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1BFS Day 3: Lessons from Creators and Poori & Karak’s Shift to Card-Only Payments
Monday, January 12, 2026
Happy Monday everyone!
Day 3 at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in one word was “electrifying”, Creators and industry leaders explored how authentic storytelling, community-driven content, and responsible tech use can drive real-world impact. Meanwhile, in Qatar, iconic chain Poori & Karak has temporarily gone card-only after experiencing its largest internal theft to date, highlighting operational risks for cash-dependent businesses and the growing importance of digital payments. From the cutting edge of global creator economies to homegrown operational lessons in retail, today’s newsletter brings you the insights that matter for strategy, risk management, and emerging trends in business and technology.
“Content for Good,” Creators and Experts at 1BFS Day 3
On third and last day of the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026, creators and industry experts focused on the realities of content creation, exploring both its challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. A session titled “Confessions of a Content Creator” highlighted the unseen pressures and mental challenges creators face beyond follower counts, stressing resilience and self‑care in the creator journey.
Other panels examined practical strategies for rebuilding a digital presence after losing an audience and discussed responsible use of AI in content creation, urging caution and creativity in harnessing emerging tools.
Industry figures like Sophia Smith Galer and Jim E. Lee analysed where value truly lies for modern creators, breaking down marketing insights and digital trends, while TikTok MENA leadership reiterated the importance of content quality over sheer popularity. MrBeast’s production team also shared practical storytelling and video strategy advice, underlining how structure and narrative fuel successful long‑form content.
The day featured sessions on digital travel storytelling and building community‑centred creative careers, reinforcing the summit’s message that thoughtful content can inspire positive change. The event saw the world’s largest AI Film Award of $1 Million presented to Tunisian filmmaker Zoubeir Jlassi for Lily, and continued to celebrate creators as key partners in shaping the economy of the future under the summit’s “Content for Good” theme.
Markets
EGX 30 | 42,895.41 | 2.48% |
DFMGI | 6,225.94 | Closed |
ADX | 10,009.62 | Closed |
Tadawul | 10,609.76 | 1.30% |
Poori & Karak Goes Card-Only After Record Internal Theft
What’s it About?
Qatari restaurant chain Poori & Karak has temporarily halted cash payments across all eight of its branches following the company’s largest internal theft in 2025, which involved multiple employees and led to substantial financial losses. The chain, spanning locations from Qatar Sports Club to Al Wakra, announced the shift to card-only transactions as a precautionary measure while management investigates the breach and implements stronger internal controls.
Why it Matters?
The move highlights growing operational risks for cash-heavy businesses, even in well-established retail and food chains. Internal fraud can erode trust, strain management resources, and disrupt customer experiences. For Qatar’s dining sector, the incident underscores the importance of digital payments and robust financial oversight to safeguard assets.
What’s Next?
Poori & Karak is conducting audits and reinforcing internal controls, but the timeline for resuming cash payments remains unclear. Analysts will watch whether the chain implements permanent digital-first strategies and how competitors respond to protect against similar internal breaches.
Egypt Rejects Israel's "Israel First" Conditions In $35 Billion Gas Deal
What’s it About?
Egypt has refused new Israeli government conditions on a $35 billion gas agreement that would allow Israel to unilaterally slash exports by up to 60% starting 2036. The clauses prioritize Israeli domestic demand, effectively downgrading Egypt from primary customer to secondary recipient of surplus supply.
Why it Matters?
The terms would leave Egyptian manufacturers and households vulnerable to Israel's domestic policy shifts amid increasingly strained relations since the Gaza war. Egypt would lose guaranteed volumes and buyer leverage typically secured in traditional gas agreements, transforming the commercial relationship fundamentally.
What’s Next?
Egypt hasn't accepted the clauses despite Netanyahu's approval last month. The standoff threatens the agreement's future as Cairo weighs whether to accept subordinate status or walk away from critical gas supplies needed for its domestic energy security.
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👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
Egypt’s $35B Gas Deal with Israel Faces Uncertainty as New Clauses Favor Israeli Supply
Uber’s Khosrowshahi: Major Companies Will Invest Aggressively in Iran After Regime Change
Tunisian Filmmaker Zoubeir Jlassi Wins $1M AI Film Award at 1 Billion Followers Summit
Rio Ferdinand Urges Fearless Reinvention at 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai
🔍In other news…
Saudi Arabia is ‘cornerstone’ of Al Futtaim’s approach
Egypt signs renewable energy deals worth $1.8 billion
Dubai Chambers hosts Philippines First Lady as trade ties hit $844m
Trump organization deepens gulf push with $10 bn in Saudi projects
