- Smashi Business
- Posts
- Etihad 'Open to' Wizz Staff; Saudi Publishes Full Text of New Property Law; Fine Dining Rules for Michelin Push in Saudi
Etihad 'Open to' Wizz Staff; Saudi Publishes Full Text of New Property Law; Fine Dining Rules for Michelin Push in Saudi
In partnership with
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Happy Sunday everyone!
Etihad Airways is “totally open” to hiring Wizz Air Abu Dhabi employees as the low-cost carrier prepares to exit the UAE, CEO Antonoaldo Neves said, amid a major hiring spree. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has published a sweeping new law granting expanded real estate rights to non-Saudis—excluding Makkah and Madinah—marking a milestone in its investment strategy. In another policy shift, the kingdom has introduced new fine dining standards ahead of the 2026 Michelin Guide launch, requiring everything from valet parking to three-course menus as part of its broader push to become a global culinary hub.
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.
“We’re Totally Open”: Etihad CEO Ready To Hire Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Staff After Exit
🔹 What Is It About
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the airline is “totally open” to hiring employees from Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, which will cease operations in the UAE from September 1. “We need people. I'm sure that other airlines are also going to try it… This is business as usual,” Neves told Khaleej Times, adding that Etihad recruits globally and welcomes resumes from any airline.
🔹 Why It Matters
Around 450 Wizz Air Abu Dhabi employees face uncertain futures after the joint venture’s suspension. While the carrier offered relocation options within Europe, many may struggle to move. Etihad’s growing demand for staff amid a rapid expansion offers a timely alternative, as it plans to hire 2,500 people in 2025 alone.
🔹 What’s Next
Etihad expects to receive 22 aircraft this year and grow its fleet to 200–220 over five years. “We're going to hire about 350 pilots per year and about 1,500 flight attendants every year,” said Neves. The airline recently added seven new destinations and aims to reach a workforce of up to 18,000.
Run IRL ads as easily as PPC
AdQuick unlocks the benefits of Out Of Home (OOH) advertising in a way no one else has. Approaching the problem with eyes to performance, created for marketers with the engineering excellence you’ve come to expect for the internet.
Marketers agree OOH is one of the best ways for building brand awareness, reaching new customers, and reinforcing your brand message. It’s just been difficult to scale. But with AdQuick, you can plan, deploy and measure campaigns as easily as digital ads, making them a no-brainer to add to your team’s toolbox.
You can learn more at AdQuick.com
Markets
EGX 30 | 34,125.12 | Closed |
DFMGI | 6,150.46 | Closed |
ADX | 10,340.06 | Closed |
Tadawul | 10,945.80 | Closed |
Saudi Arabia has Published the Full Text of a Landmark New Law Expanding Real Estate Rights for Non-Saudis
🔹 What Is It About
Saudi Arabia has published the full text of a landmark new law expanding real estate rights for non-Saudis, allowing individuals, companies, and nonprofits to own or lease property in designated zones. The law, replacing a 2000 decree, was published in the Umm Al-Qura Gazette and will take effect in 180 days.
🔹 Why It Matters
This is a major shift in property access policy and a step toward making Saudi Arabia more attractive to foreign investors and residents. “Ownership, usufruct, leaseholds… are now open — but within limits,” Saudi Gazette reported. However, Makkah and Madinah remain restricted, with exceptions only for individual Muslim owners under strict conditions.
🔹 What’s Next
The Council of Ministers will define which areas are open to foreign ownership and set limits on how much property can be held and for how long. Executive regulations and further implementation details will be released within six months. All foreign buyers must register their property, and violations may trigger fines or forced sales.
Smashi Sports – Your Home for Regional Sports
Want front-row access to the UAE’s top sports action?
Subscribe to Smashi.tv and stream every match from the UAE Basketball League, UAE Futsal League, UAE Volleyball League, and UAE Handball League — live. Smashi Sports also brings you exclusive coverage of the Emirates Drift Championship and the MINA Cup. Watch in HD, enjoy replays anytime, and stay updated with in-depth local coverage you won’t find anywhere else.
🎯 Subscribe Now for a Full Season Plan: Get 30% OFF and unlock full access to premium sports content all season long.
Saudi Arabia Sets Fine Dining Rules Ahead Of Michelin Guide Launch
🔹 What Is It About
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new set of fine dining regulations as it prepares to welcome its first Michelin Guide in 2026. The rules include mandatory valet parking, dress codes, digital reservations, and a ban on visible checkouts or drive-thrus — aimed at elevating restaurant standards nationwide.
🔹 Why It Matters
The move is part of a broader strategy to position the kingdom as a global culinary destination and meet Vision 2030 goals of attracting 150 million tourists. Consultants say the framework signals serious ambition to attract top-tier chefs, investors, and restaurant talent.
🔹 What’s Next
With the Culinary Arts Commission and Michelin now formally partnered, Saudi Arabia joins the UAE and Qatar as the third Gulf country with its own guide. The next step will be building the ecosystem to support a fine dining boom and secure those coveted Michelin stars.
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
Dreamers: From selling his car to pay salaries to leading a $10.9B real estate empire—Muhammad BinGhatti’s journey is one of bold vision and resilience.
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…
Morocco allocates nearly $4bn to upgrade airports
China’s ‘used’ cars find a back door through Dubai
UAE could see up to five IPOs before year-end, says Citi
Space42 secures $695.5mln facility to fund UAE satellites
Hard Rock International to open new hotel, residences in Ras Al Khaimah
America’s Newest Arab-American Billionaire: Meet Ramp’s Karim Atiyeh
UAE gold shoppers get 3-day 'flash sales' and up to 50% discounts
UAE: Companies in select free zones can now buy and own property in Dubai under new deal.
Iraq starts work on $4bn seawater desalination plant
Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group establishes its first international office in China
🏦Crypto Corner
Hut 8, part of a American BTC which is partially owned by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, Gets Approval to Operate in Dubai Financial Hub
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department now accept AE Coin
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
Follow Smashi Crypto to find out what’s news in the world of digital assets.
Latest from the Smashi Business Studio
Apple Podcasts: http://aug.us/40B9h6I
Spotify: http://aug.us/4exbk1m
Youtube: http://aug.us/3TYduO5