Foxconn Interconnect Technology’s 6088.HK Saudi Arabian joint venture will start building its first manufacturing base in the Middle East in December, which will make electric vehicle chargers, the company said on Wednesday.

The new factory is expected to begin production in 2026, FIT chairman Sidney Lu said at an event in Taipei.

FIT, a unit of Taiwan’s Foxconn that makes components used for connectivity and in servers, launched the joint venture called Smart Mobility in May with Saleh Suleiman Alrajhi and Sons.

“One of our targets as a country in Saudi Arabia (is that) by 2030, 30 per cent of the cars have to be electrified,” said Smart Mobility’s CEO Prince Fahad bin Nawaf Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

FIT expanded into EV connectivity and charging through its acquisitions of Germany’s Prettl SWH group, renamed FIT Voltaira, in 2023 and Auto-Kabel Group in 2024.

Lu said the company’s revenue from the auto mobility segment is expected to reach $700m this year.

The First Group Hospitality, a hotel management company, has announced the strategic rebranding of Grand Millennium Business Bay, ushering in a new era of innovation, elevated guest experiences, and a renewed commitment to excellence.

Located in the heart of Dubai, the property blends Millennium’s signature warmth and international standards with the vibrancy of the city. It features 260 contemporary rooms and 43 spacious suites, designed with modern comfort in mind. Guests can expect family-friendly touches and seamless technology, including complimentary Wi-Fi and smart TVs with streaming services.

Dining highlights include Sofia’s Kitchen and Sorsi Osteria, with the popular artisanal bakery Risen Café set to open in Q4 2025. The hotel also offers a fully equipped fitness centre, a tranquil spa, and an 85 sqm boardroom with built-in AV technology and high-speed internet. As part of The First Group Hospitality portfolio, guests also enjoy exclusive access to Soluna Restaurants and Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, with complimentary transfers, beach and pool access, and refined dining at Enas or Risen Café.

The rebrand reflects both the property’s growth and the broader vision of The First Group Hospitality, which continues to expand its portfolio with properties that prioritise authenticity, timeless design, and memorable guest journeys. For Millennium Hotels & Resorts, it reaffirms the group’s core values of putting people first, fostering connections, and delivering “hospitality from the heart.”

Khaled Amer, vice president of operations, Middle East & Africa at Millennium Hotels & Resorts, said: “Grand Millennium Business Bay stands as a true reflection of Millenium’s spirit in Dubai, warm, welcoming, and designed for today’s traveller. Every detail of this transformation is rooted in our belief that hospitality is about people first, whether that means business convenience, family comforts, or cultural connection. We are proud to see our brand evolve with the city while always staying true to our promise of service excellence.”

Apo Demirtas, chief strategy officer for Hospitality at The First Group Hospitality, added: “We’re focused on building and managing hotels that offer genuine value, authentic service, and seamless guest experiences, and Grand Millennium Business Bay is a key part of that journey. This rebrand adds depth to our portfolio and demonstrates how we are evolving to meet the expectations of today’s travellers. This property not only reflects our standards of service and quality, but also reinforces our vision of building a collection of distinctive, locally relevant hotels.”

Perfectly positioned in Dubai’s dynamic downtown district, the hotel places guests minutes from landmarks including Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, City Walk, Museum of the Future, and Dubai Frame.

With a refreshed identity and management under The First Group Hospitality, Grand Millennium Business Bay remains committed to offering authentic hospitality, convenience, and exceptional experiences for both loyal guests and new visitors.

Saudi Arabia’s General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), the kingdom’s largest public pension fund, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Riyadh-based financial services app Tabby to widen access to credit for millions of beneficiaries.

The agreement will see the two organisations design and deliver Shariah-compliant credit products aimed at pensioners and other beneficiaries who are often underserved by traditional lenders. The move is part of GOSI’s Taqdeer programme, which promotes financial inclusion and digital financial services in line with Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation agenda.

“Our role extends beyond providing pensions — it is about ensuring that our beneficiaries have access to tools that can improve their financial well-being,” said Saud Al-Juhani, GOSI’s assistant governor for insurance affairs. “This MoU with Tabby is a step toward widening that access with solutions that are both inclusive and responsible.”

Tabby offers flexible payment solutions to more than 20 million users

Tabby, which operates in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, offers flexible payment solutions to more than 20 million users and works with over 40,000 merchants including Amazon, Adidas, IKEA and Noon.

Hosam Arab, Tabby’s co-founder and chief executive, said the partnership would expand Shariah-compliant credit options “for millions of people, adding to a more inclusive financial system in Saudi Arabia.”

The two sides said any products developed under the partnership would comply with transparency and consumer protection standards.

GOSI provides social protection and insurance coverage for Saudi citizens, public and private sector employees, as well as GCC nationals working in the kingdom.

Rory McIlroy has confirmed his return to Emirates Golf Club to headline the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place from 22–25 January 2026. The announcement follows a historic season in which McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta National.

Currently leading the Race to Dubai Rankings and preparing for Europe’s Ryder Cup defence, the five-time Major winner will arrive in Dubai chasing a record fifth Dallah Trophy at the tournament often described as the ‘Major of the Middle East’. Fans can expect new experiences both on and off the course, cementing the event’s status as one of the UAE’s premier sporting and social occasions.

McIlroy’s 2026 appearance will also mark 20 years since his debut in the tournament as an amateur in 2006. He went on to win his first professional title here in 2009, before adding further victories in 2015, 2023 and 2024. His dramatic comeback in 2024 secured a record fourth title, further underlining his enduring connection to Dubai and its fans.

“It’s been a very special year for me, and I’m excited about what’s still to come,” said the World Number Two. “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has always been one of my favourite tournaments, and I’m really looking forward to returning to Emirates Golf Club in January. I consider Dubai a second home – the support there is always incredible, and it’s the perfect place to start the year.”

Alongside world-class golf, spectators can look forward to the vibrant atmosphere of Tournament Town, which will feature live music, entertainment, food trucks, family activities, arts and crafts, wellness experiences and more. General admission remains free on Thursday and Friday, with early bird weekend tickets starting at Dhs75. Children aged 17 and under can enter free across all four days.

Premium hospitality options are also available. The Dallah Lounge, located between the 9th and 18th greens, offers gourmet dining and exclusive rooftop views, with prices starting from Dhs1,890. The Social on Sixteen, overlooking the iconic 16th hole and doubling in size for 2026, offers four hours of dining, beverages and unrivalled views from Dhs625.

Already GEO-certified for the third consecutive year, the tournament continues to lead on sustainability, with initiatives including greener transport options and a dedicated Mental Fitness Zone for players and entourages.

Simon Corkill, executive tournament director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “Rory’s return is the perfect way to launch our 2026 event. We never take his participation for granted, and to welcome him back as the Masters Champion after perhaps the finest season of an already sensational career only reinforces the prestige of this tournament. With the introduction of affordable weekend tickets, our strengthened sustainability commitments, and a greater focus on wellness, family experiences and entertainment in Tournament Town, we’re making the Hero Dubai Desert Classic not only one of the great tournaments on the DP World Tour, but also an unmissable highlight of Dubai’s sporting and social calendar.”

Now in its 37th edition, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains the Middle East’s oldest professional golf tournament and a flagship Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour.

Tickets and event details are available at www.dubaidesertclassic.com.

Proptech platform Holo has launched what it calls the UAE’s biggest property promotion, giving homebuyers the chance to win Dhs500,000 ($136,100) towards a second property.

The campaign, which runs until November 13, allows customers who purchase a home through Holo’s mortgage or concierge service to enter a prize draw supervised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Michael Hunter, Holo’s co-founder and chief executive, said: “This isn’t just a deal; it’s doubling your dreams. We wanted to give buyers the thrill of turning one key into two, making the experience of buying a home exciting, simple, and rewarding.”

How the Holo deal works

Buyers who secure a mortgage through Holo will get one entry once their final offer letter is signed by November 22.

Cash buyers using Holo’s concierge service will also receive an entry after signing their Form F.

Customers using both services will gain three entries.

The company said the winner will receive Dhs500,000 towards an off-plan property or a studio apartment in Jumeirah Village Triangle valued at Dhs780,000, according to the company.

The launch comes amid a record surge in Dubai’s property market, which logged Dhs431bn in transactions in H1 2025.

Arran Summerhill, Holo’s co-founder and chief operating officer, said: “We wanted to show that buying a home doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. With this campaign, every buyer, whether it’s their first home or their fifth, has a fair shot at something extraordinary.”

Founded in 2020, Holo operates in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, offering digital mortgage services and property-buying support. The company says it has served more than 80,000 clients and processes over Dhs1bn in transactions monthly.