AB Majlis
by Arabian Business
AB Majlis is an Arabian Business podcast and the ultimate gateway to the latest trends in the GCC
Podcast episodes
Season 3
The making of a unicorn - Careem's Bassel Al Nahlaoui reveals the app's recipe for success
In this episode, Arabian Business' Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Careem's Managing Director Bassel Al Nahlaoui to dive into the power of partnerships and how they helped propel the "everything app" into a household name in the region and the multi-service platform as we know it today. Al Nahlaoui weighs in on key players such as Amazon Web Services and the integral role it played in helping the company scale to rapidly innovate in the ride-hailing market and add new services like Careem Box, School Rides, Dine Out, and so much more through cloud technology. Throughout the interview, he reveals insights into the company's strategic decisions, challenges faced, and the unique factors that contributed to Careem's success. Listen in to learn how this Dubai-based company leveraged the power of partnerships and it's mission to create social impact to achieve a billion-dollar valuation and become one of the region's most prominent unicorns.
Can Saudi's billion-dollar splurge to bring sports legends lift its economy beyond oil? A chat with Jürg Kronenberg of Bain & Co.
Can Saudi's billion-dollar splurge to bring sports legends lift its economy beyond oil? A chat with Jürg Kronenberg of Bain & Co.
Can Saudi Arabia's massive investments in attracting sports legends like Cristiano Ronaldo revive its economy beyond oil? Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa discusses this with Jürg Kronenberg of Bain & Company on the latest AB Majlis podcast. Kronenberg analyses Saudi's Vision 2030 diversification goals through the sports lens, From football's surging popularity to opportunities in basketball, tennis, golf, and more. He weighs the economic impact of mega-events like the potential 2034 World Cup versus grassroots participation. As Saudi and the UAE race to build sports powerhouses, Kronenberg explores building sustainable sporting ecosystems for long-term growth beyond economic events.
The case for ethical AI - A chat with Microsoft's Ali Haidar and MBRSG's Dr. Fadi Salem
SPONSORED - The rise of AI brings exciting potential but also raises concerns about responsible use. However, highly advanced countries like the UAE have already laid the groundwork. In this episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business' Senior Reporter, Tala Michel Issa, sits down with Dr. Fadi Salem, Director of Research and Advisory at the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), and Ali Haidar, Corporate Counsel and UAE Lead for Corporate, External and Legal Affairs at Microsoft, to discuss AI's responsible use and what a potential ethical framework could entail in the near future.
Transforming real estate in Ras Al Khaimah - In conversation with Sameh Al Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties
Transforming real estate in Ras Al Khaimah - In conversation with Sameh Al Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties
On this episode, the CEO of RAK Properties talks about the latest real estate developments in Ras Al Khaimah. Discover ambitious launch plans, the impact of global brand partnerships, new developments and more.
Why Gulf banks must prioritise SMEs now - In conversation with Zeeshan Khwaja and Naman Sharma of Kearney Middle East
Why Gulf banks must prioritise SMEs now - In conversation with Zeeshan Khwaja and Naman Sharma of Kearney Middle East
In this episode, Senior Reporter at Arabian Business and Podcast Producer Tala Michel Issa sits down with 2 Partners in Financial Services at Kearney Middle East, Zeeshan Khwaja and Naman Sharma, to discuss the pivotal role SMEs must play in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and overall Gulf economic diversification plans. Khwaja and Sharma also weigh in on the massive SME funding gap, why banks have underserved this segment, and how leveraging data, AI, and strategic partnerships can transform SME financing and support.