Future Now

Ihsan Anabtawi

Welcome to Future Now, the podcast where industry leaders and influencers share insights on the innovations shaping our world. Hosted by Ihsan Anabtawi, a seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, and advisor, Future Now delves into bold ideas and actions driving change today. Presented in partnership with Gulf News

Episodes

  1. Jul 7

    How AI Is Empowering Millions with Visual Impairments | Future Now Podcast EP 4

    Welcome to Episode 4 of the Future Now podcast, a platform dedicated to open conversations with industry leaders and innovators who are shaping our future through technology, accessibility, and innovation in partnership with Gulf News. In this episode, host Ihsan Anabtawi sits down with Kürşat Ceylan, Co-Founder of WeWALK, the company behind the award-winning smart cane that is transforming mobility for people with visual impairments. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of the Year, WeWALK is redefining how assistive technology can empower millions to live more independently. Born blind, Kürşat shares his remarkable personal journey-from overcoming everyday challenges to building a global startup dedicated to improving accessibility through technology.  He explains how WeWALK combines smart hardware with cloud computing, artificial intelligence, real-time navigation, and data analytics to create a connected ecosystem that helps users navigate their surroundings with greater confidence and independence. Together, they explore the role of AI and cloud technologies in assistive innovation, the importance of designing technology with accessibility at its core, and how data can help cities become more inclusive for people with disabilities. Kürşat also shares why technology is about more than solving problems-it is about creating opportunity, independence, and a more accessible future for everyone. Tune in to discover how innovation, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies are changing lives and building a more inclusive world. Special thanks to @poddster for filming and editing our episodes. #FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #KursatCeylan #WeWALK #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #CloudComputing #Innovation #Inclusion #PeopleOfDetermination #SmartCities #TechForGood #DisabilityInclusion #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfTechnology #InclusiveDesign #gulfnews  Gulf News social accounts: https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/ https://x.com/gulf_news https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/ The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi The Guest, Kürşat Ceylan social accounts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kursatceylan/ Poddster social accounts: https://ae.linkedin.com/company/poddster

  2. Jun 19

    Reimagining Banking for the Digital Age | Future Now Podcast EP 3

    Welcome to the 3rd episode of the Future Now podcast, a platform dedicated to open conversations with industry leaders and innovators who are shaping our future through technology, digital transformation, and innovation in partnership with Gulf News. In this episode, host Ihsan Anabtawi sits down with Olivier Crespin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zand, the UAE’s first fully digital bank serving both retail and corporate customers. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in banking and fintech across Asia, Latin America, the United States, and the Middle East, Olivier shares his vision for building a truly digital-native bank. He explains how combining the foundations of traditional banking with the agility, customer-centricity, and innovation of digital platforms is reshaping the financial services industry. Together, they explore the differences between traditional banks and cloud-native digital banks, the role of cloud infrastructure in accelerating innovation, the importance of cybersecurity and data-driven decision-making, and how emerging technologies such as blockchain, digital assets, and decentralized finance could transform the future of financial services. Olivier also discusses why the UAE has become a global hub for fintech innovation, the opportunities created by the country’s digital ecosystem, and the leadership qualities required to drive transformation in rapidly evolving industries. Tune in to discover how technology is redefining banking and creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. Special thanks to @poddster for filming and editing our episodes. #FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #OlivierCrespin #Zand #DigitalBanking #Fintech #BankingInnovation #CloudComputing #CyberSecurity #Blockchain #Web3 #DigitalAssets #DecentralizedFinance #FintechInnovation #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #Technology #FutureOfBanking #UAE #GulfNews Gulf News social accounts:  https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/ https://x.com/gulf_news https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/ The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi The Guest, Olivier Crespin social accounts:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-crespin/ Poddster social accounts:  https://ae.linkedin.com/company/poddster

  3. Jun 19

    Beyond connectivity: The evolution of the modern telco | Future Now Podcast EP 2

    Welcome to the 2nd episode of the Future Now podcast, a platform dedicated to open conversations with industry leaders and innovators who are shaping our future through technology, digital transformation, and economic growth in partnership with Gulf News. In this episode, host Ihsan Anabtawi sits down with Miguel Villalonga, CEO of e& enterprise cloud, to discuss the evolution of one of the region’s most recognized technology organizations and its transformation from a traditional telecommunications company into a technology powerhouse. Miguel shares insights from his six-year journey leading cloud and digital initiatives, highlighting the rapid growth of cloud adoption across the UAE, the importance of strategic partnerships with global technology providers, and e&’s role in supporting the nation’s ambitious digital transformation agenda. Together, they explore the evolution of cloud infrastructure, the impact of digital transformation across industries, the importance of talent development and change management, and why cybersecurity remains a critical foundation for innovation. Miguel also discusses the company’s vision for future growth, regional expansion, and the opportunities that lie ahead as organizations continue their digital journeys. Tune in to learn how technology, cloud services, cybersecurity, and strategic transformation are helping shape the future of business and society across the region. Special thanks to @poddster for filming and editing our episodes. #FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #MiguelVillalonga #eand #eandenterprise #CloudComputing #DigitalTransformation #Technology #CyberSecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #CloudServices #Innovation #BusinessTransformation #TechLeadership #DigitalEconomy #FutureOfTechnology #UAE #EnterpriseTechnology #GulfNews Gulf News social accounts:  https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/ https://x.com/gulf_news https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/ The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi The Guest, Miguel Villalonga social accounts:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelvillalonga/ Poddster social accounts:  https://ae.linkedin.com/company/poddster

  4. Jun 19

    The future of sustainable cities | Future Now Podcast EP 1

    Welcome to the first episode of the Future Now podcast, a platform dedicated to open conversations with industry leaders and innovators who are shaping our future through technology, sustainability, and transformation in partnership with Gulf News. In this episode, host Ihsan Anabtawi sits down with Nada Taryam, Managing Director of Civil and Architectural Projects at BEEAH, one of the UAE’s leading environmental management organizations, and Co-Founder of Architecture and Other Things. Nada shares how BEEAH is redefining the future of sustainable development through smart buildings, AI-powered workplace experiences, and cutting-edge digital technologies. She discusses the vision behind BEEAH’s award-winning headquarters, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and explains how technologies such as AI, Digital Twins, IoT, and renewable energy systems are helping organizations drive sustainability while enhancing employee experience. Together, they explore the intersection of technology and environmental responsibility, the importance of transparency in sustainability initiatives, and how both individuals and organizations can take meaningful steps toward a greener future. Tune in to discover how innovation, smart infrastructure, and collective action can help build more sustainable communities for generations to come. Special thanks to @poddster for filming and editing our episodes. #FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #NadaTaryam #BEEAH #Sustainability #SmartBuildings #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #DigitalTwin #IoT #GreenBuildings #ClimateAction #Innovation #Technology #FutureCities #SustainableDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #Architecture #UAE #GulfNews Gulf News social accounts:  https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/ https://x.com/gulf_news https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/ The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi The Guest, Nada Taryam social accounts:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-Taryam/ Poddster social accounts:  https://ae.linkedin.com/company/poddster

  5. 11/05/2024

    AI and the Future of Sustainability | Future Now Podcast EP 6

    Welcome to Episode 2 of the Future Now podcast, where we connect with industry leaders and innovators driving transformative change. This episode, in partnership with Gulf News, features Ihsan Anabtawi, an experienced tech executive and entrepreneur, in conversation with Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of  BEEAH Group Under Khaled’s leadership, BEEAH has grown from a waste management company into a leading force in sustainability and digital innovation across the MENA region. Ihsan and Khaled discuss BEEAH’s remarkable achievements, from launching the region’s first commercial-scale waste-to-energy plant to advancing sustainable development through AI and cutting-edge technology. Khaled shares how BEEAH’s early adoption of AI-driven strategies is setting new standards for environmental impact and digital transformation. Tune in to explore how technology and AI are shaping the future of sustainability and learn from Khaled’s journey leading BEEAH’s mission to drive environmental change.  Special thanks to Poddster for filming and editing our episodes.    #FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #KhaledAlHuraimel #Beeah #Sustainability #AIinSustainability #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #EnvironmentalImpact #TechForGood #MENA #GulfNews    Gulf News social accounts:   https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/   https://x.com/gulf_news  https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/    The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts:   http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi  https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi  https://www.instagram.com/ihsananabtawi/    The Guest, Khaled Al Huraimel social accounts:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaledalhuraimel/    BEEAH Group social accounts:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/beeahgroup/

  6. 10/24/2024

    Shaping the Future of Consulting with AI | Future Now Podcast EP 5

    Welcome to the fifth episode of the Future Now podcast, a platform dedicated to open conversations with industry leaders and influencers who are shaping our future by driving innovation and change in partnership with Gulf News.  This episode is hosted by Ihsan Anabtawi, a seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, and advisor, sits down with special guest Adel Alfalasi, Partner and UAE CEO of Oliver Wyman, a leading global management consulting firm.  Adel shares his extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, focusing on his last seven years in consulting, where he has worked closely with government entities on economic and social development plans, digital transformation, and organizational restructuring. Together, they explore how AI is transforming the consulting industry and its impact on delivering tangible results to clients.  Tune in to gain insights from Adel’s impressive journey and to learn how technology and innovation are driving the evolution of consulting practices today. Special thanks to @poddster for filming and editing our episodes. #FutureNow #Podcast #Ihsan_Anabtawi #Adel_Alfalasi #OliverWyman #AIinConsulting #DigitalTransformation #Consulting #Industry #Business #Innovation #TechTrends #PodcastSeries #TechTalk #IndustryLeaders #GulfNews Gulf News social accounts:   https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/  https://x.com/gulf_news https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/ The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi The Guest, Adel Alfalasi social accounts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfalasi/ Oliverwyman social accounts: https://www.instagram.com/oliverwymanconsulting/

About

Welcome to Future Now, the podcast where industry leaders and influencers share insights on the innovations shaping our world. Hosted by Ihsan Anabtawi, a seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, and advisor, Future Now delves into bold ideas and actions driving change today. Presented in partnership with Gulf News