Happy Tuesday everyone!

Oman’s sovereign fund is backing Dubai’s most expensive school in a $100M GEMS Education campus deal. MENA’s startup scene is buzzing again, with several fresh funding rounds making headlines — from fintech to foodtech. Meanwhile, Madagascar is looking east, turning to the UAE for investment as it faces growing tariff pressure from the US.

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Omani Fund Backs Dubai’s Most Expensive School in $100M GEMS Campus Deal

📰 What Is It About

• Bank Muscat’s Izdihar Real Estate Fund has invested in the real estate component of GEMS Education’s upcoming $100 million campus in Dubai Sports City.

• The project — GEMS School of Research & Innovation — is set to open in August and is billed as Dubai’s most expensive school.

• The investment is part of GEMS Education’s ongoing expansion strategy and follows earlier backing from Brookfield and Gulf Islamic Investments (GII).

💡 Why It Matters

• The deal marks a rare institutional investment from Oman into Dubai’s private education sector, underscoring cross-border confidence in the emirate’s growing education market.

• It reflects the resilience and rising demand for premium education in Dubai, with early enrolments already strong.

• GEMS’ expansion — including high-fee schools with premium infrastructure — aligns with Dubai’s broader push to become a global education hub.

• Peer group Taaleem is also scaling up, working on Harrow-branded campuses in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

🔮 What’s Next

• GEMS is expected to continue attracting institutional investors, especially as regional funds look for stable, long-term returns in sectors like education.

• The launch of the Research & Innovation school could set a new benchmark for school fees and facilities in the UAE.

• With education demand rising in step with Dubai’s population growth, the trend of real estate–education investment tie-ups is likely to gain further momentum across the region.

Discover the Arab World’s Cinematic Rise with The Reel Deal Podcast - Episode 1 is Out!

Introducing The Reel Deal Podcast — a new collaboration between Katara Studios and Media City Qatar that puts the spotlight on the fast-growing Arab film industry. This podcast dives deep into the stories, trends, and talents shaping the region’s cinematic future. From exclusive interviews with key players to industry insights you won’t hear anywhere else, The Reel Deal is your gateway to understanding the opportunities and creative energy emerging from the Arab world. Whether you're a producer, investor, or film enthusiast, this podcast offers a front-row seat to a cultural and commercial movement redefining global cinema.

The first episode is out! Watch it here…

Markets

MENA Startups: Who Got Funded?

🇦🇪 UAE

• Qashio – $10M round (Oryx Fund)

• Toolmart – Seed round (Plus VC, Oasis500)

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

• MDP – Funding round (Lorax Capital Partners)

• Taaawoni – $1.6M Seed round (Core Vision Investment)

• Vault Wealth – Pre-seed round (Saudi family office, angels)

🇧🇭 Bahrain

• Bayader – SAR 1M round (Hope Ventures)

🇮🇶 Iraq

• Wayl – $150K Pre-seed round (EQIQ Ventures)

🇹🇳 Tunisia

• Bloomspoon – $218K round (Shark Tank Dubai investor)

Madagascar Turns To UAE For Investment Amid US Tariff Pressure

📰 What Is It About

• Madagascar is seeking UAE investments to drive growth in its tourism and energy sectors amid trade tensions with the U.S.

• President Trump initially proposed a steep 47% tariff on Madagascan exports, later reducing it to a universal 10%—but gave nations until July 8 to negotiate or face reinstated penalties.

• The African island nation is holding talks with Emirates Airlines for direct Dubai-Antananarivo flights, and with Emirati firms for investment in sugar and vanilla processing plants, luxury hotels, and energy infrastructure.

• Madagascar and the UAE signed an economic partnership agreement earlier this year and the country is planning to open an embassy in Abu Dhabi soon.

💡 Why It Matters

• The U.S. is Madagascar’s third-largest trading partner after China and France, with $822 million in trade in 2024.

• The tariff shock prompted Madagascar to pivot toward Gulf partners, particularly the UAE, which was Africa’s top investor in 2023 with $44 billion, per EY.

• UAE’s growing presence in Africa aligns with its strategy to diversify beyond oil and extend geopolitical and economic influence across the continent.

• New investments could support Madagascar’s goal of attracting one million tourists annually and help meet rising energy demands.

🔮 What’s Next

• Negotiations with the U.S. are ongoing as the July 8 tariff deadline approaches.

• Direct Emirates flights could unlock new trade and tourism opportunities between the UAE and Madagascar.

• The planned UAE embassy in Abu Dhabi signals a deeper diplomatic and economic alignment.

• Madagascar’s government is actively pitching itself as a regional hub by leveraging UAE connections to access broader global markets.

🔍From Smashi Business’ Desk

• “This isn’t just about breaking glass ceilings — it’s about building a better, more connected, and sustainable future for global tourism,” new UNWTO chief Shaikha Al Nowais.

🔍In other news…

• UAE Central Bank fines exchange house Dh3.5m for failure to comply with anti-money laundering law.

• Emirates to resume flights to Damascus starting July 16.

• Dubai’s $10 billion infrastructure spending fuels growth of commercial vehicle market.

• Qatar and Kuwait sign agreement to avoid double taxation, promote investment.

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