Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

06 Jan 2025. The UAE’s new sugar-based tax is now live. Will it push up prices on fizzy drinks and sweetened products? We ask Spinneys whether shoppers will feel it at the till. Plus, BYD is now the world’s biggest EV company, we speak to Al-Futtaim about demand in the UAE. And UAE banks are switching off OTPs for online purchases. What does that mean for security and customers? We break it down with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 Jan 2025. US President Donald Trump says US oil companies could invest billions in Venezuela. What would American big oil returning to Venezuela mean for global supply, oil prices, and the UAE? We ask energy expert Robin Mills. Plus, we get a Business Breakfast first look at a new global index ranking the world’s most start-up-ready cities with Multipolitan CEO Nirbhay Handa. And BYD is now the world’s biggest EV maker, we checked the appetite for electric cars in the UAE with Craig Stevens of dubicars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Jan 2025. Dubai Duty Free has capped off 2025 with record-breaking sales, nearly 10% higher than last year, with December the strongest month in its 42-year history. We break down the numbers with Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi. Plus, crystal-ball time - we look at what could 2026 mean for key sectors from F&B to recruitment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 Dec 2025. It’s the final Business Breakfast of 2025. As Dubai gears up for New Year’s Eve celebrations, the RTA reveals how it plans to keep the city moving, from extended Metro hours to road closures and crowd management. We speak to Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA. Plus, we look ahead to 2026, what could the year bring for energy markets, Dubai real estate, insurance costs, and business confidence as we gaze into the Business Breakfast crystal ball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Dec 2025. Dubai Airport has just handled its busiest Christmas on record, and now all eyes are on the New Year rush. We break down the numbers and how DXB is preparing for peak travel. Plus, continuing our NYE-nomics: how much do fireworks and drone shows really cost, and can Dubai’s transport system cope with demand on the biggest night of the year? We ask Zed. And with the population growing fast, Etihad Credit Bureau reveals what it means for credit scores and financial resilience in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Dec 2025. New Year’s Eve in Dubai is big business. From Burj Khalifa view hotel rates to floating parties and private drivers, we break down what midnight really costs this year. Plus, where are UAE travellers heading for 2026? Wego reveals the most-booked destinations, last-minute trends, and what’s still available.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Dec 2025. It's almost Christmas! Will there be books under the tree this year? We ask the boss of Kinokuniya what’s selling in the final festive rush. Plus, a new housing project linked to Riyadh’s rail expansion, and with gold at record highs and markets wobbling, Century Financial’s Vijay Valecha explains what’s driving global prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Dec 2025. Teneo’s Vision 2026 survey shows optimism at the top - but impatience among investors. We break down why CEOs still back AI despite mixed returns, what it means for hiring with Nick McDonagh, Regional MD at Teneo. Plus, a headhunter responds to a controversial hiring request, and we explore the business of Christmas pantos in Dubai with Lisa Scott-Lee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Dec 2025. Demand for short-term rentals in Dubai is surging ahead of New Year’s Eve, especially apartments with a Burj Khalifa fireworks view. We ask Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, what it’ll cost you this year. Plus, what the next single-use plastic ban means for businesses in 2026 with Francois De Bie, COO, Emirates Bioplastic. And why tax, AI and governance are now front and centre for Gulf companies with Jade Wong of Sovereign PPG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Dec 2025. Dubai Duty Free marks 42 years, and MD Ramesh Cidambi joins us early to share how they’re celebrating and where sales are heading. Plus, what Christmas corporate catering says about business confidence, a deep dive into Dubai’s red-hot prime property market with Savills, and our 2025 Energy Round-Up with energy expert Matt Stanley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Dec 2025. Are more Dubai families opting for takeaway turkey this Christmas? We ask Jones the Grocer CEO Yunib Siddiqui what it means for festive food spending. Plus, Expo City Dubai launches a new leadership initiative, we get the details from CHRO Marjan Faradooni. And Rove Hotels is expanding into Saudi Arabia. COO Paul Bridger explains why now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Dec 2025. Emirates NBD has released a series of forecasts for 2026 - covering growth, oil, and the dollar. Acting Chief Economist Ed Bell breaks down what to expect. Plus, new tax rules come into force on January 1 - we speak to a friendly accountant on what businesses need to know. And Alvarez & Marsal’s Sam Gidoomal unpacks the latest UAE Banking Pulse, analysing performance across the country’s biggest lenders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Dec 2025. We continue our Christmas-nomics series, looking at how much we’re spending on trees and gifts with category managers from Ferns N Petals and Noon. Plus, as DXB heads into its busiest weeks of the year, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths tells us how the airport is managing the festive travel surge. And the RTA reveals fresh details on the Dubai Metro Blue Line - executive reporter Fiona Nicole Mee has the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Dec 2025. It’s Christmas-nomics. We break down festive spending in 2025 - from turkeys and chocolates to premium treats, with Spinneys. Plus, Talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez on why he’s stepping down, and our C-Suite Series with HSBC continues as Kitopi co-founder Saman Darkkhan talks about scaling a UAE unicorn and what comes next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Dec 2025. Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) expands with Rotana- what does joining an alliance really mean for travellers? We asked GHA CEO Chris Hartley and Rotana CEO Phil Barnes why loyalty is being rethought as competition heats up. Plus, we discussed what a proposed US move to check travellers’ social media history could mean for ESTA applicants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Dec 2025. The US Federal Reserve has cut rates by 25 basis points, and the UAE Central Bank followed immediately. Economist Ed Bell breaks down what the move means for borrowing, inflation and the wider UAE economy. Plus, Wafi Group and ALMAD Group reveal a major new joint venture to transform Wafi City, announced exclusively on The Business Breakfast. And Binance has secured a full licence for all three of its entities from ADGM. We speak to the company’s CMO about what this milestone means for crypto in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Dec 2025. Abu Dhabi and Dubai both rank highly in a new global financial centres index unveiled at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. We break down what it means with one of the minds behind the rankings. Plus, we speak to the head of the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority on the policy direction for the year ahead. And Presight signs a major AI deal with HSBC, we find out what it means for banking in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Dec 2025. Day 2 of broadcasting live from Abu Dhabi Finance Week: Aldar plans to double office space on Al Maryah Island - CEO Jonathan Emery joined us with the details, and we asked our favourite headhunter who will fill all that space. Plus, how tech is transforming the justice system at ADGM Courts with CEO Linda Fitz-Alan. And ADIO launches its brand-new future economy cluster FIDA - covering fintech, insurance, digital, and alternative assets, executive reporter Georgia Tolley in conversation with Fatima AlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Dec 2025. We’re live from Al Maryah Island for Day 1 of Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, as global leaders gather to shape the future of capital and investment. Fintech Times editor Mark Walker joins us on what the UAE wants to achieve this year. Plus, travel chaos in India over new pilot fatigue rules with aviation expert Mark D Martin, and why UAE firms may be benefiting from tariff uncertainty, with HSBC’s Deyana Cherneva.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 Dec 2025. Dubai’s office market has posted its strongest quarter ever, with AED 3.1 billion in sales. We speak to Cavendish Maxwell’s Zacky Sajjad about what’s driving demand. Plus, F1-nomics - Seven Yachts breaks down how much the marine and hospitality sectors really make. And Sotheby’s brings a billion-dollar showcase to Abu Dhabi as Collectors Week kicks off, Georgia Tolley finding out whether luxury is investment… or indulgence.Finally, Saxo Bank’s Outrageous Predictions 2026 and what the falling Indian rupee means for UAE remittances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Dec 2025. The UAE is rolling out new VAT amendments from January 1st, simplifying procedures and tightening refund and transparency rules to stay aligned with global standards. We get the details from tax expert Thomas Vanhee, Founding Partner at Aurifer. Plus, Saudia’s new subscription model, Emirates’ bundled passes, and Asia Pass, why airlines are leaning into special schemes? We asked aviation expert Nick Humprey. And we look ahead to Dubai’s 2026 property outlook with Espace Real Estate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Dec 2025. Dubai Duty Free has posted its strongest monthly sales in more than four decades. We speak to MD Ramesh Cidambi about what drove the record. Plus, AI lunch subscription startup Funch has raised half a million dollars, we find out more with co-founder Ahmad Joehnny. And Samsung unveils its first triple-folding phone, we hear from regional VP Fadi Abu Shamat. Finally, peak season has begun for Dubai hotels. FIVE’s Mushal Nisthar joins us as the city enters its most lucrative two weeks of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Nov 2025. It’s the Eid Al Etihad long weekend - but are there still any staycations available? We check in with a Ras Al Khaimah hotelier to find out. Plus, Dubai is rolling out more than 17,000 affordable homes. Executive reporter Georgia Tolley looks at what this could mean for residents hunting for value in a hot property market. And Property Finder is helping tenants move to monthly rent payments, we speak to the company’s chief revenue officer to learn how it works.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Nov 2025. We’re broadcasting live from the Doers Summit, where Dubai Silicon Oasis is calling for less networking and more deal-making. Director General Badr Buhannad joins us with the vision. It may not be a UAE holiday, but Thanksgiving demand is soaring,we ask CarniStore how much Dubai is willing to spend on turkey day. Plus, what the UK Budget means for wealth flows and property owners here. And finally, Dubai Holding Entertainment unveils two major new attractions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Nov 2025. National Day weekend is almost here - but are there still seats left for a last-minute getaway? We ask travel expert Emily Jenkins. Plus, the boom in family offices is creating new hiring opportunities. Oscar Orellana-Hyder of Cordell Partners explains what roles are in demand.And with record government spending pushing ahead, executive reporter Georgia Tolley looks at whether rising construction costs could make the UAE’s building boom more expensive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Nov 2025. Knight Frank warns that supply could start outpacing demand. We ask Faisal Durrani whether Dubai’s property market is really at risk.Plus, betterhomes reveals a major shift: more than half of tenants now plan to buy a home in Dubai within three years. CEO Louis Harding explains what’s driving long-term staying power. And Dar Global is teaming up with the Trump Organisation to build, and tokenize, a Maldives resort. Finally, rugby goes commercial. All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick joins us to talk about new investment models in the sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Nov 2025. It’s salary survey season and Cooper Fitch is projecting just 1.6% growth in UAE pay next year, why? CEO Trefor Murphy joins us to unpack what that means for workers and employers in 2026. Plus, from dinosaurs to deep space, Georgia Tolley takes us inside Abu Dhabi’s new Natural History Museum and what it means for the capital’s cultural future. And we start the countdown to New Year’s Eve and count the costs with Nando’s!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Nov 2025. Dubai Airshow 2025 is over - who topped the order table? We break it down with aviation expert Nick Humphrey. Plus, what the week meant for private aviation with Vista, and how busy gala season is getting with a designer dress rental founder. And the UAE has scrapped the AED 5,000 minimum salary rule for loans, legal expert Catriona McDevitt explains what it means.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Nov 2025. Georgia Tolley sits down with REGENT’s Co-Founder and CEO to explore the sea-glider set to take to the country’s skies and waterways. Plus, flyadeal announces a new hub. We speak to CEO Steven Greenway about where the airline is heading next. And the UAE wants to be the region’s space capital. H.E. Ibrahim Al Qasim explains how this year’s Airshow pavilion marks a new wave of investment in the sector. Finally, Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah joins us live after being named Ambassador for Run Yas 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Nov 2025. We’re broadcasting live from Day 3 of the Dubai Airshow 2025 - and it’s a full C-suite takeover at the biggest aviation event of the year.We hear from:•⁠ ⁠His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group•⁠ ⁠Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports•⁠ ⁠Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group•⁠ ⁠Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and COO of Emirates AirlineFrom fleet strategy to airport growth to the new era of Gulf aviation, we bring you the biggest headlines straight from Dubai World Central.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Nov 2025. Broadcasting live from the Dubai Airshow 2025, we break down the biggest headline of the week: Emirates has ordered 65 Boeing 777s, along with 130 GE engines, in a deal worth around 38 billion dollars. We speak to Boeing’s VP of Commercial Marketing about what this means for the airline and the future of long-haul travel. Plus, Riyadh Air is pushing ahead despite Boeing delays. Executive reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to CEO Tony Douglas for the inside track. And Dubai’s flying taxis take a major leap toward reality. Georgia also sits down with Joby Aviation after completing the first crewed eVTOL flight between two UAE locations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Nov 2025. Is the city’s liveability being tested, and are some residents at risk of being left behind? Georgia Tolley reports from New York at the Dubai Business Forum. Plus, where are we in the UAE’s CEPA trade deal journey? We put the question to HE Dr Thani Al Zayoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. And in our C-Suite Series, we’re joined by one of the UAE’s most influential public health pioneers, H.E. Dr Mariam Matar, to explore how she has shaped national policy and redefined longevity and well-being.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Nov 2025. Dubai Chambers is heading to the US, opening its first American office in New York, an announcement made at the Dubai Business Forum. Executive reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori about what this means for global trade ties. Plus, with the Dubai Airshow just days away, we check in with DXB Airport CEO Paul Griffiths on what to expect. And Parsons has secured a 56-million-dollar contract for Phase 2 of the Diriyah development, we hear what’s next for one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest giga-projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Nov 2025. Dubai Exhibition Centre’s AED 10 billion expansion is powering ahead, with Phase 1 on track for completion in Q1 2026. We speak to the man leading the push, Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at DWTC, about what’s coming and why it matters for Dubai’s events economy. Plus, Dubai’s residential construction cycle is reportedly compressing, but what does that actually mean for developers, buyers and delivery timelines? Zacky Sajjad of Cavendish Maxwell breaks it down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Nov 2025. Abu Dhabi is building a citywide network of air taxi vertiports, with more than 10 sites planned and the first two ready early next year. We get the full story from Skyports CEO Duncan Walker. Plus, it’s earnings season in the UAE. We break down Q3 results with the C-suites of Fertiglobe, Spinneys, Dubai Taxi Company, and Emsteel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Nov 2025. Abu Dhabi Global Market is marking 10 years, but what will the next decade look like? We speak to Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development, about ADGM’s growth, its role in the UAE’s financial landscape, and what’s next for the capital’s global ambitions.Plus, Autonomous Week takes over Abu Dhabi, bringing the world’s top mobility and AI innovators together, The Business Breakfast’s Fiona Nicole Mee reports from the event.And in Sharjah, BEEAH Group CEO H.E. Khaled Al Huraimel unveils Khalid Bin Sultan City, the emirate’s new blueprint for sustainable living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Nov 2025. Dubai’s economy expanded 4.4% in the first half of 2025, with Q2 growth hitting 4.7%. We ask economist Jeanne Walters which sectors drove the surge and whether the city’s growth story is shifting. Plus, the business of golf is booming: DP World Tour partnership revenues are up 90% in five years. We speak to Josh Lewis about what’s driving global brands to the fairway. And New Balance is running ahead, we talk to regional boss Stuart Henwood about the sneaker brand’s rapid expansion across the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 Nov 2025. Emirates Group has announced another record-breaking half-year, with profits up 13% year-on-year. We crunch those Emirates numbers like a bag of inflight nuts with aviation expert Nick Humphrey. Plus, Microsoft’s Brad Smith joins The Business Breakfast’s Georgia Tolley to discuss the $15 billion investment into the UAE by 2030 to enhance AI and cloud infrastructure and train local talent. And the UAE has unveiled a Dhs170 billion transport overhaul - new highways, wider roads, and faster commutes. We ask Phil Clarke what it really means for drivers and the economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06 Nov 2025. ADNOC Drilling has announced its second regional acquisition, buying an 80% stake in MBS Petroleum Services adding 21 rigs to its fleet and deepening its presence across the Gulf. We speak to CFO Youssef Salem about what the deal means for shareholders and future growth. Plus, tech stocks tumble as chipmakers lose half a trillion dollars in value, we ask analyst Dan Ives whether it’s just a pause or the start of a correction. And Espace Real Estate’s Daniel Abraham breaks down the hidden costs UAE homebuyers keep missing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 Nov 2025. Dubai Holding and Palantir Technologies have launched a joint venture called Aither, aimed at driving AI transformation across the UAE’s public and private sectors. We speak to Palantir EVP Noam Perski to find out what exactly they’ve built and how it will “localise” the economic value of AI. Plus, H&M’s global CEO Daniel Ervér joins us as the retailer celebrates 20 years in Dubai and names the city a key global hub for 2025. And Untold Dubai is back - we speak to co-founder Edy Chereji about the economics behind one of the region’s biggest music festivals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Nov 2025. We speak to Paralympian and entrepreneur Jessica Smith, the woman behind the Purple Dirham - an initiative championing accessibility and inclusion across the UAE. Plus, it’s Eye on Abu Dhabi: Borouge posts a 52% jump in profits, CFO Jan-Martin Nufer explains what’s driving the petrochemicals giant’s record quarter and how it ties into Abu Dhabi’s industrial ambitions.And as Day 2 of ADIPEC gets underway, The Business Breakfast’s Fiona Nicole Mee speaks to AIQ CEO Dennis Jol about how homegrown AI is transforming the UAE’s energy sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Nov 2025. Dubai Duty Free has logged its best-ever October and the third-highest monthly sales in its history. CEO Ramesh Cidambi joins us to break down the numbers behind the record. Plus, Dubai’s off-plan property launches have surged to new highs this year, but is it a sign of opportunity or oversupply? We ask Simon Baker, CEO of haus & haus. And NMC Healthcare CEO David Hadley on rising fast, failing forward, and rebuilding one of the UAE’s biggest healthcare groups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 Oct 2025. Dubai gained 37 new real estate brokers every day last quarter, but how many actually make it in the business? We ask Nathan Kearney of Executive Search what’s behind the surge and whether it’s sustainable. Plus, RAK Properties marks 20 years on the ADX and expands its footprint to Dubai, CEO Sameh Muhtadi joins us live. And as Dubai’s population booms, longevity is becoming big business, AEON founder Dr. Jaffer Khan explains why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Oct 2025. The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by a quarter of a percent and the UAE Central Bank followed immediately. We ask economist Daniel Richards what this means for UAE borrowers, savers, and the wider economy. Plus, the UAE’s ambassador to Japan, His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Al Faheem, joins us live as Asia takes centre stage this week. And it’s Halloweenomics - with cocoa prices climbing, we find out from Spinneys what that means for your sweet treats this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Oct 2025. We spoke to Dr. Trefor Murphy of Cooper Fitch after UAE job creation rose 3% in Q3. Plus Emirates’ Nick Moore on biometrics, Skywards Miles, and the year-end travel rush. And Orange Hospitality’s Omar Saideh on staying profitable in Dubai’s ever-changing dining scene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Oct 2025. The UAE Cabinet has approved the 2026 federal budget, projecting a 30% increase in revenues and balanced spending for another year. We ask Emirates NBD economist Daniel Richards where those gains are likely to come from and what they say about the country’s fiscal health. Plus, it’s earnings season: we speak to the CFO of ADNOC Drilling about their latest results. And we get an exclusive first look at Dubai’s hospitality numbers with the team from Cavendish Maxwell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Oct 2025. Investment firm Amanat plans to sell a 30% stake in its education subsidiary, Al Masar Al Shamil Education, ahead of a listing on Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul. We speak to MD Fadi Habib about what this move means for the region’s booming education sector. Plus, Alshaya opens the Middle East’s first Primark in Kuwait, with three Dubai stores on the way. CEO John Hadden tells us why the region is primed for fast fashion. And we’re live from ICD Brookfield Place celebrating its fifth anniversary, where UAE fitness brand Reform Athletica shares how it’s scaling up into Saudi Arabia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Oct 2025. Loads of masterplan announcement - including Emaar launching Dubai Mansions, 40,000 ultra-luxury homes, as part of a wider 100 billion dirham project called Emaar Hills. We speak to Paul Sharland of haus & haus about what this means for Dubai’s property market. Plus, JGE villas are renting for up to Dhs6,000 a night ahead of the DP World Championship, we find out more with Paul Kelly of Allsopp & Allsopp. And Property Finder is betting big on proptech with a Dhs250 million fundraise and new investment in Stake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Oct 2025. Salary negotiations in the UAE have declined sharply over the past year, according to Michael Page’s latest report. We ask the team behind the report, Jon Ede, what’s driving the shift. Plus, we speak to the man putting the wellness into Al Jurf’s new wellness island. And CBD’s CFO joins us to break down the bank’s latest earnings Q3 results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Oct 2025. Abu Dhabi’s theme park operator Miral Destinations has announced its best summer ever. We speak to the CEO about how they kept the visitors coming through the heat. Plus, Amazon is launching 15-minute delivery in Dubai before anywhere else in the world. We ask regional VP Ronaldo Mouchawar why the UAE was chosen and whether we really need it.Also, we speak to the UAE-based AI payroll startup that raised $12 million, and Dubai’s viral chocolate brand FIX goes exclusive with Careem, we unpack the business behind the sweet deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Oct 2025. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has launched a national campaign positioning the UAE as “The Startup Capital of the World.” We speak to His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, about how the initiative aims to boost entrepreneurship and innovation. Plus, Betterhomes CEO Louie Harding breaks down what the latest rental figures say about life in Dubai today, and Rustin Edwards explains why a billion barrels of oil are now floating at sea and what that means for energy markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.