Brookfield and Qai, the AI subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority, have announced a $20 billion strategic joint venture focused on artificial intelligence infrastructure. The partnership will develop fully integrated AI facilities in Qatar to support its burgeoning digital ecosystem. The Integrated Compute centre is set to expand high-performance compute access regionally, aligning with Qatar’s ambition to become a major AI hub in the Middle East, advancing its National Vision 2030.
Aleph Hospitality has been appointed to manage the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, a new 84-key property owned by AREA Investment and Real Estate scheduled to open in 2027. This venture strengthens Aleph’s relationship with Hilton, making this their third Tapestry Collection management contract.
The United Nations Specialised Agency for tourism has confirmed Ms. Al Nowais as its next Secretary-General following the 26th General Assembly in Riyadh. Her appointment, confirmed by the 160 Member States, is a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history. Ms. Al Nowais will commence her five-year term at the start of 2026. She brings considerable private sector experience to the role, including her recent position as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group. She outlined five core priorities for her mandate. These include responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance.
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.
Naumi Hotels has opened its first Middle East property with a 237-room hotel in Dubai’s Barsha Heights. The Singapore-based boutique group, which operates eight properties globally, says the move marks the start of a wider regional expansion.
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.
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