Happy Saturday everyone!

GITEX Global 2025 wrapped up this week in Dubai, cementing its status as one of the world’s largest and most influential tech gatherings. The five-day event brought together more than 6,800 exhibitors, 2,000 startups, and 1,200 investors from 180 countries, unveiling major breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, and biotech.

In other key developments, the UAE reinforced its stance on protecting domestic markets, announcing new trade safeguards amid rising global tariff tensions. Meanwhile, a growing chorus of Dubai parents is demanding transparency in the school uniform industry, raising concerns about inflated prices, low-quality materials, and potential health risks.

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.

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GITEX Global 2025 Concludes With Record Deals, AI Breakthroughs And Global Tech Alliances

GITEX Global 2025 concluded today after five action-packed days showcasing breakthroughs in AI, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, quantum computing, digital health, and biotech. The event brought together over 6,800 exhibitors, 2,000 startups from 180 countries, and 1,200 investors at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbour.

Leaders including Sam Altman (OpenAI) and Peng Xiao (G42) discussed building global AI ecosystems. Ministers and officials from around the world debated AI regulation, trust, and sovereignty. Exhibitors unveiled next-generation technologies such as AI-enabled gene editing and smart infrastructure for sovereign AI models. Major companies including Microsoft, Oracle, AMD, Snowflake, Alibaba Cloud, and Huawei showcased AI and data innovations.

The event saw record MoUs and strategic deals, including a UAE-wide AI and cloud training initiative and Abu Dhabi announcing 19 partnerships. Expand North Star connected startups from over 100 countries with investors managing $1.1 trillion. GITEX 2026 will debut “TechCation,” a global tech festival blending AI innovation with immersive citywide experiences in Dubai.

UAE Vows To Block Chinese Goods Amid Rising US Tariff Tensions

🔹 What Is It About

The UAE will not allow itself to become a dumping ground for Chinese goods rerouted to evade soaring US tariffs, Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi said at the World Economic Forum. He revealed that new safeguards are being implemented to protect domestic markets as Chinese exports surge. The Gulf states have already imposed anti-dumping duties on a range of products, including ceramic tiles, porcelain, electrical equipment, and aluminium.

🔹 Why It Matters

Washington’s escalating tariffs on China — reaching up to 145 percent earlier this year — have intensified global trade tensions, prompting Beijing to retaliate. Countries like Vietnam have adapted to these shifts, but the UAE is drawing a line to defend its industries. The government’s stance signals a tougher trade policy aimed at preventing market distortions and protecting local manufacturers from cheap imports.

🔹 What’s Next

The UAE plans to tighten trade enforcement and continue advancing new agreements with partners including Mexico, Canada, and the European Union. Al Zeyoudi stressed that global trade will keep flowing but must adapt to tariff barriers. Further measures could be announced in coordination with Gulf Cooperation Council partners to prevent transshipment of Chinese goods through the region.

Parents In Dubai Demand Transparency Over Costly And Synthetic School Uniforms: The National Reports

🔹 What Is It About

Parents in Dubai are calling for greater transparency in the school uniform industry amid claims they are being charged premium prices for poor-quality, synthetic garments. A new website, Uniform Truth, launched by sustainable supplier Kapes, allows families to compare prices against production costs, exposing markups of up to tenfold. Many parents are also raising concerns about exclusive supplier contracts and potential health risks from harmful chemicals found in some uniforms.

🔹 Why It Matters

Families are paying between Dh1,600 and Dh2,000 annually for uniforms that some say cause discomfort and health issues. Tests have found traces of banned azo dyes, and parents argue the use of polyester and nylon traps heat, leading to rashes and irritation. Beyond health, they point to an unfair pricing model, where schools reportedly take revenue shares from suppliers, leaving parents with little choice and limited access to affordable, high-quality alternatives.

🔹 What’s Next

Parents have launched petitions urging schools to switch to natural, certified fabrics and adopt more transparent procurement practices. Some schools have begun introducing cotton options and second-hand uniform programs to ease costs. Meanwhile, Kapes is awaiting new lab test results and pushing for industry regulation. Whether authorities and schools respond with policy changes could shape the future of Dubai’s school uniform market.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• HH Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Jay Brown, and Elbert O’Neal Robinson Jr. to discuss the future of the entertainment industry.

• UAE billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has unveiled a bold reconstruction plan for Gaza

• A UAE consortium has reportedly met with Manchester United officials in London.

• The viral Dubai-born brand behind Can’t Get Knafeh of It is landing at Harrods London for its first-ever international pop-up — running October 27 to November 23.

🔍In other news…

• Erik Feig Launches New Production Banner With Major Saudi Backing including MBC Group and MiSK Group owned SNK

• Talabat names new CEO as shares slide

• Russia urges Saudi Arabia to work together on oil output

• Saudi crown prince launches project to add 900,000 praying spaces in Mecca

• DIFC court orders NMC Healthcare founder BR Shetty to pay $46m to State Bank of India

• Talabat names Gyssels as new CEO as Rodriguez steps down after six years

• First 200 MW from UAE's Stargate AI campus to come online next year

🏦 Crypto Corner

• 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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