Business Extra
Business & Finance
About
As one of the world‘s most influential business hubs, the Middle East requires expert attention. Business Extra provides those experts, as well as news and insights from The National‘s esteemed team of business editors and reporters, who are on top of the markets, technology, the energy sector and more.
Episodes
- Is the UAE's exit the beginning of the end for Opec?
The UAE
- How the UAE's Aleria is partnering with Nvidia to own its AI future
The UAE is developing sovereign AI infrastructure, partnering with Nvidia to integrate advanced AI technology and thousands of Blackwell Ultra chips. This initiative aims to ensure national control over sensitive digital operations in sect…
- UAE property: Experts address what is next for the market
Experts on Business Extra discuss the recent downturn in the UAE property market, which saw transaction volumes fall significantly following geopolitical events. They explore whether this is a temporary shock or the start of a slowdown, an…
- What the energy crisis reveals about how we power world
The Business Extra episode examines the recent energy crisis, its significant economic ripple effects, and questions if greater investment in renewables and distributed energy systems could have lessened its severity. Host Salim A Essaid d…
- Uncertainty is certain: Inside the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings
Business Extra reports on the unique IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, influenced by geopolitical events and featuring a diverse range of global officials. Discussions centered on economic uncertainty, supply shocks, potent…
- Beyond oil: How the Iran war is already hitting wallets
This Business Extra episode discusses the economic consequences of the Iran war, which extend beyond oil markets to affect transport, production, and food prices globally. Host Salim A Essaid and guest Amro Zakaria explore industries under…
- Inside Borouge: The UAE's petrochemical powerhouse
Host Khaled Abuljebain speaks with Borouge CFO Yan Martin Nufer about the company
- CERAWeek in the shadow of war: How the conflict is reshaping the global energy conversation
Business Extra covers CERAWeek 2024, where energy executives discuss market instability caused by the Iran conflict. The episode features insights on geopolitical influences on oil prices, supply route concerns, and industry leader withdra…
- How the Iran war is threatening water security in the Gulf
This episode of Business Extra discusses the threat of the Iran war to water security in the Gulf region, detailing how disruptions to energy markets impact water and food supplies, with insights from water politics specialist Sameh Al-Muq…
- How UAE and Gulf residents can better manage their money amid Iran war turmoil
Carol Glynn, a UAE-based financial coach, explains how residents in the UAE and Gulf can manage their finances during the current Iran war turmoil. The discussion covers household budgets, savings, financial security, appropriate cash rese…
- How global energy security is being reshaped amid US-Israel and Iran attacks
The podcast episode discusses the impact of recent attacks in the Gulf region between the US, Israel, and Iran on global energy security. It covers the disruption of oil refineries in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, a halt in Qatar's LNG producti…
- The Ramadan economy: How UAE consumers are spending in 2026
This episode of Business Extra discusses the evolving Ramadan economy in the UAE for 2026. Host Salim Essaid and Sandeep Ganediwalla explore how consumer spending habits are changing, with a notable increase in spending on experiences and…
- Understanding Sovereign AI and why governments are racing to build it
This episode of Business Extra examines the concept of Sovereign AI, a growing focus for governments worldwide. Host Salim Essaid and guest Ahmed Abdulla discuss its meaning, national importance, and potential impact on future economic and…
- Inside the UAE job market: What you need to know about hiring in 2026
This Q&A explores the UAE job market for 2026, detailing hiring trends, the impact of AI on recruitment, evolving skills, and salary expectations. Insights cover employer strategies amid global slowdowns and industry-specific demand.
- How Adnoc Distribution is scaling profits and sustainability
In this episode, Adnoc Distribution
- How Adnoc Gas is expanding its network to meet AI data centre demands
Fatema Al Nuaimi discusses Adnoc Gas's network expansion, including new AI data centers in Abu Dhabi and scaled LNG capacity. The episode covers supply agreements, the Ruwais Low-Carbon LNG project, and Al Nuaimi's leadership experience.
- Behind the Bitcoin drop: Are we entering a new era for crypto?
Bitcoin’s November decline, marked by over $18,000 in losses and billions in liquidations, is examined. Richard Teng of Binance discusses the events, while Yevgeny Bebnev of Pelican Investments argues for crypto as an institutional asset a…
- What you need to do to retire comfortably in the UAE
This Business Extra episode discusses retirement planning for UAE residents, focusing on maximizing savings and avoiding common mistakes due to the absence of traditional pension schemes. Host Salim A Essaid is joined by financial coach Ja…
- Inside the UAE’s SME strategy
Abdulla bin Touq, UAE Minister of Economy, details the nation's strategy to become a global hub for startups and SMEs. He explains economic reforms, new laws, and a cluster-economy approach targeting key sectors, alongside initiatives for…
- How Adnoc L&S became a global logistics power
Capt Abdulkareem Al Masabi details the growth of Adnoc Logistics & Services, now the second-largest global energy logistics player. The discussion covers the company's record IPO, a $10 billion fleet expansion, and securing $26 billion in…
- Why more wealth is leaving the UK and landing in the UAE
High-net-worth individuals are relocating their assets from the UK to the UAE, seeking stability and tax advantages. The episode discusses the reasons behind this trend, including the UK's tax policies and the UAE's favorable business envi…
- What can Donald Trump’s Gaza economic plan offer without Palestinian sovereignty?
Business Extra discusses Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, focusing on its 20 points for investment and special economic zones. The episode questions the plan’s feasibility without Palestinian sovereign control, detailing how the Israeli gov…
- TikTok's new owners and what is at stake
This Business Extra episode discusses TikTok's restructuring to divest from Chinese ownership, featuring potential deals with US players and MGX. It examines the impact on content control, algorithmic influence, and the role of ownership i…
- Beyond Carrefour: Why some global brands are losing ground in the Middle East
Global retail giants are losing ground in the Middle East as consumers increasingly prefer local brands and home-grown experiences that align with their regional identity. Host Salim Essaid discusses this trend with insights from Aarti Nag…
- How Fed's interest rates decision affects economic policies and consumers in the Gulf
This episode of Business Extra discusses the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions and their significant impact on Gulf economies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, due to currency ties to the US dollar. Host Salim Essaid s…
- Middle East internet cables, the 'very vulnerable' communication corridor
Undersea internet cables in the Red Sea have been damaged, causing slower web pages and streaming issues in the UAE and the wider region. This episode of Business Extra, hosted by Salim A Essaid, examines the criticality of this communicat…
- Why some companies have suffered 'zero returns' from AI investments – and who got it right
A recent MIT report indicates that 95% of organizations have seen no returns from their AI investments. This episode discusses the reasons behind these zero returns, featuring guests Mohammad Abu Sheikh, Amit Joshi, and Dana Alomar, who ex…
- What will Syria’s revalued currency mean for its economy?
Host Salim Essaid, Hani Abuagla, and Fareed Rahman discuss Syria's plan to remove two zeros from the Syrian pound. They analyze the potential economic impact of this currency overhaul in the context of the pound's devaluation since 2011.
- What's behind US-UAE nuclear partnership?
Business Extra discusses the US-UAE nuclear energy partnership, highlighting civilian applications, economic diversification goals, and the expanded agreement with Westinghouse for AP1000 reactors.
- Donald Trump's new tariffs and the Middle East
Host Salim Essaid discusses new US tariffs imposed by Donald Trump with professor Simon Evennet, examining their impact on global trade and the Middle East as countries seek new partners.
- What new US crypto laws mean for the future
The US has introduced new cryptocurrency legislation, including the Clarity Act, Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, and the Genius Act. The episode discusses the potential major implications for the Middle East, given the region's existing…
- How to own property in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia will permit foreign investors to purchase property beginning in January 2026, opening up its real estate market. The episode discusses the potential challenges and opportunities for international buyers, featuring insights fro…
- What does Oman's new income tax mean for the Gulf?
Oman is set to become the first country in the Gulf region to introduce personal income tax, scheduled for implementation in 2028. The move raises questions about whether other Gulf states might follow suit. The discussion features Deepthi…
- Emiratisation and the future of work in the UAE
This episode of Business Extra discusses Emiratisation, a UAE initiative to increase the number of Emiratis in private sector roles. Host Salim speaks with Ali Al Shouk and Ben Crompton about its effects on companies and implications for t…
- Gulf economies and the Iran-Israel conflict: What's next?
Business Extra explores the economic implications of the Iran-Israel conflict for Gulf nations, including concerns about nuclear sites and the Strait of Hormuz, and features World Bank country director Safaa Al-Kogali.
- Oil up, stocks down: Market volatility amid Iran-Israel war
Global markets experienced a downturn and oil prices surged in the days following Israel's offensive against Iran. The episode examines the potential economic consequences and market volatility resulting from the conflict, featuring insigh…
- Middle East aviation takes off
Middle East aviation is experiencing growth with new infrastructure and markets, leading to projected high profit margins for regional carriers. Host Salim Essaid talks with Deena Kamel and Saj Ahmad about the future of air travel in the r…
- Dubai real estate: Are we heading into market correction?
The Business Extra episode discusses the Dubai real estate market, which has seen significant growth post-Covid. It explores Fitch's forecast of a potential 15% price drop in late 2025 and addresses differing expert views on the market's f…
- Stargate UAE: What does it mean for the future of AI?
The Stargate UAE project, a partnership involving Abu Dhabi's G42 and major tech companies, is set to launch an AI campus in 2026. This initiative is part of broader tech developments, including data center partnerships with Nvidia and G42…
- The UAE's race to 'make it' here
The UAE is accelerating its manufacturing capabilities, from machine parts to pasta, under the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative. This push aims to diversify the economy and decrease dependence on international trade, with insights from…
- What do Trump's business deals in the Gulf mean for the region and the US?
In this episode of Business Extra, host Sarah Forster and Geo-Economics Editor Manus Cranny discuss the business deals announced during Donald Trump
- Why is Jordan burdened by external debt?
Jordan
- Recession fears evoke deja vu. The Middle East might be safe.
This episode of Business Extra examines current recession fears, driven by US White House tariff policies and their impact on global markets. It contrasts the US outlook with the potentially more stable economic situation in the Middle Eas…
- Sanctions on Syria: a look back, a way forward
This episode of Business Extra examines the history and impact of international sanctions on Syria, which have affected the country since the 1970s and continued throughout its civil war. It discusses the complexities of these measures and…
- Trump's tariffs are back. What are they and what do they mean for the Middle East?
Business Extra discusses the return of Donald Trump's tariff policy, noting its intensification and broadening. Experts analyze the potential impact on the Middle East's political sphere, consumers, and economic activity.
- What challenges do women still face in the Middle East start-up scene?
This episode of Business Extra discusses the challenges women face in the Middle East start-up scene, noting that women-led start-ups receive only 1% of funding despite making up 7% of the total. Female founders and a funding expert share…
- Al Masaood Automobiles chief on the future of mobility
Irfan Tansel, CEO of Al Masaood Automobiles, joins David Dunn on Business Extra to discuss the UAE's automotive landscape and the future of mobility, including electric and autonomous vehicles and increasing digitization. He also touches o…
- AI and the Gulf: Where it's been and what's next
Gulf countries are focusing on innovation, particularly AI, to diversify their economies beyond oil. This shift is attracting significant global tech investment in areas like data centers and virtual breakthroughs, with Saudi Arabia noted…
- IFC's Makhtar Diop on AI, investments and emerging markets
Makhtar Diop, managing director of the International Finance Corporation, discusses AI, investments, and emerging markets at the World Governments Summit. The summit focused on sustainability, AI governance, and global finance.
- TikTok, Meta and the Middle East: Social media shifts in the US and what they mean for the region
This episode of Business Extra examines recent policy and business model changes by major tech companies like TikTok, Meta, and X, linking these shifts to political developments in the US and their implications for the Middle East. Insight…