Happy Friday everyone!

Qatari investors appear unlikely to revive their Manchester United takeover push, even after a new clause allowed the Glazers to pursue a full sale. In parallel, Israel has struck a $500 million US-funded deal to purchase two Boeing KC-46 refueling tankers, strengthening its long-term air power. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has added Al Najma and Al Okhdood to its football club privatisation programme, underlining the kingdom’s determination to modernise its sports sector.

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Qatari Consortium Unlikely To Revive Manchester United Bid Despite Glazer Clause Allowing Full Sale

🔹 What Is It About

Despite speculation that Manchester United could be put up for sale in full, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani’s Qatari consortium has no plans to renew its takeover bid. This comes even as a “drag-along” clause in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake deal, activated on August 13, 2025, allows the Glazer family to force him to sell if they accept an offer for the entire club. Sheikh Jassim, who previously failed in his attempt to buy United outright, is understood to have no appetite to return.

🔹 Why It Matters

The clause, which became active 18 months after Ratcliffe’s £1.03 billion investment for 27.7% of the club, technically leaves him vulnerable to being pushed out if a buyer emerges. While it keeps open the possibility of a full sale, Qatar’s withdrawal signals that one of the most serious suitors is no longer in play. This reduces external pressure on the Glazers and strengthens Ratcliffe’s position despite United’s ongoing struggles on and off the pitch.

🔹 What’s Next

With Qatar out of the running, a takeover remains unlikely in the near term, even as United’s financial woes and poor performance continue to drag down its share price. Ratcliffe and INEOS, who have already restructured the club and backed new manager Ruben Amorim, are expected to push ahead with their long-term plans. Unless a new credible bidder emerges, the Glazers’ partnership with Ratcliffe looks set to define United’s future direction.

Markets

Israel To Buy Two Boeing KC-46 Tankers In $500 Million US-Funded Deal

🔹 What Is It About

Israel’s Defence Ministry has announced plans to acquire two Boeing-made KC-46 aerial refuelling tankers in a deal worth around $500 million, financed through U.S. military aid. The purchase, pending approval from Israel’s ministerial committee for defence procurement, will be carried out via the U.S. foreign military sales framework. Israel’s air force already operates four KC-46 aircraft and will integrate additional Israeli systems into the new planes.

🔹 Why It Matters

The acquisition is intended to enhance Israel’s long-range strategic capabilities, allowing its air force to conduct extended operations with greater reach and firepower. Israel has previously used refuelling aircraft in combat, most recently during its 12-day air war against Iran in June. The deal underscores Washington’s continued military support, even as some U.S. lawmakers question ongoing aid amid Israel’s war in Gaza.

🔹 What’s Next

Once cleared by Israel’s defence procurement committee, the contract will be signed with the U.S. government. Delivery timelines have not yet been disclosed, but the new tankers are expected to further strengthen Israel’s operational capacity in the region. At the same time, debates in Washington over future military aid to Israel could influence subsequent defence agreements between the allies.

Saudi Arabia Adds Al Najma And Al Okhdood To Football Club Privatisation Drive

🔹 What Is It About

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport, in partnership with the National Center for Privatization & PPP, has listed Al Najma and Al Okhdood football clubs for private investment. Al Najma, founded in 1960 in Unaizah, and Al Okhdood, established in 1976 in Najran, join the expanding list of Saudi Pro League teams transitioning to private or sovereign-backed ownership under the kingdom’s privatisation programme.

🔹 Why It Matters

The initiative reflects Riyadh’s push to attract private capital into domestic sports, strengthening the Saudi Pro League’s competitiveness. Backed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, the move highlights efforts to diversify the economy away from oil and establish Saudi Arabia as a global sporting hub. Sovereign entities such as the $913 billion Public Investment Fund already hold stakes in leading clubs like Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad.

🔹 What’s Next

Details on the sale process, including valuations and potential buyers for Al Najma and Al Okhdood, are yet to be disclosed. With private companies and even international investors showing interest, the privatisation drive is expected to accelerate. More clubs could follow, further reshaping Saudi football’s ownership model and opening doors to new commercial opportunities across the sports industry.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Dreamers: From handling deliveries himself to shaping the MENA startup ecosystem: Meet Fadi Ghandour, founder of Aramex and Wamda Capital.

• Calo’s Moayed Almoayed backs Saudi vacation rental giant Gathern!

• Y Combinator founder Paul Graham: “A Palestinian Child’s Life Is Worth as Much as an Israeli Child’s Life”.

• Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri, founder and CEO of Snoonu, condemned attempts to silence the truth—highlighting both the killing of journalists and AI platforms being muted for reporting facts.

• DAMAC Chairman Hussain Sajwani met steel titan Lakshmi Mittal in London! Sajwani praised Mittal’s “remarkable vision and pioneering contributions” and thanked him for his warm hospitality.

🔍In other news…

• Roblox blocked in Kuwait over child safety and content concerns

• Saudi women achieve 13 percent unemployment rate, 36 percent labor force participation in 2024

• Dubai fines ADQ-backed crypto infrastructure provider

• Sharjah to spend $1bn on upgrading water networks

• UAE's CE-Ventures Participates In $100M Series B Funding For US Nuclear Tech Pioneer Aalo Atomics

• UAE's ADNH Catering raises stake in Saudi venture Compass Arabia to 50%

🏦 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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