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HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP Receives UNESCO–Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in Life Sciences // Geely’s i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid Technology Offers a New Direction Vision for Gasoline-Powered Vehicles // Miss Universe Hong Kong Jen Zhou Departs for Puerto Rico to Compete in the 75th Miss Universe World Final // Technology shares plunge as Nasdaq enters correction // Dubai details five-year visa benefits for returning visitors // Trump’s Iran War Has A Share Of Contribution To His Midterm Debacle // Private varsities bill all set to face the axe // Ousted top Kochi cop gets IG post // Geely’s i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid Technology Offers a New Direction for Gasoline-Powered Vehicles // HKUST President and Chinese Academy of Sciences Academician Prof. Nancy Ip Receives UNESCO Honor for a Second Time // Elephant calf on death line airlifted for treatment in Gujarat // Ningbo Consensus on Collaborative Development released at 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue · Ningbo // India Under Pressure To Join RCEP On The Eve Of ASEAN Summit In Manila On Nov 15-17 // Microfinance case trouble for Vellappally // Beyond the exhibition floor: How robots, AI and networks are moving into the real world // OpenAI abandons secrecy agreements for future data centres // OpenAI introduces GPT-6 Cyber with restricted security access // Battle Uttar Pradesh Will Be Tougher For Yogi Than Expected // ADNOC secures decade-long LNG supply pact with Gujarat Energy // ADIA subsidiary seeks $7.5 billion private investment financing //

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Brazil is set to host the BRICS leaders’ summit in Rio de Janeiro on 6th and 7th July 2025, as announced by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. This gathering will bring together heads of state from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other partner nations, marking a significant event in international diplomacy. Assuming the rotating presidency of BRICS on 1st January 2025, Brazil has been actively preparing […]

By Nitya Chakraborty The outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump in White House on February 13 may have its impact on the interim government of Bangladesh headed by Dr. Mohammad Yunus, who is in power since August 8, 2024 in the wake of the ouster of Sheikh Hasina […]

Ubisoft, the prominent French video game publisher, has reported a substantial decline in its financial performance for the nine months ending December 31, 2024. The company’s revenue decreased by 31.4% year-on-year, totaling €990 million, while net bookings fell by 34.8% to €944 million. Digital net bookings also saw a downturn of 33.8%, amounting to €784 million, and back-catalogue net bookings dropped by 27.7% to €762.3 million.

In the third quarter alone, Ubisoft experienced a 52% reduction in net bookings, recording €301.8 million, aligning with its revised guidance of approximately €300 million. Despite these challenges, the company has reaffirmed its financial targets for the fiscal year 2024-25, projecting net bookings around €1.9 billion and aiming for break-even non-IFRS operating income.

The downturn has been attributed to the underperformance of several key titles and a highly competitive market landscape. In response, Ubisoft is intensifying its cost-reduction initiatives, aiming to surpass €200 million in fixed cost savings by the end of fiscal year 2024-25, ahead of its initial schedule. This strategy includes targeted restructuring efforts, which have already led to the closure of two production studios and the layoff of nearly 300 employees.

Amid these financial strains, Ubisoft is placing significant emphasis on the upcoming release of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” scheduled for launch on March 20, 2025. Set in feudal Japan, the game features dual protagonists—a shinobi assassin named Naoe and a samurai named Yasuke. Early previews have been favorable, highlighting the game’s narrative depth and immersive experience. Pre-orders are reportedly strong, tracking in line with those of “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey,” the franchise’s second most successful installment.

Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, expressed optimism regarding the forthcoming title, stating that early feedback has praised its storytelling and gameplay mechanics. The company anticipates that “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” will drive a recovery in the fourth quarter, contributing positively to the year’s financial outcomes.

In addition to its focus on flagship titles, Ubisoft is conducting a comprehensive review of its strategic options to maximize the value of its assets and franchises. An independent board committee has been established to oversee this process, ensuring that all potential avenues are explored to enhance stakeholder value.

The company’s challenges are not isolated to financial metrics. In December 2024, Ubisoft announced the impending shutdown of its free-to-play shooter, “XDefiant,” scheduled for June 2025, due to an inability to maintain a sufficient player base. This decision resulted in the closure of its San Francisco and Osaka production studios, affecting approximately 277 employees. Furthermore, in January 2025, the company closed its Leamington studio and downsized several others, leading to an additional 185 layoffs as part of its ongoing cost-cutting measures.

OpenAI has firmly declined a $97.4 billion acquisition proposal from a consortium led by Elon Musk, stating unequivocally that the organization is not for sale. The board’s unanimous decision underscores OpenAI’s commitment to its mission of developing artificial general intelligence for the benefit of all humanity. Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 alongside CEO Sam Altman, has been vocal in his opposition to the company’s shift […]

ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia’s prominent multi-asset real estate developer and a Public Investment Fund company, has finalized a SAR 2 billion Shariah-compliant credit facility with Saudi National Bank . This seven-year financing arrangement is designated for the acquisition of ROSHN Front, a premier commercial and retail complex in Riyadh.

The strategic acquisition of ROSHN Front signifies ROSHN Group’s deliberate expansion into the commercial and retail sectors, complementing its existing residential projects. Opened in 2019, ROSHN Front has become a central hub for both shoppers and businesses, drawing over 7 million visitors annually. The development comprises two main sections: ROSHN Front—Retail, offering more than 81,800 square meters of leasable space occupied by leading retail and dining brands; and ROSHN Front—Business, providing over 78,900 square meters of office space housing esteemed government agencies, private enterprises, and multinational corporations.

Avinash Pangarkar, Group Chief Finance Officer of ROSHN Group, emphasized the importance of this financial partnership, stating that the agreement with Saudi National Bank is a pivotal milestone for ROSHN Group, enabling the unlocking of significant value from the acquisition and creating long-term benefits for stakeholders and the communities served.

The integration of ROSHN Front into ROSHN’s portfolio is poised to enhance the retail and commercial landscape of the area, elevate tenant experiences, and attract top-tier brands and businesses. This move aligns with ROSHN’s broader mission to develop integrated, human-centric communities that enrich the quality of life across the Kingdom.

The acquisition of ROSHN Front, formerly known as Riyadh Front, was initially announced in December 2022, with the rebranding to ROSHN Front occurring in September 2023. The complex is strategically located adjacent to ROSHN’s flagship SEDRA project in Riyadh, facilitating potential synergies between the developments. SEDRA is envisioned to house approximately 30,000 new homes upon completion, and the proximity to ROSHN Front is expected to provide residents with enhanced access to amenities, exclusive promotions, and diverse retail and commercial options.

The financing agreement with SNB not only underscores ROSHN’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the Kingdom’s real estate sector but also reflects the confidence of financial institutions in ROSHN’s strategic vision and operational capabilities. As a PIF-backed entity, ROSHN continues to play a vital role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives by developing sustainable and vibrant communities that cater to the evolving needs of its populace.

The United Arab Emirates has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to map air corridors and develop a regulatory framework for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones. This strategic move aims to seamlessly integrate advanced air mobility solutions into the nation’s transportation infrastructure. In collaboration with the Advanced Technology Research Council entities—Technology Innovation Institute and ASPIRE—the General Civil Aviation Authority is spearheading this project. The plan […]

The Environmental, Social, and Governance sukuk market has achieved a significant milestone, with its outstanding value exceeding $50 billion by the end of 2024. This growth underscores the increasing integration of ethical and sustainable principles within Islamic finance. Data from the London Stock Exchange Group indicates that ESG sukuk issuances reached $15.2 billion in 2024, marking a 14.5% annual growth. This represents the eighth consecutive year of […]

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Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has assumed a pivotal role in shaping the international landscape under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. As traditional diplomatic norms give way to a more transactional approach, the Crown Prince’s influence is increasingly evident in critical geopolitical arenas, notably the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is leading an urgent Arab initiative to counter President Trump’s contentious proposal for Gaza. The U.S. plan suggests relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries, a move that has been met with widespread rejection from regional stakeholders. In response, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, is formulating an alternative strategy. This plan emphasizes the establishment of a Gulf-funded reconstruction program and the marginalization of Hamas, aiming to stabilize Gaza while preserving Palestinian national aspirations. A summit in Riyadh is scheduled to further deliberate on these proposals, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional stability and its willingness to challenge U.S. policies when they conflict with Arab interests.

Beyond the Middle East, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is extending his diplomatic reach to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Trump administration has announced potential peace talks with Russian officials, a move that has elicited mixed reactions from the international community. European leaders have expressed concerns that this approach may inadvertently legitimize Russian aggression. Amid these tensions, Saudi Arabia has offered to host summit talks in Riyadh, positioning itself as a neutral ground for dialogue. This initiative not only highlights the Crown Prince’s ambition to elevate Saudi Arabia’s global diplomatic profile but also reflects a strategic alignment with President Trump’s unconventional foreign policy methods.

Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala Investment Company, has made a significant entry into the cryptocurrency market by acquiring $436.9 million worth of shares in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF during the fourth quarter of 2024. This move underscores the growing institutional interest in digital assets among sovereign wealth funds.

According to the latest 13F filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Mubadala purchased approximately 8.2 million shares of IBIT, marking its inaugural investment in a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund. This acquisition aligns with a broader trend of institutional investors increasing their exposure to cryptocurrency-linked financial products.

The fourth quarter of 2024 witnessed a surge in Bitcoin’s value, with the cryptocurrency appreciating by 47%. This upward trajectory has been a catalyst for various asset managers, including wealth management firms, hedge funds, and pension funds, to bolster their investments in Bitcoin ETFs. Notably, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board more than doubled its holdings in the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF to 6 million shares by the end of December. Similarly, Tudor Investment Corp, a prominent hedge fund, increased its stake to 8 million shares, valued at $426.9 million at the close of the year.

Mubadala’s strategic investment reflects a growing confidence among sovereign wealth funds in the viability of digital assets. This move is particularly significant given the Middle East’s increasing engagement with blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. In 2023, Abu Dhabi demonstrated its commitment to the digital asset space by investing in Bitcoin mining operations, collaborating with Marathon Digital and local firm Zero Two to develop a large-scale mining facility in the capital.

The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, managed by BlackRock, has emerged as a leading product in the market, amassing over $55 billion in assets under management. BlackRock’s expansion into Abu Dhabi in November 2024, securing a commercial license to operate, may have further facilitated Mubadala’s investment decision.

Industry experts view Mubadala’s substantial allocation to Bitcoin ETFs as a pivotal moment in the institutional adoption of digital assets. Anthony Pompliano, a well-known Bitcoin advocate, highlighted the strategic implications of such investments, suggesting that sovereign wealth funds’ involvement could prompt other nations to consider integrating Bitcoin into their reserves.

Financial advisory firms have also been active in this domain. Cetera Advisors and NewEdge Advisers, for instance, have increased their holdings across multiple Bitcoin ETFs, including those offered by Fidelity, ARK Investments, and Invesco. This trend indicates a rising demand from clients seeking exposure to digital assets through traditional investment vehicles.

While Mubadala’s investment marks a significant milestone, it is part of a broader pattern of institutional investors recognizing the potential of cryptocurrency assets. As digital currencies continue to gain mainstream acceptance, the involvement of sovereign wealth funds like Mubadala could signal a transformative shift in the global financial landscape.

The 13F filings provide a window into the investment strategies of large institutional players, offering insights into their positions at the end of each quarter. These disclosures, while not reflective of real-time holdings, are instrumental in understanding market dynamics and the evolving sentiment toward emerging asset classes like cryptocurrencies.

Mubadala’s foray into Bitcoin ETFs not only enhances its diversified investment portfolio but also positions Abu Dhabi as a forward-thinking participant in the rapidly evolving digital economy. As other sovereign wealth funds observe and assess the outcomes of such investments, a ripple effect leading to broader adoption of digital assets in institutional portfolios worldwide is plausible.

Matein Khalid V.S. Naipaul once said that ancestral memories are like “trap doors to a bottomless past”. This was my first thought when I heard about the death of HH Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam Zaman of Islam’s Ismaili sect and unquestionably the world leader who has inspired me most in my lifetime. I am not an Ismaili. In fact, my direct ancestor, the Mukhi […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2025 – Generali Hong Kong has partnered with YAS to deliver innovative, customer-centric insurance solutions that adapt to modern lifestyles. This collaboration focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the customer experience and provide tailored protection. From left: William Lee, Co-Founder of YAS, Windian Lai, Chief Business Officer and Intermediary Management of Generali Hong Kong, Andy Ann, […]

Figment, a leading independent staking infrastructure provider, has announced its membership in the Blockchain Association, the premier trade association for the cryptocurrency industry in the United States. This strategic move underscores Figment’s commitment to collaborating with policymakers and regulators to establish clear guidelines for the staking ecosystem, particularly as institutional interest in protocol staking continues to grow.

Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, welcomed the partnership, stating, “We are excited to welcome Figment as a member of the Blockchain Association. As the U.S. moves into a new era for digital assets, establishing regulatory clarity around staking will be critical. We look forward to the Figment team lending their expertise to these policy conversations in DC.”

Through this collaboration, Figment aims to focus on key educational and advocacy initiatives, including:

– Integrating protocol staking into exchange-traded products .

– Developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks for staking activities.

– Educating stakeholders on the distinctions between protocol staking and yield products.

– Aligning policies across different jurisdictions to ensure consistency.

This membership enhances Figment’s ability to serve its over 700 institutional clients, including asset managers, exchanges, wallets, foundations, custodians, and large token holders. By joining the Blockchain Association, Figment strengthens its position as a trusted voice in shaping the future of digital asset infrastructure and contributes to the development of responsible industry standards.

Jennie Levin, Chief Regulatory & Strategy Officer at Figment, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Protocol staking is the backbone of blockchain security, ensuring network integrity and decentralization. Figment is thrilled to join the Blockchain Association, to align with industry leaders to further this message and advocate for a thriving, secure, and decentralized future.”

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC has announced its financial results for the year ending 31 December 2024, reporting a 6.7% increase in revenues to AED55.2 billion. This growth is attributed to sustained expansion in the Transmission & Distribution sector and the consolidation of TAQA Water Solutions . The company’s net income reached AED7.1 billion, marking a 1.5% rise compared to the previous year, excluding one-off items. […]

Alpha Data, a prominent UAE-based technology services firm, has unveiled plans to list on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange by offering 400 million shares, representing 40% of its capital. This move marks the inaugural public offering on the ADX for 2025. The shares being offered are currently held by Bin Hamoodah and Ibbini Investment, who retain the discretion to adjust the offering size before the subscription period concludes.

In the fiscal year 2024, Alpha Data reported a net profit of AED 127 million and revenue totaling AED 2.32 billion. The company has engaged EFG Hermes and Emirates NBD Capital as advisors for the potential share sale. While the specifics of the sale are preliminary and subject to change, the firm is reportedly aiming to raise approximately $200 million through this listing.

The ADX is poised to witness several major IPOs this year, including the Gulf’s first airline IPO by Etihad Airways, which has already engaged advisors for the sale, and supermarket chain LuLu Group. Additionally, the exchange recently saw the IPO of edtech firm Alef Education.

Alpha Data’s decision to go public aligns with a broader trend of private-sector companies in the GCC region pursuing IPOs, particularly in sectors such as e-commerce and IT. Analysts anticipate that private-sector IPOs in the GCC will range between $300 million to $500 million this year, with government listings likely to be larger.

The ADX has been actively encouraging private companies to list, aiming to diversify its offerings and attract a broader range of investors. Alpha Data’s IPO is expected to contribute to this diversification and provide investors with exposure to the growing technology services sector in the UAE.

The offering is anticipated to attract significant interest from both regional and international investors, given Alpha Data’s established presence in the UAE’s technology sector and the ADX’s reputation as a leading financial market in the region.

ADNEC Group has announced that TAG Dynamics, a globally recognised leader in manufacturing custom armoured and non-armoured vehicle solutions, will serve as a Premium Partner for the upcoming International Defence Exhibition and Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition 2025. These events are scheduled from 17th to 21st February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre .

IDEX and NAVDEX have, for over three decades, convened global leaders, policymakers, and experts to showcase the latest advancements in defence technologies. The exhibitions offer a comprehensive view of innovations shaping the future of international security.

Saeed Al Mansoori, Advisor for Defence Exhibitions at Capital Events, a subsidiary of ADNEC Group, emphasised the significance of this collaboration: “The partnership with TAG Dynamics highlights the true purpose of IDEX and NAVDEX: to bring the world together to showcase advanced technologies and forge meaningful collaborations, aligning with the UAE’s vision for progress and security through collaboration and partnership.”

TAG Dynamics plans to unveil a series of groundbreaking innovations designed to enhance security, mobility, and operational effectiveness. These developments reflect the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in service of the defence sector.

Mahmoud Gharghar, Chief Executive Officer of TAG Dynamics, expressed the company’s enthusiasm: “IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 represent a cornerstone for innovation and collaboration in the defence industry, and TAG Dynamics is honoured to serve as the Premium Partner of this prestigious event. Our commitment to advancing safety through cutting-edge technologies such as AI and remote-controlled systems is at the heart of everything we do.”

IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 are anticipated to attract a significant number of international delegations, defence contractors, and industry professionals. The events will feature live demonstrations, product launches, and discussions on the latest trends in defence and maritime security.

The collaboration between ADNEC Group and TAG Dynamics underscores a shared vision of fostering innovation and strengthening global defence partnerships. As the defence landscape evolves, such alliances play a crucial role in addressing emerging security challenges and advancing technological frontiers.

The UAE continues to position itself as a central hub for international defence exhibitions, facilitating dialogue and collaboration among global stakeholders. The upcoming IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 are set to further this objective, providing a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering strategic partnerships.

TAG Dynamics’ participation as a Premium Partner highlights the company’s dedication to contributing to global security and its commitment to innovation in defence technology. Attendees can look forward to experiencing the latest advancements that TAG Dynamics and other industry leaders will present during the exhibitions.

As the defence sector faces rapidly changing challenges, events like IDEX and NAVDEX serve as vital platforms for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of peace and security worldwide. The partnership between ADNEC Group and TAG Dynamics exemplifies the collaborative efforts necessary to navigate the complexities of modern defence and security landscapes.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – F88 Investment Joint Stock Company (F88) has just announced its highest-ever consolidated after-tax profit, along with several key financial indicators that highlight the company’s rapid and sustainable recovery, following a challenging year. F88 posts highest-ever consolidated after-tax profit in 2024. Photo courtesy of the firm. F88, which owns 99.99 per cent of F88 Business Joint Stock […]

Chinese authorities are formulating a plan to assist property developer China Vanke Co. in addressing a funding shortfall of approximately 50 billion yuan this year. The proposal includes allocating 20 billion yuan in special local government bonds to purchase unsold properties and vacant land from Vanke, thereby enabling the company to meet its public and private debt obligations. This initiative follows a series of interventions aimed at […]

Solana has witnessed significant whale activity, with large investors moving substantial amounts of the cryptocurrency off exchanges, indicating potential bullish momentum. In the past week, a prominent Solana whale accumulated 257,599 SOL, valued at approximately $54 million, suggesting renewed confidence among major investors.

This accumulation aligns with a broader trend of increased whale activity within the Solana ecosystem. Notably, another whale unstaked 2.16 million SOL, worth around $128 million, transferring 1.3 million SOL out, with 312,868 SOL deposited to major exchanges like Binance and Kraken. Despite these movements, the whale retains a substantial holding of 863,000 SOL in their wallet and 9.86 million SOL in staking, reflecting ongoing engagement with the network.

These developments have coincided with a notable price increase for SOL. The cryptocurrency has experienced a 34% rise over the past week, surpassing the $200 mark for the first time since April. This surge is attributed to significant whale accumulation, which has reignited bullish momentum for Solana’s native token.

Technical indicators further support this positive outlook. The Relative Vigor Index has climbed above the signal line, indicating increased buying pressure. Additionally, the On-Balance-Volume has risen from $64.8 million to $71.6 million over the past month, suggesting heightened trading activity and investor interest.

Institutional investors have also shown increased interest in Solana. According to a CoinShares report, institutional funds flowing into Solana have surpassed investments in rival layer 1 tokens such as Ethereum and Avalanche. This trend underscores growing confidence in Solana’s scalability and performance features, attracting substantial capital from institutional investors.

The decentralized exchange activity on Solana has also been robust, with high trading volumes highlighting the platform’s active ecosystem and cost-effective transaction model. This efficiency in facilitating decentralized trading has garnered significant attention, particularly from users seeking airdrops, underscoring Solana’s competitive edge in providing seamless trading experiences.

However, not all whale activities have been bullish. On November 4, a significant sale occurred when a whale offloaded 265,070 SOL on Binance, netting approximately $44 million. Despite this sale, the whale still holds a considerable amount of SOL, indicating ongoing interest in the asset.

The cryptocurrency landscape is witnessing a significant shift as Panshibi , a new meme coin, rapidly gains traction, posing a formidable challenge to Dogecoin’s long-standing dominance. Analysts are forecasting substantial gains for $SHIBI, with some predicting up to a 50-fold increase in value by March 2025. citeturn0search0

Panshibi, inspired by panda imagery, has quickly captured the attention of the crypto community. Its unique appeal lies in combining meme culture with tangible utility, offering a gamified ecosystem where holders can engage in AI-powered quests and community challenges. Participants are rewarded with tokens, fostering deeper community involvement. citeturn0search9

Financial incentives further bolster Panshibi’s allure. The platform’s stake-to-earn system offers annual percentage yields of up to 1,200%, making it an attractive option for both short-term and long-term investors. citeturn0search9

As Hong Kong witnesses a burgeoning interest in health insurance, Singapore grapples with the challenges of rising medical costs and financial risk management. Budget Priorities: Respondents in both regions allocate significant portions of their budgets to Family, Finance, and Health. Notably, there is a strong intent to increase health budgets in 2025, particularly among the middle-income segment, with 31% in Singapore and 26% in Hong Kong planning […]

By Nantoo Banerjee With Indian Rupee (INR) dwindling almost daily against US Dollar (USD), it is good the Union Budget for 2025-26 has stopped repeating on making the Indian economy a $5-trillion GDP to become the world’s third largest by the end of this year or anytime too soon. The budget also provides no indication […]

Abu Dhabi-based Ittihad International Investment LLC has secured a $450 million sustainability-linked revolving credit facility with a consortium of local banks. The facility was arranged by Emirates NBD, Commercial Bank of Dubai, and First Abu Dhabi Bank, serving as mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners, as well as sustainability joint coordinators. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and Emirates Islamic acted as joint arrangers. The […]

Abu Dhabi-based PureHealth Holding PJSC has ceased discussions to acquire hospital operator NMC Healthcare, according to individuals familiar with the matter. The decision marks a significant shift in the UAE’s healthcare sector, where consolidation efforts have been prominent. PureHealth, controlled by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ, had been evaluating a potential bid for NMC Healthcare, which operates approximately 85 medical facilities across the UAE. These facilities […]

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has announced a significant change in its water consumption measurement, transitioning from the imperial gallon to the cubic metre starting with the March 2025 billing cycle. This move aligns with Cabinet Resolution No. of 2023 and Ministerial Resolution No. of 2024, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which mandate the discontinuation of the imperial gallon unit in water meters across the UAE.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating that adopting the cubic metre as a uniform and globally recognized measurement unit is a significant step towards enhancing alignment with international best practices. He noted that this change would facilitate benchmarking across sectors and support DEWA’s efforts to provide world-class services, ultimately benefiting customers and stakeholders.

To ensure a smooth transition, DEWA has confirmed that the current smart meters installed for customers are already compatible with the cubic metre measurement system, eliminating the need for any changes to customers’ meters. During the preparatory phase, DEWA will include both units in water bills and on the customer dashboard. The final adoption of the new unit will take effect with the March 2025 billing cycle. Customers will be informed of the change through official communication channels.

This initiative reflects DEWA’s commitment to adhering to local and international regulations to ensure services meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency, reliability, and availability. By aligning with international best practices, DEWA aims to enhance its leadership in innovation and sustainability.

The adoption of the cubic metre as the standard unit for measuring water consumption is expected to provide customers with a clearer understanding of their water usage, promoting more efficient consumption patterns. This change also aligns DEWA with other utilities in the UAE, fostering a unified approach to resource management across the nation.

In the lead-up to the March 2025 implementation, DEWA plans to engage in extensive customer outreach to ensure that all users are well-informed about the upcoming changes. This will include detailed explanations of the new billing units and guidance on interpreting water consumption data in cubic metres.

The shift from the imperial gallon to the cubic metre is part of a broader strategy to modernize utility services in Dubai. By standardizing measurement units, DEWA aims to improve transparency in billing and enhance customer satisfaction.

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