Arab News

This week we speak with businessman Bahaa Hariri, the eldest son of Lebanon’s former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Twenty years after his father’s assassination, and three years after his younger brother quit politics, he says he’s ready to return and revive his family’s legacy. But can someone who has spent much of his life abroad speak for a nation in collapse? Is Lebanon really looking for another Hariri? Or has it already moved on under new leadership? And what does he make of the recent political change both in Lebanon and beyond?

Marwan Barghouti has spent more than two decades in an Israeli prison. Yet, polls still place him as the most popular Palestinian leader, and a figure that many believe could unite Fatah and Hamas. Earlier this month, he was seen for the first time in years after far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered his cell and taunted him on camera. The footage sparked outrage, not least from his family.

On this episode, we speak to his son Arab Barghouti about that moment, his father’s enduring influence, and what the path to a Palestinian state looks like today.

Few people know the pressures of running Israel like Ehud Olmert. He was prime minister during the 2006 Lebanon war, in peace talks with the Palestinians in 2008 and (went) through a political crisis that ended with his resignation on corruption charges. Since leaving office, he has become one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fiercest critics, calling for him to face trial for war crimes.

On this episode, we ask the former prime minister what he really thinks of Israel’s current government, its extremist ministers and if Mr. Netanyahu’s leadership has pushed Israel into dangerous isolation, even among its closest allies.

Some people live life on the ground — Faisal Al Olayan chose the sky. An aerospace engineer, pilot, skydiver, and a proud athlete on Saudi Arabia’s national paragliding team.

He doesn’t just travel; he chases storms, soars above mountains, and dives into clouds most of us only dream about.

From rain that "almost stops the heart" mid-flight, to emotional moments finishing his wingsuit training in Russia, Faisal lives life one adrenaline rush at a time. His story isn’t about escaping gravity — it’s about finding freedom in it.

From the soulful melodies of Hijazi oud strings to the smoky depths of jazz and blues, Loulwa Al-Sharif — known as Lady Lou — is crafting a sound uniquely her own.

A self-taught singer who transformed personal loss into artistic passion, she bridges tradition and modernity with every note.

With a voice that captivates audiences across Saudi Arabia and beyond, Loulwa embodies the bold spirit of a new generation of Saudi artists, boldly rewriting the country’s musical story on her own terms.

Today, we’re joined by Faisal Sultan, the President of Lucid Motors Middle East—a key figure driving the region’s electric vehicle transformation. With a strong background in automotive engineering and business leadership, Faisal is at the forefront of Lucid’s expansion, including the company’s first international manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.

 

His work not only supports the Kingdom’s ambitious sustainability goals but also helps shape the identity of Lucid as a premium, Saudi-rooted global brand.

 

With a mind for strategy and a palate shaped by curiosity, Gwendal Poullennec has quietly redefined the future of fine dining. From launching Michelin's first-ever Tokyo guide to steering its digital transformation, he’s helped bring the iconic red book to 45 destinations around the world.

Known for his motto “On the move”, he embodies the spirit of discovery — biking thousands of kilometers a year and finishing dishes not out of hunger, but wonder. He leads with discipline, but eats with joy.

She’s not just a home cook — she’s a cultural bridge, an artist, and a mother of three who’s turning simple dishes into soulful stories.

Growing up as the daughter of a Saudi ambassador, Eman Gazzaz once dreamed of becoming an ambassador herself — and in many ways, she did. But instead of politics, she chose food as her language, and the kitchen as her embassy.

From a childhood spent across continents to a YouTube kitchen that feels like home, Eman has taken it upon herself to show the world what real Saudi food — and real Saudi women — are all about.

Reem Al Bliwi is one of Saudi Arabia’s youngest and most recognizable TV presenters today. Bursting onto the scene through “Studio SBC”, she quickly earned her spot in the national spotlight with her poise and presence.

With a background in modeling and a mixed cultural identity shaped by her Mexican mother and Saudi father, Reem brings a unique blend of confidence, curiosity, and cross-cultural understanding to her work.

Hussein Fakhri is the Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Producer at Katara Studios, the Doha-based production powerhouse behind regionally iconic projects like The Lost Chapter of Kelileh & Demneh and the ceremonies for the FIFA Arab Cup. But before that, Hussein started out in Dublin, pioneering digital advertising in a market far from his cultural roots.

Today, he’s leading Katara’s mission to produce bold, meaningful, and globally resonant stories — all from an unapologetically Arab perspective