Latest from Arabian Post
Arabian Post
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
Finnish Rock Icons The Rasmus to Ignite Dubai Stage
Finnish rock band The Rasmus will perform at The Agenda in Dubai on 27 October 2025, as part of their expansive Weirdo Tour, marking their sole Middle East appearance that year. Doors open at 19:00 with the concert slated to begin at 20:00, promising a two‑hour set blending classic hits and new material, with tickets starting from AED 300. Formed in Helsinki in 1994, The Rasmus rose to global prominence with their third studio album, Into, and the breakthrough record Dead Letters, buoyed by the enduring anthem 'In the Shadows'. Core members Lauri Ylönen, Eero Heinonen, Aki Hakala and guitarist Emppu Suhonen continue to define their signature fusion of hard‑edged guitar riffs and electronic-pop sensibilities. Their forthcoming eleventh album, teased by Ylönen as the band's heaviest and darkest project yet, is expected to feature prominently in the Dubai setlist. Speaking to fans, Ylönen said, 'It represents our new sound… it's shaping up to be the heaviest and darkest album of our career to date!'. ADVERTISEMENT The Weirdo Tour 2025 spans multiple continents, including headline dates in Greece, Germany, the UK, France and Mexico, with Dubai serving as its exclusive regional stop. Tour promoters highlight the performance at The Agenda as a marquee highlight in their calendar, underscoring Dubai's growing stature as a pivotal music hub. Concert ticketing is in full swing via local platforms such as Platinumlist, where prices start at AED 300. The event is strictly for audiences aged 18 and above, aligning with venue policy. The location, situated on Abdullah Omran Taryam Street, is accessible by car, public transport or ride-hailing, with proximity to the Dubai Internet City metro station. Industry analysts suggest the Dubai stop highlights the band's strategic outreach to growing markets in the Middle East and Asia. The Rasmus has a strong fan base in the region, bolstered by extensive touring history in Asia and successful chart performances. The band's international sales exceed four million albums, and they boast numerous accolades, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Nordic Act. Critical reception traces their evolution from gothic-tinged rock to a polished amalgamation of hard rock, pop, and electronic layers. Fans on platforms such as Bandsintown praise their live presence; one review of a North American show noted: 'they're really cool… down to earth'. Reviews spotlight not only their musicianship but also their dynamic stage engagement. Dubai's live music infrastructure has expanded significantly, and The Agenda sits at the city's cultural epicentre, offering state-of-the-art acoustics and production capability. Local concertgoers will likely benefit from the venue's curated amenities and strategic location amid Dubai's entertainment district. Organisers emphasise that this concert is a one-night-only experience, urging fans to act swiftly to secure tickets. Merchandise booths are expected to feature limited-edition tour gear, aligning with The Rasmus's established merchandising approach observed in prior tour stops. With their roots firmly planted in 1990s alternative rock and a career characterised by reinvention, The Rasmus now stand at an inflection point. Their forthcoming album and accompanying stage presentation have sparked anticipation among long-term followers and a newer generation discovering their evolving sound. This Dubai show offers a snapshot of that transformation—a fusion of nostalgia and forward momentum. Fans planning to attend are advised to arrive early and prepare for a full evening of high-octane performance, combining beloved hits such as 'In the Shadows', 'Guilty' and 'Livin' in a World Without You' with previews of their latest musical offering. As articulated by Ylönen, the atmosphere is expected to reflect the band's 'family' ethos: intimate, energetic and unifying. Reflecting on The Rasmus's longevity, their adaptability is evident: transitioning through line-up changes, genre shifts and the evolving digital landscape, they continue to harness a dedicated fan base across continents. The Dubai concert will serve as a case study in how veteran bands can recalibrate for modern relevance while maintaining core identity. No supporting acts have been confirmed as yet, though the band's itinerary suggests a standalone headline performance. Concert logistics, including security protocols and access arrangements, will align with The Agenda's standard operating procedures.
Arabian Post
4 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Guizhou's Fruitful Eco-Construction: from ‘Experimental Zone' to ‘Pilot Zone'
Visitors in Libo county's Xiaoqikong Scenic Area in Guizhou Province. GUIYANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2025 – Eco Forum Global Guyang 2025 will be held in Guiyang, Guizhou from July 5th to 6th. Guizhou, located in the southwest of China, is using an ecological pen to paint a gorgeous green picture along her mountains and rivers. From an 'Experimental Zone' to a 'Pilot Zone', Guizhou has embarked on a new path of green development characterized with prosperous economy, wealthy people and ecological beauty. Significant Improvement in Eco-environment Guizhou persists in winning the 'Five Major Battles' of pollution prevention and control and coordinates the integrated eco-restoration of mountains, rivers, lakes, farmland, forests, grasslands and deserts. By 2024, the ambient air quality in 9 key cities and 88 counties in Guizhou has met Grade II, and the overall surface water quality has been remarkable. The excellent water quality rate of 222 monitoring sections of major rivers is 99.1%, and that of 23 exit sections reaches 100%. The water quality compliance rate of centralized drinking water sources at or above the county level remains 100%. ADVERTISEMENT Citizens visit Denggaoyunshan Park in Guiyang City. The Wushui River (Wuyang River) in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture has been successfully selected as one of the Outstanding Cases of Beautiful Rivers and Lakes in China. Since 2019, the water quality in Qiandongnan Prefecture has been among the top 10 in China for six consecutive years. Mr. Wu Hougui, a member of the Loong Boat Team in Ximen Community, Zhenyuan County, said, 'The Loong Boat Competition tradition can not be inherited for thousands of years without lucid waters and lush mountains.' Flourishing Green Industries Guizhou is accelerating the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, integrating green and low-carbon concept throughout the entire process of high-quality development. Guizhou has successfully established 85 national level green factories and 22 green industrial parks. The green economy accounts for about 48%. The first commercial hydrogen locomotive in China has started trial operation on Guizhou Meijin Railway Special Line in Zhongshan District, Liupanshui City, opening up a new path for clean coal transportation. The construction of 'Electric Guizhou' has achieved fruitful results. Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 3,054 electric heavy-duty trucks have been promoted and applied in the energy sector, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 332,000 tons. The forestry has also achieved a huge leap forward. In 2014, the total output value of Guizhou's forestry was only 60.1 billion yuan, and it exceeded 465.4 billion yuan in 2024. Over the past decade, the forest coverage rate has increased from 49% to 63.3%, with a forest area of 166 million mu. ADVERTISEMENT Innovative Eco-protection System In 2024, Guizhou took the lead in establishing a unified and standardized mechanism for issuing forestry carbon tickets at the provincial level in China, granting the first batch of 10 provincial forestry carbon tickets and achieving a total of 11 million yuan in transactions. In addition, a total of 120 water rights transactions have been completed, with a transaction volume of 86.0287 million cubic meters, amounting to 31.5387 million yuan. Public Participation in Eco-construction Guizhou's tradition of 'Tree Planting for New Year Celebrations' has continued for 11 years, with 605 million more seedlings newly planted here. Since the 14th Five-Year-Plan, Guizhou has shifted its greening focus from 'coverage expansion' to 'quality improvement'. Through projects such as degraded forest restoration and forest nurturing, the forest has been both 'greened' and 'increased in value'. Meanwhile, with both 'civil defense and technical defense', Guizhou has successfully protected the ecological foundation. For instance, there are 87 remote video surveillance points established in Guiyang to prevent forest fire. There are 400 infrared cameras installed to track the rare species in Mount Fanjing and more than 40,000 forest chiefs ready to guard forest resources. Efficient Resource Utilization and Green Transformation Guizhou has implemented the strategy of 'Refined Development of Rich Minerals' to promote efficient utilization of resources. In the field of phosphorus chemical industry, Qiannan Prefecture has laid out modern chemical and new energy battery material industries, realizing the transformation of phosphorus from 'fertilizer' to 'material'. The total output value of phosphorus based modern chemical and new energy battery materials has exceeded 50 billion yuan. Furthermore, in the field of aluminum industry, Shuicheng Economic Development Zone has achieved 100% in-situ conversion of aluminum liquid, and the number of aluminum related enterprises has increased from 1 in 2016 to 54. Guizhou is also actively developing the cultural tourism industry and digital economy. The Zhenyuan Loong Boat Race Cultural Festival has unleashed the consumption potential of cultural tourism. During the Loong Boat Festival this year, Zhenyuan County received 253,900 tourists, realizing a total tourism revenue of 234 million yuan. Additionally, Guizhou's digital economy growth rate has been among the top in the country for 9 consecutive years. There are 48 national key data centers under construction and in operation, making Guizhou one of the regions with the most intelligent computing resources and the strongest capabilities in China. Hashtag: #Guizhou The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post
7 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Supply Cut Prompts Murban Derivatives Losses for Oil Majors
A decision by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to slash July shipments of its flagship Murban crude has led to significant trading losses for equity partners hedging their positions, with estimates reaching $12 per barrel. The move stunned major stakeholders, including BP Plc and TotalEnergies SE, forcing abrupt reshuffling in the derivatives market and weighing on profitability metrics. The volume cut, amounting to approximately 3–4 million barrels or around two days of production, was effected unevenly across equity holders—reducing cargoes by between 5% and 40%, according to industry sources. Term buyers under long-term contracts were reportedly unaffected, indicating a strategic move to preserve foundation relationships while squeezing discretionary volumes. This has created a hedging mismatch: partners had positioned in futures and options to offset anticipated Murban deliveries, but actual supply fell short. The result: mounting mark‑to‑market losses on paper positions, with some market estimates as high as $12 per barrel—a steep decline considering thin typical margins. ADVERTISEMENT Murban crude, trading via ICE Futures Abu Dhabi since March, has been gaining prominence as a Middle East light crude benchmark. However, the recent cut has triggered volatility in its futures market. While spot premiums had previously eased due to ample supply and rising output post-OPEC+ easing, this supply setback has reversed some of that trend. The background to the decision lies in ADNOC's broader strategic recalibration. In late May, the company downgraded its projected Murban export capacity from 1.76 mb/d to 1.61 mb/d through May 2026—choosing to retain more crude for refining and domestic consumption. Analysts suggest this could reflect a drive to optimise margins via Ruwais refinery integration, as well as to better balance global market positioning. Market reaction was swift. Murban spot premiums fell to six‑month lows in Asia, even as export levels surged earlier this year in a bid to undercut competing heavier Middle Eastern grades. Yet the supply curtailment prior to July led to retreating premiums and amplified uncertainty among refiners and traders. BP and TotalEnergies, two of the most significant equity partners, have reportedly taken the hardest hit. With pre‑hedged positions now misaligned to actual cargoes, both companies face pressure to unwind derivatives, likely at a loss. Platts estimates suggest losses could total up to $12 per barrel—potentially eroding tens of millions of dollars in trading gains. These developments underscore the evolving risk profile of Murban as a benchmark. Its growing adoption, underscored by record trading volumes on exchanges such as ICE and Platts MoC, has attracted global attention. Yet supply-side control remains firmly in ADNOC's hands—a stark contrast to more decentralized benchmarks like Brent or WTI—raising questions about market predictability. ADVERTISEMENT The scenario highlights divergent strategies among Murban's partners: equity holders dependent on predictable allocations, versus term buyers whose contractual priority provides insulation from short-term supply shifts. It also accentuates the complexities that major oil trading desks face when aligning physical logistics with financial hedging. Analysts are cautioning that such volatility may influence future demand for Murban derivatives. Omar Najia of BB Energy has previously noted that futures liquidity depends heavily on consistent physical volumes; erratic supply cuts could impede long-term development of a robust trading framework. ADNOC, for its part, has yet to publicly comment on the allocation adjustments for July cargoes. The lack of transparency is typical of the company's market posture, rooted in a strategy that increasingly blends output management with integrated downstream optimisation. Market observers are now eyeing two key developments: first, how quickly ADNOC will restore shipments to original estimates; second, how equity partners will recalibrate hedging approaches to accommodate supply-phase volatility. The shock to trading positions could also spark a reassessment of Murban's maturity as a benchmark. While its rise has been meteoric—becoming the cheapest medium-sour crude in key Asian benchmarks earlier this year, prompting record cargo allocations via Platts MoC —the latest contraction exposes vulnerabilities inherent in single-provider control. Equity partners are said to be preparing for tighter cooperation and improved supply forecasting. Speculators suggest that future terms may include contractual safeguards or compensation clauses to protect those hedging against supply deficits. This episode marks a defining moment for Murban's financial architecture. Traders and refiners will be watching closely to see whether this diversion is an isolated incident or the beginning of recurring supply-management interventions. Either way, it signals the growing pains of what aspires to be a global oil benchmark—one still subject to the strategic impulses of its originator.
Arabian Post
7 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Sifang Hosts Landmark Power Technology Forum: Global Experts Chart Path for Grid Modernization
Sifang Hosts Landmark Power Technology Forum: Global Experts Chart Path for Grid Modernization MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2025 – The 'New Technology of Power System' forum concluded today in Manila, emerging as a pivotal platform for international dialogue on energy innovation. Co-hosted by Beijing Sifang Automation Company and the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE), the summit drew industry leaders, technical experts, to address challenges facing modern power grids. The event boasted a distinguished roster of attendees, including Engineer Alberto R. Herrera Jr., National President of IIEE, Engineer Cleofe T. Caidic, IIEE's Technical Affairs Vice President,and executives from Beijing Sifang Automation Company, including Chairwoman Gao Xiuhuan, Vice President Liu Shu and President Assistant Zhang Xing, joined forces with Leaders and representatives of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines(NGCP), The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), State Nuclear Electric Power Planning Design & Research Institute Philippines, Northeast Electric Power First Engineering Philippines., and other representatives from utilities, EPC, developer, and the media rounded out the audience. Kicking off the forum, Ms. Gao Xiuhuan's opening address underscored technology's role in global energy transitions, setting the stage for technical deep-dives. Engineer Herrera followed with a call to action on cross-industry collaboration, while Engineer Caidic's keynote 'Empowering the Grid' outlined Philippine strategies for infrastructure upgrades through technical training and standardization. ADVERTISEMENT The following keynote speeches of the day are given by technical elites from Sifang. Ms. Li Wei proposed HVDC solutions for the Philippines' archipelagic grid challenges. Mr. Wang Jikang shared insights on STATCOM and grid-forming technologies for renewable integration. Mr. Zou Dengfeng discussed EMS/DMS applications for green grid stability. Ms. Zhang Jiamei advocated for wide-area monitoring systems based on her Imperial College research. Mr. Xu Kehan addressed relay protection innovations for modern power systems. Mr. Luo Nuo wrapped the forum with 'Generation-Grid-Load-Storage Monitoring and Control', emphasizing the need for unified control systems. 'We see this forum as a very good chance to make friends, share views, and take good advice' said Ms. Gao in her opening remarks,' In the future, we will dedicate ourselves to making more contributions to the Philippines' power systems'. The forum concluded with an evening gala, where bilateral discussions laid groundwork for future tech transfers and joint R&D. Beijing Sifang Automation Company, as a leading force in power automation technology within China and a globally recognized innovator in the field, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Beijing, China, has established branches in several overseas locations, including India, the Philippines, and Kenya. Sifang provides products and solutions across various sectors of the power system, covering generation, transmission, distribution, consumption, and storage. Its offerings include protection, automation, power electronics, switchgear, energy storage, and smart IoT. Currently, SIFANG's products are distributed globally, with exports to over 90 countries across Southeast Asia,Central Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. More than 2 million intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and tens of thousands of automation systems are operating safely and reliably in domestic and international markets. Hashtag: #Sifang The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post
8 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Reserves Surge with Gold Holdings and Deposit Growth
The Central Bank of the UAE expanded its gold reserves by 19.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, adding AED 4.444 billion to bring the total to AED 27.425 billion as of 31 March, up from AED 22.981 billion at the close of 2024. The bank's latest statistical bulletin also reveals marked increases across demand, savings and time deposits, alongside robust payment-system activity. Heightened global market unpredictability and a strategic emphasis on diversifying reserve assets underpin the bank's move to bolster gold reserves, officials say. This reflects a continued shift toward safer, non‑interest-bearing assets amid sustained volatility. Deposit trends in the banking sector continued on an upward trajectory. Demand deposits reached AED 1.147 trillion by the end of March, up from AED 1.109 trillion in December, with AED 856.062 billion in dirhams and AED 291.116 billion in foreign currencies. Savings deposits rose to AED 338.788 billion from AED 317.48 billion at year-end, while time deposits touched AED 991.757 billion, including AED 614.854 billion in local currency and AED 376.9 billion abroad. ADVERTISEMENT Electronic transfers via the UAE Funds Transfer System surged to AED 5.449 trillion in Q1, comprising AED 3.331 trillion in interbank transfers and AED 2.118 trillion in customer transactions. Cheque-based payments showed significant volume: 5.615 million cheques totalling AED 351.359 billion were cleared through image-based processing, including AED 116.712 billion in March alone. Cash withdrawal and deposit activity remained vigorous. Withdrawals reached AED 63.887 billion, while deposits totalled AED 47.124 billion during the quarter. Analysts interpret these developments as a sign of deepening liquidity and enhanced confidence in the UAE's financial system. A senior economist at a regional bank commented: 'The scale of growth in both deposit categories and gold reserves reflects a deliberate strategy by the Central Bank to fortify the country's buffer against external shocks. Investors are clearly hedging against uncertainty by increasing exposure to tangible assets and maintaining high liquidity.' The economist also cautioned that global interest-rate fluctuations and geopolitical risks could influence the bank's future asset allocation decisions. The rise in gold reserves places UAE among regional central banks increasing non‑yielding assets. Analysts point to a broader trend, driven by concerns over inflation and currency volatility in key reserve currencies. A comparative report by a GCC central banking consortium notes that gold reserves across member countries grew by an average of 12 per cent in Q1, with the UAE outperforming peers. Within the banking sector, sustained deposit growth reflects resilient household and corporate savings. Strong currency‑hedged deposit figures—nearly AED 1.1 trillion in UAE dirhams—suggest that domestic confidence remains high in spite of global uncertainties. Meanwhile, foreign-currency deposits provide necessary coverage for international trade and investment. Rising transaction volumes through the UAEFTS, which processed transfers worth AED 5.449 trillion, underscore the depth of interbank activity and customer engagement. Stakeholders highlight the central bank's digital-clearing infrastructure as a key enabler in supporting large-scale financial flows with efficiency and security. Cheque transactions processed via imaging systems illustrate the continuing relevance of traditional payment instruments, even as the system adapts to technology-driven clearing processes. Meanwhile, high levels of cash withdrawals and deposits indicate ongoing demand for physical currency in everyday commerce and cash-based sectors. Central Bank officials, responding to questions from regional media, affirmed that quarterly data would continue to inform dynamic adjustments in reserve management and monetary policy. They emphasised readiness to tweak both tangible and liquid asset holdings as required to optimise financial stability and sovereign risk protection. Understanding the full impact of these developments requires monitoring global monetary shifts and upcoming fiscal announcements. Market observers will be watching for signals in the next Central Bank bulletin, particularly regarding foreign exchange reserves and gold holdings for subsequent quarters.
