Reimagining our Region Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/reimagining-our-region "Reimagining our Region" with Amal Larhild and Patricia Keating, is a PwC Middle East podcast that connects the dots in business. Each episode features expert insights on economic transformations, emerging technologies, and sustainable growth strategies, offering a fresh perspective on the forces shaping our region.Tune in for insightful conversations, fresh perspectives, and practical takeaways to help you navigate the region’s evolving business landscape. For the full experience, watch all episodes on the PwC Middle East YouTube channel. © 2025 PwC. All rights reserved​ 8856af2a-c45a-5d1a-87cc-38a2f0938799 yes en Sun, 18 Jan 2026 03:29:02 -0800 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 03:30:03 -0800 https://img.transistorcdn.com/mI2Br_jV91QhI_BFdz-AUIAoJqi-dPBVK2iNO6Gjtto/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lZDQy/ZTlmNzc0MDJiOTUy/OTY0NjhhNTczNzhm/NDczZi5QTkc.jpg Reimagining our Region serial PwC Middle East "Reimagining our Region" with Amal Larhild and Patricia Keating, is a PwC Middle East podcast that connects the dots in business. Each episode features expert insights on economic transformations, emerging technologies, and sustainable growth strategies, offering a fresh perspective on the forces shaping our region.Tune in for insightful conversations, fresh perspectives, and practical takeaways to help you navigate the region’s evolving business landscape. For the full experience, watch all episodes on the PwC Middle East YouTube channel. "Reimagining our Region" with Amal Larhild and Patricia Keating, is a PwC Middle East podcast that connects the dots in business. Business insights, Industry trends, Innovation and strategy, AI, Middle East, Retail, CEO, resilience PwC Middle East chaimaa.ouassif@pwc.com No No What do consumers want from their retail experiences? 1 1 What do consumers want from their retail experiences? full 45c55c26-598b-4248-9199-59a1cbf51212 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0bcf1a24
The retail landscape in the Middle East is evolving rapidly as consumer demands shift.  

Hosted by Patricia Keating, episode 1 of Reimagining our region, looks into the key forces driving this transformation: trust, data security, sustainability, and AI. 

Our guests, Roy Hintze, Partner at PwC Middle East and Ayman Beydoun, CEO of Brands for Less (BFL), explore how brands are adapting to the growing demand for personalised experiences, responsible data usage, and environmentally sustainable practices. With trust at the heart of consumer loyalty, our guests discuss which brands are setting the standard and which ones risk falling behind in this rapidly evolving marketplace. 

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The retail landscape in the Middle East is evolving rapidly as consumer demands shift.  

Hosted by Patricia Keating, episode 1 of Reimagining our region, looks into the key forces driving this transformation: trust, data security, sustainability, and AI. 

Our guests, Roy Hintze, Partner at PwC Middle East and Ayman Beydoun, CEO of Brands for Less (BFL), explore how brands are adapting to the growing demand for personalised experiences, responsible data usage, and environmentally sustainable practices. With trust at the heart of consumer loyalty, our guests discuss which brands are setting the standard and which ones risk falling behind in this rapidly evolving marketplace. 

]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:09:22 -0700 PwC Middle East PwC Middle East 1711
The retail landscape in the Middle East is evolving rapidly as consumer demands shift.  

Hosted by Patricia Keating, episode 1 of Reimagining our region, looks into the key forces driving this transformation: trust, data security, sustainability, and AI. 

Our guests, Roy Hintze, Partner at PwC Middle East and Ayman Beydoun, CEO of Brands for Less (BFL), explore how brands are adapting to the growing demand for personalised experiences, responsible data usage, and environmentally sustainable practices. With trust at the heart of consumer loyalty, our guests discuss which brands are setting the standard and which ones risk falling behind in this rapidly evolving marketplace. 

]]> Retail, brands for less, consumers, middle east, AI No How is Spacetech more than just Mars missions? 2 2 How is Spacetech more than just Mars missions? full 8ed8466a-4edf-409c-9b5f-283c59351626 https://share.transistor.fm/s/86ecbd8d Thu, 17 Apr 2025 03:08:26 -0700 PwC Middle East PwC Middle East 1185 spacetech, mars, Elon Musk No 90% confidence: GCC CEOs bet on resilience amid uncertainty 3 3 90% confidence: GCC CEOs bet on resilience amid uncertainty full edc952fb-f973-472a-be5e-a20148ab8a6c https://share.transistor.fm/s/9dee77eb What’s driving GCC CEOs’ confidence amid global uncertainty? In this episode, we break down why 90% expect revenue growth in the next year and how resilience, digital transformation, and economic diversification are shaping the region’s business momentum. Stephen Anderson, PwC Middle East’s Strategy Leader, unpacks bold growth forecasts, evolving workforce challenges, cybersecurity threats, and shifting investment priorities.

Note: insights in this episode reflect the pre-tariffs context at the time of recording

]]> What’s driving GCC CEOs’ confidence amid global uncertainty? In this episode, we break down why 90% expect revenue growth in the next year and how resilience, digital transformation, and economic diversification are shaping the region’s business momentum. Stephen Anderson, PwC Middle East’s Strategy Leader, unpacks bold growth forecasts, evolving workforce challenges, cybersecurity threats, and shifting investment priorities.

Note: insights in this episode reflect the pre-tariffs context at the time of recording

]]> Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:17:20 -0700 PwC Middle East PwC Middle East 655 What’s driving GCC CEOs’ confidence amid global uncertainty? In this episode, we break down why 90% expect revenue growth in the next year and how resilience, digital transformation, and economic diversification are shaping the region’s business momentum. Stephen Anderson, PwC Middle East’s Strategy Leader, unpacks bold growth forecasts, evolving workforce challenges, cybersecurity threats, and shifting investment priorities.

Note: insights in this episode reflect the pre-tariffs context at the time of recording

]]> Business insights, Industry trends, Innovation and strategy, AI, Middle East, Retail, CEO, resilience No Climate tech and ESG: Shaping the Middle East’s sustainable future 4 4 Climate tech and ESG: Shaping the Middle East’s sustainable future full c2019a41-1f55-423c-b265-9a6be89592ad https://share.transistor.fm/s/93fdf333 What does effective ESG implementation look like in today’s business environment? In this episode, our host Patricia Keating is joined by Vijaypal Singh Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD. Together, they explore how companies are aligning sustainability targets with long-term business planning, and the role finance, policy, and technology are playing in achieving the region’s climate goals. 

]]> What does effective ESG implementation look like in today’s business environment? In this episode, our host Patricia Keating is joined by Vijaypal Singh Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD. Together, they explore how companies are aligning sustainability targets with long-term business planning, and the role finance, policy, and technology are playing in achieving the region’s climate goals. 

]]> Wed, 14 May 2025 23:54:35 -0700 PwC Middle East PwC Middle East 901 What does effective ESG implementation look like in today’s business environment? In this episode, our host Patricia Keating is joined by Vijaypal Singh Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD. Together, they explore how companies are aligning sustainability targets with long-term business planning, and the role finance, policy, and technology are playing in achieving the region’s climate goals. 

]]> Sustainability, CSO, Emirates NBD, Middle East, ESG No Decarbonising the Tech sector in the Middle East 5 5 Decarbonising the Tech sector in the Middle East full 95fa292c-44ae-4d18-a511-ae85366edfda https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5eb33f6 Can tech grow without increasing its carbon footprint?

In this episode, Amal Larhlid speaks with Ahmed Ameen Ashour from Microsoft about the path to a greener tech sector. They cover Microsoft’s carbon negative goal, the role of sustainable data centres, and how AI is improving energy efficiency. The discussion also highlights the challenges of legacy systems and the value of partnerships in driving meaningful change.

]]> Can tech grow without increasing its carbon footprint?

In this episode, Amal Larhlid speaks with Ahmed Ameen Ashour from Microsoft about the path to a greener tech sector. They cover Microsoft’s carbon negative goal, the role of sustainable data centres, and how AI is improving energy efficiency. The discussion also highlights the challenges of legacy systems and the value of partnerships in driving meaningful change.

]]> Thu, 22 May 2025 04:09:06 -0700 PwC Middle East PwC Middle East 750 Can tech grow without increasing its carbon footprint?

In this episode, Amal Larhlid speaks with Ahmed Ameen Ashour from Microsoft about the path to a greener tech sector. They cover Microsoft’s carbon negative goal, the role of sustainable data centres, and how AI is improving energy efficiency. The discussion also highlights the challenges of legacy systems and the value of partnerships in driving meaningful change.

]]> Decarbonisation, Tech, Middle East, Sustainability No Is Agentic AI the missing link to a more sustainable construction industry? 6 6 Is Agentic AI the missing link to a more sustainable construction industry? full 936e25ed-753d-4c72-aaa1-f15c183261c4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/06bf4f40
The construction sector makes up to 12% of GDP across the Middle East, yet digital adoption remains relatively limited.  

This episode focuses on how to close that gap. Amal Larlhid speaks with Le Tilahun and Ahmed Khafagy to explore the structural blockers, the role of external players and how Agentic AI changes the game. 

Agentic AI is not another dashboard, it takes action, reduces rework and improves decision-making at every level. This conversation is for anyone who wants their projects to run better, faster and smarter. 

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The construction sector makes up to 12% of GDP across the Middle East, yet digital adoption remains relatively limited.  

This episode focuses on how to close that gap. Amal Larlhid speaks with Le Tilahun and Ahmed Khafagy to explore the structural blockers, the role of external players and how Agentic AI changes the game. 

Agentic AI is not another dashboard, it takes action, reduces rework and improves decision-making at every level. This conversation is for anyone who wants their projects to run better, faster and smarter. 

]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:28:03 -0700 PwC Middle East PwC Middle East 1520
The construction sector makes up to 12% of GDP across the Middle East, yet digital adoption remains relatively limited.  

This episode focuses on how to close that gap. Amal Larlhid speaks with Le Tilahun and Ahmed Khafagy to explore the structural blockers, the role of external players and how Agentic AI changes the game. 

Agentic AI is not another dashboard, it takes action, reduces rework and improves decision-making at every level. This conversation is for anyone who wants their projects to run better, faster and smarter. 

]]> Construction, capital projects, Agentic AI, GenAI, Giga Projects, PwC No Circular economy: Waste as the beginning of something new 7 7 Circular economy: Waste as the beginning of something new full 59c55e3f-3e71-4926-ae58-d003e0680be6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/47d20fff
The World Economic Forum describes the circular economy as “an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design.” Unlike the linear model that creates waste and drains resources, circular systems return materials to the production cycle. Products and by-products are reused, recycled or repurposed — ideally powered by renewables. 


In this episode, Amal Larhlid speaks with Melissa MacEwen, PwC’s Resource Use and Circular Economy Lead, and Jeremy Prepscius, Sustainable Supply Chains Lead in Asia Pacific. They talk about how circular models are being applied in the real world, where the barriers still lie, and why this shift matters for the Middle East. 


More businesses and governments are adopting this model. As climate risks, supply disruptions and resource scarcity grow, circular systems offer a more stable path. It’s a chance to build resilience while cutting environmental harm. 

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The World Economic Forum describes the circular economy as “an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design.” Unlike the linear model that creates waste and drains resources, circular systems return materials to the production cycle. Products and by-products are reused, recycled or repurposed — ideally powered by renewables. 


In this episode, Amal Larhlid speaks with Melissa MacEwen, PwC’s Resource Use and Circular Economy Lead, and Jeremy Prepscius, Sustainable Supply Chains Lead in Asia Pacific. They talk about how circular models are being applied in the real world, where the barriers still lie, and why this shift matters for the Middle East. 


More businesses and governments are adopting this model. As climate risks, supply disruptions and resource scarcity grow, circular systems offer a more stable path. It’s a chance to build resilience while cutting environmental harm. 

]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 01:09:07 -0700 PwC Middle East PwC Middle East 1921
The World Economic Forum describes the circular economy as “an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design.” Unlike the linear model that creates waste and drains resources, circular systems return materials to the production cycle. Products and by-products are reused, recycled or repurposed — ideally powered by renewables. 


In this episode, Amal Larhlid speaks with Melissa MacEwen, PwC’s Resource Use and Circular Economy Lead, and Jeremy Prepscius, Sustainable Supply Chains Lead in Asia Pacific. They talk about how circular models are being applied in the real world, where the barriers still lie, and why this shift matters for the Middle East. 


More businesses and governments are adopting this model. As climate risks, supply disruptions and resource scarcity grow, circular systems offer a more stable path. It’s a chance to build resilience while cutting environmental harm. 

]]> Circular economy, sustainability, climate change, resources No Banking of the future: How AI, sustainability and talent are redefining Saudi economy 8 8 Banking of the future: How AI, sustainability and talent are redefining Saudi economy full e187d348-c497-4fa8-815d-3eca8cd5f111 https://share.transistor.fm/s/66da3025
What’s changed in the CEO agenda?  
Reflecting on insights from the 28th PwC CEO Survey, Faisal AlOmran, CEO of Saudi Investment Bank, joins Faisal Al-Sarraj, KSA Deputy Country Leader at PwC Middle East, to discuss how leaders viewed AI, sustainability and people.  
With the 29th PwC CEO Survey launching tomorrow, the conversation offers an early view of how CEO priorities are evolving.  

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What’s changed in the CEO agenda?  
Reflecting on insights from the 28th PwC CEO Survey, Faisal AlOmran, CEO of Saudi Investment Bank, joins Faisal Al-Sarraj, KSA Deputy Country Leader at PwC Middle East, to discuss how leaders viewed AI, sustainability and people.  
With the 29th PwC CEO Survey launching tomorrow, the conversation offers an early view of how CEO priorities are evolving.  

]]> Sun, 18 Jan 2026 01:37:26 -0800 PwC Middle East PwC Middle East 1146
What’s changed in the CEO agenda?  
Reflecting on insights from the 28th PwC CEO Survey, Faisal AlOmran, CEO of Saudi Investment Bank, joins Faisal Al-Sarraj, KSA Deputy Country Leader at PwC Middle East, to discuss how leaders viewed AI, sustainability and people.  
With the 29th PwC CEO Survey launching tomorrow, the conversation offers an early view of how CEO priorities are evolving.  

]]> Business insights, Industry trends, Innovation and strategy, AI, Middle East, Retail, CEO, resilience No