Happy Sunday everyone!

Danish logistics giant Maersk has suspended vessel calls to Haifa Port amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, highlighting growing risks to regional trade. Meanwhile, NBA superstar Kevin Durant has acquired a minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain through a strategic deal with Qatar Sports Investments, signaling deeper U.S.–Gulf sports ties. In Qatar, Qatar Airways has announced the launch of the region’s first digital aircraft painting facility at Dukhan Air Base, aiming to transform aerospace services across the Middle East and beyond.

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Maersk Halts Haifa Port Calls Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Tensions

🚢e What Is It About

• Maersk, the Danish shipping giant, has temporarily suspended vessel calls and cargo acceptance at Haifa Portin northern Israel.

• The move comes after a risk assessment related to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, citing concerns for crew safety and regional instability.

• Operations at Ashdod Port in southern Israel continue, with Maersk offering alternative transport options to affected customers.

⚠️ Why It Matters

• Haifa is one of Israel’s key maritime gateways, and a halt in operations impacts regional supply chains, trade flow, and logistics timelines.

• Maersk’s pause underscores rising security risks to commercial shipping in the Eastern Mediterranean.

• The decision may prompt other global shipping firms to reassess port access and safety protocols in high-risk zones.

📦 What’s Next

• Maersk says it will continue monitoring the situation and will reassess port calls when conditions improve.

• Customers are being directly contacted with logistical alternatives, and further updates will follow as events unfold.

• If conflict escalation persists, wider disruptions in shipping and insurance costs across the region may follow.

Markets

NBA Star Kevin Durant Buys Stake in PSG in Strategic Deal with Qatar Sports Investment

🏀 What Is It About

• Kevin Durant, NBA legend and global entrepreneur, has partnered with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) to acquire a direct minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

• The deal was signed via Boardroom Sports Holdings, Durant’s media and investment firm co-founded with Rich Kleiman.

• This marks an evolution of Durant’s prior involvement with PSG through Arctos Partners, a minority shareholder in the club.

• The partnership will include wide-ranging initiatives in media content, merchandise, community programs, and potential basketball/multi-sport expansion.

🌍 Why It Matters

• PSG becomes the latest global sports brand to attract U.S. athlete-investor interest, signaling deeper ties between sports, media, and business.

• Durant’s influence and Boardroom’s reach (52M+ unique users/month) could boost PSG’s presence in U.S. and international markets.

• QSI gains a strategic partner who brings NBA credibility, crossover marketability, and access to athlete-driven media and investments.

• The deal reflects a growing trend of cross-sport investments, where athletes are not just endorsers—but owners and strategists.

🚀 What’s Next

• Durant will help co-develop original content, design merchandise, and advise on international expansion, especially in the U.S.

• He will also support PSG for Communities, the club’s social impact initiative.

• Future plans could include basketball ventures or multi-sport projects in line with PSG’s broader diversification goals.

• Expect new activations, brand collaborations, and media initiatives under the Boardroom and PSG banners.

Qatar Airways to Launch Middle East’s First Digital Aircraft Painting Facility at Dukhan Air Base

✈️ What Is It About

• Qatar Airways has partnered with Barzan Holdings and Satys Aerospace to open the first digital widebody aircraft painting facility in the Middle East.

• The facility will be located at Dukhan Air Base and will include:
  ▪️ Two widebody painting bays
  ▪️ A multipurpose hangar for light maintenance
  ▪️ Services for commercial, VIP, and military aircraft

• It aims to reduce aircraft ground time and eliminate the need to fly planes abroad for repainting.

🌍 Why It Matters

• This is a first-of-its-kind facility in the region, positioning Qatar as a regional hub for aviation paint and maintenance.

• It supports Qatar National Vision 2030 by:
  ▪️ Enhancing local aerospace capabilities
  ▪️ Promoting technology transfer and Qatari talent development
  ▪️ Serving both civil and defense aviation sectors

• The project introduces digital tech and sustainable practices, including:
  ▪️ Robotic painting plans
  ▪️ Energy-efficient booths
  ▪️ Advanced waste control

🚀 What’s Next

• The facility will cater to Middle East and Indian subcontinent operators, offering faster, tech-enabled services.

• Expansion into automated and eco-friendly technologies is on the roadmap.

• This initiative could mark Qatar’s entry into aerospace services leadership in the region, combining innovation, efficiency, and industrial growth.

🔍From Smashi Business’ Desk

• After 55+ years of growth, UAE business leader Khalaf Al Habtoor announced plans to take the Group’s hospitality division public.

• "Take the money." — That’s the no-nonsense advice from Hasan Haider, Managing Partner at Bahrain’s +VC.

• Kris Fade just revealed his healthy snack brand Fade Fit has grown 33% year-to-date.

• Dreamers: From selling lashes with her sisters to building a million-dollar fragrance empire — Mona Kattan is reshaping what modern luxury smells like.

🔍In other news…

• Developer expects $1bn Trump Tower in Dubai to sell out by end of summer.

• Middle East’s Oil Continues to Flow Despite Israel-Iran Attacks

• Reuters Exclusive: Qatar holds talks with energy companies on risk of Israel-Iran conflict, sources say

• Britain agrees $2.7 billion investment partnership with Bahrain

• Iranian missile strikes tech park housing Microsoft office in southern Israel

• Saudi prince to launch $5bn funds for GCC food security

• AlAbbar’s Eagle Hills is to develop a Bulgari-branded luxury resort and residential project, scheduled to open in 2030

• Lebanon has decided to rehabilitate its second airport that was built by the French army nearly 88 years ago

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