Happy Saturday everyone!

The future is arriving fast across the Gulf. Saudi Arabia has officially launched Expo 2030 Riyadh Company under PIF to deliver the Kingdom’s first-ever World Expo — a giga-project set to attract 40 million visitors and transform the capital. Meanwhile, the UAE is taking a bold step into AI governance, announcing that a national AI system will join the Cabinet as an advisory member starting in 2026. And over in Abu Dhabi, Miral’s Group CEO shared a full-circle moment, reflecting on his childhood visit to Disneyland — now helping bring that same magic to Yas Island through a landmark Disney partnership.

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.

PIF Launches Expo 2030 Riyadh Company To Deliver Kingdom’s First World Expo

What Is It About

• Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC) to develop, operate, and manage all facilities related to Expo 2030 Riyadh.

• The company, wholly owned by PIF, will oversee the masterplan covering 6 million square meters, located north of Riyadh near the future King Salman International Airport.

• Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031, and is expected to draw over 40 million visits.

• After the event, ERC will transform the gated Expo site into a "global village" with a multicultural retail and F&B hub, international residential community, and sustainable tourism offerings.

Why It Matters

• This marks Saudi Arabia’s first World Expo, further positioning Riyadh as a global capital of culture, commerce, and innovation.

• The project is projected to contribute $64 billion to Saudi GDP during the construction phase and create around 171,000 jobs (direct and indirect).

• Once operational, it is expected to add $5.6 billion annually to the Kingdom’s GDP.

• Countries participating in the Expo will have the option to build permanent pavilions, ensuring a long-term international presence and legacy.

What’s Next

• Expo 2030 Riyadh Company is now fully operational, with plans to collaborate with local and international private sector partners across construction, event planning, and cultural programming.

• The Expo site is being developed as a key legacy project for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and a model for sustainable mega-events.

• The initiative is aligned with PIF’s broader mandate to diversify the Saudi economy, create new sectors, and shape global investment trends.

Markets

UAE To Appoint National AI System As Advisory Cabinet Member From 2026

What Is It About

• UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, announced a landmark decision to integrate artificial intelligence directly into governance.

• Starting January 2026, the National Artificial Intelligence System will serve as an advisory member of the UAE Cabinet, Ministerial Development Council, and federal government boards.

• The AI system will provide technical advice, real-time decision analyses, and support policy development across sectors.

• Sheikh Mohammed also announced government restructuring, including the creation of a Ministry of Foreign Trade (led by Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi) and the renaming of the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (led by Abdulla bin Touq).

Why It Matters

• The move signals the UAE’s most direct integration of AI into executive decision-making, underscoring its ambition to lead in AI governance.

• It builds on a track record of AI leadership: from appointing the world’s first Minister of AI in 2017, to launching the National AI Strategy 2031 and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

• The AI system’s role is designed to enhance policy efficiency, improve decision-making accuracy, and future-proof governance.

• The announcement aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving scientific, economic, and social landscape.

What’s Next

• The AI system will begin integration with Cabinet and board structures ahead of its official advisory role in 2026.

• The UAE will continue investing in its AI infrastructure and capabilities, including through the Abu Dhabi Digital Strategy 2025–2027, which targets becoming the world’s first AI-powered government by 2027.

• Government entities will start adapting to AI-informed workflows, reshaping how federal policies are analyzed, designed, and implemented over the next two years.

Dreamer to Builder: Miral’s group CEO shares his Full-Circle Disney Moment

By Smashi Business

Twenty-five years ago, a young Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi stepped through the gates of Disneyland Paris, awestruck by its magic and storytelling. He asked himself: “Will we ever have something this extraordinary in the UAE?”

Fast forward to today, and Al Zaabi isn’t just reminiscing—he’s making dreams come true. As Group CEO of Miral, he visited Disney Imagineering in Paris, not as a guest, but as a partner shaping the next chapter of Disney history.

A New Disney on Yas Island

On May 7, 2025, Disney announced the development of “Disneyland Abu Dhabi”, its seventh theme park and the first-ever in the Middle East. Located on Yas Island, this waterfront resort will nestle among iconic attractions like Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and SeaWorld.

Design & Build: Miral will oversee construction and operations, with Disney’s Imagineers leading creative direction.

What to Expect: A blend of authentic Disney storytelling with distinct Emirati aesthetics—complete with a “modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created”.

Timeline: Design phase circa 2 years, with construction over 5 years—suggesting an opening around 2032–2033.

Miral CEO: Dream Realized

On LinkedIn, Al Zaabi shared personal reflections: “Two defining moments in my life… united by the same feeling of joy.”

From Disneyland Paris wonder to designing Disneyland Abu Dhabi, he says: “Dreams don’t just come true. They evolve, grow with us, and sometimes come full circle in the most beautiful way.”

This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s the culmination of decades-long UAE cultural evolution and purposeful vision.

What’s Next

The new Disneyland Abu Dhabi will bring:

• Immersive attractions, themed hotels, and unique dining experiences

• Cutting-edge technology integrated across entertainment

• A major tourism boost—within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population.

Final Take

What began as a childhood dream in Europe is transforming into regional reality. Al Zaabi’s journey—from visitor to destination-maker—symbolizes the UAE’s bold cultural ambition: to build global magic right at home.

🔍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

• Aldar generates more than AED3.5 billion in sales at Fahid Island during launch week

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