Morning Drive

Join Tim Elliott on the Morning Drive for an exclusive insight into one of Dubai’s most ambitious master-planned communities. This episode features Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, who explores why Dubai Creek Harbour sits in a category of its own. Spanning three and a half square kilometres, this mixed-use development offers a unique lifestyle just ten minutes from Downtown. Ajay discuss...

Tim Elliott sits down with Dnyanada Kulkarni of Century Financial to scrutinise the sudden escalation of geopolitical tensions in Venezuela. Following the unexpected capture of Nicolas Maduro on drug trafficking charges, the duo analyse the profound implications for global markets and UAE investors. Dnyanada provides an expert deep dive into the impact on oil production, which has already fallen b...

Tim Elliott is joined by prominent UAE content creator Mico Banua, known to his fans as Kuya Mico. They pull back the curtain on the "glamorous" world of social media to discuss the actual costs of doing business in the Emirates. Mico shares candid insights into how influencers monetise their platforms whilst managing significant overheads. It is a must-listen for anyone curious about the...

Tim Elliott is joined by Linda Kender, Regional Director for MENA at MMA Global, to explore the rapidly evolving influencer landscape in the UAE as we enter 2026. Linda shares expert insights into why "creators" is now the preferred industry term and how they have transitioned from a "nice-to-have" to an essential marketing tool for brands. The conversation delves into the future o...

Tim Elliott explores a transformative business model that prioritises social impact alongside commercial success. Joined by Michael Mascarenhas, CEO of Desert Group, and Saif Saeed, a talented Emirati participant, the discussion centres on Enable—the UAE’s first retail entrepreneurship programme for people of determination. Michael discusses how the initiative moved beyond traditional profit targe...

Tim Elliott is joined by Mohammed Husary, the Founder and CEO of VIWELL. Drawing from his experience building a global aviation powerhouse from the age of twenty-one, Husary discusses the strategic importance of holistic employee wellbeing. He challenges the "negative mentality" held by some leaders who believe that simply paying a salary is sufficient, arguing that this approach often lea...

Tim Elliot explores the future of the UAE's culinary scene with Filipino entrepreneurs Lourds Adalia-Evertse and Dabo Pamplona. Lourds, managing director of Spice Grill UAE, discusses her journey from launching during the pandemic to her recent international FWN award. Alongside chef Dabo Pamplona, they delve into the resilience and strategic growth defining Filipino-led businesses. As we look...

Tim Elliott sits down with Hamza Khan, the co-founder and CEO of Letswork, to discuss the radical shift in global workplace culture. A former magic circle lawyer turned entrepreneur, Khan shares his journey from London’s corporate world to pioneering a flexible workspace platform in Dubai. They explore the "death of the desk" and how the influx of Gen Z workers and the impact of the pandem...

Tim Elliott hosts a dual-perspective look at urban innovation. Amy Hoechadel, VP of the Urban Lab, discusses transforming Expo City Dubai into a "real-world test bed" where government, academia, and industry collaborate to solve complex urban challenges like extreme heat. Complementing this, William Slabbert explores nature-based "greening" strategies to enhance livability. Togethe...

Tim Elliott sits down with Ajay Menon, the visionary CEO of Luxe Vista Properties. They explore a surprising catalyst for growth in the UAE property market: the tightening of H1B visa regulations in the United States. Ajay discusses how new $100,000 application fees and wage-weighted priorities are redirecting global talent from India and China toward Dubai. Discover why American universities and...

Join Tim Elliott on today’s Morning Drive as he welcomes Jeff Rhodes, CEO of Goldstrom Advisory, to analyse an unprecedented week in the precious metals market. Jeff describes the recent volatility as the most amazing period he has ever witnessed, with silver reaching a staggering $84. The discussion debunks widespread rumours regarding Chinese export bans, clarifying that dozens of companies rema...

Tim Elliott sits down with Professor Preslav Nakov, Department Chair of Natural Language Processing at MBZUAI, to discuss the revolutionary launch of JAIS. Recognised as the world's largest Arabic-centric open-weight AI model, JAIS represents a significant milestone for the UAE's technological sovereignty. Professor Nakov explains the model's unique architecture, which prioritises Arab...

Join Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM as he welcomes Ahmad Ali, the visionary founder of Emirati Food Geeks. In this episode, Ahmad reflects on the extraordinary growth of Dubai’s gastronomy in 2025 and shares his expert outlook for the year ahead. From the rise of homegrown Emirati brands to why Dubai’s burger scene now rivals London’s, they explore the flavours defining the city. Ahmad also discu...

Tim Elliott sits down with Abhishek Jalan, CEO of Grovy Developers, to analyse the shifting landscape of the UAE real estate sector as we approach 2026. Drawing on five decades of family expertise in Delhi’s mature market, Abhishek discusses why the current climate represents a healthy stabilisation rather than a slowdown. We explore key indicators such as rental yield corrections and rising const...

Tim Elliott explores the shifting media landscape of the UAE with award-winning executive producer Reim El Houni. Despite the rapid rise of digital platforms, Reim argues that traditional television remains incredibly relevant in the MENA region due to its enduring credibility and high production standards. She discusses why guests still prefer a TV studio over a YouTube set and the continued impo...

Could you survive six months without a salary? In this essential episode of Morning Drive, presenter Tim Elliott and financial expert Michele Carby discuss the one financial tool that stands between you and a "debt trap"—the emergency fund. Michele breaks down her "rule of thumb" for building a robust safety net, advising that every resident should aim for a reserve of three to six...

Join Tim Elliott on the Morning Drive as he welcomes Ajay Menon, the CEO of Luxe Vista Real Estate, to explore the current dynamics of Dubai’s property sector. Menon provides a compelling case for why investors should prioritse townhouses and villas over apartments, citing a significant scarcity that is projected to intensify by 2030. The conversation delves into market ratios, capital appreciatio...

Tim Elliott explores the question: where does wood in the UAE come from? Alex George, Managing Director of Al Ostad Pallet Factory, explains that with no local forests, the industry is pivoting its supply chains to meet modern sustainability standards. We discuss the shift from traditional European sources like Germany and Romania towards sustainable plantations in Latin America. The conversation...

As we approach the end of the year, it is the perfect time to audit your financial health. In this episode of Morning Drive, presenter Tim Elliott is joined by Independent Financial Consultant James Thomas to discuss how to gain true financial direction for the months ahead. James explains why independence is the cornerstone of sound planning, ensuring that your advisor is not tied to any single c...

What does it take to turn a string of rejections into a career-defining opportunity? In this episode of Morning Drive on Mira Business FM, presenter Tim Elliott sits down with David Mackenzie, the Managing Director of Mackenzie Jones. Describing himself as a "seasoned warhorse" of the recruitment industry, David shares essential advice for anyone starting their career or navigating a compl...

In the second half of this interview, Tim Elliott continues the deep dive into the practical applications of Shariah-compliant finance with Dr. Adnan Aziz, Chief Program Officer of the Global Islamic Finance for Climate, Nature, and Development. The conversation shifts from the fundamental prohibitions of Islamic law to the positive, ethical foundations that define the industry: asset-backed stabi...

Tim Elliott sits down with Dr Talal Shaikh, Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, to explore Dubai's rapid evolution into a global AI and technology powerhouse. Following the high-profile meeting between the Crown Prince and Elon Musk, they discuss how the emirate is transitioning from a 'fast follower' to a leader in the innovation sector. Dr Shaikh provides expert insi...

Tim Elliott is joined by Ajay Menon, the CEO of Luxe Vista Real Estate, to navigate the evolving landscape of UAE property. They dive into the "Clash of the Islands", comparing the high-profile potential of Dubai Islands against Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island. Ajay shares expert insights into why waterfront destinations remain a limited and highly sought-after commodity for global inves...

On Morning Drive, presenter Tim Elliott sits down with Philip Jamal Rachid—the award-winning filmmaker, b-boy, and visionary founder of SoulTrotter. Rachid, an Iraqi-Kurdish artist born in Bulgaria and raised in Amsterdam, has spent his career navigating the complex intersections of identity. Now based in Dubai, he has become a pivotal voice for the "third culture" generation, using cinema...

Tim Elliott sits down with Irena Dimitrovi, the founder of House of Cakes, to explore the business of boutique baking in the UAE. Since launching in 2006, this pioneering brand has evolved from a childhood dream into a market leader. The discussion reveals a counter-intuitive trend: while international bakeries peak in December, Dubai’s bespoke market often sees a downturn as families travel abroa...