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?

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