Saudi Arabia is preparing to lift crude oil shipments at the start of 2026, a move that underscores mounting concerns about excess supply as global demand growth remains uneven. Allocations to buyers across Asia, Europe and North America are set to rise, according to trade and shipping data reviewed by market participants, pointing to a more assertive sales posture by the world’s largest exporter after months of […]
Denmark has begun a phased retreat from Microsoft software across parts of its public administration, signalling a broader reassessment of how governments manage dependence on dominant technology suppliers and safeguard digital sovereignty. The shift, confirmed by officials overseeing state IT procurement, starts with the transport and traffic administration but is framed as a test case for wider adoption across ministries and agencies. At the centre of the […]
Washington has approved an arms package for Taiwan valued at about $11.1 billion, a move described by officials as the largest single tranche of US military support for the island and one that has prompted a sharp diplomatic response from Beijing. The decision underscores a widening security rift across the Taiwan Strait as pressure on Taipei intensifies through military drills, air patrols and naval manoeuvres. The package, […]
From now until 4 January, 2026, Central is lit up where Prince’s Building and seven other iconic buildings become the canvas for the “Immersive Light Show,” activating both the Company’s properties and the public realm that connects them. Along Chater Road, a golden canopy of Starlight Boulevard, Hong Kong’s largest three-dimensional outdoor light canopy, creates a magical pathway with cascading lights and illuminated figures marking different years of celebration. This enchanting boulevard leads to LANDMARK ATRIUM’s “Noëlia at LANDMARK,” where the Company’s largest ever installation features an 11-metre lighthouse and an interactive Wishing Lake. At Statue Square Garden, Christmas Town dazzles with a majestic, 6-storey high Christmas tree. Visitors can embrace the holiday spirit at the Christmas market, which offers not only festive workshops but also seasonal food & beverages and unique artisanal products. The experience is further enriched by Santa’s Workshop craft sessions and Rudolph’s Tour curated by Hongkong Land, which weaves together Central’s enchanting heritage and festive traditions.
Winter Wonderland in Central – Experience Highlights:
Starlight Boulevard on Chater Road – Hong Kong’s largest three-dimensional outdoor light canopy transforms Chater Road into a magical pathway. Over 30 trees and pedestrian footbridges shimmer with twinkling lights, while a golden canopy at the entrance to Chater House features illuminated figures marking different years of celebration, casting a warm glow, inviting visitors toward LANDMARK ATRIUM.
Santa’s Food Market & Christmas Boulevard – Discover a charming Christmas market featuring 12 specialty chalets at Statue Square Garden, where Santa’s Food Market & Christmas Boulevard comes alive with festive flavors and holiday treasures. Visitors can indulge in gourmet offerings while exploring a curated selection of artisanal products and holiday décor – all set against the backdrop of a 6-storey high Christmas tree. The magical setting is complete with surprise appearances by Santa Claus, and whimsical toy-themed decorations.
Santa’s Workshop – Creative, hands-on workshops for all ages, brought to you by Hongkong Land. From crafting ornaments and personalised gifts to unique experiences that make perfect presents, these sessions add a personal touch to holiday merrymaking. Highlights include family-friendly activities such as the Christmas Tree Mosaic Workshop and Snow Globe Workshop, as well as distinctive options like the Christmas Aroma Stone Workshop, Upcycled Denim Christmas Tree Workshop, and the Fortune Cat Terrarium Workshop.
Find your perfect Christmas craft here: https://reg.winterwonderlandincentral.com/en/workshop/register
Rudolph’s Tour – Curated by Hongkong Land, these heritage tour blend the season’s magic with the timeless spirit of Hong Kong. Where history meets celebration, the story of Hongkong Land’s lasting imprint on the city’s skyline unfolds. This journey offers a fresh perspective on Central, rich with stories, traditions, and hidden gems.
Register here for a unique experience in Central:
https://reg.winterwonderlandincentral.com/en/tour/register
Immersive Light Show – Every night starting at 7:30pm, Prince’s Building and seven other iconic landmarks will glisten in a spectacular show, featuring a blend of 3D projections, festive animations and music.
Noëlia at LANDMARK: Joy Begins with Giving
Festive transformations lead the way to the much-anticipated annual installation at LANDMARK Atrium: “Noëlia at LANDMARK: Joy Begins with Giving.” This enchanting lakeside village is crowned by an 11-metre lighthouse, with a floating airship overhead and Noëlia’s beloved villagers guiding visitors through a landscape filled with wonders. Highlights include Hong Kong’s largest interactive Wishing Lake – Lake Lumière, the exhilarating Starlit Slide, and the Festive Photo Studio, offering endless opportunities for joy and discovery. Every 30 minutes, watch the village come alive in a captivating light show, as Noëlia shimmers with brilliance, bathing the village in sparkling wonder.
Join us this winter for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Central. Visit https://winterwonderlandincentral.com/en for the latest updates and event details.Hashtag: #HongkongLand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hongkong Land is a major listed property development, investment and management group. It focuses on developing, owning and managing ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. With over US$40 billion assets under management, Hongkong Land’s ultra-premium mixed-use real estate footprint spans over 1.28 million sq. m. in operation and 1 million sq.m under development, with flagship mixed-use projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. Established in 1889, Hongkong Land takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside our capital partners and concentrating our portfolio where we can create the most value for tenants, customers and investors. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Singapore and Bermuda. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
Mozilla Corporation has appointed long-time Firefox executive Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as its chief executive officer, placing him at the helm of the organisation as it seeks to chart a new path in an increasingly AI-driven digital environment. The leadership change comes as the company aims to reinforce its mission of privacy and trust while pursuing artificial intelligence integration within its flagship Firefox browser and beyond, signalling a strategic […]
Borouge Plc has been included in the FTSE ADX Dividend Stars Index, a new benchmark launched by Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in December 2025 that is designed to spotlight companies with a sustained record of dividend distributions, underlining the petrochemicals producer’s position as a core income stock within the local market.
ADX said the FTSE ADX Dividend Stars Index is the first income-focused index of its kind in the region, created to meet growing demand from investors seeking predictable cash returns alongside exposure to liquid, large-cap equities. The index brings together 17 companies that collectively accounted for more than 70 per cent of total cash dividends paid by ADX-listed firms during 2025, highlighting its role as a barometer for dividend strength across the exchange.
Borouge’s inclusion reflects its established dividend policy and scale within the Abu Dhabi market. The company, which produces polyolefins for infrastructure, energy, automotive and packaging applications, has been a consistent dividend payer since listing and is among the exchange’s most actively traded stocks by both institutional and retail investors. Its presence in the index places it alongside leading financial, energy and utility companies that dominate cash returns on ADX.
For market participants, the creation of the FTSE ADX Dividend Stars Index represents a strategic shift in how income strategies can be implemented in the Gulf. Until now, dividend-focused investors relied largely on individual stock selection or broader market indices that did not explicitly weight for income stability. By concentrating on dividend history and payout consistency, the new benchmark offers a clearer framework for portfolio construction aimed at long-term yield.
ADX officials have positioned the index as part of a broader effort to deepen the exchange’s product suite and attract international capital. Abu Dhabi has steadily expanded its market infrastructure through the introduction of sectoral indices, derivatives, exchange-traded funds and sustainability-linked products. An income-focused index is intended to complement these offerings by appealing to pension funds, insurers and asset managers with mandates tied to regular distributions.
Borouge’s operational and financial profile has supported its standing as a dividend anchor stock. The company benefits from integrated feedstock arrangements and proximity to key growth markets in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Its production base in Ruwais, combined with access to Borouge 4 expansion capacity, has strengthened cash generation, even amid volatility in global petrochemical pricing cycles.
The company’s dividend record has also been closely watched in the context of broader consolidation within the Abu Dhabi energy and industrial ecosystem. Strategic alignment with major shareholders has emphasised balance sheet resilience and shareholder returns, factors that are central to index eligibility criteria focused on payout sustainability rather than short-term yield spikes.
The FTSE ADX Dividend Stars Index methodology places weight on historical dividend payments, liquidity thresholds and free-float considerations, ensuring that constituents are both investable and representative of income generation on the exchange. By capturing more than two-thirds of all dividends paid on ADX during the year, the index underscores the concentration of cash returns among a relatively small group of large, established issuers.
Market analysts note that such concentration can work to the advantage of income investors by reducing volatility and enhancing predictability, while also posing questions about diversification within dividend strategies. The index structure addresses this by capping individual weights and maintaining sector balance, allowing exposure to financial services, energy, utilities and industrials without over-reliance on a single name.
For Borouge, index inclusion may translate into incremental demand from passive and semi-passive investment products tracking the benchmark. Fund managers often use newly launched indices as the basis for exchange-traded funds or structured products, potentially increasing liquidity and reinforcing valuation support for constituent stocks.
Conviction has entered the fast-growing digital wagering space with the launch of what it describes as the first prediction market platform designed specifically for the Native Asian market, positioning itself at the intersection of decentralised finance, artificial intelligence and cross-chain infrastructure. Built on ZetaChain, the platform aims to allow users to place and settle predictions across multiple blockchains without relying on wrapped assets or custodial bridges, a […]
Ford Motor Company has outlined plans to rework its electric pickup strategy by developing an extended-range version of the F-150 Lightning that pairs battery power with an onboard petrol generator, a move aimed at easing customer anxiety over charging access and long-distance capability. The company has indicated that such an extended-range electric vehicle, or EREV, could push total driving range towards 700 miles under certain conditions, a […]
EcoFlow Technology Inc is preparing to file for an initial public offering in the United States that could make the Shenzhen-headquartered portable power specialist one of the most high-profile mainland technology firms to seek equity funding on American exchanges, according to people familiar with the matter. The company is working with financial advisers and is exploring a share sale that could raise several hundred million dollars, signalling growing investor appetite for clean energy and battery technology stocks despite volatility in global markets.
The draft IPO plan represents a strategic pivot for EcoFlow as it seeks broader capital access and enhanced global recognition. Backed by HSG, the firm formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, EcoFlow has grown rapidly by tapping into surging demand for portable and home battery solutions used for outdoor recreation, emergency backup and renewable energy integration. Market participants suggest that the public listing could value the company at billions of dollars, though final pricing and timing remain under consideration.
EcoFlow’s potential move to a US exchange underscores the increasingly international ambitions of Chinese technology manufacturers. While many domestic companies opt to list on local boards such as Shanghai’s STAR Market or Shenzhen’s ChiNext, EcoFlow’s planned New York or Nasdaq debut highlights a shift among select innovators seeking to capitalise on deeper liquidity and global investor bases. Industry analysts note that the IPO could open doors for other clean energy and hardware enterprises from Asia if executed successfully.
Founded in 2017 by former engineers from the drone industry, EcoFlow has established itself as a leading global supplier of portable power stations and energy storage systems. Its product lines include the DELTA and RIVER series, which have gained traction among consumers and businesses looking to reduce reliance on fossil fuel generators. The company’s expansion has also been punctuated by new product launches and partnerships in major retail chains, broadening its footprint in the United States and Europe.
Industry observers say EcoFlow’s performance in the US market will be closely watched by investors assessing the health of hardware-oriented technology firms amidst broader economic uncertainty. Portable power and battery technology have seen increasing interest as climate change concerns boost demand for resilient and sustainable energy solutions. Analysts point to strong year-on-year sales growth through online and in-store channels, including collaborations with national warehouse clubs, as evidence of the company’s commercial momentum.
The proposed IPO is expected to involve at least $300 million in primary share sales, though people familiar with the discussions caution that the figure could shift based on market conditions and investor feedback. An offering of this scale would position EcoFlow alongside a select group of cleantech and energy storage names that have reached public market debuts in recent years. Executives and bankers are said to be conducting roadshows and investor engagements to gauge demand and refine the company’s messaging ahead of filing.
Financial advisers engaged by EcoFlow are reportedly preparing registration statements and compliance documentation required by US regulators. This process typically involves scrutiny of business models, revenue figures and risk factors, and the company will need to articulate its strategy for scaling production, managing supply chains and navigating potential geopolitical tensions affecting Chinese-linked firms listed abroad. If cleared by regulators, the IPO could take place in the first half of next year, subject to market receptivity and pricing dynamics.
Investors familiar with EcoFlow’s trajectory describe the company’s leadership as focused on diversifying revenue streams through both consumer-facing products and partnerships with enterprise clients. The product portfolio emphasises modular and scalable energy solutions that can serve residential, commercial and recreational needs. Market research suggests that consumer interest in backup power and off-grid energy has been buoyed by extreme weather events and grid reliability concerns in developed markets, further enhancing appetite for resilient technologies.
Critics caution that hardware companies face challenges maintaining margins and growth rates as competition intensifies and component costs fluctuate. They note that EcoFlow will need to demonstrate sustained profitability and efficient supply-chain management to satisfy public investors, particularly in an environment where tech valuations are more scrutinised than in prior years. Effective communication of long-term strategy and risk mitigation will be key to fostering confidence among institutional and retail shareholders.
The U. S. Senate has deferred action on a highly anticipated crypto market structure bill, with the Senate Banking Committee confirming that it will not hold a markup vote on the legislation this year and plans to resume deliberations in early 2026. The decision prolongs regulatory uncertainty for digital asset markets and leaves unresolved how federal authorities will oversee cryptocurrency trading platforms, brokers, issuers and decentralised finance […]
CME Group has broadened its cryptocurrency derivatives suite with the launch of spot-quoted futures tied to XRP and Solana, offering market participants regulated, transparent tools to trade these digital assets with reference to live spot prices. The new contracts, introduced on 15 December 2025, sit alongside the exchange’s existing spot-quoted Bitcoin and Ether futures and are available for trading under the rules of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange […]
Kim Kardashian switching on a smartphone camera and pitching pyjamas to a scrolling audience has become a telling marker of how live shopping is edging into the American retail mainstream. Earlier this month, the entrepreneur and media figure hosted a TikTok Live session promoting sleepwear, slippers and coordinated sweat sets, adopting the cadence of a television infomercial but delivering it through a platform built on short videos […]
Middle Eastern crude markets have shown clear signs of weakening as traders and refiners grapple with mounting concerns that regional supply is exceeding demand, adding pressure to an already fragile global oil balance. Pricing indicators closely watched by physical traders point to softer buying interest from Asia, where refiners face ample alternative supplies and uncertain consumption growth. One of the most telling signals has been the narrowing […]
Washington’s state dinner honouring Saudi Arabia’s crown prince offered a carefully curated guest list that blended politics, finance and technology. Alongside executives such as Apple chief Tim Cook and Citigroup head Jane Fraser sat Lubna Olayan, placed next to Elon Musk, a seating choice that quietly reflected her standing as one of the most connected figures linking Wall Street and the Gulf. The gathering drew attention to […]
Hackers have siphoned about $2.7 million worth of digital assets from old wallets linked to Aevo, a decentralised options and perpetuals exchange, underscoring persistent security risks tied to legacy infrastructure in the crypto market. The breach did not affect Aevo’s core trading systems or user funds held in active contracts, but it has revived scrutiny of how exchanges manage dormant or transitional wallets long after platform upgrades. […]
Falcon Racing will begin tomorrow at the Liwa International Festival 2026, bringing together elite falconers, heritage practitioners and spectators in the Empty Quarter’s oasis region for one of the Gulf’s most closely watched traditional sporting events. Organised under the festival’s heritage and cultural programme, the competition is expected to draw participants from across the UAE and neighbouring countries, reinforcing Liwa’s standing as a focal point for desert […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2025 – Watchskins Singapore has announced the launch of Watchskins Ultra, a premium watch protection film designed specifically for luxury timepieces including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Tudor, and 10+ other prestigious brands. Crafted with premium 3M TPU film featuring advanced self-healing properties, Watchskins Ultra provides virtually invisible protection against everyday wear and minor scratches while preserving […]
ChatGPT has emerged as the most downloaded application on Apple’s App Store in the United States during 2025, marking the first time an artificial intelligence platform has topped the annual download charts and signalling a decisive shift in how mainstream consumers engage with AI-powered tools. Data compiled from Apple’s App Store rankings and corroborated by mobile analytics firms shows OpenAI’s ChatGPT overtaking long-established social media, gaming and […]
Australia has begun enforcing a landmark social media restriction aimed at limiting how platforms interact with users under 16, triggering debate among teenagers who question whether the policy addresses the realities of online life or simply shifts responsibility away from technology companies. The measures, introduced through updates to the Online Safety Act and reinforced by regulatory directives to major platforms, require companies such as Meta, TikTok, Snap […]
Bhutan has entered the digital asset arena with the rollout of a sovereign gold-backed token built on the Solana blockchain, marking a cautious but notable step by the Himalayan kingdom into tokenised finance. The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, aligns with Bhutan’s long-standing emphasis on economic stability and social well-being, while testing how blockchain technology can be used to modernise public finance without undermining monetary discipline. The token […]
Global oil supply is likely to align closely with demand through 2026, according to fresh projections from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, setting up a clear divergence with forecasts from other major agencies that warn of a sizeable surplus building in the same period. OPEC’s latest monthly assessment indicates that the OPEC+ alliance, which brings together OPEC members, Russia and other producing partners, expects market […]
Engineered for the AI era, MIMO delivers breakthrough metrics: 400 GB/s bandwidth, 54 million IOPS, and 40–90 μs latency—all within a form factor comparable to a large suitcase. MIMO serves as both a high-performance data hub for large-scale GPU clusters and a flexible edge deployment platform, extending seamlessly to desktop environments where it orchestrates workflows with various DGX Spark units based on NVIDIA’s GB10 Grace Blackwell superchip. […]
A claim circulating across social media that the Walt Disney Company intends to invest about $1 billion in OpenAI drew industry attention today as analysts assessed whether one of the world’s most influential entertainment groups is preparing a substantial push into generative artificial intelligence. The suggestion, shared widely online, has not been confirmed by Disney or OpenAI, yet it prompted heightened scrutiny because the company has been […]
Dubai’s skyline is poised for a new addition as Dar Global, a London-listed luxury real estate developer, has appointed Edrafor Emirates LLC to carry out enabling and foundational works for the Trump International Hotel & Tower project along Sheikh Zayed Road, marking a significant early stage in the development of what is set to be one of the city’s most ambitious luxury properties. The contract covers the […]
