Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

20 Jan 2026. Dubai inflation rose to 3% year on year in December, on the back of higher transport and food prices. We ask Emirates NBD economist Ed Bell what’s driving prices higher. Plus, the UAE President meets India’s Prime Minister. We unpack what the visit means for trade, jobs and investment with the team from EIU. And Abu Dhabi’s cruise sector wins two major global awards, we speak to Crystal Cruises’ Daniel Essex on what the emirate is getting right.

19 Jan 2026. US Pres Donald Trump is threatening tariffs on major European economies if he can’t buy Greenland. We ask the Chairman of the Intercontinental Exchange about the potential knock-on effects for global trade and commodities. Plus, insurance costs and coverage are shifting in 2026, we speak to Zurich’s returning CEO on what’s changing. And Dubai’s residential property market shows a second straight month of price easing, according to Property Monitor. We break down what the latest data is telling us.

16 Jan 2026. Poor weather in Brazil and disruptions across major producing regions have pushed arabica prices to record highs. We ask coffee expert Garfield Kerr of Mokha 1450 what it means for café culture and prices across the UAE. Plus, Standard Chartered’s Manpreet Gill joins us on the bank’s 2026 Global Market Outlook and why AI dominates the narrative. We also look at why white-collar construction executives are increasingly open to moving jobs, and how data centres are driving a surge in power demand with Knight Frank’s global head of data centres.

15 Jan 2026. Gold, silver and copper have all hit record highs amid geopolitical tensions and growing concerns over threats to US Fed independence. We ask economist Ed Bell what’s driving the rally and how much further it could go. Plus, we revisit Fitch Ratings’ forecast of a Dubai property price correction in late 2025 and 2026 with real estate boss Lewis Allsopp. And the UAE has signed a new trade deal with the Philippines ,we speak to the country’s Trade Commissioner & former Business Council on what it means for businesses, workers and investment flows.

14 Jan 2026. Sharjah is getting a major new convention centre but does the region really need more exhibition space? We ask events expert Natalie Crampton what it means for the industry. Plus, Q4 hiring picked up across the Gulf, we speak to Cooper Fitch’s Dr Trefor Murphy on whether it’s enough to meet the population growth. And with cash use falling fast in the UAE, Visa’s chief economist explains where cash still survives and why digital payments keep winning.

13 Jan 2026. ADNOC Distribution has opened one of the world’s largest fast EV charging hubs on the E11 between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, capable of charging up to 60 cars at once. We ask CMO Jacqueline El Boghdadi just how fast “fast charging” really is. Plus, as the World Future Energy Summit kicks off, sustainability expert Tanzeed Alam explains what it will actually mean for businesses in 2026. We also speak to Parkin about its new tie-up with Spinneys and the future of paid parking in the UAE. And former Gong and Clari content chief Devin Reed tells us why LinkedIn matters more than most people realise.

12 Jan 2026. What could it mean for markets and confidence in the US economy? We ask economist Jeanne Walters. Plus, UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri on changes to the Commercial Companies Law. China’s Consul General outlines Beijing’s next five-year plan and trade ties with the UAE. The DFSA’s new crypto token rules come into force today, Elizabeth Wallace explains what firms should expect. And driverless taxis move closer in Dubai as a new autonomous control centre goes live, Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

09 Jan 2026. Etihad Rail has announced seven new passenger stations, expanding the national network to 11 locations across the UAE. What could this mean for property development, connectivity, and prices? We ask Zhann Johincke, the man with the map. Plus, could Dubai’s Water Canal area one day rival Mayfair or Fifth Avenue? Georgia Tolley reports on the city’s emerging hotspots. And a leadership change at Binance as regulation tightens across the Gulf. We speak to the new Regional Head for MENAT, and Senior Executive Officer for Abu Dhabi, Tarik Erk.

08 Jan 2026. Parkin has entered into a management agreement with Spinneys and Waitrose to deploy parking solutions across six selected retail locations in Dubai. How will it work? We ask Tom Harvey, GM of Spinneys. Plus, Saudi Arabia is opening its property market to foreign investors from January 21. What could it mean for the Saudi economy and real estate sector? We get analysis from Knight Frank and a real estate lawyer from Mohamed Ghanem and Associates Legal Consultancy. And with the UAE’s new sugar-based tax now in force, we ask PepsiCo what it means for soft drink prices and product strategy. Finally, as construction tops out on the $3.9bn Wynn Al Marjan Island, we hear from the new head of RAK Tourism on what the resort means for the emirate’s ambitions.

07 Jan 2026. What could 2026 bring for local IPOs? Market watcher Sameer Lakhani joins us with his outlook on listings, valuations and investor appetite.Plus, the UAE lowers the legal age of adulthood to 18, what does that mean financially for teenagers? We get a legal perspective. And with fresh PMI data out this week, Daniel Richards explains what the numbers really tell us about economic momentum. Finally, President Trump says US oil companies could be pumping Venezuelan crude within 18 months - is that realistic, and would it move prices? We ask Rystad Energy’s chief economist.

06 Jan 2026. The UAE’s new sugar-based tax is now live. Will it push up prices on fizzy drinks and sweetened products? We ask Spinneys whether shoppers will feel it at the till. Plus, BYD is now the world’s biggest EV company, we speak to Al-Futtaim about demand in the UAE. And UAE banks are switching off OTPs for online purchases. What does that mean for security and customers? We break it down with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.

05 Jan 2026. US President Donald Trump says US oil companies could invest billions in Venezuela. What would American big oil returning to Venezuela mean for global supply, oil prices, and the UAE? We ask energy expert Robin Mills. Plus, we get a Business Breakfast first look at a new global index ranking the world’s most start-up-ready cities with Multipolitan CEO Nirbhay Handa. And BYD is now the world’s biggest EV maker, we checked the appetite for electric cars in the UAE with Craig Stevens of dubicars.

02 Jan 2026. Dubai Duty Free has capped off 2025 with record-breaking sales, nearly 10% higher than last year, with December the strongest month in its 42-year history. We break down the numbers with Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi. Plus, crystal-ball time - we look at what could 2026 mean for key sectors from F&B to recruitment. 

31 Dec 2025. It’s the final Business Breakfast of 2025. As Dubai gears up for New Year’s Eve celebrations, the RTA reveals how it plans to keep the city moving, from extended Metro hours to road closures and crowd management. We speak to Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA. Plus, we look ahead to 2026, what could the year bring for energy markets, Dubai real estate, insurance costs, and business confidence as we gaze into the Business Breakfast crystal ball.

30 Dec 2025. Dubai Airport has just handled its busiest Christmas on record, and now all eyes are on the New Year rush. We break down the numbers and how DXB is preparing for peak travel. Plus, continuing our NYE-nomics: how much do fireworks and drone shows really cost, and can Dubai’s transport system cope with demand on the biggest night of the year? We ask Zed. And with the population growing fast, Etihad Credit Bureau reveals what it means for credit scores and financial resilience in the UAE.

29 Dec 2025. New Year’s Eve in Dubai is big business. From Burj Khalifa view hotel rates to floating parties and private drivers, we break down what midnight really costs this year. Plus, where are UAE travellers heading for 2026? Wego reveals the most-booked destinations, last-minute trends, and what’s still available.

24 Dec 2025. It's almost Christmas! Will there be books under the tree this year? We ask the boss of Kinokuniya what’s selling in the final festive rush. Plus, a new housing project linked to Riyadh’s rail expansion, and with gold at record highs and markets wobbling, Century Financial’s Vijay Valecha explains what’s driving global prices.

23 Dec 2025. Teneo’s Vision 2026 survey shows optimism at the top - but impatience among investors. We break down why CEOs still back AI despite mixed returns, what it means for hiring with Nick McDonagh, Regional MD at Teneo. Plus, a headhunter responds to a controversial hiring request, and we explore the business of Christmas pantos in Dubai with Lisa Scott-Lee.

22 Dec 2025. Demand for short-term rentals in Dubai is surging ahead of New Year’s Eve,  especially apartments with a Burj Khalifa fireworks view. We ask Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, what it’ll cost you this year. Plus, what the next single-use plastic ban means for businesses in 2026 with Francois De Bie, COO, Emirates Bioplastic. And why tax, AI and governance are now front and centre for Gulf companies with Jade Wong of Sovereign PPG.

19 Dec 2025. Dubai Duty Free marks 42 years, and MD Ramesh Cidambi joins us early to share how they’re celebrating and where sales are heading. Plus, what Christmas corporate catering says about business confidence, a deep dive into Dubai’s red-hot prime property market with Savills, and our 2025 Energy Round-Up with energy expert Matt Stanley.

18 Dec 2025. Are more Dubai families opting for takeaway turkey this Christmas? We ask Jones the Grocer CEO Yunib Siddiqui what it means for festive food spending. Plus, Expo City Dubai launches a new leadership initiative, we get the details from CHRO Marjan Faradooni. And Rove Hotels is expanding into Saudi Arabia. COO Paul Bridger explains why now.

17 Dec 2025. Emirates NBD has released a series of forecasts for 2026 - covering growth, oil, and the dollar. Acting Chief Economist Ed Bell breaks down what to expect. Plus, new tax rules come into force on January 1 - we speak to a friendly accountant on what businesses need to know. And Alvarez & Marsal’s Sam Gidoomal unpacks the latest UAE Banking Pulse, analysing performance across the country’s biggest lenders.

16 Dec 2025. We continue our Christmas-nomics series, looking at how much we’re spending on trees and gifts with category managers from Ferns N Petals and Noon. Plus, as DXB heads into its busiest weeks of the year, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths tells us how the airport is managing the festive travel surge. And the RTA reveals fresh details on the Dubai Metro Blue Line -  executive reporter Fiona Nicole Mee has the latest.

15 Dec 2025. It’s Christmas-nomics. We break down festive spending in 2025 - from turkeys and chocolates to premium treats, with Spinneys. Plus, Talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez on why he’s stepping down, and our C-Suite Series with HSBC continues as Kitopi co-founder Saman Darkkhan talks about scaling a UAE unicorn and what comes next.

12 Dec 2025. Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) expands with Rotana- what does joining an alliance really mean for travellers? We asked GHA CEO Chris Hartley and Rotana CEO Phil Barnes why loyalty is being rethought as competition heats up. Plus, we discussed what a proposed US move to check travellers’ social media history could mean for ESTA applicants.

11 Dec 2025. The US Federal Reserve has cut rates by 25 basis points, and the UAE Central Bank followed immediately. Economist Ed Bell breaks down what the move means for borrowing, inflation and the wider UAE economy. Plus, Wafi Group and ALMAD Group reveal a major new joint venture to transform Wafi City,  announced exclusively on The Business Breakfast. And Binance has secured a full licence for all three of its entities from ADGM. We speak to the company’s CMO about what this milestone means for crypto in the UAE.

10 Dec 2025. Abu Dhabi and Dubai both rank highly in a new global financial centres index unveiled at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. We break down what it means with one of the minds behind the rankings. Plus, we speak to the head of the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority on the policy direction for the year ahead. And Presight signs a major AI deal with HSBC, we find out what it means for banking in the region.

09 Dec 2025. Day 2 of broadcasting live from Abu Dhabi Finance Week: Aldar plans to double office space on Al Maryah Island - CEO Jonathan Emery joined us with the details, and we asked our favourite headhunter who will fill all that space. Plus, how tech is transforming the justice system at ADGM Courts with CEO Linda Fitz-Alan. And ADIO launches its brand-new future economy cluster FIDA - covering fintech, insurance, digital, and alternative assets, executive reporter Georgia Tolley in conversation with Fatima Al

08 Dec 2025. We’re live from Al Maryah Island for Day 1 of Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, as global leaders gather to shape the future of capital and investment. Fintech Times editor Mark Walker joins us on what the UAE wants to achieve this year. Plus, travel chaos in India over new pilot fatigue rules with aviation expert Mark D Martin, and why UAE firms may be benefiting from tariff uncertainty, with HSBC’s Deyana Cherneva.

05 Dec 2025. Dubai’s office market has posted its strongest quarter ever, with AED 3.1 billion in sales. We speak to Cavendish Maxwell’s Zacky Sajjad about what’s driving demand. Plus, F1-nomics - Seven Yachts breaks down how much the marine and hospitality sectors really make. And Sotheby’s brings a billion-dollar showcase to Abu Dhabi as Collectors Week kicks off, Georgia Tolley finding out whether luxury is investment… or indulgence.Finally, Saxo Bank’s Outrageous Predictions 2026 and what the falling Indian rupee means for UAE remittances.

04 Dec 2025. The UAE is rolling out new VAT amendments from January 1st, simplifying procedures and tightening refund and transparency rules to stay aligned with global standards. We get the details from tax expert Thomas Vanhee, Founding Partner at Aurifer. Plus, Saudia’s new subscription model, Emirates’ bundled passes, and Asia Pass, why airlines are leaning into special schemes? We asked aviation expert Nick Humprey. And we look ahead to Dubai’s 2026 property outlook with Espace Real Estate.

03 Dec 2025. Dubai Duty Free has posted its strongest monthly sales in more than four decades. We speak to MD Ramesh Cidambi about what drove the record. Plus, AI lunch subscription startup Funch has raised half a million dollars, we find out more with co-founder Ahmad Joehnny. And Samsung unveils its first triple-folding phone, we hear from regional VP Fadi Abu Shamat. Finally, peak season has begun for Dubai hotels. FIVE’s Mushal Nisthar joins us as the city enters its most lucrative two weeks of the year.

28 Nov 2025. It’s the Eid Al Etihad long weekend - but are there still any staycations available? We check in with a Ras Al Khaimah hotelier to find out. Plus, Dubai is rolling out more than 17,000 affordable homes. Executive reporter Georgia Tolley looks at what this could mean for residents hunting for value in a hot property market. And Property Finder is helping tenants move to monthly rent payments, we speak to the company’s chief revenue officer to learn how it works.

27 Nov 2025. We’re broadcasting live from the Doers Summit, where Dubai Silicon Oasis is calling for less networking and more deal-making. Director General Badr Buhannad joins us with the vision. It may not be a UAE holiday, but Thanksgiving demand is soaring,we ask CarniStore how much Dubai is willing to spend on turkey day. Plus, what the UK Budget means for wealth flows and property owners here. And finally, Dubai Holding Entertainment unveils two major new attractions.

26 Nov 2025. National Day weekend is almost here - but are there still seats left for a last-minute getaway? We ask travel expert Emily Jenkins. Plus, the boom in family offices is creating new hiring opportunities. Oscar Orellana-Hyder of Cordell Partners explains what roles are in demand.And with record government spending pushing ahead, executive reporter Georgia Tolley looks at whether rising construction costs could make the UAE’s building boom more expensive.

25 Nov 2025. Knight Frank warns that supply could start outpacing demand. We ask Faisal Durrani whether Dubai’s property market is really at risk.Plus, betterhomes reveals a major shift: more than half of tenants now plan to buy a home in Dubai within three years. CEO Louis Harding explains what’s driving long-term staying power. And Dar Global is teaming up with the Trump Organisation to build, and tokenize, a Maldives resort. Finally, rugby goes commercial. All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick joins us to talk about new investment models in the sport.

24 Nov 2025. It’s salary survey season and Cooper Fitch is projecting just 1.6% growth in UAE pay next year, why? CEO Trefor Murphy joins us to unpack what that means for workers and employers in 2026. Plus, from dinosaurs to deep space, Georgia Tolley takes us inside Abu Dhabi’s new Natural History Museum and what it means for the capital’s cultural future. And we start the countdown to New Year’s Eve and count the costs with Nando’s!

21 Nov 2025. Dubai Airshow 2025 is over - who topped the order table? We break it down with aviation expert Nick Humphrey. Plus, what the week meant for private aviation with Vista, and how busy gala season is getting with a designer dress rental founder. And the UAE has scrapped the AED 5,000 minimum salary rule for loans, legal expert Catriona McDevitt explains what it means.

20 Nov 2025. Georgia Tolley sits down with REGENT’s Co-Founder and CEO to explore the sea-glider set to take to the country’s skies and waterways. Plus, flyadeal announces a new hub. We speak to CEO Steven Greenway about where the airline is heading next. And the UAE wants to be the region’s space capital. H.E. Ibrahim Al Qasim explains how this year’s Airshow pavilion marks a new wave of investment in the sector. Finally, Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah joins us live after being named Ambassador for Run Yas 2026.

19 Nov 2025. We’re broadcasting live from Day 3 of the Dubai Airshow 2025 - and it’s a full C-suite takeover at the biggest aviation event of the year.We hear from: •⁠  ⁠His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group •⁠  ⁠Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports •⁠  ⁠Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group •⁠  ⁠Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and COO of Emirates Airline From fleet strategy to airport growth to the new era of Gulf aviation, we bring you the biggest headlines straight from Dubai World Central.

18 Nov 2025. Broadcasting live from the Dubai Airshow 2025, we break down the biggest headline of the week: Emirates has ordered 65 Boeing 777s, along with 130 GE engines, in a deal worth around 38 billion dollars. We speak to Boeing’s VP of Commercial Marketing about what this means for the airline and the future of long-haul travel. Plus, Riyadh Air is pushing ahead despite Boeing delays. Executive reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to CEO Tony Douglas for the inside track. And Dubai’s flying taxis take a major leap toward reality. Georgia also sits down with Joby Aviation after completing the first crewed eVTOL flight between two UAE locations.

17 Nov 2025. Is the city’s liveability being tested, and are some residents at risk of being left behind? Georgia Tolley reports from New York at the Dubai Business Forum. Plus, where are we in the UAE’s CEPA trade deal journey? We put the question to HE Dr Thani Al Zayoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. And in our C-Suite Series, we’re joined by one of the UAE’s most influential public health pioneers, H.E. Dr Mariam Matar, to explore how she has shaped national policy and redefined longevity and well-being.

14 Nov 2025. Dubai Chambers is heading to the US, opening its first American office in New York, an announcement made at the Dubai Business Forum. Executive reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori about what this means for global trade ties. Plus, with the Dubai Airshow just days away, we check in with DXB Airport CEO Paul Griffiths on what to expect. And Parsons has secured a 56-million-dollar contract for Phase 2 of the Diriyah development, we hear what’s next for one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest giga-projects.

13 Nov 2025. Dubai Exhibition Centre’s AED 10 billion expansion is powering ahead, with Phase 1 on track for completion in Q1 2026. We speak to the man leading the push, Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at DWTC, about what’s coming and why it matters for Dubai’s events economy. Plus, Dubai’s residential construction cycle is reportedly compressing, but what does that actually mean for developers, buyers and delivery timelines? Zacky Sajjad of Cavendish Maxwell breaks it down.

12 Nov 2025. Abu Dhabi is building a citywide network of air taxi vertiports, with more than 10 sites planned and the first two ready early next year. We get the full story from Skyports CEO Duncan Walker. Plus, it’s earnings season in the UAE. We break down Q3 results with the C-suites of Fertiglobe, Spinneys, Dubai Taxi Company, and Emsteel.

11 Nov 2025. Abu Dhabi Global Market is marking 10 years, but what will the next decade look like? We speak to Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development, about ADGM’s growth, its role in the UAE’s financial landscape, and what’s next for the capital’s global ambitions. Plus, Autonomous Week takes over Abu Dhabi, bringing the world’s top mobility and AI innovators together, The Business Breakfast’s Fiona Nicole Mee reports from the event. And in Sharjah, BEEAH Group CEO H.E. Khaled Al Huraimel unveils Khalid Bin Sultan City, the emirate’s new blueprint for sustainable living.

10 Nov 2025. Dubai’s economy expanded 4.4% in the first half of 2025, with Q2 growth hitting 4.7%. We ask economist Jeanne Walters which sectors drove the surge and whether the city’s growth story is shifting. Plus, the business of golf is booming: DP World Tour partnership revenues are up 90% in five years. We speak to Josh Lewis about what’s driving global brands to the fairway. And New Balance is running ahead, we talk to regional boss Stuart Henwood about the sneaker brand’s rapid expansion across the UAE.

07 Nov 2025. Emirates Group has announced another record-breaking half-year, with profits up 13% year-on-year. We crunch those Emirates numbers like a bag of inflight nuts with aviation expert Nick Humphrey. Plus, Microsoft’s Brad Smith joins The Business Breakfast’s Georgia Tolley to discuss the $15 billion investment into the UAE by 2030 to enhance AI and cloud infrastructure and train local talent. And the UAE has unveiled a Dhs170 billion transport overhaul - new highways, wider roads, and faster commutes. We ask Phil Clarke what it really means for drivers and the economy.

06 Nov 2025. ADNOC Drilling has announced its second regional acquisition, buying an 80% stake in MBS Petroleum Services adding 21 rigs to its fleet and deepening its presence across the Gulf. We speak to CFO Youssef Salem about what the deal means for shareholders and future growth. Plus, tech stocks tumble as chipmakers lose half a trillion dollars in value, we ask analyst Dan Ives whether it’s just a pause or the start of a correction. And Espace Real Estate’s Daniel Abraham breaks down the hidden costs UAE homebuyers keep missing.

05 Nov 2025. Dubai Holding and Palantir Technologies have launched a joint venture called Aither, aimed at driving AI transformation across the UAE’s public and private sectors. We speak to Palantir EVP Noam Perski to find out what exactly they’ve built and how it will “localise” the economic value of AI. Plus, H&M’s global CEO Daniel Ervér joins us as the retailer celebrates 20 years in Dubai and names the city a key global hub for 2025. And Untold Dubai is back - we speak to co-founder Edy Chereji about the economics behind one of the region’s biggest music festivals.