Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

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.

20 Aug 2025. Today’s show puts the spotlight on facilities management with Engineer Ali AlSuwaidi, Chairman of the Global FM Association and Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration at the American University of Sharjah, and Stuart Harrison, CEO of Emrill. Plus, we look at India’s economy with the S&P analyst behind the country’s first credit rating upgrade in 18 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Aug 2025. We get reaction to the Washington talks from Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Bank. Plus, live from Delhi, Swarup Gupta of the Economist Intelligence Unit on Prime Minister Modi’s new tax cuts. And with UAE influencers now officially licensed as advertising businesses, we ask Bees & Honey’s Tatum Greig what this means for brands and creators.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Aug 2025. Retailers are ramping up as the new academic year approaches, Landmark joins us to talk about the business of Back-to-School. Plus, why are more UAE firms ditching traditional legal hires in favour of project-based experts? We ask Sarah Jones of Rayne. And Al Reem Island is heating up as Abu Dhabi’s hottest property market - MERED’s Mikhail Podkopaev shares what’s driving the boom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Aug 2025. We crunch the numbers behind Dubai’s latest GDP data with Ed Bell of Emirates NBD. Plus, we talk Alaska-nomics, as Presidents Trump and Putin head to the icy tundra for today’s summit. Danny Sebright joins us from the US-UAE Chamber of Commerce. And, has the insurance industry bounced back from last year’s flood – and what’s happened to our premiums? We asked the Liva Insurance CEO, Martin Rueegg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Aug 2025. As thousands of teenagers across the UAE await their exam results, we ask the admissions team at Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Crimson Education whether higher education is still the right investment in the age of AI. Plus, we hear from RAK Properties CEO Sameh Muhtadi on record earnings, and Binghatti’s CEO on raising half a billion dollars (and ringing a bell) in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Aug 2025. Presight’s CEO says AI in the UAE has firmly taken hold, as the company posts first-half revenues of over AED 1 billion. We also unpack Knight Frank’s latest Abu Dhabi and Dubai office market report with Adam Wynne, and ask aviation expert Nick Humphrey why the Middle East leads the world in premium-class travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Aug 2025. It's delivery-nomics! Talabat’s CFO breaks down their latest earnings and what they reveal about the UAE’s fast-growing delivery economy. Careem Groceries rebrands to Careem Quik, VP Chase Lario on speed, AI, and the future of online shopping. Plus, Trump delays China tariffs by 90 days - economist Ed Bell on what it means for global trade. And Vijay Valecha of Century Financial on oil’s biggest drop since June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Aug 2025. We get analysis from Emirates NBD’s Daniel Richards and Pepperstone’s Chris Weston. Tabreed’s CEO explains the business of keeping the UAE cool. And filmmaker Faisal Hashmi tells us why AI has some in the UAE’s film industry worried about the future of creative jobs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Aug 2025. Trump imposes a 25% tariff on Indian goods. Some Indian companies are moving operations to the UAE, to avoid the 50% tariff on Indian exports to the US. That's what professor Ulla Rao of Manipal University told Business Breakfast. Plus, Property Monitor’s Zhann Jochinke tells us if Dubai real estate is finally cooling despite the summer heat. And Al Ramz CEO Haisam Odeimeh explains how the brokerage posted a seven-fold profit jump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 Aug 2025. It’s Day 2 of our live broadcast from Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort by RAK Properties. We dive into the economics of hotels in RAK’s Mina development with Sietze Hoefnagel, Director of Operations. RAK Ceramics Group CEO Abdallah Massaad joins us to talk about local & global growth. And ADNOC Distribution is reporting record fuel sales - we speak to the company’s Chief Strategy Officer to break down the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06 Aug 2025. We’re broadcasting live from Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort - part of RAK Properties’ Mina Al Arab master development. The big news? The launch of the world’s first Armani beach villas. We speak to the CEO behind the project. Plus, FAB’s Chief Economist Simon Ballard breaks down what weaker UAE PMI data might signal for the economy. And ADNOC Gas earnings dropped while we were live, CFO Peter van Driel joins us with the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 Aug 2025. We unpack what it means for UAE–India energy ties and the outlook for global gas markets with energy expert Matt Stanley. Plus, as India becomes a key target of Trump’s tariff plans, economist Dan Richards unpacks the broader implications. And RAK sees record-breaking tourist numbers, we speak to the VP of Destination Tourism. Finally, Titan takes over Damas: we get reaction from the Indian jewellery giant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Aug 2025. Dubai Duty Free just recorded its best July ever - we crunch the numbers with Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi. Plus, Atlantis The Palm reveals its New Year’s Eve headline act, live on the Business Breakfast. And with nearly 10 million visitors in H1, we ask Radisson Group what that means for hotel growth and room rates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 Aug 2025. US President Donald Trump’s tariffs take effect. We get reaction from Emirates NBD economist Daniel Richards on what it means for trade and markets. Plus, J-Lo is performing in Abu Dhabi middle of the week in July! Does this mark the UAE’s shift into a year-round live music destination? Ethara’s David Powell joins us to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 Jul 2025. So what’s next for rate cuts and what it means for us? We ask economist Daniel Richards. Plus, ADNOC Drilling posts a record-breaking H1, CFO Youssef Salem joins us live. Saudi budget airline flyadeal releases fresh metrics, we speak to the CEO. And it’s the final day for UAE businesses to file late corporate tax returns without facing fines, tax lawyer Nirav Rajput explains what you need to know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Jul 2025. It’s earnings season - and Aldar reported a 24% surge in half-year profit, to more than Dhs4 billion. We speak to Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer Faisal Falaknaz. Plus, EMSTEEL’s Mark Tonkens walks us through their H1 numbers, and Dubai Taxi Company CEO Mansoor Al Falasi joins us as Q2 net profit jumps 33%. And with broker commissions doubling this year, we ask Jake Hubbard of Espace Real Estate how easy it really is to make money in real estate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Jul 2025. Dubai International welcomed 46 million passengers in the first half of 2025. CEO Paul Griffiths tells us what’s driving the growth and how the airport is preparing for even more. Plus, a shortage of warehouse space is pushing demand into the Northern Emirates - Knight Frank shares what’s happening on the ground. And we speak to the CEO of Union Properties – Amer Khansaheb saying the company’s recovery is finally over, after several years and billions of dirhams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Jul 2025. What does it really mean for the global economy? Economist Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD weighs in. Plus, could AI really replace real estate brokers? Haus & Haus’ Clementine Munro makes the case for keeping it human. And we reveal the winner of our full MBA scholarship with Hult International Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Jul 2025. We speak to CEO Fahad Al Hassawi about what’s driving growth. Plus, with bank earnings rolling in, what do they reveal about the health of the UAE economy? A veteran market watcher. Mohammed Ali Yasin gives his read. And in the 2025 Wealth Report, Abu Dhabi and Dubai take the top two spots - what does that say about the region’s global standing? We speak to the author of the report, Nirbhay Handa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Jul 2025. Yesterday we asked if summer was the season for tweakments, today we’re going all in. Is Dubai seeing a plastic surgery boom? We speak to Dr. Iraj Ahmadi, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital. Plus, Monte Saffediene of Capital.com breaks down Tesla and Google’s latest earnings. And CBD CFO Darren Clarke joins us with the bank’s latest results - up 15% in Q2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Jul 2025. Is the quieter summer season the ideal time for a little aesthetic refresh? We ask Dr. Parul Thakur, founder of Athena Dermatology Clinic. Plus, how are Dubai cafés coping with the summer slowdown? One café owner shares their survival strategies. And Toby Hall from Savills weighs in on signs of softening in parts of the city’s office market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Jul 2025. CEO Raheel Ahmed joins us live with the details. Plus, qlub just raised $30 million to change the way we pay at restaurants. Co-founder Mahmouad Fouz tells us what’s next. And JLL’s Taimur Khan takes us inside Abu Dhabi’s upgraded Al Maryah Waterfront, with AI water shows, immersive public spaces, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 July 2025. botim has unveiled a major upgrade transforming from a simple calling app to an AI-powered, fintech-first app. We speak to CEO Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi. Plus, Ethereum is surging past Bitcoin - crypto expert Saqr Ereiqat breaks down why. And are car prices really dropping in the UAE? DubiCars CEO Craig Stevens tells us what’s happening on the ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 July 2025. As the UAE President visits Hungary and Serbia, we unpack the economic takeaways with Emirates NBD’s Ed Bell. Plus, Netflix beats expectations, eToro’s Josh Gilbert breaks down the earnings. And in our Summernomics series: from slap fighting to wrestling, how indoor venues are staying packed. We also check in with Haus & Haus on how the real estate market is shaping up this summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Jul 2025. We speak to CEO Antonoaldo Neves on new routes, new planes, and what Wizz Air's exit from Abu Dhabi mean for his airline. Plus we’ve got the boss of Sanad, the Abu Dhabi firm that looks after Etihad engines. Mansour Janahi reveals how revenue jumped 39% this year. And dnata is using driverless tractors to transport airport baggage. We speak to the man behind the project, Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations, dnata. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 July 2025. Travel tech firm Airalo is now valued at over $1 billion. We speak to Co-Founder and CEO Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir about their global growth and what’s next. Plus, summer camp bookings are booming, we look at the economics of school holidays. And Emirates SkyCargo expands its courier operations in Australia, what does it mean for the airline’s logistics ambitions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Jul 2025. Wizz Air is pulling out of Abu Dhabi, ending all flights from September. We ask aviation expert Mark Martin what went wrong. Plus, inside the RTA’s tunnel plans around DIFC with Atkins Realis, and are summer blockbusters flying or flopping? The CEO of Roxy Cinemas breaks down the box office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Jul 2025. What does it mean for trade and the wider economy? We get the thoughts of our economist, Ed Bell. Plus Investor Patrick Tsang joins us to talk Trump tariffs and UAE–China ties. Plus, we meet the founder of a new AI-powered restaurant opening soon in Downtown Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Jul 2025. We’re joined by UK Ambassador to the UAE Edward Hobart to talk industrial strategy and growing UK-UAE trade ties. Plus we speak to strawberry farmer Sky Kurtz about his foray into the frosty treat market. And does Bitcoin’s record rally have further to run, or a bubble waiting to burst? Market analyst Monte Saffediene of Capital.com joins us live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Jul 2025. Saudi Arabia will allow expats to buy property from 2026. Real estate economist Christopher Payne tells us what this could mean for demand and for the wider Saudi economy. Plus, we speak to the firm overseeing Dubai Metro’s Blue Line project, the mortgage brokers raising $60 million for growth, and get reaction from Pakistan to its $1 billion deal with Dubai Islamic Bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Jul 2025. With a 4% rise in new roles compared to 2%, according to Cooper Fitch. But are companies playing wait and see on the hiring front? We ask Dr Trefor Murphy. Plus, Kearney breaks down how the UAE, Saudi and Qatar are transforming the business of sport and what it means for the region’s global influence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Jul 2025. Self-driving car trials will begin in Dubai before the end of the year, starting in Silicon Oasis. We speak to RTA’s Khaled Al Awadhi about their partnership with Chinese tech firm Pony.ai. Plus, tech analyst Dan Ives says Elon Musk should refocus on Tesla, not politics. And property transactions dipped last month, we ask ValuStrat’s head of research what’s behind the slowdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 Jul 2025. We speak to oil expert Matt Stanley to put that in context for us. Plus, it’s a big week in Trumpian economics: tariff threats, deal deadlines, and a “big beautiful” bill passed. We unpack it all with Daniel Richards from Emirates NBD. And PwC’s latest outlook brings a mix of AI-driven opportunity and climate-driven risk, we speak to the team behind the report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.