The New Gulf Reality: Iran, America & What Comes Next | Prof. Bernard Haykel 177

In our first-ever virtual episode, Professor Bernard Haykel, Director of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University, breaks down the powerful forces reshaping the Middle East today. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation to the decline of ideological movements across the region, Prof. Haykel offers sharp insight into where things are headed—and why it matters.We dive into rising tensions involving Iran and the United States, the future of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) security, and the ongoing crisis in Palestine.Finally, we explore what could define the region’s future, from greater regional unity to why human capital may be the Gulf’s most important long-term advantage. 0:00 What’s Really Happening in the Middle East?1:27 The Biggest Shifts Reshaping the Middle East Right Now3:20 The Deep Divides Defining the Region5:10 What Sparked the Rising Tensions with Iran?7:18 How the Gulf Cooperation Council Is Being Impacted8:46 Saudi Arabia’s Balancing Act: Stability vs Transformation11:28 Inside Saudi Arabia’s Massive Economic & Social Overhaul12:51 The Surprising Rise of Women and Social Change14:02 A New Book That Explains Saudi Arabia’s Transformation17:42 Inside the Vision of Mohammed bin Salman21:09 Will a Palestinian State Ever Become Reality?23:10 Why the Gulf Must Unite on Defense Now26:13 Are United States Bases Still Protecting the Gulf?27:40 What Gives Real Hope for the Middle East’s Future?29:03 Final Thoughts, Book Release Update The Mo ShowYoutube https://bit.ly/3nDwsZvApple Podcast https://apple.co/3J9ScX4Spotify https://spoti.fi/33dzsC2Anghami https://bit.ly/3mRo1uyInstagram https://bit.ly/2KAwq5vX https://bit.ly/3KanEnJTikTok https://bit.ly/43L92poLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3NkxZoeSnapchat https://bit.ly/3NM3LKQWebsite https://bit.ly/3H2DhMMEmail [email protected]

Her Excellency is a Saudi tech-diplomat shaping the future of the global digital economy. As the founding Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), she leads international efforts to bring governments, innovators, and institutions together to ensure technology becomes a force for inclusive and sustainable growth. In doing so, she also made history as the first Saudi woman to lead the secretariat of an international organization. On this episode, we discuss what it took to build the DCO from the ground up during the uncertainty of COVID, often with limited resources but a clear global vision. The conversation explores Saudi Arabia’s rapid digital transformation and how it has become a real-world case study for modern government services, digital payments, and improving quality of life. We unpacked the idea of “tech diplomacy”, why digital governance, standards, and cross-border cooperation are now critical as technology reshapes economies, politics, and the global flow of information. 0:00 Intro 4:43 What Is the Digital Cooperation Organization 7:49 Building DCO from Scratch9:02 DCO’s Global Momentum 11:34 Why Technology? 12:31 Empowering Women Through E-Commerce 14:16 The Origin of Women Spark 17:24 Training, Incubators, and Angel Networks for Women in Tech 19:57 Working at Microsoft 23:09 What Is a Tech Diplomat 27:59 Social Platforms Influence 29:22 Why Self-Reliance in Tech Matters 34:14 Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Transformation 36:12 Why Connectivity Alone Is Not Enough 38:59 Saudi Digital Systems and Global Readiness Gaps 42:46 Advice to Young People in the Digital Economy 46:31 Career Advice: Focus on the Step in Front of You 50:01 Why Digital Prosperity for All Is Achievable 51:21 The Next Big Challenge: AI and a New Digital Divide 55:34 Closing Reflections

Dr. Mark Hyman and Mo get into the revolutionary shift toward functional medicine and how the modern, ultra-processed diet is driving an epidemic of chronic disease, particularly in the Middle East. Dr. Hyman breaks down the power of treating the body as an interconnected ecosystem, the urgent need for aggressive food policies, and how a simple 10-day dietary reset can reverse insulin resistance and eliminate daily symptoms. They also explore the future of AI-driven health tracking and the profound, often-overlooked impact of community and social connection on human longevity. A big thanks to the team at Zenos Health Summit for setting this episode up for us. Dr. Mark HymanFunction Health https://bit.ly/4752zJkInstagram https://bit.ly/4b1n0cFWebsite https://bit.ly/3MENYxy Saudia Website https://bit.ly/495n6fBInstagram https://bit.ly/3UgTTdAX https://bit.ly/4beIQY8 Noon Instagram https://bit.ly/3XRScUYWebsite https://bit.ly/44lnA1S Brew 92Instagram http://bit.ly/3VN6MeILinkedIn https://bit.ly/42kN65EWebsite https://bit.ly/4grbAjK IWC Instagram https://bit.ly/44dxbFWWebsite https://bit.ly/43K8JMk Lexus Instagram https://bit.ly/4tRXzS6X https://bit.ly/4cDZ4gIWebsite https://bit.ly/4kTlTz6 The Mo ShowYoutube https://bit.ly/3nDwsZvApple Podcast https://apple.co/3J9ScX4Spotify https://spoti.fi/33dzsC2Anghami https://bit.ly/3mRo1uyInstagram https://bit.ly/2KAwq5vX https://bit.ly/3KanEnJTikTok https://bit.ly/43L92poLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3NkxZoeSnapchat https://bit.ly/3NM3LKQWebsite https://bit.ly/3H2DhMMEmail [email protected] 

On this episode, Arnaud Martinez, CEO of The Helicopter Company (THC), joins Mo to unpack the company’s meteoric rise and its critical role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030.Arnaud takes us behind the scenes of the complex aerial logistics powering giga-projects like NEOM and the Red Sea, the life-saving impact of THC’s national Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), and the high-stakes operations behind global events such as the Dakar Rally.The conversation also dives into the psychology of aviation safety, how accountability and human factors shape decision-making in the air, and THC’s long-term commitment to developing Saudi aviation talent. Arnaud also shares his personal journey—from a French pilot to an executive helping lead the Kingdom’s aerial transformation. 0:00  Intro  2:27  Filling the Market Gap in the Kingdom  4:08  From Pilot to CEO  5:28  Addressing Fear & Helicopter Safety  8:55  Moving to Saudi Arabia  13:45 Witnessing Saudi Vision 2030 in Action  15:58 Powering Major Events  18:20 Investing in Saudi Talent  21:55 Accountability & Human Factors in Aviation  35:36 Why Saudi Is a Unique Aviation Landscape  38:32 Hajj & Large-Scale Logistics  46:18 Saving Lives Through HEMS  50:49 Advice for Aviation Professionals  53:42 Personal Inspirations  58:33 Closing  

Mufti Menk is a globally respected Islamic scholar, motivational speaker, and author, widely known for his ability to connect classical Islamic teachings with the realities of modern life. With a worldwide following, his work focuses on faith, compassion, personal growth, and positive change.A big thanks to the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai for giving us the opportunity to have this conversation.0:00 Intro1:53 Staying Grounded in a Hyper-Digital World4:20 The Power of an Authentic Message5:47 Faith as Energy, Not Pressure7:19 Mercy Over Judgment in a Noisy World8:44 Discovering Your True Purpose10:19 From Medicine to Medina: A Personal Journey13:10 Making Faith Approachable, Not Intimidating14:39 Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap16:39 Beating Doubt and Impostor Syndrome18:59 Where Science and Revelation Converge22:47 A Simple Daily Practice for Inner Peace24:53 Legacy: What Will You Be Remembered For?26:50 Rethinking Mortality and the Afterlife

Dr. Maliha is a global healthcare visionary, innovator, and biohacker, named among the Most Iconic Women in Business 2025. As CEO of MNH-KSA, she pioneers transformative models of healthcare delivery and leadership. A polymath humanist working at the convergence of medicine, technology, and human potential, she is actively shaping the future of health, longevity, and high-performance living on a global scale. 00:00 Biohacking Meets the Soul05:03 Why You Have to Serve Yourself First08:36 Ditching the News to Reclaim Focus11:50 Childhood Lessons That Built Empowerment17:20 From Career to Cause: Policy & Change21:26 Faith in the Face of Uncertainty29:34 Service, Criticism & Choosing Kindness34:36 Sustainability, Food Waste & Conscious Living37:47 AI, Robots & What Makes Us Human46:05 Big Pharma, Sugar & Taking Back Consumer Power54:43 The Power of Slow Mornings & Journaling1:00:45 Building Unbreakable Mental Resilience1:05:23 Loneliness, Love & Navigating Single Life1:11:50 Feminism vs. Chivalry in the Modern World1:18:53 Mortality, Meaning & Redefining Success1:31:39 Handling Toxicity with Grace & Strength1:37:55 Wearing the Hijab at Harvard1:41:10 Final Reflections  

In this raw conversation, Mo, Ahd, and Nada talk about the drastic evolution of their live from the restrictions of the past to the booming creative industries of today. They get into the transition from corporate banking to the red carpet, the challenges of modern parenting in a digital age, and the toxic allure of social media. The friends also share vulnerable reflections on entering their 40s, finding peace through prayer and gratitude, and why shedding the need for external validation has been their ultimate liberation in life! 0:00 Intro  5:40 Women & Empowerment  6:26 Red Sea Film Festival  9:02 Career Pivots 15:21 Validation  28:05 Faith & Peace  31:07 Motherhood & Burnout  41:05 Life on Set  46:05 Wisdom of the 40s 56:15 Arabic Language & Content  1:03:58 New Ventures 1:12:29 Online Criticism  1:19:34 AI, Social Media & Kids  1:20:53 Advice to Our Younger Selves Nada BaeshenInstagram https://bit.ly/49CeY82TikTok https://bit.ly/4pB9zo1LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3YIcTTd Ahd KamelInstagram https://bit.ly/4qYN4dQWikipedia https://bit.ly/49xdQmk Saudia Website https://bit.ly/495n6fBInstagram https://bit.ly/3UgTTdAX https://bit.ly/4beIQY8 Noon Instagram https://bit.ly/3XRScUYWebsite https://bit.ly/44lnA1S Brew 92Instagram http://bit.ly/3VN6MeILinkedIn https://bit.ly/42kN65EWebsite https://bit.ly/4grbAjK IWC Instagram https://bit.ly/44dxbFWWebsite https://bit.ly/43K8JMk 

HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan 170 | Chairman, Saudi Esports FederationOn this episode, we were honored to welcome HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation.We explore the remarkable evolution of Saudi Arabia’s gaming and esports sector from the federation’s establishment in 2018 to its central role in positioning the Kingdom as a leading global esports destination. The conversation traces Saudi Arabia’s hosting of Gamers8, the Kingdom’s flagship international esports event, for two consecutive years, followed by the launch of the Esports World Cup, hosted in Saudi Arabia and delivered by the Esports World Cup Foundation. Over the past two years, the tournament has rapidly emerged as a global phenomenon, welcoming more than 3 million visitors.Prince Faisal shares insights into the groundbreaking Gamers Without Borders charity initiative, the growing participation of women in Saudi gaming, and the infrastructure being built to nurture local talent into world-class professionals. The discussion also addresses global criticism, the physical and mental demands of professional esports, and the ambitious vision to establish Saudi Arabia as the world’s natural hub for esports by 2030.0:00 Intro1:33 From GSA Cup to Gamers84:56 Gaming for Charity8:13 Esports World Cup: Growth and Statistics12:15 Becoming Chairman20:18 Esports Career Pathways in Saudi Arabia25:29 Women in Gaming30:25 Is Esports a Real Sport?35:46 Visa Programs Infrastructure39:07 Mega Events vs. Grassroots41:50 Global Game Publishers45:51 The Future of Esports in the Olympics48:15 Personal Motivation53:40 Telling Saudi Stories56:02 Prince Faisal’s All-Time Favorite Games59:04 Vision for 20301:02:37 Changing Perceptions Conclusion

The 5th International Red Sea Film Festival offered an exclusive look into the evolving global film landscape through its CEO Directors Roundtable, a high-level discussion that brought together influential voices from across the industry. Set against the backdrop of Jeddah’s growing cultural scene, the roundtable explored the festival’s role in championing diverse storytelling, supporting emerging filmmakers, and strengthening connections between regional cinema and the international market. Industry leaders shared insights on strategic collaboration, sustainable growth, and the creative responsibilities of festivals in shaping the future of film, highlighting the Red Sea Film Festival’s rising significance as a dynamic hub for dialogue, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.

In this rare and deeply personal conversation, I was fortunate to sit down with Ruth as she opened up about the defining moments of her life, from learning the power of smart risk to helping stabilize the global economy in 2008.Her and I dive deep into Google’s AI strategy, how competition from ChatGPT ultimately makes the company stronger, the Nobel Prize–winning breakthroughs behind AlphaFold and Ruth’s candid view on how close we really are to finding a cure for cancer.Ruth also shares her “battle scars”, hiring philosophy, her vision for the future of teleportation technology, and the advice she would give to anyone looking to pivot their career successfully.A big thanks to the Google team in Riyadh for facilitating this shoot at their beautiful offices.0:00 Intro3:39 Leading Through the 2008 Financial Crisis5:37 Flexibility vs. Rigidity in Career Paths8:41 Thriving in Google’s Culture of Innovation11:12 Google’s Approach to AI Competition13:35 Unlocking Creativity with Gemini17:14 Making Bold Bets at Google19:20 Data Privacy and Security at Google21:34 Google’s Investment in Saudi Arabia Vision 203027:58 Future Tech: Teleportation AI in Healthcare32:10 Curing Cancer Personal Battle35:40 Life Lessons: Risk, Learning, and Mentorship40:02 Reflecting on Regrets and Closing