The Majlis

In this episode of The Majlis, Karen Elliott House joins us remotely to discuss her new book on the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.  Explore the untold story behind one of the most powerful figures in the Middle East. Karen dives deep into Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rise to power and his sweeping vision to transform Saudi Arabia.  From bold social reforms and futuristic megaprojects to crackdowns on corruption and international intrigue, this conversation reveals the complex forces shaping the kingdom’s future. Hear about MBS’s strategic moves on the global stage, his efforts to redefine Saudi Arabia’s identity, and the high stakes involved in his quest for lasting influence.

In this episode of The Majlis, we sit down with Faisal Sultan, President of Lucid Middle East, to explore the story behind Lucid Motors’ rapid rise and its pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle revolution.The conversation covers:Lucid’s journey from a battery startup to a luxury EV manufacturerThe strategic importance of Saudi Arabia for Lucid’s global ambitionsThe challenges and opportunities of building a global and resilient supply chainWhat AI advancements mean for vehicles Tune in for a candid discussion on innovation, transformation, and the future of the automotive industry in the Middle East.

In episode 31 of The Majlis, we sit down with Fawaz Farooqui to talk about what it takes to increase the quality of life in a country, leading the national transformation program, organizing the first events in Saudi, and much more.Fawaz was appointed as the first CEO of the country’s National Transformation Program (NTP) to lead the first revamp of the program to enhance execution and delivery, resulting in specialized programs, such as Quality of Life, which he helped establish and was a board member of. He led the establishment team of the General Entertainment Authority. Fawaz is now the CEO of Flow MENA, a residential real estate company that seeks to tackle the modern challenges of isolation and disconnection that many urban dwellers face today. 

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Tony Cripps, CEO of Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), as he shares firsthand insights into the rapid transformation of Saudi Arabia’s banking sector and SAB’s evolving strategy.Tony discusses why digital innovation is at the heart of SAB’s approach:“The domestic banking industry is turning to technology and digital tools to become more customer centric, thereby boosting customer retention. This is a process that involves continuous investment.” If you want to understand the forces reshaping finance in Saudi Arabia and hear directly from a leader at the forefront, this episode offers practical perspectives and real-world examples.Watch now for Tony’s take on the future of banking, innovation, and growth in the Kingdom.

What does it take to transform an industry from the inside out? On this episode of The Majlis, Abeer Alessa, CEO of Bold Group, joins the table to share her story of launching a creative agency in a market once dominated by global giants. Aida reflects on her early days, the challenges of breaking through, and how Vision 2030 is fueling a new generation of Saudi entrepreneurs. Listeners will hear about:The leap from a two-person startup to a leading creative forceNavigating the shift from traditional to digital mediaThe importance of cultural insight in marketingWinning over clients with bold pitches and even bolder ideasWhy specialization is the future of the industry Abeer's journey is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and the power of thinking big. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative professional, or simply curious about the transformation sweeping the region, this episode is packed with real-world lessons and inspiration.