Happy Tuesday everyone!

The UAE has launched a national campaign, “The Emirates: The Start-up Capital of the World,” aiming to grow the number of companies to 2 million by 2031. Focused on SMEs, the initiative seeks to train 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs, create thousands of jobs, and promote strategic sectors including food, tourism, FinTech, space, and data analytics.

For our main stories: Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute has partnered with Nvidia to launch the Middle East’s first AI and robotics lab, focusing on next-generation models and robotic platforms. Meanwhile, UAE developer Arada acquires a 75% stake in London-based Regal, marking its second international expansion and targeting 10,000 residential units. Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris plans to mobilize up to $50 billion over the next decade from Abu Dhabi to invest in US infrastructure, combining Orascom and OCI’s capabilities for a global investment platform.

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

Nvidia And Abu Dhabi Institute Launch Joint AI And Robotics Lab In UAE

🔹 What Is It About

Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Nvidia have launched a joint AI and robotics research lab, the first Nvidia AI Technology Center in the Middle East. The lab will focus on next-generation AI models and robotics platforms, leveraging Nvidia’s computing power and TII’s multidisciplinary research. Projects include humanoids, four-legged robots, and robotic arms, with applications spanning climate, energy, genomics, transportation, and logistics.

🔹 Why It Matters

The collaboration positions the UAE as a rising global AI hub, aligning with its strategic push to advance technology and innovation. By integrating Nvidia’s AI models and the new Thor chip, TII can accelerate robotics research, enhancing regional capabilities. The initiative also reflects the UAE’s effort to secure cutting-edge technology while navigating its strategic relationships with the U.S. and China.

🔹 What’s Next

The joint lab will host teams from both Nvidia and TII, with additional staff to be hired specifically for the project. Ongoing research will explore AI-driven solutions for robotics and real-world challenges, including transportation and logistics. This partnership could pave the way for the UAE to become a regional leader in AI innovation and robotics development, with potential global applications in multiple industries.

UAE Developer Arada Expands Into UK With Regal Acquisition

🔹 What Is It About

UAE-based Arada has acquired a 75% stake in London property developer Regal, renaming it Arada London. The initial AED2.5 billion ($681 million) investment will fund delivery of Regal’s 10,000-unit residential pipeline across 11 projects, with plans to triple output over the next three years. Regal, founded in 1998, has delivered over 4,000 homes and 1 million sq ft of commercial space, including Wembley’s Fulton & Fifth project with nearly 40% affordable units.

🔹 Why It Matters

The deal marks Arada’s second international expansion after Australia and reflects the UAE developer’s ambitions to establish a strong presence in mature overseas markets. With housing demand rising in London, the acquisition provides Arada with an immediate operational platform, avoiding greenfield risks. The move positions the company alongside peers like Aldar, who are cautiously entering Europe, in contrast to riskier expansions by Emaar and Damac.

🔹 What’s Next

Arada plans to scale Arada London’s residential output over the next three years and explore new UK projects. Back home, it continues major UAE developments, including Sharjah’s AED35 billion Aljada mega-project and Madar Mall, scheduled for 2028. Combined with its Australian pipeline, Arada’s total project portfolio now exceeds AED95 billion across 42,000 units, signaling a growing international footprint and aggressive growth strategy.

Egyptian Billionaire Nassef Sawiris Plans $50B US Infrastructure Push From Abu Dhabi

🔹 What Is It About

Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris is preparing to mobilize up to $50 billion over the next decade to invest in US infrastructure through equity and credit channels, alongside partners and investors. OCI Global and Orascom Construction are exploring a potential merger to create a scalable infrastructure platform anchored in Abu Dhabi. Orascom, with a $14 billion backlog, brings global project expertise, including US projects spanning data centers, airports, and university housing.

🔹 Why It Matters

The move signals Sawiris’ strategic focus on infrastructure as a high-potential sector while consolidating his publicly listed companies in Abu Dhabi. The merger would strengthen Orascom’s global reach, combine investment and operational capabilities, and leverage Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for regional and international capital deployment. The shift underscores the UAE’s growing role as a base for major cross-border investment initiatives.

🔹 What’s Next

Orascom, now trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under “ORAS,” continues delivering projects across the Middle East, Africa, and the US. The company posted a 32.4% year-on-year revenue rise in H1 2025 and has a construction backlog of $9.6 billion. The merger and Sawiris’ $50 billion US infrastructure plan are expected to drive further growth, expanding both his international footprint and Abu Dhabi’s position in global infrastructure finance.

👨‍💻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.

• Dubai Entrepreneur Saif Kidwai: “Avoiding Tough Calls Is Killing Middle East Company Culture”.

• Apple Unveils Latest iPhone at Dubai Mall, Starting from AED 3,399

🔍In other news…

• Kuwait's oil production capacity reaches 3.2 million barrels a day

• Oman awards solar power project to UAE-led consortium

• Saudi Arabia opens bidding for Qiddiya High-Speed Rail project

• Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange lists region’s first Quantum Computing ETF

🏦 Crypto Corner

• Crypto data reveals UAE has mined bitcoins worth $700m

• 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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