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Abu Dhabi Selected to Host the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize Ceremony

ABU DHABI, UAE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that Abu Dhabi will host the 2025 Pritzker Prize ceremony, marking a historic first for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East.

 

Abu Dhabi Selected to Host the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize Ceremony
Abu Dhabi Selected to Host the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize Ceremony

 

As the world’s most esteemed recognition in the field of architecture, the Pritzker Architecture Prize honours living architects whose work demonstrates a combination of talent, vision, and commitment. Their contributions must show consistent and significant impact on humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.

Abu Dhabi’s selection as the host city marks a new chapter in the UAE capital’s cultural journey and further strengthens its role as a convening place for the world’s leading creative thinkers. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s exceptional and growing contribution to global architectural discourse, with a legacy of bold vision and cultural investment that bridges heritage, innovation, and sustainability.

From the development and restoration of the Cultural Foundation to modern icons like Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel (Pritzker Prize Laureate, 2008), the soon-to-open Zayed National Museum by Lord Norman Foster (Pritzker Prize Laureate, 1999), and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi by Frank Gehry (Pritzker Prize Laureate, 1989), the emirate has emerged as a global centre for transformative and meaningful architecture. These landmark projects are in line with DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to preserving, promoting, and protecting the emirate’s rich cultural heritage while also championing innovation and creativity as drivers of sustainable development and global dialogue.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “We are deeply honoured that Abu Dhabi has been chosen as the host city for the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, reflecting the recognition Abu Dhabi has received globally as a cultural centre. By hosting this event, DCT Abu Dhabi is honoured to offer a platform for the exchange of ideas that will shape the cities of tomorrow. This reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision to place creativity, dialogue, and sustainability at the heart of our development, and our belief in the transformative power of architecture to shape communities and enrich lives.”

“Each year, the Pritzker Prize upholds a tradition of hosting the ceremony at architecturally and historically significant venues, ranging across millennia and geographies. In recent years, the UAE’s growing presence in the global arts and culture landscape, and openness in supporting the works of international architects provides a backdrop of newness, reflecting the diversity within our mission and the selection of our Laureates and Jurors,” explains Tom Pritzker, Chair of The Hyatt Foundation. “As three iconic buildings, each designed by Pritzker Laureates, Jean Nouvel, Norman Foster and Frank Gehry, redefine the skyline of this city, Abu Dhabi lends a natural extension to our program.”

The event will coincide with a public panel discussion taking place at the Cultural Foundation on 3 May, led by Liu Jiakun, the 2025 Pritzker Prize Laureate. He will be joined by fellow Laureates Riken Yamamoto (2024), David Chipperfield (2023) and Francis Kéré (2022).

Together, these leading voices will explore the role of architecture in celebrating cultural expression reflected in their own practices and the future of the built environment.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism sectors.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and abudhabiculture.ae.

 

Home Fragrance Charms the 137th Canton Fair

GUANGZHOU, China, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From April 23 to 27, Hall 19.1 in Area D of the Canton Fair Complex was filled not only with eye-catching displays but also with inviting scents, as exhibitors showcase home fragrances, candles, and lifestyle decor products in Phase 2 of the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair).

The global home fragrance market was valued at USD 11 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%, reaching nearly USD 17.27 billion by 2032. Amid this expansion, Chinese companies are emerging as major players, combining innovation with large-scale manufacturing capabilities to meet diverse global needs.

Shanghai Outstanding Industry Co., Ltd., a fragrance-focused enterprise, exemplifies this trend. The company’s CEO Michael Lu noted that they launched 12 new series this session, highlighting the importance of research and development. Product design also emphasizes aesthetics to enhance home spaces. Lu said that consumers increasingly value “organic,” “natural,” and “environmentally friendly” fragrances, prompting the company to introduce the first carbon-neutral home fragrance product.

Similarly, Litbright Candle (Shijiazhuang) Co., Ltd is expanding its presence through continuous innovation. General Manager Sophia Lee shared that alongside their core offerings, the company actively develops new product lines, bringing each new series to the Fair to connect with both loyal and prospective buyers. She observed that global demand is not only increasing but also becoming more sophisticated, with growing interest in fruit-based, woody, and even gourmand-inspired scents.

As one of the world’s most influential trade platforms, the Canton Fair continues to play a pivotal role in the global development of the fragrance industry. For Chinese fragrance companies seeking to expand their global footprint, the Fair remains a crucial gateway.

Having participated in the Canton Fair for nearly two decades, Lu shared that most of their clients are met at the Fair. “At the Canton Fair, our products naturally attract buyers from niche markets around the world, allowing the right scent, design, and values to meet the right customers,” he said. Lee, also a longtime exhibitor, added, “The Canton Fair has built a strong global reputation. For international buyers seeking new products, it’s the first destination.”

The continued participation of fragrance-focused companies underscores how the Canton Fair connects Chinese enterprises with global markets, fosters lasting partnerships, and serves as both a launchpad and a world stage for the growing fragrance economy.


 

 

FaceHeart Received Another FDA Clearance for its Contactless Video-Based Vital Sign Measurement of Respiratory Rate

  • Developed by FaceHeart, FH Vitals SDK-RR has obtained FDA Clearance. This is the second 510(k) class II SaMD (Software as a Medical Device) FaceHeart received from the FDA.
  • FaceHeart Vitals™ is a video-based, contactless vital sign measurement SDK that can be integrated into devices such as smartphones seamlessly, providing heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure and other vital sign readings in 50 seconds.

TAIPEI, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FaceHeart Corporation (FaceHeart), an AI health tech company, has received another FDA 510(k) clearance for FaceHeart Vitals™, its contactless video-based vital sign solution.

FaceHeart Vitals obtains Second FDA 510k Clearance under class II SaMD (Software as a Medical Device)
FaceHeart Vitals obtains Second FDA 510k Clearance under class II SaMD (Software as a Medical Device)

On top of heart rate measurement, FDA granted 510(k) clearance (k243966) to FaceHeart Vitals™ (registered as FH Vitals SDK-RR) as a Class II SaMD (Software as a Medical Device) for respiratory rate measurement on April 9th, 2025. The respiratory rate measurements derived from the FH Vitals SDK-RR demonstrated deviations consistently within ±2 breaths per minute (bpm) across all devices.

FaceHeart Vitals™ is the first FDA-cleared software development kit (SDK) solution that enables contactless video-based vital sign measurement—including heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and heart rate variability (HRV)—via a facial scan on built-in camera of smartphones within 50 seconds. It leverages the remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) technology that extracts subtle color changes of the facial skin. In addition, by conducting the analysis via edge computing without cloud service eliminates network latency and addresses security concerns at the same time.

Receiving FDA clearance not only represents the recognition of FaceHeart’s undivided attention to clinical trials, but also reinforces its commitment to deliver accessible and reliable contactless vital sign measurement to the general public. Designed with the capability to be seamlessly integrated into common edge devices such as smartphones (iOS/Android), tablets, laptops/desktops (Windows) etc., FaceHeart Vitals™ empowers preventive health, telemedicine, elderly care, and chronic disease management with real-time, user-friendly and accurate contactless vital sign measurement, transforming readily available devices into medical-grade solutions instantly.

“Following the first FDA Clearance on heart rate in 2023, this FDA clearance on respiratory rate marks a milestone and commitment of FaceHeart in providing the healthcare industry with the most reliable contactless vital sign measurement solution,” said Dr. Meng Liang Chung, Co-founder and Vice President of FaceHeart Corporation. “As demands for more personalized and effective healthcare solutions arise globally, FaceHeart’s contactless vital sign measurement solution undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in proactive and preventive healthcare-related services—helping people live not just longer, but healthier lives within reach.”

About FaceHeart

FaceHeart Corporation (https://faceheart.com/) is a leading health technology company that improves human health with its expertise in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and deep learning. Through FaceHeart’s technology, individuals can access high-quality health measurements with a simple 50-second facial scan.

Contacts

Please email marketing@faceheart.com for media, sales or other inquiries.

Shareholders Agreement to Develop Naqa Salt the Region’s Largest Industrial Salt Production Project

MUSCAT, Oman, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reinforcing its commitment to unlocking the full potential of Oman’s natural resources, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Dev Salt to launch the Naqa Salt Project in Wilayat Mahout – set to become the largest industrial salt production initiative in the region.

Shareholders Agreement to Develop Naqa Salt the Region’s Largest Industrial Salt Production Project
Shareholders Agreement to Develop Naqa Salt the Region’s Largest Industrial Salt Production Project

Strategically located in Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate – within MDO’s 51K concession area along the Arabian Sea—the project capitalizes on ideal conditions for solar evaporation. Its proximity to Duqm Port further strengthens its export competitiveness to key global markets, particularly those relying on inputs such as bromine, caustic soda, and soda ash. The project will utilize sustainable, solar-powered evaporation technology to produce high-purity bromine-rich industrial salt.

Eng. Mattar Al Badi, CEO of MDO, added: “Naqa Salt represents a significant step for Oman’s mining sector, establishing the region’s largest facility for high-grade industrial salt production. Leveraging Mahout’s unique natural sabkha formations, the project embodies a forward-thinking, eco-conscious approach to resource development. It reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and long-term economic and environmental impact.

“With a planned investment of OMR 13.4 million, the project aims to produce 2 million tonnes of industrial salt annually. The evaporation ponds will span approximately 109 square kilometers, yielding salt with up to 99% purity—ideal for vital sectors such as chemicals, oil and gas, logistics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The project is targeting diversified international markets including India, Africa, Europe, and Asia.”

Hirendrasingh Jhala, Chairman of Dev Global, commented: “We are honored to partner with MDO on this ambitious and strategically important project. Building on Dev Salt’s expertise in delivering large-scale salt ventures across India and global markets, we are confident in the project’s ability to meet growing demand while supporting industrial resilience and supply chain security in this key sector.”

With global demand for industrial salt expected to exceed 372 million tonnes by 2027, the Naqa Salt Project positions Oman as a future-leading producer in the region. Beyond its industrial contributions, the project offers environmental value—its evaporation ponds will create habitats that attract migratory birds and marine life, laying the groundwork for potential eco-tourism development.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mdo_shareholders_agreement.jpg

 

 

 

Shareholders Agreement to Develop Naqa Salt the Region’s Largest Industrial Salt Production Project

MUSCAT, Oman, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reinforcing its commitment to unlocking the full potential of Oman’s natural resources, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Dev Salt to launch the Naqa Salt Project in Wilayat Mahout – set to become the largest industrial salt production initiative in the region.

Shareholders Agreement to Develop Naqa Salt the Region’s Largest Industrial Salt Production Project
Shareholders Agreement to Develop Naqa Salt the Region’s Largest Industrial Salt Production Project

Strategically located in Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate – within MDO’s 51K concession area along the Arabian Sea—the project capitalizes on ideal conditions for solar evaporation. Its proximity to Duqm Port further strengthens its export competitiveness to key global markets, particularly those relying on inputs such as bromine, caustic soda, and soda ash. The project will utilize sustainable, solar-powered evaporation technology to produce high-purity bromine-rich industrial salt.

Eng. Mattar Al Badi, CEO of MDO, added: “Naqa Salt represents a significant step for Oman’s mining sector, establishing the region’s largest facility for high-grade industrial salt production. Leveraging Mahout’s unique natural sabkha formations, the project embodies a forward-thinking, eco-conscious approach to resource development. It reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and long-term economic and environmental impact.

“With a planned investment of OMR 13.4 million, the project aims to produce 2 million tonnes of industrial salt annually. The evaporation ponds will span approximately 109 square kilometers, yielding salt with up to 99% purity—ideal for vital sectors such as chemicals, oil and gas, logistics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The project is targeting diversified international markets including India, Africa, Europe, and Asia.”

Hirendrasingh Jhala, Chairman of Dev Global, commented: “We are honored to partner with MDO on this ambitious and strategically important project. Building on Dev Salt’s expertise in delivering large-scale salt ventures across India and global markets, we are confident in the project’s ability to meet growing demand while supporting industrial resilience and supply chain security in this key sector.”

With global demand for industrial salt expected to exceed 372 million tonnes by 2027, the Naqa Salt Project positions Oman as a future-leading producer in the region. Beyond its industrial contributions, the project offers environmental value—its evaporation ponds will create habitats that attract migratory birds and marine life, laying the groundwork for potential eco-tourism development.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mdo_shareholders_agreement-1.jpg

 

 

 

3CLogic and NewRocket Forge Strategic Partnership to Deliver Seamless Contact Center Solutions for Financial Services with ServiceNow

Joint effort aims to accelerate digital transformation through integrated CRM and AI-powered CCaaS offerings for ServiceNow’s Financial Services Operations (FSO) product

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 3CLogic, the leading AI-powered contact center platform purpose-built for ServiceNow®, today announced a strategic partnership with NewRocket, an Elite ServiceNow partner. Under the expanded agreement, NewRocket will serve as an official reseller of 3CLogic’s AI-driven Contact Center solutions to be leveraged as part of its broader Bank of NewRocket offering focused on transforming the Financial Services industry.

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time, as ServiceNow continues to emphasize front-office innovation across the financial sector. Voice remains a crucial channel for customer engagement, with recent reports1 suggesting a continued increase in call volumes of which approximately 50% remain repetitive and transactional. Together, the partnership will enable financial institutions to deliver more cohesive, intelligent service experiences by seamlessly integrating voice into the ServiceNow platform to resolve common requests faster.

“As financial institutions strive to modernize their customer service strategies, contact centers continue to be a vital part of the equation,” said NewRocket’s CRO, Michael Carter. “With our deep experience in the ServiceNow ecosystem and dedicated offerings like Bank of NewRocket, we’re excited to empower clients with enhanced voice capabilities that drive efficiency and elevate customer experiences.”

As a ServiceNow-certified and Advanced Platform Build partner, 3CLogic’s brings a host of advanced capabilities to ServiceNow, including Voice AI for self-service, real-time transcription, unified agent workspaces in ServiceNow, GenAI call summaries and AI-powered insights. These features empower financial organizations to reduce call volumes, break down data silos, and reduce daily operating costs—all while improving customer satisfaction.

The joint solution will support use cases that commonly drive high call volumes—such as password resets, address change requests, and credit fraud reporting—by automating responses and enhancing agent workflows. As an authorized global reseller, NewRocket will also streamline implementation and deployment, helping clients accelerate time-to-value and ensure long-term success with their contact center and voice strategies.

“We are excited to expand our relationship with NewRocket,” states Guillaume Seynhaeve, SVP of Alliances. “Our partnership reinforces our shared commitment to helping financial institutions deliver smarter, more responsive customer service powered by the Now Platform.”

3CLogic and NewRocket plan to showcase their combined capabilities at ServiceNow’s upcoming annual conference, Knowledge25. For more information on 3CLogic’s Voice AI and Contact Center solutions for ServiceNow or details about the partnership, please visit www.3clogic.com or contact NewRocket here.

About 3CLogic
3CLogic transforms customer and employee experiences with its patented and award-winning AI-powered cloud contact center solutions purpose-built to enhance today’s leading CRM and Customer Service Management platforms. Globally available and leveraged by the world’s leading brands, its offerings empower enterprise organizations with innovative capabilities, such as intelligent self-service, Generative AI, Conversational AI, agent automation & coaching, and AI-powered sentiment analytics — all designed to lower operational costs, maximize ROI, and deliver better, faster, and more personalized interactions for IT, employee, and customer service. For more information, please visit www.3clogic.com.

About NewRocket
NewRocket, a global, full-service Elite ServiceNow partner, helps top enterprise leaders solve their toughest business problems and navigate change with confidence. Our mission is to simplify the lives of global enterprise industry leaders by helping them go beyond workflows with ServiceNow. Our vision is to be the world’s most trusted, go-to ServiceNow partner for global enterprise industry leaders. NewRocket has been awarded the “2024 L&D BEST Award”, “2024 ServiceNow Employee Workflow Partner of the Year”, “2023 ServiceNow Worldwide Customer Workflow Partner of the Year” and “2023 ServiceNow Creator Workflow Partner of the Year”. We are #GoingBeyond. For more information, please visit www.newrocket.com

1 https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-contact-center-crossroads-finding-the-right-mix-of-humans-and-ai

 

Shell completes acquisition of working interest in the Ursa platform in Gulf of America

HOUSTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shell Offshore Inc. and Shell Pipeline Company (SPLC), subsidiaries of Shell plc (Shell), have completed the previously announced agreement to increase their stake in the Ursa platform in the Gulf of America from 45.3884% to 61.3484%.

Ursa platform (courtesy of Shell)
Ursa platform (courtesy of Shell)

This acquisition is part of Shell’s strategy to invest in profitable and carbon-competitive oil and gas projects with a strong integrated value chain.

Deepening Shell’s interest in existing assets also contributes to maintaining stable liquids production from its advantaged Upstream business.

Notes to editors 

  • Shell is the operator of Ursa Tension-Leg Platform (TLP) and holds a 61.3484% working interest (WI) ownership in the asset with BP Exploration & Production Inc. (22.6916% WI) and ECP GOM III, LLC (15.96%).

The transaction also includes the following from ConocoPhillips:

  • 11.81% membership interest in the Shell-operated Ursa Oil Pipeline Company LLC, which will be held by SPLC. The agreement has been adjusted following preferential rights election by partners, bringing Shell’s working interest in the Ursa pipeline from 45.39% to 57.20%.
  • 1% WI in the Europa prospect (also operated by Shell).
  • 3.5% Overriding Royalty Interest (ORRI) in Ursa.
  • Shell US is the leading deep-water operator and the largest producer of oil and gas in the Gulf of America, focused on opportunities close to its existing assets in the most prolific corridors.

Cautionary Note

The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this press release “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience to reference Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ”Subsidiaries”, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this press release refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms “joint venture”, “joint operations”, “joint arrangements”, and “associates” may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

Forward-Looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”; “ambition”; ”anticipate”; “aspire”, “aspiration”, ”believe”; “commit”; “commitment”; ”could”; “desire”; ”estimate”; ”expect”; ”goals”; ”intend”; ”may”; “milestones”; ”objectives”; ”outlook”; ”plan”; ”probably”; ”project”; ”risks”; “schedule”; ”seek”; ”should”; ”target”; “vision”; ”will”; “would” and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks, including climate change; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including tariffs and regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, and a significant cyber security, data privacy or IT incident; (n) the pace of the energy transition; and (o) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 (available at www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this press release and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, May 1, 2025. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Shell’s net carbon intensity

Also, in this press release we may refer to Shell’s “net carbon intensity” (NCI), which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell’s NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell’s “net carbon intensity” or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.

Shell’s net-zero emissions target

Shell’s operating plan and outlook are forecasted for a three-year period and ten-year period, respectively, and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next three and ten years. Accordingly, the outlook reflects our Scope 1, Scope 2 and NCI targets over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plan and outlook cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is outside our planning period. Such future operating plans and outlooks could include changes to our portfolio, efficiency improvements and the use of carbon capture and storage and carbon credits. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans and outlooks to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.

Forward-Looking non-GAAP measures

This press release may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as acquisitions. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc’s consolidated financial statements.

The contents of websites referred to in this press release do not form part of this press release.

We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this press release that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.

 

Anviz Introduces W2 Face: Comprehensive Biometric Access Control Solution for Modern Enterprises

FREMONT, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Anviz, a global leader in intelligent security solutions, proudly announces the launch of W2 Face, its latest hybrid biometric access control and attendance terminal. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises, the W2 Face combines facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, and RFID capabilities in a compact, intelligent device built for today’s dynamic workplaces.

Anviz W2 Face
Anviz W2 Face

Responding to Market Evolution

As the access control landscape shifts toward integrated multi-biometric solutions, businesses increasingly seek systems that enhance security and operational efficiency. Market analysis conducted by Anviz has revealed key trends driving this demand:

  • A growing preference for contactless and hygienic technologies
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises are prioritizing cost-effective, reliable solutions
  • An increased need for flexible authentication methods
  • Rising expectations for stable, secure access to sensitive areas

The W2 Face addresses these demands head-on, delivering a comprehensive, easy-to-deploy solution suited to various professional environments.

W2 Face: Key Features & Innovations

1. Dual Biometric Authentication

W2 Face integrates advanced facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, supported by liveness detection, to defend against spoofing via photos or video. This dual-layer security is ideal for high-traffic entry points.

2. Multi-Communication Flexibility

With support for both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, the device can function in networked or standalone configurations. Integration with Anviz’s CrossChex Cloud enables remote management, simplifying operations across multiple locations.

3. Optimized for Small and Medium Enterprises

  • 2.8-inch intuitive touchscreen display
  • Capacity for 200 facial templates, 200 fingerprint records, and 200 RFID cards
  • Stores up to 50,000 log entries for robust audit trails
  • Slim design for seamless installation on standard door frames

4. Versatile Access Control Capabilities

Customizable relay settings and doorbell integration make the W2 Face adaptable to various access scenarios, from open office environments to restricted zones.

Why Choose W2 Face?

The W2 Face exemplifies Anviz’s ongoing innovation in secure access technology:

  • Integrated Biometric Options: Supports user preferences with multiple authentication methods
  • Enhanced Stability: Built on a proven platform with improved system reliability
  • Modern, Functional Design: Sleek, professional aesthetic ideal for commercial interiors
  • Broad Application Scope: Well-suited for distributed teams, temporary personnel, and multi-location operations

Certified for Global Standards

W2 Face complies with CE and FCC certifications, ensuring adherence to the highest international safety and performance standards. Its modular architecture allows for scalable updates, protecting customer investments over time.

About Anviz

Anviz, a brand of Xthings, is a global leader in converged intelligent security solutions for SMBs and enterprise organizations. Anviz offers comprehensive biometrics, video surveillance, and security management systems powered by cloud, Internet of Things (IoT), and AI technologies. Anviz serves various industries, including commercial, education, manufacturing, and retail sectors, supporting over 200,000 businesses in creating smarter, safer, and more secure environments.

For more information on the W2 Face or to request a demo, please visit www.anviz.com.