Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

18 Sep 2026. Several international airlines are preparing to restore UAE services. Aviation lawyer Nick Humphrey explains which carriers are returning, why some remain cautious and what greater competition could mean for passengers. Plus, Rove Hotels says it could add another couple of thousand branded residences across the UAE, Grant Thornton’s Imran Mushtaq examines the country’s tax landscape, and RAKBANK CEO Raheel Ahmed and Group General Counsel Ghalia Bushnaq discuss managing risk during regional disruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Sep 2026. ATM is showing the travel industry that Dubai is open for business, but how do you convince the average foreign punter? Hoor Alkhaja of Dubai Economy and Tourism explains the strategy behind the push. She says Dubai Invite attracted more than 90,000 registrations and has already brought 75,000 friends and relatives of residents to the emirate. Plus, UN Tourism Secretary General Her Excellency Shaikha Al Nuwais on rebuilding confidence in travel, Espace Real Estate’s John Lyons on Dubai’s property market, and pistachio is everywhere, but is it a lasting food trend or just the flavour of the moment? We ask Mondelēz International’s Mohamed Yousry Taher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Sep 2026. Emirates says passengers should not expect much movement in ticket prices while fuel and operating costs remain high. Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim also explains how the airline restored passenger and cargo flights after safe corridors opened. Plus, what did postponing ATM cost, and what does its return tell us about confidence? Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley asks organiser RX Global. We also hear from Hilton’s Guy Hutchinson on the outlook for hotels across the Middle East and Africa, and RAKBANK’s Vishal Shah on what UAE businesses need from their bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Sep 2026. The UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism says the decline is over. We ask Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths what he is seeing on the ground. Plus, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves on new aircraft and cabin upgrades; Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to Dr Marwan Alzarouni at the Arabian Travel Market about how AI could change the way we plan holidays; and RAKBANK’s Shehzad Hameed on how residents staying longer are changing the way they invest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Sep 2026. “We’re done with the descending.” UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri says the country is preparing for tourism to “ascend strongly” as Arabian Travel Market begins. Plus, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim discusses Premium Economy, new aircraft deliveries and its US$5 billion retrofit programme. Plus, full conversation with RAKBANK CEO Raheel Ahmed as the bank marks 50 years, and Kempinski Group CEO Barbara Muckermann joins us on the outlook for luxury hospitality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Sep 2026. Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has lent Dh30 billion to companies over the past five years. We speak to its CEO, H.E. Ahmed Al Naqbi, about where the money is going and how businesses can access funding. Plus, Arvind Ramamurthy explains how ADGM increased its assets under management by 50% in the first half of the year. We also look at The Hoxton’s Middle East debut in Dubai Media City and Azizi’s plans to build more than 10,000 homes in Sharjah.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Sep 2026. Wizz Air is restoring flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Global Chief Commercial Officer Ian Malin explains what has changed and what it could mean for ticket prices. Plus, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission on CEPA and moving goods between Australia and the UAE despite regional disruption, the business deals expected during the UAE President’s visit to Germany, and eToro market analyst Josh Gilbert on Apple’s passport shaped foldable iPhone Duo and the market reaction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Sep 2026. Despite fears that AI is replacing entry level roles, ManpowerGroup says demand for junior staff is surging. Country Manager Bryan Luro explains what UAE employers are looking for and why 51% plan to increase headcount. Plus, Majid Al Futtaim reports record first half earnings, Aramex discusses its workforce transformation and Dubai Opera celebrates ten years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Sep 2026. UAE employer medical costs could rise by another 10% next year. Adel Alderi of Marsh Health and Benefits explains what is driving the increase and how companies are managing the pressure. Plus, PepsiCo discusses rising commodity costs and changes to its drinks, Paws & Co outlines plans for 30 veterinary clinics and hospitals, and Ferox Partners examines the rise of fractional hiring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Sep 2026. What have the past six months meant for Emirates Skywards and its members? Dr Nejib Ben Khedher discusses rising membership, changes to rewards and how disruption has created an opportunity to attract passengers from rival airlines. Plus, Emirates NBD’s Daniel Richards examines the rebound in UAE business activity, Queen Elizabeth’s School Founding Principal Dan Clark discusses the changing expectations of parents, and the Emirates Dubai 7s Long Lunch is back, with former England rugby player Martin Bayfield joining us ahead of the event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Sep 2026. Would you pay AED1,949 for a toothbrush with a camera, AI and its own water jet? Dyson Principal Engineer Chris Vincent explains what took 661 engineers six years to develop. We also ask Fortes Education why more Dubai families are switching schools and catch up with The Camel Soap Factory after it reached its 25,000 bar survival target.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Sep 2026. Events season is under way, but what insurance do organisers need and what happens when a show is cancelled or postponed? Boyd Edmondson of Seven Insurance Brokers explains. We also speak to IATA’s Kashif Khalid as global air travel grows while Middle Eastern airlines remain nearly 10% down, checkin with Ras Al Khaimah’s property market with Cavendish Maxwell’s Ali Siddiqui, and speak with Innoventures Education CEO Poonam Bhojani as the group opens two new schools in Town Square and Sharjah. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 Sep 2026. UAE petrol prices up around 5.5% this month, while diesel has increased 13%. We unpack the sharp rise at the pump with Kpler’s Matt Stanley, explore Dubai’s billion-dollar lab-grown diamond trade with DMCC’s Ahmed bin Sulayem, hear how House of Pops cracked the Chinese market, and it's the first day of 'Psychological September', we look at what it might hold for business with Oxford EconomicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 Aug 2026. Taaleem’s Alan Williamson and GEMS Education’s Dino Varkey discuss school enrolments, teacher recruitment and parents’ priorities, while Alshaya’s John Hadden takes stock of summer shopping and loyalty programs, and Bayut’s Fibha Ahmed explores what’s shaping buyers’ and renters’ choices across Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Aug 2026. eToro’s Josh Gilbert unpacks Nvidia’s $96.2 billion quarter; Platinumlist explains why UAE event bookings are up 31% while customers spend less; Ethara discusses the latest additions to Abu Dhabi’s F1 concert line-up; and Atlantis Dubai takes stock of its summerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Aug 2026. Dubai International Airport saw 31.5 million passengers in the first half of the year, just over 30% down on the same period in 2025, with aircraft movements falling by a similar margin. CEO Paul Griffiths takes us through the numbers. Plus, Anthony Robbins is coming to Coca-Cola Arena. What else is keeping the seats full? We talk to GM Mark Jan Kar. Dubai has 20,000 international students and only 6,000 proper beds, and Craig Fernandes of Makaan is trying to fix that. And the iconic Toyota building is reportedly coming down in 2027. We hear the story behind the landmark from Katib Belkhodja as Marketing Director for Toyota and Lexus in the UAESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Aug 2026. We started a new interview series this morning, Summer Stocktake, looking at how business fared through the hotter months. Today, gyms, summer camps and cafes. Plus, the F1 Grand Prix isn’t the only big event coming back to the capital this December. We also have Abu Dhabi Finance Week, and we spoke to the Editor in Chief. Companies used to choose a base on licence costs alone, but now they’re asking about schools and housing. Ramy Jallad of RAKEZ on what’s changed. And the business of being funny. Zarna Garg is headlining the Dubai Comedy Festival, and she joined us this morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Aug 2026. The CEO of F1 has confirmed that the final race of the 2026 season will take place in Abu Dhabi, in a boost for hotels and other businesses in the capital. We speak to David Powell, Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer at Ethara, on the conversations behind it and what it means for the economy. With the race confirmed, we also look at what it means for business, from hotels to private jets. And what do higher AI chip costs mean for the UAE’s data centres? We speak to the companies building and running them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Aug 2026. UAE companies claiming VAT refunds will need to verify their suppliers under new rules coming into force from 1 October. The Federal Tax Authority is asking businesses to check who they’re buying from before claiming input tax back. Tax expert Thomas Vanhee, Founding Partner at Aurifer, on what it all means. Plus, it’s back to school. We speak to the boss of the newly opened Harrow School and one university head about what the new academic year holdsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Aug 2026. Dubai inflation came in at just over 5.3% annually in July. Transport rose by nearly 12%, while food and beverage prices grew by nearly 8%, compared with the same month a year earlier. We look at what’s behind those numbers and where they’re heading with economist Dan Richards. Plus, a new school year begins with more families arriving in Dubai. We find out what parents are asking about fees and value with Graham Paris, Director of US Curriculum Schools in Dubai for Taaleem. A new research report suggests UAE companies are spending on AI but not necessarily using it to its full capacity. We find out more with Jessica Constantinidis, Innovation Officer EMEA at ServiceNow. And are people in Dubai starting to give up owning a car? We find out what half a million shared trips a year reveal, with Udrive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Aug 2026. Choithrams has launched convenience stores, called Quickerr, in four Dubai Metro stations, with four more to open in the next two days, the CEO has told The Business Breakfast. There will be 28 by the end of the year. Plus, are people still setting up businesses here? We find out what the licence numbers reveal about confidence in the UAE right now with Virtuzone. And entry level jobs are disappearing just as AI takes hold. We meet the teenagers already solving real problems for DIFC companies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Aug 2026. Dubai’s mid-range hotels outperformed our high end hotels in the first half of this year, according to Cavendish Maxwell. We find out more with Research Manager Ali Siddiqui. Plus, air freight rates out of this region are up nearly 50% in a year, even as volumes fall. We find out what that means for the cost of getting goods here with aviation expert Nick Humphrey. An Indian coffee chain is looking to create a stir with its first UAE cafe, but have we got room for more? We speak to the CEO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roaters. And our Summer Strategy series continues, with an 18-year-old family tyre business reinventing itself in the quiet months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Aug 2026. Corporate tax filing is underway, so what questions might the FTA be asking about executive bonuses? We ask tax lawyer Nils Vanhassel, Partner and Head of Tax for the Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard. Plus, it’s almost back to school. Parents are getting ready, but what does the spend look like this year? We speak to Home Centre and Noon. And almost everything on your plate is imported. We find out how one food business kept supplies moving through months of disruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Aug 2026. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has posted adjusted profits up 34%, even as sales volumes fell by a third. CFO Pål Kildemo joins us on how that happened. Plus, a quarter of a million square feet of indoor sport is opening in Dubai. Terry Kidd of AllSports on one of the emirate’s biggest fitness investments. And the global beauty industry lands in Dubai for the 30th time this month. Show Director Ravi Ramchandani on who’s coming and what it’s worth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Aug 2026. US prices rose 3.4% in the year to July, slightly lower than the 3.5% recorded in June, according to new figures. We get the analysis and reaction from economist Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD on what it means here, given the dirham’s dollar peg. Plus, Razan Hilal of FOREX.com on how the dollar has responded. Gold is a safe haven trade, Copper a growth trade. Where is Silver? We asked Madhur Kakkar of Elevate Financial Services. And our Summer Strategy series continues. A fine dining group that expected a quiet summer got a surge in demand instead. Samyukta Nair of LSL Capital explains why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Aug 2026. Is Bitcoin becoming a safe haven when tensions rise? We ask Saqr Ereiqat of the Dubai Digital Asset Association, who says yes and no. Plus, earnings season rolls on. Abu Dhabi’s sovereign AI company Presight has posted another quarter of strong growth, with CEO Thomas Pramotedham. And the region’s oilfield services giant NESR reports a record quarter: revenue is up 59% and profits nearly tripled. We speak to Chairman and CEO Sherif Foda. Our Summer Strategy series also continues, with the Dubai restaurant that spent more on marketing, not less, when spending slowed. Sylvana Sari of Bobi Bowl explains why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Aug 2026. Stevi Lowmass publicly admitted The Camel Soap Factory might not survive, then launched a campaign to sell 25,000 bars. Three months on, she’s almost there. We hear how it went. Plus, earnings season continues. Spinneys reveals its first half numbers with CEO Sunil Kumar, and e7 Group posts a bumper six months on the back of its secure identity business. We speak to Group CEO Esteban Gómez Nadal. And it’s a big week for inflation data, with UAE demand holding up better than expected. Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD unpacks it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Aug 2026. ADNOC Gas has beaten its own guidance with a $665 million second quarter, despite the Strait disruption, and greenlit $8.2 billion of new contracts. We speak to CFO Peter van Driel. Plus, a container of classic Ferraris is stuck off Khor Fakkan for another week. Ryan Hughes of RMA Motors on how shipping delays are reaching Dubai’s luxury car market. We also get an exclusive look at July’s Dubai property numbers with Haider Tuaima of ValuStrat, as the market edges towards stability. And oil is caught between diplomacy and disruption. Robin Mills of Qamar Energy on where the market goes next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Aug 2026: Luxury watches, fine art, rare collectibles and classic cars are increasingly being considered alternative stores of wealth as investors look beyond traditional safe havens. But protecting these assets is not always straightforward. Kapil Sharma, Senior Vice President of Sales at Continental Group, joins us to discuss how high-value collectibles are insured, the challenges surrounding valuations and the coverage gaps owners may not realise exist. Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts is pressing ahead with plans to hire 2,500 employees for its $5.7 billion UAE resort, despite its opening being pushed back to September 2027. Nathan Kearney, Managing Director of Executive Search, joins us to discuss what the recruitment drive says about confidence in the UAE hospitality sector and the growing divide in the wider jobs market. Plus, we look at some of the weird and wonderful ways businesses are trying to beat the summer slowdown, including a rooftop sauna, ice baths and unlimited ice cream. Emilie Hill from Context Studio takes us through some of the offers and considers whether these summer deals are here to stay or are simply a way for businesses to get customers through the door. And finally, DIFC is opening up its special purpose vehicle regime, removing previous eligibility restrictions and making the structures available to a much wider pool of applicants. Jacques Visser, Chief Legal Officer at DIFC Authority, tells us what the regulatory changes involve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06 August 2026. The Japanese yen has strengthened sharply following the first coordinated US-Japan currency intervention since 1998. It has recovered from a 40-year low of almost 164 yen to the dollar in July to around 156 to 157 this week. Josh Gilbert of eToro explains what the intervention involved, why the US stepped in, and whether the yen’s recovery can last. Also, tourist arrivals to the UAE are projected to fall by more than 30% in 2026 following the regional conflict earlier this year, while visitor spending dropped by more than 40% during the height of the disruption. Akshay Jayaprakasan of RedSeer Strategy Consultants discusses when arrivals could recover to 2025 levels and what the coming years could hold for the tourism sector. Plus, the RTA has completed a series of improvements on Latifa bint Hamdan Street, including a one-kilometre service-road expansion and two new U-turns. Hamad Al Shehhi of the RTA discusses the immediate impact on motorists and the longer-term plans for one of Dubai’s key transport corridors. And finally, a career-pivot success story. From Google executive to award-winning restaurateur, Lynn Hazim discusses the story behind Middle Child and the realities of building three food concepts under one roof.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saudi Aramco reported a 33 per cent jump in quarterly profit after oil prices surged above $100 a barrel during the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Amena Bakr, Head of Middle East Research at Kpler, unpacks the numbers and tells us what drove the rise in earnings, what it means for energy markets, the Gulf economy and consumers, and whether the market is returning to normal. Meanwhile, ADNOC Distribution posted record first-half earnings as fuel demand remained strong across the region. CFO Ali Siddiqi joins the Business Breakfast to discuss what is driving the company’s next phase of growth beyond fuel. Plus, we examine how UAE recruitment trends shifted in the first half of 2026, with data pointing to cautious hiring among employers and growing candidate frustration over recruitment ghosting. Luke Collins, Managing Director of Collins Search, joins us to launch Matchly, a new AI-powered job platform designed to promote fair hiring and tackle ghosting. And finally, while many restaurants slow down during summer, Chef Sperxos turns his attention to private dining, luxury events and high-end clients. The Business Breakfast Summer Strategy series continues, looking at how Dubai businesses adapt during the traditionally quieter months and why summer can be one of the smartest times to grow. This time, we explore the business of summer dining with Chef Sperxos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 August 2026. Middle East Film & Comic Con returns to Abu Dhabi in September with an expanded programme and ambitions to surpass last year’s attendance of more than 46,000. Show Director Loy Pinheiro discusses the move from its traditional April slot, the business of staging a major event amid regional uncertainty, and the new attractions aimed at drawing record crowds. Also, the Business Breakfast can reveal that Thrifty Car Rental UAE has secured an exclusive five-year partnership with Etihad Rail, investing more than AED 10 million in first and last mile transport across all 11 stations. General Manager Amit Kumar discusses the initial fleet of 500 vehicles, digital integration with Etihad Rail’s booking platform and how the service will scale as the national passenger network expands. Plus, Alpha Dhabi Holding reported its strongest half-year performance yet, with net profit surging 48% to AED 9.8 billion. CFO Derek Nicholson discusses the AED 3.7 billion boost from investments including SpaceX, Cerebras and Anthropic. Finally, our Summer Strategy series continues with a look at how sport can help Dubai businesses overcome the traditionally quieter summer period. Stuart Gibb, General Manager of JA Sports & Shooting Club, discusses the growing sports-tourism economy and how combining training facilities, hospitality and lifestyle experiences can attract professional teams, corporate groups and families throughout the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 August 2026: Abu Dhabi’s property market continues to record strong annual gains—but is momentum beginning to slow? Sean Swinburn, Director of Valuations at ValuStrat, gives us a first look at its Q2 2026 data, with quarterly capital value growth easing to 2.1%, its weakest pace in two years. UAE petrol prices have risen for August as renewed geopolitical tensions push Brent crude back above $100 a barrel. Rustin Edwards, Head of Sales at VKG, examines the volatility driving global oil markets and what it could mean for prices at the pump. Plus, UK barrister Byron James has become the first foreign lawyer admitted to the UAE Roll of Advocates. He joins us to discuss what the milestone means for foreign lawyers, international law firms and the UAE’s position as a global legal hub. And Samsung has unveiled its lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet, weighing just 201 grams. Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice President and Head of Mobile Experience at Samsung Gulf Electronics, takes us through the Fold8’s biggest upgrades and discusses what a price tag above $2,000, or around AED 8,000 could mean for demand in the GCC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic growth in the US unexpectedly slowed in the second quarter, despite an increase in consumer spending. Dan Richards of Emirates NBD explains what caused the slowdown and what it means for the US economy. Plus, football’s biggest tournament could soon attract private equity investment, and the team shares its thoughts on what that could mean for the sport. ADNOC Drilling reports record first-half revenue of $2.46 billion, with CFO Youssef Salem discussing what drove the results and the company’s growth strategy. We also examine the renewed disruption facing Gulf aviation as major international carriers extend flight suspensions, with some routes not expected to resume until 2027. Plus, Montenegro is emerging as a new holiday destination following the introduction of temporary visa-free entry for eligible UAE residents. DW Travel’s Emily Jenkins talks us through the conditions and costs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran's Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) could extend its remit beyond merchant shipping to include subsea cable installation and maintenance in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring permits or fees for cable-laying vessels that can remain stationary for extended periods. Baker Botts partner Joshua Cole explains the potential impact on international connectivity and costs. Meanwhile, Nigel Green of deVere Group discusses UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's priorities, what his government could mean for investments, and the implications for British nationals living in both the UK and the UAE. Plus, Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD breaks down the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision. Finally, one week after the UAE's first national payment card, Jaywan, went live, Andrea Cianchetti of Al Etihad Payments explains how it works, how to get one, and the different card tiers available. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Jul 2026. We continue the earnings conversation following SK Hynix's results and ahead of updates from the hyperscalers. Monte Safieddine of Capital.com explains what has been moving the tech sector and what could drive markets in the coming sessions. Also, Dan Richards of Emirates NBD looks ahead to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, the factors policymakers are weighing and why the decision has become so politically charged. We also looked at Aster Clinics’ AED 100 million plan to expand its UAE primary-care network to more than 100 facilities by 2030. Plus, Lara Ewing, Head of Dubai Opera, discusses the recovery of the live-events industry as more international performances are lined up in Dubai. And with some UAE residents reconsidering European holidays due to visa delays, Jatin Sharda of Tunz Travel explains how early travellers should apply and what to do if a visa does not arrive before a booked flight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Jul 2026. Longer stays now account for nearly 70% of booked nights in Dubai’s short-term rental market. We speak to Luis Santos of First Class Property Management about what is driving the shift towards flexible monthly living. Plus, a quarter of junior employees surveyed say poor onboarding has made them more likely to leave, while two-thirds say they did not feel supported. Is this down to generational expectations? We ask Megan Prosser of Robert Walters about “lily padding” and whether it is happening in the UAE. Peter Willmott of AtkinsRéalis takes us inside the plans for Abu Dhabi’s $1.7 billion Sphere. And Meerah Ketait of dnata Travel explains why Asia is having a breakout summer with UAE travellers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27.07.2026 Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a record 670,000 plus visitors during the first half of 2026, driven by strong domestic tourism despite regional tensions disrupting international travel. We asked Phillipa Harrison, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), how they achieved it. Earnings season continues, with Union Properties reporting a 68% year-on-year surge in H1 2026. As the Dubai developer transitions from financial restructuring to sustainable growth, CEO Eng. Amer Khansaheb told us more. Plus, we looked at whether the conflict is making SMEs more aware of credit insurance—and whether it should. Roopesh Punjabi of Earnest Insurance tells us more. And finally, our Summer Strategy series continues, examining how Dubai businesses are pivoting during the typically quieter months. Ekaterina Gorbacheva from Udora reveals the latest summer shopping trends and explains how the company keeps customers engaged throughout the slow season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Jul 2026. Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) saw revenue and net profit fall as tourism and airport demand weighed on earnings, though Group CEO Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi says the company is seeing early signs of normalisation. Plus, with pressure on both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, we look at how the crisis is changing what a good contract looks like, with Amir Kordvani of PwC Middle East. And rising coffee prices mean more of us are making our own, apparently says FT. Are we seeing the same here. we asked Garfield Kerr of Mokha 1450.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Jul 2026. Dubai inflation rose to 5.7% in June on the back of higher fuel and food costs, although monthly gains came at their slowest pace in several months. We get the reaction from Emirates NBD’s Nick Stadtmiller, and find out why he thinks the Fed might start cutting next year. Plus, 2025 was the year of funds and family offices moving to the UAE. Has the conflict put paid to their expansion? We speak to the man who finds them their CEOs, Oscar Orellana-Hyder of Cordell Partners. And Aramex has a new CEO. We speak to Amadou Diallo about where he’s taking the business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Jul 2026. Betterhomes says the conflict is actually bringing some clarity to Dubai’s real estate market. We ask how, with Richard Waind. Plus, a major new sovereign AI data centre has just gone live in Ras Al Khaimah. We find out what it tells us about the UAE’s AI ambitions with Jimi Ibrahim of IOPn. We also get the latest read on oil, trade and tariffs with Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD. And a seven-bed villa on Dubai’s Billionaire Row has just been leased for AED 17 million a year, a new record. We find out more with Abdullah Alajaji of Driven Forbes Global Properties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Jul 2026. Warehouse demand is rising in Dubai, and prices with it, despite the conflict. We speak to Sean Swinburne of ValuStrat about why. Plus, with the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, Gulf oil has leaned on the Red Sea and overland pipelines. Now that backup is under pressure too. We get the analysis on what it means for supply and prices with Robin Mills of Qamar Energy. And gold was the UAE’s leading non-oil trade commodity in the first half of the year, new numbers show. We find out more about how it’s been moving with Aliasgar Tambawala of the Klay Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Jul 2026 Some Gulf flights are being rescheduled, but airlines are keeping the region moving. We find out how with Kashif Khalid of IATA. Plus, TikTok has been taking stock of its operations here in the UAE, and we speak to one of its regional GMs, Shadi Kandil. We also look at why financial services growth is outpacing much of the UAE’s private sector, with Aakash Bassi of Grant Thornton. And Treo Homes has posted another record month for sales and rentals despite the headwinds. We find out how with Aron Lomax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Jul 2026. Spain against Argentina in the final on Sunday. But behind the football, has the first 48-team World Cup actually paid off? We get the commercial verdict from Abigail Carpenter of Greenberg Traurig. Plus, Dubai has handed over its biggest batch of new homes in years. Is the market finally shifting towards buyers? We ask Andrew Cummings of Savills. India has issued guidance for its sailors in the Strait of Hormuz, and we look at the implications for shipping with Captain Zarir Irani (yes, we have a Captain!). And opening a business bank account in the UAE could soon take minutes, not days. We find out how CBD’s new mobile bank for small businesses works with Dhiraj Kunwar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Jul 2026. Dubai’s GDRFA issued more than one million new residence permits and 66,000 Golden Visas in the first half of 2026. We discuss what does that tell us about the emirate’s ability to attract talent, investors and businesses, and what could it mean for economic growth. Plus, if conflict is driving oil higher, why isn’t gold behaving like a traditional safe haven? We ask Marex. And the UN’s maritime body has raised concerns over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. We discuss the impact on global trade and shipping with maritime security expert Christopher Long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Jul 2026. Parkin reveals its first expansion outside Dubai, into Sharjah. Naveed Khawaja joins us with the details and what it means. Plus, US inflation has cooled sharply, the biggest monthly fall in six years, but with oil surging again, can it last? Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD breaks it down. Oil is climbing after fresh tanker attacks, and the FT reports DP World is in talks to build a new port that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz entirely. Robin Mills of Qamar Energy has the analysis. And our Summer Strategy series continues. When business slows, do you discount, collaborate or expand? Bart Misztal of Naughty Pizza did all three.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Jul 2026. Oil is surging and Kpler’s own data shows tanker traffic has halved in a week. We get the latest with Matt Stanley. Plus, GCC hiring has contracted for the first time in seven quarters. Dr Trefor Murphy of Cooper Fitch has the Q2 numbers. Taaleem’s revenue is up 19% and profits are climbing even through the turmoil. We speak to CEO Alan Williamson. And we meet the gym chain behind the world’s first muscle thobe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Jul 2026. Mortgage enquiries fell off a cliff when the conflict began. Now they’re almost back. Sam Amidi of Mortgage Finder has the first half numbers. Plus, Tabby is moving beyond buy now pay later, and Zarik Nabi reveals what’s next right here on the Business Breakfast. DIFC Courts has just had its busiest six months ever. Registrar Ayesha Bin Kalban has the exclusive figures. And Ryan and Calvin Smith on opening what they believe is the world’s largest bespoke tailoring showroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Jul 2026. We find out how Dubai's original value clothing chain has reacted to the arrival of a 100 pound gorilla. We've got the new-ish CEO of Landmark's Max Fashion, Hani Weiss. Plus, what has June meant for Dubai property valuations and transactions? The team at ValuStrat are seeing some interesting new movements. We speak to their Head of Research, Haider Tuaima.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Jul 2026. We find out more about the Dubai vertiport that the aviation regulator has just signed off, with the people who built it, Damian Kysely of Skyports. Plus, we’ve got Malina Ngai, Global CEO of beauty retailer AS Watsons, in the studio during her one day visit to the UAE. And we’re kicking off a new series today, Summer Strategy, asking what businesses are putting in place for the hotter months. First up, Abdulla Al Shaibani of Axeed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Jul 2026. In an extended interview, Ramesh Cidambi, MD of Dubai Duty Free, tells us what the conflict has meant for one of the world’s busiest travel retail hubs, from holding onto staff to how shoppers have changed and what’s next for the summer. Plus, Dubai’s most expensive school is at it again. Joshua Levenson of GEMS SRI on the launch of the region’s first school-based Motorsport Academy, where the idea came from and what it costs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.