Morning Drive

Tim Elliott interviews Hanny Alshazly, Managing Director for PMI MENA, at the Dubai International Project Management Forum. They discuss maximising project success through rising global standards. Alshazly identifies a critical project talent gap, noting the region requires 600,000 additional professionals by 2035 to meet demand.

Zacky Sajjad from Cavendish Maxwell joins Tim Elliott to discuss Dubai’s retail market surpassing one billion dirhams in quarterly sales. They explore how population growth, maturing market sentiment, and international investor confidence are driving record-breaking transactions and a significant rise in off-plan retail activity across the city.

The COO of MyGatePass Yahya Kabbara joins Tim Elliott to discuss revolutionising community access across the Emirates. They explore how his platform digitises the tedious manual security process to improve efficiency, enhance data privacy, and provide real-time analytics for facility managers, creating a seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.

Mario Volpi joins Tim Elliott to analyse whether the rapid price appreciation in Ras Al Khaimah has outpaced its value. They discuss the impact of the upcoming casino, why "activity doesn’t always mean opportunity", and how to distinguish between genuine long-term wealth building and the dangerous hype of a heated market.

Live at Intersec 2026, Andy Mackay, Head of EMEA Marketing at Genetec, speaks to Tim Elliott about the shifting global security landscape. They discuss how physical security is transitioning from a traditional cost centre into a strategic business investment. Mackay explores the power of unified platforms over simple integration and explains how innovations in AI and hybrid cloud are helping organ...

Tim Elliott is joined by Jazz Ferguson, a professional basketball player and mental performance coach with over fifteen years of international experience. Jazz shares how the high-pressure world of elite sport provides a blueprint for senior leaders and executives seeking sustainable success. We discuss practical strategies for building confidence through repetition, the "game film" approa...

Tim Elliott sits down with Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, to scrutinise the validity of Dubai’s real estate rankings. They explore why investors must look beyond absolute figures and perform their own due diligence rather than taking data at face value. 

Tim Elliott is joined by Nolwenn Allano, Chief Commercial Officer at EIRS Digital Insurance Ecosystem, to discuss the dramatic growth within the Middle Eastern insurance market. With the UAE’s gross written premiums surging by 21% to nearly 65 billion dirhams, Allano identifies the UAE and Saudi Arabia as the primary drivers of this expansion.

Tim Elliott sits down with Jadd Elliott Dib, the founder and CEO of Pangaea X. They explore how his AI-powered data ecosystem is revolutionising traditional decision-making through gamified competitions. Jad shares his journey from a Deloitte consultant to an award-winning tech entrepreneur, discussing the power of crowdsourcing solutions for real-world business challenges. Recognising the importa...

Buckle up for a brand-new era on Mira Business FM! Tim Elliott welcomes Dr David Tully to the Morning Drive to announce the launch of his highly anticipated show, Crossroads. Co-hosted by Deema Maghalseh, the programme explores the vibrant intersection of business, entertainment, and the global media industry. Fresh from a "Winter Wonderland" holiday in New York, Tully shares his vision—fr...

Tim Elliott analyses the commercial explosion of the Korean food sector with Chang Sup Shin, CEO of 1004 Gourmet. Far from a fleeting trend, K-Food has transitioned into a highly profitable retail category in the UAE, with South Korean noodle exports surging 22% in 2025 to reach a record $1.5 billion. The discussion explores how 1004 Gourmet capitalised on rising consumer awareness and the introdu...

Tim Elliott sits down with Bobby and Zeenia Kamani to explore their fascinating transition from corporate careers to founding the bespoke travel firm, Zia Travel Atelier. Zeenia, previously a high-level IP lawyer, and Bobby, a hospitality industry veteran, share how they moved their headquarters to Dubai to scale their unique vision. They discuss the "business pivot," turning a lifelong pa...

In this episode of Morning Drive, Tim Elliott welcomes David MacKenzie, the founder of MacKenzie Jones, to discuss the evolving landscape of recruitment and human resources . David shares candid insights into managing company culture, highlighting his decision to grant staff extra leave over the festive period to ensure they returned revitalised . The conversation explores current market challenge...

Tim Elliott is joined in the Mira Business FM studio by Jacek Ziomek, Manager at X Motors, for a high-octane look at the luxury car market. They break down the staggering specs of the new 800-horsepower Lamborghini Urus SE and discuss why it might just outclass the Performante. The conversation shifts to the pinnacle of motoring, comparing the meticulous craftsmanship of Bentley with the "ulti...

Tim Elliott welcomes independent financial consultant James Thomas back to the studio following the festive break. As we embrace the new year, they delve into the vital importance of reviewing and implementing your personal financial goals for the months ahead. James provides expert insight into regular savings strategies and the long-term impact of compound growth, offering a generic yet highly p...

Tim Elliott welcomes Jeff Rhodes, the seasoned CEO of Goldstrom Advisory, to analyse the shifting landscape of precious metals. Following a festive break in the UK, Jeff returns with fresh insights into gold's recent volatility and its performance within a tight trading range. The conversation focuses on silver’s remarkable surge, driven by a widening gap between limited global production and...

Tim Elliott sits down with freelance financial journalist Siddesh Mayekar to analyse the week’s most significant business headlines. The pair delve into Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking new legal framework, which permits foreigners to buy property and invest directly in stocks on the Tadawul from February 2026. They also scrutinise the volatility of silver and Bitcoin, the impact of Big Tech’s latest...

Tim Elliott is joined in the studio by Dr Ali Muzaffar, Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. As the UAE leads the global AI race, we often overlook the physical powerhouse behind every smart algorithm: the data center. Dr Muzaffar, a specialist in the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, explains why these massive facilities require vast quantities of water for cooling to prevent...

Tim Elliott sits down with Sean Heckford, Director of Built Asset Consulting at Cavendish Maxwell, to analyse the staggering performance of the Saudi Arabian real estate market in Q3 2025. They discuss Riyadh's remarkable residential resilience, evidenced by 17.6 billion riyals in quarterly sales despite rising prices. Sean explains how Vision 2030 and government housing initiatives are drivin...

Tim Elliott dives into the invisible but essential world of aftermarket services. Joined by Saleem Ahmed, CEO of Dahbashi Engineering, the discussion explores why industries such as construction and aviation only notice these vital systems when they break down. Saleem explains the high cost of neglecting preventative maintenance and how his firm provides reliable alternatives to original parts whe...

In this episode of the Morning Drive, Tim Elliott welcomes Mario Volpi, Senior VP of Investment Advisory at Allegiance Real Estate, to analyse the extraordinary trajectory of the UAE property market. Volpi discusses the staggering 680 billion dirhams in transactions recorded last year, highlighting a remarkable 30% year-on-year growth that continues to outpace international benchmarks. The convers...

Tim Elliott is joined by Khadija Behzad, an award-winning entrepreneur and the first female Emirati safari tour guide. As the founder and CEO of "Meet the Locals", Khadija is transforming the UAE’s tourism landscape by moving beyond traditional sightseeing to focus on authentic human connection and shared stories. She discusses identifying a significant market gap—the lack of direct engage...

Join Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM as he welcomes back renowned financial expert Michele Carby to discuss essential strategies for the year ahead. In this insightful session, Michelle explains why it is never too late to take stock of your finances and establish a robust plan. She highlights common mistakes, such as delaying budgeting, and offers a powerful perspective on retirement by viewing i...

Join Tim Elliott on Morning Drive as he welcomes tech expert Kevin Sebastian to discuss the latest rumours surrounding Apple’s foray into foldable technology. Whilst competitors like Samsung have led the way for years, Apple is reportedly developing a sophisticated, thinner device featuring a 5.5-inch external display and under-display camera technology. We'll explore whether this ambitious pi...

Tim Elliott sits down with Adam Zargar, the founder of UAE Coaching, to discuss a transformative trend in leadership. Even the most powerful CEOs in the UAE are realising that success requires more than just strategy; it demands significant personal growth and a resilient mindset. Zargar explains how coaching provides senior leaders with an essential, non-vested "soundboard" to challenge t...