AB Majlis

Can Saudi Arabia's massive investments in attracting sports legends like Cristiano Ronaldo revive its economy beyond oil? Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa discusses this with Jürg Kronenberg of Bain & Company on the latest AB Majlis podcast. Kronenberg analyses Saudi's Vision 2030 diversification goals through the sports lens, From football's surging popularity to opportunities in basketball,...

SPONSORED - The rise of AI brings exciting potential but also raises concerns about responsible use. However, highly advanced countries like the UAE have already laid the groundwork. In this episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business' Senior Reporter, Tala Michel Issa, sits down with Dr. Fadi Salem, Director of Research and Advisory at the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), and Ali Haid...

On this episode, the CEO of RAK Properties talks about the latest real estate developments in Ras Al Khaimah. Discover ambitious launch plans, the impact of global brand partnerships, new developments and more.

In this episode, Senior Reporter at Arabian Business and Podcast Producer Tala Michel Issa sits down with 2 Partners in Financial Services at Kearney Middle East, Zeeshan Khwaja and Naman Sharma, to discuss the pivotal role SMEs must play in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and overall Gulf economic diversification plans. Khwaja and Sharma also weigh in on the massive SME funding gap, why banks have und...

In this episode of AB Majlis, Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Chainalysis' VP Southern EMEA, Nicola Buonanno, and Policy Lead for Middle East & Africa, Arushi Goel, to discuss the current state of crypto crime. They discuss the alarming rise in romance scams and trends in ransomware attacks, as well as the steady decline of illicit activity on the blockchain. The experts also p...

SPONSORED - In this episode, experts from Microsoft and M42 provided a glimpse into their groundbreaking collaboration aimed at using AI to transform drug discovery, clinical research, and precision medicine delivery. Arabian Business Editorial Director Matthew Amlot sits down with Ashish Koshy, Group Chief Operating Officer at M42, and Elena Bonfiglioli, Global Business Leader for Healthcare and...

SPONSORED - This episode explores how AI is revolutionising the UAE with Dina Al Mansoori, Group Chief AI and Data Officer at e& Group, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer at Microsoft UAE. They discuss the country's visionary leadership and investments transforming it into a global AI powerhouse. Through examples like healthcare advances saving lives and sustainable battery discove...

Truffles have long been revered as one of the most decadent and expensive ingredients in haute cuisine. But what exactly are these mysterious fungi and why do they command such astronomical prices? In this episode, Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa goes in depth with Mihai Florescu, co-founder of Truffle House Dubai, to uncover the fascinating world of truffles. We learn how Truffle House got its s...

In this episode, Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with EastNets CEO Hazem Mulhim to discuss the shadowy $2 trillion underground economy of financial crime. They delve into how criminals exploit technologies to move dirty money undetected, the UAE's recent removal from the FATF's gray list, and what it will take to stay ahead of money launderers. Hazem provides an inside look at the lates...

In this alarming look at kids' lives today, pediatrician Dr. Sara Rizk sits down for an interview with Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa where she reveals how shifting career goals and toxic social media habits are jeopardising children's health and futures. From the surprising drop in youth wanting medical careers to the self-esteem battering influencer culture, Dr. Rizk sounds a wake-up call for...

On this episode we delve into the historical significance of the ancient city, discover the unique blend of tradition and modernity as we explore AlUla's efforts in preserving its cultural heritage while embracing sustainable tourism. Discover the unique target audiences, strategic partnerships, and future plans that position AlUla as a purpose-driven and globally resonant destination.

Join us as we delve into the multifaceted realms of the metaverse with Simon Fletcher, COO and Mojtaba Asadian, Founder & CEO of Megavrse. From virtual ecosystems to blockchain innovations, this episode unravels the layers of digital existence.

In this episode, Tala Michel Issa, senior reporter at Arabian Business, hosts an insightful discussion on the innovative EYWA residential real estate project with developer Alex Zagrebleny, CEO of R.Evolution, and Dubai-based luxury broker Ben Bandari. Zagrebleny unveils his revolutionary concept for the world's most health-conscious building, which will act as a 'building mother' harnessing ancie...

In this deep dive, Arabian Business Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with the founder and CEO of the popular Dubai jewelry brand, Fergus James. James discusses how he has seen firsthand how lab-grown diamonds shook up the entire industry and assesses where DeBeers went wrong in understanding shifts in consumer behaviour, causing it to fall from its diamond throne in light of the rising p...

In this episode, Reporter Nicole Abigael explores the ins and outs of the crypto space, from market trends to CZ stepping down, Bitcoin's future potential and more with Binance's GM, Alex Chehade. Join us for an insightful conversation about the company's impact on the crypto landscape, the future of digital assets, and more exclusive insights from one of the industry's leading experts.

With over 155,000 hotel rooms, Dubai's hospitality scene is booming. But how does Atlantis Dubai stand out as a premier luxury hotel brand amid such competition? President of Atlantis Dubai, Tim Kelly, shares insider insight. After celebrating a successful first year of Atlantis, The Royal, he's not resting yet. Big plans are underway for entertainment, dining, and more.

The January expansion of the BRICS bloc to include several key Middle Eastern nations was widely seen as a major geopolitical development that could reshape global power dynamics. Bringing Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and others into the fold opened new possibilities for cooperation and trade outside the Western-led order. Key questions remain around whether efforts to introduce a shared trading...

In this episode, Lisa Amnegard, editor of Arabian Business Traveller, speaks with Dr. Dirk Kremer about the worrying trend of young people trading social media filters for fillers. The conversation focuses on how unrealistic beauty standards can trigger a vicious cycle of plastic surgery procedures, leaving many young patients looking older and losing their natural glow. Dr. Kremer provides altern...

In this episode, host and Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa discusses strategy with Marc Biosca, a partner with global management consulting firm Kearney. The conversation focuses on common misconceptions about strategic planning. Rather than getting bogged down in complexity, Biosca advocates for clear strategic frames of reference that can be easily communicated and executed.

In this episode, R.Evolution's COO Qasim Mansour speaks with Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa about the developer's novel approach to combining wellness, design and sustainability within luxury real estate at Eywa - a one-of-a-kind new project that will become the most distinctive addition to Dubai's already impressive skyline. By engaging all five senses, Eywa aims to attract those seeking more t...

In this episode of AB Majlis, reporter Nicole Abigael dives into the digital landscape in the UAE with Steve Foster. Join us as we unravel the web of cybercrime and its far-reaching impact on society, learning how to protect our technological identities.

With over 30 years working in corporate finance, Tariq Khan made a bold move into the beauty industry by establishing CTZN Cosmetics along with his daughters. Since its launch in 2019, the award-winning brand has experienced exponential growth and global recognition, demonstrating the potential for independent beauty brands to thrive amidst intense competition in the multi-billion dollar industry.

In this episode, Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with behavioural coach Justin Kent, founder of Hawksby, to discuss the promises and pitfalls of remote work. While the flexible schedules allowed by working from home have benefits like improved work-life balance, studies show the isolation of prolonged remote work during pandemic lockdowns also took a toll on many people's mental health....

In this empowering episode of AB Majlis, reporter Nicole Abigael delves into the world of leadership with corporate commercial lawyer, Rima Mrad, a woman in a male dominated industry. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating woman leadership in a male-dominated space, uncovering the strategies and insights that have propelled Rima to success in her career.

Spartan Race founder Joe de Sena sits down with Editor in Chief Matthew Amlot to discuss his philosophy on life - how people should live hard and not take the easy way, because a healthy body can lead to healthy relationships, both in business and personal life