Al-Monitor’s Business Correspondent Salim Essaid discusses Saudi Arabia’s investments in esports; trends in cryptocurrency markets in the Gulf; AI governance in the UAE; the region’s evolution as a hub in global climate policy, and Al-Monitor’s Pro coverage.Saudi esports success depends on local businesses, say industry players - Al-Monitor: Independent, tru ... Show More
Sep 8
Three million views in 24 hours: Turkey's curiosity about Syrian Kurdish leader Kobane explodes in first TV interview
Banu Guven, a widely respected TV presenter, became the first Turkish journalist to host Kurdish leader Mazlum Kobane on national TV in Turkey. Until recently, interviewing the former commander of the now dissolved Syrian Democratic Forces was a punishable offense. But with Kurdi ... Show More
33m 35s
Aug 27
Neither victory nor defeat: SDF's dissolution marks new phase for Syria's Kurds, says Al Majalla's Ibrahim Hamidi
Many Kurds across the region feel angered by the Aug. 25 announcement by Syrian Democratic Forces commander-in-chief Mazlum Kobane that the force has been formally dissolved. Ibrahim Hamidi, a veteran Syrian journalist and editor-in-chief of Al Majalla, argues that the push for K ... Show More
34m 58s
May 2025
Saudi Oil, Gaza, Free ChatGPT & ME Billionaire Moves
HEADLINES:• Saudi Arabia Denies Alcohol Legalization Rumors Amid World Cup Buzz• UAE will Become the First Country to Offer Free ChatGPT Plus to All Residents• Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Strike New Oil in Partitioned Zone• Piers Morgan’s Shift on Gaza Reflects Global Moral Shift, Sa ... Show More
30m 50s
May 2025
AI, Tech, and the Future of US-Gulf Relations
<p>Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj speak with MEI Senior Fellow Mohammed Soliman about President Donald Trump's recent trip to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, which yielded a wave of major US-Gulf tech and AI deals. Soliman explains how these partnerships mark a shift ... Show More
38m 42s
May 2025
Smashi Business Show: UAE: AI as core subject, Emiratis Can Now Travel to Lebanon; G42, e& go to US
HEADLINES:
- UAE to have AI as core subject in government institutions - UAE lifts ban on Emiratis to travel to Lebanon, starting May 7
- Abu Dhabi's AI powerhouse G42 plans US investments
- Etisalat And (e&) launches regional office in Miami, US
- Dubai's DAMAC saves the day for ... Show More
28m 38s