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Sony has agreed to acquire an 80 per cent stake in Peanuts Holdings for $457 million, securing control of one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment brands and deepening its push into character-driven film, television, music and consumer products. The transaction sees Sony buy out the stake held by Canada-based WildBrain, while the family of Peanuts creator Charles M Schulz retains the remaining 20 per cent.

The deal hands Sony majority ownership of the Peanuts intellectual property, which includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the wider cast that has defined the franchise since its debut in newspapers in 1950. Peanuts Holdings oversees global licensing, publishing and brand management, and its assets include more than 17,000 comic strips as well as extensive animation and merchandising rights.

Executives involved in the transaction said the agreement reflects a shared focus on preserving the spirit of the characters while positioning the brand for new audiences across platforms. Sony has built a broad entertainment ecosystem spanning film studios, music labels, games and consumer electronics, giving it multiple avenues to deploy the Peanuts characters without fragmenting creative control.

Sony deepens its grip on Peanuts

Sony’s leadership described the acquisition as a strategic step rather than a short-term content play. The company already distributes Peanuts animation through Sony Pictures Television and has worked closely with the Schulz family for years on brand stewardship. By consolidating ownership, Sony gains the ability to align long-term creative planning with distribution and merchandising strategies.

The Peanuts franchise continues to generate significant revenue through licensing deals covering toys, apparel, publishing and themed experiences. Industry analysts estimate that global character merchandising remains one of the most resilient segments of the entertainment economy, supported by multigenerational appeal and predictable demand. Peanuts, with its minimalist humour and emotional resonance, is often cited as one of the few properties that can cross age groups and cultures with limited localisation.

WildBrain’s exit reflects a strategic refocus on its own core animation and family content operations. The company had acquired its Peanuts stake through earlier transactions linked to rights management and production, and has since monetised the asset while maintaining creative partnerships. Executives at WildBrain said the sale strengthens its balance sheet and allows greater investment in owned brands and production pipelines.

For the Schulz family, retaining a 20 per cent stake preserves direct influence over creative decisions and brand values. Family representatives have repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting the philosophical tone of the strip, which blends humour with themes of loneliness, perseverance and childhood reflection. Their continued involvement is expected to reassure long-time fans wary of over-commercialisation.

Sony’s broader strategy has increasingly emphasised intellectual property with long shelf lives rather than single-release blockbusters. The company has expanded its catalogue through acquisitions and partnerships that allow stories and characters to move fluidly between cinema, streaming, music, games and live events. Peanuts fits that model, offering episodic storytelling, short-form content and strong visual branding.

The entertainment group also sees opportunities to integrate Peanuts more deeply into its music and gaming divisions. Snoopy and Charlie Brown have already appeared in music collaborations, seasonal broadcasts and digital content, and Sony’s ownership of major music labels and gaming platforms provides scope for cross-promotional projects without reliance on third-party licensing negotiations.

Market observers note that the valuation implies confidence in stable, long-term cash flows rather than explosive growth. Character-driven brands such as Peanuts tend to perform consistently across economic cycles, supported by evergreen demand for family-friendly content and nostalgia-driven consumption. This predictability contrasts with the volatility seen in theatrical box office revenues and subscription-based streaming models.

The acquisition also comes as global media companies reassess how to manage legacy brands in an era dominated by short-form video and algorithm-driven discovery. Sony has indicated it will invest in formats that respect the franchise’s roots while experimenting with new distribution channels, including digital shorts and educational programming.

Host Arabia has closed its first edition in Riyadh, positioning the Saudi capital as an emerging focal point for the hospitality and foodservice supply chain at a time when the kingdom is accelerating investment in tourism, leisure and urban development. The three-day event brought together hotel operators, restaurant groups, suppliers and policymakers, underlining the scale of demand being created by new resorts, giga-projects and a fast-expanding domestic dining market.

Held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre, the inaugural edition drew exhibitors and visitors from across the Middle East, Europe and Asia, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing pull as a commercial hub for hospitality equipment, food and beverage solutions, technology and design services. Organisers said the turnout exceeded initial expectations, with strong participation from both international brands seeking market entry and local firms aiming to scale alongside national development plans.

The exhibition opened against the backdrop of an ambitious tourism strategy that targets a sharp rise in annual visitors by the end of the decade, supported by large-scale projects such as Diriyah, Qiddiya, NEOM and the Red Sea destination. These developments are reshaping procurement needs for hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and entertainment venues, driving demand for kitchen equipment, sustainable packaging, digital ordering systems and energy-efficient infrastructure. Host Arabia sought to position itself as a platform where these needs could be matched with suppliers and service providers in a single marketplace.

Industry executives attending the event highlighted Riyadh’s transformation into a year-round destination for conferences, sports and entertainment as a key factor behind the exhibition’s timing. International hotel groups are expanding their presence in the capital, while domestic restaurant concepts are scaling rapidly, supported by a young population and rising disposable incomes. This combination has intensified competition and raised standards, placing greater emphasis on quality, efficiency and sustainability across the hospitality value chain.

The programme featured live culinary demonstrations, equipment showcases and panel discussions focused on workforce development, localisation of supply chains and the adoption of smart technologies. Speakers addressed challenges such as staff training, cost pressures and the integration of sustainability targets into daily operations, themes that resonate strongly with operators navigating rapid expansion. Discussions also touched on regulatory alignment and the role of public-private partnerships in supporting sector growth.

Exhibitors ranged from global manufacturers of commercial kitchen equipment and refrigeration systems to regional producers of food ingredients, tableware and interior solutions. Technology providers showcased point-of-sale platforms, inventory management tools and data analytics designed to help operators manage margins and customer experience more effectively. Several participants noted growing interest in solutions that reduce water and energy consumption, reflecting both regulatory expectations and cost considerations in a desert climate.

Government and industry representatives used the gathering to underline the hospitality sector’s contribution to economic diversification and job creation. Training institutions and recruitment firms reported strong engagement from operators seeking to build local talent pipelines, an area seen as critical to sustaining long-term growth. The emphasis on skills development aligned with broader national objectives to increase private-sector employment and reduce reliance on imported labour over time.

Organisers described the Riyadh edition as a strategic step in establishing Host Arabia as an annual fixture, with plans to expand floor space and content in future editions. Feedback from exhibitors pointed to strong deal-making potential, with several reporting on-site negotiations and follow-up meetings scheduled with hotel developers and restaurant groups. The presence of decision-makers from major projects was cited as a key differentiator compared with more mature regional trade shows.

South Korea’s central bank has unveiled temporary measures to increase the supply of US dollars in the onshore foreign exchange market, responding to renewed pressure on the won and heightened volatility driven by global monetary conditions and capital flows. The steps, announced in Seoul, are designed to stabilise market functioning rather than signal a shift in the broader policy stance, according to officials familiar with the decision.

The Bank of Korea said it would expand and fine-tune existing mechanisms that channel dollar liquidity to domestic banks, including adjustments to foreign exchange swap operations and closer coordination with financial institutions that rely on short-term dollar funding. The announcement followed sharp movements in the won that reflected a stronger dollar globally, shifting expectations over US interest rates and risk-averse sentiment among international investors.

Authorities stressed that the measures are temporary and targeted. Central bank officials indicated that the aim is to smooth excessive fluctuations and ensure that firms and banks can access foreign currency at reasonable costs, rather than to defend a specific exchange rate level. Market participants have long viewed this distinction as important, particularly after past episodes when heavy-handed intervention drew criticism from trading partners.

South Korea’s economy is deeply integrated into global trade and finance, making its currency sensitive to swings in the dollar. Exporters and importers alike depend on predictable access to foreign currency, while domestic banks hold sizeable short-term foreign liabilities that can become vulnerable during periods of stress. Episodes of dollar scarcity can amplify volatility, as companies rush to hedge exposures and banks scramble to secure funding.

The central bank’s move builds on a toolkit refined over the past decade. FX swap facilities allow banks to exchange won for dollars with the central bank for a set period, easing immediate shortages without depleting official reserves. By adjusting maturities, volumes and pricing, policymakers can influence conditions in the onshore market while signalling readiness to act if dislocations worsen.

Government officials, speaking separately, said fiscal and regulatory authorities were aligned with the central bank’s approach. The finance ministry has held regular consultations with the Bank of Korea and financial regulators to monitor cross-border capital movements, particularly as global investors rebalance portfolios in response to shifting yield differentials. Officials noted that South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves remain ample by international standards, offering a buffer against disorderly market moves.

Economists said the measures reflect a broader trend among Asian central banks grappling with a strong dollar environment. While many economies in the region maintain flexible exchange rates, policymakers have shown a willingness to step in when liquidity dries up or price action becomes detached from fundamentals. In South Korea’s case, analysts pointed to stable external balances and a manageable current account position as factors that give authorities room to act calmly.

Banks welcomed the announcement, saying predictable access to dollar liquidity helps reduce funding costs and limits the risk of knock-on effects to credit markets. A senior treasury executive at a major commercial bank said the adjustments would “help smooth day-to-day operations” at a time when global markets remain sensitive to policy signals from Washington and other major capitals.

Currency strategists cautioned, however, that temporary measures alone cannot offset sustained external pressures if global conditions remain unfavourable. They noted that the won’s performance will continue to be influenced by US monetary policy expectations, geopolitical developments and investor appetite for emerging market assets. Any prolonged mismatch between dollar demand and supply could require further action, though officials have signalled a preference for gradual, market-friendly steps.

The Bank of Korea has repeatedly emphasised that foreign exchange policy operates alongside, not in place of, its primary mandate of price stability. With inflation dynamics evolving and domestic growth facing headwinds from weaker external demand, policymakers are balancing multiple objectives. The central bank has avoided linking the FX measures directly to interest rate decisions, underscoring that liquidity management in currency markets serves a different purpose.

ADQ and the Gates Foundation have announced a partnership aimed at scaling the responsible use of artificial intelligence and education technology to improve learning outcomes for children across sub-Saharan Africa, marking one of the most ambitious cross-sector efforts to apply advanced technology to foundational education systems in the region.

The agreement was unveiled on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Finance Week during a visit to the UAE by Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, underscoring the growing role of Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investors in global development initiatives that extend beyond traditional infrastructure and capital deployment.

At its core, the partnership seeks to blend ADQ’s experience as a sovereign investor focused on critical infrastructure and global supply chains with the Gates Foundation’s long-standing work in education, health, and technology-driven development. The collaboration is designed to accelerate the deployment of AI-enabled tools that support teachers, personalise learning, and strengthen education systems while addressing concerns around data privacy, equity, and long-term sustainability.

ADQ–Gates alliance targets AI-powered learning systems as governments and development agencies look for scalable solutions to persistent gaps in literacy, numeracy, and teacher capacity across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite progress in school enrolment over the past two decades, learning outcomes across much of the region continue to lag global averages, with large disparities between urban and rural areas.

Officials familiar with the partnership say the focus will extend beyond hardware or software procurement. Programmes are expected to prioritise teacher support platforms, curriculum-aligned digital content, and AI-driven assessment tools that can function in low-bandwidth environments. Emphasis is also being placed on building local capacity so that education ministries and institutions can manage and adapt systems without long-term dependence on external providers.

The Gates Foundation has invested heavily in education technology across Africa, backing initiatives that use data analytics and adaptive learning models to improve classroom instruction. Its approach has increasingly shifted towards ensuring that digital tools complement teachers rather than replace them, a principle that is expected to guide the collaboration with ADQ.

For ADQ, the partnership aligns with a broader strategy of deploying capital and expertise into sectors that underpin economic resilience and human development. While the Abu Dhabi-based group is widely known for investments in ports, logistics, food security, and energy, it has expanded its scope to include technology-driven solutions with global impact, particularly in emerging markets.

Bill Gates, speaking during his visit to Abu Dhabi, highlighted the transformative potential of AI when applied responsibly to education systems under strain. He noted that advances in machine learning and language models can help teachers tailor lessons to individual students and identify learning gaps early, provided the technology is designed with clear safeguards and local realities in mind.

Education specialists caution that AI adoption in low-income settings carries risks if implemented without adequate oversight. Challenges include uneven access to electricity and connectivity, limited digital literacy among educators, and the potential for algorithmic bias when systems are trained on data that does not reflect local contexts. The partners say governance frameworks and pilot-based rollouts will be central to mitigating these risks.

The collaboration comes at a time when African governments are under pressure to modernise education systems while managing tight budgets and rapidly growing school-age populations. Multilateral lenders and philanthropic organisations have increasingly encouraged public–private partnerships to bridge funding and expertise gaps, particularly in technology deployment.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week has become a platform for such announcements, reflecting the emirate’s ambition to position itself as a hub for global capital addressing development challenges. ADQ’s involvement signals a model in which sovereign investors participate not only as financiers but as strategic partners shaping long-term outcomes.

People briefed on the initiative say initial programmes will focus on a select group of countries, working closely with education ministries to align AI tools with national curricula and policy objectives. Over time, successful models could be adapted across the region, with lessons shared among participating governments.

The Gates Foundation has previously stressed that technology alone cannot fix systemic issues in education, such as overcrowded classrooms or shortages of trained teachers. As a result, the partnership is expected to integrate AI solutions with broader reforms, including teacher training and data-informed policymaking.

Heavy rainfall across Dubai prompted authorities to urge residents to remain indoors as flooding alerts were activated across several neighbourhoods, disrupting transport, schooling and daily life while emergency teams moved to manage water accumulation on key roads.

Police and civil defence units said weather conditions had deteriorated rapidly overnight, with intense downpours leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and reduced visibility on major arteries. Motorists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near underpasses, tunnels and wadis, where runoff posed heightened risks. Schools in parts of the emirate shifted to remote learning, while several private institutions announced temporary closures after campus access became difficult.

The advisory underscored how Dubai urges residents indoors amid heavy rainfall, reflecting a coordinated response involving municipal services, transport authorities and utilities. Drainage pumps were deployed in multiple districts as crews worked to clear debris from stormwater grates. Electricity and water providers said services remained largely stable, though teams were on standby to address any outages caused by flooding or lightning strikes.

Meteorological officials attributed the rainfall to an active weather system drawing moist air across the region, producing prolonged showers and occasional thunderstorms. Forecasts indicated intermittent rain could persist through the day, with gusty winds and hail reported in isolated pockets. Authorities cautioned residents against venturing into flooded streets, stressing that even shallow water can conceal hazards and compromise vehicle control.

Public transport services adjusted schedules as a precaution. Portions of the road network experienced slow-moving traffic during peak hours, while ride-hailing operators reported higher demand as residents avoided driving. At the city’s airports, airlines warned of possible delays and advised passengers to check flight status before travelling. Ground handlers said operations were continuing with additional safety measures to manage wet runways and reduced visibility.

Dubai Municipality said its crisis management protocols had been activated, with field teams monitoring drainage performance and responding to citizen reports. The Roads and Transport Authority urged commuters to follow official updates and avoid sharing unverified information, noting that real-time advisories would be issued as conditions evolved. Health officials reminded residents to keep children indoors and to secure loose items on balconies and rooftops to prevent accidents during strong winds.

Urban planners and climate researchers note that extreme rainfall episodes are testing the resilience of cities built in arid environments. While Dubai has invested heavily in drainage infrastructure, the intensity and duration of storms can overwhelm systems designed for historically lower precipitation levels. Experts emphasise the importance of adaptive planning, including enhanced runoff capacity, permeable surfaces and improved forecasting integration to reduce disruption during severe weather.

Businesses across retail and hospitality sectors adjusted operations as footfall dipped in affected areas. Some malls delayed opening hours, while restaurants shifted to delivery-only service. Employers were encouraged to offer flexible work arrangements, particularly for staff commuting from flood-prone districts. Insurance providers reported an uptick in inquiries related to vehicle and property coverage, advising policyholders to document any damage once conditions allow safe inspection.