Gulf Intelligence Podcasts

A tense, wide-ranging discussion weighed geopolitical supply risks against mounting macroeconomic pressure. Mike McGlone argued Fed tightening and an overextended stock market could trigger recession, demand destruction and lower commodities. Andrei Covatariu highlighted election politics, Russian refinery attacks and Europe’s winter vulnerability. Abhishek Kumar stressed refinery disruptions, costly rerouting and persistent regional Hormuz risk premiums.

Vandana Hari, Founder and CEO of Vanda Insights, led today’s discussion, framing oil markets as a supply and security crisis. David Wech said Middle Eastern exports remain 10 million b/d below pre-war levels as prices surge. Raad Al-Kadiri argued Hormuz requires comprehensive US-Iran guarantees; Colby Connelly warned Gulf states are diversifying beyond Washington amid regional war.

Guest Host Frank Kane steered discussion on tightening Gulf supply and oil’s next move. Omar Najia forecast prices above $145, citing liquidity, geopolitics and underinvestment. Omar Al-Ubaydli said earnest GCC-Iran dialogue is essential to resolving regional tensions. Maleeha Bengali warned disrupted export routes and tight products remain bullish, though oil could retreat before climbing again.

Oil markets face geopolitical and product-supply pressure as Brent holds above $105. Ron Bousso warned record cracks could trigger winter demand destruction. Giacomo Prandelli said refinery outages and soaring diesel costs threaten inflation, with diplomacy offering relief. Anoop Singh estimated Hormuz flows at six-to-seven million barrels daily and expects Asian winter shortages amid prolonged conflict.

Energy markets face mounting pressure as oil, gas and product disruptions converge. Anne-Sophie Corbeau warned low European storage and scarce Gulf LNG could drive prices higher. Osama Rizvi highlighted Pakistan’s cargo shortfall, blackouts and refinery push. Noam Raydan said Iran retains influence over Hormuz, while shuttle trades sustain fragile Iraqi exports despite escalating tanker risks.

Oil nearing $100 is intensifying pressure across major consuming economies. Vibhuti Garg highlighted India’s costly crude diversification but resilient growth and accelerating electrification. Marc Ostwald warned Europe faces acute refined-product, gas-storage and inflation pressures with limited fiscal buffers. Jamal Qureshi said depleted inventories leave oil increasingly exposed to geopolitical escalation, with prices capable of moving significantly higher.

Today’s discussion highlighted how geopolitical escalation is increasingly feeding into energy, inflation and security risks. Peter McGuire sees bullish oil momentum and stronger precious metals ahead; Robin Mills flags refined-product shortages and China’s returning crude imports; while Mehmet Öğütçü warns diesel scarcity could shock the global economy as Gulf states rethink security alliances.

A lively, bullish start to the week, with geopolitics and shipping risks dominating. Omar Najia sees crude heading significantly higher as products lead prices upward. Michelle Wiese Bockmann highlighted record tanker rates and mounting Hormuz insurance risks. Brian Pieri warned shrinking U.S. SPR capacity leaves consumers increasingly exposed to higher fuel prices.

Today’s discussion highlighted a market increasingly shaped by war-driven distortions. Giovanni Staunovo sees China’s returning crude demand as key to oil’s next move; Clyde Russell warns refining constraints and product shortages now matter more than Brent; while Danial Rahmat highlighted Iran’s mounting economic pressure and competing government-military approaches to ending the conflict.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast examined tightening oil and product markets amid persistent geopolitical risks. Mita Chaturvedi said Brent is finding support around $90 as market conviction rebuilds, with diesel and refined product tightness intensifying ahead of refinery maintenance. Narendra Taneja warned elevated oil prices and tanker shortages are increasing pressure on major importers like India. Yuriy Humber highlighted Japan’s exposure to higher energy costs, as the country diversifies oil supplies and strengthens energy security

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast delivered a wide-ranging discussion on mounting pressures across global energy markets. Neil Atkinson warned Hormuz disruption and Russian refinery outages are tightening product markets. Liao Na said China’s crude recovery reflects restocking, not stronger demand. Arne Rasmussen highlighted rising US yields, inflation risks and LNG shortages as growing threats to energy demand.

oday’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast: Ali Al Riyami argued that elevated oil prices signal continued constraints through Hormuz, with secure passage still unresolved. Laury Haytayan sees geopolitical stalemate persisting toward US midterms, while Europe manages product tightness without panic. Ian Nathan warned Europe’s low gas storage presents growing winter risks, even as LNG buyers adapt to disrupted Gulf supplies.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast returns examining the forces shaping oil markets as geopolitical and macro risks converge. Omar Najia remained bullish, citing escalation risks and constrained refining capacity. Mukesh Sahdev highlighted the widening crude-products divergence and voyage volatility. Adi Imsirovic emphasized critically low inventories, softer Chinese demand and macroeconomic pressures as increasingly important price drivers.

🎙️ AI Arabia Center of Excellence | Advisory Board Roundtable Session 6 PodcastTheme: How Are Capital Flows Shaping the Future of AI—and Who Will Capture Long-Term Value?As global investment in artificial intelligence continues to accelerate, the focus is shifting from funding innovation to creating sustainable long-term value. The challenge is identifying where capital should be deployed, which AI business models will scale successfully, and how organizations can convert investment into lasting economic and commercial returns.Featured Speakers:🔹 Richard Frey, Chief Executive Officer, INAIT🔹 Moody Hadi, Head of AI Strategy & Execution, Enterprise Data Organization, S&P Global🔹 Dr. Morgan Eldred, Founder, Digital EnergyThe discussion explores how strategic investment, enterprise AI adoption, data-driven decision-making, and emerging business models will determine where long-term value is created, which organizations are best positioned to lead the AI economy, and how capital can accelerate sustainable innovation across industries.

🎙️ AI Arabia Center of Excellence | Advisory Board Roundtable Session 5 PodcastTheme: How Can National AI Infrastructure and Compute Enable Scalable Adoption Across Key Sectors?As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates, access to scalable compute, robust digital infrastructure, and secure AI platforms has become essential for national competitiveness. The challenge is ensuring governments and industries have the infrastructure needed to deploy AI at scale while supporting innovation, resilience, and long-term economic growth.Featured Speakers:🔹 Omar AlSheikh, Country Head and Senior Director, KSA & Bahrain – Energy, Services & Government, Infosys🔹 Hany Azzam, Customer Success Lead, Microsoft Saudi Arabia🔹 Irina Karagyaur, Co-Founder & General Manager, BQ9 Agency🔹 Ramy AlDamati, Chief Metaverse & AI Strategy Officer, MetaServ ME🔹 Robin Machado, Head of Digital R&D MEA, Siemens Energy & ADYBC Board MemberThe discussion explores how investments in AI infrastructure, cloud and compute capacity, trusted digital ecosystems, and public-private collaboration can accelerate AI adoption across government, energy, manufacturing, and other strategic sectors—creating the foundation for sustainable innovation and economic competitiveness.

🎙️ AI Arabia Center of Excellence | Advisory Board Roundtable Session 4 PodcastTheme: How Can the Data Economy and Digital Infrastructure Drive Global Competitiveness in the AI Era?As artificial intelligence becomes a defining force in economic growth, nations and organizations must invest in trusted data ecosystems, resilient digital infrastructure, and intelligent connectivity to remain globally competitive. The challenge is building the foundations that enable AI to scale securely, responsibly, and sustainably.Featured Speakers:🔹 Dr. Satyam Priyadarshy, Founder & CEO, Reignite Future, USA🔹 Shayma Kurz, CEO & Founder, Digital Advice Consulting🔹 James McCallum, Executive Chairman of Xergy; Professor of Energy, University of Strathclyde🔹 Saima Tariq Khan, Founder, OrionsFlow & Senior AI Advisor, Assessed IntelligenceThe discussion examines how trusted data, digital infrastructure, governance, and cross-sector collaboration can accelerate AI adoption, enable scalable innovation, strengthen economic resilience, and position nations and enterprises to compete successfully in the global AI-driven economy.

🎙️ AI Arabia Center of Excellence | Advisory Board Roundtable Session 3 PodcastTheme: How Can Nations Build the Talent and Skills Required to Sustain AI-Driven Economies?As artificial intelligence transforms economies and industries, the success of national AI strategies will depend on developing the talent, skills, and leadership needed to sustain long-term innovation. Building AI-ready workforces requires collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector to prepare people for the future of work.Featured Speakers:🔹 Zainab Al Amin, Vice President of National Digital Transformation, Microsoft Saudi Arabia🔹 Joseph Alenchery, SVP & Business Head (Energy Next), Infosys🔹 Kanwal Shahzad, Founder & CEO, AI Policing AI · AISFY · Digidot🔹 Rujuta Singh, AI Transformation & Innovation Partner, Solved Together🔹 Dr. Chris Cooper, Board Director & Advisor, AI & Technology CompaniesThe discussion examines how governments, businesses, and educational institutions can work together to develop AI talent, strengthen digital literacy, foster lifelong learning, promote responsible AI leadership, and equip future generations with the skills needed to drive sustainable economic growth in an AI-powered world.

🎙️ AI Arabia Center of Excellence | Advisory Board Roundtable Session 2 PodcastTheme: How Can AI Innovation Ecosystems Be Effectively Translated into Scalable Enterprise Deployment?As artificial intelligence moves beyond pilot projects, the focus is shifting from innovation to execution. Organizations must build the ecosystems, partnerships, governance, and talent needed to transform AI breakthroughs into scalable enterprise solutions that deliver measurable business value.Featured Speakers:🔹 Maha Albrahim, VP Enterprise Partner Solutions, Microsoft Saudi Arabia🔹 Jay Sadiq, Founder & CEO, FortyGuard🔹 Dr. Antonio Feraco, Founder & CEO, Machina Mentis🔹 Junaid Aziz, Founder & Principal Advisor, Cognitive Commerce (Cogmerce)🔹 Farid Urbano, Head of Strategy Management Office, Tamkeen TechnologiesThe discussion examines how organizations can scale AI successfully by fostering innovation ecosystems, strengthening public-private collaboration, developing AI-ready talent, establishing trusted governance frameworks, and embedding artificial intelligence into enterprise operations to drive long-term competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

In the final Daily Energy Markets podcast of the season, the question is whether Brent crude is underpricing the risk of prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and whether the US-Iran MOU can hold long enough to avoid another regional crisis. David Fyfe argued fundamentals remain tighter than prices imply, Rachel Ziemba warned geopolitical risks remain underpriced, Iman Nasseri forecast higher oil prices later this summer, and Giacomo Prandelli said shipping flows remain far from fully restored.

🎙️ AI Arabia Center of Excellence | Advisory Board Roundtable Session 1 PodcastTheme: How Can AI Accelerate Economic Diversification in Resource-Rich Economies?As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and national economies, resource-rich countries have a unique opportunity to leverage AI as a catalyst for economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable long-term growth. The challenge is how governments, industry, and entrepreneurs can collaborate to translate AI ambition into measurable economic impact.Featured Speakers:🔹 Rana Zamai, Chairwoman, Women Mining Association – KSA🔹 Abdullah AlSalmani, TEDx Speaker, Co-Founder & CEO, SpacePoint🔹 Thanakarthik Kumar, Founder & CEO, Sustainabyte Technologies Private Limited🔹 Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf, Managing Director, Tilad Sustainability Co & Tilad Institute; Founder & CEO, Saudi Green Building AllianceThe discussion explores how AI can accelerate economic diversification through innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, digital infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration—helping resource-rich economies build resilient, knowledge-driven industries for the future.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether oil markets are underestimating geopolitical risks as Gulf exports resume under a fragile US-Iran MOU. Narendra Taneja warned Brent has shed its risk premium too soon. Pamela Munger tracked cautious tanker movements, Zoe Upson assessed freight markets, and Yesar Al-Maleki highlighted Iraq’s export constraints and OPEC+ outlook.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether a new Oman-Iran framework for managing the Strait of Hormuz could fundamentally reshape global oil trade and pricing long after the conflict ends. Ali Al Riyami outlined negotiations over the Strait’s future governance, Vandana Hari warned markets remain focused on stranded barrels and China's eventual buying return, while Kate Dourian argued geopolitical risks and supply disruptions remain significantly underpriced.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether oil markets are treating renewed US-Iran tensions as sideline noise rather than a real threat to supply. Omar Najia questioned heavy bearish positioning, Henning Gloystein highlighted Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, Liao Na explained China’s weaker oil demand, while James McCallum warned equipment and workforce shortages could delay.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether the Iran-US MOU can sustain regional stability and if oil markets are underpricing lingering geopolitical and logistical risks. Brian Pieri argued physical markets remain tighter than futures imply, James Lear highlighted geopolitical pricing, Daejin Lee assessed Korea’s energy security, while Jolyon Welsh questioned the durability of the ceasefire.

Oil markets extended their decline as optimism over the Strait of Hormuz reopening outweighed supply concerns. Ramin Lakhani highlighted the possibility of a historic US-Iran rapprochement but warned lasting peace remains fragile. June Goh noted Asia has shifted from shortages to surplus crude. Peter McGuire said markets are refocusing on Fed policy, inflation and equity volatility.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast focused on the sharp decline in oil prices following the U.S.-Iran agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Mike McGlone forecast crude could slide toward $50 on oversupply and weakening commodities. Laury Haytayan said Iran’s 60-day export waiver rewards Tehran and could unleash additional barrels. Toby Copson warned volatility remains, with traders focused on geopolitics, Russian disruptions, and evolving Asian energy demand.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets explored whether markets are underestimating the risk of renewed Middle East tensions despite optimism surrounding the Iran-US MOU. Joining guest host Paul Hickin, Omar Najia warned geopolitical threats remain underpriced, Sara Akbar highlighted AI-driven energy demand and shifting GCC alliances, while Osama Rizvi argued emerging economies will continue to underpin long-term oil demand growth.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast, moderated by Frank Kane, examined whether President Trump’s Iran ceasefire deal can secure lasting stability in the Strait of Hormuz and what it means for energy markets. Anne-Sophie Corbeau highlighted LNG recovery challenges, Gemma Parker warned of a growing oil surplus, while Anoop Singh mapped the tanker capacity required to restore Gulf crude and LNG exports.

AI Arabia Center of Excellence Dialogues | Roundtable Podcast 6 "Part B"In Part B, the discussion focuses on how organizations can move beyond pilot projects to enterprise-wide implementation, overcome barriers to deployment, and build the talent, governance, and infrastructure required to unlock AI’s full potential.Featured Speakers:Anand Jeevaraj, Vice President, InfosysGaurav Mathur, Chief AI & Data Center Officer, JLL Saudi ArabiaAmith Rajan, EVP, Head, Wholesale Digital Banking, Mashreq & CEO, NeoVenturesHani Elshafey, AI Researcher, Educator & Trainer, Saudi ArabiaSpeakers also share insights on how businesses can measure AI-driven outcomes, manage risks, and create sustainable competitive advantages in an increasingly AI-powered economy.

Have oil markets prematurely priced in an Iranian supply comeback? That was the central question on today’s Daily Energy Markets. Mukesh Sahdev challenged the narrative of an impending supply surge, citing depleted regional inventories and the likelihood of renewed Chinese stockpiling. Niamh McBurney described the agreement as a major win for Iran while warning Israel remains the key spoiler. Bill Farren-Price doubted the political feasibility of full sanctions relief and suggested Middle East risk premiums are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

AI Arabia Center of Excellence Dialogues | Roundtable Podcast 6 "Part A"Theme: 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙄 – 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙜-𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙢 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚?In this episode of the AI Arabia Center of Excellence Dialogues Podcast Series, leading voices from technology, banking, real estate, investment, and AI innovation explore how capital is flowing into the AI ecosystem, where long-term value is being created, and which sectors, companies, and economies are best positioned to benefit from the next wave of AI-driven growth.Featured Speakers: Anand Jeevaraj, Vice President, Infosys Gaurav Mathur, Chief AI & Data Center Officer, JLL Saudi ArabiaAmith Rajan, EVP, Head, Wholesale Digital Banking, Mashreq & CEO, NeoVenturesHani Elshafey, AI Researcher, Educator & Trainer, Saudi ArabiaThe discussion examines the investment strategies, infrastructure priorities, innovation ecosystems, and business models shaping the future of AI, while exploring how organizations can convert AI investments into sustainable economic and commercial value.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether the Iran-US MOU can deliver a lasting reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as markets await critical details. Omar Al-Ubaydli warned that Gulf security risks remain unresolved, Michelle Bockmann highlighted the slow return of tanker traffic, and Andrei Belyi assessed how the Russia-Ukraine war continues reshaping global energy trade.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets asked whether the Iran-US de-escalation agreement can secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or if Israel remains the key spoiler. Danial Rahmat highlighted Iran’s focus on rebuilding resilience and exports. Raad Alkadiri called it a fragile ceasefire extension, while Jorge Montepeque and Omar Najia debated whether markets are underestimating geopolitical risks.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast examined why oil prices remain relatively contained despite renewed strikes between Israel and Iran following a fragile ceasefire. Giovanni Staunovo highlighted that strong U.S. crude exports are delaying supply shortages. Yan Chong Yaw emphasized China’s sizeable inventories and reduced exports as key market stabilizers. Gisele Widdershoven warned that mounting shipping, insurance, and compliance pressures could ultimately prove more disruptive than the immediate loss of oil supply.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined why oil and commodity markets are softening despite ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruptions and falling inventories. Andy Laven said traders are increasingly ignoring geopolitical noise, David Wech argued supply chains have adapted, Yuriy Humber highlighted Japan’s mounting energy-import costs, while Bora Bariman warned inflation remains the crisis’s most damaging consequence.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets asked a puzzling question: why are oil prices falling back toward $90 when millions of barrels per day remain stranded by the Strait of Hormuz crisis? Neil Atkinson highlighted how inventories, SPR releases, and rerouted flows are cushioning markets. Robin Mills argued that market resilience is easing pressure for a diplomatic breakthrough. Clyde Russell pointed to China’s demand shifts and electrification, while Marc Ostwald explained why strong US growth and weak European demand are sending mixed signals.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets explored whether renewed Israel-Iran hostilities and Hormuz disruptions are creating a supply crisis that markets are failing to price in. Omar Najia warned investor complacency could give way to higher oil prices and economic pain. Ron Bousso highlighted falling inventories and hidden supply losses, while Victor Yang pointed to weakening Chinese demand and imports.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether demand destruction can offset an estimated 11 million bpd supply disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Jamal Qureshi warned that inventories and market psychology are masking severe supply shortages and higher-price risks, while Emily Holland highlighted how Ukrainian attacks are straining Russia’s energy infrastructure and reshaping exports.

Will the Strait of Hormuz reopen before tightening inventories trigger a global energy crunch? Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether diplomacy can outpace disruption as Brent nears $100. Ali Al Riyami defended Oman’s engagement with Iran, Narendra Taneja warned Asia is rethinking Middle East energy dependence, Jamie Ingram flagged looming supply shortages, while Ilia Bouchouev highlighted financial markets’ surprising complacency.

Will Trump’s intervention with Netanyahu bring the US and Iran any closer to a deal? Today’s Daily Energy Markets explored whether hopes for a breakthrough are justified as Strait of Hormuz tensions persist. Bill Spindle argued negotiations remain stalled. Maleeha Bengali warned inflation could pressure Washington into concessions. Arne Rasmussen highlighted risks to shipping, LNG markets, and global energy supply chains.

Have markets become too optimistic about a US-Iran breakthrough? Today’s Daily Energy Markets examined whether last week’s oil sell-off was misplaced as negotiations appear further from a deal than before. Omar Najia argued oil has found its floor and could rise. Rachel Ziemba warned inflation pressures are building. Andy Critchlow highlighted mounting regional economic strain and energy security concerns.

Can oil markets absorb a prolonged Hormuz disruption without another price shock? Today’s Daily Energy Markets unpacked Iran’s crude export resilience, Pakistan’s worsening LNG shortages, and fragile summer fuel balances. Danial Rahmat warned inflation is squeezing Iran’s economy, Osama Rizvi highlighted looming Pakistani blackouts, Jolyon Welsh questioned prospects for diplomacy, while Mita Chaturvedi tracked increasingly volatile oil and refined products markets.

AI Arabia Center of Excellence Dialogues | Roundtable Podcast 5 "Part B"In Part B of The AI Arabia Dialogues Podcast Series, leading experts from technology, banking, sustainability, cybersecurity, and digital transformation continue the conversation on how nations and enterprises can leverage AI infrastructure, data economies, and digital ecosystems to strengthen competitiveness in the age of artificial intelligence.Featured Speakers:• Panos Tsiakis, Partner, Infosys Consulting• Zainab Alamin زينب الأمين, Vice President of National Digital Transformation, Microsoft Saudi Arabia• Jay Sadiq, Founder & CEO, FortyGuard• Xi Liang, Head of Artificial Intelligence, Mashreq• Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf, Managing Director, Tilad Sustainability Co. & Tilad Institute; Founder & CEO, Saudi Green Building Alliance (SGBA)As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 transformation, conversations around trusted AI ecosystems, digital infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation-driven growth have never been more important.

Is China emerging as the key power broker in the Middle East conflict? Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast explored Beijing’s growing diplomatic leverage, fragile Gulf ceasefire efforts, and why oil traders remain surprisingly calm with Brent above $110. Andrei Covatariu said China is positioning itself as a global mediator, James Lear highlighted a “fair value” oil market despite volatility, while Giacomo Prandelli argued China is gaining leverage over both US LNG and Russian gas supplies.

AI Arabia Center of Excellence Dialogues | Roundtable Podcast 5 "Part A"𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙄 𝙀𝙧𝙖?In this episode of The AI Arabia Dialogues Podcast Series, leading voices from technology, banking, sustainability, cybersecurity, consulting, and digital transformation explore how nations and enterprises can leverage data economies, AI infrastructure, and digital ecosystems to strengthen competitiveness in the age of artificial intelligence.Featured Speakers:Panos Tsiakis, Partner, Infosys ConsultingZainab Alamin زينب الأمين, Vice President of National Digital Transformation, Microsoft Saudi ArabiaJay Sadiq, Founder & CEO, FortyGuardXi Liang, Head of Artificial Intelligence, MashreqDr. Mohammed Al-Surf, Managing Director, Tilad Sustainability Co & Tilad Institute; Founder & CEO, Saudi Green Building Alliance

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast explored an oil market trapped between diplomacy and disruption, as fears over the Strait of Hormuz, inflation and tightening global supplies kept traders on edge. China strategist Liao Na said the Trump-Xi summit was “damage control” rather than détente, while Gulf analyst Yesar Al-Maleki warned the region cannot afford renewed conflict with Iran. Algeria’s Choeib Boutamine cautioned that today’s oil revenue gains could quickly translate into higher inflation and import costs worldwide.

As Brent climbed above $111 and fears over Hormuz disruption intensified, today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast questioned why oil still isn’t pricing a full-scale supply shock. Omar Najia argued weakening demand, rising inflation and bloated storage point to lower prices ahead. Laury Haytayan warned Middle East “ceasefires” are largely symbolic. Mukesh Sahdev highlighted looming US gasoline shortages as the pressure point that could eventually force a geopolitical breakthrough.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast examined the growing disconnect between record-breaking equity markets and mounting energy market risks linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Toby Copson warned volatility is becoming entrenched as traders brace for prolonged disruption. Peter McGuire highlighted rising US inflation and bond yields as major threats to markets, while David Elward warned accelerating demand destruction and shrinking fuel inventories are masking the scale of the global energy crisis.

Today’s Daily Energy Markets Podcast exposed how the Hormuz crisis is accelerating a global scramble for energy security, supply diversification, and geopolitical leverage. Sara Akbar warned Gulf states would never accept Iran becoming the “gatekeeper” of the Strait of Hormuz, arguing the region may prefer renewed conflict over surrendering energy security. James McCallum said the world is entering a “less deferential” era of energy politics, while Anne-Sophie Corbeau revealed China has imported zero US LNG cargoes since February despite the escalating crisis.

AI Arabia Center of Excellence Dialogues | Roundtable Podcast 4 – Part BIn Part B of The AI Arabia Dialogues Podcast Series, industry leaders and technology experts continue the conversation on how nations can accelerate AI adoption through scalable infrastructure, compute capacity, and cross-sector collaboration.The discussion explores the growing demand for AI-ready energy systems, sovereign AI strategies, investment in digital infrastructure, and the role of innovation ecosystems in supporting long-term economic transformation. Speakers also examine how governments, enterprises, and technology providers can work together to ensure AI deployment is sustainable, secure, and commercially impactful.Featured Speakers:Zainab Al Amin, Vice President of National Digital Transformation, Microsoft Saudi ArabiaOmar AlSheikh, Country Head & Senior Director, KSA & Bahrain - Energy, Services & Government, InfosysSultan Moraished, Group Head of Technology & Corporate Excellence, Red Sea GlobalJames McCallum, Executive Chairman of Xergy & Professor of Energy, Strathclyde UniversityDr. Ahmed Alfadhel, Executive Director of Innovation & Technology Commercialization, Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV)Robin Mills, Chief Executive, Qamar EnergyWatch Part A for additional insights from the discussion series.