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Tag: Al Fakher

  • Al Fakher Owner Moves Ahead with Nasdaq Listing

    Al Fakher Owner Moves Ahead with Nasdaq Listing

    Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR), the Dubai-based owner of hookah tobacco brand Al Fakher, is proceeding with plans to go public on Nasdaq through a merger with Cantor Equity Partners III, with the deal potentially closing in early May. The company recently submitted its second filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and if approved, the transaction—valuing the combined entity at approximately $1.75 billion—will move to a shareholder vote.

    “The SEC’s declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement is an important regulatory milestone in our journey to become a public company,” said AIR CEO Stuart Brazier, “and we look forward to our planned debut on the Nasdaq as a pure-play social inhalation leader in the coming months.”

    AIR reported 2025 net revenue of $400 million, up 6% year over year, with profits rising to $47 million. The company serves around 14 million consumers globally and operates across 90 markets, with manufacturing facilities spanning the Middle East and Europe. Growth remains driven by expansion in markets such as the U.S., Europe, and Saudi Arabia.

    While operations have not been directly impacted by the ongoing Middle East conflict, supply chains have faced disruption due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, increasing logistics costs. The company said it has rerouted shipments and is working to offset higher expenses through cost controls and selective price adjustments, while maintaining its outlook for continued growth in 2026.

  • Al Fakher to Debut Nicotine Pouches

    Al Fakher to Debut Nicotine Pouches

    Al Fakher, best known for its hookah products, announced the launch of Al Fakher Nicotine Pouches today (March 31) at the Total Products Expo in Las Vegas, marking the brand’s entry into the tobacco-free oral nicotine category. The product line debuts with four flavors—Frosty Apple, Spearmint, Mango, and Wintergreen—each offered in 4 mg and 8 mg strengths, and will roll out broadly in April 2026 following the show.

  • AIR and Cantor Announce Planned Merger, Nasdaq Listing

    AIR and Cantor Announce Planned Merger, Nasdaq Listing

    AIR Limited filed a Form F-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission tied to its planned merger with SPAC Cantor Equity Partners III, Inc., a vehicle backed by an affiliate of Cantor Fitzgerald, paving the way for a Nasdaq listing under ticker “AIIR” in H1 2026. The hookah-focused group, led by flagship brand Al Fakher, reported 2025 revenue up 6% to $400 million, profit rising to $47 million from $34 million, and adjusted EBITDA up 7% to $139 million, as CEO Stuart Brazier cited growing U.S. and global demand and the benefits of public-market access for future expansion.

  • AIR Launches ‘Crown Switch’ in Germany

    AIR Launches ‘Crown Switch’ in Germany

    AIR Limited announced today (November 20) that its flagship Al Fakher brand has officially moved into the portable vape category with the launch of its Crown Switch device in Germany. Sold online via shisha-world.com, “Crown Switch is Al Fakher’s first rechargeable pod-based vape system using disposable pods and designed without ceramics or heavy metals, differentiating it from traditional coil-and-wick devices.”

    The product is powered by Greentank Technologies’ Quantum Vape platform and Coldstream cooling system, developed through a strategic partnership formed earlier this year. AIR says the technology delivers a colder, smoother, and more flavor-forward vapor experience aligned with Al Fakher’s hookah heritage.

    CEO Stuart Brazier said the launch reflects Al Fakher’s push to modernize its portfolio as hookah use expands in Western markets. The company plans a broader international rollout of Crown Switch in the coming months and anticipates accelerating new product development into 2026.

  • AIR Taking its Shisha Public on Nasdaq in 2026

    AIR Taking its Shisha Public on Nasdaq in 2026

    Shisha and inhalation technology company Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR) announced an agreement with Cantor Equity Partners to become publicly listed on the U.S. Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker “AIIR” in the first half of 2026. Founded in the UAE, AIR owns Al Fakher, “the world’s largest shisha brand by sales volume, holding over 60% of the U.S. market.” In 2023, the company launched OOKA, “the world’s first pod-based, charcoal-free electronic shisha device, aimed at modernizing traditional shisha use.”

    AIR reported $375 million in net revenue and $150 million in adjusted EBITDA for 2024, underscoring strong financial performance. The company said its planned U.S. listing will enhance global visibility, attract international capital, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a hub for innovation.

  • AIR Partners with Snoop Dogg for New Hookah Flavors

    AIR Partners with Snoop Dogg for New Hookah Flavors

    Global hookah company AIR Limited announced a collaboration with entrepreneur Snoop Dogg to launch a premium line of Al Fakher hookah flavors. The new collection includes “Cloud 92,” “Dogg’s Delight,” “Midnight Blues,” “Tha G’z Mix” and “Money Honey,” available internationally at hookah.com

    “The partnership blends Al Fakher’s expertise in hookah craftsmanship with Snoop Dogg’s cultural influence, offering premium ingredients and science-backed safety research,” the company said. AIR CEO Stuart Brazier highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, noting $115 million invested since 2019 and over 100 active or pending patents.

  • Al Fakher Launches MINI 3K

    Al Fakher Launches MINI 3K

    Al Fakher launched the MINI 3K, a “compact and stylish vaping device offering up to 3,000 puffs of rich, smooth flavor.” The device is equipped with a dual-pod system, allowing users to switch flavors easily while maximizing value.

    “In full compliance with the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), the MINI 3K is a safe and legal choice for consumers across the European Union,” the company said. “Each device is clearly labeled and responsibly manufactured to meet the highest regulatory standards.”

  • Al Fakher Considering Going Public

    Al Fakher Considering Going Public

    Credit: Nomad Soul

    The Dubai-based shisha manufacturer Al Fakher has hired Rothschild and Co. to advise on strategic options, including a possible initial public offering, two sources familiar with the matter said, reports Reuters.

    An IPO would take place in the region, either on Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul or the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the sources said.

    Al Fakher is owned by Advanced Inhalation Rituals, a private company that is majority owned by London-based Kingsway Capital.

    Al Fakher, which was founded in 1999, makes flavored shisha molasses for use in hookah and is sold in more than 100 countries, according to its website.

    Middle East companies bucked global trends last year to raise about $22 billion through IPOs, according to Dealogic, which was more than half the total for the wider Europe, Middle East and Africa region.