Good Morning! 🌞

In today’s business roundup: Hind Al Mulla’s Home Bakery continues to soar, with plans for further expansion and new merchandise offerings. Meanwhile, Damac and Mantra partner for a $1B deal to tokenize Middle Eastern assets, driving the future of blockchain-based investments. On the financial front, the UAE steps in with a $2B loan extension to Pakistan, easing immediate fiscal pressures ahead of an IMF review.

Read on for more! ✍️ 

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🚀 From Home Kitchen to Global Expansion: Hind Al Mulla’s Inspiring Journey 🍰

📰 What is it about?

• Hind Al Mulla, founder of Home Bakery, shares her journey from a 10-year-old experimenting with desserts to running a thriving business with 11 branches in the UAE and expansions in Saudi Arabia.

• She talks about her morning routine, struggles with ADHD, and plans for the future of her brand, including international growth and venturing into merchandise.

💡 Why it matters?

• Trailblazing Emirati Businesswoman: Hind Al Mulla paved the way for homegrown Emirati brands, breaking barriers in a market dominated by franchises.

• Scaling Passion into Business: Her story highlights the power of turning a personal passion into a successful business empire.

• Resilience and Innovation: From working 23-hour days to introducing action-packed dessert presentations, Hind exemplifies creativity and perseverance.

• Community Impact: Visits by leaders like Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum showcase the cultural and societal significance of her achievements.

🔜 What’s next?

• Brand Expansion: Plans to grow across the Middle East, the UK, and the US while branching into merchandise like spices and sauces.

• Collaboration with Restaurants: Curated dessert menus for restaurants to reduce their operational costs.

• Innovative Concepts: Helping other entrepreneurs design kitchens and bring new culinary ideas to life.

• Wellness Practices: Continuously improving personal organization and mental well-being through techniques like grounding mattresses, saunas, and mindful scheduling.

Markets

💰 Damac & Mantra Ink $1B Deal to Tokenize Middle Eastern Assets 🚀🌍

📰 What is it about?

• Mantra, a blockchain designed for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), signed a $1 billion deal with Damac Group, a UAE-based investment giant.

• Damac will leverage the Mantra blockchain to tokenize its diverse portfolio, spanning real estate, data centers, hospitality, and more.

• Tokenized assets will be available exclusively on the Mantra chain, starting early this year.

💡 Why it matters?

• Transforming Investment Access: Tokenization democratizes traditionally illiquid assets, enabling global access for smaller investors.

• Blockchain in the Middle East: The deal solidifies the UAE's position as a leader in crypto and blockchain innovation.

• Endorsement of Tokenization: Damac’s adoption of tokenized finance signals confidence in blockchain’s ability to offer transparency and security for real-world assets.

• Broader Economic Impact: Damac’s founder, Hussain Sajwani, also pledged $20 billion in U.S. data center investments, showcasing the group's global ambitions.

🔜 What’s next?

• Expansion of Tokenized Assets: Damac plans to tokenize its real estate, hospitality, and other assets, driving adoption of RWAs on blockchain.

• Wider Industry Growth: Analysts predict tokenized assets will double in value by 2025, unlocking liquidity and redefining income generation in the digital age.

• Regulatory & Technical Advances: Successful implementation will require seamless integration of technology with legal frameworks to ensure the transferability and credibility of tokenized assets.

• Mantra’s Role: Positioned to become the leading blockchain ledger for RWAs, Mantra’s collaboration with Damac could serve as a model for future projects globally.

💭Quote of the day:

“If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.” - Thomas Aquinas

💵 UAE Extends $2B Lifeline to Pakistan Amid Economic Struggles 🤝🌍

📰 What is it about?

• The UAE has agreed to roll over a $2 billion repayment due from Pakistan this month, providing crucial financial relief.

• Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif secured the commitment during a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

• Sharif also requested UAE investment in key projects to bolster Pakistan’s struggling economy.

💡 Why it matters?

• Economic Lifeline: The rollover alleviates immediate pressure on Pakistan’s foreign reserves, helping the nation avert a potential default.

• IMF Bailout Tied to External Financing: Securing external support is critical for Pakistan to meet the conditions of its $7 billion IMF loan program, with the next review in February.

• Historical Dependency: Pakistan’s economic challenges are long-standing, with the country requiring 23 IMF bailouts since 1958 due to recurring fiscal crises.

• Strengthened UAE-Pakistan Ties: The UAE’s commitment reinforces the “brotherly” relationship between the two nations, extending beyond financial support to potential investments.

🔜 What’s next?

• IMF Review in February: The rollover could help Pakistan secure approval for the next tranche of its IMF bailout.

• Potential UAE Investments: Sharif’s request for investment in key projects could lead to additional financial inflows, crucial for stabilizing Pakistan’s $350 billion economy.

• Long-Term Reforms: Pakistan must address structural issues to break the cycle of fiscal crises and reduce reliance on international bailouts.

• Regional Cooperation: The UAE's continued support may encourage other nations to assist Pakistan during its economic downturn.

🔍In other news…

1. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, a leading U.S. law firm, has launched its first office in the Middle East, establishing a presence in Abu Dhabi.

2. Dubai real estate tycoon Hussain Sajwani, CEO of Damac Group, pledges $20 billion to build U.S. data centers, focusing on AI, crypto, and tech. Damac will contribute $5-6B in equity, with banks and institutions playing a key role in the project.

3. Dubai’s first flying taxi station has officially been named DXV, inspired by its proximity to Dubai International Airport (DXB).

4. Emirati Citizen Kevin O’Leary aka ‘Mr. Wonderful’ from Shark Tank, is setting his sights on TikTok, hoping to acquire the app before a potential U.S. ban.

The Latest from the Smashi Business Studio

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Here’s to a productive week ahead! 💪

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