by Afshin Molavi | Jun 5, 2014 | The Majalla Magazine
In the shadow of Dubai’s glittering skyscrapers, creaking, colorful wooden dhows line the historic Creek waterway, groaning with Korean television sets, Indian basmati rice, Iranian pistachios and Chinese-made T-shirts and shoes. Many of the sailors aboard those dhows...
by Afshin Molavi | Feb 23, 2014 | Opinion
Tokyo, Asharq Al-Awsat—During the recent three day official visit of Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Salman bin Abdulaziz to Tokyo, several Japanese officials were struck by a cadre of young Saudis who spoke fluent Japanese. “Who are these...
by Afshin Molavi | Jan 5, 2014 | Opinion
Will the year 2014 be a tipping point for Islamic finance? It’s a question on the minds of many inside the rapidly growing industry, as a confluence of factors came together in 2013 that could portend a structural shift in how the world views Islamic banking products...
by Afshin Molavi | Nov 28, 2013 | Opinion
More than 50 years ago, a seven-year-old boy visited the Seattle World Expo with his family. He marveled at the scientific and technological innovation on display. He rode the Monorail trains, enjoyed the roller coasters, and visited the futuristic exhibits, including...
by Afshin Molavi | May 11, 2013 | Opinion
The revolutions that have transformed the Arab world have also transformed economies, largely for the worse. If the so-called “Arab Spring” were to receive a credit rating, the verdict would be obvious and unfortunate: downgrades. We have seen the multiple pathologies...
