Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

23 Mar 2026. With salary deductions making headlines, we get the legal reality from Luke Tapp of Pinsent Masons. Regional tensions are driving up shipping, freight, and insurance costs - and it’s landing on your supermarket shelf. The CEO of Choithrams tells us what they’re doing to shield your grocery bill. Friday brunch isn’t dead, it’s just moved! we talk to Leonardo Maltese, Group Executive Sous Chef at Roberto’s Catering Experiences, on how Dubai’s restaurant scene is reinventing hospitality. And this Eid, 73% of UAE residents didn’t travel, but when they did go out, they were choosy. Platinumlist breaks down what that means for the entertainment industry.

19 Mar 2026. We get the latest on oil markets with Matt Stanley of Kpler. Plus, Careem’s Shaden Khallaf on its Ramadan tip-matching campaign and the impact it’s had, Dubai Autodrome’s CEO on adapting during disruption, and how companies are turning to AI as a resilience tool with Shaffra.

18 Mar 2026. As Dubai International Airport works to move passengers and cargo safely through challenging conditions, CEO Paul Griffiths tells us why DXB will come back stronger. Plus, what the conflict means for Dubai’s real estate brokers, how companies are managing remote work and supporting parents, and the small business behind the ‘Dubai is Home’ hoodies capturing the mood of the moment.

17 Mar 2026. What has the recent conflict meant for Dubai’s rental market? betterhomes’ Rupert Simmonds shares what he’s seeing on the ground over the past two weeks. Plus, DHL Express on adapting supply chains across the region, flyadeal on schedules ahead of Eid travel, and a check-in with local business Nordix Homework on operating through uncertainty.

16 Mar 2026. Dubai schools operator Taaleem is supporting teaching staff while preparing contingency plans for the next academic term amid regional uncertainty. CEO Alan Williamson joins us. Plus, it’s our C-Suite with Standard Chartered, featuring the career journey of Professor Dame Heather McGregor of Heriot-Watt Dubai. With oil still above $100 a barrel after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Amena Bakr of Kpler breaks down the energy market impact. And despite uncertainty, Dubai property deals continue, with Driven Properties founder Abdullah Alajaji discussing what that says about investor confidence.

13 Mar 2026. With airspace restrictions affecting flights across the region, IATA’s Kashif Khalid explains what it means for the wider aviation industry. Plus, a look at hospitality jobs with an F&B recruitment expert, Rove Hotels COO Paul Bridger on adjusting pricing as visitor demand softens, and we check in with a Dubai automotive events company taking high-speed driving indoors.

12 Mar 2026. Primark is just two weeks away from opening its first UAE store. John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, explains how the launch is staying on track despite challenging circumstances. Plus, Spinneys GM Tom Harvey discusses getting creative to secure supplies, Sam Achampong of CIPS covers major shipping lines suspending cargo bookings to and from the Arabian Gulf, and John Lyons of Espace Real Estate explains what the latest data shows in Dubai’s property market as investors ask questions.

11 Mar 2026. With many travel plans uncertain right now, we ask Avinash Babur, founder and CEO of insurancemarket.ae, what travel insurance actually covers. Plus, Matt Stanley breaks down what a 12% drop in Aramco’s profit means for Saudi Arabia, Vinayak Mahtani of bnbme Holiday Homes on softer bookings in Dubai’s holiday home sector, and the founder of a community market platform on helping small businesses keep trading.

10 Mar 2026. With oil prices climbing above $115 a barrel amid Middle East tensions, concerns about stagflation are emerging. Economist Ed Bell of Emirates NBD explains what it is and whether the UAE is at risk. Plus, Josh Gilbert of eToro on mixed Gulf market performance, Lulu Group’s V. Nandakumar on chartering planes to bring in fresh produce, a legal view on force majeure in the energy sector, and Donna Benton, founder of The Entertainer, on giving away 50,000 memberships to support hospitality and leisure.

09 Mar 2026. Hiring in the UAE is continuing despite regional tensions. Recruitment expert Dan Chadwick tells us what companies are doing right now. Plus, DrinkDry founder Erika Doyle on running an import business while abroad. And with crude oil above $110 a barrel after Middle East output cuts and the Strait of Hormuz closure, Ed Bell and Matt Stanley break down what it means for energy markets.

06 Mar 2026. We speak to Majid Al Futtaim CEO Ahmed Ismail about the state of retail. Plus, the business of spring break holiday camps as families adjust plans, GymNation on managing staff, clients and operations during uncertainty, and an expert analysis of surging jet fuel and energy prices and what they mean for the wider market.

05 Mar 2026. Drone damage to AWS facilities triggered outages for some online platforms, including Sarwa. Group CEO Mark Chawan explains what happened and how they restored services. Plus, Maurice Gravier from Emirates NBD’s CIO office on what wealth advisers are telling private clients right now. Plus, UAE business owner on leading teams through uncertainty, and Sean Evers of Gulf Intelligence on volatile oil and energy markets.

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.