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Gulf and Global Markets in Focus: Airline Chaos, Corporate Expansion, and Hedge Funds Eye Abu Dhabi
Monday, December 8, 2025
Happy Monday everyone!
Welcome to this week’s business roundup, where we bring you the latest developments shaping global markets and the Gulf region. From India’s airline disruptions and regulatory scrutiny, to Abu Dhabi’s corporate giants expanding globally, and top hedge funds establishing hubs in the UAE, today’s stories highlight how industries are evolving fast. Whether it’s aviation, conglomerates, or financial markets, the Gulf is proving to be a dynamic center for innovation, investment, and strategic growth.
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 | 41,762.43 | 0.63% |
DFMGI | 5,983.54 | closed |
ADX | 9,950.90 | closed |
Tadawul | 10,631.25 | 0.048% |
Presented by Bitcoin MENA
World’s Largest Bitcoin Conference Returns to Abu Dhabi for Bitcoin MENA 2025
Bitcoin MENA is set to bring more than 12,000 attendees to Abu Dhabi this December, underscoring the UAE’s growing role as a regional centre for Bitcoin development, institutional capital and digital-asset policy. Co-organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon Company, and BTC Inc, the event is positioned as one of the most significant annual gatherings for Bitcoin and energy-infrastructure stakeholders across the Middle East.
Hosted at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from today until tomorrow, the conference features a programme focused on market structure, mining economics, regulatory frameworks and the UAE’s expanding position in sovereign-level Bitcoin strategy. The agenda reflects a broader shift in the region, where investment in energy capacity, mining infrastructure and digital-asset platforms has accelerated over the past two years.
Bitcoin MENA’s speaker lineup includes senior global and regional figures shaping Bitcoin policy, infrastructure and corporate adoption. Among them:
• Michael Saylor – Executive Chairman, MicroStrategy
• CZ – Former CEO and founder, Binance
• Paul Manafort – Political strategist and Bitcoin advocate
• Anthony Scaramucci – Founder, SkyBridge; former White House adviser
• Ahed Bin Sulayem – Senior UAE business leader
• Prince Filip of Serbia – Bitcoin advocate
• Saifedean Ammous – Author of The Bitcoin Standard
With attendance expected to exceed last year’s record, organisers say final passes remain available as registration continues through December.
Aviation Turmoil: IndiGo CEO Faces Regulator Action After Mass Cancellations
What’s it About?
India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers following the cancellation of over 1,000 flights in a single day, disrupting travel nationwide and heavily impacting routes between Dubai and India. The regulator cited “significant lapses” in planning and resource management, linked to the airline’s failure to prepare for new pilot duty-time rules that took effect on November 1. Elbers has 24 hours to respond. IndiGo apologized publicly, promised refunds and waivers, and warned that short-term cancellations will continue.
Why it Matters?
IndiGo controls over 60% of India’s domestic market, making its operational failures a systemic risk to regional air travel, tourism, and business mobility—especially across key Gulf-India corridors.
What’s Next?
Regulatory penalties, tighter oversight, and prolonged disruption are likely as the airline restructures crew operations.
IHC Pushes Back on Favoritism Claims as Global Expansion Accelerates
What’s it About?
International Holding Company (IHC) CEO Syed Basar Shueb has denied claims that the Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate benefits from royal connections in public tenders, stating the group receives “zero preference.” Chaired by HH Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, IHC now controls over $125 billion in assets across roughly 1,500 subsidiaries spanning real estate, healthcare, technology, food production, and services. While analysts warn the group’s sheer scale may crowd out competitors, Shueb says 54% of revenue comes from outside the UAE—a figure expected to rise to 65%.
Why it Matters?
IHC’s ascent mirrors the growing global footprint of Gulf capital and highlights mounting scrutiny over competitive dynamics in state-linked corporate expansion.
What’s Next?
The group plans up to $36 billion in acquisitions every 18 months, pushing deeper into international markets.
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Hedge Fund Heavyweights Move In: Man Group Plans Abu Dhabi Hub
What’s it About?
Man Group Plc, the world’s largest publicly traded hedge fund with $213.9 billion under management, is preparing to apply for a license to open a major office in Abu Dhabi. The firm plans to launch a full-service strategic hub by 2026, covering investment, trading, execution, and distribution. The move comes ahead of Abu Dhabi Finance Week and follows similar expansions by Brevan Howard, Marshall Wace, and Rokos.
Why it Matters?
Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a global hedge fund hub, fueled by sovereign wealth capital, tax advantages, and strategic time-zone positioning between East and West.
What’s Next?
If approved, Man Group’s entry will intensify competition for talent and capital, accelerating Abu Dhabi’s rise as a rival to established financial centers.
🦄 World of Startups
Zelo secures $715m from IHC to expand SME financing platform
COGNNA Secures $9.2M Series A to Scale AI-Powered Cybersecurity Globally
Secure.com (UAE) – Raised $4.5M from Disrupt.com and launched Digital Security Teammate, an AI-native cybersecurity agent platform.
Saudi Startup CQR Launches AI-Powered FENNEC Platform for Critical Infrastructure Security
Savvy Games and King Saud University Partner to Boost Saudi Gaming Talent
FuturePlay Partners with Saudi Ministry to Boost Korean Startups in MENA
Fawry Launches Holding Company to Power Expansion in Egypt’s Fintech Sector
bluworks lands $1 million seed investment to accelerate MENA expansion
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
Kalshi Secures Multi-Year CNBC Deal, Valuation Hits $11B; Tarek Mansour Becomes Middle East’s Youngest Self-Made Billionaire
Qatar’s PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Meets Jeff Bezos to Discuss AI and Tech Collaboration
HH Sheikh Tahnoon and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Meet Microsoft CEO Nadella to Boost AI and Digital Cooperation
🔍In other news…
Aramco begins gas production from giant Jafurah reserve
Qatar Airways Appoints Hamad Ali Al-Khater As Group CEO
Egypt’s IDG launches $101mln industrial park in New October City
Bill Gates to unveil major investment at Abu Dhabi Finance Week as global leaders converge
Dar Global to develop $4.2bln mixed-use coastal district in Oman
Saudi water sector innovations reach $53.3m in value
Emaar unveils Dubai Square, the world’s first drive-through mall
Kuwait’s Vision 2035 plan reaches critical juncture
