Happy Saturday everyone!

A new biography of Palantir CEO Alex Karp alleges Israel used Palantir technology in the 2024 Lebanon pager explosions that killed 42 people, with author Michael Steinberger detailing its deployment in military operations and “Operation Grim Beeper.” UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese previously said there were “reasonable grounds to believe” Palantir supplied AI tools for automated targeting. French World Cup winner Paul Pogba has become a shareholder and ambassador for Al Haboob, Saudi Arabia’s first professional camel racing team. Co-founders Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir aim to push the heritage sport onto a global stage, a vision Pogba says “deeply resonated.” In London, Westminster City Council approved a major redevelopment at 33 Cavendish Square, led by Berkeley Estate Asset Management, tied to Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan family. The scheme includes 800,000 sq ft of offices and 100,000 sq ft of retail.

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Markets

Israel Used Palantir Systems in Deadly 2024 Lebanon Pager Explosions, New Book Says

What’s it About?

A new biography of Palantir CEO Alex Karp claims Israel used the company’s technology in the 2024 Lebanon pager explosions that tragically killed 42 people. Author Michael Steinberger writes that Palantir systems were deployed during Israeli military operations and in “Operation Grim Beeper,” where booby-trapped pagers and radios injured hundreds. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese previously said there were “reasonable grounds to believe” Palantir supplied AI tools enabling automated battlefield targeting.

Why it Matters?

The disclosures raise significant questions about the ethical boundaries of military AI and deepen scrutiny of how US tech firms are embedded in Middle Eastern conflicts. Palantir, which posted $1.18 billion in quarterly revenue and is valued above $400 billion, now faces heightened regulatory, reputational, and investor risk.

What’s Next?

Analysts expect increased pressure from human-rights groups and policymakers. Watch for shareholder actions, potential legal challenges, and further UN scrutiny as investigations into AI-assisted warfare expand.

Paul Pogba Takes Stake in Saudi Camel Racing Team Al Haboob

What’s it About?

French World Cup winner Paul Pogba has joined Al Haboob, Saudi Arabia’s first professional camel racing team, as a shareholder and ambassador. Co-founded by Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, the team blends elite sports management with cultural heritage. Pogba said the founders’ ambition to “elevate camel racing onto a global stage” resonated with him.

Why it Matters?

The move highlights the Gulf’s push into culture-driven sports investments, expanding beyond global franchises into traditional disciplines with commercial potential. For Pogba, it is a strategic diversification play, while for Al Haboob, his global profile brings instant visibility, sponsorship appeal, and brand equity.

What’s Next?

Al Haboob plans to launch the world’s first professional Camel Racing League, backed by advanced training, robotics, and storytelling-driven media. Analysts expect more athlete–influencer partnerships as Saudi Arabia scales heritage sports into international commercial platforms.

Abu Dhabi Royals Win Approval for One of West End’s Largest Office Developments

What’s it About?

Westminster City Council has approved a vast redevelopment at 33 Cavendish Square led by Berkeley Estate Asset Management, a company ultimately overseen by Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan royal family. The project includes 800,000 square feet of new office space and more than 100,000 square feet of retail, replacing the former BHS store and London College of Fashion site.

Why it Matters?

This marks one of the largest office schemes ever attempted in London’s West End, an area typically dominated by protected historic buildings. It underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in prime UK real estate, expanding on a portfolio that already includes some of London’s most valuable assets around Berkeley Square.

What’s Next?

With a scale comparable to Goldman Sachs’ UK headquarters, analysts expect the development to reshape West End commercial demand, attract global tenants, and deepen Gulf capital’s strategic footprint in London’s property market as approvals move into the construction phase.

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👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

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