👋 Good morning, Smashi Business Readers!

Get ready to dive into today’s top stories—from Bella Hadid’s shout-out to a Dubai bakery 🍞 to insights on startup growth in the region 🌱, and the launch of CNN’s fast-paced channel for MENA 📺! Keep scrolling for what’s hot in business, culture, and media!

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🥖 Bella Hadid Puts Dubai's Tonton Bakery in the Spotlight

📰 What is it about?

• Supermodel Bella Hadid recently showcased Dubai’s Tonton Bakery on her Instagram, calling it "incredible" and "out of control beautiful." Tonton, founded by Basil Yassin in Wasl 51, uniquely blends Italian and French baking traditions, earning a top spot in Dubai's bakery scene.

💡 Why it matters?

• With a global icon like Bella backing local brands, Dubai's vibrant food and hospitality sector gains international attention. Bella’s recent ventures, including her wellness brand Orebella, show her commitment to supporting innovative businesses.

🔜 What’s next?

• Bella’s influence may continue driving attention to distinctive regional brands, helping them make a global mark! 🌍

📈 Markets

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💼 PRO Business TIP: The Power of Finding the Right Partners

📰 What is it about?

• Harsh Sajnani, CEO of Dubai-based startup Kingpin, emphasizes the impact of great partnerships. Working with 200+ brands and 4,000 buyers across 75 countries, Kingpin's journey to success started with a key investor pitch to Amir Farha, founder of COTU Ventures.

💡 Why it matters?

• Kingpin's story highlights the value of finding investors who see beyond numbers, focusing on vision and potential. Sajnani’s partnership with Farha is a model for startups seeking meaningful growth through genuine investor relationships.

🔜 What’s next?

• Kingpin continues to expand, proving the strength of its foundation. Sajnani’s experience serves as inspiration for startups to prioritize meaningful connections for long-term success. 🚀

💭Quote of the day
“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” —Wayne Dyer 💬

📺 CNN FAST Launches on STARZ ON in MENA

📰 What is it about?

• Olivier Bramly, CEO of STARZ ON, announced the launch of CNN Fast for MENA audiences, featuring high-speed news, business, and entertainment in an ad-supported format. The channel, coinciding with U.S. Election Day, marks a regional first in CNN’s FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) lineup.

💡 Why it matters?

• As cord-cutting grows, FAST channels offer viewers free access to live programming supported by ads, providing an affordable alternative to subscription models. With CNN’s MENA expansion, STARZ ON strengthens its content offerings, aligning with growing viewer demand for free content.

🔜 What’s next?

• Look out for more Warner Bros. Discovery channels coming to STARZ ON, including Kids FAST Channel in 2025. With these additions, STARZ ON cements its role in providing diverse, ad-supported content to MENA audiences. 🎉

🔍In other news…

• Emirates Group Reports AED 10.4 Billion Profit Before Tax

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