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Unlisted, a groundbreaking digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale yet, announced today that Tracy Shively of The Shively Team at Douglas Elliman, Mid-Atlantic has joined the platform, extending Unlisted’s presence across Northern Virginia. Tracy Shively will represent ZIP code 22066, offering buyers and homeowners a highly informed, relationship-driven approach rooted in decades of regional expertise.

Unlisted’s technology introduces a more thoughtful way to navigate real estate. Buyers can explore homes that match their long-term goals, not just those currently on the market. Homeowners gain early insight into interest around their property and the flexibility to engage on their own timeline. For real estate professionals, the platform provides tools that deepen neighborhood visibility, strengthen advisory relationships, and encourage more meaningful conversations.

Every home on Unlisted features a digital property profile created using publicly available data. Buyers can search, save, and organize these profiles into personalized collections, including properties that may not be actively listed. For homeowners, these profiles reveal demand and potential opportunities that often remain unseen in traditional real estate models.

Each participating agent on Unlisted is connected to a defined set of ZIP codes, with one agent assigned per area. This structure emphasizes trust, accountability, and deep local knowledge. As Unlisted continues to grow nationwide, the platform remains focused on transparency, connection, and a more intentional path to home decisions.

An associate broker and founder of The Shively Team at Douglas Elliman, Tracy Shively brings more than 35 years of experience across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Her career began in residential construction with a custom home builder and later expanded into leadership roles, including serving as a division manager at Brookfield Properties. These experiences inform a thoughtful, measured approach — one that helps sellers make confident decisions about preparation, positioning, and value.

Tracy is widely recognized for her trust, integrity, market insight, and unwavering commitment to her clients. She delivers a concierge-level experience grounded in the belief that luxury is defined by service, care, and advocacy. A longtime resident of McLean, she remains actively involved in the community and serves on the boards of The Loudoun Serenity House and the McLean Community Foundation.

On joining Unlisted, Tracy Shively commented: 

“Today’s buyers and homeowners want more information and more control over their options. Unlisted creates space for those conversations to happen earlier and more thoughtfully, and I see real value in bringing that visibility to the communities I serve.”

Unlisted Founder and CEO Katie Hill shared:

“Tracy’s depth of experience, construction knowledge, and client-first philosophy align seamlessly with Unlisted’s mission. She exemplifies the level of professionalism and care we look for in our network, and we’re proud to welcome her to represent 22066.”

To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com. For Unlisted for Agents, visit UnlistedHomes.com/Agents.

To learn more about Tracy Shively, visit her Unlisted profile or connect through her website.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Maura Racz
maura@unlistedinc.com

Nevari today announced its positioning as the first AI-native enterprise infrastructure firm, defining a new category that challenges both traditional consulting models and platform-centric AI approaches. The company asserts that enterprises now require intelligence embedded directly into operational systems — not recommended from outside or visualised through dashboards — to achieve measurable operational performance.

Nevari identifies a persistent gap in enterprise AI deployment: while organisations have invested heavily in strategy consulting and analytics platforms, execution velocity often remains constrained despite unified data and accelerated strategy cycles.

Nevari addresses this gap by deploying proprietary AI productivity systems directly into enterprise workflows, governance frameworks, and commercial engines. Where legacy firms advise on AI strategy and platforms provide data visibility, Nevari engineers and embeds AI-driven execution infrastructure designed to compress the gap between insight and operational outcome.

Operational Performance in Practice

Nevari's approach has been deployed across enterprise engagements in regulated and complex operating environments, including work with global organisations in food and beverage, private equity, and financial data platforms.

These outcomes resulted from embedding AI-driven execution infrastructure directly into workflows, governance layers, and commercial engines — rather than through advisory cycles or analytics deployments in isolation. Nevari structures engagements around quantified value discovery before scale deployment, reducing speculative AI spend.

Beyond Advisory and Platforms

Matthew Aizen, founder and CEO of Nevari, commented:

"Enterprise AI has been trapped between advisory abstraction and platform dependency. What boards actually need is structural accountability — systems that directly influence execution velocity and operational performance. AI should not be a parallel initiative; it should be embedded into how an organisation operates every day.

We built Nevari as infrastructure from day one. Not a consultancy adapting to AI. Not a platform retrofitting services. But a governance-first, performance-driven architecture designed to compress the gap between insight and operational outcome.

The shift we're seeing in the market is structural. Enterprises are no longer asking for strategy decks or dashboards — they are asking for measurable operational performance. That is where we operate."

AI as Commercial Infrastructure

Nevari's model integrates proprietary systems including VEKTOR (enterprise diagnostics), CAEL, and Yanus, deployed within client-controlled environments to maintain data sovereignty and intellectual property ownership. Unlike traditional SaaS licensing models, these systems are embedded as operational infrastructure, with commercial models explicitly aligned to operational performance, cost efficiency, and execution velocity.

The company's case portfolio demonstrates stabilisation within weeks, operational improvements within months, and sustained performance gains across regulated and complex operating environments. This compressed time-to-value is engineered through pre-deployment diagnostic quantification, embedded automation architecture, and continuous performance monitoring aligned to operational outcomes.

Nevari positions this approach as a response to a structural market shift. Boards increasingly demand measurable operational outcomes rather than exploratory AI experimentation, and enterprises require intelligence embedded into decision pathways, accountability for performance, and governance-integrated deployment. The company defines this convergence as AI-native execution infrastructure.

About Nevari

Nevari is a UK-based AI-native enterprise infrastructure firm redefining how large organisations deploy and operationalise artificial intelligence. Built from inception as an AI-first operating model, Nevari embeds intelligent automation and governance-driven AI systems directly into the core mechanics of enterprise execution. Operating across financial services, banking, private equity, healthcare, life sciences, retail, ecommerce, insurance, energy, technology, telecommunications, hospitality, automotive, manufacturing, aviation, R&D, media, logistics, infrastructure, real estate, and government, Nevari partners with complex, regulated organisations seeking structural productivity and operational optimisation. Its proprietary AI productivity architecture is engineered to deliver quantifiable operational impact — compressing inefficiencies, strengthening governance, and improving performance. Nevari continues to grow month-on-month as enterprises shift from advisory-led AI to infrastructure-led execution. For more information, visit www.nevari.com.

Media Contact

Simon Hemelryk
pr@nevari.com

Unlisted, a groundbreaking digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale — yet, announced today that Marilyn Wright of Sotheby’s International Realty has joined the platform, expanding Unlisted’s presence across Asheville and the greater Western North Carolina region. Wright will represent ZIP codes 28804, 28730, 28803, 28801, 28704, 28759, 28711, and 28787, bringing deep regional expertise and luxury market leadership to homeowners and buyers throughout the area.

Unlisted’s technology is designed to broaden how buyers, homeowners, and agents engage with real estate. Buyers can explore homes that align with long-term goals, not just those actively listed. Homeowners gain insight into demand for their property and can engage with interest on their own timeline. Real estate professionals benefit from tools that reinforce neighborhood presence, elevate advisory value, and support more informed conversations.

The platform uses publicly available data to create a digital property profile for every home in the country. Buyers can search, curate, and organize these profiles into personalized collections, including homes not currently on the market. For homeowners, these profiles provide clarity around interest and open the door to opportunities that might otherwise remain unseen.

Each real estate professional on Unlisted is assigned an agent profile connected to the homes within their designated ZIP codes. With one agent selected per ZIP, the program emphasizes trusted representation, market credibility, and local insight. As the network grows nationwide, Unlisted remains focused on transparency, connection, and more thoughtful engagement throughout the home journey.

Marilyn Wright is widely recognized as Asheville’s leading authority on luxury real estate and one of North Carolina’s most accomplished advisors. Ranked the No. 2 individual in the state for sales volume in the 2025 RealTrends Verified rankings with $108 million closed, she has consistently set records across Western North Carolina, including the two highest-priced residential sales in state history in 2024. A four-year top-producing global advisor, Marilyn is also among Sotheby’s International Realty’s Top 100 Advisors worldwide and a member of the firm’s exclusive Market Leaders network.

An eighth-generation Western North Carolinian, Marilyn combines deep regional knowledge with elevated marketing strategies and a background that includes 15 years of leadership in luxury homebuilding. Her work has been featured in Mansion Global, The Wall Street Journal, and RealTrends Verified, reflecting a career defined by discretion, insight, and results.

Marilyn Wright shared her perspective on joining Unlisted:

“Western North Carolina offers a unique blend of natural beauty, craftsmanship, and lifestyle. Unlisted creates a more intentional way for buyers and homeowners to explore what’s possible, and I’m excited to bring that approach to the communities I serve.”

Founder and CEO Katie Hill commented on the announcement:

“Marilyn exemplifies the level of expertise and integrity we look for in our agent partners. Her leadership in the luxury market and deep connection to Western North Carolina make her a powerful addition to the Unlisted network.”

To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com. For Unlisted for Agents, visit UnlistedHomes.com/Agents.

To learn more about Marilyn Wright, visit her Unlisted Profile or connect through her website.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Maura Racz
maura@unlistedinc.com

BNW Developments, the single largest private developer in Ras Al Khaimah, set the stage for a defining moment with the unveiling of the first Radisson Blu Hotel and Radisson Blu Residences in RAK Central, in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group. Led by senior leadership from both organisations and joined by prominent real estate and hospitality stakeholders, the reveal marked a bold new benchmark for branded hospitality and elevated urban living in the emirate.

The grand launch was attended by over 8,000 people, including the industry leaders of the real estate world. Electrifying performances by the UK band Blue and the Bollywood duo Armaan Malik and Amaal Mallik followed the two-project announcement.

Located within RAK Central, Ras Al Khaimah’s emerging commercial and lifestyle destination, the development brings Radisson Blu’s internationally recognised service standards and design ethos to a mixed-use address positioned at the heart of the emirate’s next phase of growth. With Al Marjan Island anchoring Ras Al Khaimah’s leisure-led identity, RAK Central is set to define its work-and-play district, a future business hub that integrates offices, residences, hospitality, and lifestyle in one connected urban core. This strategic positioning underpins BNW Developments’ investment in RAK Central as the emirate’s next engine of economic and community growth.

With a robust portfolio spanning more than 10 strategic projects in Ras Al Khaimah, BNW Developments has reinforced its scale in the northern emirate, underscoring its long-term commitment to shaping destination-led growth and delivering enduring value for residents, partners, and investors.

Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal, chairman and founder, BNW Developments said, "Radisson Blu Hotels and Residences mark a defining step in our Ras Al Khaimah vision, conceived to deliver durable investor returns alongside a globally benchmarked living experience. Positioned within RAK Central’s integrated Live-Work-Play ecosystem, it brings business, lifestyle, and hospitality into one cohesive address. Our partnership with Radisson Hotel Group introduces international brand depth and operational excellence, placing this development and BNW’s growing hospitality portfolio firmly within a global standard of distinction while strengthening long-term value and confidence.”

Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi, managing director and co-founder, BNW Developments remarked, "RAK Central is a clear statement of where Ras Al Khaimah is headed, and BNW is proud to help drive that momentum alongside partners of global caliber. Radisson Blu Hotel and Residences is designed to elevate both investor confidence and everyday lifestyle, bringing an international brand experience to a destination where living, working, and leisure come together seamlessly."

Radisson Blu Hotel, RAK Central will comprise 361 keys within a newly built property positioned above curated retail and cinema offerings, creating a vibrant, day-to-night address with strong destination pull. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel will feature five food and beverage venues, a rooftop terrace and pool bar, meeting and event spaces, a spa and gym, a business-class lounge, and a kids club.

Adjacent to the hotel, Radisson Blu Residences, RAK Central, will include 222 branded residences. Residents will enjoy dedicated hotel-delivered services, ensuring a seamless, internationally consistent experience, while benefiting from operational efficiencies and food and beverage synergies across the wider development.

Elie Milky, chief development officer, Middle East, NE Africa, Cyprus, and Greece, Radisson Hotel Group added, “This partnership with BNW Developments reflects our shared belief in Ras Al Khaimah’s momentum as both an investment market and a visitor destination. Entering RAK Central for the first time is an exciting step for us. With Radisson Blu Hotel and Residences, we’re bringing a premium hotel and residential offering that’s rooted in strong operations, consistent service, and the quality people expect from the Radisson Blu brand.”

As BNW Developments continues to expand its presence across Ras Al Khaimah at scale, Radisson Blu Hotel and Radisson Blu Residences, RAK Central stands as a milestone collaboration bringing a global hospitality brand into a district designed for the emirate’s future.  

About BNW Developments

BNW Developments is a premier UAE-based real estate developer with a gross development value exceeding AED 32 billion, led by Chairman and Founder Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal and Managing Director and Co-Founder Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi. Backed by a team of more than 500 professionals, BNW blends design intelligence with an investor-first strategy to deliver ultra-luxury developments that balance legacy, returns, and long-term value. Serving high-net-worth individuals, global investors, and leading financial institutions, BNW continues to set new benchmarks in quality, sustainability, and sophistication across the region. For more information, visit bnw.ae. 

Media Contact

Aashna Suresh
aashna.suresh@bnw.ae

Renty reported that demand for mobility services in the UAE has been supported by higher visitor flows and a growing share of online bookings, as residents and travel operators increasingly reserve transport through digital channels.

The shift is pushing rental platforms to compete on search, availability, and clear terms rather than offline sales. Demand in 2025 for different models, from economy sedans to luxury SUV rental on Renty.ae reflects the trend of user-friendly online bookings, as they were made through the Renty platform predominantly.

Founded in 2018, Renty has grown from a local luxury car rental service into a technology marketplace for car and yacht rentals in the UAE. In 2025, the company reported a 24% increase in website conversion, added 70 vehicles to its luxury fleet, and served clients from 163 countries, highlighting the platform’s international reach.

Renty Overview: Marketplace Model, Services, and Priorities

Dubai’s tourism growth is supporting demand for rental transport. In H1 2025, Dubai recorded about 9.88 million international overnight visitors, while average hotel occupancy reached 80.6%, highlighting how steady the city’s travel pipeline has become (The Economic Times). Against that backdrop, Renty operates in the UAE as a technology-led rental marketplace focused on service standards, automation, and customer experience. Founded by entrepreneur Yevhen Parokhod, the platform combines Renty’s own inventory with vehicles supplied by trusted partners, enabling a broader selection while maintaining consistent partner quality and service standards.

Fleet and services

Renty’s fleet is aimed at overcoming 2,200 cars in the near future, alongside more than 100 yachts available for charter. The platform offers hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly rentals, as well as leasing and lease-to-own options, with a “no deposit” policy, 24/7 customer support, and payment methods including cash, cards, and cryptocurrency.

Mission and vision

The company’s stated mission is to improve the UAE car rental market by introducing higher service standards, new products, and a more convenient, client-centric experience. Its long-term vision is to become a best-in-class car rental service, competing on service quality rather than discount-led pricing, Parokhod has said.

Digital product

Renty uses automation and end-to-end analytics across product, operations, and marketing, and has expanded mobile-first booking with an app for quick car and yacht reservations. Those filters allow users to narrow searches by brand and model, including high-demand SUVs such as the Mercedes G-Class on Renty.ae. In 2025, Renty said car rentals booked via web and app rose by 69% while mobile app-driven sales increased from 8% to 25%, with yacht rentals up 2.5 times.

Expansion priorities

Renty’s expansion agenda focuses on scaling four directions: relaunching its economy segment through a broader marketplace model; expanding yacht chartering; growing lease-to-own offerings; and continuing to develop its mobile application to improve conversion and retention. 

Tourism as a Driving Force of Mobility Services

Premium demand follows visitor flows

Higher tourism volumes in Dubai continue to support demand for flexible, premium mobility — especially for travelers and affluent residents who prioritize convenience and “ready-now” availability over ownership. For rental platforms, that demand typically converts into more bookings tied to real trip needs — airport arrivals, hotel-to-meeting movement, weekend travel, and special-occasion itineraries — where customers value clear terms, fast confirmation, and dependable availability. Premium cars and yacht charters tend to benefit from the same travel-led lift, particularly as visitors lean into “experience” spending rather than purely functional transport.

Digital visibility and trust signals

Renty positions tourism growth as a catalyst not only for demand, but also for how customers choose providers. As Dubai’s visitor volumes expand, competition increasingly plays out in search visibility, content clarity, real-time availability, and trust signals — the practical details that matter when a customer is booking from abroad or planning a trip on a tight schedule. 

Renty says scaling is less about pushing promotions and more about building a repeatable digital experience: consistent service standards, straightforward policies, and product features that help users decide faster.

Digital Booking and Corporate Demand Support Scaling

Online booking is now the default

In car rentals, the decision is often made before a customer speaks to anyone. The search results page, the availability calendar, and the checkout screen have effectively replaced the front desk for a growing share of bookings. Data from Ratemetrics shows the online share at about 78%, up from 65% in 2020, as websites and mobile apps take over a larger part of distribution.

Mobile changes how customers behave

On mobile, customers tend to move fast: compare options, check terms, and book in minutes — or drop off just as quickly if the process is unclear. Coherent Market Insights suggests over 70% of consumers choose digital booking, while 85% prefer online channels over offline options, keeping pressure on platforms to make the booking flow simple and the terms easy to read.

Renty’s Platform Model

Renty has been upgraded as all the global bookings shift online. The CEO of Renty, Yevhen Parokhod, has linked the company’s expansion to service execution and process discipline, supported by automation and digital distribution. The model is designed to handle demand swings across both retail and corporate customers.

For platforms, much of the competition now plays out in search and on mobile, where customers from around the world expect real-time availability and immediate confirmation. Dubai’s tourism market supports premium rentals for visitors booking transport around short stays and scheduled trips. Renty’s 2025 results — including higher website conversion, growth in app-driven sales, and stronger car and yacht bookings — reflect that shift. The company says it plans to expand its marketplace model across yachts, lease-to-own, and the economy segment as it scales within the UAE and builds capacity for wider growth.

About Renty.ae

Renty.ae, a luxury yacht and car rental company in the United Arab Emirates, is expanding its presence in the car and yacht rental market with an expanded fleet and new digital booking capabilities. The company now offers over 2,200 cars and over 100 yachts, as well as a user-friendly mobile app for convenient and instant booking. For more information, visit renty.ae.

Media Contact

Renty.ae PR Team
pr@renty.ae
+971 55 856 9266

Lumineux®, a leading clean oral care brand offering dentist-led, clinically proven whitening solutions formulated for enamel-supporting results, today announced the launch of its new 10% nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) Performance Whitening Toothpaste. The innovative formula delivers brighter teeth while replenishing enamel-essential minerals and supporting long-term enamel health.

Lumineux believes that oral care should deliver real, visible results and protect your smile over time. That belief is called Smile Longevity™: caring for your teeth and gums in a way that supports their health, strength, and appearance, today, tomorrow, and years from now.

Everyday acidic foods and beverages such as coffee, fruit juice, and berries gradually weaken enamel, creating microscopic surface irregularities where stains and buildup can accumulate. To address this challenge, Lumineux developed the 10% n-HA Performance Whitening Toothpaste, a dual-powered whitening solution designed to both restore enamel integrity and gently lift stains.

The formula features 10% n-HA, the clinically-supported level based on published NASA research, that mirrors the natural composition of tooth enamel and dentin. Originally developed by NASA to support astronauts' bone and teeth health in space, n-HA helps replenish lost minerals, support enamel health, and visibly smooth the tooth surface — allowing light to reflect more evenly for a brighter appearance.

In addition, Lumineux’s patent-pending whitening system combines mineral-rich and pH neutral oil-based ingredients to gently lift surface stains without penetrating or damaging enamel, delivering whitening results without the sensitivity.

“For too long, consumers have had to choose between whitening and enamel health,” says Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, one of America’s top cosmetic dentists and founder of Lumineux. “With 10% n-HA and our patent-pending whitening technology, we’ve created a toothpaste that not only brightens teeth, but actively replenishes the mineral enamel is naturally made of. This is the future of whitening — one rooted in the science of Smile Longevity.”

The key ingredients include:

• 10% nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA): A biomimetic mineral that helps replenish lost minerals and support overall enamel health while visibly improving surface smoothness and brightness.
• Coconut and lemon peel oils: pH-neutral oils that gently lift stains without penetrating enamel.
• Mineral-rich sea salt: Helps gently remove stains while replenishing enamel-essential minerals.

Lumineux 10% n-HA Performance Whitening Toothpaste will retail for $9.99 and be available beginning February 23, 2026, at Amazon, Walmart, and lumineuxhealth.com; Walgreens availability to follow in late March.

Download high-resolution images, courtesy of Lumineux.

About Lumineux

Lumineux® is redefining oral care through its Smile Longevity™ philosophy, an approach focused on protecting and supporting the health, strength, and appearance of your smile over time. Founded by Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, one of America's top cosmetic dentists, Lumineux develops clinically-tested oral care products designed to deliver effective whitening while supporting enamel and gum health without harsh or compromising ingredients. Every Lumineux formula is thoughtfully developed through a clinical lens using advanced, tooth-supporting ingredients to help support enamel and promote whole-mouth health. Lumineux offers a complete system of oral care products, including whitening strips, toothpaste, mouthwash, and daily care solutions, available at major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Amazon, as well as lumineuxhealth.com. Learn more at lumineuxhealth.com.

Media Contact

Sam Dwyer
samantha.dwyer@amp3pr.com

Proxy provider ProxyWing reported a substantial increase in demand for proxy services in Russia and Iran amid tighter access conditions for WhatsApp and Telegram messengers and ongoing regional instability.

According to internal company data comparing equivalent reporting periods:

• Demand for WhatsApp-related proxy services increased by approximately 486% over six months.
• Telegram-related proxy demand increased by approximately 720% month-over-month.
• Proxy uptake in Iran grew by approximately 728% over three months.
• Proxy server uptake in Russia grew by approximately 716% over three months.

ProxyWing notes that the strongest demand signals are tied to maintaining service continuity for communications and workflows when mainstream channels become unreliable or unreachable.

“Demand for alternative routing rises quickly when access conditions change,” said Daniil Kostin, CEO of ProxyWing. “When messaging platforms become unreliable or harder to reach, teams look for proxy-based routes to keep communications and workflows running.”

Russia: Messaging Access Restrictions Drive Demand Signals

ProxyWing attributes part of the demand growth in Russia to restrictions affecting access to major messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram. The company also reports that access to ProxyWing’s website has been restricted in Russia by the federal communications regulator Roskomnadzor amid broader enforcement actions targeting tools associated with cross-border routing and access.

ProxyWing states the practical consequences go beyond consumer inconvenience:

• Customer communication becomes fragile: support chats, order confirmations, appointment reminders, and post-sale messaging lose reliability.
• Internal collaboration slows down: teams that coordinate via Telegram and WhatsApp face delays and missed handoffs.
• Cross-border communication becomes inconsistent: companies working with foreign partners, clients, contractors, and payment providers lose the fastest day-to-day channel for coordination.
• Marketing and community channels weaken: Telegram communities used for retention, announcements, and product updates lose reach exactly when responsiveness matters most.

Iran: Growing Need of Foreign Proxy Endpoints for Accessing International Resources

ProxyWing says demand patterns tied to Iran reflect one simultaneous trend: increased interest from Iranian users in foreign proxy endpoints for accessing international resources.

“Restricted information environment and access to western news media has become impossible without proxies and VPN services,” said an Iranian user speaking on condition of anonymity. “For many people, it’s about being able to communicate freely, do work tasks, and use global services without disruption.”

Market Context: Digital Fragmentation and Regional Access Policies

Industry observers increasingly describe a broader trend of digital fragmentation, where diverging regulatory policies and platform-level restrictions create direct operational risk for internationally active users and businesses.

ProxyWing states that the strongest demand signals come from:

• Small and mid-sized digital businesses
• E-commerce operators
• Market intelligence teams
• Cross-border media buying and ad verification workflows
• Remote and distributed teams operating across jurisdictions

Mykyta Korniienko, CEO of Afina Browser, commented: “Rising proxy demand in Russia and Iran is a predictable response to tighter access to major messaging platforms. Users are looking for stable, reliable ways to stay connected. What matters now isn’t simply using a proxy, but the strength of the underlying infrastructure, support for modern protocols, resilient routing, and consistent performance. Restrictions don’t reduce demand; they accelerate the adoption and development of access technologies.”

About ProxyWing

ProxyWing specializes in premium private proxy solutions, including residential, ISP, and dedicated IPv4 options. Our proxies are highly effective for a range of activities such as online gaming, social networking, web scraping, sneaker sites, online marketplaces, cryptocurrency operations, and more. Additionally, we provide an array of valuable features such as an affiliate program for referred users, an internal site balance, and automatic delivery. We ensure 99% uptime, exceptional speed, round-the-clock technical support, and access to a variety of subnets in most major locations. For more information, visit proxywing.com.

Media Contact

Daniil Kostin
CEO, ProxyWing
business@proxywing.com

Antony Brown
ProxyWing
media@proxywing.com

RiseGuide, a self-development platform serving over 500,000 users globally, announced the launch of SEEK: Search Engine for Expert Knowledge, a proprietary feature designed to cut through digital noise and deliver verified, actionable answers based on the documented methodologies of world-class performers.

Unlike general-purpose AI tools that prioritize plausibility over accuracy, SEEK operates as a closed-loop knowledge system that draws exclusively from a catalog of publicly available materials from recognized authors and researchers. The feature, now available to all premium subscribers following successful beta testing, addresses a growing challenge facing professionals and self-development aficionados alike: access to an overwhelming volume of contradictory advice with no clear path to practical implementation.

“80% of people quit their personal development goals in the first two weeks. Most New Year’s resolutions get abandoned by February. We are convinced it’s not a motivation problem — it’s an advice overload problem,” said Oleksandr Matsiuk, CEO and founder of RiseGuide. “You type a question into Google and get a million results that contradict each other. You ask ChatGPT, and it gives you something that feels generic and vague. SEEK is different. Curated sources, trusted answers, content optimized for value rather than keywords, no ads or promotions.”

Market Context

The global self-improvement market is projected to reach $56.66 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%, according to industry research. However, completion rates for online courses remain low, with studies showing that over 80% of users abandon personal development programs within the first two weeks — a pattern similar to failed New Year's resolutions.

RiseGuide's approach centers on digestible content formats and practical assignments designed to improve retention and follow-through. The platform competes in a space occupied by companies like Masterclass, Skillshare, Blinkist, and Coursera, but differentiates through its focus on personalized, expert-sourced micro-learning rather than long-form courses or book summaries.

The Problem SEEK Solves

A search for "how to be more productive" returns over 500 million results, with top placements dominated by ads and SEO-optimized content written by generalists. General AI models, while useful for certain tasks, often generate plausible-sounding but generic advice when addressing personal development questions — a byproduct of training on the averaged-out content of the internet.

SEEK takes a different approach. Instead of scraping open web sources or predicting statistically likely responses, it consults frameworks developed by specific domain experts whose methods have produced documented results. SEEK combines rigorous human curation where only the best, verified sources and expert frameworks are manually selected with purpose-built algorithms designed to extract the most practical, actionable insight for any self-development question. Users receive targeted guidance derived from the work of neuroscientists, CEOs, negotiation specialists, top TED-talk speakers, and cognitive psychologists without the noise of unverified sources.

How SEEK Works

Users enter a question and receive a layered response built from verified expert sources within seconds.

• Video evidence: SEEK surfaces exact video clips showing the expert discussing the topic. For example, a user struggling with public speaking anxiety and searching “how do I become a more confident speaker?” doesn't receive a list of generic tips. Instead, SEEK returns specific vocal control techniques from communication experts, timestamp references to relevant TED talks, YouTube videos, and podcasts, and a concrete exercise to practice before the next presentation.
• Executive summary: A concise text synthesis of key insights for quick reference.
• Deep dive: Full sourced answers with links to original content, allowing users to verify every claim.
• Action step: Each response includes a specific, immediate action the user can take to apply the information.
• Related questions: SEEK suggests intelligent follow-up prompts to deepen understanding and explore nuance.

The system is built on three core principles:

1. Verified sources only: SEEK draws from insights synthesized from the publicly available work of over 300 experts, including behavioral scientists, Nobel laureates, memory experts, leadership authors and coaches, business strategists, habit formation researchers and many more. Each source is hand-selected and vetted by RiseGuide's team.
2. No hallucinations: Because SEEK operates within a defined knowledge base rather than generating probabilistic responses, it avoids the fabrication issues that plague open-domain AI systems. All outputs are source-attributed; if the library doesn’t cover a topic, the system acknowledges the gap rather than inventing an answer.
3. Context-driven answers: Responses include not just information, but application.

Personalization at Scale

SEEK complements RiseGuide's structured learning journeys, which include the Charisma Mastery track for professionals looking to strengthen communication skills and executive presence, and the Intelligence Training program focused on memory, focus, and cognitive performance. The platform combines interactive lessons, videos, micro-learning assessments, and now on-demand expert queries to create a comprehensive learning system.

Availability

SEEK is available immediately to all RiseGuide paid subscribers through the RiseGuide iOS and Android mobile applications.

About RiseGuide

RiseGuide is an edtech platform that transforms the proven strategies of top performers into practical, daily lessons and personalized development plans. Users learn to build personal brands, master communication skills, strengthen cognitive abilities, and develop professional presence through content inspired by methodologies from leading experts across multiple disciplines. Since its founding in 2024, RiseGuide experienced 5x year-over-year growth and now serves over 500,000 users committed to replacing passive screen time with active personal growth. For more information, visit riseguide.com.

Media Contact

Anastasiia Sliusarenko
Head of Communications, RiseGuide
anastasiia.sliusarenko@skelar.tech

Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy has announced the continued strengthening of its cross-border legal services, reinforcing its capacity to support clients involved in multi-jurisdictional legal matters. The initiative is led by the firm’s principal, Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri, and reflects the firm’s longstanding focus on serving both local and international clients within the UAE legal framework.

With more than three decades of legal practice in the UAE, Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy provides representation across all levels of the UAE courts, from the Court of First Instance to the Supreme Court. The firm’s cross-border services are designed to address the increasing legal complexity faced by foreign individuals, multinational companies, and international institutions operating or litigating in the UAE.

In recent months, the firm has implemented updated internal procedures for managing multi-jurisdictional cases, including matters related to the enforcement of foreign judgments and cross-border commercial disputes. Additional legal resources have also been allocated to support expatriate clients and foreign corporate entities involved in UAE court proceedings.

The firm regularly handles matters involving international family law, civil and commercial disputes, corporate advisory, enforcement of foreign judgments, and legal representation for foreign nationals. These services are supported by the firm’s experience working with embassies, international organizations, and overseas legal counterparts.

Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri, who founded the firm in 2003 after training and qualifying in Dubai, has played a central role in shaping its international-facing legal practice. Fluent in English and French, she is approved by the French Embassy in Dubai, as well as the British Embassy and the American Embassy in Abu Dhabi, to provide legal consultancy and representation for their nationals in individual cases.

“Our work increasingly involves matters that extend beyond a single jurisdiction,” said Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri. “Strengthening our cross-border legal services ensures that clients receive representation that is aligned with UAE law while also accounting for the international context of their cases.”

The firm’s cross-border capabilities are supported by its familiarity with UAE federal and local laws, procedural requirements, and regulatory frameworks, combined with practical experience coordinating with foreign legal systems. This approach allows the firm to manage cases involving international elements while maintaining compliance with UAE legal standards.

According to Mrs. Al Khouri, the firm’s focus remains on clarity and continuity for clients navigating unfamiliar legal environments. “Our role is to guide clients through the UAE legal process in a structured and transparent manner, particularly when their legal matters involve foreign laws, institutions, or jurisdictions,” she said.

Over the years, Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy has represented corporate and institutional clients alongside individual litigants, including expatriates and foreign investors. The firm’s client base reflects the UAE’s diverse business and residential landscape, with matters frequently involving cross-border commercial relationships, international family arrangements, and multinational business operations.

The strengthening of cross-border legal services is part of the firm’s ongoing operational focus rather than a shift in direction. By consolidating its experience and resources in this area, the firm aims to continue providing consistent legal support to clients whose matters involve both UAE and international considerations.

Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy is headquartered in Dubai and operates in accordance with UAE legal and regulatory requirements. The firm continues to work with clients across sectors while maintaining its presence before UAE courts and relevant authorities.

About Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy is a UAE-based law firm founded in 2003 by Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri. The firm provides legal representation and consultancy services across all levels of the UAE court system, including the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. With legal practice experience dating back to 1989, the firm advises corporate, institutional, and individual clients on civil, commercial, family, and cross-border legal matters. For more information, visit www.alrowaad.ae.

Media Contact

Awatif Shoqi
info@alrowaad.ae

CentFX, a premier global provider of digital trading and financial technology, has been distinguished as the "Best ECN/STP Broker" at the iFX Expo 2026 in Dubai. The recognition comes as the firm accelerates its fintech roadmap, headlined by the integration of the CentPay Visa payment system and the strategic unveiling of its native Cent Token project.

The "Best ECN/STP Broker" accolade reflects CentFX's technical leadership in delivering transparent, institutional-grade trade execution. By utilizing an electronic communication network (ECN) and straight-through processing (STP) model, the firm provides traders with direct access to deep liquidity pools, ensuring competitive spreads and high-speed execution — key requirements for professional and institutional market participants.

Bridging Trading and Payments: The CentPay Ecosystem

Central to its expansion is CentPay, a unified payment solution designed to bridge the gap between digital trading accounts and real-world commerce.

• CentPay Visa and Mastercard: The ecosystem features physical and virtual Visa and Mastercard options, enabling users to spend their funds globally across millions of merchant locations.
• The CentPay App: A high-security mobile hub that allows users to manage multiple virtual cards instantly. The app facilitates real-time fund transfers between trading accounts and payment cards, alongside features such as instant spending alerts, biometric security, and comprehensive transaction tracking.
• Global Utility: By offering both physical and virtual cards, CentPay provides a "digital shield" for online shopping while maintaining the convenience of physical spending for travel and in-store retail.

Future-Proofing the Ecosystem: Cent Token

Following the success of its hardware and software payment solutions, CentFX is officially introducing the Cent Token project. This native utility asset is designed to serve as the economic backbone of the CentFX environment.

• Utility and Rewards: Token holders will benefit from a tiered fee structure, loyalty rewards, and early access to new fintech features.
• Ecosystem Governance: The Cent Token will facilitate a transparent, blockchain-based framework for user participation in future platform developments.
• Scalability: Built on high-performance blockchain architecture, the token aims to elevate operational efficiency and transparency across CentFX’s global services.

"The recognition at iFX Expo 2026 validates our technical core, while the rollout of CentPay and the Cent Token represents our future as a holistic fintech leader," said a CentFX spokesperson. "We are building an environment where trading, spending, and digital asset management exist in a single, secure, and regulated ecosystem."

About CentFX

CentFX is a technology-driven fintech provider specializing in high-execution trading, secure payments, and digital asset innovation. With a focus on transparency and user empowerment, CentFX delivers a comprehensive suite of financial tools to a global audience of retail and institutional clients. For more information, visit centfx.com.

Staircase Studios AI, a film, TV, and gaming studio, today released "Christmas at Godfrey's" — a groundbreaking short film featuring synthetic AI characters played by real actors, which received official SAG-AFTRA approval for its union cast. The 12-minute film marks a landmark moment in AI filmmaking, demonstrating how the technology can work within Hollywood's union framework.

The film, directed by Brett Stuart and based on a play by Jason Chimonides, features a distinguished ensemble led by Fred Melamed, the Indie Spirit Award-winning actor known for the Coen Brothers' "A Serious Man" and "Hail, Caesar!," as well as HBO's "Barry" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." The cast also includes Ana Cruz Kayne ("Barbie," "Painkiller"), Ben Lloyd-Hughes ("Industry," "Divergent"), Pun Bandhu ("Burn After Reading," "Relay"), Lindsey Girardot Teets ("Ghost World"), and Will Nixon ("Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play.").

The film's script, direction, performances, score, and sound mix are all the work of traditional artists. The cinematography and design team used multiple AI tools to create and enhance the visual imagery.

"Christmas at Godfrey's" follows a soft-spoken, hard-working elf — an immigrant and refugee fleeing the genocidal Santa Claus — whose Christmas Eve shift in a New York City department store takes an unexpected turn when a face from his past shows up. The short is available now on YouTube along with a behind-the-scenes featurette.

"At Staircase, we're using AI to make stories that wouldn't otherwise get made — while paying union wages and hiring best-in-class talent. With "Christmas at Godfrey's," we employed over two dozen artists across the industry, demonstrating what ethical AI filmmaking looks like in practice," said Pouya Shahbazian, CEO and founder of Staircase Studios AI.

"In 'Christmas at Godfrey's,' we used a Christmas display window as a pressure cooker, and while the holidays can be sweet, sometimes they feel like a fever dream. So we used AI's hallucinations as raw visual material and shaped them with intent. New tools, but same job as ever: serve the characters, land the emotion, tell the story," said Brett Stuart, director.

The film features an original score by Emmy Award-nominated composer Danny Lux, who scored all 22 seasons of "Grey's Anatomy." Cinematography is by Giles Dunning ("The Tribes of Palos Verdes"), with sound design and mixing led by Grant Elder ("Nyad," "The Black Phone 2"). The original play is by Jason Chimonides, whose plays have been performed off-Broadway and published by Dramatists Play Service.

About Staircase Studios AI

Staircase Studios AI was founded in 2024 by Pouya Shahbazian with a mission to produce original studio-quality film, television, and gaming projects for under $500,000. The company launched with lead investor and partner Kenneth Lerer, co-founder of The Huffington Post, and Head of AI Filmmaking Brett Stuart, who brings an animation background and mentorship from veteran Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks animators. Joining the Staircase executive team this past year was technologist Jeffrey Jang.

Staircase is currently in production on the previously announced feature "The Woman with Red Hair," based on the Black List script by Michael Schatz and directed by Stuart.

Next on the release calendar is the short film "Prince & Knight," adapted from Daniel Haack's children's book of the same name. The book gained national attention after being referenced in last year's U.S. Supreme Court case Mahmoud v. Taylor. "Prince & Knight" tells the story of a prince who finds love with a knight as they battle a dragon to save their kingdom.

Links

Film: youtu.be/TxogMLD5wJw
Trailer: youtu.be/fIeZGYWgYgI
Behind-the-scenes: youtu.be/EE6I0fYvbqA
Media kit: drive.google.com/drive/folders/14bZoNUcROqyYjYsqCvwDiNDVT8coeTt-?usp=drive_link
Film site: www.staircasestudios.ai/films-christmas-at-godfreys
Company: www.staircasestudios.ai

Media Contact

Publicity Department
info@staircasestudios.ai
+1 917-725-1581

Fremantle Seaweed has secured $2.3 million in seed funding to scale commercial production of Asparagopsis, a native red seaweed proven to cut cattle methane emissions by over 80%. The capital raise positions the company to supply Australia's beef and dairy industries with a science-backed climate solution grown entirely in the ocean.

Livestock methane accounts for approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, exceeding emissions from planes, ships, and rail transport combined. The world's largest meat and dairy companies emit more climate-warming methane than all EU and U.K. countries combined, yet face no mandatory emissions reporting. With the IPCC recommending a 40% to 45% reduction in global methane emissions by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, practical solutions are urgently needed.

Ocean farming is gaining traction as a scalable climate tool. Blue economy venture capital funding has grown sevenfold over eight years, with investment projected to reach $3 billion in 2025. Unlike conventional agriculture, seaweed farming requires no freshwater, fertilizers, or arable land. Research shows seaweed farms can absorb an average of 1.87 tons of carbon dioxide during each annual growth cycle, with global cultivation potentially sequestering 140 million tons of CO2 annually through 2050.

Asparagopsis seaweed works by inhibiting methyl-coenzyme reductase, an enzyme in methane-producing microbes living in cattle rumens. Recent peer-reviewed studies demonstrate reductions exceeding 80%. The supplement can also improve feed conversion efficiency by up to 7%, meaning less feed is required to produce the same weight gain.

Fremantle Seaweed operates in Western Australia's unique marine environment where warm and cold currents enable year-round cultivation of both Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata. The company has developed integrated infrastructure including high-density longline systems, modular hatchery units, and a purpose-built harvesting vessel. Its North-West Hub, a 3,000-hectare site under development, is designed to supply a significant portion of demand from Australia's dairy and feedlot operators once operational.

The company partnered with FutureFeed, the global intellectual property rights holder for Asparagopsis use in livestock feed, marking a strategic step toward commercial licensing.

Fremantle Seaweed is preparing a 400-day Wagyu feedlot trial involving 60 head of cattle to generate real-world performance and emissions data under commercial feeding conditions.

"Cattle farmers face mounting pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity, and many are looking for solutions that make economic sense," said Chris De Cuyper, co-founder and managing director of Fremantle Seaweed. "The Australian red meat industry has committed to carbon neutrality by 2030. By scaling Asparagopsis cultivation in the ocean, we're providing producers with a tool that addresses both climate targets and farm economics. Market research shows one in four consumers will pay up to 15% more for carbon neutral beef, creating a clear value proposition for early adopters."

The transition from pilot-scale activity to commercial manufacturing represents a significant development for Australia's capacity to deliver large-volume methane-reduction solutions to agriculture. As sustainable food systems gain urgency globally, ocean-based cultivation is emerging as a practical pathway that supports climate action, marine biodiversity, and economic opportunity simultaneously.

About Fremantle Seaweed

Fremantle Seaweed are a team of seafarers and scientists who are passionate about ocean conservation and fighting climate change. The Western Australian company is pioneering ocean cultivation of Asparagopsis seaweed — a natural feed ingredient scientifically proven to reduce methane emissions from cattle by over 80%. By combining marine science with practical farming partnerships, Fremantle Seaweed is creating a new blue-economy industry that strengthens regional economies, supports farmers, and contributes to global climate solutions. Learn more at fremantleseaweed.com.

Media Contact

Ann Murphy
media@fremantleseaweed.com

One of Ukraine’s top iGaming brands has released a series of commercials under the slogan “Keep it GG” as part of a large-scale communications campaign. The videos are already airing on Ukrainian television, digital platforms, and the brand’s social media pages.

"GG" (Good Game) is a phrase that originated in video game culture, but its meaning has long gone beyond the literal translation of "well played." Today, it represents a universal gesture of respect and appreciation for the emotions shared after a game, regardless of the result. This idea became the foundation of GG.BET UA's new advertising campaign. The video series captures a distinctive GG vibe: instead of a traditional voiceover, it features full-fledged audio tracks; the storyline includes both direct and metaphorical references to sports and esports terminology, and in-game and casino elements; and among the protagonists are well-known Ukrainian footballers.

"Every game, every match, every tournament is a moment that brings people together. For us, it's important that every interaction with GG.BET gives users that good game feeling — an experience that outlives the result and leaves vivid emotions behind, just like after watching a match," commented CEO of GG.BET UA, Sergii Mishchenko.

Moving beyond the classic understanding of GG also reflects a deeper meaning — the brand's strategic direction. The global brand, which has focused on esports for many years and achieved strong results in esports betting and partnerships, is now implementing best practices to develop traditional sports in local markets. GG.BET UA demonstrates a broader approach to Good Game through partnerships (FC Dynamo Kyiv, FC Polissya, and the Basketball Federation of Ukraine) by creating its own events and special projects, including initiatives at the intersection of sports and esports, such as the Match of LeGGends: Derby showmatch on the server between esports players and footballers.

The brand's creative team worked on the commercials together with a Ukrainian advertising agency and a Ukrainian production company. This decision was made by GG.BET UA to support the local creative industry during the war.

Media Contact

Press Office
pr@ggbet.ua

Alaamry Global Capital today published its 2025 Annual Shareholder Letter, detailing portfolio results, positioning decisions, and the firm’s owner-oriented investment framework.

In the letter, Founder and Portfolio Manager Khalid Saud Alaamry notes that 2025 unfolded amid persistent geopolitical and macro uncertainty, yet global equities produced strong gains — reinforcing the view that “markets often advance not in the absence of risk, but in spite of it.”

For the year, AGV Capital reported a 26.3% gross return (time-weighted), outperforming the S&P 500 (17.9%) and MSCI ACWI (22.9%). The letter attributes result to fundamental business performance rather than valuation expansion, emphasizing a focus on “buying high-quality companies at great valuations” and avoiding crowded, momentum-driven trades.

A central theme is the firm’s contrarian overweight to China. After allocating roughly the mid-80% range of the portfolio to Chinese equities in 2024, the letter highlights that MSCI China returned 31.4% in 2025 — its strongest year in nearly a decade — while the firm argues U.S. benchmarks became increasingly concentrated around the “Magnificent Seven.” The letter also compares a basket of major Chinese technology leaders (including Alibaba, BYD, Tencent, Baidu, PDD, and JD.com) returning roughly 30% versus about 22% for the Magnificent Seven group.

Looking through what the letter calls a “holding company” lens, AGV aggregates underlying portfolio fundamentals and reports approximately 30.1% revenue growth and 31.0% earnings growth (USD terms) in 2025. It also reports portfolio valuation levels that remain materially below major indices, alongside improved quality metrics such as ROE rising to 22.3% and ROCE to 20.2%.

The letter further describes modestly reduced China exposure (to 76.9%) and expanded geographic diversification with new positions in Denmark and Brazil, while estimating a total shareholder yield of about 4.8% from dividends and buybacks.

About Alaamry Global Capital

Alaamry Global Capital is a mutual fund dedicated to identifying global securities with strong fundamentals and attractive valuations. The firm caters primarily to the investment community, offering unique insights into investment strategies, portfolio management, and value investing. Its focus is on global equities, where it seeks out opportunities in high-quality companies that offer long-term value. By emphasizing strong fundamentals and sound valuations, the firm is committed to investing with a long-term perspective and building resilient, growth-oriented portfolios. For more information, visit alaamira.com.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this letter should be construed as investment advice. Readers should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions. View the full 2025 Annual Shareholder Letter.

Media Contact

Khalid Alaamry
info@alaamira.com

Today, the Kava Coalition celebrated another important kava update in California. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Environmental Health Branch updated its notice to retail businesses to clarify that kava steeped only in water to brew tea and consumed as a single-ingredient conventional food is permitted.

The notice also confirmed that prepackaged, sealed dietary supplements containing kava may be sold if they are properly labeled as dietary supplements, include a Supplement Facts panel, and do not make health claims.

This update follows ongoing dialogue between the County and the Kava Coalition, and comes on the heels of revised guidance earlier this month from the California Department of Public Health, which clarified in its Consumer Facts Kava 2026 document that kava steeped only in water and consumed as a single-ingredient beverage would generally not be regulated as a food additive. The clarification reflects consistent application of existing law, while longstanding federal advisories from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding kava-containing dietary supplements remain in place.

“The Kava Coalition is thrilled about this update,” said Douglas La Rose, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition. “Like the recent CDPH clarification, this notice gives kava consumers and businesses in Los Angeles clear guidance so they can continue preparing traditional kava with confidence, honoring its cultural significance and long history of responsible use.”

California is home to one of the largest Pacific Islander populations in the continental United States, including communities from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and other kava-producing cultures. For these communities, kava is not only a social beverage but a cornerstone of cultural practice, ceremony, and identity. The updated guidance in Los Angeles provides meaningful cultural recognition while supporting small businesses and community gathering spaces across the state.

The Kava Coalition views this clarification as another significant step forward for public understanding, regulatory consistency, and cultural recognition of kava and hopes to see this type of guidance mirrored in other counties throughout California and states throughout the country.

About Kava Coalition

The Kava Coalition is an alliance of noble kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. By promoting responsible consumption, market transparency, and cultural respect, the Coalition works to ensure that noble kava is widely recognized, accessible, and valued as a safe, pro-social beverage. For more information, visit www.kavacoalition.org.

Media Contact

Douglas La Rose
info@kavacoalition.org

CGTN today published an article on how Chinese humanoid robots are moving beyond demonstrations and into commercial retail channels. Using their Spring Festival Gala appearance as a high-visibility proof point, the piece highlights recent technical progress by leading firms and notes how policy momentum — particularly the push around “embodied AI” — is accelerating investment and local support. It adds that growing consumer interest and early e-commerce demand suggest the sector is shifting from novelty toward practical deployment. The article is reproduced below.

When the Year of the Horse arrived in 2026, all eyes were on China's Spring Festival Gala. What unfolded was more than a cultural spectacle — it was a hard-tech showcase. Humanoid robots have become a recurring Gala centerpiece, signaling China's push for next-generation AI-powered robotics. While some Western counterparts remain stuck as expensive prototypes, China's strategy is moving from lab to production line. The cycle from spectacle to store is complete — and the world is watching.

Chinese humanoid robots have officially moved from lab prototypes to the center of the global stage.

At this year's CMG Spring Festival Gala, the world's most-watched television broadcast, four Chinese robotics powerhouses, namely Unitree, MagicLab, Galbot and Noetix, debuted their most advanced units to date. For the robotics industry, this was far more than a cultural performance; it was a high-stakes global product launch.

Global media hails China's robot showcase

The Associated Press noted that humanoid robots have become a recurring Spring Festival Gala centerpiece — a clear signal of "China's push to develop more advanced robots powered by improved AI capabilities."

Major broadcasters like CBS praised the "seamless movements" of the units, while Spain's El Español hailed the robots' evolution from 2025 to 2026 as a "veritable revolution." Last year's robots were stiff and mechanical, but this year's Unitree G1 units moved with fluidity and freedom, it said. The report also noted that the robots are commercial products — already available in Spain.

A window to China's industry policies

The story of the "Gala Robot" can be traced as early as 2016 when the Shenzhen-based UBTECH debuted 540 small humanoid robots. By this year's gala, the stage became unprecedentedly crowded with four distinct companies vying for a position.

Fueled by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, the humanoid robotics sector has advanced at a pace beyond expectations. CMG data shows that China recorded over 140 humanoid robot manufacturers in 2025 with more than 330 humanoid robot models launched.

The explosion is a direct result of China's humanoid industrial clusters, and this year's performance reflects China's industry policies, according to Reuters.

In 2025, "embodied AI" was written into China's Government Work Report for the first time, signaling its elevation to a top-tier strategic priority. This momentum was further solidified in the Recommendations of the Communist Party of China Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, which identified embodied AI among "new drivers of economic growth."

Following this central guidance, local governments across China have rapidly integrated humanoid robotics into their economic blueprints, rolling out specialized support policies and incentives to secure a leading position in this high-stakes global race.

Reshaping the global industrial landscape

In the sketch comedy, Noetix's "Bumi" robot navigated the nuances of a family skit, using humor to bridge the gap between a machine and a companion. In the short film, the robot was shown performing chores in a real-world home.

"Ultimately, technology is meant to serve people, not just exist for the sake of the technology itself," Unitree's founder Wang Xingxing said in an interview with CMG.

This vision is already translating into massive market demand. Within the first two hours of the Gala's broadcast, searches for robots on an e-commerce platform surged more than 300 percent compared to the previous period. Customer inquiries increased by 460 percent, and order volumes rose by 150 percent. The new orders covered over 100 cities nationwide, spanning from first-tier metropolises to smaller counties.

Noetix CMO Zhang Miao explained to the press that China has moved from the factory floor to the commercial channel. "The real measure of a company's health is no longer how many robots it can build, but how many it can successfully integrate into real-world scenarios."

A new era of robotics is now taking shape — and it is firmly rooted in China.

For more information, visit: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-02-17/China-s-robots-ready-to-walk-off-the-stage-and-into-a-store-near-you-1KQnpNZa8Io/p.html

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has unveiled a new national guide aimed at embedding culture and the arts into the planning and development of public spaces across cities, in a move the government says will enhance quality of life and support Vision 2030 objectives related to urban lifestyles.

The guide titled “Culture and Arts in the Urban Landscape,” was launched at the Diriyah Future Arts Center in Riyadh under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and in the presence of Vice Minister of Culture Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez and Vice Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ihab Ghazi Al-Hashani.

The publication provides a practical framework for urban-planning stakeholders — including municipalities, development authorities, major projects and practitioners in the cultural sector — to integrate cultural and artistic interventions into streets, squares, parks, city gateways, and other open public spaces.

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is reshaping its cities to be more attractive to residents and visitors, with a focus on improving the urban environment and expanding access to cultural activities as part of quality-of-life programmes and economic diversification away from oil.

Quoting the Minister of Culture’s remarks at the launch, the Vice Minister of Culture said the guide is the outcome of a partnership between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing to establish a practical pathway for cultural activations in public spaces. He added that Saudi cities contain public areas that can be transformed into living cultural experiences, strengthening the relationship between residents and their surroundings.

In remarks attributed to the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, the Vice Minister said Vision 2030 sets out a vision for cities that balance functional efficiency with aesthetics and quality of life, noting that the ministry has worked to redefine urban planning by placing people at the centre of the process and treating public spaces as arenas for interaction, belonging and cultural expression.

According to the ministry, the guide is not merely a regulatory document but a national framework linking culture with the built environment. It has been designed to be practical, flexible, and adaptable across different regions of the Kingdom while taking into account the cultural and architectural specificities of each city.

The guide outlines a step-by-step implementation methodology that begins with understanding the community and spatial context, moves through selecting the appropriate type of cultural intervention, and culminates in delivery and impact measurement. The approach aims to ensure projects align with local identity and user needs, transforming public spaces into places that reflect community character and enable broader participation by residents, artists and visitors.

It also includes a set of guiding principles, tools and templates intended to standardise approaches to cultural interventions in public spaces and to empower local authorities to embed the arts into the development of parks, streets, plazas, and other open areas.

The ministry said the guide also seeks to strengthen community engagement and broaden access to culture by involving neighbourhood residents, visitors, and artists in the design and activation of cultural projects in public space.

The guide was developed through close collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and several urban-sector stakeholders. The ministry announced the launch of pilot projects in partnership with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the King Fahd National Library, and the Madinah Municipality to plan and deliver artistic and cultural installations in a number of public spaces.

The guide will be available through a dedicated digital platform on the Ministry of Culture’s website in both Arabic and English, alongside explanatory materials and best-practice examples to inform project development. The ministry said it will continue to publish updates and case studies on the application of the guide across Saudi cities in the coming phases.

Aslı Tarcan Global, a leading health services brand specializing in international patient coordination, has today announced a new comprehensive framework designed to support the growing number of global patients seeking laser vision correction in Istanbul. This initiative aims to address the complexities of medical travel by providing structured guidance, clinical transparency, and logistical support for procedures including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE.

As laser eye surgery transitions from a luxury service to a mainstream medical decision, Istanbul has become a focal point for individuals seeking high-standard care combined with structured travel planning. The new framework from Aslı Tarcan Global focuses on the "patient journey," ensuring that the transition from initial research to post-operative recovery is managed with professional oversight and clear communication.

Navigating the Global Rise in Vision Correction Demand

The global demand for refractive surgery has seen a significant uptick as digital eye strain and the inconveniences of traditional corrective lenses prompt more individuals to seek permanent solutions. In Istanbul, this interest is mirrored by a surge in international inquiries. According to market observations by Aslı Tarcan Global, prospective patients are increasingly searching for information that moves beyond technical specifications and into the realities of daily life post-surgery.

The common queries driving this trend include concerns over nighttime driving, the ability to engage in sports such as swimming, and the long-term safety of the procedures. The Aslı Tarcan Global framework is designed to provide objective answers to these concerns, prioritizing patient education over marketing-driven promises.

The Science of Vision Correction: Managing Expectations

At the core of the newly announced support structure is a focus on clinical education. Laser eye surgery — or laser vision correction — is a procedure designed to reshape the cornea to allow light to focus accurately on the retina. This addresses common refractive errors such as:

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Where distant objects appear blurred.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Where near objects, and sometimes distant ones, are difficult to focus on.
• Astigmatism: Blurred vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.

Aslı Tarcan Global emphasizes that while these procedures are transformative for many, they are not a universal solution for every ocular condition. For instance, the framework includes specific guidance on presbyopia — the age-related difficulty in focusing on close objects that typically begins in the mid-40s. The organization maintains that transparency regarding the natural aging process of the eye is essential for maintaining realistic patient expectations.

Technological Pathways: LASIK, PRK, and SMILE

A significant portion of the patient support initiative involves clarifying the various technological options available in the Istanbul medical market. Aslı Tarcan Global provides coordination for the three primary laser procedures, each suited to different physiological profiles:

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): LASIK remains one of the most recognized names in vision correction. The procedure involves creating a thin flap on the corneal surface, which is then lifted to allow a laser to reshape the underlying tissue. The flap is then repositioned, acting as a natural bandage. LASIK is often preferred by those seeking a rapid return to functional vision, provided they meet the requirements for corneal thickness and tear film stability.
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK is a surface-level procedure that does not require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is removed, and the laser reshapes the surface directly. While the initial recovery period for PRK is typically longer than LASIK, it is frequently the recommended option for patients with thinner corneas or those who engage in high-impact contact sports.
• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): SMILE represents the latest generation of laser vision correction. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, disc-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision. This method is noted for its potential to maintain more corneal nerve stability, which can be a factor for patients concerned with post-operative dry eye.

A Structured Timeline for the International Patient

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by medical travelers, Aslı Tarcan Global has structured the patient experience into a clear four-stage timeline:

• Phase I (The Pre-Operative Screening): The organization stresses that the most critical step in the journey occurs before the laser is ever engaged. Comprehensive screening includes refraction measurements, corneal mapping, eye pressure checks, and dry eye evaluations. This phase also involves a detailed review of the patient’s lifestyle, including screen time habits and occupational requirements.
• Phase II (The Procedure Day): To reduce patient anxiety, the support framework provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the surgical day. While the procedures themselves are typically short and performed on an outpatient basis, the logistical support includes arranging transportation and ensuring patients have a calm environment for the immediate hours following treatment.
• Phase III (The Critical First 72 Hours): The initial three days post-surgery are often the most sensitive for patients. Common experiences during this window include light sensitivity, a gritty sensation in the eyes, and fluctuating clarity. Aslı Tarcan Global’s coordinators ensure that patients have clear instructions on the use of prescribed drops and the avoidance of environmental irritants like smoke or dust.
• Phase IV (Long-Term Recovery and Follow-Up): The framework extends beyond the patient’s stay in Istanbul. It includes a structured plan for follow-up appointments and clear guidelines on when patients can safely resume activities such as night driving, wearing eye makeup, or swimming.

Safety, Side Effects, and Ethics in Medical Travel

Aslı Tarcan Global’s new initiative takes a firm stance on the ethics of medical marketing. The organization asserts that a responsible medical journey must include a transparent discussion of potential risks and side effects. These may include temporary or prolonged dry eye symptoms, nighttime glares or halos, and the possibility of under-correction or over-correction.

"A professional approach to laser eye surgery in Istanbul must be rooted in clinical reality," the company stated in a background document. "If a patient is not an ideal candidate due to corneal shape or health history, the priority must be their safety rather than a procedure sale."

The Role of Aslı Tarcan Global in the Istanbul Hub

As Istanbul continues to grow as a destination for health services, the role of coordination brands has become increasingly vital. Aslı Tarcan Global acts as a bridge between high-technology clinical environments and the practical needs of the international visitor. Their support services encompass:

• Journey Mapping: Defining the medical steps required from the first inquiry.
• Appointment Logistics: Coordinating with ophthalmology teams to fit the patient's travel schedule.
• Communication Advocacy: Ensuring that patients fully understand their aftercare protocols and clinical instructions.
• Travel Integration: Managing transfers and accommodation arrangements specifically tailored for recovering eye surgery patients.

About Aslı Tarcan Global

Aslı Tarcan Global is a premier health services brand based in Istanbul, Turkey. The organization specializes in facilitating the international patient journey, offering comprehensive support for individuals seeking medical care abroad. By focusing on coordination, transparency, and logistical excellence, Aslı Tarcan Global helps patients navigate the complexities of the Turkish medical landscape with confidence and clarity. For more information, visit aslitarcanglobal.com.

Media Contact

Burak Önal
info@crabsmedia.com

In response to the rapidly expanding global market for hair restoration services and the critical need for clinical standardization, Dr. Yetkin Bayer, a distinguished name in the field of hair transplantation, has announced the details of his specialized hair transplant training course. Designed for physicians, medical professionals, and clinic owners, this Ministry of Health-approved program aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on surgical skills in the heart of the world’s hair transplant capital.

As hair restoration transitions from a niche surgical offering to a mainstream aesthetic procedure, the demand for qualified practitioners has surged. However, this growth has revealed a significant disparity in educational standards. Dr. Yetkin Bayer’s initiative directly addresses this challenge by offering a structured, curriculum-based approach to FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (follicular unit transplantation) methodologies, ensuring that the next generation of specialists is equipped with both the medical precision and artistic judgment required for successful patient outcomes.

Addressing the Global Skills Gap in Hair Restoration

The search for "hair transplant training courses" has become a dominant trend among medical professionals worldwide. Historically, many clinicians entered the field through informal observation or ad-hoc workshops, leading to inconsistencies in technique and patient care. Dr. Yetkin Bayer’s program is designed to replace this fragmented learning model with a formalized educational pathway.

"The industry is moving past the era of 'learning by seeing' to a new standard of 'learning by doing' under strict supervision," stated a representative for Dr. Yetkin Bayer’s clinic. "Medical professionals are no longer satisfied with brief overviews; they are demanding rigorous, hands-on training that covers the entire spectrum of the procedure, from graft physiology to the psychology of patient expectations. This course is our answer to that demand."

A Curriculum Built on Clinical Precision and Artistry

The training program is distinguished by its comprehensive four-layer curriculum, which moves trainees beyond basic mechanics into the nuances of advanced surgical planning. By structuring the course around the actual workflow of a high-volume clinic, the program ensures that participants understand how individual steps influence the final aesthetic result.

Layer 1: Advanced Patient Evaluation and Surgical Planning

The foundation of the course lies in assessment. Trainees are taught that a successful transplant begins long before the first incision. The curriculum covers donor capacity analysis, hair loss pattern classification, and the critical skill of managing patient expectations. By focusing on long-term donor strategy rather than just immediate density, the program aims to prevent common industry pitfalls such as over-harvesting or unrealistic promising.

Layer 2: Mastery of Extraction Fundamentals

With a strong focus on FUE techniques, the course delves into the motor skills required for graft extraction. This module emphasizes the importance of tactile feedback, precise punch control, and the preservation of follicle integrity. Trainees learn to navigate the delicate balance of speed and safety, understanding how to minimize transection rates—a key metric that defines the viability of a transplant.

Layer 3: The Art of Implantation and Hairline Design

Recognizing that the hairline is the most visible indicator of a transplant’s quality, Dr. Yetkin Bayer’s program places heavy emphasis on design. This module moves into the artistic realm of the procedure, teaching professionals how to mimic nature through irregular hairline creation, correct angulation, and directional control. The goal is to equip surgeons with the ability to create results that are indistinguishable from natural hair growth.

Layer 4: Post-Operative Care and Complication Management

Often overlooked in shorter courses, aftercare is a primary focus of this training. The curriculum prepares clinicians for the reality of patient management, from immediate post-op wound care to handling delayed growth or inflammation. By training doctors to anticipate and manage complications, the program fosters a culture of long-term patient safety and trust.

The "Istanbul Advantage" in Medical Education

Istanbul’s reputation as a global hub for medical tourism provides a unique backdrop for this training. Unlike programs in regions with lower case volumes, Dr. Yetkin Bayer’s course offers trainees exposure to a diverse range of hair types, graft characteristics, and complex repair cases. This high-volume environment allows for a density of learning that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

"Professional education in Istanbul offers more than just technique; it offers context," the clinic’s statement continued. "Trainees see the operational realities of a busy practice. They learn how to coordinate a medical team, manage workflow efficiency, and maintain sterile protocols in a fast-paced environment. This operational knowledge is just as valuable as the surgical skills themselves."

Certification and Professional Standards

In an era where "certification" is often used loosely, Dr. Yetkin Bayer’s clinic distinguishes itself as an Official Training Center. The program is described as approved by the Ministry of Health, providing a formal certificate upon successful completion. This official recognition offers medical professionals a verifiable credential that attests to their practical experience and theoretical understanding.

The program maintains strict eligibility criteria, focusing on physicians and licensed medical staff to ensure that all training is conducted within the bounds of professional ethics and safety. Prospective trainees are encouraged to view this certification not just as a diploma, but as a validation of their commitment to high medical standards.

Moving Beyond Observation: The Hands-On Imperative

A core philosophy of the course is the necessity of supervised practice. Recognizing that hair transplantation is a motor-skill procedure, the training allocates significant time to practical application. From tool selection to the ergonomics of long surgical sessions, trainees are guided through the physical demands of the job.

The course structure effectively bridges the gap between classroom theory and the operating room. By offering a balanced mix of observation, simulation, and supervised clinical exposure, Dr. Yetkin Bayer’s team ensures that graduates leave with the muscle memory and confidence needed to perform or supervise procedures in their own practices.

About Dr. Yetkin Bayer Clinics

Dr. Yetkin Bayer is a prominent figure in the field of hair restoration and aesthetic medicine, based in Istanbul, Turkey. With a career dedicated to advancing the standards of hair transplantation, Dr. Bayer is recognized for his contributions to both clinical practice and medical education. His clinic serves as a center of excellence, attracting patients and medical trainees from around the world who seek to benefit from his expertise in natural hairline design and advanced FUE methodologies. For more information, visit www.yetkinbayer.com.

Media Contact

Burak Önal
info@crabsmedia.com

Brazil now has its first Brazilian-developed digital platform focused on measuring vehicle emissions under real-world driving conditions and supporting public decarbonization policies, marking a pioneering step in the national mobility and climate tech landscape. Developed by Mova Protocol, the solution operates through an app that collects vehicle data directly from the driver’s smartphone, such as mileage, driving patterns, and time in motion, and converts this information into environmental reports, efficiency indicators, and fuel consumption analyses.

Key Highlight:

• App transforms driving data collected via smartphone into environmental reports, driver benefits, and intelligence for fleets and governments

In practice, the app runs in the background while the driver is on the road. The collected data undergoes anti-fraud validation processes, is recorded on blockchain, and organized into auditable dashboards covering urban mobility and climate impact. The proposal is to replace generic estimates with measurements based on actual vehicle use on the streets.

Beyond supporting public policy and corporate sustainability reporting, the platform also enables analysis of real gasoline or ethanol consumption based on driving behavior. Using recorded routes, the system identifies acceleration patterns, braking intensity, average speed, and idle time, factors that directly influence fuel spending and emission volumes.

This information can be converted into reports for drivers and fleets, highlighting opportunities to drive more efficiently, reduce fuel consumption, and lower daily operating costs. The goal is to bring technology closer to everyday drivers, showing through real data how small behavioral changes can positively impact both personal finances and the environment.

In addition to generating environmental data, drivers accumulate points based on vehicle usage. These credits can be redeemed in the platform’s automotive marketplace for products and services from partners, including maintenance, fuel, and electric mobility solutions. In the future, the company plans to expand these possibilities with new digital reward models.

According to Antônio Farias, product director at Mova, the technology was designed to place drivers at the center of the transition to more efficient mobility:

“We have transformed the car into a reliable source of data for environmental and operational decision-making. Drivers automatically contribute to generating this information and, at the same time, are rewarded for their everyday vehicle use. This creates a virtuous cycle between mobility, technology, and decarbonization.”

Real Data from the Streets

Operational indicators show recurring platform usage. Of the 25,280 registered users, 13,180 are active, representing an activation rate above 53%. To date, 121,940 trips have been validated, totaling 2.76 million kilometers monitored and more than 148,000 hours of telematics data collected.

A significant portion of the user base consists of urban drivers and professionals who use their cars as work tools, such as ride-hailing drivers, a segment that generates consistent volumes of data on traffic circulation in urban centers.

The company states that the technology was designed to function seamlessly for users, without requiring knowledge of blockchain or digital assets. The system operates with progressive vehicle identification and privacy-by-design architecture, keeping the technological layer invisible in the driver’s experience.

Growing Pressure for Cleaner Cars and Reliable Data

The launch comes at a time of rising demand in Brazil for reliable vehicle emissions data, driven by the expansion of electric and hybrid vehicles, fleet digitalization, and new regulatory requirements linked to sustainability.

Companies with large fleets, insurance providers, and public administrators are seeking precise information to plan routes, calculate real emissions, design urban mobility policies, and structure decarbonization programs.

“There is a clear shift from assumption-based metrics to evidence-based metrics. Continuous telematics makes it possible to understand how vehicles are actually used, including from a fuel consumption perspective, and which actions generate measurable environmental impact,” says Farias.

Headquartered in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, the company recently reached a valuation of R$180 million after closing a $3 million USD seed round and projects reaching 1 million users within the year. The platform currently has more than 25,000 registered drivers nationwide.

About Mova Protocol

Mova Protocol is an urban mobility data platform that combines continuous vehicle telematics, operational intelligence, and environmental tokenization. The company operates at the intersection of mobility, electromobility, and environmental impact, with initial operations in Brazil and a strategic vision to expand across Latin America. The platform offers an automotive marketplace, B2B reports on vehicle usage and efficiency, integration with electric charging networks, and, in the future, the issuance of carbon credits based on verifiable data. For more information, visit www.movaprotocol.com.