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- Robinhood in Dubai; Google Restores Syria Ads; Saudia Explores Starlink Wi-Fi
Robinhood in Dubai; Google Restores Syria Ads; Saudia Explores Starlink Wi-Fi
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Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Happy Tuesday everyone!
US-based trading giant Robinhood has applied for a DFSA license to launch operations in Dubai, signaling its expansion into the GCC’s growing retail investment market. Meanwhile, Google has lifted advertising restrictions on Syria, allowing businesses and marketers in the country to access its digital platforms again. In aviation news, Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier Saudia is in advanced talks with SpaceX to roll out Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi across its fleet, Bloomberg reported, a move that could redefine passenger connectivity in the Gulf and strengthen the airline’s modernization drive.
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Robinhood Has Applied for a DFSA License To Launch Dubai Operations, Eyeing GCC Market Expansion
🔹 What Is It About
US-based neobroker Robinhood has applied for a Category 4 license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) as it prepares to open its first office in Dubai. The firm appointed former Equiti executive Mario Camara to lead regional operations. Robinhood’s international expansion has so far included the UK, EU, and plans for Asia via Singapore, signaling its ambition to establish a significant presence outside the US.
🔹 Why It Matters
Robinhood’s entry introduces a globally recognized, zero-commission trading platform to the Gulf, potentially shaking up the cost structure for investors. However, its DFSA license initially limits it to professional and institutional clients, giving local players like Sarwa, Baraka, and Equiti an edge in retail trust and accessibility. The move highlights growing competition between global fintech giants and homegrown platforms in the region.
🔹 What’s Next
Robinhood aims to leverage its clean, mobile-first interface and broad product innovation, including options and crypto, to attract professional investors in Dubai. Regional competitors are expected to respond with localized offerings and user-focused features. Observers will watch whether Robinhood can quickly scale in the GCC market and expand retail access once regulatory approvals allow.
Markets
EGX 30 | 35,824.78 | -0.41% |
DFMGI | 6,128.97 | -0.049% |
ADX | 10,213.16 | -0.084% |
Tadawul | 10,885.58 | -0.11% |
Google Removes Syria From Advertising Sanctions List, Restores Access To Digital Marketing Platforms
🔹 What Is It About
Google has lifted Syria from its US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list, effective August 2025, allowing advertising services to resume in the country for the first time since 2011. The policy update affects Google Ads, Ad Exchange, and Ad Manager, enabling businesses and publishers in Syria to create and manage campaigns, and integrating the country into Google’s geographic targeting systems for advertisers globally.
🔹 Why It Matters
The move reopens access to a Syrian market of approximately 22 million people, creating opportunities for both local and international advertisers. While internet infrastructure and economic conditions remain challenging, mobile adoption and rising digital connectivity make Syria a viable market for digital campaigns. The policy shift also signals Google’s ongoing focus on compliance while adapting its services to changing international sanctions frameworks.
🔹 What’s Next
Syrian advertisers must follow Google’s standard account restoration and verification procedures to regain access, including documentation of business registration and compliance with updated terms. Campaign managers will need to update geographic targeting and exclusions, while ensuring adherence to Google’s global advertising policies. Observers expect the development to encourage other tech companies to reconsider sanctions-related restrictions and expand digital services in the region.
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Saudi Arabia’s Flag Carrier, Saudia, In Advanced Talks With SpaceX To Bring Starlink Wi-Fi To Its Fleet
🔹 What Is It About
Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, is in advanced discussions with SpaceX to install Starlink in-flight internet across its 140+ aircraft, aiming to enhance passenger connectivity. The talks come amid a growing push in the Gulf for high-speed onboard Wi-Fi, with rival carriers like Emirates, Flydubai, and Gulf Air also exploring Starlink or competing services. The deals are not final and could still change.
🔹 Why It Matters
A partnership with Saudia would mark a major milestone for Starlink, giving SpaceX a foothold in the Gulf’s largest economy and challenging established aviation internet providers like Viasat. For Saudi Arabia, upgrading its legacy airline’s connectivity is part of a broader economic diversification strategy, boosting tourism, aviation, and in-flight passenger experience.
🔹 What’s Next
If finalized, airlines would face upfront hardware costs of $300,000–$500,000 per aircraft plus monthly subscription fees. Saudia has been modernizing its fleet and service, while Starlink seeks to expand in the region, though regulatory approval will be key for deals with carriers like Emirates and Flydubai, where Starlink is currently not authorized.
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
Dreamers: From handling deliveries himself to shaping the MENA startup ecosystem: Meet Fadi Ghandour, founder of Aramex and Wamda Capital.
Shark Tank is coming to Lebanon and LBCI has announced the investor panel for the show’s first season, featuring some of the country’s most influential business leaders.
Emirati billionaire Khalaf Alhabtoor celebrated Lindt’s “Dubai Style Chocolate”
🔍In other news…
Norway Wealth Fund to Divest From Six Companies Linked to West Bank, Gaza
Gordon Ramsay’s school for chefs to open in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, Syria sign investment protection deal
Video: Dubai Police foil Dh91.8-million rare pink diamond heist; 3 arrested in 8 hours
Dubai Airport unveils world’s first AI-powered passenger corridor
Indian banking giant Kotak Mahindra launches in UAE - to offer investment funds
🏦 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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