This Week In Business

French President Emmanuel Macron turns to the Gulf as an energy crisis fuels unrest at home. The UAE makes a bid for one of the world's most powerful diplomatic positions. And Elon Musk considers a $5 trillion merger that could reshape the global technology industry.In this episode of This Week in Business, Arabian Business Managing Editor Tala Michel Issa and Head of News Tom Evans unpack the biggest business and geopolitical stories of the week.From Macron's Gulf energy deals and the escalating disruption to Middle East trade routes to the UAE's nomination of Lana Nusseibeh for UN Secretary-General, the pair examine the shifting balance of global economic and political power.They're joined by Arabian Business journalist Rana Tabbara, who reveals the hidden cost of airspace closures, why disrupted flight corridors are putting critical cargo at risk, and how global supply chains are being forced to adapt.Plus, Netflix's growing ambitions in the Middle East, Elon Musk's proposed Tesla-SpaceX mega-merger, and what it all means for Gulf investors.This Week in Business brings you the stories that matter, the context behind the headlines, and what to watch next. New episodes every Friday.

Is the global economy heading for an AI-driven boom? And why is Dubai looking to China to help transform its manufacturing and technology sectors?This week, Tom Evans and Rana Tabbara unpack Rana’s exclusive interview with Nouriel Roubini, including his confidence in AI-driven economic growth, his criticism of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and why he believes financial markets can force governments to change course.Also on the show: Dubai’s push to attract Chinese manufacturers and technology companies, the latest escalation in Middle East tensions, and the growing uncertainty over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.Plus, Rana examines former US Vice President Mike Pence’s stark warnings over Iran, his disagreements with Trump’s economic policies, and what the shifting geopolitical landscape means for businesses across the Gulf.

What happens when an “America First” ally accuses Donald Trump of betraying American interests? And what does the fallout mean for the Gulf?This week, Tom Evans and Rana Tabbara unpack Tom’s exclusive interview with Tucker Carlson, including his fierce criticism of the Iran war, his account of private Oval Office conversations and his praise for the UAE's leadership.Also on the show: the latest escalation in Saudi Arabia, uncertainty over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and why Dubai’s latest Michelin Guide has sparked a backlash over its inclusion of closed restaurants.Plus, Rana explores Abu Dhabi’s push to turn AI investment into real-world results and investigates the UAE’s growing fertility industry, where expanding patient choice raises difficult questions about the commercialisation of care.

The Gulf has spent years trying to diversify beyond oil. But after a year of geopolitical disruption, is diversification itself being redefined?This week, Tala Michel Issa and Tom Evans look at how the GCC is rethinking economic resilience, infrastructure and regional integration, as negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz edge closer to a potential breakthrough.Also on the show: Turkey’s attempt to turn passport buyers into long-term residents and investors, why global founders are increasingly looking to Abu Dhabi, and Arabian Business reporter Rana Tabbara takes us aboard the first Etihad Rail journey between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.Plus, what the Gulf’s next phase of growth could look like when the question is no longer simply whether an investment makes money, but whether it can survive the next shock.

Could Venezuela follow the UAE out of OPEC? Hosts Tala Michel Issa and Tom Evans unpack that question and the other stories shaping business in the Gulf this week. Arabian Business reporter Rana Tabbara joins them for the aviation story.Venezuela next out of OPEC? Why leaving the group would not suddenly bring more Venezuelan oil to market.What happened to the Hormuz talks? The latest from the UN General Assembly, new US aviation sanctions and rising Saudi-Houthi tensions.Would you buy RAK’s ‘haunted’ palace? Tala investigates the 35-room property for sale near Wynn Al Marjan Island.Is Amazon leaving the UAE? The company responds to claims that it is moving its regional operations.Why are airlines still buying planes? Rana reports from an Airbus event and shares what its regional boss told her about fleet expansion during the conflict.Plus, The Briefing returns on November 25 in Abu Dhabi, and nominations for the Arabian Business Industry Awards are open until September 28.Read the stories at ArabianBusiness.com. New episodes every Friday.