Happy Thursday everyone!

In Abu Dhabi, the inaugural Reuters NEXT Gulf brought leaders like Dr. Anwar Gargash, Lana Nusseibeh, and Mohamed Alabbar to debate Gaza’s reconstruction, geopolitical fragmentation, and the UAE’s resilient economy. Meanwhile, in Riyadh, Richard Attias & Associates confirmed plans to go public in 2026, signaling the growing power of Saudi Arabia’s event economy. And across the Atlantic, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to meet President Trump at the White House in November, with AI, defense, and nuclear cooperation topping the agenda.

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Reuters NEXT Gulf Debut: UAE Leaders Tackle Gaza, Global Fragmentation, and Economic Resilience

Reuters NEXT, the global leadership and innovation summit by Reuters, made its Gulf debut in Abu Dhabi on October 22, 2025. The event brought together senior policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to discuss geopolitics, economics, AI, sustainability, and regional development. Designed as an invitation-only platform, the summit offered insights into emerging global trends, regional opportunities, and the role of the Gulf in shaping the future economy.

Key Highlights and Speakers

H.E. Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President

Dr. Gargash highlighted the massive cost of reconstructing Gaza, emphasizing that while humanitarian aid will flow, larger investments require long-lasting peace. He stressed that rebuilding efforts must balance Israel’s security and the national aspirations of Palestinians, reflecting the complexities of donor engagement in conflict recovery.

Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar

Alabbar shared insights on Emaar’s global expansion and real estate strategies:

• U.S. Housing Crisis: He described the shortage of nearly 5 million housing units, proposing that large-scale investment and partnerships could address the gap, reduce inflation, create 20 million jobs, and generate $2.5 trillion in taxes over 10 years.

• Gaza Reconstruction: Alabbar stated that Emaar has not been approached and emphasized responsibility lies with those involved in the conflict. “My father taught me, ‘Clean your own garbage, make your bed, clean your own plate’.”

• Dubai Real Estate Market: He praised Dubai’s infrastructure, safety, and regulatory framework, noting the market is healthy and balanced with upcoming supply in 2026–2027.

• Profit Philosophy: Alabbar shared his unique perspective on quality and customer focus: “Emirates and British Airways make $50 to $45 per passenger, I make $300,000 per passenger (customer), so we must do our job well, honestly, and with excellence.”

H.E. Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State, UAE

Nusseibeh provided a geopolitical and economic analysis, noting accelerated global fragmentation due to conflicts in Russia-Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, Libya, and Syria. Despite volatility, the UAE has maintained strong GDP growth as per IMF (4.8%) and created over 70,000 new companies in the last two years. She emphasized the UAE’s youth-driven growth, global AI competitiveness (#3 globally), and its role as a diplomatic hub for stability in the region.

Presented by Sharjah Investment Forum

Sharjah to Host Landmark SIF 2025 and World Investment Conference

The 8th edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) is taking place today, into its second day, at the Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, running alongside the World Investment Conference, which Sharjah is hosting for the first time. Under the theme “Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” the forum will gather 130+ global speakers, 142 country delegations, and 30+ international organizations. Discussions will focus on sustainable investment, smart cities, AI-driven manufacturing, food security, and digital transformation. SIF 2025 cements Sharjah’s role as a global hub for innovative, sustainable, and future-ready investment strategies.

Richard Attias & Associates To Go Public In Riyadh In 2026

🔹 What Is It About

Richard Attias & Associates, the organizer behind Saudi Arabia’s flagship Future Investment Initiative (FII), plans to go public in Riyadh in 2026. Founder Richard Attias confirmed the firm is in the “IPO readiness process” and expects clarity on valuation by year-end. Majority-owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the company operates across global hubs including Dubai, New York, Paris, and Beijing.

🔹 Why It Matters

The IPO underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategy to monetize and expand its high-profile investment platforms while diversifying its economy. Backed by PIF, which took a stake in 2019 through Sanabil, the firm has become a centerpiece of the Kingdom’s global influence drive—hosting major business, cultural, and sporting events from Riyadh to Paris. FII alone reportedly generates up to $90 million annually through partnerships and memberships.

🔹 What’s Next

Richard Attias & Associates has hired Evercore to advise on the listing, expected in 2026. The move aligns with PIF’s broader plan to list several portfolio companies, including Saudi Information Technology Co. and Saudi Global Ports. As Saudi Arabia ramps up IPO activity, the listing will test investor appetite for firms linked to the Kingdom’s soft power and event diplomacy ambitions.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman To Visit Trump At White House In November

🔹 What Is It About

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on November 18, marking his first visit to the United States since 2018. The leaders are expected to sign major agreements covering artificial intelligence, defense, nuclear cooperation, and trade, according to a person familiar with the matter.

🔹 Why It Matters

The visit highlights a renewed strategic alignment between Washington and Riyadh following a ceasefire in Gaza. While normalization with Israel will be discussed, it’s not expected to be finalized yet. The trip revives elements of the broad US-Saudi pact shelved in 2023, which had tied recognition of Israel to American security guarantees and support for Saudi Arabia’s civil nuclear program.

🔹 What’s Next

MBS’s Washington visit follows Trump’s May trip to Riyadh, where the White House touted up to $600 billion in deals, largely focused on AI chips and data centers. The upcoming meeting is set to deepen US-Saudi economic and defense cooperation, potentially marking a new chapter in bilateral ties — and setting the stage for a broader Middle East diplomatic realignment.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Pavel Durov’s tweet on the Louvre heist takes an unexpected turn, blending humor with sharp criticism of French security

• UAE’s Hadban Twins Among First 25 Creators Honoured With Instagram Rings in New York

🔍In other news…

• Dubai Classifieds Firm Dubizzle Postpones IPO in Rare Move

• Ras Al Khaimah creates its own mega-developer

• QatarEnergy Plans Pakistan Talks Next Week to Discuss LNG Delay

• Dubai Family With $10 Billion Fortune Pivots to Luxury Property

• Ares Extends Debt to Dubai’s Property Finder in Gulf Credit Push

• ‘Everyday millionaire’ app works on Saudi expansion

• Dubai-Based Cercli Raises $12M Series A To Power AI-Native Workforce Management

• Mubadala takes 60% stake in Brazilian road operator

• Riyadh Air’s $1.5m-a-week London trial run

• Riyad Capital, Saudi Railway Company Launch $1.6B Makkah Real Estate Fund

🏦 Crypto Corner

• New tax rules may reshape UAE crypto landscape

• Crypto data reveals UAE has mined bitcoins worth $700m

• Michael Saylor — Executive Chairman of MicroStrategy and one of Bitcoin’s most vocal corporate advocates — will make his first-ever appearance in the UAE at Bitcoin MENA in Abu Dhabi.

• Hut 8, part of a American BTC which is partially owned by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, Gets Approval to Operate in Dubai Financial Hub.

• Abu Dhabi Judicial Department now accept AE Coin.

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