Afternoons with Helen Farmer

From arts and culture to Wicked at Dubai Opera to the foodi finds you need to know, we've got your social life sorted!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advertiser permits become a legal requirement for influencers in the UAE from this weekend - but who needs them and what does it entail? Helen puts your questions to media lawyer Martin Hayward. Plus, we're live from Xposure in Sharjah, where we meet the filmmakers and world creators in town to teach the Middle East's next generation of creators.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French rugby pro Thibaud Flament made headlines this week when he said he’d miss his country’s Six Nations opener due to fertility treatment and his wife’s cycle. So why has his move sparked such a chord with so many? Helen asks racing driver and male fertility campaigner Toby Trice and Dr Luciano Nardo from Orchid Fertility.We talk cervical cancer awareness month – and ask why screening rates remain stubbornly low – with Dr Natasha Shah. And as new research suggests our uncertain times are changing holiday plans in unexpected ways, we talk repeat destinations with luxury travel expert Rowena Hanley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research from the children’s finance app GoHenry estimates that Gen Alpha now have around £3.3 billion in spending power through their influence on household purchases, with 26 percent of parents saying their children directly shape how money is spent. Helen gets the lowdown from financial coach Carol Glynn.Plus, lawyer Byron James tells us what the UAE’s new digital laws mean for your family, and we discuss Hamnet and its portrayal of parental grief with doula Lala Langtry-White and psychologist Tanya Dharamshi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found 70% of UAE residents want to buy property this year. But what do you need to know if you’re taking your first steps into the market? Helen puts your questions to industry expert Clementine Munro. Meanwhile, as we’re live from Gulfood, we discuss the importance of variety – in diet and exercise alike – with Dr Shef, and we find out how cultivated foods could change the way we eat, forever, with cardiologist and founder of Upside Foods, Dr Uma Valeti.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoons is live from the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, getting the lowdown on all the fun - sporting and otherwise - on site for 2026...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the challenge of our time - how to maintain respectful dialogue with people we vehemently disagree with. Could a new book help? Helen meets Paul Dolan, author of Beliefism: How to Stop Hating the People We Disagree With.Plus we meet the teen skier headed from Ski Dubai to the Winter Olympics, and talk childhood anxiety with the author aiming to tackle it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brand Beckham has long been presented as the ultimate tight-knit family, but this week that image cracked. So, behind the gossip, what does their story really tell us about family breakdown? Helen asks psychologist Noha Al Khatib. Meanwhile, we discuss new research into why so many of us are looking for a new career path with recruiter David MacKenzie. And dating coach Hunt Etheridge lets us in on the difference between realism – and settling for less than you deserve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the biggest social trend on TikTok right now – sitting down with pals for an evening to tackle those jobs you’ve been procrastinating about. But why are admin nights becoming so popular – and do they actually work? Helen talks it over with Ali Khawaja, author of Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones.Meanwhile, as Novak Djokovich says he’s not retiring, discuss knowing when it’s time to move on – and what we can all learn from the post-sports pivot – with two sports industry pros, and Dr Thoriya joins Helen to discuss closure, and why we all crave it so badly after a big life change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exam season is here - and hitting straight after the holidays, leading many parents to turn to tutors over the festive break. But as new research suggests, is over tutoring creating more problems than it solves? Helen asks education consultant Heather Harries. Plus, we meet two women determined to help us master the return to work – or mid-career pivot – with confidence, and ask the author of a new book why he thinks the way we breathe might be making us ill…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We find out all about the upcoming Al Quoz Arts Fest, and go behind the scenes at the Golden Globes with judge, William Mullally.Plus, Helen faces House of Habanero’s hot sauce challenge, meets the chef behind the original Dubai Chocolate and discuss the launch of Tresind Studio’s first cookbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From workplace bullying and employers withdrawing benefits to research showing the detrimental impact of a work-heavy work/life balance, early headlines this year have workers worried. So, what can we do to improve our own professional lives? Rohini Gill has the answers you need. Plus, we meet the man making life easier for left-handed learners…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Single person and childless households are on the rise. A Chinese app called Are You Dead has gone viral. And 56% of UAE-based workers say they experience loneliness. So what’s behind the trend, and how do we counter it? Helen asks Scott Armstrong, founder of Mentl, and Wifag Adnan, Associate Professor of Economics at NYU Abu Dhabi. We also discuss a new study suggesting a link between screen use in early years and language development problems, and take your questions on the financial and legal implications on new laws for influencers in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid a global furore over its use, Grok’s ability to remove the clothes from women and children has been put behind a paywall, but creator Elon Musk says he won’t row back on the tech’s abilities. So, how worried should we be? Helen speaks to global cybercop Susan McLean and Dubai-based media lawyer Martin Hayward.Plus, as the KHDA and DHA warn parents about risky behaviour, we get some lessons in communication with our teens from Kristin MacDermott, founder of the MacDermott Method, and after yesterday’s clinic on divorce law, we shift our focus to the emotions of a break-up with family systems specialist Karen Sutherland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s what’s commonly known as Divorce Month, with lawyer’s offices across the world packed out every January. But what are your next steps here if you believe your marriage is in trouble? Lawyer Madeleine Mendy answers your questions. Plus, as Dubai launches an AED10million fund to help families in rent arrears, Steve Cronin joins Helen to discuss budgeting in the real world, and education and inclusion consultant Louise Dawson has the latest on the KHDA’s updated inclusion and SEND assessment rules too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Natural History Museum has opened as a living research hub – but how can it help shape how we understand our planet, our past and our future? Helen asks the museum’s Director of Science and Research, Professor Phillip Manning, Director of Science and Research, and Emirati curator Noora Albalooshi. Meanwhile, on the food front, we celebrate Sharjah’s homegrown food scene with restaurateur Lourds Adalia-Evertse, delve into the food trends and openings to expect in 2026 with Laura Coughlin, and our resident culture expert William Mullally is on hand with all the recommendations you need for big and small screen enjoyment this January.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Ivy League graduate to global fashion runways, from Hollywood sets to birth advocacy to Dubai’s Gladiator Summit, Yaya DaCosta joins Helen to discuss how her career has never followed a single lane. Meanwhile, the precautionary recall of a specific infant formula by Nestlé has some parents worried – but should they be? We ask Aisling Oslizlok, Paediatric Dietitian at Genesis Healthcare Center.And with some parents across the UAE discovering their child may be eligible to start school earlier than OT Adam Griffin and educational designer Hollie Mayes talk school readiness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A UK GP has been suspended after faking appointments so she could leave work in time for the school run- leaving many parents asking the same question: why does it still feel risky to be honest about childcare at work? Helen asks campaigner Joeli Brearly, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, and workplace culture consultant Lorna King. Plus, as new research suggests tracking our kids could make them less independent and more anxious, we talk tech and trust with psychologist Mark Samways, while digital educator Philippa Wraithmell is on hand with all the info you need to make your household’s devices work FOR them in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She’s amassed millions of followers for her kitchen DJ sets. Now, 63-year-old Crazy Auntie Ann is in Dubai to show us how to live it up at any age – while the founders of Please Leave By 10 say you don’t even need to stay up late to have a dance.Meanwhile, Helen delves into the British Embassy’s updated advice to new arrivals to the UAE, and as the UAE lowers its legal age of adulthood, we discuss the realities of growing up with Dr Thoriya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNPL schemes boomed across the Middle East at the end of 2025 - but how many people are now waking up to the reality of putting off costs into the new year with fear? Financial coach Beth Clay talks us through how to get 2026 started out on the right financial foot. Meanwhile, Ruth Dance and David MacKenzie talk recruitment and team spirit in January, David Harkin of 8 Billion Ideas joins us to discuss motivation and imagination for kids, and we ask Pulmonologist Dr Rachel Kaminski about a new drug bringing hope to asthma sufferers…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the world’s best hotels, cruises, to new flights launching this new year, we’ve got you covered. Connecting Travel's Sarah Hedley Hymers has all the details for you. Courtney Brandt joins us to separate the fads from the future when it comes to the UAE’s booming dining landscape. And what's the best phone when it comes to photography? Tech journalist Kevin Sebastian has the answer based on his personal experience, plus info on other gadgets that you might need this new year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get that from Dr Thoraiya Kanafani as we discuss celebrating pacing your peaks and trusting your own path. Dubai Health's Dr Sara Kazim shares what's in place to ensure safety of crowds celebrating New Year's Eve in the city. We also discuss how common heart diseases and cardiac arrest are among teens following the tragic death of a 17-year-old student in Sharjah. Hollie Mayes guides us on how to declutter properly, especially when emotions are hindering you. And are experiential gifts better presents for kids?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we look ahead to 2026, a lot of parents are quietly asking the same question: is gentle parenting still working, or have we misunderstood it altogether?  Our kids are growing up in one of the safest places in the world, but travel can quickly expose them to very different realities. Today we’re talking child safety beyond screens, from airports and hotels to public spaces and unfamiliar cultures. ADHD diagnoses are rising worldwide, particularly among adults who are only now realising there may be a reason life has always felt harder than it should. But with that rise comes confusion, misinformation, and sometimes backlash. We look at what ADHD really is, when a diagnosis helps, and where responsibility still matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen explores how our mouth health is connected with other parts of the body more than we think, with Dr David Roze. ​Can the current flu vaccine protect you from the new flu variant? Dr Howard Podolsky has the answers And discussing men's mental health with Scott Armstrong of Mentl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Away from Dubai’s 5-star kitchens, what can food teach us about culture and community? Helen asks superstar chef, TV host and UN Food Security Advocate Andrew Zimmern. Plus, we find out who’s eating at Neighbourhood Food Hall (hint, he’s got a beard and you’d better be nice), and we talk festive desserts with Bateel Bakery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research from McKinsey and Lean In has found women “want promotions less”, meanwhile, Zoe Ball is making headlines for leaning out to spend time with her family. Do we need to reframe how we view female ambition? Helen asks Anushka Kalyanpur DeLuca of Nannies & More and leadership expert Constanze Munz. Meanwhile, as new data from Betterhomes shows nearly 60 percent of UAE residents now plan to stay for over a decade, KCA’s Alex Elander-Phoenix explains how to foster a sense of belonging for our kids, their schools and our communities. Plus, Principal Lisa is on hand for an early-years parenting clinic…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From working on leave and carrying over holidays, to the impact of AI and job security into 2026, HR consultant Rohini Bhalla-Gill joins Helen for an end of year HR temperature check…Plus, kids are off school, excitement levels are high – but disagreements can ruin the festive vibes. So, how do you keep all your kids happy and off each other’s backs during the winter break? Leilani Rooks, Wildflower Family Coaching, joins Helen with some expert advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, your kid wants devices, and you want to go old school? We get a Adam the OT’s advice on how to navigate kids’ festive requests – and how to keep them occupied during the holidays too… Meanwhile, it’s often billed as the most joyous time of the year – but when there’s an empty seat at the table, grief can hit hard. So, how can we navigate the festive season while grieving? Helen asks Tanya Dharamshi, the clinical psychologist who leads Lighthouse Arabia’s Raymee Grief Centre. Plus, with rain forecast, Motor Mania’s Damien Reid is on hand with all the info you need to navigate the roads safely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADHD is one of the most talked about diagnoses right now, yet many still associate it only with distraction or disruption. Today we are flipping that narrative and asking how ADHD can actually work for you, not against you, with Nadia Mankani & Angela Marson, Certified ADHD coaches and co-founders of ADHD 360. Plus, with 6-7 named ‘word’ of the year, we ask Dr Sarah Rasmi what it tells us about communal experience in 2025 – and we’ve got your expat legal clinic too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Mexican restaurant prizing authenticity to a sneaker/snack crossover, Helen meets the foodies changing the scene in Dubai this week. Plus, we go behind the scenes at Expo Dubai’s festive season, pop backstage with Magic Phil, and chat festive films and new releases with William Mullally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

82-year-old Mick Jagger’s extreme workout regime has gone viral for testing the fittest 20-somethings. It’s proof that exercise isn’t only for the young – but how do we adapt our movement to changing limitations as we age? Helen asks adaptive athlete Henry Dunn and Roland Roth, a Dubai-based retiree who started dancing at 62. Plus, we talk education, from sustainable teaching in the UAE's nurseries to meeting the founder of the UK's fastest growing school... which has no classrooms, walls or timetables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He conquered self-doubt to become F1's world champion in Abu Dhabi - but what can the rest of us learn from Lando Norris' lessons in psychology? Helen meets sports psychologist Dr Scott Whitfield. Plus, we meet the doctor stopping diseases before we happen, and learn how community is supporting the UAE's small businesses this winter...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's long been viewed negatively - but if dyslexia impacts one in three entrepreneurs, are we thinking about it all wrong? We meet a creator who says yes. Meanwhile, on the health front, we talk weight loss jab downsides, and examine calls for blood pressure testing in schools. Plus, it's visiting relatives season - Dr Thoriya has all the advice you need to get through the holiday season smiling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research says elder millennials could be about to fall off an ageing cliff, with data suggesting age 44 marks a significant health decline for many. So, what can we do about it? Helen asks Dr Nas of DNA Health. Meanwhile, as we broadcast live from Abu Dhabi’s Bridge Summit, we talk tech, media, phones for kids and more - and meet YouTuber Crazy XYZ to ask what it’s like to have your every move followed by more than 35 million people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weather is perfect in Dubai, so if you’re dreaming of your next long lunch or golden-hour dinner, there’s a new spot by the sea that’s already turning heads. Canary Club, the JLT favourite known for its West Coast energy, has just opened a beachfront sister on Palm Jumeirah.  We speak with husband and wife and co-founders of Rosy Hospitality Ziad and Rowan Kamel about the new chapter of their entrepreneurial life as they exited one brand they helped create. With over 10 million guests expected to pass through DXB between now and the end of the month, many of us - whether flying out or staying put - may feel the ripple effect. We ask Emily Jenkins what these numbers really mean for travellers and Dubai residents alike. Staying with travel, but closer to home - in Ras Al Khaimah. Jebel Jais has unveiled its programme for this winter season, running from now through until April 2026. Talking F1 and sport tourism with ES Sport as we near this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix  And we get exclusive updates on all things Wicked before it goes to Dubai Opera from THE Helen Farmer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From smash spaces, filled with old TVs, washing machines and crockery, to primal scream sessions and rage therapy, facilities that offer an outlet for anger are seeing huge demand from women who want a safe, structured way to let off steam. But why do we need it? And where is all that rage coming from? We get the take and advices of The Family Hub's Hanan Ezzeldin, who has very recently ran workshops for parents precisely around emotion regulation and anger management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The team at MoneyFarm has uncovered a steep jump in the cost of raising a child, to an average of AED 1.2 million BEFORE you include school fees. That bill has risen by more than 10% in just two years, with researchers citing rising costs for childcare, teenage grooming, tech and the everyday essentials. Finance coach Carol Glynn joins us to unpack what it means for parents trying to plan, budget and stay afloat. December, though a month full of parties and celebrations, often leads to heightened emotions - too much comparison, the pressure to create the perfect holiday. And when expectations don’t meet reality, tensions surface fast - It’s no coincidence that UK family law body Resolution reports a 25 to 30% rise in divorce enquiries every January. So, how do we avoid becoming a part of those statistics? Is there a real difference between vet-approved diets and supermarket pet food? Dr Joana Porto from Modern Vet guides us. And the first-ever World Triathlon Women’s Cup is taking place in Dubai this weekend and is set to bring some of the world's top female athletes here to compete, including Samantha Ivy Keet, South African multi-sport athlete and a cancer survivor who ran a half-marathon during chemotherapy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Eid Al Etihad, Helen meets Emirati entrepreneur, founder and athlete Asmah Hilal Lootah to talk 20 years in business in the UAE, and talks one expat celebrating a significant anniversary of her own – 50 years in the country…Plus, with winter travels approaching, we talk skincare and allergy management abroad with Dr Faheem Lateef, and if you’re experiencing end of year burnout, you’re not alone – executive coach Noona Nafoosi explains why high performers often struggle during the holidays - and what you can do about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From hot new restaurants and celebrating chefs, to insider food tours and a behind the scenes glimpse at the Coca-Cola Arena, Helen has all the intel you need to end the year on a high…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new law means non-Emiratis can now foster children here in the UAE. So, what does it mean for families - and what is the reality of building a family through fostering and adoption here? Helen meets adoptive mums Laura-Jane Hall & Vicki Galloway-Place. Meanwhile, this winter sees a longer school holiday coming after a packed – and for many people, stressful – term of tests, exams and sports. So, how can you use the next four weeks to help your child, tween or teen decompress and relax? Psychologist Maha Cooper has all the advice you need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's an issue it can be hard to discuss, but the festive season and problem drinking go hand in hand. Helen meets the experts providing rehabilitation here in the UAE and asks, how do you navigate all those parties if you're struggling with an addiction? We also learn how teaching your kids about money NOW can help ensure a financially free future - and we delved into new research about the impact of ultra processed foods too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new skincare line aimed at kids as young as three has been making global headlines. Its makers say it lets kids play grown-up safely. Its critics say it’s harmful messaging. But what do parents need to know? Helen asks Dr Natalia Spierings.Plus, we talk the rise and rise of the over-50s divorce with therapist Dr Tanya Dharamshi, and Alex from House of Social is on hand for a small business clinic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s gone from a viral Instagram account to a global survey, examining the public’s answer to the question “if you could own any artwork in the world, what would it be and why”. Now, the votes are in… Helen meets Erin-Atlanta Argun from My Art Broker.We also discuss the rise of teen gambling – and what you should do if your child is at risk – and we have all the info you need before buying any new tech for teens and tweens this Christmas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the cast of WICKED the musical arrived in the Middle East to begin rehearsals before their opening night at Dubai Opera in January. Helen is joined in studio by Rebekah Lowings and Eve Shanu-Wilson, who play Elphaba and Glinda respectively, to hear what it's like to step into those iconic green and pink shoes. Plus, it’s Friday, which means all things food…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s social season, sports season, school end of term, and the demands are endless. But could you say ‘no’ to more engagements without losing friends and professional connections? Katy Holmes from the British Chamber of Commerce tells Helen how she’s making it work. Plus, as new research finds screens are replacing storytime, MC Grammar joins us to explain how rapping is making reading fun again…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.