Happy Friday everyone!

From real estate to aviation to geopolitics, the Gulf is in motion. BinGhatti’s chairman is pushing back against supply glut warnings in Dubai’s booming property market, pointing to strong population growth and resilient demand. Sudan, meanwhile, is scrambling for new gold buyers after the UAE halted all trade, threatening one of its key lifelines. And Etihad Airways is taking an unusual step — stockpiling aircraft seats — to overcome global supply bottlenecks as it upgrades its fleet.

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Markets

BinGhatti Chairman Defends Dubai Real Estate Market Amid Surging Supply Concerns

🔹 What Is It About

BinGhatti Chairman Muhammad BinGhatti told CNBC that the developer has delivered five of Dubai’s 24 project handovers in the first half of 2025, representing a 20% market share. The company also launched more than 5,000 units and unveiled plans for a AED25 billion mega-development in Meydan, while continuing to acquire prime land in areas such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Science Park, and Business Bay.

🔹 Why It Matters

The comments come as Fitch Ratings warns of a potential 15% market correction due to the sharp rise in new supply. However, BinGhatti argues that Dubai’s 6% annual population growth, strong inflows of ultra-high-net-worth investors, and robust capital gains of 15–20% still underpin demand. He noted that transaction volumes hit AED431 billion in the first half of 2025, up 25% year on year.

🔹 What’s Next

BinGhatti expects demand to remain steady, fueled by international buyers from markets like Egypt and Turkey seeking currency stability. Upcoming project handovers — including Aurora, Phantom, Royal, and Phoenix — will add further momentum. BinGhatti maintains that Dubai real estate continues to deliver higher yields than global peers, reinforcing its position as a safe and profitable investment destination.

UAE Ban On Sudan Trade Forces Khartoum To Seek New Gold Markets

🔹 What Is It About

The United Arab Emirates has halted all trade with Sudan, effectively cutting off the North African nation’s most important export channel for gold, reported Bloomberg. The suspension, which took effect on Aug. 7, extends to goods in transit via UAE ports, according to shipping notices. Sudanese officials confirmed bullion exports to the Gulf nation have largely ceased, prompting Khartoum to secure a preliminary deal with Oman and open talks with Bahrain and Egypt to reroute shipments.

🔹 Why It Matters

The UAE was Sudan’s largest trading partner, accounting for $2.2 billion in two-way flows last year. The ban follows Sudan’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Abu Dhabi in June, accusing it of supporting the rival Rapid Support Forces in the country’s civil war — an allegation the UAE denies. With gold a vital source of hard currency for Sudan’s embattled economy, the sudden loss of its top buyer threatens to deepen financial pressures as conflict continues.

🔹 What’s Next

Sudan is scrambling to diversify its trade links. Officials have revived a stalled plan with Qatar to establish a gold export hub in Doha and discussed new supply routes with Oman, Bahrain, and Egypt. While the Transportation Ministry said Sudan can source goods from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the country’s ability to replace the UAE’s dominant role in its gold trade remains uncertain, Bloomberg opined.

Etihad Airways Stockpiles Aircraft Seats To Bypass Industry Supply Delays

🔹 What Is It About

Etihad Airways is spending $1 billion to retrofit its fleet as aircraft deliveries lag, with CEO Antonoaldo Neves revealing a plan to bulk-purchase seats and store them in Abu Dhabi for future upgrades. The approach aims to prevent grounding planes while suppliers face delays, particularly in cabin components like premium economy and business seats that are key to the airline’s growth strategy.

🔹 Why It Matters

Global supply chain disruptions at Airbus and Boeing have forced airlines to fly older jets longer, leading to costly overhauls. Etihad’s approach highlights how carriers are rethinking procurement to keep fleets competitive. Despite warnings of certification bottlenecks and parts shortages, Etihad reported a record Dh1.1 billion ($306m) first-half profit, boosted by demand for premium travel across the US, Europe and Middle East.

🔹 What’s Next

Etihad plans to nearly double its fleet to 200 aircraft within five years without large bulk orders, instead favoring incremental purchases. The carrier is also restoring Airbus A380s, including its ultra-luxury “Residence” suites, as it targets premium growth. While Wizz Air’s exit from Abu Dhabi may shift market dynamics, Neves expects other partners to more than offset the loss in traffic.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Emaar Billionaire Mohamed Alabbar Visits Klay by Karak House, which is run by Another, a part of Alabbar Enterprises.

• Celebrity chef Burak Özdemir (CZN Burak) confirmed the cancellation of all his business activities in Dubai as of September 2025, saying he no longer holds any legal or business ties in the emirate.

• In the presence of HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, HH Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed met Larry Fink, BlackRock CEO, congratulating him on his new role as Interim Co-Chair of the WEF Board of Trustees.

• Sheikha Al-Mayassa Champions Mira Nair’s Work, Backing Women-Led Creativity in Qatar for Over a Decade.

• Turki Al-Sheikh Backs Shawarmer: “Don’t Surrender to a Trend” as Chain Fights Boycott with Jobs and Big Discounts

🔍In other news…

• Saudi Arabia and UK sign business deals worth $5bn

• Chinese robot maker explores ‘super-factory’ in Middle East

• Oman signs Ironman deal to strengthen tourism

• Aldar To Deliver UAE’s First Tesla Experience Center On Yas Island By 2027

• Roblox temporarily disables in-experience chat to enhance safety for younger users in UAE 

• UAE state-owned conglomerate Edge Group has opened production facilities in Brazil and Switzerland, expanding the Gulf country’s defence capabilities.

• Saudi Aramco plans US dollar Islamic bonds as soon as this month, say sources

• Fraudsters assemble army of AI bots to scam UAE job seekers

• The UAE has updated its corporate tax regulations affecting certain free zone companies

🏦 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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