Happy Tuesday everyone!

Abu Dhabi-based Asif Aziz reunites the iconic St Giles London Hotel, consolidating a West End landmark and strengthening Criterion Capital’s London portfolio. In media, Gulf SWF-backed Paramount challenges Warner Bros.’ planned Netflix merger, pushing for board changes and pressing its $30-per-share bid. Closer to home, Dubai’s leading marketing recruitment firm, MCG Talent, completes a seven-figure management buy-out, with Charlie Bowsher stepping in as CEO while founder Justin McGuire stays on as Chairman.

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Markets

Abu Dhabi-Based Asif Aziz Secures Landmark St Giles London Hotel, Reuniting Iconic West End Site

What’s it About?

Criterion Capital, led by Abu Dhabi-based Asif Aziz, has acquired full ownership of the 732-room St Giles London Hotel on Tottenham Court Road. The purchase reunites one of London’s most prominent West End sites for the first time in over 30 years, consolidating fragmented ownership and strengthening Criterion’s presence in the capital’s strategic Oxford Street–Tottenham Court Road corridor.

Why it Matters?

The site’s central location, next to Tottenham Court Road Underground and near Theatreland and the British Museum, makes it a highly visible urban landmark. The acquisition reflects Criterion’s long-term stewardship approach, blending heritage preservation, sustainable reuse, and operational resilience, while reinforcing the company’s growing influence in London’s hotel and real estate markets.

What’s Next?

Criterion now operates over 3,700 West End hotel rooms, with plans to expand its portfolio to 9,000 rooms by 2029. The company intends to continue enhancing the St Giles site, integrating its Zedwell brand and maintaining operational strength, while unlocking the full potential of one of London’s most iconic hospitality destinations.

MWC Doha 2025: A Historic Milestone for the Middle East

The inaugural MWC Doha 2025 made history as the first-ever Mobile World Congress in the Middle East, and it exceeded all expectations. This landmark event brought together almost 9,500 total attendees from 110 countries and territories, with 39% representing sectors adjacent to the mobile ecosystem.

The event featured nearly 300 speakers across keynotes, summits, and programmes, while 250+ exhibitors and sponsors showcased cutting-edge innovations. The 4YFN platform hosted over 100 global and regional start-ups, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

High-level participation was remarkable, with 60 delegations attending ministerial programmes representing 49 countries, including 17 ministers and 14 heads of regulatory authorities. Additionally, 11 intergovernmental organisations participated, and over 30 partnerships and announcements were signed.

MWC Doha 2025 has firmly established itself as a pivotal platform for mobile innovation in the Middle East.

Gulf SWF-Supported Paramount Challenges Netflix Deal For Warner Bros by Seeking Board Changes

What’s it About?

Paramount Skydance Corp plans to nominate new directors to Warner Bros. Discovery’s board and has filed a lawsuit seeking more details on its $27.75 billion Netflix merger. Paramount, backed by Gulf sovereign wealth funds, is pressing its $30-per-share bid for Warner Bros., claiming it offers superior value.

Why it Matters?

The challenge highlights a clash over Warner Bros.’ valuation of cable assets and spinoffs, with shareholders potentially deciding the outcome. Warner Bros. shares fell 1.5% after the announcement, showing investor uncertainty amid competing bids and governance questions over the planned Netflix transaction.

What’s Next?

Paramount will push its tender offer while pursuing bylaw changes to allow shareholder votes on the spinoff. The dispute could be resolved at the regular or special shareholder meeting, or through court intervention, determining whether Netflix’s deal or Paramount’s bid prevails. According to multiple reports, three Middle Eastern SWFs — Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Abu Dhabi’s L’imad Holding Company — have committed a combined approximately $24 billion toward financing Paramount Skydance’s hostile bid for WBD. This investment is part of the broader financing package supporting the roughly $108 billion takeover attempt.

One Of Dubai’s Biggest Marketing Recruitment Firms, MCG Talent, Sold In Seven-Figure Deal

What’s it About?

MCG Talent, a leading marketing, communications, creative and digital recruitment firm, has been sold in a seven-figure management buy-out. Charlie Bowsher acquires majority ownership of the Middle East and Asia operations and takes over as CEO, while founder Justin McGuire remains as Chairman and Advisor.

Why it Matters?

The deal secures continuity and independence for a 15-year-old firm that has grown across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Singapore. It prevents an external takeover and preserves client relationships and company culture amid rising interest in regional recruitment businesses.

What’s Next?

Bowsher will lead daily operations and drive growth across MCG Talent’s markets, while McGuire stays actively involved in advisory and client roles. The company will maintain its brand, teams, and regional focus, ensuring no disruption for clients or delivery during the transition.

🦄 World of Startups

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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

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🔍In other news…

• Palm Jebel Ali homes ready from 2027, inspection reports say

• Lebanon Bonds Rally to 2020 High on Hopes Over Banking Law

• Giga-project Roshn says most sales made via app

• Dubai sets record for sale of homes valued at more than $10m

• Dubai regulators scrap list of recognised crypto tokens

• Binghatti leads Dubai’s off-plan sales as Emaar slips

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