Morning Drive

Momentum is building in camel racing as a Saudi team secures its best ever finish with a podium result in Oman. Tim Elliott is joined by Omar Almaeena, founder of Al Haboob, to discuss the milestone, the standout debut of Hajma, and what comes next.

Mackenzie Jones Middle East Managing Director David Mackenzie joins Tim Elliott to reveal the "3-2-1 rule", a tactical blueprint for LinkedIn growth. They discuss the engagement ratio required to master the algorithm, boost visibility, and command attention.

BCCD CEO Katy Keenan tells Tim Elliott how strategic networking serves as a critical lifeline for Dubai’s SME sector. Amidst shifting market conditions, the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai provides essential advocacy and resources, ensuring small-to-medium enterprises remain resilient through collaborative growth and cross-border trade opportunities.

In an era of economic flux, maintaining a robust balance sheet is paramount for survival. Vipin Sangwan, CFO of the Mira Group, joins Tim Elliott to discuss the pillars of financial resilience. This session explores liquidity management, risk mitigation, and the strategic agility required to safeguard corporate stability against global market volatility.

As a tentative ceasefire takes hold, enterprises are weighing the prospect of rebuilding amidst lingering volatility. Michael Kortbawi, Senior Partner at BSA LAW, joins Tim Elliott to analyse the critical legal frameworks governing re-entry. This episode scrutinises the precarious balance between commercial opportunity and the high-stakes risks of renewed instability.

Dubai’s property market makes headlines with a record AED 501.5 million apartment sale. Tim Elliott speaks with real estate expert Mario Volpi to analyse the deal, market momentum, investor trends, and the latest developments shaping the emirate’s fast-moving real estate sector.

As the summer season approaches, UAE travellers are increasingly seeking bespoke, restorative escapes away from rigid holiday schedules. Tim Elliott speaks with Philippe Cavory, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives, about the rising demand for absolute privacy, the "no-clock" philosophy, and how guests are now prioritising quality through longer, tailored stays.

Why now is the moment to invest in Dubai real estate. Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, joins Tim Eliott to break down market momentum, investor returns and future growth. A sharp, insightful conversation for anyone considering a smart move into one of the world’s hottest property markets.

As geopolitical tensions weigh on the Middle East, Alserkal’s Artistic Director, Kevin Jones, tells Tim Elliott why the creative sector is doubling down on engagement. By extending its traditional art week into a month-long programme, the cultural hub aims to foster resilience, support local practitioners, and maintain Dubai’s momentum.

Dubai is pioneering a radical shift in urban utility by transforming public parks into high-tech hubs. Omar AlMheiri, Co-founder of Letswork, discusses the landmark partnership with Dubai Municipality with Tim Elliott. This initiative integrates seamless connectivity into green spaces, repositioning the emirate as a global leader in flexible, outdoor-centric professional environments.

Oman’s hospitality sector has delivered a record-breaking performance, with annual revenues topping $770 million. The Sultanate has seen a 22 per cent year-on-year growth in hotel performance, largely driven by a robust domestic travel market. Zacky Sajjad of Cavendish Maxwell joins Tim Elliott to analyse whether this extraordinary momentum can be sustained.

As global uncertainty intensifies, Partner & Senior Investment Strategist at The Michele Carby Practice Payal Trehan joins Tim Elliott to deliver a critical financial health check for UAE residents. This briefing outlines essential steps to formalise your fiscal affairs, from closing insurance gaps to optimising liquidity, ensuring your portfolio remains resilient against sudden market fluctua...

Tim Elliott speaks with Mirco Neri, Co-Founder and CEO of Anvik Capital, regarding the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. As supply chain disruptions loom, they analyse how the "geopolitical risk premium" is set to drive a sharp rise in global oil prices and international airfares, forcing travellers to face significantly higher costs.

Wellbeing coach Chris Miller joins Tim Elliott to analyse the intensifying pressures facing modern business leaders. This episode explores how to safeguard commercial performance without compromising employee wellbeing, examining the vital role of confidential listening and why resilience is essential for navigating today’s increasingly volatile and uncertain corporate environment.

As regional conflict continues, Monetary Metals’ Jeff Rhodes joins Tim Elliott to discuss the profound lack of clarity currently paralysing global markets. With energy prices doubling and inflationary fears rising, Rhodes analyses why investors are staying sidelined and how Middle Eastern instability is dictating the global economic pulse.

Tim Elliott speaks with David Mackenzie, Mackenzie Jones Middle East Managing Director, about the rise of ‘ghost jobs’, where roles are advertised without a real intention to hire. They discuss why companies do this, how it affects jobseekers, and what it says about today’s labour market.

Tim Elliott is joined by independent financial consultant James Thomas to unpack the hidden costs shaping everyday life. From fees and subscriptions to debt and investments, they explore who really profits, how it affects your finances, and what you can do to take back control.

Tensions in the region are not just reshaping geopolitics; they are putting fragile marine ecosystems at risk. Following a recent incident involving an oil vessel, concerns are rising over potential spills, environmental damage, and who takes responsibility when conflict hits the water. To unpack what happens next, Tim Elliott is joined by Dr. Aseel Takshe, Associate Professor and Acting Dean, Sch...

Mario Volpi, Senior VP at Allegiance Real Estate, joins Tim Elliott to analyse the UAE’s property sector resilience. They discuss advising international investors across time zones, debunking media portrayals of regional conflict, and providing essential guidance for those navigating today’s uncertain economic climate.

As rising geopolitical tensions hit global supply chains and employee safety, businesses face a critical shift from growth-at-any-cost to prioritising operational sovereignty. Scott Wilcox, Founder of Sicuro Group, joins Tim Elliott to analyse how multinationals navigate decision paralysis and bridge the gap between sensationalist headlines and regional reality.

As regional tensions fluctuate, a "wait and watch" strategy is tempting many off-plan investors regarding their upcoming instalments. Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon joins Tim Elliott to discuss the critical risks of halting payments and why maintaining your investment journey is essential for long-term stability.

Amidst headlines of redundancies and tighter budgets, Zachary Beckett of Professional Pyramid joins Tim Elliott to analyse the UAE’s shifting employment landscape. While hospitality and tourism face aggressive restructuring, other sectors demonstrate surprising resilience. They explore why strategic hiring persists despite current economic trepidation.

Celebrated restaurateur Akmal Anuar joins Tim Elliott to discuss navigating the current hospitality landscape with a focus on long-term success. Despite facing operational pressures, Anuar shares an optimistic outlook on the UAE market, highlighting how transparency, dedication, and adaptive leadership are paving the way for a resilient and thriving future.

As a ceasefire holds, global supply chains remain under immense pressure. Sam Achampong, Regional Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, joins Tim Elliott to discuss why businesses must remain vigilant. They explore "supply webs," rising freight costs, and the logistical nightmare of clearing shipping backlogs.

Phishing now drives 75% of UAE cyber breaches, with finance teams becoming high-precision targets for socially engineered attacks. Kush Ahuja, Head of Eurasia and Middle East at ACCA, explores how AI-assisted deception is industrialising fraud, exploiting trust through hyper-personalised tactics. Discover why the finance department is now the first line of defence.