Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast
Daily highlights and exclusive interviews from Dubai's most informative news and business radio show. It provides a round-up of the day’s most important business stories, offering local content and context on international issues. Presented by Richard Dean & Brandy Scott.
Episodes
Is Dubai Airport seeing the tourism turnaround?
15 Sep 2026. The UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism says the decline is over. We ask Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths what he is seeing on the ground. Plus, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves on new aircraft and cabin upgrades; Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to Dr Marwan Alzarouni at the Arabian Travel Market about how AI could change the way we plan holidays; and RAKBANK’s Shehzad Hame
UAE tourism is ready to “ascend strongly”, says Economy and Tourism Minister
14 Sep 2026. “We’re done with the descending.” UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri says the country is preparing for tourism to “ascend strongly” as Arabian Travel Market begins. Plus, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim discusses Premium Economy, new aircraft deliveries and its US$5 billion retrofit progra
How businesses can access EDB funding
11 Sep 2026. Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has lent Dh30 billion to companies over the past five years. We speak to its CEO, H.E. Ahmed Al Naqbi, about where the money is going and how businesses can access funding. Plus, Arvind Ramamurthy explains how ADGM increased its assets under management by 50% in the first half of the year. We also look at The Hoxton’s Middle East debut in Dubai Me
Wizz Air to return to UAE
10 Sep 2026. Wizz Air is restoring flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Global Chief Commercial Officer Ian Malin explains what has changed and what it could mean for ticket prices. Plus, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission on CEPA and moving goods between Australia and the UAE despite regional disruption, the business deals expected during the UAE President’s visit to Germany, and eTo
Is AI really killing entry level jobs?
09 Sep 2026. Despite fears that AI is replacing entry level roles, ManpowerGroup says demand for junior staff is surging. Country Manager Bryan Luro explains what UAE employers are looking for and why 51% plan to increase headcount. Plus, Majid Al Futtaim reports record first half earnings, Aramex discusses its workforce transformation and Dubai Opera celebrates ten years.See omnystudio.com/listen
Why is UAE medical insurance getting more expensive?
08 Sep 2026. UAE employer medical costs could rise by another 10% next year. Adel Alderi of Marsh Health and Benefits explains what is driving the increase and how companies are managing the pressure. Plus, PepsiCo discusses rising commodity costs and changes to its drinks, Paws & Co outlines plans for 30 veterinary clinics and hospitals, and Ferox Partners examines the rise of fractional hiri
Loyalty in a time of conflict
04 Sep 2026. What have the past six months meant for Emirates Skywards and its members? Dr Nejib Ben Khedher discusses rising membership, changes to rewards and how disruption has created an opportunity to attract passengers from rival airlines. Plus, Emirates NBD’s Daniel Richards examines the rebound in UAE business activity, Queen Elizabeth’s School Founding Principal Dan Clark disc
Would you pay AED1,949 for a toothbrush?
03 Sep 2026. Would you pay AED1,949 for a toothbrush with a camera, AI and its own water jet? Dyson Principal Engineer Chris Vincent explains what took 661 engineers six years to develop. We also ask Fortes Education why more Dubai families are switching schools and catch up with The Camel Soap Factory after it reached its 25,000 bar survival target.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
Who pays when an event is cancelled?
02 Sep 2026. Events season is under way, but what insurance do organisers need and what happens when a show is cancelled or postponed? Boyd Edmondson of Seven Insurance Brokers explains. We also speak to IATA’s Kashif Khalid as global air travel grows while Middle Eastern airlines remain nearly 10% down, checkin with Ras Al Khaimah’s property market with Cavendish Maxwell’s Ali S
UAE commuters will pay more at the pump this month
01 Sep 2026. UAE petrol prices up around 5.5% this month, while diesel has increased 13%. We unpack the sharp rise at the pump with Kpler’s Matt Stanley, explore Dubai’s billion-dollar lab-grown diamond trade with DMCC’s Ahmed bin Sulayem, hear how House of Pops cracked the Chinese market, and it's the first day of 'Psychological September', we look at wha
Back to School: Who’s Filling Dubai’s Classrooms?
31 Aug 2026. Taaleem’s Alan Williamson and GEMS Education’s Dino Varkey discuss school enrolments, teacher recruitment and parents’ priorities, while Alshaya’s John Hadden takes stock of summer shopping and loyalty programs, and Bayut’s Fibha Ahmed explores what’s shaping buyers’ and renters’ choices across Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for priva
Nvidia’s billion-dollar days, beats expectations again
27 Aug 2026. eToro’s Josh Gilbert unpacks Nvidia’s $96.2 billion quarter; Platinumlist explains why UAE event bookings are up 31% while customers spend less; Ethara discusses the latest additions to Abu Dhabi’s F1 concert line-up; and Atlantis Dubai takes stock of its summerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
DXB reported 31.5 million H1 passengers
26 Aug 2026. Dubai International Airport saw 31.5 million passengers in the first half of the year, just over 30% down on the same period in 2025, with aircraft movements falling by a similar margin. CEO Paul Griffiths takes us through the numbers. Plus, Anthony Robbins is coming to Coca-Cola Arena. What else is keeping the seats full? We talk to GM Mark Jan Kar. Dubai has 20,000 international stu
How did business fare through the summer?
25 Aug 2026. We started a new interview series this morning, Summer Stocktake, looking at how business fared through the hotter months. Today, gyms, summer camps and cafes. Plus, the F1 Grand Prix isn’t the only big event coming back to the capital this December. We also have Abu Dhabi Finance Week, and we spoke to the Editor in Chief. Companies used to choose a base on licence costs alone,
Formula 1 GP confirmed for Abu Dhabi!
24 Aug 2026. The CEO of F1 has confirmed that the final race of the 2026 season will take place in Abu Dhabi, in a boost for hotels and other businesses in the capital. We speak to David Powell, Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer at Ethara, on the conversations behind it and what it means for the economy. With the race confirmed, we also look at what it means for business, from hotels to private
New VAT rules around supplier verification coming in next month
21 Aug 2026. UAE companies claiming VAT refunds will need to verify their suppliers under new rules coming into force from 1 October. The Federal Tax Authority is asking businesses to check who they’re buying from before claiming input tax back. Tax expert Thomas Vanhee, Founding Partner at Aurifer, on what it all means. Plus, it’s back to school. We speak to the boss of the newly open
Dubai inflation eases to 5.3%.
20 Aug 2026. Dubai inflation came in at just over 5.3% annually in July. Transport rose by nearly 12%, while food and beverage prices grew by nearly 8%, compared with the same month a year earlier. We look at what’s behind those numbers and where they’re heading with economist Dan Richards. Plus, a new school year begins with more families arriving in Dubai. We find out what parents ar
Choithrams moves into Metro stations
19 Aug 2026. Choithrams has launched convenience stores, called Quickerr, in four Dubai Metro stations, with four more to open in the next two days, the CEO has told The Business Breakfast. There will be 28 by the end of the year. Plus, are people still setting up businesses here? We find out what the licence numbers reveal about confidence in the UAE right now with Virtuzone. And entry level jobs
Mid-range hotels are beating the luxury end
18 Aug 2026. Dubai’s mid-range hotels outperformed our high end hotels in the first half of this year, according to Cavendish Maxwell. We find out more with Research Manager Ali Siddiqui. Plus, air freight rates out of this region are up nearly 50% in a year, even as volumes fall. We find out what that means for the cost of getting goods here with aviation expert Nick Humphrey. An Indian cof
Will bonuses get scrutiny from the tax man?
17 Aug 2026. Corporate tax filing is underway, so what questions might the FTA be asking about executive bonuses? We ask tax lawyer Nils Vanhassel, Partner and Head of Tax for the Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard. Plus, it’s almost back to school. Parents are getting ready, but what does the spend look like this year? We speak to Home Centre and Noon. And almost everything on your plate is i
How EGA made more money selling less metal
14 Aug 2026. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has posted adjusted profits up 34%, even as sales volumes fell by a third. CFO Pål Kildemo joins us on how that happened. Plus, a quarter of a million square feet of indoor sport is opening in Dubai. Terry Kidd of AllSports on one of the emirate’s biggest fitness investments. And the global beauty industry lands in Dubai for the 30th time th
Gold is a safe haven trade, Copper a growth trade. Where is Silver?
13 Aug 2026. US prices rose 3.4% in the year to July, slightly lower than the 3.5% recorded in June, according to new figures. We get the analysis and reaction from economist Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD on what it means here, given the dirham’s dollar peg. Plus, Razan Hilal of FOREX.com on how the dollar has responded. Gold is a safe haven trade, Copper a growth trade. Where
Is Bitcoin actually a safe haven?
12 Aug 2026. Is Bitcoin becoming a safe haven when tensions rise? We ask Saqr Ereiqat of the Dubai Digital Asset Association, who says yes and no. Plus, earnings season rolls on. Abu Dhabi’s sovereign AI company Presight has posted another quarter of strong growth, with CEO Thomas Pramotedham. And the region’s oilfield services giant NESR reports a record quarter: revenue is up 59% and
She admitted her business might fail. It worked!
11 Aug 2026. Stevi Lowmass publicly admitted The Camel Soap Factory might not survive, then launched a campaign to sell 25,000 bars. Three months on, she’s almost there. We hear how it went. Plus, earnings season continues. Spinneys reveals its first half numbers with CEO Sunil Kumar, and e7 Group posts a bumper six months on the back of its secure identity business. We speak to Group CEO Es
ADNOC Gas beats its own forecast
10 Aug 2026. ADNOC Gas has beaten its own guidance with a $665 million second quarter, despite the Strait disruption, and greenlit $8.2 billion of new contracts. We speak to CFO Peter van Driel. Plus, a container of classic Ferraris is stuck off Khor Fakkan for another week. Ryan Hughes of RMA Motors on how shipping delays are reaching Dubai’s luxury car market. We also get an exclusive look
The Rise and Risks of Alternative Assets
08 Aug 2026: Luxury watches, fine art, rare collectibles and classic cars are increasingly being considered alternative stores of wealth as investors look beyond traditional safe havens. But protecting these assets is not always straightforward. Kapil Sharma, Senior Vice President of Sales at Continental Group, joins us to discuss how high-value collectibles are insured, the challenges surrounding
Rebuilding UAE Tourism
06 August 2026. The Japanese yen has strengthened sharply following the first coordinated US-Japan currency intervention since 1998. It has recovered from a 40-year low of almost 164 yen to the dollar in July to around 156 to 157 this week. Josh Gilbert of eToro explains what the intervention involved, why the US stepped in, and whether the yen’s recovery can last. Also, tourist arrival
05 August 2026. Oil Boom for Aramco
Saudi Aramco reported a 33 per cent jump in quarterly profit after oil prices surged above $100 a barrel during the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Amena Bakr, Head of Middle East Research at Kpler, unpacks the numbers and tells us what drove the rise in earnings, what it means for energy markets, the Gulf economy and consumers, and whether the market is returning to normal. Meanwhile, ADNOC D
The business behind the UAE's biggest pop-culture event
04 August 2026. Middle East Film & Comic Con returns to Abu Dhabi in September with an expanded programme and ambitions to surpass last year’s attendance of more than 46,000. Show Director Loy Pinheiro discusses the move from its traditional April slot, the business of staging a major event amid regional uncertainty, and the new attractions aimed at drawing record crowds. Also, the Busin
Is Abu Dhabi's property market cooling?
03 August 2026: Abu Dhabi’s property market continues to record strong annual gains—but is momentum beginning to slow? Sean Swinburn, Director of Valuations at ValuStrat, gives us a first look at its Q2 2026 data, with quarterly capital value growth easing to 2.1%, its weakest pace in two years. UAE petrol prices have risen for August as renewed geopolitical tensions push Brent crude b
ADNOC Drilling posts record first-half revenue
Economic growth in the US unexpectedly slowed in the second quarter, despite an increase in consumer spending. Dan Richards of Emirates NBD explains what caused the slowdown and what it means for the US economy. Plus, football’s biggest tournament could soon attract private equity investment, and the team shares its thoughts on what that could mean for the sport. ADNOC Drilling reports recor
What Andy Burnham means for Gulf-UK ties
Iran's Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) could extend its remit beyond merchant shipping to include subsea cable installation and maintenance in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring permits or fees for cable-laying vessels that can remain stationary for extended periods. Baker Botts partner Joshua Cole explains the potential impact on international connectivity and costs. Meanwhile, Nigel Green of deVere Gr
Are European visa delays changing UAE travel plans?
29 Jul 2026. We continue the earnings conversation following SK Hynix's results and ahead of updates from the hyperscalers. Monte Safieddine of Capital.com explains what has been moving the tech sector and what could drive markets in the coming sessions. Also, Dan Richards of Emirates NBD looks ahead to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, the factors policymakers are weighing and w
Dubai’s holiday homes pivot to longer stays
28 Jul 2026. Longer stays now account for nearly 70% of booked nights in Dubai’s short-term rental market. We speak to Luis Santos of First Class Property Management about what is driving the shift towards flexible monthly living. Plus, a quarter of junior employees surveyed say poor onboarding has made them more likely to leave, while two-thirds say they did not feel supported. Is this down
Ras Al Khaimah sees record visitor numbers
27.07.2026 Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a record 670,000 plus visitors during the first half of 2026, driven by strong domestic tourism despite regional tensions disrupting international travel. We asked Phillipa Harrison, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), how they achieved it. Earnings season continues, with Union Properties reporting a 68% year-on-year surge in H1 2026
Dubai Taxi sees revenue and net profit slip
24 Jul 2026. Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) saw revenue and net profit fall as tourism and airport demand weighed on earnings, though Group CEO Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi says the company is seeing early signs of normalisation. Plus, with pressure on both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, we look at how the crisis is changing what a good contract looks like, with Amir Kordvani of PwC Middle East. And ri
Dubai inflation hits 5.7%
23 Jul 2026. Dubai inflation rose to 5.7% in June on the back of higher fuel and food costs, although monthly gains came at their slowest pace in several months. We get the reaction from Emirates NBD’s Nick Stadtmiller, and find out why he thinks the Fed might start cutting next year. Plus, 2025 was the year of funds and family offices moving to the UAE. Has the conflict put paid to their ex
The conflict bringing clarity to Dubai property?
22 Jul 2026. Betterhomes says the conflict is actually bringing some clarity to Dubai’s real estate market. We ask how, with Richard Waind. Plus, a major new sovereign AI data centre has just gone live in Ras Al Khaimah. We find out what it tells us about the UAE’s AI ambitions with Jimi Ibrahim of IOPn. We also get the latest read on oil, trade and tariffs with Nick Stadtmiller of Emi
Dubai’s warehouse market is booming
21 Jul 2026. Warehouse demand is rising in Dubai, and prices with it, despite the conflict. We speak to Sean Swinburne of ValuStrat about why. Plus, with the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, Gulf oil has leaned on the Red Sea and overland pipelines. Now that backup is under pressure too. We get the analysis on what it means for supply and prices with Robin Mills of Qamar Energy. And gold was the UAE&rs
The Gulf keeps flying through the disruption
20 Jul 2026 Some Gulf flights are being rescheduled, but airlines are keeping the region moving. We find out how with Kashif Khalid of IATA. Plus, TikTok has been taking stock of its operations here in the UAE, and we speak to one of its regional GMs, Shadi Kandil. We also look at why financial services growth is outpacing much of the UAE’s private sector, with Aakash Bassi of Grant Thornton
The economics of the World Cup. Did it pay off?
17 Jul 2026. Spain against Argentina in the final on Sunday. But behind the football, has the first 48-team World Cup actually paid off? We get the commercial verdict from Abigail Carpenter of Greenberg Traurig. Plus, Dubai has handed over its biggest batch of new homes in years. Is the market finally shifting towards buyers? We ask Andrew Cummings of Savills. India has issued guidance for its sai
GDRFA processes over 7 million entry and residency permits in H1
16 Jul 2026. Dubai’s GDRFA issued more than one million new residence permits and 66,000 Golden Visas in the first half of 2026. We discuss what does that tell us about the emirate’s ability to attract talent, investors and businesses, and what could it mean for economic growth. Plus, if conflict is driving oil higher, why isn’t gold behaving like a traditional safe haven? We ask
Parkin expands into Sharjah
15 Jul 2026. Parkin reveals its first expansion outside Dubai, into Sharjah. Naveed Khawaja joins us with the details and what it means. Plus, US inflation has cooled sharply, the biggest monthly fall in six years, but with oil surging again, can it last? Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD breaks it down. Oil is climbing after fresh tanker attacks, and the FT reports DP World is in talks to build a n
Oil prices surge as US reinstates Iran blockade in the Strait of Hormuz
14 Jul 2026. Oil is surging and Kpler’s own data shows tanker traffic has halved in a week. We get the latest with Matt Stanley. Plus, GCC hiring has contracted for the first time in seven quarters. Dr Trefor Murphy of Cooper Fitch has the Q2 numbers. Taaleem’s revenue is up 19% and profits are climbing even through the turmoil. We speak to CEO Alan Williamson. And we meet the gym chai
Dubai’s mortgage market is back
13 Jul 2026. Mortgage enquiries fell off a cliff when the conflict began. Now they’re almost back. Sam Amidi of Mortgage Finder has the first half numbers. Plus, Tabby is moving beyond buy now pay later, and Zarik Nabi reveals what’s next right here on the Business Breakfast. DIFC Courts has just had its busiest six months ever. Registrar Ayesha Bin Kalban has the exclusive figures. An
The Primark effect, and how Max Fashion is responding
10 Jul 2026. We find out how Dubai's original value clothing chain has reacted to the arrival of a 100 pound gorilla. We've got the new-ish CEO of Landmark's Max Fashion, Hani Weiss. Plus, what has June meant for Dubai property valuations and transactions? The team at ValuStrat are seeing some interesting new movements. We speak to their Head of Research, Haider Tuaima.See omnystudio.com/listener
The world’s first vertiport, signed off in Dubai
09 Jul 2026. We find out more about the Dubai vertiport that the aviation regulator has just signed off, with the people who built it, Damian Kysely of Skyports. Plus, we’ve got Malina Ngai, Global CEO of beauty retailer AS Watsons, in the studio during her one day visit to the UAE. And we’re kicking off a new series today, Summer Strategy, asking what businesses are putting in pl
What the conflict meant for Dubai Duty Free
08 Jul 2026. In an extended interview, Ramesh Cidambi, MD of Dubai Duty Free, tells us what the conflict has meant for one of the world’s busiest travel retail hubs, from holding onto staff to how shoppers have changed and what’s next for the summer. Plus, Dubai’s most expensive school is at it again. Joshua Levenson of GEMS SRI on the launch of the region’s first school-ba
How DP World kept the cargo moving
07 Jul 2026. With container ships starting to make it through the Strait of Hormuz, we speak to Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO of DP World GCC, about how they kept logistics moving through the conflict. Plus, ADNOC Distribution is buying South African petrol station company Shell Downstream South Africa in a deal worth a billion dollars, including 580 fuel stations, and they’re making the annou
Air Arabia has begun flying to London
06 Jul 2026. In an exclusive, we speak to Air Arabia CEO Adel Ali about those new cheap flights to London Gatwick and the impact of the conflict on the budget carrier. Plus, UAE banks increased their lending in Q1. Is that likely to continue? We go through the numbers with Sam Gidoomal of Alvarez & Marsal. And one month after Abu Dhabi’s rent freeze, we look at the effect it’s havi
Weddings, EVs and the end of Sheikh Zayed Road traffic?
03 Jul 2026. As Taylor and Travis tie the knot, we ask what the conflict has actually meant for the UAE’s wedding industry. Arun Bablani, Owner and Founder of Vivaah Weddings and The Event Group, says there’s a silver lining. Plus, another Chinese EV brand is making its move into the UAE. We speak to Lucas Bellieud of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility about what DENZA’s arrival says a
Dubai inflation rises to 5.5%
02 Jul 2026. Dubai inflation rose to 5.5% in May, on the back of higher energy and therefore transport and food costs. We find out if this is more than just a high oil price story with our economist on call, Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD. Plus, we speak to the Dubai jewellery designer who’s just landed a major write-up in the FT, Ashna Mehta of Bag Bijoux. What does the summer mean for the
UAE petrol prices 14% lower for July
01 Jul 2026. UAE commuters will pay less at the pump this month as local petrol prices fall to reflect dips in global oil markets. Super and Special are both down around 14%, while diesel is nearly 17% lower for July. We find out what lower fuel prices mean for inflation with economist Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD. Plus, we speak to Viva Supermarket CEO Andy Adcock about what the supermarket pu
Summer travel. Where are we going and why?
30 Jun 2026. dnata comes in to prove, or disprove, Tom & Brandy's summer travel theories, with Meera Ketait. Plus, what does summer travel mean for safe space demand? We speak to vault owner Jafer Rashid of MySafe about what we’re stashing away when we go abroad. Private sector hiring grew in the first quarter, so where is the UAE jobs market actually heading for the rest of the year? So
Tasha’s biggest ever expansion
29 Jun 2026. Tasha’s, the restaurant group, is about to undergo the biggest expansion in its history, with more than 75 million dirhams being invested in new restaurants. We speak to founder Natasha Sideris. Plus, how often does your luggage actually go missing? A new global report is out, and the Middle East is leading the way. More with Selim Bouri, President Middle East, Africa and Tü
Etihad Rail launches its first ever passenger service on June 30
26 Jun 2026. Tickets for the first Etihad Rail services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah have sold out, with more than 5,000 seats snapped up in just two days. Speaking on The Business Breakfast, Etihad Rail’s Adhraa Al Mansoori said the company’s free booking app is already number one in the UAE. Georgia Tolley takes us on board ahead of the big day. Plus, we look at where Standard Char
Conflict may come to an end, the disruption probably won't
25 Jun 2026. That’s according to a new report by Kearney, which says a conflict resolution is not a business condition recovery. Valentin Lavaill of Kearney joins us to explain what they’re telling clients to put in place now. Plus, Ramn Kumar of Al Futtaim Logistics shares the contingency plans and workarounds that have got them through the last four months. How have months of regiona
Dubai Land Department launches new Flexi-rent scheme
24 Jun 2026.Dubai has introduced a new flexible rent initiative, tying up with a dozen property firms to offer monthly payments and grace periods to renters, as well as direct debit and credit card payment options. We find out how it works with Khalid Al Shaibani, head of the rental affairs department at the DLD. Plus, most landlords can’t tell you which of their units is under-earning. A UA
Are UAE companies still hiring?
23 Jun 2026. Transguard has posted record results, with revenue past AED 4 billion and a workforce over 78,000. CFO Nick Beer joins us. Plus, what's really happening to UAE hiring right now? Nathalie Spree of Seven Level Consulting breaks down the numbers. Adel Alderi of Marsh on the new workforce resilience challenge facing UAE employers. And Saurabh Tiwari of Taj Hotels on whether the Q4 travel
Etihad could break even this financial year, says CEO
22 Jun 2026. In his first UAE interview since the start of the regional conflict, Etihad Airways Group CEO Antonoaldo Neves discusses the impact of the conflict, passenger demand, and the airline's outlook for the months ahead. Plus, a number of countries have now relaxed their travel advisories to the UAE. What could this mean for inbound tourism? We speak to Musafir.com. And Sharjah Airport reco
The Business Breakfast is live in Sharjah
19 Jun 2026. We're out on location this morning with Alef Group as they launch Linar, the last residential plot on the Al Mamzar Corniche. Senior VP Adham Karroum tells us what's behind it. Plus, the Ruler of Sharjah's AED 750 million plan to fix one of the UAE's toughest commutes. Roger Cruickshank of AtkinsRéalis on what it means for drivers. The UAE's first ever retail T-Sukuk with Thoma
Fed holds interest rates steady
18 Jun 2026. The Central Bank of the UAE has decided to maintain its base rate at 3.65% following the US Federal Reserve’s announcement to keep its rates unchanged. Last night saw the first rate decision announcement from new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD joins us to rate his performance. Plus, think you know where Dubai property is heading? Stake has just launched
DMCC unveils Future of Trade 2026
17 Jun 2026. Oil to a three-month low and gold has surged. Guy Wolf from Marex on what the US-Iran deal means for markets. DMCC's Future of Trade 2026 report is out with the UAE ranking second globally in commodities trade. CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem joins us live on location. We also speak to Michael Lawrence from Asia House, the think tank behind the analysis in DMCC's new report. And Oxford Economic
Stocks surge and oil falls on preliminary peace deal and the potential Strait of Hormuz reopening
16 Jun 2026. With the potential opening of the Strait of Hormuz, we look at what it would take to get shipping flows back to normal with expert Captain Zarir Irani of Constellation Marine Services. Plus, we look at what it could mean for oil, shipping and prices with Matt Stanley of Kpler. And phase one of the mega $35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport project will open on time in 2032. Wit
Dubai winter rates are already going up
12 Jun 2026. Short stay hotel company Vacationer says the winter rates it’s booking Dubai apartments for are higher than last year. We find out more with Harrison Moore. Abbas Sajwani’s company AHS has bought the Shangri-La for more than a billion dirhams. We find out why. Two CEOs in studio, property and hospitality. Guido De Wilde of Wasl Hospitality and Jonathan Emery of Aldar Devel
The conflict didn't stop Harrow International School Dubai
11 Jun 2026. Harrow International School Dubai opens this September despite the regional conflict. We find out what’s behind the launch of one of the UK’s most iconic schools in the UAE with Simon O’Connor, Head Master of Harrow International School. Dubai Holding Real Estate has partnered with Commercial Bank of Dubai to launch a new home financing programme for buyers across Na
The business of the World Cup
10 Jun 2026. With the World Cup kicking off tomorrow, Cahal Altman from Five Iron on what fans can expect at one of Dubai’s mega venues, and Duncan Walkinshaw from beIN Sports on where and how the region will be watching. Plus, Manish Jain from Aster Clinic on Dubai’s new smart medical visa and what it could mean for the medical tourist dirham. And it’s day 103 of the Strait of H
Barasti closes. Gulf airlines expand. A scorecard for MENA tech
09 Jun 2026. Gulf airlines are facing $4.3 billion in regional losses, but Riyadh Air is launching, Etihad is ordering and Qatar is doubling routes. We find out what’s really going on with aviation expert Nick Humphrey. Plus, three decades of Dubai history. Sunset sessions, sporting moments and weekend traditions. Barasti is closing on June 21 and we find out what’s coming next. How is
Riyadh Air to start services
08 Jun 2026. Riyadh Air will officially start widescale commercial operations to London on Wednesday 10 June, after taking delivery of its first three Boeing 787-9 aircraft. That's according to Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, speaking on The Business Breakfast. World Cup fever is here, and so are the scams. 4,300 fake ticket sites are already targeting fans. Nick Palmer of Group-IB tells us how t
The UAE ranks second in the world for AI talent migration
05 Jun 2026. The UAE has ranked second globally for net AI talent migration, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Singapore, according to Stanford University. Samuel Huber, CEO of Napster, joins us with the picture. Plus, Orbitworks is launching the region's first AI-powered satellite constellation this October. Dr Hamdullah Mohib on why it matters. Madhur Kakkar from Elevate Financial Services
Abu Dhabi has just frozen rents. Could Dubai be next?
04 Jun 2026. Abu Dhabi has surprised the market with a temporary rent freeze. Is there any realistic prospect of Dubai introducing a similar measure? We asked Thomas Anderson, Sales Manager of Espace Real Estate. Plus, it’s been a busy week for the global economy with new UAE PMI data, new US trade tariffs and an on-again off-again ceasefire. Emirates NBD’s Chief Economist helps make s
Abu Dhabi freezes all rent hikes
03 Jun 2026. Abu Dhabi is freezing all rent hikes until further notice. Tenants signing new leases will pay the same rent as the preceding contract, with residential, commercial and industrial rents all frozen. We get analysis on what that means for the market. The Wegovy weight loss pill is here, with the UAE only the second country in the world to greenlight it. The country is also set to become
The pipelines that could finally end the region’s oil problem
02 Jun 2026. With the conflict showing no signs of resolution, we ask whether the Strait of Hormuz blockade could fast-track major new pipeline investment across the region with Omar Albusaidy of Future Pipe Industries. Plus, stocks or bonds? Where should investors actually put their money in June? Steve Brice, Global Chief Investment Officer at Standard Chartered, joins us with the monthly outloo
Salik, parking and petrol cost more from Jun 1
01 Jun 2026. Huge changes in Dubai from today, including petrol prices rising around 8% while diesel drops by over 7%. Global oil prices are falling, so why are UAE fuel prices going up again in June? We find out with Kpler. Plus, air passenger demand in the Middle East almost halved in April due to the conflict. We discuss the global impact and the search for green shoots of recovery with Kashif
Gifting, jets and human connection. The Eid brunch.
28 May 2026. We find out what Eid has meant so far for those selling popular gifts like flowers and chocolates, that’s with the team from Udora. Plus, forget flight prices, what does the private jet market look like over Eid? We speak to VistaJet. And in a region obsessed with tech, one UAE startup is selling something very different. Human presence. We find out how loneliness has become a b
A growing rental network, a coffee pivot, and a US green card shake up
26 May 2026. The Business Brunch: We speak to the head of a short term accommodation network that opened just one month before the conflict but is growing regardless. Raw Coffee has taken on a new partner as it heads into a new stage of growth. What stage is that? We find out. And foreign nationals in the US now have to go home to apply for a green card. We find out what that could mean for UAE.Se
Trump says the Strait could reopen. Here’s what it means for us.
25 May 2026. President Trump says he’s close to a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Economist Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD joins us to break down what that could actually mean for the UAE economy. Plus, the closure of the Strait means moving companies haven’t been moving as much. We find out what they’ve been doing instead with the CEO of Easytruck. And the UK just
Dubai announces 1.5 billion dirhams of economic support
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