In this week’s episode of AB Majlis, Tala Michel Issa sits down Hasan Fardan Al Fardan is the CEO of Al Fardan Exchange. From humble beginnings in the pearl trade 70 years ago to becoming one of the UAE’s most trusted names in financial services, Al Fardan Exchange embodies a story of vision, resilience, and enduring family legacy.

In this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Tarek Aboudib, the creative force behind Snoopy Beats, the cult-favourite Fujairah festival that blends music, community and escapism.

What started as a “full moon party” for 100 friends has evolved into a full-fledged brand spanning events, weddings, retreats, and production houses. Aboudib opens up about building a loyal audience without chasing superstar DJs, how Snoopy Beats survived Covid, and the art of turning a family-run beach resort into a national destination.

From the economics of festivals to the philosophy of hospitality, this conversation is a masterclass in how passion projects evolve into ecosystems.

Listen for insights on:

• The business model behind Snoopy Beats
• The rise of regional festivals across the Gulf
• The creative clash between generations in family enterprises
• Why Fujairah might just be the UAE’s next cultural hotspot

Gulf banks say they can leapfrog legacy rivals in the AI era — but only if they move faster.

In this AB Majlis episode, host Tala Michel Issa (Chief Reporter, Arabian Business) speaks with Steve Bertamini (ex-CEO, Al Rajhi and KGI; Kearney adviser) and Mukund Bhatnagar (Partner, Kearney; Global Lead for Financial Services) on where AI is already paying off, why mortgages still need humans, and how data quality, privacy and regulators will shape hyper-personalised finance by 2030.

We unpack fintech partnerships, the real threat from Big Tech, and what it will take for GCC banks to become truly AI-native — without losing customer trust.

Arabian Business has just unveiled its most ambitious ranking yet: the 150 Most Influential Arabs 2025. In this special AB Majlis episode, hosts Nicole Abigael and Tala Michel Issa take you behind the scenes of the list that captures who is truly shaping the region - and the world -right now.

Discover how this year’s sharper methodology and nine weighted metrics redefined influence across Visionaries, Disruptors, and Family Dynasties. From Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s rise to the number-one spot - unseating long-time leader Mohamed Alabbar - to game-changing entrepreneurs like Huda Kattan and next-gen dynasties modernising tradition, Tala and Nicole unpack the trends, surprises, and power shifts that matter.

Tune in for the data, the stories, and the names driving the Arab world’s next chapter - then explore the full list, live now on ArabianBusiness.com.

Why can the UAE and Saudi Arabia adopt cutting-edge tech faster than almost anywhere else? Cisco’s regional chief David Meads joins host Tala Michel Issa to argue it’s not just the money. It’s the decision-making culture: fewer committees, more action.

Together they follow the data trail – from AI-ready networks and “agentic” digital assistants to the hidden plumbing of global internet traffic – to reveal why infrastructure, not just algorithms, decides who wins the AI race. Is the Gulf’s speed a model the rest of the world should copy, or a risky bet on a future built at breakneck pace?

What if the next property boom isn’t about sustainability at all, but regeneration — buildings that give back more than they take? In this episode of AB Majlis, Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Alex Zagrebleny, founder and CEO of R.Evolution, the developer behind Dubai’s ambitious EYWA “Tree of Life” project.

Zagrebleny explains why he believes “sustainability isn’t enough,” outlining his Generation 5.0 vision: homes that purify air and water, shield residents from EMF exposure, and even host hydroponic farms capable of producing up to 20 tonnes of vegetables a year. He also makes the hard-nosed financial case, arguing that a modest 5% construction premium can lift a building’s valuation by around 15%.

From ancient Vedic design principles to 16-tonne crystal energy cores, this conversation explores how wellness, technology and solid economics might reshape the Gulf’s property market.

In this episode, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq, to unpack the bank’s bold digital banking transformation. As one of the region’s most digitally advanced financial institutions, Mashreq is reimagining what modern banking can look like by placing the customer at the centre of everything, leveraging AI, and rethinking traditional structures. We’ll explore how digital innovation is enabling more agile, inclusive, and scalable banking, and what this means for both individuals and businesses.

Vaccine hesitancy continues to pose a serious public health challenge, particularly when it comes to maternal immunisation. In the latest episode of AB Majlis, Nicole Abigael, Arabian Business journalist sits down with Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi, Pediatrician and Infectious Diseases Consultant, Hayat Biotech to talk about the importance of maternal vaccines, common misconceptions, and the science-backed safety measures in place to protect both mothers and their babies.

In this episode, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq, to unpack the bank’s bold digital banking transformation. As one of the region’s most digitally advanced financial institutions, Mashreq is reimagining what modern banking can look like by placing the customer at the centre of everything, leveraging AI, and rethinking traditional structures. We’ll explore how digital innovation is enabling more agile, inclusive, and scalable banking, and what this means for both individuals and businesses.

What happens when the world’s last untapped property giant opens its doors to foreign buyers?

In this episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business chief reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Dar Global CEO Ziad El Chaar to unpack Saudi Arabia’s forthcoming freehold law, the $100 billion local property market, and how Vision 2030 is reshaping global capital flows.

From Dubai’s early freehold boom to Riyadh’s next chapter, El Chaar explains why he believes the Gulf is the most exciting real estate destination on earth. The conversation also dives into the rise of branded residences - Versace, Aston Martin, Trump - and why El Chaar says investors aren’t just buying ROI, they’re buying “return on ego.”

A must-listen for anyone tracking Gulf megaprojects, international real estate, and the intersection of luxury, investment, and identity.