Morning Drive

Епизоди

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  DIFC Za’abeel vs Expo City: Where Should You Invest AED 5M? 15.09.2026 18мин

  Tim Elliott sits down with Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon to weigh two high-stakes Dubai real estate strategies. They analyze whether investors deploying AED 5 million should target high-scarcity luxury in DIFC Za'abeel District or back the long-term growth of Expo City.
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  Why Did the Maldives’ Tourism Advisor Step Down? 15.09.2026 28мин

  The Maldives is under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market, from Gulf travel demand and aviation connectivity to investment and new tourism policies. Mohamed Khaleel joins Tim Elliott after recently stepping down as Tourism Advisor to the President of the Maldives, citing concerns over the impact of new foreign-currency requirements on the tourism sector. He is also CEO of Manta Air and Managing Director of Pulse Hotels & Resorts, giving him a front-row view of where Maldivian tourism is heading.
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  UAE Tax Deadline: Is Your Business Really Ready? 14.09.2026 28мин

  UAE businesses are facing another important tax deadline, with September 30 approaching for Corporate Tax filings. But experts say filing on time is only part of the job. From Small Business Relief and free-zone rules to deductions, transfer pricing and record-keeping, businesses need to make sure their tax position can stand up to scrutiny. Joining Tim Elliott to explain everything we need to know is Sameer Ansari, Senior Client Accountant at Sovereign PPG.
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  Middle East Hotels Shift Towards Franchising 14.09.2026 18мин

  The Middle East’s hotel sector could be entering a major shift. Franchising is gaining ground as hotel owners look for more control and lower costs, while hotel groups seek faster, capital-light expansion. With Arabian Travel Market putting the spotlight on the region’s next phase of tourism growth, we look at whether franchising could reshape how hotels are developed across the Middle East.Joining Tim Elliott is Ron Pohl; President of International Operations, BWH Hotels & President of WorldHotels, to discuss where the hotel market is heading and what this shift means for owners and developers.
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  Why Aren’t Gulf Tourists Going to Jamaica? 14.09.2026 24мин

  Today marks the first day of the Arabian Travel Market 2026, and Jamaica is making a major push to attract travelers from the GCC. Despite the region's immense potential, the Gulf currently sends only about 1,500 visitors annually, trailing far behind traditional markets like the UK.Why are Gulf travelers looking elsewhere, and can better air links and visa reforms change that? Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, joins Tim Elliott to discuss tourism growth, untapped markets, and resilience lessons learned from putting recovery systems to the test.
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  How Expensive Is Pet Care in the UAE? 11.09.2026 34мин

  From routine check-ups and vaccinations to unexpected emergencies, pet care can quickly become expensive in the UAE. And as more people treat their pets like family, demand is growing for veterinary care that is more transparent, preventative and easier to manage. Paws Co is entering the market with plans to open 30 clinics across the UAE by 2030, with its first two locations opening this December. Joining Tim Elliott on Morning Drive is Matt Butterworth, Co-Founder of Paws & Co. How expensive is pet care in the UAE today, and what are the biggest costs pet parents should be prepared for?
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  Abu Dhabi’s Off-Plan Mortgage: Game Changer or Just More Financing? 11.09.2026 24мин

  Abu Dhabi’s property market is getting a new financing option for off-plan buyers, with a first-of-its-kind mortgage framework allowing buyers to secure financing earlier in the property journey. But is it really a game changer? The Central Bank has long allowed financing of up to 50 percent for off-plan properties, while Abu Dhabi developers traditionally offered payment plans below that threshold. So what actually changes for buyers and the wider market? Joining us is Ben Crompton, Managing Partner at Crompton Partners Estate Agents.What exactly is new about Abu Dhabi’s off-plan mortgage framework, and why is it highlighted now?
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  Resume Hacking? Yes, Applicants Do It. 11.09.2026 52мин

  Tim Elliott sits down with David Mackenzie, Managing Director of Mackenzie Jones Middle East, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming talent acquisition. From automated screening and AI-driven workflows to fake candidates and 'resume hacking', they unpack whether technology will replace human judgment or elevate recruitment into a bespoke concierge service.
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  Oil Surges Past $100 as CPI Data and Middle East Tensions Pressure the Fed 11.09.2026 23мин

  Tim Elliott speaks with Monetary Metals Managing Director Jeff Rhodes as oil prices cross $100 amidst US-Iran friction. With crucial CPI data arriving, they discuss whether rising energy costs will force a Federal Reserve rate hike before the US midterms and reflect on 9/11’s financial legacy.
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  Why Liability Insurance Matters More Than Ever for UAE Businesses 10.09.2026 23мин

  UAE-licensed independent financial consultant James Thomas joins Tim Elliott to explore why liability insurance is no longer just a corporate compliance requirement—it is a vital financial safeguard for businesses of all sizes. The conversation delves into why protecting your enterprise from third-party claims, product issues, and operational risks is essential, especially for small businesses, SMEs, and side hustles navigating the UAE market. 
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  Dubai Business: Is the Worst of Summer Behind Us? 10.09.2026 22мин

  As summer winds down, are businesses in Dubai finally seeing brighter days ahead? The US-Iran conflict continues to create uncertainty across the region, but founders are already looking toward the busier months ahead.  Tim Elliott is joined by Carmen Taubman, founder of Crew Club, to find out what she is seeing on the ground among startups and SMEs.
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  Securing the UAE's Water Future 10.09.2026 18мин

  Rising population growth, rapid urbanisation, and depleting natural aquifers pose severe challenges to the UAE's water supply. Tim Elliott speaks with Dr Abir Hamze, Assistant Professor from Canadian University Dubai, about non-conventional solutions, wastewater recycling, and how individual action must align with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036.
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  Billions Pour Into the Gulf’s AI Infrastructure 09.09.2026 22мин

  The Gulf is investing heavily in the infrastructure needed to power the next wave of AI, with more than 170 active and planned data centres across the region. But as investment grows, so do questions around energy, talent and whether the region can turn its AI ambitions into lasting economic growth. CNN Correspondent and Anchor of Connecting Africa and Marketplace Middle East, Eleni Giokos, joins Tim Elliott to explain what’s driving this surge in investment and what she found in her reporting.
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  Dubai Property Prices Drop for First Time in Five Years 09.09.2026 54мин

  Dubai home prices have registered a 1.7% monthly dip—the first price decline since February 2021. Tim Elliott speaks with Mario Volpi, Senior Manager at EVA Real Estate, to break down shifting market dynamics, off-plan payment plans, regional market resilience, and emerging mortgage trends across the Emirates.
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  GCC Set for 6.8% Rebound: Can Diversification Deliver? 09.09.2026 20мин

  The GCC economy is facing a sharp downturn in 2026, but Oxford Economics is forecasting a major rebound next year. Its latest research projects 6.8% GCC growth in 2027, with the UAE expected to grow 6.6%, as energy exports recover and non-oil activity gains momentum. But with geopolitical risks still disrupting trade and tourism, the recovery could also become a turning point for economic diversification. Joining Tim Elliott is Azad Zangana, Head of GCC Macroeconomic Analysis at Oxford Economics, to explain what is driving the 2027 outlook and what the region needs to do to turn the recovery into longer-term growth.
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  UAE Building Safety Rules: What Developers Need to Know Now 08.09.2026 20мин

  The UAE is tightening the rules around building safety and long-term compliance under Law No. (3) of 2026. But what do the new requirements actually mean for developers, consultants and building owners, and could ignoring smaller fire safety issues today lead to major costs tomorrow? Tim Elliott speaks to Elliott Brown, Founder and Managing Director of The FDI Group.
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  Reality vs Fantasy: Is Dubai’s Real Estate Price Appreciation Out of Reach? 08.09.2026 22мин

  Tim Elliott interviews Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, to analyse the reality behind Dubai's soaring property appreciation. The discussion analyses mid-market off-plan projections, evaluates target prices per square foot, and highlights key factors investors must examine before expecting substantial long-term financial returns.
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  UAE Coffee Company Diversifies 08.09.2026 21мин

  F&B growth in the UAE is no longer just about opening more outlets. Established brands are increasingly looking at adjacent categories, new products and new revenue streams to keep growing without losing what made them successful in the first place.On Morning Drive, we look at how brands can expand beyond their core business while staying relevant to customers. Joining Tim Elliott is Matt Toogood, Co-Owner and CEO of RAW Coffee Company, to discuss the UAE coffee market, diversification and the business of building new verticals.
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  How to Break Into UAE Real Estate: Moving from Australia to Abu Dhabi 07.09.2026 27мин

  In this episode, Tim Elliott sits down with Off-Plan Investment Advisor Patrick Mullally to discuss his personal career pivot from Australia to Abu Dhabi. Patrick shares key insights into navigating the local property landscape, the growing opportunities within the Abu Dhabi market, and practical guidance for aspiring real estate professionals looking to establish themselves in the UAE.
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  Gold Soars as Macro Risk Escalates and Central Banks Relocate Reserves 04.09.2026 29мин

  Tim Elliott speaks with Monetary Metals’ Jeff Rhodes as bullion holds near historic highs. Rhodes breaks down shifting US interest rate expectations, geopolitical instability, and the Dutch Central Bank moving billions in gold to London. Plus, a look at unallocated accounts and why silver could soon test new ranges.