The United Arab Emirates (or UAE), once known mainly for its oil, now drives growth across finance, trade, and technology.

Dubai stands out as a global hub for finance and tourism, while Abu Dhabi channels its wealth into high-tech industries and global investments. Meanwhile, other emirates, like Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, are developing their own unique sectors.

To learn more about these trends, we spoke with Justin Alexander, founder of Khalij Economics. With years of experience across the Gulf, Justin offers insights into the UAE’s growing influence on regional and global markets.

In this episode, we covered many topics including:

• A breakdown of each emirate and their economic story
• UAE's sovereign wealth funds and investment firms
• The nation's net-zero pledges and diversification efforts

Global SWF executive summary-Abu Dhabi Inc-https://globalswf.com/reports/abudhabiinc

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In the last decade, Malaysia has experienced dramatic shifts— from the 1MDB scandal that shook the nation, to its rise as an economic player, all while balancing relationships with global powers like the US and China.

To help us unpack these complex dynamics, we’re joined by Nick Khaw, economist and Head of Research at Khazanah Nasional, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund.

With years of experience shaping policy in the Economic Planning Unit, Nick offers unique insights into Malaysia's growth, its political landscape, and what the future holds.

In this episode, we spoke about several topics including:

• The legacy and ongoing impact of 1MDB
• Assessing Malaysia's economy today
• Balancing between the US and China

Nick writes monthly column for The Edge Malaysia, with the articles also being available at www.nicholaskhaw.com.

Nick's X (Twitter)-@NickKhaw23.

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Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched Vision 2030 in 2016, Saudi Arabia has undergone major changes. The kingdom is opening up its society and reshaping its economy by investing in industries like mining and tourism. In particular, the financial sector, is driving much of this progress and attracting global attention.

In our 40th episode, we spoke to Abdulaziz Alnaim, founder and Managing Director of Mayar Capital. With over 20 years of investment experience, Abdulaziz offers a unique perspective on both global and Saudi markets.

In this episode, we discussed several topics including:

• The socioeconomic changes taking place in the kingdom
• The opportunities and challenges from these changes
• The merits and criticism of responsible investing
• The similarities and differences between responsible, ethical and Islamic investing

Mayar Capital-https://www.mayarcapital.com/

Email: ir@mayarcapital.com

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Natural resources are central to Middle Eastern economies. While climate change and green financing are on the rise, oil and gas still dominate, shaping economies and global markets.

At the same time, Gulf nations are exploring new energy options to meet their climate goals.

In our 39th episode, we’re joined by Carole Nakhle, founder and CEO of Crystol Energy. With deep expertise in energy, economics, and geopolitics, Carole provides valuable insights into the shifting energy landscape in the MENA region.

In this episode, we spoke about several topics including:

• Why oil and gas still remains important to the region
• Debating whether we've reached peak oil
• Asking why financing the energy transition is critical

Carole's Twitter (X) handle-https://x.com/carole_nakhle

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After years of instability, Iraq’s political and security situation is improving, opening up new opportunities for economic growth. With a young, tech-savvy population, many are starting businesses in areas like fintech and e-commerce. The potential is there, but challenges like funding, infrastructure, and regulations still slow things down.

Our guest today is Zahra Shah. Her experience spans roles at the United Nations, Gaza Sky Geeks, and Re:Coded, where she focused on supporting refugees, entrepreneurs, and youth through tech education and innovative programs

Since 2019, she’s been leading Iraqi Innovators, a media and data hub supporting Iraq’s investment ecosystem. Her work gives key insights into startups and helps shape the future of Iraq’s industries.

In this episode, we talked about several topics including:

• Iraq’s start-up ecosystem potential
• The day-to-day challenges entrepreneurs face, like limited funding and tricky regulations
• Broader economic challenges impacting start-ups

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Islamic finance is gaining traction in Australia. With over 813,000 Muslims—about 3.2% of the population—there's an increasing demand for financial services that align with their faith. However, Islamic finance still makes up a small part of the banking sector, with limited options from major banks and a few non-bank providers.

Change is on the horizon. Australia has signed a significant free trade deal with the UAE, its top trading partner in the MENA region, which opens doors for stronger economic ties. Now, the country is getting ready to launch its first Islamic bank.

In our 37th episode, we spoke to Dean Gillespie, CEO of Islamic Money Australia (formerly Islamic Bank Australia or IBA). With extensive banking experience and a commitment to financial inclusion, Dean shares how this new bank could reshape finance for Australia’s Muslim community and beyond.

In this episode, we touched on several topics including:

• Looking at the financial needs of Australian Muslims
• The journey in setting up a new Islamic bank
• Some of the challenges in facilitating Islamic finance

Islamic Money Australia's Facebook page-https://www.facebook.com/ibaustralia

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The digitalisation of finance is reshaping the industry, with new asset classes like cryptocurrency gaining traction.

Dubai and the UAE have become key hubs for fintech and crypto, driven by new frameworks and initiatives to attract firms and talent. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also enhancing their regulatory systems.

But what are the benefits and challenges of these shifts?

In our 36 episode, we spoke to Anna Zeitlin, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard. She leads the fintech and financial services practice in Dubai, advising both government and private clients across the region.

In this episode, we covered several topics including:

• The rise of fintech in the UAE and region
• Looking at the benefits and drawbacks of CBDCs
• The adoption and future of crypto

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Egypt is quickly becoming a major tech and fintech hub in MENA and Africa. With over 100 million people, many of them young and tech-savvy, and a strategic location connecting continents, the country is set for impressive growth.

But the path forward isn’t without its challenges. These include regulatory hurdles, market fragmentation, and infrastructure issues that could slow its progress.

In our 35th episode, we spoke to Walid Hassouna, founder and CEO of Valu, a leading Egyptian fintech firm. Walid is also a leader in Egypt’s financial sector.

In this episode, we covered several topics including:

• Egypt's fintech landscape
• The opportunities and challenges
• Egypt's current economic situation
• Islamic finance in Egypt

Valu Facebook page-https://www.facebook.com/valuegypt

Valu LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/valuegypt/

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