BNPL schemes boomed across the Middle East at the end of 2025 - but how many people are now waking up to the reality of putting off costs into the new year with fear? Financial coach Beth Clay talks us through how to get 2026 started out on the right financial foot.

Meanwhile, Ruth Dance and David MacKenzie talk recruitment and team spirit in January, David Harkin of 8 Billion Ideas joins us to discuss motivation and imagination for kids, and we ask Pulmonologist Dr Rachel Kaminski about a new drug bringing hope to asthma sufferers…

BNPL schemes boomed across the Middle East at the end of 2025 - but how many people are now waking up to the reality of putting off costs into the new year with fear? Financial coach Beth Clay talks us through how to get 2026 started out on the right financial foot.
Meanwhile, Ruth Dance and David MacKenzie talk recruitment and team spirit in January, David Harkin of 8 Billion Ideas joins us to discuss motivation and imagination for kids, and we ask Pulmonologist Dr Rachel Kaminski about a new drug bringing hope to asthma sufferers&hellip;

A laid back look at life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what's happening and where to go with free advice, expert opinion and storytelling which gives an inside scoop in to real life UAE. Calling foodies, culture vultures and people who want answers from our trusted team of engaging experts.

Afternoons with Helen Farmer

Dubai Eye 103.8 is the Middle East’s only dedicated English language talk station and the Business Breakfast is the ICC International Radio Show of the Year.

Dubai Eye 103.8

Have you got ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ regret?

Single person and childless households are on the rise. A Chinese app called Are You Dead has gone viral. And 56% of UAE-based workers say they experience loneliness. So what’s behind the trend, and how do we counter it? Helen asks Scott Armstrong, founder of Mentl, and Wifag Adnan, Associate Professor of Economics at NYU Abu Dhabi.

We also discuss a new study suggesting a link between screen use in early years and language development problems, and take your questions on the financial and legal implications on new laws for influencers in the UAE.

Single person and childless households are on the rise. A Chinese app called Are You Dead has gone viral. And 56% of UAE-based workers say they experience loneliness. So what&rsquo;s behind the trend, and how do we counter it? Helen asks Scott Armstrong, founder of Mentl, and Wifag Adnan, Associate Professor of Economics at NYU Abu Dhabi.
We also discuss a new study suggesting a link between screen use in early years and language development problems, and take your questions on the financial and legal implications on new laws for influencers in the UAE.

The sad reality behind the 'Are You Dead?' app

Amid a global furore over its use, Grok’s ability to remove the clothes from women and children has been put behind a paywall, but creator Elon Musk says he won’t row back on the tech’s abilities. So, how worried should we be? Helen speaks to global cybercop Susan McLean and Dubai-based media lawyer Martin Hayward.
Plus, as the KHDA and DHA warn parents about risky behaviour, we get some lessons in communication with our teens from Kristin MacDermott, founder of the MacDermott Method, and after yesterday’s clinic on divorce law, we shift our focus to the emotions of a break-up with family systems specialist Karen Sutherland.

Amid a global furore over its use, Grok&rsquo;s ability to remove the clothes from women and children has been put behind a paywall, but creator Elon Musk says he won&rsquo;t row back on the tech&rsquo;s abilities. So, how worried should we be? Helen speaks to global cybercop Susan McLean and Dubai-based media lawyer Martin Hayward. Plus, as the KHDA and DHA warn parents about risky behaviour, we get some lessons in communication with our teens from Kristin MacDermott, founder of the MacDermott Method, and after yesterday&rsquo;s clinic on divorce law, we shift our focus to the emotions of a break-up with family systems specialist Karen Sutherland.

Deepfakes, GROK, and UAE law

It’s what’s commonly known as Divorce Month, with lawyer’s offices across the world packed out every January. But what are your next steps here if you believe your marriage is in trouble? Lawyer Madeleine Mendy answers your questions. 
Plus, as Dubai launches an AED10million fund to help families in rent arrears, Steve Cronin joins Helen to discuss budgeting in the real world, and education and inclusion consultant Louise Dawson has the latest on the KHDA’s updated inclusion and SEND assessment rules too.

It&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s commonly known as Divorce Month, with lawyer&rsquo;s offices across the world packed out every January. But what are your next steps here if you believe your marriage is in trouble? Lawyer Madeleine Mendy answers your questions.&nbsp; Plus, as Dubai launches an AED10million fund to help families in rent arrears, Steve Cronin joins Helen to discuss budgeting in the real world, and education and inclusion consultant Louise Dawson has the latest on the KHDA&rsquo;s updated inclusion and SEND assessment rules too.

Have you got ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ regret?

Afternoons with Helen Farmer

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