Latest news with #internationalinvestors
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi records Dh51.7b in real estate transactions in H1 2025
The total value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi rose 39 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching Dh51.72 billion, up from Dh37.2 billion last year, according to data released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). The number of property transactions rose 12 per cent, reaching 14,167 deals, reflecting accelerated market activity underpinned by notable increases in sales, purchases, and mortgage transactions. Sales and purchases transactions grew 32 per cent in value, reaching Dh32.69 billion through 7,964 transactions, while mortgage transactions recorded a significant 52 per cent increase in value, amounting to Dh19.03 billion through 6,204 deals. The market's momentum is supported by streamlined regulations, digital services, and high-quality project launches, positioning Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for sustainable real estate investment. The first half of the year witnessed increased interest from international investors. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) transactions reached 890, a 3.3 per cent increase in total value, amounting to Dh3.38 billion. The number of nationalities who invested grew to 85, up 10 per cent compared to the same period last year, underscoring the growing global confidence in Abu Dhabi's real estate sector. The market attracted strong interest from investors from major and emerging economies including Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, Kazakhstan and the United States, which reflects Abu Dhabi's position as a global investment hub that combines economic stability with high-quality opportunities. In terms of transaction values by area, Saadiyat Island maintained its lead at more than Dh9.1 billion, followed by Yas Island at Dh5.86 billion, and Al Bahia at Dh3.98 billion. Other locations that recorded strong transactions included Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Reem Island, Al Riyadh City, and Khalifa City, highlighting the broad geographic spread of real estate activity across the emirate. Eng Rashed Al Omaira, Acting Director General of ADREC, said: 'The first-half performance reflects the growing confidence in Abu Dhabi's real estate market, from both global and national investors, reflected in the sustained growth in transaction values and continued increase in foreign investment. 'The recent launch of high-quality projects has further energised the market and opened doors to attractive investment opportunities, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's attractiveness as a leading destination for sustainable real estate investment. Additionally, the initiatives ADREC recently launched and the facilitations it offered, including automation of a large number of processes and services, had a pivotal role in reaching this achievement, through streamlining the investor's journey, accelerating transactions and enhancing transparency.' ADREC continues to advance its legislative framework and enhance the user experience in line with the emirate's economic ambitions, strengthening its regional and global competitiveness.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre records AED51.7bln+ in real estate transactions in H1 2025
Abu Dhabi – The Abu Dhabi real estate sector delivered outstanding performance in the first half of 2025, with the total real estate transaction value increasing by 39 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. The total value reached AED51.72 billion, up from AED37.2 billion last year, according to data released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). The number of property transactions increased by 12 per cent, reaching 14,167 deals, reflecting accelerated market activity underpinned by notable increases in sales, purchases, and mortgage transactions. Sales and purchases transactions grew 32 per cent in value, reaching AED32.69 billion through 7,964 transactions, while mortgage transactions recorded a significant 52 per cent increase in value, amounting to AED19.03 billion through 6,204 deals. The first half of the year witnessed increased interest from international investors. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) transactions reached 890, a 3.3 per cent increase in total value, amounting to AED3.38 billion. The number of nationalities who invested grew to 85, up 10 per cent compared to the same period last year, underscoring the growing global confidence in Abu Dhabi's real estate sector. The market attracted strong interest from investors from major and emerging economies including Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, Kazakhstan and the United States, which reflects Abu Dhabi's position as a global investment hub that combines economic stability with high-quality opportunities. In terms of transaction values by area, Saadiyat Island maintained its lead at more than AED9.1 billion, followed by Yas Island at AED5.86 billion, and Al Bahia at AED3.98 billion. Other locations that recorded strong transactions included Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Reem Island, Al Riyadh City, and Khalifa City, highlighting the broad geographic spread of real estate activity across the emirate. Eng Rashed Al Omaira, Acting Director General of ADREC, said: 'The first-half performance reflects the growing confidence in Abu Dhabi's real estate market, from both global and national investors, reflected in the sustained growth in transaction values and continued increase in foreign investment. 'The recent launch of high-quality projects has further energised the market and opened doors to attractive investment opportunities, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's attractiveness as a leading destination for sustainable real estate investment. Additionally, the initiatives ADREC recently launched and the facilitations it offered, including automation of a large number of processes and services, had a pivotal role in reaching this achievement, through streamlining the investor's journey, accelerating transactions and enhancing transparency.' ADREC continues to advance its legislative framework and enhance the user experience in line with the emirate's economic ambitions, strengthening its regional and global competitiveness. About The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) officially launched the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) in November 2023 to accelerate growth across the real estate ecosystem in the emirate. ADREC unifies and strengthens the real estate sector in Abu Dhabi through a comprehensive regulatory framework to further enhance the efficiency of real estate and strengthen oversight, as well as increase transparency and support for residents, investors, real estate companies and professionals. ADREC's strategy is centred around four key pillars: Real Estate Strategy, Real Estate Promotion, Real Estate Regulation, and Real Estate Transactions Management. For media inquiries, please contact: Heba Al-Haj | ADREC - Real Estate Promotion +971 50 933 6130
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Building Trust through Effective Service Delivery in Africa
The World Bank's annual Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) report for Sub-Saharan Africa, released today, reveals that despite a stable average CPIA score for the region, there is an urgent need for governments in Africa to improve the delivery of essential services to promote inclusive, sustainable growth. The CPIA Africa report evaluates the quality of policy and institutional reforms in IDA-eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa for the calendar year 2024. According to the report, the average CPIA score for the region remained similar to 2023 at 3.1 points (out of 6). While some areas saw strong reforms, poor performance in governance offset these gains, and improvements were concentrated in already well-performing countries. The CPIA report underscores that meeting the needs of African citizens will require mobilizing the government to provide services amidst limited external financing. The report serves as a vital guide for policymakers and international investors, identifying specific reform actions to support effective public service delivery and foster a more resilient and prosperous future for Sub-Saharan Africa. Against this backdrop, the report notes a trend in public discontent in 2024 – a year that was marked by youth protests and a notable decline in political support for incumbents across the continent. This is mirrored in survey results in the region that have shown growing dissatisfaction with the quality of public services, which continue to lag other regions, particularly in infrastructure, human capital, security, and administrative capabilities. "Confidence in a government's ability to efficiently transform public resources into essential services is fundamental to fostering a shared purpose with citizens and improving trust," said Andrew Dabalen, World Bank Chief Economist for Africa."Populations across Africa are clearly asking for more from their leaders to enable them to realize their aspirations. Our CPIA Africa report underscores the urgent need for transparent management of public resources and effective delivery of quality services to address growing dissatisfaction and enable citizens to reach their full potential." The report details significant shortfalls across various public service sectors. Infrastructure-related services, including transport, remain underdeveloped, hindering economic activity and quality of life. High poverty levels are exacerbated by a lack of access to public infrastructure, particularly in sanitation. Human capital development is hampered by poor educational quality and inadequate health services, limiting citizens' well-being and earning prospects as they enter the workforce. Furthermore, the ability of governments to provide basic security has been undermined, with conflict-related casualties nearly tripling between 2014 and 2024. Administrative services, crucial for a thriving business environment, also lag, with Sub-Saharan Africa performing poorly in areas like business location and financial services. Despite these challenges, the report notes some positive developments. Many countries have shown improved fiscal discipline, tackling high wage bills and fuel subsidies, and making progress in debt consolidation. Efforts to implement trade facilitation agreements, leverage digital technologies, and strengthen financial sector regulation are also underway. The report also highlights progress in empowering adolescent girls through legal and policy reforms and strengthening of social protection systems. "While some countries have made commendable strides in fiscal prudence and digital transformation, issues of weak governance, limited transparency, and insufficient implementation capacity continue to undermine efforts to deliver essential services. Addressing these fundamental challenges is not just about economic growth; it's about showing people that governments can work for them to help create a better path for the future," added Nicholas Woolley, the CPIA report's lead author. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.
Zawya
06-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NBK prices $800mln in landmark Additional Tier 1 bond issuance
Robust participation from international investors underscores strong confidence in NBK's credit profile Intense investor demand enabled a 50bpd tightening from initial price guidance, with final pricing set at 6.375% Final pricing reflects a spread of just 240.3 basis points over US Treasury yields The orderbook peaked at US$2.2 billion, representing an oversubscription of around 2.75x the deal size International investors accounted for 53% of total allocations, while 47% originated from within the MENA region Asset managers and investment funds represented 48% of allocations, followed by banks and private banking at 44%, while other investors comprised the remaining 8% National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) successfully priced a US$800 million PNC6 Additional Tier 1 bond issuance (AT1)—its largest issuance to date in this capital tier—following strong investor demand. The issuance was met with broad interest from global investors, marking a notable return to the GCC AT1 market after a brief pause that followed a concentrated wave of issuances in May. The issuance attracted strong demand, with subscription orders peaking at US$2.2 billion—2.75x the issued amount—underscoring robust interest from a diversified pool of global investors and financial institutions. Private banks, in particular, played a pivotal role as key anchors during the orderbook building process. This overwhelming response reflects international investor confidence in NBK's solid credit profile and Kuwait's position as an attractive investment destination. MENA-based investors accounted for 47% of total allocations, followed by investors from the UK (19%), the United States (18%), Europe (13%), and Asia (3%). By investor type, asset managers and investment funds represented the largest share at 48%, followed by banks and private banking clients at 44%, while sovereign entities, insurance firms, and pension funds comprised the remaining 8% of total demand. Robust investor demand enabled NBK to achieve highly favorable pricing for the issuance, with the final yield set at 6.375%—representing a 50 basis point tightening from the initial price thoughts (IPTs) of 6.875% (equivalent to UST+240.3bps). The investment-grade credit rating of the issuance, at Baa3 from Moody's, further enhanced its appeal—driving strong interest from international private banking platforms and global asset managers. Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, HSBC, and Standard Chartered acted as Global Coordinators for the issuance, while the Joint Lead Managers included Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, HSBC, Standard Chartered, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, KAMCO Investment Company, and National Bank of Kuwait. The bonds, which will be listed on the London Stock Exchange, are expected to strengthen NBK's capital adequacy ratios. The new issuance was conducted in parallel with NBK's liability management exercise which offered holders of the Bank's outstanding US$750 million Additional Tier 1 securities, issued on November 27, 2019, the option to roll their existing positions into the new offering.
Reuters
24-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Mauritius seeks investors for floating power plant to meet energy demand
PORT LOUIS, June 24 (Reuters) - Mauritius is inviting international investors to establish and operate a floating power plant as the Indian Ocean island nation seeks to address its growing energy needs, according to a tender issued by the state-owned Central Electricity Board. The proposed plant will run on heavy fuel oil, a request for proposals seen by Reuters on Tuesday showed. Public Utilities Minister Patrick Assirvaden told lawmakers on Tuesday that Mauritius requires an additional 100 megawatts of electricity by January next year to meet rising demand. In May, Assirvaden said the floating barge plant initiative aims to diversify energy production sources, ensure greater security of supply and respond to rising energy demand. The contract is expected to last five years, with the barge expected to be anchored off the capital Port Louis and connected to the grid, he said on Tuesday. Mauritius relies heavily on imported fossil fuels that account for about 80% of its power mix. The tender is open to international developers who are required to submit proposals before August, according to the tender document. It did not disclose the plant's projected cost.
