The middle of the country lies under high-pressure zones that limit rainfall, while moist winds from the Pacific Ocean bring monsoon rains to the northeast.

Most countries have a dominant climate or landform. However, a few nations break this rule entirely. Imagine traveling just a few hundred kilometres and witnessing scorching sand dunes on one side and lush, green forests on the other. This dramatic contrast
highlights how unpredictable and fascinating nature can be.

It may sound unbelievable that deserts and rainforests exist within the same nation. But surprisingly, Australia is the country that hosts both. Some of the driest deserts on Earth and some of the world’s oldest rainforests are within the same national borders.
Its landscapes feel like different planets coexisting in one place.

Why does Australia have both deserts and rainforests? The country’s unusual geography and weather systems are the main reasons behind this contrast. Australia has both because of its large landmass, varied latitude, and atmospheric circulation systems. The
middle of the country lies under high-pressure zones that limit rainfall and create desert conditions, while moist winds from the Pacific Ocean bring monsoon rains to the northeast, supporting rainforest growth.

A large part of Australia’s interior is dominated by arid and semi-arid deserts. Regions like the Great Victoria Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Simpson Desert, and Tanami Desert receive extremely low rainfall. Nearly one-third of the continent is covered by desert
or dry land and experience extreme temperatures, low rainfall, and vegetation adapted to harsh, dry conditions.

Despite the harsh climate, Australia’s deserts are far from lifeless. Plants and animals here have evolved unique survival strategies, deep roots, water-storing tissues, nocturnal behaviour, and heat resistance, allowing life to thrive against the odds.

Queensland and northern New South Wales are home to dense tropical rainforests that receive heavy rainfall and support rich biodiversity. The most famous of these is the Daintree Rainforest, believed to be over 180 million years old. It is one of the oldest
surviving tropical rainforests in the world and shelters rare plants, insects, birds, and animals found nowhere else on Earth.

How do rainforests survive near deserts? Although deserts and rainforests seem completely opposite, Australia shows how both can exist close to each other. Coastal rainfall, fertile soil and warm temperatures help rainforests grow while inland dry winds and
low rainfall create desert regions. This balance of nature makes Australia environmentally special.

Besides deserts and rainforests, Australia’s landscapes include savannas, mountain ranges, wetlands, rivers, beaches, and coral reefs. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, lies close to tropical rainforests, an ecological combination
found in very few places on Earth. This diversity makes Australia one of the most ecologically varied countries on Earth.

Other interesting facts about Australia is that nearly 70 percent of its land is classified as arid or semi-arid land. The country stands as one of the most environmentally diverse and scientifically significant countries on the planet.

Architecture has always been a reflection of the ambitions, beliefs and technological development of civilisations. There are buildings that go beyond the ordinary, which become landmarks around the world because of their enormous size, cultural significance or technological complexity. The financial outlay involved in such buildings can be staggering, and it reveals how countries and corporations use architecture to convey their identity, power and innovation.

According to a feature published by Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, several iconic structures stand out as the costliest. These buildings range from sacred religious sites and luxury resorts to financial centers and sports arenas, each representing a different purpose yet sharing extraordinary construction costs and global recognition. Let’s have a look at 5 most expensive buildings of the world as per Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty.

Masjid al-Haram, Mecca

Masjid al-Haram in Saudi Arabia is regarded as the most expensive building ever developed, with projected expenditures reaching about $120 billion by 2030. The mosque has evolved over centuries, expanding from a simple early structure into vast multi-level prayer halls supported by modern infrastructure. Recent development phases added enormous prayer space, advanced cooling systems, tunnels, and surrounding facilities to accommodate millions of pilgrims annually, highlighting both its spiritual significance and engineering scale.

Abraj Al Bait (Clock Towers), Mecca

The Abraj Al Bait complex, located close to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, took approximately $15 billion to build. The complex comprises seven towers, with the Makkah Royal Clock Tower standing out as the tallest clock tower in the world, topped with gold. The complex not only boasts an impressive architectural design but also comprises hotels, residential spaces, shopping grounds, helipads, and an Islamic history and astronomy museum.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands was completed in 2010 at an estimated cost of $6.8 billion. The iconic building stands out as a symbol of modern Singapore. The building comprises three towers that are connected by a platform that stretches across the sky. The complex comprises a rooftop SkyPark with gardens, restaurants, observation decks and the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. The complex also comprises hotels, a convention center, theaters, luxury shopping, museums, and a casino, making it a self-contained entertainment city.

International Finance Centre, Hong Kong

The International Finance Centre (IFC) in Hong Kong is one of the costliest commercial developments in the world, with a construction cost of approximately $6.4 billion. This development was completed between 1998 and 2003 and includes office space, a luxury hotel, and upmarket retail facilities along the harbour front. The top floors house prominent global financial institutions, establishing Hong Kong as a financial hub. Its modern architectural landmark and appearances in blockbuster films have reinforced its significance in both culture and architecture.

SoFi Stadium, California

SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, California, was completed in 2020 with a construction budget of approximately $5.5 billion, making it the costliest sports stadium ever constructed. The stadium has a seating capacity of 70,000 and boasts a translucent roof and a massive double-sided video board. The stadium was constructed on the site of the former Hollywood Park racetrack and will host major sporting events such as the Super Bowl. It will also host the Olympic Games in 2028.

The world’s most costly buildings illustrate how architectural design can integrate religious belief, commerce, entertainment, and national identity into massive physical structures. Ranging from the religious majesty of Masjid al-Haram to the futuristic entertainment space of Marina Bay Sands and the technological wonder of SoFi Stadium, each building embodies distinct human values with an unprecedented level of financial expenditure. They collectively illustrate that the value of iconic buildings goes beyond mere financial expenditure to encompass their cultural significance, innovation, and global significance.

Fresh water is becoming one of the world’s most critical resources as rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources shrink. A closer look at global data shows that one country holds a far larger share of the planet’s usable fresh water than any other.

Water has shaped civilisation in the past, continues to do so today, and will have an even greater impact in the future. Freshwater sources are shrinking each day, and availability is declining, largely due to human activity. In the pursuit of extraction and development, people have depleted the soil and polluted water bodies, from lakes and rivers to oceans. Yet, despite the vast presence of water on Earth, very little of it is actually usable.

Only a small share of the planet’s water is fresh, found in rivers, lakes, glaciers, and underground aquifers. When global agencies measure renewable freshwater resources, one country consistently stands apart: Brazil.

Data compiled by institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank show that Brazil possesses a huge amount of freshwater sources that includes lakes, rivers and underground water.

Brazil draws much of its freshwater strength from the Amazon basin, the largest river system on Earth by volume.

Other countries like Russia and Canada are also on the list.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES?

Several other countries also hold significant freshwater resources, though at a much smaller scale.

Russia benefits from sprawling river networks and Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world.

Canada’s water wealth is rooted in geography. The country is dotted with more than two million lakes, many of them formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago.

The Great Lakes, shared with the United States, alone account for about 20 per cent of the world’s surface fresh water. Long river systems, vast wetlands, and extensive groundwater reserves add to this natural advantage.

The United States and China also rank high due to their size and diverse river systems.

Even in Canada and Russia, concerns remain over ecosystem protection, industrial use, and the rights of Indigenous communities to clean and accessible water.

India has freshwater sources in the form of glaciers and thousands of lakes spread across the Himalayan region. The north-east of the country also has a rich and diverse range of freshwater resources.

The contrast becomes sharper in countries with large populations. India, for instance, has major rivers such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra, yet ranks low in per-capita freshwater availability because demand far exceeds supply.

Measured purely by natural endowment, Canada holds the largest share of fresh water on the planet.

Trending island travel this year

Island travel is set to dominate holiday plans in 2026, with travellers looking for places that offer nature, culture and a slower pace of life. From the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, certain islands are seeing a sharp rise in global interest due to better air connectivity, renewed tourism focus and wider exposure through travel media and popular culture. According to Conde Nast Traveller, these six islands are emerging as top choices for 2026, appealing to travellers seeking beaches, heritage, food and outdoor experiences in one trip.

1. Gozo, Malta

Gozo is gaining attention as a quieter alternative to mainland Malta. Known for its rugged coastline, clear waters and historic villages, the island offers a slower pace compared to larger Mediterranean destinations. Visitors are drawn to its ancient temples, countryside walks and diving spots. Improved transport links and growing interest in lesser-known European islands have pushed Gozo into the spotlight for 2026.

2. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka continues to trend as an island destination that offers variety in a single trip. Travellers can move from beaches to hill country to wildlife parks within hours. The island is known for its cultural sites, tea plantations, national parks and surf-friendly coastlines. Competitive travel costs and renewed global interest have made Sri Lanka one of the most searched island destinations for the coming year.

3. Zakynthos, Greece

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, remains popular for its dramatic landscapes and clear blue waters. The island is best known for Navagio Beach, but it also offers quieter villages, turtle conservation areas and traditional Greek food. Its mix of scenic beauty and lively tourist areas makes it attractive to both families and younger travellers planning summer holidays in 2026.

4. Mauritius

Mauritius stands out as a premium island destination in the Indian Ocean. It attracts travellers with its beaches, lagoons and coral reefs, along with a strong resort culture. Beyond resorts, the island offers hiking trails, waterfalls and a mix of Indian, African and European influences in food and culture. Rising interest reflects demand for long-haul island holidays with reliable infrastructure.

5. Fuerteventura, Spain

Fuerteventura is trending for its wide sandy beaches and open landscapes. Part of Spain’s Canary Islands, it is popular for water sports such as surfing and windsurfing. The island’s dry climate and relaxed atmosphere make it attractive for travellers looking for nature-based holidays.

6. Kos, Greece

Kos is emerging as a compact and easy-to-explore Greek island. It offers beaches, ancient ruins and short travel distances between towns. Visitors are drawn to its mix of history, coastal scenery and laid-back lifestyle, making it a growing choice for European island travel in 2026.