The Inside Brief

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The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny is a new video podcast from The National in Abu Dhabi that delivers in-depth conversations with the leaders who shape our region and the global business world.

20 JAN

Mubadala's Waleed Al Muhairi on investing through global fragmentation

In this special edition of The Inside Brief from Davos 2026, Waleed Al Muhairi, deputy group chief executive of Mubadala, joins host Manus Cranny to discuss how global investors are navigating a world defined by fragmentation rather than chaos. With more than $375 billion in assets under management, Mubadala sits at the centre of global capital flows and Mr Al Muhairi explains why long-term conviction, rather than market timing, has become the defining advantage for institutional investors. Mr Al Muhairi explains that Mubadala’s multi-engine investment model allows capital to move purposefully across private equity, private credit, infrastructure and global partnerships, adapting risk exposure without abandoning long-term strategy. Mr Al Muhairi also shares his highest conviction views as 2026 begins, highlighting continued opportunity in the US alongside growing allocations across Asia, including South Korea and India. The conversation explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in investment decision-making. Mr Al Muhairi reveals that Mubadala now has an AI participant named MAIA in its investment committee process, using counterfactual analysis to challenge assumptions and test conviction. He describes AI as a force multiplier rather than a bubble, arguing that while valuations will fluctuate, innovation and infrastructure behind AI are only just beginning to reshape productivity. Looking closer to home, Mr Al Muhairi reflects on Abu Dhabi’s growing momentum as a global capital hub. He describes a powerful shift as families, businesses and financial institutions increasingly relocate to the UAE, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of capital, talent and opportunity. As a long-term steward of national capital, he emphasises the responsibility of investing not only for returns, but for the next generation and the continuing growth of the UAE economy.

26 min
13 JAN

DP World's chief executive on why trade never stops in an uncertain world, plus leadership lessons

In this episode of The Inside Brief, chairman and group chief executive of DP World Sultan bin Sulayem sits down with host Manus Cranny to share his views on global trade and shipping at a time of geopolitical shocks, tariff wars and market volatility. The head of the global ports operator explains why, from his perspective, physical cargo flows are far more resilient than market sentiment, and why global trade continues to grow despite persistent political uncertainty. Mr bin Sulayem discusses how DP World approaches countries often defined by political risk − including Venezuela, Iran and Syria − by separating headlines from operational reality. On Venezuela, Mr bin Sulayem says that DP World knows the market well from past operations and could move quickly when conditions allow. On Iran, he argues that even major regional conflicts have historically had limited impact on maritime trade. Syria is presented as a different case as DP World has already committed $800 million to Tartus port. Mr bin Sulayem describes the country as having strong long-term potential, given its strategic location and access to regional road and rail networks. He also reflects on his meeting with Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara, describing him as calm, optimistic and a good listener who is eager to learn and is focused on improving conditions in the country. The conversation ranges across global growth hotspots, including India, Indonesia, Brazil and the UK, where DP World is expanding capacity. Mr bin Sulayem also argues that China’s economic management is often misunderstood in the West, stressing that scale and stability matter more than headline growth rates. Turning to Dubai, Mr bin Sulayem reflects on the government's investment in roads, Metro expansion, and rail infrastructure such as Etihad Rail, and how the proximity between the port in Jebel Ali and Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to support future trade growth through seamless sea-to-air connectivity. Mr bin Sulayem concludes by sharing personal insights into what success means to him, his approach to succession planning and leadership and how a life-threatening horse riding accident − in which he was saved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai − reshaped his views on time, efficiency and decision making.

39 min
23/12/2025

Anthony Scaramucci unfiltered on power, markets and America's reputation

In this re-run episode of The Inside Brief, Manus Cranny revisits a candid and often humorous conversation with Anthony Scaramucci, financier, media personality, and former White House communications director. Scaramucci speaks openly about how power really works, how reputations are built and damaged on the world stage, and why credibility matters to investors, allies, and institutions alike.

41 min
10/12/2025

Dmitry Balyasny on Abu Dhabi expansion, AI agents and 2026 outlook

In this special edition of The Inside Brief recorded live on stage at the Abu Dhabi Finance Week, host Manus Cranny sits down with Dmitry Balyasny, managing partner and chief investment officer Balyasny Asset Management, which oversees more than $30 billion across multi-strategy portfolios. In a wide-ranging conversation, Mr Balyasny discusses why his firm is expanding in Abu Dhabi and what makes it an emerging global financial centre. He also explained how technology, AI and collaboration are reshaping the future of asset management. Mr Balyasny breaks down how his team has built 2,000 AI agents running 5,000 daily tasks, transforming productivity. He explains why AI will not replace human judgment, but will redefine how markets are analysed and decisions are made. The conversation covers Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global financial centre, the next generation of traders and how Mr Balyasny’s team selects talent from 30,000 applicants each year. It also explores the outlook for markets in 2026, and the biggest tail risks ahead for investors. The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major platforms.

15 min
25/11/2025

Helima Croft on oil markets, sanctions, next year's scenarios and personal lessons

In this episode of The Inside Brief, Manus Cranny sits down with Helima Croft, RBC Capital Markets' managing director and global head of commodity strategy, and a former CIA economic analyst, for a rare, deeply informed conversation on geopolitics, oil markets and leadership. Ms Croft decodes the Opec+ pause and Saudi oil strategy, offering a grounded forecast for 2026 oil prices under different policy paths, and explores what renewed attention on Venezuela, Guyana and US shale could mean for global supply. She assesses the tightening grip of US sanctions on Russian exports, the shifting stance on Ukrainian strikes and the complex endgame Russia's President Vladimir Putin may seek in Europe. Reflecting on her time at the CIA, Ms Croft reveals what she learnt from briefing US presidents and how analytic discipline shapes her scenario work on Wall Street. The conversation also explores the realities of balancing high-pressure careers with family while mentoring the next generation.

35 min
11/11/2025

Inside Emirates: Boeing delays, Airbus talks and leadership tips with Sir Tim Clark

In this episode of The Inside Brief, Manus Cranny sits down at Emirates headquarters with company president Sir Tim Clark for a candid conversation about growth, negotiation, and the future of global aviation. Sir Tim traces Emirates from its 1985 regional beginnings to a 270-aircraft super-connector that now contributes meaningfully to Dubai’s economy and identity. The conversation turns to supply constraints and the delayed Boeing 777x. Sir Tim says Emirates had planned to take delivery of the new aircraft this year, but now faces uncertainty that will run into 2027. He also reflects on the enduring value of the A380 and laments a cooler appetite among manufacturers and boards for bold, large-gauge innovation, citing two decades of industry trauma and risk aversion. On demand and pricing, Sir Clark discusses the structural shift that has taken place since the pandemic, with higher yields and travellers flying more often. The episode closes on leadership. Giving his advice on the art of negotiating, he says: “Prepare thoroughly, anticipate the other side’s position, stay calm, be firm and fair, and always cut through the froth to the real issues.” Asked about his legacy, Sir Clark says he wants the next generation of Emirates leaders to inherit a clear path for the next 15 to 20 years, with fleets, networks, products and the new hub laid out. He would urge them to stay focused on the model that made the company successful. The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major platforms.

41 min
04/11/2025

CEO of All3Media on the future of TV, streaming, content

In this episode of The Inside Brief, host Manus Cranny sits down with Jane Turton, CEO of All3Media, one of the UK’s largest independent TV, film, and distribution groups. Acquired by RedBird IMI in 2024, All3Media has become a creative powerhouse behind global successes including The Traitors, Life on Our Planet, and Squid Game: The Challenge. From the company’s London headquarters to its global footprint across the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Jane shares her perspective on storytelling in a borderless media world and the rising opportunities for creative collaboration across the UAE and the Gulf. She discusses how high-quality content, trust, and talent remain at the core of success, even as the industry adapts to new platforms, AI technology, and changing viewer behaviour. The conversation explores the evolution of streaming, the enduring value of linear television, and the strategic impact of social media on content distribution. Jane also reflects on leadership, the art of empowering creative teams, and the delicate balance between innovation and creative integrity in an AI-driven world.

27 min
28/10/2025

Anthony Scaramucci on money, politics and the US's image

In this episode of The Inside Brief, host Manus Cranny welcomes Anthony Scaramucci, the founder of SkyBridge Capital, former White House communications director, and now the host of The Rest Is Politics US. Known for his unfiltered views on markets, politics and the US's reputation on the global stage, Scaramucci calls Bitcoin a “phenomenal asset” and unpacks the correction he attributes to “whale selling”. From there, the discussion widens to the US's leadership and global reputation, as he reflects on how Donald Trump has “hurt America’s reputation” abroad and on what it will take to restore international trust in the United States. Manus and Anthony move beyond politics into the deeper questions of economic identity and social change, talking about the erosion of the American dream and the pressures on the middle class. The discussion also turns to capital flows and leadership in the Gulf. Scaramucci describes why he remains bullish on the region, noting its discipline and growth even as oil prices tighten. The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other major platforms.

40 min
14/10/2025

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths on vision, ambition and the future of aviation

In the opening episode of The National's video-first podcast The Inside Brief, host Manus Cranny sits down with Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, to discuss the emirate’s ambition to create the world’s most advanced aviation hub. From managing 95 million passengers a year to planning a move to a new airport capable of handling 260 million a year by 2050, Griffiths shares how vision, technology and precision planning drive Dubai’s global connectivity. He explains why aviation must remain affordable, how biometrics will transform the experience of passengers and what it takes to move the world’s busiest international airport 40km south without stopping operations. Griffiths also reflects on his leadership over 18 years, his single KPI to never constrain Dubai’s aviation growth, and the lessons learnt through global crises. Griffiths also opens up about his lifelong passions for music and engineering, his vast collection of motorcycles and cars, and the discipline that shapes his artistry and his leadership. The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other major platforms.

31 min
07/10/2025

The Inside Brief: A new video-first podcast with Manus Cranny

As global capital flows intensify across the Middle East and transformative sectors take shape, The National introduces The Inside Brief, a video-first podcast hosted by Manus Cranny to explore the people driving this dynamic growth. In this new podcast, Manus sits down with regional and global CEOs, risk takers and policymakers, and the people who shape industries, move markets and define investment flows in the region. Each episode promises to deliver candid and compelling conversations to offer insight into what’s really happening in the Gulf’s evolving economic landscape. Manus Cranny is the Geo‑Economics Editor of The National, and brings over 30 years of experience in global markets, finance and media. Before taking on his current role, he anchored flagship morning news programmes at Bloomberg TV and CNBC from New York, London and Dubai. Now back in Abu Dhabi, Manus brings his signature no-fluff style to The Inside Brief. Watch and listen to The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcasting platforms.

1 min

TRAILER

The Inside Brief: A new video-first podcast with Manus Cranny

As global capital flows intensify across the Middle East and transformative sectors take shape, The National introduces The Inside Brief, a video-first podcast hosted by Manus Cranny to explore the people driving this dynamic growth. In this new podcast, Manus sits down with regional and global CEOs, risk takers and policymakers, and the people who shape industries, move markets and define investment flows in the region. Each episode promises to deliver candid and compelling conversations to offer insight into what’s really happening in the Gulf’s evolving economic landscape. Manus Cranny is the Geo‑Economics Editor of The National, and brings over 30 years of experience in global markets, finance and media. Before taking on his current role, he anchored flagship morning news programmes at Bloomberg TV and CNBC from New York, London and Dubai. Now back in Abu Dhabi, Manus brings his signature no-fluff style to The Inside Brief. Watch and listen to The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcasting platforms.

07/10/2025

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1 min

The Inside Brief with Manus Cranny is a new video podcast from The National in Abu Dhabi that delivers in-depth conversations with the leaders who shape our region and the global business world.