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- "Working Through Conflict"; "Diesel for Anti-Drone Support"; Call for U16 Social Media Ban in UAE
"Working Through Conflict"; "Diesel for Anti-Drone Support"; Call for U16 Social Media Ban in UAE
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Saturday, April 11, 2026
Happy Saturday everyone!
From a rocket strike in Beirut to wartime diplomacy in Kyiv and a parenting dilemma in the UAE, today’s stories capture a world operating under pressure. Stefano Fallaha shows how founders continue building even as conflict hits close to home (literally), while Volodymyr Zelenskiy is leveraging battlefield experience to secure Gulf support. Closer to home, a UAE founder’s viral post questions whether social media should be off-limits for under-16s.
In the wake of developments in the region, we hope everyone stays safe. At this critical moment, it is essential to remain united and follow guidance issued by official authorities from your country.
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Podeo CEO Stefano Fallaha Reflects On Working Through Conflict In Beirut
What Is It About?
Stefano Fallaha, founder of Podeo, shared a personal account of working through escalating tensions in Beirut, revealing that a rocket strike hit just 200 meters from his home on the same day he closed a deal with a Fortune 500 company. “Yesterday was the closest one yet,” he wrote, describing how he briefly checked on loved ones before returning to calls, emails and meetings.
Why It Matters?
Fallaha’s post highlights the growing reality for professionals operating in conflict zones, where business continuity and personal safety collide. “I don’t know what to call that. Resilience sounds too clean. Numbness sounds too dark,” he said, capturing the psychological toll of maintaining performance under stress. His reflections resonate with founders and operators navigating instability, while global teams often continue to function as if conditions remain normal.
What’s Next?
Despite the uncertainty, Fallaha emphasized persistence and purpose, noting that small routines—from exercise to social moments—help sustain momentum. “The only thing you can control yourself is finding things that refuel you before you hit empty,” he wrote. His message underscores a broader mindset among entrepreneurs in volatile environments: “We’re still here. Still locked in. Still shipping products… This too shall pass.”
This Deloitte Fast 500 Honoree Is Eyeing 7X Growth
On 55,000+ screens in the US, a new cutting-edge AI platform is modernizing the guest experience across industries.
And the company behind it, Edison Interactive, is just getting started. They’ve even opened a new investment opportunity with plans to grow its footprint from 55,000 to 400,000 screens.
Edison’s AI-powered entertainment platform modernizes screens in venues like golf courses and hotels, helping the company earn Deloitte Fast 500 Honoree. Already deployed at premier locations like TPC, Bethpage, and Caesars Entertainment, it opens new revenue streams for operators and Edison. In fact, they’ve already earned $60M to date.
And to grow its footprint 7X, Edison is doing more than just expanding in golf and hospitality. Verizon is partnering with Edison to bring their platform to professional sports stadiums. From there, airplanes, cruise ships, trains, and more await.
This is a paid advertisement for Edison Interactive Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.edisoninteractive.com/
Ukraine Trades Defense Expertise For Gulf Support Amid War Pressure
What Is It About?
Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine will receive fuel, financial backing and energy-sector support from Gulf nations in exchange for helping counter Iranian drone threats. Kyiv has deployed military specialists and low-cost anti-drone systems across the region, securing long-term security deals with multiple states while negotiating others, as it leverages battlefield experience gained during Russia’s invasion.
Why It Matters?
The arrangement highlights Ukraine’s shift toward defense diplomacy as it faces strained Western support and ongoing Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. By positioning itself as a security partner, Kyiv gains vital resources while Gulf states benefit from proven counter-drone capabilities. The cooperation also reflects broader geopolitical realignment as the Middle East faces rising Iranian threats and global energy markets remain volatile.
What’s Next?
Zelenskiy expects mounting political pressure this summer as the US approaches elections, limiting diplomatic timelines. He signaled potential talks with Donald Trump allies including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin continues offensives in eastern Ukraine, despite a brief Easter truce, with Kyiv bracing for intensified fighting and uncertain negotiations.
UAE Founder Calls For Social Media Ban For Under-16s In The UAE
What Is It About?
A UAE-based founder has sparked debate after sharing how his 12-year-old daughter built a full presentation arguing for access to Snapchat. While impressed by her reasoning, he highlighted how children increasingly rely on such platforms to socialize, plan and stay connected—raising a broader question about whether parents should permit access despite growing global concerns.
Why It Matters?
The post taps into rising anxiety around tech platforms, particularly after Meta faced legal scrutiny and fines over child safety, alongside criticism of addictive design features across platforms like Instagram and YouTube. With countries moving to restrict youth access, the founder argues the issue is no longer personal parenting—but a systemic challenge affecting children’s wellbeing.
What’s Next?
The founder called on the UAE to consider a ban on social media for under-16s, echoing moves seen globally, and asked how to initiate a formal petition. His comments have resonated with parents facing similar dilemmas, suggesting growing momentum for policy discussions in the region as families weigh social inclusion against long-term mental health risks.
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👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
Dubai-based Independent Food Company is hiring across roles including marketing, content and hospitality.
In a striking move that defies industry trends, Alsayegh Worldwide has made a bold commitment to its workforce. Leadership vows there will be no salary reductions and no job losses through 2026.
Saudi Research & Media Group (SRMG) is rewriting the rules of media in MENA.
Semafor is doubling down on the Gulf. The Semafor is expanding to a five-day publishing schedule, scaling hiring, and growing its events business as global attention on the region surges.
Telegram founder and UAE citizen Pavel Durov said Iran’s ban on the platform has led to widespread VPN usage rather than adoption of state-backed messaging apps.
🔍In other news…
Saudi oil exports take 700,000-bpd hit from Iranian attacks
UAE’s Al Habtoor plans $1.4bn commercial tower in Dubai
DIFC and DFSA unveil relief measures to help Dubai financial firms navigate Iran war fallout
IMF chief warns Iran war could lead to higher interest rates
UAE to participate in World Bank, IMF Spring Meetings in Washington mid-April
Sharjah’s resilient economy drives growth in key sectors
🦄 World of Startups
Egypt’s Lucky Raises USD 23M Series B. Its Consumer Credit Model is Expanding Into North Africa
“We Got Funded!” Maison Safqa Raises US$620,000 in Pre-Seed Funding to Expand Luxury Flash-Sale Platform Across GCC
Via Separations, US-based deeptech startup, raised $36M in funding from Aramco Ventures (Saudi), and other global investors.
How Intrepid hit record profits without dropping its principles
29% revenue growth. Record profits. And a company willing to say what didn't go to plan. Intrepid's 2025 Integrated Annual Report shows how purpose and profitability scaled together, and what it's targeting next on the path to $1bn.
