Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

13 May 2025. Markets rally as the US and China agree to slash tariffs, is this the moment tech stocks and investors have been waiting for? We ask top analyst Dan Ives. Plus, ADNOC L&S reports earnings - CFO Nick Gleeson joins us. And we talk digital banking and disruption with Starling Bank CEO Raman Bhatia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 May 2025. Trump is heading to the Middle East with stops in Saudi, Qatar, and the UAE. Moody’s economist Gaurav Ganguly gives us his watchlist ahead of the visit. Plus, we speak to the chief development officer behind the Jebel Ali Racecourse masterplan. And as earnings season continues, we hear from dnata’s Steve Allen and Talabat CFO Khaled Al Faqsh on profits, tariffs, and growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 May 2025. Big changes are coming to Jebel Ali Racecourse, we get details from our property expert Zhann Jochinke. Plus, Emirates delivers record-breaking numbers. Aviation expert Nick Humphrey breaks down what’s driving the success. And Abu Dhabi heads to Tokyo - we speak to ADIO about the growing investment opportunities with Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 May 2025. It’s mouse-onomics on The Business Breakfast as Miral signs a deal to bring a Disney theme park to Abu Dhabi, the seventh in the world, and the first new park since 2016. We unpack what it means for the economy, tourism, hospitality, and job creation across the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 May 2025. Dubai’s MBS Global Investments is backing a $9 billion plan to build a tax-free financial hub in the Maldives, we speak to Nadeem Hussein about what’s coming. Plus, earnings season rolls on with results from Presight, CEO Thomas Pramotedham crunching the numbers for us. And with Dubai hosting GameExpo, we dive into the UAE’s $16.7 billion gaming boom with Xsolla’s Rytis Joseph Jan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 May 2025. Dubai’s population is reportedly growing by 1,000 people a day, but are there enough jobs to go around? We ask the recruitment experts. Plus, with Dubai’s Capital Market Summit kicking off, Citi’s Rudy Saadi joins us with a preview of the key themes. And private jet traffic is soaring, we speak to Tariq Bin Ghalaita of Dubai South to find out why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 May 2025. We ask MD Ramesh Cidambi how much of that is thanks to one viral chocolate bar. Plus, Ian Johnston is stepping down (again) as CEO of the DFSA, is it goodbye for good this time? And ADNOC Gas posts its Q1 earnings, CFO Peter van Driel joins us live with the numbers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 May 2025 - More than 4.5 million travellers passed through Sharjah International Airport during the first quarter of 2025. It's an 8 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Private aircraft handling services provider Gama Aviation's Tom Murphy joins The Business Breakfast team to discuss air traffic increase and their investment in Sharjah that costs millions of dollars. Brandy Scott also speaks with Peter Zemsky about INSEAD's launch of the Human Machine Institute. And we talk business networking with the team from BNI UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 May 2025. It's a strong and steady start of the year for Dubai International Airport, as it welcomed 23.4 million guests in the first quarter of the year. Richard Dean discusses the numbers with Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths. We also hear from Griffiths what they are planning for DWC Al Maktoum International to create a seamless experience for guests. Brandy Scott also speaks with the Deputy President and CCO of Emirates, Adnan Kazim, about the future of the carrier. Plus, Matthew Macloughlin from Espace Real Estate joins the team following the release of their property report for Q1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, says the results are due out by early May. Sheikh Ahmed also answers if tariffs are having an effect on Emirates supply chain or cargo business, including Brandy Scott's question about passenger traffic to and from the US. Qamar Energy's Ahmad Zaheer joins The Business Breakfast as the team ask, do US tariffs offer new opportunities for the UAE?Plus, Middle East travel spending has adapted to global shifts according to experts speaking at ATM this year. Ciaran Kelly from FCM Travel gives his take.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE’s aviation industry is not affected so far by Trump tariffs and the unfolding trade war, according to the CEO of Fly Dubai, Ghaith Al Ghaith and Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. We also look at the growth of one of the Gulf's newest tourist hotspots - AlUla. And Mark Weinstein, Chief Marketing Officer of Hilton, joins The Business Breakfast as we broadcast live from Hilton Conrad Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Apr 2025. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at the Dubai World Trade Centre shares details behind the figure, including the number of jobs supported by its large-scale events. The recent slide of the US dollar is prompting investors to reassess their portfolio strategies, particularly those heavily weighted toward US-based assets. Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at Etoro, gives his take. Plus, are ongoing tariffs impacting the retail grocery sector in the UAE? We ask Halima Jumani, the CEO of Kibsons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Apr 2025. Fuel delivery firm Cafu is reportedly looking to raise funds by selling a stake. The news comes as Cafu reintroduced delivery fees for filling up cars, ranging from 12 to 20 dirhams. We speak to Head of Partnerships Alaa El Huni about what’s behind the move. Plus, Pure Harvest’s Sky Kurtz is turning fruit into luxury preserves. And Oliver Wyman ranks 1,500 global cities for business attractiveness, we get the insights from Partner Ben Simpfendorfer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Apr 2025. More commercial space, more rental stock, but will prices follow? We speak to CRC’s Ben Bargh and Betterhomes CEO Louie Harding. Plus, PayPal opens its Middle East HQ in Dubai. We ask Suzan Kereere why now, and why here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Apr 2025. The IMF has trimmed its UAE growth forecast for 2025, from 5% to 4%. We spoke to Ed Bell from Emirates NBD and Charu Chanana from Saxo Bank about what it means. Plus, can the UAE really lead in AI? The team behind Wadi AI thinks so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Apr 2025. Dubai inflation has eased to 2.8%, the slowest pace in six months. We get economist Ed Bell’s take on what it means for your wallet. Plus, Cordell Partners breaks down UAE finance sector salaries: what’s hot, what’s not, and whether pay is keeping up with the cost of living. And as global tariffs rise, could aircraft prices follow? Aviation expert Mark D. Martin weighs in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Apr 2025. The UAE saw just over 1% growth in new employment in Q1, according to Cooper Fitch. So has the busy start to the year really translated into jobs? We break it down with their latest report. Plus, we’re joined in our pop-up studio by Arjun Sarkar, Vice-President of our hosts Dubai CommerCity. And the RTA signs an MoU with Baidu’s Apollo Go - we speak to Khaled Al Awadhi about autonomous taxis hitting Dubai roads in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Apr 2025. Art Dubai is back — but just how big is the business behind the art? We speak to Executive Director Benedetta Ghione about the creative economy’s growing role in the UAE. Plus, crypto platform MANTRA sees wild swings — we ask the CEO what’s driving the volatility. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Apr 2025. The Mall of the Emirates is getting a 5 billion dirham facelift. We speak to Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, about what’s changing—and what it means for jobs and the wider Dubai economy. Meanwhile, Wall Street takes another hit, with Nvidia leading the slide. But US investor Keith Fitz-Gerald says there’s still plenty of upside if you know where to look.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Apr 2025. We look at how the floods reshaped everything from airport infrastructure to data resilience with insights from DXB International airport CEO Paul Griffiths. Plus, Dubizzle Group is making moves, acquiring Property Monitor. We speak to Dubizzle CEO Haider Ali Khan and Property Monitor COO Zhann Johincke on what the deal means for UAE’s property data game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Apr 2025. Taaleem is bringing a second Harrow International School to Dubai — we speak to CEO Alan Williamson about the expansion of their ultra-premium education offering. Silicon Valley analyst Dan Ives joins us on Apple’s narrow escape from Trump’s tariffs. And Rachael Kennerley breaks down why Dubai and Abu Dhabi have topped Savills’ global wealth index — and why the world’s wealthiest are making the UAE their new home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Apr 2025. Al Ansari Exchange is expanding — we speak to CEO Rashid Al Ansari about their $200 million deal in Bahrain. Despite Trump’s partial U-turn on tariffs, bond yields are still climbing — NYU Abu Dhabi’s Barthelemy Bonadio explains why. Plus, market strategist Jessica Amir joins us to analyse Trump’s decision to spare smartphones and computers in the latest round of trade war tactics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Apr 2025. We speak to commodity investment expert Jake Hanley to find out why they matter more than we think. Plus, the UAE has done well in Kearney's latest FDI confidence index - but what could the tariff mess mean for it all? We ask to Elena Siegel. And we find out who will blink first in the trade stand-off between the US and China with Dr. Pippa Malmgren an economist, author and technologist, and she worked in the White House as an advisor to George W. Bush.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Apr 2025. Professor Adam Ramey of New York University Abu Dhabi shared his take on Trump, tariffs and tantrums in the MAGA camp, while CNN’s Juliana Liu joins us live from Hong Kong with a China-focused take. And as Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan completes his first official visit to India, we look at the messaging behind what he got up to with Swarup Gupta, Head of the Sovereign ESG Ratings service at the Economist Intelligence Unit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Apr 2025. Big focus on the economics of sport! PwC’s Nicholas Mayer joins us to explain the 9% annual growth in the sports economy, led by Saudi Arabia’s strategic play. Plus, we dive into the NFL’s surprising UAE move as the 49ers scout new fans abroad. And can AI really sort out your savings? We speak to the team behind Yabi, a new app taking on the region’s financial literacy gap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Apr 2025. With markets and crypto swinging wildly, is this just turbulence - or a golden buying moment? We break it down with Gary Dugan of The Global CIO Office and crypto expert Saqr Ereiqat. Plus, Mohammed Ali Yasin on how far UAE markets could slide. And as Standard Chartered warns of ‘stagflation,’ the bank’s MENA economist Carla Slim joins us to explain what they’re seeing across the global economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 Apr 2025. We've got a range of experts to answer questions on the Trump tariffs, including a member of Dubai’s Indian Business and Professional Council. Plus, we find out if this will slow the UAE’s luxury car exports with Craig Stevens, CEO of DubiCars. And, we talk real estate with our favourite Saudi broker in the Dubai market: Abudullah Alajaji of Driven Properties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Apr 2025. Markets tumble as Trump rolls out sweeping tariffs. Monte Safieddine, Head of Market Research at capital.com breaks down the impact on markets and investor confidence. Plus, Dragon’s Den star James Caan expands his private equity firm to the Middle East—he joins us with his new MENA CEO to reveal what’s next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Apr 2025. We reaction and analysis on the impact of tariffs on GCC trade and the price of goods. Plus, whether Trump's tariffs / these levies could push up shipping costs for UAE businesses and expats with Stefania Sierra, General Manager of DASA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Apr 2025. Trump’s new tariffs could hit all countries, shaking up global trade and markets. What’s the real impact? We crossed live to Hong Kong with economist Nick Marro. Plus, Middle East air travel is up again - but will Trump’s immigration crackdown hit tourism? We asked Kashif Khalid, Director - operations, safety & security Affairs of IATA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Mar 2025. We speak to the Colombian coffee farmer behind The Reformatory Lab. Plus, M&A deals in the UAE topped $19 billion last year, and demand for insurance to protect them is soaring. We unpack Marsh’s new report with Luke Sutton - Head of Transactional Risk. And, we talked to the company with the 87 day employee carnival. The CEO of Emrill explained it all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Mar 2025. It’s been five years since Business Breakfast went on dubaione TV during COVID. We look back at how the pandemic reshaped businesses and what’s changed since. Plus, on the back of BYD's big global ambitions, we look at how they're selling here with Al Futtaim. And, variable parking is coming in after the Eid holidays. We'll speak to Parkin COO Osama Al Safi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Mar 2025. We look at what it could mean for oil prices with Matt Stanley, Head of Market Engagement - EMEA & APAC at Kpler. Plus, we speak to Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim about the fine art of refitting a plane. And, are more expats embracing Abayas for Iftar? And is it driving a spike in sales. We asked Suzan Al Sadi, Fashion Designer & Co Founder at Rozan Designs Modest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Mar 2025. We look at what the boss is getting paid, with the annual CEO report from recruiters Cooper Fitch. Plus, Warner Brothers Discovery has made a 'strategic minority investment' in OSN, what will it mean for subscribers? We asked OSN Group CEO Joe Kawkabani. And, AI scams, cloud attacks, and evolving cyber threats. Fabio Fratucello from CrowdStrike explains how you can stay cyber-resilient.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Mar 2025. As Eid Al-Fitr approaches, the region is gearing up for one of the busiest gifting seasons of the year. We speak to FedEx about gifts and the delivering of them. Plus, as we come to the end of our first quarter with a new smart rental index, we look at what impact it has had with Bayut. And, we discuss the $14.5 billion Nord Anglia deal and what it means for UAE schools with David Westley, GM and Founder of Which Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Mar 2025. We speak to the DWTC boss about their bump in visitors Diego Cortese. Plus, company helping other companies to do good, about the record demand they've seen this Ramadan. And, what’s driving high-net-worth individuals and businesses to Dubai? We get the legal perspective from Shahram Safai of Afridi & Angell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Mar 2025. We get reaction to that Fed decision from last night with economist Jeanne Walters of Emirates NBD. Plus, is it too late to bag a bargain Eid flight? We asked Nicky Younger, Travel Counsellor. And it’s Property Pulse with Espace Real Estate, breaking down sales volumes, prices, and investor activity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Mar 2025. We discuss whats driving the demand with CEO & Founder Kareem Abughazaleh. Plus, HSBC economist Simon Williams about how he uses proxy data to track the UAE economy. And, fuel waste is costing businesses billions. What’s the solution? We’ll ask Rob Mortimer of fuelre4m.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Mar 2025. We speak to a lawyer, Jayshree Gupta - Founding Partner and Managing Director at The In-House Company (THINC) about the change in Dubai's freezone rules. Plus, we look at a government focus on more affordable homes for Dubai with property research expert Taimur Khan of JLL. And, Abu Dhabi’s property prices are rising. Cushman & Wakefield Core run us through their findings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Mar 2025. That’s according to a new report from Arton Capital. We speak to Armand Arton what’s driving the trend. Plus, starting a new series of Ramadan interviews this morning - speaking to companies going the extra mile for their employees, and finding out the business benefits of doing so. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Mar 2025. Chairman Ahmed bin Sulayem said the ports and logistics company is press ahead with investment plans. But warned of and uncertain outlook amid the “changing global trade landscape.” Plus, we get the market reaction with Monte Safieddine asUS stock markets fell as much as 2% overnight, with analysts again blaming uncertainty over tariffs. And we look at what the UK Government's 20% tax on private school fees has meant for appetite from parents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Mar 2025. We look at why Saudi game developer Scopley has bought Pokemon Go in a deal worth 3 and a half billion dollars from creator Niantic with Kevin Sebastian. Plus we find out about Dubai's latest freezone - this one aimed at sports and media personalities. And, Dubai Eye stalwart Robbie Greenfield joins us, to reveal his latest business venture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Mar 2025. We speak to CEO Fayez Ibbini of newly listed Alpha Data about their plans following their first day on the market. Plus, we talk fintech start-ups with the head of Standard Chartered’s venture capital arm, Gautam Jain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Mar 2025. We find out more about who needs to get their calculators in a row, and what happens if you don't, with the experts from Aurifer, Nirav Rajput. Plus, car insurance premiums in the UAE have climbed between 30 and 70% since last Aprils flood. That's what the CEO of Policybazaar.ae has told Business Breakfast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Mar 2025. We speak to Deloitte Middle East about hybrid working, after the US tax practice linked attendance to annual bonuses. Plus, Dubai’s office rents are up 9.1% in H2 2024 according to Knight Frank, Adam Wynne, Partner and Head of Commercial Agency in Dubai discuss. And, we get reaction to Mark Carney’s victory in the Canadian leadership battle with our Canadian Economist, Ed Bell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 Mar 2025. We find out with Chief Everything Officer of Contractors.direct, David Cook on what they are seeing. Plus, we speak to Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, about the space they're retrofitting to attract fledgling hedge funds. And, Majra is set to launch the Sustainable Impact Challenge for the companies in the UAE: Sarah Shaw, Director of the National CSR Fund break down all the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06 Mar 2025. The non-oil sector led the gains, expanding 4.5%. Economist Ed Bell shared his key takeaways. Plus, we get reaction to the latest Trump tariff twists and turns, with Monica Malik, chief economist at ADCB. And, we speak to the boss of finance company Deem – he’s just raised $400 million, and he reveal how he plans to spend it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 Mar 2025. What does it mean for prices, and what does it mean for us? We get the thoughts of energy expert Amina Bakr and economist Daniel Richards. Plus, Economist Khatija Haque makes a welcome return to the Business Breakfast studio, in her new role as chief economist with Mastercard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Mar 2025. Wissam Breidy, CEO of HRE Development, joins us to talk real estate with a purpose. Plus, CEO Dino Varkey told Reuters that the UK is a key source market for the UAE, after Britain put 20% tax on private school fees. And energy demand in Dubai climbed 5% last year, according to DEWA. We get the thoughts of economist Daniel Richards on his estimate/assumption for UAE population growth last year and in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Mar 2025. We look at the business of pricing an iftar with Eti Bhasin Owner and Director of Majestic Hotels. Plus first working day of the month, we look at petrol prices with Economist Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Feb 2025. It came during a visit to Islamabad by Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince. Jeanne Walters of Emirates NBD gave some background and context on economic ties. Plus, we speak to the company helping UAE businesses accept payments in crypto. And, we look at the economics of investing in racehorses – with a tokenisation twistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.