Majlis & Markets

Natural resources are central to Middle Eastern economies. While climate change and green financing are on the rise, oil and gas still dominate, shaping economies and global markets. At the same time, Gulf nations are exploring new energy options to meet their climate goals.In our 39th episode, we’re joined by Carole Nakhle, founder and CEO of Crystol Energy.  With deep expertise in energy, economics, and geopolitics, Carole provides valuable insights into the shifting energy landscape in the MENA region.In this episode, we spoke about several topics including:Why oil and gas still remains important to the regionDebating whether we've reached peak oilAsking why financing the energy transition is criticalCarole's Twitter (X) handle-https://x.com/carole_nakhleEmail us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comFollow Majlis & Markets on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

After years of instability, Iraq’s political and security situation is improving, opening up new opportunities for economic growth. With a young, tech-savvy population, many are starting businesses in areas like fintech and e-commerce. The potential is there, but challenges like funding, infrastructure, and regulations still slow things down.Our guest today is Zahra Shah. Her experience spans roles at the United Nations, Gaza Sky Geeks, and Re:Coded, where she focused on supporting refugees, entrepreneurs, and youth through tech education and innovative programs Since 2019, she’s been leading Iraqi Innovators, a media and data hub supporting Iraq’s investment ecosystem. Her work gives key insights into startups and helps shape the future of Iraq’s industries.In this episode, we talked about several topics including:Iraq’s start-up ecosystem potentialThe day-to-day challenges entrepreneurs face, like limited funding and tricky regulationsBroader economic challenges impacting start-upsEmail us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comFollow Majlis & Markets on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

Islamic finance is gaining traction in Australia. With over 813,000 Muslims—about 3.2% of the population—there's an increasing demand for financial services that align with their faith. However, Islamic finance still makes up a small part of the banking sector, with limited options from major banks and a few non-bank providers.Change is on the horizon. Australia has signed a significant free trade deal with the UAE, its top trading partner in the MENA region, which opens doors for stronger economic ties. Now, the country is getting ready to launch its first Islamic bank.In our 37th episode, we spoke to Dean Gillespie, CEO of Islamic Money Australia (formerly Islamic Bank Australia or IBA). With extensive banking experience and a commitment to financial inclusion, Dean shares how this new bank could reshape finance for Australia’s Muslim community and beyond.In this episode, we touched on several topics including:Looking at the financial needs of Australian MuslimsThe journey in setting up a new Islamic bankSome of the challenges in facilitating Islamic finance Islamic Money Australia's Facebook page-https://www.facebook.com/ibaustraliaEmail us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comFollow Majlis & Markets on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

The digitalisation of finance is reshaping the industry, with new asset classes like cryptocurrency gaining traction. Dubai and the UAE have become key hubs for fintech and crypto, driven by new frameworks and initiatives to attract firms and talent. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also enhancing their regulatory systems.But what are the benefits and challenges of these shifts? In our 36 episode, we spoke to Anna Zeitlin, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard. She leads the fintech and financial services practice in Dubai, advising both government and private clients across the region.In this episode, we covered several topics including:The rise of fintech in the UAE and regionLooking at the benefits and drawbacks of CBDCsThe adoption and future of cryptoEmail us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comFollow Majlis & Markets on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

Egypt is quickly becoming a major tech and fintech hub in MENA and Africa. With over 100 million people, many of them young and tech-savvy, and a strategic location connecting continents, the country is set for impressive growth.But the path forward isn’t without its challenges. These include regulatory hurdles, market fragmentation, and infrastructure issues that could slow its progress.In our 35th episode, we spoke to Walid Hassouna, founder and CEO of Valu, a leading Egyptian fintech firm. Walid is also a leader in Egypt’s financial sector.In this episode, we covered several topics including:Egypt's fintech landscapeThe opportunities and challengesEgypt's current economic situationIslamic finance in EgyptValu Facebook page-https://www.facebook.com/valuegyptValu LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/valuegypt/Email us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comFollow Majlis & Markets on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

Across the MENA region, environmental challenges are rising, but the six Gulf Arab states—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain—are feeling the impact the most. With economies built on oil and gas, they’re now on the frontlines of climate change.COP28 in Dubai last year called for urgent action, but what are Gulf countries actually doing? How are they tackling climate risks while trying to diversify their economies?In our 34th episode, we spoke to Aisha Al-Sarihi. She is a Research Fellow at the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore. She is also a Research Associate at Chatham House, and a Non-Resident Fellow the Middle East Council on Global Affairs and the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. Her research focuses on political economy, geopolitics, policy and governance of energy transition, climate and environment, with a focus on the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In this episode, we covered several topics includingA deep dive into Gulf states' energy commitments and net-zero policiesThe importance of deploying capital for climate projectsThe challenges in mitigating climate risks in economic diversificationEmail us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comAisha's X (Twitter)-https://x.com/DrAishaAlSarihiFollow us on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

Since 2009, Kazakhstan has been integrating Islamic finance into its economy to attract foreign investment and diversify its financial sector. Leading this effort is the Astana International Financial Centre, or AIFC, which aims to make Kazakhstan a financial bridge between East and West. With its strategic location and a growing Muslim population, Kazakhstan is keen to tap into the $4 trillion global Islamic finance market. Today, we’re joined by Madina Tukulova, Head of Islamic Finance at the AIFC Authority. With over a decade of experience, Madina has been a key player in advancing Islamic finance in Kazakhstan. In this episode, we covered several topics includingThe current landscape of Islamic finance in KazakhstanThe opportunities and challenges facing IFIs in KazakhstanHow AFIC is seeking to become a financial hub in Central AsiaEmail us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comFollow us on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

Dubai's real estate has surged in the past decade, driven by its strategic location and luxury demand. Abu Dhabi is advancing, and even smaller emirates like Ras Al Khaimah are attracting attention with new projects.Saudi Arabia is the major focus, with Vision 2030 transforming the real estate landscape through NEOM’s futuristic cities and ambitious homeownership goals.In our 32nd episode, we spoke to Faisal Durrani, Partner, Head of Research at Knight Frank MENA, who brings over 15 years of global real estate expertise. In this episode, we touched on several topics including:Dubai, Abu Dhabi and RAK's real estate marketSaudi Arabia's real estate sectorESG factors in the industryThe outlook for global real estateEmail us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comFollow us on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

Egypt's economy is under intense pressure, with a currency crisis, soaring debt, rampant inflation, and a struggling private sector. But a major UAE investment in February 2024 and a recent IMF bailout offers hope. Plus, Egypt’s entry into BRICS in 2023 hints at a shift eastward.In our 31st episode, we spoke to Beth Morrissey, managing partner and co-founder of Kleiman International Consultants. As a specialist in emerging markets, Beth offers valuable insights into global economic trends.In this episode, we covered several topics, including:Defining what emerging markets areEgypt’s currency crisis, debt, foreign investment and private sector strugglesThe challenges facing Egypt's political economyEmail us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comKleiman International's substack-https://kleimaninternational.substack.com/Kleiman International-X (Twitter) handle-https://x.com/KleimanIntConFollow us on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

According to Fitch, the GCC debt capital market has soared to nearly $1 trillion. In 1H24, GCC primary debt issuance reached $75.5bn compared to $54.8bn in the same period last year, representing a 38% increase, according to Markaz, a Kuwait-based financial institution. In the first five months of 2024, emerging market dollar debt issuance—excluding China—topped $200 billion, with Saudi Arabia leading at 18.5% and the UAE at 9%.This growth highlights the GCC’s rising role in global bond markets, but it also brings challenges like fluctuating US interest rates and oil price swings.In our 30th episode, we spoke to Abdul Kadir Hussain, Head of Fixed Income Asset Management at Arqaam Capital. With over 30 years of experience, he explains why the GCC is so attractive to investors and the key risks to watch for. In this episode we covered several topics including:Why the GCC is an important part of the EM bond universeThoughts on AAOIFI standards on the Gulf's sukuk marketSome of the risks facing EM and GCC bondsEmail us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comIntro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay