Norway Chess 2026 began with an action-packed first round in Oslo, featuring decisive games, tense endgames, and dramatic moments across both tournaments. The headline result of the day came when Alireza Firouzja defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in classical chess. Carlsen appeared comfortable for much of the encounter, but in severe time trouble he made a decisive error that allowed Firouzja to seize the initiative. The French grandmaster converted accurately to score an important victory against the hometown favorite and immediately move into the tournament lead. Indian No. 2 Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Wesley So produced a hard-fought classical draw in a balanced encounter.

Praggnanandhaa later prevailed in the Armageddon game, securing the extra points with an energetic attacking performance. World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju faced German No. 1 Vincent Keymer in a fascinating strategic battle. Keymer outplayed the World Champion in the endgame and appeared close to victory. However, Gukesh demonstrated exceptional defensive resilience and managed to hold the position, saving the game and forcing a draw. Gukesh later completed the comeback by winning the Armageddon game, securing the valuable extra points.

Following the first round, Firouzja leads the standings after scoring the only classical win of the day. Assaubayeva stuns Humpy at Norway Chess Women The Norway Chess Women tournament also opened with fighting chess and an early upset. Bibisara Assaubayeva scored an impressive classical victory against Indian No. 1 Humpy Koneru. Assaubayeva handled the complications confidently and capitalized on her opportunities in the middlegame before converting her advantage with precision. The result gives the Kazakh star an excellent start to the tournament. Anna Muzychuk and Zhu Jiner ended their classical game in a draw after a closely contested battle. Zhu Jiner later triumphed in Armageddon to secure the additional points.

In the remaining matchup, reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun and Divya Deshmukh also ended in a draw after a tense battle in which Ju Wenjun was pressing for a win. Divya delivered a strong performance in the Armageddon decider, winning the Armageddon tiebreak game. After round one, Assaubayeva leads Norway Chess Women following the only classical victory of the day.

IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has today published its 2025 Sustainability Report.

The report covers sustainability activities from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 and demonstrates IHS Towers’ continued commitment to its stakeholders, including, but not limited to, its employees, customers, suppliers, local communities, regulators, governments and shareholders.

IHS Towers’ vision is to help create a connected world, where mobile connectivity promotes continued economic growth and social development. The communications infrastructure it provides is vital to enabling that connectivity.

In 2025, IHS Towers continued to advance its four-pillar sustainability strategy – focusing on ethics and governance, environment and climate change, education and economic growth, our people and communities – as detailed in this report.

Sam Darwish, Chairman & CEO, IHS Towers, commented, “At IHS Towers, we remain committed to advancing digital inclusion and delivering meaningful impact through our four sustainability pillars. We believe mobile connectivity has the power to unlock significant social value, and we recognize the critical role it plays in expanding access to education and economic opportunity.

Our 2025 Sustainability Report highlights this impact, showcasing our community‑focused initiatives across Africa and Latin America. We are proud of the long‑term value we continue to create for our stakeholders and are pleased to share the progress we are making across key HSSE priorities, our Carbon Reduction Roadmap, and the $45 million we have invested in our communities since 2017.”

2025 Sustainability Report Highlights

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2025, we reported environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) related progress including:

Environment

• Carbon Reduction Roadmap:
  • Reduced our Scope 1 and Scope 2 kilowatt-hour emissions intensity by approximately 21.4%, compared with our 2021 baseline emissions data¹
• Commenced the planting of over 25,000 seedlings across nine hectares in Brazil’s Amazon region in collaboration with the Institute of Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Amazon (Idesam)
• Partnered with the Federal Capital Territory Administration in Nigeria to promote the adoption of clean cooking gas through the ‘Project Breathe Clean Air-Abuja’ and provide 5,000 households with LPG cylinders and cookers
• Continued an initiative in Nigeria to install solar-powered streetlights, donating 700 units of streetlights across communities nationwide
• Launched a pilot project with ApiFusion at two rural tower sites to promote sustainable beekeeping and community empowerment

Social

• Reported no recordable work-related injuries or fatalities among IHS employees
• 29% of our employees were female, an increase from 27% in 2024, and 71% were male
• Employees completed 13 hours of training on average on the IHS Academy
• Spent $8.2 million on community-focused sustainability initiatives, bringing the total investment in our local communities to $45 million since 2017
• Enhanced digital inclusion by:
  • Training more than 140,000 students in digital skills through Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative
  • Reaching 100,000 children through a literacy program in Côte d’Ivoire
  • Training over 9,500 students in STEM skills in Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia

Governance

• IHS South Africa achieved a Level 1 rating in its Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) audit
• Maintained our ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification²
• Scored 37 (out of 100) in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA Score)³
• Continued driving high standards of integrity throughout our supply chain; 7,861 supplier employees completed training in topics relating to our Supplier Code of Conduct
• 98% of employees, versus 96% in 2024, completed annual Anti-Bribery and Corruption training

Flagship platform returns to align policy, industry, and education as demand for skilled talent accelerates

Bengaluru, India — [26 May 2026]: Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood (SDEL), Government of Karnataka, will convene the second Bengaluru Skill Summit from 3–5 November 2026 at the Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

The summit will bring together key stakeholders from across the skilling ecosystem including ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, skilling aggregators, training & assessment bodies, sovereign skilling bodies and multilateral organisations to advance the global skilling and employability agenda, with a sharper focus on building integrated, industry-aligned systems that can deliver employable talent at scale.

“The Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 marks an important step in Karnataka’s continued commitment to building a future-ready workforce. As industries evolve and global opportunities expand, our focus remains on creating a unified, high-quality skilling ecosystem that enables our youth to compete and succeed at a global level. We look forward to bringing together leaders from across sectors to shape the next phase of this journey,” said

Hosted by the Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), in collaboration with the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), with Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) as knowledge partner and managed by Trescon, the 2026 edition marks a shift from intent to execution, with a sharper focus on employability, industry integration, and scalable workforce development frameworks.

Shaping the Future of Workforce Framework for 2030

Held under the theme “Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy,” the summit will focus on three priorities: expanding access to skilling, strengthening institutional frameworks, and enabling deeper collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

The programme will address emerging workforce requirements across artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, deep tech, and green jobs, while also advancing conversations around inclusion, innovation, apprenticeship-led learning, and global workforce mobility. Discussions will further focus on strengthening industry-academia collaboration, expanding district-level skilling infrastructure, and aligning training frameworks with evolving employer requirements to improve workforce readiness and employability.

With industries increasingly demanding job-ready talent, the summit is expected to spotlight integrated and industry-led skilling models that combine vocational training, hands-on learning, upskilling, and re-skilling initiatives. Key discussions will also explore workforce preparedness for emerging technologies, international employment opportunities, and scalable frameworks that can support Karnataka’s ambition of becoming a global talent and skilling hub.

Built for Outcomes, Not Just Dialogue

The summit is expected to convene:

4,500+ participants

150+ speakers

100+ exhibitors

40+ media partners

Strengthening the Global Talent Economy

As global demand for skilled talent continues to rise, the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 is expected to support policy direction, enable institutional partnerships, and accelerate the development of a workforce that is competitive, mobile, and aligned with Karnataka’s long-term economic and trillion-dollar growth ambitions.

The summit will also highlight Karnataka’s efforts to build a unified skilling ecosystem by connecting government initiatives, training institutions, employers, and global industry stakeholders through outcome-driven workforce strategies.

Registration and partnership opportunities are now open. For more information, visit: http://www.bengaluruskillsummit.com.

For further enquiries, contact:

Imran Mushtaq |Senior PR & Media Executive | 7780902815 | imran@tresconglobal.com

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About the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood (SDEL), Government of Karnataka

The Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood (SDEL) leads Karnataka’s workforce strategy, driving large-scale skilling, employability, and livelihood initiatives across the state. Through policy, partnerships, and targeted programmes, the department is focused on building a skilled talent pipeline aligned with industry demand and economic priorities.

About Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC)

Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC) is responsible for executing the state’s skilling programmes and enabling industry-aligned workforce development. It works closely with employers, training partners, and institutions to ensure skilling translates into measurable employment outcomes.

About Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA)

Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA) provides strategic oversight across the state’s skilling ecosystem, aligning policy, institutions, and industry requirements to build a cohesive and future-ready framework.

About Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) drives the growth of the state’s digital economy by enabling innovation, strengthening talent development, and supporting ecosystem partnerships.

About Trescon

Trescon is a global business catalyst and events firm that builds influential forums connecting governments, business leaders, investors, and innovators across FinTech, AI, sustainability, and emerging technologies. With a portfolio of flagship events like DATE, CARE, HODL, and the World FinTech Show, Trescon is known for catalysing bold ideas, strategic alliances, and real-world outcomes in high-growth markets.

Abu Dhabi, May 2026: Reinforcing its commitment to leading the national dialogue on inclusion and inclusive education, and to providing a platform that brings together decision-makers, experts, educational leaders, teachers, and partners, the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) has concluded the 12th Annual Autism Forum, held over two days, with wide participation from educators, families, and strategic partners. The forum coincided with Autism Awareness Month and was held in alignment with the principles of the UAE Year of the Family, with the aim of strengthening inclusive practices and reinforcing collaboration across the education ecosystem.

Held under the theme Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value, the forum highlighted the human dimension of addressing autism spectrum disorder and the importance of adopting practical approaches rooted in empathy, empowerment, and meaningful action. These efforts contribute to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism and supporting their effective integration into society. Organised annually by the college, the forum serves as an interactive platform for exchanging expertise, fostering dialogue, and showcasing best practices, helping to build more inclusive educational environments that respond to the needs of all learners.

Dr May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor, ECAE, said: “We believe that inclusive education is a shared responsibility that begins with the family and extends to the school and the wider community. Through this forum, we continue our efforts to establish more inclusive learning environments that ensure every individual has a genuine opportunity to learn and participate fully, reflecting the UAE’s values of empowerment and humanity.”

On the first day, the forum explored the latest trends in inclusive education, including collaborative practices and community partnerships, as well as effective teaching strategies to support learners and foster inclusive learning environments. It also examined the latest evidence-based and research-driven solutions, alongside future directions in the field.

As part of the Inspirational Stories segment, participants were also introduced to a film and a book promoting inclusion, community understanding, and empathy towards individuals with autism.

The second day focused on several key themes delivered in collaboration with the college’s strategic partners. Discussions covered meaningful inclusion for children with autism spectrum disorder, effective collaboration between families, teachers, and specialists, the importance of working together for greater impact, strengthening partnerships between schools and colleges of education to advance research-informed inclusive education, and community-based research for impactful inclusion and the role of community-based research in driving impactful inclusion.

The forum was organised in partnership with key leading entities, including Ministry of Education; the Zayed Authority for People of Determination; Special Olympics UAE; the Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education; the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education; Hemam Center; the University of Birmingham-Dubai; Applied & Behavioral Training Institute and SpeechCare as part of joint efforts to strengthen the inclusive education system and expand its positive impact across society.

As part of Autism Awareness Month, the college is also hosting a range of additional initiatives and activities, including panel discussions and dialogue sessions under the ‘I Learn’ initiative, as well as the ‘I Care’ initiative titled ‘Building Inclusive Families: Raising Inclusive Children’. The initiative focuses on the vital role of families in nurturing inclusive mindsets and behaviours, and their importance as key partners in achieving inclusion. These efforts align with the aspirations of the UAE’s Year of Family and reinforce the values of cohesion and social solidarity.

United Arab Emirates – May 2026 – EY has published the European Attractiveness Survey 2026, which tracks and analyzes foreign investment decisions in Europe and the perception of France by international business leaders. In a global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, economic slowdown and increased international competition, France retained its first place in Europe for the seventh consecutive year, with 852 projects recorded in 2025, ahead of the United Kingdom (730) and Germany (548). This performance confirms the strength of France’s economic fundamentals, while highlighting the need to defend and renew this leadership in an increasingly demanding environment.

France is holding up better than many of its neighbors on several key indicators. Projects hosted in France generated nearly 28,000 jobs, a decline limited to 4%, well below the European average (-25%).

France also restated its position as a preferred destination for foreign industrial investment. In 2025, it attracted 354 industrial investments, accounting for 42% of the projects identified, enabling it to remain number one in Europe for manufacturing investment. Despite a decline in volume in a more challenging economic environment, foreign investment continues to support industrial activity and productive employment in the country, with a net positive balance of 1,376 industrial jobs.

The survey also highlights several strategic key strengths of France’s attractiveness. France is making progress in attracting headquarters, with a 17% increase in one year, and is ranked second in Europe in this category. It also remains a major hub for technology and sovereignty activities. It remains the leading European hub for attracting foreign investment in artificial intelligence, with a 26% increase in projects in one year, while the software and IT services, defense and low-carbon energy sectors are among the drivers of this renewed attractiveness.

France confirmed that its economic attractiveness is also regional. With four regions in the top 15 most attractive regions in Europe, it demonstrated that foreign investment is not concentrated in a few major cities but spread widely throughout the country. Ile de France (Paris region) remained the leading French region with 233 projects, while Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stood out with a level of job creation close to that of the capital region, and Grand Est and Hauts de France both confirmed their attractiveness.

The perception survey associated with the survey also confirmed that France remains the European country considered most attractive by international executives, cited by 38% of them, ahead of Germany and the United Kingdom (31% each). Its main strengths remain the size of its market, its capacity for innovation, the quality of its infrastructure, the availability of low-carbon energy and the quality of its workforce. At the same time, investors expressed strong expectations regarding the clarity of public policies, political stability, cost competitiveness, taxation and administrative simplification.

In the short term, 57% of the executives surveyed stated they are considering investing in France in 2026. This level reflects continued high confidence: France’s attractiveness remains real, but it must continue to be supported by decisive action to strengthen competitiveness, fast-track decision-making, secure the regulatory environment and prepare for the next investment cycle focused on innovation, critical infrastructure, the ecological transition and talent. For Business France, these results confirm the need to pursue a pro-active approach, with all the partners gathered in Team France Invest, to enhance France’s attractiveness as an investment location.

“For the seventh year in a row, France has confirmed its position as the leading European destination for foreign investment. Against of global backdrop of geopolitical tensions and greater investor caution, this result sends a clear message: France attracts, innovates and continues to impress. This performance has not arisen by pure chance: it is based on strategic choices made over many years, which have sustainably strengthened our country’s economic attractiveness and changed France’s image on the international stage. We have built solid foundations – for innovation, industry, talent and competitiveness – which mean that we are at the forefront of Europe today. Our collective responsibility now is to preserve and strengthen these achievements so as to maintain this momentum and continue to make France a land of investment, growth and opportunity,” said Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and France’s Economic Attractiveness.

“France has remained at the top of the European attractiveness rankings since 2019. In a complex and uncertain geopolitical environment, this performance reflects the strength of our fundamentals, in particular the depth of the market, quality of infrastructure and excellence of our talent. It also stems from nearly ten years of pro-business reforms promoting innovation and reindustrialization. However, this leadership must now be boosted. Attractiveness is never a given; it is built over time through consistent public action, the competitiveness of our environment and our collective ability to transform our key strengths into sustainable projects that create value and jobs across the entire country,” said Pascal Cagni, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Business France.

“The results of the EY 2026 Survey show that France continues to attract high-value-added projects in strategic sectors, such as industry, artificial intelligence, decision-making centers, defense and low-carbon energy. This momentum reflects the joint commitment of the government, Business France and local authorities to support investors as closely as possible to their needs. In a more selective environment, our responsibility is clear: to convert this confidence into tangible investments that create jobs, sovereignty and sustainable growth,” said Louis Margueritte, Chief Executive Officer of Business France.

About Business France:

Business France is the public consulting business serving the international development of the French economy. It is responsible for fostering export-led growth by French businesses, as well as promoting and facilitating foreign investment in France.

It promotes France’s firms, business image and nationwide attractiveness as an investment location, and also runs the V.I.E international internship program, which connects businesses with young talent for international assignments.

Business France has more than 1,400 personnel, both in France and in 53 countries throughout the world.

In 2025, support from Business France made it possible to generate €2.5 billion in additional export revenues for French SMEs and mid-size companies, accounting for more than 25,386 jobs created or planned. Business France supported 59% of the 1,878 foreign investment decisions in 2025, accounting for 35,426 projected jobs.

Designed to unite families and friends, the new campaign creates an unforgettable shared viewing experience by bringing the stadium atmosphere into the living room

• LG Electronics has launched a three-month campaign across the Middle East and Africa, transforming home viewing for the football season with its premium lineup of OLED, QNED, and the webOS smart platform.
• The campaign features legendary Egyptian defender Wael Gomaa and iconic sports commentator Hafid Derradji to showcase how LG technology creates an unparalleled, immersive football experience.
• The initiative highlights the crystal-clear motion of LG OLED, the vibrant colors of LG QNED, and the seamless, user-friendly streaming experience of LG webOS, ensuring fans catch every moment of the action.
• Through compelling content across multiple platforms, the campaign invites football fans to upgrade their home viewing setups and enjoy the season’s biggest matches with stadium-quality excitement.

DUBAI, UAE, May, 2026 — As football fever sweeps across the Middle East and Africa, LG Electronics has officially launched a dynamic, 3-month campaign designed to transform living rooms into thrilling, stadium-like environments. Running until the end of July, the initiative brings fans closer to the action than ever before, combining the smart, seamless streaming capabilities of LG webOS with LG’s industry-leading OLED and QNED displays.

To get the excitement closer to the football fanatics in the Gulf and wider region, LG has partnered with two of the most celebrated and credible voices in Arab football: legendary Egyptian defender Wael Gomaa and iconic sports commentator Hafid Derradji. Together, they will headline a comprehensive campaign across multiple platforms to showcase how LG TVs create unforgettable, shared viewing experiences for families and friends.

Recognizing the Middle East’s unmatched passion for football, LG’s partnership with the sports’ legends aims to showcase how its home entertainment ecosystem unites fans through world-class clarity. Viewers can stream seamlessly via ‘Oh La La webOS’ every pass, goal, and crucial VAR decision is captured perfectly or experience stadium-quality visuals with ‘Ole Ole OLED’ and enjoy tactical precision with ‘Tiki Taka QNED’.

Seamless Streaming and Uninterrupted Excitement with webOS:

Beyond immersive visuals, the campaign emphasizes the smart, user-friendly features of LG’s webOS ecosystem, giving fans plenty of reasons to shout “Oh La La webOS” with Hafid Derradji’s signature enthusiastic commentary style, this expression highlights a smarter way to watch.

Designed to make every match day seamless, LG webOS allows fans to group their favorite teams and leagues through the integrated Sports Portal. Fans receive real-time match alerts, live game tracking, and score updates before, during, and even after a match, directly alongside their preferred live streams. Whether utilizing screen-casting to mirror a smartphone to the big screen, or enjoying a massive array of streaming content, webOS provides a centralized, clutter-free hub that ensures fans never miss a defining moment.

Elevating the Home Stadium Experience:

At the heart of the campaign is the unparalleled picture quality of LG’s premium television lineup. For those who live for fast-paced action, “Ole Ole OLED” captures the celebration of the game. LG OLED TVs offer self-lit pixels and near-instantaneous response times, ensuring crystal-clear motion with zero blur, making every fast-paced strike and high-speed sprint feel incredibly lifelike.

For fans who appreciate fluid, strategic gameplay, “Tiki Taka QNED” mirrors the beautiful coordination of the sport. LG QNED TVs utilize advanced color reproduction technologies to deliver vibrant, stadium-quality hues on ultra-large screens, ensuring the pitch looks as natural from the living room as it does from the VIP stand.

A Cultural Movement for Football Fans:

As part of the rollout, the campaign will feature highly engaging creative content across the region. Hafid Derradji will bring his signature passion and iconic commentary to the fore, whilst Wael Gomaa’s tactical insights will help fans appreciate the beauty of the game in stunning 4K detail.

Football fans across the MEA region are invited to follow the campaign, explore the power of LG webOS, OLED and QNED, and upgrade their home viewing setups in time for the season’s most crucial matches.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – May, 2026: For years, the story of UAE real estate was told in superlatives. Record transactions. Record prices. Record launches. It was a market that seemed to run on adrenaline, and plenty of people wondered how long that could last.  

Yet, what is happening in the UAE real estate market in 2026 does not seem to be a short-lived boom with an impending expiry date, but a market finding its footing as a genuine, long-term destination for global capital and for people who simply want to live here.

According to Nagham Hassan, Market Analyst at eToro: Dubai registered AED 252 billion in transactions in Q1 2026, up 31% year-on-year, following a record AED 917 billion for the full year 2025. The price index grew 9.81% across 2025 — a step down from the double-digit surges of prior years. In 2025, the investor base grew to over 193,000 active participants, with resident investors accounting for more than half of all investment by value. Unlike speculative foreign capital, residents do not simply exit when sentiment shifts. The average time for a renter to become an owner is now just 4.8 years, demonstrating that this is a market people are committing to, not trading through.

Despite the regional turbulence of early 2026 rattling, confidence across the Gulf. According to DLD transaction data, February sales closed at AED 84 billion. March pulled back to AED 56 billion as buyers paused, but April rebounded by 23% to AED 69 billion as confidence returned. This shows that the market had not broken; it just took a breather and soon got back to work.

That same resilience showed up in the listed stocks — but with a lag. Emaar Properties (EMAAR) and Aldar Properties (ALDAR) were caught in the sentiment-driven selloff despite entering 2026 with the strongest fundamentals in their histories. Emaar’s revenue backlog stands at AED 163.4 billion — up 29% year-on-year — providing clear visibility for future earnings. Aldar reported revenue up 12%, EBITDA up 22%, and carries AED 38.2 billion in total liquidity. Yet both stocks remain well below their 52-week highs, not because the business deteriorated, but because geopolitical fear priced in a scenario the physical market never actually experienced.

That gap between price and fundamentals is what makes the medium-term case compelling. Both companies enter the second half of 2026 with record pipelines and earnings growth that have consistently outpaced expectations. 

The path from here depends partly on how the geopolitical situation evolves. A resolution in the conflict would act as a catalyst — unlocking the pent-up demand that has already proven itself in the physical market and accelerating the repricing of both stocks toward their fundamental value. Further escalation, on the other hand, could trigger another round of sentiment-driven selling. But that is precisely where the distinction matters: real estate stocks like Emaar and Aldar are more insulated than most. Their revenues are backed by escrow-protected sales, long-term backlogs, and recurring income streams that do not evaporate with a news cycle.  

About eToro:

eToro is a trading and investing platform that empowers you to invest, share and learn. We were founded in 2007 with the vision of a world where everyone can trade and invest in a simple and transparent way. Today we have 40 million registered users from 75 countries. We believe there is power in shared knowledge and that we can become more successful by investing together. So we’ve created a collaborative investment community designed to provide you with the tools you need to grow your knowledge and wealth. On eToro, you can hold a range of traditional and innovative assets and choose how you invest: trade directly, invest in a portfolio, or copy other investors. You can visit our media centre here for our latest news.

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eToro is a group of companies that are authorised and regulated in their respective jurisdictions. The regulatory authorities overseeing eToro include:

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•     The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in the UAE
•       The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in Singapore

This communication is for information and education purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice, a personal recommendation, or an offer of, or solicitation to buy or sell, any financial instruments. This material has been prepared without taking into account any particular recipient’s investment objectives or financial situation, and has not been prepared in accordance with the legal and regulatory requirements to promote independent research. Any references to past or future performance of a financial instrument, index or a packaged investment product are not, and should not be taken as, a reliable indicator of future results. eToro makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication.

Regulation and License Numbers:

Middle East

eToro (ME) Limited, is licensed and regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”)’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA“) as an Authorised Person to conduct the Regulated Activities of (a) Dealing in Investments as Principal (Matched), (b) Arranging Deals in Investments, (c) Providing Custody, (d) Arranging Custody and (e) Managing Assets (under Financial Services Permission Number 220073) under the Financial Services and Market Regulations 2015 (“FSMR”). Its registered office and its principal place of business is at Office 207 and 208, 15th Floor Floor, Al Sarab Tower, ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (“UAE”).

The new uniforms, designed in a contemporary grey palette with distinctive red accents, will be worn by onboard hosts, station teams and customer-facing employees across the passenger network. The collection has been created to reflect Etihad Rail’s wider brand values, combining professionalism, warmth, safety and modern Emirati hospitality.

The unveiling marks another significant milestone as Etihad Rail prepares to introduce passenger services, connecting communities and enabling a new era of mobility across the UAE.

Designed specifically for the UAE environment and the operational realities of modern rail travel, the uniforms place a strong emphasis on comfort, functionality and ease of movement, while maintaining a refined and recognisable visual identity. Subtle design details and structured tailoring have been incorporated to create a look that feels contemporary, approachable and distinctly premium.

Although designed to be operational attire, the uniforms have also been developed as an extension of the Etihad Rail passenger experience, representing the people who will welcome passengers onboard, support journeys across the network, and help shape the culture of rail travel in the UAE for generations to come.

The grey tones were selected to convey confidence, calmness and reliability, while the red accents draw inspiration from the bold energy and ambition that define the Etihad Rail brand identity and the UAE’s continued progress and connectivity vision.

Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility, said: “The unveiling of our official uniforms marks an important moment in the journey towards the introduction of passenger rail services in the UAE. These uniforms are part of our visual identity, but more importantly they represent the people who will become the face of the Etihad Rail experience for thousands of new rail passengers in the years ahead.

“Every detail has been carefully considered to reflect the values that sit at the heart of Etihad Rail: safety, professionalism, hospitality and national pride. As we prepare to welcome passengers onboard for the very first time, these uniforms help tell the story of a modern railway designed around people, connection and experience.”

The uniform reveal forms part of Etihad Rail’s wider preparations ahead of the introduction of passenger services, which will initially connect key stations through a carefully phased rollout designed to ensure the highest standards of safety, reliability and customer experience from day one.

Further announcements relating to passenger services, stations and customer experience will be made in the coming weeks.

With a new premium built-in oven designed for modern family living, Gorenje continues to elevate everyday cooking experiences across the UAE and wider Middle East.

Dubai, UAE, May, 2026 – Gorenje, one of Europe’s leading home appliance brands operating under Hisense Group, has unveiled its latest innovation for the region: the G800 built-in oven, engineered to simplify mealtimes and support the fast-paced, hospitality-driven lifestyle of Middle Eastern households.

As residential communities across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar continue to expand, with premium villas, townhouses, and branded residences driving demand for high-performance kitchen solutions, the built-in appliance segment is projected to grow steadily through 2033. Gorenje’s new G800 oven responds directly to this momentum, offering more space, more automation, and more ease for families who cook often and entertain generously.

With a spacious 77-litre interior, the G800 oven is designed for everything from large family dinners to spontaneous gatherings. Wide trays, full-shelf usability, and even heat distribution allow users to roast, bake, and reheat multiple dishes without reshuffling trays or worrying about uneven results.

The oven’s AutoBake technology, featuring more than 70 pre-tested cooking programmes, enables users to select a dish, choose the weight, press start, and step away. No preheating. No constant checking. Just reliable, hands-off cooking, perfect for warm evenings, busy households, and last-minute plans. To keep cleanup effortless, the G800 features PyroClean, a high-heat self-cleaning cycle that reduces grease and splatters to fine ash, requiring only a quick wipe once cooled.

Ismail Al Horani, Vice President for Middle East & Africa at Hisense, said: “The Middle East is a region where food, family, and hospitality come together every day. With the G800 oven, we wanted to offer a built-in solution that gives households more space, more convenience, and more confidence in the kitchen. It reflects Gorenje’s commitment to simplifying life while delivering premium performance and design.”

The launch reinforces Gorenje’s strategy to expand its premium built-in portfolio across the Middle East, supporting the region’s growing appetite for integrated, contemporary living. With its combination of capacity, automation, and effortless maintenance, the G800 oven is set to become a standout choice for modern homes.

About Gorenje:

Gorenje is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of household appliances, with over 75 years of heritage and a presence in more than 160 countries worldwide. Known for combining advanced technology with distinctive European design, Gorenje creates intuitive, energy-efficient appliances that simplify everyday living.

Headquartered in Slovenia, Gorenje operates production facilities across Europe and has been part of Hisense Group since 2018, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and home appliance corporations. Driven by a vision to be a design-focused innovator, Gorenje continues to deliver life-simplifying solutions tailored to modern homes and evolving lifestyles.

In Recognition of Its Forward-Looking Approach to Advancing Government Procurement Through Innovative Practices

• The award reflects the UAE’s leadership in developing smarter, more efficient and agile public procurement systems.

The Ministry of Finance has won the Procurement Excellence Award at the World Procurement Awards 2026, organised by Procurement Leaders, part of the World 50 Group, in London, United Kingdom, in recognition of its efforts to advance the government procurement ecosystem, enhance purchasing efficiency, and accelerate procurement decision-making. 

Advancing Financial Management Maturity:

H.E. Mariam Mohammed Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of the Government Financial Management Sector at the Ministry of Finance, said the award reflects the level of maturity achieved by the government financial management ecosystem, particularly in relation to managing the procurement cycle through effective institutional frameworks.

Her Excellency added that the achievement will serve as a catalyst for the continued advancement of government financial operations and the adoption of solutions that enhance data quality, support faster decision-making and improve operational efficiency, ultimately enabling government entities to manage resources and assets more effectively.

Her Excellency further noted that the Ministry of Finance’s outstanding performance and achievements are driven by the leadership’s trust and continued support, as well as by a strong culture of teamwork and dedication to delivering responsibilities in a manner that serves the public interest and strengthens the leadership of government performance.

The award was presented during an official ceremony, during which Nadia Sultan Al Ali, Director of the Government Procurement Platform Department at the Ministry of Finance, accepted the award on behalf of the Ministry.

Transformational Results:

The digital procurement ecosystem has delivered transformational results that demonstrate its direct impact on government efficiency. More than 50 federal entities have now been unified under a single AI-powered system, contributing to a 75% reduction in procurement cycle times and shortening processing times for catalogue-listed items from more than 60 days to less than 6 minutes.

The platform has also generated savings exceeding 30% in federal spending, with total savings surpassing AED 100 million during the first year alone. Supplier satisfaction rates rose to 85%, while more than 17,000 suppliers joined the fully digital, transparent and integrated procurement ecosystem.

Participation by small and medium-sized enterprises more than doubled from 22% to 47%, supported by the adoption of national content standards in procurement evaluations. The platform has also helped eliminate the use of more than 1 million sheets of paper annually, supporting the UAE Vision 2031 and Net Zero 2050 goals.

The Digital Procurement Platform is one of the Ministry of Finance’s flagship transformational initiatives in government procurement, bringing together e-sourcing systems, catalogues, supplier management, sustainability assessments and real-time analytics within a unified digital ecosystem.

Supporting a More Efficient Business Ecosystem:

The advancement of the government procurement ecosystem extends beyond enhancing procedural efficiency across federal entities. It also creates broader value for suppliers, customers and the wider business community by facilitating access to public procurement opportunities, strengthening transparency across purchasing operations, and improving the quality and long-term sustainability of government services delivered to the public.

The enhanced ecosystem enables federal entities to meet their operational needs with greater speed, flexibility and reliability, helping ensure uninterrupted service delivery, strengthening government performance across vital sectors, and supporting the UAE’s wider vision of a more agile, proactive and future-ready government that advances quality of life and sustainable economic growth.

A Forward-Looking Approach:

The Procurement Excellence Award recognises leading procurement functions that adopt forward-looking approaches capable of delivering measurable and tangible value through advanced spend management practices.

The award forms part of the World Procurement Awards, organised by Procurement Leaders, which celebrate excellence across the procurement sector through a diverse range of categories. Winning entities are assessed against a comprehensive set of criteria, including the initiative’s objectives, the measures implemented to ensure project success, the impact achieved, and the rationale behind the award recognition. The assessment process also considers performance evidence, key performance indicators (KPIs), testimonials, recommendations and media coverage.

The World Procurement Awards 2026 spotlight organisations helping redefine procurement practices and establish new benchmarks for excellence. Entries are evaluated by a judging panel comprising leading chief procurement officers from around the world across award categories including Procurement Excellence, Digital Impact, Social Impact, Risk and Resilience Management, Supplier Collaboration and others.

The awards attracted competition from a number of leading global institutions and international brands, most notably American Airlines, NASA, Deutsche Telekom, China Mobile, Air Canada and Tahakom, among others.

An Integrated Digital Ecosystem:

The award comes as part of the Ministry of Finance’s ongoing efforts to further develop the federal government procurement ecosystem in ways that strengthen spending efficiency, accelerate procurement procedures, and enhance the readiness of federal entities to meet their operational requirements with greater efficiency and flexibility.

The achievement also aligns with broader government efforts aimed at simplifying procedures and accelerating service delivery, most notably through the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, which seeks to eliminate unnecessary processes and requirements while reducing service delivery timelines, thereby enhancing government efficiency and improving the quality of services provided to customers.

The award further reflects the measurable impact of the digital procurement ecosystem in enhancing the experience of both federal entities and suppliers. The platform streamlines purchasing procedures, strengthens transparency, and enables government entities to source approved products and services through the Federal Catalogue Guide, a unified reference tool designed to support faster and more effective procurement decisions through framework agreements with accredited local suppliers across the UAE.