The Smashi Business Show

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

HEADLINES:• UAE To Exit OPEC After Nearly 60 Years• Gulf funds to own 38.5% of Paramount–Warner Bros as $111bn deal moves forward• Citadel Gets Greenlight to Begin Operating in DubaiNewsletter: 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:• Electronics prices set to rise as key Saudi plant shutdown squeezes global supply• We want to be bold in the US”: ADNOC eyes multi-billion gas expansion• Amira Sajwani calls out ‘delusional’ media as Dubai unveils $9.3B Metro Gold Line• Gaza teenage sisters’ low-cost brick model gains global attention  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:• Iran proposes phased deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz, delay nuclear talks • UAE launches AED 1 billion industrial resilience fund to boost local production • BlueFive Capital joins consortium in Bugatti acquisition as Rimac takes control

In this extended episode, we analyze the massive $110 billion Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount merger and the strategic role of Gulf sovereign funds. We also look at why international law firms are calling their teams back to the UAE and how SRMG is taking the reins of Saudi Arabia’s "Al Thaqafiya" channel in a multi-million riyal deal.

Today’s episode covers Dubai’s Al Habtoor launching a $1.7bn legal battle with Lebanon, billionaire Nassef Sawiris exiting the UK as wealth shifts to the UAE, and Saudi Arabia pulling back a $200m Met Opera deal while reprioritising domestic spending.

HEADLINES:• UAE President and Elon Musk Discuss AI, Space in Phone Call• Brazilian legend Ronaldo named brand ambassador for Abu Dhabi developer Aldar• PIF backs Saudi ETF launch by $4tn asset manager State Street

HEADLINES:• UAE to run 50% of government on agentic AI within two years• Israel eyes control of $40bn Qana gas field• Investcorp invests $200m in US residential real estate portfolioNewsletter: 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 ambassador dismisses external funding claims, cites Dh7.34 trillion in assets• Trump’s Board of Peace holds Gaza reconstruction talks with UAE’s DP World• Gulf-backed SpaceX secures $60bn option to acquire AI startup CursorNewsletter: 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:• John Ternus to Succeed Tim Cook as Apple CEO, Facing AI and Product Innovation Push• Dubai-HQed and Egypt-born Swvl is not Delisting from Nasdaq• MBZUAI Retains 80% of Graduates as UAE Bets on Talent and Stability• UK Job Cuts Surge as Iran War Hits Home After Gulf Warnings• UK Universities Paid Private Intelligence Firm to Monitor Student Protest Activity, AJ Investigation 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:• IEA warns Middle East oil output recovery could take two years amid war damage and Hormuz disruption • stc group and Netflix expand partnership to bundle streaming services in Saudi Arabia via stc tv • Tabby secures UAE central bank licence to launch full financial services platform across the Gulf• Abu Dhabi’s EIIC buys stake in Joe & The Juice at $1.8bn valuation in continued Gulf dealmaking push

In this episode, we break down Dubai’s resilient real estate market as it records AED 11.7 billion in a single week. We also explore Tabby’s major shift into digital banking services following its new Central Bank license, and highlight UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov’s $70 million entry into Dubai’s premium property development scene.

In this episode, we break down Abu Dhabi’s plan to consolidate its Chinese investment strategy under a new powerhouse entity. We also explore the high-stakes "cash-for-uranium" negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad and analyze Axight’s billion-dollar entry into the Australian financial market through its latest acquisition.

HEADLINES:• Sheikh Hamdan announces first air taxi station now 'ready'• Prince Alwaleed to Take 70% Stake in Al Hilal • UAE Investor Buys Stake in General Atlantic’s Joe & the Juice

HEADLINES:• Public Investment Fund Weighs Scaling Back LIV Golf Funding in Strategic Reset• Riyadh is opening its metro map to monetization• Bain Capital Expands to Abu Dhabi Despite Regional ConflictNewsletter: 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 to reduce salary top-ups for Emiratis in private sector • Pakistan Secures $3 Billion in Saudi Loans to Lift Reserves • Iran Used Chinese Spy Satellite to Target US Bases Across the Middle East

HEADLINES:• Gulf Allies Rethink Defense as U.S. Supply Delays Mount• Zelenskyy Says Ukrainian Systems Downed Iranian Drones in Gulf • Mytheresa CEO Bets on Middle East Growth Despite Regional Tension • Apple Denies Removing Southern Lebanon Villages From Maps • Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds Deploy $25 in Q1 2026: Global SWF report

HEADLINES:• Oil, Gas Surge as US Moves to Blockade Strait of Hormuz After Failed Iran Talks • Social Media Bank on 16 Year Olds in UAE? A UAE Entrepreneur has Started a Convo • Pistachio Prices Hit 8-Year High as Iran War Disrupts Supply, Demand Surges • HH Sheikh Tahnoon-led Firm to Acquire Majority Stake in Richard Caring’s Hospitality Empire

In this episode, we cover the billion-pound acquisition by IHC’s Diafa of the iconic British hospitality empire "The Ivy." We also break down the stalemate in U.S.-Iran talks over the nuclear file and the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, we highlight the powerful display of national unity as global giants like Microsoft and ADNOC join the UAE community in raising the national flag.

This episode analyzes Iran’s dual strategy of asset negotiation and cryptocurrency transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. We also cover Abu Dhabi’s successful bid to host the 2029 World Bank and IMF meetings and explore how the UAE’s TruKKer is transforming regional land freight to overcome maritime shipping disruptions.

HEADLINES:• Al Jaber: Hormuz must be reopened without restriction • Saudi Arabia's $100 billion electronics fund removes CEO • FMubadala assets under management grow 17 percent to $385 billion in 2025

HEADLINES:• Qatar Moves to Restart LNG Production as Ceasefire Reopens Path Through Hormuz• UAE AI Firm G42 Pushes Ahead With Expansion Despite War Risks• Fox Partners With Kalshi to Bring Prediction Markets to Mainstream MediaNewsletter: 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 Plunge After Trump Announces Two-Week Iran Ceasefire Deal• BlackRock and State Street Stay Bullish on Abu Dhabi Despite Tensions• HH Sheikh Khaled Meets Nubank CEO as Digital Bank Expands into 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:• UAE Prepares Major Tourism Relief Package as Regional Tensions Bite• Abu Dhabi-Backed Redbird IMI Aims to Be World’s Largest Independent Studio• Saudi Media Giant Looks to Build “Netflix of MENA” with Thmanyah Sports EcosystemNewsletter: 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 breaks into global top 10 exporters for first time, as per WTO• Dubai property sales hit AED176.7bn in Q1 as prices hold firm • American publisher Semafor doubles down on Gulf expansion amid rising global focus

Today’s episode covers fires at Abu Dhabi’s Borouge facility, Pavel Durov’s claim that millions in Iran still use Telegram despite a ban, and Abu Dhabi’s quiet stake in venture capital firm Insight Partners.

Today’s episode covers rising regional tensions impacting tech infrastructure in the UAE, Khalaf Al Habtoor’s response to Jeffrey Sachs’ warning on Dubai, and growing backlash over war-related betting platforms like Polymarket.

HEADLINES:• The Oracle Attack in Dubai Is Fake News • SpaceX in Talks With Saudi PIF for $5 Billion IPO Investment • Dubai Property Market Defies War Jitters With $5 Billion Sales Surge

HEADLINES:• Majid Al Futtaim Opens Malls to UAE SMEs• UAE Airlines Restrict Iranian Travel• Saudi-Backed Newcastle Reports ProfitNewsletter: 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:• Gulf Sovereign Funds Invest in Whoop• Abu Dhabi’s IHC Is Investing Nearly $1 Billion in an Indian Finance Company• Jeff Bezos Recently Visited the Gulf to Raise CapitalNewsletter: 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 APPROVES AED 1 BILLION ECONOMIC BOOST PACKAGE • TRUMP EYES GULF CASH TO FUND IRAN WAR • US DEFENSE SECRETARY'S BROKER SOUGHT DEFENSE STOCK INVESTMENT BEFORE IRAN STRIKE• IRANIAN DRONE STRIKES KUWAITI TANKER OFF DUBAI COAST

HEADLINES:• UAE Remains Open And Resilient Despite Attacks, Minister Says • Big Money Speaks: $16B Cain CEO Sees Gulf Winning Long-Term • FII Priority Summit Miami 2026: Key Takeaways • Iran Strikes Hit Gulf Aluminium Giants, Production Risks Emerge

Today’s episode covers major developments shaping global markets—from Mubadala’s strategy amid regional tensions to Saudi startup Ninja’s IPO ambitions, and how Saudi Arabia is rerouting oil flows as the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption.

Today’s episode covers major developments shaping the region and global markets, from Trump’s $14 billion Oracle investment in Saudi Arabia to Al Habtoor Group’s expansion plans in the UAE, and Israel’s $57 billion economic losses from the Gaza genocide.

The Smashi Business Show breaks down four transformative stories reshaping the Arab business world in real time. First, investment giant Blackstone defies geopolitical uncertainty with a $250 million commitment to UAE gaming infrastructure—a bold signal that major capital still sees the Middle East as a long-term opportunity despite the Iran conflict. Second, UAE fintech Alaan launches a stunning AED 3 million initiative supporting 1,000 SMEs, proving companies can lead with purpose while building ecosystem loyalty. Third, Saudi Arabia's Neom mega-project cancels a $5 billion dam contract, signaling a critical pivot in Vision 2030 as execution costs, supply chain chaos, and lower oil revenues force a reckoning on spending. Finally, personalized nutrition startup Bioniq—backed by Cristiano Ronaldo—gets acquired by Herbalife for up to $150 million, demonstrating how data-driven health tech scales globally. Host Abdul Majid Awan unpacks what these stories reveal about capital flows, SME resilience, government strategy, and the future of wellness innovation.  Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dAkTDhJ6WhatsApp: aug.us/40FdYLUInstagram: aug.us/4ihltzQTiktok: aug.us/4lnV0D8Smashi Business Show (Mon-Friday): aug.us/3BTU2MY

HEADLINES:• Emaar ‘Not Worried’ by Iran War Impact• OpenAI Eyes $10bn Raise Backed by MGX• QIA Eyes 10% Stake in Golden GooseNewsletter: 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:• Iran Charges Some Ships Hormuz Transit Fees for Safe Passage• Amazon Cloud Disrupted in Bahrain After Alleged Drone Activity• Saudi Startup Ninja Eyes Riyadh IPO as Market Holds SteadyNewsletter: 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 CEO: Energy Security Means Light on or Light Off• Primark Has No Plans to Postpone Opening in Dubai Mall• US President Trump Privately Pressed by Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch for Iran War: Bloomberg• Dubai Property Inquiries Are on the Rise: Betterhomes ReportNewsletter: 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 Smashi Business, Wael Hossam covers the UAE’s $1.4 trillion US investment pledge, Lush’s Eid collaboration with Emirati brand Home Bakery, and Saudi’s Savvy Games acquiring Mobile Legends studio Moonton, exploring the latest in global business, tech, and market strategy.

Today’s Smashi Business Show covers three major global developments shaping media, energy, and finance. From IMI’s response to Sky News Arabia reports, to Adnoc’s warning on global energy risks, and Kalshi’s $1 billion funding surge.

Iran Strikes Hit QatarEnergy, UAE Response, Saudi Real Estate Boom

HEADLINES:• STARLINK LAUNCHES IN UAE WITH PLANS STARTING AT DH230 PER MONTH• UAE MAY JOIN US-LED EFFORTS TO SECURE STRAIT OF HORMUZ, DIPLOMATIC ADVISER TO UAE President• UAE CENTRAL BANK APPROVES RESILIENCE PACKAGE TO SUPPORT BANKING SECTOR• NEOM RESTRUCTURES THE LINE PROJECT, STREAMLINES $1BN TUNNEL CONTRACTNewsletter: 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:• Paistani ship passes Strait of Hormuz• Praise for Dubai• Ukraine President Offers Help to Middle EastNewsletter: 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 Gold Shipments Resume Slowly As Flight Disruptions Keep Trade Below Normal• TikTok US Deal, Backed by UAE's MGX, Could Deliver $10 Billion To Trump Administration• MBC Group Profit Jumps 70% As Advertising And Shahid Drive Growth• Meta Pauses Gulf Segment Of 2Africa Cable As Iran's Attacks Disrupt WorkNewsletter: 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 today’s episode, we discuss the official arrival of Starlink in Kuwait through a strategic local partnership. We also look at the rapid recovery of oil operations at the UAE’s Fujairah port following a weekend incident, and finally, we examine the growing backlash against online platforms allowing massive financial bets on the Iran war.

This episode covers Talabat’s share buyback on the DFM, Yalla Group’s record revenue, and why global banks are rescheduling major UAE events. All the essential business updates in one place.

HEADLINES:• UAE Economic Momentum Challenges Goldman Sachs’ 5% Contraction Warning • DHL Pushes $577M Middle East Investment Despite Iran Attacks• Jordanian-American Amjad Masad's Replit Raises $400M at $9B valuation • UAE Hiring Slows Slightly but Job Market Remains Resilient: Recruitment Startup Founder 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