Newswire Pakistan

Tag: MENA

  • The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 with DaVinci Gourmet: the global coffee ranking will be unveiled in Madrid

    The list will be announced on February 16 during CoffeeFest Madrid, after evaluating more than 15,000 coffee shops from around the world

    A key benchmark for the global coffee community: over 800 industry experts and 350,000 public votes shaped the final ranking

    The list reflects the rise of quality coffee in countries such as the United States, Australia, Colombia, Peru, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico, Korea, UAE, Chile and Spain

    MADRID, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The new edition of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops with Davinci Gourmet will be officially announced on February 16 at 1:00 PM during CoffeeFest Madrid, the international event that brings together the best of the coffee world.

    After evaluating more than 15,000 coffee shops worldwide and combining the insights of over 800 expert judges with 350,000 public votes, this ranking has become a global guide for specialty coffee and high-quality coffee experiences.

    The list highlights both emerging and consolidated coffee scenes in countries such as the United States, Australia, Colombia, Peru, The Philippines and Spain, showcasing the strength of a global movement that continues to grow across regions.

    “This ranking is more than just a list of exceptional coffee shops; it’s a snapshot of the cultural, creative, and professional moment coffee is experiencing around the world,” says César Ramírez, CEO of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops with DaVinci Gourmet.

    “Our partnership with The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and passion in the coffee world. As a global beverage solutions brand that champions the café culture and coffee community, we at DaVinci Gourmet are proud to support an initiative that recognises the most inspiring coffee shops on the planet — evaluated by experts, voted by coffee lovers,” says Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager, Foodservice Brands, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.

    A global evaluation process

    To ensure a fair, rigorous, and representative process, the ranking relies on an international jury made up of more than 800 professionals from the coffee and gastronomy sectors, who lead the evaluation in different regions around the world.

    The selection process combines expert criteria (70%) and public voting (30%), ensuring a comprehensive, diverse, and representative perspective of the sector.

    The evaluation criteria, applied uniformly around the world, are:

    Coffee quality: The flavour profile, aroma, consistency, and use of high-quality beans are assessed.

    Barista expertise: The skill and knowledge of baristas are key. Their ability to craft exceptional beverages, understand coffee origins, and master various preparation techniques is valued.

    Sustainability practices: Commitment to ethically sourced beans, environmentally friendly practices, and local community engagement is considered.

    Customer service: Exceptional service translates into a memorable experience. Staff attentiveness, friendliness, and knowledge are evaluated.

    Ambience and atmosphere: The setting is crucial to the overall experience. Décor, seating layout, lighting, music, and the overall vibe of the place are all analysed.

    Food and pastry quality: While coffee is the main focus, the quality and variety of accompanying food and pastries are also important.

    Innovation: Coffee shops that stand out for their creativity, innovative brewing techniques, and unique offerings are recognised.

    Consistency: Maintaining high standards of quality and service, regardless of the time or occasion, is essential.

    The selected coffee shops stand out not only for their coffee offering, but also for their ability to deliver an integral, distinctive, and consistent experience over time.

    The international jury is made up of leading figures from the coffee, gastronomy, and hospitality industries. Among the professionals leading the regional evaluations are Kat Melheim and Pack Katisomsakul (North America), Michalis Dimitrakopoulos and Dara Santana (Europe), Darveris Rivas (South America), Tanty Hartono, Sunghee Tark, and Mariam Erin (Asia and the Middle East), Jack Simpson (Oceania), and Jolie Marlene (Africa). This global committee ensures an inclusive and expert-driven perspective, capable of reflecting the richness, evolution, and diversity of the coffee ecosystem on a global scale.

    A global stage: CoffeeFest Madrid

    The award ceremony will take place during CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, Europe’s leading festival for quality coffee and trendsetting hospitality, which will be held from February 14 to 16 at IFEMA Madrid. Organised by Neodrinks, CoffeeFest is an international gathering for brands, roasters, professionals, and coffee lovers who want to stay at the forefront of global coffee culture.

    About Neodrinks
    Neodrinks is a platform focused on activating trends in hospitality, food & beverage, and commerce. It is behind leading industry initiatives such as The Drinks Show, Madrid Cocktail Week, Top Cocktail Bars, and CoffeeFest, and it organises the official championships of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) in Spain.

    About DaVinci Gourmet

    DaVinci Gourmet is a global beverage brand that emphasizes innovation and sustainability while offering beverage solutions for the Foodservice channels. At DaVinci Gourmet, our passion for coffee is at the heart of everything we do. We provide a vibrant palette of authentic flavors crafted from the highest quality ingredients, empowering drink artists to create their next masterpieces. ​

    Sponsors

    The 2026 edition of The World’s 100 Best with DaVinci Gourmet Coffee Shops is supported by DaVinci Gourmet as Global and Title Sponsor; Slayer, Markibar, Cropster, and CoffeeFest Madrid as Main Sponsors; and Fidatec and the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (Craft Specialty Coffees) as Sponsors. Their commitment strengthens the international reach of this initiative and reinforces coffee’s value as a cultural and gastronomic force.

    Media inquiries or interviews:
    Be Cooltural
    [email protected]

    GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001162859

  • WENDEL: Agreement to sell Stahl, the global leader in specialty coatings for flexible materials, to Henkel

    PRESS RELEASE – FEBRUARY 4, 2026

    Agreement to sell Stahl, the global leader in specialty coatings for flexible materials, to Henkel

    Estimated net proceeds of €1.2 billion for Wendel, representing an annualized IRR of over 15% since 2006

    Wendel (Euronext: MF.FP) announces it has entered into an agreement to sell its stake in Stahl (excluding Muno) for an enterprise value of €2.1 billion to Henkel, a German-headquartered global coatings and adhesives leader serving a broad range of industrial and consumer end markets. Henkel benefits from a strong track record in innovation, technology leadership and sustainability.

    The contemplated transaction values Stahl at a level that would yield total net proceeds at completion (after debt and transaction costs) of c.€1.2 billion for Wendel. This corresponds to a multiple of 6.6 times (net) Wendel’s total investment since 2006, including €427m of past proceeds thanks to Stahl’s robust cash generation. This represents an annualized IRR of over 15% over 20 years. This compares with a value of €960 million in Wendel’s net asset value (“NAV”) published before the transaction announcement, as of September 30, 2025.

    In addition to Wendel (68.5% of the capital), BASF (16.1%), Clariant (14.6%) and other minority shareholders will also sell their interests in Stahl to Henkel. The transaction is subject to mandatory consultation processes and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

    A 20-year successful transformation and development under Wendel’s ownership

    Stahl is the global leader in specialty coatings for flexible materials. The Group benefits from favourable end-market trends – particularly in premium consumer segments – strong exposure to high-growth regions (such as Asia), and a product portfolio driven by sustainable, water-based technologies. In addition, Stahl has successfully built attractive positions in fast-growing niches for specialty coatings. The early identification of consolidation and expansion opportunities, combined with rigorous financial discipline throughout Wendel’s ownership, has enabled Stahl to broaden its expertise and further strengthen its market leadership.

    Between 2006 and 2024, under Wendel’s ownership, Stahl’s global sales nearly tripled, from €316 million to €930 million (including wet-end leather chemicals activities, now operating under Muno and not part of the current transaction). This remarkable growth was supported by a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Clariant’s Leather Services business in 2013, Eagle performance in 2016, BASF’s Leather Chemicals business in 2017, ICP Industrial Solutions Group in 2023, and Weilburger Graphics in 2024.

    Over the same period, Stahl’s profitability improved materially, with adjusted operating income increasing fourfold, from €44 million to €181 million, and adjusted operating margin expanding by 550 bps to 19.5% in 2024.

    In parallel, Stahl has established itself as a recognized ESG frontrunner in its industry. The Group has built a leading sustainability track record, reflected in four consecutive Ecovadis Platinum ratings since 2021, set ambitious SBTi validated reduction targets, and developed strong capabilities in sustainable innovation. With a product portfolio increasingly aligned with customer sustainability expectations and tightening regulatory requirements, Stahl is well positioned to support its customers’ ESG transition while delivering long-term, responsible growth.

    Early 2026, Stahl announced the completion of its multi-year strategic transformation, marking its evolution into a pure-play speciality coatings formulator for flexible materials, by divesting its wet-end leather chemicals activities. The wet-end business is now a standalone company named Muno, majority-owned by Wendel, together with minority shareholders BASF and Clariant.

    Laurent Mignon, Wendel Group CEO, commented: “Over the last 20 years, Wendel has worked alongside Stahl’s talented and committed management teams to transform the company into the undisputed global leader in its sector. After two decades of active support, we are proud to see Stahl continue its industrial and commercial development within an industrial leader such as Henkel.

    The transaction announced today is fully in line with our capital allocation strategy announced during our December 2025 Capital Market Day and is a great illustration of the quality of Wendel Principal Investments (WPI) assets and the cautiousness of their value in our Net Asset Value, with a value to be realized representing a premium of over 20%. It also represents a first successful illustration of the efficiency of the advisory mandate given to IK Partners.

    The sale of Stahl is a key milestone in the execution of the roadmap presented early December and will allow Wendel to fulfil its objectives of long-term value creation through its private assets investments, the development of Wendel Investment Managers (WIM) as a first-class private asset management platform and superior return to shareholders. It will allow us to execute the share buyback programme as announced at the Capital Market Day, after the release of our 2025 earnings.”

    Maarten Heijbroek, CEO of Stahl: “We are deeply grateful to Wendel for the long-term partnership and support that have shaped Stahl’s trajectory over the past two decades. Under Wendel’s ownership, Stahl has undergone a significant transformation into a focused, pure‑play specialty coatings company with a strong global footprint, strengthened technologies, and a resilient market position. This transformation means we are now well‑positioned for further growth.”

    As we move into our next chapter under the Henkel umbrella, we believe this transaction will further strengthen our leadership position in specialty coatings for flexible materials. Henkel’s strong innovation capabilities will further enhance the value we deliver to our customers, and our shared values make this a natural and exciting next step for Stahl.”

    Agenda 

    Thursday, February 26, 2026
    Full-Year 2025 Results – Publication of NAV as of December 31, 2025, and Full-Year consolidated financial statements (before-market release)

    Thursday, April 23, 2026
    Q1 2026 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of March 31, 2026 (before-market release)

    Thursday, May 21, 2026
    Annual General Meeting

    Thursday, July 30, 2026
     H1 2026 results – Publication of NAV as of June 30, 2026, and condensed Half-Year consolidated financial statements (before-market release)

    About Wendel
    Wendel is one of Europe’s leading listed investment firms. Regarding its Principal Investments strategy, the Group invests in companies which are leaders in their field, such as ACAMS, Bureau Veritas, Crisis Prevention Institute, Globeducate, IHS Towers, Scalian, Stahl, Muno and Tarkett. In 2023, Wendel initiated a strategic shift into third-party asset management of private assets, alongside its historical principal investment activities. In May 2024, Wendel completed the acquisition of a 51% stake in IK Partners, a major step in the deployment of its strategic expansion in third-party private asset management ,completed in March 2025 the acquisition of 72% of Monroe Capital and announced the acquisition of Committed Advisors in October 2025. As of September 30, 2025, Wendel Investment Managers manages 46 billion euros on behalf of third-party investors, pro forma of the acquisition of Committed Advisors, and c.5.3 billion euros invested in its Principal Investments activity.
    Wendel is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris.
    Standard & Poor’s ratings: Long-term: BBB, stable outlook – Short-term: A-2

    Wendel is the Founding Sponsor of Centre Pompidou-Metz. In recognition of its long-term patronage of the arts, Wendel received the distinction of “Grand Mécène de la Culture” in 2012.

    For more information: wendelgroup.com
    Follow us on LinkedIn @Wendel 

    Press contacts  Analyst and investor contacts
    Christine Anglade: +33 6 14 04 03 87 Olivier Allot: +33 1 42 85 63 73
    [email protected] [email protected]
    Caroline Decaux: +33 1 42 85 91 27 Lucile Roch: +33 1 42 85 63 72
    [email protected] [email protected]
    Primatice
    Olivier Labesse: +33 6 79 11 49 71
    [email protected]
    Hugues Schmitt: +33 6 71 99 74 58
    [email protected]
    Kekst CNC
    Todd Fogarty: +1 212 521 4854
    [email protected]

    Attachment

    GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001162917

  • Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    Sima Ganwani Ved Hosts Exclusive VIP Evening to Mark UAE Launch of Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture Collection at Nysaa

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group, hosted an exclusive VIP evening at her residence to celebrate the UAE launch of the Kay Beauty × Falguni Shane Peacock (FSP) Kay Kouture Collection, now available at Nysaa, an omnichannel multi-brand beauty destination, created as a JV between Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and lifestyle company and Apparel Group, multibillion dollar conglomerate since 1996 based in Dubai, UAE. The event marked a key milestone in the brand’s regional journey and reinforced Nysaa’s strategy of introducing culturally resonant, design-led collaborations to the Middle East market.

    The private event brought together celebrated designers Falguni Shane Peacock, alongside Falguni Nayar, Founder, Executive Chairperson, MD and CEO of Nykaa, and a distinguished guest list of Dubai socialites, celebrities, media, and leading fashion and beauty creators. Designed as an intimate and highly curated experience, the evening reflected a deliberate shift toward experiential launches that prioritise storytelling, craftsmanship, and meaningful engagement over traditional retail unveilings.

    Kay Beauty, India’s largest celebrity beauty brand co-founded by Katrina Kaif and Nykaa, unveiled a limited-edition collection in collaboration with India’s leading couture label, FSP. The range features 12 full-coverage, ultra-luxurious matte bullet lipsticks with a lightweight, creamy feel, alongside two statement face palettes, each designed with FSP’s signature aesthetic and inspired by the richness of Indian heritage.

    A central highlight of the evening was a designer-inspired beauty showcase, featuring curated beauty expressions inspired by the Kay Beauty × FSP collaboration. The showcase reimagined couture craftsmanship through makeup artistry, celebrating the intersection of high-fashion aesthetics and modern beauty.

    Guests were hosted at a refined private dinner curated by Mrs. Ved, creating a setting that encouraged meaningful conversation and connection. Thoughtfully curated Kay Beauty × FSP gifting offered attendees a tactile introduction to the collection, reinforcing its attention to detail, craftsmanship, and premium positioning.

    The UAE launch of the collection through Nysaa reflects broader focus on building beauty platforms that blend global relevance with regional insight. By bringing Kay Beauty × FSP Kay Kouture to Nysaa, Nykaa and Apparel Group continues to strengthen its beauty portfolio while championing collaborations rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and modern luxury.

    About Apparel Group:

    Apparel Group is a multibillion-dollar conglomerate since 1996 based in Dubai, UAE, with a growing network of 2,500+ stores and a diverse portfolio of 85+ international brands across 14 countries. The Group has established a strong presence in the GCC—Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman—and continues to expand across key markets including India, Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Egypt. Offering an integrated omni-channel experience, Apparel Group represents global names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Skechers, ALDO, Charles & Keith, and Tim Hortons. Its sustained growth is driven by a multicultural workforce of 27,000+ and steered under the leadership of its founders, Sima Ganwani Ved and Nilesh Ved.

    About Nysaa:

    Nysaa is a premium omnichannel beauty destination in the GCC, born from a strategic partnership between Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and lifestyle company, and the Apparel Group, one of the region’s largest retail conglomerates. Blending global expertise with regional insight, Nysaa offers a curated portfolio of international and homegrown beauty brands across makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrance. With a growing footprint across physical stores and digital platforms, Nysaa delivers immersive beauty experiences, expert-led services and trend-forward discovery, redefining how consumers in the Middle East explore and engage with beauty. Rooted in innovation, curation and customer-first thinking, Nysaa is building a new benchmark for beauty retail in the region.

    About Kay Beauty

    Founded in 2019, Kay Beauty is one of India’s leading makeup brands co-founded by Actor and Global Icon, Katrina Kaif and India’s leading beauty and lifestyle destination Nykaa. In just five years,it has emerged as one of India’s most loved and fastest-growing beauty brands. It has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including Vogue India’s Beauty Brand of the Year 2022 and several industry awards for innovation. With strong digital engagement and collaborations with leading beauty experts, Kay Beauty continues to set new benchmarks in the Indian beauty landscape. Drawing from Katrina’s personal journey and experiences with make-up, each Kay Beauty product is designed to deliver results whilst nourishing the skin. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like chamomile, marula oil, ceramides, lychee extract, and avocado butter, the brand’s #MakeupThatKares philosophy ensures a seamless blend of care, comfort, and long-lasting wear. Kay Beauty is more than just a makeup brand, it’s a movement that celebrates authenticity and encourages self-expression.

    [email protected]

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb36c615-7430-4d03-8a3e-bc0817c6018b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba5d3361-6ef1-443e-8189-6cf36d3bf736

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/429fda32-12da-43f3-898b-83c1671636be

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2180cf4-692c-4a34-9f5d-9464c3403521

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed64285c-6f76-4c6e-be17-01bb26a41c2c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50051ff1-2d33-4acc-9413-40fd7c3f32dc

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6cae2245-e683-4c21-9b67-79b0441de75d

    GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9647784

  • Pakistan to Host Indus AI Week 2026, a Five-Day National Platform Advancing Artificial Intelligence

    Significant milestone in the country’s digital journey, bringing together government leadership, international industry pioneers, academia, and the youth to accelerate AI awareness and practical adoption.

    Indus AI Week

    MOITT is holding the first ever AI week in Pakistan

    Islamabad, Pakistan, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pakistan will host Indus AI Week 2026 from 9 to 15 February 2026, a five-day national platform on artificial intelligence led by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication. The week-long engagement marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital journey, bringing together government leadership, international industry pioneers, academia, and the youth to accelerate AI awareness and practical adoption. The program is designed as a multi layered platform to move artificial intelligence from policy discussion into real world engagement through three strategic pillars: a high level summit, an innovation arena, and nationwide activities.

    The programme will commence with the Indus AI Summit, which will convene on 9 February 2026 in Islamabad, as the central national forum for articulating Pakistan’s strategic direction on Sovereign Artificial Intelligence, while engaging global experts on the trajectory and implications of Artificial General Intelligence. The Summit is convened as a closed, execution-focused engagement designed to move beyond conceptual debate toward realistic national choices on AI systems, infrastructure, institutions, and long-term capability.

    Indus AI Week 9-15 Feb, 2026

    Pakistan will host the five-day Indus AI Week 2026 (Feb 9-15) to advance national AI. It features a high-level summit, an innovation arena, and nationwide activities.

    The Indus AI Summit will convene a rare assembly of global leaders shaping the future of Sovereign AI and AGI, with direct experience in building, governing, and operating intelligence at national and planetary scale. Confirmed participants include H.E. Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, a global authority on AI as a national capability, Dr Randolph Goebel, one of the world’s leading experts on AGI and large-scale cognitive systems, Dominic Williams, Founder of the DFINITY Foundation and a leading voice on open and sovereign AI ecosystems, and Dr Michael Sung, a recognised expert on AI platforms, innovation economics, and system-level technology trajectories.

    The dialogue will further benefit from senior practitioners operating at the intersection of policy and execution, including Omar Rana, Chair of the Open Mind Institute, Siim Sikkut, former Government CIO of Estonia, Dr Sanjeeva Weerawarana, Founder and CEO of WSO2, and Dr Esther Baldwin, with deep expertise in applied and industrial-scale AI systems. Together with policymakers, system architects, and investors from across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the Summit will focus on AGI trajectories, sovereign AI choices, national compute and capital pathways, trust and accountability mechanisms, and the institutional architectures required to deploy intelligence responsibly, securely, and at scale.

    The Summit will culminate in the issuance of the Islamabad AI Declaration, a concise statement of national intent setting out Pakistan’s principles and execution priorities for Sovereign AI and AGI, including national positions on compute access, data stewardship, trust frameworks, institutional responsibility, and international engagement. The Declaration is intended to guide practical implementation across government and the broader economy, rather than serve as a purely aspirational policy statement.

    Following the Summit, Indus AI Week will transition into the Innovation, Learning, and Engagement Arena, taking place on 9 and 10 February 2026 in Islamabad. The Arena is designed as a delivery-focused platform to translate strategic intent into practical capability, hosting a curated suite of eleven flagship programmes spanning skills, innovation, and applied experimentation. Key initiatives include Uraan AI Techathon 1.0, Pakistan’s first national AI-focused techathon, the AI for Her initiative, and the National AI Training Bootcamp, alongside specialised tracks such as the AI Wrapper Competition, Game Jam, and Cloud Credit Sprint. Collectively, these programmes enable participants to move from ideation to scalable solutions across priority sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and fintech.

    The Arena will feature strong representation from Pakistan’s domestic technology sector, highlighting the growing maturity and depth of the national AI ecosystem. Participating organisations include Devsinc, Netsol, Snsskies, Zemotify, and WAI Advance Industries. These companies and their leadership will demonstrate Pakistan’s readiness to compete and collaborate within the global AI economy.

    Interactive and experiential components will further deepen engagement, including a Technology and Innovation Hub for startups, an Industry Expo, and dedicated GovTech and DefenceTech Showcases. Attendees will also experience the AR, VR, and Robotics Showcase, featuring locally developed hardware and applied innovations, alongside the Indus eSports Championship, highlighting the convergence of AI, gaming, and immersive technologies. In parallel, co-branded activities will be hosted by universities and institutions across Pakistan to ensure broad-based national participation beyond the main venue.

    The scale and ambition of Indus AI Week 2026 are supported by a strong ecosystem of sponsors and strategic partners. Jazz and PTCL Ufone lead private-sector participation as primary sponsors, complemented by partnerships with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), P@SHA, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Ignite National Technology Fund, and the Special Education Department. Technical support is provided by the Special Communications Organization (SCO), Uraan Pakistan, and the Centre for Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA).

    Together, these engagements position Indus AI Week 2026 as a national effort to strengthen Pakistan’s AI readiness, build indigenous capability, and enable meaningful collaboration with international partners and investors across the AI value chain, reinforcing Artificial Intelligence as a driver of economic growth, institutional performance, and long-term competitiveness.

    Attachments

    Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunications
7th Floor, Kohsar Block, Pak Secretariat, F-5, Islamabad, Pakistan. 
Contact: +92519219971 |  [email protected]

    GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9647783

  • Where business travelers are really going in 2026, according to Holafly

    Top business hubs 2026 by Holafly

    Top business hubs 2026 by Holafly

    DUBLIN, Ireland, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After the sharp rebound of 2025, companies are moving into a more deliberate phase of mobility. At this point, everybody knows that travel is no longer about clocking miles or filling calendars; it’s about being in the right place, at the right time, for the right reason, so deals close naturally.

    Holafly’s latest global insights revealed a couple of months ago that eight in ten professionals expect to travel internationally in 2026, while only a small minority plan to stay fully domestic. The implication is hard to ignore: business has no barriers anymore.

    But in 2026, corporate mobility is gravitating toward a familiar yet powerful set of cities; places where deals are signed, partnerships are formed and decisions move faster simply because the ecosystem is already there. Holafly asked more than 10,000 respondents in its Global eSIM & Travel Report 2025–2026, and the business hubs for 2026 appeared clearly.

    Top hubs for European: Top hubs for North American: Top hubs for South American: Top hubs for Asians: Top hubs for Africans: Top hubs for Oceania:
    1 US Canada US US UAB US
    2 UK UK Spain Japan France Singapore
    3 France Germany Argentina Singapore US UK

    Business travelers aren’t chasing novelty, instead, they’re reinforcing the routes that already work and the hubs that historically have worked for them, where trust is established, infrastructure is mature and time spent on the ground delivers measurable outcomes.

    “At the end of the day, all the signals point in the same direction,” says Alex Bryszkowski, VP of Holafly for Business. “In 2026, business travel isn’t about how often teams fly, but about what happens when they land. The strongest hubs are the ones that allow people to focus on building relationships, moving projects forward and making decisions that actually matter, and where staying connected, secure and at ease is never a concern.”

    As business travel becomes more intentional, being able to rely on the same digital tools wherever work takes teams is no longer optional. For global companies, solutions like Holafly for Business play a key role in ensuring professionals arrive ready to work from day one, with the peace of mind required to focus on what really matters.

    About Holafly
    Holafly is the global leader in eSIMs for travelers, offering coverage in over 200 destinations. With an outstanding 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot and more than 15 million satisfied users, it has become the preferred eSIM choice for international travelers. Its unlimited data offering ensures peace of mind anywhere in the world.

    Contact: [email protected]

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/edc4f38c-0fd8-40ec-9def-49e24f5871a9

    GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001161705

  • CGTN: More than a journey: How Spring Festival travel rush reflects a changing China

    The 2026 Spring Festival travel rush begins on February 2 and will run for 40 days, ending on March 13. Ahead of this annual migration, CGTN published a feature article exploring how the event has transcended its role as a transport phenomenon, becoming a unique lens through which to view China’s social transformation.

    BEIJING, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Under the glow of floodlights at a maintenance base in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, rows of silver bullet trains stand in perfect formation. From above, the assembly resembles a fleet of land-based aircraft carriers ready for service.

    This is one of the launchpads across China for the world’s largest human migration: chunyun. The 40-day annual Spring Festival travel rush officially begins at the stroke of midnight on February 2, ahead of the country’s most important holiday.

    This year, chunyun is set to shatter all previous records. Official estimates predict a staggering 9.5 billion inter-regional passenger trips over the 40-day period, which runs through March 13.

    Driven by a nine-day holiday, the longest in recent memory, the 2026 rush is more than a logistical feat; it is a vivid window into China’s social transformation.

    Resilience of Chinese logistics
    As with every year, the 2026 chunyun stands as a spectacle of logistics. Officials project that self-driving will remain the dominant mode of transport, accounting for roughly 80 percent of all trips. Meanwhile, rail and civil aviation are expected to reach historic peaks, with passenger volumes hitting 540 million and 95 million, respectively.

    Behind these numbers lies a sophisticated, multi-tiered infrastructure. To support the surge in electric vehicles, the Ministry of Transport has expanded the highway charging network to 71,500 charging points. Travelers can use a special mini-program to monitor real-time charger availability, while mobile emergency charging units have been deployed during peak hours.

    Complementing the highways, China’s railway system – now bolstered by a high-speed network exceeding 50,000 kilometers – utilizes advanced ticketing and extensive infrastructure to ensure a seamless, high-capacity journey.

    Safety remains the ultimate priority. As cold fronts threaten northern and central regions with snow and ice, the China Meteorological Administration and emergency departments have pre-positioned de-icing equipment and specialized rescue teams. High-tech tools, including drones and helicopters, stand ready for rapid response. Officials say chunyun coordination is a massive operation involving more than 20 government departments.

    Heartwarming service
    In a deeper commitment to passenger comfort, this year’s travel rush features more “heartwarming services” catering to the diverse needs of millions, transforming a massive migration into a personalized experience.

    A key highlight is the expansion of “quiet carriages.” Now available on over 8,000 high-speed trains, these carriages offer a haven for passengers seeking a peaceful journey. Broadcast volumes are capped at 40 percent, and crew members provide “silent” service, replacing loud announcements with gentle assistance. Staff also offer free disposable earplugs and fun packs, including picture books, to keep young children entertained and calm.

    At major airports and rail stations, efforts are underway to close the digital divide. Central to this are “Silver Hair” services, allowing seniors to travel with dignity and ease. At Shijiazhuang Airport in north China, for instance, travelers aged 80 and above enjoy priority check-in and boarding.

    Travel is also becoming more inclusive for families, including their four-legged members. In central China’s Henan Province, “Pet Rail” services have expanded from one station to four, allowing travelers to book specialized transport crates via the 12306 app.

    The Chinese New Year
    The vast movement of people during chunyun is a collective journey home, culminating in the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, which falls on February 17 this year. Rooted in Chinese culture with celebrations of various forms, the festival marks the first day of the lunar calendar and symbolizes renewal and family unity. It carries a universal resonance of hope and aspirations for a better life.

    Core customs – family reunions, red decorations symbolizing prosperity, wishes for good fortune, festive family feasts, and creating traditional crafts such as lanterns – captivate cultural enthusiasts worldwide with their unique approach to welcoming the new year.

    Each year, the “Spring Festival Gala,” an annual TV program broadcast live by China Media Group and watched by billions worldwide, epitomizes China’s cultural appeal. With three rehearsals completed, the 2026 gala will continue to take shape in a festive and uplifting atmosphere, vividly reflecting China’s dynamism in a new era.

    On Chinese New Year’s Eve, CGTN also presented its flagship live special, “Super Night.” The program offered companion-style commentary on the CMG Spring Festival Gala in five languages – English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian – alongside a range of original features. These segments vividly showcased aspects of Chinese culture that captivate overseas audiences, including Spring Festival customs, intangible cultural heritage and traditional opera, helping global viewers better grasp the essence of Chinese culture and connect with it emotionally.

    For more information, please click here:
    https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-02-01/More-than-a-journey-How-chunyun-travel-rush-reflects-a-changing-China-1KptvLAeFPi/p.html

    Contact: [email protected]

    GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9647583