4, Sep 2026
Sinopec and International Partners Launch Initiative to Advance Global CCUS Cooperation
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, “Sinopec”) joined the International CCUS Technology Innovation Cooperation Organization, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Institute of New Materials and Energy Technologies at Nazarbayev University in launching the Initiative for Cooperation on Low-Carbon Energy Development. Announced during the 2026 International CCUS Technology Conference, held Sept. 1 and 2 in Astana, the initiative calls for closer collaboration on CCUS technologies and standards, as well as greater exchange among CCUS professionals.
The launch was attended by government, industry and international organization representatives from China, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. The conference brought together more than 230 participants from dozens of countries and regions to discuss carbon dioxide capture, geological storage, CO2 mineralization and CCUS hub development. Participants also examined the business models, policy frameworks and international partnerships needed to support wider deployment.
Tian Hongbin, vice president of Sinopec Group, said global climate action had entered a critical phase, with CCUS becoming a key enabling technology. Having helped establish ICTO, Sinopec would continue to support its development as a global network of leading experts and deepen international cooperation across the CCUS sector, he added.
Sinopec has built China’s first 100-kilometer dense-phase CO2 pipeline and put into operation the country’s first integrated CCUS demonstration project with an annual capacity of one million metric tons. It is also conducting a joint study with Shell, BASF and China Baowu on China’s first open-access CCUS cluster at the 10-million-metric-ton scale, while preparing a 1-million-metric-ton demonstration project at Shengli Oilfield focused on lower-concentration CO2 sources. Together, these projects cover CO2 capture from sources of varying concentrations, enhanced oil recovery and storage.
Established in July 2025, ICTO has 60 founding members comprising companies, research institutions and experts from more than 20 countries and regions. Sinopec will continue working with ICTO and its members to connect engineering experience with international research and support the development and application of CCUS technologies.
About SINOPEC
China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, “Sinopec”) is one of China’s largest integrated energy and chemical companies. Its businesses span oil and gas exploration and production, refining, petrochemicals, fuels marketing and distribution, and research and development. Sinopec also advances lower-carbon energy technologies and solutions. For more information about Sinopec, visit www.sinopec.com/listco/en.
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- By Sai Krishna
4, Sep 2026
Malaysian Palm Oil Exports Slip as Indian Demand Cools in August
Kuala Lumpur, Sep 4: Malaysia’s palm oil exports weakened in August as softer demand from India weighed on shipments, highlighting growing pressure on the world’s edible-oil market even as palm oil prices remain close to a two-year high.
Pic Credit: Pexel
Malaysia is estimated to have shipped around 1.3 million tonnes of palm oil in August, about 8 per cent lower than in July. At the same time, inventories are estimated to have risen nearly 6 per cent, reaching their highest level since January.
The decline in Indian purchases is significant for the global market because India is among the world’s largest edible-oil importers. A prolonged slowdown in buying could leave Malaysian exporters with larger inventories and increase competition for overseas markets.
For India, weaker palm oil imports could also influence the sourcing decisions of refiners and food companies. If palm oil remains expensive, businesses may increasingly compare it with alternatives such as soybean and sunflower oil, depending on relative prices and availability.
Palm oil prices have gained around 7 per cent in the third quarter and are trading near their highest levels in about two years. The price strength comes despite weaker exports, reflecting concerns that global supplies could tighten in the months ahead.
Weather remains a key risk. The possibility of an El Niño pattern affecting palm production has raised concerns about future supplies, while Indonesia’s expanding use of palm oil for biofuel production could reduce the amount available for international trade.
Higher palm oil prices could also raise input costs for food manufacturers, particularly companies producing packaged foods, snacks, bakery products and other items that use vegetable oils. For consumers, any sustained increase in edible-oil costs could eventually add pressure to household food budgets.
The combination of weaker Indian demand and rising Malaysian inventories may create some short-term pressure on the market. However, potential production disruptions and stronger biofuel demand could limit any significant decline in prices.
Market participants will now watch Indian buying, Malaysian inventory levels and weather conditions closely. The direction of these factors will determine whether the current weakness in exports develops into a broader slowdown or proves to be a temporary pause in demand.
4, Sep 2026
Second Point S campus to help workshops manage growth in a changing automotive industry
For the second consecutive year, Point S welcomes young automotive leaders from nine countries to France. • Building on the success of the inaugural programme, the campus continues to prepare the next generation of family business leaders for a rapidly evolving automotive industry. • This year’s programme focuses on managing growth across people, teams, and business performance.
Sept 04: Independent tyre dealers and mechanical workshops will descend upon France for an exclusive conference aimed at preparing future leaders to manage growth in an automotive aftermarket shaped by technological change, evolving customer expectations, and increasing market competition.
Following the success of its inaugural event in 2025, Point S International is bringing together the next generation of automotive entrepreneurs with the second Next Generation Campus, taking place from 31st August to 4th September in Provence, France.
This year, the campus is centred around the theme of growth management, helping participants develop across four key areas: My Growth, Team Growth, Business Growth, and Brand Growth. Through a series of interactive sessions, attendees will strengthen their leadership and managerial capabilities, learn how to motivate and develop high-performing teams, improve customer satisfaction, monitor commercial and financial performance, and enhance the local digital visibility of their businesses to complement wider national and international marketing initiatives.
Participants from Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Norway, Slovakia, South Africa, and the UK will come together to share experiences and learn from industry experts while building lasting international relationships
Fabien Bouquet, CEO of Point S International, commented: “The independent sector, like many others, is undergoing an age of rapid digital transformation. New technologies, digital tools, and AI are changing the way workshops operate and engage with customers, but sustainable success depends on much more than technology alone. Strong leadership, motivated teams, good commercial management, and an exceptional customer experience remain the foundations of every successful business. Our role is to help the next generation develop the skills to grow across all of these areas with confidence.”
The campus is Point S International’s bespoke response to one of the industry’s most significant long-term challenges – preparing the next generation of family business leaders to succeed during a period of unprecedented technological and commercial transformation. While previous generations were able to build on relatively stable business models, today’s emerging leaders must navigate workforce shortages, changing customer expectations, digitalisation, electrification, and rapidly evolving vehicle technologies, while continuing to grow profitable, resilient businesses.
Participants represent three stages of the leadership journey: students preparing to join the family business, employees developing towards future leadership roles, and recent successors who have already taken over day-to-day management. Building on the foundations established during the inaugural campus, this year’s programme places greater emphasis on developing practical management skills that help leaders drive employee engagement, improve business performance, and support sustainable long-term growth.
The campus also continues to strengthen the growing community of young leaders across the Point S network. Alongside the formal programme, participants will build relationships through team activities, networking opportunities, and shared experiences, creating an international peer network that will continue long after the event concludes. Professional translation services will once again support collaboration across languages, ensuring participants can exchange ideas freely regardless of their country of origin.
Fabien Bouquet added: “Last year’s historic inaugural campus demonstrated the value of bringing together the next generation of leaders from across our European network. The challenges facing our industry continue to evolve, making it more important than ever that young business leaders develop the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to lead with confidence. By investing in their development today, we are helping ensure that our members remain strong, innovative and successful for generations to come.”
The second edition of the Next Generation Campus reinforces Point S’s long-term commitment to supporting its members beyond day-to-day business operations. By equipping future leaders with the leadership, commercial, and operational skills needed to manage growth, alongside an international network of peers, Point S is helping to safeguard the continued success of its independent tyre dealers and automotive service providers while preserving the entrepreneurial values that have defined the network for generations.
4, Sep 2026
When Architecture Becomes Furniture: Yuvraj Vohra Launches Villaro Design Studio in MG Road, Delhi
Sep 04: Furniture designer Yuvraj Vohra has unveiled the new Villaro Design Studio on MG Road, Delhi, introducing a furniture brand shaped by an architectural way of thinking. Trained in architecture, Vohra approaches furniture not as standalone objects but as elements that influence how a space is experienced. His transition from designing buildings and interiors to designing furniture stems from a belief that furniture plays a defining role in shaping the character, function and atmosphere of a room.
“Architecture taught me to think about proportion, materiality and the relationship between objects and space,” says Vohra. “That thinking continues in every piece we create at Villaro. Furniture should not simply occupy a room; it should belong to it.” This philosophy forms the foundation of Villaro’s design language.
The collection brings together furniture that explores the relationship between architecture and material. A marble fireplace is treated as a sculptural architectural element. Sofas incorporate stone within their arms, creating a dialogue between soft and solid materials. Hand-fluted stone surfaces introduce texture and depth, while seamless corners allow forms to appear clean and uninterrupted. Across the collection, materials such as stone, marble, wood, metal and upholstery are used not merely as finishes but as integral components of the design. Shades of ivory, black and Calacatta Viola further define the visual language, allowing the character of each material to take centre stage.
Rather than following trends, the focus remains on material expression, construction and proportion. Every piece is developed with consideration for the architecture around it and the way it will be used within a space. Alongside its design philosophy, Villaro places significant emphasis on transparency during production. Before manufacturing begins, every piece undergoes a full kitting process, where materials, components and specifications are reviewed and approved. Quality checks are conducted at multiple stages of production, and clients receive QC reports throughout the making of their furniture, providing visibility into the journey from concept to completion. In an industry where manufacturing often remains hidden from the client, Villaro’s approach seeks to create greater confidence and accountability throughout the process.
The studio has also been envisioned as a resource for architects and interior designers seeking furniture solutions for residential and commercial projects. Beyond customisation of dimensions and finishes, the Villaro team supports professionals with furniture presentations, shop drawings, 3D files for project models, material samples, and digital and physical mood boards. The objective is to integrate furniture into the design process from an early stage, ensuring alignment between architecture, interiors and product development.
From concept discussions and technical detailing to manufacturing and installation, Villaro works closely with design professionals to help translate ideas into finished pieces. The new MG Road studio presents the collection through complete settings that allow visitors to understand furniture within a spatial context. However, the focus remains firmly on the pieces themselves, their materials, detailing, construction and relationship with the spaces they inhabit.
For homeowners, the studio offers an opportunity to explore furniture tailored to individual lifestyles and architectural requirements. For architects and interior designers, it serves as a collaborative environment where ideas, materials and technical solutions can be developed together.
With the launch of Villaro Design Studio, Yuvraj Vohra introduces a furniture brand that draws from architecture while remaining rooted in furniture design. Through material-driven design, production transparency and close collaboration with the design community, Villaro presents a considered approach to contemporary furniture for modern Indian homes and projects.
4, Sep 2026
Beko lets the numbers tell the story of easier everyday living
From 40-minute full-load washing and 59-minute oven cleaning to 30% longer freshness, Beko’s global brand portfolio turns innovation into measurable benefits for everyday life.
ISTANBUL, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Beko, a global leader in home appliances, showcases innovations from across its global brand portfolio, helping make everyday routines simpler, faster and more efficient.
Beko: Making everyday routines faster and easier
Beko delivers reliable performance and greater efficiency across everyday household routines, with technologies designed to make better use of time, energy and resources without compromising on results.
In laundry care, Beko combines proven cleaning performance with greater time and energy efficiency through its patented UltimateWash Technology, featured in the new Ultimate40′ program. Ultimate40′ delivers the same proven cleaning performance on a full load in just 40 minutes1, powered by an enhanced inner drum paddle and an updated washing algorithm that dissolves detergent faster and spreads water more evenly through the drum. The result: everyday dirt is lifted quickly across the entire load, saving up to 35% in both time and energy2 on daily programs.
In the kitchen, Beko’s PyroPro Self-Cleaning Technology takes the effort out of oven maintenance. Using the intense heat of 420°C, it burns away grease and food residue, leaving only fine ash that wipes away easily, delivering a full clean in just 59 minutes while using up to 47% less energy3 than a standard pyrolytic cycle.
Beko is also bringing greater flexibility to refrigeration with its latest cabinet designs, combining food care technologies such as AeroFlow™, which supports stable temperatures throughout the refrigerator to keep food fresh for 30% longer.4
Our new high-capacity and energy-efficient bottom mount refrigerator range includes 54 cm built-in and 60 cm freestanding models. The 54 cm built-in combi comes with a B energy class, while the 60 cm combi features a sleek, ergonomically positioned display on the crisper, putting freshness control right at your fingertips.
The new +600L large-format range includes 91 cm 4-door multi-door and 91 cm side-by-side refrigerators, offering a more spacious, premium format for busy households. With an ice & water dispenser available on both models and up to 2 kg of ice made per day, refreshing drinks are always ready to enjoy.
Together, the updated cabinet range has been developed to help preserve freshness for longer, support more efficient storage and make refrigeration easier to integrate into different kitchen spaces.
Whirlpool: Intuitive technology meets refined design
Whirlpool is combining advanced technology with refined design to help consumers get more from their everyday appliances. With a clear focus on the premium segment, the brand brings together refined design, intuitive technology and personalized innovation to create appliances that deliver a more seamless everyday experience.
In laundry, Whirlpool washing machine technology operates 60%5 more efficiently than A energy class models, and with a 9 kg capacity, it delivers powerful cleaning performance while significantly reducing energy consumption.
In the kitchen, Whirlpool’s MattProtect Technology combines refined design with lasting surface protection. Compared with standard glossy ceramic glass, matte glass delivers up to 3x greater scratch resistance, up to 3x more effortless cleaning and over 3x higher resistance to chipping6, so surfaces stay looking flawless for longer even under the daily intensity of real cooking.
Hotpoint: Over a century of trusted expertise
Since 1911, Hotpoint has been a trusted partner at home, with care at the heart of the brand. Its technologies are designed to bring greater care and convenience to everyday life, helping consumers protect the things they value most.
Its FabricCare™ Technology, featured in the brand’s tumble dryers, optimizes drum movement so that clothes experience less friction and gentler contact during drying, delivering up to 2x gentler drying7 and helping favorite clothes last longer.
Hotpoint is also bringing restaurant-style results into the home with its pizza function. A dedicated high-heat pizza function delivers a crispy crust, even browning and perfectly cooked toppings in just 3 minutes8, with three intensity levels to suit different dough types and pizza styles.
Ragıp Balcıoğlu, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Beko, said: “Innovation is not only about introducing new technologies. It is about understanding how people live and turning technology into solutions that deliver real benefits in everyday life. Across our brands, our latest innovations combine technology, performance and thoughtful design to save time in laundry and drying, simplify food preparation and cleaning, and help keep food fresh for longer. Powered by our global experience across markets and brands, strong R&D capabilities and design expertise, we continue to develop solutions that make everyday life simpler, more efficient and more enjoyable, while supporting a more sustainable way of living.”
About Beko
Beko is an international home appliance company with a strong global presence, operating through subsidiaries in more than 55 countries with a workforce of around 45,000 employees and production facilities spanning multiple regions—including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Beko has 22 brands owned or used with a limited license (Arçelik, Beko, Whirlpool*, Grundig, Hotpoint, Arctic, Ariston*, Leisure, Indesit, Blomberg, Defy, Dawlance, Hitachi*, Voltas Beko, Singer*, ElektraBregenz, Flavel, Bauknecht, Privileg, Altus, Ignis, Polar). Beko is the largest white goods company in Europe with its market share (based on volumes) and reached a consolidated turnover of 10.7 billion Euros in 2025. Beko’s 28 R&D and Design Centers & Offices across the globe are home to over 2,000 R&D employees and hold more than 4,500 international registered patent applications to date. The company has achieved the highest score in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in the DHP Household Durables industry for the seventh consecutive year (based on the results dated 16 October 2025).** The company has been recognized as the 89th most sustainable company on TIME Magazine and Statista’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies and has been the sector leader for three consecutive years. Beko’s vision is ‘Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide.’
*Licensee limited to certain jurisdictions.
**The data presented belongs to Arçelik A.Ş., a parent company of Beko.
1 Based on a third-party test report comparing the Beko Ultimate40′ program using UltimateWash Technology with Beko’s fastest 40°C cotton program without this technology.
2 In addition to achieving up to 35% lower energy consumption, the Cottons, Synthetics, Mix, GentleCare, Wool, Hand Wash, Duvet, Outdoor/Sports, Dark Care, Drum Clean and 20°C programs also provide up to 35% time savings compared to the Beko WML 91433 NP washing machine, without compromising washing performance.
3 Based on the new Beko pyrolytic oven’s 59-minute program with graphite enamel, compared to the 120-minute program.
4 Weight loss and sensory evaluation tests based on the parameter “overall acceptability”, used for the determination of the shelf-life, were conducted by Intertek on carrot, fresh-cut iceberg, fresh-cut tomato, strawberry, salami, and kashar cheese samples stored in the AeroFlow™ refrigerator and control refrigeration (without the AeroFlow™ technology) for a 12-day period. The results were evaluated by comparing samples stored on the bottom front shelf of refrigerators.
5 (Whirlpool WPM 912G ADS IT) 60% more efficient (EEI of 20.8) than A energy class (EEI limit of 52) as defined by EU regulation 2019/2014.
6 Based on tests performed by TÜV Rheinland under controlled laboratory conditions comparing matte and glossy ceramic glass: cleaning performance was evaluated by the number of sponge strokes required to remove standardized food residues; chipping resistance was assessed through repeated soiling-and-cleaning cycles until more than two visually detectable chips appeared; scratch performance was assessed under equal stroke counts by comparing the applied pressure required to achieve the same level of scratch visibility.
7 Tested by SGS, comparing drying performance of a Hotpoint dryer with FabricCare Technology to a comparable model without FabricCare under the same test conditions. Results show up to 2x gentler care.
8 According to internal tests developed and validated by the Food Tech Lab: fresh pizza was baked at low, medium and high power levels using a fixed 20-minute preheat, with doneness assessed by weight loss (%) and crust browning intensity measured by image analysis.
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4, Sep 2026
US Trade Deficit Widens to Dollar 88.6 Billion in July as Imports Surge
Washington, Sep 4: The US trade deficit widened sharply in July as imports increased while exports declined, highlighting the impact of strong domestic demand and higher purchases of technology-related goods.
The goods and services trade deficit rose 24.4 per cent to $88.6 billion in July from a revised $71.2 billion in June, according to data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis and the US Census Bureau.
US imports increased 2.8 per cent to $399.3 billion, while exports fell 2.1 per cent to $310.7 billion during the month. The goods deficit alone widened to $119.6 billion, while the services surplus stood at $31 billion.
A key feature of the July data was the strong rise in imports of capital goods. These imports reached a record $140.3 billion, with computers, computer equipment and semiconductors among the products driving the increase. The trend reflects continued investment in technology and artificial intelligence-related infrastructure.
The US also recorded a $5 billion goods trade deficit with India in July, keeping the India-US trade relationship in focus amid ongoing changes in global trade and tariff policies.
For India, the US remains an important export market. Indian shipments to the US have remained significant across engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles and other manufacturing segments. Strong US demand therefore remains important for Indian exporters, even as changing tariff and trade policies create a more challenging global environment.
The wider US trade gap also comes as the global economy adjusts to changing supply chains, tariff measures and shifting patterns of business investment. The surge in technology-related imports suggests that demand for capital equipment remains strong, particularly around the expansion of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
The July figures underline the changing nature of US trade, with strong import demand continuing to shape the country’s external balance even as export growth remains under pressure.
4, Sep 2026
Akasa Air commences operations in Vietnam; Strengthens footprint in Southeast Asia
Sep 04: Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, today commenced operations in Hanoi, Vietnam, connecting it with Mumbai with four weekly direct flights. The inaugural flight departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at 0535 hrs IST arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, at 1200 hrs ICT. This marks Akasa Air’s seventh international destination and expands the airline’s presence in Southeast Asia while strengthening connectivity across region’s one of most high demand travel corridors.
In an event held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to flag off the maiden flight, a special boarding pass was presented to the first passengers and a ceremonial lamp was lit in the presence of Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, and Bhavin Joshi, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President – Strategy, Akasa Air, along with Mr. Trinh Minh Manh, Ambassador of Vietnam to India, Mr. Le Quang Bien, Consul General of Vietnam, and attendees from Adani Group, CISF, customs, and immigration.
The new service responds to the growing interest among Indian travellers in Vietnam, driven by its distinctive culture, diverse cuisine, scenic landscapes and value-led travel experiences. With direct connectivity from Mumbai, Akasa Air will provide customers with greater choice and accessibility, while supporting the expanding flow of tourism and commerce between India and Vietnam.
Akasa Experience
Akasa Air’s empathetic and youthful personality, employee-friendly culture, customer-service philosophy, and tech-led approach have made it the airline of choice for millions of customers. Since its inception, Akasa Air has redefined flying in India with its multiple industry-first and customer-friendly offerings. Its brand-new fleet provides ample legroom and enhanced comfort and comes with USB ports in the majority of aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets and devices on the go. Café Akasa, the airline’s onboard meal service, offers an assortment of healthy and delectable meals, including festive menus and industry-first options such as Kombucha, to offer customers an indulgent gourmet experience in the skies. Akasa Air offers over 25+ ancillary products to deliver on its promise of exceptional customer service, such as Akasa GetEarly, Seat & Meal Deal, Extra Seat and Akasa Holidays, which offer personalisation that is second to none. Consistently enhancing the cabin experience for its customers, Akasa has launched several industry-firsts such as SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights and QuietFlights.
4, Sep 2026
DAMAC achieves handover of 50,000 homes, with 55,000+ in pipeline and USD 2.72 bn in H1 2026 construction awards
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DAMAC Properties, the largest private real estate developer in the UAE and the Middle East, is celebrating the handover of more than 50,000 homes. With more than USD 2.72 billion in construction contracts awarded during the first half of 2026, DAMAC is targeting 8,800-plus residential units to be delivered this year across DAMAC Lagoons, DAMAC Hills, DAMAC Hills 2, Chic Tower and Elegance Tower.
Amira Sajwani, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties, said: “As Dubai’s residential market continues to mature, the ability to execute at scale will increasingly differentiate developers . The ability to mobilise the right partners, maintain control across complex construction programmes and translate ambitious pipelines into completed homes and operational communities will define success in the months to come. We are strengthening our delivery platform and maintaining momentum across our portfolio to meet commitments made to our customers.”
Mohammad Tahaineh, Chief Project Officer, DAMAC Properties, said: “Having delivered more than 50,000 homes at scale, the next 55,000+ demand rigorous control at every stage. Our disciplined programme management enables us to closely track procurement, quality, contractor performance and site productivity; anticipating and mitigating risks before they affect delivery schedules. This operational resilience has kept construction progressing throughout 2026, despite significant geopolitical pressures on global supply chains.”
Handovers are accelerating across Dubai, with nearly 25,000 new homes completed in the first half of 2026, representing a 36 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. 1 Cushman & Wakefield Core research states 13,200+ units were delivered in Dubai during Q2 2026 alone, with approximately 32,000 additional units expected in the second half of the year. 2 This increase in handovers places greater emphasis on construction capacity, contractor performance and developers’ ability to convert project pipelines into completed homes.
With more than 55,000 units and over 100 million sq. ft. of project area in planning and development, DAMAC will focus on completing its targeted 8,800-plus handovers through 2026, while mobilising newly awarded construction packages. These works establish the base for the next phase of deliveries in 2027 and beyond.
DAMAC Lagoons makes up the largest component of DAMAC’s 2026 delivery programme, with approximately 6,300 homes targeted for handover, compared with around 513 in 2025. Overall infrastructure, landscaping and associated works have exceeded 80 per cent completion. The community features approximately 177,000 sq. m of water bodies, equivalent to around 141 Olympic-size swimming pools, commissioned in phases alongside residential and infrastructure works.
At DAMAC Hills, approximately 85 per cent of the community has been completed and handed over. This year, dozens of luxury residences are being handed over across Cavalli Estates and Utopia. At DAMAC Hills 2, more than 1,500 villas will be handed over in 2026. DAMAC is also progressing handovers at Chic Tower in Business Bay and Elegance Tower in Downtown Dubai, extending the delivery programme across the company’s high-rise portfolio.
Strategic contractor appointments, early procurement, bulk sourcing and technology-enabled project oversight are aiding DAMAC to meet its ambitious handover targets. Monthly quality and safety assessments measure project and contractor performance against defined benchmarks, supported by site inspections and corrective-action plans where required.
Ahmad Marouf, a homeowner at DAMAC Lagoons, said: “From the progress updates to the final inspection and handover, the process was well managed. Seeing the home and wider DAMAC Lagoons community come together was particularly rewarding. The quality of the residence, landscaping and family-focused amenities reflects what was promised, and my family and I are happy to call this vibrant community home.”
1 Dubai’s real estate sector completes 104 projects valued at over AED111 billion in H1 2026
2 MARKETBEAT- Residential Q2 2026, Dubai, UAE | Cushman & Wakefield Core
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4, Sep 2026
DAHON TECH Announces 2026 Interim Results; Revenue and Profit Record Strong Growth
HONG KONG and SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DAHON TECH (HKEX: 2543), a leading global folding bicycle company, announced its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2026.
For the first half of 2026, the Company recorded revenue of approximately US$73 million, representing a 53.7% yoy increase. Gross profit margin rose to 35.2%, up 1.7 percentage points yoy. Profit attributable to owners of the Company amounted to approximately US$10 million, representing a 72.3% yoy increase, while net profit margin reached 13.2%, yoy up 1.0 percentage point.
Meanwhile, online direct-sales revenue in China increased by yoy 84.3%, while sales in international markets grew by 86.6%.
Six key areas contributed to the Company’s robust growth:
01 | Brand Reach and Digital Community Continued to Expand
In China, 170 million impressions are generated across its brand channels, representing a 67% yoy increase, while the number of new social media followers jumped 356% year over year.
Internationally, DAHON continued to expand its presence at major global bicycle industry events, including EUROBIKE, the China International Cycle Show, and Taipei Cycle, with brand exposure across its international channels growing 39% year over year.
02 | Proprietary Technology and Patent Portfolio Drove Competitive Edge
Today, DAHON held 175 valid patents worldwide, including 66 invention patents. The Company continued to strengthen its proprietary DAHON-V Tech and advance its tri-fold frame technology. By integrating engineering simulation and AI applications into manufacturing, DAHON further improved product development and operational efficiency.
03 | Diversified Product Portfolio Supported Broad-Based Growth
Strong demand for several key models contributed to improved operating efficiency and overall business performance.
In China, the P10 and P8 continued to gain traction among both everyday cyclists and cycling enthusiasts, while the tri-fold LUNDEN M7 showcased DAHON’s innovation through its incorporation of DAHON-V Tech. Internationally, the ultralight K-Feather (12 kg) became a bestseller in the U.S. and Europe, and the Mariner D8 II was named “Best Folding Bike” by The New York Times for three consecutive years.
04 | Omnichannel Strategy Delivered Double-Digit Growth Across All Markets
In China, DAHON’s brick-and-mortar network spans more than 30 provinces, with over 1,000 retail outlets. The Company ranked first by transaction value in the folding bicycle category on Tmall for 10 consecutive months and on JD.com for 18 consecutive months, while online direct-sales revenue increased by 84.3% year over year.
Internationally, distributor conferences took place in Thailand and Vietnam, contributing more than 10 new A-level branded stores in Asia. DAHON continued to strengthen its localized distribution networks in Europe and the Americas.
05 | Eco 360° Program Expanded Licensing and Partnership Revenue Base
To encourage an open, collaborative platform built around DAHON’s technologies, brand and core components, the Program had licensed DAHON’s patented component technologies to more than nine industry peers and had more than 18 brand-licensing partners. The program has also expanded into product categories that include mountain bicycles and children’s bicycles.
06 | Digital Transformation Drove Manufacturing and Operational Excellence
DAHON’s new Huizhou factory has upgraded smart manufacturing and supply chain systems, improving order fulfillment capabilities while maintaining high product quality-control pass rates. A product lifecycle management (PLM) system now enables end-to-end digital management — from components and assembly through to outbound shipping. AI-powered tools for information retrieval and fault identification further streamline operations.
In the second half of 2026, DAHON TECH will focus on brand diversification, product innovation, technology advancement, supply-chain optimisation and targeted acquisitions. The Company will expand tri-fold, carbon-fibre and e-assist portfolios, driving production growth and intelligent manufacturing at its new Huizhou facility. Meanwhile, DAHON-V Tech will be further advanced, alongside targeted acquisitions in new materials and core technologies to strengthen competitiveness.
Note: This press release has been prepared based on publicly available information contained in DAHON TECH’s 2026 interim results announcement. U.S. dollar figures are provided for the convenience of international readers and have been translated from RMB for reference only. The Company’s financial results are reported in RMB. This press release does not constitute investment advice.
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4, Sep 2026
Stronger Won Signals New Business Shift for South Korean Companies
Seoul, Sep 4: South Korea’s strengthening currency is creating a mixed business environment, offering relief to importers and companies dependent on overseas inputs while putting pressure on exporters as the won climbs to its strongest level in more than a year.
The won closed at around 1,350.4 per US dollar on Friday, its strongest level in 14 months, after falling into the 1,340-won range during intraday trading. The currency has gained significantly from its recent lows as the dollar weakened and market expectations around US interest rates shifted.
For Korean businesses that import raw materials, energy and equipment, a stronger won can reduce the local-currency cost of overseas purchases. This could provide some relief to companies facing higher input costs and help improve margins if the currency remains firm.
Export-oriented companies, however, face a different challenge. A stronger won can make Korean products relatively more expensive in overseas markets and reduce the value of foreign earnings when they are converted back into the local currency. This is particularly important for major exporters in sectors such as electronics, automobiles and machinery.
At the same time, South Korea’s technology sector continues to benefit from strong global demand. The country’s recent export performance has been led by semiconductors, with demand linked to artificial intelligence providing significant support to chipmakers and the wider technology supply chain.
Investor confidence has also improved. The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.64% to 6,687.21 on Friday, while foreign investors remained active buyers of Korean equities. Semiconductor companies were among the major beneficiaries of the improved market sentiment.
The currency’s gains also come against the backdrop of substantial foreign-exchange activity linked to SK Hynix. South Korean authorities reportedly purchased about $20 billion of dollars repatriated by the chipmaker following its US listing, highlighting the scale of capital flows influencing the won.
For businesses, the direction of the won will therefore remain important in the coming months. A stable currency could support import costs and business confidence, while a rapid appreciation could become a concern for exporters competing in global markets.
With semiconductor demand remaining strong and foreign investment flowing into Korean assets, the stronger won is emerging as an important factor for corporate earnings, trade competitiveness and investment decisions across South Korea.
