Happy Saturday everyone!

A story that Smashi Business broke back on February 24, 2024 of the famous Dubai businessman Abu Sabah being arrested has an update: He has been fined AED 500,000, jailed for 5 years, and will be deported after serving the sentence. Details here.

For our main stories today: Dubai’s real estate market kicked off 2025 with AED 179B in Q1 transactions, led by off-plan residential sales and a surge in mortgage activity. Meanwhile, Capital.com’s Tarik Chebib shared a hard truth about modern careers — hard work alone won’t get you ahead without strategy and visibility. And Peter Jacob of Current Global reflected on nine years in Dubai, embracing discomfort as a path to personal and professional growth.

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

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Dubai Real Estate Kicks Off 2025 Strong With AED 179B In Q1 Transactions

📰 What is it about?

• Dubai’s real estate market saw a robust start to the year, with a total transaction value of AED 179 billion in Q1 2025, according to EFG Hermes’ latest Dubai Property Tracker report — a 7% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase.

• Residential activity led the way, accounting for 72% of total transactions, with 49.6k units sold worth AED 128.6 bn — up 23% y-o-y, but down 8% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q).

• Off-plan sales dominated with a 60% share (AED 74.2 bn, +28% y-o-y), driven by launches in Palm Jebel Ali and The Valley. Ready sales made up 26%, and mortgages 14% of transactions.

• Mortgage activity rose 30% y-o-y, supported by declining interest rates, although it dropped 29% q-o-q.

• Average prices declined 2% q-o-q from a high base in 4Q 2024. Affordable and budget segments made up 79% of transactions, with values rising 59% y-o-y, while luxury fell 2.7% y-o-y.

💡 Why it matters?

• The data signals strong investor and end-user confidence in Dubai’s property sector despite global uncertainty and minor price corrections.

• A shift is visible in market preference toward off-plan and affordable housing, driven by new project launches and changing buyer demographics.

• The mortgage market rebound reflects easing borrowing costs, as the 3M EIBOR hit a 3-month low in January.

• Rental dynamics are shifting: for the first time since 2022, Abu Dhabi outperformed Dubai in rental yields in Feb and Mar 2025, possibly indicating tightening returns in the Dubai market.

• Office leasing activity jumped 21% q-o-q, with demand concentrated in Business Bay, JLT, and Downtown, pointing to renewed business expansion and corporate relocation.

🔜 What’s next?

• Expect continued momentum in off-plan and affordable segments, especially as developers capitalize on demand with new launches.

• Mortgage activity may stay elevated if interest rates remain soft, further supporting the ready property market.

• The luxury segment could face headwinds amid a shift in buyer interest and price normalization.

• Rental markets may become more competitive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, influencing investor strategies.

• Sustained growth in office space leasing suggests increased commercial activity, possibly tied to regional economic optimism and business-friendly policies.

ODEUM – A Cutting-Edge Content Studio for All Your Production and Social Media Management Needs

📰 What is it about?

• Odeum, the content studio built for modern media consumption, partnering with brands to deliver tailored content services while also creating original productions under the Augustus Media network.

💡 Why Choose ODEUM?

At ODEUM, we provide end-to-end media solutions to elevate your brand across multiple platforms.

• Video: Distribution, post-production, production, live streaming, series and show creation, animation, branded content, AI-powered video creation, CGI video creation.

• Social Media: Account takeovers, strategic posts, tactical competitions.

• Copywriting: Branded content hubs, sponsored articles.

• Events: Media partnerships, co-branding, guest list curation, ticket commerce.

• Audio: Podcast production, hosting, voiceovers, audio ads.

• Online Advertising: Programmatic, display, paid social, affiliate marketing.

🔜 What’s next?

• Have a project in mind? Let's make it happen!

• Book a studio or discuss your next big idea with us today.

Follow ODEUM on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

Markets

Hard Work Isn’t Enough: Career Truths From Capital.com’s Tarik Chebib

📰 What is it about?

• Tarik Chebib, CEO Middle East at Capital.com, reflects on a tough but universal career realization: hard work alone doesn't guarantee success.

• He points out the gap between effort and reward — where visibility, negotiation, and strategic thinking often matter more than quiet diligence.

• Many professionals face burnout not from tasks, but from disillusionment with a system that doesn’t always reward loyalty or output.

💡 Why it matters?

• Chebib’s post resonates widely because it challenges a long-held belief: that keeping your head down and delivering will eventually pay off.

• His insights shine a light on why some high performers stagnate, while others who master self-advocacy and visibility climb faster.

• It speaks to a growing movement of professionals who are reclaiming agency over their careers by learning new rules of the game.

🔜 What’s next?

• Chebib encourages a mindset shift: don’t just work — build leverage, learn to say no, and create income beyond your salary.

• For professionals feeling stuck, this is a call to action: prioritize ownership, visibility, and strategic career moves.

• As workplaces evolve, mastering both the craft and the politics of career growth will be essential to thrive, not just survive.

What 9 Years In Dubai Taught Peter Jacob About Growth, Discomfort, And Paninis

What is happening?

• Dubai-based Peter Jacob, Managing Director MENAT at Current Global, marks 9 years since moving to Dubai — a journey that was supposed to last only two.

• His recent LinkedIn post isn’t just about life as an expat, but a reflection on the power of trying new things — from relocating to sampling a courgette panini.

• From major life decisions to minor everyday changes, stepping out of your comfort zone unlocks new layers of personal and professional growth.

Why it matters:

• Jacob highlights four major takeaways from embracing the unfamiliar:

  1. Perspective – Being the outsider forces you to learn fast.

  2. Resilience – You develop sharper instincts and broader thinking.

  3. Clarity – You challenge assumptions and rediscover who you are.

  4. Humility – You unlearn, listen more, and reflect deeper on what truly matters.

• His message resonates with anyone navigating change: discomfort isn't a setback — it’s a catalyst for transformation.

What’s next?

• Jacob encourages professionals to welcome the unfamiliar, whether it’s a solo trip, a different podcast, or a bold lunch order.

• The focus? Not just arriving somewhere — but embracing the journey, the discomfort, and the surprises along the way.

• His parting advice is simple yet powerful: “Stay Current. Stay Global.” — a reminder to stay curious and open, wherever you are.

🔍From Smashi Business’ Desk

• B’Laban Reopens in Egypt After Violations Resolved.

• MrBeast signs with Riyadh Season!

🔍In other news…

• Dubai must 'take the lead' on cryptocurrency payments at hotels, tourism chief says.

• Syria signs new 30-year deal with French shipping giant CMA CGM.

• Saudi Arabia's GDP expands 2.7% in first quarter.

• QatarEnergy Holding Discussions With Japanese Firms For Long-Term LNG Supply Agreement, Says Report.

• Riyadh Air signs 11 major agreements with global partners at ATM 2025 to serve 125 countries.

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