Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

03 Oct 2025. Abu Dhabi’s GDP grew 3.8% in Q2 compared with a year earlier, with the non-oil economy up 6.6% to its highest quarterly value ever, now making up nearly 57% of the emirate’s economy. We break down the numbers with Emirates NBD economist Ed Bell, alongside the IMF’s 4.8% UAE growth forecast following its Article IV review. Plus, Yango has signed a deal with Etihad Rail, we ask their regional SVP of Operations what’s behind the partnership. And Dubai Duty Free continues a string of record-breaking months, we hear from the boss on what’s driving sales.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Oct 2025. Etihad Rail has created a new joint venture with French train operator Keolis to run the UAE’s passenger rail services when they launch next year. We speak to the CEO of Keolis about what travellers can expect. Plus, ALEC Holding has set its IPO share price, we hear from the company’s CFO on what this means for investors. And Five Iron Golf is expanding into the UAE, Matt Csillag tells us how he plans to bring the urban golf experience to the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 Oct 2025. We put the latest fuel price hike in context with Emirates NBD economist Jeanne Walters. Plus, Careem is expanding beyond ride-hailing with a stake in a car rental company, we ask Chief Business Officer Bassel Al Nahlaoui why. And Dar Global’s Ziad El Chaar tells us about their plans for a new Trump-branded development in Jeddah.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Sep 2025. It’s the end of an era as we bid adieu to our very own Richard Dean, who hangs up his headphones after two decades on The Business Breakfast. Today’s show is filled with love, tributes, and memories from listeners and colleagues alike. But it’s also business as usual - we speak to the team behind a new luxury Singapore hotel opening in Barsha Heights, and ADNOC Distribution on how it’s revamping its petrol station retail as the “battle of the forecourts” heats up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Sep 2025. Ras Al Khaimah is getting flying taxis! Skyports, Joby, and RAKTA have signed a deal to launch an air taxi service, connecting Dubai, the Wynn Resort, and Jebel Jais. Skyports CEO Duncan Walker joins us with all the details. Plus, the space economy is set to triple to nearly $2 trillion in the next decade, we speak to Dr Arman Papazian about where the growth is coming from. And big changes are coming to where you’ll find Dubai Taxis on apps, we get the details from the CEO. Finally, Skywards turns 25! We celebrate with Emirates’ Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, aka “Mr Miles.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Sep 2025. Saudi Arabia has frozen rent hikes in Riyadh for the next five years to tackle soaring prices. We ask Matt Myers of Heriot-Watt University why Saudi is doing this and what it means for investors and the wider property market. Plus, we wrap up AI Week with Presight’s Chief Growth Officer on where the company is heading next. And Matt Stanley of Keplr brings us the latest on the oil market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Sept 2025. It’s Day 4 of our live broadcast from Presight HQ in Abu Dhabi for AI Week in partnership with Microsoft. Martin Yates, Executive Office Government Advisor at Presight (G42), explains how AI can make cities smarter. Plus, with corporate tax returns due on September 30, tax expert Thomas Vanhee walks us through what companies need to know. And we talk about the business of basketball in Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Sep 2025. The OECD has raised its global growth forecast to 3.2% this year, but warned the full impact of tariffs is still to come. We ask Emirates NBD economist Ed Bell how to read the report. Plus, we look at Presight’s growing presence in the financial sector and how AI is transforming everything from risk management to customer experience, with Andrew Reakes. And Simon Ballard, Chief Economist at FAB, joins us for a deep dive into the Abu Dhabi economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Sep 2025. Presight CEO Thomas Pramotedham revealed the news live on The Business Breakfast, outlining how the fund aims to back cutting-edge AI ventures across multiple sectors. Plus, Dubai’s FDI streak continues with over 640 new projects in H1 2025, we asked HSBC’s Simon Williams if Abu Dhabi is catching up. And PwC is moving its annual green energy summit to Abu Dhabi. We spoke to their Head of Energy Transition about what it signals for the UAE’s sustainability push.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Sep 2025. We’re broadcasting live from Presight HQ to find out where the AI firm fits into the wider G42 ecosystem and what’s next for its growth. Plus, a new Quantum Computing fund goes live in Abu Dhabi today, we speak to Lunate’s Sherif Salem about the opportunity. And as the US slaps a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, we ask Marc Ellis Consulting’s Zaid Al Hiali what this could mean for UAE tech recruitment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Sep 2025. We’re live from Aldar’s latest Dubai launch party as Cecilia Reinaldo takes us inside the developer’s newest project and what it means for the city’s property market. Plus, Deloitte has been crunching the numbers on UAE hiring, we get the latest from their human capital team. And Alpen Capital tells us why Gulf consumers are paying more for healthy and sustainable food.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Sep 2025. The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by a quarter point and the UAE Central Bank immediately followed, lowering the base rate to 4.15%. We ask economist Dan Richards of Emirates NBD what it means for borrowing, saving, and investing here in the UAE. Plus, Majid Al Futtaim has opened a supermarket just for kids, we speak to their CEO of Retail about the concept. And Sky Kurtz, the “Berry King” of Pure Harvest, joins us to reveal two new collaborations as demand for local produce continues to rise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Sep 2025. Affluent Gulf consumers have doubled their spending in the past two years, according to Visa. We speak to Dr Saeeda Jaffar to find out where the money is going (spoiler: five-star hotels & jewelry). Plus, we talk “coffee-nomics” with DMCC as they build a giant coffee hub in Dubai. And as we give away a brand new Nio, we highlight how DEWA is making EV charging more accessible across the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Sep 2025. More than half of the new companies setting up in Dubai this year are from Asia. We ask Professor Aditya Moses of the Indian Institute of Management why Dubai is becoming the destination of choice for Asian businesses. Plus, Moody’s warns of a “moderate price correction” in Dubai’s real estate market, we speak to the analyst behind the report. And Dubai builder ALEC is going public with a 20% share offering, we ask Sameer Lakhani what the listing could mean for investors and the wider construction sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Sep 2025. Emaar Properties is planning acquisitions in “big countries” including the US, India, and China with Chairman Mohamed Alabbar saying the UAE may be “too small” for the developer’s ambitions. Plus, could Dubai homebuyers soon skip the traditional 20% down payment? REEF’s Samer Ambar joins us to explain their game-changing model. And we launched “Charge & Chat” - our new tech talk feature from the backseat of a NIO electric car - kicking off with Amazon MENA’s Ronaldo Mouchawar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Sep 2025. From Larry Ellison’s fortune jump to Abu Dhabi’s launch of K2 Think, it’s been a huge week for AI. Professor Nancy Gleason joins us to reflect on what it all means for the future of work and education. Plus, global creative agency Croud has chosen Dubai as its MENA HQ, we explore why the city is becoming the launchpad for global advertising growth. And England rugby’s Martin Bayfield - the real-life Hagrid! - joins us ahead of hosting this year’s Emirates Dubai 7s Long Lunch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Sep 2025. UK fintech giant Revolut is one step closer to launching in the UAE after receiving initial Central Bank approval. We spoke to regional CEO Ambareen Musa about the rollout. Plus, Dubai Chamber’s Saeed Al Gergawi shares how the emirate plans to become the global capital of the digital economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Sep 2025. US investment giants Permira and Blackstone have paid $525 million for a stake in Dubai-based Property Finder, valuing the company at $2 billion. We get the inside story from founder Michael Lahyani. Plus, Abu Dhabi launches K2 Think, a new AI model it says can rival ChatGPT in mathematical tasks. And as Rupert Murdoch settles his family succession battle, we ask Lombard Odier’s Aboudi Najia what succession planning looks like here in the Gulf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Sep 2025. UAE proptech PRYPCO has closed a Pre-Series a round led by General Catalyst. We speak to founder Amira Sajwani about what it means for investors and the future of tokenized real estate. Plus, veteran Gulf investor Hazem Ben-Gacem, former Investcorp CEO, reveals details of his new $2 billion fund, BlueFive. And Stirling Hospitality’s Tatiana Veller tells us what’s next for tourism growth in Ras Al Khaimah.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Sep 2025. We’re live from NIO Hub Dubai with a flurry of announcements: Du is selling more shares in a secondary public offering, with just over 7.5% of its share capital offered to investors. ADNOC Gas joins the FTSE Emerging Index, boosting its global visibility after earlier inclusion in MSCI. And NIO’s UAE boss on their new hub in SZR, plus a car giveaway!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Sep 2025. Discussing earnings - Etihad Airways posts record first-half profit, up 32% year-on-year, with passenger and cargo revenue both rising. Majid Al Futtaim also reports a 23% increase in adjusted net profit, as malls and hotels perform strongly but retail and real estate soften. Plus, what community amenities really help sell your house, we find out. And speaking to the snooker legend Dennis Taylor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Sep 2025. Gold has surged to an all-time high above $3,500 an ounce, with silver topping $40 for the first time in 14 years. We get the story from economist Ed Bell and precious metals guru Jeff Rhodes. Plus, the Dubai World Trade Centre is gearing up for a busy close to the year - VP Diego Cortese explained what the calendar looks like and what it means for the traffic. And we dig into the business of Formula 1, as Abu Dhabi and Bahrain move closer to a $3 billion takeover of McLaren. Sports lawyer Steve Bainbridge joins us live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Sep 2025. It’s time for the annual Insight Discovery reputation survey, which jobs do we admire, and which ones do we mistrust? CEO Nigel Sillitoe reveals the rankings. Plus, Dubai Duty Free reports record-breaking August sales of nearly AED 650 million, up 15% year-on-year and outpacing passenger growth. Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi crunches the numbers for us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 Sep 2025. UAE petrol prices are flat for September, but down 7% from last year. We ask economist Ed Bell what that means for inflation and the oil outlook. Plus, a US court has ruled most of President Trump’s tariffs illegal - political expert Dr. Adam Ramey explains the implications for global trade and the UAE. And the Emirates Dubai Sevens is back! MD Matt Tait tells us how the festival keeps scoring big both on and off the pitch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Aug 2025. Dubai’s population has crossed 4 million, according to the Dubai Statistics Centre, that's growing at nearly 7% a year since 1985, the year Emirates Airline launched. What does that mean for jobs and infrastructure? We break it down. Plus, we talk real estate with the boss of Emirates REIT, the billion-dollar fund shaping Dubai’s property market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Aug 2025. Nvidia’s profits beat expectations, but shares fell on concerns over data centre demand. We get reaction from Josh Gilbert of eToro. Plus, as the US slaps 50% tariffs on Indian goods, are we seeing manufacturers shift to the UAE? We asked one company formation expert. And on Emirati Women’s Day, Wio Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer Amina Taher shares her journey as an Emirati executive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Aug 2025. 50% tariffs on Indian exports to the US come into effect today. We asked economist Daniel Richards what it means for India’s economy and for global trade. Plus, Cavendish Maxwell says both volumes and values of Abu Dhabi home sales fell in H1 we find out why. And UAE mortgage broker Holo has raised $22 million, CEO & Founder Michael Hunter explained what they plan to do with the cash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Aug 2025. A new KPMG report shows finance leaders in the UAE are adopting artificial intelligence at a quicker pace than their global peers. We break it down with Bhaskar Sahay, Partner and Head of Accounting and Finance for the UAE and Oman at KPMG Middle East. Plus, economist Daniel Richards on the UAE President’s visit to Angola and the string of trade deals signed there. And we meet FMCG veteran Mark Wyllie, newly appointed CEO of Camelicious.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Aug 2025. Dubai will see 25 new schools, colleges and nurseries open this academic year, according to KHDA. As thousands of children return to the classroom, Taaleem is opening a new school, CEO Alan Williamson gives us the business case. Plus, The Indian High Group is known for offering some of Dubai’s most affordable education. We ask CEO Punit Vasu how they keep fees low while maintaining high standards. And, we do something very un–Business Breakfast-like, speak to a not-for-profit school - Matthew Cotgrove, boss of DESS College.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Aug 2025. All eyes are on the Fed Chair today, what’s the main thing to watch when Jay Powell speaks at Jackson Hole? We ask Martin Hennecke of St. James’s Place Wealth Management. Plus, as the UAE heads back to school, we speak to the founder of a chauffeur service that drives kids to class by the hour. And the real estate boss helping teachers with both housing and school fees. Finally, after thousands of UAE investors were caught out by the collapse of a UK fund manager, lawyer Ahmed Elnaggar explains how to avoid falling into the same trap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Aug 2025. With the new academic year kicking off, we sit down for an extended interview with Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education, on school fees, teacher recruitment, and what it reveals about the region’s appeal. Plus, as Dubai rolls out 200 electric vehicle superchargers, we ask: is it enough to kickstart the EV revolution? And Dubai Chamber of Commerce reports a strong start to the year, we go through the numbers with President & CEO H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Aug 2025. Today’s show puts the spotlight on facilities management with Engineer Ali AlSuwaidi, Chairman of the Global FM Association and Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration at the American University of Sharjah, and Stuart Harrison, CEO of Emrill. Plus, we look at India’s economy with the S&P analyst behind the country’s first credit rating upgrade in 18 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Aug 2025. We get reaction to the Washington talks from Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Bank. Plus, live from Delhi, Swarup Gupta of the Economist Intelligence Unit on Prime Minister Modi’s new tax cuts. And with UAE influencers now officially licensed as advertising businesses, we ask Bees & Honey’s Tatum Greig what this means for brands and creators.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Aug 2025. Retailers are ramping up as the new academic year approaches, Landmark joins us to talk about the business of Back-to-School. Plus, why are more UAE firms ditching traditional legal hires in favour of project-based experts? We ask Sarah Jones of Rayne. And Al Reem Island is heating up as Abu Dhabi’s hottest property market - MERED’s Mikhail Podkopaev shares what’s driving the boom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Aug 2025. We crunch the numbers behind Dubai’s latest GDP data with Ed Bell of Emirates NBD. Plus, we talk Alaska-nomics, as Presidents Trump and Putin head to the icy tundra for today’s summit. Danny Sebright joins us from the US-UAE Chamber of Commerce. And, has the insurance industry bounced back from last year’s flood – and what’s happened to our premiums? We asked the Liva Insurance CEO, Martin Rueegg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Aug 2025. As thousands of teenagers across the UAE await their exam results, we ask the admissions team at Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Crimson Education whether higher education is still the right investment in the age of AI. Plus, we hear from RAK Properties CEO Sameh Muhtadi on record earnings, and Binghatti’s CEO on raising half a billion dollars (and ringing a bell) in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Aug 2025. Presight’s CEO says AI in the UAE has firmly taken hold, as the company posts first-half revenues of over AED 1 billion. We also unpack Knight Frank’s latest Abu Dhabi and Dubai office market report with Adam Wynne, and ask aviation expert Nick Humphrey why the Middle East leads the world in premium-class travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Aug 2025. It's delivery-nomics! Talabat’s CFO breaks down their latest earnings and what they reveal about the UAE’s fast-growing delivery economy. Careem Groceries rebrands to Careem Quik, VP Chase Lario on speed, AI, and the future of online shopping. Plus, Trump delays China tariffs by 90 days - economist Ed Bell on what it means for global trade. And Vijay Valecha of Century Financial on oil’s biggest drop since June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Aug 2025. We get analysis from Emirates NBD’s Daniel Richards and Pepperstone’s Chris Weston. Tabreed’s CEO explains the business of keeping the UAE cool. And filmmaker Faisal Hashmi tells us why AI has some in the UAE’s film industry worried about the future of creative jobs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Aug 2025. Trump imposes a 25% tariff on Indian goods. Some Indian companies are moving operations to the UAE, to avoid the 50% tariff on Indian exports to the US. That's what professor Ulla Rao of Manipal University told Business Breakfast. Plus, Property Monitor’s Zhann Jochinke tells us if Dubai real estate is finally cooling despite the summer heat. And Al Ramz CEO Haisam Odeimeh explains how the brokerage posted a seven-fold profit jump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 Aug 2025. It’s Day 2 of our live broadcast from Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort by RAK Properties. We dive into the economics of hotels in RAK’s Mina development with Sietze Hoefnagel, Director of Operations. RAK Ceramics Group CEO Abdallah Massaad joins us to talk about local & global growth. And ADNOC Distribution is reporting record fuel sales - we speak to the company’s Chief Strategy Officer to break down the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06 Aug 2025. We’re broadcasting live from Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort - part of RAK Properties’ Mina Al Arab master development. The big news? The launch of the world’s first Armani beach villas. We speak to the CEO behind the project. Plus, FAB’s Chief Economist Simon Ballard breaks down what weaker UAE PMI data might signal for the economy. And ADNOC Gas earnings dropped while we were live, CFO Peter van Driel joins us with the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 Aug 2025. We unpack what it means for UAE–India energy ties and the outlook for global gas markets with energy expert Matt Stanley. Plus, as India becomes a key target of Trump’s tariff plans, economist Dan Richards unpacks the broader implications. And RAK sees record-breaking tourist numbers, we speak to the VP of Destination Tourism. Finally, Titan takes over Damas: we get reaction from the Indian jewellery giant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Aug 2025. Dubai Duty Free just recorded its best July ever - we crunch the numbers with Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi. Plus, Atlantis The Palm reveals its New Year’s Eve headline act, live on the Business Breakfast. And with nearly 10 million visitors in H1, we ask Radisson Group what that means for hotel growth and room rates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 Aug 2025. US President Donald Trump’s tariffs take effect. We get reaction from Emirates NBD economist Daniel Richards on what it means for trade and markets. Plus, J-Lo is performing in Abu Dhabi middle of the week in July! Does this mark the UAE’s shift into a year-round live music destination? Ethara’s David Powell joins us to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 Jul 2025. So what’s next for rate cuts and what it means for us? We ask economist Daniel Richards. Plus, ADNOC Drilling posts a record-breaking H1, CFO Youssef Salem joins us live. Saudi budget airline flyadeal releases fresh metrics, we speak to the CEO. And it’s the final day for UAE businesses to file late corporate tax returns without facing fines, tax lawyer Nirav Rajput explains what you need to know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Jul 2025. It’s earnings season - and Aldar reported a 24% surge in half-year profit, to more than Dhs4 billion. We speak to Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer Faisal Falaknaz. Plus, EMSTEEL’s Mark Tonkens walks us through their H1 numbers, and Dubai Taxi Company CEO Mansoor Al Falasi joins us as Q2 net profit jumps 33%. And with broker commissions doubling this year, we ask Jake Hubbard of Espace Real Estate how easy it really is to make money in real estate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Jul 2025. Dubai International welcomed 46 million passengers in the first half of 2025. CEO Paul Griffiths tells us what’s driving the growth and how the airport is preparing for even more. Plus, a shortage of warehouse space is pushing demand into the Northern Emirates - Knight Frank shares what’s happening on the ground. And we speak to the CEO of Union Properties – Amer Khansaheb saying the company’s recovery is finally over, after several years and billions of dirhams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Jul 2025. What does it really mean for the global economy? Economist Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD weighs in. Plus, could AI really replace real estate brokers? Haus & Haus’ Clementine Munro makes the case for keeping it human. And we reveal the winner of our full MBA scholarship with Hult International Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Jul 2025. We speak to CEO Fahad Al Hassawi about what’s driving growth. Plus, with bank earnings rolling in, what do they reveal about the health of the UAE economy? A veteran market watcher. Mohammed Ali Yasin gives his read. And in the 2025 Wealth Report, Abu Dhabi and Dubai take the top two spots - what does that say about the region’s global standing? We speak to the author of the report, Nirbhay Handa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Jul 2025. Yesterday we asked if summer was the season for tweakments, today we’re going all in. Is Dubai seeing a plastic surgery boom? We speak to Dr. Iraj Ahmadi, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital. Plus, Monte Saffediene of Capital.com breaks down Tesla and Google’s latest earnings. And CBD CFO Darren Clarke joins us with the bank’s latest results - up 15% in Q2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.