Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

The economics of the World Cup. Did it pay off? 17.07.2026 37min

17 Jul 2026. Spain against Argentina in the final on Sunday. But behind the football, has the first 48-team World Cup actually paid off? We get the commercial verdict from Abigail Carpenter of Greenberg Traurig. Plus, Dubai has handed over its biggest batch of new homes in years. Is the market finally shifting towards buyers? We ask Andrew Cummings of Savills. India has issued guidance for its sailors in the Strait of Hormuz, and we look at the implications for shipping with Captain Zarir Irani (yes, we have a Captain!). And opening a business bank account in the UAE could soon take minutes, not days. We find out how CBD’s new mobile bank for small businesses works with Dhiraj Kunwar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GDRFA processes over 7 million entry and residency permits in H1 16.07.2026 31min

16 Jul 2026. Dubai’s GDRFA issued more than one million new residence permits and 66,000 Golden Visas in the first half of 2026. We discuss what does that tell us about the emirate’s ability to attract talent, investors and businesses, and what could it mean for economic growth. Plus, if conflict is driving oil higher, why isn’t gold behaving like a traditional safe haven? We ask Marex. And the UN’s maritime body has raised concerns over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. We discuss the impact on global trade and shipping with maritime security expert Christopher Long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parkin expands into Sharjah 15.07.2026 33min

15 Jul 2026. Parkin reveals its first expansion outside Dubai, into Sharjah. Naveed Khawaja joins us with the details and what it means. Plus, US inflation has cooled sharply, the biggest monthly fall in six years, but with oil surging again, can it last? Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD breaks it down. Oil is climbing after fresh tanker attacks, and the FT reports DP World is in talks to build a new port that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz entirely. Robin Mills of Qamar Energy has the analysis. And our Summer Strategy series continues. When business slows, do you discount, collaborate or expand? Bart Misztal of Naughty Pizza did all three.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices surge as US reinstates Iran blockade in the Strait of Hormuz 14.07.2026 35min

14 Jul 2026. Oil is surging and Kpler’s own data shows tanker traffic has halved in a week. We get the latest with Matt Stanley. Plus, GCC hiring has contracted for the first time in seven quarters. Dr Trefor Murphy of Cooper Fitch has the Q2 numbers. Taaleem’s revenue is up 19% and profits are climbing even through the turmoil. We speak to CEO Alan Williamson. And we meet the gym chain behind the world’s first muscle thobe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai’s mortgage market is back 13.07.2026 35min

13 Jul 2026. Mortgage enquiries fell off a cliff when the conflict began. Now they’re almost back. Sam Amidi of Mortgage Finder has the first half numbers. Plus, Tabby is moving beyond buy now pay later, and Zarik Nabi reveals what’s next right here on the Business Breakfast. DIFC Courts has just had its busiest six months ever. Registrar Ayesha Bin Kalban has the exclusive figures. And Ryan and Calvin Smith on opening what they believe is the world’s largest bespoke tailoring showroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Primark effect, and how Max Fashion is responding 10.07.2026 34min

10 Jul 2026. We find out how Dubai's original value clothing chain has reacted to the arrival of a 100 pound gorilla. We've got the new-ish CEO of Landmark's Max Fashion, Hani Weiss. Plus, what has June meant for Dubai property valuations and transactions? The team at ValuStrat are seeing some interesting new movements. We speak to their Head of Research, Haider Tuaima.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world’s first vertiport, signed off in Dubai 09.07.2026 44min

09 Jul 2026. We find out more about the Dubai vertiport that the aviation regulator has just signed off, with the people who built it, Damian Kysely of Skyports. Plus, we’ve got Malina Ngai, Global CEO of beauty retailer AS Watsons, in the studio during her one day visit to the UAE. And we’re kicking off a new series today, Summer Strategy, asking what businesses are putting in place for the hotter months. First up, Abdulla Al Shaibani of Axeed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What the conflict meant for Dubai Duty Free 08.07.2026 33min

08 Jul 2026. In an extended interview, Ramesh Cidambi, MD of Dubai Duty Free, tells us what the conflict has meant for one of the world’s busiest travel retail hubs, from holding onto staff to how shoppers have changed and what’s next for the summer. Plus, Dubai’s most expensive school is at it again. Joshua Levenson of GEMS SRI on the launch of the region’s first school-based Motorsport Academy, where the idea came from and what it costs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How DP World kept the cargo moving 07.07.2026 42min

07 Jul 2026. With container ships starting to make it through the Strait of Hormuz, we speak to Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO of DP World GCC, about how they kept logistics moving through the conflict. Plus, ADNOC Distribution is buying South African petrol station company Shell Downstream South Africa in a deal worth a billion dollars, including 580 fuel stations, and they’re making the announcement right here on the show, with Athmane Benzerroug. Microsoft and Inception42 have teamed up to make building agentic AI agents easier. We find out more from COO Ibrahim Aljallaf. And we meet the Dubai teenager running his own AI start up, Jainam Jain of Mengo Engine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air Arabia has begun flying to London 06.07.2026 33min

06 Jul 2026. In an exclusive, we speak to Air Arabia CEO Adel Ali about those new cheap flights to London Gatwick and the impact of the conflict on the budget carrier. Plus, UAE banks increased their lending in Q1. Is that likely to continue? We go through the numbers with Sam Gidoomal of Alvarez & Marsal. And one month after Abu Dhabi’s rent freeze, we look at the effect it’s having on market movements with Ben Crompton of Crompton PartnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weddings, EVs and the end of Sheikh Zayed Road traffic? 03.07.2026 41min

03 Jul 2026. As Taylor and Travis tie the knot, we ask what the conflict has actually meant for the UAE’s wedding industry. Arun Bablani, Owner and Founder of Vivaah Weddings and The Event Group, says there’s a silver lining. Plus, another Chinese EV brand is making its move into the UAE. We speak to Lucas Bellieud of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility about what DENZA’s arrival says about the electric car race here. And Dubai has just approved a new 15km elevated road running parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road. Roger Cruickshank of AtkinsRéalis on what it means for your commute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai inflation rises to 5.5% 02.07.2026 41min

02 Jul 2026. Dubai inflation rose to 5.5% in May, on the back of higher energy and therefore transport and food costs. We find out if this is more than just a high oil price story with our economist on call, Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD. Plus, we speak to the Dubai jewellery designer who’s just landed a major write-up in the FT, Ashna Mehta of Bag Bijoux. What does the summer mean for the restaurant business? We speak to chef Reif Othman and restaurant operator Gabrielle Mather to find out what contingencies they’re putting in place for slower summer footfall. And with H1 done and dusted, Cosmin Ivan of Platinumlist tells us what the entertainment landscape looks like going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UAE petrol prices 14% lower for July 01.07.2026 39min

01 Jul 2026. UAE commuters will pay less at the pump this month as local petrol prices fall to reflect dips in global oil markets. Super and Special are both down around 14%, while diesel is nearly 17% lower for July. We find out what lower fuel prices mean for inflation with economist Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD. Plus, we speak to Viva Supermarket CEO Andy Adcock about what the supermarket put in place to keep its low prices low during the conflict. Enrolment is up 13% in a single year. We find out what’s pulling so many students into UAE universities and what it means for the economy with Dr Sameera Al Mulla. And what if governments could make policy at the speed of AI? A UAE firm just put $15 million behind that idea. We find out more with Omar AlYawer of Ruya Partners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer travel. Where are we going and why? 30.06.2026 31min

30 Jun 2026. dnata comes in to prove, or disprove, Tom & Brandy's summer travel theories, with Meera Ketait. Plus, what does summer travel mean for safe space demand? We speak to vault owner Jafer Rashid of MySafe about what we’re stashing away when we go abroad. Private sector hiring grew in the first quarter, so where is the UAE jobs market actually heading for the rest of the year? Sonam Haider of Aethra Advisory joins us. And history in motion. Andrew Hosie reports live from the very first Etihad Rail passenger train from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tasha’s biggest ever expansion 29.06.2026 35min

29 Jun 2026. Tasha’s, the restaurant group, is about to undergo the biggest expansion in its history, with more than 75 million dirhams being invested in new restaurants. We speak to founder Natasha Sideris. Plus, how often does your luggage actually go missing? A new global report is out, and the Middle East is leading the way. More with Selim Bouri, President Middle East, Africa and Türkiye at SITA. The UAE’s electronic invoicing scheme is now in its pilot phase. We find out how it’s going to work with John Casey of Virtuzone. And we speak to a man who has just started construction on several dozen new villas despite the conflict, Moustafa Elsaid of Swank Development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Etihad Rail launches its first ever passenger service on June 30 26.06.2026 34min

26 Jun 2026. Tickets for the first Etihad Rail services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah have sold out, with more than 5,000 seats snapped up in just two days. Speaking on The Business Breakfast, Etihad Rail’s Adhraa Al Mansoori said the company’s free booking app is already number one in the UAE. Georgia Tolley takes us on board ahead of the big day. Plus, we look at where Standard Chartered is telling its customers to put their money in H2 with regional Chief Investment Officer Manpreet Gill. ADNOC Drilling has a new AI rig. We asked CFO Youssef Salem exactly what it is and what it means for the company and its shareholders. And why your electronics are about to cost a lot more. We find out with Jacky’s Retail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conflict may come to an end, the disruption probably won't 25.06.2026 33min

25 Jun 2026. That’s according to a new report by Kearney, which says a conflict resolution is not a business condition recovery. Valentin Lavaill of Kearney joins us to explain what they’re telling clients to put in place now. Plus, Ramn Kumar of Al Futtaim Logistics shares the contingency plans and workarounds that have got them through the last four months. How have months of regional uncertainty changed what we insure and what it costs? Hitesh Motwani of InsuranceMarket.ae gives us the picture. And airline profits are set to halve this year, with Gulf carriers taking the biggest hit. Kashif Khalid of IATA on what’s behind it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai Land Department launches new Flexi-rent scheme 24.06.2026 30min

24 Jun 2026.Dubai has introduced a new flexible rent initiative, tying up with a dozen property firms to offer monthly payments and grace periods to renters, as well as direct debit and credit card payment options. We find out how it works with Khalid Al Shaibani, head of the rental affairs department at the DLD. Plus, most landlords can’t tell you which of their units is under-earning. A UAE fintech says its AI can. We find out how with Rentify. We also get a first look at new research into how expats currently feel about life here in Dubai with Nigel Owen, Strategic Communications Director at ARCET Global. And Britain looks set for a new Prime Minister, which could mean big changes for anyone with UK property. We find out what it means for expats and UAE nationals with Knight Frank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are UAE companies still hiring? 23.06.2026 36min

23 Jun 2026. Transguard has posted record results, with revenue past AED 4 billion and a workforce over 78,000. CFO Nick Beer joins us. Plus, what's really happening to UAE hiring right now? Nathalie Spree of Seven Level Consulting breaks down the numbers. Adel Alderi of Marsh on the new workforce resilience challenge facing UAE employers. And Saurabh Tiwari of Taj Hotels on whether the Q4 travel rush is materialising.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Etihad could break even this financial year, says CEO 22.06.2026 30min

22 Jun 2026. In his first UAE interview since the start of the regional conflict, Etihad Airways Group CEO Antonoaldo Neves discusses the impact of the conflict, passenger demand, and the airline's outlook for the months ahead. Plus, a number of countries have now relaxed their travel advisories to the UAE. What could this mean for inbound tourism? We speak to Musafir.com. And Sharjah Airport recorded a record-breaking 2025. We find out what's driving the growth and where passenger numbers are heading next with His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Saoud Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Airport Authority.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.