Arab News

Hussein Fakhri is the Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Producer at Katara Studios, the Doha-based production powerhouse behind regionally iconic projects like The Lost Chapter of Kelileh & Demneh and the ceremonies for the FIFA Arab Cup. But before that, Hussein started out in Dublin, pioneering digital advertising in a market far from his cultural roots. Today, he's leading Katara's mission to produce bold, meaningful, and globally resonant stories — all from an unapologetically Arab perspective  

DJ Viva is a trailblazing performer and cultural catalyst redefining the creative scene in Saudi Arabia and beyond. She has lit up major stages across the Kingdom and internationally, opening for global icons such as David Guetta. With Saudi and Canadian roots, her genre-fluid sets blend global energy and leave lasting impact. As one of the few women leading the region's artistic evolution, DJ Viva is more than a performer—she's a visionary shaping the future of culture in the Middle East.   Tune in The Mayman Show for more on this special season.

Bill Connor is a seasoned media trainer and former White House correspondent with over 20 years of experience coaching senior executives, public officials, and leaders on how to communicate effectively in high-stakes environments. As the founder and CEO of Three Media Consultancy, he's trained individuals across the globe—from the U.S. to the Middle East—helping them master the art of presentations, speeches, and media interviews. Tune in The Mayman Show for more on this special season.

Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode V: 2016–2025 King Salman reigns, Vision 2030 unveiled, Abraham Accords signed, Saudi-Iran ties restored Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50

Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode IV: 2005–2015 Rafik Hariri assassinated, Arab Spring uprisings erupt, Saudi women win driving rights Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50

Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode III: 1995–2004 Taliban take Kabul, Khobar Towers bombed, Second Intifada erupts, 9/11 hits, US occupies Iraq Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50

Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode II: 1985-1994 Saudi prince in space, First Intifada starts, Lebanon war ends, Kuwait invaded, Oslo Accords signed Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50

Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode I: 1975–1984 Lebanon civil war begins, Iranian revolution erupts, GCC formed, Sabra and Shatila massacre. Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50

John Bin London, a British influencer and content creator with a deep passion for Saudi Arabia and its rich cultural heritage. Raised in the UAE, John's love for the Arab world shines through his viral TikTok videos where he immerses himself in Saudi traditions, from coffee rituals to exploring historic landmarks like Diriyah. Tune in The Mayman Show for more on this special season.

As Gaza plunges deeper into catastrophe, Israel's blockade has stopped aid for over a month, 60,000 children face malnutrition, hospitals lie in ruins, and the United Nations has called it a “killing field.” On this episode, we're joined by Palestinian Authority State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Varsen Aghabekian. We ask why the peace talks collapsed. Will Israel be held accountable for strikes on hospitals and the deaths of aid workers? And is the Palestinian Authority truly prepared to govern both Gaza and the West Bank after such devastation?

Several months after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad, Syria remains battered by more than a decade of war and is now facing the uphill task of rebuilding from within and claiming legitimacy on the global stage. On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from London-based Syrian analyst Ghassan Ibrahim. Is the worst truly behind Syria, or could renewed sectarian violence and growing tensions with Israel and Turkey cause further chaos? Will the new government win over Arab and Western leaders and finally see crippling sanctions lifted? And ultimately, can President Al-Sharaa deliver the peace and unity Syrians so desperately need?

On this episode, we speak with Lebanese economist and political analyst Nadim Shehadi. Can the new president deliver on his promises of reform and economic revival? Or will the persistent influence of Hezbollah, permanently hinder his chances of success? Plus, we examine America's evolving role in the country and explore whether normalization with Israel could be on the cards.

As tensions simmer over, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Riyadh has become a pivotal stage this week, with separate high-stakes meetings by Ukraine and Russia underscoring its growing importance in global diplomacy. Today, we speak with one of Russia's top diplomats, the first deputy permanent representative to the UN, Dmitry Polanski. Can a Black Sea ceasefire tied to sanctions relief truly de-escalate the conflict, even as both sides ramp up attacks on the ground? Are either parties willing to make the hard concessions needed to end the three-year war? Plus, how is Riyadh shaping the long-awaited shift towards peace?

Two months after returning to the White House, President Trump has shocked the world with a series of major announcements, from aggressive DOGE initiatives to high tariffs, plans to relocate thousands of Palestinians from Gaza, and secret talks with Hamas. Today we hear from Norman T. Roule, the former senior US intelligence official and Middle East expert, to ask what President Trump's actions mean for US foreign policy, how they will impact the changes underway in the Middle East, can Washington be convinced to back the Arab world's plan to rebuild Gaza, and is a Trump-Putin summit in Saudi Arabia on the horizon?

On this episode we speak with Faisal Sultan, the Vice President and Managing Director of Lucid Middle East. We talk to him about EV adoption in the Kingdom, Lucid's new challenges following its CEO's sudden exit, all as rival Tesla reportedly prepares to launch operations in Saudi Arabia. And as Lucid ramps up production in the Kingdom, will Saudi be the decisive force that propels Lucid back to profitability?

The Arab League has unveiled an ambitious plan to rebuild Gaza following an extraordinary summit last week. On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from renowned Saudi columnist and political analyst Abdulrahman Al Rashed to ask if the Cairo plan can ever materialize in reality. Can the secret talks between Hamas and the White House be successful? Plus, his views on the reforms happen in Saudi Arabia and its transition to becoming a global power broker.

Just days before the extraordinary and highly anticipated Arab League Summit, we sit down with His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Faisal, former Saudi Ambassador and Intelligence Chief, to explore how Saudi Arabia views Trump's controversial Gaza plan, what saudi and regional leaders are discussing behind closed doors and whether the international community is truly committed to achieving peace in Palestine.

Saudi Arabia has taken centre stage in global diplomacy this week, brokering high-level talks between Russia and the US - an unprecedented move that has left the world watching closely.   Today we speak with Dr Abdulaziz Sager, the Chairman of the Gulf Research Centre, to examine the significance of these pivotal talks, Saudi Arabia's growing influence on the global stage and whether the Arab League's next move could change the future of Gaza forever.

On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from Riyad Mansour, Palestine's Permanent Observer to the UN, to discuss whether Palestinian statehood is slipping further away, how the leadership is responding to mounting pressure from key Arab states and whether Palestinians themselves still see a future in Gaza.

It's been just over two weeks since the American electorate made their voices heard, with Donald Trump securing a commanding victory in the presidential race. On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from former Senior CIA Operations Officer and Middle East expert Norman Roule to break down what this means for the future of US foreign policy. Can President-Elect Trump deliver on his promises to swiftly end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza? What will his victory mean for the crisis in Gaza and the future of US-Saudi relations? And how will his approach to the Middle East reshape America's role on the global stage?

On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Dr Varsen Shahin, Palestine's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. With a new US administration and Saudi Arabia leading a global coalition in support of a two-state solution, could this mark a new turning point for peace and stability in the Middle East? How does the Palestinian leadership view these developments and what is their impact on the ground? Plus, if the conflict does come to an end, who will govern Gaza and what will it take to rebuild?

On this episode we hear from veteran US Ambassador and Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC, Robert Ford. As a former Ambassador to Syria, Iraq, Algeria and more, he has detailed insights into some of the world's most complex conflicts and foreign policy challenges. What is the impact of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Is the President-Elect's plans to swiftly end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine truly achievable or simply campaign rhetoric? Plus, what does America's shift in power mean for the Middle East?

On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we're joined by renowned Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi. With the US elections just days away, we ask - does Saudi Arabia have a preferred candidate in this divisive race? And could the historic Saudi-US security pact still redefine regional dynamics? Plus, how are Saudi Arabia's megaprojects reshaping its global influence, and are the skeptics finally coming around?

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 61 of The Wicket, Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain join host Brian Murgatroyd to discuss the three dramatic Tests that took place within the past week, in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as women's cricket in Zimbabwe and India, a white-ball series between Sri Lanka and West Indies' men and the sacking of USA men's Head Coach Stuart Law.

On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from Richard Attias, the CEO of FII, often dubbed the ‘Davos in the Desert.' It's the annual event where the world's most powerful leaders, businesspeople and entrepreneurs come together to shape the future.   We ask him what it takes to craft events that define the global agenda, who the headline figures are for this year's gathering, and how FII is showcasing that Saudi Arabia not only deserves a seat at the global table but is actively reshaping the conversation on the future of investment.

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 60 of The Wicket, host Brian Murgatroyd is joined by Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain to discuss the conclusion of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, dramatic Test matches in Multan and Bengaluru, the ongoing white-ball series between Sri Lanka and the West Indies' men's sides, the Asian cricket Council's Emerging T20 Asia Cup in Oman, Nepal's T20I series win in the USA and much more.

On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Firas Maksad from the Middle East Institute.     With the US election just days away, we ask if the Arab-American vote can truly impact the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for the White House.    Plus, as the crisis deepens in the Middle East, what's next for Lebanon? With most of Hezbollah's leaders gone, is this the end or could they return more dangerous than ever?   And will the international community allow another Israeli occupation of Lebanon, or are they powerless to stop it?

Dawri is a Saudi football podcast by Arab News. The domestic and continental seasons are over across the region and many countries around the world. On Episode 46 of Dawri, Middle East football journalist Matt Monaghan joins host Peter Redding and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled to discuss the disappointing form of Arab nations during the recent international break, the latest from the Saudi Pro League and the return of the AFC Champions League Elite.  

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 59 of The Wicket, host Brian Murgatroyd is joined by Arb News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain to discuss the Women's T20 World Cup, before tripping around the world to India, Bangladesh, Australia, Sri Lanka, Oman, Nepal and Saudi Arabia.

On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from Ambassador Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations. As the conflict intensifies, we ask – is the world turning its back on Gaza, much like it has forgotten Ukraine? Can international courts ever hold Israel accountable? And what role does Saudi Arabia's bold new coalition play in the pursuit of a two-state solution?

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 58 of The Wicket Arab News cricket columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain join host Brian Murgatroyd  to discuss the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE, the India – Bangladesh men's T20I series, topics around the England – Pakistan Test series, the resignations of Tim Southee as New Zealand Test captain and Babar Azam as Pakistan's leader in white-ball cricket, and much more.

On this episode we hear from renowned CNN journalist and political analyst Fareed Zakaria as we discuss the escalating conflict in Gaza and the growing tensions in Lebanon. Can the situation spiral further into chaos, or is there hope for resolution? What insights did Iran's new president share with him in a revealing interview this week? And with US elections just one month away, can Kamala Harris or Donald Trump offer any real solutions to the crises gripping the Middle East?

On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we turn our attention to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has brought Lebanon to the brink of a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands displaced, and critical infrastructure in ruins. We hear from Lebanon's Minister of Health, Dr Firass Abiad, who has activated a war emergency plan and accuses Israel of deliberately targeting healthcare workers. As the crisis deepens, we ask - has Beirut become the new Gaza? And can Lebanon withstand yet another chapter of devastation and despair?

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. In a special edition of The Wicket (Episode 57), the regular Arab News team of host Brian Murgatroyd, columnist John Pike and reporter Subas Humagain discuss the start of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, asses the teams taking part and look forward to the action taking place until Oct. 20.

Dawri is a Saudi football podcast by Arab News. The domestic and continental seasons are over across the region and many countries around the world. On Episode 45 of Dawri, host Peter Redding and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled are joined by Asian football journalist John Duerden to discuss Al-Hilal's continued dominance in the Saudi Pro League and the state of their challengers after six rounds of matches, as well as look forward to the Asian World Cup qualifiers during the latest international break, including Saudi's vital clashes against Japan and Bahrain.  

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 56 of The Wicket, host Brian Murgatroyd is joined by Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain to discuss the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, New Zealand's Test defeat against Sri Lanka, Pakistan Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's “strategic connection camp”, and much more.

Dawri is a Saudi football podcast by Arab News. The domestic and continental seasons are over across the region and many countries around the world. On Episode 44 of Dawri, host Peter Reading and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled are joined by Middle East football journalist Matt Monaghan to discuss Al-Hilal's win over Al-Ottohad in the Saudi Classico, the Round of 32 of the King's Cup, Al-Ahli's up down season so far, and much more.

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 55 of The Wicket, Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain join host Brian Murgatroyd to discuss the Tests and One-Day International series involving ICC Full Members, women's series that are acting as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE, as well as World Cup League 2 series in Canada and Namibia.

On this episode, we sit down with British Conservative MP, former minister, and businessman of Arab origin, Nadhim Zahawi. We ask him about his time in politics, his take on the current Labour government, and what's next for him in his business career. We also discuss his recently released biography, The Boy from Baghdad, which documents his fascinating rise from an 11-year-old Iraqi refugee to one of the most prominent Tory politicians today.

Dawri is a Saudi football podcast by Arab News. The domestic and continental seasons are over across the region and many countries around the world. On Episode 43 of Dawri, host Peter Redding and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled are joined by Middle East football journalist Matt Monaghan to discuss a gritty 2-1 win over China for Roberto Mancini Saudi Arabia, the start of the AFC Champions League Elite group stages, the latest SPL news and the Saudi Classico between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad this weekend.

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On episode 54 of The Wicket, Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain join host Brian Murgatroyd to talk about the consequences of not having an Afghanistan women's team and the benefits of the UAE's excellent cricket facilities.

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 53 of The Wicket, host Brian Murgatroyd is joined by Arab News cricket columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain to discuss Pakistan's venues for Test series against England, the repeated interruptions to play due to bad light in the recent England v Sri Lanka Test , and much more.

Dawri is a Saudi football podcast by Arab News. The domestic and continental seasons are over across the region and many countries around the world. On Episode 42 of Dawri, Middle East and Asia football writer John Duerden joins host Peter Redding and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled to discuss Matchday 1 of Round 3 of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, including sensational results for Bahrain, Palestine and the UAE, but a somewhat disappointing outcome for Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabia against Indonesia. 

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 52 of The Wicket, host Brian Murgatroyd is joined by Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Suba Humagain to discuss the historic result of the Pakistan v Bangladesh Test in Rawalpindi, as well as cover a raft of other topics from England v Sri Lanka and reflections on Jay Shah's elevation to the ICC Chair, to men's and women's T20 cricket in the Caribbean and Australia, as well as a preview of the Ireland – England women's series.

Dawri is a Saudi football podcast by Arab News. The domestic and continental seasons are over across the region and many countries around the world. On Episode 41 of Dawri, host Peter Redding and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled are joined by Middle East football journalist Matt Monaghan to discuss the opening two rounds of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season, Al-Hilal's continued dominance, Al-Ahli's signing of Ivan Toney from Brentford, Saud Abdulhamid's sensational move to Roma, as well as the prospects for Saudi Arabia, UAE and other Arab nations in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 51 of The Wicket, our panel of host Brian Murgatroyd, Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain discuss the latest Test action, the relocation of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup to the UAE and the impending change at the top of world cricket, with India's Jay Shah set to take over as ICC Chair. 

Dawri is a Saudi football podcast by Arab News. The domestic and continental seasons are over across the region and many countries around the world. Welcome to the Episode 40 of Dawri and the first of the 2024-25 season. Joining host Peter Redding and Arab News Sports editor Ali Khaled is Middle East football journalist Matt Monaghan to discuss the new SPL season, the summer transfer window, Al-Hilals' Saudi Super Cup triumph, the new AFC Champions League format, and much more.

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 50 of The Wicket, Arab News cricket columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain join host Brian Murgatroyd to discuss the South Africa v West Indies Test in Guyana, the Ireland women's team's stunning performances against Sri Lanka, the future of The Hundred in the UK, upcoming major events in Pakistan and Bangladesh and much more. 

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On episode 49 of The Wicket, host Brian Murgatroyd is joined by Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain to discuss the West Indies – South Africa Test series, the wash-up of India's One-Day International series defeat in Sri Lanka, violence in England and Bangladesh that has the potential to affect the cricket calendar, Sri Lanka's women on tour in Ireland,  and much more.

At only 22 years of age, Mishaal Tamer has quickly risen to prominence as an international Saudi singer-songwriter. Known for his humility despite his newfound fame, Mishaal debuted with his song "Arabian Knights," which showcases his multilingual talent by singing in Arabic, Spanish, and English. The track amassed millions of views on YouTube and Spotify, establishing his presence in the music world. Mishaal's innovative approach to music, blending various genres and cultural influences, has garnered him a dedicated fanbase. His music not only offers a new sound but also emphasises mental health representation, making his work both impactful and deeply personal. Tune in The Mayman Show for more on this special interview.

The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 48 of The Wicket, host Brian Murgatroyd spoke with Australia Test spin bowler Nathan Lyon, the seventh highest wicket-taker in the history of the longest form of the game, about his career goals, time in county cricket with Lancashire, the rise of Shoaib Bashir for England ahead of next year's Ashes series, the fact Australia's own bowling attack is ageing, the upcoming series against India and plenty more.