In this episode, we let Anwar back out of the basement for a conversation with Helen Tang, Director at FGS Global.

Conversation about the GCC’s automotive landscape is increasingly dominated by the Chinese industry, so we brought on someone who truly understands the market from the inside. A recent transplant from China, Helen previously advised giants like Volkswagen on navigating the world’s most aggressive EV market. We discuss the misconceptions she’s seen in the UAE, how different brands are perceived in their home market, and how Chinese automakers moved so far ahead when it comes to EVs.  

If you want to get in touch with us, you can reach us at:

Gulf.specgcc@gmail.com

or

https://www.instagram.com/gulf_spec_podcast/

Helen Tang: Corporate Communications Director - FGS Global 

I ditch Anwar and interview Samer Al Saleh, National Sales Director at Abdulghani Motors in Qatar. 

We talk about how he hustled his way into the automotive industry as well as about the unique Qatari market. Is the Land Cruiser still the most dominant vehicle in Qatar? Who are the new challengers? What is it really like owning a Dodge Viper? 

If you've got feedback or miss Anwar, please let us know. You can reach us at:

Gulf.specgcc@gmail.com

or

https://www.instagram.com/gulf_spec_podcast/

Samer Al Saleh: National Sales Director - Toyota/Lexus Qatar #6

Anwar and Moe are back for Episode 5 to discuss Porsche's moves to become an increasingly experience-led brand in the UAE, and whether they think that's more effective than traditional ad-spend.

Also, why isn't Aston Martin more successful in such a luxury-obsessed market?

If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. You can reach us at: Gulf.specgcc@gmail.com

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gulf_spec_podcast/

Experiences vs Advertising and Why Aston Martin Hasn't Cracked the GCC Market #5

Anwar and I finally sit down in the same room together. On this episode, veteran journalist, Imthishan Giado joins us to talk about all things car. 

We talk numbers in the region. What sells, what doesn't, and how are people using their cars? Are Chinese cars really THAT good? What's the state of automotive journalism today? And everyone's favorite topic, what separates car enthusiasts from mere mortals? 

If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. You can reach us at:
Gulf.specgcc@gmail.com
or
https://www.instagram.com/gulf_spec_podcast/

Imthishan Giado: Veteran UAE Automotive Journalist #4

This week, Anwar and I have managed to convince someone to come talk to us. We dive in deep into the restomod industry, with Assyl Yacine, the GCC agent for Kalmar Automotive [https://kalmarautomotive.com/] and Giamaro Automobili [https://www.giamaro.com/].  

 * What's caused the surge in interest in restomods? 
 * What does the market look like in the Middle East? 
 * Are these "improved" versions of older cars actually any good? 
 * Who is Assyl Yacine, and why is he so cool?

Find out more about Assyl here:
Instagram: speedbird.cars [https://www.instagram.com/speedbird.cars/?hl=en]

YouTube: Speedbird Cars [https://www.youtube.com/@assyl.yacine]

If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We didn't have these ready for the episode, but you can reach us at:
Gulf.specgcc@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/gulf_spec_podcast/

The Business Behind Restomods with Assyl Yacine #3

Anwar/Alex and Mohammad have successfully made it to Episode 2, thanks for all of those that tuned (way more than five people). This week, they get into:

 * Stolen luxury cars
 * The worst car on sale (Ineos Grenadier)
 * The upcoming cars we're most excited about

If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We didn't have these ready for the episode, but you can reach us at:
Gulf.specgcc@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/gulf_spec_podcast/

Stolen Luxury Cars, the Stupidest Car on Sale, and What Car Are We Most Looking Forward to? #2

Two old friends, Anwar and Mohammad, with experience in automotive marketing talk cars. In Episode of the Gulf Spec Podcast, they discuss a few things they were planning to, and some things that just pop up. 

- Chinese Cars in the UAE

- Can EVs ever appeal to enthusiasts?

- What is the cheapest way into supercar ownership?

If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We didn't have these ready for the episode, but you can reach us at:
Gulf.specgcc@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/gulf_spec_podcast/

Chinese Cars in the UAE, Will EVs Ever Appeal to Enthusiasts, and What's the Cheapest Way Into Supercar Ownership? #1

Two good friends, Anwar Khisaf and Moe Khan, both with backgrounds in automotive marketing and long histories in the Middle East, discuss all things cars. Episodes come out whenever we feel like it.