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- Trump’s Gaza Board Draws Fire; Fredriksen Surfaces in Dubai; Messi Turns Down €1.4bn Saudi Deal
Trump’s Gaza Board Draws Fire; Fredriksen Surfaces in Dubai; Messi Turns Down €1.4bn Saudi Deal
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Sunday, January 18, 2026
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US President Donald Trump has drawn criticism after appointing Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, and Apollo chief Marc Rowan to advise his proposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” an initiative that includes no Palestinian or Arab political leaders. Shipping billionaire John Fredriksen, worth over $10 billion, was publicly spotted in Dubai for the first time since relocating from London, hosted at DMCC headquarters as global capital continues shifting toward the UAE. In sports business news, Lionel Messi reportedly turned down a €1.4 billion offer from Al-Ittihad, opting for Inter Miami and citing family priorities over money.
Trump Under Fire After Naming Jared Kushner to Advise Gaza ‘Board of Peace’
What’s it About?
US President Donald Trump is facing criticism after appointing a founding executive board to advise his proposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” naming Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, and Apollo chief Marc Rowan. The board, which Trump will chair, includes no Palestinian or Arab political leaders.
Why it Matters?
Kushner’s appointment is particularly controversial given his role as founder of Affinity Partners, which manages billions of dollars in the Middle East. Critics argue the structure blurs the line between diplomacy, private capital, and postwar reconstruction. The broader executive framework also includes Israeli-Cypriot billionaire Yakir Gabay, reinforcing concerns that Gaza’s future is being shaped by external financiers rather than local representation.
What’s Next?
The White House says additional board members will be named, alongside a Gaza Executive Board and a proposed international stabilisation force. With Arab allies refusing troop deployments and governance questions unresolved, scrutiny will intensify over whether the plan represents reconstruction — or a politicised experiment in investor-led state-building.
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UK Billionaire John Fredriksen Spotted in Dubai After Relocation, Hosted by DMCC Boss
What’s it About?
Shipping magnate John Fredriksen has made his first public appearance in Dubai since relocating significant operations from London. He was hosted at DMCC headquarters by Ahmed Sultan bin Sulayem, signalling deeper engagement with the UAE’s trade and capital ecosystem. Fredriksen controls tanker giant Frontline and is worth more than $10 billion.
Why it Matters?
Fredriksen’s move follows the UK’s decision to scrap its non-dom tax regime, accelerating a broader migration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals toward the UAE. Bin Sulayem highlighted that “the DMCC Wealth Hub provides a platform for private capital and family office structures.” DMCC now hosts more than 24,000 businesses, including banks, brokers, commodities exchanges, and professional services firms supporting global capital flows.
What’s Next?
As billionaire founders and family offices relocate, DMCC is positioning itself as a long-term base for asset-heavy global companies. With platforms spanning trade finance, clearing, commodities, digital assets, and private wealth structuring, DMCC is emerging as a central hub for housing the next generation of billionaire-led enterprises and international capital.
Messi Turned Down a €1.4bn Saudi Deal to Put Family First
What’s it About?
Lionel Messi rejected a staggering €1.4 billion offer from Saudi club Al-Ittihad before signing with Inter Miami in 2023, according to the club’s president.
Al-Ittihad chief Anmar Al Haili said Messi declined the proposal despite its scale, explaining: “He did not hesitate to reject it because family is more important than money.”
Why it Matters?
Messi’s decision highlights the limits of Saudi football’s financial strategy, even as the Pro League has successfully attracted global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo. While Saudi clubs can offer unprecedented wages, Messi’s choice underscores how lifestyle, family priorities, and long-term brand positioning can outweigh record-breaking contracts.
What’s Next?
Al Haili said Al-Ittihad’s “doors will always remain open,” signalling Saudi Arabia will continue chasing football’s biggest names. Messi, meanwhile, is contracted with Inter Miami until 2028, anchoring MLS’s global visibility as Saudi clubs keep reshaping the economics of elite football.
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