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MBS Makes $1Trillion Promise to US; Dubai Airshow Day 2 Updates; Cityscape = Billions of Deals
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Events, events, MBS promises $1 Trillion to the US, events. That’s the story today and most probably till the end of 2025. So, what were we saying? Events.
Dubai Future Forum opened its doors yesterday for futurists for two days in our home city. The two-day Mining Show finished in Dubai too.
For our in-focus events, we have updates from Day 2 of Dubai Airshow 2025 in the news well, also Cityscape Global 2025 in Riyadh is going strong as it enters day 3 today. Scroll down for more on it.
And the in biggest story of the day, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman landed in Washington for an ‘official working visit’, with F35s already promised by Trump, and investment promise increased from $600B to $1T. Details ⬇️
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 | 40,501.28 | 1.37% |
DFMGI | 5,898.93 | 0.983% |
ADX | 9,911.44 | 0.065% |
Tadawul | 11,098.80 | 0.43% |
Flydubai and Etihad Deals Counter Emirates’ Boeing 777X Order
Airbus staged a strong comeback on day two of the Dubai Air Show, securing major deals with Etihad Airways, Flydubai and Air Europa after Boeing dominated opening day with Emirates’ $38bn order for 65 Boeing 777X jets. Flydubai signed an MoU for 150 A321neos — a notable shift as the carrier had previously only ordered Boeing aircraft. Air Europa agreed to up to 40 A350-900s, while Etihad added more A330s and A350s. Boeing also announced Gulf Air’s firm order for 15 Dreamliners. While activity typically slows after day two, surprise last-minute deals remain possible.
Ukraine’s SkyFall Debuts Battle-Tested P1-Sun Interceptor at Dubai Airshow
Ukraine’s SkyFall showcased its P1-Sun interceptor abroad for the first time at the Dubai Airshow, highlighting its modular, 3D-printed design and high-speed capability of 300 km/h. As demand for cost-effective drone defenses grows, Ukrainian companies — producing over 4 million drones annually — are drawing interest from global delegations including the US, UAE, Latvia and Estonia. Though exports of war-capable systems are restricted, foreign governments can fund production for Ukraine’s military. SkyFall displayed its battle-tested Shrike FPV, Vampire bomber and interceptor drones, which outperform many rivals due to extensive frontline data. Russia’s Rostec also demonstrated Ka-52 and Su-57 aircraft.
Honeywell, GAL Launch Streamlined Repair Model for UAE Military Fleet
Honeywell Aerospace and Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) signed a three-year agreement to streamline repair and overhaul services for the UAE’s Joint Aviation Command and Air Force & Air Defence. The partnership optimises support for T55 engines and environmental systems, offering faster component turnaround, full repair visibility, and enhanced mission-readiness for UAE military fleets.
Saudi Sees of Billions of Dollars of Deals at Cityscape Global 2025 During Opening Two Days
NHC & Mountain View: National Housing Co. signed a SAR2.64 billion agreement with Egypt’s Mountain View to develop a 930,000 sq. meter integrated residential and commercial project in Riyadh’s Al-Fursan district.
NHC & Hassan Allam Holding: NHC partnered with Hassan Allam Holding on a SR3 billion mixed-use development in Riyadh’s Khozam district, featuring 2,600 residential units and commercial components.
NHC & Emlak Konut (Makkah Gate): NHC signed a sub-development deal with Turkey’s Emlak Konut to build over 1,000 villas on 255,000 sq. meters within the Makkah Gate destination.
Ministry & Almana Group MoU: Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing inked an MoU with Almana Group of Hospitals to explore health-focused real estate investments and integrated urban development projects.
Ministry & Ministry of Sports MoU: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing signed an MoU with the Ministry of Sports to enhance Saudi cities through sports-related urban projects and public park development.
Eastern Province Deals: Eastern Province Municipality signed 14 investment and development agreements worth SAR5 billion ($1.35 billion) covering digital infrastructure, entertainment, tourism, retail, and mobile vendor initiatives.
📅 November 17–20, 2025
📍 Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center – Malham
Register now for free and be part of the world’s largest real estate event.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Washington Visit Marks Major Leap in US-Saudi Ties
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman landed in Washington on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone in the rapidly strengthening relationship between Riyadh and the United States. His visit began with a high-profile welcome at the White House on Tuesday, where he was received with full presidential protocol, underscoring the significance both countries place on their growing strategic partnership.
1. Strong White House welcome for MBS
Trump hosted MBS with full ceremonial honors — red carpet, marching bands, horsemen and a military flyover — underscoring the administration’s emphasis on deepening US-Saudi ties.
2. Saudi set to invest up to $1 trillion in the US
President Trump announced that Saudi Arabia is preparing to invest at least $600 billion, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman adding that total investment could rise to $1 trillion, driven by partnerships in technology, AI, rare materials and advanced industries.
3. Palestinian state = Normalization with Israel
Both leaders said they had “good talks” on the Kingdom potentially joining the Abraham Accords. MBS reiterated Riyadh’s position that progress toward a Palestinian state is essential for any agreement.
4. Trump says defense pact is nearly finalized
Trump stated the US and Saudi Arabia had “pretty much” reached terms on a defense deal, alongside confirmation that Washington would authorize the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the Kingdom.
5. Shared openness toward a US-Iran deal
Both Trump and MBS said they support diplomatic efforts with Iran, with the Crown Prince affirming that Saudi Arabia would help facilitate an agreement beneficial to regional and global stability.
The Crown Prince’s itinerary is centered on a series of major agreements aimed at advancing cooperation in defense, security, nuclear energy and cutting-edge technology. Another key highlight will be discussions on gaining access to advanced American AI chips to support the Kingdom’s ambitions in innovation and digital transformation.
🦄 World of Startups
Zid, Saudi e-commerce enablement platform, expands into Egypt through a partnership with digital store provider Zammit.
Bahrain launches $185mln fund to support SMEs
Deplike, Turkey-based AI music learning platform, raised undisclosed seed funding from 216 Capital to grow its Chordie AI app with 250K active users.
Chari, Morocco-based fintech and e-commerce platform, raised undisclosed Series A extension funding from Egypt’s DisrupTech Ventures to expand its embedded financial services for retailers.
Arab Therapy, Jordan-based online mental health platform, secured a strategic investment from Value Makers Studio (VMS) to grow its licensed telemedicine and corporate wellness services.
First Circle Capital, a female-led VC in Uganda and Morocco, raised $6M from IFC for its $25M pan-African fintech fund targeting pre-seed and seed-stage startups in fintech, insurtech, and climate tech.
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
How Arab Business Leaders View Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s New Mayor
Dubai-listed Talabat reported a 31% jump in revenue to $1B, driven by higher user activity and booming food and grocery orders across the Middle East.
Beauty mogul Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, has called on the world not to look away from Sudan’s unfolding tragedy.
