Happy Sunday everyone!

Today’s top stories spotlight the rapid transformation driven by AI and innovation across industries. OpenAI is reportedly in talks to anchor what could become the world’s largest data center in the UAE — a bold move in global tech infrastructure. Meanwhile, Saudi proptech startup Ejari is scaling fast with its rent-now, pay-later model, aiming to become a real estate super app. And in a cautionary tale from the AI frontier, Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs points to the growing impact of automation on software jobs.

But before that: For quick daily updates, follow us on Instagram, and you can watch our Smashi Business Show live every weekday from 10AM onwards (UAE time). Also, you can join our Whatsapp channel to receive updates from the business world.

OpenAI In Talks To Anchor World's Largest Data Center In UAE

🔹 What Is It About:

• OpenAI is reportedly in discussions to play a central role in a massive data center project in Abu Dhabi, which could become the world’s largest, according to Bloomberg.

• The planned 5-gigawatt (GW) data center campus will span approximately 10 square miles, with OpenAI expected to be a key anchor tenant—though the deal is not yet finalized.

• The project is being led by Abu Dhabi-based firm G42, in collaboration with several US companies and investment support from MGX, another UAE entity.

• While OpenAI will not occupy the entire 5 GW capacity, the site will host multiple tech firms.

🔹 Why It Matters:

• This development marks a major step in OpenAI’s strategy to expand data infrastructure globally and work with international governments outside the US.

• It also reflects the UAE’s ambitions to become a global AI powerhouse, following its recent AI agreement with the US to build the world’s largest AI campus outside American borders.

• The project underscores deepening US-UAE tech cooperation, despite past concerns over G42’s ties to China.

• The UAE has committed to aligning its national security rules with US standards to ensure responsible use of American-origin technologies.

🔮 What’s Next

• A formal announcement about OpenAI’s involvement could be made soon, solidifying the partnership.

• The UAE is also set to invest $1.4 trillion in the US over the next decade, following recent high-level talks between President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US President Donald Trump.

• The data center project is likely to serve as a cornerstone of UAE’s broader strategy to attract top-tier AI research and infrastructure development.

ODEUM – A Cutting-Edge Content Studio for All Your Production and Social Media Management Needs

📰 What is it about?

• Odeum, the content studio built for modern media consumption, partnering with brands to deliver tailored content services while also creating original productions under the Augustus Media network.

💡 Why Choose ODEUM?

At ODEUM, we provide end-to-end media solutions to elevate your brand across multiple platforms.

• Video: Distribution, post-production, production, live streaming, series and show creation, animation, branded content, AI-powered video creation, CGI video creation.

• Social Media: Account takeovers, strategic posts, tactical competitions.

• Copywriting: Branded content hubs, sponsored articles.

• Events: Media partnerships, co-branding, guest list curation, ticket commerce.

• Audio: Podcast production, hosting, voiceovers, audio ads.

• Online Advertising: Programmatic, display, paid social, affiliate marketing.

🔜What’s next?

• Have a project in mind? Let's make it happen!

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Markets

Saudi Proptech Startup Ejari Eyes Super App Status With Rent-Now, Pay-Later Model

🔹 What Is It About:

• Ejari, a Saudi proptech startup founded in 2022, is building a real estate super app that goes beyond rent facilitation to include furnishing, maintenance, and relocation services.

• The startup’s core model allows it to lease properties from landlords with bulk payments, then sublease them to tenants via installment plans — easing the country’s rigid, upfront rental system.

• Now active in 17 cities across 8 regions, Ejari plans to expand into commercial and industrial leases, aiming to cover the full spectrum of the rental market.

🔹 Why It Matters:

• Ejari is solving a critical gap in Saudi Arabia’s rental market, where traditional leasing structures often block access for many tenants.

• With over $50 million in service demand generated on a modest marketing budget and a recent $14.65 million seed round, the startup is drawing major investor attention.

• CEO Yazeed Al-Shamsi's strategy focuses on streamlining the renter experience, with plans to integrate third-party service providers directly into the platform.

• The move reflects broader trends in Saudi Arabia’s digitizing real estate sector and a growing appetite for financial accessibility and tech-enabled solutions.

🔹 What’s Next:

• Short-term focus (H1 2025): Deepen product penetration, build technical and team capacity, and expand into new verticals like commercial properties.

• Long-term vision: Position Ejari as a one-stop platform for the entire rental lifecycle — from moving in to moving out, through embedded services.

• Growth forecast: Revenue expected to rise 7–10x in 2025, despite default rates of 13–15% — which Al-Shamsi attributes to strategic experimentation and broad market testing.

• With backing from local and global investors, Ejari is preparing to scale its offering across Saudi Arabia’s urban and rural rental economy.

Protect Your Reputation Before the Headlines Hit

In an era where one viral post can undo years of work, IRM360 is hosting a private, invite-only event in Dubai Marina on May 21st, 2025, designed for those who can’t afford to leave their reputation to chance. Organized by Nino Kader, Founder and CEO of IRM360 — the strategist credited with turning around the Qatar World Cup’s global image — and Dennis Broberg, Founder of Natanyos Marketing, who has generated over $100M in ad-driven revenue while keeping high-profile brands protected from exposure risks.

Who should attend? Founders, public figures, family offices, and professionals who advise them.

Date: May 21, 2025
Location: Dubai Marina
Format: Morning or afternoon session (strictly invite-only)

Seats are limited. Apply for your private invitation.

Microsoft Layoffs Signal AI's Chilling Impact On Coding Jobs, A Bloomberg Analysis

🔹 What Is It About:

• Microsoft has laid off around 6,000 employees this week, including roles in product management and software engineering — even as the tech giant races ahead in the AI boom.

• The layoffs come without a hiring freeze announcement, but they reflect deeper shifts within the tech industry, especially as AI tools begin to automate parts of the software development lifecycle.

• Experts say this marks a critical moment: companies are both embracing AI for growth and using it as a reason to streamline human labor.

🔹 Why It Matters:

• Generative AI is rapidly transforming the nature of tech work — with coding being among the first job categories to feel its disruptive force.

• Microsoft and Alphabet both report that AI now assists in writing over 30% of their code, suggesting that automation is already deeply embedded in daily workflows.

• Other companies like Intuit, Expedia, and Coca-Cola are also leaning on generative AI to boost productivity and cut costs across departments.

• The shift is reshaping workforce strategies: instead of hiring more people, companies are opting for AI tools that offer exponential productivity gains.

🔹 What’s Next:

• Broader macroeconomic uncertainty — including global tariffs and economic headwinds — may accelerate AI adoption as companies look to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

• Major firms, including Shopify and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, have indicated they may slow hiring or keep headcounts flat due to AI efficiencies.

• Economists warn that if automation continues advancing amid economic instability, job markets — particularly in sectors like coding, research, and marketing — could face a "perfect storm" of disruption.

🔍From Smashi Business’ Desk

• In a video posted by the White House, Trump says the US now has over $10 trillion in investment, thanks to UAE's $1.4 Trillion pledge over next 10 years.

🔍In other news…

• Putin to host first Russia-Arab summit in October, Russian agencies report.

• Al Ain FC sign sponsorship agreement with ADNOC, XRG.

• Dubai gold prices drop AED34 per gram in a month.

• UAE manufacturing focused on future with 'sunrise industries'.

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