Podcasts about business extra

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Extra Space Storage offers customers secure, clean properties and simple, helpful service. With over 40 locations in Utah, they are committed to being the most convenient storage solution in your neighborhood. Executive Vice President Noah Springer joins us with more. Noah Springer: At Extra Space Storage, we believe that storage isn't just about space — it's about helping people get to a better tomorrow. Every year, we help millions of people through life transitions by providing secure and conveniently located storage units. Since 1977, we've grown from a small startup company to the largest operator of self storage properties, with over 3,600 locations across 42 states. As industry leaders, we are on the cutting edge of technological innovation and investment strategy; plus, the company is continuing to grow. Just last year, we completed the largest M&A deal in Utah business history with a 12 billion dollar transaction. Our company values of integrity, excellence, passion, teamwork, and innovation are at the center of all we do. They guide the way we work, the way we interact with our customers, and the way we treat our co-workers. If you're interested in working with us, visit careers.extraspace.com. Derek Miller: Extra Space Storage is a Real Estate Investment Trust and a member of the S&P 500. Headquartered in Cottonwood Heights, they have over 600 Utah based employees and counting. Learn more at their website. I'm Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: February 22, 2024

Business Extra is back with an all-new season to cover business, cutting-edge tech, eco-friendly innovation, sustainability, and the minds behind each of these topics.

In 2019, Hub71 invited start-ups to move to Abu Dhabi, promising founders free housing, office space and health insurance for the first year, access to investors and one of the most dynamic and connected regions in the world. Four years later, Abu Dhabi's start-up ecosystem is among the fastest-growing in the world, according to a new ranking from Startup Genome. Amer Aidi, head of marketing and operations at Hub71, joins host Kelsey Warner this week to talk about what founders can expect if they move to the UAE and how the community – and the start-up scene in general – has changed in just four years. In this episode: Hosting Sam Altman and creating a community (0m 33s) Putting Abu Dhabi on the startup map (4m 26s) Measuring success at Hub71 and the fight for talent (9m 03s) Navigating the current marketplace and being sector agnostic (13m 56s)   Read more on our website: Silicon Valley remains top place for start-ups but Mena cities on the rise Funding for start-ups at Abu Dhabi's Hub71 hit $1.22bn at the end of 2022 Abu Dhabi's Hub71 unveils new ecosystem to support Web3 start-ups Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

The global economy has weathered the most tumultuous century in modern history and most of the previous financial crises have shared similarities from which we can learn. So writes Dr Linda Yueh, CBE, in her new book, The Great Crashes: Lessons from Global Meltdowns and How to Prevent Them. She joins Business Extra host Kelsey Warner this week to share her analysis of major market crashes, from currency crunches and Japan's housing crisis to the dot-com bust and the Covid-19 pandemic, she shares the underlying factors that led to these meltdowns and what we can learn to help avoid or recover from future crises. Read more on our website: Biden declares 'crisis averted' in debt ceiling bill passage How would a US debt default affect the Middle East? A global recession in second half of 2023 expected to significantly hit IT spending Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean  

Snapchat long stood out among other social media platforms for introducing interactive user experiences such as filters and augmented reality features. But today, with TikTok on the scene and Meta, Instagram and YouTube introducing products for creating content, the social media scene has evolved, technology has changed and audiences are different. In this episode: Snapchat in 2023 (0m 27s) Engaging the MENA region and building loyalty (6m 29s) The digital ads model and Snapchat revenue (9m 57s) The future of Snap (16m 17s)   Read more on our website: Snapchat for Web is coming — here's what it means for UAE users Snap boosts hiring in Saudi Arabia as it taps into AR growth in Mena Snapchat Spotlight Middle East launch: everything you need to know about the platform Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

New research from cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks has found that a little more than half of chief executives in the UAE estimate potential losses from cybersecurity attacks have increased in the past year. Haider Pasha, senior director and chief security officer at Palo Alto Networks in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Latin America, joins Business Extra host Kelsey Warner this week to explain the scope of cybersecurity risks in 2023. Mr Pasha explained that they help organisations consolidate different tools within their networks, support AI and machine learning and help companies prepare and detect cyberattacks. In this episode: What Palo Alto Networks does (0m 21s) The types of cybersecurity attacks (3m 35s) The rise of automated attacks (9m 22s) Dealing with ransomware (13m 54s) Making a more secure world (17m 18s)

Questions loom about the future of work and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Companies in the UAE have been turning to Cosmic Centaurs to navigate these fast-changing times. The Dubai-based consultancy helps employers design and put in place new ways of working to increase returns while boosting employee happiness. Founder and chief executive Marilyn Zakhour joins host Kelsey Warner this week to talk about how high-performing companies navigate change. In this episode: Why companies hire outside help to make change (0m 24s) Employer vs employee interests (5m 34s) The leap from corporate life to start-up founder (10m 52s) Preparing employers for the AI age (18 30s) Supporting women in the workplace (20m 40s)   Read more on our website: Home-working blamed for record long-term sickness among UK unemployed Future of work: what will be the most in-demand job skills in 2032? Future Beat: the latest tech and innovation news Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Last week, the World Health Organization announced that Covid-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, marking an end - albeit a symbolic one - to the pandemic. Pfizer, maker of one of the most-used Covid-19 jabs and an antiviral pill, hit a record-breaking $100 billion in revenues in 2022, spurred by earnings from those treatments. As the pandemic wanes and demand for treatments drops off, the New York-headquartered pharmaceuticals company is in a "transition year", chief executive Albert Bourla said on a first-quarter earnings call. Patrick van der Loo, a regional president who oversees the Middle East, Russia and Africa, talks to host Kelsey Warner this week about what a transition means for the world's biggest pharmaceutical company by revenue, how the pandemic changed drug development cycles and what the Gulf's potential is for taking a piece of the booming life sciences industry. In this episode: Pfizer's transition post-pandemic and its role now (0m 20s) The velocity of drug discovery and the impact of the pandemic (6m 52s) The UAE's role in the pharmaceutical industry (9m 14s) Public health challenges and the ambitions in the region (17m 37s)   Read more on our website: Pfizer drops sales guidance after posting 47% jump in Q4 profits Stem cell therapies promise breakthrough in Dubai life sciences Abu Dhabi's Mubadala and G42 launch tech-focused healthcare company M42 Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

  Ramadan is the time of year when consumers in the Middle East tend to up their TV, streaming and media consumption. Joe Kawkabani, chief executive of OSN Group, one of the largest entertainment content companies in the region, joins Business Extra this week to talk about trends in streaming this Ramadan. OSN is investing in data science to know more about their customers' preferences and consumption behaviour to better recommend content to them, Mr Kawkabani said. The privately held media conglomerate is open for acquisitions and partnerships, he added. In this episode: OSN's content, partners and viewership (0m 33s) Ramadan viewership trends and the subscription model (4m 03s) OSN Originals and competing for attention (7m 27s) Recruiting talent and what's next for streaming services (13m 37s)

The senior vice president and executive editor of Associated Press, Julie Pace, joins Business Extra host Kelsey Warner this week to talk about the transformation of the news industry in the age of artificial intelligence. Ms Pace was appointed to this position in September 2021. She leads AP's global news operations and oversees news content and all formats from journalists across the world, with 250 locations in more than 100 countries. Moving from text only to a multi-format platform, AP is expanding in digital advertising, e-commerce and fact checking, Pace said. She said AP now considers itself a digital news company to help its customers to meet the demands of a new type of audience. In this episode: The AP's business model and its mission (0m 45s) Fact-checking and social media (6m 25s) Evolving media and the revolution of AI (11m 48s) Covering the US election and the future of work in media (17m 28s)

Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as Gary Vee, documents his life on social media, dispensing advice on entrepreneurship, technology and media to his more than 44 million followers. As an early investor in Facebook, Uber and Twitter and chairman of VaynerX and chief executive of VaynerMedia, the serial entrepreneur and investor has strong views on ChatGPT, social media use and NFTs. He joins Business Extra host Kelsey Warner this week from Abu Dhabi. In this episode: The state of consumer culture, content creation and the role of influencers (0m 48s) The evolution of content and the influence of ChatGPT (5m 13s) Creating value with NFTs and decentralisation (7m 26s) Advice for SMBs, opting out social media and staying motivated (11m 44s)

Founder and managing director of 4 Day Week Global, Charlotte Lockhart, joins Business Extra host Kelsey Warner this week to share the results of the world's largest trial to reduce working week. Ms Lockhart led the trial with dozens of employers and thousands of employees in the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The results showed that reducing work time doesn't affect productivity of employees, highlighting that some companies were able to reduce official work hours by 20% without decreasing their pay. It also revealed a significant decrease in rates of stress and illness among the approximately 2,900 staff who participated in the shorter working week.

Sacha Haider, a partner at Global Ventures, joins Business Extra host Kelsey Warner this week to discuss supply chain technology. Haider is the youngest partner in venture capital in the region and she is leading the investment team, focusing on technology and emerging markets. In this podcast episode, they speak on investing in emerging markets, access to digital services and goods, and recent consumption trends. Looking at building a sustainable future, Haider said that supply chain sustainability is among the main areas of importance, in addition to agriculture technology, food security and energy scarcity. In this episode: Sasha Haider's on investing in supply chains (0m 32s) Tech and disruption of supply chains (6m 30s) The consumers that will drive the market (11m 00s) Initiatives in the UAE that will make it more than a hub (18m 47s)   Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Professor Eric Xing, the president of Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, joins host Kelsey Warner this week after the university graduated its inaugural class. They speak on jobs prospects for the fresh grads, the less-discussed risks of ChatGPT and other newsmakers in the field of AI. In this episode: Prof Eric Xing on the moment AI is having right now (0m 22s) The use of AI and its effects on academia (7m 08s) MBZUAI and putting UAE on the map (12m 30s) Finding the possibilities for UAE (17m 34s)   Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Host Kelsey Warner talks to the chief executive of US based agtech firm Aerofarms David Rosenberg about who they are and why they are opening an R&D centre in Abu Dhabi. In this episode: What is Aerofarms all about? (0m 44s) How Aerofarms is revolutionising agriculture in the region (6m 45s) Are we late to solve the food and water crisis? (13m 45s) Is there a greater discipline in the market now? (18m 34s)   Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Host Kelsey Warner talks to KPMG's Wassim Chahine about the new regime set to take effect this year. In this episode: What is the corporate tax going to be implemented in the UAE? (0m 32s) Who does it apply to? (2m 26s) How the revenue is calculated and the effect on free zones (3m 39s) The UAE's move to incentivise foreign investment (9m 07s) What the corporate tax means for the UAE economy? (10m 35s)   Read more on our website: Lower than Ireland: why UAE corporate tax may prove a boon for foreign investment Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

The startup scene in the region (0m 19sec) The moment when focus on growth turned to profitability (6m 27s) What is the meaning of harvesting? (9m 17s) Founding of Tuhoon (12m 39s) The startup culture in the region (16m 43s)   Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Concerns over a weakening global economic outlook are affecting the career prospects of graduates and young professionals. While employment levels have been at historic highs following the Covid-19 pandemic, job losses in once-buoyant sectors such as technology and finance indicate that the trend may reverse.   However, there is “a lot of data to show that increasingly, digital skills in particular continue to be in incredibly high demand among employers”, according to Dan Shapero, chief operating officer at LinkedIn.   He shares his tips for jobseekers and those looking to take the next step in their careers this year, with host Mustafa Alrawi.   Read more on our website: Closing the gender gap in Middle East and North Africa Zoom's Sam Tayan on the new era for work IFC on boosting women-led start-ups Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

As the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting draws to a close in Davos, Switzerland, Kelsey Warner is joined by co-host Mustafa Alrawi, who has been reporting all week from the Swiss mountain town. They discuss the biggest issues that will drive the global agenda in 2023 and beyond. Mustafa argues that recession, inflation, war in Europe and the energy crisis are largely already “baked in” to how businesses will navigate the year. But the rise of consumer-facing artificial intelligence is one to watch. Read more on our website: Mubadala's Badr Al Olama on the UAE's competitiveness Energy in crisis and transition Tech Mahindra CEO on the ‘good' recession Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

The UAE's investment in digital capabilities and its growing network of partnerships around the world are set to benefit local industries this year, across sectors. From clean energy to metals, health care, life sciences and start-ups, the stable landscape of the Emirates positions these industries for growth, even with global headwinds swirling such as the weaker economic picture in the US and Europe. Badr Al Olama, executive director of UAE Clusters at Mubadala Investment Company, speaks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the year ahead for its biggest businesses. Read more on our website: Tech Mahindra CEO on the ‘good' recession Energy in crisis and transition Majid Jafar on global energy crisis Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

At the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, energy will be an important topic on the agenda this week. Roberto Bocca, the forum's head of Shaping the Future of Energy and Materials, tells host Mustafa Alrawi that the focus of discussions will be the energy crisis, the energy transition and the nexus between energy and other ecosystems such as water and food, which are critical. Mr Bocca hopes that many will come to the table in Davos to solve these issues and also to harness the opportunities brought about by new technology. He also says that people are finally beginning to realise how complex the energy system is, ahead of the Cop28 climate summit that is being held in the UAE at the end of November. Cop28 President-designate Dr Sultan Al Jaber's leadership should be able to help bring together different sides involved in the effort to mitigate the effects of climate change, Mr Bocca says. Read more on our website: Tech Mahindra CEO on the ‘good' recession Outlook for aviation in 2023 Majid Jafar on global energy crisis Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

At the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, CP Gurnani, chief executive of Indian information technology company Tech Mahindra, talks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the outlook for 2023.   Mr Gurnani says the impact of a global economic slowdown will not be generic. Depending on the region, there will be circumstances to mitigate some of the effect of a recession, with no uniform pattern, he says.   South-East Asia and the Middle East are expected to see growth, Mr Gurnani says, while he remains optimistic about the US and Europe.   Read more on our website: Tech Mahindra's Manish Vyas on 5G Outlook for aviation in 2023 Deepak Chopra's factors for success Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

The Business Extra podcast team will be at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week. Host Mustafa Alrawi will be on the ground to deliver insights and discussions from the global event.

The global aviation industry will return to profit for the first time since 2019 as passenger demand continues to improve and Covid-19 related restrictions ease.   In the Middle East, airlines are also set to benefit from higher oil prices. The optimistic forecast will depend on the impact of headwinds such as high jet fuel prices and reduced consumer spending amid an economic downturn.   After the conclusion of the International Air Transport Association conference in Geneva, Deena Kamel, The National's aviation correspondent, talks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the 12 months ahead.   In this episode: How was the aviation industry in 2022? (1min 30sec) Outlook for 2023 (3m 16s) What are the obstacles currently facing the industry? (6m 47s) The friction between airline and airports (9m 40s) What will drive airline demands in the Gulf in 2023? (15m 4s)   Read more on our website: Deepak Chopra's factors for success US energy envoy Amos Hochstein at Adipec Zada Haj on future of Middle East food security Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

From what it takes to succeed to managing the energy crisis and what next for Bitcoin, the past 12 months have been dynamic for companies, businesses and executives.   Host Mustafa Alrawi reminds us of the highlights from Business Extra's coverage of this year's biggest themes and stories.   In this episode: Amos Hochstein — Lessons learnt from being dependant on one energy supplier (1m 57s) Zada Haj — Importance of food security (6m 12s) Suzanne Duke — Perspective on the gender gap (13m 33s) Kim Fournais — Saxo Bank and relationship with China (19m 10s) Deepak Chopra — What is the meaning of leadership? (24m 44s) Mudaissir Sheikha — Lessons learnt (29m 40s)   Read more on our website: Zoom's Sam Tayan on the new era for work Deepak CMajid Jafar on global energy crisis IFC on boosting women-led start-ups Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean  

Majid Jafar, the vice-chairman of Crescent Group and chief executive of Crescent Petroleum said a crisis is playing out “across the entire world and all forms of energy. And that's never happened before”. He tells host Mustafa Alrawi while short term issues like Ukraine, Covid-19 and stretched supply chains and China consuming more gas, have made the situation worse, a failure to invest in energy supply has chiefly created the crisis. In this episode: The energy transition and the impact on supply (0m 10s) Climate change and moving forward with investment (10m 23s) The evolution and significance of the oil and gas industry (15m 58s) Iraq's outlook and advice for new graduates looking to be part of the industry (19m 13s)   Read more on our website: US energy envoy Amos Hochstein at Adipec - Business Extra Deepak Chopra's factors for success - Business Extra IMF's 2023 outlook for Gulf and Middle East - Business Extra Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Technology is enabling a new cycle of fundamental change according to Sam Tayan, Head of Mena at Zoom Video Communications. From hybrid work, to work from anywhere, to the four-day work weeks being trialed by companies around the world, there are shifting paradigms for how best to be productive and efficient following the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Tayan tells host Mustafa Alrawi the software and solutions supporting this change will also impact how healthcare and other services are delivered. In this episode: The future of tech and work (0m 10s) ZOOM's innovations in creating a better experience (5m 45s) Security in the virtual offices (8m 07s) The outlook for WFH in the region (9m 35s)   Read more on our website: IFC on boosting women-led start-ups — Business Extra Deepak Chopra's factors for success - Business Extra Human behaviour and economic policy with NYUAD - Business Extra Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

A potential economic windfall awaits the Middle East and North Africa region if countries can close the gender gap and help more women into business. The International Finance Corporation's "She Wins Arabia" supports female-led start-ups across the Middle East and North Africa with finance and mentorship. The second round of the initiative was launched last month and it is expanding to support 100 additional women-led startups and over 30 additional fund managers across Mena. The number of countries included in the IFC initiative has also grown to over 20 and will now also cover Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Syria, and other countries in the region. Sammar Essmat, Gender Lead, Middle East, Central Asia and Turkey at the IFC, talks to Mustafa Alrawi about the importance of providing such opportunities. In this episode: The IFC's role in creating gender balance in the economy (0m 09s) Resolving the gender gap in the region (3m 41s) Helping women take the risk (9m 38s) The hopes for women led startups in 2023 (15m 51s)   Read more on our website: The Middle East needs a female Elon Musk Human behaviour and economic policy with NYUAD - Business Extra Deepak Chopra's factors for success - Business Extra Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

From making the metaverse happen to improving the sustainability of networks, 5G mobile communications technology underpins the critical infrastructure needed to deliver the applications and solutions of the future. Manish Vyas, President of the Communications, Media & Entertainment Business and CEO of Networks Services at Indian IT services company Tech Mahindra, speaks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the role of 5G in our lives. In this episode: The future of telecommunications and the vision for 5G (0m 09s) The role of 5G in sustainability (8m 37s) Will 5G help handle future crises better? (12m 49s) Tech Mahindra's path towards sustainability (15m 09s)   Read more on our website: Takeo Kanade on rise of robots: 'Business Extra' Dubai's metaverse strategy: 'Business Extra' Zada Haj on future of Middle East food security: Business Extra Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Deepak Chopra, founder of health company Chopra Global and the Chopra Foundation, is a doctor, entrepreneur and philanthropist with more than 30 years on the front lines of well-being. He talks to host Mustafa Alrawi about how the metaverse can close the global health gap, what business leaders need to know to succeed today and how to handle the critics. In this episode: Deepak Chopra on success (0m 11s) What is the meaning of leadership? (6m 00s) The effects of technology and money (10m 37s) Ensuring future technologies are inclusive and accessible (16m 56s)   Read more on our website: Human behaviour and economic policy with NYUAD - Business Extra Binance CEO: I did not expect to hear of FTX insolvency in call with Sam Bankman-Fried Disruption is the new normal – Business Extra Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

In the aftermath of the financial crisis, technological shifts, the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change, governments have been working to deliver more effective economic policies and looking to understand how to best implement them.   The study of human behaviour has, as a result, become more critical in areas such as education, health and jobs.   Nikos Nikiforakis, professor of economics and co-director of the Centre for Behavioral Institutional Design (C-BID) at NYU Abu Dhabi, talks to host Mustafa Alrawi ahead of the centre's Behavioral Policy Design Conference in the capital in November.   Experts and policymakers will gather at the event to discuss how what we know about human behaviour is increasingly influencing how policy is being set.   In this episode: What is behavioural social science? (48s) The link between human behaviour and economic policy (1m 42s) How is this implemented? (3m 24s) Helping policy-makers make better judgements (6m 29) How are theories tested? (10m 13s) The role of economists (14m 58s)   Read more on our website: What does it take to ensure a green-energy future? Liz Truss's downfall and the problem with markets dictating government policy Disruption is the new normal Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Amos Hochstein, the US special envoy and presidential co-ordinator for international energy affairs on Tuesday signed in Abu Dhabi — on behalf of the US — a strategic partnership with the UAE to invest $100 billion to produce 100 gigawatts of clean energy by 2035. At the oil and gas conference and exhibition Adipec, Mr Hochstein spoke to Business Extra host Mustafa Alrawi about the energy transition, how countries such as his can shape the future and also how he has been working for the past decade to make energy a tool of diplomatic co-operation and not conflict. In this episode: Amos Hochstein at ADIPEC on the Israel-Lebanon maritime deal (0m 09s) What energy can do for countries and the US-UAE partnership (2m 39s) Thinking medium and long term (8m 21s) Moving forward from Europe's energy crisis (12m 32s)   Read more on our website: 'Energy transition must put society first to help avoid inequality' Why the UK is facing an energy price crisis: Business Extra IMF's Azour: Gulf economies must defend against global headwinds Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

The global picture is one of high energy prices, rising interest rates and an impending economic slowdown. Despite all of this, the Middle East North Africa region has proven resilient in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund. However, the impact of taming inflation will be felt as we enter 2023. Jihad Azour, the IMF Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, talks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the many risks to the outlook and what economies in the Gulf and wider Mena region can do to protect themselves. In this episode: The IMF's outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia (0m 09s) How the region faired in 2022 (3m 00s) The issues that might drag onto 2023 and the impact of inflation (6m 26s) The outlook for Lebanon and the Gulf (9m 08s)   Read more on our website: Global action needed to prevent food crisis in Middle East and North Africa, warns IMF Mena region faces a ‘turning point' and needs to press on with reforms as it recovers from pandemic, IMF says Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

New British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak must tackle what he has called a “profound economic crisis”. He vowed the priority of the government would be to “reduce inflation", describing it as “indeed the enemy”.   Under Mr Sunak's predecessor Liz Truss, the UK government attempted to prioritise populist measures such as tax cuts without reducing spending. This triggered a violent reaction from the bond market. It resulted in Ms Truss stepping down and a third leader for the country this year.   Investors remain nervous about the shape of UK fiscal and economic policy. Will Mr Sunak settle these concerns down and put the country back on a more steady footing, facing down both the energy and cost-of-living crises? Or will circumstances prove beyond his control?   London deputy bureau chief Paul Carey discusses the uncertain outlook with host Mustafa Alrawi.   In this episode: Has the UK political scene stabilised now? (1m 10s) UK budget statement delayed (4m) Challenges facing Rishi Sunak and lowering expectations (6m 18s) UK's cost of living problem (7m 29s) Is the UK public tiring of politicians and politics? (9m 21s) What's the outlook for the UK's economic future? (11m 13s)   Read more on our website: Why the UK is facing an energy price crisis Liz Truss's downfall and the problem with markets dictating government policy Pound sterling rallies as markets react to Liz Truss's resignation Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Brent crude prices are above $90 a barrel as recession worries and the impact on oil demand weigh against other factors, including US policy moves.   Following friction between the Biden administration and Opec+ producers over their decision to reduce output, politics has taken over the discourse around energy markets.   With the Ukraine conflict still without a solution and climate action critical, how will shorter-term considerations play out over the weeks and months to come?   Regular The National contributor Robin Mills, chief executive of Qamar Energy, talks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the uncertainty.   In this episode: The main factors dominating the discussions around energy and crude oil (1m) Does Ukraine remain a major factor? (3m 17s) Political fallout effecting the energy markets (7m 5s) Climate change and obtaining the right energy mix is not front and centre (10m 9s) How much does the energy markets really serve us? (14m 35s)   Read more on our website: Opec+ decision to cut output 'technical' and 'right' measure, UAE energy minister says IEA cuts oil demand growth forecast as recession risks loom Disruption is the new normal Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean    

The head of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, this week starkly warned of the possibility of a global recession during the organisation's annual meeting in Washington DC.   “We cannot possibly allow inflation to become a runaway train - it's bad for growth and bad for people,” she said. “Bad especially for poor people.”   The National's Editor-in-Chief Mina Al-Oraibi and US correspondent Willy Lowry discuss the IMF's reduced growth projections for the year ahead - and ask: what does it mean for the Middle East?   Read more on our website: IMF cuts 2023 growth forecast and warns 'worst is yet to come' US inflation hits 40-year high IMF chief warns of risks of 'runaway' inflation Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Alix Partners, the global consulting firm, has launched a Middle East Disruption Index to examine the impact of trends such as climate change, technological advances and geopolitics on businesses and trade in the region. The survey showed 78 per cent of chief executives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are confident in their company's ability to withstand disruptive forces. However, there is also a lot of uncertainty with two thirds afraid that the disruption will ultimately displace them. Concerns over finding the right talent and also making effective investments in technology also cloud the outlook. Rob Hornby, Head of EMEA, AlixPartners and Gabriel Chahine, Middle East AlixPartners Lead speak to host Mustafa Alrawi about how disruption has become a new normal for organisations and companies. In this episode: The disruptive forces in the Mena region (0m 08s) The role of the executives in disruption (5m 03s) Climate change being a part of executive decisions and investing in the right talent (8m 30s) Are we in control of disruption? (14m 54s)   Read more on our website: Economic recovery ‘like no other': IMF, McKinsey, OECD experts tell PCR podcast series PCR podcast: two faces to the recovery in the Middle East and North Africa PCR podcast: how to manage the energy crisis Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

A growing arts scene in the Middle East and North Africa over the past decade has both supported economic diversification and also been a sign of its success. Following the Covid-19 pandemic and amid concerns about the outlook for the region, can arts and culture maintain its momentum? Dr Ridha Moumni, Christie's Middle East deputy chairman, talks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the auction house's role in growing the sector in the region and beyond. In this episode: The influence of arts and culture in the Mena business and commercial landscape (0m 10s) How the pandemic changed the art industry (3m 13s) The outlook for Arab and Middle Eastern contemporary art (6m 41s) Why does Mena art matter? (10m 42s) The art of collecting art (13m 12s)   Read more on our website: NFTs and how Sotheby's is courting a new generation: Business Extra Christie's Dubai opens its Contemporary Middle Eastern Art show with masterpieces on view Biggest auction sales of 2021: from Beeple's NFT record to the Macklowe Collection Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

The National's London Bureau Chief Damien McElroy explains why the crisis has come about and discusses which direction the country might head next under such pressure, with host Mustafa Alrawi, including the possibility of a radical shake up of the social contract. In this episode: The cost of living and the energy crisis in the UK (0m 15s) The 'Brexit discount' and UK's readjustment (6m 58s) Is politics a solution? (9m 22s) UK government's help for individual and businesses (15m 01s) Knock on effect of the energy crisis (17m 48s)   Read more on our website: Britain's energy crisis explained as cost of living woes await new PM Liz Truss 'favours targeted support' to ease UK's cost of living crisis A quarter of UK parents with school-age children do not plan to use heating this winter Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

More than 3,000 workers at 70 companies in the UK began a six-month trial of a four-day working week in June. Researchers will work with each organisation to measure the effects on productivity and the well-being of its workers, and on the environment and gender equality. The trend toward new patterns of work has accelerated following the Covid-19 pandemic. Charlotte Lockhart and Andrew Barnes, from non-profit 4 Day Week Global, talk to hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner about how they are building a community to research four day work week practices and identify the future of work. In this episode: Will the 4 day work week be a reality? (0m 13s) Measuring performance and adapting to the change (3m 52s) Bringing all the sectors together (6m 53s) Handling bad management, the 'grind' culture and the great resignation (11m 53s) Will the trend last or will we revert back? (15m 58s)   Read more on our website: Companies could save $206bn by adopting remote working and ease inflation pressures Will the world follow the UAE's modernised working week? Belgian workers can ask for four-day week in first for Europe Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Automation and robotics are becoming mainstream and have emerged from beyond heavy industry in recent years. They can be found across sectors such as health care, tourism, retail, F&B and mobility. Investment and research into the field has also picked up including here in the UAE where Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, or MBZUAI, is supporting local ambitions. Robots were also on hand to help visitors at Expo 2020 Dubai. Prof Takeo Kanade of Carnegie Mellon University talks to hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner about how advances in robotics are changing the way we live and work. In this episode: The difference between AI, machine learning and robotics (0m 16s) The hurdles of applying autonomous transport in the real world (3m 31s) The opportunities for business leaders in robotics and AI (12m 16s) The future of robotics and large scale adoption (14m 59s)   Read more on our website: Will staff shortages bring about the rise of the robots?: Business Extra Abu Dhabi to open AI research centre to drive high-tech innovation Can robots care? A conversation with the World Economic Forum's head of AI: Business Extra Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

The Global Gender Gap Report 2022 — released by the World Economic Forum last month — said countries will take another 132 years, compared to 136 in 2021, to close the gap between men and women in the workforce. In Mena, this figure stands at 115 years. Overall, the gap has widened compared to before the pandemic and the lack of equity for women, particularly in management roles, has become a crisis. With the challenges facing business such as climate change, inflation and technological shifts, diversity of leadership as well as staff, will build resilience to cope with such an unprecedented era of change. And the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a long-term global trend of more women founding their own businesses, according to the professional social networking site LinkedIn. Sue Duke, vice president of global public policy and economic graph at LinkedIn, which provides insights and data to research including the Forum's report, talks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the risks and opportunities involved in closing the gender gap. In this episode: LinkedIn's perspective on the gender gap (0m 09s) The best practice for closing the gender gap (4m 49s) Reimagining work to achieve equity (11m 36s) The benefits from closing the gap (15m 13s)   Read more on our website: Bucking Covid-19 trend, Saudi women take job market by storm: Business Extra Gender equality should be a truly universal aspiration Gender equality is critical to UAE's global competitiveness, economy minister says Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

A number of countries across the Gulf and Middle East and North Africa, including the UAE, are stepping up investments in companies and initiatives that develop local food supply chains. Dana, which supports desert-tech and agri-tech startups with at least one woman founder, has agreed a deal with Masdar City to set up an R&D beta facility in Abu Dhabi. Chief Executive of Dana, Zada Haj, talks to co-hosts Kelsey Warner and Mustafa Alrawi about the importance of building up the sector amid growing concerns about food security in the Mena region amid climate change, conflict in Ukraine and Covid-disrupted supply chains. In this episode: Dana's role in food security and women-led startups (0m 16s) The birth of Dana and its mission in the region (7m 37s) Adapting for the different markets of the Mena region (16m 19s) Making investors look at the bigger picture (22m 12s)   Read more on our website: Masdar City and investment platform Dana sign pact to advance food security in UAE Can the UAE's agritech plans help meet the global food challenge? UAE to invest $2 billion in Indian 'food parks' and explore clean energy projects Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

The promise of the Metaverse and Web 3.0 technologies has been quantified in the UAE through the Dubai government's strategy to create 40,000 jobs and add $4 billion to the emirate's economy in the next five years from the digital transformation. Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO and Chief Operations Officer at Dubai Future Foundation, talks to host Mustafa Alrawi about the opportunities and the road ahead as the country embraces the new immersive era of the internet. In this episode: Dubai's ambitions in the metaverse (0m 11s) Getting the basics right and setting up regulations (3m 48s) Looking at the bigger picture (8m 52s) Dubai Future Foundation's role in shaping the future (11m 38s)   Read more on our website: Will the metaverse live up to the hype? Dubai to host its first metaverse industry event in September Metaverse market to reach $5tn by 2030, McKinsey finds Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Careem became the Middle East's first unicorn, a start-up with a valuation of at least $1 billion, in 2016 and three years later was bought by Uber for $3.1bn. The deal allowed the company to continue to operate independently, and today, its co-founder and chief executive Mudassir Sheikha says it was only the beginning: he plans to stay with Careem as it reaches for 'decacorn' status — a company valued at $10bn. As Careem celebrates its 10-year anniversary this week, Mr Sheikha is seeking new funding, hires and acquisitions as he leads the expansion of a super app, going into services beyond ride-hailing to include food and grocery delivery, financial services and new partner services including car rental and home cleaning. He joins co-hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner this week to reflect on the past decade and talk about what is still to come. In this episode: Careem after a decade (0m 13s) Growth with Careem's super app(3m 44s) User growth v profitability (9m 15s) The lessons learnt (14m 42s) Emerging markets, entrepreneurial trends and what's next for Careem (19m 45s)   Read more on our website: Dubai's Careem acquires money transfer platform Denarii in FinTech push Careem acquires UAE food delivery platform Munch:On Careem rental bike fleet to double in size as Dubai embraces cycling Uber agrees to buy Careem for $3.1 billion in biggest ever tech deal for region Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean  

Delays, cancellations, lost luggage and labour shortages. These are but some of the issues facing airlines in Europe and the US as the summer travel season picks up pace.   Aviation correspondent Deena Kamel joins co-hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner this week. They discuss how Gulf carriers like Etihad and Emirates managed to avert the travel chaos burdening the industry, what effect surging demand is having on airfares and balance sheets, and the outlook for aviation through to the end of the year.   Read more: Abu Dhabi airport well-staffed to meet summer travel rush despite global labour crunch BA to 'cancel 800 flights for more than 100,000 holidaymakers' Paris airport staff call off strikes but travellers face more cancelled flights chaos Emirates proceeding with summer schedule despite travel disruption in some markets   Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Sharia-compliant insurers Dar Al Takaful and Watania, on Tuesday, completed their merger to create the UAE's largest insurance provider after securing the approval of regulatory authorities and shareholders of the two companies.   Gautam Datta, chief executive of Dar Al Takaful talks to hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner about the merger and how it happened. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities for the sector after the Covid-19 pandemic and amid inflationary pressures.   In this episode:  The difference between Islamic insurance and conventional insurance (54s) The merger (2m 56s) Focus on the future (6m 46s) How the pandemic affected insurance claims (8m 58s) Global instability and the new normal (12m 27s) Plans on expansion (15m 26s)   Read more: Oman Insurance acquires Generali's UAE life insurance portfolio UAE Central Bank imposes sanctions on insurer for not meeting regulatory requirements Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Oil prices inched higher this week as big producers hinted at capacity limits and an effort to cap Russian oil prices by western governments began. Meanwhile, the global economy is “teetering on the brink of recession”, according to the International Institute of Finance, as the war in Ukraine, the continuing Covid-19 lockdowns in China and a hawkish US Federal Reserve weigh on activity.   In an action-packed week in which the G7 summit is concluding while Opec+ prepares to meet and US President Joe Biden makes his way to Saudi Arabia, what impact will these events have on the outlook for 2022?   Joining hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner, Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, explains how long he expects high oil prices to last and the forces most likely to affect energy markets this year. He also discusses the impact on the green transition and commodities prices amid a current food crisis.   In this episode:   The market right now (1m 2s) Durability against recession (3m 40s) Could there be a drop in demand? (7m 19s) Would G7 cap prices? (9m 56s) Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia (11m 44s) The gas market (14m 28s) Outlook for the rest of 2022 (17m 8s)   Read more on our website: Oil prices surge on tight supply but recession fears loom Uber and Lyft drivers opt for Teslas amid rising petrol prices Energy minister: UAE producing close to maximum oil capacity based on Opec+ baseline Energy demand and carbon emissions bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, BP report finds Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Electric car sales have surged this year after breaking a record last year, according to a report by the International Energy Agency. The transport sector's electrification is a fast-growing trend amid the global push to net zero carbon emissions. However, for EVs, rising prices of critical minerals required for battery manufacturing and supply chain disruptions, present obstacles to meeting these ambitions. Orral Nadjari, chief executive and founder of Glencore-backed battery maker Britishvolt, discussed the risks and opportunities the industry is currently facing, with hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner. In this episode: The reality of supply and demand of EVs (0m 13s) Challenges of producing an EV (4m 49s) Environmental concerns around battery production (7m 57s) Local production and the impact of accelerated demand (13m 45s)   Read more on our website: Half of all UAE residents consider switching to electric vehicles, survey finds Electric car maker Lucid raises prices of most models by up to 13% US to spend more than $3bn on electric vehicle battery manufacturing, White House says Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Recent data shows strong business activity growth in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This is expected amid pandemic recovery and higher oil prices, according to Khatija Haque, chief economist and head of research at Emirates NBD. But global market forces are also at play. She joins co-hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner this week, sharing her outlook on how GCC economies will fair against rising inflation and global recession fears — and why growth is still possible even in this environment. In this episode: The economic outlook (0m 14s) Is it a seperate story in the Gulf? (2m 37s) Inflation in the GCC (4m 39s) The outlook in growth of the non-oil sector (10m 45s)   Read more on our website: Solid growth on the cards for the UAE despite accelerating inflation Opec maintains 2022 demand outlook but says Ukraine conflict and pandemic pose a risk Mohamed El Erian: US inflation could reach 9% and lead to a recession Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean