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Trump’s Gaza Peace Force Falls Short; More AI Chip Access For UAE; Al Habtoor Rewards Salah et all

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Sunday, July 12, 2026

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Trump’s ambitious Gaza peace plan faces a reality check as a force initially envisioned at 20,000 troops begins with just a small 10 to 20 Moroccan troop deployment. Meanwhile, the US is easing technology export restrictions on the UAE, opening the door for advanced AI chips and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s push to become a global AI hub. Plus, Dubai billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor is rewarding Egypt’s national football team delegation with Mitsubishi vehicles after their historic World Cup campaign captured the attention of millions across the Arab world.

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US Eases AI Chip Restrictions On UAE, Opening Door For Advanced Technology Deals

What Is It About

The United States is easing export restrictions on the UAE, allowing broader access to advanced technologies including artificial intelligence chips, commercial satellites and high-performance computing equipment. The US Commerce Department said the UAE now qualifies for more favorable treatment after implementing safeguards to protect sensitive American technology and strengthening cooperation with Washington.

Why It Matters

The move could accelerate the UAE’s AI ambitions by enabling companies to access cutting-edge processors from firms including Nvidia, AMD and Cerebras. It supports plans to supply thousands of advanced chips to Abu Dhabi-based AI company G42 for new data centers, helping the UAE build its position as a global artificial intelligence hub.

What’s Next

Under the new classification, UAE government entities and approved companies will face fewer licensing barriers when importing advanced computing equipment. The policy shift is expected to deepen US-UAE technology ties, with Washington highlighting more than $1 trillion in Emirati investments across sectors including AI, energy, aviation and metals.

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Dubai Billionaire Mitsubishi Cars To Egypt World Cup Team After Historic Campaign

What Is It About

Dubai billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has announced that every member of Egypt’s national football team delegation will receive a Mitsubishi vehicle in recognition of their historic FIFA World Cup performance. The gift, coordinated with the Egyptian Football Association, will include players, coaches, administrators and medical staff who contributed to the team’s memorable campaign.

Why It Matters

The gesture highlights the regional pride surrounding Egypt’s World Cup run, which saw the Pharaohs reach the knockout stage and secure their first-ever tournament victory. Al Habtoor described the achievement as a moment that lifted the Arab world, despite Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina.

What’s Next

The Egyptian Football Association has filed a formal complaint with FIFA over controversial refereeing decisions during the Argentina match, including a disallowed goal and a rejected penalty appeal. Meanwhile, Al Habtoor’s reward adds to celebrations around a team that delivered one of Egypt’s strongest World Cup performances.

Trump’s 20,000-Troop Gaza Peace Force Starts With Just 10-20 Soldiers As Billion Dollar Plan Faces Reality Check

What Is It About

President Donald Trump’s proposed International Stabilization Force for Gaza, designed to support security and prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military presence, is facing a major delay. A Wall Street Journal exclusive reports that the first deployment could include only 10 to 20 Moroccan troops, far below the 20,000 personnel originally envisioned under the plan.

Why It Matters

The gap between the promised force and the actual deployment highlights the challenges of turning a political peace framework into a functioning security operation. The broader Board of Peace plan included billions in reconstruction funding, a Palestinian police force, and international oversight, but Gaza’s future remains uncertain amid unresolved security and governance issues.

What’s Next

The Moroccan troops are expected to train near Gaza’s border in Israel before beginning limited operations inside the territory. More countries are expected to contribute personnel later, but progress depends on key issues including Hamas’ disarmament, Israeli withdrawals, funding commitments, and agreement over who will govern Gaza after the war.

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Smashi Business Exclusive: Al Haboob Racing Founders On Turning Camel Racing Into A Global Franchise Model

Ahmed Al Haboob and Safwan Modir, founders of Al Haboob Racing, spoke on Smashi Business about building the world’s first professional camel racing team in Saudi Arabia. They explained how they are transforming a traditional, individual sport into a structured, franchise-style model inspired by Formula 1, with teams, sponsorships and long-term commercial value.

The founders discussed leaving corporate careers during the pandemic to pursue entrepreneurship in a “virgin” sports market, despite high operational risks tied to livestock performance. They also highlighted media ventures like their Netflix series Camel Quest, partnerships including Paul Pogba, and their vision to modernize the sport using data and technology.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

  • Dreamers: Meet Qatar’s Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, President and CEO of French Giants Paris Saint-Germain.

  • Dreamers: Meet Moutaz and Ramez Al Khayyat, Qatari Syrian billionaire brothers built one of the Middle East biggest private business empires after relocating to Qatar during the Syrian civil war.⁠

  • Oil prices erased most of their early gains after the US and Iran agreed to pause attacks and resume talks over the Strait of Hormuz.

  • Tabby has apologised after mistakenly telling UAE customers they had won an Emirates flight voucher before later admitting the email "was sent in error."

  • Ben & Jerry Israel has launched what it calls its “most Israeli flavor ever.”

🔍In other news…

  • Oman and Jordan in joint $100m drive to grow priority sectors

  • Carney pitches tighter Canada-Saudi mining and energy ties

  • Global capital race never more intense, says UAE minister

  • Oil tanker traffic through Hormuz at near standstill as attacks strain Iran truce

  • Trump Wanted 20,000 Peacekeeping Troops in Gaza. He Is Starting With 10 to 20

  • EGA restarts production at Al Taweelah alumina refinery

  • Stablecoins could be paying UAE rents within nine months, crypto executive says

🦄 World of Startups

  • Rentify Raises USD 2 Million Seed Round to Launch Earn AI

  • CNTXT AI Closes $60M Series A to Deploy Sovereign AI Globally

  • Blnk Raises $37 Million to Expand Consumer Finance Services in Egypt

  • Saudi-based Pickappo Closes SAR 2 Million Pre-Seed Funding Round

  • Three Dubai entrepreneurs have raised AED 10 million for DRBY, a startup seeking to modernise education payments across the UAE through a unified digital platform.

  • Dubai-based Algebra AI nets $7 million funding to serve mid-market

  • Moroccan Proptech Startup Agenz Raises $5M to Build Property Data Infrastructure and Transaction Tools Tailored for Local Market

  • Calo, Bahrain-based meal subscription platform, expanded operations and full suite of services to Oman

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