Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

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.

15 May 2025. We preview the visit with Simon Penney, former British Consul General in Dubai. With AI high on the agenda, we ask The British University’s Patrick McCrudden what it could mean for the UAE’s tech ambitions. Plus, we speak to the Bjarke Ingels Group about reimagining the iconic Jebel Ali Racecourse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 May 2025. Saudi Arabia unveils “Humain,” its most ambitious AI move yet - and signs a $142 billion military deal with the US on Day One of Trump’s Gulf tour. Plus, Dubai’s luxury property market breaks records again with a AED 107 million Al Barari mansion sale, we speak to Maria Morris Global. And Spinneys posts record Q1 revenue, CEO Sunil Kumar joins us to explain the growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.