Shows
The MajlisThe Majlis #34: Karen Elliott House on Crown Prince MBS in her new book, The Man Who Would Be KingIn 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 t...
2025-07-2737 min
The MajlisUnlocking the EV industry in Saudi Arabia with Faisal Sultan, President of Lucid MEIn 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 di...
2025-07-1333 min
The MajlisThe quality of life transformation in Saudi with Flow MENA CEO Fawaz FarooquiIn 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.
2025-06-2942 min
The MajlisThe future of banking in Saudi with Tony Cripps, SAB Bank CEOJoin 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 forefro...
2025-06-1544 min
The Majlis"Start small, think big" - Build boldly with Abeer Alessa, CEO of Bold GroupWhat 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 mediaT...
2025-06-0140 min
The MajlisBlending Saudi history, fashion, and business with Qormuz founder Abdulrahman AlabedIn this episode, Abdulrahman Al-Abed, founder and creative director of Qormuz, joins us to discuss how he fuses Saudi Arabia’s rich history and culture with contemporary fashion and lifestyle design. He shares his journey from law graduate to fashion designer, the inspiration behind iconic pieces like the embroidered jubba worn at the Venice Film Festival, and how Qormuz aims to evolve traditional Saudi garments for the future while honoring the Kingdom’s heritage. Abdulrahman also talks about the brand’s role in promoting Saudi culture globally and its alignment with Vision 2030, highlighting the power of story...
2025-05-1849 min
The MajlisFrom funder to founder with Adel Alateeq, ex-CEO of Jada, CEO of AwaedCan you make investing as easy & fun as shopping?How can you put more money in the right places?Adel Alateeq is the former CEO of Jada Fund of Funds, and the current CEO of Awaed, a wealth management platform. He joins us to discuss how investment has evolved in the Kingdom since his days building the first real estate fund at Riyad Capital after the Saudi stock market crash, to founding PIF's fund of funds during COVID, and his latest journey as a fintech CEO.
2025-05-0444 min
The MajlisBuilding winning companies in Saudi with Sultan GhaznawiWelcome back to The Majlis! For the premiere of Season 2, we are joined by Sultan Ghaznawi, Chairman & MD of Scene Holdings. Sultan is a proactive investor and venture builder, and has spent more than a decade building companies across fintech, entertainment & culture, and real estate development and operations. Sultan talks about what it takes to build successful companies, what he looks for in winners, and what excites him about the future of AI.
2025-04-2048 min
The MajlisEpisode 26: Saudi-Canadian Relations with Ambassador Jean Philippe LinteauJust in time for Canada's 60th Flag Day, Ambassador Jean-Philippe Linteau and I discuss the revitalization of Canadian-Saudi relations following a five-year diplomatic rift. We explore key sectors where both countries collaborate, such as infrastructure, clean energy, and education, and address pressing issues like Trump’s tariff plans.Ambassador Jean-Philippe Linteau serves as Canada's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and Bahrain. He is the first to hold this position following a five-year vacancy (2018-2023). His focus is on strengthening Canadian relations in the Gulf region from economic, strategic, and military perspectives.
2025-02-1626 min
Majlis & MarketsEpisode 53-Saudi Unscripted: Content, Change & GrowthIn our 53rd episode, we're joined by Yasmin AlKhowaiter, host of The Majlis, a podcast where she talks to global thought leaders about Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.With a background in consulting, Yasmin has worked with both private and public sector clients—giving her a unique perspective on the region’s rapid evolution.In this episode, we covered several topics including:The rise of content creators in Saudi ArabiaNoticeable socioeconomic changes since 2016Saudi's relationship with Trump 2.0 and ChinaListen to the Majlis-https://media.podeo.co/rss/MT...
2025-02-1147 min
The MajlisThe Majlis Episode 25: Crypto & blockchain with Aziz AlangariAziz and I talk about the evolution of Web3, why blockchain is potentially more exciting than crypto, how it all works, and why the use cases of it are much broader and can potentially change our lives today. Aziz Alangari is one of the founding partners of ChainVisory, a blockchain consultancy based in Riyadh. Following a career switch from Hollywood to crypto in NYC, Aziz moved back to the Kingdom to help companies and governments leverage blockchain technology to create better user experiences.
2025-02-0945 min
The MajlisNavigating global investment in Saudi with Ari MatityahuAri Matityahu has spent the last decade bringing global companies to Saudi, and shares his insights and advice on how global companies can support the vision 2030 goals. He says, “it isn’t too late to expand in to the region, it’s in fact the right time to explore”. Ari is a global entrepreneur with over a decade working and investing in KSA. As Founder & Chairman of Wafa Global Solutions, he focuses on driving world-class ventures and solutions to the GCC through strategic investments and partnerships. He is also the Founder & Chairman of Danforth Holdings. Ari has advi...
2025-02-0244 min
The MajlisThe Majlis Episode 23: The transformation of Saudi Defense with Bilal SaabBilal provides an overview of Saudi Arabia's ambitious defense transformation plan. Relying on his professional experience as a defense analyst and a former official in the Pentagon, he explains the challenges and opportunities of Saudi defense reform from a historical perspective, while ultimately tying the subject to the future of US-Saudi security relations.Bilal is the Senior Managing Director of TRENDS US in Washington, DC, a consulting firm that focuses on strategic relations between the United States and the Middle East. He is also an Associate Fellow with Chatham House in London and an Adjunct Professor with...
2025-01-2654 min
The MajlisThe Majlis Episode 22: Investing in yourself & the future with Dr. Ibrahim AlmojelDr. Ibrahim Almojel explains the lessons he's learned and the investment philosophy he's developed over his years in the public and private sector, the guidance of Vision 2030 in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia, and shares some great advice for folks on how to think about their next career steps.Dr. Ibrahim Almojel is the founding partner of Khwarizmi Holding. Khwarizmi holding owns specialized investment companies in venture capital, private equity, and real estate. Dr. Almojel was the CEO of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), where he led the transformation of SIDF to align...
2025-01-1937 min
The MajlisThe Majlis Episode 21: U.S.-Saudi Relations with Ambassador RatneyAmbassador Michael Ratney is the current U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, a position he has held since April 2023, the first career diplomat to serve in the role in approximately 30 years. Prior to this, he has held diplomatic positions across the Middle East.Ambassador Ratney and I discuss the history of U.S.-Saudi relations, the sectors the two countries collaborate on, the importance of cultural diplomacy, and the global importance of the alliance.
2025-01-1224 min
The MajlisThe Majlis Episode 20: Making healthcare value-centric with Dr. Reem BunyanJoin us for a conversation with Dr. Reem Bunyan. We discuss value-centric healthcare, which focuses efforts on the quality of care received rather than the amount of health services offered, to transform the way healthcare is done globally. Dr. Reem spearheads Saudi Arabia's efforts on this front, fostering connection and knowledge-sharing with the G20. Dr. Reem is the CEO of the Center for Value in Health in Saudi Arabia, leading national efforts to enhance healthcare value through policy influence and capability building. She co-chaired the G20 Health Working Group in 2020, advocating for a Global Innovation H...
2025-01-0535 min
The MajlisThe Majlis Episode 19: Real estate & tourism in Saudi with Abdulrahman AlbassamAbdulrahman Albassam is the founder executive chairman of AWN enterprises, the CEO of Tilal Real Estate Development Company, and Board Director at Baheej Tourism Development Company. He’s also a fourth-generation member of AlBassam Sons, one of the Gulf’s oldest family businesses. Abdulrahman and Yasmin discuss the shock the private sector underwent when Vision 2030 was first enacted, and talk at length about the evolution of the private sector and the way in which it engages with the Saudi government. We talk about real estate, the housing program, and the development of mid-level tourism projects. Finall...
2024-12-301h 04
The MajlisThe Majlis Episode 19: Real estate & tourism in Saudi with Abdulrahman AlBassamAbdulrahman Abassam is the founder & executive chairman of AWN enterprises, the CEO of Tilal Real Estate Development Company, and Board Director at Baheej Tourism Development Company. He’s also a fourth-generation member of AlBassam & Sons, one of the Gulf’s oldest family businesses.Abdulrahman and Yasmin discuss the shock the private sector underwent when Vision 2030 was first enacted, and talk at length about the evolution of the private sector and the way in which it engages with the Saudi government. We talk about real estate, the housing program, and the development of mid-level tourism projects. Finally, Abdulrahman shares Albassam fami...
2024-12-2900 min
The MajlisThe Majlis Episode 18: Saudi's energy transition & media perception with Frank KaneJoin us for a conversation with Frank Kane, an award-winning journalist who has spent the last two decades reporting on the Gulf, as part of institutions like Arab News, The National, and Arabian Gulf Business Insight. He is also a communications consultant to the Ministry of Energy in KSA. Frank and Yasmin discuss the latest COP events in Baku & in Riyadh, the advances in green energy occurring, and the Western media perception of Saudi Arabia as a blocker rather than a proponent of clean energy.
2024-12-2239 min
The MajlisEpisode 17: The creative economy with Aida MuradThis week, join us for an inspiring conversation with Aida Murad on the creative economy. We discuss the ways in which the arts not only benefit the individual but the economy as a whole, Aida's journey as an artist, and the various ways she infuses art into programs to the benefit of governments and corporations.Aida Murad, shortlisted as America’s Next Top Artist by Smithsonian Channel, is a Global Impact Artist, who has been collected by top art collectors. In fine art, she has sold out 10 collections and has been featured in 35 exhibitions. Her painting was the first to...
2024-12-1539 min
The MajlisThe Majlis Episode 16: Investing in the Saudi stock market with Ragad Al-NasserRagad AlNasser is the CIO of Jabal Uhud Holding Company, and founder & CEO of the “Wealth Management Company.” Ragad has experience managing global assets and joins us to encourage everyone to invest, particularly women in Saudi. Ragad and I discuss the low investment and savings culture in Saudi, give realistic and tactical advice on how to get started, and dissect the reasons behind the recent IPO boom in Saudi, what it means for the country and the wider region, and why it matters for you as an individual.
2024-12-0835 min
The MajlisEpisode 15: Work Culture & Technology at Red Sea Global with Sultan MoraishedSultan Moraished is the Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence at Red Sea Global, with a background in banking. Sultan joined us to discuss the work culture at Red Sea Global, and the importance of “ihsan” (good will) in working within and across teams when operating at the gigaproject scale. Sultan also explains the importance of tech folks operating as enablers within an institution, and how we can replicate examples of technological excellence across the country. Finally, we talk about the importance of not overusing AI for environmental reasons and the importance of cybersecurity awareness.
2024-12-0133 min
The MajlisEpisode 14: AI Ethics with Manal Anis AhmedManal Anis Ahmed is a technology and society expert who has worked on human capital development in Saudi Arabia and South Asia for two decades, and advises global governments on digital public infrastructure. Manal and I sat down for a discussion on AI and how it can be detrimental to society if not taught and practiced by a code of ethics, and how it is more important now than ever for Saudi Arabia to hold on to familial and cultural values to uphold our society.
2024-11-2446 min
The MajlisEpisode 13: Healthcare in the Kingdom with HRHP Dr Ahad Al SaudJoin us this for a conversation with HRHP Dr. Ahad Al Saud, who in addition to being an emergency physician is the chief medical officer of the Saudi Automobile Federation - and keeps events like Formula 1 safe for all! We talk about the evolution of the healthcare sector in Saudi, and what challenges we need to overcome.
2024-11-1726 min
The MajlisEpisode 12: Fintech with Fadi AlawamiJoin us in a conversation with Fadi Alawami, who shared his extensive expertise in the fintech space in Saudi, from the support of the regulatory environment in Saudi, to the evolving relationship fintechs have with banks, the maturity of the market across different product segments, the opportunities for growth he sees and the advice he has for those interested in becoming fintech entrepreneurs.
2024-11-0341 min
The MajlisEpisode 11: Being a successful founder in the GCC with Ahmed Al-RawiAhmed Al-Rawi is a serial entrepreneur, best known as the founder & CEO of CALO, a meal subscription app. Join us for an honest and fun conversation about being a founder in the GCC, the challenges in raising funds domestically and internationally, and the secrets of start-up success.
2024-10-2049 min
The MajlisEpisode 10: Governance & conflict resolution in family businesses with Dr. Hanoof AbokhodairDr. Hanoof Abokhodair has almost a decade of experience with Saudi family businesses, helping leading families navigate business and family challenges, develop owner strategies and protocols, and support generational transitions. We talk about managing conflict constructively, what good governance truly means, and the challenges and opportunities facing the rising next generation.
2024-10-0751 min
The MajlisEpisode 9: Changes in society & strategic philanthropy with Muna AbuSulaymanMuna AbuSulayman is best-known as the host of Kalam Nawaem on MBC, but she has spent her career driving impact globally. Ranging from her time as a lecturer at King Saud University, to being a partner at a global VC firm, and serving as a CSR advisor to the CEO of Gucci, Muna shares her learnings and insights into the different ways to make a positive change.Join us for a discussion on changes in society resulting from Vision 2030, the concept of "monetizing motherhood," and how to do philanthropy right, addressing the supply chain of need.
2024-09-2245 min
The MajlisEpisode 8: Family offices with Talal El-AjouTalal El-Ajou is the CEO of Abdulghani El-Ajou & Sons Investment Company, and co-founder of Amana Partners. Join us as we discuss family offices in the Kingdom, how they are structured, domestic and international investment methods, and more.
2024-09-0832 min
The MajlisEpisode 7: Faisal J. AbbasFaisal is an award-winning journalist, author and public speaker - renowned globally for his editorship of Al Arabiya News from 2012-2016, and editorship of Arab News since 2016.Join us as we discuss Faisal's time at the helm of Arab News, the perception gap between Saudi and the West, the role of journalists in closing that gap, and the dangers and opportunities of AI in journalism.
2024-08-1837 min
The MajlisEpisode 6: Nabil AlKhowaiterNabil AlKhowaiter is the Global Engagement Executive for Worley, an engineering professional services firm. Previously, he was a Senior Advisor to the Minister of Energy and CEO of Aramco Energy Ventures and Director of Collaboration at KAPSARC.Join us for a discussion on the discovery of oil in the Kingdom, and how it intertwines with our familial and national history, as well as the future of energy in the Kingdom.
2024-08-0443 min
The MajlisEpisode 5: Karen Elliott HouseKaren Elliott House, former editor of the Wall Street Journal, is a Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist who has spent her decades-spanning career reporting on Saudi Arabia, including an award-winning series on Saudi Arabia in 1981 and her book On Saudi Arabia. Join us as we discuss the changes Saudi Arabia has undergone in the past 40 years, the economic goals the Kingdom is pursuing, and the Western view of Saudi.
2024-07-2149 min
The MajlisEpisode 4: Talal AttiehTalal Attieh, General Partner at Steel Atlas, invests in and partners with early-stage industrial technology companies in the US & Europe. Post-investment, Talal specializes in establishing joint ventures and partnerships between portfolio companies and the largest conglomerates and family businesses in Saudi Arabia. Join us as we discuss investment in technology and resources in the Kingdom, localization of production, and the future of energy globally.
2024-07-0745 min
The MajlisEpisode 3: Prince Abdullah bin Faisal Al SaudPrince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al Abdullah Al Saud was the head of the Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu at the time of its creation in 1975, the founding chairman & governor of the Saudi General Investment Authority in 2000 (now known as the Ministry of Investment), and from 2015 to 2017 he served as ambassador to the United States. Join us as we discuss his long career in the civil service, the attraction of FDI in the Kingdom in the early 2000s as compared to today, and his takeaways from his time as ambassador.
2024-06-2350 min
The MajlisEpisode 2: Ali ShihabiAli Shihabi is the founder & former chairman of Rasmala Investment Bank, founder of the Arabia Foundation, author of two books on Saudi, and a member of the NEOM advisory board. Join us as we discuss the investment landscape in Saudi, the danger of "lazy capital," and the Kingdom's track record of success in attracting foreign investment.
2024-06-0936 min
The MajlisEpisode 1: Prof. Bernard HaykelProf. Bernard Haykel, professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and editor of Saudi Arabia in Transition, joins us for a conversation to contextualize the rapid changes happening in Saudi Arabia, the steps the Kingdom is taking to become competitive on the global stage, and the challenges we will need to overcome along the way.
2024-06-0442 min
2024-05-2800 min
Bas Sou'al | afikra Community PodcastFWD: "The Exchange of Coffee and Knowledge across Ottomans and European Borders"In this afikra FWD, Yasmin Alkhowaiter talked about the exchange of coffee and knowledge across Ottomans and European borders. Yasmin told the story of ambassador Suleyman Aga, and his snub of King Louis XIV in 1669.Note: Yasmin is not an expert on this subject but is sharing information in the hopes of spurring interest in the subject.Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna, afikra Edited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by The Brooklyn Nomads https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklynnomads/About the afikra Community Presentations:A community member delivers an in-depth p...
2021-10-2110 min