Morning Drive

Tim Elliott discusses the legal and reputational risks of spreading misinformation with Nigel Sillitoe, CEO of Insight Discovery, and Dino Wilkinson, partner and head of the Middle East technology and data law practice at Baker McKenzie. Following regional tensions, they examine how sharing unverified content can lead to criminal penalties under UAE federal law.

Tim Elliott sits down with Abigail Mathias, editor of Global Supply Chain Magazine, to analyse the immediate logistics impact of regional tensions in the UAE. They explore how networks absorb shocks, the critical prioritisation of high-value cargo during airspace closures, and the resulting ripple effects on freight pricing and delivery schedules across the Gulf.

Tim Elliott discusses escalating tensions in the global energy market with global oil and gas expert Karan Gupta. They analyse recent reported disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for a fifth of global crude. Gupta explains how satellite imagery confirms traffic flow issues, driving Brent prices above $82 a barrel.

Tim Elliott sits down with Scott Wilcox, Founder of Sicuro Group, to analyse the escalating Middle East tensions. They discuss the critical impact of airspace closures on corporate travel and how business leaders must prioritise employee safety and supply chain stability amidst rising operational costs and real-time regional challenges.

Katherine Read (Founder, Short Stay Circle) and Jerin George (Commercial Partnerships & Account Lead - UAE & KSA, Stella Stays) join Tim Eliott to explore the surge in Dubai and KSA's short-term rental market. They discuss why holiday homes are becoming cost-effective alternatives to rising hotel rates, the impact of new residents, and the evolving lifestyle trend of local staycations.

Jeff Rhodes (Principal Consultant of Rhodes Precious Metals) joins Tim Elliott to discuss gold’s recent consolidation following extreme volatility. They analyse how the market is reacting to the new global tariffs.

Chris Rose of Ellipse Family Office Advisory joins Tim Elliott to analyse the unprecedented migration of global capital. They assess why nearly 10,000 millionaires chose the UAE in 2025, discussing how regulatory clarity, the Golden Visa programme, and long-term political stability are reshaping traditional wealth hubs.

Nasser Bostan, Founder of Simulacra X, joins Tim Elliott to challenge the ‘brute force’ approach to AI scaling. Bostan argues that sustainable intelligence requires a physics-first framework, integrating thermodynamics and stability theory to reduce digital disorder. 

Independent financial consultant James Thomas joins Tim Elliott to analyse how the robust US dollar-dirham peg is currently shaping the UAE’s remittance landscape. They discuss strategic timing for international money transfers, the benefits of currency strength for expatriates, and how residents can best capitalise on favourable exchange rates today.

Kapil Sharma, Senior VP of Sales at Continental International Group, joins Tim Elliott to analyse the immediate ripple effects of the new US 10% trade tariffs. They discuss the resulting market uncertainty, the potential escalation to 15%, and how global exporters are currently stress-testing their supply chains.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are being named among the world’s top vacation destinations for 2026, reinforcing the UAE’s position at the heart of global tourism. But for the world’s wealthiest travellers, the conversation is shifting. Join Tim Elliott and Ben Murtagh, General Manager of Usturiun Luxury Travel, as they explore why the world's wealthiest travellers are moving away from visible e...

Tim Elliott discusses Dubai’s record-breaking commercial sector with Zacky Sajjad, Director of Business Development and Client Relations at Cavendish Maxwell. They explore how 2025 sales values doubled to 13.1 billion dirhams, driven by a monumental 700% spike in off-plan transactions.

Tim Elliott interviews Dr Espen Wold-Jensen, founder of Quantum Academy, on Mira Business FM. They explore how chronic stress and disengagement cost the global economy trillions annually. Dr Espen argues that measuring C-suite health data is essential, transforming wellness from a costly perk into a vital strategic advantage.

Tim Elliott discusses the DIFC’s 2026 Global Wealth Outlook with Remco Coerman, CEO of Epic Edges Group. They explore the shifting priorities of ultra-high-net-worth individuals holding $87 trillion in assets. Insights include Dubai’s appeal as a regulatory paradise, managing jurisdictional risks, and identifying recession-proof investment sectors.

Chef Jackie Laudico joins Tim Elliott to discuss the global demand for Ube, the Filipino purple yam now dubbed the "new matcha". As international exports skyrocket, they explore Ube’s journey from a traditional heritage staple to a premium global trend, its unique photogenic appeal, and the challenges of meeting growing world demand sustainably.

Real estate expert Mario Volpi joins Tim Elliott to discuss the launch of Burj Azizi. Projected to be the world's second-tallest building at 725 metres, they discuss whether the "eye-watering" AED 4.97 million starting price for one-bedroom apartments is justified by its luxury credentials and record-breaking features.

Tim Elliott and digital wellbeing expert and professor Dr Alison Burrows discuss the UAE’s transition to legally enforcing digital safety through the Child Digital Safety (CDS) law. They explore whether strict regulation for under-18s is essential to prevent "attention hacking" and protect young people from the documented risks of social media.

Tech journalist Kevin Sebastian joins Tim Elliott to discuss the latest industry shifts, including the Samsung Unpacked event and the new S26 series. They explore the ethical debate surrounding AI-assisted photography and whether enhanced images still represent reality, alongside updates on Apple’s recent innovations and the Nothing Phone. 

Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, joins Tim Elliott to discuss how Vastu Shastra is significantly impacting Dubai’s luxury property sector. They explore how this ancient architectural science uses natural forces—like magnetic fields and sunlight—to enhance energy flow, well-being, and property value for modern investors.

Tim Elliott discusses potential social media age restrictions with Dr Talal Shaikh of Heriot Watt University Dubai. They explore how algorithms are engineered for commercial engagement rather than developmental safety. The conversation highlights the psychological impact of constant digital stimulation on learning, attention, and the mental health of younger generations.

Founder Carmen Taubman joins Tim Elliott to discuss the evolution of networking. Moving away from transactional "cringe" events, she explores how her Dubai-based community, Crew Club, utilises a "matchmaker on retainer" model. She also shares how curated introductions and shared values are fostering more meaningful business relationships.

As airfares nearly double across the UAE, Head of Product & Digital Solutions of DW Travel Emily Jenkins joins Tim Elliott to analyse the factors driving these sharp increases. They explore surging demand during the Eid al-Fitr period, the impact of dynamic pricing, and emerging trends such as Halal cruises and shifts towards more affordable destinations.

Tim Elliott sits down with marketing and consumer behavior expert Dr. Sourjo Mukherjee of the University of Wollongong Dubai to decode the shifting commercial landscape of Ramadan 2026. With over half of GCC consumers planning to increase their budget, businesses must adapt to a more intentional, less impulsive audience. Discover the essential strategies for navigating this year’s regional market.

In this episode of Morning Drive at Mira Business FM, Tim Elliott discusses the evolving landscape of freelancing in the UAE with industry professionals JM Avelino and Faraj Rehman. They explore how the creative economy functions on the ground and specifically analyse how Ramadan shifts business rhythms and productivity for independent specialists.

Tim Elliott and Gold Expert Jeff Rhodes discuss the recent "welcome period of consolidation" in precious metals. Despite a significant drop in COMEX trading volumes, Rhodes remains bullish, predicting gold will test its $2,100 all-time high by year-end. He also anticipates silver outperforming gold with a target of $30.