Happy Thursday everyone!

Here’s what’s making headlines in the business world today:

Arab leaders have approved a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, rejecting displacement and aiming for stability in the region. Meanwhile, Qatar has been named the richest Arab country, ranking 4th globally in per capita income, according to an ESCWA report. In aviation, Emirates will invest $5 billion to refit 220 aircraft as delivery delays force airlines to upgrade existing fleets.

Read on for more.

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Arab Leaders Approve $53 Billion Gaza Rebuild Plan as Alternative to Trump's 'Riviera' Vision

📰 What is it about?

• Arab leaders, led by Egypt, have endorsed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza.

• The plan prioritizes rebuilding the enclave without displacing Palestinians.

• Egypt proposed an independent, non-partisan Palestinian committee to temporarily govern Gaza.

• The Palestinian Authority (PA) would eventually regain control of the territory.

• Hamas has welcomed the proposal, while Israel strongly opposes reliance on the PA.

💡 Why it matters?

• The future governance of Gaza is uncertain, with tensions between Hamas, the PA, and Israel.

• The plan contradicts Trump’s "Middle East Riviera" concept, which involved resettling Palestinians elsewhere.

• Gulf states, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are expected to provide crucial funding.

• The fate of Hamas remains a key sticking point, with calls for its disarmament.

• International players, including the U.S. and Israel, would need to approve any lasting agreement.

🔜 What’s next?

• A reconstruction fund may be set up under the World Bank for oversight.

• Discussions will continue on how to disarm Hamas and transition governance to the PA.

• Israel insists on Hamas' immediate military dismantling, complicating negotiations.

• Saudi Arabia demands international guarantees to maintain the ceasefire.

• The success of the plan depends on diplomatic agreements and securing billions in funding.

Yango Ads' "Revenue Revolution" in Dubai Empowers App Developers to Maximize Ad Revenue

Yango Ads App Monetization hosted the "Revenue Revolution" event in Dubai on February 20th, uniting app developers and industry leaders to enhance ad revenue. Among other respectful guests were representatives from YallaPlay, Shorooq Partners, Department of Culture and Tourism and MMA MENA who shared their expertise during the panel “Shaping the gaming ecosystem in MENA”. 

At the event, Abdullah Homsi, Regional Supply Manager MEAIP at App Monetization, shared that 43% of publishers struggle with complex setups and paperwork. App Monetization simplifies this by managing ad unit creation and all the setups, providing access to 15 networks and over 200 DSPs. 

Increase your income with Yango Ads App Monetization.

Markets

Qatar Named Richest Arab Nation, UAE Follows, Says ESCWA Report

📰 What is it about?

• Qatar ranks as the richest country in the Arab region and 4th globally in per capita income.

• The UAE is the second richest Arab nation (12th worldwide), followed by Bahrain (26th).

• Somalia and Syria are among the lowest in per capita income globally.

• The report, by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), analyzes Arab economies between 2017 and 2023.

• It examines purchasing power parities (PPPs) and economic performance across the region.

💡 Why it matters?

• The Arab region contributes about 5% of global GDP, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia among the world's 20 largest economies.

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have per capita incomes exceeding the global average.

• Despite its high GDP per capita, Qatar ranks 3rd in material well-being in the Arab world, behind the UAE and Kuwait.

• The study provides insights into competitiveness, investment opportunities, and government fiscal policies.

🔜 What’s next?

• Policymakers may use PPP data for economic planning and subsidy adjustments.

• Gulf nations will continue leveraging their wealth for diversification and investment.

• Economic gaps between Arab countries may influence regional development policies.

• Future reports will further track economic shifts and purchasing power trends in the region.

“We have no Choice”, says Emirates CEO as Airline Will Spend $5 Billion on Aircraft Refits

What is happening?

• Emirates will invest $5 billion to refit 220 aircraft to sustain and expand its network.

• The move comes as airlines face delays in the delivery of new jets.

• The engineering team is accelerating efforts to upgrade aircraft with available parts.

• Other airlines, including Air India, are also refurbishing their fleets to maintain service quality.

Why it matters:

• The aviation industry is struggling with supply chain issues and production setbacks.

• Emirates’ decision highlights the impact of delayed aircraft deliveries from manufacturers.

• Boeing’s credibility remains in question, especially after safety concerns and leadership changes.

• The move ensures Emirates maintains its premium passenger experience despite fleet challenges.

What’s next?

• Emirates remains uncertain about Boeing 777X deliveries scheduled for October 2025.

• The airline will continue self-managing fleet upgrades as it awaits new aircraft.

• Industry-wide refits could become a growing trend if delivery delays persist.

• Airlines may pressure manufacturers like Boeing to improve production timelines.

🔍In other news…

• Etihad Airways delays $1B IPO launch to next month.

• Reuters Exclusive: Saudi Arabia-backed sports fund weighs investing in World Athletics.

• Middle East is top recipient of Chinese Belt and Road deals.

• Revenue of PIF-owned Newcastle jumps 28% as losses drop sharply for 2023-24 season.

• Airbus weighs production of military aircraft parts in UAE.

• Saudi Aramco weighs bid for BP’s Castrol lubricant assets.

The Latest from the Smashi Business Studio

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