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- Saudi Football Privatization; UAE Real Estate Bumper Numbers; Trump's Economic War Against Iran
Saudi Football Privatization; UAE Real Estate Bumper Numbers; Trump's Economic War Against Iran
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Friday, August 21, 2026
Happy Friday everyone!
Saudi Arabia is taking its football ambitions to the next level, moving four of its biggest clubs closer to full ownership by the Public Investment Fund and potentially paving the way for more private investment. In Dubai, the property machine continues to deliver, with 104 projects worth AED111 billion completed in the first half of the year, adding more than 24,000 new units. And in Washington, Donald Trump is escalating pressure on Iran with what he calls an “Economic D-Day”, threatening countries and companies that continue supporting Tehran.
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Saudi Arabia Moves Four Top Football Clubs Closer To Private Ownership
What Is It About
Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ministry has begun transferring the remaining 25% stakes in Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli from nonprofit foundations to the Public Investment Fund. The move follows PIF’s acquisition of 75% of the four clubs in 2023 and will effectively give the fund full ownership, while the foundations’ boards are dissolved.
Why It Matters
The restructuring creates a simpler ownership structure that could make the clubs easier to sell to private investors. PIF has already sold 70% of Al Hilal to Kingdom Holding for SAR840 million. More than 40 local and international investors have reportedly registered interest in Saudi clubs, encouraged by the country’s preparations for the 2034 World Cup.
What’s Next
Attention now turns to Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, where potential investment deals are already being explored. New board appointments and shareholder meetings are expected as the ownership structure changes. The key question will be whether PIF can attract buyers at valuations that reflect the clubs’ growing commercial potential.
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Dubai Completes AED111 Billion In Real Estate Projects In H1 2026
What Is It About
Dubai completed 104 real estate projects worth around AED111 billion in the first half of 2026, according to figures shared by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. The completed projects added 24,537 new units to the market, with the investment value up 52% and the number of completed projects up 38.7% compared with H1 2025.
Why It Matters
The figures show that Dubai’s property development pipeline remains strong, with developers continuing to deliver projects at a rapid pace. The 24,000-plus new units also represent a significant increase in housing supply, while the investment value points to continued confidence in Dubai’s real estate and broader business environment.
What’s Next
Dubai is expected to see further project completions and launches in the second half of the year. The key question will be whether demand continues to keep pace with the growing supply. Strong population growth, international investment and continued economic expansion will be important factors in determining how the market absorbs the additional inventory.
Trump Declares “Economic D-Day” Against Iran
What Is It About
US President Donald Trump has announced what he calls an “Economic D-Day” against Iran, threatening severe consequences for countries, companies and financial institutions that continue supporting Tehran. Trump did not detail the new measures, but said Washington would target oil smuggling, financial channels, front companies and other economic lifelines.
Why It Matters
The threat puts Iran’s remaining trading partners under pressure, particularly China, which is a major buyer of Iranian oil. Beijing has already pushed back, saying sanctions and pressure will not solve the conflict. The escalation also comes as the US seeks to restrict Iran’s oil revenues and increase pressure over the Strait of Hormuz.
What’s Next
The key question is what new measures Washington will actually impose and whether allies will enforce them. Iran has rejected the threat, while China is urging diplomacy. Any attempt to target Chinese companies or banks could significantly escalate tensions between Washington and Beijing and potentially add further pressure to global oil markets.
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👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
LVMH-owned Sephora has denied reports it will open stores in Israel, while confirming Sephora Collection, its own beauty brand, signed a temporary resale agreement with Israeli retailer Glam42.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited Binghatti’s London office, according to photos shared by the developer on Instagram.
President Donald Trump and Saudi PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan were spotted together at LIV Golf’s New York event at Trump National Bedminster, ahead of the final round.
Saudi boxing power broker Turki Al-Sheikh has pulled out of a proposed takeover of English Championship club Derby County after delays in securing approval left limited time to prepare for the new season.
🔍In other news…
Oil prices rise as Trump cuts off talks with Iran
Parkin expands beyond UAE with Egypt smart parking deal
Libya needs up to $40 billion to develop its oil and gas sector
Dubai gears up for packed events season as Gitex, ATM and Big 5 return
Aramco, Maaden plan mining JV across area nearly 10% of Saudi Arabia
Iraq considers deleting zeros from dinar as officials revive currency overhaul
Blind Egyptian entrepreneur's AI app helps others 'see' the world
🦄 World of Startups
ChatFeatured, Canada-based AI startup, raised $2M in a pre-seed funding round from BY Venture Partners (UAE/Lebanon) and other global investors
Doctorbook, Syria-based healthtech platform, raised $16K in a pre-seed funding round from a group of angel investors, valuing the startup at $200K
Carbar, Australia-based car subscription platform, is merging with Carasti, UAE-based car subscription business operating across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Singapore, at a combined pre-raise valuation of $74M
Fincart, Egypt-based eCommerce enablement platform, raised $2.8M in a seed funding round
