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- UN Expert tells World to Cut Economic Ties with Israel; Hogwarts Taking Shape in Abu Dhabi; Google Launches Veo 3 In MENA
UN Expert tells World to Cut Economic Ties with Israel; Hogwarts Taking Shape in Abu Dhabi; Google Launches Veo 3 In MENA
Friday, July 4, 2025
Happy Friday everyone!
From the UN accusing Israel of committing "one of the cruelest genocides in modern history" to Miral launching a AED3 billion Harry Potter-themed expansion in Abu Dhabi, and Google rolling out its powerful video AI Veo 3 across the MENA region — today’s top stories are a snapshot of global tensions, regional ambitions, and rapid tech evolution. As calls grow for international action over Gaza, the UAE doubles down on tourism megaprojects, while AI innovation becomes more accessible across the Arab world.
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.
UN Expert Accuses Israel of ‘One of the Cruelest Genocides’; Calls for Global Arms Embargo and Economic Disengagement
🔹 What Is It About
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has accused Israel of committing "one of the cruelest genocides in modern history" in Gaza, urging the global community to impose a full arms embargo and suspend trade and investment ties. In her report to the UN Human Rights Council, she described the situation as "apocalyptic" and alleged that Gaza had become a testing ground for Israeli military and surveillance technologies.
🔹 Why It Matters
Albanese's report details how over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured, with experts estimating even higher tolls. She claims arms companies have profited heavily by arming Israel, while Gaza has been subjected to 85,000 tons of explosives—six times the destructive force of Hiroshima. The report also accuses dozens of corporations—including Microsoft, Amazon, BNP Paribas, and HD Hyundai—of sustaining an "economy of occupation."
🔹 What’s Next
The report calls on UN member states to enforce a total arms ban, end all economic ties with Israel, and hold companies accountable under international law. Albanese concluded with a call to civil society to push for boycotts, divestments, and sanctions, declaring: “What comes next depends on all of us.”
🎙️ “Points of Growth”, Yango Ads’ podcast about AdTech, Releases Episode 3
Yango Ads, the AdTech arm of Yango Group, runs its very own podcast - Points of Growth. Tailored for marketers, founders, and growth teams, this series explores practical strategies for driving sustainable growth through data, AI, and smart advertising.
On July 1, Episode 3 launched, focusing on a topic of app monetization. The host Neha Dawar, Business Developer Manager at Yango Ads, is joined by Lucas Calixto, Business Developer Manager, and Alex Khoroshilov, Technical Customer Success Manager, to discuss effective monetization strategies, the latest ad formats, AI as a co-pilot and actionable tips for developers looking to increase revenue.
The podcast kicks off with a six-episode season tackling challenges in fast-moving sectors like tourism, fashion, real estate, retail, and gaming - where digital acceleration is rewriting the rules of engagement. The first two episodes - on AdTech trends and essential advertising toolbox - are already available on Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music.
Markets
EGX 30 | 32,820.49 | Closed |
DFMGI | 5,748.2 | +1.394% |
ADX | 9,980.74 | +0.614% |
Tadawul | 11,244.45 | +1.03% |
Miral Tenders AED3 Billion Harry Potter Attraction In Abu Dhabi
🔹 What Is It About
Abu Dhabi developer Miral has issued a tender for the main construction works of a Harry Potter-themed expansion at Warner Bros World on Yas Island, Meed reported. Estimated at AED2bn-AED3bn ($545m-$816m), the second phase will add 40,000 sq m to the theme park and include three new rides, plus food, retail, and themed zones. Bids are due in July.
🔹 Why It Matters
This marks the sixth Harry Potter attraction globally and the first in the Middle East, reinforcing Yas Island’s status as a premier entertainment hub. The expansion follows the opening of a major Yas Waterworld extension and the announcement of a Disney resort, signaling Miral’s ambition to dominate global tourism with record-setting attractions.
🔹 What’s Next
Enabling works are already underway, led by local firms NSCC International and Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company, with Ellisdon as consultant. As construction bids come in, eyes are now on how Miral integrates the Harry Potter experience into its growing theme park portfolio—which includes SeaWorld, Warner Bros, and soon Disney.
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Google Brings Veo 3 Video AI To MENA Via Gemini App
🔹 What Is It About
Google has launched its advanced video generation model, Veo 3, in the Middle East and North Africa. Built into the Gemini app, Veo 3 allows users to generate eight-second videos with sound, dialogue, and music by simply typing a scene description, or “prompt.” The tool is now available to Google AI Pro subscribers across the region.
🔹 Why It Matters
Veo 3 stands out for its high visual quality, realistic physics, and accurate prompt adherence. It also natively generates sound effects and dialogue, pushing the boundaries of AI-powered creativity. With its launch, MENA creators gain access to one of the most advanced video tools in the world, enabling new levels of content innovation.
🔹 What’s Next
Every video includes a hidden SynthID watermark, and visible watermarks will be added for most users—except for Ultra members using Flow, Google’s new tool for AI filmmakers. Google plans to expand access to its SynthID Detector, aiming to further support transparency in AI-generated media.
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
Dreamers: Meet the founding chairman of Al Habtoor Group, Khalaf Al Habtoor.
Saudi startup Ninja just hit unicorn status!
In a video posted on social media, Tariq, a Palestinian English teacher, translator, and voice actor, reveals residents are charged up to 60% in commission fees just to access physical cash.
🔍In other news…
BlackRock Weighs Selling Stake in Saudi Aramco Gas Pipelines
QIA invests in medical startup Kardium’s fundraising round
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has issued a tender for an international celebrity management agency to “leverage international and regional celebrities to generate destination exposure through their platforms”, according to the tender document.
37 bidders for Libya’s first energy tender in decades
France's Thales eyes radar factory in Saudi Arabia and AI centre in UAE
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to launch Middle East’s first digital bond
Dubai leads the world in branded residences with 160% growth
Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East restructures roles to manage 100+ markets from Dubai
🏦Crypto Corner
Bitcoin Miner Tied to Trump Sons Plans Dubai Crypto Trading Team