Daily Archives: January 14, 2026

Hotels & Hosppitality

THE BENCH RESTRUCTURES LEADERSHIP TO SUPPORT GLOBAL GROWTH AND INVESTOR ENGAGEMENT

Ali Shahid to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer

Dubai, 14 January 2026 — The Bench, organiser of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) series and the Branded Residences Forum, has announced strategic leadership appointments to support the company’s next phase of global growth and focus on investor engagement and the impact of in-person industry platforms.

In this new chapter for the business, Ali Shahid has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, having spent nearly nine years with The Bench. In his new role Ali will lead global strategy, product direction, and overall business performance, working closely with founder and Chairman, Jonathan Worsley.

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Business & Investments

The Arab Energy Fund Acquires Minority Stake in APSCO, Supporting Regional Growth in Energy Solutions

Saudi Arabia – 14 Jan 2025 – The Arab Energy Fund (TAEF), a leading multilateral impact financial institution, today announced the acquisition of a strategic minority stake in Arabian Petroleum Supply Company (“Apsco”), one of the largest private-sector energy solutions companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The investment marks the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on jointly exploring growth opportunities and new initiatives across the Middle East, North Africa, and selected international markets, spanning Apsco’s core and adjacent sectors.

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Real Estate

Azizi Developments records AED 16 billion in unit sales in 2025

Azizi Developments records AED 16 billion in unit sales in 2025; plans AED 30 billion in sales and 22 project deliveries in 2026


Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2026: Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has concluded 2025 with a strong sales and construction performance, underpinned by sustained demand throughout its mixed-use developments. During the year, the developer achieved total unit sales valued at AED 16 billion, reinforcing its position as one of Dubai’s most active private developers. Building on this momentum, Azizi has set a sales target of AED 30 billion for 2026.

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Sports & Recreations

World Padel Academy Hosts Star-Studded Padel Showcase During FIFA-Endorsed Sharjah’s Week of the Stars

Global football legends take to the padel court as WPA supports Sharjah’s vision for inclusive, multi-sport community engagement

(Courtesy of World Padel Academy)

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates – 14 January 2026: World Padel Academy (WPA) hosted a high-profile padel tournament on 10 January as part of Sharjah’s Week of the Stars, organised by Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and Sharjah Sports Council. The event returned for its fourth edition, taking place from 7–12 January 2026 and bringing together international sporting icons and the local community.

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