AB Majlis
AB Majlis is an Arabian Business podcast and the ultimate gateway to the latest trends in the GCC
What happens when money moves faster than banks?
Customers now expect payments to be instant, secure and almost invisible, and banks are under pressure to keep up and modernise legacy systems.
On this episode, Walter Liroini, the Senior Vice President and Head of Value-Added Services for CEMEA at Visa, sits down with Arabian Business to discuss the latest developments in this space.
Inside the modern risk playbook - In conversation with Mashreq's Anuratna Chadha
For years, risk management in banking was often seen as a defensive function: compliance, controls, audits and regulation. But in a world of cyber threats, fraud risks, geopolitical volatility, supply chain shocks and rapid technological disruption, that view is starting to change.
In this episode, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Anuratna Chadha, Group Chief Risk Officer at Mashreq to explore how banks can move beyond checkbox compliance and turn risk intelligence into a strategic advantage.
The conversation looks at what operational resilience really means for banks today, why cyber security and fraud prevention have...
The business logic of Spartan races | A chat with Layova Group's Najib Yaacoub
What does an obstacle-course race have to do with juice, coffee and hospitality?
In this special episode, in partnership with Spartan Middle East, Justin Harper, Senior Contributor at Arabian Business and Editor of CEO Middle East, speaks to Najib Yaacoub, Chief Operating Officer of Lavoya Restaurants Group, about why Joe & The Juice has teamed up with Spartan in the UAE.
The episode comes ahead of Spartan City at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, June 13, 2026, featuring a 3K Open Race and a 1-3K Kids Race.
The conversation looks at the rise...
What’s next for Dubai real estate? In conversation with Yousuf Fakhruddin
In this episode of AB Majlis, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO and Managing Partner of Fakhruddin Properties, for a conversation on Dubai’s evolving real estate market, investor confidence and the shift toward sustainability and wellness-led development.
Yousuf discusses how Dubai’s property sector continues to show resilience amid regional uncertainty, supported by the UAE’s infrastructure, safety, regulation and long-term planning. He also examines how buyer behaviour is changing as investors and residents become more selective in a maturing market.
The conversation explores the rise of wellness as a real estate...
Grip strength, circadian lighting and the antifragile employee - A chat with FAB's Chief Wellness Officer Diego Carrete
In this episode, Managing Editor Tala Michel Issa sits down with Diego Carrete, First Abu Dhabi Bank’s Chief Wellness Officer, for a deep dive into the future of workplace wellness.
Diego unpacks what biological resilience and antifragility really mean in a high-pressure corporate world, why modern offices often work against our biology, and how small environmental and behavioral changes — from circadian lighting and posture to setting boundaries — can dramatically improve performance and longevity.
They discuss the hidden costs of hustle culture and 90,000 work hours, the power of grip strength and VO2 max as longevity predic...
Inside Million Dollar Listing UAE’s new season - What you didn’t see on TV, according to Ben Bandari and Rami Wahood
Season two of Million Dollar Listing UAE comes with higher stakes and far more pressure.
On this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa sits down with real estate veterans and reality TV stars Ben Bandari and Rami Wahood to talk candidly about what really changed this season - on screen and off.
From bigger properties and larger deals to heightened drama and personal risk, the pair reveal how the pressure intensified, why season two felt different, and what it’s actually like watching yourself on TV. Rami opens up about showing a more vu...
Can crypto be trusted? | In conversation with Binance's Jessica Walker
Crypto still faces trust challenges in many markets but how is that changing in the Middle East? In this episode of AB Majlis, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Jessical Walker from Binance in a dive deep into the evolving crypto landscape with a focus on education, regulation and community building.
The episode explores how Binance approaches communication without overwhelming newcomers, what crypto stories resonate most in the region and how public perception has shifted over the past few years.
From engaging with regulators in the UAE to correcting common misconceptions, we discuss the strategies...
Inside the $36bn Biohacking boom | Dave Asprey on Ozempic, 'peaseant food' and why sleep beats every supplement
In this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Dave Asprey – bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of Bulletproof Coffee and Upgrade Labs – during his visit to Dubai to unpack the fast-growing business of biohacking, longevity and performance optimisation.
Asprey discusses why he believes Dubai and the UAE are becoming a global hotspot for longevity clinics and “biohacked” environments, and explains how data and AI-driven health protocols are shaping the next wave of wellness. The conversation spans the most debated topics in modern health: biological age, diet and protein, GLP-1 dr...
Trust, technology and the future of audit - A chat with Mashreq's Hasan Ali
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As banking becomes increasingly digital, the way institutions manage trust and accountability must evolve. AB Majlis host Tala Michel Issa sits down with Hassan Ali, Group Chief of Internal Audit at Mashreq, to explore the next frontier of internal audit.
From transforming traditional risk frameworks to adopting AI-powered analytics, Ali outlines how Mashreq is leading the charge toward proactive, agile, and tech-driven auditing, and why audit leaders must embrace foresight, not fear, when it comes to artificial intelligence.
Crypto's biggest week is almost here! Kim Murphy on what to expect at Dubai's Binance Blockchain Week 2025
Dubai is days away from hosting one of the most influential events in global crypto. Binance Blockchain Week returns to the Coca-Cola Arena on December 3 and 4, bringing together industry heavyweights including Richard Teng, Michael Saylor, Brad Garlinghouse and leaders across Web3, policy, DeFi and AI.
In this episode of AB Majlis, Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Kim Murphy, Binance’s Head of Global Event Marketing, to unpack what to expect from the 2025 edition. From the strategy behind Binance’s 1,500-plus global events to the speakers shaping the future of digital assets, Kim reveals what make...
What makes a song go viral? CKay talks music, money & the business of Afrobeats
Nigerian hitmaker CKay joins Reporter Nicole Abigael on the latest episode of AB Majlis in Dubai to unpack the storm inside his head and the sound that turned Love Nwantiti into a 5-billion-stream global phenomenon. This episode dives into CKay’s self-styled “emo Afrobeats” how a heartbreak and a pandemic-era TikTok dance turned a deeply personal song into a worldwide anthem and why he refuses to “write for a global audience.”
CKay breaks down the rock-infused DNA of his latest number-one single Body (Danz) the rise of Afrobeats from Lagos to Bali and the Gulf, his rules for genuin...
Inside the burnout epidemic: Addiction, success and recovery with Abdullah Boulad
In this episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Abdullah Boulad, founder of The Balance Luxury Rehab Clinic, to discuss the hidden mental health struggles of CEOs, high-net-worth individuals, celebrities and royals. Boulad unpacks how burnout, addiction and performance pressure manifest differently in the Middle East and why wealth and status often amplify – not ease – these challenges. He also shares insights from his work with elite clients and practical steps anyone can take to restore balance, resilience and a sense of purpose in an age of constant stress and overachievement.
Innovation and brand legacy - In conversation with Hasan Fardan Al Fardan
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In this week’s episode of AB Majlis, Tala Michel Issa sits down Hasan Fardan Al Fardan is the CEO of Al Fardan Exchange. From humble beginnings in the pearl trade 70 years ago to becoming one of the UAE’s most trusted names in financial services, Al Fardan Exchange embodies a story of vision, resilience, and enduring family legacy.
From Fujairah to the world - Inside the UAE's most unlikely festival empire | A chat with Snoopy Beats' Tarek Aboudib
In this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Tarek Aboudib, the creative force behind Snoopy Beats, the cult-favourite Fujairah festival that blends music, community and escapism.
What started as a “full moon party” for 100 friends has evolved into a full-fledged brand spanning events, weddings, retreats, and production houses. Aboudib opens up about building a loyal audience without chasing superstar DJs, how Snoopy Beats survived Covid, and the art of turning a family-run beach resort into a national destination.
From the economics of festivals to the phil...
Follow the money? Steve Bertamini and Mukund Bhatnagar on mortgages, models, & banks without baggage
Gulf banks say they can leapfrog legacy rivals in the AI era — but only if they move faster.
In this AB Majlis episode, host Tala Michel Issa (Chief Reporter, Arabian Business) speaks with Steve Bertamini (ex-CEO, Al Rajhi and KGI; Kearney adviser) and Mukund Bhatnagar (Partner, Kearney; Global Lead for Financial Services) on where AI is already paying off, why mortgages still need humans, and how data quality, privacy and regulators will shape hyper-personalised finance by 2030.
We unpack fintech partnerships, the real threat from Big Tech, and what it will take for GCC banks to be...
THE LIST IS LIVE! Inside the Arab world’s most influential people of 2025
Arabian Business has just unveiled its most ambitious ranking yet: the 150 Most Influential Arabs 2025. In this special AB Majlis episode, hosts Nicole Abigael and Tala Michel Issa take you behind the scenes of the list that captures who is truly shaping the region - and the world -right now.
Discover how this year’s sharper methodology and nine weighted metrics redefined influence across Visionaries, Disruptors, and Family Dynasties. From Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s rise to the number-one spot - unseating long-time leader Mohamed Alabbar - to game-changing entrepreneurs like Huda Kattan and next-gen dynasties modernising tradition, Tala and Nico...
Cisco's David Meads on how the Gulf outruns the world – and why AI-ready infrastructure decides the future
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Why can the UAE and Saudi Arabia adopt cutting-edge tech faster than almost anywhere else? Cisco’s regional chief David Meads joins host Tala Michel Issa to argue it’s not just the money. It’s the decision-making culture: fewer committees, more action.
Together they follow the data trail – from AI-ready networks and “agentic” digital assistants to the hidden plumbing of global internet traffic – to reveal why infrastructure, not just algorithms, decides who wins the AI race. Is the Gulf’s speed a model the rest of the world should copy, or a risky bet on a future...
Alex Zagrebleny wants your building to heal you – and make you rich
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What if the next property boom isn’t about sustainability at all, but regeneration — buildings that give back more than they take? In this episode of AB Majlis, Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Alex Zagrebleny, founder and CEO of R.Evolution, the developer behind Dubai’s ambitious EYWA “Tree of Life” project.
Zagrebleny explains why he believes “sustainability isn’t enough,” outlining his Generation 5.0 vision: homes that purify air and water, shield residents from EMF exposure, and even host hydroponic farms capable of producing up to 20 tonnes of vegetables a yea...
Inside Mashreq’s vision to build a digital bank for the future - In conversation with Fernando Morillo
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In this episode, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq, to unpack the bank’s bold digital banking transformation. As one of the region’s most digitally advanced financial institutions, Mashreq is reimagining what modern banking can look like by placing the customer at the centre of everything, leveraging AI, and rethinking traditional structures. We’ll explore how digital innovation is enabling more agile, inclusive, and scalable banking, and what this means for both individuals and businesses.
Protecting two lives with one shot - In conversation with Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi
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Vaccine hesitancy continues to pose a serious public health challenge, particularly when it comes to maternal immunisation. In the latest episode of AB Majlis, Nicole Abigael, Arabian Business journalist sits down with Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi, Pediatrician and Infectious Diseases Consultant, Hayat Biotech to talk about the importance of maternal vaccines, common misconceptions, and the science-backed safety measures in place to protect both mothers and their babies.
Inside Mashreq’s vision to build a digital bank for the future - In conversation with Fernando Morillo
In this episode, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq, to unpack the bank’s bold digital banking transformation. As one of the region’s most digitally advanced financial institutions, Mashreq is reimagining what modern banking can look like by placing the customer at the centre of everything, leveraging AI, and rethinking traditional structures. We’ll explore how digital innovation is enabling more agile, inclusive, and scalable banking, and what this means for both individuals and businesses.
A Saudi freehold boom is coming and so is the 'return on ego' - A chat with real estate veteran Ziad El Chaar
What happens when the world’s last untapped property giant opens its doors to foreign buyers?
In this episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business chief reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Dar Global CEO Ziad El Chaar to unpack Saudi Arabia’s forthcoming freehold law, the $100 billion local property market, and how Vision 2030 is reshaping global capital flows.
From Dubai’s early freehold boom to Riyadh’s next chapter, El Chaar explains why he believes the Gulf is the most exciting real estate destination on earth. The conversation also dives into the rise of branded...
Protecting two lives with one shot - Discussing vaccine hesitancy with Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi from Hayat Biotech
Vaccine hesitancy continues to pose a serious public health challenge, particularly when it comes to maternal immunisation. In the latest episode of AB Majlis, Nicole Abigael reporter at Arabian Business sat down with Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi from Hayat Biotech - a leading expert in maternal and child health to talk about the importance of maternal vaccines, common misconceptions, and the science-backed safety measures in place to protect both mothers and their babies.
No pain, no gain? Ice baths, new-age therapies and why we pay to suffer in the name of health
What if we told you there's a $5.6 trillion industry built on making people deliberately uncomfortable — and it's projected to hit $8 trillion by 2027? Arabian Business journalists Tala Michel Issa and Nicole Abigael dive into the counterintuitive world where paying hundreds of dollars to sit in ice baths, hyperventilate through breathwork, and sweat in saunas has become the ultimate status symbol.
From Dubai's luxury spas targeting stressed-out executives to Thailand wellness retreats designed specifically for Middle Eastern clients, they unpack how discomfort became the new luxury. Discover why the cold plunge industry alone is worth $450 million (growing to $820 million by...
She went viral on Netflix. Now she's running the deal table: Dubai Bling's Zeina Khoury unfiltered
In this exclusive episode of the AB Majlis podcast, host Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Zeina Khoury, Founder of Zed Capital and fashion brand I Am The Company, and star of Netflix’s hit reality show Dubai Bling.From surviving a public office showdown in Season 1 to turning a trademark ambush into a viral marketing triumph in Season 3, Khoury opens up about the business behind the drama and the strategy behind the brand. She shares how she built a real estate empire, what reality TV taught her about influence, and why “I am the...
Saygin Yalcin on marketplace economics, viral tools, and going public - Inside SellAnyCar.com's path to IPO
What do license plates, biochemistry, and rocket ships have in common? According to tech entrepreneur Saygin Yalcin, they're all pieces of the puzzle in building the Middle East's next internet champion. In this episode, the founder of SellAnyCar.com reveals to Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa how his company's number plate valuation tool went from 50,000 daily queries to over 3 million total valuations in just months — without spending a dirham on marketing.
Yalcin, who recently led a $135 million investment into iMENA and joined its board, explains why AI has fundamentally killed the traditional marketplace business model and how hi...
Inside UAE's Real Estate Revolution | A Chat with Bayut & dubizzle’s CEO
Host Nicole Abigael, Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Bayut and dubizzle, and CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA, to explore how technology is reshaping the UAE’s real estate sector.
Khan discusses how Bayut and dubizzle are driving market transparency and enhancing the home search experience in a booming property market. With Dubai’s real estate sector experiencing unprecedented demand, Khan reveals how AI-driven search tools and real-time data are helping users make smarter decisions, while supporting developers and agents in a fast-moving digital economy.
He shares insights into the...
How will you get around Dubai when the population hits 4 million? Hala CEO explains their plan
Host Tala Misha Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala, the joint venture between Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem that has revolutionised taxi hailing in the emirate.
Nuseibeh reveals how Hala has captured a significant portion of Dubai's e-hailing market while growing its customer base by 21% year-on-year, even as new competitors like Bolt and Yango enter the scene. He shares insights from his journey from the telecom sector through Careem's landmark Uber acquisition to leading Hala, and explains how the company uses data analytics to stay ahead...
The brand that dared to compete with Netflix - Inside Yango Play
In this exclusive episode of AB Majlis, Roman Shimansky, Chief Executive at Yango Play, sits down with host and Arabian Business Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa to discuss how this tech company is challenging global streaming giants. Shimansky reveals Yango Play's unique strategy of offering seamless transitions between music, video, and gaming while focussing on culturally relevant content for Middle Eastern audiences. He shares insights on their rapid growth across GCC countries and Egypt, their metrics for measuring success, and their vision to become a platform for rising regional talent. Shimansky also announces Yango Play's launch on PlayStation and...
Would you trust AI with your 25-year mortgage? Mashreq's Mohamed Abdel Razek on building trust in tech
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Can your bank's AI agent talk to your personal AI agent to handle your finances? Mashreq's technology chief Mohamed Abdel Razek reveals how the UAE's largest private bank is deploying 70-80 AI use cases across fraud detection, credit decisions, and customer experience.
While he envisions a future of conversational banking—imagine talking to an ATM like a person—Razek questions whether you'd trust a computer to approve your 25-year mortgage today. In this candid conversation, discover why "trustworthy AI-infused banking" is Mashreq's strategy, how voice recognition could revolutionize banking, and why the UAE's digital infr...
Is the UAE winning the global AI race? A conversation with TII"s Dr. Chaouki Kasmi
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In this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Chief Innovation Officer of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). Dr. Kasmi takes us behind the scenes of the UAE's ambitious AI strategy, exploring how cloud partnerships helped develop the country's first homegrown language model. He discusses the Emirates' early adoption of AI technologies, highlights the critical role AWS played in the Falcon LLM's development and deployment on SageMaker, and hints at upcoming releases that will impress the tech community.
The conversation examines how...
Who's winning the global AI race?
A regional tech expert takes us behind the scenes of the UAE's ambitious AI strategy, exploring how cloud partnerships helped develop the country's first homegrown language model. As TII's Chief Innovation Officer, Kasmi discusses the UAE's early adoption of AI technologies, hints at upcoming releases, and examines how regional businesses can benefit from these advancements as well as key partnerships. The conversation also touches on quantum computing developments, energy considerations in AI, and the UAE's positioning against traditional tech powerhouses. A fascinating look at how the Gulf region is transforming its technological landscape and aiming for global leadership in...
Inside Ras Al Khaimah's economic revolution | A chat with the CEO shaping UAE's next business hub, Ramy Jallad
SPONSORED - In this exclusive episode, Arabian Business Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Ramy Jallad, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). Jallad reveals how this "hidden gem" of the UAE has been strategically positioning itself as a major business destination long before making headlines with its Wynn casino announcement. He discusses RAKEZ's remarkable achievement of doubling its registered companies to 30,000, with 13,000 new businesses joining in just the past year alone. From manufacturing and AI to hospitality and gaming, Jallad shares insights on the emirate's diversified economic strategy, infrastructure challenges, and upcoming mega-projects including Tech...
Dubai real estate's 'Blockbuster' moment? Ainsley Duncombe on why 90% of brokers could vanish in 2 years
In this eye-opening episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa speaks with Ainsley Duncombe, founder of Off Market Listing Dubai and former Property Finder executive. Duncombe delivers a stark prediction: 90% of Dubai real estate brokers will see their roles transformed by AI within 18 months.
From his journey watching Dubai's Palm Jumeirah being built on TV to now living there himself, Duncombe shares insights on luxury property trends, wealth migration to the UAE, and how technology is reshaping the industry. The conversation explores opportunities in emerging markets like Ras Al Khaimah and exclusive developments...
Your bank wants to talk to you - literally | Mohammad Abdel Razek explains Mashreq's AI strategy
SPONSORED - In this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa speaks with Mohammad Abdel Razek, Head of Technology at Mashreq Bank, about the future of AI in banking. Abdel Razek, who leads technology, data, and transformation at Mashreq, breaks down the bank's "trustworthy AI-infused banking" strategy across four key quadrants: customer experience (CX), productivity, growth, and protection.
Learn how Mashreq is developing conversational banking technologies that could enable customers to interact with ATMs and banking systems using natural voice commands while still maintaining human involvement for complex financial decisions like home loans.
Abdel...
Behind the rankings - Inside Arabian Business' Dubai 100 power list
Join Arabian Business reporters Tala Michel Issa and Nicole Abigael as they take you behind the scenes of the highly anticipated Dubai 100 power list. Discover how Mohamed Alabbar secured the top spot, why cultural figures like Balqees Fathi and Anas Bukhash are reshaping influence, and how the list's sophisticated nine-parameter ranking system captures Dubai's evolution from a business hub to a global centre of innovation. From real estate titans to digital disruptors, this episode reveals the people and trends defining Dubai's future trajectory.
The Arabic language barrier keeping AI engineers up at night - A chat with Google's Anthony Nakache
SPONSORED - In this episode, host Tala Misha la Issa sits down with Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA, to explore the monumental challenge of developing AI that truly understands Arabic in all its complexity. With 25 distinct dialects across the region, Arabic presents one of the most formidable language barriers in AI development today.
Nakache reveals how Google's Gemini AI has already mastered 16 Arabic dialects—an unprecedented achievement—and shares the company's ambitious roadmap for complete Arabic language coverage. The conversation delves into Google's recently announced $15 million AI Opportunity Initiative for the MENA region, aimed at upsk...
The hidden psychology of AI attachment with Marisa Peer
In this episode of AB Majlis, host Nicole Abigael sits down with acclaimed therapist Marissa Peer to explore the emerging phenomenon of human-AI relationships and their potential psychological impacts. As AI companions become increasingly sophisticated and integrated into daily life, this discussion examines the fine line between beneficial technological support and problematic emotional dependency.
WGS Special with e& | Disrupt or become irrelevant - e& capital's Kushal Shah on what VCs really look for
In this World Government Summit special episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa delves into the mindset of modern venture capital with e& Capital Managing Director Kushal Shah. With $250 million deployed across 17 companies, Shah reveals why they seek startups that fundamentally disrupt traditional business models. From following the fintech wave to aggressively pursuing AI opportunities, discover how e& Capital identifies tomorrow's market leaders and why Dubai has become a magnetic force for global tech startups with billion-dollar funding. The conversation offers a masterclass in what venture capitalists look for in the age of technological disruption.<...
A collector's tale: Victor Gastou on the art of collecting men's rings
SPONSORED - In this episode of AB Majlis, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Victor Gastou who takes us on a journey through his late father Yves Gastou’s extraordinary collection of over 700 rings—each piece a testament to history, craftsmanship, and passion.
From 17th-century Venetian poison rings to Vatican treasures, we uncover the stories behind these hidden gems and the art of collecting overlooked masterpieces. Join us as we explore the legacy of a collector whose love for discovery turned jewelry into a chronicle of time.
Until April 26th, the collection will be exhibited at t...
