TA’ZIZ, a joint venture between ADNOC and ADQ, has awarded a $1.99 billion Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to China National Chemical Engineering & Construction Corporation Seven, Ltd. (CC7). The contract is for constructing the UAE's first integrated, single-site polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production complex, which will be one of the top three largest globally. The Phase 1 ecosystem is expected to contribute $50 billion to the national economy and create 26,000 jobs.
Japanese architectural company SOBOKUYA, specializing in traditional carpentry and sustainable design, will establish its first Middle East base in the Dubai Design District in November. The company is exhibiting at Dubai Design Week 2025 in collaboration with Nikken Sekkei Dubai FZ-LLC. From its new Dubai base, SOBOKUYA plans to expand into Europe, South Asia, and Africa, developing projects that combine Japanese minimalism, wabi-sabi aesthetics and modern functionality. The move follows the establishment of SOBOKUYA's bases in Vietnam, marking a key next step in its global expansion.
Modern hospitality is moving beyond luxury to embrace culture, authenticity and a true sense of place. Travellers now seek experiences rooted in local identity, from architecture inspired by regional craft to culinary immersion such as olive harvests or sake brewing. Staff act as cultural ambassadors, while partnerships with artisans preserve heritage and support local communities. As wellness and travel intersect with tradition and craft, hospitality is shifting towards meaningful connection and belonging.
Homemove has acquired Home.co.uk, one of the UK’s oldest property portals, to build a free-to-list platform for estate agents. The deal follows Homemove’s £3.8m funding round and aims to connect every part of the moving journey. Home.co.uk will retain its name and benefit from AI-led upgrades, while founders Horton and Shephard stay on as advisers.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Lumbini Heritage Limited to develop Crowne Plaza Lumbini, scheduled to open in 2026. The 147-key hotel will strengthen IHG’s premium presence in Nepal, catering to spiritual and MICE travellers. Located near Lumbini’s pilgrimage site and Gautam Buddha Airport, the hotel aims to set a benchmark for world-class hospitality.
Cross Hotels & Resorts is set to be acquired by Sono International Co. Ltd., a leading South Korean hospitality group. The move combines Cross’s lifestyle and luxury hotel expertise with Sono’s regional knowledge and operational strengths. With 28 properties across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan, the partnership positions the brand for further expansion across Asia.
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