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.

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&rsquo; social media history could mean for ESTA applicants.

Daily highlights and exclusive interviews from Dubai's most informative news and business radio show. With a round-up of the day’s most important business stories, providing local content and context on the international issues that matter.Presented by Richard Dean & Brandy Scott.

Daily highlights and exclusive interviews from Dubai's most informative news and business radio show. With a round-up of the day&rsquo;s most important business stories, providing local content and context on the international issues that matter.Presented by Richard Dean &amp; Brandy Scott.

Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

The award-winning four-hour show is an informative and entertaining mix of interviews, market updates, analysis and opinions covering the morning’s top stories and big issues. Join the conversation with Brandy and Tom every weekday morning from 6 am. 

The award-winning four-hour show is an informative and entertaining mix of interviews, market updates, analysis and opinions covering the morning&rsquo;s top stories and big issues. Join the conversation with Brandy and Tom every weekday morning from 6 am.&nbsp;

Bitesize Business Breakfast

What Do Hotel Alliances Really Give You?

Economic growth in the US unexpectedly slowed in the second quarter, despite an increase in consumer spending. Dan Richards of Emirates NBD explains what caused the slowdown and what it means for the US economy. Plus, football’s biggest tournament could soon attract private equity investment, and the team shares its thoughts on what that could mean for the sport. ADNOC Drilling reports record first-half revenue of $2.46 billion, with CFO Youssef Salem discussing what drove the results and the company’s growth strategy. We also examine the renewed disruption facing Gulf aviation as major international carriers extend flight suspensions, with some routes not expected to resume until 2027. Plus, Montenegro is emerging as a new holiday destination following the introduction of temporary visa-free entry for eligible UAE residents. DW Travel’s Emily Jenkins talks us through the conditions and costs. 

Economic growth in the US unexpectedly slowed in the second quarter, despite an increase in consumer spending. Dan Richards of Emirates NBD explains what caused the slowdown and what it means for the US economy. Plus, football&rsquo;s biggest tournament could soon attract private equity investment, and the team shares its thoughts on what that could mean for the sport. ADNOC Drilling reports record first-half revenue of $2.46 billion, with CFO Youssef Salem discussing what drove the results and the company&rsquo;s growth strategy. We also examine the renewed disruption facing Gulf aviation as major international carriers extend flight suspensions, with some routes not expected to resume until 2027. Plus, Montenegro is emerging as a new holiday destination following the introduction of temporary visa-free entry for eligible UAE residents. DW Travel&rsquo;s Emily Jenkins talks us through the conditions and costs.&nbsp;

ADNOC Drilling posts record first-half revenue

Iran's Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) could extend its remit beyond merchant shipping to include subsea cable installation and maintenance in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring permits or fees for cable-laying vessels that can remain stationary for extended periods. Baker Botts partner Joshua Cole explains the potential impact on international connectivity and costs. Meanwhile, Nigel Green of deVere Group discusses UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's priorities, what his government could mean for investments, and the implications for British nationals living in both the UK and the UAE. Plus, Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD breaks down the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision. Finally, one week after the UAE's first national payment card, Jaywan, went live, Andrea Cianchetti of Al Etihad Payments explains how it works, how to get one, and the different card tiers available.  

Iran's Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) could extend its remit beyond merchant shipping to include subsea cable installation and maintenance in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring permits or fees for cable-laying vessels that can remain stationary for extended periods. Baker Botts partner Joshua Cole explains the potential impact on international connectivity and costs. Meanwhile, Nigel Green of deVere Group discusses UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's priorities, what his government could mean for investments, and the implications for British nationals living in both the UK and the UAE. Plus, Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD breaks down the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision. Finally, one week after the UAE's first national payment card, Jaywan, went live, Andrea Cianchetti of Al Etihad Payments explains how it works, how to get one, and the different card tiers available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What Andy Burnham means for Gulf-UK ties

29 Jul 2026. We continue the earnings conversation following SK Hynix's results and ahead of updates from the hyperscalers. Monte Safieddine of Capital.com explains what has been moving the tech sector and what could drive markets in the coming sessions. Also, Dan Richards of Emirates NBD looks ahead to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, the factors policymakers are weighing and why the decision has become so politically charged. We also looked at Aster Clinics’ AED 100 million plan to expand its UAE primary-care network to more than 100 facilities by 2030. Plus, Lara Ewing, Head of Dubai Opera, discusses the recovery of the live-events industry as more international performances are lined up in Dubai. And with some UAE residents reconsidering European holidays due to visa delays, Jatin Sharda of Tunz Travel explains how early travellers should apply and what to do if a visa does not arrive before a booked flight.

29 Jul 2026. We continue the earnings conversation following SK Hynix's results and ahead of updates from the hyperscalers. Monte Safieddine of Capital.com explains what has been moving the tech sector and what could drive markets in the coming sessions. Also, Dan Richards of Emirates NBD looks ahead to the Federal Reserve&rsquo;s interest-rate decision, the factors policymakers are weighing and why the decision has become so politically charged. We also looked at Aster Clinics&rsquo; AED 100 million plan to expand its UAE primary-care network to more than 100 facilities by 2030. Plus, Lara Ewing, Head of Dubai Opera, discusses the recovery of the live-events industry as more international performances are lined up in Dubai. And with some UAE residents reconsidering European holidays due to visa delays, Jatin Sharda of Tunz Travel explains how early travellers should apply and what to do if a visa does not arrive before a booked flight.

What Do Hotel Alliances Really Give You?

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