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The UAE is exploring the purchase of advanced Indian defence systems, including the BrahMos missile, signalling a deeper strategic partnership as regional governments reassess security needs following the recent conflict. Meanwhile, Britain's decision to lift its travel warning for the UAE is already boosting confidence among airlines, hotels and businesses, with industry leaders expecting UK visitors to help drive the next phase of tourism recovery. In Qatar, however, efforts to restore energy production suffered a setback after an explosion at a gas facility in Ras Laffan injured dozens, drawing attention to the scale of the country's post-conflict industrial restart.

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UAE Explores Indian Missile And Air Defence Systems As Gulf Security Spending Accelerates

What Is It About?

The UAE is in early-stage discussions with India over the potential purchase of defence systems including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence network, according to Reuters. The talks come as Abu Dhabi reviews its defence requirements following the recent regional conflict and seeks to strengthen its military capabilities through a broader range of international suppliers.

Why It Matters?

The discussions highlight deepening strategic ties between India and the UAE, which have expanded cooperation across trade, energy and defence in recent years. A deal would mark a significant milestone for India’s growing defence export industry and further establish New Delhi as an emerging supplier of advanced military hardware to Gulf countries alongside traditional Western and Asian partners.

What’s Next?

Any potential BrahMos sale would require approval from Russia, which jointly developed the missile with India. No agreement has been announced, but sources say discussions are progressing. The talks come as India seeks to expand defence exports after securing BrahMos deals with the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, while the UAE continues evaluating options to modernise and diversify its defence procurement strategy.

British Visitors’ Return To Dubai to Help City Recover from Iran Conflict

What Is It About?

British tourists and business travellers are expected to play a leading role in the UAE’s tourism rebound after the UK lifted its warning against all but essential travel to the Emirates. Industry executives quoted by AGBI report a rise in enquiries and bookings following the updated guidance, which has been widely viewed as a positive signal for travel demand to Dubai and the wider Gulf.

Why It Matters?

The UK is one of Dubai’s key source markets, with more than 1 million British visitors recorded in the first nine months of 2025, according to Gulf News. The sector had been impacted by earlier regional disruptions that affected tourism, aviation, and business travel. Industry representatives say the easing of travel advice supports the return of corporate travel and visitor flows linked to major projects and leisure demand.

What’s Next?

Travel operators and hospitality businesses expect a gradual recovery in UK bookings through the remainder of the year, with stronger momentum anticipated into the next travel season. Airlines, including Emirates, continue to operate extensive UK-UAE services, while some carriers such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic maintain adjusted schedules. Industry forecasts point to a phased return toward pre-disruption travel levels over the coming years.

Explosion At Qatar’s Ras Laffan Gas Hub Injures Dozens And Disrupts Startup Operations At Key LNG Complex

What Is It About?

An explosion and fire at QatarEnergy’s Barzan gas facility inside the Ras Laffan industrial complex has injured 54 people and left 18 missing, according to Qatar’s interior ministry. The incident occurred during startup operations at the site, which supplies gas for domestic industry and power generation. Authorities have not confirmed any impact on liquefied natural gas exports from Ras Laffan.

Why It Matters?

Ras Laffan is the world’s largest LNG export hub and a central component of Qatar’s energy infrastructure. It is Qatar's primary liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub, with a total LNG export capacity of 77 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) across 14 trains. The facility plays a key role in supplying global liquefied natural gas markets, and any operational update is closely followed due to its scale and importance in international energy trade.

What’s Next?

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the explosion and assess the condition of the affected facility. QatarEnergy and relevant authorities are reviewing operations at the Barzan plant, while further updates on production and restart timelines are expected as assessments continue.

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.

Watch the full interview here.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Emirati founded Saddle has officially landed in Qatar.

• Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi was spotted wearing an Iran national team jersey during Iran's World Cup match against New Zealand.

• Pavel Durov just accused Meta and Mukesh Ambani controlled Reliance of secretly blocking Telegram globally.

• The New York Knicks have won their first NBA championship since 1973, but the title run also delivered a major win for Abu Dhabi.

🔍In other news…

• Iran War Puts $124 Billion Gulf Remittance Lifeline at Risk

• UAE stocks recover to near pre-conflict levels

• British visitors likely to drive UAE tourism recovery

• Abu Dhabi’s $1 Trillion Man Emerges as UAE’s Iran Troubleshooter

• UAE bans children under 15 from using social media

• Saudi, Qatar Add District Cooling Assets to Gulf Deals Pipeline

• Arada unveils first London residential project in UK expansion push

• UAE aims to cut dependency on Strait of Hormuz to 'zero' with major ports expansion plan

• UAE ranks 1st globally in economic performance, 5th in overall competitiveness

• ‘War opened doors for us’, says Dubai trade chief

🦄 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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