Midday Majlis

Global entrepreneur Kate Bunina joins Sahar Mushtaq to discuss the rapid digital transformation of the GCC. Bunina, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honorary, shares her journey from product design to venture building in Silicon Valley. This episode provides essential insights for leaders navigating today's global tech startups and innovation hubs.

George Naddaf, Managing Director, MENA at eToro, joins Sahar Mushtaq to analyse the remarkable resilience and adaptability of UAE investors amidst regional instability. Discover the latest survey data revealing a strategic shift from passive to dynamic portfolios as local investors capitalise on market movements.

In this episode of Midday Majlis, we explore how ongoing conflict and uncertainty are affecting the media industry.

While the responsibility to report accurately has never been greater, newsrooms themselves are facing growing pressure—from faster decision-making to job insecurity and emotional strain.

Sahar Mushtaq discusses it all with Mark Thompson, Editor-in-Chief at Gulf News, offering insight into the realities behind the headlines.

In this episode of Midday Majlis, we speak with Rateb H. Rabi, founder of Founders Majlis, a platform bringing together serious founders, investors, and builders across the UAE and beyond.

We discuss how Founders Majlis is shaping the startup ecosystem through trust, execution, and real connections—moving beyond networking into real outcomes and growth.

Sahar Mushtaq is joined by Joey Chaaya, Co-Founder & CEO of PetBae, on Midday Majlis to discuss the growing challenges of pet relocation from the UAE.

With rising regional tensions, limited flights, and increasing costs, many families are struggling to relocate their pets safely. This interview explores the key challenges, options like private charters and boarding, and what’s being done to support pets during delays or difficult situations.

In this episode of Midday Majlis, Sahar Mushtaq is joined by Author and Culture Journalist, Hafsa Lodi to discuss balancing personal ambitions and family responsibilities in today’s fast-paced world.

With 2026, declared the UAE’s Year of Family, the conversation explores how families can strengthen bonds, improve communication, and support each other while navigating modern challenges.

In this episode of Midday Majlis, Sahar Mushtaq is joined by Dr. Mohammad Nami, Associate Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology, to explore how stress is disrupting sleep and shares simple, science-backed ways to rest better, even in challenging times.

In today’s uncertain business environment, staying visible is more important than ever. In this episode of The Visibility Factor, we sit down with Candace Braganza, Founder of Scuplt25 Creative, to explore how SMEs and founders can maintain brand presence, adapt to changing market conditions, and continue growing.

From practical visibility strategies to smart branding decisions, Candace shares expert insights on how businesses can stand out—even when consumer confidence slows down.

As remote learning grows in the UAE, so do concerns around student safety and online behaviour.

In this discussion on Midday Majlis, host Sahar Mushtaq is joined by Sajid Khan, Founder & Group CEO of Elite Group and a safeguarding specialist, who shares insights on digital discipline, cyber risks, and how schools and parents can work together to protect students in a digital learning environment.

On this episode of Midday Majlis, Sahar Mushtaq explores with Ben Healy why human insight, creativity, and experience still matter more than AI when it comes to strategy and execution.

From common misconceptions about strategy to the real challenges teams face when turning ideas into action, Ben shares stories and lessons that AI simply can’t replicate.