The Smashi Business Show

HEADLINES:• Syria’s Al Sharaa Targets $200 Billion Economy in Free-Market Push• Qatari Billionaire Moutaz Al-Khayyat Wins $221 Million Saudi Stadium Contract• RedBird Meets PIF to Evaluate Takeover Bid for Al-Nassr FC

HEADLINES:• Arab Media Summit 2026 kicks off in Dubai • DP World is expanding its truck fleet by 40%, from 700 to 1,000 vehicles, • Saudi Arabia Discovers 110 Million Tonnes of Rare Earth Ore and Uranium Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• US President: We may stay in Iran and "keep the oil" • UAE and Iran leadership meet at BRICS Summit in New Delhi • Dubai Tourism Rebounds as Visitors and Hotel Demand Surge  Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

In this episode of the Smashi Business Show, we look at why OpenAI is holding off on an IPO as Sam Altman raises concerns over AI safety. We also unpack BRICS’ call for restraint in the Middle East as regional tensions weigh on trade and energy markets, before heading to China, where Mubadala is taking a minority stake in Luckin Coffee as part of a USD 1 billion transaction.

Saudi Arabia shuts its East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack from Iraq, an Israeli Air Force post puts Apple’s Israel ties back under scrutiny, and Anthropic says Claude was used to help develop guided weapons in Yemen. Here’s what matters across energy, technology and regional security.

HEADLINES:• UAE Announces €40 Billion Investment Push Into Germany • Elon Musk’s The Boring Company plans 150km of tunnels in UAE, raises $3 billion • UpScrolled Founder Issam Hijazi on Palestine, Censorship and Big Tech Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Saudi Arabia And Arab, Muslim States Welcome UK Ban On Israeli Settlement Goods • UAE Says Strait Of Hormuz Is A ‘Red Line’ • Bahrain Airshow Cancelled As Iran War Continues • Replit Founder Reveals How a Company Walkout Sparked a Billion-Dollar AI Turnaround  Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Saudi-Backed LIV Golf Files for Bankruptcy After PIF Pulls Funding • L’imad unit has satisfied nearly all conditions to take AD Ports private • Freely Founder Ian Ohan on Building the Infrastructure for Autonomous Mobility Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Adidas Arabia Apologizes After Single Shoe Ad Featuring Ex-Israeli Soldier• ADNOC Eyes Stake in Dangote Refinery Ahead of $1.6 Billion IPO: Bloomberg • Hussain Sajwani Opens Türkiye Data Centre With Vodafone Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Saudi Nuclear Deal Could Open Door To Uranium Enrichment Of Nearly 20%• G42 Explores Selling Majority Stake To US Companies Amid AI Chip Push• Mubadala Capital Joins $3 Billion Crusoe Funding Round At $30 Billion ValuationNewsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

In this episode of the Smashi Business Show, we examine Iran's targeted strikes against oil tankers and U.S. naval assets in the Strait of Hormuz following American attacks. We then look at Egypt's $2.1 billion plan to build two fuel oil conversion complexes in Suez to boost local diesel production and curb imports. Finally, we break down how Saudi AI firm HUMAIN, backed by PIF, is assembling an elite team to prepare for its upcoming initial public offering.

The US approves a proposed $5 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom faces heightened regional threats. Washington also sanctions Turkey’s Golden Global Bank over alleged Iran-linked transactions, while the lender denies the accusations and prepares legal action. In Lebanon, Alvarez & Marsal begins a new forensic audit of Banque du Liban, examining crisis-era foreign asset operations and fund flows. Today’s show looks at how regional conflict, financial sanctions and accountability are reshaping the Middle East’s economic landscape.

HEADLINES:• Saudi AI Firm HUMAIN Invests in Nour Al Hassan’s Arabic.AI • Adidas Faces Backlash Over Campaign Featuring Former Israeli Soldier • Dubai Sotheby’s Faces $119 Million Lawsuit Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Replit Opens First International Office in London After Hitting $9 Billion Valuation • ADNOC’s Ruwais Refinery Returns to Full Capacity After Iran War Hit • Kuwait Decree Allows Government to Borrow From Wealth Fund  Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Prince Alwaleed’s Kingdom Holding Completes $224 Million Deal for 70% of Al Hilal• Saudi Arabia in preliminary talks to borrow $8B from banks: Report• Former WeWork CEO Adam Neumann Launches Flow in UAE With Major Hiring Push

HEADLINES:• LEAP 2026 Opens With $15 Billion AI Push as Saudi Arabia Lands Global Tech Deals • LIV Golf prepares for bankruptcy filing in September, FT reports • UAE’s Arada Plans $7 Billion Syria Development in First Investment Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Brent crude surges back above $90 as US-Iran strikes resume • Banque Misr UAE branches continue business as usual despite US warning • Roblox is establishing its MENA regional headquarters in Riyadh • Huda Beauty and global superstar Cardi B have officially unveiled their new collaboration Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

In this episode of the Smashi Business Show, we examine the UAE Central Bank's urgent investigation into Banque Misr branches following U.S. money laundering warnings. We then look at the Board of Peace’s firm denial regarding the alleged misuse of Gaza reconstruction funds. Finally, we discuss Dubai Airports’ operational recovery, zero-layoff policy, and updated passenger forecasts in the wake of regional conflicts.

Saudi Arabia appoints PIF veteran Sabah Barakat to lead New Murabba as the kingdom elevates Saudi executives across major institutions. Washington targets Banque Misr’s UAE branches in the first measure since Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared an “economic D-Day” against Iran. And Mohamed Alabbar-led Americana Restaurants signs an exclusive agreement to bring Taco Bell back to the UAE after 14 years, starting in Dubai. Today’s stories track changing leadership, financial pressure and consumer expansion across three of the region’s biggest markets.

A UAE-backed entity emerges as a major shareholder behind World Liberty Financial’s planned crypto bank, Emirati entrepreneur Rihab Al Gurg builds Mina Creamery, and Dubai Airports avoids layoffs despite a sharp drop in passenger traffic.

HEADLINES:• Two Saudi Brothers Just Hit a $1.4 Billion Fortune as Humain Deal Expands • Mubadala in Line for Payout as Shein’s Valuation Drops to $27 Billion • Meet Mr Pratik Kachroo, Executive Director at Khamas Hospitality Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• AED1.4B Economic Driver: Abu Dhabi GP Gets Green Light • ADNOC’s Ship-Buying Spree Reaches $2.7 Billion • Blank Street Raises $75 Million to Fuel Expansion Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• US removes Syria from 'state sponsor of terrorism' list • Saudi Arabia to Finance €6 Billion Dragon Ball Z Theme Park Near Paris • Pavel Durov Questions Political Motives in Two-Year French Probe  Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Oil Prices Slide Ahead of New US Sanctions on Iran• Binance Says Employees Cleared After UAE Inquiry • MBS in France as Saudi Arabia and France Deepen Strategic Business Ties Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

In this episode of The Smashi Business Show, we look at the UAE-Russia trade and investment agreement coming into effect as the Emirates pushes ahead with its global trade ambitions. We then turn to Qatar, where the regional conflict is putting pressure on government spending and energy revenues. Finally, we examine Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s defense of the US memorandum and why he sees ending the current stalemate as critical for Iran’s economy and investment prospects.

In this episode of the Smashi Business Show, we break down four stories reshaping the region's economy. Dubai's property market shows remarkable resilience, bouncing back to over 90% of normal transaction volumes just six weeks after regional tensions flared. Huda Beauty and Dubai burger joint DIME team up for a bold, unconventional PR campaign that's rewriting the marketing playbook. Qatar's economy faces its sharpest contraction in the Gulf as war disrupts LNG exports and forces deep spending cuts. And Anghami co-founder Eddy Maroun launches a $100 million platform to turn Arabic music catalogs into global entertainment franchises. Real estate, beauty, energy, and music, all in one episode.

HEADLINES:• Disney Reveals Why Abu Dhabi Was Chosen for Its New Theme Park• Dubai Completes AED111 Billion In Real Estate Projects In First Half Of 2026• Dubai’s Iconic Toyota Building to Be Demolished in 2027 Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Trump Threatens “Economic D-Day” Against Iran, Puts China in Focus • Saudi Arabia Clears Path for Private Investment in Top Football Clubs • UK Condemns Israeli E1 Settlement Tender, Warns of Sanctions • UAE Airfares Could Stay High Through 2026 Despite Ceasefire Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• UAE Suspends Trade And Financial Transactions With Iran • Dubai Hotel Market Could Recover In Q4, But Luxury Supply Adds Pressure • Saudi Arabia And UAE Deny Problems With Cross-Border Bank Transfers  Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• UAE Billionaire Habtoor Slams Ben-Gvir Over Call to Kill ‘30 to 40’ Palestinians Nightly• Saudi Arabia Offers Oil Near Oman as Aramco May Be Shuttling Crude Through Hormuz • Emirati Home Bakery Founder Hind Al Mulla Eyes India, London and US Expansion Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Abu Dhabi Moves To Take AD Ports Private • MBZUAI Finds Major Gap In Arabic AI Understanding • Saudi Pro League Cuts Spending As Rival Leagues Cash In Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

On today’s Smashi Business Show, we look at three major stories shaping the Gulf’s growing role in technology, healthcare and sports. Anthropic could target a $2 trillion IPO, potentially making it the biggest listing in history, with Abu Dhabi’s MGX and Qatar’s QIA among its investors. We then head to Abu Dhabi, where biotech company Insilico Medicine has used AI and local computing infrastructure to discover a potential non-addictive painkiller. Finally, Saudi Arabia’s Aramco Stadium is entering final testing ahead of its planned November opening. The 47,000-seat venue aims to become a year-round sports, entertainment and commercial destination.

Saudi PIF Reveals $26.3B SpaceX Stake, DP World Plans $3B Investment and Kushner Heads to Israel and Egypt

HEADLINES:• Two UAE Operated ADNOC Vessels Attacked in Strait of Hormuz; No Injuries • CFI CEO Ziad Melhem on Record $5.34 Trillion Trading Volume and the Future of AI Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Sephora Denies Israel Store Launch, Confirms Products Will Be Sold Through Glam42• The Surprising Abu Dhabi Tie-Up in the $12.5 Billion Lakers Acquisition• Mubadala Raises Stake in Aldar Properties to 28%Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• ADNOC Gas Eyes LNG Export Hub Beyond Strait of Hormuz• Lebanese-Founded Kalshi Adopts Nasdaq Surveillance Platform• DP World Expands Western Europe Logistics Network

HEADLINES:• ADNOC Gas Eyes LNG Export Hub Beyond Strait of Hormuz • Lebanese-Founded Kalshi Adopts Nasdaq Surveillance Platform • DP World Expands Western Europe Logistics Network Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Netanyahu Rejects Trump’s Gaza Plan as Israel Faces Pressure to Withdraw • A Jetstar and Qatar Airways plane nearly collided on the ground at Sydney Airport • Dubai-based Apparel Group Bets Big on Madinah With 24-Brand Retail and Dining Push Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

In this episode of The Smashi Business Show, we look at Iran’s talks with Oman over a temporary maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran sets conditions for reopening the waterway. We also cover a fire at Aramco’s Jazan refinery and the latest attacks affecting Saudi energy infrastructure. Finally, we look at Syria’s new $100 million World Bank grant and its plans to secure more development funding for key sectors.

The US tightens sanctions on an alleged Iranian crypto network, Dubai startup Peekabox reaches the top of the UAE App Store without paid advertising, and Travis Kalanick rebrands his Gulf food infrastructure business as NAMAA following Atoms' $1.7 billion funding round. We break down what these developments mean for technology, startups and investment across the region.

HEADLINES:• UK Clears Gulf Backed Paramount's $111 Billion Warner Bros. Discovery Deal• Dubai's $1 Billion Trump Tower Moves Forward With Major Construction Contract • Arsenal and Emirates renew landmark partnership Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Moove Hits $2.1 Billion Valuation in Mubadala-Led Fundraising• Syria's Tourism Boom Could Generate Up to $10 Billion in 2026• IHC Profit Triples as Real Estate, Construction Drive Growth

HEADLINES:• Saudi Arabia just completed its $55 billion purchase of gaming giant EA.• Pavel Durov Blames 'Extortionists' After Apple Removes Telegram From App Store • UAE-Based Entrepreneur Satish Sanpal Denies Reports of Frozen Assets Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Apple Briefly Removes Telegram From App Store Over Abuse Content • Careem's Losses Widen as e& Hands Control Back to Uber • New York Seeks $36 Billion From Lebanese-Founded Kalshi in Gambling Lawsuit Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Oil Prices Slide As US-Iran Peace Talks Raise Hopes For Hormuz Reopening • Saudi Arabia Set To Take Majority Control Of Gaming Giant Electronic Arts • Houthis Deny Red Sea Shipping Fees Plan As Tanker Traffic Slows At Bab El-MandebNewsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

the arrest of former Lebanon central bank governor Riad Salameh, Kuwait's temporary suspension of new freelance business licenses, and Dubai's rise to more than 81,000 millionaires as it cements its position as one of the world's fastest-growing wealth hubs.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned a controversial $20 billion World Cup investment plan after a revolt led by football's biggest governing bodies. Meanwhile, a Reuters investigation has uncovered an alleged $4 billion Iranian gambling network that moved funds through a Dubai-linked cryptocurrency exchange, while New York has sued Lebanese-founded prediction market giant Kalshi, accusing it of operating an illegal gambling platform. Three stories examining the intersection of governance, regulation and the future of global finance, technology and sport.

HEADLINES:• ‘Who Can Ban Whom?’: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Hits Back at Russia's 'Terrorist' Label• Jared Kushner Says 'More Work Remains' After Trump's Gaza Peace Announcement• Saudi Arabia Seeks to Host the G20 Summit in 2030 Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Russia Just Filed Terrorism-Related Charges Against Telegram Founder Pavel Durov• Lebanese Lawyers Sue Banker Antoun Sehnaoui After Dinner With Benjamin Netanyahu • UAE Billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor Eyes $59 Million Investment in Egypt's Zamalek

HEADLINES:• Saudi Prince Alwaleed Just Bought a 5% Stake in EV Maker Lucid for $129.5 Million • Netflix Will Stream Saudi Arabia's Richest Tennis Tournament This October • UAE's G42 joins Open Secure AI Alliance started by Nvidia Newsletter: https://aug.us/4jqModrWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: https://aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY