Majlis & Markets

Is Iraq’s economy truly progressing or is new pressure starting to build?In this episode, economist and strategist Ahmed Maan Tabaqchali breaks down the real state of Iraq’s economy, covering stability since 2019, the Iraqi dinar, de-dollarisation, banking sector challenges, fintech adoption, digital payments, tokenisation, the Iraq Stock Exchange and Iraq’s post-election outlook following the 11 November 2025 parliamentary vote.As Chief Strategist of Asia Frontier Capital’s Iraq Fund, Ahmed offers a clear and data-driven view of what has improved and what still needs reform for Iraq to achieve sustained, broad-based growth.Key Topics• Iraq’s stability and growth indicators • Banking sector bottlenecks and trust deficits • Fintech expansion and digital payments • Blockchain and tokenisation in Iraq • Opportunities across the Iraq Stock Exchange • The Iraqi dinar, dollar access and US oversight • De-dollarisation trends and economic priorities for 2026About AhmedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedtabaqchali/ Profile: https://auis.edu.krd/iris/iris-fellow/ahmed-tabaqchali Asia Frontier Capital: https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/More Majlis & Markets episodes on IraqEp 4 Navigating Iraq’s Emerging Tech Ecosystem https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14213929-episode-4-navigating-iraq-s-emerging-tech-ecosystemEp 10 Accelerating Iraq’s Startup Revolution https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14750565-episode-10-accelerating-iraq-s-startup-revolutionEp 24 Bricks and Bytes: Iraq’s Real Estate Tech Boom https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15264026-episode-24-bricks-and-bytes-iraq-s-real-estate-tech-boomEp 38 Venture Into Iraq: Start-Ups on the Rise https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15817011-episode-38-venture-into-iraq-start-ups-on-the-riseFollow Majlis & MarketsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspodFollow Majlis & MarketsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod Podcast RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2247491.rss LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF X: https://x.com/MajlisMarkets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@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.orgFollow Majlis & Markets: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/majlis-and-markets X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/majlis_markets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlisandmarkets RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2247491.rss

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/destinationdubaiRelated 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//B2BPrevious 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-insightsListen & watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod RSS feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033Follow Majlis & Markets:LinkedIn – https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets X (Twitter) – https://x.com/MajlisMarkets TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets

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🎧 Find us on your favourite podcast platform or listen here: 👉 https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033📺 Watch more Majlis & Markets episodes: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod📱 Follow Majlis & Markets for more insights on Islamic & global markets:LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/majlismarketsX (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarketsTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets

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.🔗 Connect with Issam🐦 Twitter/X → https://x.com/AltawariIssam💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/issam2009/📢 Follow Majlis & Markets for more▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod🎧 RSS Feed → https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/🐦 Twitter/X → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/majlisandmarkets🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets👉 For the latest updates, insights, and exclusive content, follow us across platforms and subscribe to Majlis & Markets wherever you get your podcasts.

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.🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketsPod 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🌍 RSS feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com 📱 Follow Majlis & Markets 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/ 🐦 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets 💼 LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF

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 BalanceTrade War 2.0: BRICS on the Brink in 2H25Counting the Cost: Inside Syria’s Economy📱 Follow Majlis & Markets 🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketsPod 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🌍 RSS: Buzzsprout Feed📸 Instagram → @majlismarkets🐦 X (Twitter) → @MajlisMarkets🎵 TikTok → @majlis.markets💼 LinkedIn → Majlis & Markets Group

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🔗 Subscribe & Listen🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketspod🎙️ Listen on all major podcast platforms🔗 RSS Feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com📱 Follow Majlis & Markets📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/🐦 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets💼 LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF📩 Contact: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com⚠️ 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🔗 Subscribe & Listen🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketspod🎙️ Listen on all major podcast platforms🔗 RSS Feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com📱 Follow Majlis & Markets📸 Instagram → /majlismarkets🐦 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets💼 LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF📩 Contact: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com

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 2025What global politics (including Trump tariffs and BRICS shifts) mean for TashkentThe outlook for debt management, sukuk issuance and Islamic financeHow fintech, crypto and banking are evolving🔗 Subscribe & Listen🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketspod🎙️ Listen on all major podcast platforms🔗 RSS Feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com📱 Follow Majlis & Markets📸 Instagram → /majlismarkets🐦 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets💼 LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF📩 Contact: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com👍 Like, subscribe and stay updated on the latest episodes covering Islamic finance, sovereign capital, global markets and more.