Happy Friday everyone!

The UAE Cabinet has approved a $10 billion national investment fund aimed at doubling foreign direct investment by 2031, signaling the country’s continued push to attract global capital. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery is in the final stages of bids from Paramount, Comcast, and Netflix, with Larry Ellison exploring Middle Eastern sovereign wealth backing and Comcast reportedly seeking Saudi partnerships. In Saudi Arabia, electric air taxis will replace seaplanes at Red Sea resorts starting next year, offering cleaner, quieter, and faster transport for luxury tourism.

Meanwhile, if you are in Abu Dhabi, good time to have a look at some super yachts and luxury boats at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show.

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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UAE Approves A $10 Billion National Investment Fund To Double FDI By 2031

What’s it About?

The UAE Cabinet has approved a AED36.7 billion national investment fund to attract foreign investment. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the fund will offer “financial incentive packages” to raise annual FDI from AED115 billion to AED240 billion and total FDI to AED2.2 trillion by 2031.

Why it Matters?

Sheikh Mohammed stressed, “Our message to global investors is clear. The UAE welcomes you.” The move follows strong momentum: national industrial spending jumped 244% to AED110 billion, industrial exports hit AED197 billion, and the sector now contributes AED210 billion to GDP, targeting AED300 billion by 2031.

What’s Next?

The prime minister reviewed GCC economic cooperation as UAE–GCC trade reached AED333 billion. With 36,000 licences issued to GCC nationals and 52,000+ property owners, the UAE aims to expand cross-GCC business flows as it deploys the new fund to cement its status as the region’s leading investment hub.

Warner Bros. Draws Final Bids As Tech Titans And Middle East Capital Circle Studio Giant

What’s it About?

Warner Bros. Discovery is nearing the first-round bid deadline as Paramount Skydance, Comcast, and Netflix finalize offers. Paramount wants to buy the entire company, while Comcast and Netflix are focused on the vast film and TV library. Bloomberg reports Netflix is even willing to abandon its long-standing resistance to theatrical releases. With interest intensifying, Warner Bros.—now valued at $57 billion with $33.5 billion in debt—is preparing to evaluate all strategic options.

Why it Matters?

Major bidders are tapping global capital to strengthen their hand. Larry Ellison, who financed Paramount Skydance’s $8 billion takeover, has been in talks with Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds to support a higher bid. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts reportedly traveled to Saudi Arabia seeking potential backing for a deal. With streaming competition soaring and Warner Bros. on its fourth ownership change in seven years, the outcome could reshape Hollywood’s power map and the future of premium content.

What’s Next?

First-round offers are due Thursday, with the Warner Bros. board expected to make a final decision by Christmas. A sale would trigger another major shake-up, while no deal could push the company toward separating its declining cable networks from its film and streaming units next year. Paramount’s David Ellison is expected to raise his bid, though still below analyst estimates of $30 per share. All eyes are on whether Middle Eastern capital or strategic synergies tip the scales.

Saudi Arabia To Replace Seaplanes With Electric Air Taxis At Red Sea Resorts Next Year

What’s it About?

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts will soon see electric air taxis replacing seaplanes, with US-based Archer Aviation set to operate its Midnight eVTOLs starting next year. The initiative, announced at the Dubai Airshow, involves a three-party partnership between Archer, the Public Investment Fund’s The Helicopter Company, and Red Sea Global, marking the kingdom’s first commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operation.

Why it Matters?

The move supports lower emissions, quieter flights, and cleaner transport in sensitive natural environments. Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel, called it “a clean alternative for high-end guests in one of the most sensitive natural environments in the world.” Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano added it “aligns perfectly with our vision for regenerative tourism,” advancing Saudi Arabia’s sustainability and luxury tourism goals.

What’s Next?

Operations will start with a small fleet, expanding as commercial routes are formalized, initially linking airports to resorts and city centers. Archer and Joby Aviation plan pre-commercial flights in 2026, while Saudi Arabia’s GACA continues building regulatory and vertiport infrastructure. The partnership could extend to other giga-projects including Neom, Qiddiya, and The Line, positioning eVTOLs as a cornerstone of advanced air mobility in the kingdom.

🦄 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.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• The US has approved the export of 35,000 Nvidia Blackwell GB300 chips each to UAE’s G42 and Saudi Arabia’s Humain

• At the Saudi–US Investment Forum 2025, President Donald Trump delivered one of his most emphatic endorsements yet of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman

• The Arab YouTube Queen Noor Stars has officially launched her new fragrance brand Nafas

🔍In other news…

• Saudi Arabia leads $900m funding round to build ‘AI Hollywood’

• ‘I want to eliminate queues entirely at Dubai International Airport,’ says CEO Griffiths

• Lebanon Open to Hear IMF on Law to Fix $80 Billion Financial Gap

• UAE’s ‘digital dirham’ could benefit low-wage workers

• Dubai overtook Atlanta as world's busiest airport after US shutdown

• UK’s Cheval Collection plans Saudi projects as kingdom opens to foreign buyers

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• The weekly Smashi Crypto Show is also live. Expect it every Friday. Listen to it here.

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