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- Starlink in UAE?; HUMAIN Chat by Saudi; Sphere Abu Dhabi in Pre-Construction Phase
Starlink in UAE?; HUMAIN Chat by Saudi; Sphere Abu Dhabi in Pre-Construction Phase
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Saturday, August 16, 2025
Happy Saturday everyone!
The Gulf’s tech and entertainment scene is buzzing. In the UAE, regulators are moving to open the door for Starlink satellite internet services to reach consumers, potentially transforming connectivity in remote areas. In Saudi Arabia, state-backed AI firm HUMAIN will launch its flagship HUMAIN Chat this month, underscoring the kingdom’s Vision 2030 push to lead in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, the much-anticipated Sphere entertainment venue is nearing the end of its preconstruction phase, as its Las Vegas-based operator accelerates global expansion plans for its massive immersive arenas.
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.
UAE To Allow Starlink Satellite Internet Services For Consumers?
🔹 What Is It About
The UAE’s telecom regulator is taking steps to simplify rules for satellite service providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has released a draft regulation for a satellite reseller license, enabling licensed companies to offer satellite internet services and devices to consumers. Public feedback on the proposal is open until 25 September. Starlink already holds a 10-year license for maritime services.
🔹 Why It Matters
Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites can provide internet access globally, particularly in remote or underserved areas. Opening the UAE market to satellite resellers could expand connectivity options and enhance digital infrastructure. The move also aligns with regional interest in advanced aerospace and telecom technologies, potentially supporting airlines and other industries that rely on continuous, high-speed connectivity.
🔹 What’s Next
TDRA will review public feedback before finalizing the regulations, paving the way for consumer access to satellite internet. Emirates Airlines has been exploring Starlink for in-flight Wi-Fi, though challenges remain due to airspace restrictions. Other carriers, including Saudia, Gulf Air, and Flydubai, are reportedly in talks with Starlink to deploy onboard internet services, signaling potential growth in aviation connectivity across the Gulf.
From Italy to a Nasdaq Reservation
How do you follow record-setting success? Get stronger. Take Pacaso. Their real estate co-ownership tech set records in Paris and London in 2024. No surprise. Coldwell Banker says 40% of wealthy Americans plan to buy abroad within a year. So adding 10+ new international destinations, including three in Italy, is big. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.
Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.
Markets
EGX 30 | 35,576.42 | Closed |
DFMGI | 6,125.96 | + 0.50% |
ADX | 10,221.614 | – 0.287% |
Tadawul | 10,833.59 | Closed |
HUMAIN To Launch AI Chat Platform, Marking Milestone In Saudi Arabia’s Tech Leadership Drive
🔹 What Is It About
Saudi AI company HUMAIN will launch its HUMAIN Chat platform at the end of August, CEO Tareq Amin revealed in a LinkedIn post. The platform is designed to bridge human potential with artificial intelligence capabilities, offering sector-specific applications in energy, healthcare, and financial services. Amin said the launch represents a key step in HUMAIN’s mission to deliver innovative, responsible AI tools aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy.
🔹 Why It Matters
HUMAIN was founded in May 2025 under the Public Investment Fund to help position Saudi Arabia as a global AI and technology hub. It is building a full-stack AI ecosystem, from data centers and cloud infrastructure to Arabic language models and enterprise applications. The company has secured major partnerships with Nvidia, AMD, AWS, and Qualcomm, supported by PIF’s deep capital base, to accelerate AI adoption across industries.
🔹 What’s Next
The launch of HUMAIN Chat is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s AI capabilities and signal the kingdom’s readiness to compete in the global AI market. HUMAIN is also preparing to establish a $10 billion venture fund to invest in AI startups worldwide, further expanding its influence in model development, infrastructure, and talent development.
This guide could help keep your whole organization safe.
You wouldn’t allow unmanaged devices on your network, so why allow unmanaged AI into your meetings?
Shadow IT is becoming one of the biggest blind spots in cybersecurity.
Employees are adopting AI notetakers without oversight, creating ungoverned data trails that can include confidential conversations and sensitive IP.
Don't wait until it's too late.
This Shadow IT prevention guide from Fellow.ai gives Security and IT leaders a playbook to prevent shadow AI, reduce data exposure, and enforce safe AI adoption, without slowing down innovation.
It includes a checklist, policy templates, and internal comms examples you can use today.
Sphere Abu Dhabi Nears Construction Phase As Global Expansion Plans Accelerate
🔹 What Is It About
The preconstruction phase of Sphere Abu Dhabi — the Middle East’s first iteration of Las Vegas’s record-breaking spherical entertainment venue — is nearly complete, Sphere Entertainment CEO James Dolan told investors. The 20,000-seat attraction, announced in October, will feature wraparound 16K screens and immersive technology. A 10-year franchise deal with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism grants exclusive rights to develop Sphere venues across the Middle East and North Africa.
🔹 Why It Matters
Sphere Abu Dhabi marks a significant step in diversifying Abu Dhabi’s cultural and entertainment offerings. The Las Vegas Sphere cost $2.3 billion to build and has hosted global acts like U2 and The Eagles, as well as original productions such as Darren Aronofsky’s Postcards from Earth. The UAE project could position the capital as a hub for large-scale, high-tech immersive experiences, aligning with its goal to boost global tourism appeal.
🔹 What’s Next
While the opening date and location remain under wraps, design and business plans are also advancing for smaller-scale Spheres, seating around 5,000. Dolan said these could be built in just over two years at a fraction of the Las Vegas cost. Talks are underway with other international markets, as Sphere Entertainment eyes a global network of venues hosting concerts, film screenings, and original content year-round.
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
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Why did Careem mint so many founders? Saudi entrepreneur Wajd Badawi has an answer
A 7-year-old just built an AI app on Replit — and his dad, a Saudi tech CEO, had never built one himself.
A robot greeted Dubai ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed — and it wasn’t science fiction.
Dubai-based CEO Alex Bendiouis has reimagined one of the city’s most iconic archival images into an AI video.
🔍In other news…
🏦 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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