Altus Group Limited has announced significant changes to its senior leadership structure following the conclusion of a comprehensive strategic review. Jim Hannon, the company's Chief Executive Officer and Director, has departed his roles with immediate effect. The commercial real estate intelligence provider, trading on the TSX as AIF, simultaneously appointed former CEO Mike Gordon as Executive Chair. Mr. Gordon is confirmed to take over the CEO position fully in Q1 2026. Current Chair Raymond Mikulich is stepping down but will retain his seat on the Board of Directors.
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.
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