30 Dec 2025

Dubai's rental housing market is expected to enter a phase of moderation in 2026, with experts forecasting rent corrections of up to 5% during low-demand periods. The shift is being driven by rising vacancy rates, seasonal pressure on mid-term rentals, and a growing preference for long-term leasing and homeownership. Rather than a downturn, the adjustment reflects a transition toward a more balanced and predictable market. As supply increases and tenant behaviour evolves, income stability, asset positioning and rental strategy are set to become more important than headline rental growth, signalling a more mature phase for Dubai's residential sector.Read more

30 Dec 2025

Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction has completed the sale of two plots of land within its Masar destination in Makkah. The combined book value of the plots is SAR 93.4 million, while the transaction value totals SAR 228.4 million, reflecting a sizable premium. Masar is a major mixed-use redevelopment project near the Grand Mosque, with residential, hospitality and commercial components. The land sale aligns with the company's ongoing strategy of monetising assets to support funding needs and balance sheet management.Read more

30 Dec 2025

Veteran author and voice actor Tom Bodett has reached a settlement with Motel 6, ending a lawsuit over the alleged unauthorised use of his name and voice following the breakdown of their long-standing professional relationship. Bodett, who became synonymous with the brand through its iconic tagline, had accused the motel chain's new ownership of continuing to use his identity after missing a contractual payment and after ties were severed. The settlement, disclosed in a federal court filing, brings closure to a dispute that drew attention due to Bodett's near 40-year association with the brand and his role in shaping its advertising legacy.Read more

30 Dec 2025

Digico Infrastructure REIT has received State Significant Development approval for the expansion of its Syd1 data centre in Ultimo, New South Wales. The clearance was granted by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and allows the REIT to proceed with development at a strategically located Sydney site. The project forms part of Digico's broader digital infrastructure portfolio and supports rising demand for data centre capacity driven by cloud services and data growth. The approval provides regulatory certainty and enables the next phase of execution.Read more

30 Dec 2025

Vinhomes JSC has approved a plan to raise up to 4.5 trillion dong, or about USD 171 million, through a bond issuance to restructure its debt, as per a recent regulatory filing. The move is aimed at refinancing existing obligations rather than funding expansion. The decision reflects broader efforts by Vietnamese property developers to manage liabilities amid tighter credit conditions and a more regulated bond market. As the largest listed residential developer in Vietnam, Vinhomes continues to focus on balance sheet stability and liquidity management.Read more

29 Dec 2025

Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc has obtained a five-year corporate note facility worth PHP 13.61 billion, reinforcing its medium-term funding base. The facility, secured in the past week, adds to the company's diversified financing mix and provides flexibility for refinancing, working capital, or ongoing project needs. As one of the Philippines largest residential developers, Vista Land continues to rely on longer-tenure debt instruments to align funding with project cycles, at a time when developers are focused on liquidity and balance sheet discipline amid a cautious market environment.Read more

29 Dec 2025

Hong Kong's private home prices rose for the sixth straight month, increasing 0.9% month-on-month in November, supported by lower interest rates and stronger equity markets. Prices are up 2.8% so far this year, reversing declines seen since 2021, though values remain well below their peak. Government support measures and rate cuts have helped sentiment, but demand is still cautious. Analysts see signs of the market stabilising, with future price trends hinging on further rate cuts and external economic risks.Read more

29 Dec 2025

GMR Group has qualified to submit a bid for the proposed Taif International Airport project in Saudi Arabia, which carries an estimated investment value of USD 800 million. The airport development will be executed under a public-private partnership model on a build-transfer-operate basis, with a concession period of 30 years, including construction. Several international consortiums have also cleared the qualification stage for the bidding process. The new airport is planned to include a passenger terminal, support facilities, utilities, parking and access infrastructure, along with provisions for future expansion. The project is expected to cater to long-term traffic growth and support regional aviation demand, including Umrah-related travel.Read more

29 Dec 2025

Georgia has placed a key section of its national railway network into operation following the completion of a long-running modernisation project executed by China Railway 23rd Bureau Group. The upgraded line links Zestaponi and Khashuri in central Georgia and strengthens the country's east-west rail corridor. The project involved extensive renovation of existing tracks and new construction under difficult geological conditions. Authorities expect the railway to improve travel efficiency, expand freight capacity, support regional economies and strengthen Georgia's role in transcontinental trade routes connecting Asia and Europe.Read more

29 Dec 2025

Russia has outlined plans to establish a power plant on the moon by 2036 to support its lunar programme and a joint research station with China. Led by Roscosmos, the project involves key nuclear institutions, indicating the use of nuclear energy, although this has not been formally stated. The facility is expected to power rovers, scientific equipment and station infrastructure. Similar plans are underway in the United States, reflecting intensifying global competition over lunar exploration, long-term scientific presence and access to potential resources.Read more