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Abu Dhabi real estate transaction value rises 76.1% to AED171.26 billion in first nine months
07.11.2026

Abu Dhabi real estate transaction value rises 76.1% to AED171.26 billion in first nine months

ABU DHABI, 7th November, 2026 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi's real estate transactions rose 76.1 percent in value to AED171.26 billion in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).The number of transactions increased 32.8 percent to 38,483, compared with 28,977 transactions worth AED97.19 billion in the same period of 2025.Sales were the main contributor to growth, with 23,749 transactions valued at AED119.33 billion, a 105 percent increase in value and a 49.2 percent increase in transaction volume year-on-year, up from 15,910 transactions worth AED58.20 billion in the same period of 2025.Mortgage activity also registered growth, with 14,390 transactions valued at AED45.92 billion, reflecting a 13.2 percent rise in transaction volume and a 30.2 percent increase in value compared to 12,706 transactions totalling AED35.26 billion in the same period of 2025.At a district level, Al Reem Island recorded the highest transaction value at AED29.86 billion, followed by Al Hudayriyat Island at AED28.62 billion, Al Saadiyat Island at AED18.69 billion, Yas Island at AED13.4 billion and Zayed City at AED5.36 billion. Looking ahead, six districts are projected to account for 77 percent of incremental real estate supply through 2030, including Al Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Zayed City, Khalifa City and Al Hudayriyat Island.Rashed Al Omaira, Director-General of ADREC, said, "The scale of investment shows how many people and businesses are making a long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi. That commitment extends well beyond the transaction itself. Buyers expect projects to be delivered, businesses need space to grow, and residents want communities that work well over time." He added that ADREC's responsibility is to make sure the rules governing the market reflect those expectations, from how property is sold to how developments are managed after handover.Foreign investment in Abu Dhabi's investment zones increased by 131 percent year-on-year to AED86.11 billion in the first nine months of 2026, accounting for 81 percent of total investment value within those zones. Foreign direct investment (FDI) by non-resident individuals in Abu Dhabi's real estate sector reached AED17.22 billion during the same period, more than double the AED8.2 billion recorded for the full year of 2025. Investors from 121 nationalities contributed to this FDI, with the United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States, France, and Germany representing the leading sources by investment value.Other transaction categories also recorded growth in value. Gift transactions increased by 145 percent in number to 76, with their total value rising by 389 percent to AED0.44 billion. Musataha and long-lease transactions reached 268 deals valued at AED5.57 billion, representing a 52.9 percent increase in value despite an 18.7 percent decline in transaction volume compared to the same period in 2025.As market activity expands, ADREC continues to develop the regulatory and professional framework supporting the sector. During the first nine months of 2026, the Centre registered 54 new real estate development projects and issued 3,677 licences for real estate professionals, a 32 percent increase in licences compared to the same period in 2025. ADREC also introduced the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Broker Transformation Course, a mandatory licensing curriculum replacing the previous broker course. The programme is designed to strengthen brokers' regulatory knowledge, advisory capabilities and professional conduct, supporting higher standards of service across the sector.Abu Dhabi has been recognised as the world's most improved market in JLL's 2026 Global Real Estate Transparency Index, recording the largest gain among all markets assessed. The emirate climbed eight places from 41st in 2024 to 33rd globally in 2026, with a score of 2.42. This advancement marks Abu Dhabi's transition from the "Semi-Transparent" to the "Transparent" tier. Regionally, Abu Dhabi ranked second in the MENA region.

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DEWA, Acwa sign water purchase, shareholder agreements for second phase of Hassyan desalination project
06.11.2026

DEWA, Acwa sign water purchase, shareholder agreements for second phase of Hassyan desalination project

DUBAI, 6th November, 2026 (WAM) -- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has signed a Water Purchase Agreement and a Shareholder Agreement with Acwa, valued at AED 1.76 billion (approximately USD 478 million), for the second phase of the seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination project at the Hassyan complex in Dubai.The two agreements were signed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of Acwa. Officials from both entities were present.The project company will be responsible for the development, financing, construction, and operation of the desalination plant, with DEWA holding a 60% stake and Acwa holding a 40% stake.Under the 30-year Water Purchase Agreement, the second phase will be developed with a production capacity of approximately 60 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) (272,000 cubic metres). This phase complements the 180 MIGD first phase, which has been developed with an investment of AED 3.357 billion as DEWA's first project based on the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model. Once both phases are completed, the emirate's total desalinated water production capacity will reach approximately 735 MIGD by 2029."The signing of the Water Purchase Agreement and the Shareholder Agreement with Acwa for the second phase of the Hassyan project embodies our firm commitment to strengthening Dubai's water security through sustainable sources, leveraging the latest technologies and innovative solutions. With the addition of 60 MIGD, Hassyan will become the world's largest SWRO desalination plant with a total production capacity of 240 MIGD. It also reflects our confidence in partnerships capable of transforming vision into tangible achievements. The 30-year Water Purchase Agreement marks a significant step in our journey to enhance production capacity using reverse osmosis technology, while reinforcing Dubai's leadership in adopting cutting-edge solutions, improving water production efficiency, and achieving sustainability. In line with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, we are steadily advancing the development of innovative water desalination solutions that reduce emissions, ensure sustainable access to water, and support the goal of achieving net zero by 2050," said Al Tayer.Al Tayer added: "We are investing in the future of water with confidence and a long-term vision, harnessing technology and innovation to build a water security system that keeps pace with Dubai's rapid growth and meets the rising demand for water services. Furthermore, we are building on the positive results achieved by the UAE in the Integrated Water Resources Management Index through the robust integration of water, energy, and environmental strategies."Abunayyan said: "Water security is fundamental to sustainable economic growth and long-term resilience. Our partnership with DEWA, built over more than a decade of collaboration in Dubai's power and water sectors, reflects a shared commitment to delivering reliable, efficient infrastructure at scale. Expanding Hassyan is a natural next step in that partnership, allowing us to build on our existing investment and development capabilities while creating long-term value. We are proud to support Dubai's water security ambitions and look forward to delivering this next phase with the same focus on efficiency, reliability, and execution excellence that defines our approach across the Acwa portfolio.

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Developing countries' external debt surges to record $9.4 trillion: WB
06.11.2026

Developing countries' external debt surges to record $9.4 trillion: WB

WASHINGTON, 6th November, 2026 (WAM) - External debt of developing countries jumped 5.5% to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, the fastest pace since 2021 and about four times the 2022-24 average, according to the World Bank Group's International Debt Report 2026. Access to international finance has improved, but the price of finance has not, and high debt burdens in the poorest countries threaten to crowd out essential investments in people.Private financing drove much of the increase. Borrowing from private creditors jumped and bond issuance from public entities rose nearly 35% to $251 billion, the highest level in five years as markets reopened to many developing countries. External debt grew fastest among the most vulnerable countries, increasing 8.1% to $1.3 trillion in countries eligible for concessional financing from the World Bank Group's International Development Association (IDA)."The return of private lending to low- and middle-income countries is welcome, but these countries are borrowing more, paying more, and in many cases leaving less for long-term development," said Haishan Fu, World Bank Group Chief Statistician and Director of Development Data. "Managing debt responsibly means giving everyone-including future generations-a chance to thrive."Many governments issued new bonds to buy back maturing debt, smoothing repayment profiles without significantly reducing debt stocks, often at higher interest rates. Early 2026 data show continued demand for international bond financing from low- and middle-income countries despite the high costs. By mid-August, more than 10 countries had exceeded their full-year 2025 issuance, while several others returned to international markets.IDA-eligible countries paid an average of 8.2% on new private-creditor commitments in 2025-the highest rate since 1989-and 9.4% on new bonds. The gap between the rates IDA-eligible countries paid to official and private creditors widened from 3.4 percentage points in 2016 to 5.5 percentage points in 2025.In comparison, countries eligible for only non-concessional loans from the World Bank Group's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) paid an average of 5.5% on new bonds, an improvement from the 5.8% rate the previous year.Debt-service pressures remained severe amid elevated global interest rates. Low- and middle-income countries paid $1.4 trillion in principal and interest in 2025, up 1.9% and marking a fifth consecutive annual increase. Payments to bondholders climbed to $363 billion, partly reflecting debt buybacks and prepayments financed through new bond issues.Between 2022 through 2025, developing countries paid $436 billion more in debt service than they received in new financing. The direction shifted in 2025, however, as long-term debt flows turned from a $118 billion net outflow in 2024 to a net inflow of $45 billion.

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Masdar, Endesa begin construction of €25.2 million battery storage portfolio in Spain
05.11.2026

Masdar, Endesa begin construction of €25.2 million battery storage portfolio in Spain

ABU DHABI, 5th November, 2026 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar and Endesa on Thursday marked the start of construction of three battery energy storage projects in Spain. The projects will add 60.16 megawatts (MW) of battery storage capacity and 120.34 megawatt-hours (MWh) of storage to solar plants in Extremadura and Andalusia, representing a combined investment of €25.2 million.The three projects are expected to be operational by the end of 2027.The projects are Ardila, at the 44 MWp solar plants in Fregenal de la Sierra (Badajoz), and La Vega I and La Vega II, at two solar plants in Teba (Málaga). By storing part of the electricity the plants generate, they will help integrate more renewable energy into the grid and make the electricity system more flexible.The projects are the first storage developments under the Masdar-Endesa partnership, established in 2024 when Masdar acquired a stake in a portfolio of Endesa's photovoltaic assets in Spain.Dr. Ibraheem Almansouri, Acting COO, Masdar, said Spain is one of Europe's fastest-growing major economies and this growth requires secure, resilient power. These projects will help integrate more clean power into the grid and strengthen the stability of the electricity system."They demonstrate how strategic partnerships can accelerate the deployment of advanced energy technologies, strengthen grid resilience and support sustainable economic growth, and they build on the strength of our partnership with Endesa while expanding our Iberian portfolio. We look forward to continuing to invest in Spain and to supporting the country's economic ambitions," he added.All three systems will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries with grid-forming inverters. The technology provides synthetic inertia, mimicking the behaviour of a conventional thermal or hydro generating unit, and responds almost instantly to sudden changes in grid conditions, supporting the stability of the electricity system.Ardila will provide 36.10 MW (72.20 MWh) of storage across 12 battery containers, enough to store the equivalent of the daily electricity consumption of around 8,100 Spanish households. La Vega I and La Vega II will each provide 12.03 MW (24.07 MWh) across four battery containers per site, together equivalent to the daily consumption of around 5,400 households.In total, 50 jobs will be created during the construction of the three projects, with commitments to use European-origin components and services, including inverters, auxiliary systems, communications and integration, supporting the regional energy storage value chain.At Ardila, the partners will also work with Fregenal de la Sierra Town Council to identify local improvement projects, with part of the budget reserved for training.Research and technical validation will be carried out with CIRCE and the Institute for Research in Technology (IIT) at Comillas Pontifical University, including on-site tests and studies of grid-forming operation.Masdar currently has 4.1 GW of operational capacity across the Iberian Peninsula, with around 1 GW under development. These projects continue Masdar's strategy of partnering with industry leaders to scale renewable energy deployment worldwide, as it targets 100 GW of global capacity by 2030.

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Dubai Chambers, Jiangsu Chamber of International Commerce partner to strengthen trade, investment ties
05.11.2026

Dubai Chambers, Jiangsu Chamber of International Commerce partner to strengthen trade, investment ties

DUBAI, 5th November, 2026 (WAM) -- Dubai Chambers has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jiangsu Chamber of International Commerce (Jiangsu COIC) to strengthen trade and investment ties and expand cooperation between Dubai and China's Jiangsu province.The agreement was signed at Dubai Chambers' headquarters by Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, and Wang Shanhua, Chairman of the Jiangsu Chamber of International Commerce. The MoU establishes a framework for long-term institutional cooperation focused on promoting bilateral trade and investment.Lootah said, "We are committed to developing constructive institutional partnerships that support the growth of bilateral trade and investment and create new opportunities for businesses in Dubai and China to expand. Strengthening the connections between our business communities and facilitating access to promising opportunities in both markets will help build valuable partnerships that support shared growth."The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation to facilitate the expansion of companies from China's Jiangsu province, particularly those based in Yancheng, into Dubai. It will also support Dubai-based companies seeking to explore opportunities in Jiangsu through business delegations, market-entry support, and B2B matchmaking. The agreement also covers potential cooperation on participation in business events and exploring opportunities to organise joint trade activities.The agreement forms part of Dubai Chambers' efforts to expand cooperation with trade and economic organisations across China to strengthen connections between the business communities and open up new opportunities for trade and investment cooperation.

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XRG agrees to acquire Shell's interest in Australia's North West Shelf project
03.11.2026

XRG agrees to acquire Shell's interest in Australia's North West Shelf project

ABU DHABI, 3rd November, 2026 (WAM) -- XRG today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Shell's interest in the North West Shelf project in Western Australia, for $1.45 billion, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.The acquisition represents XRG's first investment in Australian LNG and a significant milestone in the company's international gas growth strategy. It would establish a strategic position for XRG in close proximity to demand growth in the Asia-Pacific region, providing access to world-scale LNG infrastructure and equity LNG supply from one of the industry's most established energy projects.For more than four decades, the North West Shelf Project has played a defining role in Australia's economic development as the country's first LNG project. The asset has supported domestic energy supply, jobs, international trade, and Australia's emergence as a leading global energy exporter.Mohamed Al Aryani, President of XRG International Gas, said, "The North West Shelf investment created Australia's LNG industry and continues to contribute to the nation's economy, energy security, and prosperity. We recognize its importance and are committed to its long-term success. This investment advances XRG's strategy to build a leading international gas business serving growing demand across Asia-Pacific. The North West Shelf combines immediate production, strategic infrastructure, and future upstream development opportunities, making it a strong fit with our long-term ambitions."He added, "XRG understands the importance of balancing export success with local energy needs. We believe continued investment in the North West Shelf can help sustain domestic gas supply, support regional energy security, create jobs, and deliver lasting economic benefits for Australia."

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Food manufacturing leaders gather in Dubai for Gulfood Manufacturing 2026
03.11.2026

Food manufacturing leaders gather in Dubai for Gulfood Manufacturing 2026

DUBAI, 3rd November, 2026 (WAM) -- Gulfood Manufacturing 2026, the region's leading food and beverage manufacturing exhibition, was officially inaugurated today by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, bringing together leading international manufacturers, technology providers, ingredient specialists and industry decision-makers for three days of business and international trade.H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum toured the exhibition floor, visiting leading exhibitors and exploring developments across food processing, packaging, ingredients, automation and advanced manufacturing technologies.Running from 3-5 November under the theme 'Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation', the 12th edition brings together an extensive international manufacturing ecosystem at a time when food security, domestic production and supply chain resilience are increasingly central to national and industrial strategies.Held alongside ISM Middle East, GulfHost and Private Label Middle East, this year's four-show platform spans 21 halls and brings together 2,500 exhibitors from 79 countries, including five new participating countries: Argentina, Mauritania, the Philippines, San Marino and Slovakia.Leading multinational companies including ADM International, Bühler Group, Bunge, Cargill, Chocolate Lake Co, Döhler, dsm-firmenich, GEA, Givaudan, Heat and Control, Husky, IFM Electronic, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Ishida Middle East, Kerry, Krones,MULTIVAC, Novonesis, Sidel, SIG Group, Symrise, Tetra Pak and ULMA are among the major international names exhibiting this year, reflecting the breadth of international expertise converging in Dubai.Gulfood Manufacturing continues to serve as a launchpad for new technologies, equipment and product developments, with international manufacturers using the exhibition to demonstrate solutions addressing some of the industry's most pressing operational and commercial priorities.Bunge, a global leader in edible oils and specialty fats, is highlighting two award-winning innovations in specialty fats. CBT Gold offers manufacturers a cost-effective alternative to real chocolate, reducing costs by up to 70 per cent across bar, coating and panning applications. Its bakery innovation, FlexiBetter, replicates butter's sensory and processing properties while reducing CO₂ emissions by 82 per cent compared with dairy butter, offering bakers a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative.Ishida Middle East is exhibiting the 'Ishida QX-500', a next-generation tray sealer designed to improve production efficiency and packaging flexibility. With a 46 per cent smaller footprint and 50 per cent lower energy consumption than previous-generation models, the system supports a range of sustainable packaging materials while integrating into existing production lines.SACMI is demonstrating advances in beverage manufacturing through its CCM80SB and IPS500 platforms. Its high-speed CCM80SB compression moulding technology produces up to 240,000 caps per hour, with lower processing temperatures helping reduce energy consumption, material waste and polymer stress. The IPS500 preform production platform combines high-capacity output with precision process control, integrated vision systems and automated robotic quality inspection.A major highlight of the opening day was the Global Leaders Series roundtable, 'The Food Sovereignty Agenda: Capital and the Intelligent Factory', organised by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and inD Events.Moderated by Massimo Marioni, former senior editor at Fortune and CNN journalist, the high-level discussion brought together three influential international voices: Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever; John Elkington, Executive Chairman of Volans and creator of the triple bottom line concept; and Ken Goldberg, pioneering expert in robotics and AI, Professor at UC Berkeley and Chief Scientist at Ambi Robotics.The discussion examined the role of purpose-led business models, long-term investment and advanced technologies in restructuring conventional food manufacturing approaches, while addressing the key questions: Who will finance the next generation of factories, how nations can build domestic production capabilities and how the Gulf can lead the next phase of industrial transformation.The FoodTech Summit moved the conversation from global strategy to industry implementation, bringing together policymakers and business leaders to examine the practical priorities shaping regional food production.A key focus was the opportunity to localise the UAE's food supply chain, featuring insights from H.E. Khalifa Al Hajeri, CEO of Emirates Growth Fund, alongside leading industry voices including Dr. Arif Kalantar of ADAFSA, Gilles Tisserand of Tetra Pak, Reinier Weerman of Flora Food Group, Ashvin Subramanyam of Orkla and Walid Bakr of Bühler Group.The summit also addressed the impact of regional disruptions on cross-border logistics, highlighting the importance of diversified sourcing and infrastructure investment from representatives of Maersk, Mars, DHL Global Forwarding and DP World, including Morten Berg Thomsen, Khaled Ahmed, Viktoria Lebedeva and Ebtesam Al Kaabi.Extending the platform beyond food manufacturing, the co-location of Gulfood Manufacturing, GulfHost, ISM Middle East and Private Label Middle East brings four complementary industries together across 21 exhibition halls, connecting the businesses, technologies and brands driving the wider food, retail and hospitality sectors.The four shows feature an impressive roster of international names. ISM Middle East welcomes confectionery and snacks leaders including Anabtawi Food Industries, Batook Chewing Gum, BloomingFoods, Bogutti, Casa Del Doce, Delaviuda Confectionery Group, Gumlink Confectionery Company, Lambertz Group, Powermints, Trolli GmbH and Yupi Indo Jelly, alongside many more exhibitors fromPoland, Brazil, Spain, Türkiye, China, Italy, Germany, the UAE and beyond. GulfHost brings together leading foodservice equipment and solutions providers such as Ali Group, Bravilor Bonamat, ETS Nord, Henny Penny, Mabrook, Middleby, SALVA, Tecnoeka and UNOX. Meanwhile, Private Label Middle East showcases brands and suppliers including Al Ameera, Dawn Foods, Emirates Steel Wool, EPSON, Finlays, Intercare, International Food Industries (IFI), LIFCO, Rasna and V-Label, reflecting the breadth of products and solutions serving private label and retail markets.Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 continues tomorrow with further opportunities to discover new technologies, engage with international manufacturers and explore developments across processing, packaging, ingredients and smart manufacturing.The FoodTech Summit will turn its attention to evolving consumer preferences and their implications for the food industry, bringing together leaders from Ferrero, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, Symrise and Talabat, alongside health professionals, to examine emerging trends in snacking, confectionery, flavour science, product formulation and packaging. Discussions will explore how demand is evolving around value, health and sustainability, and how manufacturers can respond through product development and innovation.

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Alya establishes regional headquarters at DIFC
03.11.2026

Alya establishes regional headquarters at DIFC

DUBAI, 3rd November, 2026 (WAM) -- Alya, a new institutional platform for premium residential developments across the GCC, has established its regional headquarters in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), coinciding with Dubai Future Finance Week, as it seeks to strengthen its regional presence and develop residential projects in line with the highest international standards of design, delivery and corporate governance.The platform is backed by Brookfield, a leading global investment firm, and Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based independent global investment firm, with over US$125 billion in assets under management.Its presence in DIFC places the platform within an internationally recognised financial and regulatory ecosystem, strengthening its connections with investment institutions and global expertise to support its expansion plans across the GCC.Alya is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from DIFC.Otto Dreyer, Chief Executive Officer of Alya, said, "With the backing of Brookfield and Lunate, we are building a development platform held to institutional standards of governance and transparency. We are pleased to launch Alya with the opening of our office in DIFC."Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer of DIFC Authority, said, "DIFC continues to attract globally backed businesses that choose Dubai as the base for their long-term regional growth."He added, "Alya's decision to establish its regional headquarters in the Centre reflects the depth of DIFC's institutional ecosystem and its ability to connect businesses with the capital, expertise and partnerships needed to grow across the region. We look forward to supporting Alya as it builds its presence in DIFC and advances its ambitions across the GCC."

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