Interviews

Interview

Youth, strong AI adoption make MENA leading region for smartphones: OPPO

The Chinese mobile phone manufacturer's Lay Ren, who heads up the company's business in the Middle East and North Africa regions, said the Gulf is the epicenter of regional growth but stressed that North Africa is poised to follow.

Lay Ren

President of OPPO MENA

Interview

Robots can solve UAE construction labor shortage, says Buildroid AI

The US startup announced that it will launch the UAE’s first block-laying robot to speed up real estate and infrastructure projects in the Gulf country.

Anton Glance

Co-founder of Buildroid AI

Interview

Cyprus weighs joining Gaza force but 'not enough clarity' on mission, FM says

Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos also discussed using his country's maritime aid corridor to support Gaza's reconstruction.

Constantinos Kombos

Cypriot Foreign Minister

Interview

UNRWA plans Turkey office to boost Gaza, Syria aid as pledges dip

Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, UNRWA’s Tamara Alrifai said the upcoming Turkey office would help the agency to expand its operations not only in Gaza but also in Syria. 

Tamara Alrifai

Interview

Can protests in Israel halt Netanyahu's second attempt at judicial overhaul?

After two years of focusing on the battle to release the hostages, Israelis are now once again demonstrating against the government’s judicial overhaul plan.

Interview

Saudi foreign ownership property law won't overheat market, says Dar Global CEO

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has frozen rent in Riyadh for five years to contain soaring prices.

Ziad El Chaar

CEO of Dar Global

Interview

International Red Cross chief says Gaza conflict goes beyond anything he has ever seen

Speaking to a select group of reporters in Manama, the ICRC chief detailed the dire conditions in Gaza and the enclave's urgent humanitarian needs.

Pierre Krahenbuhl

Director-General of the International Committee

Interview

Trump's back channel to Hamas says militants could cede heavy weapons in disarmament deal

Bishara Bahbah says he recently relayed messages between the Trump administration and Hamas concerning the handover of the deceased hostages.

Bishara Bahbah

Founder, Arab Americans for Peace

Culture

Director Cyril Aris on Lebanon’s Oscar submission, trauma and cinema

Lebanese director Cyril Aris talks about "A Sad and Beautiful World" — Lebanon’s official submission to the 2026 Academy Awards and winner of the People’s Choice Award at the Venice Film Festival — and reflects on art, trauma and finding humor amid national collapse.

Interview

Gulf real estate investors choose UK over US amid political instability

The London-based lender is seeing an increase in demand from Gulf investors in UK real estate as US markets have become less predictable.

Khaled Alanani

Head of real estate finance and investments, Bank of London and The Middle East

Interview

Dar Global hints at Trump real estate deals in Saudi Arabia’s gigaprojects

The Dubai-headquartered real estate company has worked with the Trump Organization on luxury property developments across the Gulf.

Ziad El Chaar

Chief Executive Officer, Dar Global

Interview

Israel's Oslo architect Yossi Beilin: 2 years after Oct. 7, Netanyahu 'has no hope' of reelection

Veteran left-wing politician and former Minister Yossi Beilin says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has caused Israel's deepening international isolation and military quagmire in the Gaza Strip.

Yossi Beilin

Former Israeli Minister