The Smashi Business Show

MGX's AI Biotech Play and Saudi Capital in Italian Luxury Hotels and Syria’s New Entrepreneurship Frontier

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.

US-Iran Deal Talks, Manchester City Reset & Gulf Food Future

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

NEOM Delays; Abu Dhabi Sphere; Qatar Airways Fallout

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 Logistics Push; Qatar IPO Revival; Dubai Mogul Lawsuit

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.

Dubai Relief Package, Saudi Spending Freeze & Noon AI Layoffs

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