Claim OwnershipAB Majlis
Subscribed: 5Played: 32
Subscribe
© Arabian Business
Description
AB Majlis is an Arabian Business podcast and the ultimate gateway to the latest trends in the GCC
91 Episodes
Reverse
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 vulnerable side this time around, while Ben reflects on the personal stakes behind the scenes.With Dubai’s identity deeply tied to real estate, the conversation goes beyond reality TV to explore ambition, nerves, reputation, personal branding, and what it takes to survive in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most competitive property markets.The new season of Million Dollar Listing UAE can be watched on STARZPLAY.
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 shaping long-term trust between platforms and users. We also look ahead to 2026, exploring the trends and conversations that excite the crypto community.
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 drugs (e.g. Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy), circadian rhythm, sleep and light exposure, sauna and cold plunges, creatine, vitamin D, electrolytes and salt, and the difference between what’s science-based versus what’s simply wellness marketing.You’ll also hear Asprey’s most controversial positions – including his critique of vegan diets, his view on endurance cardio, and his argument that many people underperform because of nutrient gaps, toxins, and disrupted sleep cycles, not lack of willpower.
SPONSOREDAs 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.
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 makes this week such a defining moment for the industry.If you want an insider look at the ideas, trends, and conversations that will dominate crypto next year, this episode has it.
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 genuine collaboration in the Middle East and the legacy he wants to leave as an innovator of the sound, not just another star on the charts.
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.
SPONSOREDIn 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.
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 philosophy of hospitality, this conversation is a masterclass in how passion projects evolve into ecosystems.Listen for insights on:The business model behind Snoopy BeatsThe rise of regional festivals across the GulfThe creative clash between generations in family enterprisesWhy Fujairah might just be the UAE’s next cultural hotspot
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 become truly AI-native — without losing customer trust.
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 Nicole unpack the trends, surprises, and power shifts that matter.Tune in for the data, the stories, and the names driving the Arab world’s next chapter - then explore the full list, live now on ArabianBusiness.com.
SPONSOREDWhy 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 built at breakneck pace?
SPONSOREDWhat 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 year. He also makes the hard-nosed financial case, arguing that a modest 5% construction premium can lift a building’s valuation by around 15%.From ancient Vedic design principles to 16-tonne crystal energy cores, this conversation explores how wellness, technology and solid economics might reshape the Gulf’s property market.
SPONSOREDIn 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.
SPONSOREDVaccine 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.
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 residences - Versace, Aston Martin, Trump - and why El Chaar says investors aren’t just buying ROI, they’re buying “return on ego.”A must-listen for anyone tracking Gulf megaprojects, international real estate, and the intersection of luxury, investment, and identity.
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 2032), the dark side of wellness tourism, and the shocking health risks behind the Instagram-perfect ice bath photos.This episode explores the psychology of why we believe "if it hurts, it must work," the role of social media in driving dangerous wellness trends, and Nicole's firsthand experience working for a cryotherapy company. From 12-year-olds dying from ice baths to record-holders sitting in freezing water for over 2 hours, they examine when wellness becomes genuinely dangerous.Topics covered: Cold plunge economics, cryotherapy risks, breathwork dangers, sauna science, Dubai's wellness boom, post-COVID health obsessions, and why discomfort has become the ultimate luxury commodity in the Gulf region.
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 company” became more than a catchphrase — it became a movement.A raw, unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, power, imposter syndrome, and what it really takes to turn fame into capital.
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 his "bicycle, car, rocket ship" framework determines when entrepreneurs should fuel their businesses with venture capital.Most startup founders dream of unicorn status, but Yalcin shares the sobering statistics — only 4 in a million companies in China and 9 in a million in the U.S. ever reach the billion-dollar valuation mark. So what separates the car builders from the rocket scientists? According to Yalcin, it comes down to pain tolerance, delayed gratification, and the understanding that "building a great company should take decades, not years."Listen as we explore the hidden economics of marketplaces, the biological barriers between humans and AI, and the path to creating the Middle East's next tech IPO.
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 company’s customer-first approach, the future of property technology in the UAE, and how platforms like Bayut and dubizzle are helping redefine how residents interact with real estate — from browsing to buying.The conversation also touches on broader regional trends, smart city integration, and how proptech innovation is set to shape the next chapter of growth in the Middle East’s property markets.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States