The Smashi Business Show

<p><strong>Top Stories Today:</strong></p><ul><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Reddit users aren’t optimistic about it’s up and coming IPO expected to be valued at $5BN</strong></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Snapchat’s Dubai office has been affected by a 10% cut in staff</strong></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>UAE employees are losing over $3,500 a year in lost expenses - we find out why</strong></span></li></ul>

<p><strong><u>Top Stories Today:</u></strong></p><ul><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(38,38,38);"><strong>Meta will pay investors its first dividend in March as shares soared 14% overnight</strong></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Saudi to create 39,000 tech jobs with new PIF-backed company Alat</strong></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(38,38,38);"><strong>As British media group Sky cuts 1,000 jobs, will the UAE save Western media?</strong></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Starbucks sales down as Middle East boycotts hit coffee giant</strong></span></li></ul>

<p><strong>Top Stories:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Dubai launches programme to help retired citizens in another move to support Emiratis</strong></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Abu Dhabi’s Pure Health acquires 25% stake in Saudi Medical City for $150M</strong></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>TikTok owner ByteDance fell behind on AI, CEO says</strong></span></li></ul>

<ul><li><u>Top Stories Today</u></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">The apps that tell users which Israeli products, companies to boycott</span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris slams government for delay of pound devaluation</span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(38,38,38);"><strong>Is it illegal in Dubai to punch your boss?</strong></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">We take a look at the latest tech layoffs at Microsoft, eBay, TikTok and more</span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">Today's Guest - Anwar Nusseibeh, COO of Frank Porter </span></li></ul>

<ul><li>Exclusive: Saudi mulls 100% foreign property ownership in Mecca, Medina: sources</li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">Arrested for corruption: CEO of AlUla’s Royal Commission</span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">Today's Guest: Julie Mallon, Founder of Nurture to Sleep</span></li></ul>

<p><strong>Top Stories Covered:</strong></p><ul><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(38,38,38);"><strong>Abraaj’s Abdel-Wadood back in Dubai as he dines in DIFC - did the former managing partner of the now defunct-private equity company get away scot free?</strong></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Google’s $4M fund to help Palestinian startups, create jobs </strong></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Is being an influencer now more profitable than being an actress? Dubai-based Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan earns up to $64,500 per sponsored post on IG</strong></span></li></ul>

<p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(29,28,29);">In today’s episode:Alcohol News ‘inaccurate,’ Saudis say on X as the kingdom opens first liquor store</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(29,28,29);">The UAE’s controversial diversity quota has been put on hold</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(29,28,29);">Arada records a 100% rise in sales in 2023 as demand soars for upscale communities</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(29,28,29);">A Conversation with Toufic Kreidieh, the Visionary Behind Brands For Less Group</span></p>

<p>Topics Covered</p><ul><li>Alcohol in Saudi Arabia: conservative kingdom to open first shop in Riyadh</li><li>Salt Bae under fire for $100,000 Dubai dinner bill</li><li>Kingdom sees more IPOs with Nice One listing expected</li></ul><p><br> </p>

<p><strong>Topics Covered:</strong></p><p><strong>Dubai and Abu Dhabi are competing for tourists as Yas spends more on advertising</strong><br><strong>Huda Kattan signs with a talent agency but why would she need one?</strong></p><p><strong>Rising costs are a top concern for 58% of SMEs</strong></p><p><br> </p>

<p><strong>Topics Covered: </strong></p><ul><li><strong>Habib Al Mulla faces backlash for suggesting higher Salik tolls in Dubai</strong></li><li><strong>Dubai developer to select tenants through an invite-only auction</strong></li><li><strong>Audi breaks sales records in MidEast</strong></li></ul>

<p>Topics Covered:</p><ul><li>Salik should double fees in Dubai's central business district: Habib Al Mulla</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>With the UAE leading IPOs in GCC, is it time for regional exchanges to merge?</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Starbucks MENA denies political affiliation, agenda, but what is the future of the coffee giant in the region?</li></ul><p><br> </p><p><br> </p>

<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="background-color:hsl(0, 0%, 100%);color:#000000;"><strong>Abdulla al Kamda</strong></span></p><p><br><span style="background-color:hsl(0, 0%, 100%);color:#000000;"><strong>Welcome back to another episode of Dubai Works. Our guest for today is Abdulla al kamda, founder of homie. Homie is a cashback platform that links consumers and service providers, covering dine-in, retail, grocery, and hotels.</strong></span></p>

<p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Welcome back to another episode of Dubai Works. Our guest for today is Talal Thabet,  CEO of Haltia.AI. With its default avatars, Halford and Tiana, Haltia is the ultimate personal AI experience. It ensures the utmost privacy, securely managing all data on your device, all while optimizing your schedule to allocate valuable time to your top priorities. </strong></span></p>

<p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Welcome back to another episode of Dubai Works. Our guest for today is Armin Moradi, a Co - founder and CEO of Qashio. Armin brings insights into overcoming traditional expense management challenges, digital innovations, navigating the post-Covid financial landscape, and financial empowerment, emphasizing the importance of educating businesses about financial technologies and their potential.</strong></span></p>

<p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">Hala Al Shammari, raised in Dubai, is a fashion designer and founder of homegrown</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">fashion label BY - HALA. With a dream of pursuing her own clothing line. Hala's</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">journey started in university, shaping HALA's unique identity with the creation of an</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">eight-look collection Hala took the initiative to design for women, aiming to boost their</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">confidence. Her designs are a reflection of her identity and heritage. In addition, Hala's</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">upbringing as a third-culture kid in Dubai influences her creative perspective and design</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">philosophy. She views her items as a perfect blend of boldness and timelessness. Prior to</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">her launch of her business she worked as an editorial assistant at Al Tayer Group</span></p>

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10 years in hotel industry. Founders of the Future Fellow (part of Founders Forum). Part of a global hotelier alumni. Graduate of the Shannon College of Hotel Management, worked at Sofitel & NH Hotels.

Vadim Fedotov has charted a diverse path from his early days as a professional basketball player with the German National Team and in the USA, to his foray into the corporate sphere, where he held significant positions as the CEO of various multinational and public companies (GRPN).With a solid background in leadership roles, Vadim embarked on a new venture in 2019 with the launch of Bioniq in London, UK. Bioniq has established its niche in the health tech industry, offering personalized supplements based on a comprehensive analysis of blood test data. Through its expansive operations in 12 countries, the company has cultivated one of the most diverse biochemical databases globally, creating tailor-made supplement formulas that are responsive to individual nutrient deficiencies identified through blood results.Vadim's stewardship has guided Bioniq to become a trusted partner of eminent medical institutions like Lanserhof and King's College Hospital, and athletic organizations including German National Teams and the UFC, catering to a broad spectrum of clients including many well-known athletes. This strategic vision has also secured backing from leading European investment funds among HV Capital (DE), Unbound (UK), Rocket Internet (DE) and Porsche Ventures (DE).In his ongoing effort to enhance the personalized health sector, Vadim further extended the Bioniq ecosystem through the acquisition of VAHA.com, Europe's top personalized workout platform and interactive mirror, and Loewi, Germany's leading personalized supplement provider. These acquisitions signal Vadim's pragmatic approach to building a synergistic and responsive ecosystem that addresses various facets of personalized health.

Erim Kaur is the CEO and Founder of ByErim, an award-winning, luxury hair and beard care brand based and manufactured in the UK - 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably designed. Her journey commenced at the age of 8 when she sadly lost her mother to cancer. During this challenging period, Erim witnessed her mother lose her beautiful, long hair. Erim's mother held a profound influence in her life, making her passing all the more impactful.Topics Covered- The Journey of By Erim- The Marketplace and Competition- Future of By Erim

RIKAS Hospitality Group is a collection of award-winning restaurants and cafes primarily based in Dubai.Founded seven years ago by Parisian visionary Rizwan Kassim, along with Pierre Pirajean and Helena Paraboschi.The group emphasizes culinary innovation, authentic hospitality, and family values.It started with a branch of La Cantine du Faubourg from Paris.Notable culinary projects include Mimi Kakushi, Ninive, and Lana Lusa.RIKAS has a strong presence in Dubai's competitive restaurant scene and is recognized by the Michelin Guide.They are expanding into markets in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Europe, Morocco, and the United Kingdom.Each restaurant in the group has a distinct personality while maintaining a commitment to quality in food and service culture.

- The Story Of Mimojo- The Marketplace- Future of Mimojo

Today we're joined by Mohammed Ridwan - Pluto Co-founder & COO,Mohammed Ridwan has played a pivotal role in leading the UAE's premier spend management platform for enterprises. With a visionary approach, he has spearheaded the development of a comprehensive solution designed to streamline expense management, smart corporate cards, and end-to-end accounts payables.Topics:- The Story Of Pluto- The Marketplace and competition- Plans for the future

Today we're joined by Sohaib Masood, the CEO & Master Franchise Partner of Pepe’s Piri Piri, Mr Masood has successfully brought one of the UK’s fastest growing flame grilled chicken chains 'Pepe's Piri Piri' to the UAE, where it has been experiencing tremendous success. During his university years in London, Mr Masood developed a love for food and dining out. It was there that he discovered Pepe’s restaurant where he almost ate at every day. The unique flavours kept him going back for more. He was a loyal fan long before becoming the brand’s franchisee.Topics:- The Story Of Pepe’s Piri Piri- The Marketplace and competition- Plans for the future

Vish Narain, the new Executive Chairman of TruDoc, a leading Telemedicine provider in the UAE, who maintains his role as Managing Partner of Pulsar Capital, a regional private equity firm that recently acquired the company to accelerate growth and enhance its offerings.- The Conception of TruDoc- The Market & Competition_ TruDoc In The Future

Manu Abraham Managing Director and cofounder Aujan Interior Decoration LLCToday we're joined by Manu Abraham Managing Director and cofounder Aujan Interior Decoration LLC, Aujan has consistently delivered exceptional results, transforming numerous spaces into stunning and luxurious environments. Some of their notable projects include few mansions for the royal family of Umm Al Quwain, Coterie restaurant and precision football at Ibn Battuta mall, Beach club at W hotelwhich etc.Topics:- The Story Of Aujan Interior Decoration LLC- The Marketplace and competition- Plans for the future

Today we're joined by Matt Higgins, Co-founder & Chairman of RSE Ventures,he is also a Guest Shark on TV Show: Shark Tank and his book Burn the Boats is a NY Times BestSeller. Matt is one of the largest investors in DTC and CPG brands in the US - with more than 150 investments and is a venture capitalist.Topics:- The Story Of RSE Ventures- The Marketplace and competition- Plans for the future

Today we're joined by Adnaan Jassat, founder and CEO at Thriller, the largest marketplace for sneakers and apparel in the Middle East.Topics:- The Story Of Thriller- The Marketplace and competition- Plans for the future

[E239: Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO At Hala]Today we’re live with Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO At Hala. Dubai's most affordable and convenient e-hailing taxi solution.Topics:The Story Of HalaThe Transportation Industry In DubaiLooking Ahead With Hala

With us today is Dennis de Rond, founder of Skyne. A strategic branding and design agency that has been growing businesses in the MENA region for the past 15 years.Topics:- The Story Of Skyne- The Marketplace And Competition- Plans For The Future

Today we're speaking to David Balfour, the co-founder at LIGHTBLUE. A creative experience agency that has been the mastermind behind some of the biggest stunts and activations in Dubai.Topics:- The Story Of Lightblue- The Creative Market In Dubai- Looking Ahead With Lightblue

Purvi Munot, the CEO & Co-Founder of SAV. A homegrown hyper-personalized fintech app launched in 2022 to bring relevance and sustainability to personal finances.Topics:The Story Behind SAVFinancial Management In DubaiLooking Ahead: What's Next For SAV

Today we're joined by Nada El Amrani, the founder of Matia Natural, a beauty brand with a strong commitment to redefining the concept of natural skincare, Nada's mission is to offer products that are not only effective but also prioritise the well-being of individuals and the planet.Topics:- The Story Of Matia Natural- The Beauty & Skincare Industry In Dubai- What's Next For Matia Natural

Today we're joined by Dr Harmeek Singh, Founder of Plan B group. regarded as one of the UAE’s finest marketing and events company, with an award-winning reputation for successfully delivering complex events, especially for government and semi-government entities.Topics:- The Story Behind Plan B- Events Management & Marketing In Dubai- What's Next For Plan B

We're joined by Wajdan Gul, the CEO at Squatwolf. A gym wear brand, engineered for active life, from its fit to stitching to fabric with gym goers in mind.Topics:- The Story Of Squatwolf- The Activewear Market In Dubai- Looking Ahead With Squatwolf

Today we're joined by Yousef Albarqawi, Co-Founder & CEO at Alfii. A digital HR management solution for startups and SMEs. Offering a place to manage employee data, payroll, and time off.Topics:- The story of Alfii- The marketplace and competition- Plans for the future

Today were joined by Jadd Elliot Dib, CEO of Pangaea X, a digital platform that aims to bring together the world’s best data analysts and scientist freelancers from across the world on to a single platform and open them to a multitude of job opportunities.Topics:- The Story Of Pangaea X- The Marketplace and competition- What's Next For Pangaea X

Today we’re joined by Loai Al Fakir the CEO of Provident Real Estate. A one stop shop for all things real estate Established in 2008, and has gone to become one of the top 5 agencies in the city with a diverse portfolio.Topics:The Conception Of ProvidentThe Real Estate Market In DubaiLooking Ahead: What’s Next For Provident

With us today is Vinayak, CEO of Dubai-based bnbme. A luxury holiday home rental management company he co-founded with his wife, Shilpa, in Dubai in 2018. Employing 70 people, and managing 150 properties.Topics:- The Story Of bnbme- Property Rentals in Dubai- What's Next For bnbme

With us on today's show is Kamal Reggad, CEO & Co-founder of RemotePass. An onboarding and payroll platform for remote teams. The all-in-one solution helps companies to control the entire remote working lifecycle, enabling onboarding, paying, managing, and retaining talent effortlessly.Topics:- The Story Of RemotePass- The HR-Tech Industry- Planning Ahead With RemotePass

With us on this episode of Dubai Works is Naoufal El Ouali, Co-founder & COO at Obvious Technologies. A pioneering Command & Control solutions editor for security & mission-critical operations.Topics:- The Story Of Obvious Technologies- The Marketplace and Competition- Plans For The Future

Today we're joined by Asmara Nomani, the CEO of ANC Global. A leading HR consultancy firm in Dubai, specializing in delivering innovative and strategic people management solutions to organizations across various industries.Topics:- The Story Of ANC- The Industry & Marketplace- Plans For The Future

Today were joined by Dr Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO at The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. The Foundation works actively in the United Arab Emirates and beyond to train, educate and upskill Emirati and Arab youth to prepare them for future workforce challenges.Topics:- The Inception of The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation- The industry and marketplace- Whats next for The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation

Today we're live with Aisha Leitner, CEO at Party Camel. A one-stop online party shop bringing its consumers the most inspiring, design-led partyware and innovative gifts from around the globe.Topics:- The Story Of Party Camel- The Marketplace And Competition- Looking Ahead With Party Camel

With us on this episode of Dubai Works is JS Anand, the founder of Leva Hotels. A dynamic lifestyle hotel concept created to offer a fresh and more accessible perspective to the hospitality industry.Topics:- The Story Of Leva Hotels- A Look In To Hospitality Industry In Dubai- Looking Ahead: What's Next For Leva Hotels?

With us on Dubai Works this episode is Jad Toubayly, Founder & CEO at IdealzIDEALZ, a unique first -of its kind shop & win platform within the UAE region.Topics:- The story of Idealz- The marketplace and competition- Plans for the future

Today we’re joined by Leo Dovbenko, CEO and Co-Founder of YallaMarket, aswell as YallaHub. YallaMarket is a Dubai-based ultra-fast grocery delivery service, established in 2021.

With us today is Bruce Robertson, the MENAP Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover, the multinational automobile manufacturer which produces luxury vehicles and sport utility vehicles.Topics:- Jaguar Land Rover's Story- The Automotive Industry In Dubai- Looking Ahead With Jaguar Land Rover

With us today is Yasmin Farahmandy the founder of Y Design Interiors. Yasmin set up YDesign during Covid and has built it up into a boutique interiors firm in the past 4 years, with high profile commercial and residential clients, working on some of the top hotels in Dubai including Caesars Palace, and Grand HyattTopics:- The Story Of Y Design Interiors- The Interior Design Industry In Dubai- Looking Ahead: What's Next For Y Design Interiors

With us today is Catherine Hoff, the Co-founder & Managing Director at Genieology. A cross-cultural product-led growth design agency, voted one of the fastest growing agencies in the Middle East.Topics:The Story of GenieologyThe Marketplace And CompetitionGenieology Plans For The Future

Today we're with Khaled Ismail, the CEO At ToughLove. ToughLove provides business guidance that can be easily accessed by individuals who may have limited resources, experience, or ability to handle their expansion or try out optimal approaches.