a security breach exposed limited user contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers, prompting renewed scrutiny of data protection practices across creator-focused platforms. The company said the incident did not involve passwords, payment details or private content, and that access was cut off after the activity was identified. According to a statement issued by Substack, an unauthorised third party gained access to […]
