In this episode, we sit down with Youssef Salem — CFO of ADNOC Drilling, co-founder of Qora71, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree — to unpack how one of MENA’s youngest corporate finance leaders is shaping the future of venture capital, energy tech, and Islamic finance. From advising on multibillion-dollar IPOs at Moelis to leading a SPAC listing on NASDAQ with Swvl, Youssef shares his journey through high-stakes capital markets, private equity exits, and sovereign-backed innovation in Abu Dhabi. He explains why the MENA region’s investment ecosystem is maturing fast — thanks to a surge in listings, secondary markets, and sovereign funds pivoting toward growth-stage VC and climate tech. We explore how Youssef built Qora71, a zero-fee, no-carry syndicate that's rewriting how professionals invest in early-stage startups. He breaks down the future of Shariah-compliant ETFs, the role of retail in unlocking liquidity, and why the UAE is uniquely positioned to become a global AI and quantum computing hub. The conversation also delves into sustainable finance, where Youssef explains how ADNOC Drilling balances profitability with carbon capture initiatives and late-stage tech investments — emphasizing strategic transition over hype-driven pivots. Finally, Youssef reflects on the power of bite-sized learning, curiosity in conversation, and staying grounded in Islamic values — even while scaling billion-dollar operations.

Meet the Team:
A dynamic mix of personalities and expertise, each bringing unique energy to the table. Abubakr Sajith, the unofficial leader (even if he didn’t ask for it), keeps things running smoothly with his finance, IT, and entrepreneurial background. Gazala Parkar, the PR pro, is the team’s caring yet no-nonsense mother figure, while Guhaesh Subramanian, the ever-networking master's student, plays the carefree uncle. Anas Memon is the resident numbers guy deep in finance, MA, and private equity. At the same time, Aditya Poddar, with his love-hate relationship with his 9-to-5, embraces his role as the team’s laid-back producer. Eiman Ansari, the cybersecurity expert, provides comedic relief when she shows up alongside Liz Ann D’Souza, the creative force with a film and content creation background. And then there’s Zainab Netterwala, the IT and computer science whiz, who takes on the role of the little sister in this eclectic, ever-evolving crew. Connect with Us!

🌐 X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/dollar_diaries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollardiariespodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedollardiariespodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedollardiaries
📬 Join Our Community!
Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://thedollardiaries.media/
Join the SPEND LESS Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FG67aEgWQa5IP1W1ue5J8s

Join us weekly as we explore how to make, manage, and multiply your money! 🎧💵 Let’s make those dirhams dance! 💃🕺

In this episode, Allan and Ali, Co-Founders of EmFlex, discussed the inception and business model of their embedded lending solution focused on the auto financing sector in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. They emphasized the growing trend of embedded finance, where financial services are integrated into non-financial platforms, catering to a shift in consumer behavior that favors convenience. The duo highlighted the significant market potential in Saudi Arabia, where car sales reach approximately $10 billion annually, with a large portion being financed. They aim to streamline the financing process for consumers and distributors by providing quicker approvals and better offers through their technology.

The conversation also delved into the competitive landscape of fintech in the region, with Allan and Ali noting the importance of building strong partnerships with banks and financial institutions. They explained how their model mirrors successful buy-now-pay-later schemes, where they generate revenue by enhancing sales for merchants while facilitating financing for customers. The co-founders shared insights on the challenges of integrating with traditional banking systems and the evolving regulatory environment that is becoming more conducive to innovation in fintech.

Finally, Allan and Ali reflected on their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a work-life balance while pursuing their business goals. They discussed their experiences at the Antler residency, which helped them form a strong partnership and develop their business concept. Looking ahead, they expressed optimism about the future of fintech in the region, anticipating further innovation and growth in embedded finance solutions, particularly in auto financing and beyond.

Meet the Team:

A dynamic mix of personalities and expertise, each bringing unique energy to the table. Abubakr Sajith, the unofficial leader (even if he didn’t ask for it), keeps things running smoothly with his finance, IT, and entrepreneurial background. Gazala Parkar, the PR pro, is the team’s caring yet no-nonsense mother figure, while Guhaesh Subramanian, the ever-networking master's student, plays the carefree uncle. Anas Memon is the resident numbers guy deep in finance, M&A, and private equity. At the same time, Aditya Poddar, with his love-hate relationship with his 9-to-5, embraces his role as the team’s laid-back producer. Eiman Ansari, the cybersecurity expert, provides comedic relief when she shows up alongside Liz Ann D’Souza, the creative force with a film and content creation background. And then there’s Zainab Netterwala, the IT and computer science whiz, who takes on the role of the little sister in this eclectic, ever-evolving crew.

Connect with Us! 🌐

X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/dollar_diaries

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollardiariespodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedollardiariespodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedollardiaries

📬 Join Our Community!

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://thedollardiaries.media/

Join the SPEND LESS Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FG67aEgWQa5IP1W1ue5J8s

Join us weekly as we explore how to make, manage, and multiply your money! 🎧💵 Let's make those dirhams dance! 💃🕺

In this episode of The Dollar Diaries, the host welcomes Joshua and Janine, the hosts of the Half A Nice Day Podcast. The conversation kicks off with light-hearted banter about parking karma and queuing woes, setting a relaxed tone for the discussion. They delve into their experiences with podcasting, highlighting the effort and dedication required to produce engaging content. The guests share insights into their podcasting journey, including the challenges of maintaining listener engagement and the importance of supportive followers who contribute with comments and timestamps.

The discussion transitions into personal anecdotes and professional experiences. Joshua talks about his role at SAP, focusing on customer success and the integration of AI in HR solutions. He explains the potential of AI to streamline HR processes, making them more efficient. Meanwhile, Janine shares her background in wedding photography, discussing the challenges of finding clients and the nuances of the wedding industry. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a unique style and the impact of word-of-mouth in building a client base.

The episode also touches on the dynamics of their relationship, with Janine being the planner and Joshua the laid-back partner. They discuss financial planning for their wedding and future, highlighting the importance of saving and investing. The conversation wraps up with Joshua's insights into the comedy scene in the UAE, noting the growing opportunities and challenges for local comedians. The episode is a blend of humor, personal stories, and professional insights, offering listeners a glimpse into the lives of Joshua and Janine.

Meet the Team:

A dynamic mix of personalities and expertise, each bringing unique energy to the table. Abubakr Sajith, the unofficial leader (even if he didn’t ask for it), keeps things running smoothly with his finance, IT, and entrepreneurial background. Gazala Parkar, the PR pro, is the team’s caring yet no-nonsense mother figure, while Guhaesh Subramanian, the ever-networking master's student, plays the carefree uncle. Anas Memon is the resident numbers guy deep in finance, MA, and private equity. At the same time, Aditya Poddar, with his love-hate relationship with his 9-to-5, embraces his role as the team’s laid-back producer. Eiman Ansari, the cybersecurity expert, provides comedic relief when she shows up alongside Liz Ann D’Souza, the creative force with a film and content creation background. And then there’s Zainab Netterwala, the IT and computer science whiz, who takes on the role of the little sister in this eclectic, ever-evolving crew.

Connect with Us! 🌐

X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/dollar_diaries

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollardiariespodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedollardiariespodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedollardiaries

📬 Join Our Community!

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://thedollardiaries.media/

Join us weekly as we explore how to make, manage, and multiply your money! 🎧💵 Let's make those dirhams dance! 💃🕺