- Smashi Business
- Posts
- Airbus Issues Global Recall; Saudi Boxing Spend Unchanged; Alabbar’s Eagle Hills Expands in Rome
Airbus Issues Global Recall; Saudi Boxing Spend Unchanged; Alabbar’s Eagle Hills Expands in Rome
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Happy Sunday everyone!
Airbus has launched an unprecedented global recall of roughly 6,000 A320-family aircraft, ordering immediate software updates after solar radiation was found to corrupt flight-control data. UAE carriers Air Arabia and Etihad Airways, which operate 106 A320s, have already begun implementing the fixes, with both reporting minimal operational disruption. In Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh has dismissed claims that the $1 trillion Public Investment Fund is slowing its investment in boxing. Speaking through The Ring, he called the reports “100% not true,” signalling continued expansion and “many surprises in 2026.” Meanwhile, UAE tycoon Mohamed Alabbar’s Eagle Hills is partnering with Italy’s Coima to redevelop Rome’s historic Guido Reni Barracks. The €400 million project will convert 23 former industrial buildings into a mixed-use urban district in the Flaminio cultural hub.
But before that: For quick daily updates, follow us on Instagram, and you can watch our Smashi Business Show live every weekday from 10AM onwards (UAE time). Also, you can join our Whatsapp channel to receive updates from the business world.
Markets
EGX 30 | 40,039.24 | Closed |
DFMGI | 5,815.24 | Closed |
ADX | 9,747.17 | Closed |
Tadawul | 10,640.65 | Closed |
Etihad & Air Arabia Respond as Airbus Orders Urgent Global A320 Recall
What’s it About?
Airbus has issued an unprecedented global recall affecting around 6,000 A320-family aircraft, ordering immediate software updates after intense solar radiation was found capable of corrupting critical flight-control data. UAE carriers Air Arabia and Etihad Airways, which operate 106 A320-family jets, have begun implementing the required updates. Air Arabia says it is working to ensure “minimal impact,” while Etihad confirmed its A320 fleet has already returned to normal operations.
Why it Matters?
The recall impacts one of the world’s most widely used aircraft models and comes during peak travel periods. Analysts warn that depending on the scale of required software or hardware fixes, airlines across the Middle East could face schedule disruptions, grounded aircraft, and increased operational pressure.
It also raises safety concerns beyond the A320, with experts noting that other Airbus widebody models may require further assessment.
What’s Next?
Airlines must complete updates before each affected aircraft’s next flight, potentially triggering delays or cancellations. Industry analyst Saj Ahmad says this is a “never-before-seen event,” noting that more intrusive hardware replacements could keep aircraft out of service for days. Passengers may also begin avoiding A320s temporarily as operators await further clarity from Airbus.
Turki Alalshikh Denies Saudi Boxing Spending Slowdown, Says Claims Are “100% Not True”
What’s it About?
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has rejected claims that the Public Investment Fund is reducing its investment in boxing. In comments published by The Ring — a publication he acquired last year — Alalshikh called the reports “100% not true.” He emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s $1 trillion PIF remains fully committed to the sport, with “many surprises in 2026” already in motion.
Why it Matters?
The clarification comes amid international speculation, but recent moves show Saudi Arabia is accelerating, not retreating. The PIF’s $55 billion deal for EA Sports signals strong liquidity and long-term intent. Boxing remains a core part of Riyadh’s strategy, sitting alongside major stakes in Formula 1, Newcastle United, snooker, and LIV Golf. The message is simple: Saudi Arabia’s sports investment drive is nowhere near slowing down.
What’s Next?
Alalshikh teased “many surprises” in 2026, while Anthony Joshua is already expected to headline Riyadh in February. Analysts anticipate more high-profile matchups, expanded international collaborations, and a continued PIF-driven push to influence how top-tier boxing is organised and staged.
UAE Tycoon Mohamed Alabbar’s Eagle Hills to Redevelop Rome’s Historic Guido Reni Barracks
What’s it About?
Eagle Hills, founded by UAE businessman Mohamed Alabbar, is teaming up with Italian investment firm Coima to redevelop Rome’s historic Guido Reni Barracks. The five-hectare site in the Flaminio district includes 23 former industrial buildings and will be transformed into a mixed-use district featuring residential units, student housing, hospitality, retail, and public spaces. The project carries a planned investment of €400 million through Coima’s ESG City Impact Fund, Italy’s largest urban regeneration vehicle.
Why it Matters?
The partnership strengthens the growing footprint of Gulf developers in Europe’s prime real-estate markets. For Italy, the redevelopment aligns with national goals to revive underused urban assets, while for Eagle Hills, it adds to a portfolio that includes landmark projects in Venice, Budapest, and Riga. The Rome investment underscores Alabbar’s strategy of targeting culturally significant locations with large-scale regeneration potential.
What’s Next?
A project timeline has not been announced, but analysts expect phased development once regulatory approvals progress. With Eagle Hills already renovating Venice’s Hotel Des Bains and rolling out multi-billion-euro plans in Riga, market watchers will monitor whether the Rome barracks becomes the next flagship asset in the company’s European expansion.
🦄 World of Startups
Kingpin, a UAE-based startup, has raised $3.5M to accelerate the rollout of its AI-powered retail and distribution tools across GCC, Europe, and North America.
Secure.com (UAE) – Raised $4.5M from Disrupt.com and launched Digital Security Teammate, an AI-native cybersecurity agent platform.
Shatib (Saudi) – Secured $750K pre-seed from a strategic angel investor for its B2B group purchasing marketplace for construction materials.
SahmAlgo (Saudi) – Raised $1M seed led by Gharesah Investment to expand AI-driven financial analytics for traders and enterprises.
Takadao (Saudi) – Raised $1.5M seed from multiple investors to offer Sharia-compliant DeFi solutions via its community-owned LifeDAO.
FAST Ventures rolls out $3 million venture studio to back MENA startups.
bluworks lands $1 million seed investment to accelerate MENA expansion
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
🔍In other news…
UAE President Reviews Ambitious Strategy to Position the Country as a Global AI Powerhouse
Saudi Arabia shuts over 1,300 establishments in major inspection sweep
Saudi Arabia Expected to Cut January Oil Prices for Asia to Lowest Level in Five Years
Abu Dhabi’s Alpha Dhabi Buys $436 Million Stake in NMDC Group to Expand Industrial Portfolio
Binghatti Launches First Sales Boutique in Riyadh, Marking Major Milestone in Gulf Expansion
Hadia Ghaleb Secures New Emaar Retail Space as Her Modest Swimwear Brand Accelerates Regional Expansion
Saudi Wealth Fund Offloads $253 Million Stake in Mecca-Based Developer
