Actor Russell Crowe is reportedly trying to sell a waterfront apartment in an upscale Sydney suburb for $50 million after buying it for $14.35 million in 2003.
It’s more than the $30 million he tried selling it for in 2017 before rejecting an offer of $25 million, according to wealth tracking platform Celebrity Net Worth.
There were also reports in 2018 that he received and rejected an offer of $13 million for two apartment units within the property, which was originally four luxury apartments before its previous owner bought them all and combined them. But these reports have been denied by Crowe’s management, saying that the home was not listed for sale at that point, the website said.
Records indicate that the apartment in the Sydney suburb of Woollomooloo spans more than 10,700 square feet, with room for 11 bedrooms and amenities such as a private marina berth and an lift. There's also a sauna on the balcony, purchased by Crowe in 2021 for $10,000, Celebrity Net Worth reported.
When the Oscar-winning actor paid $14.35 million for it in 2003, it was the biggest single apartment sale in the history of Sydney, a record that has since been broken.
Crowe also owns property in New South Wales, the website said.
His career spans more than 50 films, earning him many accolades, including a Bafta, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award and an Academy Award. He is estimated to have a net worth of $120 million.
Crowe, 60, began acting at an early age, appearing on Australian television shows. His first break was when he appeared on No 1 soap opera, Neighbours.
He rose to international fame thanks to his Academy Award-winning role as Maximus Decimus Meridius in 2000's Gladiator, for which he earned $5 million. He secured another nomination for A Beautiful Mind (2001), where he portrayed mathematician John Nash, a role for which he earned $15 million, Celebrity Net Worth reported.
During the peak 15 years of his career, from 2000 to 2015, the New Zealander earned more than $150 million in base movie salaries.
Since 2006, he has co-owned the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a National Rugby League team.
In 2022, Crowe was appointed by the mayor of Rome to be its ambassador.
Taylor Swift
Over the past two years, self-made billionaire singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has given out $197 million in bonuses to everyone working on her Eras concert tour, including dancers, musicians and behind-the-scenes crew members who worked on the tour's 149 shows, according to People magazine.
She reportedly paid the tour crew $55 million in bonuses in the summer of 2023 after the North American leg of the tour had come to an end.
On December 8, Swift, 35, took the stage at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver for her final show of the Eras Tour, which kicked off in Glendale, Arizona, in March 2023.
Taking her final bow, Swift told the crowd: “I want to thank every single one of you for being a part of the most thrilling chapter of my entire life to date – my beloved Eras tour.”
After her 149th and final show, Swift’s production company, Taylor Swift Touring, confirmed to the New York Times that 10.2 million people attended the Eras tour, which means that, on average, each seat went for about $204. That is well above the industry average of $131 for the top 100 tours around the world in 2023, according to Pollstar, a trade publication.
The concert also sold more than $2 billion in total ticket sales, which is double the gross ticket sales of any other concert tour in history.
In February, Swift sold the exclusive streaming rights to the concert tour movie, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, to Disney for $75 million. When combined with her movie ticket sales, Swift's concert movie payday exceeded $205 million, Celebrity Net Worth reported.
The film was released through a direct distribution deal with AMC Entertainment, the world’s largest theatre operator. It sold about $93 million in tickets during its opening weekend, and ended up with $261 million in worldwide gross, according to Box Office Mojo.
She also scored big with its accompanying Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book, which sold a reported 814,000 copies its first two days, making it the most successful publishing launch of the year. In addition, Swift is the most-streamed artist of 2024.
In October last year, she became a member of the exclusive $1 billion club with a net worth of $1.1 billion, boosted by her earnings from the Eras tour and the value of her music catalogue. Today, she is estimated to have a personal fortune worth $1.5 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Swift is one of the few entertainers to reach billionaire status based on just her music and performances, according to Bloomberg.
As one of the world’s richest self-made women, the Shake it Off singer has primarily earned her fortune from her successful music career, which she began at the age of 16 with her self-titled debut album.
Since then, her 11 studio albums have sold millions of copies, both physical and digital, according to Investopedia.
She also makes millions of dollars every year from endorsements with companies such as Capital One, Diet Coke, AT&T and CoverGirl, Celebrity Net Worth reported.
Swift also invests in real estate to build her wealth. With eight homes, her property portfolio is worth about $150 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.
She has four homes in New York City, a seven-bedroom house in Massachusetts, properties in Nashville, Tennessee, and an estate in Beverly Hills, California.
Michael Jordan
Retired basketball player Michael Jordan’s mansion in Highland Park, Chicago, has sold for $9.5 million after being on the market for nearly 13 years, real estate portal The Real Deal reported this month.
This is significantly below its last asking price of $14.855 million, an unusual price point that had a numerological basis, as its five digits add up to Jordan's famous jersey #23, which also adorns the gates of his mansion.
The 8.4-acre estate, built in 1995, has nine bedrooms, 15 full bathrooms, four half-bathrooms, a regulation-sized basketball, a tennis court, a putting green, and a circular infinity pool.
The 56,000-square-foot home went through a series of price cuts over the years.
Jordan purchased the property for his then-wife Juanita Vanoy and their first children in the early 1990s. After their divorce in 2006, he maintained ownership and put the mansion on the market six years later, at first asking $29 million.
He cut the asking price twice in 2013 first to $21 million and then $16 million, and even tried to hold an auction for it with a $13 million reserve price that year without making a deal, the website said.
Jordan owns several properties across the US, including homes in Florida, North Carolina and Utah.
The basketball legend is estimated to have a personal fortune of $3.6 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Jordan, 61, earned approximately $90 million during his playing career. However, his wealth comes from investments and licensing deals.
During his NBA career, Jordan earned a total of $93.7 million in salary. During his career and in the years since retirement, he has consistently been one of the highest-paid celebrity endorsers. To date, he has earned $1.4 billion from endorsement deals.
The Brooklyn native teamed with footwear manufacturer Nike to launch the Air Jordan trainers in 1984.
The Jordan Brand followed, with shoes and apparel. The partnership earned Jordan an estimated $260 million in pre-tax income over the past year, according to Forbes.
Over the course of his career, Jordan also endorsed other brands such as Hanes and Gatorade.
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Formula%204%20Italian%20Championship%202023%20calendar
%3Cp%3EApril%2021-23%3A%20Imola%3Cbr%3EMay%205-7%3A%20Misano%3Cbr%3EMay%2026-28%3A%20SPA-Francorchamps%3Cbr%3EJune%2023-25%3A%20Monza%3Cbr%3EJuly%2021-23%3A%20Paul%20Ricard%3Cbr%3ESept%2029-Oct%201%3A%20Mugello%3Cbr%3EOct%2013-15%3A%20Vallelunga%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Zodi%20%26%20Tehu%3A%20Princes%20Of%20The%20Desert
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEric%20Barbier%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYoussef%20Hajdi%2C%20Nadia%20Benzakour%2C%20Yasser%20Drief%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Super heroes
Iron Man
Reduced risk of dementia
Alcohol consumption could be an issue
Hulk
Cardiac disease, stroke and dementia from high heart rate
Spider-Man
Agility reduces risk of falls
Increased risk of obesity and mental health issues
Black Panther
Vegetarian diet reduces obesity
Unknown risks of potion drinking
Black Widow
Childhood traumas increase risk of mental illnesses
Thor
He's a god
The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
The biog
Prefers vegetables and fish to meat and would choose salad over pizza
Walks daily as part of regular exercise routine
France is her favourite country to visit
Has written books and manuals on women’s education, first aid and health for the family
Family: Husband, three sons and a daughter
Fathiya Nadhari's instructions to her children was to give back to the country
The children worked as young volunteers in social, education and health campaigns
Her motto is to never stop working for the country
RESULT
Brazil 2 Croatia 0
Brazil: Neymar (69'), Firmino (90' 3)
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
MATCH INFO
FA Cup final
Chelsea 1
Hazard (22' pen)
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Super 30
Produced: Sajid Nadiadwala and Phantom Productions
Directed: Vikas Bahl
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Srivastav, Mrinal Thakur
Rating: 3.5 /5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Spider-Man%202
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Insomniac%20Games%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%20Sony%20Interactive%20Entertainment%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPlayStation%205%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt
Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure
Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers
Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
JAPAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Company Profile
Company name: OneOrder
Started: October 2021
Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Industry: technology, logistics
Investors: A15 and self-funded
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Star%20Wars%3A%20Episode%20I%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Phantom%20Menace
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Big%20Ape%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20LucasArts%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20PlayStation%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
