Happy Monday everyone!

The UAE is making artificial intelligence a core subject across public schools starting next academic year, a major step in future-proofing its workforce. Travel ties are also strengthening: the UAE will lift its Lebanon travel ban on May 7, with mandatory registration in the “Twajudi” system. Meanwhile, in startup news, Travis Kalanick’s CloudKitchens is reportedly exploring an IPO for its Middle East operations, hiring Goldman Sachs to lead the listing. From classrooms to capital markets, it’s a day of bold moves across the region. Let’s dive in.

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UAE To Make AI A Core Subject In Public Schools From Next Academic Year

📰 What is it about?

• The UAE Ministry of Education has announced a nationwide rollout of an AI-focused curriculum across all public schools starting from the 2025–2026 academic year.

• The curriculum will span kindergarten to Grade 12, with age-appropriate content ranging from interactive activities to real-world AI applications and simulations.

• Rather than adding extra hours, the AI curriculum will be integrated into subjects like computing, creative design, and innovation.

💡 Why it matters?

• The move is part of the UAE’s broader AI and digital transformation strategy, aiming to build a future-ready generation equipped with skills in emerging technologies.

• Students will be trained in seven core areas including basic AI concepts, data, software, ethics, innovation, and policy engagement.

• This reflects the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in tech-driven education, and supports its knowledge-based economy and talent development goals.

🔜 What’s next?

• The curriculum is being developed with leading partners such as Presight (G42), AI71, Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI, and Emirates College for Advanced Education.

• UAE Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri said the initiative ensures that students not only understand AI, but are able to develop smart solutions using national tools, while being ethically grounded.

• The initiative signals a wider regional shift in education policy, putting AI literacy on par with core subjects like math and science.

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💡 Why Choose ODEUM?

At ODEUM, we provide end-to-end media solutions to elevate your brand across multiple platforms.

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🔜 What’s next?

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Markets

UAE To Lift Lebanon Travel Ban Starting May 7, With Mandatory Registration In “Twajudi”

📰 What is it about?

• The UAE will officially lift its travel ban to Lebanon for Emirati citizens starting May 7, 2025, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• The move follows directives from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed after his meeting with the President of Lebanon in Abu Dhabi.

• UAE nationals must register in the “Twajudi” service before departure and upon return, regardless of whether they’re flying from the UAE or elsewhere.

💡 Why it matters?

• The decision marks a major diplomatic step forward in UAE-Lebanon relations, likely paving the way for stronger bilateral cooperation and people-to-people movement.

• Mandatory registration is part of efforts to ensure citizen safety and improve crisis communication while abroad.

• The travel suspension had been in place for years due to regional tensions and security risks; lifting it signals increased trust and coordination.

🔜 What’s next?

• Emiratis planning to visit Lebanon must:

  • Register via “Twajudi”, specifying stay details and emergency contacts.

  • Update information if there are changes during the trip.

  • Avoid travel if registration is incomplete, as non-compliance can lead to legal action.

• The Ministry urged travelers to strictly adhere to procedures to ensure seamless travel and safety abroad.

Travis Kalanick’s CloudKitchens Eyes IPO In Gulf, Taps Goldman For Middle East Listing

📰 What is it about?

• CloudKitchens, the ghost kitchen startup led by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, is exploring an IPO of its Middle East operations, according to sources familiar with the matter.

• The company has appointed Goldman Sachs to advise on the listing, which could take place in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or potentially both through a dual listing.

• The IPO discussions remain early, with timing, valuation, and final exchange still under consideration.

💡 Why it matters?

• CloudKitchens is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which invested $400 million in the company in 2019.

• Kalanick has longstanding ties with the Gulf — the PIF previously invested $3.5 billion in Uber during his tenure as CEO.

• The IPO would add to a wave of tech and consumer listings in the Gulf, including Flynas and Ejada Systems, as Saudi and UAE markets boom despite global volatility.

• Ghost kitchens — delivery-focused commercial cooking spaces — boomed during the pandemic and remain a cost-effective model in a region hungry for food-tech innovation.

🔜 What’s next?

• CloudKitchens’ Middle East operations run under the KitchenPark brand in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, making it one of the few regional players with multi-country scale.

• The IPO would pit it more directly against Dubai-based Kitopi, a SoftBank-backed unicorn that’s already moved beyond ghost kitchens into physical restaurants.

• With regional capital markets heating up, a CloudKitchens listing could provide liquidity and visibility ahead of a potential broader strategy shift or future global expansion.

🔍From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Emirati founders of SALT, Deem AlBassam and Amal AlMarri, launch “Kumo” a bold new Japanese-Inspired dining concept in Dubai.

• Home Bakery founder Hind Al Mulla thanks Harvard Arabian Gulf Student Association for the recent invitation to the US.

🔍In other news…

• Saudis Warn of More Supply Unless OPEC+ Cheats Fall in Line.

• Saudi Hospital Operator SMC to Sell 30% Stake in Local IPO.

• Syria to sign deal to import electricity from Turkey, minister says.

• Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai hosted 55,000 attendees, with 16 percent YoY growth.

• RTA posts 16% rise in digital revenues in 2024, reaching AED4.4 billion.

• New $3B Buddha-Bar Hotel on Dubai World Islands targets European travellers.

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