Fellow tech enthusiasts! We're bringing you along on our journey to the first-ever Web Summit in Vancouver (previously known as Collision held in Toronto, Canada). We're diving into the heart of the tech world, sharing our personal experiences and the incredible energy of this event. From AI to machine learning, and the unique vibe of Vancouver, we're excited to share what we've discovered.- Chapters -00:00 Introduction to Web Summit Vancouver02:39 Comparing Web Summit Locations05:05 Key Highlights from Web Summit Vancouver08:23 Insights on BlueSky and Decentralized Social Networks11:16 Startup Ecosystem and Investment Opportunities14:13 Vancouver's Tech Landscape and Industry Drivers17:08 Reflections on Event Organization and Experience20:43 AI and Machine Learning Discussions22:50 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects26:41 AI's Understanding of Identity28:31 Governance and AI Accessibility30:31 The Future of AI Investments33:14 Media Presence and Community Engagement39:55 The Evolution of Content Creation49:05 Reflections on Web Summit Vancouver

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If you're keen to suggest topics that you'd want to hear more about with a Middle East focus, follow us on our accounts below and drop us a message. You can also suggest it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠via Google Forms⁠⁠⁠⁠.

• Yasser Masood (⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠)
• Gazanfarulla Khan (⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠)
• The Geeky Nomads (⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠)

We're back with another episode up in the air at 36,000ft and going even higher with a guest joining us on the move while on-ground. Shashank Nigam (CEO of aviation consultancy Simpliflying) joins us to talk about the evolving landscape of the aviation industry, focusing on sustainability, connectivity innovations, and the role of technology in enhancing customer experience.

We even explore the challenges and opportunities presented by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and the importance of airports in shaping the future of air travel. All while being focused on the Middle East region and the aviation players that have disrupted the status quo.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast

(01:30) Let's introduce our guest

(04:30) Recent Boeing Aircraft Orders

(05:35) The Impact of Technology on Air Travel

(08:05) Riyadh Air's product strategy

(09:04) In-flight Wi-Fi connectivity

(11:37) The early path for in-flight connectivity

(14:05) Enhancing Customer Experience with Connectivity

(16:37) Personalized AI interactions for travellers

(18:17) AI resolving a major issue

(21:05) Airline apps that made inconveniences better

(23:34) Airports as Key Differentiators

(24:32) A Long-Term Vision for Smart Airports

(26:14) The Role of Pre-Clearance Facilities

(30:44) Innovative Funding for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

(33:03) Corporate Responsibility in Aviation Sustainability

(36:44) Evolving Technologies and Government Policies in Aviation

(39:59) Balancing Growth and Sustainability in Aviation

(46:54) Navigating Connectivity Challenges

(49:33) Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the Middle East

(52:16) Innovative Airport Designs for Sustainability

(54:49) Leadership in Aviation Sustainability

(56:03) Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

(56:19) Navigating Connectivity Challenges

(57:28) Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the Middle East

(01:00:12) Leadership in Aviation Sustainability

(01:03:22) The Future of Airports and Airlines

(01:06:26) Closing Thoughts and Future Insights

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If you're keen to suggest topics that you'd want to hear more about with a Middle East focus, follow us on our accounts below and drop us a message. You can also suggest it ⁠⁠⁠⁠via Google Forms⁠⁠⁠.

• Yasser Masood (⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠)
• Gazanfarulla Khan (⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠)
• The Geeky Nomads (⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠)

It's a new milestone for our podcast - we've brought our first guest, ready to unravel more of a big news piece we discussed a few episodes ago (hint: iHeartMedia).

Andy Kelly, the Senior Vice President of Ruby (iHeartMedia's branded content studio), joins us to discuss the vision behind their international expansion in partnership with the GCO of Qatar, the role of podcasting in the region, and the importance of creating localised content. The conversation also highlights the significance of human connection in audio, the challenges and opportunities in the MENA market, and the future of audio advertising with international expansion.

As of the moment the episode was published, Andy Kelly has been promoted to EVP of Global Brand Partnerships at iHeartMedia.

- Chapters -

(00:00) Introduction to iHeartMedia and Podcasting in MENA

(02:57) The Journey of iHeartMedia's International Expansion

(06:21) The Vision for Podcasting in the MENA Region

(09:07) Insights from Web Summit Qatar 2025

(12:00) The Role of Audio in Advertising

(15:19) Building a Podcasting Ecosystem in Qatar

(18:08) Creating Localised Content for Diverse Audiences

(21:11) Navigating Cultural Sensitivities in Content Creation

(24:08) Live Events and Community Engagement

(27:01) Future Plans for iHeartMedia in the MENA region

(38:59) Building a Creative Hub in Doha, Qatar

(42:03) The Future of Podcasting in MENA

(45:04) Understanding the Podcast Audience

(47:28) Collaborating with Regional Creators

(52:16) Branded Content and Market Demand

(53:52) Analytics and Support for Creators

(56:00) The Importance of Storytelling in Podcasting

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If you're keen to suggest topics that you'd want to hear more about with a Middle East focus, follow us on our accounts below and drop us a message. You can also suggest it ⁠⁠⁠via Google Forms⁠⁠.

• Yasser Masood (⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠)
• Gazanfarulla Khan (⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠)
• The Geeky Nomads (⁠Threads⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠)