[festive folk music playing]
[woman] Dance, girls. Dance.
Dance with me.
[rhythmic vocalizing]
What's up?
[Munira sighs]
[Farida gasps]
[dramatic music playing]
[theme music playing]
[horse snorts]
[horse nickers]
[nickers]
[horse whinnies]
-[Omar clears throat] -[horse whinnies]
She learned to ride horses quickly.
She's already training with older girls.
[Farida] Yes, God bless her.
I didn't expect it. It's only been a month.
I guess, uh, loving horseback riding runs in the family.
[horse whinnies]
I'm glad I can give her what others couldn't provide.
[sighs]
Omar, we're so, so grateful that you signed her up
for the horseback riding lessons. Thanks.
[horse whinnies]
What good is money if you're stingy?
You and your father love horseback riding but can't afford it.
So I did my share, adopting your family's traditions.
[mysterious music playing]
[Farida] Oh, I see Auntie came again.
[sighs] I'll just say hi before I go.
No need. She's here for you.
-For me? -[Omar] Mmm.
To watch you.
You women get each other, shortcomings and stuff.
Enough, Omar. Please, enough.
Enough.
Aren't you sick of these games?
My child, make her your priority, or I will take her from you.
[Jude] Seventy-five centimeters off the ground.
-She even did it twice. -[Adeeb] Mmm!
Well done, kid.
Keep it up. You'll soon be beating Mom. [chuckles]
[Farida chuckles]
The coach says that if Jude keeps jumping above the 75 centimeters,
she'll win a title in just two months.
That's great.
So keep training, huh?
Dad said, if I win, we'll go to Oman to ride horses there.
[Farida] Hmm.
How generous. Your father hates horses.
[sighs] A vacation sounds great.
God, we always used to travel to Spain, Marbella, Italy…
Oh, each trip was better than the last. [tuts]
Sadly, they're memories now.
That divorce left us broke.
I'm sorry my freedom cost you your vacations.
Uh, honey, your mom doesn't mean it.
[Farida] No, Dad, she means it.
She always reminds me that I'm the cause of your financial difficulties.
Difficulties?
We only have one difficulty.
You know what?
You're right.
But now I'm on the right path.
And soon we'll all travel together.
Let's go to Paris.
Rose said she had the yummiest chocolate there.
-Rose? -[Jude] Mmm.
Isn't she one of the older riders that you're friends with?
Yes, she's really nice.
She says that you're so brave
because you worked after your failed marriage.
-Who is this girl? -Rose Yousef.
Oh.
Rose Al Yousef was my favorite magazine.
They even named a horse after it.
This Rose girl doesn't know you. How would she know that you're brave?
When you make bold choices, people form an opinion about you.
People will talk about your life.
But, uh, she's a good rider.
But your mom can jump the 75 centimeters while blindfolded.
[all chuckle]
[intriguing music playing]
Bonne soirée, Maman.
Bonne soirée ?
Mama Nojood taught you that, didn't she?
Good night, Juju.
Hmm, what are you working on?
Calculating the value of a company.
Mom, were you
really good at horse riding?
[scoffs]
[Farida sighs]
I was good.
I may not have trained long enough to become truly great.
But…
I loved it.
I felt so strong.
I really loved Royal Ascot.
Each year, I'd follow it and imagine I was there wearing--
The hat.
Like a proper duchess.
[British accent] Oh, precisely, darling.
[chuckles]
If you loved it, why did you stop?
[sighs]
Honestly, honey,
I quit so many things after marriage.
But when I saw you riding,
hmm,
I felt like I was riding all over again.
Don't work too hard.
Bonne soirée, Maman.
Bonne soirée.
-[man] Give me 100 shares. I want them. -[man 2] Ten.
-[man 3] How much? How much? -[man 4] I need 200. I need 250 shares.
Trust me. Trust me. This is the best price.
-[man] Buy! Buy! Buy! Buy now! -[man 2] Five thousand shares, how much?
Tell me, how many shares?
Give me 100.
Give me 200 more.
BOURSA CAFETERIA
[overlapping chatter]
[Munira] Easy. Don't stress out.
-Are you ready? It's fine. -[Farida] Huh?
Don't worry. What would I do?
-[Walid] No… -Guys.
Thanks for handling this work.
Please finish this today because we're needed upstairs.
Hold on, girls. Here. This is your file.
And here. This is yours. Mishari dropped them off earlier.
[Farida] Hmm.
-Good luck with the IPO, ladies. -[Munira chuckles]
[Hasan sighs]
You will work on the cashflow. I'll work on the company's file.
No, Munira.
I thought we agreed I'd work on the company's file.
You're better with numbers.
And you better listen to me.
[sighs]
[huffs]
[Amir] Mmm.
Ladies, right on time.
I was just telling Sabiha how good you are
at balancing trading with the work you've done for the IPO.
So the valuation's ready?
Yes, sure. It's ready.
How much am I worth, you think?
Honestly, I give the honor to Munira and Farida.
It's their presentation.
[Farida] Ms. Sabiha,
our team has thoroughly analyzed your balance sheet.
You'll find it on page three.
And honestly, we're impressed at how you manage your cash flow…
MEASURING THE COMPANY'S GROWTH
…despite challenging market conditions.
Pardon.
Give me the final number, please.
[tense music playing]
ALPHA REVENUE NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY
[Munira] Ms. Sabiha,
based on two months of accurate calculations,
we evaluated Alpha's assets at…
73 million.
Congrats
on the biggest real estate IPO in the history of Kuwait.
Ms. Sabiha,
the investors we spoke with are asking about the future of Alpha.
What can I say…
Your late husband,
the former CEO is not--
Not with us.
He's not responsible?
That's an insultingly low number.
I have something I want to tell you.
Most definitely, it will affect your valuation.
Tell your team
to meet me Sunday morning at Port of Salmiya.
And dress well.
[Munira chuckles]
Might as well flush it if you ask me.
After two months' worth of work, and then she says…
What's the word she used?
Yeah, "an insultingly low number."
Insulting?!
Listen, don't take it personally.
This is not about us.
It's about Sabiha's secret
that supposedly will boost Alpha's valuation.
Frankly, I feel
like it's something really exciting.
I'm wondering what's the news that will magically change
the valuation of Alpha? [chuckles]
And if she doesn't like that it's 73 million,
then how much does she think it will reach? How much?
That's the million-dollar question.
If I find out,
I might tell you.
Going somewhere?
Not somewhere. With someone.
Hmm.
And you, cover girl?
Seeing someone special?
Uh…
maybe.
Mm-hmm.
Remember the janitor's closet?
[Farida chuckles]
We've come far, huh?
[tuts] We will go far.
[elevator dings]
[sighs]
Munira?!
What's this?
The same date?
Please come with me.
Hmm.
[sighs]
Honestly, I didn't want them to know we were having dinner together,
especially the men.
If they found out, they might think we're plotting their downfall.
[laughing]
Ms. Sabiha, let me say that, uh,
launching an IPO for a woman who's influential, exceptional, and kind-hearted
has taught us a lot.
For me, this is my first business dinner since I got the job
almost a year ago.
I invited you both here
because I always sit here
and recall how it's hard for a woman to be so unconventional.
That's why,
if you need anything,
just go ahead and ask.
You mean, like a mentor?
Mmm. [chuckles]
Honestly, I have no one to talk to about work,
except my dear Munira, of course.
Lucky for you.
And I never really got advice from a powerful, exceptional woman like you.
So if you have any remarks on my work performance, please tell me.
Each one has their own style.
But perhaps I can give the two of you a few notes
that will help any businesswoman who wants to improve herself.
Yes, please. Tell us.
First of all, don't make anyone feel like they're smarter than you,
like you did back there.
I mean, always make your voice heard.
Interrupt if you must.
And don't write your notes down, unless it's part of your job.
You're the head of the meeting,
not a secretary.
-Sorry. -And don't tidy up after anyone.
I know you're a mom,
but leave the mother instinct at home.
Yes. Sure. Sorry. Sorry.
You apologize a lot. It's a sign of weakness.
Plus, you did nothing wrong.
[Farida chuckles]
[clears throat]
We can be much more flexible.
[Farida] Mmm.
Uh, Ms. Sabiha, I really want to ask you,
how did you overcome all the challenges that you faced?
This world is not for the faint-hearted.
Don't take what the market gives you.
Take what you know you are truly worth.
Just like Alpha.
An example.
Like how you let idle gossip
about an "unfit female CEO" affect you.
But okay, I'm used to hearing talk like this all the time.
What's strange is that the two of you are repeating the same thing.
That's why, when you reassess Alpha's valuation,
remember just one thing,
us women must stick together.
[gasps]
The food got cold. [chuckles]
Dig in. Dig in.
[man] You're late.
[Munira clears throat]
And you're up working?
[chuckles]
Work never ends, as you know.
Hmm. Where have you been?
Building my future.
[man] Yeah?
Hmm.
-With whom? -My new mentor, Sabiha Saad.
Mmm.
Hmm.
Hmm. Mmm.
Sit at the desk.
Hmm?
I think, uh, they told you, or you heard,
that, uh,
a man is coming to see you.
A man?
Yes.
[scoffs]
I thought that, over the past 6 years,
I pushed away every suitor who proposed.
But my mom,
she found another.
She didn't. I did.
A woman, uh,
no matter how successful,
what value does she really have without a husband?
It's just, uh…
I mean, uh, you're a source of joy to us. And pride.
We brag about your success, but, uh…
but the family carries a burden
till you're married.
I don't recall how many months… It's been months, uh,
since you and, um…
Wh… what's his name?
Saud. Saud, yes, yes. Saud. Yes.
Uh! …uh, called off the engagement.
I wasn't engaged.
You should have been.
-Your appr-- -Ah!
Sit down.
You approved. However, I didn't.
He should have asked me before telling people that we were engaged.
It doesn't always work like that.
[seagulls squawking]
[Munira moaning]
[panting]
Whoa. Cousin, what's wrong with you?
Don't you know that I get sea sick?
Oh, right!
I forgot.
It takes a bit of time to adjust.
We're joined by Rakan, uh, Sabiha's son.
Munira Higazi and Farida Ma'mun.
They work at the bank.
-My son, Rakan. -This is the one you talked about?
Yes.
And her cousin.
My pleasure.
Sabiha's been talking about me.
[engine starts]
[Sabiha] My son, Rakan, just got back from our Tunisian company,
where he more than proved himself.
This is why Rakan will assume a bigger role.
He is the future of Alpha.
So please welcome Rakan as the co-CEO of Alpha
and the newest member of our IPO team.
Rakan.
We're really pleased with this news.
But, Ms. Sabiha, this won't affect the valuation as much as you might think.
I have more news.
Alpha's been pursuing a secret contract for four years.
Mom hid this information.
She feared it might affect your perception of our IPO,
in case the deal fell through.
But we won. We didn't lose.
That means we all won.
This is a… a unique contract
and a historic contract.
Therefore, it will change you bank's initial valuation.
In fact, our company's value will be the value of an island.
A whole island.
Imagine with me, restaurants, hotels, movie theaters,
tourism and entertainment venues…
[sighs] You can call this place Utopia.
[chuckles]
Failaka's history dates back over 4,000 years.
Its ruins date back to Alexander the Great.
Keep in mind the value that these ruins will add to the Alpha project.
Not to mention,
the value Alpha will add to our heritage in a project like this.
You said the island's uninhabited, but I saw some people while coming in.
Yeah, there are a few people. They've lived here for years.
What happens to them when you build your Utopia?
We compensate them.
It's a win-win.
This project is a government contract.
It poses risks to the bank… and me.
But I think that the Failaka project is great.
It could reduce the risks.
But being great makes it easy to overvalue, right?
A good valuation reduces risks.
Start tomorrow.
Hi, Munier. Tell me, is your stomach still upset or, uh…
[chuckles]
[laughs]
The new ATM drives them mad.
[Walid] Okay.
Pull it out and put it in again. Is it working?
Farida. Munira.
Come. Come. Make it quick, man.
This is… What is it called? Your ATM cards. They arrived by mail.
While you were out yachting, you didn't hear.
They became yacht masters.
What? You checked our mail?
Yeah, you're never at your desks.
-Do you miss us? -Oh, I can't even tell you how much.
Do it, dude. It's not out.
-[Walid] No. -Come on, dude.
You've been working on it for hours.
What's the problem?
The guys have completely ruined the machine.
-It's a very moody one. -Yes, right, right, right.
-Yes! -[all] Yay!
Don't act like idiots, or I won't invest with you.
Invest? What investment?
Are you serious?
Why don't you get a microphone and tell everyone? What's this?
It stays between us.
We don't want Amir to accuse us of slacking.
Accuse you.
Listen. Listen, Miss Farida,
your cousin has agreed to open a side business with us.
She'll invest with us and help us.
Wonderful. Munira will help you?
I'm not helping them.
I'm just making money off them.
But I'm not in yet.
And why didn't you guys ask me to join?
-[Munira] Oh. -[Hasan and Walid] Mmm…
Your hands are full with the IPO.
Actually, Farida, we need more investment.
Think about the growth potential.
We're a team, after all. We'll work together.
We're one team, but you decided not to tell me.
-But you-- -Munira. Farida.
Mr. Amir wants you upstairs. Come with me, please.
I hope you're feeling fresh and energetic and ready to work
after our adventure.
Sabiha and Rakan brought the research on Failaka,
which took 4 years.
Please work on it so we can present the new valuation tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
Okay then, I'll leave you to it.
[Sabiha] I hope that thinking about the Failaka project
yields a valuation that's okay this time.
[Farida] Um… do you have a specific number in mind?
Ninety-three million.
This is a huge number.
It's higher than the valuation of most banks in Kuwait,
including our bank.
It feels good when you say it out loud, right?
I doubt that the research says if the co-chairman of Alpha Corporation
will be able to manage such a unique project.
You think I can't, right?
It's not just my opinion, but investors might think so.
ALPHA "FAILAKA" STUDIES
Six hours of work.
What do I make of this daft valuation?
The land's so fertile and excellent.
And the plans… mmm… are visionary.
But Alpha's revenue forecast is very exaggerated.
I have a hunch that Sabiha's 93 million valuation is correct.
[scoffs] And I say that you're flattering Sabiha.
She earned it.
And Rakan did too.
[laughs]
Besides, I know that she's playing us.
Yeah.
Mmm, don't get me wrong.
I deserve her attention, and frankly I enjoy it.
-But I get it. -Mmm.
See, I'm really interested in the Failaka project. I like it.
I know how to spot a good investment.
Mmm, like your investment with Hasan and Walid?
Mmm.
I know I won't get rich from it.
But I'll make some money.
Let me show you the store.
What's the store? Cassette tapes?
Not just any store. It's Tarabesque!
-The first dream. -Weird.
Yes, bear in mind, we're very good at finance.
But this is our true passion, the music industry.
We've been saving money for three years.
And now for the final surprise.
We have something truly unique. Umish!
Umish, come here. Come here.
English, Bollywood, Indian, classical music…
He plays the flute, and he manages the place.
-A know-it-all. -[Munira] Yes.
[Hasan] We brought him to you, right in front of you.
Michael Jackson, James Brown, the Bee Gees, and above all, Bob Marley.
♪ No woman, no cry ♪
-[Hasan] Wow! -[Munira chuckles]
[men] ♪ No woman, no cry ♪
And for us not to cry, we need from you 2,000 KD.
Okay, I am willing to pay half.
That's if Faroudty pays the other half.
What do you say, cousin?
Not sure, Munier.
One thousand?
Come on, it's a fraction of the IPO team bonus.
Okay, what do you expect? What's the profit?
You misread the situation.
This place may not bring huge profits.
But the 1,000 dinars will allow us to be business owners.
[dramatic music playing]
[thunder rumbles]
-Hi. -[Omar] See, Mom?
-[woman] Mmm. -She's late for the training session.
Yeah, I see.
[Omar] She's distracted by her work.
[horse whinnies]
Nice to see you, Um Omar.
Excuse me. I'll go get some coffee. You want some?
No. I want a word.
The example you're setting for Jude is not okay.
Working with men and thinking you're a businessman?
No, dear.
Focus on Jude.
It's your duty as a mother.
Yes, of course. Jude always comes first.
Then don't do all those things that'll end up hurting your daughter.
I'm only trying to prove that I'm able to take care of myself.
What kind of mother are you?
Me? I'm a divorcée raising a child alone.
Riding lessons are good, huh?
But I take care of all my daughter's needs.
By the way, I might invest in a new business.
Even more potential.
And soon, I'll be independent and will not need anyone.
[chuckles] Yes.
It's funny, isn't it?
A mom has 50 fill-ins.
Like I said before, be careful of me.
Watch out.
-Hi. -Hi.
-Hi. You're Rose, right? -Yes.
I heard a lot about you from Jude. How are you?
-All good. What about you? -All good.
Oh, sorry.
This is Um Omar, Jude's grandmother.
[chuckles]
Dear, I know Rose and her mother, a lifetime friend.
[Farida] That's great.
Uh, I saw you drive up earlier.
Your car looks very expensive.
[chuckles]
Honey, don't be fooled.
-[Farida clears throat] -It's her cousin's car.
She must have given it to her out of pity.
[chuckles] Oh, wow.
No, Auntie. I bought it with my own money.
I thought Munira gave you the car?
Mama! She gave it to me at a really good price
because she's my cousin. [chuckles]
By the way, I love how shiny it is.
Well, it just gets us where we need to go, huh?
[knock on door]
Yeah, sure.
Wow.
Working this late?
Just like your dad.
[Munira scoffs]
I got you something.
Open it.
[Munira sighs]
[gasps]
This necklace was a gift from Mama Habiba.
Today, I'm giving it to you.
The one I was crying for when I was a kid?
[chuckles]
You were always crying.
But you used to tell me it was pricey and I shouldn't touch it.
Yes, but I said one day I'll give it to you. Didn't it?
[emotional music playing]
Who is the man Dad chose?
I don't know the man. He's, uh… he's your father's business associate.
So I thought, if you meet him tomorrow, why not wear the necklace?
Why didn't you give it to me last time with Saud?
Because, as you said, you weren't engaged.
[somber music playing]
Tell me this.
You took the diamond necklace from Mama Habiba
the day you married Omar, right?
My mom got the diamonds. Yours got the rubies.
They think they can buy us off.
[Munira sighs]
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I'm grateful the valuation will be done soon.
Huh.
Stay out of the presentation.
It's tricky.
Let me handle them.
[elevator doors open]
[Amir] We agree the Failaka project
massively increased the valuation potential.
But it also caused chaos in the valuation.
I'm sure that the new potential we have
will clear the chaos.
I'm pleased to tell you
our valuation of Alpha has gone up with recent news.
[suspenseful music playing]
Eighty-eight million dinars.
I think I was quite clear with your team.
This number is not enough.
I understand.
This is the best we can do.
Okay then.
We'll take the IPO to Virtue.
That will delay the process at least three months.
What is three months?
Nothing
compared to the real value
that I know I am worth.
Okay. Hang on.
[Amir] Hmm.
What if
we raised it by 2%?
Four.
Uh…
Sorry.
You said, "Make your voice heard."
So I have to say that, uh,
there's no guarantee Failaka will achieve what you want for the IPO.
Fine.
Let's meet in the middle,
3%.
[sighs]
[whispers] Well done.
Goodbye.
Ms. Sabiha.
I'm so sorry. I hope you don't mind that I---
I told you not to apologize.
Like is said before, always speak up.
You were strong.
Let's dine at the tower tonight
and have a talk.
[chuckles softly]
[Farida humming]
[sighs]
I'm in. I'll do it.
Guys,
I really want to start my own business and see it grow, just like Sabiha.
Okay, you got the money?
No, I just made the decision.
The bank is closed.
We'll see the importer in an hour.
Cut it out. You haven't even gotten Munira's half yet.
[Walid chuckles]
Munira gave us her half already
because she knew you'd come on board, my dear.
-Hmm. -[Hasan] Mm-hmm.
Go get it.
TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
[curious music playing]
[gasps]
My cash!
Guys!
[Jude] Wow!
Well, where to?
[chuckles] I have a work dinner.
More work?
Why? So you can spend more on your expensive car?
Do you know why your mom works this hard?
Because she started from scratch.
Jude, I know that a few things upset you.
But we're fine dear. We're good.
And things are looking up, honey. Believe me.
I was just giving Jude a history lesson.
[Farida chuckles]
Show me. Show me.
You know, when I was a little kid,
my dad worked at a stable.
And when he came home, tired from work,
he used to hug me.
But he smelled like a horse.
[chuckles]
[Adeeb] But what do I do?
All that I ever wanted was to ride a horse.
But after a while, I started working with my dad,
and I smelled just like him.
-[all chuckle] -Totally.
But now, it reminds me that hard work is as valuable as heirlooms.
I'll get my bag.
[curious music playing]
[phone rings]
[Hasan] Walid, answer the phone. I'm going to repair this.
Hello?
Listen, as a shareholder in Tarabesque, I have a request.
-Hassan. -What?
-A shareholder request. -Which one of them?
It's Miss Farida.
Hello?
[grunts] Hello. What do you want?
Hire my daughter in the shop.
But she's young.
So what? That means she'll work hard.
Do we have to pay her?
Walid, of course, you have to pay her.
[Khawlah] Honey, are you ready?
No.
No, I'm not ready.
[exhales]
Now I'm ready. [sighs]
Hurry up. He's waiting.
[man] Hello.
Here comes the prettiest girl.
Hello.
Munira, meet my friend, Qassar.
[somber music playing]
[chuckles]
[elevator dings]
Sorry. Am I late?
No.
I came early. Please.
In fact,
I never apologize.
But tonight,
I apologize.
What? Apologize? What for?
It seems you got all my signals wrong.
I'm not your friend.
Or your mentor.
I'm a client at the bank.
I asked Munira to join the IPO team.
But Amir is the one who brought you to the team.
I don't know what exactly you did to deserve such a chance.
You totally misunderstood my interest in you.
I… uh, uh…
I'm just…
I'm not sure what you mean?
Amir
was going to agree to 4%,
up until you spoke up.
You cost me 1%.
Listen, I know it will be difficult for you.
But I'll be kind to you.
Either you choose to leave the team,
or I'll ask them to remove you immediately.
[breathes shakily]
Try the escalope. It's yummy.
There's no bones in it.
[tense music playing]
[theme music playing]