Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

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Daily highlights and exclusive interviews from Dubai's most informative news and business radio show. With a round-up of the day’s most important business stories, providing local content and context on the international issues that matter.Presented by Richard Dean & Brandy Scott.

Bitesize Business Breakfast


    • Jun 23, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 1,610 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

    Are UAE companies still hiring?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 36:01


    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 rush is materialising.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Etihad could break even this financial year, says CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 30:31


    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 recorded a record-breaking 2025. We find out what's driving the growth and where passenger numbers are heading next with His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Saoud Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Airport Authority.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Business Breakfast is live in Sharjah

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 33:42


    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 Thomas Christie of Shuaa Capital. And HSBC Private Bank's Georgios Leontaris on where to invest as the region turns a corner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Fed holds interest rates steady

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 33:42


    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 a new tool that lets you predict the market and win actual property. Rami Tabbara, Co-Founder of Stake, tells us how it works. The conflict interrupted a Sharjah hotel market that was in a state of transition, according to a new report from Cavendish Maxwell. Ali Siddiqui joins us with the detail. And turning desert land into fertile soil. UAE climate-tech firm HyveGeo has just won Dubai Holding’s flagship sustainability accelerator. CEO Abdulaziz Redha tells us what they’re building.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    DMCC unveils Future of Trade 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 41:01


    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 Economics has revised its global outlook in light of a potential peace deal between the US and Iran. Azad Zangana joins us with the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stocks surge and oil falls on preliminary peace deal and the potential Strait of Hormuz reopening

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 31:27


    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. With that major update, we speak to Dubai Airports boss Paul Griffiths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dubai winter rates are already going up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 42:04


    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 Development on how their sectors are bouncing back, and why they’re hopping on bikes this summer. And we speak to cables giant Ducab and CEO Charles-Edouard Mellagui about the strategies they’ve put in place to deal with a still shut Strait of Hormuz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The conflict didn't stop Harrow International School Dubai

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 32:18


    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 Nakheel, Meraas and Dubai Properties. We find out more with Dhiraj Kunwar, General Manager of Retail and Business Banking at CBD. And it’s FIFA-nomics. The 2026 World Cup is expected to add $41 billion to global GDP. UBS joins us with the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The business of the World Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 40:26


    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 Hormuz situation. China appears to be weathering the storm better than many expected. Georgia Tolley reports from Hong Kong, speaking to Cameron Johnson of Tidalwave Solutions, on how China’s response is reshaping global supply chains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Barasti closes. Gulf airlines expand. A scorecard for MENA tech

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 35:03


    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 the region’s tech sector actually performing on the stock market? MAGNiTT has just launched the first proper scorecard and we find out what it reveals. And Middle East tensions are reshaping global fuel markets in real time. We get inside the trading floor with Gulf Transport and Trading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Riyadh Air to start services

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 35:27


    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 to stay safe. And SpaceX's $1.77 trillion IPO is days away. The biggest in history. But history says the biggest IPOs often come right at market tops. Razan Hilal from Forex.com by StoneX on what to watch for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The UAE ranks second in the world for AI talent migration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 41:11


    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 on global markets at record highs. And Amit Malhotra on how ADIB just simplified WPS salary payments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Abu Dhabi has just frozen rents. Could Dubai be next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 34:17


    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 sense of it all. Majid Al Futtaim has just launched a new program backing UAE homegrown brands. We find out which creative businesses get the first call up. And Binance is launching a regulated dirham transfer service to make it easier to move money between bank accounts and crypto wallets. Could this be a turning point for crypto adoption?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Abu Dhabi freezes all rent hikes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 34:03


    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 a hub for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy production, serving up to 70 countries across the Gulf, Africa and Central Asia. We hear from Executive VP Emil Larsen. Plus, with UAE fuel prices up nearly 66% since February, it’s getting more expensive to transport goods. Could the cost of food go up? We find out with the CEO of Choithrams. And DXB saw a welcome revenue boost from Eid Al Adha travel. We find out what families planning summer travel can expect at the world’s busiest airport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The pipelines that could finally end the region's oil problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 42:02


    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 outlook. The 2026 World Cup kicks off in days. What does that actually mean for restaurants and bars in the UAE? Naim Maadad, CEO and Founder of Gates Hospitality, joins us with the expectation. And tech giants Nvidia and Intel are both designing new chips to make AI more powerful and more practical, but they’re taking very different approaches. Andreas Hassellöf of Ombori on what it means for the future of AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Salik, parking and petrol cost more from Jun 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 25:45


    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 Khalid from IATA. And hoteliers across the UAE are celebrating a surge in staycations over Eid. But will local demand be enough to see them through the summer? Kym Barter, MD of Atlantis the Royal and Atlantis the Palm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Gifting, jets and human connection. The Eid brunch.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 33:06


    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 business opportunity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A growing rental network, a coffee pivot, and a US green card shake up

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 32:36


    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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Trump says the Strait could reopen. Here's what it means for us.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 34:13


    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 closed a £3.7 billion trade deal with the GCC, the first G7 country to do so. Deyana Cherneva, Regional Head of Global Trade Solutions at HSBC Bank Middle East, on what the agreement actually unlocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dubai announces 1.5 billion dirhams of economic support

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 41:36


    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 consultancy Kearney on how the Gulf can emerge from the conflict stronger. Mashreq has a bold new SME promise. Open a business account in one day or get 1,000 dirhams back. The UAE rolls out one health insurance system across all seven emirates for Emiratis. And Imagine Dragons, Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson are heading to Yas Marina Circuit this December for the Abu Dhabi GP, more details with Ethara.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    New UAE pipeline bypassing Hormuz 50% complete, says ADNOC CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 37:55


    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 situation actually looks like, who’s getting hired and for how much, with one of the largest real estate recruitment agencies in the region. Dubai’s property market is still moving but buyers and tenants are behaving very differently right now. Espace tells us what’s actually transacting and how the leasing market is shifting. And how are advertisers actually behaving in this market right now? The ARN Business Club event is coming up and we find out why radio still works when budgets get tight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Etihad Rail's Fujairah station ready to receive passengers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 33:53


    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 the CEO of Dubai South. ADNOC Distribution is tying up with Americana to bring 200 quick-service restaurants to its service stations - we find out more with Jacqueline El Boghdadi, CMO at ADNOC Distribution. And finally, still thinking of a staycation for Eid? We find out what’s left, where to go and what it’ll cost you up north with Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Are you creditworthy?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 37:31


    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 flashing warning signs with Treasury yields at 15-month highs and a Fed rate hike now on the table. Emirates NBD’s Chief Economist Nick Stadtmiller joins us on what it means for the region. And the Indian rupee just hit a fresh all-time low against the dollar. The Continental Group on what that means for the expats living here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What will the West-East pipeline mean for the UAE's energy industry?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 27:52


    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 years of free fuel and cars moving by rail - two big moves from Al Masaood Automobiles. Why buy a car when you can subscribe to one? Swapp on the $20 million bet behind car subscriptions in the UAE. And after the Trump-Xi summit and with the Strait still under pressure, CSC Commodities on where oil markets actually go from here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Yas Island as the location for Sphere Abu Dhabi

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 43:00


    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 us. We speak to the telecom boss who just wrote a book about UAE tenacity during the conflict: VEON founder and chairman Augie Fabela. Eight global financial firms managing $4.4 trillion in assets have committed to Abu Dhabi in a single month and ADGM tells us what’s making the capital so attractive. And half of UAE shoppers are ready to let AI buy things for them, but do they actually trust it? New research from Checkout.com joins us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dubai Taxi is acquiring National Taxi

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 34:49


    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 2017, the EIU joins us on what to realistically expect. The IEA’s latest oil report is out and Gulf Intelligence breaks down what it means for prices. And Eid is coming, is it staycation or vacation for UAE residents this year? Travel expert Emily Jenkins of DW Travel has the answer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Q1 earnings: Presight, ADNOC Distribution and Emsteel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 37:13


    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 information.

    Q1 earnings: Spinneys, ADNOC Drilling, ADNOC Gas and e7 Group

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 33:07


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 35:50


    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 it means for businesses right now. The Dubai World Trade Centre road project got a new road this weekend. Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at the RTA, tells us how it fits into the bigger plan for the city. And Dubai’s homegrown camel collectible sold out instantly, now it’s become chocolate. We find out how Dabubu went from plushy to confectionery brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Emirates reports record profits

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 44:37


    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 Brokers joins us on what the market needs right now. Parsons is taking a key role in getting the Dubai Loop started and we speak to their regional infrastructure president Pierre Santoni. Abu Dhabi's $57 billion infrastructure pipeline stays on track despite regional uncertainty. H.E. Mohamed Husain Khalifa Alsuwaidi from ADPIC joins us on which major projects are still moving. And Etihad WE has just signed an AED 1 billion deal to build a new desalination plant in Fujairah. Eng. Mohammed Al Shehhi, CEO of the development and investment arm of EtihadWE, tells us what that means for the Northern Emirates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Oil drops sharply on reports of a peace deal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 33:34


    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 of the week tells us what he's seeing on the ground. And Wyndham is launching branded residences at Dubai Islands - mid-scale, affordable and 68 units only. We find out why the affordable end of the market and how affordable! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    EGF is looking for UAE manufacturers. Are you one of them?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 35:07


    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 company Inception has launched InceptionClaw - an agentic AI super assistant built for enterprises and governments, and we speak to the CEO. And Mercer on when to activate remote work, when to restrict travel and how UAE employers should be making those calls right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Two years to embed agentic AI in Dubai's private sector

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 40:44


    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 Dubai popsicle maker that shipped a million homemade treats to Walmart China tells us how they pulled it off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Exclusive: Dubai Airports Q1 numbers. And airspace is back!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 40:13


    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 summer, GEMS Founders School on the new academic year and Paradigm Holdings on gold as a strategic asset right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The State of Dubai Dining

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 45:39


    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 actually looks like and how long it takes. And end of service gratuity is ever changing. More UAE employers are moving toward structured savings solutions and we find out what that means for employees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jay Powell says not leaving Fed board, as rates kept on hold

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 42:13


    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 careful provisioning. And BlackRock's Ehsan Khoman on what it would take to call a turning point for the regional economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The UAE is leaving OPEC and OPEC+

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 35:28


    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 Alshaya Group ahead of the Mall of the Emirates opening on May 21. Dubai Taxi Company is growing its fleet and we find out why. And luxury restaurants are struggling amid a dip in tourist numbers - but could this conflict actually be the reset the sector needed? We get analysis from the founder of Il Borro and Josette.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Back to business. What does it look like?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 47:08


    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 towers and we ask CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem what the timing tells us. And Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal Heriot-Watt University on women on boards across the UAE and GCC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Premium Dubai offices still in demand

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 33:28


    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 could follow, a bond expert joins us. And Haus & Haus says an overdue property correction is underway in Dubai. Is it a buying opportunity?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Landlord-tenant relationship during the conflict

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 40:35


    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 Holding backs a homegrown Hatta startup in a show of support for Emirati entrepreneurship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Landlord-tenant relationship during the conflict.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 40:35


    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 Holding backs a homegrown Hatta startup in a show of support for Emirati entrepreneurship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Earnings, fuel warnings and a market finding its feet

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 30:41


    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Hot desks in the park. Rents dropping. And 55 events all hitting at once

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 50:05


    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. Natalie Crampton from TEC Event Management and Pete Jacob from Current Global discuss how they’re planning for it. And work from park is coming to Dubai! we speak to the people building and operating the outdoor workspace pods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dubai's hotels are closing for refurb. What does that mean for the city?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 33:46


    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 numbers year on year through the RAK Moments campaign. And Dubai property valuations fell for the first time since 2020, ValuStrat’s head of research joins us with the data.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Implications of reopening and closing again on Strait of Hormuz

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 33:03


    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 home abroad during the conflict find themselves liable for tax in another country? We get some legal advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    World's first vertiport ready in Dubai

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 41:19


    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 Hotels on resilience, staff welfare and holding the line on service standards during one of the toughest periods the hospitality sector has faced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Business of School is Back!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 30:24


    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 different this year and how the conflict is shaping it. And Stellantis on a new initiative giving UAE small businesses free access to Jeep, RAM, Peugeot and Citroën vehicles to help them stay operational right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What does the UAE Labour Law say about being absent from work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 27:29


    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 waterfront city in Abu Dhabi, and SITA on why record aviation technology investment isn't delivering the results it should.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Hormuz: The Blockade, the Peace Talks and What Comes Next

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 40:27


    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 the ground. As the world waits to see how Iran responds to the new US blockade, we have an exclusive interview with the UN’s International Maritime Organization. And Fadi Ghandour of Wamda Capital on what the crisis is teaching Gulf businesses about resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    While Global Supply Chains Struggle, The UAE Is Finding Its Footing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 40:34


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 34:46


    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 uncertainty, And NESR, one of the region’s biggest oilfield services companies, discussed why the MENA energy sector could be on the verge of a major investment surge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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