inbold - the Strategy& Middle East podcast

Driving tomorrow: Paving the way for self-driving cities

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:41:30 +0000

How ready are GCC cities for mass adoption of autonomous vehicles? In this inbold episode, Ruggero Moretto sits down with Frans Hiemstra from Uber and Andreas Gissler from Strategy& Middle East to discuss the evolution of autonomous driving technology, regulatory landscapes, business models, and the pressing need for integration within urban transport networks to allow for full-deployment of autonomous vehicles. Dive into how advanced regulation, partnerships, and government support are driving innovation, and what the near future holds for urban mobility in the region.

Driving tomorrow – Rethinking cities through mobility

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:39:54 +0000

What happens when mobility moves from being a support system to becoming the driving force shaping our cities, economies, and quality of life?

In this episode of inbold, Strategy& Principal Ritesh Verma sits down with Thomas Vonier, Architect and Senior Partner at Chesapeake Strategies, and Mark Haddad, Strategy& Partner and Vice Chair of UITP MENA, to unpack the growing convergence between urbanism and mobility.

Together, they explore how city leaders, planners, and technologists are reimagining the future – tackling rising urban pressures, integrating sustainable and inclusive transport, and navigating the role of automation, design, and digital systems.

Listen in to explore what it takes to design cities that move with purpose, and keep pace with the future.

Partnerships for progress – Amplifying Saudi Arabia's cultural impact

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:38:54 +0000

How are partnerships transforming Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape? Join us in this episode of inbold, where Strategy& Partner Karim Sarkis sits down with Noha Kattan, Deputy Minister for National Partnerships and Development at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture. Together, they explore the pivotal role partnerships play in building a thriving cultural ecosystem. Learn how cross-sector partnerships are fostering economic growth, preserving heritage, and shaping Saudi Arabia’s vibrant cultural ecosystem.

Crafting culture - How play and innovation are shaping Saudi Arabia’s future

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:15:50 +0000

How can culture thrive in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape? In this episode of inbold, Karim Sarkis is joined by Charalampos Chaitas from Qiddiya Investment Company to discuss how play, creativity, and innovation are driving cultural transformation in Saudi Arabia. Tune in as they explore the intersection of arts and entertainment, the role that people play in shaping the future of culture, and the unique ways Saudi Arabia is blending its rich heritage with forward-thinking experiences.

From roots to future - Upholding Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity in a modern world

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 09:50:15 +0000

How can Saudi Arabia maintain its cultural identity in the face of modernization? In this first episode of inbold’s Season 3, Dr. Maha Al Senan, cultural expert and advisor, joins Nay Abi Ramia, partner at Strategy Middle East, to discuss how to safeguard cultural heritage in Saudi Arabia. Join us as we explore the importance of cultural identity, the impact of Vision 2030 on the culture sector, and how to balance tradition and modernity in a changing landscape.

Music, let's play – Where’s the potential in this ever-changing music landscape?

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 05:24:12 +0000

How can labels, artists, and producers strike the right note? In this fourth episode of Season 2, Moe Hamzeh – former MD of Warner Music Middle East and founder of Temple Entertainment – joins Strategy& partner Karim Daoud as they take a closer look at the music industry to uncover how it has been impacted by the rise of streaming services and social media platforms. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in the Middle East region, and how different players have adapted their business models to these changes.

New fashion for a new dimension – how is the metaverse reshaping fashion?

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:55:16 +0000

Is the future of luxury fashion all digital? In this third episode of Season 2, Shashi Menon – Founder and CEO, UNXD and Nervora – joins Strategy& partner Karim Sarkis to demystify blockchain, crypto, Web3, NFTs, and the metaverse. Join us on this journey as we explore the intersection of fashion, culture and technology, from the perspective of the company that was the first in the world to create luxury NFTs.

Governments, let's enable – how can governments and big media players keep the sector in the spotlight?

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:20:23 +0000

State media house or pan-Arab media house – how can governments impact a sustainable media market? In this second episode of Season 2, Nick Grande joins partners Karim Sarkis and Karim Daoud once again to recommend solutions. They take us on a journey to explore the media industry’s playbook where everyone can flourish – from governments, to producers, media houses, and telcos.

Take a front seat – have we changed the way we consume media?

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 12:30:26 +0000

Who are our content gatekeepers? In this first episode of Season 2, Nick Grande joins Strategy& partners Karim Sarkis and Karim Daoud to uncover the media landscape. Listen in as we dive into global trends in the creator's economy, the oligopolies of the global media market, the future of Arabic content, and how it all shapes the Middle East.

Press play to continue – is the eSports market a game changer?

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 14:34:21 +0000

From connecting brands to connecting fans, the eSports market is expected to double in the next five years. In this episode, we’ll be speaking to experts from Strategy& and stc Play as we examine the opportunities that it offers, globally and in the Middle East, and explore whether Saudi Arabia is poised to be the next global eSports hub.

Players, get ready – NFTs, Web 3.0 and the Metaverse, are they the game changers of the future?

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:34:21 +0000

NFTs, Web 3.0 and the Metaverse; what are they and why do they matter? In this episode, we take our discussion with Strategy& and Stillfront gaming experts one step further − as we uncover key emerging trends and the evolving dynamics among the different industry players.

Loading, fast – The business behind gaming

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 14:34:21 +0000

The gaming market is making headlines and hitting all-time records. And all eyes are on the industry's next move. In this episode, you'll hear from experts at Strategy& and Stillfront as they examine this sheer growth and deconstruct the video gaming market to highlight fascinating opportunities.