Authorities say they're investigating reports of unusual odours across several parts of the UAE, while reassuring residents there's no indication of a threat to public health. But how can a smell travel across several emirates, and what does it take to track down the source? 

The Christmas shopping rush is approaching, and with it, the spotlight on global trade because retailers rely on international shipping networks to get their stock in place. So what does this mean for Christmas shopping, particularly here in the UAE? 

A new analysis shows rent renewals are less compared to a year ago. Could this decline suggest that more tenants are moving out in search of better deals or more affordable homes?

The final artist for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has finally been announced as Jennifer Lopez.

And could jellyfish reverse ageing?

Authorities say they're investigating reports of unusual odours across several parts of the UAE, while reassuring residents there's no indication of a threat to public health. But how can a smell travel across several emirates, and what does it take to track down the source?&nbsp;
The Christmas shopping rush is approaching, and with it, the spotlight on global trade because retailers rely on international shipping networks to get their stock in place. So what does this mean for Christmas shopping, particularly here in the UAE?&nbsp;
A new analysis shows rent renewals are less compared to a year ago. Could this decline suggest that more tenants are moving out in search of better deals or more affordable homes?
The final artist for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has finally been announced as Jennifer Lopez.
And could jellyfish reverse ageing?

The Agenda is your go-to programme for news, analysis and comment - a daily digest of local and international stories that matter to you. Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.
From Covid-19, to climate change and community issues, The Agenda covers stories from every walk of life, so get in touch with us and tell us your news.

The Agenda is your go-to programme for news, analysis and comment - a daily digest of local and international stories that matter to you. Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE. From Covid-19, to climate change and community issues, The Agenda covers stories from every walk of life, so get in touch with us and tell us your news.

The Agenda

How do you track a strange odour?

The UAE is banning a widely used antibiotic from being given to animals from next month, over fears it could help bacteria develop resistance. 

We find out why this isn’t just about treating sick animals - it’s about protecting humans too.

Australia wants to give social media users the power to switch off the algorithms that decide what they see online. So could this be the beginning of the end for endless algorithm-driven scrolling?

Meanwhile, it’s looking good for pensioners in the UAE, as the Emirati statutory pension system climbs the global rankings. 

But what does that tell us about retirement provision in the UAE more broadly? And what about the many expats living here, who may need to make their own plans for life after work?

The UAE is banning a widely used antibiotic from being given to animals from next month, over fears it could help bacteria develop resistance.&nbsp;
We find out why this isn&rsquo;t just about treating sick animals - it&rsquo;s about protecting humans too.
Australia wants to give social media users the power to switch off the algorithms that decide what they see online. So could this be the beginning of the end for endless algorithm-driven scrolling?
Meanwhile, it&rsquo;s looking good for pensioners in the UAE, as the Emirati statutory pension system climbs the global rankings.&nbsp;
But what does that tell us about retirement provision in the UAE more broadly? And what about the many expats living here, who may need to make their own plans for life after work?

UAE bans common antibiotic for animals

Have you ever read a comment online and wondered whether a real person wrote it? This week, a senior UAE official warned that social media bots are being used to inflame tensions between countries in the region. 

Do you understand your child's slang terms?

We're living longer, but how many of those extra years are we actually spending in good health? 

Divers off the coast of Turkey say they’ve found the oldest shipwreck in the world.

Yas Island is gearing up for one of its busiest periods of the year, with Formula 1, international concerts, championship golf and comedy shows all on the calendar over the next few months. 

And would you still order food online if you knew it would never arrive?

Have you ever read a comment online and wondered whether a real person wrote it? This week, a senior UAE official warned that social media bots are being used to inflame tensions between countries in the region.&nbsp;
Do you understand your child's slang terms?
We're living longer, but how many of those extra years are we actually spending in good health?&nbsp;
Divers off the coast of Turkey say they&rsquo;ve found the oldest shipwreck in the world.
Yas Island is gearing up for one of its busiest periods of the year, with Formula 1, international concerts, championship golf and comedy shows all on the calendar over the next few months.&nbsp;
And would you still order food online if you knew it would never arrive?

Who are behind the bots?

Attacks on container ships in the Strait of Hormuz are rising to record levels. What does it mean for shipowners trying to get cargo around the world for their customers?

Apple says extraordinary demand for its foldable iPhones means some customers will have to wait until January for their new devices. But the wider smartphone market is facing a chip shortage, so what does that mean for us as consumers with Christmas approaching?

We’re also opening the phone lines for our regular consumer hour, your chance to ask Dubai’s Consumer Protection Department about your rights. We have a particular focus on holiday homes in Dubai, but you can ask director Ahmad Ahli about any consumer issue.

Would you spot a scam if it called you today? Dubai has created a virtual Emirati grandmother to help.

And imagine ordering dinner from a food delivery app. You choose your meal and watch the driver approach, but the restaurant doesn’t exist and the food never arrives. That’s the whole point of a bizarre new website attracting millions of visits. We speak to the founder.

Attacks on container ships in the Strait of Hormuz are rising to record levels. What does it mean for shipowners trying to get cargo around the world for their customers?
Apple says extraordinary demand for its foldable iPhones means some customers will have to wait until January for their new devices. But the wider smartphone market is facing a chip shortage, so what does that mean for us as consumers with Christmas approaching?
We&rsquo;re also opening the phone lines for our regular consumer hour, your chance to ask Dubai&rsquo;s Consumer Protection Department about your rights. We have a particular focus on holiday homes in Dubai, but you can ask director Ahmad Ahli about any consumer issue.
Would you spot a scam if it called you today? Dubai has created a virtual Emirati grandmother to help.
And imagine ordering dinner from a food delivery app. You choose your meal and watch the driver approach, but the restaurant doesn&rsquo;t exist and the food never arrives. That&rsquo;s the whole point of a bizarre new website attracting millions of visits. We speak to the founder.

How do you track a strange odour?

In 1 playlist(s)

The Agenda

Follow podcast

Recent clips