Podcasts about north africa mena

Highlights – The SEC Sydney conference Brilliant to see a full house standing room only for Minister Bowen's talk. Great to have >8000 attendees to the wider trade hall and >100 speakers over two days in up to 8 theatres concurrently. So many people pulling in the right direction, reinvigorating. Highlights – Fuel Tax Credit reform Whilst the Albanese government has ruled out FTC reform in next TUES budget, it is still a campaign CEF and our allies are working extensively on, maybe for MYEFO Dec'2026. Brilliant to see Twiggy, Chair of FMG, give a SEC keynote speech, and more than half of it was on the need for FTC reform starting in the mining sector. FMG is busy funding an ad campaign to elevate the topic and inform voters. Twiggy's slide deck was mostly leveraging my CEF colleague Matt Pollard's number crunching and work. Highlights – The Cheaper Home Batteries Program and Accelerating capital deployments Almost every presenter at the SEC conference talked about the brilliant milestone of >10GWh combined across 380,000 new home battery installs in just 10 months. April 2026 was a record high, showing how much capital and skills can be deployed at speed and scale when the policy / economics are aligned. Treasurer Chalmers has allocated $7.2bn for the home battery scheme, and to-date $3.3bn has been deployed, including a $1bn in the month of April. Nothing like a single program in a single month deploying $1bn to kick up the momentum. CEF & Greenhouse are tracking budget and capital deployments in cleantech, decarbonisation, electrification and green metal value-add exports and since the start of 2023, an additional $90bn has been put on the table - $82bn federally and $8bn collectively from the states. This $8bn was bumped up nicely last week with the WA Government putting a $1.4bn Clean Energy Fund into the WA State Budget. We have tracked in CY2025 deployments of some $15bn, and in the first 4 months of 2026, we have tracked another $6bn (an $18bn run-rate). CCF and ARIA had been running campaigns to push the governments to accelerate the speed and scale of capital deployments, and we are seeing progress. From 1 July 2026 the new $5bn Net Zero Fund opens its doors, so there is capacity building. But good to see momentum improving. Highlights – More RE share => lower energy prices AEMO QED report highlighted RE share in 1QCY2026 was 46%, after the record high 50% share seen in 4QCY2025. So we are making progress. We also saw reports the installed utility scale BESS capacity will treble in the next 1-2 years, making grid reliability better, and now batteries are the #1 price setting technology in the NEM, diluting the power of gas peakers in setting high prices at times of high demand. BESS => deflation And also worth thinking about the contrast of 2026 vs 2022: in 2026, petrol prices are up 50% vs the start of this year, but domestic gas prices are down 20% vs the start of this year, and electricity prices are down 12% as well. Last time we had a fossil fuel industry war back in 2022 when Putin invaded Ukraine, petrol prices doubled, gas prices doubled and electricity prices trebled. Chalk and Cheese. The gas cartel is in check in 2026, and RE shares are much higher, giving proof to the fossil fuel vested interests lie that RE => higher energy prices. The opposite, we now understand fossil fuel prices are hyper inflationary. And energy independence is a new key theme to add in support of electrification and decarbonisation. We will win this fight, we just need to go twice as fast. Lowlights The Albanese government has ruled out a 25% LNG export levy, very disappointing. The government has made "now is not the time" their mantra to show a lack of political will, using the excuse their #1 priority is to secure oil imports for Australia and they don't have the capacity to do two things at once. Very poor form, but we can never under-estimate the power of the incumbent fossil fuel industry, their lobbyists and their corrupting donations. We did secure an East Coast Gas reservation of 20% of production from 1 July 2027. Good and bad, it helps reduce energy cost inflation for sure, but it also means the hurdle for electrification and decarbonisation is harder, given methane is cheaper. Main Story – Our Clean Energy Finance Report: Green Metal Statecraft: Policy, Investment and Technology Trends in the Green Iron Evolution https://climateenergyfinance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CEF_Green-Metal-Statecraft_-Policy-Investment-and-Technology-Trends-in-the-Green-Iron-Evolution.pdf The decarbonisation and electrification of the global iron and steel industry is undergoing a structural recalibration, shifting from a period of speculative optimism on the now deflated hype regarding the rapid deployment of GH2, and into a slower decarbonisation trajectory. This report provides qualitative update of the investment, technology and enabling policy trends that will underpin the transformation of the iron and steel value chain. In aggregate the global sector is advancing unevenly, haltingly, sporadically and at a pace that remains deeply misaligned with the speed and breadth of decarbonisation of the sector – which contributes 7-9% of global emissions – demanded by the climate science. For every step forward on an individual project or market-level, the broader investment pipeline showcases an equivalent case study of project delay, cancellation, and restructure in the face of unresolved structural headwinds. Despite tens of billions in state aid, a strengthening carbon pricing mechanism, and supply-side and demand-side market forming mechanisms in the EU, the European investment pipeline has undergone a significant contraction in recent years. The investment trends, or lack thereof, of proposals progressing towards FID in Europe are indicative of structural headwinds. European electricity prices, even prior to the last two energy crises, remain 2-3x that of the US and domestic methane gas costs are 5x that of the US, and a similar order of magnitude higher than the rapidly emerging competing iron reduction region of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). There remains a clear bankability gap for near-zero carbon routes for iron and steel production. Across both the EU and China, deep decarbonisation means a structural shift away from coal-based production pathways in blast furnaces (BF) and basic oxygen furnaces (BOF). High upfront capital cost intensities, exposure to higher operating costs in electricity and renewable hydrogen – notwithstanding strong public capital support, decarbonising mature lower-emission pathways in hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) and EAF smelting face major bankability gaps. Despite the US war on Iran, the MENA region is emerging as a strategically important DRI production corridor, with significant methane-based DRI capacity operational, and the largest development pipeline of new gas-based capacity. MENA's competitive advantages in lower-emissions iron and steel production extend further into near-zero emissions manufacturing with some of the world's best renewable energy resources, low costs of capital and less stringent regulations and approvals processes than the EU. MENA's geographic proximity to Europe, existing DRI infrastructure, and access to competitive renewable energy position the region as the most credible near-term supplier of lower-emission primary iron to Europe's growing need for decarbonised iron and steel. At the current pace of decarbonisation, demand for DRI is expected to grow by 50% over the coming decade to reach 224Mtpa by 2035. The day we released our report, the US saw a FOAK 1.9Mtpa hot DRI plant reach FID at US Steel, co-located with 4 EAFs. This US$1.9bn investment is despite Trump's anti-decarbonisation agenda, the economics simply work. A big step forward, even in the US Globally, we have a long way to go. It is a race, and Australia needs to get into the race. Australia is half the worlds iron ore exports, whilst China is half the world's steel production. So there is a massive opportunity for the two biggest countries globally in the steel supply chain to work constructively together. But if we don't want to work with China, they will take their capital and capacities elsewhere. What's coming up? 12 May 2026 we have the Federal 2026 budget 27/28 May 2026 CEF will be attending the Hunter New Energy Symposium in Newcastle to talk about the progress in the Hunter Valley on practical advances in the energy transition as it is occurring there.

In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart speaks with Bard College Professor Ziad Abu-Rish about the roots of Israel's aggression against Lebanon. They discuss why Israel has been attacking Lebanon since 1948, why Hezbollah continues to fight Israel, and why the Lebanese military can't disarm Hezbollah. They draw upon this article that Ziad recently published in The Public Source, “Sovereignty Without Defense: The Army, the State, and Hezbollah's Weapons." Peter Beinart is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Foundation for Middle East Peace. He is also a Professor of Journalism and Political Science at the City University of New York, a Contributing opinion writer at the New York Times, an Editor-at-Large at Jewish Currents, and an MSNOW Political Commentator. His newest book (published 2025) is Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning. He publishes regularly on https://peterbeinart.substack.com/. Ziad Abu-Rish is Associate Professor of Human Rights and Middle Eastern Studies and Director, MA Program in Human Rights and the Arts at Bard College. He is a scholar of the modern Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. His research centers around state formation, economic development, and popular mobilizations, particularly in Lebanon and Jordan. His teaching experience includes undergraduate and graduate courses in human rights; comparative state formation; various themes in Middle East studies; and research methodologies. Abu-Rish is the author of The State of Lebanon: Popular Politics and Institution Building in the Wake of Independence (Stanford University Press, 2026). He co-created (with artist Tania El Khoury) The Search for Power, a touring lecture performance and sound installation exploring the history of electricity in Beirut. Abu-Rish is also coeditor of The Dawn of the Arab Uprisings: End of an Old Order? (2012) and Critical Voices: A Collection of Interviews from and on the Middle East (2015). Abu-Rish has also authored several articles appearing in Middle East Report and Review of Middle East Studies and chapters in edited volumes on the political economy of the Middle East, the Arab uprisings, and teaching Middle East history. Abu-Rish also serves as coeditor of Arab Studies Journal and Jadaliyya e-zine, and codirector of the Lebanese Dissertation Summer Institute. Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.

In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart speaks with Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA. They discuss the role of UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) in the lives of Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon and especially in the West Bank and Gaza. UNRWA has 12,000 staff on the ground in Gaza now and continues to offer essential humanitarian support as well as schooling, despite attacks from Israel, which has destroyed more than 90% of UNRWA schools, refused to allow UNRWA-designated aid into Gaza and refuses to permit international UNRWA staff from entering Gaza and the West Bank, and the challenge of lost funding from many funder states including the United States. Peter and Mara discuss the content and success of UNRWA schooling, including addressing the accusations of antisemitism in UNRWA curricula, as well as the unsubstantiated allegations that some UNRWA staff participated in the October 7th, 2023 attacks inside of Israel. Finally, they discuss the enormous growth in funding support for UNRWA via UNRWA USA, which has sent $83 million dollars of raised funds to Gaza over the past 2.5 years. For more on UNRWA and UNRWA USA, see Israel has crushed Unrwa in Gaza – and the rest of the world has done nothing by Phillipe Lazzarini in The Guardian 3/21/26 and UNRWA is Still In Gaza by Mara Kronenfeld in December 2025 in the Washington Post (an UNRWA USA ad and op-ed).  Mara Kronenfeld is the Executive Director of UNRWA USA, where she leads the strategic vision, operations, and fundraising efforts of the nonprofit organization that supports the humanitarian and human development work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Middle East. With over 20 years of experience in international development, Mara is a Fulbright Scholar and an expert in designing, implementing, and leading public private partnerships supporting youth development programming in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Peter Beinart is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Foundation for Middle East Peace. He is also a Professor of Journalism and Political Science at the City University of New York, a Contributing opinion writer at the New York Times, an Editor-at-Large at Jewish Currents, and an MSNOW Political Commentator. His newest book (published 2025) is Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning. He publishes regularly on https://peterbeinart.substack.com/. Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.

Zak Mir talks to Howard White, Chairman Hydrogen Utopia, in the wake of a report in the Financial Times, regarding airlines scrambling to source aviation fuel.Hydrogen Utopia and the “all bases are loaded” case for sustainable aviation fuel Airlines do not just worry about fares and demand. They worry about fuel. And when geopolitical tensions flare up, contingency planning starts quickly, including new approaches to aviation fuel supply.That is the context Howard White, Chairman of Hydrogen Utopia, uses to frame today's opportunity: rather than treating sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a niche ideal, he argues it should be treated as a practical, supply-secure alternative that can withstand disruption.Why airline fuel shortages matter more than you thinkRecent reporting has highlighted how airlines can be hit hard by fuel shortages and price shocks tied to geopolitical events. The headlines are blunt: airlines draw up contingency plans when jet fuel supply becomes uncertain, and disruptions can translate into very large financial impacts.The underlying lesson is simple. When supply chains rely too heavily on a narrow set of locations and traditional production routes, the entire system becomes more fragile. In that environment, “strategy” is not a slogan. It is a risk management requirement.The SAF problem: “great idea,” but can it compete on price and supply?White's view is that many conversations about SAF stall at a single question: can it reach parity with the price of conventional jet fuel?He references a point made by a head of a major airline in discussions prior to the current crisis: SAF is welcome, but it needs to “get to par” with jet A1 pricing.White positions Hydrogen Utopia's approach as a direct response to that pricing pressure. He describes a SAF cost around $200 versus jet A1 at roughly $175 at the time of his comments, suggesting the “parity” goal is closer than many assume.“All bases are loaded”: a contra perspective on where Hydrogen Utopia is positionedWhite describes the market as myopic. In his framing, people see Saudi Arabia and immediately assume that everything becomes risky. His counterpoint is that the region is unlikely to disappear, and the strategic need for resilient fuel supply and internal investment only increases under stress.He also reframes the location question. Traditional SAF pathways often require facilities and supply chains that are vulnerable to targeted disruptions. He argues Hydrogen Utopia's model is more flexible because it is modular and can be deployed in safer jurisdictions.Waste plastic as a feedstock: solving two problems at onceOne of the most compelling parts of the argument is feedstock availability. White's case rests on the idea that the company does not rely on a natural resource supply chain like oil or gas.Instead, he points to mixed waste plastic, including unrecyclable plastic, as a “ubiquitous” input across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In other words: if waste plastic exists everywhere (because it is produced everywhere and often not properly managed), then production can follow demand without being trapped in one geopolitical footprint.He adds a blunt economic twist: in most countries, authorities may even pay for solutions that remove plastic waste. Hydrogen Utopia, he says, is “not going to be paying for the plastic.” That can convert waste management into a supportive revenue stream rather than a cost centre.Hydrogen at $2 a kilo: opening doors beyond SAFSAF is the headline, but White argues the technology unlocks additional markets by producing hydrogen internally at a very low stated cost: $2 per kilo.He ties this to more than one downstream opportunity: SAF production from low-carbon hydrogen pathways, aiming for a competitive price versus current methods. Urea (a major fertiliser), which White notes depends on hydrogen generated via steam methane reforming in conventional setups. He also gives a real-world example of supply pressure: Brazil being extremely short of urea due to logistics constraints. In his logic, if hydrogen is competitive, then fertiliser production becomes more scalable and less tied to the same geopolitical vulnerabilities.Why the timing could be faster than investors expectIn technology markets, delays kill momentum. White pushes back on the typical “wait 2 or 3 years” expectation for development milestones.He highlights a proposed $800 million project being evaluated for funding and moving toward FID (Final Investment Decision), with Saudi Arabia timelines suggesting movement within up to 15 months.He also references the creation of a Saudi Arabia subsidiary, which he says can be used as a base for funding and execution in the region. The implication is that the company is not just discussing future potential. It is building the administrative and commercial pathway to scale.Regulatory and commercial momentum: more than one country is lookingWhite points to ongoing engagement across the GCC during the Ramadan period, describing the process as active rather than slow.He mentions discussions and communications involving countries including: Saudi Arabia Oman United Arab Emirates Kuwait He also notes that one UAE-based company that deploys technologies across the region has begun due diligence to assess whether it should take a major involvement in SAF and other opportunities within the GCC.What partnerships and monetisation could look likeThe next stage, according to White, is not technology validation. It is monetisation: turning interest into financing, contracting, and commercial delivery.He frames the “game” as one where money becomes available once projects are sufficiently underwritten and funded, and he indicates that this is the direction of travel after a period of embedded regional work and corporate validation through public announcements.The bottom line: diversification that is strategic, scalable, and disruption-resistantWhite's core thesis is that the current climate is reinforcing a shift in thinking: Airlines and fuel markets need reliability under geopolitical pressure. SAF should not only be sustainable, but also commercially viable. Technology that can use waste plastic as feedstock offers supply flexibility because it is not a natural resource concentrated in one geography. Lower-cost hydrogen (as described) can extend the impact beyond aviation into fertiliser and other hydrogen-linked industries. In his closing sentiment, White suggests that the situation does not reduce opportunity. It increases it. One catalyst event, he implies, could accelerate the next phase of funding and momentum.For investors watching sustainable fuels, the question becomes less “is SAF needed?” and more “who can deliver it at scale, in the right places, with resilient supply and credible economics?” Hydrogen Utopia's pitch is essentially that it has a modular route to get there. 

“The U.S. went to war in Iran because Iran made itself a Chinese weapon,” argues policy analyst Zineb Riboua, a research fellow at Hudson Institute's Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East.Riboua is the founder of the “China in MENA Project,” which tracks communist Chinese expansion and influence across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).Is there a bigger dimension to the Iran war that people are missing?“We have this tendency to just look at the countries involved ... but there's a big player, and the big player here is China,” she says. “China has been investing immensely in the region in the last two decades, in courting, in coordinating, in cooperating with Gulf countries, with Iran itself, and also with its proxies.”And why, I ask her, has China been so keen on gaining strategic influence over the Middle East?It's because the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) understands that “China cannot rise without having the United States weakened in one of the most important regions in the world,” she said.“Iran has been that tool. China has built Iran's military arsenal. It has collaborated extensively with Iran's proxies, especially the Houthis.“And reversing that calculus is what Operation Epic Fury is doing.”In our interview, we delve deep into the symbiotic relationship between the two countries—why China needs Iran and why Iran needs China:Which role does Iran play on China's geopolitical chessboard?Why did China turn Iran into one of its strategic allies, and how did the Islamic Republic benefit?How dependent is the Iranian regime on China's military support and surveillance infrastructure?How dependent is China on Iran's oil?The goal of America's military operation, Riboua believes, is to dismantle the whole structure of the Islamic Republic. “The United States is destroying ... every single launcher, every single missile facility. Their whole Navy has been absolutely crushed. ... It's 2,000 targets so far, and they're hitting even more.”We also discuss what the Chinese regime will do if the Islamic Republic disappears.How will its geopolitical strategy be impacted? What will happen to the CCP's Belt and Road initiative, in which Iran played a central role? And how will China's economy and its relationships with its Middle Eastern and North African proxies be affected?Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

France's administrative court has thrown out a lawsuit launched by Montreal's Lawee family, who allege the French embassy in Baghdad has been occupying their family's ancestral home, rent-free, for more than fifty years. The Paris-based body ruled against the Jewish family on Feb. 2. in a printed decision, after an in-person hearing last month, The court said it's denying the Canadian family's case because France has immunity for acts done on foreign soil–and because the old lease was signed in the 1960s in the city of Baghdad, so local Iraqi laws apply. The case has garnered international headlines because it involves a much wider story: the historic injustice done to nearly a million Jews from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) who were forced to flee their regimes' growing anti-Israel sentiment after 1948. They were stripped of their citizenship and their assets were seized. The CJN's flagship podcast "North Star" has been following the story since last year, and on today's episode, host Ellin Bessner sits down with Philip Khazzam, the Montreal businessman on a mission to seek justice for what happened to his grandfather's beloved mansion. Related stories Read the French administrative court's Feb. 2 decision in The CJN. Learn why Philip Khazzam launched his $30 million legal challenge against France for unpaid rent and damages last year, in The CJN . Hear the survival stories of Canadians of Iraqi descent who survived the “Fraud” pogrom against Baghdad Jews in 1941, in The CJN. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner ) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer), Alicia Richler (editorial director) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here ) Watch our podcasts on YouTube.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region sits at the heart of the world's energy system, home to many of the top oil and gas producers. Yet it also one of the most climate-vulnerable regions, with huge renewable energy potential.In this episode, James and Daisy discuss the region's climate challenges. How is MENA impacted by climate change? Is the region serious about the energy transition? What were the key takeaways from Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS: Masdar – A fast-growing renewable energy company owned by three UAE energy companies (ADNOC, Mubadala Investment Company, and TAQA) with projects in 40+ countries across six continents with a combined capacity of more than 65GW. COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber chairs Masdar while also leading ADNOC. Masdar is building the world's largest solar-plus battery project, that will run 24 hours a day, displacing 5.7 million tons of CO2 annually – equivalent to planting 100 million trees and covering 90 square kilometres, roughly the size of Copenhagen.Zayed Sustainability Prize – The UAE's global award that recognises SMEs, nonprofits, and schools with impactful sustainable solutions. This year's Energy winner was Switzerland's BASE Foundation with its cooling-as-a-service solution. Ignite Energy Access, a UAE-based climate-tech company scaling sustainable infrastructure solutions across Africa won the Energy Innovation category at COP28.OTHER ADVOCATES AND RESOURCES:Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) – One of the world's largest sustainability gatherings, hosted by Masdar. Our World in Data – A graph of oil production by region shows that roughly one third comes from the Middle East. Ember (2025)– In 2023, 7% of the Middle East's electricity was generated from clean sources, below the global average of 39%. Saudi Arabia aims for 50% renewable electricity by 2030.IEA (2025) – In 2024, MENA supplied over 30% of the world's oil and nearly 20% of its natural gas. Between 2000 and 2024, electricity demand tripled – making the MENA region the third-largest contributor to global electricity demand growth after China and India. Average temperatures in MENA are rising at more than twice the global rate, and summer temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C.Financial Times (2025) – How plans for the utopian city of Neom have unravelled.  BloombergNEF (2025) – Michael Liebreich makes the case for a pragmatic climate reset.Cleaning Up (2025) – Liebreich in conversation with Lord Browne, former CEO of BP.Breakneck by Dan Wang (2025) – Shows how the cost of one US nuclear plant equals roughly 11 in China. Cleaning Up (2025) – A visual showing how much energy Egypt can buy for $1m, comparing oil, LNG, solar, wind, and nuclear.SOME FACTS:Investopedia: The MENA region includes Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, and Yemen.IEA – MENA holds five of the world's top 10 oil producers (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Kuwait) and three of the top 20 gas producers. Nearly 95% of electricity generated in the Middle East comes from natural gas and oil – the highest share in the world. World Bank (2025) – MENA holds more than half of the world's oil reserves and 40% of gas reserves.World Bank (2022) – MENA's GHG footprint is 8.7% of global emissions. MENA is the world's most water scarce region with 60% of people living in high or extremely high water stressed areas. MENA receives 22-26% of all solar energy striking the earth and its solar potential per square kilometre is equivalent to energy produced by 1-2 million barrels of oil annually and could meet at least 50% of global electricity demand. 75% of MENA has average wind speeds that exceed the minimum threshold for utility-scale wind farms.Earth.Org (2025) – Saudi Aramco accounts for 4.38% of global CO2 emissions.  The Guardian (2025) – Saudi Arabia spent more on fossil fuel subsidies than it did on its national health budget in 2023.NY Times (2025) – Over the past year, EVs accounted for 76% of all passenger vehicles sold in Nepal.WRI (2025) – In 2024, EVs made up 92% of passenger vehicle sales in Norway. Thank you for listening! Please follow us on social media to join the conversation: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTokYou can also now watch us on YouTube.Music: “Just Because Some Bad Wind Blows” by Nick Nuttall, Reptiphon Records. Available at https://nicknuttallmusic.bandcamp.com/album/just-because-some-bad-wind-blows-3Huge thanks to Siobhán Foster, a vital member of the team offering design advice, critical review and organisation that we depend upon....

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens talks with Joshua Vennetti, animator of Saul of Tarsus Film (www.sauloftarusfilm.com), about how animation can powerfully serve the church and ministry. Joshua shares how his passion for stop-motion videos, sparked by a gift from his parents of LEGO at age 13, evolved into a creative tool for sharing biblical truth in fresh, engaging ways. Discover how animation captures attention, communicates complex ideas, and connects with younger audiences in today's digital world. This conversation inspires ministry leaders to embrace creativity and see how God can use art, motion, and imagination to reach hearts with the gospel. Have you seen animation or visual storytelling used effectively in your church or ministry? How do you think animation could help your church connect better with younger audiences? Why or why not? If you could animate one Bible story, which would it be and why? A previous podcast episode: ----more---- Music, Marriage, Media, and Ministry: A Story of Faithful Impact with Rawad and Marianne Daou EP#194 Rawad and Marianne Daou, a dynamic couple serving with SAT-7 ARABIC in Beirut, Lebanon. Marianne, a longtime media presence and the Viewer Support Manager, shares how her early start as a child TV presenter eventually led her to minister to couples and families through media. Rawad, a veteran TV director with 25 years of experience, offers insight into the creative and spiritual impact of SAT-7's broadcasts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

We're joined by Hassan Haider, founder and managing partner at Plus VC, one of the most active early-stage VCs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with nearly 100 investments since 2020 and the #1 ranked venture investor in the region (according to Forbes). From pre-seed investing across MENA to the evolution of regional stock markets and secondary exits, Hassan brings a front-row view of how the region's startup ecosystem has transformed—and where it's headed next. As a pioneer of early angel networks and a long-time ecosystem builder in Bahrain, he breaks down what's working, what's not, and what founders need to thrive in MENA's rapidly maturing tech scene. We dive into: -Why MENA is one of the best startup investment opportunities globally -What differentiates successful founders in the region  -Why regional VCs avoid multi-stage plays and focus early -How to navigate regulatory setups, capital scarcity, and cross-border expansion -Exits in MENA: From secondaries to IPOs on the Saudi Exchange -What the rise of AI, crypto, and sovereign capital means for the region's future Key Takeaways from the Episode: 1.⁠ ⁠MENA's Startup Ecosystem Has Reached an Inflection Point: Governments, corporates, and investors are now actively building a robust tech infrastructure. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are emerging as regional tech hubs with improving regulatory support and liquidity pathways. 2.⁠ ⁠Execution > Pedigree: In a region where signals like elite universities don't always apply, Plus VC backs founders who get things done. The strongest predictor of success is a “bias towards execution,” not resumes. 3.⁠ ⁠Valuations Are Low, Returns Are High: While the total VC capital is still small compared to the West (~$3B across all of MENA), early-stage funds in the region are consistently outperforming global medians, with many aiming for 3–5x returns. 4.⁠ ⁠Secondary Exits Are Thriving: Unlike the US, where secondaries are restricted, MENA has an active secondary market. Later-stage investors often buy out seed investors, allowing early funds to lock in strong multiples well before IPO. 5.⁠ ⁠IPOs on Local Exchanges Are Growing: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now viable IPO markets for startups, often offering better liquidity and valuation premiums than NASDAQ. Companies are lining up for public listings across the region. 6.⁠ ⁠Startups Are Expanding Globally: From food delivery startups like Kcal (Kcal Extra) to SaaS players like Gameball and Appetito, MENA-born companies are increasingly going global, not just serving the region. 7.⁠ ⁠Not Just Copycats: While some startups are local versions of global models, many others are building unique products tailored for MENA or solving global problems from within the region. 8.⁠ ⁠AI & Crypto Adoption in MENA is Growing: From Arabic LLMs like DXWand to early investments in Rain (crypto exchange backed by Coinbase), MENA is developing its own innovation layers while leveraging global open-source models. 9.⁠ ⁠Challenges Remain – Especially Capital Availability: Despite sovereign wealth, there's still limited local LP participation in regional funds. Much capital still flows to the US or goes into traditional sectors like real estate. 10.⁠ ⁠What Makes Startups Fail in MENA: The most common reasons? Lack of execution or inability to raise follow-on funding in non-mainstream sectors. Hassan emphasizes: fundraising ≠ success—building a viable business does. Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction to Hassan and Plus VC (01:20) – Pre-seed in MENA vs the West: Why the definitions differ (02:30) – How involved Plus VC is with 100+ portfolio companies (05:25) – What Plus VC looks for in a founder: Execution > pedigree (08:10) – Evolution of the MENA startup ecosystem over 15 years (11:20) – How exits happen: secondaries, IPOs, and growing liquidity (13:45) – Regulatory environment and setting up in the MENA region (18:10) – Are startups just Western clones or globally competitive? (19:20) – Examples of MENA startups going global (Kcal, Gameball, Appetito) (21:00) – Regional expansion and why localization matters (23:00) – Challenges: capital scarcity and early-stage risk in MENA (25:45) – Fund returns in MENA vs Silicon Valley (29:30) – Plus VC's approach to AI startups and LLM integrations (30:15) – Open-source AI models and building Arabic LLMs (32:35) – The role of PIF, G42, and strategic AI trade deals (33:00) – Crypto ecosystem in MENA: Rain, regulation, and adoption (33:30) – 2040 vision: What MENA's startup ecosystem will look like (34:30) – Final advice to MENA founders: focus on value creation, not hype

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Rawad and Marianne Daou, a dynamic couple serving with SAT-7 ARABIC in Beirut, Lebanon. Marianne, a longtime media presence and the Viewer Support Manager, shares how her early start as a child TV presenter eventually led her to minister to couples and families through media. Rawad, a veteran TV director with 25 years of experience, offers insight into the creative and spiritual impact of SAT-7's broadcasts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Together, they reflect on how God has used their musical talents as a powerful tool to communicate the Gospel, especially in children's programming and worship ministries. Their decision to remain in Lebanon, despite the opportunity to leave, reveals their profound commitment to being a voice for the voiceless in the MENA region. The episode also explores the life-changing role of SAT-7's Viewer Support ministry. Marianne describes how her team, spread across four countries, responds to viewers with biblical care, connects them to counselors, and helps guide them into deeper faith through online discipleship and local church connections. With moving testimonies from Syria, Algeria, and beyond, Marianne and Rawad reveal how music, media, and authentic storytelling are transforming lives and multiplying faith across the Arab world. Resources mentioned in podcast: Rawad and Marianne's Apple Music Channel Rawad and Marianne's YouTube Channel Learn more about SAT-7's broadcast ministry

Expanding to the Middle East or North Africa? One legal misstep could cost your entire business.Watch before making your move,  this could save you millions.In this must-watch episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman sits down with Haidy Hazem, senior legal consultant at One World Intellectual Property (OWIP) — one of the most respected IP law firms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).If you're a startup founder, tech innovator, or global brand looking to launch in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or GCC markets, this episode is your IP survival guide.What You'll Learn (And Why It Could Save Your Business):✅ How to avoid the most common IP mistakes in the MENA region✅ First-to-file trademark rules that can make or break your product launch✅ Why IP theft, delays, and rejections are so common — and how to avoid them✅ Cybersquatting, naming conflicts & how to defend your brand online✅ Smart timing strategies for filing patents and trademarks in the region✅ BONUS: How China's Belt & Road Initiative is reshaping IP trends in 2025 and beyond⚠️ Your innovation is only as strong as your IP protection. Learn what not to do before it's too late.Notable Moments:00:00 – Guest Intro 00:50 – What is One World Intellectual Property? 03:36 – Navigating International IP Laws 05:48 – Filing Strategies & Timelines 09:38 – Regional IP Strengths (GCC, Egypt, UAE) 22:22 – IP & Sustainability 25:11 – Cultural Legal Considerations30:31 – Final Thoughts & Next StepsAbout Haidy Hazem & OWIPHaidy Hazem is an Associate and Legal Consultant specializing in trademarks, patents, copyrights, and IP enforcement across the MENA region, including Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and North Africa. She assists companies in developing cross-border IP strategies and navigating regional regulations to facilitate secure international expansion.One World Intellectual Property (OWIP) is a leading intellectual property firm with 40+ years of experience and 19 offices across the Middle East and North Africa. OWIP provides comprehensive IP services, from registration to litigation, serving both local businesses and multinational corporations. Its global partner network ensures seamless worldwide IP protection.Connect with Haidy & OWIP: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haidyhazem95/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneworldip/Website: https://oneworldip.com/Let's ConnectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausGET THE “CONSCIOUS DESIGN” BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BTLEARN MORE ABOUT CONSCIOUS DESIGN HERE: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn your visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? MAKE IT POSSIBLE HERE: https://www.petermanfirm.com/We created this podcast to help creative entrepreneurs like you integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand's DNA through #ConsciousDesign.Ian Peterman, a leading expert in Conscious Design and co-author of the book "Conscious Design," hosts the show and brings you conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world.

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by two IIF colleagues, Garbis Iradian, Chief Economist for the MENA region, and Ivan Burgara, Economist, to give updates on the greater Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and recent developments in oil markets. The discussion begins with a brief summary of recent events in the region before narrowing in on Egypt and how the country looks to bounce back thanks to recent investments, what the implications are of the U.S. tariff policy for MENA and its countries, why oil market prices have dropped as a whole, how the Trump administration aims to both increase production and keep low prices, and much more. This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.

Today we are reminded that God places people in our lives not just to love them—but to stand behind them and serve them with everything we've got. We'll be joined live on stage by Jonathan and Lexi, global workers with LiveGlobal, who are doing incredible Gospel work alongside national partners in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In a special panel conversation with Pastor Sean and Diane Petrie, you'll hear inspiring stories of what God is doing right now in places we often only hear about in the news.You'll discover:• Why the MENA region matters deeply to the heart of God• How you can be part of this mission through prayer, giving, or even going• What it means for Real Life to be a true sending church•This isn't just a sit-and-listen kind of message—it's a call to action for every follower of Jesus. Come hear how God is moving around the world and how you can be part of the story.

Previously Editor-in-Chief for GQ Middle East and currently for Dazed MENA, Ahmed Swaid has had an extensive career in media. He joins us to talk about his multicultural upbringing, from the UK, Syria and Lebanon, to Sierra Leone, and explores how his diverse background helps shape his unique vantage points in the media landscape. We discuss the challenges and insights of working in different media settings, the importance of representing various voices in the region, and Swaid's personal journey in creative industries. With engaging anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, this episode dives into the intricacies of cultural perspectives, identity, and the evolving content game in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 00:00 Introduction00:33 Swaid's Multicultural Background03:58 Early Influences and Pop Culture09:08 Career Beginnings and Media Journey12:02 Content Creation in Different Regions16:53 Challenges in Media and Storytelling24:11 Creativity in the Age of Chaos31:43 Exploring the Meaning of "Dazed" 32:26 Cultural Significance and Global Reach36:10 Casting and Featuring Diverse Talent39:00 Challenges and Strategies in Media Representation45:12 Pop Culture in the Arab World52:56 Rapid Fire QuestionsAhmad Swaid is the founding Editor-in-Chief of Dazed MENA and previously EIC of GQ Middle East. He has led content for Dazed, AnOther Magazine, and Nowness, championing underrepresented voices and regional talent. Raised across London, Beirut, Freetown, and Aleppo, he brings a global perspective to his work, focusing on authentic storytelling from the Middle East and North Africa. He co-founded Creatives for Lebanon to support artists after the 2020 Beirut explosion and mentors young designers through the QASIMI RISING Talent Incubator. Connect with Swaid

Jassem "J" Osseiran is an experienced entrepreneur and operational investor based in London. With a deep understanding of global finance gained through his Economics degree at the University of San Francisco, Jay began his career as a tech venture builder with Rocket Internet in New York. He then shifted his focus to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), managing media portfolios and founding startups tailored to the region. A sought-after advisor for high-growth brands and cutting-edge technology platforms, Jay has orchestrated multiple successful exits, including a notable IPO on the London Stock Exchange. In 2020, he founded 611 Capital Investments, concentrating on investments, incubation, and market scalability across the EU, the Middle East, and Asia. Currently, Jay is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of PlaysOut Technologies, where he is spearheading the commercial framework for seamlessly integrating mini-games within super apps. This initiative represents a significant shift in the digital ecosystem, leveraging evolving Web3 technologies to unlock immense potential for mini-games in the digital space. Ronan recently caught up with Jay and he spoke about his background, what PlaysOuts do, blockchain, AI agents, one click publishing and more. More about Playsout: PlaysOut is a globally oriented open platform for mini-programs that fully aligns with the Weixin Mini-Program framework. It provides SDK interfaces for super apps, offering a rich array of mini-program and mini-game content. Additionally, PlaysOut streamlines the integration process for developers, providing convenient tools and seamless access to mini-program and mini-game products. Leveraging its robust technical capabilities and deep collaborations with game developers, PlaysOut aims to connect with global traffic partners, gradually expanding its reach across international markets. Its goal is to become the largest open platform for mini-programs and mini-games worldwide. See more podcasts here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Jassem “J” Osseiran is an experienced entrepreneur and operational investor based in London. With a deep understanding of global finance gained through his Economics degree at the University of San Francisco, Jay began his career as a tech venture builder with Rocket Internet in New York. He then shifted his focus to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), managing media portfolios and founding startups tailored to the region.A sought-after advisor for high-growth brands and cutting-edge technology platforms, Jay has orchestrated multiple successful exits, including a notable IPO on the London Stock Exchange. In 2020, he founded 611 Capital Investments, concentrating on investments, incubation, and market scalability across the EU, the Middle East, and Asia.Currently, Jay is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of PlaysOut Technologies, where he is spearheading the commercial framework for seamlessly integrating mini-games within super apps. This initiative represents a significant shift in the digital ecosystem, leveraging evolving Web3 technologies to unlock immense potential for mini-games in the digital space.Ronan recently caught up with Jay and he spoke about his background, what PlaysOuts do, blockchain, AI agents, one click publishing and more.More about Playsout:PlaysOut is a globally oriented open platform for mini-programs that fully aligns with the Weixin Mini-Program framework. It provides SDK interfaces for super apps, offering a rich array of mini-program and mini-game content. Additionally, PlaysOut streamlines the integration process for developers, providing convenient tools and seamless access to mini-program and mini-game products. Leveraging its robust technical capabilities and deep collaborations with game developers, PlaysOut aims to connect with global traffic partners, gradually expanding its reach across international markets. Its goal is to become the largest open platform for mini-programs and mini-games worldwide.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains one of the most challenging places for the gospel—but why? In this episode of the Unknown Nations Podcast, Greg Kelley sits down with Mike, the Director of International Ministries, and Randy, a ministry partner and missions expert, for a deep dive into the history, spiritual strongholds, and modern-day barriers that make reaching this region so difficult. From government restrictions to cultural resistance, they unpack the realities of sharing Christ in predominantly Islamic nations and the bold strategies being used to advance the gospel. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation on the frontlines of missions in one of the world's darkest regions. To learn more about Unknown Nations visit www.UnknownNations.com.

Marwa Fatafta leads Access Now's policy and advocacy work on digital rights in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Her work spans a number of issues at the nexus of human rights and technology including content governance and platform accountability, online censorship, digital surveillance, and transnational repression.

The CEO of the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) is urging Irish businesses battling the uncertainty of "what's next" during the Trump administration to consider expanding their trade strategy to the Arab world - or risk being left behind. AICC CEO Ahmad Younis urged Irish businesses to look to the East on the back of US President Donald Trump's announcement to tax imports of steel and aluminium by 25 percent. Mr. Younis said the US policy overhaul could well be the start of a range of tariffs on EU imports, advising businesses to give serious consideration to reassessing their trade strategy. Mr Younis said: "The Arab world already imports more than 85 per cent of its food supply, much of it from Ireland. Its reliance on imports is enormous, and the opportunities for Irish companies to forge new business alliances in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Morocco are significant. "Ireland relies heavily on US corporations in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors, yet diversification has been slow," he added. "To safeguard our economic future, we should expand our trade horizons beyond the USA and capitalise on emerging markets with high growth potential." Island of Innovation In 2023, the US imported $54 billion worth of Irish goods, accounting for 28 per cent of all Irish exports. Of that, $36 billion was in pharmaceuticals and chemicals, underscoring Ireland's expertise but also our economic vulnerability. Mr Younis believes Ireland should now capitalise on opportunities in the Arab world, a market of 22 countries and 470 million people: "We're the island of innovation for good reason - and our expertise and commitment to quality in the medical production field is just one example," he said. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) pharma market, valued at $24 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to $32 billion by 2027, fuelled by rising populations, technological advancements, and increased healthcare investments. Success Stories Irish agri-food businesses are also benefitting from growing ties with the Arab region and are making their mark, says Mr Younis, citing Keogh's Crisps and Monaghan's Silverhill Duck as major success stories. "It's so common now to see Irish products like butter, chocolates and meats on the shelves of Dubai supermarkets," said Mr Younis. "We have a very strong presence in multiple markets across the Middle East and Gulf -- but there's just so much potential for further growth." Despite the geopolitical unrest, Irish exports to the Arab region grew six per cent in the first quarter of 2024 to €731 million and totalled €2 billion in the first nine months. Highlights from January to September 2024 included: United Arab Emirates (UAE): Exports grew by 7 per cent year-on-year to €532.9 million, driven by demand for transport equipment, power-generating machinery, and medical and pharmaceutical goods. Morocco: Trade surged by 38 per cent to €138.7 million, with a strong performance in power-generating machinery, chemical materials, and dairy and bird eggs. Egypt: Exports from January to September were valued at €163M to this region. The main goods exported were pulp & wastepaper, dairy products & bird eggs, as well as fruits and vegetables. "This success isn't a one-off," said Younis. "The resilience of key markets like the UAE and Morocco demonstrates the opportunities available for Irish businesses that are willing to adapt and engage with the region." The AICC has been supporting Irish trade with the east for more than 35 years - and as an Arab living in Ireland for almost 40 years, Mr. Younis says there are more similarities than differences. "I have seen how well-received and respected Irish businesses are in the Middle East and Gulf, and I can see many similarities between the two cultures, which certainly helps when it comes to doing business," Mr Younis concluded.

Ralph Gebran is the Managing Partner at Onramp MENA, a company focused on introducing Bitcoin to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Onramp MENA is working to help institutions and high-net-worth individuals in the region navigate the evolving space of Bitcoin custody and asset management. Gebran is actively involved in discussions about custody models and regulatory matters related to Bitcoin in the MENA region.

It's Mara Kronenfeld Day on the podcast!  As the Executive Director of UNRWA USA, Mara Kronenfeld leads the strategic vision, operations, and fundraising efforts of the nonprofit organization that supports the humanitarian and human development work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Middle East. With over 20 years of experience in international development, Mara is a Fulbright Scholar and an expert in designing, implementing, and leading public private partnerships supporting youth development programming in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). UNRWA USA supports the humanitarian work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement in the United States. UNRWA USA lifts up the voices, experiences, and humanity of Palestine refugees to secure American support for resources essential to every human being, for the promise of a better life. ✅ Download UNRWA USA's digital advocacy toolkit ✅ Write to your reps ✅ Donate to UNRWA USA ✅ Follow UNRWA USA on Instagram ✅ Follow Mara Kronenfeld on Instagram  -------- ✊

A fragile ceasefire and hostage deal has been agreed between Israel and Hamas to end 15 months of war and suffering. Chatham House experts discuss the timing of the deal, whether it can hold and what comes next. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Sanam Vakil, the director of our Middle East and North Africa (MENA) programme, Leslie Vinjamuri, the director of our US and Americas programme, and Amjad Iraqi and Yossi Mekelberg, associate fellows with our MENA programme. Read our latest: The new Trump administration could herald a remaking of the international order. How should the world respond? Trump's ambiguous stance on China raises the risk of accidental conflict in the Indo-Pacific The tough dilemma Trump 2.0 poses for Beijing Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Omar Elsahy is General Manager for Amazon in Egypt, overseeing 2,500 employees in the country as well as after-market services across the region. He told me about his early years in the US and Egypt, starting a number of businesses with his brother before pivoting to e-commerce with Souq.com. I enjoyed getting to know Omar through this conversation, and also got some great insights into the way he thinks as a leader, and how Amazon approaches innovation. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Holding, a trailblazing financial institution with a Universal Bank in Egypt and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, H2Tech spoke with Ad van Wijk, Professor Future Energy Systems, Delft University of Technology, about his journey in renewable energy, from founding a major company in the 1980s to influencing Europe's H2 strategy. He discusses the importance of H2 in the global energy transition, explaining how it can address energy storage and transportation challenges more efficiently than electricity. van Wijk also highlights the potential of regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Europe in pioneering H2 as a key energy carrier, and how his work helped shape the EU's H2 strategy.

Noor Sweid is an influential figure in the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She is the founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, a UAE-based venture capital firm that invests in high-growth startups across emerging markets, particularly focusing on technology and innovation.Before establishing Global Ventures, Noor held key leadership positions in various industries. She was the Chief Investment Officer at The Dubai Future Foundation and led the first ever dual listing of Depa on NASDAQ Dubai and the London Stock Exchange.In addition to her business roles, Noor Sweid is a strong advocate for diversity and women in business. She is known for her efforts to foster entrepreneurship in the MENA region and has been featured on several prestigious lists, including Forbes Middle East's “Most Powerful Women in Business.”Outside of her business expertise, Noor very candidly opens up about her work-life balance, working with her father, motherhood and her daily routine.0:00 Intro3:08 Wealth, Health, and Education6:56 Have We Become Too Transactional as a Society?8:03 Are We Slaves to Our Phones?10:00 Raising Kids in the Age of Technology13:00 The Accidental Entrepreneur18:00 Joining the Family Business21:28 Starting Zen Yoga34:26 Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur25:12 Founding Global Ventures30:22 VC in the MENA29:02 Tech Innovation33:54 HealthTech FinTech37:00 AgriTech41:00 The Future of Healthcare44:07 AI46:54 The Future of Education53:04 Being a Shark on Shark Tank57:06 Sharing Knowledge in Arabic1:0210 Work Life Balance1:07:29 Exercise and Gratitude1:12:00 Lessons from Motherhood1:16:00 Breaking New Trails1:18:00 Creating 13,000 Jobs1:21:30 Conviction vs. Arrogance1:26:00 Relaxation Reflection1:32:10 The Importance of "The Pause"1:37:00 Dreams1:38:40 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future PlansNoor SweidInstagram https://bit.ly/47wX5GBLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3Zy9iJ6Forbes https://bit.ly/3zoHMDbGlobal VenturesWebsite https://bit.ly/4guQznDThe Mo ShowYoutube https://bit.ly/3nDwsZvApple Podcast https://apple.co/3J9ScX4Spotify https://spoti.fi/33dzsC2Google Podcast https://bit.ly/3ebB7xNAnghami https://bit.ly/3mRo1uyInstagram https://bit.ly/2KAwq5vX https://bit.ly/3KanEnJTikTok https://bit.ly/43L92poWebsite https://bit.ly/3H2DhMMEmail info@themopodcast.comPresented By KAFDThe AppWebsite https://bit.ly/3YktQUIInstagram https://bit.ly/3YFpWGnX https://bit.ly/3LMJOziLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3A0b2QJCreditsNoor Sweid | GuestRyan Ismail | COOFaisal Nejaim | Show ManagerTito | Creative DirectorYoussef Hamieh | Production ManagerPowered by “STUCK?” | Translators

In this episode, Juliana Sfeir, Arabic Public Engagement Manager with the Middle East and North Africa's broadcast media ministry, SAT-7, shares her inspiring journey. The groundbreaking Middle East broadcast media ministry that has been making a transformative impact in the Middle East and North Africa for 28 years. Starting with a vision to create a new media model and narrative for the region, the ministry now offers an innovative, multilingual, video-on-demand platform, SAT-7 PLUS — the first of its kind in the region. Please tune in to hear Juliana discuss SAT-7's unique approach, their challenges, and how they've become a pioneering force, delivering hope, education, and faith-based content to millions. Previous Episodes You Will Find Informative: Episode #166 SAT-7 Ministry Strengthening Middle East Christianity with Rami Al Halaseh. This episode focuses on SAT-7, the leading Christian media brand in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Learn from Rami Al Halaseh, Executive Director of Arabic Channels and Digital Media, how SAT-7 has become a crucial spiritual lifeline for Christians in the region, many of whom are unable to attend physical churches. SAT-7 is a media-based ministry that provides faith-based programming to foster and sustain its viewers' spiritual lives. Episode #147  Charting New Ministry Paths: MENA's Five Transformative Challenges with Dr. Terence Ascott.  Dr. Ascott navigates through five pressing challenges confronting the region today and their profound impact on the Church and ministry. From escalated conflicts to restricted press freedom and limited education access to the deprivation of women's and religious rights, each issue presents a unique hurdle. However, Dr. Ascott unveils how SAT-7, as a pioneering broadcast media ministry, is ingeniously addressing these challenges and fostering transformative change through innovative approaches.  

Episode 185: Food Crisis, the International Food Regime, and Endless Agrarian Modernization in the MENA Regio The agrarian and food crisis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have re-emerged vigorously to the attention of global development agencies and governments in coincidence with the Russia-Ukraine war. The food crisis has  been interpreted through a number of tropes, including Malthusian, environmentally determinist, security and development economics approaches. Within the dominant mainstream discourse, the MENA region is often depicted as a homogenous geographical area characterized by dryness, infertile lands and poor water resources. How did imperialism, colonialism and the Cold War influence the MENA food systems? What were the effects of agrarian modernizations, trade liberalization and neoliberalism on the agricultural systems in the region? These are some questions that this presentation tries to answer using a geographical and historical-comparative analysis, through a food regimes lens. Understanding contemporary social relations dynamics cannot be limited to the recent period. Agriculture and food in the MENA region are anchored in the history of power relations ruled by flows of capital and the shaping of ecological transformations during the longue durée of capitalism and its corresponding modes of control and regulation. Giuliano Martiniello is Associate Professor of Political Science and Political Economy at the Faculy of Law, Political and Social Sciences, Université Internationale de Rabat and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut. Prior to joining UIR, he was Assistant Professor at the American University of Beirut (2015-2020), Research Fellow at the Makerere Institute of Social Research, Makerere University (2011-2015), and Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Civil Society, University of KwaZulu-Natal (2012-2013). He got his PhD in Politics at the School of Politics and International Studies of the University of Leeds (2011). He is broadly interested in the political economy, political sociology and political ecology of agrarian and environmental change. His research interests include land regimes, food and farming systems, large-scale land enclosures and contract farming, conservation and deforestation, rural social conflicts and agrarian movements in Africa and the Middle East. He has published articles in a number of top-ranking international journals such as World Development, Journal of Peasant Studies, Journal of Agrarian Change, Geoforum, Land Use Policy, Food Secuirty, Globalizations, Agrarian South: a Journal of Political Economy; Third World Quarterly, Review of African Political Economy, among others. He is Contributing Editor of the Review of African Political Economy and Associate Editor of Agrarian South: A Journal of Political Economy. He is co-editor of the book Uganda: The Dynamics of Neoliberal Transformation, London, Zed Books (2018).  This episode is part of the CAORC and Carnegie Corporation of New York program "The Maghrib From the Peripheries: Property, Natural Resources and Social Actors in the Maghrib". It was recorded via zoom on the 19th of October, 2023 by the American Institute for Maghrib Studies (AIMS). Edited by Hayet Yebbous Bensaid, Librarian, Outreach Coordinator, Content Curator (CEMA).  

This episode focuses on SAT-7, the leading Christian media brand in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Learn from Rami Al Halaseh, Executive Director of Arabic Channels and Digital Media, how SAT-7 has become a crucial spiritual lifeline for Christians in the region, many of whom are unable to attend physical churches. SAT-7 is a media-based ministry that provides faith-based programming to foster and sustain its viewers' spiritual lives. Rami elaborates on SAT-7's strategic role in bolstering the Christian presence in a region where many are seeking to emigrate to the West or Europe. Learn how the ministry is strengthening the very Christian existence of the Church in the Middle East. The SAT-7 ministry goes beyond television programs and social media content, working to meet needs holistically. It is one thing to tell people about the love of God; it's a whole different experience when SAT-7 goes out and builds bridges with the people on the ground. Learn how to make an estate plan that stewards vital resources that strengthen the Middle East ministry.   A Previous Episode You Will Find Interesting: Episode #147 Charting New Ministry Paths: MENA's Five Transformative Challenges  In this episode, we delve into the dynamic landscape of the Middle East and North Africa with Dr. Terence Ascott, the visionary Founder and President of SAT-7. In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Ascott navigates through five pressing challenges confronting the region today and their profound impact on the Church and ministry. From escalated conflicts to restricted press freedom and limited education access to the deprivation of women's and religious rights, each issue presents a unique hurdle. However, Dr. Ascott unveils how SAT-7, as a pioneering broadcast media ministry, is ingeniously addressing these challenges and fostering transformative change through innovative approaches. In his gripping memoir Dare to Believe! Stories of Faith from the Middle East, Dr. Terrence Ascott unveils his personal odyssey amidst civil unrest, detentions, and the birth pains of SAT-7. Seamlessly interwoven with his narrative are the compelling stories of Middle Eastern Christians and the exponential growth of SAT-7 into a beacon of hope, broadcasting across Arabic, Turkish, and Persian regions. With each chapter, Dr. Ascott paints a vivid picture of resilience, faith, and the unwavering commitment to illuminate the darkest corners with the light of the Gospel. SAT-7 emerges as a powerful force for change, shedding light in the darkest recesses of the region. Dr. Ascott passionately articulates how your partnership and support fuel SAT-7's mission to make God's love visible and confront the prevailing challenges in the region head-on. As listeners, you're invited to join hands in this transformative journey, discovering actionable ways to contribute towards a brighter future for the marginalized, the questioning, and the Isolated Believers. Together, we can ignite a movement of compassion, understanding, and profound change in the Middle East and beyond. Join us in making a difference today. Visit https://www.sat7usa.org/get-involved to learn more. You can download a sample chapter of the book or receive a downloadable PDF and ePub version of the complete abridged book as a thank-you for a gift of any amount. Visit http://sat7usa.org/daretobelievebook.  

In the global wheat markets, recent concerns over a major production cut in Russia, a key exporter, have sparked attention on the supply and demand dynamics. Neighbouring European producers are also facing similar concerns. Meanwhile, in Canada and Australia, weather developments in recent months have played a significant role in shaping production prospects. While, on the demand side, key importing regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia are experiencing challenges as well. In this podcast, Lalita AVD, editor, agriculture news, talks to Vivien Tang, senior editor, APAC agriculture and food Pricing, Vivian Iroanya, editor, EMEA agriculture and food pricing, and Ashya Kaderabek-vela, associate editor, Americas agriculture pricing about the potential implications of the production cut in Russia and analyze how other key wheat exporters, such as Canada and Australia, could step up to fill in the supply gap. Russian Wheat 12.5% FOB Black Sea Deep Water (WRBSD00)  CWRS Wheat 13.5% FOB Vancouver (30-45 days forward) (AWHCD00)  APW Wheat FOB Australia (WAUSA00) 

I'm joined by the show's producer, Chirag Desai, to look back at some of the season's highlights & themes from our latest line-up of incredible guests. You'll also hear from Mostafa Gad, Global Head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding Company. EFG Holding has been an incredible partner for the show & I talk to Mostafa about his life's trajectory and his stellar career with the bank. Thank you for joining me on an incredible Season 7, and for your feedback and comments. We'll be back with new episodes in September. Until then, you can catch up on our previous episodes, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and on X for updates, and on YouTube for extended video clips. Thanks to our partners EFG Holding for their support of this season. EFG Holding is a trailblazing financial institution with a Universal Bank in Egypt and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 The latest annual report from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition identified more than 2,500 incidents of violence against, or obstruction of, health care in conflicts during 2023. Those incidents, which span from Myanmar to Mali, include attacks on health care workers and facilities, the use of drones to target hospitals and ambulances, and the occupation of hospitals to conduct military operations. And many attacks are carried out with impunity. Joining the show to unpack patterns of attacks on health care in armed conflicts is an expert team from the nonprofit organization Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and their local partners. Dr. Houssam al-Nahhas is PHR's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) researcher where he documents attacks on health care, including unlawful detention of health care workers, and advocates for access to health.  Dr. Neema Rukunghu Nadine-Néné is a gynecologist at Panzi hospital in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and an expert trainer on the care of survivors of sexual violence for PHR and the Panzi Foundation.  Uliana Poltavets is PHR's Ukraine Emergency Response Coordinator where she focuses on documenting attacks on health care in Ukraine since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. Dr. “B” Zemen is an Organizational Psychologist and board member of the Health Professionals Network for Tigray (HPN4Tigray).Show Notes: Dr. Houssam al-Nahhas (@h_alnahhas)Dr. Neema RukunghuUliana PoltavetsDr. "B" ZemenParas Shah (@pshah518) Uliana and Christian De Vos' Just Security article “Russia's Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure Imperil Healthcare Access” Just Security's International Humanitarian Law (IHL) coverageJust Security's health coverageJust Security's Civilian Harm coverageJust Security's Gaza, Russia-Ukraine War, Syria, and Tigray coverageMusic: “Broken” by David Bullard from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/david-bullard/broken (License code: OSC7K3LCPSGXISVI)

Born into a Muslim-Jewish family in Morocco, Chama Metchaly has dedicated her career to creating safe spaces for dialogue and bridging the gaps between Muslim and Jewish narratives, as well as Eastern and Western values. Since the advent of the Abraham Accords, Mechtaly has advised numerous governmental and nongovernmental organizations on regional integration and Israeli-Arab relations. Based in New York and Dubai, her work has been featured in international media, including a feature documentary film by Asharq News. As a visual artist, she has exhibited her work in four continents, including twice at the Jerusalem Biennale. Mechtaly is currently a WIn fellow and an Executive Leadership Program participant at Atlantic Council as well as a convener at the Israel Policy Forum. In 2023, she was recognized in the Middle East Policy Council's 40 under 40 list. She is the co-founder of the Emma Lazarus Institute for Liberty and Tolerance, where she bridges the gaps between the Democratic West and the Moderate East. She is a policy advisor, entrepreneur, activist, artist and speaker, known for her intersectional and interdisciplinary approach to peacebuilding, Jewish inclusion, and Arab-Israeli integration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

Mohamed Al Fayed is the co-founder & CEO of Grubtech, he's a digital advisor as well as a mentor, and he calls himself a tech disruptor. Even if you may not have heard of him directly, you'll have come across some of his work. Beginning his career with Macy's, one of the largest retailers in the U.S., Moe led the launch of Mamas & Papas and Gap in the GCC as well as the region's largest luxury online marketplace, Ounass. He also served as Senior Vice President of Omnichannel at Al Tayer Group, where he worked for 12 years before launching his startup, Grubtech. Moe has a great professional story, and a very moving personal story that shapes his outlook today. He shares how much he has changed from the guy starting out 30 years ago in the US, and what failing early in life has taught him. On our bonus episode for members next week, Mohamed tells me about his early years, and how Ounass was launched out of Al Tayer Group. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Holding, a trailblazing financial institution with a Universal Bank in Egypt and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does the era of ‘big data' mean for development technologies in MENA? How can data be used for good, to ensure projects working with vulnerable communities such as informal workers and women are seen and supported? What kind of repercussions does poor data collection have on emerging technologies? How can data-driven research and technology improve prospects for the next generation in the region seeking work, and what does it mean for the future of labour in the region? These are some of the questions we posed to Nagla Rizk, Professor of Economics at the American University in Cairo in episode 8. Nagla is Professor of Economics and Founding Director of the Access to Knowledge for Development Center (A2K4D) at the American University in Cairo's School of Business. Nagla's area of research, teaching and advocacy is the economics of knowledge, technology and development, with focus on governance of responsible data and Artificial Intelligence, fair work in the platform economy, innovation, gender and inclusion in Egypt, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Ben Harburg is the Managing Partner at MSA Capital, a Chinese VC with $2.5bn of assets under management and MSA Novo, a newly established emerging markets fund with focus on the GCC. Ben brings a decade of expertise investing in Chinese tech companies to the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region and is scouting for the next MENA based unicorns. MSA capital is already an investor in regional success stories like Tabby, Homzmart, Rabbit, Baly and KASO to name a few. A refreshing conversation on Chinese tech and what we can learn from China's startup ecosystem and why Ben believes that startups in MENA would likely be looking more East than West when it comes to innovation and business models to mimic and perhaps even exit opportunities. Ben is an entrepreneur and the co-owner of Cadiz football club, he shares tips on entrepreneurship and on having the foresight to spot opportunities before they become common knowledge and why he constantly seeks arbitrage opportunities.  Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform. Visit their webiste to start trading today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April is Arab American Heritage month, a time of year meant to celebrate the history and culture of Americans who claim ancestry from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

I'm joined this week by Malak El Baba, Egypt Country Manager for Visa, and a leader and role model for so many in her industry. We had a wonderful conversation that spanned different countries and phases of her life. Although she has spent nearly two decades in banking and finance, she actually started out wanting to become a diplomat. But destiny had other plans, shaping not just her career but who she married and where she lives today. Like a true marketer, Malak is very much a people-person, a team builder, and a team player. She's also an optimist. She truly embodies the traits I find is most successful people. Malak also leads Visa's Women Leadership Network for MENA, and is the winner of several market leadership awards including four MENA Effies' awards and 2 Media Efficiency awards. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Holding, a trailblazing financial institution with a Universal Bank in Egypt and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly ten years since the onset of the crisis in Yemen this discussion provided an in-depth assessment of the conflict over the past decade. Panellists examined the local origins of the war, the humanitarian catastrophe that has ensued, and the challenges for sustainable development given the prolonged violence. Regional dynamics fueling the crisis were also analysed, including factors related to the war in Gaza. With the March 2024 milestone approaching, speakers assessed stalled peace efforts and policy options for international stakeholders moving forward. Ahmed Al Khameri is the Team Leader for the FCDO-funded programme, The Yemen Support Fund at Chemonics UK. Most recently, he was the governance advisor under the DFID Yemen team leading DFID's stabilization and governance efforts. Marwa Baabbad is Director of the Yemen Policy Centre. She is a researcher and development consultant with over ten years of experience working in the fields of community engagement, gender, peace and security, and youth political inclusion. Andreas Krieg is Associate Professor at the School of Security Studies at King's College London and a Fellow at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies. Andreas is the Director of MENA analytica – a political risk firm – that works on Yemen and the Horn of Africa. Greg Shapland is an independent researcher, writer and consultant on politics, security, resources and environment (including water) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Greg is also a Visiting Senior Fellow at the LSE Middle East Centre. From 1979 until 2015, he served in the MENA Research Group in the FCO.

Ahmed Benchemsi, Advocacy and Communications Director for Human Rights Watch's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division, discusses HRW's recently released report entitled "Gaza: Israel's Imposed Starvation Deadly for Children." The report gives a grim assessment of an ongoing famine in Gaza. Since January, humanitarian organizations have been warning that famine in Gaza is imminent. Famine is now a reality, and Palestinians in Gaza are dying from starvation, with the overwhelming majority being children. Eighty percent of all people facing famine or catastrophic hunger worldwide now are Palestinians living in Gaza.

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Introducing EA in Arabic, published by Abdurrahman Alshanqeeti on April 4, 2024 on The Effective Altruism Forum. I am thrilled to introduce EA in Arabic (الإحسان الفعال), a pioneering initiative aimed at bringing the principles of effective altruism to Arabic-speaking communities worldwide. Summary Spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide, Arabic plays a pivotal role in advancing impactful initiatives across the globe. Despite the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's diverse socio-economic landscapes, instability leads to humanitarian crises. However, some Arab nations exert significant economic influence and invest in AI and other emerging technologies. Understanding the humanitarian significance of the region, along with its involvement in Global Catastrophic Risks (GCR), particularly concerning AI and technology, emphasizes the need for focused efforts. EA in Arabic aims to bridge linguistic, intellectual, and social barriers and engage with Arabic-speaking communities. Future plans involve promoting EA principles and community engagement, with Arabic speakers urged to contribute to spreading effective altruism. Arabic in the World Today Arabic, with over 400 million speakers globally, holds a significant position as one of the most widely spoken languages. Its influence spans across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and serves as the liturgical language of more than 1.9 billion Muslims who constitute around 25.2% of the world's population, making it a vital medium for promoting impactful initiatives. Note: While acknowledging the intersections between Arabic-speaking communities and Islam[1], it's essential to clarify that EA in Arabic focuses solely on the linguistic and cultural aspects from an impartial perspective. If you're curious about approaching EA from a religious perspective, you may want to explore other initiatives like Muslims for EA and the Muslim Network for Positive Impact. The MENA Region The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region holds a unique status, embodying a cluster of countries with significantly varied socioeconomic positions. Ranging from nations ranked among the globe's most impoverished to those at the forefront of economic and technological progress, it embodies a diverse array of socio-economic realities. Details Now, let's swiftly explore some specific details regarding this multifaceted region. Below is a compilation of several Arab nations ranked among the most impoverished globally: Country GDP per Capita (USD$)[2] Most Recent Year Syria 421 2021 Somalia 592 2022 Yemen 650 2022 South Sudan 1,072 2015 Sudan 1,102 2022 Moreover, unfortunately, due to significant instability in the region, many countries have outdated data. For instance, Sudan, which experienced an internal destructive conflict between two military factions in 2023. According to a UNHCR report, approximately half of Sudan's population, roughly 25 million people, require humanitarian assistance and protection. Nearly 18 million individuals are confronting acute food insecurity, and 8 million people have been displaced. Similar data deficiencies plague countries like Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine (including Gaza Strip and the West Bank), Mauritania, Iraq, and Libya. Each of these nations grapples with profound humanitarian crises. This offers a strong reason to prioritize attention on this region in the advancement of Global Health and Wellbeing. Conversely, there are several countries ranked among the wealthiest globally. Here is a list of some Arab nations with thriving economies as of 2022: Country GDP per Capita (USD$) Qatar 87,662 UAE 53,708 Kuwait 41,080 Saudi Arabia 30,448 Bahrain 30,147 These nations wield significant economic influence globally, particularly in terms of production and pricing of oil and gas. Furthermore,...

Join us as we dive into strategies to foster investment in female founders, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Our guests, Katherine Coffman from Harvard Business School and Hela Cheikhrouhou from the International Finance Corporation, shed light on the barriers and disparities faced by female founders and advocate for gender-specific approaches to funding. Hosted by Alison Kim, a student at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

The Middle East and North Africa - MENA - is defined as the most autocratic region in the world. Yet Israel, has acted as an oasis of democracy in a desert of repression all while struggling to maintain its security and internal progress.In this program, Ilana Rachel Daniel returns to the pillars of our western democracies, what were the shared values that rooted them and why we see their erosion and rise of authoritarianism today. …“Our throw away culture imagines there is always something better on the pipeline. We buy the next upgrade, we block those with whom we disagree and we toss our single serving receptacle to the bin many times a day. But, if we abandon the constructs of democracy now in this era of micro-managed minds and a device in each of our 8 billion hands, there is no better model in production.” Get full access to Ilana Rachel Daniel at ilanaracheldaniel120.substack.com/subscribe

His Excellency Amr Moussa has had a distinguished career in the world of international diplomacy and cooperation. He served as the Ambassador of Egypt to India for 3 years in 1983, he was the Permanent Representative of Egypt to the UN in 1990, he was the Foreign Minister of Egypt for 10 years until 2001, when he became Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.  He continues to leave an impact today as an elected member of the Panel of the Wise, a critical pillar of the Peace and Security Architecture of the African Union, and as Chairman of the High-Level Advisory Council to the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations or UNAOC. This episode was brought to you by EFG Holding, a trailblazing financial institution with a Universal Bank in Egypt and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 217 Silicon Valley and The Middle East with Fouad Alnazawi and Stephanie Richards Guests: Fouad Alnazawi and Stephanie Richards Topic: Exploring the unique challenges and opportunities for startups in Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia, and how collaboration between these two regions can drive innovation and growth. Intro: Briefly introduce the hosts and the episode's topic. Highlight the expertise of the guests, Fouad Alnazawi and Stephanie Richards, in the startup ecosystems of Saudi Arabia and Silicon Valley respectively. Career Journeys and Regional Insights: Invite Fouad and Stephanie to share their career paths and experiences in the startup scene. Discuss the distinct strengths and challenges faced by startups in Saudi Arabia compared to Silicon Valley. Venture Capital Landscape and Investment Strategies : Compare the availability of venture capital and investment opportunities in both regions. Explore the differences in investment styles and priorities between Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia. Discuss the role of angel groups and recent developments in the funding ecosystems. Growth Trajectory and Global Collaboration: Analyze the typical growth trajectory of startups in Saudi Arabia and their preferred expansion strategies. Emphasize the importance of global collaboration and partnerships for startups in today's interconnected world. Discuss the potential benefits and opportunities of connecting startup ecosystems on a global scale. International Collaboration and Initiatives: Highlight existing initiatives or programs in both regions that promote international collaboration among entrepreneurs and tech companies. Share specific examples of successful collaborations between startups from Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia. Regulatory Considerations and Areas of Collaboration: Discuss the regulatory landscape for startups in Saudi Arabia and potential challenges entrepreneurs might face. Identify areas where Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia can collaborate more effectively to drive innovation and growth. Challenges and Success Stories: Invite Fouad and Stephanie to share personal challenges they have encountered in their roles and how they overcame them. Discuss their approach to measuring the success of companies they work with. Share inspiring examples of successful startups that have emerged from Saudi Arabia and the problems they solve. Connecting with the Guests and Conclusion: Provide information on how listeners can learn more about Fouad, Stephanie, and their work. Briefly summarize the key takeaways from the discussion and reiterate the importance of collaboration between startup ecosystems. Additional Questions: Discuss the current emphasis on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and its potential impact. Explore the role of universities and research institutions in supporting the local startup ecosystem.   Foaud Alnazawi Bio   https://www.linkedin.com/in/fouad-alnazawi-a1175712/   Foaud is the Managing Director of Lamarka Consulting Services   Lamarka is a consultancy firm that provides range of services; we have been helping visionary leaders to unleash growth and development by Crafting Winning Strategies and Implementing them. Lamarka is a group that has 2 companies; Lamarka Consulting Services and Lamarka 700. We offer range of services for our clients to improve their businesses and take it to the next level. Our purpose is to inspire companies and individuals to achieve their highest potential. Our core values are: Elevation of Standards Dreams, Creativity and Innovation Integrity Encouragement of individual initiatives Stephanie Richards https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieerichards/   Stephanie has 20 years of experience at the intersection of national economic development and innovation ecosystems. She focuses on the strategy, policy, intelligent capital and international connectivity needed to accelerate young innovation and startup environments.  With a background in economics, strategy consulting, entrepreneurship and venture capital, and following nearly a decade as a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) emerging markets and economic development specialist at Monitor Group (subsequently Monitor Deloitte), Stephanie founded her own firm in 2013. She advises and partners with mission-aligned venture capital funds, ecosystem builders, academic institutions and government entities to ensure that pioneering IP, innovation and technologies find a path to international markets and global impact. Stephanie has a particular passion for mentoring researcher-entrepreneurs, building innovator-founder communities, and supporting innovation commercialization and ecosystemic transitions from shallower tech to deeper tech. She serves as an advisory board member, mentor and investor for numerous startups and early-stage companies, and is a business supervisor, guest speaker and regular mentor for entrepreneurial talent at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. Having been based in MENA since 2005, Stephanie now divides her time between the GCC, the UK (London and Cambridge) and North America (primarily Silicon Valley), actively working to improve collaboration between the diverse set of innovation communities on all three continents.

09 Jan 2024. Ed Bell, Senior Director, Market Economics, Emirates NBD joins us to discuss his outlook on oil prices which fell 4% overnight, as Saudi cut prices for sales to Asia. We also hear from Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chairman, Wamda Capital to discuss why start-up funding in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) has seen a decline. Plus, healthcare billionaire Dr Azad Moopen reveals why he's selling a billion-dollar stake in his Aster empire. Finally, as Saudi broadcast giant MBC closed 30% higher on its stock market debut, we'll hear from Faheem Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, Safa Capital to find out why its shares surged to 32.50 riyals ($8.66) shortly after trading opened.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the episode, learn from Dr. Terrence Ascott, a pioneering innovator in Middle East Christian media who founded SAT-7. Learn how what was thought to be impossible was made possible – a broadcast media ministry aiming to make the gospel available across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Dr. Ascott shares his epiphany moment when he realized the power of television in making the Gospel available to people who are not functionally literate, the poor, women, and children. Learn how SAT-7's (SAT-7 USA) unique model differs from traditional Christian television stations by giving a platform to local churches and focusing on culturally appropriate programming. Over the past 27 years, SAT-7 has witnessed significant changes in media technology and societal attitudes in the Middle East and North Africa, presenting both challenges and opportunities for sharing the Christian faith. Learn more by visiting www.terenceascott.com for more ministry information about Dr. Ascott's captivating book "Dare to Believe." “Dare to Believe! Stories of Faith from the Middle East” is the memoir of SAT-7 Founder and President Dr. Terrence Ascott. The book combines his exciting personal story of living through civil wars, kidnappings, detentions, and deportation with the courageous witness of Middle East Christians and the birth and growth of SAT-7 into a media network that today broadcasts to millions in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian. You can download a sample chapter of the book or receive a downloadable PDF and ePub version of the complete abridged book as a thank-you for a gift of any amount. Visit http://sat7usa.org/daretobelievebook/ to learn more.

Keo Sar is a seasoned startup veteran with over 12 years of deep involvement in various stages of company growth. In this conversation, we explored his experiences in startup ecosystems from Silicon Valley to Serbia, focusing on key topics like building businesses, integrating AI strategies, and the emerging opportunities in the Balkan region. EPISODE LINKS: Keo's Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/keo_sar⁠ Keo's LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/keo-sar/⁠ JICA: ⁠https://www.jica.go.jp/english/⁠ Info on Serbia: ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbia⁠ Info on MENA: ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_and_North_Africa⁠ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00:39) Intro and background (00:01:29) Operator to advisor/investor (00:06:39) Networking (00:10:15) On Being Transactional (00:11:23) San Francisco to Serbia (00:19:50) Nascent Startup Ecosystems (00:22:37) Eastern Europe opportunity (00:26:56) Middle East & North Africa (MENA) startup (00:33:07) Capital and Innovation (00:39:44) Artificial Intelligence (AI) (00:46:36) Founder Advice on AI (00:51:46) Betting on yourself (00:59:03) Experience shapes us (01:05:40) Mindset (01:10:00) Gratitude (01:16:15) Closing CONNECT: Website: ⁠https://hoo.be/elijahmurray⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/elijahmurray⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray⁠ RSS: ⁠https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray/message

In the season finale of the Kitchen Radio podcast, icon of the Middle Eastern and Jewish food worlds, Claudia Roden, makes an Egyptian-Jewish version of Konafa which is one of the region's most beloved desserts and her childhood favorite. Roden recounts a story of her family's passage from Aleppo to Cairo from her book, “The Book of Jewish Food: An Odyssey from Samarkand and Vilna to the Present Day,” a new edition of which has just been published. The Kitchen Radio podcast brings listeners to the table of communities from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia for intergenerational stories of community life and ritual practices from guests who are part of a rising renaissance of creative food projects exploring the oft-overlooked Jewish history and heritage.In each episode, hosts Regine Basha (Founder of Tuning Baghdad) and Nathalie Basha (The Travel Muse), will feature a specific dish and a conversation to introduce the still little-known Jewish culture of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and re-seed Jewish life into a cultural space where their contribution was forgotten, rendered invisible or white-washed. Guests include: Tannaz Sassooni, Sephardic Spice Girls, Rafram Chaddad and Claudia Roden!Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: ▼Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Z2pTlH▼Spotify Podcasts: https://spoti.fi/3QdA2HT ▼Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3GCtSOE ▼Goodpods: https://bit.ly/GoodpodsRebootPesentsLearn more about Reboot and get involved:▼Website: https://rebooting.com/ ▼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebootjewish/▼Twitter: https://twitter.com/reboot▼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebooters/▼TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebooters ▼Newsletter: https://rebooting.com/get-involved/▼YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rebootjewish

Rafram Chaddad dispatches live from La Goulette, Tunis with a rapid-fire making of ‘Brik', a Jewish specialty that became a favorite regional street food. Rafram documents his domestic life and Tunisian-Jewish presence, family history and culture through food, stories and public art installations, which can be found on instagram @rafram_xThe Kitchen Radio podcast brings listeners to the table of communities from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia for intergenerational stories of community life and ritual practices from guests who are part of a rising renaissance of creative food projects exploring the oft-overlooked Jewish history and heritage.In each episode, hosts Regine Basha (Founder of Tuning Baghdad) and Nathalie Basha (The Travel Muse), will feature a specific dish and a conversation to introduce the still little-known Jewish culture of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and re-seed Jewish life into a cultural space where their contribution was forgotten, rendered invisible or white-washed. Guests include: Tannaz Sassooni, Sephardic Spice Girls, Rafram Chaddad and Claudia Roden!Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: ▼Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Z2pTlH▼Spotify Podcasts: https://spoti.fi/3QdA2HT ▼Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3GCtSOE ▼Goodpods: https://bit.ly/GoodpodsRebootPesentsLearn more about Reboot and get involved:▼Website: https://rebooting.com/ ▼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebootjewish/▼Twitter: https://twitter.com/reboot▼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebooters/▼TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebooters ▼Newsletter: https://rebooting.com/get-involved/▼YouTube: @rebootjewish

The Sephardic Spice Girls (Rachel Emquies Sheff + Sharon Gomperts) of Los Angeles serve up Iraqi-Jewish Kubba Bamia and Sephardic ‘Biscochos' with tea and talk about how cooking these dishes and story-telling brings their family and community closer to recent lost history. The Sephardic Spice Girls actively write for the Jewish Journal and conduct cooking workshops at the Sephardic Cultural Center in Los Angeles.The Kitchen Radio podcast brings listeners to the table of communities from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia for intergenerational stories of community life and ritual practices from guests who are part of a rising renaissance of creative food projects exploring the oft-overlooked Jewish history and heritage.In each episode, hosts Regine Basha (Founder of Tuning Baghdad) and Nathalie Basha (The Travel Muse), will feature a specific dish and a conversation to introduce the still little-known Jewish culture of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and re-seed Jewish life into a cultural space where their contribution was forgotten, rendered invisible or white-washed. Guests include: Tannaz Sassooni, Sephardic Spice Girls, Rafram Chaddad, Claudia Roden.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: ▼Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Z2pTlH▼Spotify Podcasts: https://spoti.fi/3QdA2HT ▼Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3GCtSOE ▼Goodpods: https://bit.ly/GoodpodsRebootPesentsLearn more about Reboot and get involved:▼Website: https://rebooting.com/ ▼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebootjewish/▼Twitter: https://twitter.com/reboot▼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebooters/▼TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebooters ▼Newsletter: https://rebooting.com/get-involved/▼YouTube: @rebootjewish