Happy Sunday everyone!

Gulf giants are making bold moves across sectors. In Dubai, Dubizzle and Property Finder are courting equity investors ahead of potential IPOs, signaling confidence in the city’s real estate-fueled digital economy. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways is stockpiling aircraft parts to shield itself from the impact of rising tariffs, with CEO Badr Al-Meer assuring Bloomberg the airline will “absorb and adapt.” And in South Africa, Saudi Arabia’s investment spree is paying off — with billions already committed across renewables, logistics, and real estate as Riyadh deepens ties with Africa’s most industrialized economy. Let’s dive into today’s top business stories.

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

For quick daily updates, follow us on Instagram, and you can watch our Smashi Business Show live every weekday from 10AM onwards (UAE time).

Dubizzle, Property Finder Sounding Out Equity Investors before IPOs

📰 What is it about?

• Two of Dubai’s biggest online real estate platforms — Dubizzle Ltd. and Property Finder — are sounding out equity investors as they eye potential initial public offerings (IPOs), Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

  • Dubizzle is reportedly working with Emirates NBD, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and Morgan Stanley to prepare for a potential IPO that could raise at least $500 million, though size and timing are still under discussion.

  • Property Finder is conducting a “non-deal roadshow” and is actively engaging investors, per its CEO Michael Lahyani, who confirmed the talks to Bloomberg.

  Both companies declined to comment to Bloomberg on IPO timelines and deal specifics.

💡 Why it matters?

• This investor outreach comes as Dubai’s real estate market continues its boom, with prices up over 70% in four years.

  • Both platforms aim to capitalize on surging demand and investor appetite in the region, which has remained resilient despite global economic uncertainty.

  • Property Finder, last valued at around $1 billion, recently raised $90 million in debt to buy back shares from BECO Capital — part of a broader move to reshape its investor base.

  • The momentum reflects broader optimism: Dubai Holding is also exploring real estate listings, and Middle East IPO pipelines remain active, even amid global market jitters and falling oil prices.

🔜 What’s next?

• Dubizzle’s IPO could materialize in the coming months if market conditions remain favorable — the investor meetings are early-stage but strategic.

• Property Finder is laying the foundation for a future public listing, with its recent debt restructuring and investor engagement part of the long-term play.

• While there’s macro risk from oil volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, Middle East equity markets are proving resilient, and Dubai’s high-end real estate remains a magnet for global wealth.

• More IPOs — especially in tech and property — could follow if these two deals gain traction.

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

Qatar Airways will “Absorb and Adapt with any Changes” to fight Tariff Impact

📰 What is it about?

• Qatar Airways is stockpiling aircraft spare parts to cushion the blow from rising import tariffs, CEO Badr Al-Meertold Bloomberg. While the airline admits tariffs are impacting its supply chain and cargo operations, it has built sufficient inventory to avoid disruption — at least for now.

  • Despite cost pressures, Qatar Airways won’t pass on the costs to passengers.

  • The airline also hinted at phasing out Boeing 737s in favor of an Airbus-only narrowbody strategy, anchored by nearly 60 A321neo jets.

  • A new widebody aircraft deal is in the works and expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

💡 Why it matters?

• Airlines globally are being hit by a double whammy:

  1. Tariffs on imported goods (especially aircraft parts) following U.S. trade policy shifts under President Trump.

  2. Softening travel demand in major markets like the U.S.

  But Qatar Airways appears better positioned than some rivals:

  • Strong demand on U.S. routes is keeping its sales healthy — a view echoed by Emirates, but contrasted by Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines, which are showing signs of slowdown.

  • By diversifying and preparing early, Qatar is showing operational resilience in an increasingly volatile global aviation landscape.

🔜 What’s next?

• Expect a major widebody order announcement soon — which will likely bolster Airbus or Boeing’s standing in the region.

• Watch for Qatar’s single-aisle fleet shift toward Airbus A320-family aircraft as it gradually phases out leased Boeing 737s.

• The airline will also retrofit more A350 aircraft with Q-Suite cabins, skipping the wait for delayed Boeing 777Xdeliveries.

• Qatar Airways, now the second-largest carrier in the region after Emirates, is leveraging this moment to solidify its fleet strategy, manage trade turbulence, and stay competitive in both passenger experience and network expansion.

Saudi is Reaping Billions of Dollars of Rewards Through Investment in South Africa

What is happening?

• Saudi Arabia is ramping up its investment footprint in South Africa, with about $5 billion worth of deals either signed or under discussion across renewables, logistics, ports, real estate, gas stations, and mining, Bloomberg reports.

  • This follows a steady stream of bilateral visits since a 2022 meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

  • Companies like ACWA Power, Red Sea Gateway Terminal, and Saudi Aramco are all actively bidding or investing in key assets.

  • Talks are also on for a direct flight route between Riyadh and Johannesburg as engagement deepens.

Why it matters:

• This is part of a broader Gulf push into Africa, with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE targeting strategic sectors like energy, mining, and food security.

  • South Africa stands out for its industrial base, strong infrastructure, and undervalued companies.

  • Bloomberg cites analysts who point to South Africa's high-quality management, IP, and cost-efficient operationsas big draws.

  • It fits into Vision 2030, the Saudi plan to diversify its economy and build influence across emerging markets.

  • As oil revenues tighten, Riyadh is seeking higher-return international bets while also backing domestic growth.

What’s next?

• ACWA Power plans to invest another $378 million in South African energy and water projects over five years.

• Red Sea Gateway Terminal may bid over $600 million for Durban port, and is eyeing Cape Town’s terminal if it opens up.

• Saudi Aramco is vying for Shell’s gas stations in a $1 billion deal.

• A platinum refinery, telecom expansions, and pharmaceutical partnerships are also in the pipeline.

• Saudi and South African officials are compiling a new list of deals, and a high-level economic committee meets next month in Riyadh.

• Despite some hurdles — such as the lack of a bilateral investment treaty and bureaucratic delays — Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a top investor in South Africa’s future, using capital to gain influence and hedge against oil dependency.

• Bloomberg notes the dealmaking is mutually beneficial, as South Africa seeks fresh capital and entry points into the Middle East — a fast-growing, high-potential market.

🔍In other news…

• Sri Lanka to begin talks with India, UAE for new energy hub.

• The International Monetary Fund plans to work with Syria to help it reintegrate into the global economy, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

• UK lifts sanctions to help Syria rebuild financial, energy sectors.

• Tourism In Dubai Rose By 3% In The First Quarter Of 2025, Says DCTM CEO.

• DP World Sourced 65% Of Its Electricity Consumption In 2024 From Renewable Energy.

• We will consider each new transaction on a “merit basis”, says Mubadala CEO Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak.

• Demand is growing for Islamic banking in Oman.

• Economic growth in Lebanon not possible without social stability, minister tells The National.

• Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre logs $6.89B property transactions in Q1-2025.

The Latest from the Smashi Business Studio

Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe here