Happy Saturday!

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 is kicking off today and Smashi Business will be at the SRTI Park, Sharjah, to give you all the updates.

For our main stories for today:

• The British broadcaster ITV is in early discussions to merge its production arm with All3Media owner Abu Dhabi-based RedBird IMI, potentially creating a content powerhouse.

• Prices jumped 27.5% YoY in Q4 2024, with record-high villa sales and rents surging. Demand remains strong despite a housing supply crunch.

• Emirati arms giant EDGE acquired 30% of Israeli military tech firm Thirdeye Systems, marking a rare investment amid regional tensions.

But before that: You can join our Whatsapp channel too to receive updates from the business world.

ITV in Early Talks to Merge Production Unit with All3Media Owner RedBird IMI

📰 What is it about?

• ITV is reportedly in early-stage talks to merge its production division, ITV Studios, with Abu Dhabi-based RedBird IMI's All3Media.

• ITV Studios is behind hit shows like Love Island and Netflix’s Fool Me Once.

• RedBird IMI, led by Jeff Zucker, acquired All3Media for $1.45B last year, adding The Traitors to its portfolio.

• If finalized, the deal would form a powerhouse production group in the global TV industry.

💡 Why it matters?

• A long-rumored move: Speculation about ITV selling or restructuring its production arm has been circulating for years.

• Competitive consolidation: A merger would create a TV production giant rivaling Banijay, BBC Studios, and Fremantle.

• Investor interest: Last year, ITV’s stock surged when reports suggested France’s TF1 and CVC Capital were also eyeing the business.

• Strategic shift: ITV is focusing on digital transformation, and merging its production unit could be part of a broader strategy.

🔜 What’s next?

• Lengthy process: Even if a deal is agreed upon, merging two major production entities will take time.

• Regulatory and financial hurdles: Approval from competition regulators and financial negotiations could shape the final structure.

• More bidders? Other interested parties, like TF1 or CVC Capital, could still make a move, affecting the outcome.

• Potential industry shake-up: If successful, this could reshape the global production landscape, influencing content ownership and distribution.

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 Kicks-Off Today!

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025 is starting today till February 2, Sunday, at SRTI Park, Sharjah. Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the event aims to unite visionaries, investors, and innovators for two days of collaboration and inspiration.

SEF 2025 will feature over 150 startup pods in its Startup Town Zone, powered by du, providing a dynamic environment for emerging enterprises. Attendees can anticipate keynote speeches, workshops, and various activities designed to foster entrepreneurship.

The festival also emphasizes sustainability and wellness, offering zones dedicated to holistic well-being and responsible business practices.

With an expected attendance of around 12,000 participants, SEF 2025 continues to be a significant platform for entrepreneurial growth and networking in the UAE.

Smashi Business will be at the event to keep you updated on everything through our on-site coverage. Follow us here…

Markets

Dubai Real Estate Market Booms as Prices, Sales, and Rents Surge in 4Q 2024

📰 What is it about?

• Dubai’s property market continued its strong growth, with capital values rising 27.5% y-o-y, per ValuStrat’s latest index.

• Off-plan sales soared 143.8% y-o-y, while ready home sales hit a record 13,000 transactions, up 9.2% y-o-y.

• Villas and townhouses led price gains, increasing 31.6% y-o-y, with Jumeirah Islands (42.5%) and Palm Jumeirah (42.3%) as top performers.

• Affordable housing remained active, with nearly 39% of all ready home sales priced below AED 1 million.

💡 Why it matters?

• Housing supply remains tight: Only 58% of expected new homes were completed in 2024, the lowest in six years, amid a 170k population surge.

• Rents continue to climb: Residential rents rose 9.8% y-o-y, with apartment rents averaging AED 92k and villa rents at AED 421k.

• Office space demand is booming: Capital values jumped 23.9% y-o-y, with Business Bay leading transactions and office occupancy hitting 88%.

• Hospitality and industrial sectors thrive: Hotel occupancy reached 78%, and logistics warehouses saw 15% annual capital gains, led by Dubai Investment Park and Al Quoz.

🔜 What’s next?

• More housing supply is on the way: 118k apartments and 28k villas/townhouses are under construction, with completion by 2028.

• Interest rate cuts could fuel further demand, making financing more affordable and keeping the market competitive.

• Dubai’s real estate is poised for continued growth, with high demand across residential, commercial, hospitality, and industrial sectors.

Emirati Defense Giant EDGE Invests in Israeli Military Supplier Thirdeye Systems

What is happening?

• UAE’s state-owned defense company EDGE has acquired a 30% stake in Israeli military supplier Thirdeye Systems for $10 million.

• EDGE will also invest $12 million in a new joint venture with Thirdeye Systems, giving it majority control.

• The deal marks a rare public Emirati investment in Israel since the Gaza war began 15 months ago.

Why it matters:

• Many Emirati companies have distanced themselves from Israeli firms since the war, making this deal significant.

• The UAE and Israel have maintained diplomatic ties despite tensions, showing continued strategic cooperation.

• Thirdeye Systems specializes in drone detection technology, supplying both the Israeli military and NATO members.

• The company’s stock has surged 51% since the war began, reflecting growing military contracts.

What’s next?

• EDGE’s investment will help Thirdeye expand into new markets, signaling deeper military-tech collaboration.

• The joint venture could lead to new defense technologies, enhancing both nations' security capabilities.

• Despite diplomatic challenges, military and defense partnerships between UAE and Israel are likely to continue growing.

🔍In other news…

1. Emirates takes the crown as the #1 brand in the UAE for 2025!

2. Dubai’s new road toll charges are now in effect!

3. Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris has criticized US President Donald Trump for reversing a proposed freeze on billions in federal grants and loans.

4. Kuwait consumer spending reaches record high.

The Latest from the Smashi Business Studio

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Here’s to a productive week ahead! 💪

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