UAE-based real estate developer Arada has acquired a 75% stake in UK residential developer Regal in a deal valued at AED2.5 billion ($681 million), marking its entry into the London market. The acquisition represents Arada's second international expansion following its move into Australia in 2024 and provides the company with an immediate platform to operate in one of the world's leading property markets. Regal will be rebranded as Arada London as part of the transaction.

The deal accelerates the delivery of Regal's existing 10,000-unit residential pipeline across 11 projects in London. Arada plans to more than triple this pipeline over the next three years, leveraging Regal's 30-year track record and 150-person team. The UK developer has previously delivered more than 4,000 homes and 1 million square feet of commercial space, with current projects including Fulton & Fifth in Wembley, which comprises 876 homes with 40% designated as affordable housing.

Arada's expansion into London aligns with its strategy of geographic diversification beyond its strong UAE base. Since its founding in 2017, the developer has launched 10 projects in the UAE, including the Aljada megaproject and Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah. The company's portfolio across the UAE and Australia amounts to over AED95 billion with more than 42,000 units, of which 10,000 have been delivered to date.

The acquisition comes as Gulf investors continue to deploy capital internationally amid strong property markets in their home regions. Arada is owned by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, deputy ruler of Sharjah, and Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia. The investment also coincides with the UK government's push to increase housing supply, though rising construction costs present challenges to delivery targets.

British police have detained two individuals in connection with a violent attack near a synagogue in Manchester that left three people dead, including the assailant. The incident occurred in the Crumpsall area of Manchester, where law enforcement officers opened fire on the attacker during the confrontation. Authorities confirmed the suspect was shot and killed during the response to what has been described as a horrific attack targeting the Jewish community.

The death toll from the incident has risen to three, with two additional fatalities beyond the attacker. Five other individuals, including a synagogue security guard, sustained injuries during the attack, with three of the wounded reported to be in critical condition. Police indicated the assailant possessed devices that prompted law enforcement's use of firearms, though specific details about these devices have not been disclosed.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer interrupted his participation in the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen to return to the United Kingdom following the attack. Speaking from the airport in Copenhagen, Starmer announced he would chair an emergency Cobra committee meeting upon his arrival in London to address the situation. The Prime Minister emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of Jewish communities across the nation.

In response to the Manchester incident, British authorities have implemented enhanced security measures at synagogues nationwide. Additional police resources have been deployed around Jewish places of worship as a precautionary measure. The coordinated security response aims to prevent further incidents and maintain public safety while investigations into the Manchester attack continue.