Happy Friday everyone!

MBC Group has finalized the Public Investment Fund’s SAR 7.47 billion acquisition of a 54% stake, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s media ambitions. In Dubai, Emaar Properties ruled out selling any part of its Indian arm, pivoting instead toward global expansion through partnerships and acquisitions. Meanwhile, American investor Ben Harburg, owner of Al-Kholood FC, shared why Saudi Arabia’s football ecosystem — with the world’s highest fan base and World Cup 2034 momentum — is set to become a global investment powerhouse.

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Markets

MBC Group Completes PIF’s Acquisition Of 54% Stake In Landmark SAR 7.47 Billion Deal

🔹 What Is It About

MBC Group announced the completion of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) acquisition of a 54% stake in the company. The transaction, valued at SAR 7.47 billion at SAR 41.60 per share, was executed through a private deal with Istedamah Holding Company. With this acquisition, PIF becomes the largest shareholder in MBC, which is listed on Tadawul under number 4072.

🔹 Why It Matters

The deal strengthens MBC’s strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, boosting the Kingdom’s presence in the global media and entertainment industry. MBC, already a household name reaching 150 million viewers weekly, is set to expand its premium Arabic content production and streaming capabilities through SHAHID, the leading Arabic platform in the MENA region. The partnership reflects PIF’s commitment to building regional champions in high-growth sectors.

🔹 What’s Next

MBC will accelerate investments in original Arabic content, expand SHAHID’s reach, and grow across emerging sectors such as music, gaming, and live events. The company aims to enhance production in Saudi Arabia while strengthening its global footprint. With PIF’s backing, MBC is positioned to innovate, adapt, and deliver long-term value for audiences and shareholders across the Middle East and beyond.

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Emaar Rules Out Selling Stake In Its Indian Arm, Eyes Global Growth Through Partnerships

🔹 What Is It About

Emaar Properties, Dubai’s largest listed developer and builder of the Burj Khalifa, has clarified it is not selling any stake in its Indian business. Earlier talks with companies, including India’s Adani Group, have been shelved. The developer, with projects in Gurugram, Mohali, and Jaipur, confirmed in a filing to the Dubai Financial Market that no stake sale is under consideration.

🔹 Why It Matters

The announcement comes amid speculation of stake sales and reports of Emaar’s global expansion ambitions. Instead of divestment, Emaar is exploring strategic partnerships to strengthen its India presence while expanding internationally. With profits surging 34% to Dh10.4 billion in the first half of 2025, the company is well-positioned to leverage strong financial performance and capitalize on global opportunities.

🔹 What’s Next

Emaar plans to expand aggressively into new markets, with founder Mohamed Alabbar highlighting acquisitions in the US, India, and China as part of a global strategy. The focus remains on maintaining a strong balance sheet, delivering shareholder returns, and scaling its footprint across high-growth international markets. Partnerships, not stake sales, will drive the next phase of Emaar’s growth.

Ben Harburg On Why Saudi Football Is The World’s Hottest Investment Market

🔹 What Is It About

Ben Harburg, American investor and founder of MSA Capital, made history as the first non-Saudi to acquire a club in the Saudi Roshn League with his purchase of Al-Kholood FC. Speaking on The Mo Show podcast, he explained that his move into Saudi football mirrors his earlier investment approach in the Middle East—rooted in fundamentals, not quick returns—highlighting the region’s strong consumer dynamics and growth potential.

🔹 Why It Matters

Harburg points out that Saudi Arabia combines all the conditions of a thriving football ecosystem: a national team with global achievements, including the historic 2022 World Cup win against Argentina; a 75% football fandom rate—the highest in the world, surpassing Brazil and Italy; and massive government investment ahead of hosting the 2034 World Cup. These factors, he argues, make Saudi football not only authentic but also uniquely positioned to dominate the global stage.

🔹 What’s Next

Looking forward, Harburg sees Saudi football evolving into one of the world’s most dynamic sports markets. With strong grassroots enthusiasm, growing infrastructure, and international capital flowing in, he believes the next decade will be transformative. His bet on Al-Kholood is just the beginning—Saudi clubs could soon break into global rankings, redefining football’s balance of power and reshaping where talent, fans, and investors look for the game’s future.

👨‍💻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.

• Saudi Arabia Unveils $1.8B Qiddiya Olympic Stadium to Anchor 2030 Sports Vision.

• Copycat Shut Down: “Salt London” Locked Out After Lease Forfeiture in Leicester Square.

🔍In other news…

• Regulation hampering UK growth, says Abu Dhabi-backed Redbird IMI CEO

• Middle East electricity demand triples and the strain is just beginning, says IEA

• UAE economy to grow 4.9% in 2025 on higher oil output, central bank says

• UAE joins international group to champion 'open and free' trade

• Amazon opens first Abu Dhabi fulfilment centre to boost e-commerce

🏦 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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