Morning Drive

Telemarketers have overtaken social media influencers as the UAE’s least trusted profession, according to a new survey of 1,028 residents. Credit card issuers and real estate agents also rank poorly. What’s driving this trust deficit, and what does it mean for businesses trying to win over customers? Nigel Sillitoe, CEO of Insight Discovery, joins us to unpack the findings and discuss how companie...

The UAE's dining scene never stands still, with new restaurants opening and food trends constantly changing. But what is actually happening on the ground amid the current uncertainty? We speak to Ahmad Ali, Founder of Emirati Food Geeks, about the latest openings, what diners are talking about, and whether business is bouncing back. Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode

Tim Elliott sits down with Monetary Metals Managing Director Jeff Rhodes to dissect the shifting dynamics of global precious metals markets. They analyse how soaring crude oil prices, US Federal Reserve policy expectations, and upcoming midterm elections impact gold valuations, alongside the rising trend of gold leasing and inventory financing. Powered by Podeo — Listen to this episode

Tim Elliott sits down with Independent Financial Consultant James Thomas to unpack this week's biggest financial headlines. The discussion cuts through the noise on sub-four per cent mortgage deals, off-plan property commitments, the psychological reality of retirement planning, and why your credit card limit is never a spending target.

Brands are finding new ways to reach younger consumers, using social media trends to influence shopping behaviour. Lenskart Middle East’s Score Your Frame campaign tapped into Snapchat’s Snapscore culture to explore that connection. We speak to Maria Dodero, Marketing Director at Lenskart Middle East, about youth marketing, customer acquisition and how brands measure the business impact of digital...

Is the UAE job market as crowded as everyone says, or are companies struggling to find the right talent? Tim Elliott sits down with Mackenzie Jones Middle East Managing Director David Mackenzie to discuss the UAE recruitment crunch. They unpack why top talent stays trapped in poor roles, the realities of AI resume-screening filters, and how professionals can outmanoeuvre hiring indecision to secur...

Telecom companies across the Middle East are moving into digital payments, wallets and lending, but are their safeguards keeping up with the risks? Fraud, revenue leakage and transaction errors could threaten both businesses and customers. Donald Reinhart, CEO of LATRO, joins us to discuss how telecom operators can protect their revenues and build trust as they expand into financial services.

Filipino expats in the UAE say they have lost thousands of dirhams over promises of self-sponsored visas. With job seekers vulnerable to costly offers, how can you spot a scam before paying? We speak to Mariben Eustaquio, Founder and Managing Director of EZONE and host of the podcast Entrepreneurship Is Not for Everyone, for practical tips on checking visa offers, choosing the right visa and avoid...

Tim Elliott sits down with Mario Volpi, Senior Manager at EVA Real Estate, to dissect the latest property headlines across the Emirates. From Abu Dhabi's aggressive project launches and Sharjah's surging transactions to Dubai South's staggering growth and mega-infrastructure updates, get the insider insights you need.

Tim Elliott quizzes Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon on market resilience. They investigate why top developers reject panic-discounting, protecting investor portfolios and long-term asset confidence as Dubai's property sector faces a projected slowdown.

Joining us is Craig Stevens, CEO of DubiCars, to discuss the latest buyer trends, the changing automotive market, and whether motorists should buy now or wait for year-end deals.

AI is becoming part of everyday work across the GCC, but when it comes to hiring, employees are drawing the line. A new regional survey found that 42% would withdraw from a recruitment process if they discovered AI was making the decision, while more than half of employees report feeling under constant strain at work. So what do these findings tell us about trust, workplace pressure and the future...

AI is transforming construction, but how do you make sure the technology works for the people actually on site? From multilingual safety tools to WhatsApp-based communication, technology is helping construction teams identify risks earlier and improve productivity. We’re joined by Prakash Senghani, Founder and CEO of Navatech, to discuss how AI is changing frontline safety and digital transformati...

Ras Al Khaimah is attracting global investors and hospitality giants, with Al Marjan Island at the centre of the emirate’s real estate ambitions. We speak to Umid Bazarov, Chief Operating Officer of ATARA Development, about what’s driving investor interest, the rise of branded residences and the market’s outlook.

Dubai’s short-term rental market is showing signs of recovery, with revenues improving and winter bookings climbing. Nightly rates for December are up 18% year on year, while professional operators are outperforming the wider market. Luis Santos, Co-Founder of First Class Property Management, joins us to break down the latest Q3 2026 figures and what they mean for Dubai’s property market this wint...

Airbnb is changing its house rules, and hosts will no longer be able to require guests to do chores like washing dishes or stripping beds under a new policy taking effect on November 20. With cleaning fees already part of many bookings, what does this mean for holiday home operators? We get the perspective of Ryan Ingram, Founder of Vacant Nests, on how the changes could affect hosts, guest expect...

With property prices and borrowing costs shaping decisions across the UAE, getting a mortgage is about more than just securing a bank loan. From understanding your eligibility and down payment to navigating interest rates and hidden fees, knowing the numbers upfront can save you from costly surprises. Joining us is Mohammed Janshir Basheer, Senior Director of Investment and Strategic Consultancy a...

Join Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM as Monetary Metals Managing Director Jeff Rhodes dissects how soaring oil prices, a hawkish Federal Reserve, and persistent inflation impact gold and silver markets. They analyse why robust central bank buying continues providing a vital floor amidst global economic uncertainty and shifting commodity trends.

Two hospitality professionals, one dish, and just 200 plates a day. Bhaturewala has opened in Oud Metha, bringing Delhi-style chole bhature and mutton bhature to Dubai. Joining us are Chef Pradeep Khullar and Saubhagi Veer, co-founders of Bhaturewala, who are swapping the fine-dining scene for a focused street-food venture inspired by Delhi’s culinary traditions.

Regional tensions are putting supply chains across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East in the spotlight. How can businesses stay prepared, manage supplier risks and keep operations running smoothly amid uncertainty? We speak to Sam Achampong, Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), about strengthening supply c...

As workplace trends shift towards caution, presenter Tim Elliott sits down with David Mackenzie, Managing Director of Mackenzie Jones Middle East, to dissect the rise of "job hugging." They explore average employee tenures across the UAE and UK, the loyalty tax of staying put, and whether sticking it out harms your career.

Buying a car is no longer just about visiting a showroom. Digital platforms, rising customer expectations, and shrinking dealer margins are transforming the automotive retail industry. So, how can dealerships stay competitive and profitable in an increasingly digital world? Tim Smith, Chief Strategy Officer at Keyloop, joins us to discuss how technology is reshaping car buying and what the future...

As the UAE property market smashes records, Tim Elliott sits down with Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon to separate off-plan hype from genuine demand. They discuss essential buyer strategies, regulatory escrow safeguards, growth corridors, and expert tips on managing portfolios to build generational wealth.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month takes place every October, but as AI makes cyberattacks increasingly sophisticated, are businesses doing enough to protect themselves? The UAE has reported up to 200,000 daily breach attempts against its infrastructure. So, what should businesses be watching as 2026 draws to a close? Joining us is Divya Raj, Business Unit Head for Critical Infrastructure Security, OT...

Germany’s former intelligence chief, August Hanning, has been arrested over allegations involving classified documents and the misuse of sensitive information. The case highlights a major security concern: what happens when confidential information falls into the wrong hands, even without a computer being hacked? Today, we look at how businesses can protect their secrets from internal leaks and in...