Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

04 Mar 2026. UAE and Saudi PMI data show robust, non-oil private sector growth. Economist Ed Bell breaks down the latest numbers and the most recent market update. Plus, as authorities urge residents not to stockpile, Sky Kurtz of Pure Harvest Smart Farms on local food supply. We speak to Marsh about insurance and market risk as tensions raise questions over refineries, and hear from Dubai residents trying to get back home amid travel disruption.

03 Mar 2026. Plus, The Strait of Hormuz is closed and Iran will fire on any ship trying to pass. That's according to Iranian media quoting an Iranian Revolutionary Guards senior official. Robin Mills explains the implications for global energy supply. Rustin Edwards breaks down how insurers cancelling war-risk cover is reshaping shipping costs, and gold specialist Jeff Rhodes joins us live on safe-haven price dynamics.

02 Mar 2026. Amid heightened regional tensions and airspace disruptions, UAE authorities are urging residents not to panic-buy. We speak to Spinneys and Choithrams on food stocks and supply levels, a hotelier on supporting guests during disruption, energy expert Matt Stanley on oil and supply chains, and Deliveroo and logistics operators on keeping goods moving.

27 Feb 2026. Could AI transcription of online calls and meetings breach UAE privacy laws? We get legal clarity on what businesses need to know. Plus, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) reports record sales despite global tariff tensions, we speak to the CFO. Etihad Cargo has seen a surge in shipments of art, pets and high-value cars, the CEO tells us what that signals about the Abu Dhabi economy. And with new UAE e-invoicing guidelines issued ahead of phased deadlines, we break down what companies must do now.

26 Feb 2026. Etihad Airways has posted its best-ever financial results, with 2025 net profit up 47% as passenger numbers climbed 21% and the fleet expanded by 30%. We speak to the CFO about the numbers behind the growth. Plus, Uber will soon let users in Dubai book a Joby Aviation air taxi through its app, our Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to Uber’s President of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery, Sarfraz Maredia. And we talk “Ramadanomics” and retail expansion with Marks & Spencer. 

25 Feb 2025. Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) is preparing to enter the Abu Dhabi market through the Bolt e-hailing app. CEO Mansoor Alfalasi joins us to discuss the expansion and the company’s full-year results. Plus, with Ramadan and the weather on side, we ask whether there’s still strong demand for Ramadan tents. And the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is expanding its stadium capacity, we hear from Ramesh Cidambi on the strategy behind the move.

24 Feb 2026. Cooper Fitch has released its annual CEO survey, giving us a first look at how much growth leaders expect this year and what they’re likely to be rewarded for delivering it. Plus, cycling shifts from sport to serious business as demand accelerates in the UAE we speak to the team at Wolfi’s. And executives are trading calendar time for charity. We ask MeetMagic founder Carl Gough how the model works.

23 Feb 2026. The US Supreme Court has declared President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs, among others declared under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, illegal. We break down what it means for businesses that have been selling under tariff pricing, and for companies that have paid those levies at both ends, with a trade expert and economist, including the knock-on effects for the UAE. Plus, in the C-suite, we look at Hollywood leadership in the age of AI with the former head of Amazon MGM’s production studios. And with Ramadan demand peaking, Jumeirah’s Andy Cuthbert tells us how important the season is for hospitality margins, and what trends are standing out this year.

20 Feb 2026. UAE healthcare provider Medcare continues to expand in the UAE and will open an organ transplant centre in Sharjah, in addition to plans for building a multispecialty hospital in Dubai Studio City in 2028. Plus, Expo City Dubai is hosting the annual Hai Ramadan celebration starting tomorrow. And Dubai is spending millions of dirhams developing its beaches.

19 Feb 2026. Nord Anglia is partnering with Dubai Holding to build new schools across its communities, we speak to the regional director about what it means for families and long-term demand. Plus, UAE proptech Stake has raised $31 million as it expands into Saudi Arabia and the US. Co-founder and Co-CEO Rami Tabbara joins us. And after Wasl pledged 17,000 affordable homes back in May, our Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley finds out how much progress has actually been made and what it means for Dubai’s workforce.

18 Feb 2026. Dubai Holding and Nord Anglia Education are partnering to develop and operate premium schools across Dubai, with the first opening in Dubai Production City. We unpack what this means for the emirate’s education landscape. Plus, DMCC’s Ahmed Bin Sulayem joins us to discuss redevelopment plans in JLT and the outlook for commodities. UAE-born hotel brand Rove expands into Egypt, COO Paul Bridger shares the strategy. And S&P Global says sustainable bond issuance in the Middle East could reach $25 billion, we speak to the director.

17 Feb 2026. Dubai’s premium leisure airline Beond is opening a Bahrain base, launching new Maldives services as competition across the Gulf intensifies. We speak to the team behind the move. Plus, we pay tribute to royal photographer Ramesh Shukla, who chronicled the history of the UAE. Etihad Rail is preparing to launch passenger services within months, executive reporter Georgia Tolley got a sneak preview onboard and brings us the details, including what it could mean for GDP. And Premier Inn unveils a AED 2 billion expansion plan to double its Gulf footprint.

16 Feb 2026. As rising parking costs squeeze Dubai’s drivers, some residents are turning their spaces into income streams. Our Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to Shazam Parking about the business behind it. Plus, from financial hypnotherapy for high performers to Rolls-Royce targeting a younger ultra-wealthy buyer, we explore how money and mindset are shifting. And why are people queueing until 2am for books priced at just a few dirhams? We unpack the business behind Dubai’s late-night Big Bad Wolf frenzy.

13 Feb 2026. It’s earnings season: Spinneys posts its biggest-ever store expansion in 2025, CEO Sunil Kumar walks us through the numbers. ADNOC Drilling reports its strongest year to date, CFO Youssef Salem crunches the results. And talabat reveals its latest performance, we speak to CFO Khaled Alfakesh. Plus, with Ramadan approaching, IKEA launches an iftar experience -  yes, among the flatpack furniture.

12 Feb 2026. AirAsia X is setting up its first Middle East hub in Bahrain, with London flights launching later this year and plans for a separate Bahrain-based airline. Founder Tony Fernandes speaks to the Business Breakfast. Plus, it’s earnings season - we get Presight’s latest numbers direct from the CEO. And in Property Pulse, European families are relocating in force, but Moody’s warns of a cooling market. What’s really happening on the ground?

11 Feb 2026. Dubai International Airport welcomed 95.2 million passengers in 2025, up 3.1% year on year, the busiest year in its history and the highest annual international traffic ever recorded by any airport. We get the numbers straight from CEO Paul Griffiths. Plus, Dubai closes in on 20 million visitors, we speak to DET’s Hoor Al Khaja. Choithrams announces one of the UAE’s largest supermarket price resets, and we ask CEO Mark Mortimer-Davies why. And we meet the founder of an AI real estate intelligence platform quietly raising fresh capital.

10 Feb 2026. Broadcasting live from the Address Sky View in Downtown Dubai for the release of the Cavendish Maxwell 2026 Dubai Real Estate Market Update. We get a first look at the latest residential market data with Zacky Sajjad, Director of Business Development and Client Relations at Cavendish Maxwell. Plus, have events really been stacked back-to-back ahead of Ramadan? We speak to the man who tracks the numbers. And Dubai has hit a new tourism record, we ask Emirates NBD economist Jeanne Walters how much that matters for the wider economy.

09 Feb 2026.Live from Expo City Dubai as the city moves into its next phase with the launch of Expo Valley Views. We unpack how Expo City is evolving into a fully fledged urban hub with Ahmed Al Khatib and why global companies are heading south with Charles Swanson. Plus, from our C-suite series - we hear from Rizwan Sajan on the forces that shaped his rise in Dubai real estate. And, a startup pitching “ChatGPT for real estate” after a $3 million pre-launch raise. Finally, Cooper Fitch has put together its annual bonus report - we find out what's in store for high performers in 2026.

06 Feb 2026. The Business Breakfast broadcast live from BDP Beach on Hayat Island, the latest addition to Bar du Port’s regional expansion at Mina by RAK Properties. We spoke to the CEO of RAK Properties as the developer released its 2025 numbers and prepared for another major launch. Plus, AlphaMind Group brought its French Riviera flair north with Bar du Port Beach - CEO Tony Habre joined us. And we speak to the white-glove storage firm looking after fine art and luxury handbags for Dubai’s high-net-worth residents.

05 Feb 2026. It’s earnings season, and the CEO of Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal joins us in the studio to walk through the airline’s latest numbers. NMDC has also posted record 2025 results and is now looking beyond the UAE, CEO Eng. Yasser Zaghloul tells us where next. Plus, software giant Zoho is building its own data centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we find out what that really involves. Aldar Education partners with 450-year-old Rugby School to open a new Dubai campus. CEO Sahar Cooper joins us on why demand for premium education keeps rising.

04 Feb 2026. Dubai’s transport plans move up a gear! Driverless Glydcars are coming, with Georgia Tolley speaking to the CEO of Glydways on how the pods will work. And construction has officially started on the Dubai Loop, linking DIFC and Dubai Mall - GT gets the details from the RTA. Plus, SQUATWOLF’s co-founder on building a global fitness brand from a Dubai apartment. And former UK trade envoy Lord Marland on the investment council he’s bringing to the UAE.

03 Feb 2026. It’s earnings season - and ADNOC Distribution has posted record net profit for 2025, up nearly 15.5%, driven by higher fuel volumes and a strong jump in non-fuel retail sales. We go through the numbers with the Chief Strategy, Transformation & Sustainability Officer. Plus, Topgolf is heading to Yas Island. Dubai Golf CEO Chris May explains why Abu Dhabi is betting big on the business of golf. And ahead of the World Governments Summit 2026, our Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley finds out which themes are already shaping the global agenda.

02 Feb 2026. Dubai Duty Free has posted record January sales, again. We speak to Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi about what’s driving demand. Plus, GEMS Education CEO Dino Varkey reflects on the responsibility of leading a family business and where he plans to take it next. Markets surged in 2025, but 2026 could be a very different story, Emirates NBD’s Group CIO shares his view on volatility, AI and investing ahead. And as families chase villa communities close to schools and sports, House Hunters’ Alannah Cope breaks down what AED 2–3 million actually buys in Dubai today.

30 Jan 2026. New influencer rules come into force tomorrow (January 31) and they could change how the entire advertising industry operates. Georgia Tolley has been finding out what it means for creators and brands. Plus, Big Tech earnings are in - Apple, Meta, Microsoft and Tesla give fresh signals on AI and profits. And with major expansion plans announced across DIFC, DSO and D3, CRC’s Ben Bargh and Dubai Holding Real Estate unpack what it means for Dubai’s office market.

29 Jan 2026. The US Federal Reserve has kept interest rates on hold, as expected and the UAE Central Bank has followed suit, despite renewed pressure from President Trump for lower borrowing costs. Economist Daniel Richards explains what it means for the region. Plus, with gold prices at record levels, we get a first look at the World Gold Council’s annual report and where the yellow metal could be headed. And Emirates is reviving a luxury icon, investing $50 million to transform Wolgan Valley into the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Tom speaks to Emirates’ Barry Brown.

28 Jan 2026. Dh100 billion expansion plan, with the new DIFC Zabeel District rolling out in six phases between 2030 and 2040, adding nearly 18 million square feet. We ask property and mapping expert Zhann Jochinke where it all fits, and what it means for Dubai’s financial hub. Plus, India and the EU sign a landmark trade deal covering a quarter of the global economy - NYU Abu Dhabi’s Professor Barthélémy Bonadio explains whether global trade is being reshaped. And RAKBANK posts a record 2025, CEO Raheel Ahmed takes us through the numbers.

27 Jan 2026. Al Ain Farms plans to supply a quarter of the UAE’s eggs within three years, expanding poultry production by 38% to reach 550 million eggs annually. We put the questions to Milana Boskovic, Director of Marketing and R&D at Al Ain Farms Group, on scale and pricing. Plus, the year’s first US Fed meeting kicks off under unusual circumstances - with the Fed Chair facing legal action. Economist Dan Richards tells us what to watch. And Tom Urquhart checks in from Melbourne on Emirates’ growing Australia strategy, including its long-standing partnership with the Australian Open.

26 Jan 2026. The US President Donald Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa strikes a trade deal with China, following Mark Carney’s Davos speech warning of a rupture in the US-led world order. We ask the Economist Intelligence Unit what it could mean. Plus, Porsche’s regional CEO releases 2025 sales numbers live on air! A major developer announces a brand-new community exclusively on The Business Breakfast. And we cross to Melbourne with Tom Urquhart, speaking to Emirates’ Australia sales chief Dean Cleaver on expansion plans, destination travel to Dubai, and the airline’s Australian Open push.

23 Jan 2026. The Business Breakfast broadcasting live from the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. We talk the business of sport with tournament director Simon Corkill as golf’s biggest names return to Dubai. Plus, we cross to Davos to speak to Chris Hughes of Abu Dhabi Finance Week about the global economic mood. And we pick up some office politics tips from a former hostage negotiator - because business isn’t always played on the fairway.

22 Jan 2026. Ras Al Khaimah Airports has passed the one-million passenger mark in 2025, we go through the numbers and what’s driving growth with the CEO. Plus, earnings season continues with full-year results from the CFO of Commercial Bank of Dubai. And as the World Economic Forum gets underway in Davos, Wedbush’s Dan Ives weighs in on the key themes shaping global markets and technology in 2026.

21 Jan 2026. A private jet, 22 nights, and a $125,000 price tag, we speak to the travel company offering a globe-trotting world tour on a private Boeing jet. Plus, we cross live to Davos with Oliver Wyman’s regional head of government and public institutions for the latest from the World Economic Forum. Gold is at record highs and silver is close behind - Marex tells us how much further prices could run. And DWTC VP Mark Napier joins us to explain the new events company launched with Informa.

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.