Common Ground

As the dust settles on WETEX and the World Green Economy Summit, the question is what happens to the handshakes. Regulation is usually cast as the brake. In the UAE’s water sector, in the right environment, it is the accelerator.

Saudi Arabia once gave up a harvest it could grow in order to keep its water. The next decision of that kind will not be taken in a field. It will be taken on the factory floor, and once the Kingdom’s water rules begin allocating footprints to industrial products, they may reach a food manufacturer’s waste bin before any food waste rule does.

In the space of a week, the COP31 presidency asked AI companies to disclose their energy use and Brussels adopted a label for data centres. In market after market, the public turned first and the rules followed as a concession. The Gulf still has that order the other way round, and it will not have it for long.

India's Copyright Office has just said what the United States refused to say: a picture generated by a machine, with no human choosing its final form, can be original and can have an author. Stephen Thaler says that is half right. The half he calls wrong is the half your business needs.

In a landscape where generative AI is reshaping creative industries, the legal implications surrounding copyright are more complex than ever. This episode delves into the surprising reality that while lawsuits are primarily targeting AI toolmakers, agencies and creators may be underestimating their own vulnerabilities. Join us as we unpack the nuances of AI copyright, exploring why the current leg...

In a world where transparency is becoming a non-negotiable standard, this episode dives deep into the evolving landscape of corporate accountability. Join us as we unpack the recent shift where transparency is no longer just a value but a record that organizations must uphold. We’ll explore six critical questions that every board should be prepared to answer, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve...

You've Been Reading, Now Time To Help Me Write

In this captivating episode, we tackle the intriguing question of how to define success in a world filled with external pressures and expectations. With a story that includes a five million-pound dilemma and a man in a bin, we explore the complexities of governance and the pitfalls of conventional scorekeeping in business. Join us as we discuss key topics such as the importance of setting your own...

In this thought-provoking episode, we celebrate Yorkshire Day by exploring the profound concept of integrity as wholeness. Join us as we delve into the importance of boundaries in both personal and professional realms, and uncover why the community that supports your people often extends beyond the confines of your organizational chart. We’ll discuss key topics such as the role of integrity in fos...

In a world where artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping our identities, who truly owns the digital version of you? This episode dives deep into the complex interplay between technology, governance, and personal identity in the age of AI. We explore the implications of generative AI on individual rights and the ethical dilemmas surrounding data ownership and representation. Join us as we d...

Sport, politics, and the governance of being seen.

In this eye-opening episode, we confront a startling oversight: the Gulf region is on the brink of establishing the largest AI campus outside of America, yet a pivotal report on the future of AI development has completely overlooked it. Join us as we explore the implications of this omission and what it means for innovation and investment in the GCC. We’ll discuss key topics such as the region's b...

In a groundbreaking legal case that has captured headlines worldwide, the narrative around artificial intelligence in the courtroom is more nuanced than it seems. This episode delves into the fascinating story of how AI played a pivotal role in a recent court victory—without replacing the human touch of lawyers. Join us as we unpack the implications of this case for the legal profession and the br...

In a world where intentions often clash with actions, this episode dives deep into the dynamics of accountability in business and environmental practices. Join us as we dissect the concept of "More Stick, Less Carrot," exploring how a shift towards stricter regulations and enforcement can drive meaningful change in corporate behavior. We’ll discuss key insights from London Climate Week, highlighti...

In a world increasingly shaped by climate change, the courtroom is becoming a pivotal arena for environmental governance. In this enlightening episode, we unpack the transformative role of litigation in shaping climate policy, drawing insights from the recent London Climate Week. Join us as we explore how legal actions are influencing corporate accountability and government commitments to sustaina...

Some weeks quietly rearrange the furniture in your head.

In a world where the lines between work and personal life blur, what does it truly mean when you hit "out of office"? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the implications of constant connectivity and the cultural shift surrounding work-life balance. Join us as we explore the psychology behind autoreplies, the impact of technology on our downtime, and how businesses can foster a healthi...

Weekend Edition: The World Cup Starts Friday. Come Play My Homemade Fantasy XI Game for Free.

The Law That Made People Property

Common Ground | Eid al-Adha Edition | May 2026

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, how well do these systems understand cultural nuances? In this episode, we delve into the fascinating disconnect between AI and the rich traditions of Eid, exploring how technology often overlooks the significance of cultural celebrations. Join us as we discuss the implications of this gap for businesses operating in the GCC and beyond, an...

The verdict says OpenAI won. It doesn't say the misson did. Jonathan Ashton examines what the Musk v. Alman ruling means for brand governance, mission-led oganisations, and the unwritten contracts that hold te tech industry together.

In a striking examination of governance and public perception, this episode dives into the controversial cancellation of the Royal Pop event in Dubai, revealing how a decision framed as a safety measure may actually reflect deeper governance failures. Join us as we unpack the implications of "manufacturing the crowd" and what it means for event management and public trust in the GCC. Key topics in...

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. regulators have stepped back from defining reputational risk, raising critical questions for businesses everywhere. In this episode, we dissect the implications of this decision and what it means for corporate governance in the GCC and beyond. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of reputation management, the challenges boards face in safeguarding their...

In a world where belonging is paramount, this episode uncovers the transformative power of community in the Emirates. Join us as we explore the ambitious initiative, "Make It In The Emirates 2026," and its profound implications for fostering inclusivity and innovation. We’ll discuss how genuine commitment to building a sense of belonging can outlast mere financial investments, shaping a thriving e...