Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

03 August 2026: Abu Dhabi’s property market continues to record strong annual gains—but is momentum beginning to slow? Sean Swinburn, Director of Valuations at ValuStrat, gives us a first look at its Q2 2026 data, with quarterly capital value growth easing to 2.1%, its weakest pace in two years. UAE petrol prices have risen for August as renewed geopolitical tensions push Brent crude back above $100 a barrel. Rustin Edwards, Head of Sales at VKG, examines the volatility driving global oil markets and what it could mean for prices at the pump. Plus, UK barrister Byron James has become the first foreign lawyer admitted to the UAE Roll of Advocates. He joins us to discuss what the milestone means for foreign lawyers, international law firms and the UAE’s position as a global legal hub. And Samsung has unveiled its lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet, weighing just 201 grams. Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice President and Head of Mobile Experience at Samsung Gulf Electronics, takes us through the Fold8’s biggest upgrades and discusses what a price tag above $2,000, or around AED 8,000 could mean for demand in the GCC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic growth in the US unexpectedly slowed in the second quarter, despite an increase in consumer spending. Dan Richards of Emirates NBD explains what caused the slowdown and what it means for the US economy. Plus, football’s biggest tournament could soon attract private equity investment, and the team shares its thoughts on what that could mean for the sport. ADNOC Drilling reports record first-half revenue of $2.46 billion, with CFO Youssef Salem discussing what drove the results and the company’s growth strategy. We also examine the renewed disruption facing Gulf aviation as major international carriers extend flight suspensions, with some routes not expected to resume until 2027. Plus, Montenegro is emerging as a new holiday destination following the introduction of temporary visa-free entry for eligible UAE residents. DW Travel’s Emily Jenkins talks us through the conditions and costs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran's Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) could extend its remit beyond merchant shipping to include subsea cable installation and maintenance in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring permits or fees for cable-laying vessels that can remain stationary for extended periods. Baker Botts partner Joshua Cole explains the potential impact on international connectivity and costs. Meanwhile, Nigel Green of deVere Group discusses UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's priorities, what his government could mean for investments, and the implications for British nationals living in both the UK and the UAE. Plus, Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD breaks down the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision. Finally, one week after the UAE's first national payment card, Jaywan, went live, Andrea Cianchetti of Al Etihad Payments explains how it works, how to get one, and the different card tiers available. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Jul 2026. We continue the earnings conversation following SK Hynix's results and ahead of updates from the hyperscalers. Monte Safieddine of Capital.com explains what has been moving the tech sector and what could drive markets in the coming sessions. Also, Dan Richards of Emirates NBD looks ahead to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, the factors policymakers are weighing and why the decision has become so politically charged. We also looked at Aster Clinics’ AED 100 million plan to expand its UAE primary-care network to more than 100 facilities by 2030. Plus, Lara Ewing, Head of Dubai Opera, discusses the recovery of the live-events industry as more international performances are lined up in Dubai. And with some UAE residents reconsidering European holidays due to visa delays, Jatin Sharda of Tunz Travel explains how early travellers should apply and what to do if a visa does not arrive before a booked flight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Jul 2026. Longer stays now account for nearly 70% of booked nights in Dubai’s short-term rental market. We speak to Luis Santos of First Class Property Management about what is driving the shift towards flexible monthly living. Plus, a quarter of junior employees surveyed say poor onboarding has made them more likely to leave, while two-thirds say they did not feel supported. Is this down to generational expectations? We ask Megan Prosser of Robert Walters about “lily padding” and whether it is happening in the UAE. Peter Willmott of AtkinsRéalis takes us inside the plans for Abu Dhabi’s $1.7 billion Sphere. And Meerah Ketait of dnata Travel explains why Asia is having a breakout summer with UAE travellers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27.07.2026 Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a record 670,000 plus visitors during the first half of 2026, driven by strong domestic tourism despite regional tensions disrupting international travel. We asked Phillipa Harrison, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), how they achieved it. Earnings season continues, with Union Properties reporting a 68% year-on-year surge in H1 2026. As the Dubai developer transitions from financial restructuring to sustainable growth, CEO Eng. Amer Khansaheb told us more. Plus, we looked at whether the conflict is making SMEs more aware of credit insurance—and whether it should. Roopesh Punjabi of Earnest Insurance tells us more. And finally, our Summer Strategy series continues, examining how Dubai businesses are pivoting during the typically quieter months. Ekaterina Gorbacheva from Udora reveals the latest summer shopping trends and explains how the company keeps customers engaged throughout the slow season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Jul 2026. Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) saw revenue and net profit fall as tourism and airport demand weighed on earnings, though Group CEO Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi says the company is seeing early signs of normalisation. Plus, with pressure on both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, we look at how the crisis is changing what a good contract looks like, with Amir Kordvani of PwC Middle East. And rising coffee prices mean more of us are making our own, apparently says FT. Are we seeing the same here. we asked Garfield Kerr of Mokha 1450.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Jul 2026. Dubai inflation rose to 5.7% in June on the back of higher fuel and food costs, although monthly gains came at their slowest pace in several months. We get the reaction from Emirates NBD’s Nick Stadtmiller, and find out why he thinks the Fed might start cutting next year. Plus, 2025 was the year of funds and family offices moving to the UAE. Has the conflict put paid to their expansion? We speak to the man who finds them their CEOs, Oscar Orellana-Hyder of Cordell Partners. And Aramex has a new CEO. We speak to Amadou Diallo about where he’s taking the business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Jul 2026. Betterhomes says the conflict is actually bringing some clarity to Dubai’s real estate market. We ask how, with Richard Waind. Plus, a major new sovereign AI data centre has just gone live in Ras Al Khaimah. We find out what it tells us about the UAE’s AI ambitions with Jimi Ibrahim of IOPn. We also get the latest read on oil, trade and tariffs with Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD. And a seven-bed villa on Dubai’s Billionaire Row has just been leased for AED 17 million a year, a new record. We find out more with Abdullah Alajaji of Driven Forbes Global Properties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Jul 2026. Warehouse demand is rising in Dubai, and prices with it, despite the conflict. We speak to Sean Swinburne of ValuStrat about why. Plus, with the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, Gulf oil has leaned on the Red Sea and overland pipelines. Now that backup is under pressure too. We get the analysis on what it means for supply and prices with Robin Mills of Qamar Energy. And gold was the UAE’s leading non-oil trade commodity in the first half of the year, new numbers show. We find out more about how it’s been moving with Aliasgar Tambawala of the Klay Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Jul 2026 Some Gulf flights are being rescheduled, but airlines are keeping the region moving. We find out how with Kashif Khalid of IATA. Plus, TikTok has been taking stock of its operations here in the UAE, and we speak to one of its regional GMs, Shadi Kandil. We also look at why financial services growth is outpacing much of the UAE’s private sector, with Aakash Bassi of Grant Thornton. And Treo Homes has posted another record month for sales and rentals despite the headwinds. We find out how with Aron Lomax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Jul 2026. Spain against Argentina in the final on Sunday. But behind the football, has the first 48-team World Cup actually paid off? We get the commercial verdict from Abigail Carpenter of Greenberg Traurig. Plus, Dubai has handed over its biggest batch of new homes in years. Is the market finally shifting towards buyers? We ask Andrew Cummings of Savills. India has issued guidance for its sailors in the Strait of Hormuz, and we look at the implications for shipping with Captain Zarir Irani (yes, we have a Captain!). And opening a business bank account in the UAE could soon take minutes, not days. We find out how CBD’s new mobile bank for small businesses works with Dhiraj Kunwar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Jul 2026. Dubai’s GDRFA issued more than one million new residence permits and 66,000 Golden Visas in the first half of 2026. We discuss what does that tell us about the emirate’s ability to attract talent, investors and businesses, and what could it mean for economic growth. Plus, if conflict is driving oil higher, why isn’t gold behaving like a traditional safe haven? We ask Marex. And the UN’s maritime body has raised concerns over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. We discuss the impact on global trade and shipping with maritime security expert Christopher Long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Jul 2026. Parkin reveals its first expansion outside Dubai, into Sharjah. Naveed Khawaja joins us with the details and what it means. Plus, US inflation has cooled sharply, the biggest monthly fall in six years, but with oil surging again, can it last? Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD breaks it down. Oil is climbing after fresh tanker attacks, and the FT reports DP World is in talks to build a new port that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz entirely. Robin Mills of Qamar Energy has the analysis. And our Summer Strategy series continues. When business slows, do you discount, collaborate or expand? Bart Misztal of Naughty Pizza did all three.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Jul 2026. Oil is surging and Kpler’s own data shows tanker traffic has halved in a week. We get the latest with Matt Stanley. Plus, GCC hiring has contracted for the first time in seven quarters. Dr Trefor Murphy of Cooper Fitch has the Q2 numbers. Taaleem’s revenue is up 19% and profits are climbing even through the turmoil. We speak to CEO Alan Williamson. And we meet the gym chain behind the world’s first muscle thobe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Jul 2026. Mortgage enquiries fell off a cliff when the conflict began. Now they’re almost back. Sam Amidi of Mortgage Finder has the first half numbers. Plus, Tabby is moving beyond buy now pay later, and Zarik Nabi reveals what’s next right here on the Business Breakfast. DIFC Courts has just had its busiest six months ever. Registrar Ayesha Bin Kalban has the exclusive figures. And Ryan and Calvin Smith on opening what they believe is the world’s largest bespoke tailoring showroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Jul 2026. We find out how Dubai's original value clothing chain has reacted to the arrival of a 100 pound gorilla. We've got the new-ish CEO of Landmark's Max Fashion, Hani Weiss. Plus, what has June meant for Dubai property valuations and transactions? The team at ValuStrat are seeing some interesting new movements. We speak to their Head of Research, Haider Tuaima.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Jul 2026. We find out more about the Dubai vertiport that the aviation regulator has just signed off, with the people who built it, Damian Kysely of Skyports. Plus, we’ve got Malina Ngai, Global CEO of beauty retailer AS Watsons, in the studio during her one day visit to the UAE. And we’re kicking off a new series today, Summer Strategy, asking what businesses are putting in place for the hotter months. First up, Abdulla Al Shaibani of Axeed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Jul 2026. In an extended interview, Ramesh Cidambi, MD of Dubai Duty Free, tells us what the conflict has meant for one of the world’s busiest travel retail hubs, from holding onto staff to how shoppers have changed and what’s next for the summer. Plus, Dubai’s most expensive school is at it again. Joshua Levenson of GEMS SRI on the launch of the region’s first school-based Motorsport Academy, where the idea came from and what it costs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 Jul 2026. With container ships starting to make it through the Strait of Hormuz, we speak to Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO of DP World GCC, about how they kept logistics moving through the conflict. Plus, ADNOC Distribution is buying South African petrol station company Shell Downstream South Africa in a deal worth a billion dollars, including 580 fuel stations, and they’re making the announcement right here on the show, with Athmane Benzerroug. Microsoft and Inception42 have teamed up to make building agentic AI agents easier. We find out more from COO Ibrahim Aljallaf. And we meet the Dubai teenager running his own AI start up, Jainam Jain of Mengo Engine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06 Jul 2026. In an exclusive, we speak to Air Arabia CEO Adel Ali about those new cheap flights to London Gatwick and the impact of the conflict on the budget carrier. Plus, UAE banks increased their lending in Q1. Is that likely to continue? We go through the numbers with Sam Gidoomal of Alvarez & Marsal. And one month after Abu Dhabi’s rent freeze, we look at the effect it’s having on market movements with Ben Crompton of Crompton PartnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Jul 2026. As Taylor and Travis tie the knot, we ask what the conflict has actually meant for the UAE’s wedding industry. Arun Bablani, Owner and Founder of Vivaah Weddings and The Event Group, says there’s a silver lining. Plus, another Chinese EV brand is making its move into the UAE. We speak to Lucas Bellieud of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility about what DENZA’s arrival says about the electric car race here. And Dubai has just approved a new 15km elevated road running parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road. Roger Cruickshank of AtkinsRéalis on what it means for your commute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Jul 2026. Dubai inflation rose to 5.5% in May, on the back of higher energy and therefore transport and food costs. We find out if this is more than just a high oil price story with our economist on call, Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD. Plus, we speak to the Dubai jewellery designer who’s just landed a major write-up in the FT, Ashna Mehta of Bag Bijoux. What does the summer mean for the restaurant business? We speak to chef Reif Othman and restaurant operator Gabrielle Mather to find out what contingencies they’re putting in place for slower summer footfall. And with H1 done and dusted, Cosmin Ivan of Platinumlist tells us what the entertainment landscape looks like going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 Jul 2026. UAE commuters will pay less at the pump this month as local petrol prices fall to reflect dips in global oil markets. Super and Special are both down around 14%, while diesel is nearly 17% lower for July. We find out what lower fuel prices mean for inflation with economist Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD. Plus, we speak to Viva Supermarket CEO Andy Adcock about what the supermarket put in place to keep its low prices low during the conflict. Enrolment is up 13% in a single year. We find out what’s pulling so many students into UAE universities and what it means for the economy with Dr Sameera Al Mulla. And what if governments could make policy at the speed of AI? A UAE firm just put $15 million behind that idea. We find out more with Omar AlYawer of Ruya Partners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Jun 2026. dnata comes in to prove, or disprove, Tom & Brandy's summer travel theories, with Meera Ketait. Plus, what does summer travel mean for safe space demand? We speak to vault owner Jafer Rashid of MySafe about what we’re stashing away when we go abroad. Private sector hiring grew in the first quarter, so where is the UAE jobs market actually heading for the rest of the year? Sonam Haider of Aethra Advisory joins us. And history in motion. Andrew Hosie reports live from the very first Etihad Rail passenger train from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Jun 2026. Tasha’s, the restaurant group, is about to undergo the biggest expansion in its history, with more than 75 million dirhams being invested in new restaurants. We speak to founder Natasha Sideris. Plus, how often does your luggage actually go missing? A new global report is out, and the Middle East is leading the way. More with Selim Bouri, President Middle East, Africa and Türkiye at SITA. The UAE’s electronic invoicing scheme is now in its pilot phase. We find out how it’s going to work with John Casey of Virtuzone. And we speak to a man who has just started construction on several dozen new villas despite the conflict, Moustafa Elsaid of Swank Development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Jun 2026. Tickets for the first Etihad Rail services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah have sold out, with more than 5,000 seats snapped up in just two days. Speaking on The Business Breakfast, Etihad Rail’s Adhraa Al Mansoori said the company’s free booking app is already number one in the UAE. Georgia Tolley takes us on board ahead of the big day. Plus, we look at where Standard Chartered is telling its customers to put their money in H2 with regional Chief Investment Officer Manpreet Gill. ADNOC Drilling has a new AI rig. We asked CFO Youssef Salem exactly what it is and what it means for the company and its shareholders. And why your electronics are about to cost a lot more. We find out with Jacky’s Retail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Jun 2026. That’s according to a new report by Kearney, which says a conflict resolution is not a business condition recovery. Valentin Lavaill of Kearney joins us to explain what they’re telling clients to put in place now. Plus, Ramn Kumar of Al Futtaim Logistics shares the contingency plans and workarounds that have got them through the last four months. How have months of regional uncertainty changed what we insure and what it costs? Hitesh Motwani of InsuranceMarket.ae gives us the picture. And airline profits are set to halve this year, with Gulf carriers taking the biggest hit. Kashif Khalid of IATA on what’s behind it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Jun 2026.Dubai has introduced a new flexible rent initiative, tying up with a dozen property firms to offer monthly payments and grace periods to renters, as well as direct debit and credit card payment options. We find out how it works with Khalid Al Shaibani, head of the rental affairs department at the DLD. Plus, most landlords can’t tell you which of their units is under-earning. A UAE fintech says its AI can. We find out how with Rentify. We also get a first look at new research into how expats currently feel about life here in Dubai with Nigel Owen, Strategic Communications Director at ARCET Global. And Britain looks set for a new Prime Minister, which could mean big changes for anyone with UK property. We find out what it means for expats and UAE nationals with Knight Frank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Jun 2026. Transguard has posted record results, with revenue past AED 4 billion and a workforce over 78,000. CFO Nick Beer joins us. Plus, what's really happening to UAE hiring right now? Nathalie Spree of Seven Level Consulting breaks down the numbers. Adel Alderi of Marsh on the new workforce resilience challenge facing UAE employers. And Saurabh Tiwari of Taj Hotels on whether the Q4 travel rush is materialising.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Jun 2026. In his first UAE interview since the start of the regional conflict, Etihad Airways Group CEO Antonoaldo Neves discusses the impact of the conflict, passenger demand, and the airline's outlook for the months ahead. Plus, a number of countries have now relaxed their travel advisories to the UAE. What could this mean for inbound tourism? We speak to Musafir.com. And Sharjah Airport recorded a record-breaking 2025. We find out what's driving the growth and where passenger numbers are heading next with His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Saoud Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Airport Authority.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Jun 2026. We're out on location this morning with Alef Group as they launch Linar, the last residential plot on the Al Mamzar Corniche. Senior VP Adham Karroum tells us what's behind it. Plus, the Ruler of Sharjah's AED 750 million plan to fix one of the UAE's toughest commutes. Roger Cruickshank of AtkinsRéalis on what it means for drivers. The UAE's first ever retail T-Sukuk with Thomas Christie of Shuaa Capital. And HSBC Private Bank's Georgios Leontaris on where to invest as the region turns a corner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Jun 2026. The Central Bank of the UAE has decided to maintain its base rate at 3.65% following the US Federal Reserve’s announcement to keep its rates unchanged. Last night saw the first rate decision announcement from new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD joins us to rate his performance. Plus, think you know where Dubai property is heading? Stake has just launched a new tool that lets you predict the market and win actual property. Rami Tabbara, Co-Founder of Stake, tells us how it works. The conflict interrupted a Sharjah hotel market that was in a state of transition, according to a new report from Cavendish Maxwell. Ali Siddiqui joins us with the detail. And turning desert land into fertile soil. UAE climate-tech firm HyveGeo has just won Dubai Holding’s flagship sustainability accelerator. CEO Abdulaziz Redha tells us what they’re building.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Jun 2026. Oil to a three-month low and gold has surged. Guy Wolf from Marex on what the US-Iran deal means for markets. DMCC's Future of Trade 2026 report is out with the UAE ranking second globally in commodities trade. CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem joins us live on location. We also speak to Michael Lawrence from Asia House, the think tank behind the analysis in DMCC's new report. And Oxford Economics has revised its global outlook in light of a potential peace deal between the US and Iran. Azad Zangana joins us with the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Jun 2026. With the potential opening of the Strait of Hormuz, we look at what it would take to get shipping flows back to normal with expert Captain Zarir Irani of Constellation Marine Services. Plus, we look at what it could mean for oil, shipping and prices with Matt Stanley of Kpler. And phase one of the mega $35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport project will open on time in 2032. With that major update, we speak to Dubai Airports boss Paul Griffiths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Jun 2026. Short stay hotel company Vacationer says the winter rates it’s booking Dubai apartments for are higher than last year. We find out more with Harrison Moore. Abbas Sajwani’s company AHS has bought the Shangri-La for more than a billion dirhams. We find out why. Two CEOs in studio, property and hospitality. Guido De Wilde of Wasl Hospitality and Jonathan Emery of Aldar Development on how their sectors are bouncing back, and why they’re hopping on bikes this summer. And we speak to cables giant Ducab and CEO Charles-Edouard Mellagui about the strategies they’ve put in place to deal with a still shut Strait of Hormuz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Jun 2026. Harrow International School Dubai opens this September despite the regional conflict. We find out what’s behind the launch of one of the UK’s most iconic schools in the UAE with Simon O’Connor, Head Master of Harrow International School. Dubai Holding Real Estate has partnered with Commercial Bank of Dubai to launch a new home financing programme for buyers across Nakheel, Meraas and Dubai Properties. We find out more with Dhiraj Kunwar, General Manager of Retail and Business Banking at CBD. And it’s FIFA-nomics. The 2026 World Cup is expected to add $41 billion to global GDP. UBS joins us with the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Jun 2026. With the World Cup kicking off tomorrow, Cahal Altman from Five Iron on what fans can expect at one of Dubai’s mega venues, and Duncan Walkinshaw from beIN Sports on where and how the region will be watching. Plus, Manish Jain from Aster Clinic on Dubai’s new smart medical visa and what it could mean for the medical tourist dirham. And it’s day 103 of the Strait of Hormuz situation. China appears to be weathering the storm better than many expected. Georgia Tolley reports from Hong Kong, speaking to Cameron Johnson of Tidalwave Solutions, on how China’s response is reshaping global supply chains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Jun 2026. Gulf airlines are facing $4.3 billion in regional losses, but Riyadh Air is launching, Etihad is ordering and Qatar is doubling routes. We find out what’s really going on with aviation expert Nick Humphrey. Plus, three decades of Dubai history. Sunset sessions, sporting moments and weekend traditions. Barasti is closing on June 21 and we find out what’s coming next. How is the region’s tech sector actually performing on the stock market? MAGNiTT has just launched the first proper scorecard and we find out what it reveals. And Middle East tensions are reshaping global fuel markets in real time. We get inside the trading floor with Gulf Transport and Trading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08 Jun 2026. Riyadh Air will officially start widescale commercial operations to London on Wednesday 10 June, after taking delivery of its first three Boeing 787-9 aircraft. That's according to Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, speaking on The Business Breakfast. World Cup fever is here, and so are the scams. 4,300 fake ticket sites are already targeting fans. Nick Palmer of Group-IB tells us how to stay safe. And SpaceX's $1.77 trillion IPO is days away. The biggest in history. But history says the biggest IPOs often come right at market tops. Razan Hilal from Forex.com by StoneX on what to watch for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 Jun 2026. The UAE has ranked second globally for net AI talent migration, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Singapore, according to Stanford University. Samuel Huber, CEO of Napster, joins us with the picture. Plus, Orbitworks is launching the region's first AI-powered satellite constellation this October. Dr Hamdullah Mohib on why it matters. Madhur Kakkar from Elevate Financial Services on global markets at record highs. And Amit Malhotra on how ADIB just simplified WPS salary payments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Jun 2026. Abu Dhabi has surprised the market with a temporary rent freeze. Is there any realistic prospect of Dubai introducing a similar measure? We asked Thomas Anderson, Sales Manager of Espace Real Estate. Plus, it’s been a busy week for the global economy with new UAE PMI data, new US trade tariffs and an on-again off-again ceasefire. Emirates NBD’s Chief Economist helps make sense of it all. Majid Al Futtaim has just launched a new program backing UAE homegrown brands. We find out which creative businesses get the first call up. And Binance is launching a regulated dirham transfer service to make it easier to move money between bank accounts and crypto wallets. Could this be a turning point for crypto adoption?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Jun 2026. Abu Dhabi is freezing all rent hikes until further notice. Tenants signing new leases will pay the same rent as the preceding contract, with residential, commercial and industrial rents all frozen. We get analysis on what that means for the market. The Wegovy weight loss pill is here, with the UAE only the second country in the world to greenlight it. The country is also set to become a hub for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy production, serving up to 70 countries across the Gulf, Africa and Central Asia. We hear from Executive VP Emil Larsen. Plus, with UAE fuel prices up nearly 66% since February, it’s getting more expensive to transport goods. Could the cost of food go up? We find out with the CEO of Choithrams. And DXB saw a welcome revenue boost from Eid Al Adha travel. We find out what families planning summer travel can expect at the world’s busiest airport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Jun 2026. With the conflict showing no signs of resolution, we ask whether the Strait of Hormuz blockade could fast-track major new pipeline investment across the region with Omar Albusaidy of Future Pipe Industries. Plus, stocks or bonds? Where should investors actually put their money in June? Steve Brice, Global Chief Investment Officer at Standard Chartered, joins us with the monthly outlook. The 2026 World Cup kicks off in days. What does that actually mean for restaurants and bars in the UAE? Naim Maadad, CEO and Founder of Gates Hospitality, joins us with the expectation. And tech giants Nvidia and Intel are both designing new chips to make AI more powerful and more practical, but they’re taking very different approaches. Andreas Hassellöf of Ombori on what it means for the future of AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 Jun 2026. Huge changes in Dubai from today, including petrol prices rising around 8% while diesel drops by over 7%. Global oil prices are falling, so why are UAE fuel prices going up again in June? We find out with Kpler. Plus, air passenger demand in the Middle East almost halved in April due to the conflict. We discuss the global impact and the search for green shoots of recovery with Kashif Khalid from IATA. And hoteliers across the UAE are celebrating a surge in staycations over Eid. But will local demand be enough to see them through the summer? Kym Barter, MD of Atlantis the Royal and Atlantis the Palm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 May 2026. We find out what Eid has meant so far for those selling popular gifts like flowers and chocolates, that’s with the team from Udora. Plus, forget flight prices, what does the private jet market look like over Eid? We speak to VistaJet. And in a region obsessed with tech, one UAE startup is selling something very different. Human presence. We find out how loneliness has become a business opportunity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 May 2026. The Business Brunch: We speak to the head of a short term accommodation network that opened just one month before the conflict but is growing regardless. Raw Coffee has taken on a new partner as it heads into a new stage of growth. What stage is that? We find out. And foreign nationals in the US now have to go home to apply for a green card. We find out what that could mean for UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 May 2026. President Trump says he’s close to a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Economist Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD joins us to break down what that could actually mean for the UAE economy. Plus, the closure of the Strait means moving companies haven’t been moving as much. We find out what they’ve been doing instead with the CEO of Easytruck. And the UK just closed a £3.7 billion trade deal with the GCC, the first G7 country to do so. Deyana Cherneva, Regional Head of Global Trade Solutions at HSBC Bank Middle East, on what the agreement actually unlocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 May 2026. The Executive Council of Dubai has put together a second package of economic incentives, this one worth 1.5 billion dirhams. The support measures include the delay or exemption of various fees and fines, as well as different types of rent relief, across sectors including tourism and education. Economist Dan Richards of Emirates NBD joins us to dig into the detail. Plus, strategy consultancy Kearney on how the Gulf can emerge from the conflict stronger. Mashreq has a bold new SME promise. Open a business account in one day or get 1,000 dirhams back. The UAE rolls out one health insurance system across all seven emirates for Emiratis. And Imagine Dragons, Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson are heading to Yas Marina Circuit this December for the Abu Dhabi GP, more details with Ethara.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 May 2026. The UAE’s new crude oil pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz is now 50% complete, as the country accelerates delivery towards 2027. That’s according to Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Plus, Primark opens its third set of doors in the UAE today and we speak to Alshaya boss John Hadden. We find out what the Dubai real estate hiring situation actually looks like, who’s getting hired and for how much, with one of the largest real estate recruitment agencies in the region. Dubai’s property market is still moving but buyers and tenants are behaving very differently right now. Espace tells us what’s actually transacting and how the leasing market is shifting. And how are advertisers actually behaving in this market right now? The ARN Business Club event is coming up and we find out why radio still works when budgets get tight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 May 2026. The focus now turns to how the trains will fast-track tourism and transform the surrounding area. Georgia Tolley has been talking to Etihad Rail’s Executive Director of Commercial about how it’ll be a catalyst for growth. Plus, AED 62 billion. 22 million square feet. Right next to what will become the world’s largest airport. We find out what’s being built with the CEO of Dubai South. ADNOC Distribution is tying up with Americana to bring 200 quick-service restaurants to its service stations - we find out more with Jacqueline El Boghdadi, CMO at ADNOC Distribution. And finally, still thinking of a staycation for Eid? We find out what’s left, where to go and what it’ll cost you up north with Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.