Majlis & Markets

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Lisa Gulesserian and John Gollifer from the GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI) to discuss how governance, board effectiveness and investor relations are developing across the GCC.

We explore key regional differences in board maturity, the role of IR as Gulf markets deepen, and the challenges boards face around composition, diversity, succession and disclosure. 

This discussion offers a clear, research-based view of the issues shaping boardrooms across the region today.

Referenced Material:
GCC BDI Board Effectiveness Review 2025: https://gccbdi.org/gcc-bdi-board-effectiveness-review-2025

GCC Board Directors Institute: https://gccbdi.org

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Why is Dubai still booming while global real estate slows? And is Saudi Arabia’s transformation—from home ownership to hospitality—actually sustainable?

In this episode, we speak once again with Faisal Durrani, Partner & Head of Research at Knight Frank Middle East, to unpack what’s really driving the Gulf’s property cycle. 

We discuss affordability, foreign ownership, migration trends, rental pressures, hospitality demand, and the rise of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.

Reports mentioned:
Destination Saudi 2024 – https://www.knightfrank.com.sa/en/destinationsaudi

The Saudi Report 2025 – https://www.knightfrank.com.sa/en/thesaudireport

Destination Dubai 2025 – https://www.knightfrank.ae/destinationdubai

Related reading:
Financial Times – “The lingering wealth gap in Saudi Arabia”
http://www.ft.com/cms/23ac98f8-c65f-4c44-992f-e3e1182fddbd.html?FTCamp=engage/CAPI/website/Channel_muckrack//B2B

Previous episode with Faisal:
EP. 32 — UAE & Saudi Real Estate Insights
https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15612124-episode-32-building-trends-uae-saudi-real-estate-insights

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In our 75th episode, we’re joined once again by Abdul Kadir Hussain, Head of Fixed Income Asset Management at Arqaam Capital, to unpack the transformation reshaping GCC bonds and sukuk.

From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030-driven borrowing and UAE corporate issuance, to Kuwait’s market comeback and the future of AAOIFI sukuk standards, we explore how the region’s fixed income landscape is evolving and what it means for investors, policymakers, and global markets.

Revisit our last episode with Abdul Kadir-https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15556209-episode-30-inside-the-gulf-bonds-bonanza

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In this episode, we welcome back Issam Altawari to unpack Kuwait’s political and economic crossroads.

We explore Kuwait’s unique political dynamics, the challenges of reform and the country’s efforts to diversify beyond oil. 

From parliamentary deadlock to infrastructure and tourism projects, citizenship issues, and the role of the sovereign wealth fund, the conversation dives deep into what’s holding Kuwait back and what could unlock its potential.

We also discuss Kuwait’s geopolitical positioning, relations with the US, and its approach to climate change and ESG, as well as the urgent need to create a business-friendly environment to attract FDI.

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💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/issam2009/

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In this episode, Hassan Jivraj speaks with George Huang, CEO of SenseTime MEA and a key player in Saudi Arabia’s AI ecosystem.

They discuss George’s journey into AI, the role of SenseTime in the Middle East, and how AI fits into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges facing the Kingdom, the importance of cultural sensitivity and ethics, and why localisation and talent development are critical for long-term success.

George also shares insights on Saudi Arabia’s evolving business environment, the role of international partnerships, and his predictions for the future of AI in the region.

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We’re joined once again by Beth Morrissey of Kleiman International Consultants to unpack Trump’s tariffs, dollar dominance, and the latest wave of EM debt restructurings. Why is EM unique, and what can history teach us about today’s turbulence?

We also dive into her new book, Emerging Economies and Financial Markets-A Career-Tested Approach to Analyzing the Markets

🔗 Follow Beth’s work:

📰 Substack → Kleiman International
🐦 X (Twitter) → @KleimanIntCon

🎧 Related Episodes on Emerging Markets:

• Pyramids of Pressure: Egypt’s Economic Balance
• Trade War 2.0: BRICS on the Brink in 2H25
• Counting the Cost: Inside Syria’s Economy

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Are your stocks really halal? In this episode, we sit down with Saad Malik, co-founder of Zoya, to unpack the realities of halal investing. 

From stock screening and Shariah standards to Islamic ETFs, fintech, and the future of the Islamic economy, this conversation explores the opportunities — and challenges — facing Muslim investors today.

🌐 Zoya: zoya.finance | Download the app
🐦 Saad Malik: https://x.com/SaadMalik

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📩 Contact: [email protected]

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before investing.

In this episode, we sit down with Robert Mogielnicki, Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW), to unpack the political and economic forces shaping the Gulf.

We discuss the region’s economic diversification journey, the influence of political dynamics on decision-making, and the role of international capital, as well as Gulf relations with China, Russia, and the U.S.

From Kuwait’s investment landscape to currency pegs, and from energy dependence to future economic strategy, this conversation offers a detailed look inside the Gulf’s political economy and diversification.

A Political Economy of Free Zones in Gulf Arab States (2021): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-71274-7

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In this episode, we reconnect with Odilbek Isakov, Managing Partner at Infrasia Capital and former Deputy Minister of Finance of Uzbekistan.

Since launching market reforms in 2017, Uzbekistan has opened up to foreign investors, embraced privatisation and begun reshaping its banking and financial landscape. 

But can the momentum last? 

In this episode We unpack:

• The state of Uzbekistan’s reform agenda in 2025
• What global politics (including Trump tariffs and BRICS shifts) mean for Tashkent
• The outlook for debt management, sukuk issuance and Islamic finance
• How fintech, crypto and banking are evolving

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Sovereign Wealth Funds are quietly reshaping global finance, deploying trillions, navigating geopolitical tensions, and investing across everything from oil and AI to ESG and infrastructure. But what are they really doing in 2025?

In this episode, Diego Lopez of Global SWF shares what’s happening behind the scenes, from the Gulf and Southeast Asia to emerging funds in the OIC and beyond. We cover transparency concerns, the impact of de-dollarisation, rising debt levels, and where sovereign capital is flowing next.

Global SWF-https://globalswf.com/

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