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MENA Power Moves: Qatar Reshapes Aviation Leadership, UAE Accelerates AI Buildout, and Saudi Deepens Tech Partnerships
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Happy Tuesday everyone!
Welcome to this week’s Business Insights, where we highlight key developments shaping the MENA region’s market landscape🌍✈️💻
From leadership changes in aviation to breakthroughs in AI infrastructure and coding education, the region is shaping up as a hub for innovation and strategic growth. Qatar Airways shakes up its executive team as it navigates a massive fleet expansion, the UAE pushes forward with one of the world’s largest AI campuses, and Saudi Arabia partners with US-based Replit to cultivate a nationwide generation of AI coders. In this edition, we break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what to watch next for investors, tech enthusiasts, and business leaders across the Middle East.
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 | 41,963.24 | 0.48% |
DFMGI | 5,998.25 | 0.25% |
ADX | 9,937.09 | 0.14% |
Tadawul | 10,625.50 | 0.54% |
Qatar Airways Names Hamad Ali Al-Khater as New Group CEO
What’s it About?
Qatar Airways has appointed Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new group CEO, succeeding Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Al-Khater, previously COO at Hamad International Airport and with eight years at QatarEnergy, takes charge immediately, overseeing a 280-aircraft fleet with over 300 jets on order.
Why it Matters?
The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment as Qatar Airways leverages its Oneworld membership and 25.1% stake in IAG to strengthen Doha’s global hub status. Al-Meer’s tenure included a historic $96 billion Boeing deal, the largest aircraft purchase by value in history.
What’s Next?
Observers will watch how Al-Khater manages fleet expansion, international partnerships, and operational efficiency amid global aviation volatility, shaping Qatar Airways’ competitive position in the next phase of growth.
UAE Advances AI Ambitions with Stargate Campus, Completion Expected 2026
What’s it About?
Construction on the first 200MW phase of Stargate UAE, part of a 1GW AI campus in Abu Dhabi, is progressing rapidly. The 19.2-square kilometre site, developed by Khazna Data Centres in partnership with OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank, will be one of the largest AI clusters outside the U.S.
Why it Matters?
The project positions the UAE as a global AI hub, enhancing technological capabilities, attracting talent, and supporting strategic economic diversification. Recent approval for exporting 35,000 Nvidia AI chips to G42 will significantly boost computational power.
What’s Next?
Completion of the 200MW phase is expected by Q3 2026, with the full campus set to be operational within three years, signaling rapid advancement in AI infrastructure and innovation in the region.
Jordanian Founder of Replit Meets Saudi Arabia’s $1 Trillion Public Investment Chief
What’s it About?
Replit CEO Amjad Masad partnered with Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN, backed by the Public Investment Fund, to launch the “Nation of AI Builders” initiative. Following a mini-hackathon with H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the program enables students and professionals to build AI software using natural language.
Why it Matters?
The partnership highlights Saudi Arabia’s focus on nurturing AI talent and digital skills, positioning the kingdom as a regional leader in AI education. Replit’s rapid growth, from $2.8 million to $150 million in annualised revenue and a $3 billion valuation demonstrates accelerating demand for AI coding platforms.
What’s Next?
The initiative will scale nationally, providing a blueprint for AI-driven workforce development. Analysts will monitor adoption rates, educational outcomes, and potential expansion across the Gulf and beyond.
🦄 World of Startups
MoneyHash and WalaOne Partner to Streamline Loyalty Integration in Saudi Arabia
MASAHA Raises $1.5M to Revolutionise Traditional Tailoring with AI Automation
Saudi Startup CQR Launches AI-Powered FENNEC Platform for Critical Infrastructure Security
Botim and Binance Collaborate to Unlock Crypto Access for UAE Users
FuturePlay Partners with Saudi Ministry to Boost Korean Startups in MENA
Fawry Launches Holding Company to Power Expansion in Egypt’s Fintech Sector
Qwacks Secures SAR 1.8M to Power Saudi Gaming Infrastructure Revolution
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
IHC CEO Denies Preferential Access as Conglomerate Pursues $36B Expansion Plan
Dubai Billionaire Mohamed Alabbar Dismisses Montenegro Investment Talk
Visa Returns to Syria as New Government Rejoins Global Financial System
🔍In other news…
Abu Dhabi to invest $16bn expanding financial hub
Qatar expects EU to resolve sustainability laws by year-end
IBM To Acquire Confluent For $11B To Bolster AI Data Infrastructure
UAE-Based PropTech Platform Byit Capital Raises $1.1M In Strategic Investment
Modon launches Bashayer community in Abu Dhabi
Aldar and Mubadala plan $16bn financial district expansion
Saudi Arabia and Qatar sign 300kmph, 785km rail link with $31bn economic impact and 30,000 jobs
