Abu Dhabi Construction Kickoff: ORA Developers has started main works on Phase 1 of its BAYN project in Ghantoot, with a 31-month Phase 1 contract covering 614 homes plus infrastructure and landscaping, targeting delivery from Dec 2028. Dubai Development Pipeline: MAG Group says it will announce “MAG Square” soon, valuing the planned project at up to AED 2bn, as Dubai’s broader build-and-hand-over pace continues. UK Affordable Housing Debate: In Halvergate, Saffron Housing is seeking approval for 15 affordable homes, but residents have raised concerns about stigma and village impact ahead of a decision expected this month. US Housing & Public Safety Politics: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson faced tough questions on affordability and public safety, including plans to activate CCTV citywide. Madrid Planning Reform: Madrid’s Assembly is set to approve urgent measures to boost protected public housing supply by speeding processing, raising buildability/density, and reducing administrative hurdles. Housing Fraud Crackdown: NECAC says it’s defending its Section 8 work amid a federal housing fraud push, stressing vouchers go directly to landlords and that fraud is relatively rare. Market Signals: New Zealand reports a 5.9% year-on-year drop in Q1 building work commencements, with non-residential declines outpacing residential. Health & Water Risk: Ahmedabad residents reported diarrhoea and vomiting after contaminated water from drainage issues entered a drinking pipeline, with officials citing 50 cases and 11 hospitalisations. Affordable Housing Finance: WHEDA awarded $47.5m in housing tax credits across 35 developments, supporting more than 2,100 affordable units in Wisconsin.