AB Majlis

Grip strength, circadian lighting and the antifragile employee - A chat with FAB's Chief Wellness Officer Diego Carrete

In this episode, Managing Editor Tala Michel Issa sits down with Diego Carrete, First Abu Dhabi Bank’s Chief Wellness Officer, for a deep dive into the future of workplace wellness. Diego unpacks what biological resilience and antifragility really mean in a high-pressure corporate world, why modern offices often work against our biology, and how small environmental and behavioral changes — from circadian lighting and posture to setting boundaries — can dramatically improve performance and longevity. They discuss the hidden costs of hustle culture and 90,000 work hours, the power of grip strength and VO2 max as longevity predictors, the pitfalls of over-relying on wearables, and why companies that truly invest in human capital will gain a massive competitive edge. A thought-provoking conversation packed with practical insights for anyone feeling the strain of modern work life. Whether you’re an employee, leader, or simply interested in optimizing health and performance, this episode will shift how you think about wellness at work.

Inside Million Dollar Listing UAE’s new season - What you didn’t see on TV, according to Ben Bandari and Rami Wahood

Season two of Million Dollar Listing UAE comes with higher stakes and far more pressure. On this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa sits down with real estate veterans and reality TV stars Ben Bandari and Rami Wahood to talk candidly about what really changed this season - on screen and off. From bigger properties and larger deals to heightened drama and personal risk, the pair reveal how the pressure intensified, why season two felt different, and what it’s actually like watching yourself on TV. Rami opens up about showing a more vulnerable side this time around, while Ben reflects on the personal stakes behind the scenes. With Dubai’s identity deeply tied to real estate, the conversation goes beyond reality TV to explore ambition, nerves, reputation, personal branding, and what it takes to survive in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most competitive property markets. The new season of Million Dollar Listing UAE can be watched on STARZPLAY.

Can crypto be trusted? | In conversation with Binance's Jessica Walker

Crypto still faces trust challenges in many markets but how is that changing in the Middle East? In this episode of AB Majlis, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Jessical Walker from Binance in a dive deep into the evolving crypto landscape with a focus on education, regulation and community building. The episode explores how Binance approaches communication without overwhelming newcomers, what crypto stories resonate most in the region and how public perception has shifted over the past few years. From engaging with regulators in the UAE to correcting common misconceptions, we discuss the strategies shaping long-term trust between platforms and users. We also look ahead to 2026, exploring the trends and conversations that excite the crypto community.

Inside the $36bn Biohacking boom | Dave Asprey on Ozempic, 'peaseant food' and why sleep beats every supplement

In this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Dave Asprey – bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of Bulletproof Coffee and Upgrade Labs – during his visit to Dubai to unpack the fast-growing business of biohacking, longevity and performance optimisation. Asprey discusses why he believes Dubai and the UAE are becoming a global hotspot for longevity clinics and “biohacked” environments, and explains how data and AI-driven health protocols are shaping the next wave of wellness. The conversation spans the most debated topics in modern health: biological age, diet and protein, GLP-1 drugs (e.g. Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy), circadian rhythm, sleep and light exposure, sauna and cold plunges, creatine, vitamin D, electrolytes and salt, and the difference between what’s science-based versus what’s simply wellness marketing. You’ll also hear Asprey’s most controversial positions – including his critique of vegan diets, his view on endurance cardio, and his argument that many people underperform because of nutrient gaps, toxins, and disrupted sleep cycles, not lack of willpower.

Trust, technology and the future of audit - A chat with Mashreq's Hasan Ali

SPONSORED As banking becomes increasingly digital, the way institutions manage trust and accountability must evolve. AB Majlis host Tala Michel Issa sits down with Hassan Ali, Group Chief of Internal Audit at Mashreq, to explore the next frontier of internal audit. From transforming traditional risk frameworks to adopting AI-powered analytics, Ali outlines how Mashreq is leading the charge toward proactive, agile, and tech-driven auditing, and why audit leaders must embrace foresight, not fear, when it comes to artificial intelligence.