Morning Drive

As regional tensions and environmental shifts intensify, the GCC’s reliance on desalination faces its ultimate test. Tim Elliott explores the invisible architecture of water security with Professor Rabee Rustum, Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, uncovering how advanced engineering and strategic reservoirs safeguard the desert’s most precious resource a...

With geopolitical tensions tightening around the Strait of Hormuz, the security of power grids and water supplies has become a priority for the Middle East. In this episode, Tim Elliott and MEED Editor for Power and Water Mark Dowdall analyse the high-stakes race to fortify the GCC’s infrastructure. From the "high-octane" shift toward renewables and desalination to the massive investments...

Dr Jelena Janjusevic (Associate Professor & Deputy Global Head of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai) joins Tim Elliott to explore why current pauses in the UAE’s vibrant events scene are merely a prelude to a powerful rebound.

Global food security hangs by a thread as the Strait of Hormuz becomes a critical flashpoint. Frida Youssef, Chief of the Transport Section - UN Trade and Development, joins Tim Elliott to unpack how disrupted trade routes and soaring fertiliser costs threaten harvest yields worldwide.

As the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, global energy markets are on a knife-edge. With oil trading well over $100 a barrel, Qamar Energy CEO Robin Mills joins Tim Elliott to analyse the escalating recession risk. They discuss the tightening supply crunch and the urgent emergency measures countries are now forced to adopt.

As geopolitical tensions rise, the Middle East’s construction industry has shifted from a "build fast" mindset to one of cautious protection. Tim Elliott interviews Gilbert Boustany (VP, 3D Consultants — part of the Chalhoub Group) on how developers and contractors are adapting to supply chain chaos and revising budgets to ensure project delivery in an increasingly volatile environment.

When a massive AI-powered investment scam begins draining life savings across the UAE, investigative journalist Maz Farooqui dives into a dangerous underworld of digital deception. From facing legal threats to exposing sophisticated social engineering, he reveals the chilling reality of how modern fraudsters are outsmarting the system. Maz shares the story to Tim Elliott of Morning Drive.

On this Morning Drive episode, Tim Elliott speaks with David Mackenzie, Managing Director of Mackenzie Jones Middle East, about using artificial intelligence to secure roles in the UAE. From optimising CVs to mastering interviews and navigating recruitment trends, they discuss practical, ethical strategies to stand out and land your next opportunity.

Tim Elliott sits down with Independent Financial Consultant James Thomas to deconstruct the essential principles of building lasting wealth. They scrutinise why a diversified portfolio and a disciplined, long-term "marathon" approach are far superior to high-risk, "get rich quick" schemes.

Tim Elliott interviews Rosb Guzman of the IBON Foundation regarding the Philippines' unprecedented national energy emergency. They examine how doubling fuel costs, driven by Middle East tensions, intensify the existing economic crisis, impacting household inflation and Filipinos working overseas who face rising pressure on their finances.

Ken Wong, Lawyer & Partner at CMS, joins Tim Elliott to unpack Saudi Arabia’s newly adopted National Arabic Language Policy. This framework shifts Arabic from an administrative preference to a central operational pillar for all entities in the Kingdom.

Tim Elliott explores business resilience with Grace Karim (Bookends), Lottie Jones (QuizBiz) and Victoria Myers (Small Retailer Network). This episode analyses how community-led concepts and experience-driven brands are adapting to today’s climate.

Tim Elliott and Mario Volpi, Senior VP at Allegiance Real Estate, examine whether Dubai’s property prices are set to fall. They analyse current market liquidity, the shift towards fundamentals-driven investment, and how rising interest rates are influencing buyer and seller motivations across the Emirates.

Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, joins Tim Elliott to discuss the "catch-22" currently facing the Dubai property market. Menon analyses how escalating construction costs—rising by nearly 30%—and global supply chain pressures are creating significant execution risks for developers.

Tim Elliott welcomes Azad Zangana, Head of GCC Macroeconomic Analysis at Oxford Economics, to discuss how regional instability is reshaping economic forecasts. The conversation explores the role of sovereign wealth funds in diversifying exposure from oil, gas, and tourism, while considering the potential repatriation of capital to support rebuilding efforts.

Tim Elliott speaks with a leading AI expert from Canadian University Dubai on fake news, arrests, and official denials impacting trust and markets. How do rumours damage businesses, and can technology protect reputations in a digital-first economy under pressure?

From strained ports to disrupted energy routes, global trade is under pressure. Tim Elliott speaks with Tobias Maier, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding MEA, on how supply chains are adapting across air, sea and land. How resilient is logistics in rising volatility—and what risks could still derail global movement?

Regional tensions are testing resilience across UAE campuses. Tim Elliott speaks with Nick Bradley, Regional Recruitment Director at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, on contingency planning, distance learning pivots, safeguarding student wellbeing, supporting educators, protecting international students, and preserving academic integrity. 

Independent Financial Consultant James Thomas joins Tim Elliott to analyse essential strategies for managing "lifestyle creep". They discuss practical budgeting techniques tailored for the UAE, exploring how to balance high-cost living—such as schooling and rent—whilst prioritising long-term financial security and avoiding the common traps of unnecessary discretionary upgrades.

Tim Elliott discusses the future of trade with Aurélien Paradis, CEO of AU Group Middle East & Africa. They explore how businesses are prioritising financial security and robust risk management to ensure resilience, navigating global volatility while capitalising on the Middle East’s rapid economic expansion.

Tim Elliott discusses the current state of the UAE job market with David Mackenzie, Managing Director of Mackenzie Jones. Despite regional uncertainty, they explore how the UAE effectively manages difficult situations. David offers vital advice on resilience, highlighting thriving sectors like supply chain, logistics, and cyber tech.

Tim Elliott is joined by precious metals expert Jeff Rhodes to discuss why gold prices are pivoting around the $5,000 mark. They explore how surging crude oil prices and energy-led inflation have temporarily sidelined anticipated US interest rate cuts.

Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, joins Tim Elliott to analyse the current impact of global geopolitical tensions on Dubai’s real estate sector. Menon shares vital insights on market resilience, explaining why holding your assets is currently the most strategic move for long-term capital growth.

Tim Elliott sits down with John Raffoul, General Manager of Cheval Maison The Palm, to discuss the demand for luxury staycations in the UAE. Raffoul shares insights into their bespoke concierge services, the unique proposition of their Expo City property, and how they are navigating current holiday booking trends.

Matt Stanley, Head of Market Engagement (EMEA & APAC) at Kpler, joins Tim Elliott to analyse the deepening energy crisis as supply disruptions escalate. They examine the potential market fallout from a Strait of Hormuz closure, discussing soaring crude prices and the critical role of diesel. The conversation explores key mitigants and whether global reserves can stabilise the sector.