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- Al Habtoor Condemns US Venezuela Action; Saudi Unveils $2.7bn Data Centre; AlUla Property Ban Lifted
Al Habtoor Condemns US Venezuela Action; Saudi Unveils $2.7bn Data Centre; AlUla Property Ban Lifted
Monday, January 5, 2026
Happy Monday everyone!
Dubai billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor reacted to the illegal US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, warning that a country of 30 million people had been “kidnapped by a decision,” after US President Donald Trump confirmed the operation. In Saudi Arabia, authorities unveiled a $2.7 billion digital infrastructure drive, anchored by the Hexagon Data Centre in Riyadh, a Tier IV facility spanning 30+ million sq ft with 480MW capacity, supporting 290+ government systems under Vision 2030. Separately, the Kingdom lifted the ban on land and property sales in central and southern AlUla, reopening the market to revive real estate activity, expand investment options, and support sustainable urban development.
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‘A Country Kidnapped by a Decision’: Gulf Business Leaders Slam US Move on Venezuela
What’s it About?
Dubai billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has condemned what he described as a US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling it an unprecedented assault on state sovereignty. Writing on X, Al Habtoor said he was “stunned,” questioning how a nation of 30 million people could be “kidnapped by a decision.” His remarks followed comments by US President Donald Trump claiming Maduro and his wife had been flown out of the country after a large-scale US strike.
Why it Matters?
The episode has intensified geopolitical risk and raised alarms about precedent-setting interventions. Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris warned “Who is next?” highlighting concerns among global investors about sovereignty, sanctions, and political unpredictability.
What’s Next?
Markets and regional governments will watch for international legal challenges, retaliatory measures, and shifts in US–Latin America relations, with potential knock-on effects for energy, emerging markets, and global risk sentiment.
Saudi Arabia to build world’s largest government data centre worth $2.7 billion
What’s it About?
Saudi Arabia has launched a $2.7 billion digital infrastructure drive anchored by the Hexagon Data Centre, set to become the world’s largest government-owned data facility. Based in Riyadh, the Tier IV centre will span 30+ million sq ft, deliver 480MW of capacity, and support 290+ government systems. The project is a flagship pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, led by Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Why it Matters?
Hexagon strengthens data sovereignty, reduces reliance on foreign cloud providers, and positions Saudi Arabia as a global hub for AI-ready digital infrastructure. Economically, it underpins non-oil growth, accelerates public-sector digitalisation, and reinforces the Kingdom’s ambition to lead in government AI strategy.
What’s Next?
Hexagon will anchor a nationwide data-centre network with a projected SR10 billion ($2.67bn) economic impact and SR1.8bn in annual savings. Focus now shifts to AI deployment at scale, energy efficiency, and platforms like Humain, backed by Saudi Aramco, as the Kingdom pushes to rank among the top three global AI infrastructure powers.
Saudi Arabia Reopens AlUla Property Market to Accelerate Tourism Push
What’s it About?
Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban on land and property sales in central and southern AlUla, reopening the market after years of restrictions. The decision, announced by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), is designed to restart real estate activity, expand residential and investment options, and support sustainable urban development aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Why it Matters?
AlUla is a core pillar of Saudi Arabia’s tourism-led diversification strategy, with the region projected to contribute SR120 billion ($31bn) to GDP by 2035. Reopening property sales strengthens investor confidence, stabilises rental and ownership markets, and creates new opportunities for developers, hospitality groups, and long-term residents.
What’s Next?
Attention now turns to deal flow and pricing activity, as developers assess demand alongside expanding aviation links and plans to double hotel capacity to 2,000 rooms. The pace of uptake will signal how fast AlUla can scale while preserving its cultural and environmental heritage.
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