The Majlis

The Majlis #34: Karen Elliott House on Crown Prince MBS in her new book, The Man Who Would Be King

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Majlis, Karen Elliott House joins us remotely to discuss her new book on the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

Explore the untold story behind one of the most powerful figures in the Middle East. Karen dives deep into Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rise to power and his sweeping vision to transform Saudi Arabia.

From bold social reforms and futuristic megaprojects to crackdowns on corruption and international intrigue, this conversation reveals the complex forces shaping the kingdom’s future. Hear about MBS’s strategic moves on the global stage, his efforts to redefine Saudi Arabia’s identity, and the high stakes involved in his quest for lasting influence.

Unlocking the EV industry in Saudi Arabia with Faisal Sultan, President of Lucid ME

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Majlis, we sit down with Faisal Sultan, President of Lucid Middle East, to explore the story behind Lucid Motors’ rapid rise and its pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle revolution.

The conversation covers:

Lucid’s journey from a battery startup to a luxury EV manufacturer

The strategic importance of Saudi Arabia for Lucid’s global ambitions

The challenges and opportunities of building a global and resilient supply chain

What AI advancements mean for vehicles

Tune in for a candid discussion on innovation, transformation, and the future of the automotive industry in the Middle East.

The quality of life transformation in Saudi with Flow MENA CEO Fawaz Farooqui

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In episode 31 of The Majlis, we sit down with Fawaz Farooqui to talk about what it takes to increase the quality of life in a country, leading the national transformation program, organizing the first events in Saudi, and much more.

Fawaz was appointed as the first CEO of the country’s National Transformation Program (NTP) to lead the first revamp of the program to enhance execution and delivery, resulting in specialized programs, such as Quality of Life, which he helped establish and was a board member of. He led the establishment team of the General Entertainment Authority.

Fawaz is now the CEO of Flow MENA, a residential real estate company that seeks to tackle the modern challenges of isolation and disconnection that many urban dwellers face today.

The future of banking in Saudi with Tony Cripps, SAB Bank CEO

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Tony Cripps, CEO of Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), as he shares firsthand insights into the rapid transformation of Saudi Arabia’s banking sector and SAB’s evolving strategy.Tony discusses why digital innovation is at the heart of SAB’s approach:“The domestic banking industry is turning to technology and digital tools to become more customer centric, thereby boosting customer retention. This is a process that involves continuous investment.”

If you want to understand the forces reshaping finance in Saudi Arabia and hear directly from a leader at the forefront, this episode offers practical perspectives and real-world examples.Watch now for Tony’s take on the future of banking, innovation, and growth in the Kingdom.

"Start small, think big" - Build boldly with Abeer Alessa, CEO of Bold Group

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

What does it take to transform an industry from the inside out? On this episode of The Majlis, Abeer Alessa, CEO of Bold Group, joins the table to share her story of launching a creative agency in a market once dominated by global giants. Aida reflects on her early days, the challenges of breaking through, and how Vision 2030 is fueling a new generation of Saudi entrepreneurs.

Listeners will hear about:

The leap from a two-person startup to a leading creative force

Navigating the shift from traditional to digital media

The importance of cultural insight in marketing

Winning over clients with bold pitches and even bolder ideas

Why specialization is the future of the industry

Abeer's journey is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and the power of thinking big. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative professional, or simply curious about the transformation sweeping the region, this episode is packed with real-world lessons and inspiration.

Blending Saudi history, fashion, and business with Qormuz founder Abdulrahman Alabed

Sun, 18 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Abdulrahman Al-Abed, founder and creative director of Qormuz, joins us to discuss how he fuses Saudi Arabia’s rich history and culture with contemporary fashion and lifestyle design.

He shares his journey from law graduate to fashion designer, the inspiration behind iconic pieces like the embroidered jubba worn at the Venice Film Festival, and how Qormuz aims to evolve traditional Saudi garments for the future while honoring the Kingdom’s heritage.

Abdulrahman also talks about the brand’s role in promoting Saudi culture globally and its alignment with Vision 2030, highlighting the power of storytelling through design and the importance of innovation in preserving identity.

From funder to founder with Adel Alateeq, ex-CEO of Jada, CEO of Awaed

Sun, 04 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Can you make investing as easy & fun as shopping?

How can you put more money in the right places?

Adel Alateeq is the former CEO of Jada Fund of Funds, and the current CEO of Awaed, a wealth management platform. He joins us to discuss how investment has evolved in the Kingdom since his days building the first real estate fund at Riyad Capital after the Saudi stock market crash, to founding PIF's fund of funds during COVID, and his latest journey as a fintech CEO.

Building winning companies in Saudi with Sultan Ghaznawi

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome back to The Majlis!

For the premiere of Season 2, we are joined by Sultan Ghaznawi, Chairman & MD of Scene Holdings. Sultan is a proactive investor and venture builder, and has spent more than a decade building companies across fintech, entertainment & culture, and real estate development and operations.

Sultan talks about what it takes to build successful companies, what he looks for in winners, and what excites him about the future of AI.

Episode 26: Saudi-Canadian Relations with Ambassador Jean Philippe Linteau

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Just in time for Canada's 60th Flag Day, Ambassador Jean-Philippe Linteau and I discuss the revitalization of Canadian-Saudi relations following a five-year diplomatic rift.

We explore key sectors where both countries collaborate, such as infrastructure, clean energy, and education, and address pressing issues like Trump’s tariff plans.

Ambassador Jean-Philippe Linteau serves as Canada's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and Bahrain. He is the first to hold this position following a five-year vacancy (2018-2023). His focus is on strengthening Canadian relations in the Gulf region from economic, strategic, and military perspectives.

The Majlis Episode 25: Crypto & blockchain with Aziz Alangari

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Aziz and I talk about the evolution of Web3, why blockchain is potentially more exciting than crypto, how it all works, and why the use cases of it are much broader and can potentially change our lives today.

Aziz Alangari is one of the founding partners of ChainVisory, a blockchain consultancy based in Riyadh. Following a career switch from Hollywood to crypto in NYC, Aziz moved back to the Kingdom to help companies and governments leverage blockchain technology to create better user experiences.

Navigating global investment in Saudi with Ari Matityahu

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Ari Matityahu has spent the last decade bringing global companies to Saudi, and shares his insights and advice on how global companies can support the vision 2030 goals. He says, “it isn’t too late to expand in to the region, it’s in fact the right time to explore”.

Ari is a global entrepreneur with over a decade working and investing in KSA. As Founder & Chairman of Wafa Global Solutions, he focuses on driving world-class ventures and solutions to the GCC through strategic investments and partnerships. He is also the Founder & Chairman of Danforth Holdings. Ari has advised public and private entities on entrepreneurship and foreign direct investment into the kingdom.

The Majlis Episode 23: The transformation of Saudi Defense with Bilal Saab

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Bilal provides an overview of Saudi Arabia's ambitious defense transformation plan. Relying on his professional experience as a defense analyst and a former official in the Pentagon, he explains the challenges and opportunities of Saudi defense reform from a historical perspective, while ultimately tying the subject to the future of US-Saudi security relations.

Bilal is the Senior Managing Director of TRENDS US in Washington, DC, a consulting firm that focuses on strategic relations between the United States and the Middle East. He is also an Associate Fellow with Chatham House in London and an Adjunct Professor with Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He served as a senior advisor in the US Department of Defense in the first term of the Trump administration, overseeing all US security cooperation activities in the Middle East.

The Majlis Episode 22: Investing in yourself & the future with Dr. Ibrahim Almojel

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Dr. Ibrahim Almojel explains the lessons he's learned and the investment philosophy he's developed over his years in the public and private sector, the guidance of Vision 2030 in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia, and shares some great advice for folks on how to think about their next career steps.

Dr. Ibrahim Almojel is the founding partner of Khwarizmi Holding. Khwarizmi holding owns specialized investment companies in venture capital, private equity, and real estate. Dr. Almojel was the CEO of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), where he led the transformation of SIDF to align with Vision 2030. Previously he worked at Saudi Aramco as the CEO of Wisayah, the investment management arm of Saudi Aramco’s captive fund. Dr. Almojel sits on multiple boards including the Saudi National Bank (SNB), and Hassana Investment Company.

The Majlis Episode 21: U.S.-Saudi Relations with Ambassador Ratney

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Ambassador Michael Ratney is the current U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, a position he has held since April 2023, the first career diplomat to serve in the role in approximately 30 years.

Prior to this, he has held diplomatic positions across the Middle East.Ambassador Ratney and I discuss the history of U.S.-Saudi relations, the sectors the two countries collaborate on, the importance of cultural diplomacy, and the global importance of the alliance.

The Majlis Episode 20: Making healthcare value-centric with Dr. Reem Bunyan

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Reem Bunyan. We discuss value-centric healthcare, which focuses efforts on the quality of care received rather than the amount of health services offered, to transform the way healthcare is done globally. Dr. Reem spearheads Saudi Arabia's efforts on this front, fostering connection and knowledge-sharing with the G20.

Dr. Reem is the CEO of the Center for Value in Health in Saudi Arabia, leading national efforts to enhance healthcare value through policy influence and capability building. She co-chaired the G20 Health Working Group in 2020, advocating for a Global Innovation Hub to improve healthcare systems globally. An American Board-Certified Neurologist specialized in Multiple Sclerosis, she has held various leadership roles and received the King Abdulaziz Order of Merit for her contributions to health system transformation in the Kingdom.

The Majlis Episode 19: Real estate & tourism in Saudi with Abdulrahman Albassam

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 22:46:27 +0000

Abdulrahman Albassam is the founder executive chairman of AWN enterprises, the CEO of Tilal Real Estate Development Company, and Board Director at Baheej Tourism Development Company. He’s also a fourth-generation member of AlBassam Sons, one of the Gulf’s oldest family businesses.

Abdulrahman and Yasmin discuss the shock the private sector underwent when Vision 2030 was first enacted, and talk at length about the evolution of the private sector and the way in which it engages with the Saudi government. We talk about real estate, the housing program, and the development of mid-level tourism projects. Finally, Abdulrahman shares Albassam family histories.

The Majlis Episode 18: Saudi's energy transition & media perception with Frank Kane

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Join us for a conversation with Frank Kane, an award-winning journalist who has spent the last two decades reporting on the Gulf, as part of institutions like Arab News, The National, and Arabian Gulf Business Insight. He is also a communications consultant to the Ministry of Energy in KSA.

Frank and Yasmin discuss the latest COP events in Baku & in Riyadh, the advances in green energy occurring, and the Western media perception of Saudi Arabia as a blocker rather than a proponent of clean energy.

Episode 17: The creative economy with Aida Murad

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

This week, join us for an inspiring conversation with Aida Murad on the creative economy. We discuss the ways in which the arts not only benefit the individual but the economy as a whole, Aida's journey as an artist, and the various ways she infuses art into programs to the benefit of governments and corporations.Aida Murad, shortlisted as America’s Next Top Artist by Smithsonian Channel, is a Global Impact Artist, who has been collected by top art collectors. In fine art, she has sold out 10 collections and has been featured in 35 exhibitions. Her painting was the first to be auctioned by the New York Public Theatre, selected by Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton and The Heights) and his father. She is selected as a BMW Foundation Leader.

The Majlis Episode 16: Investing in the Saudi stock market with Ragad Al-Nasser

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Ragad AlNasser is the CIO of Jabal Uhud Holding Company, and founder & CEO of the “Wealth Management Company.” Ragad has experience managing global assets and joins us to encourage everyone to invest, particularly women in Saudi.

Ragad and I discuss the low investment and savings culture in Saudi, give realistic and tactical advice on how to get started, and dissect the reasons behind the recent IPO boom in Saudi, what it means for the country and the wider region, and why it matters for you as an individual.

Episode 15: Work Culture & Technology at Red Sea Global with Sultan Moraished

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Sultan Moraished is the Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence at Red Sea Global, with a background in banking. Sultan joined us to discuss the work culture at Red Sea Global, and the importance of “ihsan” (good will) in working within and across teams when operating at the gigaproject scale. Sultan also explains the importance of tech folks operating as enablers within an institution, and how we can replicate examples of technological excellence across the country. Finally, we talk about the importance of not overusing AI for environmental reasons and the importance of cybersecurity awareness.

Episode 14: AI Ethics with Manal Anis Ahmed

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Manal Anis Ahmed is a technology and society expert who has worked on human capital development in Saudi Arabia and South Asia for two decades, and advises global governments on digital public infrastructure.

Manal and I sat down for a discussion on AI and how it can be detrimental to society if not taught and practiced by a code of ethics, and how it is more important now than ever for Saudi Arabia to hold on to familial and cultural values to uphold our society.

Episode 13: Healthcare in the Kingdom with HRHP Dr Ahad Al Saud

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Join us this for a conversation with HRHP Dr. Ahad Al Saud, who in addition to being an emergency physician is the chief medical officer of the Saudi Automobile Federation - and keeps events like Formula 1 safe for all! We talk about the evolution of the healthcare sector in Saudi, and what challenges we need to overcome.

Episode 12: Fintech with Fadi Alawami

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Join us in a conversation with Fadi Alawami, who shared his extensive expertise in the fintech space in Saudi, from the support of the regulatory environment in Saudi, to the evolving relationship fintechs have with banks, the maturity of the market across different product segments, the opportunities for growth he sees and the advice he has for those interested in becoming fintech entrepreneurs.

Episode 11: Being a successful founder in the GCC with Ahmed Al-Rawi

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Ahmed Al-Rawi is a serial entrepreneur, best known as the founder & CEO of CALO, a meal subscription app. Join us for an honest and fun conversation about being a founder in the GCC, the challenges in raising funds domestically and internationally, and the secrets of start-up success.

Episode 10: Governance & conflict resolution in family businesses with Dr. Hanoof Abokhodair

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:50:20 +0000

Dr. Hanoof Abokhodair has almost a decade of experience with Saudi family businesses, helping leading families navigate business and family challenges, develop owner strategies and protocols, and support generational transitions. We talk about managing conflict constructively, what good governance truly means, and the challenges and opportunities facing the rising next generation.

Episode 9: Changes in society & strategic philanthropy with Muna AbuSulayman

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Muna AbuSulayman is best-known as the host of Kalam Nawaem on MBC, but she has spent her career driving impact globally. Ranging from her time as a lecturer at King Saud University, to being a partner at a global VC firm, and serving as a CSR advisor to the CEO of Gucci, Muna shares her learnings and insights into the different ways to make a positive change.

Join us for a discussion on changes in society resulting from Vision 2030, the concept of "monetizing motherhood," and how to do philanthropy right, addressing the supply chain of need.

Episode 8: Family offices with Talal El-Ajou

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Talal El-Ajou is the CEO of Abdulghani El-Ajou & Sons Investment Company, and co-founder of Amana Partners. Join us as we discuss family offices in the Kingdom, how they are structured, domestic and international investment methods, and more.

Episode 7: Faisal J. Abbas

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Faisal is an award-winning journalist, author and public speaker - renowned globally for his editorship of Al Arabiya News from 2012-2016, and editorship of Arab News since 2016.Join us as we discuss Faisal's time at the helm of Arab News, the perception gap between Saudi and the West, the role of journalists in closing that gap, and the dangers and opportunities of AI in journalism.

Episode 6: Nabil AlKhowaiter

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Nabil AlKhowaiter is the Global Engagement Executive for Worley, an engineering professional services firm. Previously, he was a Senior Advisor to the Minister of Energy and CEO of Aramco Energy Ventures and Director of Collaboration at KAPSARC.

Join us for a discussion on the discovery of oil in the Kingdom, and how it intertwines with our familial and national history, as well as the future of energy in the Kingdom.

Episode 5: Karen Elliott House

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Karen Elliott House, former editor of the Wall Street Journal, is a Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist who has spent her decades-spanning career reporting on Saudi Arabia, including an award-winning series on Saudi Arabia in 1981 and her book On Saudi Arabia. Join us as we discuss the changes Saudi Arabia has undergone in the past 40 years, the economic goals the Kingdom is pursuing, and the Western view of Saudi.

Episode 4: Talal Attieh

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Talal Attieh, General Partner at Steel Atlas, invests in and partners with early-stage industrial technology companies in the US & Europe. Post-investment, Talal specializes in establishing joint ventures and partnerships between portfolio companies and the largest conglomerates and family businesses in Saudi Arabia. Join us as we discuss investment in technology and resources in the Kingdom, localization of production, and the future of energy globally.

Episode 3: Prince Abdullah bin Faisal Al Saud

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 14:12:50 +0000

Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al Abdullah Al Saud was the head of the Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu at the time of its creation in 1975, the founding chairman & governor of the Saudi General Investment Authority in 2000 (now known as the Ministry of Investment), and from 2015 to 2017 he served as ambassador to the United States. Join us as we discuss his long career in the civil service, the attraction of FDI in the Kingdom in the early 2000s as compared to today, and his takeaways from his time as ambassador.

Episode 2: Ali Shihabi

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Ali Shihabi is the founder & former chairman of Rasmala Investment Bank, founder of the Arabia Foundation, author of two books on Saudi, and a member of the NEOM advisory board. Join us as we discuss the investment landscape in Saudi, the danger of "lazy capital," and the Kingdom's track record of success in attracting foreign investment.

Episode 1: Prof. Bernard Haykel

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:49:23 +0000

Prof. Bernard Haykel, professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and editor of Saudi Arabia in Transition, joins us for a conversation to contextualize the rapid changes happening in Saudi Arabia, the steps the Kingdom is taking to become competitive on the global stage, and the challenges we will need to overcome along the way.

The Majlis: Trailer

Tue, 28 May 2024 21:11:47 +0000

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