• In this episode of the SOMA Modern Podcast, Majid's Shot welcomes Rhee Norgo, a venture partner and founder of S.Y. Partners, Mina. Rhee shares her unique background in design and her journey into nature-based rehabilitation and health promotion. She emphasizes the importance of direct experience with nature for personal and societal well-being, highlighting how environments can influence our relationships and mental health. Rhee discusses her studies at the University of Copenhagen, where she explores the intersection of landscape design and therapeutic practices, particularly in the context of stress and recovery.
• The conversation delves into the theories underpinning nature-based rehabilitation, including the attention restoration theory and the benefits of natural environments on recovery rates. Rhee and Majid discuss the significance of storytelling in leadership and the role of art in nature settings, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder engagement to tackle complex societal challenges. They conclude by reflecting on the potential for innovation in the Middle East, driven by its unique environmental challenges and the importance of legacy in shaping future generations.

In this conversation, Osama Al-Muqbel, CTO of Seafood Souq, discusses the challenges and innovations in the seafood industry. He highlights the importance of digitization and traceability in improving the seafood supply chain, addressing issues like mislabeling and sustainability. The conversation covers the technological solutions offered by Seafood Souq, including their three main products: SFS Fisheries, SFS Trace, and SFS Audit. Osama emphasizes the need for transparency and regulatory improvements to support local fishermen and enhance food security.

This episode of The SOMA MATER Podcast features a discussion between Yazen Al Kodmani (Emirates Bio Farm/Food Innovation Hub UAE) and Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi (SOMA MATER Founder/CEO) on how the UAE can leverage its unique position to build a more mature, export-focused, and sustainable food system.

The conversation highlights that while the UAE's agricultural production may be small, its proactive policy and investment make it a global leader in innovation, allowing it to be "ten years ahead" in certain areas. Key wins include:
Government Support: Initiatives like the Aqua Cluster, Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, and the new National Agriculture Center, which aim to address policy and supply chain issues.

Retail Partnerships & Trust: Collaborations between local farmers and major retailers (like Carrefour's "Choose Better" campaign) have focused on promoting local consumption, increasing traceability, and even tackling single-use plastic by using reusable boxes.

Product Innovation: The success of local ventures like date-based products and camel milk shows that culturally significant foods can be innovated and marketed for international export.

The speakers call for systemic change by addressing two core issues: knowledge consolidation and the lack of a shared data architecture. They emphasize the need to map out the entire food system, break down government and industry silos, and create a shared platform for data (on production cycles, failures, and successes) to better inform policy, regulation, and market decisions across the region. The ultimate goal is to raise the profile and value of local production, ensuring its long-term resilience and profitability.