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In just 21 days, Saudi comedy AlZarfa shattered records by selling over 500,000 tickets, outpacing global blockbusters like Jurrasic World and F1, and setting a new benchmark in the Gulf’s booming film industry. Meanwhile, Wizz Air announced plans to resume flights to Israel this August while closing its Abu Dhabi base, signaling a strategic shift amid regional challenges. On the tech front, Cander’s new Head of AI role highlights the Gulf’s escalating race for top AI talent, as major players aim to build a cutting-edge innovation hub in the Middle East.

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AlZarfa Becomes Fastest Arab Film To Cross 500K Tickets In Saudi Box Office

🔹 What Is It About

In just 21 days, Alzarfa: Escape from Hanhounia Hell has surpassed 500,000 ticket sales, becoming the fastest Arab film to reach this milestone at the Saudi box office. The locally produced comedy, directed by Abdullah Majed and backed by Alshimaisi Films and Telfaz11, overtook global hits like Jurassic World Rebirth and F1: The Movie, grossing $2.7 million in its opening weekend alone.

🔹 Why It Matters

The breakout success of Alzarfa signals a growing appetite for Saudi-made cinema, further cementing the rise of the kingdom’s film industry. Its box office domination follows in the footsteps of Sattar, showcasing the demand for culturally resonant stories told on a commercial scale. Executive producer Ibrahim Alkhairallah says the film proves Saudi audiences are turning out for stories told “in our own voice.”

🔹 What’s Next

Starting Thursday, 24 July 2025, Alzarfa began its rollout across all GCC cinemas, marking a key test for the film’s regional appeal. With strong word-of-mouth and a unique blend of comedy and action, producers hope the film can replicate its Saudi success across neighboring markets, further expanding the reach of Gulf storytelling on the big screen.

Markets

Wizz Air To Resume Israeli Flights In August As It Exits Abu Dhabi Base: CEO tells Reuters

🔹 What Is It About

Budget airline Wizz Air plans to restart flights to Israel on August 8 after suspending service in June due to the Israel-Iran conflict. CEO Jozsef Varadi confirmed the airline aims to operate at full capacity in Israel by September, positioning itself as the largest inbound carrier to the country. Meanwhile, Wizz Air announced the closure of its Abu Dhabi base as part of a strategic shift away from the Middle East.

🔹 Why It Matters

Wizz Air’s return signals growing confidence in regional flight safety despite ongoing instability. Its presence in Israel will surpass all other European airlines combined, underscoring the airline’s commitment to the market. The exit from Abu Dhabi reflects challenges in sustaining operations there, but the move reallocates capacity to Europe, aligning with Wizz Air’s broader growth strategy amid a complex Middle East environment.

🔹 What’s Next

Wizz Air will monitor the security situation closely as it ramps up Israeli flights, while competitors like Ryanair and easyJet remain more cautious with delayed return dates. The airline’s focus on Europe following the Abu Dhabi base closure indicates a pivot toward more stable markets, even as it maintains a significant role in the evolving Middle Eastern aviation landscape.

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Has the AI Talent Race Finally Come to The Gulf?

🔹 What Is It About

Dubai-based Cander’s latest opening for a Head of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi highlights the region’s growing demand for top-tier AI talent. With salaries up to 120,000 AED per month plus bonuses, this role seeks a leader who can drive enterprise-wide AI strategy, innovation, and commercial impact. The Gulf is now competing for senior AI experts capable of deploying advanced technologies like LLMs and generative AI at scale, mirroring global tech hubs.

🔹 Why It Matters

As Meta’s superintelligence team and Silicon Valley pay AI experts $10-$100M/year salaries, the Gulf is rapidly emerging as a hotspot for AI innovation and leadership. Major regional players like Etihad, Talabat, and Revolut are actively recruiting AI specialists, signaling the Gulf’s ambition to transform its tech ecosystem and reduce reliance on foreign expertise. This talent race could redefine the region’s competitive edge in the global AI landscape.

🔹 What’s Next

The Gulf’s AI talent market is set to intensify with startups, scale-ups, and multinational corporations ramping up hiring. Cander’s role reflects a strategic push to attract and retain AI leaders who can spearhead digital transformation across industries. The question now is whether the Gulf can build a sustainable AI ecosystem, balancing talent import with local capability development, to become a true global AI powerhouse.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Dreamers: From arriving in Dubai with just a suitcase to leading the Gulf’s first female-founded private equity firm, Huda Al-Lawati is a true trailblazer

• Tabby founder, Palestinian entrepreneur Hosam Arab, speaks out on LinkedIn, condemning the starvation crisis in Gaza and calling for an end to the siege.

• Smashi Business Exclusive: House of Pops Eyes European Expansion

• From inventing Dubai Chocolate to sharing his journey from Burj Al Arab to TEDx, Chef Noel Catiz joined the Lovin Dubai Show to talk desserts, ideas, and his deep love for Kanafa Nabulsi

🔍In other news…

• Meet the ‘soon-icorns’: Mena’s next billion-dollar startups

• Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih: “We are committed to strengthening relations with Syria, particularly in the economic and investment spheres.”

• More than 51,000 homes sold in Dubai in record second quarter: Knight Frank report

• Dubai urged to combat overtourism while it still can: an AGBI analysis says

• UAE imposes $11.4m in fines during first half of 2025 on money laundering offenders

• Trials of self-driving vehicles to begin in Riyadh

• Emirates NBD profit falls 9% on dip in recoveries

• Aldar sells Abu Dhabi's 'most expensive home' for $109m

• Microsoft hack affected a smaller number of victims in several regions, including the Middle East

🏦Crypto Corner

• 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

• Crypto Market Value Tops $4 Trillion as Stablecoin Bill Passes

• Ripple Partners Ctrl Alt to Tokenize Dubai Real Estate on XRP Ledger

• You can soon use crypto when paying at Dubai Duty Free and when flying Emirates in new landmark deal

• UAE authority clarifies no Golden Visa issuance for crypto investors

• Dubai Land Department teams up with Crypto.com on digital real estate investment plan

Follow Smashi Crypto to find out what’s news in the world of digital assets.

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