SPONSORED - Financial criminals in the Middle East are increasingly exploiting advanced technologies and the region’s economic disparities to orchestrate sophisticated scams, Collin Lobo, HSBC’s regional head of financial crime warned on this episode.

The region’s unique combination of high-net-worth individuals, transient populations, and proximity to sanctioned nations makes it particularly vulnerable to various forms of financial crime, from sophisticated AI-driven fraud to traditional money laundering schemes.

The evolution of financial crime has accelerated dramatically over the past two decades, transforming from simple check fraud in the 1990s to today’s sophisticated cyber threats.

SPONSORED - In this episode of AB Majlis with Reporter Nicole Abigael and Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard, we get an unfiltered look into the challenges and opportunities for women in corporate leadership.

Drawing from her extensive experience in financial services and technology, Ajmal explores critical issues including gender stereotypes, career progression, and the transformative potential of AI. She shares candid insights about workplace biases, the importance of confidence, and strategies for aspiring women professionals.

From personal career-defining moments to her vision for empowering the next generation of leaders, this conversation is a compelling narrative of resilience, strategic thinking, and professional growth in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

What's driving 70% of US engagement ring buyers to choose lab-grown diamonds? Host Tala Michel Issa discusses this shift with industry leaders Nathalie Morrison, co-founder of Astrea London and Arnaud Flambeau, Executive Chairman of 2DOT4 Diamonds.

Learn why these sustainable gems are winning over luxury consumers, how they compare to mined diamonds in terms of quality and value, and why Dubai is becoming a global hub for their production. The experts share insights on market trends and reveal why major fashion houses are embracing this ethical alternative.

This episode dives into the future of Ras Al Khaimah with Raki Philips, CEO of RAKTDA, as he unveils the emirate's transformation plan. From the highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan resort to mountain-top accommodations on Jebel Jais, discover how RAK aims to triple its tourism by 2030.

Philips shares exclusive insights into upcoming luxury hotel brands, innovative attractions, and the restoration of historical treasures like Jazira Al Hamra. Learn how this emerging emirate is strategically positioning itself as a diverse, world-class destination while maintaining its unique cultural heritage.

Dive deep into the infrastructure developments, airport expansions, and strategic vision that's set to make RAK one of the world's most livable cities.

In this episode, Arabian Business Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera, for a discussion on the transformation of Dubai's cultural scene. A cultural manager with over 20 years of experience in performing arts, Petrocelli shares exclusive insights into Dubai Opera's record-breaking season, its unique approach to programming, and how it's becoming a melting pot for global cultures. From selling 250,000 tickets last year to hosting everything from classical opera to Cuban rhythms, Petrocelli discusses how Dubai Opera is reshaping the emirate's artistic identity and contributing to its vision of becoming a world capital for culture and the arts.

SPONSORED - This episode dives into the evolving landscape of food packaging and sustainability in the Gulf with Tetra Pak, Join us as we explore how one of the world's leading food packaging companies is addressing critical challenges in the F&B industry while advancing regional food security goals.

As Gulf Food approaches, we also get an exclusive preview of Tetra Pak's latest technologies and their vision for the future of food packaging in the region.

Join Arabian Business Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa and Mindvalley founder Vishen Lakhiani for a provocative conversation about why being "delusional" might be your greatest asset. From healing his eyesight through meditation to building a global empire that now trains Dubai government employees, Lakhiani shares why abandoning realism was key to his success. Plus, hear his refreshing take on authentic connection in Dubai's flashy social scene, his ambitious manifesting techniques that go beyond 'The Secret', and why the Middle East is truly leading global progress – despite what the West thinks.

In this episode, Senior Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Dominique Szymura, founder of CityDrinks, to discuss the launch of its AI Sommelier, Genie, earlier this year. They'll explore the origins of this innovative idea and its impact on CityDrinks' rapid growth. The conversation also explores how Genie is revolutionising at-home drink selection, from personalised recommendations to virtual cellar management for collectors.

They also tackle the controversial question of AI versus human expertise in the beverage industry, and discuss cultural sensitivity, ethical considerations, and the potential disruption of traditional sommelier and bartender roles. Additionally, they touch on CityDrinks' expansion plans and how Genie is adapting to emerging consumer trends in the UAE's unique market.

In this episode, host Tala Michel Issa, senior reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Emma Burdett, founder of WILD (Women in Leadership Deliver). Emma shares her inspiring journey from personal adversity to creating one of the Gulf's largest women's networking communities. The conversation delves into practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the importance of building side hustles, and strategies for monetising passion projects. Emma candidly discusses the challenges of visibility for women leaders, including her recent experience with online hate. The episode also explores the evolution of hustle culture, the power of community building, and Emma's expansion into Saudi Arabia. Listeners will gain valuable insights into overcoming self-doubt, building a powerful personal brand, and the future of female leadership in the region.

In this exclusive interview, host Tala Michel Issa sits down with Carlos Ghosn, the former Chairman of Nissan and one of the most controversial figures in the automotive industry. Breaking years of silence, Ghosn discusses the charges brought against him in Japan, his dramatic escape to Lebanon, and the alleged economic warfare that led to his downfall.

Carlos Ghosn, once hailed as the saviour of Nissan and architect of the landmark Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, found himself at the centre of a global scandal in 2018 when he was arrested in Japan on charges of financial misconduct. In this candid conversation, Ghosn offers his perspective on the events that unfolded, including his unprecedented escape from Japan in 2019.

This episode dives into the intricacies of corporate power struggles, the weaponisation of justice, and the cultural clashes between French and Japanese business practices. Ghosn also shares his thoughts on Lebanon's ongoing crisis and the escalating tensions with Israel.

This rare and frank discussion with one of the most talked-about business leaders of our time provides listeners with an insider's view of international corporate politics and the personal cost of being at the centre of a global controversy.