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- Telegraph Sale; Dubai Drone Delivery Milestone; Riyadh Air Prepares for 2026 Launch
Telegraph Sale; Dubai Drone Delivery Milestone; Riyadh Air Prepares for 2026 Launch
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Happy Sunday everyone!
Welcome to this week’s Business Briefing, your guide to the latest shifts in media, aviation, and cutting-edge logistics. From a landmark shakeup in the UK publishing world, to Dubai’s race toward drone-powered urban mobility, to Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier gearing up for public launch, these stories signal major shifts in influence, infrastructure, and innovation across key industries. Here’s what you need to know and why it matters for the future of global business.
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.
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RedBird IMI Strikes £500m Deal To Sell Telegraph Titles To DMGT Amid Government Restrictions
What’s it About?
RedBird IMI, the consortium backed by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has agreed a £500m deal to sell the Telegraph titles to the Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT). The move follows months of uncertainty after new UK foreign state influence rules blocked the consortium from taking ownership. DMGT has entered an exclusivity period to finalise the purchase, which will now undergo regulatory scrutiny.
Why it Matters?
The sale marks a major shift in Britain’s media landscape, potentially creating one of the country’s most powerful right-leaning publishing groups. DMGT already owns the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Metro and the i Paper, and analysts expect competition concerns to arise. For RedBird IMI, the deal ends a politically fraught chapter triggered by its inability to retain control due to foreign state investment restrictions.
What’s Next?
The agreement will be reviewed by Ofcom, the Competition and Markets Authority, and culture secretary Lisa Nandy under the UK’s updated foreign state influence rules. DMGT says the acquisition complies fully, with no foreign state funding in the structure. If approved, the company plans to invest in expanding the Telegraph’s global reach while keeping newsrooms editorially independent—bringing long-awaited certainty to staff after more than two years of ownership turmoil.
Keeta Drone President Highlights 70% Drone Delivery Coverage for Dubai by 2030
What’s it About?
Keeta Drone showcased Dubai’s leadership in smart, sustainable air logistics during the Dubai Airshow 2025. President Dr. Yinian Mao praised Dubai as a global “singularity” in low-altitude aviation, highlighting its progressive regulatory framework. Keeta has launched multiple autonomous delivery routes after securing Dubai’s first BVLOS commercial drone license in 2024, including new operations in Nad Al Sheba using advanced fourth-generation drones.
Why it Matters?
Keeta’s expansion supports Dubai’s wider sustainability and smart-city goals by offering fast, contactless, low-emission delivery solutions. The company’s drones are engineered for desert conditions and backed by a robust AI simulation system that runs millions of virtual safety tests. This positions Dubai as a leading global testbed for next-generation urban logistics.
What’s Next?
Keeta plans to roll out nighttime deliveries, expand its merchant network, and integrate further into Meituan’s digital ecosystem. Dr. Mao reaffirmed DCAA’s 2030 target for drone delivery to cover 70% of Dubai, highlighting Keeta’s role in accelerating that vision into reality.
Riyadh Air Targets Public Launch in Q1 2026 with Seven New Destinations in Pipeline
What’s it About?
Riyadh Air aims to open flights to the general public by the first quarter of 2026, following an initial phase serving staff, families, and partners. The airline has already launched flights to London Heathrow and plans Dubai as its next route while evaluating seven additional destinations. The rollout is currently paced by certification of its first Boeing 787 “head-of-version” aircraft by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
Why it Matters?
As one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship aviation projects backed by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air is central to the Kingdom’s strategy to transform into a global air-travel hub. FAA certification of the first customized 787 is crucial before additional aircraft can be delivered. Meanwhile, the airline is using early flights to refine customer experience, from check-in and baggage handling to connectivity and partnerships.
What’s Next?
Riyadh Air expects full operations to begin once it has at least three aircraft in service. The airline is also seeking more slots at major hubs like Heathrow and Dubai International as it works through its planned expansion into seven new cities. Ticket prices will align with regional competitors such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, with seasonal adjustments.
🦄 World of Startups
Kingpin, a UAE-based startup, has raised $3.5M to accelerate the rollout of its AI-powered retail and distribution tools across GCC, Europe, and North America.
Secure.com (UAE) – Raised $4.5M from Disrupt.com and launched Digital Security Teammate, an AI-native cybersecurity agent platform.
Shatib (Saudi) – Secured $750K pre-seed from a strategic angel investor for its B2B group purchasing marketplace for construction materials.
SahmAlgo (Saudi) – Raised $1M seed led by Gharesah Investment to expand AI-driven financial analytics for traders and enterprises.
Takadao (Saudi) – Raised $1.5M seed from multiple investors to offer Sharia-compliant DeFi solutions via its community-owned LifeDAO.
Ghanem (Saudi) – Secured $7.1M from Al-Romaih Group for its digital real estate investment platform under the REGA Regulatory Sandbox.
Nabta Health (UAE) – Raised $2M Pre-Series A to expand its hybrid women’s healthcare platform across MEA.
