The world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count is expanding its footprint in Europe. Keller Williams has officially awarded a new master franchise in Croatia. This move brings the total number of European regions for the brand to 21. Led by Boris Batelic, the firm plans to launch its first market center in the second quarter of 2026 to drive structural change in the local market.
Real estate giant REMAX has announced a major expansion of its global network with the sale of master franchise rights in Libya and a new office opening in Azerbaijan. The Tripoli-based Libyan operation is led by experienced owners Zyead and Alhareth Ghattour. In Baku, entrepreneur İdris Cengiz has launched a 2,000 square foot facility to serve a growing market. These moves increase the brand's presence to more than 120 countries and territories.
Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Region, has launched municipal and development projects in Al-Ahsa worth SAR992 million. The initiative includes a new hackathon for housing solutions and a campaign to improve the urban landscape. Key agreements were signed, including investment contracts worth SAR50 million and nine community partnerships. The plans also feature three new parks, aligning with the Quality of Life Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
Architectural firm RMJM has presented its latest mixed-use project in Riyadh’s Al Qairawan district. The development is characterised by a contemporary interpretation of Salmani design principles, using textured façades and vertical fins to manage the local climate. By breaking the massing into a collection of varied volumes, the design incorporates green terraces and shaded pedestrian colonnades at street level.
Barings has expanded its Australian industrial footprint with the off-market acquisition of the Smithfield Industrial Estate in Sydney. Purchased through the BRAVA V fund, the estate covers nearly 57,000 square metres and supports 52 tenancies. The site is strategically located near Parramatta and major freight corridors, offering significant value-add potential. This deal is one of three initial Sydney investments for the fund, which now totals A$686 million in assets.
Vietnam has inaugurated its first LNG power plants, Nhon Trach 3 and 4, in Dong Nai Province. Built by Petrovietnam at a cost of USD1.4 billion, the 1,624 MW twin plants will generate over nine billion kWh annually to stabilise the national grid, particularly in the south. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated the project is crucial for national energy security, supporting the country's rapidly growing demand from high-tech sectors.
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