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- Trump to Saudi in May: Axios; Alabbar Eyes Europe Entry; UAE-born Halal Betting Startup
Trump to Saudi in May: Axios; Alabbar Eyes Europe Entry; UAE-born Halal Betting Startup
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Happy Tuesday everyone!
US President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia may come in mid-May, Axios has reported. Meanwhile, Dubai real estate tycoon Mohamed Alabbar is expanding into Montenegro, though local opposition poses a challenge. In the tech space, UAE-based Hajem Sports, a halal football prediction app, is looking beyond soccer, with plans to enter MMA, basketball, and esports.
Let’s dive in!
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US President Trump Plans Saudi Arabia Visit in May: Reports Axios
📰 What is it about?
US President Donald Trump is set to travel to Saudi Arabia in mid-May, marking his first foreign trip since returning to the White House, per U.S. officials quoted by Axios.
The trip was originally planned for April 28 but was postponed.
💡 Why it matters?
The visit highlights deepening ties between the Trump administration and Gulf nations, particularly in economic and investment cooperation.
Trump has publicly linked the visit to a $1 trillion investment pledge from Saudi Arabia to American companies over four years.
The trip comes as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire in Gaza and more hostage releases from Hamas.
Saudi-Israel normalization talks remain stalled, as Riyadh demands a Palestinian state commitment that Israel rejects.
🔜 What’s next?
Discussions will focus on foreign investment, Gulf relations, and Middle East stability.
It’s unclear whether Trump will meet with other Arab leaders or travel to Israel.
Saudi Arabia prefers the visit to happen after a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire is secured.
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Dubai Real Estate Tycoon Mohamed Alabbar Sets Sights on Montenegro
📰 What is it about?
Mohamed Alabbar, the billionaire behind Emaar Properties and the Burj Khalifa, is eyeing Montenegro for his next big project.
Under a new five-year economic agreement, the Balkan nation will welcome Emirati investment for two major tourism hubs.
His Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills Properties has placed the highest bids for coastal leases in the country’s south.
💡 Why it matters?
Alabbar is a driving force behind the UAE’s global real estate expansion, with projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Local resistance is growing against leasing Montenegro’s coastline to a foreign developer—echoing past opposition to Alabbar’s Budapest project, which was ultimately scrapped.
His latest venture comes as he strengthens ties with global investors, including a recent partnership with Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners on a luxury project in Belgrade.
🔜 What’s next?
If Eagle Hills secures the leases, Montenegro could see a major influx of Gulf investment, reshaping its tourism and real estate sectors.
However, local pushback may delay or even derail the project, depending on government negotiations.
Alabbar is also moving forward with a $6 billion development in Tbilisi, Georgia, further cementing his European expansion strategy.
UAE-Based Halal Football Prediction App Aims to Expand Beyond Soccer
What is happening?
Hajem Sports, a UAE-founded gaming app, allows users to predict football match outcomes while staying Shariah-compliant—offering a gambling-like experience without money.
Founder Zaid Abu Soud, a former MMA organizer, launched the app in January 2024, targeting Muslim users who want the thrill of competition without violating Islamic law.
Unlike traditional betting apps, Hajem operates on a points-based system, where users receive five free credits dailyand move up league tables based on correct predictions.
Why it matters:
Betting is prohibited in Islam, but Hajem provides a legal alternative for sports fans who want to engage with games without financial risk.
The app taps into a fast-growing market of users looking for gamification without gambling, making it a unique player in the global sports tech industry.
Revenue comes from digital asset sales, such as avatar skins, rather than wagers—highlighting a sustainable, ethical business model in the gaming space.
What’s next?
Abu Soud plans to expand Hajem beyond football, with potential additions including MMA, basketball, and esports—the latter being one of the region’s fastest-growing activities.
The app aims to attract a global audience, particularly users who enjoy sports gaming but want to avoid financial gambling risks.
As interest in halal gaming alternatives rises, Hajem could pioneer a new category in the sports entertainment industry, balancing competition with cultural and religious values.