Marcos Jr. to Endorse 2028 Candidate, But Hasn't Chosen Yet
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated he will endorse a candidate for the 2028 presidential election, though he has not yet decided who to back. “We will choose the best possible candidate,” Marcos said, adding it would be premature to decide now and he had not sat down with anyone to discuss it. The Philippine constitution limits presidents to a single term.
The decision on who to endorse will be made at a later time, as Marcos has not yet selected a candidate. This announcement was made in Manila, Philippines.
Australia Under-16 Social Media Ban: Fines May Double to A$99 Million
Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban Faces Scrutiny Amid Calls for Stricter Enforcement
The Australian government's under-16 social media ban is facing scrutiny as top social media platforms, including Google, Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok, urge caution on early data showing most children still use their products despite the ban. The ban, which took effect in December, has seen some 80% of minors still accessing social media platforms, according to data from Australia's internet regulator.
This has led to a divide between lawmakers and big tech, with the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, considering legal action against some platforms for allegedly slow-walking compliance. The Commissioner has stated that while there are early signs of the ban working, with a modest decline in underage accounts, more time is needed to assess its effectiveness. Lawmakers are now weighing amendments that would double maximum penalties to A$99 million and expand the commissioner's powers to compel information and documents from platforms during investigations.
The Senate inquiry into the ban has highlighted the need for stricter enforcement, with the eSafety Commissioner pushing for greater powers to investigate and penalize non-compliant platforms. The proposed amendments would give the commissioner the ability to compel information and documents from platforms and their third-party age assurance providers, allowing for more effective enforcement of the ban.
For social media companies, the potential doubling of fines to A$99 million is a significant concern, with many arguing that the ban is still in its early stages and that more time is needed to assess its effectiveness. However, for lawmakers, the high rate of minor usage despite the ban is a clear indication that stricter enforcement is needed to protect children from the potential harms of social media.
The outcome of the Senate inquiry and the proposed amendments will be closely watched by both the tech industry and lawmakers, as it will have significant implications for the enforcement of the under-16 social media ban and the regulation of social media platforms in Australia.
| Proposed Penalty | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum fine for non-compliance | A$99 million |
UAE ICP AI Transformation: 50% Operations Target
UAE ICP Aims for 50% AI-Powered Operations in 2 Years
The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced plans to transform 50% of its operations into AI-powered models within two years. This initiative, outlined at the Agentic AI Forum in Abu Dhabi, aims to accelerate services, improve decision-making, and build a smarter, more efficient operating model. The ICP, led by Director-General Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, is seeking to lead the technological transformation in its areas of operation, rather than simply keeping pace with it.
The Agentic AI Forum, held on August 11, 2026, at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, was attended by senior officers, officials, and employees of the Authority. The forum was an important step towards achieving the objectives of the government initiative to introduce agentic AI across service delivery and institutional support operations. The ICP's strategic transformation plan is expected to enhance its future readiness and support its transition towards a smarter and more efficient operating model.
The ICP's plans to use agentic AI to transform its operations are part of a broader UAE government strategic project aimed at accelerating service delivery, enhancing decision-making accuracy, and building a proactive, smart government model. The Authority is working to establish operational tracks for converting 50% of its tasks, services, and procedures into AI-driven models within two years.
The UAE's ICP is not the only entity in the country to be leveraging AI for transformation. Dubai Municipality has also been using AI for faster home water testing, and the Dubai Police have been using AI-powered systems to improve their services. The use of AI in the UAE is expected to continue to grow, with the government aiming to build a smarter, more efficient, and more proactive government model.
The ICP's announcement is a significant development in the UAE's efforts to leverage AI for government transformation. The Authority's plans to use agentic AI to transform 50% of its operations within two years are ambitious, but they reflect the UAE's commitment to embracing technological innovation and using it to drive growth and improvement.
Dubai Rent Now, Pay Later: 12-Month Payment Plan
Dubai Rent Now, Pay Later: How the 12-Month Rent Payment Plan Works
If you're a tenant in Dubai, you may soon have a new way to pay your annual rent. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is set to introduce a zero-interest 'Rent Now, Pay Later' service in September, allowing eligible renters to repay their rent in monthly instalments over up to 12 months. This new service could change the way residents pay for their homes, providing greater flexibility and potentially making it easier for tenants to budget.
The process works as follows: the tenant selects a residential property, and the participating bank pays the landlord the full annual rent upfront. The tenant then repays the bank instead of paying the landlord directly, with repayments spread over up to 12 months at zero interest. This means that tenants will not have to pay a large amount of money upfront to secure a home, and they can instead make smaller regular payments.
The new service may enable qualifying tenants to handle their yearly rent through a sequence of smaller instalments. For tenants, the potential benefits include smaller regular payments, better monthly budgeting, no interest, less upfront pressure, and more payment flexibility. The service could provide another option for renters alongside traditional cheque-based arrangements and Flexi Rent.
The proposed arrangement is also designed to give landlords greater certainty over receiving their annual rent. Rather than waiting for tenants to make monthly instalment payments, the participating bank would pay the landlord the full annual rent upfront. This separates the landlord's receipt of rent from the tenant's repayment schedule and could make monthly payment arrangements more attractive to landlords who prefer receiving the full annual amount.
The planned Rent Now, Pay Later service follows the launch of the DLD's Flexi Rent initiative in June. Flexi Rent expanded rental payment options, allowing tenants to make payments on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. The new Rent Now, Pay Later service would go a step further by involving a bank that pays the landlord the annual rent upfront, while allowing the tenant to repay that amount.
For tenants who are interested in using the Rent Now, Pay Later service, it's essential to wait for the official launch details to understand the eligibility criteria, application process, and any associated fees. The DLD and its banking partner are still developing the mechanism, and details are expected to be announced when the service officially launches in September.
The introduction of the Rent Now, Pay Later service is part of the DLD's efforts to provide payment flexibility for tenants while guaranteeing upfront annual rent delivery for landlords. This new service could have a significant impact on the rental market in Dubai, making it easier for tenants to find and afford housing.
As the launch of the Rent Now, Pay Later service approaches, tenants and landlords can expect more information on how to participate and what benefits they can expect. With its zero-interest instalments and flexible repayment options, this new service could be a game-changer for the rental market in Dubai.
FAQ:
Parkin Q2 2026 revenue up 14%
Parkin Sees 14% Revenue Jump in Q2 2026
Parkin reported AED 364.1 million in revenue for Q2 2026, a 14% increase from the same period last year. This growth reflects the company's expanding operations across Dubai, driven by major agreements with commercial developers such as Al-Futtaim Group and Emaar Malls. Parkin, Dubai's largest provider of paid vehicle parking facilities, has been strengthening its role in shaping the future of urban mobility in the city.
The company's revenue development over the past year has shown significant growth, with a 54.8% year-over-year increase in Q2 2025, followed by 43.4% and 47.7% increases in Q3 and Q4 2025, respectively. Although the Q2 2026 revenue of AED 364.1 million surpasses the average consensus estimate of AED 342.7 million, it marks a slower growth rate compared to previous quarters. Parkin's net income for Q2 2026 was not explicitly stated in the available data, but the company's quarterly net income development has generally followed an upward trend, with notable increases in Q3 and Q4 2025.
Parkin's expansion efforts include a five-year framework agreement with Al-Futtaim Group to manage and organize parking facilities, aiming to enhance management and organizational standards across the group's retail destinations. Additionally, the company signed a multi-year agreement with Emaar Malls to provide parking management services at several commercial destinations in Dubai. These agreements highlight Parkin's commitment to delivering high-quality parking services and contributing to the development of Dubai's urban infrastructure.
In the context of Dubai's business environment, Parkin's growth mirrors the city's ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure and services. The company's strategic cooperation agreement with Glydways Inc. to develop integrated solutions combining parking and mobility services also highlights the innovative approaches being explored to address urban mobility challenges in Dubai. As the city continues to evolve, Parkin's role in providing efficient and sustainable parking solutions will remain crucial.
Parkin's Q2 2026 financial results follow the company's pattern of strong growth, reflecting the resilience of its business model and its ability to create sustainable value. The results also indicate the company's capacity to expand its operations and strengthen its position in the Dubai market. With its focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Parkin is poised to continue playing a significant role in shaping the future of urban mobility in Dubai.
In related news, Emirates recently announced its best-ever financial results, becoming the world's most profitable airline with a record profit before tax of AED 22.8 billion for 2025-26. Similarly, dnata reported a record profit before tax of AED 1.6 billion, driven by a 12% revenue growth. These developments highlight the growth and resilience of key sectors in Dubai's economy.
Tokyo Flooding Kills 6
Tokyo Floods Claim 6 Lives
Six people died as heavy rain pounded eastern Japan on Thursday and early Friday, with the weather agency issuing the highest downpour warning of Level 5 in more than one-third of the municipalities in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 landslide warning for several municipalities in the prefecture, including Chiba and neighbouring Ichihara, which were later downgraded on Friday morning. Local residents, including those in the cities of Chiba and Ichikawa, were urged to take immediate safety measures as road flooding and traffic jams occurred across the prefecture.
The torrential rain caused extensive transportation disruptions in Chiba as well as in parts of Tokyo, leaving many commuters and holidaymakers stranded. Around 7,000 people spent the night at Narita Airport in the prefecture as the downpour paralysed train and bus operations. In Chiba's Chuo Ward, hourly precipitation reached 115 millimetres Thursday night, around the same level as the area's monthly rainfall in August in a normal year. Evacuation orders were issued for more than 400,000 people in Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures at one point, and power outages affected around 45,000 homes in Chiba Prefecture.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported the evacuation orders, while a subsidiary of Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. reported the power outages. The Japan Meteorological Agency's warnings and the subsequent flooding have had a significant impact on the daily lives of residents in the affected areas.
This flooding incident is reminiscent of previous severe weather events in Japan, such as the 2018 Japan floods, which also resulted in significant damage and loss of life.
The 7,000 people stranded at Narita Airport overnight were affected by the severe transit shutdowns caused by the flooding. The airport operator reported that train and bus operations were paralysed due to the downpour.
