How To Win in One of the World’s Toughest Markets | Mohammed Khudairi

Iraq’s no longer just oil. 🇮🇶 Mohammed Khudairi shares how real estate, retail, and tech startups are driving serious returns in a rising market. He’s proving there’s opportunity—and duty—in helping Iraq rise again. 00:00 Intro 00:45 The business founder in Iraq who excites Mohammed the most 01:57 The good, the bad, and the ugly of operating in Iraq 04:22 The opportunities for young people looking to start a business in Iraq 05:46 The reality on the ground in Iraq 07:06 Is Iraq safe? 07:48 The big challenges 09:24 What to look for when investing in Iraq 11:11 Mohammed’s formula for success in Iraq 13:02 The Khudairi Group origin story 15:01 Returning to Iraq as an adult 17:09 Mohammed’s first deal in Iraq 18:40 Lessons learned from his father 21:35 The importance of having pride in former employees 23:41 Where’s the Iraqi market heading in the next five years? 24:46 What would Mohammed do with $10,000 in Iraq? 26:47 What types of companies is Mohammed most excited about 28:24 The biggest mistake Mohammed ever made 29:17 What will it take to attract Iraqi diaspora back to Iraq 30:22 Rapid fire Subscribe to join the conversation that is shaping the future of emerging markets 👉    / @moneymovesbymoniify   In this episode of Money Moves, we sit down with Mohammed Khudairi, an Iraqi-American entrepreneur and investor who’s helping rebuild Iraq—one business at a time. Mohammed’s family company, Khudairi Group, has grown into a multinational spanning oil & gas, construction, and retail. But what sets him apart is his passion for Iraqi startups. From backing the country’s first major tech exit to advising early founders, Mohammed is proving that doing business in Iraq isn't just possible—it can be incredibly profitable. We talk about: What it takes to succeed in frontier markets like Iraq How the Iraqi diaspora is returning to build the country Why the future of tech in Iraq is brighter than you think Real estate, startup exits, and investing in one of the most misunderstood economies on earth Join Muhammed Mekki as he uncovers Mohammed’s unique vantage point—from negotiating with global partners to mentoring Iraq’s next generation of builders. If you’re curious about tech in the Middle East, emerging market investing, or doing business in post-conflict economies, this conversation is unmissable --- #moneymoves is a deep dive into the minds of the most successful and influential entrepreneurs in frontier markets, shaping the conversation around money and innovation. Each week, entrepreneur and academic Muhammed Mekki brings you exclusive insights from the sharpest minds in business, tech and investing in high-potential markets. From crypto and AI to startups and global giants, Mekki and his guests deliver the ideas and tools you need to seize opportunities and grow your wealth. Subscribe to join the conversation that is shaping the future of emerging markets 👉    / @moneymovesbymoniify   --- Welcome to MONIIFY: the media brand for the next generation of ambitious dreamers, fearless thinkers, and unstoppable changemakers. Our purpose is simple: empowering you to gain knowledge, build wealth and achieve financial freedom on your terms. We’re not just about reporting the news. We’re about helping you make the most of new opportunities, to navigate markets, to build businesses and make smart career choices. We will help you take control of your financial future – no matter where you are. Join us for expert interviews, quick explainers, and masterclasses on the topics shaping the future of money and markets. Subscribe to start building the life you want! 👉   / @moneymovesbymoniify   What is MONIIFY? Your go-to space for business, tech, and finance updates in emerging markets. Stories, insights and everything you need to know about crypto, AI, DeFi, and more, delivered right to where you're already scrolling. https://moniify.com --- Discover More From MONIIFY Dive Deep With Money Moves Interviews 👉    • Dive Deep With Money Moves Interviews   MONIIFY Daily: Your daily dose of the latest in tech & crypto👉   • Playlist   Every Page From MONIIFY Playbook👉    • Every Page From MONIIFY Playbook   Gulfonomics: The Region's Next Chapter👉   • Gulfonomics: The Region's Next Chapter   --- Follow us on other social platforms: Linkedin:   / moniifybusiness   Instagram:   / moniifybusiness   TikTok:   / moniifybusiness   X: https://www.x.com/MoniifyBusiness Facebook:   / moniifybusiness   Moniify Website: https://www.moniify.com