Al Huzaifa, the UAE’s homegrown luxury furniture and interior design brand, has announced the launch of Al Huzaifa Properties, marking its entry into real estate development. The move builds on nearly 50 years of design heritage, craftsmanship, and lifestyle innovation, extending the brand’s influence beyond interiors into the creation of full living environments.

Known for its flagship showrooms across the UAE, bespoke design studios, and collaborations with global hospitality and F&B brands, Al Huzaifa has long positioned itself as a curator of lifestyle experiences. With Al Huzaifa Properties, the company now seeks to transform this legacy into premium residential communities that combine design precision, individuality, and well-being.

The company’s first project will be developed on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE’s most sought-after luxury destinations. The project is envisioned as a design-led residential development, offering fully furnished residences that embody Al Huzaifa’s hallmark of craftsmanship and detail.

“Al Marjan Island is proud to be the launchpad for Al Huzaifa Properties’ debut real estate venture. Al Huzaifa’s rich tradition of design excellence complements our mission to shape Al Marjan Island into the UAE’s most sophisticated lifestyle destination,” said Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan.

Read: Inside Enclave: A look at Wynn Al Marjan Island’s latest ultra-luxe concept

Saif Nensey, CEO of Al Huzaifa Furniture and CEO and founder of Al Huzaifa Properties, added: “Al Huzaifa Properties is the natural evolution of our Group’s DNA. For nearly five decades, Al Huzaifa has been elevating the way people live — from designing furniture and interiors to shaping complete lifestyle experiences. With our debut project on Al Marjan Island, we are bringing that legacy to one of the UAE’s most vibrant real estate markets, creating fully furnished residences that embody craftsmanship, precision, and individuality. Our next chapter will not just be about creating a residence, but to build a destination — a living experience shaped by design and detail.”

Al Huzaifa Properties’ integrated model combines design, engineering, and delivery under one vision, ensuring cohesion across the entire development lifecycle. The approach draws from the group’s experience in creating high-end lifestyle and hospitality spaces such as Sushi Samba in Dubai and Singapore, Avli, La Petit Maison, San Beach, Laduree, Amelie, and Sachi in London.

Zaheer Rattonsey, managing partner at Al Huzaifa Properties, said: “I am proud to be a part of this transformative journey as The World of Huzaifa expands into a new dimension with Al Huzaifa Properties. This milestone unites our decades of design mastery, manufacturing excellence, and project expertise to deliver developments that truly resonate with the UAE’s vibrant and discerning market. It is a milestone we are extremely proud of as we enter a new chapter of building living experiences. These homes are designed to connect deeply with those who choose to live in them, while also offering investors the assurance of fully ready residences with immediate potential for return on investment.”

With plans for a pipeline of luxury projects, Al Huzaifa Properties aims to shape communities that embody timeless design, thoughtful planning, and the forward-thinking ethos of the UAE.

Gensler has announced the unveiling of The NEST, Schneider Electric’s new 10,000m² flagship office in Dubai. Positioned as more than just a workplace, the project signals the future of work in the region by combining sustainability, smart technology, and human-centered design.

Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, The NEST serves as Schneider Electric’s first regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa and its inaugural Impact Building. The hub integrates office, training, and innovation facilities within one ecosystem designed to encourage collaboration, flexibility, and innovation.

A key feature is the Innovation Hub, an interactive environment where clients, partners, and visitors can experience Schneider’s technologies in real-world applications ranging from homes and offices to data centres.

The building has achieved SmartScore Platinum certification, the highest international benchmark for smart building performance. It is also targeting LEED ID+C Platinum and WELL Equity certifications, positioning it among the most sustainable and inclusive workplaces in the Middle East.

“With The NEST, we set out to create more than an office – we designed a living, breathing ecosystem that embodies the future of work,” said Jose Faine, design director and principal, Gensler Middle East. “Our approach focused on fusing technology, sustainability, and human experience to deliver a space that is not only smart and efficient, but also inclusive and inspiring. The NEST is a first-of-its-kind in the region and a project we are incredibly proud to celebrate alongside Schneider Electric.”

Designed to accommodate over 1,000 employees, The NEST brings Schneider Electric’s regional teams under one roof, creating a dynamic workplace where collaboration and sustainable innovation are central.

The project is also the first in Schneider Electric’s Global Impact Buildings Programme, which aims to redefine workplace environments worldwide.

For Gensler, the opening of The NEST underscores a commitment to reimagining workspaces that prioritize people while advancing sustainability and shaping urban life in the Middle East and beyond.

Drydocks World, a DP World company, said on Monday it has secured an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract from AMIGO LNG to deliver the world’s largest floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) liquefaction facility.

The project involves converting two LNG carriers into floating storage units (FSUs) and building two new FLNG barges at Drydocks World’s Dubai yard.

Once operational in the second half of 2028, the four-vessel complex will provide more than 4.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefaction capacity, exceeding any existing floating LNG project worldwide.

Drydocks World EPC contract for project off Mexico’s east coast

AMIGO LNG is a joint venture between Texas-based Epcilon LNG and Singapore-based LNG Alliance.

The facility will be located off Guaymas, Sonora, on Mexico’s west coast and supplied with natural gas from the US Permian Basin. It aims to boost Mexico’s role in the global energy market by enabling direct LNG exports to Asia and Latin America.

The west coast location shortens shipping times compared with US Gulf terminals, cutting costs and emissions while creating a new LNG export corridor.

“This contract represents a major milestone for Drydocks World and Dubai,” Captain Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, said in a statement. “With our expertise in complex offshore conversions and large-scale new builds, we are setting new global benchmarks for floating LNG solutions. At the same time, this project reinforces Dubai’s position as a hub for advanced maritime engineering that powers global trade and the energy transition.”

The EPC scope will be delivered using a modular build strategy designed to allow precision fabrication, system integration and pre-commissioning in a controlled environment. The approach is expected to support quality control, shorten delivery schedules, lower environmental impact, and improve long-term reliability.

“By partnering with Drydocks World on the world’s largest FLNG facility, we are securing best-in-class quality, exceptional production capacity, and reliable long-term performance of this critical asset,” said Dr Muthu Chezhian, CEO of LNG Alliance.

“We are also harnessing the key advantages of FLNG solutions — from faster project schedules to rigorous testing and seamless pre-commissioning in a controlled fabrication yard environment, as well as the substantial environmental benefits this approach delivers,” he added.

Drydocks World has previously completed more than 10 major LNG and floating storage regasification Unit (FSRU) conversion projects.

The UAE Ministry of Finance said on Monday that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has granted its Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT) transitional qualified status.

The OECD has published the UAE’s DMTT on its Central Record of Legislation with Transitional Qualified Status, available on its website.

The ministry said the recognition demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to international tax standards and its alignment with the OECD and the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS).

The DMTT qualifies to benefit from the OECD Pillar Two Safe Harbour, meaning multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in the UAE will be exempt from calculating top-up tax in other jurisdictions.

This, the ministry said, reduces administrative burdens and provides greater clarity, transparency and certainty in tax compliance.

OECD’s recognition of DMTT a key development for UAE

“Adherence to international tax standards, coupled with the OECD’s recognition, cements the UAE’s position as a world leading hub for international business and investment and drives its sustainable development agenda,” the ministry said in a statement.

Under the qualified status, the DMTT provides certainty to MNE groups that no foreign tax will be applied to UAE profits, while other jurisdictions will recognise the top-up tax obligations due in the UAE.

The ministry said this minimises the risk of complex and costly multilateral audit challenges and disputes.

The safe harbour qualification also reduces the administrative burden for both MNEs and the tax administration as top-up calculations are not required to be performed in other jurisdictions for UAE in-scope entities.

The ministry said the announcement provides clarity and certainty to MNEs doing business in the UAE.

All cabinet decisions and ministerial decisions relating to the DMTT are available at www.mof.gov.ae

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced a solid performance for the first half of 2025, setting a new standard with over 654,000 visitor arrivals, marking a 6 per cent year-on-year increase, and a 9 per cent rise in tourism revenues.

This strong growth highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s expanding appeal as a premier travel destination and reflects the effectiveness of RAKTDA’s strategy to broaden connectivity, diversify tourism offerings, and deepen engagement with key international markets.

Read-UAE: RAK’s residential supply set to double by 2030

Key highlights from the first six months include:

• 654,000 visitor arrivals, the highest ever for a six-month period, up 6 per cent year-on-year
• 9 per cent growth in tourism revenues compared to the same period last year
• 36 per cent surge in revenues from Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and weddings
• Robust visitor numbers from core markets such as CIS countries, the UK, India, China, and Central and Eastern Europe
• Significant visitor growth from regions benefiting from expanded direct flight connectivity, including Romania (+65 per cent), Poland (+56 per cent), Uzbekistan (+47 per cent), and Belarus (+30 per cent)
• Major hotel announcements, including Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection (Minor Hotels), supporting plans to double hotel keys by 2030
• Several strategic partnerships with key stakeholders like Fujairah Adventures, Huawei, Open World, and leading online travel agencies in China and Saudi Arabia
• An expanding events calendar featuring the RAK Half Marathon, UAE Tour, HIGHLANDER hiking adventure, and the inaugural Jais Ride cycling challenge

These results underscore Ras Al Khaimah’s ongoing momentum in transforming into a dynamic, globally competitive destination.

Expanding connectivity and hotel infrastructure

A key driver behind Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth is enhanced connectivity through Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, which saw significant route expansion in the first half of 2025. New direct flights from key cities such as Katowice and Warsaw (Poland), Bucharest (Romania), Moscow (Russia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Prague (Czech Republic) have facilitated easier access for international visitors. The airport is undergoing strategic upgrades to increase capacity for larger aircraft and improve passenger experience, solidifying its position as a vital gateway to the emirate.

The hospitality sector is also experiencing substantial growth. Several high-profile hotel developments have been announced, including:

• NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments with 156 keys
• Fairmont Al Marjan Island with 250 keys
• Taj Wellington Mews Al Marjan Island featuring 336 hotel apartments
• Four Seasons Resort and Residences Ras Al Khaimah at Mina Al Arab offering 150 keys

These new properties expand Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal across multiple market segments. Complementing these is the opening of Rove Al Marjan Island, a beachfront hotel bringing the popular Rove brand’s accessible and lively atmosphere to the emirate.

This pipeline supports the ambitious target of more than doubling the number of hotel keys by 2030, one of the fastest hotel growth trajectories in the region.

Signature events elevate destination appeal

Ras Al Khaimah is leveraging large-scale sporting and entertainment events to boost its global profile and enhance the visitor experience. The first half of 2025 featured a packed calendar, including:

• The 18th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, which attracted a turnout of over 10,000 participants and spectators
• The 7th UAE Tour, including the Jebel Jais Mountain stage
• The 4th Ras Al Khaimah Championship, part of the internationally broadcast DP World Tour, held at Al Hamra Golf Club
• The globally recognised HIGHLANDER hiking adventure, marking its 4th edition with participants from around the world
• The debut of Jais Ride, a challenging 25km cycling event climbing the UAE’s highest peak

These events reinforce Ras Al Khaimah’s growing reputation as a regional hub for sports, outdoor adventure, and entertainment, attracting diverse traveller demographics and encouraging longer stays.

Rapid expansion of the hotel sector

With tourism demand at an all-time high, Ras Al Khaimah’s hotel sector is poised for substantial growth. By 2027, the total hotel inventory is expected to exceed 14,600 rooms, more than doubling the current stock of 7,144 rooms with an additional 7,537 rooms under development.

Notably, 71 per cent of this pipeline consists of five-star accommodations, further cementing Ras Al Khaimah’s status as a luxury hospitality hotspot, according to Stirling Hospitality Advisors’ fourth edition of the RAK Investment Pulse report.

The emirate is set to welcome over 15 international hotel brands spanning all segments, from luxury to midscale. New entrants such as Wynn, Millennium, Radisson Red, Ushuaïa, and Rove Al Marjan highlight the sector’s growing diversity. The report also notes a shift in market leadership among operators: Accor overtook Hilton in 2024, driven by the rebranding of Al Marjan Resort into Pullman and Hilton Beach Resort into Rixos Al Mairid. Marriott is also rapidly gaining ground, with major developments including The Westin, W Al Marjan, and JW Marriott Al Marjan scheduled to open by 2027.

Tatiana Veller, managing director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, commented on these trends:

“Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The combination of strong government support, ambitious development plans, and the arrival of global hotel brands and investors is setting the stage for a new era of growth. Our latest edition of RAK Investment Pulse provides invaluable insights into these shifting dynamics, offering investors, operators, and developers a comprehensive guide to the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Wynn Al Marjan Island: A game-changer for luxury hospitality

One of the most anticipated projects is Wynn Al Marjan Island, set to open in 2027 as the UAE’s first fully integrated resort. This development will be a transformative milestone for Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality landscape, expected to attract high-net-worth travelers and reshape the Emirate’s luxury market.

The resort will feature:

• 1,542 rooms and suites, with 80 per cent of guest rooms structurally complete
• Twenty-two restaurants, lounges, and bars, including a nightclub and beach club
• A luxury shopping promenade with the world’s top boutiques
• A signature Wynn spa and salon
• An extensive 39,000-square-foot poolscape adjacent to the beach
• A 145,000-square-foot meetings and events center with outdoor terraces and lawns
• A theater and resident show created exclusively for Marjan Island

Construction progress includes installation of over 20 per cent of the façade window glazing panels and ongoing interior fit-out works covering walls, floors, ceilings, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Located just 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Wynn Al Marjan Island is being developed in partnership with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding. The resort is expected to elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s international profile and redefine luxury hospitality in the region.

The arrival of Wynn is anticipated to shift the average guest profile towards more mature, luxury-driven travellers, lowering the typical double occupancy factor from 2.5 to between 1.75 and 1.85. This change is projected to increase annual room night demand from 2.41 million to 4.28 million by 2027, underlining the resort’s expected impact on local tourism.