Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled the masterplan for Baku Expo City, a 198-hectare development in Azerbaijan. The scheme accommodates population growth through diverse housing, community facilities and an expanded exhibition centre. Designed to adapt to local wind conditions and climate, the project preserves 92% of the site’s 18,000 trees while incorporating green roofs, renewable energy systems and upgraded public transport connections.
Enbridge has entered a C$2.7 billion joint venture with KKR and Apollo to fund the expansion of its Westcoast natural gas pipeline in British Columbia. Under the deal, KKR and Apollo will acquire a 29% indirect interest in the network upon completion of the Sunrise project in 2028. Enbridge retains operational control, majority ownership and an option to repurchase the stake after seven years.
Saudi Arabia's National Housing Company (NHC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with French energy firm EDF during the Saudi-French Investment Roundtable in Paris. Signed in the presence of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron, the agreement focuses on solar energy, electrical infrastructure, electric vehicle charging and carbon reduction across NHC urban developments, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 housing goals.
Homes England has announced 33 strategic partners to support the government's £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme. Running from 2026 to 2036, the ten-year initiative represents a major public investment in housing outside London. The selected housing associations, councils and developers will build thousands of social and affordable homes to meet growing regional demand across the country.
Ambassadori Island Batumi has signed a major international investment agreement with Dubai-based HOLM Developments. The UAE firm will construct a 140,000 square metre multifunctional complex on the artificial island, representing an investment of over $250 million. The deal highlights growing foreign direct investment in Georgia's real estate market, backed by secure investment frameworks and strong economic potential in the Black Sea region.
Accor and Al Qimmah Hospitality have expanded their strategic agreement to build a joint portfolio exceeding 4,000 rooms in Saudi Arabia. The growth is marked by the signing of an 850-key Novotel property in Makkah, scheduled to open in 2030. The wider initiative spans five properties across Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah, supporting religious tourism infrastructure and domestic employment targets under Saudi Vision 2030.
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