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- Saudi PIF's EA Stake Revealed; CNN-Kalshi Deal; Half Of UAE Workers To Retrain by 2030 For AI
Saudi PIF's EA Stake Revealed; CNN-Kalshi Deal; Half Of UAE Workers To Retrain by 2030 For AI
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Thursday, December 4, 2025
Happy Thursday everyone!
Welcome to today’s edition: CNN is stepping into the future of journalism, partnering exclusively with Lebanese entrepreneur Tarek Mansour-led Kalshi to integrate real-time prediction data across its platforms, giving audiences a new lens on what might happen next. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is set to take a 93.4% stake in Electronic Arts as part of a $55 billion acquisition, marking one of the kingdom’s largest moves into global gaming. In the UAE, nearly half of the workforce will need upskilling by 2030, with employees flocking to Gen AI courses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.
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 | 41,280.92 | 1.61% |
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Tadawul | 10,574.79 | 0.37% |
CNN And Kalshi Strike Exclusive Real-Time Prediction Data Partnership
What’s it About?
CNN has just taken a bold step into the future of journalism — and it’s powered by Lebanese founder Tarek Mansour and his fast-scaling prediction markets platform, Kalshi. In an exclusive new partnership, CNN will integrate Kalshi’s real-time probabilities directly into its reporting across TV, digital, and social, giving audiences a clearer, data-backed view of what may happen next in politics, culture, weather, and global events.
Why it Matters?
Through Kalshi’s live API, CNN anchors and analysts — led by chief data analyst Harry Enten — will access continuously updating market signals on everything from election outcomes to major policy decisions. The move marks the first time a major global newsroom is fully embedding prediction market data into its editorial workflow, shifting journalism from reactive explanations to proactive, probability-driven insight.
What’s Next?
This exclusive partnership comes as Kalshi experiences explosive growth, raising $1B at an $11B valuation and expanding its footprint across media. With prediction markets increasingly becoming tools for audience engagement and deeper understanding, CNN’s move signals a major shift in how newsrooms interpret the future.
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Saudi Arabia’s PIF Set To Acquire 93.4% Of Electronic Arts In $55 Billion Takeover
What’s it About?
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is poised to secure a 93.4% stake in US videogame giant Electronic Arts as part of a $55 billion acquisition led with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, Wall Street Journal reported. A recent filing with Brazil’s antitrust regulator revealed the ownership breakdown, confirming PIF as the dominant buyer. The wealth fund will roll over its existing 9.9% stake and inject roughly $29 billion in new capital to reach its final share.
Why it Matters?
The acquisition marks one of PIF’s largest moves yet in global gaming, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a major force in entertainment and interactive media. It also underscores a pivot away from listed US equities, which PIF trimmed significantly in Q3 after strong market gains. Securing EA—one of the world’s most influential game publishers—positions Saudi Arabia at the center of the global gaming economy.
What’s Next?
The all-cash deal will be funded by $36 billion in equity and $20 billion in debt, with regulatory reviews expected to accelerate in early 2026. The takeover aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s pledge to invest $600 billion in the US during Trump’s second term, though future spending appears likely to focus on strategic assets rather than public markets. EA’s integration into the kingdom’s broader gaming ecosystem is expected to follow.
47% Of UAE Workforce Will Need Upskilling As Gen AI Course Enrolments Surge
What’s it About?
Nearly half of the UAE workforce — 46% by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum — will require retraining as AI reshapes core job skills. This shift is already visible in a massive surge in Gen AI learning, with UAE residents registering 131,000 Gen AI course enrolments on Coursera over the past year, more than double the previous period. Overall, UAE learners have made over 3 million total Coursera enrolments to date.
Why it Matters?
Gen AI is transforming tasks across industries rather than eliminating entire jobs, pushing employers to prioritise upskilling at speed. Industry leaders say UAE companies — both public and private — are investing heavily in AI training to boost productivity, not cut jobs. Coursera’s global data shows AI interest accelerating rapidly, while the UAE positions itself as a regional frontrunner through initiatives like the UAE AI Strategy 2031, aimed at building a future-ready workforce.
What’s Next?
As AI takes over routine tasks, employees will increasingly shift toward higher-level, value-driven work, creating demand for applied AI skills across roles. With Coursera’s Gen AI course catalogue surpassing 1,100 offerings and regional learner numbers growing fast, the UAE is expected to intensify its upskilling push. Companies will continue equipping staff with augmentation tools and specialised training as AI adoption accelerates, ensuring workers remain competitive in an evolving job market.
🦄 World of Startups
COGNNA Secures $9.2M Series A to Scale AI-Powered Cybersecurity Globally
Secure.com (UAE) – Raised $4.5M from Disrupt.com and launched Digital Security Teammate, an AI-native cybersecurity agent platform.
Saudi Startup CQR Launches AI-Powered FENNEC Platform for Critical Infrastructure Security
Savvy Games and King Saud University Partner to Boost Saudi Gaming Talent
FuturePlay Partners with Saudi Ministry to Boost Korean Startups in MENA
Fawry Launches Holding Company to Power Expansion in Egypt’s Fintech Sector
bluworks lands $1 million seed investment to accelerate MENA expansion
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
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