Happy Thursday everyone!

The Gulf’s economic strategy is being tested across multiple fronts as geopolitics and capital flows collide. The UAE has warned that a proposed US tariff on countries trading with Iran could disrupt food and commodity supplies, underscoring regional exposure to shifting sanctions policy. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is doubling down on its long-term diversification push, moving $12 billion in global video-game stakes under Savvy Games Group. In global trade, DP World says it is ready to return to Venezuela within 24 hours if cargo opportunities reopen, highlighting its readiness to move fast as political landscapes reset.

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

UAE Warns US Tariff Threat On Iran Trade Could Disrupt Food And Commodity Supplies

What’s it About?

The United Arab Emirates said a proposed US plan to impose a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran could disrupt its commodity and food supplies. Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi said the UAE, Iran’s second-largest trading partner, is still assessing the impact, noting Iran is a key supplier of affordable food products to the Emirates.

Why it Matters?

The UAE imports most of its food, and Iranian produce is cheaper than alternatives from Europe or the US. Any disruption could raise costs and pressure supply chains. For Iran, a trade slowdown would deepen an already severe economic crisis marked by high inflation and a weakening currency, compounding the fallout from ongoing domestic unrest.

What’s Next?

Washington has not clarified how the tariff would be enforced, leaving trading partners uncertain. UAE authorities are continuing their analysis as discussions with the US proceed on other trade issues, including easing tariffs on aluminum. Much will depend on whether the US moves from rhetoric to implementation—and how allies respond.

MWC Doha 2025: A Historic Milestone for the Middle East

The inaugural MWC Doha 2025 made history as the first-ever Mobile World Congress in the Middle East, and it exceeded all expectations. This landmark event brought together almost 9,500 total attendees from 110 countries and territories, with 39% representing sectors adjacent to the mobile ecosystem.

The event featured nearly 300 speakers across keynotes, summits, and programmes, while 250+ exhibitors and sponsors showcased cutting-edge innovations. The 4YFN platform hosted over 100 global and regional start-ups, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

High-level participation was remarkable, with 60 delegations attending ministerial programmes representing 49 countries, including 17 ministers and 14 heads of regulatory authorities. Additionally, 11 intergovernmental organisations participated, and over 30 partnerships and announcements were signed.

MWC Doha 2025 has firmly established itself as a pivotal platform for mobile innovation in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia Shifts $12 Billion In Global Video Game Stakes To Savvy Games Group

What’s it About?

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is transferring about $12 billion worth of video-game company shares to its gaming subsidiary, Savvy Games Group. The holdings include stakes in major publishers such as Nintendo and Bandai Namco, with Savvy set to own roughly 10% of several leading Asian gaming firms once the transfer is completed.

Why it Matters?

The move strengthens Savvy’s position as the PIF’s main vehicle for gaming investments and underscores Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify beyond oil. Gaming is a core pillar of the kingdom’s economic transformation strategy, and consolidating assets under Savvy provides clearer oversight while reinforcing its role as a global gaming and esports investor.

What’s Next?

Savvy will continue to follow a passive investment strategy and retains billions of dollars for future deals. While past bets have delivered mixed results, including layoffs in esports, the group is expected to remain active in global gaming investments as it advances Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy.

DP World Signals Rapid Return To Venezuela As It Tracks Post-Maduro Trade Openings

What’s it About?

DP World says it is ready to restart operations in Venezuela within 24 hours if viable cargo opportunities emerge. Chairman and CEO Sultan bin Sulayem said the Dubai-based ports operator is closely monitoring developments following the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro, stressing that DP World’s investment decisions are driven by cargo flows rather than political considerations.

Why it Matters?

The comments underline DP World’s willingness to move quickly into post-crisis markets as sanctions ease and trade resumes. Venezuela, an Opec member with strategic ports, could re-emerge as a regional logistics hub. The stance also highlights DP World’s broader approach of operating through geopolitical upheaval while protecting global trade routes and supply chains.

What’s Next?

DP World is watching regulatory and sanctions developments before committing capital to Venezuela. Meanwhile, the company is expanding across Latin America, deepening investments in Syria’s Tartus port, and scaling capacity in the UK and UAE. Further moves will hinge on cargo demand, stability, and the pace of political normalization in key markets.

🦄 World of Startups

• NVSSoft’s Tarasol Joins Elite Group with Saudi Accreditation Success

• Halo AI Boosts Brand-Creator Collaborations, 118% Spike in Sales After Major Update

• Oman’s eMushrif Secures $7.5M to Expand Smart Transport into Saudi and UAE

• NEOM’s Level Up Backs Five Saudi Startups in Gaming Expansion Push

• Wadi Jeddah and Pure Advance Join Forces to Boost Saudi Innovation Ecosystem

• HSBC and Presight Forge AI Partnership to Revolutionise Banking in UAE

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Egypt’s $35B Gas Deal with Israel Faces Uncertainty as New Clauses Favor Israeli Supply

• Uber’s Khosrowshahi: Major Companies Will Invest Aggressively in Iran After Regime Change

• Tunisian Filmmaker Zoubeir Jlassi Wins $1M AI Film Award at 1 Billion Followers Summit

• Rio Ferdinand Urges Fearless Reinvention at 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai

🔍In other news…

• Pakistan in mining project talks with Saudi companies

• “I’m in a hurry. I make mistakes”: Mohamed Alabbar gets candid about critics in Dubai

• Egypt to get $1bn from EU this week 

• Saudi Firm Jadwa Turns to Private Credit for Fresh Deal Momentum

• Trump’s Iran tariff threat raises eyebrows in Turkey and Gulf

• Canada and UAE to begin free trade talks next month

• Temu’s UAE growth points to rise in value retail

• UAE and Philippines trade given push with Cepa signing

• Airbus expanded Gulf business in 2025 despite global challenges

🗓️ Plan Your Events (Jan-Feb 2026)

UAE

• 11-15 January: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

• 12-15 January: Dubai International Project Management Forum, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

• 13-15 January: World Future Energy Summit, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

• 21-24 January: Acres Real Estate Exhibition, Expo Center, Sharjah.

• 31 January-February 1: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (Media Partners)

• 3-5 February: The World Governments Summit, Dubai.

• 9-12 February: World Health Expo (WHX), Dubai.

• 11-12 February: STEP Dubai Conference, Dubai Internet City. (Media Partners)

Saudi Arabia

• 28-30 January: Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX), Jeddah.

• 2-4 February: Saudi Media Forum, Riyadh.

• 2-4 February: Women Leaders Summit and Awards KSA, Riyadh.

• 8-12 February: World Defense Show, Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, Riyadh.

Qatar

• 1-4 February: Web Summit Qatar, Doha. (Media Partners)

• 2-5 February: 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026)

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