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
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
22 May 2026. The Executive Council of Dubai has put together a second package of economic incentives, this one worth 1.5 billion dirhams. The support measures include the delay or exemption of various fees and fines, as well as different types of rent relief, across sectors including tourism and education. Economist Dan Richards of Emirates NBD joins us to dig into the detail. Plus, strategy consu
New UAE pipeline bypassing Hormuz 50% complete, says ADNOC CEO
21 May 2026. The UAE’s new crude oil pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz is now 50% complete, as the country accelerates delivery towards 2027. That’s according to Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Plus, Primark opens its third set of doors in the UAE today and we speak to Alshaya boss John Hadden. We find out what the Dubai real estate hiring situat
Etihad Rail's Fujairah station ready to receive passengers
20 May 2026. The focus now turns to how the trains will fast-track tourism and transform the surrounding area. Georgia Tolley has been talking to Etihad Rail’s Executive Director of Commercial about how it’ll be a catalyst for growth. Plus, AED 62 billion. 22 million square feet. Right next to what will become the world’s largest airport. We find out what’s being built with
Are you creditworthy?
19 May 2026. Etihad Credit Bureau has launched a new service to help landlords make sure their tenants are creditworthy. Brandy speaks to Director General H.E. Marwan Lutfi. Plus, Dubai-founded GymMation has secured a 100 million dollar private credit facility from HPS Investment Partners - which is part of asset management giant Blackrock, the founder and CEO tells us more. Bond markets are flash
What will the West-East pipeline mean for the UAE's energy industry?
18 May 2026. ADNOC has announced it is accelerating construction of its West-East pipeline. The project, now expected online in 2027, will run from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah and double export capacity, allowing the UAE to bypass the Strait of Hormuz entirely. But with the UAE now out of OPEC, what does it also mean for expanding production capacity? Economist Daniel Richards with his view. Plus, three
Yas Island as the location for Sphere Abu Dhabi
15 May 2026. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and Sphere Entertainment Co. have announced Yas Island as the location for Sphere Abu Dhabi. Plus, we look at what happened to Dubai real estate values in April after March’s decline, with the head of research at ValuStrat. UAE insurers are filling the gap for war risk insurance to keep cargo moving and Orient Insurance joins u
Dubai Taxi is acquiring National Taxi
14 May 2026. Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) has agreed to acquire National Taxi, adding 2,500 licence plates, a 12% jump in Dubai market share and a first foothold in Abu Dhabi. The deal is expected to complete in Q3 pending regulatory approvals. Group CEO Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi joins us on why they’re doing this and what comes next. Plus, Trump is in Beijing meeting Xi for the first time since 20
Q1 earnings: Presight, ADNOC Distribution and Emsteel
13 May 2026. Earning season: ADNOC Distribution on how the petrol station business is holding up, strong results across the board. Presight on being an AI company that’s actually making money. EmSteel on a profitable start to 2026. Plus we meet the new CEO of Emirates Investment Bank, Michel Longhini, in his first studio interview since taking the role.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Q1 earnings: Spinneys, ADNOC Drilling, ADNOC Gas and e7 Group
12 May 2026. Spinneys, ADNOC Drilling, ADNOC Gas and e7 Group all release their Q1 2026 numbers on The Business Breakfast. We speak to the C-suite of each company on what's driving performance, how the regional situation has affected operations and what the outlook looks like for the rest of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aramco net profits rise more than a quarter in Q1
11 May 2026. Saudi Aramco saw net profit rise 26% in Q1 despite the conflict. Robin Mills of Qamar Energy joins us to explain how the East-West pipeline is keeping oil flowing despite the Strait closure. Plus, two landmark court decisions have just made dispute resolution in Dubai faster and cheaper. Jonathon Davidson, Managing Partner at Davidson and Co Law Firm, breaks down what changed and what
Emirates reports record profits
08 May 2026. Emirates Group and Emirates Airline have both reported record profits and revenues for the financial year ending March 2026, despite the disruption of the conflict. Aviation expert Nick Humphrey joins us to break down the numbers. Plus, DP World is offering war risk insurance, filling a gap for companies unable to get coverage. Insurance expert Sanjay Babur from Cosmos Insurance Broke
Oil drops sharply on reports of a peace deal
07 May 2026. Reports of a potential US-Iran agreement sent oil prices tumbling and stock markets surging. Matt Stanley from Kpler joins us on what the latest means for energy markets and how businesses are dealing with the volatility. Plus, the Dubai property market is moving fast with viewings up 160%, buyer registrations up 119% and deals up 31% in April versus March. Espace Real Estate's broker
EGF is looking for UAE manufacturers. Are you one of them?
06 May 2026. The Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) has launched the National Champions Programme to identify, prepare and lend to UAE manufacturers with the potential to become local and international leaders. CEO Khalifa Al Hajeri joins us on what he’s looking for. Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) on a new car assembly facility and Emirati talent programmes at Make it in the Emirates. G42 compan
Two years to embed agentic AI in Dubai’s private sector
05 May 2026. Dubai has announced a two year action plan to bring agentic AI into the private sector through the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Jessica Constantinidis, Innovation Officer EMEA at ServiceNow, joins us on what that means for businesses on the ground. Plus, Alpha Dhabi reports an 81% surge in net profit with revenue hitting AED 18.8 billion, Derek Nicholson breaks down the numbers. And the
Exclusive: Dubai Airports Q1 numbers. And airspace is back!
04 May 2026. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, releases the Q1 earnings exclusively on The Business Breakfast. 18.6 million guests, 32,000 aircraft movements and 213,000 tonnes of cargo kept moving through the most constrained period DXB has ever faced. IATA’s Kashif Khalid on what the full resumption of UAE airspace actually means on the ground. Plus JA Resorts on hotels gearing up for
The State of Dubai Dining
01 May 2026. Two restaurant stories: EatX founder Tom Arnel joins Georgia Tolley at The Guild in ICD Brookfield Place on adjusting their model for more resident repeat visits and what expansion looks like from here. Nando’s is aggressively opening new locations across the UAE in 2026 and the MD tells us why. Plus, luxury retail took a hit during the conflict. We find out what recovery actual
Jay Powell says not leaving Fed board, as rates kept on hold
30 Apr 2026. The Fed kept rates on hold and Jay Powell confirmed he's staying on as Governor. Economist Jeanne Walter and Keith Fitz-Gerald break down what it means for the region. Plus Euromonitor on a very different Gulf travel market ahead. Dubai Tourism's Hoor Al Khaja on whether the hospitality sector is seeing the first green shoots of recovery. RAKBank CEO Raheel Ahmed on record profits and
The UAE is leaving OPEC and OPEC+
29 Apr 2026. The UAE Energy Minister called it a policy driven evolution aligned with long term market fundamentals. But what does leaving OPEC after more than five decades actually mean for the UAE's oil production and revenues? Matt Stanley and economist Daniel Richards join us with the analysis. Plus, three Primark stores in under two months - we speak to the Vice President of Primark at Alshay
Back to business. What does it look like?
28 Apr 2026. Day 2 of The Business Breakfast broadcasting live from ICD Brookfield Place. The Arts Club Dubai opened during a pandemic and is still going strong through a conflict. Lulu & The Beanstalk is back to business after six tough weeks - thanks to their loyal customers. Two ICD Brookfield resilience stories told live from the building. Plus, DMCC launches two new Grade A office t
Premium Dubai offices still in demand
27 Apr 2026. The Business Breakfast broadcasting live from ICD Brookfiled place this morning - and premium office space is holding firm despite everything, we find out why with the man behind one of the city’s most sought after addresses. Plus, Goldman Sachs warns global oil inventories could hit record lows even if the Strait reopens. Kuwait goes to the bond market and more Gulf states coul
Landlord-tenant relationship during the conflict
24 Apr 2026. One commercial landlord joins us to talk about what his tenants are asking for and what he's prepared to offer. Plus, Allianz Trade is projecting over 15,000 global business insolvencies because of the crisis - senior economist Lluis Dalmau on how they got to that number. Sustainable aviation fuel is back in the spotlight as oil volatility bites, Karl Feilder joins us. And Dubai Holdi
Landlord-tenant relationship during the conflict.
24 Apr 2026. One commercial landlord joins us to talk about what his tenants are asking for and what he's prepared to offer. Plus, Allianz Trade is projecting over 15,000 global business insolvencies because of the crisis - senior economist Lluis Dalmau on how they got to that number. Sustainable aviation fuel is back in the spotlight as oil volatility bites, Karl Feilder joins us. And Dubai Holdi
Earnings, fuel warnings and a market finding its feet
23 Apr 2026. Commercial Bank of Dubai is out with its Q1 numbers and the CFO joins us to break them down. The IEA is warning of jet fuel shortages in Europe - IATA's regional boss on what that means for routes and travel from here. And schools are back in Dubai, we speak to Espace on whether that's translating into activity in the property market on both the residential and commercial side.
Hot desks in the park. Rents dropping. And 55 events all hitting at once
22 Apr 2026. Dubai is shifting toward a renters market with rents down 12.5% year on year, but office space tells a completely different story, with rents up 14% and occupancy at 95%. Rupert Simmonds from Betterhomes and Matthew Green from CBRE join us with the full picture. Plus, 55 events crammed into H2 and the events and PR industry is bracing for one of the busiest periods it has ever seen. N
Dubai’s hotels are closing for refurb. What does that mean for the city?
21 Apr 2026. Several Dubai hotels have closed for renovation. STR, a hospitality data company, joins us to explain what that means for the city’s room stock and what the sector will look like upon reopening. Plus, JW Marriott Marquis is undergoing its first refurbishment in 13 years while staying fully open - we find out how you pull that off. Ras Al Khaimah has doubled its domestic visitor
Implications of reopening and closing again on Strait of Hormuz
20 Apr 2026. The Strait of Hormuz opened on Friday and closed again on Saturday and the impact on oil prices and shipping insurance costs was immediate. We look at what that volatility means on the ground. Plus, the UAE is easing tax penalties and encouraging companies to come forward and fix mistakes, we speak to the FTA directly on how to use this window. And could UAE residents who worked from
World's first vertiport ready in Dubai
17 Apr 2026. The world's first commercial vertiport is ready next to DXB, with air taxis potentially flying before the end of 2026. We speak to Skyports CEO Duncan Walker. The RTA joins us on 13 kilometres of new road connections reducing journey times by up to 40% across 18 residential areas. Miral Destinations on Yas Island's push to win over UAE residents with all-inclusive offers. And Taj Hote
Business of School is Back!
16 Apr 2026. UAE children are returning to classrooms but has the move come fast enough to ease financial pressure on schools? Education consultant Shaun Robison, CEO of BBD Education and GSM Middle East, tells us. Art Dubai is revealing more details of its 20th edition, one of the few major events still going ahead in May amid the conflict. Executive Director Benedetta Ghione on what will feel di
What does the UAE Labour Law say about being absent from work?
15 Apr 2026. The ceasefire is holding but the legal questions aren't going away. Chris Bailey-Gibbs from Hadef and Partners breaks down what UAE Labour Law actually says about workplace safety and your right to work from home. Plus, the IMF has cut its UAE growth forecast from 5% to 3.1% this year - economist Ed Bell tells us what that actually means. Sobha Realty launches a Dh40 billion waterfron
Hormuz: The Blockade, the Peace Talks and What Comes Next
14 Apr 2026. Bit of a theme today on trade! Oil prices are swinging as hopes for peace talks jostle with realities on the ground in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Intelligence gives us the latest. The ceasefire raised hopes of the Strait reopening but supply chain leaders are still navigating a very uncertain environment and Sam Achampong, Regional Director of CIPS, tells us what that looks like on th
While Global Supply Chains Struggle, The UAE Is Finding Its Footing
13 Apr 2026. Q1 job numbers are up. Economic zone fees are coming down. Dubai property is holding steady. And one UAE company is posting 19 percent revenue growth by staying local. Today on The Business Breakfast we look at what’s keeping the UAE economy moving with Cooper Fitch, DIEZ, Fairmont The Palm, Bayut and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Home renovations, Holiday Homes and Banks supporting SMEs
10 Apr 2026. David Cook, CEO of Contractors Direct, discussed a four-way business collaboration making home renovation easier for UAE residents. Harrison Moore, CEO of Vacationer, discussed rising holiday home occupancies and who’s actually staying. Amit Malhotra, Global Head of Retail Banking at ADIB on what the banking sector is doing to support SME cash flow six weeks into the regional un
Oil prices may be falling but don’t expect cheaper flights just yet
09 Apr 2026. IATA is warning that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens and traffic returns to normal, jet fuel prices will take considerably longer to follow. Aviation expert Nick Humphrey joins us to explain why the lag exists and what it means for airlines and passengers in the months ahead. Plus, gold hit record highs during the conflict as investors rushed to safety, so what does that mean for
Oil prices plummet and stocks surge on ceasefire news
08 Apr 2026. How easy (or not) will it be for energy companies to get oil flowing again through the Strait of Hormuz, and what has five and a half weeks of closure actually done to global energy markets? We speak to economist Jeanne Walters and energy expert Matt Stanley. Plus, Union Properties pays its first dividend in 11 years, we speak to the CEO. And the company that drew up a 'conflict plan'
MAF offering local companies the opportunity to get on their shelves
07 Apr 2026. Majid Al Futtaim has launched Ma’an in partnership with Dubai SME, giving UAE small businesses direct access to Mall of the Emirates, VOX Cinemas and Carrefour. CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management Khalifa Bin Braik tells us exactly what is on offer and how to get involved. Hotels in Deira are rolling out 'work from hotel' packages and Yann Decaix, Cluster General Manager of
A new package to support the tourism industry will be announced 'very soon', says economy minister
06 Apr 2026. The UAE Minister for Economy and Tourism HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri says authorities are in daily contact with the sector and a new tourism support package is coming very soon. He also made clear that a forty day conflict would not determine the future of the UAE economy. Moody’s has reaffirmed the UAE’s Aa2 credit rating and economist Jeanne Walters tells us what that m
More fee deferrals announced as part of Dubai's support package
03 Apr 2026. Dubai has added more fee deferrals to its billion dirham economic support package. Three month deferrals on local services fees, accommodation fees and licence amendment fees are now in play and we break down why it matters and what it is trying to do. Media One on how hotels are getting creative to keep occupancy up and what the hospitality picture looks like on the ground right now.
