The Mo Show

In this engaging conversation, John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company and AMAALA, unveils Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 plans for luxury tourism. He shares insights about creating unique resorts while prioritizing sustainability and marine life preservation. John discusses the innovative architectural projects on the horizon, like a UFO-shaped hotel, and highlights the emergence of yachting along the Red Sea. He also explores evolving public attitudes towards alcohol in tourism and the vital role these initiatives play in job creation and regional economic growth.

Hammad Al-Balawi, head of the Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup Bid Unit, discusses the thrilling lead-up to the FIFA World Cup announcement. He reflects on his team’s ambitious vision and the emotional journey behind the bid, emphasizing the importance of community and legacy. Al-Balawi shares insights into overcoming challenges in the high-stakes bidding process and showcases Saudi Arabia's initiatives to enhance football culture, including women's engagement. The conversation radiates excitement for the future and the transformative potential of hosting the World Cup.

Maha Abouelenein, a personal branding expert and bestselling author, shares her wisdom from over three decades in global communications. She discusses her '7 Rules of Self-Reliance', emphasizing the power of lifelong learning and resilience. Maha opens up about the challenges of navigating personal and professional landscapes, including her journey of loss and growth. Listeners will be intrigued by her insights on reputation management and the exciting transformation of the Saudi fashion industry.

Ali Shihabi is an author and commentator, specialising in GeoPolitics with a focus on Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Ali has authored two books: “The Saudi Kingdom: Between the Jihadi Hammer and the Iranian Anvil”, published as part of Princeton University’s Middle East series, and “Arabian War Games”, a novel. His analyses have been featured in major publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Foreign Policy.In what unfolded to be quite a raw conversation, Ali and Mo dive deep into Saudi Arabia’s recent advancements in the world of sports, entertainment, tourism, and quality of life, exploring how the country’s global image is being transformed under ‘Vision 2030.’ They also discuss the Saudi-U.S relationship that is approaching 100-years, the genocide in Gaza, the attacks on Lebanon and broader regional stability.

Will Ahmed, CEO and founder of WHOOP, is a pioneer in health tracking and performance monitoring. He shares his journey from a college athlete to innovating wearable technology. Topics include the significance of sleep stages and recovery in health, and his collaboration with superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo. Ahmed emphasizes resilience, discussing personal experiences with bankruptcy, and highlights the transformative health trends in Saudi Arabia. He also reflects on the importance of small habit changes and the power of meditation in enhancing well-being.

A surgeon at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, made history by performing the world’s first robotic heart transplant, an achievement that highlighted both the advancement of technology in the medical field showcasing the surgeon’s technical brilliance but also the intense pressures faced by the medical team. Dr. Feras and Mo dive heavily into the subject of medications and how easily they are prescribed these days, particularly in the relationship between big pharmaceutical companies and the medical field that is driven by profits raising questions about whether patient health is always the primary focus. 0:00 Kicking Off3:35 Trusting Robotic Surgery14:10 The 16-Year-Old Patient’s Miraculous Recovery17:04 The Efficiency of Robotic Heart Surgery25:00 Managing Burnout as a Surgeon30:05 The Power of Meditation42:23 Balancing Surgery, Teaching Family47:03 Overprescription in Saudi Arabia50:00 Combating Drug Addiction with Compassion55:00 Saudi Arabia’s Crackdown on Drugs57:00 The Reward of Heart Surgery1:08:02 Following Passion Despite Expectations1:10:53 Pioneering Artificial Hearts1:12:04 Vision 2030: A Momentum for Innovation1:15:09 Contacting Dr. Feras

Albaraa is a prominent Muay Thai fighter from Saudi Arabia, recognized for his unwavering dedication to the sport and his accomplishments on the international stage. His passion for martial arts, which began in his youth, has helped him develop a formidable fighting style, marked by discipline and resilience. Throughout his career, he has proudly represented Saudi Arabia in numerous Muay Thai championships, earning a reputation as an influential figure for up-and-coming fighters in the region. Albaraa’s commitment has not only fueled his own success but also helped elevate the visibility and popularity of Muay Thai in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the broader growth of combat sports within the Kingdom.On this episode, Albaraa dives into a candid discussion about his journey, sharing both the exhilarating triumphs and the challenges he’s faced along the way. He reflects on his experiences, revealing the moments that shaped him as an athlete, and offers insight into where he envisions his skills taking him in the future.

John Lewis, a visionary with a diverse background in aerospace, MMA, and film production, shares insights into his unique journey. He discusses the fusion of space and entertainment, including plans for space vacations and the NovaStar space station. Lewis reflects on leadership in martial arts, effective team management, and the transformative power of kindness. He recounts pivotal moments that shaped the UFC and his innovative ideas for combining combat sports with space adventures, showcasing his belief in the future of hospitality beyond Earth.

Noor Sweid is an influential figure in the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She is the founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, a UAE-based venture capital firm that invests in high-growth startups across emerging markets, particularly focusing on technology and innovation.Before establishing Global Ventures, Noor held key leadership positions in various industries. She was the Chief Investment Officer at The Dubai Future Foundation and led the first ever dual listing of Depa on NASDAQ Dubai and the London Stock Exchange.In addition to her business roles, Noor Sweid is a strong advocate for diversity and women in business. She is known for her efforts to foster entrepreneurship in the MENA region and has been featured on several prestigious lists, including Forbes Middle East’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.”Outside of her business expertise, Noor very candidly opens up about her work-life balance, working with her father, motherhood and her daily routine.0:00 Intro3:08 Wealth, Health, and Education6:56 Have We Become Too Transactional as a Society?8:03 Are We Slaves to Our Phones?10:00 Raising Kids in the Age of Technology13:00 The Accidental Entrepreneur18:00 Joining the Family Business21:28 Starting Zen Yoga34:26 Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur25:12 Founding Global Ventures30:22 VC in the MENA29:02 Tech Innovation33:54 HealthTech FinTech37:00 AgriTech41:00 The Future of Healthcare44:07 AI46:54 The Future of Education53:04 Being a Shark on Shark Tank57:06 Sharing Knowledge in Arabic1:0210 Work Life Balance1:07:29 Exercise and Gratitude1:12:00 Lessons from Motherhood1:16:00 Breaking New Trails1:18:00 Creating 13,000 Jobs1:21:30 Conviction vs. Arrogance1:26:00 Relaxation Reflection1:32:10 The Importance of "The Pause"1:37:00 Dreams1:38:40 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future PlansNoor SweidInstagram https://bit.ly/47wX5GBLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3Zy9iJ6Forbes https://bit.ly/3zoHMDbGlobal VenturesWebsite https://bit.ly/4guQznDThe Mo ShowYoutube https://bit.ly/3nDwsZvApple Podcast https://apple.co/3J9ScX4Spotify https://spoti.fi/33dzsC2Google Podcast https://bit.ly/3ebB7xNAnghami https://bit.ly/3mRo1uyInstagram https://bit.ly/2KAwq5vX https://bit.ly/3KanEnJTikTok https://bit.ly/43L92poWebsite https://bit.ly/3H2DhMMEmail info@themopodcast.comPresented By KAFDThe AppWebsite https://bit.ly/3YktQUIInstagram https://bit.ly/3YFpWGnX https://bit.ly/3LMJOziLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3A0b2QJCreditsNoor Sweid | GuestRyan Ismail | COOFaisal Nejaim | Show ManagerTito | Creative DirectorYoussef Hamieh | Production ManagerPowered by “STUCK?” | Translators

On this special episode, Faisal Nejaim dives deep into Mo’s head, asking questions most have been eager to hear. Mo candidly addresses the highs and lows of the industry, sharing the trials and tribulations he has faced along the way. They discussed his past, present and his vision for the future of the show. At the end of the episode, Mo tells Faisal, “That was one of the realest conversation I’ve ever had!"