Happy Wednesday everyone!

Retail is being redefined in the GCC, with BFL Group’s Toufic Kreidieh highlighting a shift toward value-driven consumer behavior. In Riyadh, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal shares bold views on Trump’s tariffs, the AI revolution, and Saudi Arabia’s non-oil future in an exclusive with Forbes Middle East. Meanwhile, UAE billionaire Khalaf Al-Habtoor plans to dismantle and relocate his Beirut hotel, marking a dramatic exit from Lebanon. Let’s dive in.

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Off-Price is the New Norm, Writes Brands for Less CEO Toufic Kreidieh

📰 What is it about?

• Toufic Kreidieh, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Brands For Less, wrote on LinkedIn that the GCC retail landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. After more than two decades in the industry, he’s seeing a fundamental shift in consumer behavior: shoppers still want quality and brands—but they’re more focused on value and purpose-driven purchases than ever before.

• At Brands For Less, Kreidieh notes, off-price retail has evolved from a niche concept into a mainstream preference. “It’s no longer just about having the latest thing—it’s about smart decisions,” he says.

💡 Why it matters?

• According to Kreidieh, this change isn’t temporary. It's a reflection of a more mature, digitally savvy customer base in the region.

• In his view, retail in the GCC is moving beyond flash and status toward relevance and intention. “People are no longer chasing trends—they’re chasing what matters to them,” he explains.

🔜 What’s next?

• Kreidieh believes the future of retail lies in understanding what customers truly value—and delivering it with precision. That means leaning into data, embracing digital, and staying grounded in purpose

• “The real opportunity,” he says, “isn’t in glitz, but in building trust and relevance in a changing world.”

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

Forbes Exclusive: Prince Alwaleed bin Talal On Trump, Trade, AI And The Future Of Saudi Arabia

📰 What is it about?

• In an exclusive Forbes Middle East interview, HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud shared powerful insights from Kingdom Center Tower in Riyadh on global economic shifts, AI disruption, and Saudi Arabia’s transformation.

• The chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, and the world’s richest Arab, reflected on the impact of a second Trump presidency, calling proposed tariffs “a freeze in trade” and warning of global recession risks.

• He reaffirmed his support for Elon Musk, revealing insider details about a potential merger between X and xAI, and emphasized AI’s critical role across industries.

💡 Why it matters?

• Prince Alwaleed’s candid remarks offer rare public commentary from one of the most influential voices in global investing, geopolitics, and philanthropy.

• His warning about Trump’s tariffs as “economic brinkmanship” comes amid rising concerns over U.S.-China tensions and global trade volatility.

• Backing a Musk-led tech future underscores his strategic bet on innovation—even when others doubt it.

• On AI, his perspective reflects a deep understanding of technological disruption, including job shifts and new opportunities.

🔜 What’s next?

• The Prince envisions Saudi Arabia’s economy powered by non-oil revenues within five years, with tourism and minerals driving growth.

• His vision for social reform and women’s empowerment remains unwavering—55% of Kingdom Holding’s team are women.

• He confirmed donating $5 billion to charity, linking wealth with spiritual purpose: “I’m just the middleman—it came from God, and it goes back to God.”

• For Saudi youth, his message is clear: “Move with speed. Stay informed. Know your power.”

UAE Billionaire Al-Habtoor Plans Dismantling And Relocation Of Beirut Hotel Amid Lebanon Exit

What is happening?

• UAE billionaire Khalaf Al-Habtoor is planning to cut up and relocate the five-star Metropolitan Palace Hotel in Beirut to another country, potentially Syria.

• The plan involves slicing the 15-storey, 185-room hotel into sections, transporting them to Beirut port, and then shipping them abroad by sea.

• Al-Habtoor confirmed the feasibility of the project after consulting with engineers from China Railway Construction Corporation, a state-owned Chinese firm.

• The relocation is part of his broader decision, announced in January, to end all investments in Lebanon.

Why it matters:

• Al-Habtoor owns over $1 billion in Lebanese real estate, including a shopping mall and a theme park.

• His exit signals a major vote of no confidence in Lebanon’s political and economic stability.

• The dramatic move to dismantle and export a luxury hotel is unprecedented in the region and underscores the depth of investor frustration.

• In January, Al-Habtoor also launched a legal case against the Lebanese government, accusing it of violating a 1999 investment treaty with the UAE.

What’s next?

• The relocation plan is still under technical review, but Al-Habtoor says initial studies are promising.

• If successful, this would mark one of the first large-scale hotel relocations in the Middle East.

• The move could further damage Lebanon’s international business reputation, already battered by years of crisis.

• Analysts and commentators, including Lebanese journalist Tony Bolous, warn this could be a "big blow to confidence" and future investment in the country.

🔍From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Nour Taher the founder of Intella, a Saudi-based startup, highlights the struggle many face AI tools just don’t get how her mother speaks Arabic.

• Hossam Shafick from Silicon Badia calls out MENA's obsession with high-growth tech startups.

• "Salary isn’t just important — it’s the foundation for keeping your employees," says Ahlam Bakkal, founder of Dubai’s Bakkal Consultancy.

🔍In other news…

• Sharjah welcomed 13% more guests in Q1.

• Abu Dhabi's IHC, ADQ and FAB to launch dirham-backed stablecoin.

• Boeing delays are hampering Flydubai expansion, CEO tells AGBI.

• Egypt expects tourism surge as Grand Egyptian Museum opens.

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to get new 'record-breaking' ride as more attractions planned at Yas Island.

• Emirates tops four categories at 2025 Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

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