Morning Drive

Tim Elliott is joined by Jeff Rhodes, CEO of Goldstrom Advisory, to discuss why the holiday season is anything but quiet for precious metals. As markets enter the thin trading volumes of the Christmas period, Rhodes reaffirms his blockbuster conviction that gold is on a path to $6,500. The discussion explores the "Christmas gift" of rising silver prices, with Rhodes predicting a surge to $...

As the festive season reaches its peak and the New Year fast approaches, UAE residents are busy planning travel, shopping, and celebrations. However, the joy of the season can quickly lead to months of financial stress if spending on credit cards and loans spirally out of control. On today's Morning Drive, presenter Tim Elliott is joined by Financial Expert Michele Carby to discuss practical,...

Tim Elliott and Policybazaar.ae CEO Neeraj Gupta discuss the UAE’s FinTech evolution. They explore how regulatory clarity and digital platforms have transformed insurance from a "grudge purchase" into a household essential. Neeraj also shares insights into shifting consumer behaviour, the impact of recent weather events, and how government innovation is shaping the future of financial prot...

Tim Elliott is joined in the studio by Jiacek Ziomek from X Motors to discuss a pressing issue for the region's automotive sector. Following recent heavy rain and flooding in Dubai, the pair look at the impact on some of the world's most prestigious vehicles. Jiacek shares insight into the scale of the problem, noting that even limited-edition models like the Ferrari Purosangue and the 812...

Tim Elliott is joined by Dr David Tully, Head of Media at Middlesex University Dubai, and producer Mychal Feraren to discuss the major release of Avatar: Fire and Ash. As the third instalment in a franchise that boasts two of the top three highest-grossing films of all time, the team explores whether James Cameron’s latest work can meet its massive $2 billion box office expectations.

In this hard-hitting episode of Morning Drive, Tim Elliott sits down with the man who built a plumbing empire from a second-hand van: Charlie Mullins OBE. Following the 2024 election, record numbers of millionaires are fleeing the UK—and Mullins says it is no longer just the ultra-wealthy packing their bags.

Tim Elliott sits down with Dr David Tully, Head of Media at Middlesex University Dubai and resident film expert, to dissect the business impact of the latest Avatar instalment, Fire and Ash. As the film hits UAE theatres during the critical holiday window, they explore whether these massive blockbuster events are the definitive key to the survival of theatrical cinema in the age of streaming. Davi...

Tim Elliott explores the ground-breaking "Games of the Future" making their debut at the AdNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Joining the programme is Niccolo Nicotra, Head of Aspire’s CEO Office, to discuss the rise of phygital sports—a unique hybrid format where athletes compete first on digital consoles before transitioning to the physical pitch. With a significant $5 million prize pool and 11 di...

In this episode of Morning Drive on Mira Business FM, presenter Tim Elliott sits down with Independent Financial Consultant James Thomas to tackle the awkward question many clients are too afraid to ask: how are financial advisors remunerated? James explains why transparency is a vital red flag for any investor and why the "initial introduction" is the most important part of any profession...

David Mackenzie, CEO and founder of executive recruitment firm Mackenzie Jones, joins Tim Elliott to pull back the curtain on the modern job market. Mackenzie shares essential insights on building a career, the power of disconnecting, and why every professional should consider themselves replaceable. From navigating difficult salary negotiations to understanding the shift toward Recruitment Proces...

The grace period for the UAE’s Federal Data Protection Law No. 45 is officially over. Presenter Tim Elliott is joined by Raymond Kisswany (Partner at Davidson & Co) to discuss the new era of enforcement, featuring fines of up to 5 million AED and new private rights of action. Learn why your company’s data is now a major legal liability.

Tim Elliott of Morning Drive sits down with Dr. Adnan Aziz, Chief Program Officer of the Global Islamic Finance for Climate, Nature and Development. This "back to basics" discussion explores how the Islamic finance industry is projected to grow to $7.5 trillion by 2026 and details the rigorous scholarly oversight required for Shariah compliance.

As Dubai’s skyline continues to evolve, the rules of the game are changing for investors and homeowners alike. In this episode of Morning Drive, presenter Tim Elliott sits down with Mario Volpe, Senior VP of Allegiance Real Estate and a 41-year industry veteran. From the shift toward end-user dominance to the impact of the Blue Line Metro extension, Volpi breaks down the critical trends shaping th...

Tim Elliott talks to transport expert Martin Tillman (TMP Consult) about the UAE’s traffic "conundrum." As the population hits 10 million, why do more roads often lead to more cars? They explore why the solution to congestion isn't more asphalt, but "moving people" through the Metro Blue Line, Etihad Rail, and smarter urban design.

As the UAE enters its busiest travel window of the year—from Christmas getaways to New Year's staycations—the short-term rental market is facing unprecedented pressure to deliver seamless, five-star guest experiences. Katherine Read, founder of the Short Stay Circle, joins presenter Tim Elliott on Morning Drive to discuss how operators are juggling surging demand with the complexities of prici...

Luxe Vista CEO Ajay Menon joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to unpick the phenomenon of branded residences. Dubai is home to the highest number globally, but are buyers paying a premium for genuine luxury, an elevated lifestyle, or simply status? Menon explains how non-property brands, from car makers to global icons like Shah Rukh Khan, are adding unique appeal to the property market.

A new report confirms the UAE is number one in the MENA region and fifth globally for crypto adoption. In this special interview on Mira Business FM, XTrends Co-founder, Benjamin Notini, explores the strong regulatory clarity, zero taxes on crypto activity, and rising retail participation that are fueling the country's rapid ascent as a global blockchain hub.

Global Oil and Gas Expert Karan Gupta joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to analyse the energy dilemma. They discuss the necessity of investment in traditional fuels to maximise supply security, the political realities of the energy transition, and how geopolitics is shaping every policy decision. A vital listen on the future of energy security.

Psychologist Hiba Salem joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to analyse the hidden cost of the 'culture of busyness'—employee burnout. As companies review their books, they discuss staggering figures: burnout costs a typical 1,000-employee organisation $5 million annually in lost productivity and turnover. Globally, mental health losses top $1 trillion. Learn how to tackle this major drai...

Dr Ramzi Ben Ouaghrem of the Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence speaks with Tim Elliott about the new Institute for Agriculture and AI (IAAI), launched in partnership with the Gates Foundation. The IAAI focuses on deploying open-access AI models and digital advisory tools at scale to support over 43 million smallholder farmers, tackling data relevance issues and boosting food...

In this insightful interview on Mira Business FM, Paras Raichura, Founder and CEO of PNDigital, joins presenter Tim Elliott to discuss the latest trends and essential strategies for digital transformation. Learn how businesses can effectively implement new technologies, foster a culture of innovation, and strategically leverage digital tools to maintain a competitive edge and drive sustainable gro...

Tim Elliott speaks to Dr. Stavroula Kalogeras, MBA Programme Director at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, about the role of Generative AI in marketing. They analyse the overwhelming public backlash to McDonald's AI-generated Christmas campaign in the Netherlands, discussing why it failed to connect emotionally. The discussion covers the importance of consistent brand behaviou...

Century Financial's Chief Market Analyst, Arun Leslie John, joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to analyse if the AI tech boom is a "super cycle" or a bubble, contrasting it with the dot-com era. Discussion covers the bullish outlook for 2026, cooling inflation, and how geopolitical volatility is shaping key investment themes like European defence spending and the institutional push...

Mackenzie Jones CEO David Mackenzie joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to discuss the Middle East job market. He confirms a hiring slowdown in Saudi Arabia due to PIF budgeting/project delays, compares it to the UAE's strength, and details the big demand for talent in AI and cyber security. Crucial CV/LinkedIn advice included.

Financial consultant James Thomas joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to analyse the world of ethical investing. They centre the discussion on its definition, aligning it with personal beliefs, negative screening, and the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Learn how to invest your hard-earned money in socially responsible and productive ventures.