While global headlines fixate on macro volatility and regional tensions, the underlying data tells a completely different story for Gulf technology.

In this episode of Majlis & Markets, we sit down with Forbes Top Venture Capitalist Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner at PlusVC, to unpack his contrarian investment thesis. Hasan lays out exactly how the GCC startup ecosystem, spearheaded by an unprecedented liquidity boom in Saudi Arabia, has structurally decoupled from broader regional conflicts.

We look deeply into the realities facing Sharia-compliant startups and the distinct innovation landscape of Islamic fintech. Hasan also tackles the taboo topics facing the ecosystem head-on, addressing the harsh criticisms surrounding the regional lack of a proven exit track record and how founders must realistically navigate failure.

Finally, we look outward to draw parallels from global success stories like Revolut, the structural scale of SpaceX, and the strategic implications of tech giants like OpenAI acquiring media networks like the TBPN show. If you are an institutional allocator, a growth-stage founder, or an angel investor navigating the current Middle Eastern capital crunch, this conversation provides the definitive playbook for deploying risk capital.

🤖 EPISODE BRIEFING

• How is geopolitical risk affecting venture capital deployment in the MENA region? While the Iran War and macro instability has created a short-term capital contraction from Western funds, domestic sovereign wealth and regional venture capital are moving aggressively. The GCC market is experiencing a structural decoupling, where domestic regulatory reforms and internal liquidity shield tech infrastructure from external geopolitical shocks.
• What are the primary structural challenges for Islamic fintech and Sharia-compliant startups? The main challenge lies in transitioning from niche alternative banking into a core driver of regional financial infrastructure. By blending automated AI asset validation with authentic Sharia compliance, these platforms are moving past regional boundaries to capture massive, unserved retail and commercial liquidity pools across the GCC.
• Is the criticism regarding the lack of a startup exit track record in MENA valid? Historically yes, but the infrastructure is shifting rapidly. Saudi Arabia’s capital markets have transformed via deep regulatory restructuring, creating an accessible pipeline for corporate IPOs, robust secondary markets, and late-stage tech exits that reduce reliance on Western exchanges.

📖 STRATEGIC REGIONAL READING

• PlusVC Targets 40 Startup Deals Amid Growing Saudi Pipeline (Bloomberg): https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-03/plus-vc-targets-40-startup-deals-in-2026-as-saudi-pipeline-grows
• Why Saudi Arabia is an IPO Magnet: https://gfmag.com/capital-raising-corporate-finance/saudi-arabia-ipo-magnet/

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Is the multi-billion dollar private credit market a global financial crisis in the making, or is the GCC region building a bulletproof alternative capital haven?

In this episode of Majlis & Markets, we sit down with Sharif Eid, Portfolio Manager at Amwal Capital Partners, for a comprehensive look at the realities of alternative lending, macro liquidity risks, and the massive capital migration toward the Middle East.

🔴 PART 1: THE GLOBAL PRIVATE CREDIT DEBATE (00:00 - 27:02)
We break down the global macro picture, tackling the fierce media debate surrounding "shadow banking." Sharif shares his insider take on global asset quality, true default risks, and how Business Development Companies (BDCs) are reshaping corporate finance. We look past the headlines and market panics involving players like Blue Owl and BlackRock to analyse whether unregulated mid-market lending poses a real systemic threat to global financial stability.

🔴 PART 2: THE GCC INVESTMENT BOOM & TOKENISATION (27:03 - End)
We pivot to the MENA region to examine the structural shift turning the Gulf into an onshore direct-lending powerhouse amidst regional geopolitical events. We dive into Abu Dhabi’s rapid evolution as a private credit capital via the ADGM’s specialised fund frameworks, and look at the legacy of trust and data transparency in the region.

We also dissect Saudi Arabia’s dominance as the region's ultimate IPO magnet under Vision 2030, and how cutting-edge asset tokenisation and digital platforms are fundamentally transforming regional Sukuk structures and private market alpha in 2026.

💡 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:
• Why mainstream financial media demonises private credit.
• Is private credit genuinely just shadow banking in disguise?
• The truth about redemption panics, liquidity constraints, and default rates.
• How Abu Dhabi and the ADGM are attracting international credit managers.
• Why Saudi Arabia remains the primary IPO destination in the Middle East.
• How asset tokenisation and blockchain technology are transforming Sukuk markets.

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🎧 RECOMMENDED EPISODES & RELATED LISTENINGS:
• Is Shariah-Compliant Tech Ready? (Web Summit Qatar 2026): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTA0D4v5RtA

• How Saudi Arabia Is Betting on AI (George Huang, SenseTime): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M0j05KQ_i4

• $62T in One Room: Insights from ADFW 2025 (Ted Koenig, Monroe Capital): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-4dASWizj8

• Episode 8: Exploring the MENA Capital Markets Landscape (Sharif Eid): https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14698193-episode-8-exploring-the-mena-capital-markets-landscape

• Inside the Rise of Gulf Private Capital: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15141935-episode-21-gulf-investment-boom-inside-the-rise-of-private-capital

• Exploring the GCC Private Credit Boom: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15487197-episode-29-exploring-the-gcc-private-credit-boom

• Fund Focus: The GCC Investment Boom: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/16955383-episode-58-fund-focus-the-gcc-investment-boom

🔗 ARTICLES & RESOURCES MENTIONED:
• Institutional Investor – Abu Dhabi's Onshore Push: https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/abu-dhabi-moves-become-gulfs-private-credit-capital
• Global Finance – Saudi Arabia: The Gulf's Ultimate IPO Magnet: https://gfmag.com/capital-raising-corporate-finance/saudi-arabia-ipo-magnet/
• Amwal Capital Partners: https://amwalcp.com/

👥 CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
• Connect with Sharif Eid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharif-eid-22056a19/

#PrivateCredit #ShadowBanking #BlackRock #BlueOwlCapital #AssetTokenisation #GlobalMacro #GCCMarkets #SaudiArabia #AbuDhabi #Sukuk #MajlisAndMarkets #FinancePodcast

As the 2026 Iran War escalates, the Middle East faces a defining moment of economic reckoning. While the world watches the missiles, the markets are watching the financial lifelines of Cairo, Beirut, and the Gulf. Expert Angus Blair (Signet Institute) returns to Majlis & Markets to discuss whether the regional economy has finally reached its breaking point.

The instability of 2026 has created a $7 billion revenue void in the Suez Canal, but the ripples extend far beyond Egypt’s borders. We move past the headlines to explore "what they missed": the true impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and the strategic shift toward Chinese credit lines.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Iran factor, dissecting how Tehran's regional strategy is reshaping trade routes and risk premiums. We also explore the volatile Syria-Israel relationship, examining how the friction on that border serves as a barometer for wider regional kinetic escalation.

We also assess the GCC’s economic resilience amidst these war clouds and ask the hard questions about Lebanon: What are the realistic pathways for Lebanon’s banking recovery in 2026?

Whether you are an investor navigating MENA markets or a follower of global geopolitics, this episode breaks down what these shifting alliances mean for global capital and market stability.

• Suez Canal 2026: How does a 60% drop in maritime traffic rewrite Egypt’s national budget?
• The Iran Factor: How is the current conflict altering the long-term trade dynamics of the Middle East?
• Syria-Israel Friction: How does the tension between Damascus and Tel Aviv impact regional investment risk?
• Lebanon’s Recovery: What are the realistic pathways for Lebanon’s banking recovery in 2026?
• Market Impact: What does this regional upheaval mean for MENA market volatility and capital flight?

🎧 Related Listening: The Egypt Deep-Dive Series

To understand the full context of Egypt’s economic journey, explore our previous episodes:

• Ep 13 | Unpacking Egypt’s Economy (feat. Angus Blair): Listen Here
• Ep 31 | Pyramids of Pressure – Egypt’s Economic Balance: Listen Here
• Ep 35 | Egypt’s Fintech Focus – Growth and Challenges: Listen Here

🤝 Connect with Majlis & Markets

Subscribe for weekly insights into the shifting economies of the Middle East.

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As regional volatility grows, is Turkey emerging as the ultimate refuge for global capital?

In this episode of Majlis & Markets, we are joined by Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu to explore Turkey’s strategic positioning amidst the Iran conflict and shifting global market dynamics. We discuss how Ankara is blending "geonomics" and active diplomacy to secure its role as a resilient regional hub for investment and innovation.

• The Safe Haven Advantage: Turning regional uncertainty into a strategic investment hook.
• Geopolitics of Conflict: Navigating the fallout of the Iran war and the internal Turkish policy response.
• IFC vs. The Gulf: A realistic assessment of the Istanbul Financial Centre’s potential to rival Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Economic Resilience: Managing energy security risks, tourism slumps, and fiscal health during a crisis.
• The AI Revolution: Why Turkey’s engineering talent provides a "capacity insurance" edge in the digital race.

Catch up on Part 1 of our discussion with Serhat:

Turkey’s Economic Shift: Crisis or Comeback?

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Connect with Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu

• LinkedIn: Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu
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Is the "Bloomberg of Baghdad" finally a reality? 🇮🇶☕️

In Episode 90 of Majlis & Markets, we sit down with Jameel Amir, the co-founder and host of the Tajarib podcast. Jameel is doing more than just creating content; he is architecting the "knowledge infrastructure" Iraq desperately needs.

His mission? To build a high-trust, digital-first powerhouse that provides the institutional weight of Bloomberg or CNBC, curated specifically for the Iraqi economy.

Jameel shares his journey from a social media intern at The Station to becoming one of the most recognised and influential business voices in the country. We dive deep into why the Iraqi economy is at a historic turning point and which sectors—from Fintech to B2B Logistics—are poised to lead the digital transformation in 2026.

In this episode, you will learn:

• 🚀 The Institutional Gap: Why Iraq needs a "Bloomberg" style resource for market intelligence right now.
• 🏗️ The Baghdad Tech Surge: A deep dive into the startup ecosystem and its 2026 growth drivers.
• 💰 The Funding Reality: Navigating the gap between venture capital interest and local legal barriers.
• ⚽ The World Cup Effect: How national pride is translating into real business sentiment and FDI interest.

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🔗 Related Episodes to Download Next

Learn more about the Iraqi market by listening to these next:

• Macro Analysis: Iraq’s Economy: Progress or Pressure? Ft. Ahmed Tabaqchali
• Venture Capital: Venture into Iraq - Start-ups on the Rise
• Real Estate Tech: Bricks and Bytes - Iraq’s Real Estate Tech Boom
• Startup Strategy: Accelerating Iraq’s Startup Revolution

🔗 Guest Resources

• Tajarib Podcast: Watch on YouTube
• The Station Iraq: the-station.iq

Is Syria the $215 billion "clean slate" the global financial system needs? 🇸🇾🏗️

In Episode 89 of Majlis & Markets, Hassan Jivraj is joined by Shariah governance expert Najib Al Aswad (CEO of IFCAB) to deconstruct the roadmap for Syria’s economic rebirth.

Following years of conflict and a 98% currency devaluation, we explore if Islamic finance can move beyond "halal stickers" to provide the essential financial plumbing for a nation in rebirth.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 🏗️ The $215B Blueprint: Scaling Sukuk to fund hospitals, schools, and energy.
• ⚡ The Energy Prerequisite: Why fixing the power grid is the first step to financial recovery.
• 🛡️ AAOIFI SS62: Moving the needle on Internal Shariah Audit to win back global investor trust.
• 🧠 The Value Proposition: Bridging the "expectation gap" between ethical theory and systemic reality.
• 📱 Fintech Leapfrogging: Can digital payments bypass broken traditional banking?

Related Episodes
🔗 Episode 49: Setting the Standard: AAOIFI’s impact on Islamic Finance
https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/16355515-episode-49-setting-the-standard-aaoifi-s-impact-on-islamic-finance

🔗 Episode 57: Counting the cost: Inside Syria's economy with Jihad Yazigi
https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/16822898-episode-57-counting-the-cost-inside-syria-s-economy

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Resources:

• Najib Al Aswad: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/najibalaswad/]
• IFCAB Advisory: [https://ifcab.org/]
• AAOIFI: [https://aaoifi.com/e-standards/?lang=en]

#IslamicFinance #SyriaReconstruction #NajibAlAswad #MajlisAndMarkets #Episode89 #Sukuk #AAOIFI #EconomicRecovery #Fintech

Is the GCC facing a structural point of no return? With the Hormuz Blockade effectively "locking in" the region's economy, the old rules of Gulf growth are being rewritten. In Episode 88 of Majlis & Markets, Issam Al-Tawari re-joins us for a high-stakes briefing on the Gulf economic reset.

We move beyond the headlines to analyse why the 2026 conflict is more than just a volatility shock—it is a fundamental devaluation of regional security and credit profiles.

Key Briefing Points:

• The Chokepoint: The fiscal reality of stranded hydrocarbon exports.
• Credit Contagion: Why regional banks are tightening and the surge in war risk premiums.
• Kuwait’s Survival: Assessing the viability of Vision 2035 in a disrupted supply chain environment.
• The Global Reset: How shifting geopolitical hegemonies are forcing a new GCC financial strategy.

Feedback & Engagement
We want to hear from you.

Send your feedback, questions, or guest suggestions to: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com

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#GCCEconomy #HormuzBlockade #IssamAlTawari #KuwaitFinance #GlobalReset2026 #MajlisAndMarkets

Is the Iranian state effectively in receivership? As the 2026 conflict intensifies and the IRGC maintains its "toll booth" blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, the question of who actually holds the economic lever has never been more critical. Is President Pezeshkian’s administration a mere figurehead for the economy?

In this episode, renowned strategist Bijan Khajehpour joins Majlis & Markets for an institutional autopsy of the Iranian state. We move past the headlines to deconstruct the "Emboldened" strategy of the IRGC, the resilience of the banking sector under total sanctions, and the brutal geoeconomics of survival in 2026.

In this episode, we reveal:

• The $120B Demand: Why the release of frozen assets is the non-negotiable price for reopening the Strait.
• State vs. Shadow State: The internal deadlock between the formal government and the military council.
• Banking in Conflict: How Iran’s financial structures have pivoted to survive a total 2026 blockade.
• The "Toll Booth" Economy: How the IRGC funds the war effort through shadow maritime revenues.
• Geoeconomic Leverage: Why Tehran believes it holds the ultimate upper hand in the global energy war.

🎙️ Connect with Majlis & Markets

Stay ahead of the geoeconomic shift. Follow our feeds for real-time analysis:

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🎓 About the Guest

Bijan Khajehpour is a leading authority on Iran’s geoeconomics and state structures.

• 📰 Analysis: Amwaj Media [https://amwaj.media/en/author/21066201]
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @BijanKK