Happy Monday everyone!

Today’s business landscape is shifting on multiple fronts. Riyadh Air remains on course for its 2025 launch, targeting 100 international routes by 2030 in a bid to transform Middle East aviation and compete on a global scale. In fintech, Egypt’s MNT-Halan is expanding into the Gulf, aiming to serve underserved customer segments while disrupting regional banking dynamics. Meanwhile, industry speculation points to a potential Netflix bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that if realized, could significantly reshape Hollywood and the broader media market. Three major developments, three sectors in flux let’s break them down.

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Markets

✈ Riyadh Air Stays on Track for 2025 Launch, Eyeing 100 Global Routes by 2030

🔹 What Is It About

Saudi Arabia’s flagship startup airline, Riyadh Air, has confirmed it’s on schedule to launch operations this year despite earlier delays tied to Boeing’s delivery setbacks. With two Boeing 787 Dreamliners expected soon, the carrier has secured landing slots and is preparing to announce debut routes, media hints suggest a possible October 26 inaugural flight linking Riyadh and London Heathrow. The airline has also expanded its order book to 182 aircraft with a fresh Airbus deal and signed a partnership with Rolls-Royce for engines.

🔹 Why It Matters

Riyadh Air represents a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and position Riyadh as a global hub. By promising AI-driven check-ins, biometrics, and luxury-inspired cabins, the airline is positioning itself to compete head-to-head with Gulf giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways, while boosting tourism and business travel through the Kingdom.

🔹 What’s Next

Expect Riyadh Air to announce its initial routes and ticketing soon, with new destinations being added every two months through the decade. Watch for the airline to double down on digital-first travel experiences and strategic partnerships to solidify its place in global aviation.

The Propertic: Smarter Choices For Better Living

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Invest, renovate, and upgrade with confidence. With The Propertic, smarter choices mean better living.

Egypt’s MNT-Halan Expands Into the Gulf to Serve Underserved Customers

🔹 What Is It About

Egyptian fintech unicorn MNT-Halan is stepping up its Gulf presence with a soft launch in the UAE and plans to enter Saudi Arabia. The company recently partnered with Lean Technologies to enhance credit assessments and expand lending capacity. Its UAE operations already include a used-car auto-loan product, and more offerings for budget-conscious consumers are on the way.

🔹 Why It Matters

The move underscores the Gulf’s rapidly growing fintech landscape and demand for inclusive financial services. With 21% of Saudi Arabia’s population still unbanked and the Kingdom pushing for a cashless economy, MNT-Halan’s expertise serving 8 million unbanked Egyptians gives it a competitive edge.

🔹 What’s Next

Expect MNT-Halan to roll out more consumer-focused products across the Gulf and seek additional strategic partnerships. Its entry into Saudi Arabia could reshape the regional fintech scene and intensify competition with established players.

Speculation Swirls: Netflix Reportedly Weighs Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery Amid Industry Shakeup

🔹 What Is It About

The Hollywood rumor mill is buzzing as Netflix is reportedly considering a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) one of the industry’s most iconic studios. According to Puck News, insiders suggest Netflix may join other interested players, including David Ellison’s Skydance Media and NBCUniversal, in pursuing the legendary studio currently led by CEO David Zaslav. The potential move comes as Hollywood faces rapid consolidation, with major companies merging, reorganizing, and vying for premium content.

🔹 Why It Matters

Warner Bros., home to franchises like Harry Potter, DC Comics, Barbie, and Dune, represents a crown jewel in the entertainment world. A Netflix acquisition could transform how its films are distributed, possibly favoring streaming over theatrical releases and disrupt Hollywood’s traditional studio system. For Dubai-based OSN, which depends on WBD’s premium programming, the shakeup could threaten key content partnerships and force strategic realignment in the MENA market.

🔹 What’s Next

If Netflix succeeds, it would signal a seismic shift in streaming, prompting a wave of mega-mergers across the entertainment sector. Observers also warn of potential political and creative influence depending on the buyer. However, the deal remains purely speculative, with antitrust authorities likely to scrutinize any formal bid.

Whether or not Netflix makes a move, the buzz alone underscores the fierce global battle for premium content and the uncertain future of Hollywood’s legendary Warner Bros. Discovery.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Dreamers: Shakour Abu Ghazalah, once left with nothing after a bank collapse, turned resilience into Albaik—the Middle East’s fast-food giant.

• Dubai Entrepreneur Saif Kidwai: “Avoiding Tough Calls Is Killing Middle East Company Culture”.

• Apple Unveils Latest iPhone at Dubai Mall, Starting from AED 3,399

🔍In other news…

• UAE launches campaign to become 'start-up capital of the world'.

• Kuwait to issue $825m in bonds to local banks.

• Dubai real estate: Proptech firm Holo offers $136,000 prize to homebuyers.

• Etihad Airways adds Damascus to its network.

• Abu Dhabi Crown Prince attends UAE Day celebrations at Expo 2025 Osaka.

• UK, Canada and Australia recognise Palestine as an independent state.

• Iraq increases oil exports, sees extra revenues, state oil marketer says.

🏦 Crypto Corner

• 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.

We are launching a Smashi Crypto newsletter in September 2025! Subscribe to it here to get the weekly updates from the world of digital assets.

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