Happy Tuesday everyone!

In today’s top stories: Egypt is preparing a new slate of investment opportunities aimed at attracting US firms as part of its economic reform drive; Mubadala has joined other investors in backing Dubai-based Qlub with $30M to fuel global expansion; and US officials are delaying the UAE’s access to Nvidia AI chips over national security concerns tied to Chinese tech links.

But before that: For quick daily updates, follow us on Instagram, and you can watch our Smashi Business Show live every weekday from 10AM onwards (UAE time). Also, you can join our Whatsapp channel to receive updates from the business world.

Egypt Plans To Offer New Investment Opportunities To US Firms

🔹 What Is It About

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has directed his government to prepare a package of investment opportunities tailored for US companies. This initiative aims to strengthen Egypt-US economic relations by showcasing sectors such as ports, maritime transport, and industrial zones, amid Egypt’s ongoing economic reforms and Vision 2030 strategy.

🔹 Why It Matters

Over 1,800 US firms currently operate in Egypt, investing $47 billion over 20 years. Deepening ties with the US is a strategic priority for Egypt as it seeks to attract foreign direct investment to support sustainable growth amid global economic challenges.

🔹 What’s Next

The government will remove barriers to joint cooperation and propose specific projects to US investors. Relevant authorities have been tasked to coordinate efforts and present promising investment packages, building on successful existing collaborations and upcoming discussions to boost investment inflows.

Binance Launches World’s First Sharia-Compliant Multi-Token Staking

Binance has introduced Sharia Earn — a groundbreaking, Sharia-certified staking product built for the global Muslim community. Developed in partnership with Amanie Advisors, this new platform allows users to earn passive income on BNB, ETH, and SOL while staying fully aligned with Islamic finance principles.

It’s a major step toward financial inclusion, bridging halal investing with cutting-edge blockchain technology. Sharia Earn empowers faith-based investors with a transparent, values-driven way to participate in the crypto revolution. Now available in 30+ countries across the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa, with more countries set to be added soon! 

Learn more and start staking the halal way.

Markets

Mubadala Backs Dubai-Based Restaurant Payments Startup Qlub In $30M Funding Round

🔹 What Is It About

Dubai-based restaurant payments startup Qlub has raised $30 million in fresh funding to fuel global expansion. The round was co-led by Mubadala Investment Co., Shorooq Partners, and Berlin’s Cherry Ventures, with participation from UAE telecom group e& and China’s Legend Capital. Qlub has now raised $72 million since its 2021 launch.

🔹 Why It Matters

Qlub’s contactless dining tech—used by brands like Paul Cafe and Wagamama—processes billions in transactions across the Middle East and beyond. The investment highlights growing interest in digital payments and hospitality tech, as well as Mubadala’s continued support for regional innovation.

🔹 What’s Next

The company plans to expand into new markets, bolster its presence in existing ones, and enhance its platform with advanced analytics. The funding comes amid a surge in Middle East startup activity, with regional VC funding hitting $1.35 billion in H1 2025 despite global downturns.

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US Officials Stall UAE’s Access To Nvidia AI Chips Over Security Fears

🔹 What Is It About

The U.S. is delaying the delivery of Nvidia AI chips to the UAE, citing national security concerns, according to The Wall Street Journal. The holdup affects a May agreement signed during former President Trump’s visit to the UAE, which included a 500,000-chip annual supply and a 5GW data center in Abu Dhabi hosting US AI firms.

🔹 Why It Matters

Concerns center on potential Chinese access to sensitive technology through G42, Abu Dhabi’s state-backed AI firm with historic China ties. G42 was set to receive 20% of the chips. While the agreement included “strong security guarantees,” some officials remain unconvinced, prompting calls to restrict G42’s direct access to the hardware.

🔹 What’s Next

The dispute could delay implementation unless the UAE agrees to stricter safeguards. The U.S. Commerce Department is considering new restrictions, though Secretary Howard Lutnick maintains confidence that the plan will proceed. Final terms of the agreement remain under negotiation.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Dreamers: From arriving in Dubai with just a suitcase to leading the Gulf’s first female-founded private equity firm, Huda Al-Lawati is a true trailblazer

• Tabby founder, Palestinian entrepreneur Hosam Arab, speaks out on LinkedIn, condemning the starvation crisis in Gaza and calling for an end to the siege.

• Smashi Business Exclusive: House of Pops Eyes European Expansion

• From inventing Dubai Chocolate to sharing his journey from Burj Al Arab to TEDx, Chef Noel Catiz joined the Lovin Dubai Show to talk desserts, ideas, and his deep love for Kanafa Nabulsi

🔍In other news…

• Dubai Court orders restaurant to vacate DIFC

• Record profits for two of Saudi’s biggest banks

• Sheikh Mohammed issues new law on resolving citizen home building contract disputes in Dubai

• Abu Dhabi airports welcome over 15.8 million passengers in H1 2025, up 13.1 percent

• UAE-owned botim is getting as many payment transfers as video calls

• Egypt-Based Printing Platform National Printing To Float 10% Stake In IPO

🏦Crypto Corner

• Crypto Market Value Tops $4 Trillion as Stablecoin Bill Passes

• Ripple Partners Ctrl Alt to Tokenize Dubai Real Estate on XRP Ledger

• You can soon use crypto when paying at Dubai Duty Free and when flying Emirates in new landmark deal

• UAE authority clarifies no Golden Visa issuance for crypto investors

• Dubai Land Department teams up with Crypto.com on digital real estate investment plan

• Bitcoin Miner Tied to Trump Sons Plans Dubai Crypto Trading Team

Follow Smashi Crypto to find out what’s news in the world of digital assets.

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