Masdar has reached an agreement with Endesa to acquire a 49.99 per cent stake in four solar plants in Spain.

The plants have a combined capacity of 446 megawatts (MW).

The deal, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions, will see Masdar invest Dhs702m (EUR184m) for the stake in the solar assets, which have an enterprise value of Dhs1.4bn (EUR368m).

This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Masdar’s expansion in the Iberian Peninsula and across Europe.

Strategic move for growth in Europe

The proposed acquisition follows a previous agreement between Masdar and Endesa, which was signed last year.

The two companies partnered on a portfolio of over 2 gigawatts (GW) of solar assets, with the potential to add an additional 0.5GW of battery storage.

The partnership was one of Spain’s largest renewable energy transactions in recent years.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, commented: “This acquisition further reflects Masdar’s commitment to supporting Europe’s decarbonisation goals and advancing the global energy transformation. It also marks another significant step in our strategic expansion in the Iberian Peninsula and Europe, adding to our growing portfolio on the continent.

“Strengthening our partnership with Endesa positions us to unlock new renewable energy opportunities across Europe and beyond, while driving sustainable growth and boosting prosperity.”

Strengthening partnerships for energy transition

Flavio Cattaneo, CEO of Enel Group, which owns Endesa, said: “With this transaction, we are renewing the cooperation launched last year with a major player such as Masdar. The agreement signed today demonstrates our commitment to accelerate the energy transition also in partnership with large international industrial groups, in line with our strategic plan.”

The ongoing partnership between Masdar and Endesa is expected to play a key role in helping Spain meet its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) targets. Masdar has been active in the Iberian Peninsula in recent years, acquiring Saeta, a renewable energy platform with an operating portfolio of 745MW, primarily wind assets, and a 1.6GW development pipeline across Spain and Portugal.

With this latest acquisition, Masdar’s total operational capacity in the Iberian Peninsula reaches 3.2GW.

Masdar-Endesa: Supporting the EU’s net-zero targets

Masdar remains committed to supporting the European Union’s 2050 net-zero targets.

Last month, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Enel Group, which owns Endesa, to explore potential renewable energy opportunities in countries such as Italy, Spain, and Germany.

This latest acquisition further solidifies Masdar’s role as a key player in Europe’s clean energy transition, contributing to the region’s renewable energy goals and sustainable growth.

Read: Masdar, TotalEnergies, EPointZero to drive clean energy access in Asia, Africa

The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), a subsidiary of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), has launched the ‘Tayseer‘ initiative to facilitate the payment of outstanding service fees by property owners.

The initiative offers flexible payment plans, allowing owners to settle their dues over a minimum of six months in coordination with jointly owned property (JOP) management companies.

The move is designed to ease financial burdens on owners and promote greater financial stability within Dubai’s real estate sector.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of the Community,’ declared by the nation’s leadership under the theme “Together, hand in hand”.

Tayseer to enable community collaboration

By providing flexible financial solutions, the programme is expected to improve the quality of life across the emirate, while fostering stronger community ties.

The initiative was launched following discussions between RERA and JOP management companies, which focused on mechanisms to resolve overdue service fees.

It was agreed to open registration for the programme for two months through the management companies, with a commitment not to initiate enforcement actions against owners while the payment plan is in place.

As a result of these discussions, 19 property management companies have already joined the initiative.

Support for property owners and sector sustainability

Mohammed Ali Al Bidwawi, acting CEO of RERA at the Dubai Land Department, emphasised that the initiative demonstrates DLD’s continued commitment to strengthening the readiness and sustainability of the real estate sector, while enhancing public-private partnerships.

He said, “Dubai Land Department continues to launch impactful initiatives that keep pace with market developments and address the needs of property owners and investors. The ‘Tayseer’ initiative aligns with our vision of delivering proactive, customer-centric services that build trust and balance economic and social priorities.”

Through ‘Tayseer,’ the Dubai Land Department aims to achieve several strategic objectives, including reducing the number of service fee-related cases at the Rental Disputes Center, minimising complaints, and improving service fee allocation efficiency across real estate projects. The initiative also aims to enhance the experience of property owners by providing seamless payment services, which in turn will boost customer satisfaction and support the long-term sustainability of the real estate market.

The initiative is part of the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which seeks to establish flexible and sustainable service fee payment plans for property owners.

These plans will help achieve the economic and investment goals of owners while ensuring timely payments in accordance with the agreed schedules.

The ‘Tayseer’ initiative supports national and local priorities across three key pillars: enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness by fostering an environment conducive to investment, promoting sustainable development by reinforcing trust and transparency in the real estate market.

RERA is encouraging all property owners to contact their management companies directly to take advantage of the initiative and is urging additional management companies to join the programme.

Several airlines have updated their guidance on carrying lithium batteries onboard. The batteries are in devices such as cellphones and e-cigarettes, and can malfunction to produce smoke, fire or extreme heat.

Read-These Asian airlines have just banned power banks onboard

In 2024, three incidents every two weeks of overheating lithium batteries on planes were recorded globally by the US Federal Aviation Administration, compared to just under one a week in 2018.

Aviation has long recognised the batteries as a safety concern, and rules are periodically tightened in response to accidents.

Airlines in South Korea

In January, an Air Busan plane was consumed in flames while preparing to depart South Korea. Investigators have not issued a final report into the cause of the fire, but the transport ministry said on March 14 that a power bank was the possible cause.

Air Busan was the first to change its policies to disallow power banks in overhead cabin bins, saying passengers should keep them on their person, to more easily spot any problems.

From March 1, South Korea tightened rules for all South Korean airlines, including keeping power banks and e-cigarettes with passengers and not in luggage bins, and not charging devices onboard.

Airlines in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s aviation regulator said local airlines from April 7 must not allow passengers to use or charge power banks during flights, and they must not be stored in overhead lockers.

On March 20 a Hong Kong Airlines flight departing China was forced to divert due to a “suspected hand carry baggage fire” in an overhead compartment.

Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department said on March 24 it was “highly concerned about recent safety incidents suspected to have been caused by passengers carrying and using lithium battery power banks (power banks) on aircraft”.

Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific said it would implement the new regulations, adding that it recognised the importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety. The airline had earlier told Reuters it would not change its guidelines out of concern it would be hard to enforce and “may lead to negative unintended consequences”.

Singapore Airlines and Scoot

Singapore Airlines, including budget airline Scoot, from April 1 has prohibited passengers from using or charging portable power banks during flights.

The airline told Reuters it regularly reviews in-flight procedures and regulations, and safety is the company’s top priority.

Air Astana

Kazakhstan’s Air Astana from March 13 prohibited charging or using power banks during flights and said lithium batteries, external batteries and e-cigarettes must be kept in hand luggage and placed on the luggage racks.

Eva Air

Taiwan’s EVA Air prohibited charging and using power banks and spare lithium batteries on flights starting on March 1.

It advised that most plane seats are equipped with USB power outlets if passengers need to charge other devices.

China Airlines

Taiwan’s China Airlines said from March 1 power banks and spare lithium batteries must not be used or charged during flights. It also recommended that passengers not store power banks in overhead bins.

Thai Airways

Thai Airways from March 15 prohibited the use and charging of power banks and portable batteries during flights.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)

MAG, the parent of Malaysia Airlines, said from April 1 power banks are prohibited in overhead compartments. “During the flight, you may store them in your carry-on bag under the seat, or in the seat pocket in front of you,” it said.

Magnetic wireless power banks must be kept in a separate bag and charging or using of power banks will be prohibited during flights.

Batik Air

From March 14 passengers on Indonesia’s Batik Air, part of the Lion Air Group, may not use power banks in flight. Two power banks may be carried on their person and not in overhead cabins.

“Passengers are also advised to exercise caution when carrying auto-magnet charge power banks, as these may pose additional risks,” the airline said.

China

China’s aviation regulator has said from at least 2014 that passengers should not charge devices using power banks during flight.

IATA Guidelines

Airlines generally follow the lithium battery guidance in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which state power banks must be carried in cabin baggage, not in checked baggage, and sets limits on the amount and strength of batteries that can be carried.

European airline group Lufthansa said it adheres to IATA guidance, which has not changed.

IATA did not respond to a request for comment.

Air India said it constantly reviews policies based on industry events and regulatory recommendations.

“As change from current practice may introduce new risks and there is no clear consensus on the best approach, Air India policy remains unchanged at this juncture,” a spokesperson said.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has introduced a new Dhs100 polymer banknote, featuring innovative designs and advanced security features.

This new banknote is part of the CBUAE’s third issuance of the National Currency Project, aimed at enhancing the country’s currency system.

The design of the Dhs100 note highlights the UAE’s growth and success, incorporating cultural and developmental symbols that reflect the nation’s journey to becoming a global economic and commercial hub.

Aesthetic and security features

The new banknote has shades of red while maintaining the colour scheme of the current Dhs100 denomination.

The note also prominently features the UAE nation brand, with intricate drawings and inscriptions crafted using advanced printing techniques.

On the front of the banknote is the Um Al Quwain National Fort, a historical monument that links the UAE’s rich past with its present achievements.

The reverse side of the note showcases the Port of Fujairah, one of the UAE’s largest and busiest ports, as well as the Etihad Rail, a vital railway network connecting all seven emirates and extending to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

To enhance security and prevent counterfeiting, the DHs100 banknote includes advanced security features such as SPARK Flow DIMENSIONS and KINEGRAM COLORS, a multi-coloured security chip technology.

These features are designed to ensure the authenticity of the note.

Dhs100 new note made from durable polymer

Made of durable polymer, the new banknote is more sustainable than traditional paper notes, lasting up to two or more times longer in circulation.

In consideration of all banknote users, the CBUAE has also incorporated Braille symbols, allowing blind and visually impaired consumers to identify the value of the note easily.

The new banknote will begin circulating alongside the existing Dhs100 notes starting today, March 24.

Banks and exchange houses have been instructed to update their cash deposit machines and counting devices to ensure the seamless acceptance of both the new polymer and existing banknotes, which are guaranteed by law.

The CBUAE has previously earned recognition for its innovation in currency design. The central bank won the ‘Best New Banknote’ award at the 2023 and 2025 High Security Printing EMEA conference for its polymer Dhs500 and Dhs1m000 notes, which feature unique designs and advanced security features.

On the launch of the new banknote, Khaled Mohamed Balama, governor of the CBUAE, stated: “The new 100 dirham banknote reflects our commitment to the leadership’s vision for a sustainable future through initiatives and achievements that support net zero and enhance the nation’s financial competitiveness.”

He further added, “Its design embodies the country’s ambitious aspirations for future progress and prosperity, while honoring its historical and cultural heritage. We are pleased to announce this special issue in conjunction with the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.”

Fifty years ago, Brazil and the UAE established diplomatic relations.Over time, this relationship has become steadily stronger, befitting their mutual status as economic engines and hotbeds of innovation.

Brazil and the UAE share similar paths and are members of many of the same clubs — notably the multilateral BRICS group, which Brazil co-founded and which the UAE joined in January 2024.

Merchandise trade between the two nations has grown at an annual rate of 14 per cent over the past 26 years – double the world average – and reached $6bn in the 12 months ending October 2024. But while impressive, that represents only 1 per cent of each country’s total foreign commerce, thus hinting at immense untapped potential.

Investment in infrastructure development presents an opportunity to deepen the economic relationship between these kindred states. This is also an area where UAE entities, including its many sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), are keen to diversify their portfolios. It also matches up well with Brazil’s need to address the significant infrastructure gaps in areas from power generation to logistics and transportation and from data centres to environmental services.

Addressing these gaps is crucial as they threaten to dampen Brazil’s growth and productivity. The World Bank has noted the importance of modern infrastructure, including digital, “to create more and better jobs” for the people of Brazil.

Meanwhile the World Economic Forum’s January 2024 report on global growth places Brazil’s infrastructure at the middle of the pack with a score of four on a scale of one to seven, where seven is best.

At the same time, Brazil has significant advantages for investors: stable institutions, a foothold in a market of 203 million people, a credible central bank, a resilient financial system, the initiation of tax reforms, a market-driven economy, and a robust labour market; indicating that Brazil’s infrastructure sector offers a variety of attractive risk-adjusted opportunities.

Middle East investments in Brazil

Middle East investments in Brazilian infrastructure have been making some headway, most recently with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) investing in Brazil’s transportation infrastructure, following a bid in a recent round of Brazilian government auctions for toll-road concessions. Deals such as this could work well for UAE investors too, particularly SWFs.

Across Latin America, where the Brazilian economy is the largest one, we see many projects that prioritise sustainable and inclusive development in compliance with SDGs and ESG principles, while also presenting an attractive range of risk-adjusted options for investors, especially those supporting energy transition.

We see opportunities for approximately $90bn worth of investment in Latin American infrastructure development projects in related sectors, from toll-road concessions in Brazil and Colombia to privatisation of sanitation assets in Brazil, water desalination in Chile and Peru and waste management across the region.

To take advantage of these manifold openings, it can be useful for Middle East investors to team up with specialised partners and advisors who understand that navigating the reefs and shoals of a large emerging market in Latin America requires more than just capital. It also demands regional expertise and a diversified investment platform.

From our experience, we have addressed international investors’ concerns over the years, especially those around sub-national risks.

Infrastructure assets have long-term contracts, oftentimes inflation indexation, and a long track record of solid regulatory agencies. In toll roads, as we have seen with PIF’s investments, there are 20 to 30-year-old concessions with reputable regulatory agencies in place, respecting contracts, and providing stability to the investment.

It is important to remember that trade must be two-way to thrive. There are also paths by which Brazilian investors can bring their funds to key economic sectors in the UAE and the wider region.

Looking forward, there remains plenty of room for growth in the UAE-Brazil relationship. By leveraging local expertise and focusing on robust, regulated sectors such as infrastructure, both nations can unlock significant mutual benefits and ensure the next 50 years of partnership are even more prosperous than the last.