Gulf Intelligence Podcasts

AI Arabia Center of Excellence Dialogues | Roundtable Podcast 6 "Part A"

Theme: 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙄 – 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙜-𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙢 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚?

In this episode of the AI Arabia Center of Excellence Dialogues Podcast Series, leading voices from technology, banking, real estate, investment, and AI innovation explore how capital is flowing into the AI ecosystem, where long-term value is being created, and which sectors, companies, and economies are best positioned to benefit from the next wave of AI-driven growth.

Featured Speakers:

• Anand Jeevaraj, Vice President, Infosys

• Gaurav Mathur, Chief AI & Data Center Officer, JLL Saudi Arabia

• Amith Rajan, EVP, Head, Wholesale Digital Banking, Mashreq & CEO, NeoVentures

• Hani Elshafey, AI Researcher, Educator & Trainer, Saudi Arabia

The discussion examines the investment strategies, infrastructure priorities, innovation ecosystems, and business models shaping the future of AI, while exploring how organizations can convert AI investments into sustainable economic and commercial value.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether the Iran-US MOU can deliver a lasting reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as markets await critical details. Omar Al-Ubaydli warned that Gulf security risks remain unresolved, Michelle Bockmann highlighted the slow return of tanker traffic, and Andrei Belyi assessed how the Russia-Ukraine war continues reshaping global energy trade.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets asked whether the Iran-US de-escalation agreement can secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or if Israel remains the key spoiler. Danial Rahmat highlighted Iran’s focus on rebuilding resilience and exports. Raad Alkadiri called it a fragile ceasefire extension, while Jorge Montepeque and Omar Najia debated whether markets are underestimating geopolitical risks.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast examined why oil prices remain relatively contained despite renewed strikes between Israel and Iran following a fragile ceasefire. Giovanni Staunovo highlighted that strong U.S. crude exports are delaying supply shortages. Yan Chong Yaw emphasized China’s sizeable inventories and reduced exports as key market stabilizers. Gisele Widdershoven warned that mounting shipping, insurance, and compliance pressures could ultimately prove more disruptive than the immediate loss of oil supply.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined why oil and commodity markets are softening despite ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruptions and falling inventories. Andy Laven said traders are increasingly ignoring geopolitical noise, David Wech argued supply chains have adapted, Yuriy Humber highlighted Japan’s mounting energy-import costs, while Bora Bariman warned inflation remains the crisis’s most damaging consequence.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets asked a puzzling question: why are oil prices falling back toward $90 when millions of barrels per day remain stranded by the Strait of Hormuz crisis? Neil Atkinson highlighted how inventories, SPR releases, and rerouted flows are cushioning markets. Robin Mills argued that market resilience is easing pressure for a diplomatic breakthrough. Clyde Russell pointed to China’s demand shifts and electrification, while Marc Ostwald explained why strong US growth and weak European demand are sending mixed signals.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets explored whether renewed Israel-Iran hostilities and Hormuz disruptions are creating a supply crisis that markets are failing to price in. Omar Najia warned investor complacency could give way to higher oil prices and economic pain. Ron Bousso highlighted falling inventories and hidden supply losses, while Victor Yang pointed to weakening Chinese demand and imports.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether demand destruction can offset an estimated 11 million bpd supply disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Jamal Qureshi warned that inventories and market psychology are masking severe supply shortages and higher-price risks, while Emily Holland highlighted how Ukrainian attacks are straining Russia’s energy infrastructure and reshaping exports.

Will the Strait of Hormuz reopen before tightening inventories trigger a global energy crunch? Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether diplomacy can outpace disruption as Brent nears $100. Ali Al Riyami defended Oman’s engagement with Iran, Narendra Taneja warned Asia is rethinking Middle East energy dependence, Jamie Ingram flagged looming supply shortages, while Ilia Bouchouev highlighted financial markets’ surprising complacency.

Will Trump’s intervention with Netanyahu bring the US and Iran any closer to a deal? Today’s Daily Energy Markets explored whether hopes for a breakthrough are justified as Strait of Hormuz tensions persist. Bill Spindle argued negotiations remain stalled. Maleeha Bengali warned inflation could pressure Washington into concessions. Arne Rasmussen highlighted risks to shipping, LNG markets, and global energy supply chains.