Smashi Business

In a major step toward advancing infrastructure development, Diriyah Company l شركة الدرعية has launched two cutting-edge electricity substations with a combined contract value of SAR 682 million ($181 million). This will be operated by the Saudi Electricity Company, the substations will power ongoing and future developments across Diriyah and Wadi Safar, key areas in the iconic "City of Earth." The newly commissioned facilities include a 1707 MVA Bulk Substation and a 200 MVA Primary Substation, marking the first major urban infrastructure projects inspired by traditional Najdi architecture. These stations are designed to support Diriyah’s transformation into a cultural, educational, residential, and commercial hub. https://lnkd.in/gV-cEqWt #smashibusiness #business #ksa #saudiarabia

#SaudiArabia opens 2025 with a significant financial boost, securing $12 billion through a bond sale and $7 billion via a loan from its Public Investment Fund (PIF). In addition, $2.5 billion was raised from foreign banks, including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Credit Agricole, and Dubai Islamic Bank, to support #Vision2030. Vision 2030 includes high-profile projects such as NEOM, a $1.5 trillion desert megacity, expansion into electric vehicles and semiconductors, and preparations for the 2034 Men’s Football World Cup. Despite facing budget deficits due to oil prices trading below the required $90 per barrel, investor demand for Saudi bonds remains strong, with $30 billion in bids for the $12 billion bond offering. The bond’s attractive yields of 5.18% to 5.73% reflect global confidence in Saudi Arabia’s financial outlook. Moody’s recently upgraded Saudi Arabia's credit rating to Aa3, matching France and the UK, citing robust non-oil sector growth and prudent fiscal management. https://lnkd.in/dQd5dxZF  

A video from inside the Miami-bound plane and uploaded to social media shows the man in a heated argument with the flight attendant as he tore into her for wearing the pin and not letting him leave the plane. “You support terrorism, you’re antisemitic,” the passenger yells. The flight attendant and a colleague tell the man he can’t film them, according to US aviation regulations, and they also accuse him of putting his hands on them. Wearing the watermelon pin is a meaningful symbol of solidarity with Palestine, representing resilience, hope, and resistance. Its colors reflect the Palestinian flag, serving as a quiet yet powerful statement of support for freedom and justice. https://lnkd.in/gV-cEqWt #business #palestine #us

WWE has just announced that the Royal Rumble will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in January 2026 — the first time EVER outside North America! https://lnkd.in/dQd5dxZF 

#Coldplay's #Music of the Spheres tour in #AbuDhabi is creating waves in the #hospitality sector, with hotel bookings surging by up to 300%, as per EaseMyTrip. Luxury accommodations like The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi are starting at AED 4,723, while the Royal Suite tops out at AED 70,000. Anticipating up to 160,000 attendees over four concerts, the event underscores the growing influence of music tourism. Projections place the UAE’s music events market at $140.40 million in 2024, with expansion to $13.8 billion by 2032, signaling robust industry growth. https://lnkd.in/dQd5dxZF  

Amid rising political turmoil and the genocide in Gaza, the number of educated, skilled Israelis emigrating has more than doubled, with 82,700 leaving in 2024. This marks a significant increase from previous years. Additionally, Israeli soldiers accused of war crimes are facing international scrutiny, with a Brazilian court recently requesting an investigation into an Israeli soldier over alleged involvement in the genocide in Gaza. The Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) initiated the investigation, citing evidence of the soldier’s participation in demolitions. The HRF has also initiated legal action in Argentina and Chile, urging the arrest of Israeli soldier Saar Hirshoren for his role in the 749 Combat Engineering Battalion, accused of destroying civilian infrastructure. These events signal a critical turning point, setting a precedent for more nations to hold Israel accountable for its actions and the genocide in Gaza. https://lnkd.in/dQd5dxZF   

Justin Baldoni Sues The New York Times for $250M Over Blake Lively Controversy

Syria's Finance Minister Mohammed Abazeed revealed on Sunday a landmark decision to raise public sector salaries by 400%, starting next month, in a bid to stabilize the country's economy after years of conflict and sanctions. The pay hike, which is projected to cost 1.65 trillion Syrian pounds ($127 million), will be financed through a mix of state resources, regional assistance, new investments, and efforts to recover Syrian assets frozen abroad. "This is the first step toward an emergency solution to the economic reality in the country," Abazeed told Reuters, emphasizing the urgency of tackling economic challenges faced by millions of Syrians. Overhaul of Public Sector Workforce The salary adjustment follows a comprehensive review of the public sector, which employs approximately 1.3 million workers. The government aims to eliminate inefficiencies, including the removal of ghost workers, while retaining skilled professionals crucial for the nation’s reconstruction. https://lnkd.in/gV-cEqWt #business #syria

Dubai continues to raise the bar for global tourism and quality of life with the announcement of Al Mamzar beach project. Spanning an impressive 125,000 square meters and featuring an 80-meter-wide beachfront, this new facility is designed with privacy, safety, and comfort in mind. Set to become a unique attraction, the dedicated ladies' beach will include a secure gated entrance, perimeter fencing, and amenities tailored to women’s needs. Visitors can enjoy night swimming, a sports club, and commercial services, along with family-friendly features like children’s play areas. These enhancements reflect Dubai's commitment to innovation and inclusivity, reinforcing its status as a global tourism hub while improving the well-being of residents and visitors alike. https://lnkd.in/gV-cEqWt #smashibusiness #business #UAE #dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved $1.5 billion in housing projects to benefit #Emirati citizens across multiple areas of #Dubai. This initiative will create 3,004 new homes, including 1,181 in Latifa City, 606 in Al Yalayis 5, and 432 in Wadi Al Amardi, with additional homes planned for areas such as Hatta and Oud Al Muteena. The housing projects are part of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, which aims to strengthen family stability, reinforce community values, and enhance work-life balance, ultimately improving the quality of life for Dubai's citizens. These developments align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, ensuring that housing programs continue to address the future housing needs of citizens while optimizing available spaces across the emirate. The projects are a key part of a broader strategy to foster community wellbeing and support sustainable urban growth in Dubai. https://lnkd.in/dQd5dxZF