Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

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.

20 Oct 2025. Are tee times in Dubai getting harder to book and pricier too? We speak to Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf, about why membership costs are rising and what it means for the city’s growing golf scene. Plus, we get a first look at Kearney’s new Global Cities Report with principal Brenna Buckstaff, and check in with Brands for Less co-founder Toufic Kreidieh one year after selling a 35% stake to TK Maxx.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Oct 2025. LVMH shares have posted their best day in more than two decades on hopes the Chinese luxury shopper is making a comeback. We ask the team at Chalhoub what this could mean for the region’s high-end market. Plus, Canadian prop-tech firm 1VALET is bringing its smart-building technology to Dubai, but how much does it really cost to make a building intelligent? And finally, would you be happy to have a chip implanted in your brain? Georgia Tolley speaks to the CEO of Paradromics, the U.S. company starting clinical trials next year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Oct 2025. Heriot-Watt University is expanding into Saudi Arabia after receiving the green light to open a new campus. We speak to Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt Dubai, about what this means for the university’s regional footprint. Plus, on Day 2 of our broadcast from Ajman, we turn the spotlight on Al Zorah - the coastal community fast becoming a luxury hotspot. We speak to CCO Salim Fleifel about how the emirate is shaping its place on the UAE’s real estate map. And Espace Real Estate reveals what their Q3 data says about the direction of Dubai’s property market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Oct 2025. The IMF has raised its forecast for global growth this year to 3.2%, though it warns that the full impact of trade tariffs has yet to be felt, and the outlook remains “dim.” We speak live from Washington to ADCB Chief Economist Monica Malik for the latest from the IMF meetings. Plus, we’re live from Ajman to find out exactly what's being built here at Al Zorah City with the development company behind the coastal project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Oct 2025. Dubizzle will sell just over 30% of its shares ahead of a November listing on the Dubai Financial Market. CEO Haider Ali Khan joins us to discuss what’s next. Plus, Haus & Haus releases its Q3 Market Report, MD Simon Baker explain the result. And Abu Dhabi unveils the world’s first “AI-native government” - we speak to H.E. Ruba Yousef Al Hassan about the new AutoGov system launched at GITEX Global 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Oct 2025. We get analysis from market expert Sameer Lakhani on what the listing means for investors and the UAE’s tech scene. Plus, Chinese company Xpeng AeroHT has carried out the first international public flight of its eVTOL and “Land Aircraft Carrier” in Dubai. The Business Breakfast’s Georgia Tolley caught up with the company’s CFO and Vice President, Michael Chu, right after the test flight. And Amazon has launched a new scheme to recycle delivery packaging in the UAE — we speak to the company making it happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Oct 2025. More retirees are moving to Dubai, often to be closer to family. We look at what it takes to make the move, from visas to insurance, and speak to one entrepreneur who helped her 92-year-old mother-in-law settle into life in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Oct 2025. Riyadh Air has confirmed the date of its inaugural flight, launching to London on October 26, with a Dubai route following a month later. We speak to aviation expert Nick Humphrey to put the launch in context. Plus, ADNOC confirms dividend distributions across all six of its listed subsidiaries, we get the details from CFO Peter van Driel. And as #AbuDhabiGP 2025 approaches, we talk Formula 1-nomics with Ethara, exploring how the race drives tourism, spending, and entertainment in the capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Oct 2025. Majid Al Futtaim is going green - literally. The company has announced plans to build its 30th shopping mall in a forest. We speak to Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO of Asset Management, about this bold new project and what it means for sustainable retail. Plus, what do new reports from the World Bank and WTO mean for oil production and consumption? Energy expert Matt Stanley breaks it down. And gold prices hit new records, gold expert Jeff Rhodes joins us live in the studio to explain what’s driving the surge, and how high it could go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 Oct 2025. A major new global study reveals what travellers really want from airports and airlines and what they’re actually willing to pay for. We speak to regional aviation leader Adonis Succarm about the findings. Plus, Careem expands its services in Sharjah, joined by VP of Food, Jaskaran Singh. And Dubai opens a huge new bridge at Mall of the Emirates, we get all the details from RTA’s Ahmed Al Khzaimy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06 Oct 2025. The UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute has hit a new milestone in space propulsion. We get the details of this “big rocket-thrusting announcement” from Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, Chief Researcher at TII’s Propulsion and Space Research Center. Plus, as the US government shutdown heads into its second week, we look at what it could mean for the UAE economy with Professor Adam Ramey of NYU Abu Dhabi and Emirates NBD economist Ed Bell. And as we count down to our NIO electric car giveaway, we continue our “Charge & Chat” series, recorded while cruising in the back seat of a NIO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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