AB Majlis

What happens when a city reimagines what premium office space can be? In this episode of AB Majlis, Savills Middle East's Head of Commercial Agency Toby Hall reveals how Dubai's commercial real estate market evolved from oversupply to becoming a global magnet for blue-chip tenants. Drawing on two decades of experience across London and Dubai markets, Hall unpacks why major firms are migrating east...

SPONSORED - In this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa sits down with Estonia's Minister of Health, Riina Sikkut, to explore how the Baltic nation became a global leader in digital healthcare. From implementing the world's first nationwide e-health system to leveraging blockchain technology since 2007, Minister Sikkut shares insights on Estonia's journey from paper records to AI-assisted...

SPONSORED - On this episode with Reporter Nicole Abigael and Irfan Tansel, CEO of Al Masaood, we take an in-depth look at the UAE's evolving automotive landscape. Starting as a mechanic's apprentice in Germany, Tansel's remarkable 40-year journey provides unique insights into the industry's transformation. He shares perspectives on the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UAE, the evolution of...

From a cathedral organist to the CEO of the world's busiest international airport, Paul Griffiths has helped transform Dubai's aviation sector into a $37 billion economic powerhouse. In this episode of AB Majlis, Griffiths reveals his revolutionary vision for Al Maktoum International Airport - not one mega-hub, but eight intimate airports connected by advanced transport systems. He discusses how D...

SPONSORED - Financial criminals in the Middle East are increasingly exploiting advanced technologies and the region’s economic disparities to orchestrate sophisticated scams, Collin Lobo, HSBC’s regional head of financial crime warned on this episode. The region’s unique combination of high-net-worth individuals, transient populations, and proximity to sanctioned nations makes it particularly vuln...

SPONSORED - In this episode of AB Majlis with Reporter Nicole Abigael and Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard, we get an unfiltered look into the challenges and opportunities for women in corporate leadership. Drawing from her extensive experience in financial services and technology, Ajmal explores critical issues including gender stereotypes, career progress...

What's driving 70% of US engagement ring buyers to choose lab-grown diamonds? Host Tala Michel Issa discusses this shift with industry leaders Nathalie Morrison, co-founder of Astrea London and Arnaud Flambeau, Executive Chairman of 2DOT4 Diamonds. Learn why these sustainable gems are winning over luxury consumers, how they compare to mined diamonds in terms of quality and value, and why Dubai is...

This episode dives into the future of Ras Al Khaimah with Raki Philips, CEO of RAKTDA, as he unveils the emirate's transformation plan. From the highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan resort to mountain-top accommodations on Jebel Jais, discover how RAK aims to triple its tourism by 2030. Philips shares exclusive insights into upcoming luxury hotel brands, innovative attractions, and the restoration of...

In this episode, Arabian Business Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera, for a discussion on the transformation of Dubai's cultural scene. A cultural manager with over 20 years of experience in performing arts, Petrocelli shares exclusive insights into Dubai Opera's record-breaking season, its unique approach to programming, and how it's becoming a m...

SPONSORED - This episode dives into the evolving landscape of food packaging and sustainability in the Gulf with Tetra Pak, Join us as we explore how one of the world's leading food packaging companies is addressing critical challenges in the F&B industry while advancing regional food security goals. As Gulf Food approaches, we also get an exclusive preview of Tetra Pak's latest technologies a...

Join Arabian Business Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa and Mindvalley founder Vishen Lakhiani for a provocative conversation about why being "delusional" might be your greatest asset. From healing his eyesight through meditation to building a global empire that now trains Dubai government employees, Lakhiani shares why abandoning realism was key to his success. Plus, hear his refreshing take on au...

In this episode, Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Dominique Szymura, founder of CityDrinks, to discuss the launch of its AI Sommelier, Genie, earlier this year. They'll explore the origins of this innovative idea and its impact on CityDrinks' rapid growth. The conversation also explores how Genie is revolutionising at-home drink selection, from personalised recommendations to virtua...

In this episode, host Tala Michel Issa, senior reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Emma Burdett, founder of WILD (Women in Leadership Deliver). Emma shares her inspiring journey from personal adversity to creating one of the Gulf's largest women's networking communities. The conversation delves into practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the importance of building side hustles, and...

In this exclusive interview, host Tala Michel Issa sits down with Carlos Ghosn, the former Chairman of Nissan and one of the most controversial figures in the automotive industry. Breaking years of silence, Ghosn discusses the charges brought against him in Japan, his dramatic escape to Lebanon, and the alleged economic warfare that led to his downfall. Carlos Ghosn, once hailed as the saviour of...

In this episode, Muhammad Binghatti, Chairman and Co-founder of Binghatti, sits down with host Tala Michel Issa to discuss Dubai's thriving real estate market. Binghatti shares insights on the company's journey from its inception to becoming a leading force in branded residences. He discusses their innovative collaborations with luxury brands like Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, and Jacob & Co., expla...

In this episode, host Tala Michel Issa, Senior Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with acclaimed author and personal branding expert, Kelly Lundberg. Drawing insights from her latest book "Deseeding the Lemon," Lundberg unpacks her unique seven-slice framework for creating an authentic and impactful personal brand. From the power of consistency to the nuances of digital presence, this episode...

In this special World Tourism day episode, host Tala Michel Issa engages in an insightful conversation with Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President of International Operations at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Throughout the interview, they explore Dubai's current tourism landscape, its preparation for the upcoming busy tourist season, and the emirate's long-term vision for mainta...

In this episode, Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Rob Devereux, CEO of Brookfield Properties and ICD Brookfield, to discuss Dubai's commercial real estate sector. They explore the evolution of premium office spaces, the iconic ICD Brookfield Place development, and the growing demand for high-quality workspaces in the region. Devereux shares valuable insights on market trends, expans...

In this episode, AB Majlis brings you an exclusive interview with Shytoshi Kusama and Kaal Dhairya, the enigmatic figures behind the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency phenomenon, conducted by Arabian Business' very own Editorial Director, Matthew Amlot. For the first time ever, these anonymous leaders break their silence, sharing insights into their vision for decentralization, the power of memes in drivin...

SPONSORED - In this episode of AB Majlis with Reporter Nicole Abigael and Rima Semaan from Microsoft, we explore the cutting edge world of artificial intelligence (AI) and it's profound impact on the UAE's technological landscape. Join us to get unique insights into how the UAE has embraced AI as a cornerstone of innovation, growth and more.

SPONSORED - Join Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa as she interviews Basit Saiyed, Head of Investments & Wealth Solutions at HSBC. This episode breaks down the complexities of investing for young adults and new investors. Learn why starting early is crucial, get practical tips for building long-term wealth, and discover how HSBC's WorldTrader platform can help you begin your investment journey...

SPONSORED - In this episode of AB Majlis, with reporter Nicole Abigael and J.K. Khalil Division President for East Arabia at Mastercard, we explore the transformative world of digital payments. Discover insights on financial inclusion, enhancing security measures, and pioneering future payment trends in the region and beyond.

In this episode, host Tala Michel Issa, Senior Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with David Constable, acclaimed journalist, food writer, and editor of Gault&Millau UAE. They delve into the economics of fine dining in Dubai, exploring whether it's dead, thriving, or evolving. Constable shares his expert insights on the changing definition of fine dining, the challenges faced by high-end...

On this episode we explorer the future of money with Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, discussing emerging financial technologies, evolving payment systems and the changing landscape of global transactions. Listen more for a fascinating glimpse into the financial world of tomorrow.

In this episode, Arabian Business' Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Careem's Managing Director Bassel Al Nahlaoui to dive into the power of partnerships and how they helped propel the "everything app" into a household name in the region and the multi-service platform as we know it today. Al Nahlaoui weighs in on key players such as Amazon Web Services and the integral role it played...