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IHC-DFC Deal; Saudi Maaden to Spend $110B; UAE joins US-led Pax Silica
Friday, January 16, 2026
Happy Friday everyone!
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are accelerating their push onto the global economic and technology stage, underscoring the Gulf’s growing strategic weight. Abu Dhabi’s IHC has struck a landmark joint investment deal with the US Development Finance Corporation to deploy capital at scale across emerging markets, while the UAE has also joined Washington’s Pax Silica coalition to help secure AI-era supply chains. In parallel, Saudi mining giant Maaden unveiled a staggering $110 billion investment plan, the largest capital programme in mining history, as the kingdom races to make mining a third pillar of its economy.
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Markets
EGX 30 | 43,058.34 | 1.43% |
DFMGI | 6,262.4 | 0.9% |
ADX | 10,037.37 | 0.519% |
Tadawul | 10,945.15 | 0.47% |
IHC And US Development Finance Corporation Seal Landmark Joint Investment Deal
What’s it About?
Abu Dhabi conglomerate IHC and the US Development Finance Corporation have signed a landmark agreement to jointly invest at scale across emerging and frontier markets, targeting sectors including critical minerals, energy, logistics, healthcare, food security and ICT.
Why it Matters?
The partnership strengthens UAE-US economic ties while advancing President Donald Trump’s foreign policy agenda. It positions both countries to jointly deploy capital into strategic global assets, reinforcing supply chains, connectivity corridors and geopolitical influence in key non-US markets.
What’s Next?
IHC and DFC will collaborate to identify, underwrite and execute large-scale projects aligned with global trade routes. The partnership aims to deliver transformational investments, with both sides emphasizing speed, strategic alignment and long-term impact across priority industries.
MWC Doha 2025: A Historic Milestone for the Middle East
The inaugural MWC Doha 2025 made history as the first-ever Mobile World Congress in the Middle East, and it exceeded all expectations. This landmark event brought together almost 9,500 total attendees from 110 countries and territories, with 39% representing sectors adjacent to the mobile ecosystem.
The event featured nearly 300 speakers across keynotes, summits, and programmes, while 250+ exhibitors and sponsors showcased cutting-edge innovations. The 4YFN platform hosted over 100 global and regional start-ups, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.
High-level participation was remarkable, with 60 delegations attending ministerial programmes representing 49 countries, including 17 ministers and 14 heads of regulatory authorities. Additionally, 11 intergovernmental organisations participated, and over 30 partnerships and announcements were signed.
MWC Doha 2025 has firmly established itself as a pivotal platform for mobile innovation in the Middle East.
Saudi mining giant Maaden plans to invest $110 billion over the next decade
What’s it About?
Saudi mining giant Maaden plans to invest $110 billion over the next decade in what it calls the largest capital programme in mining history, aiming to triple phosphate and gold output, double aluminium production and significantly expand global exploration and partnerships, CEO Bob Wilt said on Wednesday at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh.
Why it Matters?
The scale of investment underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to make mining a core pillar of its economy under Vision 2030. Analysts say the spending could position Maaden as a serious global contender, capable of pursuing major international mergers and shaping critical mineral supply chains.
What’s Next?
Maaden will accelerate exploration, infrastructure build-out and global partnerships while relying on government support and foreign expertise. Execution, commodity cycles and talent attraction will determine whether the strategy transforms Maaden into a diversified global mining champion.
UAE Joins US-Led Pax Silica Coalition To Secure AI Supply Chains
What’s it About?
The United Arab Emirates has joined Pax Silica, a US-led coalition aimed at securing global infrastructure and supply chains for the artificial intelligence era, becoming the ninth member after Qatar signed the declaration earlier this week.
Why it Matters?
The move deepens UAE-US technology cooperation and positions the UAE as a trusted partner in securing semiconductors, critical minerals and energy for AI. Washington sees the bloc as a way to reduce coercive dependencies and safeguard emerging technology ecosystems.
What’s Next?
The US and UAE will identify flagship joint projects across the AI stack, including data centres, 6G and mineral refining. India is expected to join next, while UAE sovereign funds and AI firms expand partnerships with major US technology players.
🦄 World of Startups
NVSSoft’s Tarasol Joins Elite Group with Saudi Accreditation Success
Halo AI Boosts Brand-Creator Collaborations, 118% Spike in Sales After Major Update
Oman’s eMushrif Secures $7.5M to Expand Smart Transport into Saudi and UAE
NEOM’s Level Up Backs Five Saudi Startups in Gaming Expansion Push
Wadi Jeddah and Pure Advance Join Forces to Boost Saudi Innovation Ecosystem
HSBC and Presight Forge AI Partnership to Revolutionise Banking in UAE
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👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
Mona Kattan has shared a message of solidarity with the people of Iran
Egypt’s $35B Gas Deal with Israel Faces Uncertainty as New Clauses Favor Israeli Supply
Uber’s Khosrowshahi: Major Companies Will Invest Aggressively in Iran After Regime Change
Tunisian Filmmaker Zoubeir Jlassi Wins $1M AI Film Award at 1 Billion Followers Summit
Rio Ferdinand Urges Fearless Reinvention at 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai
🔍In other news…
Laura Hinton appointed senior partner at PwC Middle East as Hani Ashkar transitions to global role
“I’m in a hurry. I make mistakes”: Mohamed Alabbar gets candid about critics in Dubai
Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf Is Running Out of Time in Fight With PGA Tour
Egypt to get $1bn from EU this week
UAE-Backed ALTÉRRA, Spanish Lender BBVA Team Up On $1.2B Climate Fund
Canada and UAE to begin free trade talks next month
🗓️ Plan Your Events (Jan-Feb 2026)
UAE
12-15 January: Dubai International Project Management Forum, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.
13-15 January: World Future Energy Summit, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.
21-24 January: Acres Real Estate Exhibition, Expo Center, Sharjah.
31 January-February 1: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (Media Partners)
3-5 February: The World Governments Summit, Dubai.
9-12 February: World Health Expo (WHX), Dubai.
11-12 February: STEP Dubai Conference, Dubai Internet City. (Media Partners)
Saudi Arabia
28-30 January: Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX), Jeddah.
2-4 February: Saudi Media Forum, Riyadh.
2-4 February: Women Leaders Summit and Awards KSA, Riyadh.
8-12 February: World Defense Show, Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, Riyadh.
Qatar
1-4 February: Web Summit Qatar, Doha. (Media Partners)
2-5 February: 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026)
