Saudi Arabia is no longer just a spectator in global sports—it’s becoming the epicenter. From the "Ronaldo effect" to the 2034 World Cup, is the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s $trillion strategy actually working?

In this episode of Majlis & Markets, recorded on 24 February 2026, we sit down with Dr. Kristian Ulrichsen to dismantle the strategy behind Saudi Arabia's massive sports investments. We go beyond the headlines of "sportswashing" to explore how football serves Vision 2030, the economic diversification goals of the PIF, and the geopolitical high-stakes of hosting the world's biggest tournament.

Key Discussion Points

• ⚽ The Ronaldo Catalyst: Why his move to Al Nassr changed the global market.
• 💰 PIF & Giga-Projects: How football fits into Neom and economic reform.
• 🏆 2034 World Cup: The logistical and infrastructure hurdles facing the Kingdom.
• 🗣️ The Sportswashing Debate: Analysing international perceptions vs. domestic goals.
• 📈 The Future of the SPL: Is the league a sustainable powerhouse or a bubble?

📖 Books by Kristian Ulrichsen:

Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer [https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/kingdom-of-football/]

Centers of Power in the Arab Gulf States [https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/centers-of-power-in-the-arab-gulf-states/]

🎙️ Previous Episode with Kristian:

Episode 14: Gulf Monarchies Unveiled – Power, Wealth, and Influence [https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14906145-episode-14-gulf-monarchies-unveiled-power-wealth-and-global-influence]

🎓 Guest Profile: Dr. Kristian Ulrichsen - Baker Institute [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/kristian-coates-ulrichsen]

Connect with Majlis & Markets

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Why is there still a massive gap between the wealth in the Muslim community and the financial products available?

In Episode 84 of Majlis & Markets, Hassan Jivraj is joined by Ibrahim Khan, co-founder of Islamic Finance Guru (IFG) and Cur8 Capital. Together, they explore the evolution of Islamic finance, the mission to help the community "level up" financially, and the real reasons behind the industry's most significant structural gaps.

Ibrahim shares his journey from running a blog to building a powerhouse in the Sharia-compliant investment space. This conversation dives deep into the entrepreneurial ecosystem, addressing the specific challenges of bias in venture capital and the future of asset management for an increasingly affluent and educated demographic.

📌 In this episode, we discuss:

• The IFG Mission: How Ibrahim’s journey evolved into a movement to level up the community financially.
• Structural Gaps: Why current financial products are failing to meet the needs of modern Muslims.
• The UK Market: How a demographic shift is demanding a new era of Islamic banking.
• Venture Capital: Confronting Islamophobia in venture capital and building a more supportive ecosystem.
• Building Wealth: Strategies for creating sustainable, long-term wealth within the community.

📖 Deep Dive Reading & Resources

• Article: https://www.wired.me/story/can-islamic-finance-shape-fintech
• YouTube Episode: Is Islamic Finance Broken? (ft. Khalid Howladar): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1DOb07YYUI&t=290s [cite: 2026-01-21]
• YouTube Episode: Why Islamic Finance Is Losing Its Purpose | Ep. 80: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFUd2dih2vI
• YouTube Episode: Sequoia Takes Muslim Money. So Why the Silence? | Ep. 79: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WjPn7UeeTQ&t=35s
• Podcast Episode: Episode 49: AAOIFI's Impact on Islamic Finance: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/16355515-episode-49-setting-the-standard-aaoifi-s-impact-on-islamic-finance

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

#IslamicFinance #IbrahimKhan #MuslimWealth #VentureCapital #MajlisAndMarkets #IFG #Cur8Capital

Is Tunisia the most undervalued tech hub in Africa? While the global spotlight often falls on the "Big Four" (Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa), Tunisia is quietly building a powerhouse ecosystem rooted in a unique culture of resilience.

In this episode of Majlis & Markets, we sit down with Oussama Messaoud to uncover the reality of the "Tunisia Advantage." We discuss what it truly takes for founders to thrive in this Mediterranean tech powerhouse and why global investors are finally paying attention to its untapped potential.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Resilience Mandate: Why Tunisian founders are among the most determined in the global market.
• The Startup Act: How specific policy shifts transformed the country into a founder-friendly destination.
• Beyond Borders: The reality of talent migration and the potential for Tunisian success on the global stage.
• Action vs. Apathy: Why collective effort and bold action are the only ways to foster meaningful change in the ecosystem.
• Investment Outlook: Oussama’s thesis on where the capital is flowing in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Determination to Succeed: Tunisian founders are committed to a vision that transcends local regulatory and economic hurdles.
• The Talent Ultimatum: If founders cannot find the support to build locally, they will move—making the mission for domestic change more urgent than ever.
• Resilience as a Priority: Entrepreneurship can thrive despite challenges, but systemic transformation is required for long-term growth.
• Collective Transformation: Success exists beyond borders, but a unified effort is needed to transform the Tunisian home ecosystem into a global leader.

Related Resources:

• The Ecosystem Guide [Podcast series] by TunisianStartups ft. Oussama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCjJc5Qp4iY

Connect with Majlis & Markets

Stay ahead of the curve with insights into emerging markets, venture capital, and the future of finance across the MENA region.

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#VentureCapital #Tunisia #NorthAfricaTech #StartupEcosystem #Investing #MajlisAndMarkets #OussamaMessaoud #AfricanStartups #Resilience #EmergingMarkets