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

18 Apr 2026

Amaal has appointed CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC as the main contractor for the AED 1.8 billion MANSORY Residences, a 60-storey ultra-luxury residential tower in Dubai's Meydan Horizon masterplan. The project, positioned as the world's first MANSORY-branded residential development, is scheduled for completion by late 2028. Backed by CITIC Construction Co. Ltd, the contractor will undertake full turnkey execution, including structural works, MEP systems, and integration of smart home and automotive-focused features. The development comes amid sustained demand for high-value, design-led residential assets in Dubai, supported by strong investor activity and rising transaction volumes in the emirate's property market. The partnership also reflects broader UAE-China economic ties, with increasing cross-border investment and construction collaboration.Read more

18 Apr 2026

The lease for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's headquarters in Washington has been terminated by a U.S. Treasury bank regulation agency, with the property set to be handed over to the federal government's central real estate management body. The decision comes amid continued uncertainty over the Trump administration's long-standing stance on the agency, which was created after the 2008 financial crisis to oversee consumer financial services. The move also follows earlier attempts to scale down the bureau's operations, workforce, and physical presence in the capital, raising questions about its future structure and functioning.Read more

18 Apr 2026

Accor and Contact Developments have signed an agreement to develop the Pullman New Capital Hotel & Residences in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, marking the debut of the Pullman brand in Cairo. The mixed-use project will comprise a 150-key five-star hotel and 100 branded residences, located along Mohammed Bin Zayed Road overlooking the Green River. The development reflects growing demand for integrated hospitality and residential assets in emerging urban centres and aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030. The project also marks Contact Developments entry into the hospitality sector while strengthening Accor's expansion in the Middle East and Africa region.Read more

17 Apr 2026

The government of Sweden disclosed that a pro-Russian cyber group attempted to disrupt operations at a thermal power plant in western Sweden during the past year, though the attack was unsuccessful due to built-in safeguards. Authorities indicated that the actor had links to Russian intelligence services. The incident reflects a broader increase in hybrid attacks targeting European infrastructure following the Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While no damage occurred, officials highlighted growing risks to critical energy assets, noting a shift from basic disruption tactics towards more destructive cyber capabilities across the region.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Swedish Logistic Property AB reported a strong start to the year with a notable increase in rental and operating income. Rental income rose by 26% year-on-year, supported by portfolio expansion and stable demand for logistics assets. Net operating income also recorded a similar growth trend. The company has been consistently strengthening its position in the Nordic logistics market, benefiting from long-term leases and tenant demand driven by e-commerce and supply chain optimisation.Read more

17 Apr 2026

BasisBank, owned by China-based Hualing Group, has acquired a 95.99% controlling stake in Liberty Bank, the third-largest bank in Georgia by assets. The transaction strengthens the acquirer's presence in the South Caucasus banking sector and aligns with increasing economic engagement between Georgia and China. Liberty Bank held a 5.5% market share as of mid-2025. The deal forms part of Hualing Group's broader strategy of expanding its financial services footprint in Georgia, where bilateral trade with China has seen steady growth in recent years.Read more