The Smashi Business Show

Iran has once again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed as peace talks with the United States prepare to begin in Switzerland. We break down what the move means for global energy markets and why investors are watching shipping traffic closely.

HEADLINES:• Iran to get access to $6 billion of frozen funds held in Qatar to buy US goods: FT • Syria signs deal with ConocoPhillips to revive gas production • Emirates and Etihad now offer conflict insurance to lure tourists back 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 aims to cut dependency on Strait of Hormuz to 'zero' • Revolut gets UAE Central Bank licences ahead of full launch • Reliance and WhatsApp behind efforts to sabotage Telegram globally': CEO Pavel Durov  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:• JD Vance says Gulf states could fund a $300 billion rebuilding of Iran under proposed deal • The Knicks title run was also a win for Abu Dhabi • Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris is building a €100 million luxury resort in Mykonos 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:• Al Habtoor Group will not go for IPO for now • Gulf backed Paramount just won approval for its $111 billion Warner Bros takeover• Kuwait's sovereign wealth fund just launched a $10 billion AI company with Nvidia and KKR 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, we break down the immediate plunge in global oil prices and the stock market rally triggered by the historic US-Iran framework peace agreement. We also look at the logistics at sea as nearly 600 stranded tankers cautiously await the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and highlight the UAE’s major governance leap with the creation of the federal Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority.

In this episode, we break down private credit titan Blue Owl Capital’s move to establish its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi amid macroeconomic shifts. We also explore the intense bidding war brewing in the food delivery sector as Saudi startup Ninja threatens Uber’s Middle East acquisition strategy, and highlight the major regulatory milestone in Washington as the DOJ clears Paramount’s $110 billion purchase of Warner Bros Discovery.

SpaceX Mints Saudi Billions; Al Habtoor Eyes Syria; Altman Cancels Abu Dhabi Trip

HEADLINES:• Emaar just launched a Dh200 billion megaproject in Dubai for 150,000 residents• The $22 billion prediction market Kalshi just became a World Cup sponsor of Argentina• How two Saudis turned camel racing into a professional sports franchiseNewsletter: 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 lifts five year Lebanon import ban as Riyadh backs Beirut reforms • SpaceX IPO Draws Billions in Orders From Middle East Funds • FII appoints Princess Maha Al Saud as CEO ahead of Rome summit 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:• Real Madrid land €100 million-a-year Emirates sponsorship deal• Meta Says Israeli Spyware Firm Targeted WhatsApp Users Again• Mubadala Is Reportedly Exploring a €3 Billion Deal for Burger King Operator in Spain and PortugalNewsletter: 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 Ninja Founder Ebrahim Al Jassim Is Trying to Acquire HungerStation and Parts of Talabat: FT• US Is Considering Using Iranian Assets to Pay for Gulf Attack Damage• UAE company to fund $2bn New Botswana City 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 faces $16 billion bill to scale back parts of NEOM: Semafor• UAE says $1.4 trillion US investment plan is ahead of schedule• US states prepare antitrust challenge as Gulf-backed $110B Paramount–Warner deal faces scrutiny 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

Today’s Smashi Business Show brings you four global stories shaping markets, sport, aviation, and geopolitics. Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first active athlete to surpass $2 billion in career earnings, driven by Saudi contracts and global investments. Rising tensions in the Middle East escalate as the U.S. considers redirecting Iranian assets amid ongoing regional conflict and fragile ceasefire talks. In Europe, a Polish football club sparks controversy after rejecting Israeli transfer bids on moral grounds. Meanwhile, Riyadh Air receives its first Dreamliners ahead of its July launch, marking a major step in Saudi Arabia’s aviation expansion and tourism ambitions despite regional instability. Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dAkTDhJ6WhatsApp: aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): aug.us/3BTU2MY

Is the UAE becoming the world's safest investment destination? In today's Smashi Business Show, Abdul Majid Awan breaks down Abu Dhabi's massive $1.7 billion Sphere project, why Dubai's real estate market could be heading for a major consolidation, and why billionaire investor Naguib Sawiris says he is "doubling down" on the UAE despite growing global uncertainty. Plus, we examine the shocking HSBC corruption case linked to Lebanon's central bank and what it means for international banking. From tourism and property to geopolitics and finance, these are the stories shaping the future of business across the Middle East and beyond. Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dAkTDhJ6WhatsApp: aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• State Street is Deepening its Gulf Presence With Oman Expansion Plan• Saudi PIF is Actively Replacing Foreign Executives With Local Talent in Strategic Shift: FT• Glazers’ sale debate at Manchester United heats up as Qatar bidder rules out return• Man City Leadership Has 'Winning' Mentality: Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak  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:• SpaceX Targets Record-Breaking $75B IPO, Set to Eclipse Aramco Listing• Berenjak Expands to Abu Dhabi Amid Regional Conflict and Gulf Hospitality Push• Greek shipping tycoon Marinakis Says Shipowners Could Accept Hormuz Transit Fees• 20,000 Seafarers Remain Stranded in Gulf Despite CeasefireNewsletter: 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:• UpScrolled Has Just Been Banned In Saudi Arabia• IAEA Chief Says Barakah Attack Tested UAE Nuclear Safety Systems• Mohamed Alabbar Takes Direct Control Of Emaar Misr After CEO Exit

HEADLINES:• Former Sky News Arabia boss slams Guardian reporting on Sky UAE exit• Alabbar and IHC show interest in debt-hit IFFCO• e& sells 12.5% Careem stake to Uber in $100 million dealNewsletter: 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:• PSG turns from football gamble to $5 billion global asset machine • Kingdom Holding jumps as SpaceX stake re-rates the stock ahead of IPO • UAE scientists build AI system that predicts heatwaves with 96% accuracy before they hit

we explore the UAE’s strong 6.2% economic growth in 2025, the leadership approach that continues to make Dubai a magnet for entrepreneurs and investors, and how Qatar transformed PSG from a $100 million football club into a global sports brand worth over $5 billion.

A proposed $300 billion reconstruction programme for Iran, Saudi Arabia push to build Riyadh Air despite regional tensions, and Qatar latest position on Strait of Hormuz transit fees. Here are the three stories shaping the region today.

From AI megadeals to food delivery consolidation and a new wave of defense manufacturing, today’s stories highlight how capital, technology, and power are converging across the US, Europe, and the Gulf. Anthropic’s rise above OpenAI marks a reshaping of the global AI hierarchy, but Abu Dhabi’s quiet cross-investments tell an even bigger story. Meanwhile, Uber’s push for Delivery Hero puts Talabat and HungerStation in play across the Middle East. In parallel, a US-Saudi venture to build Shahed-style drones in Riyadh signals an accelerating regional race to localize advanced military production. Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dAkTDhJ6WhatsApp: aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): aug.us/3BTU2MY

Calo shuts down its UK operations despite IPO ambitions, Iran reconnects after an 88 day internet blackout, and Kalshi pushes toward a $22 billion valuation as prediction markets surge across America.

On today’s episode of the Smashi Business Show, Abdul Majid Awan breaks down four major stories shaping business across the region. We look at why the Trump-backed Gaza reconstruction board remains stalled despite billions in pledges, Bahrain’s Mumtalakat reporting an 87 percent jump in earnings driven by McLaren and Alba, the UAE’s trade response to regional disruption as outlined by Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi at GLOBSEC Forum 2026, and Mubadala raising nearly $2 billion through the sale of GlobalFoundries shares. From sovereign wealth to geopolitics and global trade, here’s your essential roundup of the day’s top business headlines.  Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dAkTDhJ6WhatsApp: aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): aug.us/3BTU2MY

In this episode, we break down Abu Dhabi-backed MGX’s entry into Isomorphic Labs' $2.1 billion funding round to revolutionize AI-driven drug discovery. We also track the Saudi El-Khereiji family’s multi-million dollar stake in Italy's luxury hospitality group, Barletta, and analyze the strategic launch of the Syrian Youth and Entrepreneurs Council designed to economically empower a resilient new generation.

HEADLINES:• Oil Falls as US-Iran Talks Ease Supply Fears, but Trump Cautions Against Rushing Deal • Guardiola Exit Marks New Era for Abu Dhabi-Owned Manchester City • Pure Harvest CEO Sees Food Security as Gulf’s Next Strategic Frontier

Saudi Arabia slows down parts of NEOM as capital shifts toward ports and AI infrastructure, Abu Dhabi doubles down on entertainment with a $1.7 billion Sphere project, and Qatar Airways faces mounting fallout from the Iran war after reportedly suspending staff bonuses. Gulf economies are increasingly being reshaped by logistics, tourism and geopolitical disruption.

Saudi Arabia weighs creating a logistics giant to rival DP World, Qatar billionaire-backed Estithmar Holding explores a rare Doha IPO with Rothschild, and Dubai-based media mogul Richard Desmond faces a £40 million-plus legal fallout after losing a UK lottery lawsuit. Gulf business really decided subtlety was overrated this week.

HEADLINES:• Dubai Crown Prince just approved a $408 million economic relief package • Saudi Arabia Freezes Consultancy Payments as Iran War Pressures State Spending • Alabbar Says Noon Will Cut Staff by 50% Within Three Months

HEADLINES:• UAE Oil Pipeline Bypassing Strait of Hormuz Hits 50% Complete• Microsoft Israel Head to Step Down After Inquiry Into Military Surveillance Links• Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Turns to Google AI to Run Future Mega Theme ParkNewsletter: 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:• Dubai-born GymNation just secured $100m BlackRock-backed investment• Emaar Exits $500 Million Syria JV While Mohamed Alabbar Doubles Down on Damascus• Swiss bank UBS Is Losing Some of the Middle East Wealth Bankers It Hired Just Two Years AgoNewsletter: 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 scraps salary grace period as late-pay crackdown kicks in June 1 • PIF explores outside investors as Newcastle eyes £1bn stadium decision • Dubai Holding goes all-in on AI with Microsoft in major enterprise rollou • Syria to join G7 finance talks in Paris in sign of gradual global return

HEADLINES:• Saudi emerges Gulf’s most resilient economy amid Strait fallout, IMF says • Mubadala Capital added Palantir stock to its portfolio in Q1 2026 • Alabbar's Noon plans to launch operations in Syria

UAE–India Investment PushSaudi-Iran Non-Aggression PactIsrael vs New York Times

HEADLINES:• Abu Dhabi to become home of first Sphere outside of US • Israel threatens New York Times lawsuit over Palestinian prisoner abuse report • HH Sheikh Khaled-chaired L’imad joins BlackRock and Temasek on $30 billion infrastructure push

HEADLINES:• Thmanyah Founder Resigns as SRMG Raises Stake to 75%• Careem pulls back most Saudi consumer services amid strategic pauseNewsletter: 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 tycoon Mohamed Alabbar plans up to $18 billion Syria investment• SRMG subsidiary raises stake in Thmanyah to 75%• The Giving Movement founder says he sold the Dubai streetwear giant to existing investorsNewsletter: 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's Habshan gas plant to stay below full capacity until 2027• Dubai Holding has tightened it control of Emaar in $6.5B stake shift as property market cools • UAE-backed Cerebras targets $34bn valuation in blockbuster US IPO  • UAE delivery orders surge 18% as dine-in demand drops sharply

HEADLINES:• Oil Jumps as Trump Rejects Iran Peace Proposal • Pakistan Secures Qatari LNG Lifeline Through Hormuz • Aramco Posts Record Quarterly Profit Surge • UAE Emergency Loan Relief Hits AED6.2bn

In this episode, we analyze the impact of the first batch of advanced U.S. AI chips arriving in the UAE to accelerate the nation's digital transformation. We also dive into Mubadala’s strategic investment in Power Factors, a global leader in renewable energy management, and examine the successful crossing of Abu Dhabi’s LNG carriers through the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing regional trade disruptions.

HEADLINES:• UAE Retains Global Lead in AI Adoption With 70% Usage Rate, Microsoft Report Finds • Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Restore U.S. Military Access After Hormuz Tensions, WSJ Reports • Iran Creates New Strait of Hormuz Transit Authority, Tightens Control Over Key Shipping Lane

HEADLINES:• Alabbar-led Eagle Hills studies $50 billion Syria projects• CEO Evgeny Ratskevich on Why Global Investors Are Flooding Abu Dhabi Real Estate 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: • Sarwa Crosses $1bn AUM as UAE Retail Investing Comes of Age• Telegraph, Politico owner says staff must align with pro-Israel principles or leave• World’s largest listed hedge fund manager Man Group to set up in Abu DhabiNewsletter: 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:• GameStop Seeks Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds to Plug $26.1 Billion Gap in $55.5 Billion eBay Bid • Dubai Launches Two-Year Push to Make Agentic AI Core of Private Sector Transformation • Saudi Arabia Positions Neom Port as Red Sea Trade Hub to Reduce Dependence on Strait of Hormuz

HEADLINES:• “Those who invest in Dubai are investing in the future”: Sheikh Mohammed launches Blue Line tunnelling• Commercial vessel struck in Strait of Hormuz after Trump announces US escort mission• UAE is set to acquire $147.6 million worth of advanced US military systems • Fitch affirms Abu Dhabi’s AA rating despite higher spending pressures

Today’s Smashi Business Show covers a major disruption in global energy markets as Kuwait’s exports are halted through the Strait of Hormuz, a $400 million Qatari-linked Bel-Air mansion reflecting shifts in ultra-luxury wealth, and escalating tensions over media ownership and editorial independence in Western outlets. From oil flows to capital power and information control, the episode tracks how geopolitics is reshaping global business.

In this episode, we analyze Eddie Howe’s comments on PIF’s unwavering commitment to Newcastle United amidst a broader sports portfolio review. We also examine the implications of the U.S. approving $8.6 billion in military sales to the region. Finally, we highlight the strategic milestone for the UAE’s Dana Gas as it settles all outstanding receivables with the Egyptian government, signaling a boost in regional energy investment.

HEADLINES:• UAE Charges 19 Sudanese, Including Former Intel Chief Salah Gosh, Over $13M Arms Smuggling• PlotSaudi Arabia pulls funding from LIV Golf, WSJ reports• Amazon: UAE Cloud Recovery Could Take Months After Iran Strikes

HEADLINES:• Dubai Lowers Property Threshold for Two-Year Residency Visa• UAE startup CarniStore founders discuss scaling a digital-first butcher model in a fragmented market