Global Headline

Hotels & Resorts

Nobu Hospitality expands with new projects in Baku and Montenegro

Nobu Hospitality has announced two new international developments in partnership with Sea Breeze Resort, Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences Baku and Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences Montenegro. The projects, located on the Caspian and Adriatic coasts, will feature luxury hotels, private residences, and Nobu’s world-renowned dining experiences.

Urban Development

Minister Al-Hogail embarks on Asian tour to strengthen ties in real estate and smart cities

Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail will begin a tour of China and South Korea to boost cooperation in real estate, urban technology, and smart cities. The trip will include signing agreements for 100,000 new homes by 2030 and furthering partnerships with leading Asian firms, in support of Saudi Vision 2030’s urban development goals.

Investment

Qatar to offer residency visas and title deeds within days for $200,000 property buyers

Qatar is set to fast-track property ownership and residency rights for foreign investors, allowing buyers of real estate worth at least $200,000 (around QR700,000) to receive title deeds and residency visas within days. The initiative, spearheaded by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), comes as the country’s property market records a sharp 29.8% year-on-year rise in transaction values for the second quarter of 2025.

Urban Development

MIDAR and SODIC join forces to develop Egypt’s first fully integrated wellness and sustainable community in New Cairo

MIDAR for Investment and Urban Development has signed a major partnership agreement with Sixth of October Development and Investment Company (SODIC) to jointly develop Egypt’s first fully integrated wellness and sustainable community within “MADA”, New Cairo. The project, valued at EGP 110 billion, marks a significant step in Egypt’s ongoing urban expansion and sustainable city development efforts.

Hotels & Resorts

Savannah Convention Center Breaks Ground on Signia by Hilton Savannah, Opening Scheduled for 2028

The Savannah Convention Center Authority and Hilton have broken ground on the 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah, opening in 2028. The hotel will serve as the convention center’s headquarters property, offering premium accommodations and world-class meeting facilities.

Residential

Housing Minister unveils second phase of Madinat Salman residential project

The Housing Minister has launched the second phase of the Madinat Salman housing project, adding 432 new apartments and advancing Bahrain’s 2023–2026 housing programme, with a focus on sustainability, modern design, and timely delivery.

What’s New

Hotels & Resorts

Garner Hotel Istanbul – Airport Arnavutköy Opens as IHG Brings Garner Brand to Türkiye

Mega Projects

Arada Awards AED397 million contract for Rove Aljada Complex as Sharjah megaproject expands hospitality portfolio

Residential

Sobha Realty unveils its tallest landmark yet with Sobha SkyParks in Dubai

Investment

Indvestia Capital Launches $5 Million Fund Targeting Midwest Commercial Real Estate Growth

Featured

Investment

Mukesh Ambani secures $17.4 million Tribeca Property previously owned by tech billionaire Robert Pera

Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts surpasses one million open rooms globally amid continued expansion

Leadership

Residential

RangeWater Real Estate appoints Wendy Tucker as Managing Director of Property Management

RangeWater Real Estate has appointed Wendy Tucker as Managing Director of Property Management, expanding its leadership team as it continues to grow across the Sun Belt and Mountain West. Tucker, a seasoned professional with more than 25 years in the multifamily housing industry, will oversee operations across Coastal Georgia, the Carolinas, and the Mid-Atlantic regions.

Hotels & Resorts

Patrick Short named President & COO of TPG Hotels & Resorts

TPG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Patrick Short as its new President and Chief Operating Officer, returning to the company to lead operational strategy across its growing national portfolio. Short brings over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of expanding and managing hotel portfolios.

Hotels & Resorts

Rocco Forte Hotels announces new general managers ahead of expansion in Milan

Rocco Forte Hotels has appointed new General Managers in Rome, Brussels, Florence, and Munich, while Managing Director Francesco Roccato prepares to lead the opening of The Carlton Milan this November.

Tech & Innovation

Quantaco ushers in new leadership as Mark Brixton takes the helm

Quantaco, a leading hospitality tech firm in Australia and New Zealand, has appointed Mark Brixton as CEO as founder Anthony Sullivan becomes Executive Chairman. The leadership shift marks a new phase of innovation, aiming to expand technology-driven solutions for pubs, clubs, and restaurants across the leisure sector.

Market Trends

REIT

SFC launches dedicated REIT channel and streamlined authorisation process to support market growth

Investment

DFI completes first deal for £500m Techbox Platform with Catalyst Bicester Acquisition

ESG & Sustainability

55% of TECOM Group’s Dubai office buildings achieve LEED certification, strengthening sustainability drive

Sustainability

AmanahRaya REIT secures GreenRE Silver for Vista Tower in key sustainability milestone

Regional Focus

Energy

DEWA and Canadian Consulate explore collaboration in clean energy and digital innovation

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Consulate General of Canada in Dubai have discussed strengthening collaboration in clean energy and digital transformation. The meeting highlighted mutual opportunities in renewable energy, sustainability, and advanced technology, reinforcing the deepening UAE–Canada partnership in innovation and climate action.

Transportation

Yango Group signs agreement with Etihad Rail to streamline passenger journeys across UAE

Yango Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Etihad Rail to connect ride-hailing services to the UAE’s national rail network, paving the way for more seamless travel ahead of the passenger service launch in 2026.

Hotels & Resorts

Abu Dhabi unveils first-ever floating hotel at Yas Marina

Abu Dhabi has launched the Orchid Overnight Superyacht, the UAE’s first permanent floating hotel at Yas Marina. The vessel offers 31 rooms, dining, concierge services, and from October 2025, sundowner and dinner cruises along the Abu Dhabi coastline.

Residential

Al Huzaifa Properties Unveils Soléva Beach Residences at Al Marjan Island

Al Huzaifa Properties has launched its debut AED450 million Soléva Beach Residences on Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island, blending the brand’s five-decade design legacy with a luxury real estate offering.

Tourism

Kyoto to Introduce Japan’s Highest-Ever Hotel Tax from March 2026

Kyoto will introduce Japan’s highest hotel tax in March 2026, with luxury guests facing up to ¥10,000 (£49) per night to tackle overtourism pressures.

Mixed-Use

Consortium Led by Evia, Gamuda and Ho Lee Tops $1.01 Billion Bid for Chencharu Close Site in Yishun

A consortium of Evia, Gamuda and Ho Lee has topped the tender for Yishun’s Chencharu Close site with a $1.01 billion bid, paving the way for a landmark mixed-use development.

Hotels & Resorts

IHG brings Garner brand to Southeast Asia with Pattaya debut

IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to launch its Garner brand in Southeast Asia with the upcoming opening of Garner Hotel Pattaya Central, expanding its midscale footprint in Thailand.

Investment

Hillhouse-Backed Samty Divests ¥49 billion multi-family portfolios to sovereign wealth funds

Samty Holdings has sold two portfolios of newly built multi-family properties worth ¥49 billion to sovereign wealth funds, with the developer retaining asset management responsibilities following its privatisation by Hillhouse.

Hotels & Resorts

Hilton to open Europe’s largest Hampton and debut Motto brand in Manchester

Hilton has signed an agreement to build Europe’s largest Hampton by Hilton and Manchester’s first Motto by Hilton. The two projects, set to open in 2026 and 2027, will bring over 500 new rooms to the city, strengthening Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s busiest hospitality markets.

Tourism

Georgia targets GCC travellers with new ‘Feel the Rhythm’ campaign

Georgia has unveiled its “Feel the Rhythm” campaign, aiming to attract GCC travellers with luxury, affordability and seamless access. Offering 30–40% more value than many European destinations, the country highlights year-round experiences, from mountain escapes to vibrant coastlines and rich cultural traditions.

Residential

PATRIZIA and Fabrix commit over £100m to deliver sustainable and affordable housing in London

PATRIZIA and Fabrix have launched a £100m joint venture to address London’s housing crisis, starting with a major scheme in Elephant & Castle that will deliver affordable homes, student accommodation and community spaces.

Energy

Aira secures €150m investment to accelerate residential heating electrification across Europe

Aira has raised €150 million from existing investors to expand its clean energy-tech operations, aiming to replace millions of gas boilers across Europe with air source heat pumps and accelerate the continent’s shift away from fossil fuels.

Hotels & Resorts

Millat Group joins WTTC Executive Committee, marking a first for South Africa

Millat Group has joined the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), becoming the first South African private equity firm to secure a seat on the Council’s top governing body.

REIT

Revitus REIT and LEVA Hotels to transform Harare’s Chester House into EKONO by LEVA

Revitus REIT and LEVA Hotels have signed an agreement to redevelop Harare’s Chester House into EKONO by LEVA, a 117-room upscale hotel marking LEVA’s Southern Africa debut.

Tech & Innovation

South African travel fintech TurnStay secures $1.9 million to accelerate expansion across Africa

Cape Town fintech TurnStay has raised $1.9m to expand its cross-border payments platform for African travel businesses. Using stablecoin settlement, the service cuts transaction costs by up to 70% and helps operators secure more direct international bookings.

Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces Ruby to the U.S., expanding into urban micro-hotel segment

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the U.S. launch of Ruby Hotels, its 20th global brand, bringing its successful European “urban micro” concept to major city markets with a focus on stylish, compact design and efficient development opportunities.

Building

Suffolk breaks ground on $210m emergency operations centre in Florida

Suffolk has commenced work on Miami-Dade County’s new $210 million Integrated Command & Communications Centre in Florida, a state-of-the-art emergency hub set to enhance regional safety and resilience.

Architecture

White House issues order mandating classical and traditional styles for federal buildings

The White House has issued a new executive order directing that major federal buildings adopt classical and traditional designs, explicitly ruling out Brutalist and Deconstructivist styles while elevating historic architectural precedents.

Mixed-Use

Lakewood Center to undergo major redevelopment under new ownership

Pacific Retail Capital Partners, Lyon Living and Silverpeak have acquired Lakewood Center and plan to redevelop the landmark property into a mixed-use hub featuring retail, residential, wellness and entertainment spaces.