Arab News

On this episode, we speak to Michael Ratney, former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and longtime American diplomat with decades of experience across the Middle East.

Mr Ratney provides rare insights about the bilateral relationship, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman heads to Washington for what is being billed as a truly historic visit. We ask him what he expects of the visit and what his views are on the questions being raised about the strategic value of US alliances following the Israeli and Iranian strikes against Qatar last summer.

On this episode, we speak to Amjad Tadros, former CBS producer and four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist.

After decades covering Iraq and Syria, how does he view the Middle East today? As Western media coverage of the Arab world becomes more balanced, and after 30 years in some of the world’s toughest environments, what finally made him step down away from journalism?

On this episode we speak to John Pagano, the CEO of Red Sea Global, the man leading one of the most ambitious tourism projects in the world and who has also recently granted Saudi citizenship. Saudi Arabia is positioning the Red Sea as a major part of its economic transformation, aiming to create a luxury destination powered by renewable energy and carefully designed to protect its fragile coral reefs and marine life.

But can the Kingdom truly rival long-established destinations like the Maldives and Egypt? How will it maintain the balance between rapid growth and real sustainability? And what will it take to turn a national vision into a lasting international success story?

On this episode we speak to Nick Robertson, CNN's international diplomatic editor and one of the most experienced war correspondents in the field today.

More than two years after the war in Gaza began, a fragile ceasefire is now in place. Full-scale fighting has paused but the region remains tense with sporadic cross-border fire, ongoing hostage exchanges and deep uncertainty over Gaza’s political future.

On this episode, we speak to Muin Serhan, the CEO of Amsa Hospitality in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom set its sights on 100 million visitors by 2030 and hit that target seven years ahead of schedule.

Many have called it a remarkable achievement, but one that’s now testing the limits of the country’s hospitality sector, with hotel shortages, soaring prices and a race to keep up with demand. So how can Saudi sustain that momentum without losing control of quality or cost? Who’s stepping up to deliver the infrastructure behind the vision? And how would the infrastructure handle the pressure of a global spotlight?

This week, we speak to Omar Awadallah, deputy minister of foreign affairs for political affairs at the Palestinian Authority, as controversy grows over President Trump's new Gaza peace plan.

Within hours of its launch, Israeli airstrikes killed more than 50 Palestinians, shattering hopes of peace. Can Washington really rein in its closest ally, or has the balance of power shifted too far? And if Hamas is told to disarm with no assurances from Israel, can this truly lead to peace or only deepen mistrust and violence?

On this episode, we speak to Dr. Benedikt Franke, the vice-chairman and CEO of the Munich Security Conference,fresh from its first-ever leaders’ meeting in Saudi Arabia.

How did regional leaders respond to President Trump’s latest Gaza peace plan? Is a two-state solution remotely possible with the Israel’s hard-right government? What role can Saudi Arabia play in pushing diplomacy forward? And can the MSC still build consensus, or is the West too divided to shape the future?

As Western nations move to recognize the state of Palestine, the United Nations faces growing questions over whether this changes anything on the ground. Settlements are expanding, Gaza remains under siege and the Security Council is paralysed by US vetoes.

On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general. We ask if recognition can deliver real statehood. Will the UN confront allegations of genocide in Gaza? And is the Security Council powerless after two years of war?

This week,we speak with Tom Fletcher, the United Nations under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator. As a UN inquiry concludes this week that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, we ask what impact will this likely have on the ground?

What challenges lie ahead as the UN turns 80? And what is Fletcher's message to world leaders as they gather for a High-Level Week at the United Nations General Assembly?

This week, we speak with Professor Nick Maynard, an Oxford surgeon who’s volunteered in Gaza for 15 years with Medical Aid for Palestinians. Nearly two years into Israel’s military campaign, we ask about Gaza’s collapsing health system, the injuries seen on the ground, and whether international law is protecting medical workers. Are Israeli denials of famine and civilian targeting credible? Should surgeons speak out publicly or in court?