Happy Sunday everyone!

Germany has suspended all military exports that could be used in Gaza, in a rare policy shift from one of Israel’s strongest backers, citing concerns over its latest military offensive. Meanwhile, United Parks and Resorts plans to sign two new MoUs by year-end to develop international attractions based on the “capital-light” SeaWorld Abu Dhabi model. In aviation, IATA data shows the Middle East leads the world in the share of premium air travellers, with almost 15% of international passengers flying first or business class.

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Germany Halts Military Exports That Could Be Used In Gaza Amid Israeli Offensive

🔹 What Is It About

Germany will suspend all military equipment exports that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Friday. The move follows Israel’s Cabinet decision to take over Gaza City — a plan condemned by the UN and some supporters of Israeli hostages — and marks a rare break by one of Israel’s strongest international backers.

🔹 Why It Matters

Berlin has historically stood firmly behind Israel, citing its Holocaust legacy. This shift signals growing concern over Israel’s escalating military actions and their humanitarian consequences. Merz stressed Israel’s right to defend itself but said the latest offensive undermines prospects for hostage release, ceasefire negotiations, and civilian protection in Gaza.

🔹 What’s Next

Germany is urging Israel to grant full humanitarian access to aid agencies and to refrain from steps toward West Bank annexation. While it’s unclear which military items will be affected, the decision could add diplomatic pressure on Israel as it faces increasing isolation from key allies.

Invest in Sharjah Launches Region’s First Government-led Digital Platform to Streamline M&A in the Emirate

The Sharjah FDI Office has unveiled Sharjah AcquireHub, the region’s first government-backed digital platform dedicated to streamlining mergers and acquisitions. Launched in partnership with Transworld Business Advisors, the platform is designed to attract global investors and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in scaling, exiting, or restructuring.

With the global M&A market reaching $3.5 trillion in 2024 and regional activity totalling $92.3 billion across 701 deals, AcquireHub connects investors to Sharjah’s growing mid-market opportunities through a secure, transparent system. It offers end-to-end services, including advisory support and due diligence, aimed at enhancing trust and ease in deal-making.

The initiative reinforces Sharjah’s vision of becoming a regional hub for investment and smart economic growth. As over 94% of UAE businesses are SMEs, AcquireHub provides a vital tool for unlocking value, driving expansion, and fueling long-term economic diversification in the emirate.

Markets

Two New SeaWorld Parks Planned Internationally, Inspired By the “Capital-Light” Abu Dhabi Model

🔹 What Is It About

United Parks and Resorts, the parent company of the SeaWorld brand, plans to sign two memorandums of understanding by the end of 2025 to develop new international attractions modeled on SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. CEO Marc Swanson confirmed the projects will follow the “capital-light” partnership approach used in Abu Dhabi, where local partner Miral built and operates the park while SeaWorld provides branding and strategic support.

🔹 Why It Matters

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor marine life theme park, has become a major Yas Island draw since opening in May 2023. Its success is now serving as the blueprint for future international parks, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a showcase for high-profile, globally replicated attractions.

🔹 What’s Next

While the locations of the two upcoming parks remain undisclosed, both are expected to mirror Abu Dhabi’s development and operational model. If successful, the projects could position Abu Dhabi as a global reference point for next-generation marine-themed entertainment destinations.

Middle East Leads World In Share Of Premium Air Travellers, IATA Data Shows

🔹 What Is It About

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says the Middle East now has the highest share of premium travellers in the world — almost 15% of all its international passengers fly in first or business class. This is about the proportion of passengers, not the total number, and it reflects the region’s focus on long-haul, high-service travel.

🔹 Why It Matters

Premium travel is where airlines make much of their profit, and the Middle East’s strength here comes from carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. Their wide-bodied fleets, long-haul networks, and role as global connecting hubs naturally attract more high-paying passengers, boosting both revenue and prestige.

🔹 What’s Next

With strong demand from markets like Dubai, Riyadh, and Kuwait, and forecasts of double-digit growth in first-class bookings, Gulf carriers are likely to keep investing in bigger, more luxurious premium cabins. This could push the Middle East’s share even higher, even as Asia Pacific leads in total passenger growth worldwide.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Dreamers: Hussain Sajwani, founder of DAMAC, went from selling pens in his father’s shop to delivering 48,000+ units across 15 countries.

• Why did Careem mint so many founders? Saudi entrepreneur Wajd Badawi has an answer

• A 7-year-old just built an AI app on Replit — and his dad, a Saudi tech CEO, had never built one himself.

• A robot greeted Dubai ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed — and it wasn’t science fiction.

• Dubai-based CEO Alex Bendiouis has reimagined one of the city’s most iconic archival images into an AI video.

🔍In other news…

• DEWA’s profit after tax hits AED2.9 billion

• Saudi Arabia's Dar Al Majed sets IPO final price at top of the range

• Aramex H1 revenue steady at $833m despite drop in international express

🏦 Crypto Corner

• Michael Saylor — Executive Chairman of MicroStrategy and one of Bitcoin’s most vocal corporate advocates — will make his first-ever appearance in the UAE at Bitcoin MENA in Abu Dhabi.

• 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.

We are launching a Smashi Crypto newsletter in September 2025! Subscribe to it here to get the weekly updates from the world of digital assets.

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