Marhaba folks! 🌟

Today we are discussing,

• 🌍 GCC Sovereign Wealth Funds Deploy $55B in Global Investments 💰

• 💼 EXCLUSIVE: HealthStay.io Raises Seed Funding to Revolutionize Medical Tourism in Dubai 🚑

• 💼 MENA Business Community Send Prayers, Messages of Solidarity for Lebanon

Let's dive in! 👇

🌍 GCC Sovereign Wealth Funds Deploy $55B in Global Investments💰

📰 What is it about?

• $55 billion was deployed by GCC Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) in the first nine months of 2024, through 126 transactions globally.

• This represents 40% of all global sovereign investor deal-making.

• The key players include the ‘Oil Five’: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), ADQ, Mubadala, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).

💡 Why it matters?

• While GCC SWFs have traditionally invested heavily in the US and UK, China has attracted $9.5 billion of this capital. This is largely due to Western investors pulling back from China, creating opportunities for the GCC to acquire assets at discounted prices.

• The growing interest in Eastern markets such as China and India signals a shift in investment strategies, as SWFs look to diversify beyond the West.

• GCC SWFs are projected to manage $5 trillion by early 2025 and $10.2 trillion by the end of the decade, signaling their increasing influence on global financial markets.

🔜 What’s next?

• As the GCC economies continue to grow, particularly with the support of oil wealth, SWFs are expected to expand their global reach. By 2030, they could collectively manage $7.3 trillion in assets.

• Royal Private Offices (RPOs), particularly in the UAE, are managing significant investments, with $500 billion identified, contributing to the broader economic power of the region.

• Watch for further investments in emerging markets, particularly across China, India, and sectors like technology and infrastructure, as the GCC seeks long-term returns.

📈 Markets

💼 EXCLUSIVE: HealthStay.io Raises Seed Funding to Revolutionize Medical Tourism in Dubai 🚑

📰 What is it about?

• HealthStay.io, a UAE-based medical tourism startup, has successfully completed its seed funding round with a lead investor and is now seeking to raise an additional $500K to $1 million, Smashi Business was told.

• The startup offers a white-label AI-powered platform for international medical tourists, simplifying the booking and management of healthcare procedures, appointments, flights, visas, and accommodation in one place.

💡 Why it matters?

• HealthStay.io is set to revolutionize the medical tourism industry by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the entire customer journey, making it easier for international patients to seek medical care in the UAE.

• The startup is on the verge of launching with two large hospital groups in the UAE — Kings College Hospital and Saudi German Hospital, the company told Smashi Business. Additionally, it has attracted attention from Dubai Health Experience (DXH), positioning itself as a key player in Dubai’s booming medical tourism sector.

• Dubai has seen rapid growth in medical tourism, with 691,000 international patients visiting the emirate in 2023, spending over AED 1.03 billion on healthcare services. HealthStay.io's solution addresses this expanding demand, offering a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

🔜 What’s next?

• HealthStay.io is looking to raise more funds to enhance its platform and expand its reach in the UAE and beyond. The additional capital will likely be used to scale its operations and integrate more healthcare providers into its system.

• With AI at the core of its technology, HealthStay.io aims to disrupt the medical tourism landscape, offering a fully automated solution that could become a go-to tool for international patients and healthcare providers alike.

Quote of the day
“The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority.” ― Kenneth H. Blanchard

💼 MENA Business Community Send Prayers, Messages of Solidarity for Lebanon

📰 What is it about?

• The business community across the MENA region has rallied in support of Lebanon amidst the ongoing crisis, sharing messages of empathy, resilience, and hope for those affected.

• Key voices such as Nadine Mezher (Co-Founder of Sarwa), Loulou Khazen Baz (Founder, Spade Ventures), and Amer El Hajj (CEO of GroupM MENA) have used their platforms to raise awareness and encourage support for their Lebanese colleagues and compatriots.

💡 Why it matters?

• Leaders like Nadine Mezher highlight the emotional struggle for the Lebanese diaspora, torn between the relative safety of their new homes and the suffering of loved ones back in Lebanon.

• Despite the turmoil, professionals such as GroupM's team in Beirut continue to work diligently, displaying extraordinary mental strength and dedication amidst hardship.

• The shared sentiments of these professionals illustrate how the business world can extend beyond profits and boardrooms, emphasizing the importance of compassion and collective support during challenging times.

🔜 What’s next?

• These messages serve as a call to action for the wider community to offer support, compassion, and practical assistance for Lebanon.

• The focus will likely remain on providing resources, fostering resilience, and calling for global support to ease the continued suffering in Lebanon.

In other news…

1. Qatar Airways is taking 25% stake in Virgin Australia.

2. UAE residents can update their KYC on Binance and get a chance to win a share of $500,000 in BTC.

3. Dubai will host Richard Branson, Randi Zuckerberg, and Robert Kiyosaki for an event.

4. Kuwait will develop $1.8 Billion tourism city in Al-Jahra.

The Latest from the Smashi Business Studio

👋 Hello, That’s Me - Your Content Buddy

What is Odeum?

Odeum is Augustus Media’s innovative in-house content studio, where creativity meets data-driven insights to produce compelling new media formats. Specializing in connecting brands with communities and culture, Odeum offers a range of services tailored to your needs.

Why Do Brands Need a Content Strategy?

An authentic story is key to connect with audiences on a personal level. That’s why a well-crafted social content strategy helps brands resonate with the internet generation and earn their trust.. Odeum excels in modern content creation, offering expertise in social media management and access to fully equipped studios.

How Can You Get Started?

If you’re a brand with a vision, contact us here, and our team will get in touch to help you bring your ideas to life.

Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe here