'Business Extra' podcast: can the Middle East find a point of economic convergence?


  • English
  • Arabic

The Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia region is at a turning point.

There are opportunities for sustainable economic development, such as through reforms and technological shifts.

But there are also challenges in the shape of political obstacles and conflict, and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic will be uneven, as well.

After the success of a summit in Baghdad at the weekend that brought together regional leaders, Iraqi President Barham Salih said the country had become a “point of convergence”.

Mr Salih said the region was in need of a new “political, security and economic system to meet the challenges of terrorism, extremism and the economic crisis”.

With the fallout from the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan likely to require a response from all its neighbours, a regional solution to its problems is needed now more than ever.

Can countries work together to build that, and can momentum from it support economic growth?

Co-hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner break down the current scenario.

In this episode:

The Baghdad summit (0m 50s)

The significance of the meeting (3m 16s)

Is Iraq ready to deliver on regional countries' ambitions? (7m 17s)

Opportunity for dignity (9m 55s)


Hosted by Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner

Produced by Arthur Eddyson and Ayesha Khan

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Profile of Udrive

Date started: March 2016

Founder: Hasib Khan

Based: Dubai

Employees: 40

Amount raised (to date): $3.25m – $750,000 seed funding in 2017 and a Seed round of $2.5m last year. Raised $1.3m from Eureeca investors in January 2021 as part of a Series A round with a $5m target.

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Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

The biog

Profession: Senior sports presenter and producer

Marital status: Single

Favourite book: Al Nabi by Jibran Khalil Jibran

Favourite food: Italian and Lebanese food

Favourite football player: Cristiano Ronaldo

Languages: Arabic, French, English, Portuguese and some Spanish

Website: www.liliane-tannoury.com

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Updated: September 07, 2021, 11:07 AM
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