Nov. 25--DEVELOPERS MAY PAY FOR DAMAGING ENVIRONMENT: The government of Bahrain is considering legislation that would require developers to pay compensation for the damage they cause to the country's environment, reported Gulf Daily News. The money paid out as compensation would then be ploughed back into preserving the country's natural habitats and ecosystems.

TAMEER TO LAY OFF HALF OF ITS STAFF: Dubai-based property developer Tameer plans to lay off half of its workforce, reported 7DAYS, citing a source close to the company. The terminations are to take effect December 31. The company has 350 employees, according to its website.

EMAAR EGYPT WILL NOT EXTEND PAYMENT PLANS: Emaar Egypt will not extend payment plans, unlike its parent company in Dubai, CEO Sameh Muhtadi said. Emaar Egypt is also not considering layoffs at this point, but rather is looking to hire personnel with specific skills in certain divisions that can help the company weather the economic downturn, Muhtadi added. The company has two projects underway in Egypt: Marassi on the North Coast and Uptown Cairo in the Moqattem Hills. It is also expects soon to launch a third, Cairo Gate, on the Cairo-Alexandria road, reported Daily News Egypt.

AABAR BUYS PLOTS IN AL RAHA: Abu Dhabi-based Aabar Investments has signed a purchase agreement with Tasameem Real Estate to buy two residential land plots in the Al Raha development area for an aggregate price of just over Dhs500m ($136m). Aabar plans to develop residential properties of up to four residential towers once the purchase is completed.

OMNIYAT MAY RESTRUCTURE ITS PAYMENT PLANS: Dubai-based developer Omniyat Properties plans to restructure its payment plans to boost sales and says that all of its Dhs21bn of projects are either are under construction or awaiting launch, reported Gulf News. Mehdi Amjad, executive chairman and president of Omniyat, said the split between the company's projects, both under construction and those not yet launched was about 50-50. With mortgages harder for buyers to obtain, the company may launch new payment plans under which 50 percent was due during the construction phase and 50 percent on completion of the project, he added.

EMAAR'S ALABBAR: 'REAL ESTATE SECTOR MUST UNITE': Emaar Chairman Mohamed Alabbar has said it is time for Dubai's real estate sector to 'unite and collaborate'. About 70 percent of Dubai property projects are controlled by three companies -- Emaar, Nakheel and Dubai Holding, and this, he said, was good for the strength of the market. Alabbar admitted property prices were slipping, but described the fall as healthy.