Morning Drive
Morning Drive is Mira Business FM's flagship weekday programme airing Monday–Friday, 8 AM–12 PM. Presented by Tim Elliott, it delivers a dynamic mix of business news, expert analysis, and in-depth interviews with thought leaders and market specialists. From financial markets and economic trends to entrepreneurship, technology, property, and leadership, the show explores the stories shaping today's business landscape, equipping listeners across the UAE and beyond with practical insights that matter.
Episodes
Influencers No Longer the UAE’s Least Trusted Profession. Who Is?
Telemarketers have overtaken social media influencers as the UAE’s least trusted profession, according to a new survey of 1,028 residents. Credit card issuers and real estate agents also rank poorly. What’s driving this trust deficit, and what does it mean for businesses trying to win over customers? Nigel Sillitoe, CEO of Insight Discovery, joins us to unpack the findings and discuss how companie
UAE F&B: Has the Market Recovered?
The UAE's dining scene never stands still, with new restaurants opening and food trends constantly changing. But what is actually happening on the ground amid the current uncertainty? We speak to Ahmad Ali, Founder of Emirati Food Geeks, about the latest openings, what diners are talking about, and whether business is bouncing back.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Gold Prices Retrench Amid US Inflation Pressures
Tim Elliott sits down with Monetary Metals Managing Director Jeff Rhodes to dissect the shifting dynamics of global precious metals markets. They analyse how soaring crude oil prices, US Federal Reserve policy expectations, and upcoming midterm elections impact gold valuations, alongside the rising trend of gold leasing and inventory financing.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Mortgage Rate Cuts, Retirement Reality Checks, and Credit Card Traps
Tim Elliott sits down with Independent Financial Consultant James Thomas to unpack this week's biggest financial headlines. The discussion cuts through the noise on sub-four per cent mortgage deals, off-plan property commitments, the psychological reality of retirement planning, and why your credit card limit is never a spending target.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
How Brands Turn Youth Culture Into Sales
Brands are finding new ways to reach younger consumers, using social media trends to influence shopping behaviour. Lenskart Middle East’s Score Your Frame campaign tapped into Snapchat’s Snapscore culture to explore that connection. We speak to Maria Dodero, Marketing Director at Lenskart Middle East, about youth marketing, customer acquisition and how brands measure the business impact of digital
UAE Recruitment Expert Answers Your Questions from Reddit
Is the UAE job market as crowded as everyone says, or are companies struggling to find the right talent? Tim Elliott sits down with Mackenzie Jones Middle East Managing Director David Mackenzie to discuss the UAE recruitment crunch. They unpack why top talent stays trapped in poor roles, the realities of AI resume-screening filters, and how professionals can outmanoeuvre hiring indecision to secur
Telecoms Are Becoming Banks. Who’s Protecting Your Money?
Telecom companies across the Middle East are moving into digital payments, wallets and lending, but are their safeguards keeping up with the risks?Fraud, revenue leakage and transaction errors could threaten both businesses and customers. Donald Reinhart, CEO of LATRO, joins us to discuss how telecom operators can protect their revenues and build trust as they expand into financial services.Powere
UAE Visa Scams: Red Flags Every Job Seeker Must Know
Filipino expats in the UAE say they have lost thousands of dirhams over promises of self-sponsored visas. With job seekers vulnerable to costly offers, how can you spot a scam before paying? We speak to Mariben Eustaquio, Founder and Managing Director of EZONE and host of the podcast Entrepreneurship Is Not for Everyone, for practical tips on checking visa offers, choosing the right visa and avoid
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Surge, Sharjah’s Rise, and Dubai South’s Record-Breaking Run
Tim Elliott sits down with Mario Volpi, Senior Manager at EVA Real Estate, to dissect the latest property headlines across the Emirates. From Abu Dhabi's aggressive project launches and Sharjah's surging transactions to Dubai South's staggering growth and mega-infrastructure updates, get the insider insights you need.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Why Elite Developers Prioritise Trust Over Quick Sales
Tim Elliott quizzes Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon on market resilience. They investigate why top developers reject panic-discounting, protecting investor portfolios and long-term asset confidence as Dubai's property sector faces a projected slowdown.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
UAE Fuel Prices Rise: Are Drivers Switching to EVs?
Joining us is Craig Stevens, CEO of DubiCars, to discuss the latest buyer trends, the changing automotive market, and whether motorists should buy now or wait for year-end deals.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
GCC Workers Embrace AI, But Reject AI Hiring Decisions
AI is becoming part of everyday work across the GCC, but when it comes to hiring, employees are drawing the line. A new regional survey found that 42% would withdraw from a recruitment process if they discovered AI was making the decision, while more than half of employees report feeling under constant strain at work.So what do these findings tell us about trust, workplace pressure and the future
Can AI Make Construction Sites Safer and More Productive?
AI is transforming construction, but how do you make sure the technology works for the people actually on site? From multilingual safety tools to WhatsApp-based communication, technology is helping construction teams identify risks earlier and improve productivity. We’re joined by Prakash Senghani, Founder and CEO of Navatech, to discuss how AI is changing frontline safety and digital transformati
Ras Al Khaimah’s Property Market Gains Global Investor Attention
Ras Al Khaimah is attracting global investors and hospitality giants, with Al Marjan Island at the centre of the emirate’s real estate ambitions. We speak to Umid Bazarov, Chief Operating Officer of ATARA Development, about what’s driving investor interest, the rise of branded residences and the market’s outlook.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Dubai Holiday Rentals: December Rates Jump 18% as Winter Demand Heats Up
Dubai’s short-term rental market is showing signs of recovery, with revenues improving and winter bookings climbing. Nightly rates for December are up 18% year on year, while professional operators are outperforming the wider market. Luis Santos, Co-Founder of First Class Property Management, joins us to break down the latest Q3 2026 figures and what they mean for Dubai’s property market this wint
Airbnb’s New Rules: No More Washing Dishes or Stripping Beds
Airbnb is changing its house rules, and hosts will no longer be able to require guests to do chores like washing dishes or stripping beds under a new policy taking effect on November 20. With cleaning fees already part of many bookings, what does this mean for holiday home operators? We get the perspective of Ryan Ingram, Founder of Vacant Nests, on how the changes could affect hosts, guest expect
Buying a Home in the UAE? What You Need to Know Before Taking a Mortgage
With property prices and borrowing costs shaping decisions across the UAE, getting a mortgage is about more than just securing a bank loan. From understanding your eligibility and down payment to navigating interest rates and hidden fees, knowing the numbers upfront can save you from costly surprises.Joining us is Mohammed Janshir Basheer, Senior Director of Investment and Strategic Consultancy at
Precious Metals Squeezed by Persistent Oil Inflation
Join Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM as Monetary Metals Managing Director Jeff Rhodes dissects how soaring oil prices, a hawkish Federal Reserve, and persistent inflation impact gold and silver markets. They analyse why robust central bank buying continues providing a vital floor amidst global economic uncertainty and shifting commodity trends.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
One Dish, 200 Plates a Day: Delhi Street Food in Dubai
Two hospitality professionals, one dish, and just 200 plates a day. Bhaturewala has opened in Oud Metha, bringing Delhi-style chole bhature and mutton bhature to Dubai. Joining us are Chef Pradeep Khullar and Saubhagi Veer, co-founders of Bhaturewala, who are swapping the fine-dining scene for a focused street-food venture inspired by Delhi’s culinary traditions.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this e
Saudi Escalation: Can Regional Supply Chains Stay Resilient?
Regional tensions are putting supply chains across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East in the spotlight. How can businesses stay prepared, manage supplier risks and keep operations running smoothly amid uncertainty? We speak to Sam Achampong, Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), about strengthening supply c
Is Job Hugging Killing Your Career in the UAE?
As workplace trends shift towards caution, presenter Tim Elliott sits down with David Mackenzie, Managing Director of Mackenzie Jones Middle East, to dissect the rise of "job hugging." They explore average employee tenures across the UAE and UK, the loyalty tax of staying put, and whether sticking it out harms your career.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Car Dealerships Are Changing. Can Tech Save Their Profits?
Buying a car is no longer just about visiting a showroom. Digital platforms, rising customer expectations, and shrinking dealer margins are transforming the automotive retail industry. So, how can dealerships stay competitive and profitable in an increasingly digital world?Tim Smith, Chief Strategy Officer at Keyloop, joins us to discuss how technology is reshaping car buying and what the future h
UAE Property Reality Check: Hype vs True Value
As the UAE property market smashes records, Tim Elliott sits down with Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon to separate off-plan hype from genuine demand. They discuss essential buyer strategies, regulatory escrow safeguards, growth corridors, and expert tips on managing portfolios to build generational wealth.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
AI-Powered Cyberattacks: Is Your Business Ready for 2027?
Cybersecurity Awareness Month takes place every October, but as AI makes cyberattacks increasingly sophisticated, are businesses doing enough to protect themselves? The UAE has reported up to 200,000 daily breach attempts against its infrastructure. So, what should businesses be watching as 2026 draws to a close?Joining us is Divya Raj, Business Unit Head for Critical Infrastructure Security, OT a
Could Your Employees Be Leaking Your Business Secrets?
Germany’s former intelligence chief, August Hanning, has been arrested over allegations involving classified documents and the misuse of sensitive information. The case highlights a major security concern: what happens when confidential information falls into the wrong hands, even without a computer being hacked?Today, we look at how businesses can protect their secrets from internal leaks and inf
Can Dubai’s Number Plate Market Become the Next Big Digital Investment?
Dubai’s premium number plate market is going digital, with technology promising more transparent valuations, secure payments and verified ownership. But can a market traditionally driven by brokers and private deals become a trusted digital investment space? And what does this mean for buyers, sellers and the future of alternative assets in the UAE? Dr. Abdulla Ibrahim Al Meer, Founder and Chairma
Can Instagram Turn Dubai’s Hidden Shops Into Hits?
Dubai is full of hidden retail gems, but how do shoppers discover them, and what happens when social media puts them on the map? Today, we explore how digital influence is changing the fortunes of local businesses with Emilie Hill, independent brand influencer and founder of Context Studio, who spotlights lesser-known retail destinations across Dubai.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Dubai Property: How to Spot a Winning Investment
Dubai’s property market continues to attract investors, but how do you know if a property is really worth your money? From using market data to choosing the right investment and managing rental properties remotely, we explore how technology is changing the way people invest in real estate.Joining us is Aleh Baranouski, founder of Habi, a proptech platform helping investors identify opportunities a
Stop Selling, Start Talking: Why Brands Are Losing Customers
Why do some brands only show up when they want you to buy something? In a world of constant marketing and endless notifications, customers want more than sales pitches. Lucy Bradley, Founder of Plug, joins us to discuss why businesses need to build real relationships with their audiences, not just sell to them.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Dubai’s Free-Sharing Economy: Why Buy When You Can Reuse?
What if the things you no longer need could help someone else, instead of ending up as waste? A UAE-born startup is using technology to make that happen, connecting people who want to give away unwanted items with those who can put them to good use, all for free. It's a new approach to sustainability, community sharing and responsible consumption.We're joined by Jérôme Viricel, Co-founder of Hiiba
ChatGPT in the Will: AI Guidance and Financial Planning for Parents
Join presenter Tim Elliott and independent financial consultant James Thomas on Mira Business FM as they unpack the viral Abu Dhabi draft will proposing AI consultation for child guardianship. They discuss vital insights on structuring wills, protecting liquidity, and securing life insurance to safeguard your family's financial future.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Why Good People Stay in Bad Jobs (And How to Fix It)
Tim Elliott sits down with David Mackenzie, Managing Director of Mackenzie Jones Middle East. The discussion explores why professionals shouldn't ignore recruiters, the hidden reality of unpaid recruitment work, and the "fear paradox" driving job hugging across the UAE.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Abu Dhabi’s New Islands: Where Should Property Buyers Invest?
Abu Dhabi’s next property hotspots are taking shape, but which islands are worth watching, and where should buyers put their money?Hudayriyat has already recorded billions of dirhams in property sales, while Ramhan, Fahid, Lulu and Al Mihsinah offer very different opportunities.Ben Crompton, Managing Partner of Crompton Partners, joins us to break down the developments, the risks and what buyers s
Is AI About to Change How We Work?
As Abu Dhabi prepares to launch HR Tech Abu Dhabi 2027, presenter Tim Elliott speaks with Debbie French, International Portfolio Director at ARC Network. They analyse how artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment, enhancing workplace productivity, and fostering digital growth while championing human-centric adoption.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Dubai Property Record Sales, Softening Rents, and New Horizons in Tashkent
Tim Elliott and EVA Real Estate Senior Manager Mario Volpi unpack Dubai's property market in Q3 2026. They discuss why soaring infrastructure investments and a staggering 574 billion dirhams in transactions signal market rebalancing, while shifting rental trends create fresh opportunities for tenants and buyers alike.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
UAE Jobs: Is It Getting Harder to Get Hired?
Months after geopolitical tensions began affecting the region, how has the UAE job market changed? Hiring trends vary across sectors, with some businesses continuing to recruit while others reassess their workforce needs amid ongoing regional uncertainty. So, is it getting harder to land a job, what is happening to salaries, and how are employers approaching recruitment? We discuss the changing em
Real Estate CEO Explains Buyer's Remorse
Did you buy Dubai property at the market peak? Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon joins presenter Tim Elliott to dissect buyer's remorse, shifting property cycles, and strategic adaptation. They discuss why current market stabilization offers a fresh, resilient playbook for savvy investors navigating tomorrow's real estate landscape.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
UAE Rent Goes Monthly
The UAE rental market is embracing digital payments, giving tenants more flexibility and landlords greater control over their properties. Keyper recently raised $11 million in Series A funding and surpassed AED 100 million in active annual rents paid monthly. We speak to Walid Shihabi, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Keyper, about the future of rent payments and the UAE property market.Po
Choose E-Invoicing Provider By October
What do businesses need to prepare, and could their existing accounting systems be ready? We discuss the new requirements and compliance steps with Sameer Ansari, Senior Client Accountant at Sovereign PPG.Choose E-Invoicing Provider By OctoberPowered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Should You Reveal Your Current Pay in Job Interviews?
Tim Elliott sits down with Mackenzie Jones Middle East Managing Director David Mackenzie to unpack the delicate art of salary negotiations. They explore whether job candidates in the UAE should disclose current compensation packages or push back against employers.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
UAE Restaurants Are Fighting for Attention. Who Gets Seen?
The UAE’s F&B scene is entering another busy period. Global Food Week has just wrapped in Abu Dhabi, and the MICHELIN Guide has just unveiled its latest Dubai selection, with 122 restaurants now featured. We’re looking at what’s happening beyond the awards and big openings, from someone who sees restaurants and food businesses on the ground. Ahmad Ali is the founder of Emirati Food Geeks, a p
Gold Holds Above $4,100 Despite Yield Surge
Tim Elliott speaks with Monetary Metals Managing Director Jeff Rhodes as gold resiliently defends key support. Despite 10-year US Treasury yields reaching multi-decade highs, heavy ETF inflows and central bank purchasing underpin bullion. Plus, a look at ICE launching precious metals futures contracts in London.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Why High Earners in the UAE Suffer from Financial Anxiety
Financial stress isn’t solely tied to earnings. Even high-income professionals across the UAE face persistent background money anxiety due to a lack of financial education and structured planning. Tim Elliott speaks with UAE-licensed Independent Financial Consultant James Thomas to unpack why personal finance remains taboo and how basic management mitigates unnecessary worry.Powered by Podeo — Lis
Dubai Property Sales Fall 47%: What’s Driving the Shift
Dubai’s residential market recorded AED72.6 billion in sales in Q3, across around 34,000 transactions. But sales values were down 47% and transaction volumes fell 38% year on year. Off-plan properties still dominated, accounting for 72% of purchases. We’re joined by Zacky Sajjad, Director of Business Development and Client Relations at Cavendish Maxwell, to look at what the latest numbers tell us
How Online Grocers Keep Prices Competitive
With UAE petrol prices increasing, transport and delivery costs are another factor businesses have to account for. For online grocery platforms, that raises a practical question: how do you manage sourcing, logistics and operations while keeping prices competitive for customers? We’re joined by Pravin Rai, CEO of Quickart, to look at how the online grocery business manages these costs.Powered by P
GCC Businesses Face $31m AI Breach Risk
AI use is surging across the GCC, but the legal framework around it is still developing. IBM’s 2026 data show the average Middle East data breach costs around $8 million, while 26% of malicious breaches are now AI-enabled. So when AI goes wrong, who is legally responsible? We discuss the accountability gap with Jouslin Khairallah, Senior Emirati Lawyer and Founder and Managing Director of KH Legal
Where Is UAE Real Estate Heading Next?
Tim Elliott sits down with Mario Volpi, Senior Manager at EVA Real Estate, to break down the pivotal developments shaping the UAE property sector. From major infrastructure projects and off-plan launches to shifting rental dynamics, they analyse key market trends driving long-term investment across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Who Will Actually Live in Dubai in 2035?
Tim Elliott interviews Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon to examine Dubai’s demographic shift. As population numbers surpass 4.8 million, they analyse why short-term speculative flipping is giving way to long-term residency, multi-generational family wealth, and demand for sustainable community living.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Your Salary Arrived. Now What?
UAE workers are getting paid more reliably under the latest Wage Protection System changes, but for millions of frontline workers, getting paid is only the first step. Many are sending money home, supporting families and managing savings, transfers and financial risks with limited guidance. Today, we look at what practical financial support for workers should look like, and why employers have a bi
The Dubai Restaurant That Closed Before It Even Opened
A restaurant launch put on hold, but a dream far from over. Aljon Fernandez, a Dubai-based Filipino chef, has been graining traction online after sharing the reality behind a restaurant he was supposed to open, as the current situation forced those plans to change.But instead of giving up, he says the setback is only part of the journey. After 12 years in Dubai, he is still focused on one goal: pu
How Technology Is Changing the Way Dubai Pays Rent
Dubai’s rental market is evolving as tenants face affordability pressures and landlords look for greater certainty. Takeem is using rental guarantees, property data and technology to address some of those risks. Today, Rakesh Mavath, Co-Founder & CEO of Takeem, joins us to discuss the forces reshaping the rental market, what the data is telling us, and how technology could change the way landl
GCC’s Coastlines Get a Real-Time Monitoring Upgrade
The Gulf’s coastlines are facing growing pressure from development, industry and environmental risks. A new partnership between Ecocoast and Xylem is bringing real-time environmental monitoring technology to projects across the GCC, including ports, desalination and power plants. Joining us is Joachim de Jenlis, CEO of Ecocoast, to discuss what this means for protecting the region’s marine environ
When Success Becomes a Trap: Why Leaders Need to Get Uncomfortable
Success can be the goal, but what happens when it becomes the comfort zone? For some business leaders, past achievements can make taking risks harder and create a sense of stagnation. Today, we look at why pushing beyond what feels comfortable could be key to staying ambitious, focused and effective.Joining us is Ollie Ollerton, a former UK Special Forces operative, entrepreneur, bestselling autho
AI in Architecture: Faster Projects or Better Design?
AI is entering the architecture and construction industries, changing how buildings are designed, planned and built. From automating routine work to helping architects explore new ideas and create more sustainable spaces, the technology is also raising a bigger question: where does human creativity fit in?Joining us is Massimo Imparato, Dean of the School of Architecture and Interior Design at Can
Gold Defies Soaring US Treasury Yields to Hold at $4,200
Gold has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite US Treasury yields climbing to 5.25%. Monetary Metals' Jeff Rhodes analyses the volatile market dynamics with Tim Elliott. Safe-haven demand and persistent geopolitical instability continue to support bullion prices at an equilibrium level of $4,200 per ounce.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Understanding UAE Gratuity: How End-of-Service Pay Works & Recent Changes
Many private sector employees in the UAE are unaware of how their end-of-service gratuity is calculated or how recent legislative updates affect their payout. In this segment of The Morning Drive, independent financial consultant James Thomas breaks down the core rules governing UAE gratuities.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
Dubai’s Event Calendar Is Crowded. Which Events Are Worth It?
Dubai’s event calendar is packed with conferences, exhibitions and networking events, leaving businesses with more choices but also a bigger question: where is the real value? Julie Hanse, Business Developer for MENA at Le Book, joins us to discuss how companies can choose the right events, make meaningful connections and get better returns from their participation. Powered by Podeo — Listen to th
Can Longevity Become the New ROI in Dubai Real Estate?
October 1 marks Longevity Day, and Dubai is putting healthy ageing and quality of life firmly on the agenda. The emirate’s new longevity strategy is expected to contribute more than Dh35 billion to the economy over the next decade. At the same time, Dubai’s property market is seeing buyers think beyond price and rental returns. Knight Frank found that 83% of surveyed global HNWIs are interested in
Why Supply Chains Matter in the $2.6T Halal Economy
The global halal economy is now a $2.6 trillion market, spanning food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion, travel and media. But behind that growth is a critical business question: how do companies ensure halal integrity across increasingly complex global supply chains? We explore the business of halal logistics, certification and supply chain management with Dr. Marco Tieman, CEO of HSC Alliance
Nike Sales Fell 17% in China. Can the Company Make a Comeback?
Nike reports earnings this Thursday, with investors looking for signs that its turnaround is gaining traction. Sales in China fell 17% in the latest quarter, while the company is also trying to rebuild its wholesale business and strengthen its product pipeline.Joining us is Josh Gilbert, Lead Analyst for APAC and the Middle East at eToro, to look at what investors should watch from Nike’s results
Dubai Real Estate: Buyers Push for Better Deals Ahead of Q4
As Dubai prepares to enter the final quarter of the year, the real estate market is experiencing a structural shift. Returning buyers are negotiating harder and taking their time to secure prime deals. EVA Real Estate Senior Manager Mario Volpi joins Tim Elliott to analyse changing investor sentiment and market dynamics.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
The UAE Is Attracting Founders. But Can They Become CEOs?
The UAE has become a major hub for founders looking to launch and scale businesses. But starting a company and leading it as it grows are two very different challenges. So what happens when a founder has to evolve into a CEO, build proper governance and make decisions at scale? We explore that with Sherif Foda, Chairman and CEO of NESR, who has built and led a multi-billion-dollar business.Powered
Dubai Real Estate: Elevated Bubble Risk or Global Bargain?
Tim Elliott talks with Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon to unpack UBS's latest Global Real Estate Bubble Index. Exploring key affordability metrics, rental yields, and shifting price-to-income ratios, they examine why Dubai presents elevated market risks whilst remaining one of the world's most attractive global property bargains.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
GCC Hotel Supply Set to Hit 616,000 Rooms by 2030
The GCC is set for a major expansion in hotel supply, with nearly 126,000 new rooms expected by 2030. But occupancy has fallen across the region in 2026 as demand adjusts to regional conditions. We’re joined by Zacky Sajjad, Director of Business Development and Client Relations at Cavendish Maxwell, to look at what’s happening across the GCC hospitality market and what could shape the recovery. Po
Your CV Isn’t Enough: Abu Dhabi Launches Digital Skills Card
Abu Dhabi has launched the Gulf region’s first Digital Skills Card, allowing employers to verify professional skills and qualifications through a QR code and blockchain technology. As hiring becomes more skills-focused and AI reshapes the workplace, the bigger question is whether a CV and course certificates are still enough to prove what someone can actually do. Joining us is Stéphanie Reniers, C
Dubai’s Property Market Is Getting a Tech Upgrade
Dubai’s property sector is increasingly turning to AI, automation and connected platforms to improve how buildings are managed and how real estate value is created. As PropTech adoption accelerates across the GCC, we look at what is changing on the ground and where technology is actually delivering results. Joining us is Fadi Nwilati, CEO of KAIZEN Asset Management Services and Chairman of the Dub
Digital Salaries, Real Financial Freedom?
As the UAE moves rapidly toward digital payments, lower-income workers are changing how they receive, spend and send their salaries. Edenred UAE data shows ATM withdrawals from C3Pay salary balances have fallen from 96% in 2019 to around 69% today, as cards, digital payments and online remittances become more common.But does going digital actually mean greater financial empowerment? With around 77
Oman Hotels Add 700 Rooms amid Reduced Tourism Activity
Oman’s hospitality sector is adding 700 hotel rooms by the end of the year, even as tourism activity softened in the first half. Hotel guests were down 13%, and occupancy averaged 46.3%, with the Khareef and winter seasons expected to play a key role in H2. Joining Tim Elliott is Khalil Al Zadjali, Head of Oman at Cavendish Maxwell, to break down the latest numbers and what’s driving demand.Powere
Key Market Insights & Investment Trends Post-Forex Expo
Forex Expo Dubai has wrapped up, bringing together global traders, brokers, and fintech innovators to unpack the future of trading and financial technology. In this interview, Finance Educator and Entrepreneur Raja Zahoor (Dominion Markets) breaks down the biggest takeaways from the expo, how macro trends and geopolitical shifts are driving regional sentiment, and what investors should watch close
GCC Banks face AI gap: core systems need overhaul
GCC banks are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, but can their existing technology infrastructure keep up? Today, we look at what banks need to modernize as AI becomes increasingly central to financial services.Joining us from Seamless Middle East 2026 is Mücahit Gündebahar, Co-founder and CEO of Fimple , who has more than 25 years of experience across banking technology
How UAE Interest Rate Increases Affect Mortgages, Loans and Savings
In this segment of The Morning Drive on Mira Business FM, James Thomas breaks down the recent interest rate rise and its direct financial impact on UAE residents. Following the US Federal Reserve’s 25-basis-point increase, the Central Bank of the UAE raised its base rate from 3.65% to 3.90%.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
The Hiring Crisis: What’s Broken in Modern Recruitment?
In this episode, David Mackenzie and Tim Elliott take a deep dive into the current state of hiring. From the rise of AI-driven resume screening and ghosting to the shifting power dynamics between employers and job seekers, they explore why the recruitment process feels more fragmented than ever — and what both companies and candidates can do to navigate it.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode
64% of UAE SMEs Still Run on Excel. Is Your POS Being Wasted?
A new Fortis survey of more than 130 UAE merchants reveals a surprising digital gap: 64% of SMEs still run core operations on Excel, even as businesses invest heavily in digital transformation. Many already have a powerful tool sitting at the checkout: their POS system. But are they actually using it to run the business? Joining us is Ahmed Sameh, CMO at Fortis, to look at why UAE SMEs may be leav
Dubai Landlord Renewal Charges: Are Extra Admin Fees Legal?
Tim Elliott speaks with EVA Real Estate Senior Manager Mario Volpi to discuss a major friction point for Dubai tenants: unexpected lease renewal charges. Volpi clarifies Land Department guidelines regarding administrative fees and assesses whether real estate agents deserve compensation when managing commercial transactions, tenancy agreements, or Ejari contracts.Powered by Podeo — Listen to this
US-Iran Escalation: What It Means for Gulf Energy Investment
Billions of dollars are being committed to Gulf energy projects, but renewed US-Iran tensions are raising fresh questions about the region’s investment outlook. With oil prices above $100 and continued risks around regional energy infrastructure, how could the latest escalation affect the Gulf’s major investment plans?Frank Kane, Editor-at-large at Arabian Gulf Business Insight, joins us to look a
Abu Dhabi Property Market Targets Wealthy Investors, Not Speculators
Abu Dhabi is reshaping its property market to target multi-generational family wealth, high-net-worth end users, and family offices rather than yield-seeking speculators. Highlighting a distinct strategy from neighbouring Dubai, government-backed developers are launching premium villa projects priced from AED 8.5 million upwards, positioning the capital as a prime regional safe haven. Tim Elliott
AI Is Changing How We Sell Food
AI is rapidly changing food marketing, giving restaurants and brands new ways to create images, menus and promotional campaigns without traditional production costs. But what does this mean for the creative industry behind food advertising?And as AI-generated food becomes harder to distinguish from the real thing, businesses face a new question: how far can they go without losing customer trust?On
Islamic Banks Stay Strong as Regional Tensions Rise
Regional tensions are putting financial systems across the region under pressure, but Islamic banks are showing resilience. Strong capital and liquidity buffers are helping the sector absorb shocks. So, what is keeping Islamic banks stable, and can that resilience hold if tensions persist? Tim Elliott is joined by Islamic economics and finance expert Dr. Adnan Aziz to break it down.Powered by Pode
How Geopolitics Is Changing Middle East Aviation
Geopolitical tensions since February have disrupted travel, air routes and aviation across the Middle East. Now, the region’s airports are adapting to a new operating environment, with resilience, security, technology and investment becoming bigger priorities.Global Airports Forum returns to Riyadh on November 30 and December 1, bringing aviation leaders and investors together to discuss what come
Why Schools Are Investing Big in Specialist Sports
Schools are moving beyond football, basketball and athletics, with specialist sports like golf and motorsport entering the classroom. As schools invest in specialist facilities and academies, sports are becoming a new competitive advantage in education. Tim Elliott speaks to Joshua Levenson, Director of Futures at GEMS School of Research Innovation, about the business behind this shift and what it
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