Happy Saturday Everyone!

As we prepare to land in Doha on Sunday for the Web Summit Qatar 2025, the buzzing world of tech, AI and business conferences is nearing a halt due to a fast-approaching Ramadan.

For today’s top stories, we have chosen Alpha Data aiming to raise $163 Million from first IPO of 2025 on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Dubai-based Dubizzle’s acquisition of an Egyptian automotive company Hatla2ee as the online classifieds platform also eyes a potential IPO this year. Lastly, some investigation where we tried to understand the immediate effects on Middle East of US President Donald Trump’s directive to halt funding for USAID.

Scroll down for details.

But before that: You can join our Whatsapp channel too to receive updates from the business world.

Alpha Data Seeks $163M in IPO Amid Strong Market Interest

📰 What is it about?

• UAE technology company Alpha Data plans to raise up to Dh600 million ($163.4 million) through an initial public offering (IPO) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

• The company has set a share price range of Dh1.45 to Dh1.50, with plans to float 400 million shares, representing 40% of its total issued share capital.

• This move will give Alpha Data a market valuation of up to Dh1.5 billion upon listing.

💡 Why it matters?

• Alpha Data's IPO is a reflection of strong demand for listings in the UAE’s technology sector, highlighting the growing interest from investors.

• The company anticipates distributing a dividend of Dh130 million in 2025, showcasing its financial health and commitment to returning value to shareholders.

• The listing is part of a broader trend of increased IPO activity in the UAE, driven by robust economic momentum and government support for digital transformation.

🔜 What’s next?

• The subscription period for the IPO started on February 20 and will close on February 25, with the final offer price to be announced on February 26.

• The IPO aims to capitalize on the rapid growth of the technology sector and the expansion of agentic artificial intelligence systems.

• Analysts expect a strong pipeline of future IPO deals in the UAE, as the government continues to promote economic growth and unlock value in state entities.

Markets

Web Summit Qatar 2025: The Future of Tech and Innovation Converges in Doha

Web Summit Qatar 2025 is set to take place from February 23 to 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this premier technology conference aims to unite over 15,000 attendees from 180 countries, including 1,000 startups and 400 investors.

The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, such as Alexis Ohanian, Founder & General Partner of Seven Seven Six and Co-Founder of Reddit; Eduardo Saverin, Co-founder and Co-CEO of B Capital; Alexandr Wang, Founder and CEO of Scale AI; and Laura Chambers, CEO of Mozilla.

Web Summit Qatar 2025 serves as a vital platform for networking, collaboration, and idea exchange, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Middle East and beyond. The conference will cover a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, providing attendees with insights into the latest industry trends.

With its strategic location and commitment to technological advancement, Qatar continues to position itself as a global hub for the tech industry, making Web Summit Qatar 2025 a must-attend event for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

We, Smashi Business, will be attending the event to bring you all the updates. You can follow us here…

Dubizzle Group Expands Reach with Hatla2ee Acquisition with Eyes on Potential 2025 IPO

📰 What is it about?

• UAE-based classifieds platform Dubizzle Group has acquired Egyptian online car marketplace Hatla2ee for an undisclosed amount.

• This marks Dubizzle’s second automotive acquisition in under a year, following its purchase of Drive Arabia.

• Founded in 2016 by Samy Swellam, Hatla2ee serves over 2 million monthly visitors, facilitating the buying and selling of new and used cars.

💡 Why it matters?

• The acquisition aims to enhance the automotive experience for Egyptian users in a market of 114 million people.

• Dubizzle’s broader regional portfolio includes Bayut for real estate listings, demonstrating its commitment to expanding across multiple sectors.

• The move is part of Dubizzle’s pre-IPO strategy as it prepares to raise between $500 million and $1 billion with assistance from major financial institutions such as Emirates NBD, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and Morgan Stanley.

🔜 What’s next?

• The integration of Hatla2ee into Dubizzle's platform is expected to provide a seamless experience for car buyers and sellers in Egypt.

• As Dubizzle prepares for its IPO, it is likely to attract more attention from investors, enhancing its market presence in the MENA region.

• The acquisition aligns with the ongoing trend of digital transformation in the automotive industry, capitalizing on the growing demand for online car marketplaces.

Middle East Feels Impact of Trump’s USAID Funding Suspension

📰 What is it about?

• Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to halt USAID funding has triggered significant repercussions across the Middle East, affecting humanitarian aid and economic stability in various countries.

💡 Why it matters?

• Syria Faces Crisis at Al-Hawl Camp: The Al-Hawl refugee camp, housing nearly 40,000 individuals, is at risk, with essential services like water and sanitation endangered. The camp relies heavily on NGOs funded by the U.S., raising fears of disease outbreaks and security issues. The Syrian Democratic Forces have called for urgent international intervention.

• Jordan’s Stability at Risk: Jordan, receiving $1.2 billion in USAID funding annually (over 2% of its GDP), is facing potential economic and social instability. Analysts warn that the aid freeze could exacerbate existing challenges like high unemployment and refugee crises, threatening the country’s long-term security.

• Media Industry Controversy: The funding suspension has ignited controversy, with Trump accusing USAID of supporting pro-Democratic media narratives. Major news organizations have denied these claims, and rumors about the financial struggles of Dubai-based media startup Moniify due to the funding cuts remain unverified.

🔜 What’s next?

• As the impact of the funding suspension continues to unfold, humanitarian organizations and regional governments are closely monitoring the situation, assessing long-term consequences.

• The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region raise concerns over how countries will manage critical aid shortages and economic disruptions in the coming months.

• Stakeholders are urged to seek alternative funding sources and address the emerging humanitarian crises to ensure stability in affected regions.

🔍In other news…

• IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 conclude with total of AED25.15 billion in deals.

• New paper raises questions over Saudi foreign direct investment data: Semafor.

• Riyadh Air start may be delayed still further.

• This Israeli investor can’t wait for a Saudi-Israel peace deal: analysis.

• Abu Dhabi’s Aqua Bridge to build a $461 million aquaculture farm in India.

• Massive investment in cold storage needed in UAE.

The Latest from the Smashi Business Studio

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