The Smashi Business Show

HEADLINES:• PIF Moves to Tackle Al-Nassr's $213 Million Debt Crisis • Blackstone Opens Kuwait Office After $16 Billion Infrastructure Deal • Bar Works Fraudster Ordered to Repay $58 Million After Scamming UAE Investors  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:• Riyadh Stays Silent as Trump Adds Last-Minute Condition to Nuclear Deal • Kalshi Threatens Netflix Over 'Misleading' Prediction Market Documentary Trailer • UAE, Canada Complete Record-Breaking CEPA Talks as Trade Ties Deepen • Egyptian Billionaire Naguib Sawiris has defended UAE's Mohamed AlAbbar 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 President Donald Trump tying a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia directly to the Abraham Accords. We then break down a historic $16 billion foreign investment in Kuwait's oil pipeline network by Blackstone, KKR, and Brookfield. Finally, we cover Iraq's strategic decision to construct new Mediterranean export pipelines through Syria alongside new energy development tenders.

Saudi Arabia's tallest ambition is rising again as Prince Alwaleed bin Talal confirms Jeddah Tower has reached another major construction milestone. Kuwait signs the largest foreign direct investment in its history with a $16 billion pipeline deal involving Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR. Plus, prediction market giant Kalshi, founded by Lebanese entrepreneur Tarek Mansour, takes on Netflix over claims made in an upcoming documentary. Here's what it all means for business, investment and the Middle East.

HEADLINES:• UAE Billionaire Al Habtoor Urges Iran to Apologise, Warns Gulf Will Bear Cost of War • DP World to Build Two New UAE Terminals Outside Strait of Hormuz • Lebanon Proposes $1 Million Golden Visa for Tax Residency Newsletter: https://aug.us/4fZIDusWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQSmashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Iraq Secures $200 Billion in Energy Deals, Seeks Higher OPEC Oil Quota • Pakistan Seeks $10 Billion US Lifeline After Saudi Rescue Replenished Its Reserves • Emirates' Tim Clark Draws “Line in the Sand” Over Boeing 777X Delays • Ray Dalio Warned Elon Musk Against Betting Everything On Mars Newsletter: https://aug.us/4fZIDusWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQSmashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Trump Approves 30 Year Saudi Nuclear Deal Worth Tens of Billions• After Hormuz, the US Iran Conflict Shifts to Bab al Mandab • Abu Dhabi's MGX Joins $40 Billion Acquisition of AI Data Center Giant Aligned Newsletter: https://aug.us/4fZIDusWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQSmashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• US Judge Pauses Gulf Backed $110 Billion Paramount Warner Bros. Deal • PIF Backed TAWAL Eyes Multibillion Dollar Mobily Towers Deal • Dubai Airports Near Full Capacity Despite US Iran Tensions, CEO Says • ADNOC Distribution Strategy Chief on Its $1 Billion South Africa Expansion Newsletter: https://aug.us/4fZIDusWhatsApp: https://aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: https://aug.us/4ihltzQSmashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): https://aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Spain Are World Champions Again: Yamal Makes History as FIFA’s $13B Tournament Delivers• Saudi Football’s Billion-Dollar Gamble Faces a New Test: Fixing Governance • IMF Backs UAE Economy Despite US-Israel-Iran War — But Flags One Risk

The UAE's non-oil foreign trade reaches a record AED 1.937 trillion as exports continue to climb. We also look at Dubai's ambitious plans to expand public transport and sustainable mobility, alongside Iraq's move to redirect fuel exports through Syria as regional energy routes continue to evolve.

Saudi Arabia moves closer to a $55 billion takeover of gaming giant Electronic Arts, Iraq signs a landmark agreement with Starlink as part of a broader investment package with United States companies, and Malaysia responds after former DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem takes the helm at MMC Port Holdings. We break down what happened, why it matters and what these developments could mean for the region's technology, logistics and investment ambitions.

HEADLINES:• Uber to buy Talabat owner Delivery Hero in $14.8 billion deal• WSJ: G42 Considers Selling Stake to US Investors• EDGE to acquire 100% stake in Brazilian Aerospace Engineering Firm AKAERNewsletter: 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:• Former DP World Chairman Bin Sulayem Takes Over Malaysia Port Giant• Alabbar Says New Syria Development Company Will Be Majority-Owned by Syrians• UAE AI Startup Algebra AI Raises $7M to Target 30,000 GCC Businesses 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 PIF-Backed Lucid Denies Bankruptcy Report, Issues Cease-and-Desist• Abu Dhabi Revamps $300 Billion L'imad Fund to Drive Global Dealmaking• Trump Drops 20% Fee for Hormuz Cargo After Gulf Pressure

HEADLINES:• Iranian missiles strike 2 UAE tankers in Hormuz, killing one crew member: MOD• Dubai plans new port to bypass Strait of Hormuz• Naguib Sawiris Rewards Egypt World Cup Squad With EGP 1M EachNewsletter: 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:• Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz in Secret as US-Iran Conflict Escalates• Abu Dhabi Investment Council Reportedly Commits $1 Billion to Deem Global• UAE Billionaire Yusuff Ali Pays Tribute to Qatar’s Late Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniNewsletter: 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 investigate Qatar's sovereign wealth fund vetoing a Volkswagen defense joint venture with Israel's Rafael. We then analyze the severe military escalation in the Gulf as US and Iranian forces exchange missile strikes following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, we look at global energy markets as Iraq's Prime Minister clarifies Baghdad's stance on remaining within OPEC while pushing for a fair production quota.

On today's episode of The Smashi Business Show, Abdul Majid Awan breaks down the biggest stories shaping the UAE and the region. Abu Dhabi's oil production hits a record 4.1 million barrels per day following its OPEC exit, while telecom giant e& sends its shares soaring after offloading its $5.95 billion Vodafone stake. The US eases export restrictions, unlocking access to advanced AI chips for Emirati firms, cementing the UAE's AI ambitions. Plus, Dubai billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor rewards Egypt's national football team with Mitsubishi cars after their historic World Cup run. Business, tech, energy, and sport — all in one show.

HEADLINES:• Saudi Arabia Denies UAE Border Trade Delays Amid Reports of Growing Disruption • Dubai Chocolate' Creators Say They Never Named the Global Food Trend • Abu Dhabi Deal Creates World's Largest Independent Studio 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 Rise As Fresh US Strikes On Iran Raise Strait Of Hormuz Fears • Deutsche Bank Secures Saudi Regional HQ Licence To Expand Riyadh Presence • Saudi Arabia’s $7 Billion Gaming Bet Takes Center Stage As Esports World Cup Begins 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 Distribution to acquire Shell South Africa’s downstream business • Canada tells UAE it is not ready for its $70 billion investment • QIA's Byju's Pursuit Signals Tougher Gulf Wealth Fund Strategy

HEADLINES:• Emaar's Unnamed $54 Billion Mega Project Likely to Be Dubai Estate: AGBI • Mubadala Opens $25 Billion Credit Business to Outside Investors • Nassef Sawiris Moves Closer to Taking OCI Global Private translate to arabic

HEADLINES:• Saudi Arabia Seeks Private Investors For Medina’s $135 Million Hijaz Eye Project • Iran, Qatar Resume Maritime Trade After Five-Month Suspension • OSN Moves To Take Anghami Private With $3.39-Per-Share Offer

In this episode of the Smashi Business Show, we analyze Michael Rubin’s Fanatics making its first international bet via a joint venture with Abu Dhabi's Momentum Group. We then dive into Saudi Arabia's fintech boom as Tabby secures crucial consumer and SME finance licences from SAMA. Finally, we break down OSN Streaming's preliminary cash proposal to acquire all remaining shares of Anghami in a major take-private transaction.

Saudi backed Lucid Motors continues its executive overhaul under new CEO Silvio Napoli, Qatar Investment Authority doubles down on its legal battle with Byju founder Byju Raveendran, and reports suggest Emaar's long awaited AED200 billion mega development could finally be unveiled as Dubai Estate. Plus, why these stories reflect a broader shift in how Gulf investors are protecting capital and shaping the region's future.

HEADLINES:• Kalshi Just Joined FIFA World Cup Ads After ADI Predictstreet Deal at a Discount • Qatari Syrian Billionaires Just Secured $7 Billion From JPMorgan and Gulf Banks • Adani Group and Abu Dhabi IHC Just Announced an $11.5 Billion India Mega Project 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 AI Giant MGX Just Closed a $49 Billion Fund • Dubai Beauty Billionaire Huda Kattan Backs Saint Levant After Prada Appointment• Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds Just Had Their Biggest Ever First Half 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 PIF More Than Doubles 2025 Net Profit To $17.3 Billion • Kuwait's Zain To Invest $1.5 Billion In Syria Telecom Expansion • Emirates NBD in Talks to Acquire HSBC’s Turkey Operations • ADNOC Set To Buy Shell’s South Africa Fuel Stations In $1 Billion Deal translate to emarati arabic 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:• Qatari Syrian Billionaire Unveils Long Planned Return to Syria• Mubadala Capital Bids $1.1 Billion For Disneyland Paris Resort Operator• Donald Trump Jr. Could See $300K Kalshi Equity Grow Into Millions Ahead of Potential IPO 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 pares gains as US and Iran pause attacks ahead of Hormuz talks • PIF strategy shifts sentiment as coverage turns more positive after rollout• UAE moves closer to CPTPP talks as trade expansion push accelerates • Saudi Aramco helicopter crash near Ras Tanura kills 14 as investigation begins  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 address the GCC's official stance denying rumors of a $300 billion Iran reconstruction fund. We then shift to Europe, where Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund seeks key EU antitrust and subsidy clearances to finalize its massive $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts. Finally, we explore Newcastle United's recent exploratory talks with Arctos Partners to secure millions in fresh investment for stadium redevelopment.

HEADLINES:• Royal Backed Burjeel Just Raised $500 Million in the First UAE Sukuk Since the Iran War• Uber Egypt Was Just Ordered to Pay EGP 10 Million to the Family of Habiba El Shamaa• BREAKING: Iraq Just Threatened to Leave OPEC Unless It Gets a Higher Production QuotaNewsletter: 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:• GEMS Education to Invest $30 Million Expanding Across India• UAE's Al-Futtaim Overhauls Saudi Retail Giant After Corruption Probe• UAE Oil Exports Recover to 85% of Pre War Levels, IEA SaysNewsletter: 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:• MGX Led by HH Sheikh Tahnoon Just Raised $50 Billion as Abu Dhabi Courts Global Investors• Saudi Foodtech Giant Foodics Acquires Greek AI Startup Norma• Dubai launches ‘Flexi Rents’ initiative to ease tenant payment burden 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 partially lifts Iran oil sanctions as peace talks gain momentum• Saudi Central Bank Said to Pull Money From at Least Two Managers• Leaked documents show Israel asked Meta to censor Iran war content and Meta compliedNewsletter: 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 Pullback Hits BCG as PIF Cuts Consulting Spend • Uber co-founder Kalanick’s Atoms eyes Saudi IPO as market waits for stability • MGX explores multi-billion-dollar bid for Singapore’s DayOne 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 explore Dubizzle Group’s strategic investment in Tern, a pioneer in the UAE rental rewards landscape that brings flexible credit card payments to tenants. We then shift to a crucial sovereign update as the UAE restructures the board of Etihad Credit Insurance under Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi to boost global export protections. Finally, we break down Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick’s plans to launch a Saudi IPO for his new AI and robotics venture, Atoms, despite a regional cooling in new public listings.

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