19 Apr 2026

SriLankan Airlines plans to increase its flight frequency between Colombo and Melbourne to 10 services per week from August 2026, in response to rising travel demand. The expansion will involve the addition of three new weekly flights, strengthening connectivity between Sri Lanka and Australia. The move reflects growing passenger traffic driven by leisure travel and visits by family and friends, with Australia emerging as a key inbound tourism market. The revised schedule will supplement the airline's existing daily services, supporting capacity growth and network expansion. The development is expected to improve connectivity for transit passengers, including those from India, using Colombo as a hub.Read more

19 Apr 2026

Jumeirah, part of Dubai Holding, has announced a phased restoration programme for the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, marking the first major conservation effort since the hotel opened in 1999. The restoration, expected to take around 18 months, will be led by French interior architect Tristan Auer and will focus on preserving the property's architectural identity while upgrading its interiors with refined detailing. The project aims to maintain the hotel's operational continuity while enhancing its design elements, which include bespoke finishes, luxury materials, and heritage features. The move reflects ongoing asset management strategies in Dubai's hospitality sector, where landmark properties are being upgraded to retain relevance amid sustained demand for premium hospitality assets and evolving guest expectations.Read more

19 Apr 2026

UK-based Morgan Sindall Group has upgraded its annual profit outlook, citing strong performance in its Fit Out and Construction divisions. The company expects earnings to exceed earlier projections, supported by robust order inflows and improved conversion of project pipelines. Shares rose over 11% following the announcement. While commercial-focused segments are driving growth, the Partnership Housing division is projected to record only modest gains compared to the previous year. The update reflects uneven performance across segments, with private housing continuing to face pressure, even as commercial construction and interior fit-out demand remains strong.Read more

19 Apr 2026

Dubai-based LEVA Hotels has signed a management agreement with Radar Properties to develop a 120-key hotel within the USD 1 billion Kings City mixed-use project in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The greenfield development will include a restaurant, fitness centre, spa, and conference facilities, forming part of a 2,100-hectare urban masterplan located near the city's central business district. This marks LEVA's fourth project in Zimbabwe and reflects its strategy to expand in high-growth African markets. The move comes amid limited supply of internationally branded lifestyle hotels in Bulawayo, despite increasing demand from business travel, regional connectivity, and major events such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, positioning the development within a growing hospitality segment.Read more

19 Apr 2026

Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd is set to record a significant financial gain following a planned asset sale by its Israeli subsidiary. Alliance Tire Co will divest land and buildings, leading to an estimated consolidated gain of JPY 30 billion. The move reflects the company's ongoing efforts to optimise its asset base and strengthen financial performance. Such strategic divestments have been part of broader restructuring trends among global tyre manufacturers aiming to improve capital efficiency and focus on core operations.Read more

19 Apr 2026

UK-based brokerage Mojo Mortgages has reported strong growth and operational improvements through a hybrid advisory model combining human expertise with artificial intelligence, according to its chief executive Andy Oldham. Based on an analysis of Companies House data tracking brokers with revenues exceeding GBP 1 million between 2022 and 2024, the firm recorded a three-year compound annual growth rate of 102%, with revenues rising from GBP 3.5 million to GBP 14.2 million. The approach integrates automation tools across advisory functions, reducing administrative workloads and improving productivity. The model also supports faster customer processing and increased advisor capacity. The development reflects a broader shift within the UK mortgage sector towards technology-enabled advisory frameworks that balance digital efficiency with personalised guidance.Read more

18 Apr 2026

Dubai's real estate market recorded AED 4.6 billion in net gains for investors in March, driven by 3,308 resale transactions valued at AED 15.39 billion. Data released by f&m Properties indicated that 89.5% of resale deals were profitable, with villas and plots leading returns. Rental activity remained strong, with 36,658 residential tenancy contracts worth AED 3.16 billion, two-thirds of which were renewals. Average residential rents rose 7% year-on-year, led by a 15.9% increase in villa rents. The data reflects sustained investor interest and stable end-user demand despite broader geopolitical uncertainties impacting the region.Read more

18 Apr 2026

Bain Capital has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), marking an expansion of its presence in the Middle East and reinforcing long-term engagement with regional investors. The office will act as a hub to support capital formation, portfolio company expansion, and potential direct investments across sectors such as healthcare, aviation, financial technology, and digital infrastructure. The move builds on the firm's longstanding relationships in the region and follows its partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office under the FIDA cluster. The development reflects Abu Dhabi's growing role as a global financial centre, supported by regulatory stability, access to institutional capital, and increasing interest from international investment firms seeking regional growth opportunities.Read more

18 Apr 2026

Brazil-based Ebanx has announced an expansion into Southeast Asia and adjacent markets, entering Thailand, Indonesia and Turkey while planning launches in Malaysia and Vietnam in the coming quarter. The move marks a strategic push beyond Latin America, where the firm has historically operated. Backed by Advent International and FTV Capital, Ebanx has seen rising international contribution, with 65% of gross profit generated outside Brazil in the past year. The expansion targets high-growth digital commerce markets with low credit card penetration, positioning the firm to support global merchants seeking localised payment solutions.Read more

18 Apr 2026

A Dubai-based developer recorded pre-construction sales worth USD 47 million for a 42-storey residential tower in Dubai Marina after opting for 3D architectural animations instead of a physical show home. The decision, taken in early 2023, reduced marketing costs significantly and shortened the project's go-to-market timeline. Within roughly three months of launch, 68% of units were sold before construction began, with a majority of buyers located overseas. The digital strategy involved producing multiple animated walkthroughs, covering unit variations, finishes, and surroundings, enabling remote decision-making. Industry comparisons cited in the case indicate faster conversion timelines and higher sales efficiency compared to traditional methods. The shift reflects a broader trend in global real estate markets where developers increasingly rely on digital visualisation tools to engage international buyers and optimise pre-sales.Read more