Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

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.

04 Jul 2024. Standard Chartered is forecasting a weaker US dollar over the next 6 to 12 months — despite strong US economic data. We speak to the bank’s CIO to find out why. Plus, Dubai sets its sights on becoming the global PropTech capital - DIFC Innovation Hub CEO Mohammad Alblooshi joins us to talk about the launch of the new Dubai PropTech Hub. And Amazon rolls out ‘Bazaar’ in the UAE to compete with Chinese e-commerce giants. Will it catch on?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Jul 2025. CEO Ramesh Cidambi tells us how confectionery, especially 2.5 million bars of Dubai Chocolate helped fuel the surge. Plus, Emirates launches direct flights to Shenzhen, strengthening UAE–China ties. Dubai Eye’s Natasha Thomas reports from the inaugural flight. And Tabreed CEO Khalid Al Marzooqi joins us live to discuss the company’s latest acquisition: a full buyout of PAL Cooling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Jul 2025. Hazel Jackson, founder of Dubai-based Biz Group, has sold her business to Abu Dhabi’s Knowledge Group, becoming the latest expat entrepreneur to cash out. She joins us live to share the story behind her 32-year journey. Plus, with gold prices climbing and inflation back in focus, economist Ed Bell breaks down what it means for markets and your money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 Jul 2025. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is gearing up for 3.4 million passengers between June 27 and July 9. We speak to CEO Paul Griffiths about what’s behind the summer surge and how to beat the crowds. Plus, you can now check your credit score on the DubaiNow app, we ask Etihad Credit Bureau’s H.E. Marwan Lutfi what it means for your finances. And It’s July 1st, so we’re looking BACK on a turbulent six months for markets – and FORWARD to the second half of 2025. Veteran investor Gary Dugan (and his crystal ball) join us live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Jun 2025. Air Asia aims to open a Gulf hub this year with four airports on the shortlist, including Ras al Khaimah. CEO Tony Fernandes shares the details. Plus, we get the inside story on G42’s rise to the global Top 100 - the company’s chief marketing officer joins us live. And with the UAE corporate tax deadline fast approaching, tax expert Vishal Sharma joins us to explain what businesses need to know and what exemptions may still apply.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Jun 2025. We checked in with the team from Anantara The Palm. Plus, Gartner says nearly half of “Agentic AI” projects are overhyped and doomed to fail. Senior Director Analyst Anushree Verma explained their findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Jun 2025. What does that say about macro sentiment? Economist Jeanne Walters gives us her take. Plus, Al Mal Capital outlines its plan to raise Dhs200 million for its REIT. And we head to Palm Jumeirah, where 25 Degrees just bought a $100 million plot - Development Director Joe Chamberlin tells us who’s buying and what they’re building. Also, it's just over a year since Parkin became a publicly listed company - we take stock with the CEO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Jun 2025. Oman is set to introduce a 5% income tax on high earners from 2028. Could this signal a shift across the Gulf? We speak to taxpert Thomas Vanhee of Aurifer Middle East. Plus, we get the latest on regional developments and market reaction with economist Jeanne Walters. And we reflect on the life and legacy of FedEx founder Fred Smith, with longtime colleague and Dubai business leader Hamdi Osman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Jun 2025. We get real-time reaction from economist Jeanne Walters of Emirates NBD and market insight from Century Financial’s Vijay Valecha. Plus, the UAE has new ministries covering trade and the economy: economist Dr Nasser Saidi gives us his reaction. And corporate fraud in the Middle East is reaching alarming new levels, according to KPMG. We find out why with their regional head of forensics, Nicholas Cameron.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Jun 2025. Is a new kitchen or upgraded flooring really worth it - or is it just cheaper to move? We dig into the economics of renovation with Clementine Munro of Haus & Haus and Mohamed Fiaz Khazi of Euro Systems. Plus, Taaleem shares jumped 6% after acquiring Kids First Group. We speak to CEO Alan Williamson about what the deal means for the UAE’s education sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Jun 2025. The US Fed and UAE Central Bank have both held interest rates steady. We hear from Fed Chair Jay Powell - and get local reaction from Emirates NBD’s Ed Bell. Plus, Microsoft says AI won’t fix the “infinite workday” unless we change how we work. We speak to Zubin Chagpar about what needs to happen. And as the school year ends, we get the education sector’s report card from Which School Advisor. Finally, why are billboard prices soaring across Dubai? We ask ARN’s Josh Busteed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Jun 2025. Dubai’s office sales nearly doubled in Q1, hitting Dhs2.8 billion, but can the boom last? We ask Zacky Sajjad of Cavendish Maxwell. Plus, we hear from ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber on AI, energy, and the region’s outlook. And a $100 million plot on Palm Jumeirah has just sold! We speak to Dubai Sotheby’s about what it signals for the city’s luxury market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Jun 2025. Despite global uncertainty, Gulf economies are on the rise. We unpack the latest Economic Insight report with Oxford Economics’ Scott Livermore. Plus, we get the latest on the G7 summit with Dr. Andreas Schotter from Ivey Business School. And we turn to warehousing - the unglamorous but booming sector driving UAE economic momentum. The team from Knight Frank tells us what they’re seeing on the ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Jun 2025. We break down the numbers with economist Ed Bell, and look ahead to the UAE President’s visit to the G7 in Canada. Plus, we assess the latest oil market moves with Kpler’s Matt Stanley after a weekend of regional military activity. And Citi’s Ronit Ghose tells us why 2025 is shaping up to be Blockchain’s “ChatGPT moment” - and what that could mean for UAE finance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Jun 2025. With the US dollar swinging, overseas investment into the UAE is on the rise, but what does that mean for the dirham, inflation, and your next currency move? We ask Suraj Gokani of Currencies4You. Plus, PwC unpacks Trump’s latest tax bill and its ripple effects on sovereign wealth fund. And we dig into fresh property data from ValuStrat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Jun 2025. Talking hotel occupancy over the summer, we’ll ask Rotana COO Eddy Tannous how travel deals and promotions are really affecting occupancy.Plus, the property boom has sparked a surge in demand for architectural models, we meet one company making nearly 20% of the world’s mini homes. And SITA reveals how many bags actually make it to their destination, we speak to their baggage director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Jun 2025. A new report from Fitch Ratings says a potential correction in the UAE real estate market - but does that match what we’re seeing on the ground? We speak to the man behind the report. Plus, Deyaar unveils plans for a new ultra-tall tower in Downtown Dubai. And Arada is launching Akala, the world’s first precision wellness destination - we hear from COO Amit Arora.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Jun 2025. Day 2 of our broadcast from Fahid Island - Aldar’s newest megaproject in Abu Dhabi. The island has just become the world’s first Fitwel-certified island. We speak to Joanna Frank, the woman behind the global wellness standard, about what it really takes to create a healthy city. Plus, Aldar’s Cecilia Reinaldo shares details on the island’s first residential launch. And as Abu Dhabi invests in AI, we ask: where will the talent come from?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Jun 2025. The Business Breakfast live from Fahid Island - Aldar’s newest megaproject in Abu Dhabi. From wellness living to world-class education, we find out how the developer plans to transform the island, including the exclusive reveal that King’s College Wimbledon will open a school on site. Plus, we speak to the CEO of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi about Eid travel demand and what summer looks like for the budget carrier.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Jun 2025. Airfares are reportedly down 40% from a year ago with airlines making just $7 per flight. We get a reaction from aviation lawyer Nick Humphrey. Plus, RAK Bank surveys SMEs about their outlook, we get the results from Dhiraj Kunwar. And Kaspersky’s Maher Yamout breaks down the latest cyber threat targeting fintech and trading apps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Jun 2025. Two out of three UAE professionals say they’d change jobs for better pay, but how much of a raise would it take? We speak to Korn Ferry about what workers really want. Plus, we cross live to ADGM to look at Abu Dhabi’s strong financial start to 2025. And Chestertons reports a 50% jump in commercial leasing, we get the details with Andrew Elliott, Director of Commercial Agency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Jun 2025. OPEC has announced another oil production increase. What does that mean for prices, and for the UAE? We get the view from energy expert Amena Bakr. Plus, HSBC has been asking UAE companies how tariff uncertainty is hitting their bottom line. And we meet two Dubai wellness startups giving business a healthy glow-up: Allez Kit and Humantra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 May 2025. Travel sites are seeing sharp drops in bookings to the US from countries hit by tariffs. Are travellers changing course? We ask Emily Jenkins of DW Travel. Plus, ahead of tomorrow’s OPEC meeting, economist Dan Richards tells us what to expect. And PwC’s Stephen Anderson shares their latest outlook on the global and regional economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 May 2025. The UAE has introduced a new licence for financial content creators, the first of its kind in the region. We speak to Zaina Kamran of Neoslegal about what it means for influencers, platforms, and investor protection. Plus, with the US halting student visa interviews, we ask Madhav Juneja of Crimson Education how it could impact students and the business of education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 May 2025. That's according to Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei. We ask energy expert Robin Mills where that power will come from and how the grid will cope. Plus, M&A activity is heating up in the UAE. We speak to one of the companies involved in the latest deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 May 2025. Labubu dolls are outselling Barbie, and UAE can’t get enough. We speak to a local retailer about the craze and how they’re keeping up with demand. Plus, the NFL’s go-to agency has bought a Dubai firm, we ask RISE’s Seth Holmes what’s driving their move into Middle East sport. And, meet the man bringing a reservation app to Dubai that promises access to any restaurant in town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 May 2025. Dubai Land Department (DLD) and VARA have launched Prypco Mint, the UAE’s first official tokenized real estate project. From just Dhs2,000, investors can buy a share of a Business Bay apartment. We speak to DLD’s Head of Innovation about what this means for the property market. Plus, with the Emiratisation deadline looming, we look at how AI is helping companies meet their hiring goals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 May 2025. The campus was announced during Donald Trump’s visit last week. We get reaction from AI expert Andreas Hassellof. Plus, with Emirates bookings booming, what does it mean for Skywards members? We speak to Dr. Nejib Ben Kheder, Head of Emirates’ loyalty programme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 May 2025. The June 30 Emiratisation deadline is fast approaching, are private sector companies on track? We speak to John Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of EmiraTalent. Plus, with thousands of new residents arriving in the UAE, their pets are coming too - often by private jet. We speak to Adam Golder, Founder of K9 Jets, about the booming business of luxury pet travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 May 2025. We speak exclusively to CEO Antonoaldo Neves about planes, profits, and the Disney effect in Abu Dhabi. Plus, Wasl’s Chief Projects Officer Andre Naude shares the vision behind the new Jumeirah Golf Estates masterplan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 May 2025. As the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ event enters Day 2, we hear from top Emirati business leaders - from real estate to eBikes to baked goods. Plus, we break down what role manufacturing really plays in the UAE’s economic future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 May 2025. We speak to Archer Aviation as they gear up for lift-off this summer. Plus, the US credit rating gets a downgrade, we get reaction from Capital.com’s Monte Saffediene and economist Jeanne Walters. And Natasha Sideris of Tashas Group shares plans to launch over a dozen new restaurants across the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 May 2025. We break down what was said in Abu Dhabi and get reaction from economists and business leaders. Plus, Dubai adds two more megaprojects to its off-plan landscape, but do we have enough project managers to deliver them all? And ACCA says nearly 7 in 10 Middle East finance professionals want to quit and go solo. We dive into the data.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.